The Wedding Festival of Lakshmi and Narayana

Verse 1 (skanda.2.203.1)

स्कन्द उवाच । ब्रह्मा प्रजेश्वराः शम्भुर्मनवश्च महर्षयः । आदित्यवसुरुद्राश्च सिद्धगन्धर्वचारणाः

skanda uvāca brahmā prajeśvarāḥ śambhurmanavaśca maharṣayaḥ ādityavasurudrāśca siddhagandharvacāraṇāḥ

Skanda said: Brahma, the lords of creatures, Shambhu, the Manus and the great sages; the Adityas, Vasus, and Rudras; the Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Charanas;

Verse 2 (skanda.2.203.2)

साध्याश्च मरुतश्चैव विश्वेदेवा दिगीश्वराः । दस्रौ वह्निश्चन्द्रमाश्च स्वयं धर्मः प्रजापतिः

sādhyāśca marutaścaiva viśvedevā digīśvarāḥ dasrau vahniścandramāśca svayaṁ dharmaḥ prajāpatiḥ

The Sadhyas, the Maruts, the Vishvedevas, the lords of the directions; the two Ashvins, Agni, the Moon, and Dharma himself, the Lord of creatures;

Verse 3 (skanda.2.203.3)

सुपर्णः किन्नराश्चैव ये चान्ये गणदेवताः । शेपाद्या वैष्णवा नागा देवपत्न्यश्च सर्वशः

suparṇaḥ kinnarāścaiva ye cānye gaṇadevatāḥ śepādyā vaiṣṇavā nāgā devapatnyaśca sarvaśaḥ

Garuda, and the Kinnaras, and whatever other deities of the Ganas there were; Shesha and the other Vaishnava serpents, and the wives of the gods, one and all;

Verse 4 (skanda.2.203.4)

सावित्री पार्वती चैव पृथिवी च सरस्वती । शची गौरी शिवा संज्ञा ऋद्धिः स्वाहा च रोहिणी । धूमोर्णा चादितिर्द्धर्मपत्न्यो मूर्तिदयादयः

sāvitrī pārvatī caiva pṛthivī ca sarasvatī śacī gaurī śivā saṁjñā ṛddhiḥ svāhā ca rohiṇī dhūmorṇā cāditirddharmapatnyo mūrtidayādayaḥ

Savitri, Parvati, the Earth, Sarasvati; Shachi, Gauri, Shiva, Sanjna, Riddhi, Svaha, and Rohini; Dhumorna, and Aditi, and Murti, Daya, and the other wives of Dharma —

Verse 5 (skanda.2.203.5)

अरुन्धती शाण्डिली च लोपामुद्रा तथैव च । अनसूयादयः साध्व्य ऋपिपत्न्यश्च सर्वशः

arundhatī śāṇḍilī ca lopāmudrā tathaiva ca anasūyādayaḥ sādhvya ṛpipatnyaśca sarvaśaḥ

Arundhati, Shandili, and likewise Lopamudra; Anasuya and the other virtuous wives of the sages, one and all —

Verse 6 (skanda.2.203.6)

गङ्गा सरस्वती रेवा यमुना तपती तथा । चन्द्रभागा विपाशा च शतद्रुर्देविका तथा

gaṅgā sarasvatī revā yamunā tapatī tathā candrabhāgā vipāśā ca śatadrurdevikā tathā

Ganga, Sarasvati, Reva, Yamuna, likewise Tapati; Chandrabhaga, Vipasha, Shatadru, and likewise Devika —

Verse 7 (skanda.2.203.7)

गोदावरी च सरयूः कावेरी कौशिकी तथा । कृष्णा वेणी भीमरथा ताम्रपर्णी महानदी

godāvarī ca sarayūḥ kāverī kauśikī tathā kṛṣṇā veṇī bhīmarathā tāmraparṇī mahānadī

Godavari, Sarayu, Kaveri, likewise Kaushiki; Krishna, Veni, Bhimaratha, Tamraparni, and the Mahanadi —

Verse 8 (skanda.2.203.8)

कृतमाला वितस्ता च निर्विन्ध्या सुरसा तथा । चर्मण्वती पयोष्णी च विश्वाद्या नद्य आययुः

kṛtamālā vitastā ca nirvindhyā surasā tathā carmaṇvatī payoṣṇī ca viśvādyā nadya āyayuḥ

Kritamala, and Vitasta, Nirvindhya, likewise Surasa; Charmanvati, Payoshni, and Vishva and the other rivers came.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.203.9)

रम्भा घृताची विश्वाची मेनका च तिलोत्तमा । उर्वशीप्रमुखास्तत्र सर्वाप्सरस आययुः

rambhā ghṛtācī viśvācī menakā ca tilottamā urvaśīpramukhāstatra sarvāpsarasa āyayuḥ

Rambha, Ghritachi, Vishvachi, Menaka, and Tilottama; all the apsaras, headed by Urvashi, came there.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.203.10)

वैकुण्ठवासिनः सर्वे तथा गोलोकवासिनः । पार्षदप्रवरा विष्णोस्तत्राजग्मुः प्रहर्षिताः

vaikuṇṭhavāsinaḥ sarve tathā golokavāsinaḥ pārṣadapravarā viṣṇostatrājagmuḥ praharṣitāḥ

All the dwellers of Vaikuntha, and likewise the dwellers of Goloka, the foremost attendants of Vishnu, came there, greatly delighted.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.203.11)

अणिमाद्याः सिद्धयोऽष्टौ शंखपद्मादयो नव । निधयो मूर्तिमन्तश्च समाजग्मुः श्रियोन्तिके

aṇimādyāḥ siddhayo'ṣṭau śaṁkhapadmādayo nava nidhayo mūrtimantaśca samājagmuḥ śriyontike

The eight siddhis beginning with Anima, and the nine treasures beginning with Shankha and Padma, in embodied form, came together into the presence of Shri.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.203.12)

पूर्णः शारदचन्द्रोपि तदानीं प्रीतये श्रियाः । नैशं तमोऽहरत्सर्वं बभूवुर्निर्मला दिशः

pūrṇaḥ śāradacandropi tadānīṁ prītaye śriyāḥ naiśaṁ tamo'haratsarvaṁ babhūvurnirmalā diśaḥ

At that time, even the full autumn moon, for the pleasure of Shri, dispelled all the darkness of night, and the directions became clear.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.203.13)

ततोऽभिषेकमारेभे तस्या ब्रह्माज्ञया वृषा । मण्डपं रचयामास सद्यस्त्वष्टातिशोभनम्

tato'bhiṣekamārebhe tasyā brahmājñayā vṛṣā maṇḍapaṁ racayāmāsa sadyastvaṣṭātiśobhanam

Then, by Brahma's command, Dharma began her consecration; and Tvashta at once constructed an exceedingly beautiful pavilion.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.203.14)

रत्नस्तम्भसहस्राणामायताभिश्च पंक्तिभिः । चित्रैरनेकैरुल्लोचैः शोभितं कदलीद्रुमैः

ratnastambhasahasrāṇāmāyatābhiśca paṁktibhiḥ citrairanekairullocaiḥ śobhitaṁ kadalīdrumaiḥ

It was adorned with long rows of a thousand jeweled pillars, with many colorful canopies, and with plantain trees.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.203.15)

सुगन्धिपुष्पनम्राभिर्दिव्यकल्पद्रुमालिभिः । जुष्टं नानाविधैरङ्गैर्दर्शनीयं मनोहरम्

sugandhipuṣpanamrābhirdivyakalpadrumālibhiḥ juṣṭaṁ nānāvidhairaṅgairdarśanīyaṁ manoharam

Furnished with rows of divine wish-fulfilling trees bent low with fragrant flowers, adorned with various decorations, worthy to behold, and enchanting.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.203.16)

कोटिशो रत्नदीपानां पंक्तिभिः शुद्धरोचिषाम् । भ्राजमानं तोरणैश्च मुक्ताहारैश्च लम्बिभिः

koṭiśo ratnadīpānāṁ paṁktibhiḥ śuddharociṣām bhrājamānaṁ toraṇaiśca muktāhāraiśca lambibhiḥ

Shining with rows of tens of millions of jewel-lamps of pure radiance, with festive arches and hanging pearl garlands.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.203.17)

रत्नसिंहासने तत्र गीतवाद्यपुरस्सरम् । उपावेश्य श्रियं चक्रुरभिषेकं महर्षयः

ratnasiṁhāsane tatra gītavādyapurassaram upāveśya śriyaṁ cakrurabhiṣekaṁ maharṣayaḥ

There, seating Shri upon a jeweled throne, to the accompaniment of song and music, the great sages performed her consecration.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.203.18)

ऐरावतः पुण्डरीको वामनः कुमुदोञ्जनः । पुष्पदन्तः सार्वभौमः सुप्रतीकश्च दिग्गजाः

airāvataḥ puṇḍarīko vāmanaḥ kumudoñjanaḥ puṣpadantaḥ sārvabhaumaḥ supratīkaśca diggajāḥ

Airavata, Pundarika, Vamana, Kumuda, Anjana, Pushpadanta, Sarvabhauma, and Supratika — the elephants of the directions —

Verse 19 (skanda.2.203.19)

कुर्वन्तो बृंहितान्येते हेमकुम्भोद्धृतैः शुभैः । चतुःसिन्धुसमानीतैरभ्यषिञ्चन्त वारिभिः

kurvanto bṛṁhitānyete hemakumbhoddhṛtaiḥ śubhaiḥ catuḥsindhusamānītairabhyaṣiñcanta vāribhiḥ

These, trumpeting loudly, anointed her with auspicious waters brought from the four oceans, drawn up in golden pots.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.203.20)

मूर्तिमत्यो महानद्यस्तत्राजहुर्जलानि च । मंत्रानुच्चारयंति स्म मूर्ता वेदाः सहर्षिभिः

mūrtimatyo mahānadyastatrājahurjalāni ca maṁtrānuccārayaṁti sma mūrtā vedāḥ saharṣibhiḥ

The great rivers, in embodied form, brought their waters there; and the Vedas, in embodied form, together with the sages, recited the mantras.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.203.21)

जगुः सुकण्ठा गंधर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः । वाद्यानि वादयामासुरन्ये देवगणास्तदा

jaguḥ sukaṇṭhā gaṁdharvā nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇāḥ vādyāni vādayāmāsuranye devagaṇāstadā

The sweet-voiced Gandharvas sang, the hosts of apsaras danced, and other groups of gods then played musical instruments.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.203.22)

महानभूत्तदानंदस्त्रिलोक्यां सर्वदेहिनाम् । श्रीसूक्तादि द्विजाः पेठुर्जगुर्गीतानि च स्त्रियः

mahānabhūttadānaṁdastrilokyāṁ sarvadehinām śrīsūktādi dvijāḥ peṭhurjagurgītāni ca striyaḥ

Then a great joy arose among all embodied beings in the three worlds; the brahmins recited the Shri Sukta and other hymns, and the women sang songs.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.203.23)

कांस्यतालमृदङ्गांश्च पणवानकगोमुखान् । वादयामासुरम्भोदा दिवि दुंदुभयोऽनदन्

kāṁsyatālamṛdaṅgāṁśca paṇavānakagomukhān vādayāmāsurambhodā divi duṁdubhayo'nadan

They played cymbals, mridangas, panavas, anakas, and gomukhas; and drums resounded in the sky, like thunderclouds.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.203.24)

आसीत्कुसुमवृष्टिश्च साकं जयरवैस्तदा । आसंस्तत्परिचर्यायां धर्मपत्न्यश्च सिद्धयः

āsītkusumavṛṣṭiśca sākaṁ jayaravaistadā āsaṁstatparicaryāyāṁ dharmapatnyaśca siddhayaḥ

Then there was a shower of flowers together with cries of 'Victory!'; and the wives of Dharma and the Siddhis attended upon her service.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.203.25)

सुस्नातायै ततस्तस्यै कौशेये पीतवाससी । ददावनर्घ्ये जलधी रत्नभूषाश्च भूरिशः

susnātāyai tatastasyai kauśeye pītavāsasī dadāvanarghye jaladhī ratnabhūṣāśca bhūriśaḥ

Then, to her, well-bathed, the Ocean gave two priceless yellow silk garments and abundant jeweled ornaments.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.203.26)

उपवेशोचितं तस्या इंद्र आसनमाहरत् । विश्वकर्मा कङ्कणानि ददौ सद्रत्नमुद्रिकाः

upaveśocitaṁ tasyā iṁdra āsanamāharat viśvakarmā kaṅkaṇāni dadau sadratnamudrikāḥ

Indra brought a seat fit for her to sit upon; Vishvakarma gave bracelets and fine jeweled rings.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.203.27)

सुधाकरस्तु तद्भ्राता नासाभूषणमुत्तमम् । ददौ तस्यै केशभूषा सद्रत्ननिचिता तथा

sudhākarastu tadbhrātā nāsābhūṣaṇamuttamam dadau tasyai keśabhūṣā sadratnanicitā tathā

The Moon, her brother, gave her a superb nose-ornament, and likewise a hair-ornament set with fine jewels.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.203.28)

पद्मजन्मा ददौ पद्मं मुक्ताहारं सरस्वती । नागाश्च शेषप्रमुखास्तस्यै रत्नेंद्रकुण्डले

padmajanmā dadau padmaṁ muktāhāraṁ sarasvatī nāgāśca śeṣapramukhāstasyai ratneṁdrakuṇḍale

Brahma gave a lotus; Sarasvati, a pearl necklace; and the Nagas, headed by Shesha, gave her a pair of splendid jeweled earrings.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.203.29)

अञ्जनं कुङ्कुमं चादाद्दुर्गा सोभाग्यलक्षणम् । ललाटिकां च सावित्री शची ताम्बूलपात्रिकाम्

añjanaṁ kuṅkumaṁ cādāddurgā sobhāgyalakṣaṇam lalāṭikāṁ ca sāvitrī śacī tāmbūlapātrikām

Durga gave collyrium and vermilion, the mark of good fortune; Savitri gave a forehead-ornament; Shachi, a betel-box.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.203.30)

वसंतः कौसुमान्हारान्कण्ठसूत्रं च शंकरः । वैजयंतीं स्रजं पाशी कुबेरो रत्नदर्पणम्

vasaṁtaḥ kausumānhārānkaṇṭhasūtraṁ ca śaṁkaraḥ vaijayaṁtīṁ srajaṁ pāśī kubero ratnadarpaṇam

Vasanta gave garlands of flowers; Shankara, a necklace-thread; Varuna, the Vaijayanti garland; Kubera, a jeweled mirror.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.203.31)

अनर्घ्यां कंचुकीं वह्निर्यमोऽदाद्व्यजनं शुभम् । ददुस्तस्यै चापरेपि भूषास्तत्समयोचिताः

anarghyāṁ kaṁcukīṁ vahniryamo'dādvyajanaṁ śubham dadustasyai cāparepi bhūṣāstatsamayocitāḥ

Agni gave a priceless bodice; Yama gave an auspicious fan; and others too gave her ornaments fitting for that occasion.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.203.32)

ततः स्वलंकृतां कन्यां कस्मै दद्यामिमामिति । सिंधुः पप्रच्छ ब्रह्माणं तदोवाच स सर्ववित्

tataḥ svalaṁkṛtāṁ kanyāṁ kasmai dadyāmimāmiti siṁdhuḥ papraccha brahmāṇaṁ tadovāca sa sarvavit

Then the Ocean asked Brahma, 'To whom shall I give this well-adorned maiden?' Then he, the all-knower, said:

Verse 33 (skanda.2.203.33)

कन्या तवेयमम्भोधे माता मम शिवस्य च । देवानामथ सर्वेषां लोकानामस्ति निश्चितम्

kanyā taveyamambhodhe mātā mama śivasya ca devānāmatha sarveṣāṁ lokānāmasti niścitam

'O Ocean, this maiden of yours is certainly the mother of me and of Shiva, and of all the gods and worlds.'

Verse 34 (skanda.2.203.34)

नारायणं वासुदेवं परं ब्रह्माखिलेश्वरम् । पुरुषोत्तममेवैकं विनास्या नापरः पतिः

nārāyaṇaṁ vāsudevaṁ paraṁ brahmākhileśvaram puruṣottamamevaikaṁ vināsyā nāparaḥ patiḥ

'There is no husband for her other than Narayana Vasudeva, the Supreme Brahman, the Lord of all, Purushottama, the One alone.'

Verse 35 (skanda.2.203.35)

अतः साक्षाद्भगवते त्रैलोक्यसुखहेतवे । आगतायोपविष्टाय देह्यस्मै विधिनाम्बुधे

ataḥ sākṣādbhagavate trailokyasukhahetave āgatāyopaviṣṭāya dehyasmai vidhināmbudhe

'Therefore, O Ocean, give her, according to due rite, to that very Bhagavan, the cause of the happiness of the three worlds, who has come and is seated here.'

Verse 36 (skanda.2.203.36)

कुरुष्व जन्मसाफल्यं पावयित्वा निजं कुलम् । समुद्धर भवाम्भोधेर्दत्त्वेमां परमात्मने

kuruṣva janmasāphalyaṁ pāvayitvā nijaṁ kulam samuddhara bhavāmbhodherdattvemāṁ paramātmane

'Make your birth fruitful, purifying your own lineage; save yourself from the ocean of worldly existence by giving her to the Supreme Self.'

Verse 37 (skanda.2.203.37)

एकस्त्वं सप्तभी रूपैः सप्तद्वीप विभागतः । विश्रुतोऽथ विधायैतन्महतीं कीर्त्तिमाप्स्यसि

ekastvaṁ saptabhī rūpaiḥ saptadvīpa vibhāgataḥ viśruto'tha vidhāyaitanmahatīṁ kīrttimāpsyasi

'You, though one, are renowned in seven forms according to the division of the seven continents; and having done this, you shall attain great fame.'

Verse 38 (skanda.2.203.38)

इत्युक्तो ब्रह्मणा हृष्टः समुद्रः पुलकाञ्चितः । मन्यमानो निजं धन्यमदित्सद्विष्णवे सुताम्

ityukto brahmaṇā hṛṣṭaḥ samudraḥ pulakāñcitaḥ manyamāno nijaṁ dhanyamaditsadviṣṇave sutām

Thus told by Brahma, the Ocean, delighted, his hairs standing on end with joy, considering himself blessed, was eager to give his daughter to Vishnu.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.203.39)

ततः सहैव विधिना स संप्रार्थ्य तमीश्वरम् । वाग्दानादि विधायैव चक्रे वैवाहिकं विधिम्

tataḥ sahaiva vidhinā sa saṁprārthya tamīśvaram vāgdānādi vidhāyaiva cakre vaivāhikaṁ vidhim

Then, together with Brahma, having duly entreated that Lord, and having performed the betrothal ceremony and the rest, he carried out the marriage rite.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.203.40)

धन्वंतरिश्चन्द्रमाश्च वासवाद्याश्च देवताः । आसन्समुद्रस्य पक्षे तत्र वैवाहिकोत्सवे

dhanvaṁtariścandramāśca vāsavādyāśca devatāḥ āsansamudrasya pakṣe tatra vaivāhikotsave

Dhanvantari, the Moon, Indra, and the other gods, were on the side of the Ocean at that wedding festival.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.203.41)

वस्त्राभरणयानादि दाने भोजनकर्मणि । सन्मानने च जन्यानां मुख्या आसंस्त एव हि

vastrābharaṇayānādi dāne bhojanakarmaṇi sanmānane ca janyānāṁ mukhyā āsaṁsta eva hi

They were indeed the chief ones in giving clothes, ornaments, vehicles and the rest, in the matter of feasting, and in honoring the wedding guests.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.203.42)

लक्ष्म्याश्च मांगल्यविधौ मुख्यास्तत्र तु योषितः । आसन्गंगादयो नद्यः शच्याद्याश्च सुरांगनाः

lakṣmyāśca māṁgalyavidhau mukhyāstatra tu yoṣitaḥ āsangaṁgādayo nadyaḥ śacyādyāśca surāṁganāḥ

In Lakshmi's auspicious rites, the chief women there were the rivers headed by Ganga, and the celestial women headed by Shachi.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.203.43)

मेनाद्या नगपत्न्यश्च सिद्धयश्चाणिमादयः । चन्द्रपत्नी तथा कान्तिः सर्वाश्चाप्सरसो मुने

menādyā nagapatnyaśca siddhayaścāṇimādayaḥ candrapatnī tathā kāntiḥ sarvāścāpsaraso mune

O sage, also chief were Mena and the other wives of the mountains, the Siddhis headed by Anima, Kanti the Moon's wife, and all the apsaras.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.203.44)

नारायणस्याथ विभोर्लीलां वैवाहिकीं विधिः । शोभयन्पितरौ चक्रे मूर्तिधर्मौ विचार्य च

nārāyaṇasyātha vibhorlīlāṁ vaivāhikīṁ vidhiḥ śobhayanpitarau cakre mūrtidharmau vicārya ca

Then, adorning the marriage-play of the mighty Narayana, Brahma, having deliberated, appointed Murti and Dharma to be the parents.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.203.45)

धर्मोऽसौ जगदाधार पूज्यश्चाखिलदेहिनाम् । पिताऽस्य भवितुं योग्यो ह्यस्मिंश्च प्रीतिमान्भृशम्

dharmo'sau jagadādhāra pūjyaścākhiladehinām pitā'sya bhavituṁ yogyo hyasmiṁśca prītimānbhṛśam

'This Dharma, the support of the world, worthy of worship by all embodied beings, is fit to be her father, for he is exceedingly devoted to her.'

Verse 46 (skanda.2.203.46)

इयं च मूर्त्तिः प्रख्याता सर्वसद्गुणजन्मभूः । दाक्षायणी धर्मपत्नी माता भवितुमर्हति

iyaṁ ca mūrttiḥ prakhyātā sarvasadguṇajanmabhūḥ dākṣāyaṇī dharmapatnī mātā bhavitumarhati

'And this Murti, renowned as the very birthplace of all good qualities, daughter of Daksha and wife of Dharma, is fit to become her mother.'

Verse 47 (skanda.2.203.47)

ततो धर्मस्यापि पक्षे मुख्याः कार्येष्विमेऽभवन् । नन्दीश्वरगणेशाभ्यां सहितः शंकरो मुने

tato dharmasyāpi pakṣe mukhyāḥ kāryeṣvime'bhavan nandīśvaragaṇeśābhyāṁ sahitaḥ śaṁkaro mune

O sage, then, on the side of Dharma too, the chief ones in the proceedings were Shankara, together with Nandishvara and Ganesha,

Verse 48 (skanda.2.203.48)

महर्षयो मरीच्याद्याः प्रजेशा नारदो मुनिः । वैनतेयश्च नन्दाद्याः श्रीदामाद्याश्च पार्षदाः

maharṣayo marīcyādyāḥ prajeśā nārado muniḥ vainateyaśca nandādyāḥ śrīdāmādyāśca pārṣadāḥ

The great sages headed by Marichi, the lords of creatures, the sage Narada, Garuda, and the attendants headed by Nanda and Shridama.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.203.49)

दुर्गा च वेदसूर्वाणी स्त्रीषु मुख्या बभूविरे । ऋषिपत्न्योऽनसूयाद्या धर्मपत्न्यश्च सर्वशः

durgā ca vedasūrvāṇī strīṣu mukhyā babhūvire ṛṣipatnyo'nasūyādyā dharmapatnyaśca sarvaśaḥ

Among the women, Durga, Vedasu, and Urvani were the foremost, together with the sages' wives headed by Anasuya, and all the wives of Dharma.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.203.50)

सह वेदादिभिर्ब्रह्मा त्वासीदुभयपक्षयोः । ब्राह्मणा वैदिका ये च विवाहविधिकोविदाः

saha vedādibhirbrahmā tvāsīdubhayapakṣayoḥ brāhmaṇā vaidikā ye ca vivāhavidhikovidāḥ

Brahma, together with the Vedas and the rest, stood on both sides; and the brahmins learned in the Vedas, skilled in the marriage rites, officiated.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.203.51)

अथाब्धिः सर्वसंभाराञ्छ्रिया एव प्रसादतः । सद्यः संपादयामास जनयन्देवविस्मयम्

athābdhiḥ sarvasaṁbhārāñchriyā eva prasādataḥ sadyaḥ saṁpādayāmāsa janayandevavismayam

Then the Ocean, by the very grace of Shri, at once provided all the necessary materials, generating wonder among the gods.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.203.52)

यद्यत्संकल्पयामास हृदि तत्तदुपाहृतम् । सद्यः स्वांतिक एवैक्षत्ततोभूदतिहर्षितः

yadyatsaṁkalpayāmāsa hṛdi tattadupāhṛtam sadyaḥ svāṁtika evaikṣattatobhūdatiharṣitaḥ

Whatever he resolved upon in his heart, that very thing he saw brought immediately into his own presence; at this he became exceedingly joyful.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.203.53)

मध्ये तु मण्डपस्यासावग्निस्थापनवेदिकाम् । कारयामास विधिवद्ब्राह्मणैर्वेदवेदिभिः

madhye tu maṇḍapasyāsāvagnisthāpanavedikām kārayāmāsa vidhivadbrāhmaṇairvedavedibhiḥ

In the middle of the pavilion, he had a sacred altar for establishing the fire duly constructed by brahmins learned in the Vedas.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.203.54)

अलंचकार तां वेदिं गन्धपुष्पाक्षतादिभिः । नानाविधैः शुभै रङ्गैः साङ्कुरैः करकैस्तथा

alaṁcakāra tāṁ vediṁ gandhapuṣpākṣatādibhiḥ nānāvidhaiḥ śubhai raṅgaiḥ sāṅkuraiḥ karakaistathā

He adorned that altar with fragrance, flowers, unbroken rice, and the like, with various auspicious colors, with sprouted grains, and with water-pots.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.203.55)

ततो महामङ्गलवाद्यघोषैः समन्त्रकं संस्नपितो मुनीन्द्रैः । अनर्घ्यवासांसि च रत्नभूषा दधार विष्णुर्मुकुटं च दिव्यम्

tato mahāmaṅgalavādyaghoṣaiḥ samantrakaṁ saṁsnapito munīndraiḥ anarghyavāsāṁsi ca ratnabhūṣā dadhāra viṣṇurmukuṭaṁ ca divyam

Then, to the sound of great auspicious instruments, bathed with mantras by the foremost of sages, Vishnu put on priceless garments, jeweled ornaments, and a divine crown.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.203.56)

वादित्रनिध्वाननिनादिताशं नृत्यत्सुरस्त्रीकलगीतशोभनम् । तं मण्डपं सोऽथ सुरैः स्तुवद्भिः सहेत्य हैमे निषसाद पीठे

vāditranidhvānanināditāśaṁ nṛtyatsurastrīkalagītaśobhanam taṁ maṇḍapaṁ so'tha suraiḥ stuvadbhiḥ sahetya haime niṣasāda pīṭhe

Then, that pavilion, its every direction resounding with the din of instruments, made beautiful by the sweet songs of the dancing celestial women, he entered together with the gods who were praising him, and sat down upon a golden seat.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.203.57)

प्रक्षालयामास तदङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं स्वप्रेष्ठपत्न्या जलधिः सगंगया । भृङ्गारसिक्तोत्तमवारिधारया तदम्बु शीर्ष्णा च दधार सान्वयः

prakṣālayāmāsa tadaṅghripaṅkajaṁ svapreṣṭhapatnyā jaladhiḥ sagaṁgayā bhṛṅgārasiktottamavāridhārayā tadambu śīrṣṇā ca dadhāra sānvayaḥ

The Ocean, together with his own beloved wife Ganga, washed his lotus feet with a stream of excellent water poured from a golden ewer, and, together with his kin, bore that water upon his own head.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.203.58)

ततः पठन्मंगलमुच्चकैः श्रियं प्रादापयच्चाम्बुधिनाऽच्युताय । प्रज्वाल्य वह्निं विधिना विधाता साकं बृहद्भिर्मुनिभिर्जुहाव

tataḥ paṭhanmaṁgalamuccakaiḥ śriyaṁ prādāpayaccāmbudhinā'cyutāya prajvālya vahniṁ vidhinā vidhātā sākaṁ bṛhadbhirmunibhirjuhāva

Then, reciting auspicious words loudly, the Ocean gave Shri away to Achyuta; and Brahma, having duly kindled the sacred fire, together with the great sages, offered oblations into it.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.203.59)

प्रदाय तस्मै तनयां मनोज्ञां तत्पादपद्मैकनिबद्धदृष्टिम् । वासांसि रत्नाभरणानि चादाद्भूयांसि भूम्ने स समं दुहित्रा

pradāya tasmai tanayāṁ manojñāṁ tatpādapadmaikanibaddhadṛṣṭim vāsāṁsi ratnābharaṇāni cādādbhūyāṁsi bhūmne sa samaṁ duhitrā

Having given to him his charming daughter, whose gaze was fixed solely upon his lotus feet, he, together with his daughter, gave abundant garments and jeweled ornaments to the mighty Lord.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.203.60)

हुतस्य तस्याऽथ हुताशनस्य प्रदक्षिणां चापि सह श्रियैव । चकार चेतांसि निजेक्षकाणां स्त्रीणां च पुंसां च हरन्हरिः सः

hutasya tasyā'tha hutāśanasya pradakṣiṇāṁ cāpi saha śriyaiva cakāra cetāṁsi nijekṣakāṇāṁ strīṇāṁ ca puṁsāṁ ca haranhariḥ saḥ

Then, having offered oblation into that sacred fire, he circumambulated it together with Shri; and Hari, in doing so, stole away the hearts of the women and men who beheld him.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.203.61)

एकासने तौ सह सन्निविष्टौ ब्रह्माण्डमातापितरौ मनोज्ञौ । संपूजयामासुरनर्घ्यवस्त्रविभूषणैर्देवगणाः सयोषाः

ekāsane tau saha sanniviṣṭau brahmāṇḍamātāpitarau manojñau saṁpūjayāmāsuranarghyavastravibhūṣaṇairdevagaṇāḥ sayoṣāḥ

Those two charming ones, the mother and father of the universe, seated together upon a single seat, were worshipped by the hosts of gods, together with their wives, with priceless garments and ornaments.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.203.62)

तदा च गीतानि सुमंगलानि श्रियश्च विष्णोर्गुणवर्णनानि । दुर्गादयश्चाऽथ पुलोमजाद्या देव्यो जगुः सस्मितचारुवक्त्राः

tadā ca gītāni sumaṁgalāni śriyaśca viṣṇorguṇavarṇanāni durgādayaścā'tha pulomajādyā devyo jaguḥ sasmitacāruvaktrāḥ

Then Durga and the other goddesses, headed by Pulomaja, with smiling, lovely faces, sang auspicious songs describing the qualities of Shri and Vishnu.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.203.63)

द्विधा विभक्तानि सुरांगनानां वृन्दान्युपाविश्य च सम्मुखानि । तद्दम्पतिप्रेक्षणकौतुकानि तथा जगुः प्रेमभरेण तानि

dvidhā vibhaktāni surāṁganānāṁ vṛndānyupāviśya ca sammukhāni taddampatiprekṣaṇakautukāni tathā jaguḥ premabhareṇa tāni

The groups of celestial women, divided into two, seated facing each other, sang, filled with love, those songs of delight at beholding that divine couple.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.203.64)

यथा तदाकर्ण्य सुराः समस्ता महर्षयश्चाऽखिलयोषितोपि । स्वांतस्तमैक्षंत सह श्रियेशं स्फुरंतमासन्ननु चित्रवच्च

yathā tadākarṇya surāḥ samastā maharṣayaścā'khilayoṣitopi svāṁtastamaikṣaṁta saha śriyeśaṁ sphuraṁtamāsannanu citravacca

Hearing this, all the gods, the great sages, and all the women too, gazed within their own hearts upon that Lord, resplendent together with Shri, as though present near them, wondrous indeed.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.203.65)

प्रणम्य भक्त्या च वराक्षतादि समर्प्य ताभ्यां विबुधा मुदैव । पृथक्पृथक्तुष्टुवुरूर्जिताभिर्वाग्भिश्च तौ प्राञ्जलयो विनीताः

praṇamya bhaktyā ca varākṣatādi samarpya tābhyāṁ vibudhā mudaiva pṛthakpṛthaktuṣṭuvurūrjitābhirvāgbhiśca tau prāñjalayo vinītāḥ

Bowing with devotion, and offering to them blessings, unbroken rice, and the like, the gods, joyfully, with folded hands and humbly, each separately praised the two of them with mighty words.