The Companions Tell Bakulamalika of Padmavati

Verse 1 (skanda.2.6.1)

योषित ऊचुः। वयमाकाशराजस्य शुद्धान्तनिलयाः स्त्रियः। सख्यः पद्मालयाया वै दुहितुर्वसुधापतेः

yoṣita ūcuḥ| vayamākāśarājasya śuddhāntanilayāḥ striyaḥ| sakhyaḥ padmālayāyā vai duhiturvasudhāpateḥ

The women said: We are women dwelling in the inner apartments of King Akasha, companions of Padmalaya, the daughter of the lord of the earth.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.6.2)

राजपुत्रीं पुरस्कृत्य गताः पूर्वं वनांतरम्। कुर्वंत्यः पुष्पावचयं राजपुत्र्यर्थमाकुलाः

rājaputrīṁ puraskṛtya gatāḥ pūrvaṁ vanāṁtaram| kurvaṁtyaḥ puṣpāvacayaṁ rājaputryarthamākulāḥ

Putting the princess at our head, we had earlier gone into the forest, eagerly gathering flowers for the princess's sake.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.6.3)

वृक्षमूले समासीनास्तत्र पश्याम पूरुषम्। इन्द्रनीलमणिश्याममिन्दिरामन्दिरोरसम्

vṛkṣamūle samāsīnāstatra paśyāma pūruṣam| indranīlamaṇiśyāmamindirāmandirorasam

Seated at the foot of a tree, we saw there a man, dark as sapphire, whose chest was the very abode of Indira (Lakshmi).

Verse 4 (skanda.2.6.4)

ईषत्स्मितमुखं चारुपीनदीर्घभुजद्वयम्। मृष्टपीतांबरं हेमबाणबाणासनोज्ज्वलम्

īṣatsmitamukhaṁ cārupīnadīrghabhujadvayam| mṛṣṭapītāṁbaraṁ hemabāṇabāṇāsanojjvalam

His face bore a faint smile, his two arms were beautiful, full, and long; he wore bright yellow garments, and was radiant with a golden arrow and bow.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.6.5)

सुवर्णमुकुटं हारकेयूरादिविभूषितम्। तं तु पद्मालया दृष्ट्वा सखी कमललोचना

suvarṇamukuṭaṁ hārakeyūrādivibhūṣitam| taṁ tu padmālayā dṛṣṭvā sakhī kamalalocanā

He was adorned with a golden crown, a necklace, armlets, and other ornaments. Beholding him, our lotus-eyed friend Padmalaya -

Verse 6 (skanda.2.6.6)

द्रुतहेमनिभाकारा पश्य पश्येति साब्रवीत्। पश्यन्तीनां तदास्माकं गतोऽन्तर्धानमाशु सः

drutahemanibhākārā paśya paśyeti sābravīt| paśyantīnāṁ tadāsmākaṁ gato'ntardhānamāśu saḥ

— herself of the hue of molten gold — said, "Look, look!" Then, even as we looked on, he suddenly vanished from sight.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.6.7)

सा सखी मूर्च्छितास्माभिनीता राजगृहं ततः

sā sakhī mūrcchitāsmābhinītā rājagṛhaṁ tataḥ

That friend of ours fainted, and we then brought her to the royal palace.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.6.8)

दृष्ट्वाऽस्वस्थां नृपः पुत्रीमपृच्छद्दैवचिन्तकम्। वद विप्रेन्द्र पुत्र्या मे ग्रहचारफलं मुने

dṛṣṭvā'svasthāṁ nṛpaḥ putrīmapṛcchaddaivacintakam| vada viprendra putryā me grahacāraphalaṁ mune

Seeing his daughter unwell, the king asked the astrologer: "Tell me, O foremost of Brahmins, O sage, the effect of the planetary movements upon my daughter."

Verse 9 (skanda.2.6.9)

बृहस्पतिसमो विप्रो विचार्यात्मनि खेचरान्। अनुकूला ग्रहाः सर्वे तव पुत्र्या नृपोत्तम

bṛhaspatisamo vipro vicāryātmani khecarān| anukūlā grahāḥ sarve tava putryā nṛpottama

That Brahmin, equal to Brihaspati, having considered the planets, said: "O best of kings, all the planets are favourable for your daughter."

Verse 10 (skanda.2.6.10)

किन्तु नित्यं ग्रहफलं किंचिद्भ्रांतिकरं नृप। तमुवाच पुनर्धीमान्प्रश्नकालं विचार्य च

kintu nityaṁ grahaphalaṁ kiṁcidbhrāṁtikaraṁ nṛpa| tamuvāca punardhīmānpraśnakālaṁ vicārya ca

"But, O king, the effect of the planets is ever somewhat perplexing to determine." Then that wise one, having considered the moment of the question, spoke again.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.6.11)

छायां गुणित्वा लग्नं च तत्फलानि विचार्य च। लग्ने लग्नाधिपश्चन्द्रः केंद्रे चैव बृहस्पतिः

chāyāṁ guṇitvā lagnaṁ ca tatphalāni vicārya ca| lagne lagnādhipaścandraḥ keṁdre caiva bṛhaspatiḥ

Having calculated the shadow, and considered the ascendant and its effects — "In the ascendant is the moon, lord of the ascendant, and in the quadrant is Brihaspati."

Verse 12 (skanda.2.6.12)

निद्राति दिनपक्षी तु प्रश्नपक्षी तु राज्यगः। शृणु राजन्फलं तस्य स्वास्थ्यमेव भविष्यति

nidrāti dinapakṣī tu praśnapakṣī tu rājyagaḥ| śṛṇu rājanphalaṁ tasya svāsthyameva bhaviṣyati

"The bird of the day sleeps, while the bird of the question stands in the house of sovereignty. Listen, O king, its result will be nothing but recovery of health."

Verse 13 (skanda.2.6.13)

उत्तमः पुरुषः कश्चिदागतः कन्यकां प्रति। तं दृष्ट्वा मूर्च्छिता पुत्री तेन योगं समेष्यति

uttamaḥ puruṣaḥ kaścidāgataḥ kanyakāṁ prati| taṁ dṛṣṭvā mūrcchitā putrī tena yogaṁ sameṣyati

"Some excellent man came before the maiden; seeing him, your daughter fainted, and she will attain union with him."

Verse 14 (skanda.2.6.14)

तेनैव प्रेषिता काचिदागमिष्यति कन्यका। सा तु वक्ष्यति यद्वाक्यं तद्धितं ते भविष्यति

tenaiva preṣitā kācidāgamiṣyati kanyakā| sā tu vakṣyati yadvākyaṁ taddhitaṁ te bhaviṣyati

"A certain maiden, sent by him, will come; whatever word she speaks will be for your good."

Verse 15 (skanda.2.6.15)

तत्कुरुष्व महाराज सत्यंसत्यं वदाम्यहम्। किं च सर्वार्थदं यत्तु सर्वव्याधिविनाशनम्

tatkuruṣva mahārāja satyaṁsatyaṁ vadāmyaham| kiṁ ca sarvārthadaṁ yattu sarvavyādhivināśanam

"Do accordingly, O great king; I speak the plain truth. And moreover, that which grants every desire and destroys every ailment -"

Verse 16 (skanda.2.6.16)

वक्ष्यामि तत्कुरुष्वाद्य पुत्र्यास्तव सुखावहम्। कारयागस्त्यलिंगस्य ब्राह्मणैरभिषेचनम्

vakṣyāmi tatkuruṣvādya putryāstava sukhāvaham| kārayāgastyaliṁgasya brāhmaṇairabhiṣecanam

"I shall tell it — do it this very day, that which shall bring comfort to your daughter: have the linga of Agastya consecrated by Brahmins."

Verse 17 (skanda.2.6.17)

इत्युक्ताथ गृहं यातो राजानं दैवचितकः

ityuktātha gṛhaṁ yāto rājānaṁ daivacitakaḥ

Having said this, the astrologer then departed to his own home, having spoken thus to the king.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.6.18)

आकाशराजोऽपि तदा विप्रानाहूय वैदिकान्। अभ्यर्च्याज्ञापयामास गत्वा देवालयं द्विजाः

ākāśarājo'pi tadā viprānāhūya vaidikān| abhyarcyājñāpayāmāsa gatvā devālayaṁ dvijāḥ

Then King Akasha, summoning Vedic Brahmins and honouring them, commanded: "O brahmins, go to the temple -"

Verse 19 (skanda.2.6.19)

महाभिषेकं शम्भोश्च कुरुध्वं मंत्रपूर्वकम्। इत्यनुज्ञाप्य तानस्मानाहूयाभ्यवदच्छुभे

mahābhiṣekaṁ śambhośca kurudhvaṁ maṁtrapūrvakam| ityanujñāpya tānasmānāhūyābhyavadacchubhe

"and perform the great consecration of Shambhu with due mantras." Having so instructed them, O auspicious one, he summoned us and said.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.6.20)

महाभिषेकसम्भारान्सम्पादयत कन्यकाः। इत्याज्ञप्ता नृपेणैव वयं देवालयं गताः

mahābhiṣekasambhārānsampādayata kanyakāḥ| ityājñaptā nṛpeṇaiva vayaṁ devālayaṁ gatāḥ

"O maidens, prepare the materials for the great consecration." Thus commanded by the king, we went to the temple.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.6.21)

ब्रूहि त्वं सुभगेऽस्माकं त्वदागमनमंजसा। कुतोसि कस्य वार्थेन क्व वा जिगमिषा हि ते

brūhi tvaṁ subhage'smākaṁ tvadāgamanamaṁjasā| kutosi kasya vārthena kva vā jigamiṣā hi te

"Now, O fortunate one, tell us plainly the reason for your coming — from where have you come, for whose sake, and where do you wish to go?"

Verse 22 (skanda.2.6.22)

दिव्याश्वमधिरुह्येमं देवलोकादिवागता

divyāśvamadhiruhyemaṁ devalokādivāgatā

"Mounted on this divine horse, you seem to have come as if from the world of the gods."

Verse 23 (skanda.2.6.23)

श्रीवराह उवाच। इति ताभिस्तदा पृष्टा हृष्टा बकुलमालिका। प्रोवाच वाचं मधुरां हर्षयन्तीव बालिकाः

śrīvarāha uvāca| iti tābhistadā pṛṣṭā hṛṣṭā bakulamālikā| provāca vācaṁ madhurāṁ harṣayantīva bālikāḥ

Sri Varaha said: Thus questioned by them, the delighted Bakulamalika spoke sweet words, as though gladdening those girls.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.6.24)

बकुलमालिकोवाच। श्रीवेंकटाद्रेः प्राप्ताहं नाम्ना बकुलमालिका। धरणीं द्रष्टुकामाहमारुह्येमं तुरंगमम्

bakulamālikovāca| śrīveṁkaṭādreḥ prāptāhaṁ nāmnā bakulamālikā| dharaṇīṁ draṣṭukāmāhamāruhyemaṁ turaṁgamam

Bakulamalika said: I have come from Sri Venkatadri; my name is Bakulamalika. Desiring to see Dharani, I have come mounted upon this horse.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.6.25)

द्रष्टुं शक्या भवेद्देवी किमु तत्र नृपालये। इति तस्या वचः श्रुत्वा ताः प्रोचुर्नृपकन्यकाः

draṣṭuṁ śakyā bhaveddevī kimu tatra nṛpālaye| iti tasyā vacaḥ śrutvā tāḥ procurnṛpakanyakāḥ

"Might it be possible to see that goddess there in the royal palace?" Hearing her words, those royal maidens said.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.6.26)

अस्माभिः सहिता त्वं वै द्रक्ष्यसे धरणीं शुभे। इत्युक्ता सा ततस्ताभिरागता नृपमंदिरम्

asmābhiḥ sahitā tvaṁ vai drakṣyase dharaṇīṁ śubhe| ityuktā sā tatastābhirāgatā nṛpamaṁdiram

"O auspicious one, together with us you shall surely behold Dharani." Thus addressed, she then came with them to the royal palace.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.6.27)

आगच्छन्तीषु तास्वेवं धरणी तु पुलिन्दिनीम्

āgacchantīṣu tāsvevaṁ dharaṇī tu pulindinīm

While they were thus arriving, Dharani, meanwhile, was addressing a Pulindini, a hunter-woman -

Verse 28 (skanda.2.6.28)

आयान्तीं वीथिकायां सा सगुंजाशंखभूषिताम्। शिशुं स्तनं धयं पृष्ठे बद्ध्वा वस्त्रांचलेन वै

āyāntīṁ vīthikāyāṁ sā saguṁjāśaṁkhabhūṣitām| śiśuṁ stanaṁ dhayaṁ pṛṣṭhe baddhvā vastrāṁcalena vai

who was coming along the street, adorned with gunja-seeds and conch-shells, her suckling infant bound upon her back with the end of her garment.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.6.29)

वदामि सत्यं शृणुत भूतं भव्यं भविष्यकम्। वदन्ती वीथिवीथीषु तामाहूय शुचिस्मिता

vadāmi satyaṁ śṛṇuta bhūtaṁ bhavyaṁ bhaviṣyakam| vadantī vīthivīthīṣu tāmāhūya śucismitā

She was going about, calling out in every street, "I speak the truth, hear of the past, present, and future." That pure-smiling one, Dharani, called her over -

Verse 30 (skanda.2.6.30)

स्वर्णशूर्पं समादाय तस्मिन्मुक्ता निधाय च। त्रिप्रस्थमात्रांस्त्रीन्राशीन्कृत्वा तस्यै निधाय च

svarṇaśūrpaṁ samādāya tasminmuktā nidhāya ca| triprasthamātrāṁstrīnrāśīnkṛtvā tasyai nidhāya ca

and, taking a golden winnowing-fan, placing pearls upon it, and making three heaps each of three prasthas, setting them before her -

Verse 31 (skanda.2.6.31)

वद सत्यं त्वमेष्यद्वा भूतमेव वा। इत्येवं धरणी देवी पृच्छंती तां स्थिताऽभवत्

vada satyaṁ tvameṣyadvā bhūtameva vā| ityevaṁ dharaṇī devī pṛcchaṁtī tāṁ sthitā'bhavat

"Tell the truth — is this something to come, or something that has already been?" Thus questioning her, the goddess Dharani stood there waiting.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.6.32)

पृष्टा सावददस्यास्तु मनसा यद्विचिन्तितम्। मध्यराशौ चिन्तितं ते वद कल्याणि मे ऋजु

pṛṣṭā sāvadadasyāstu manasā yadvicintitam| madhyarāśau cintitaṁ te vada kalyāṇi me ṛju

Thus asked, she said: "What is in your mind is in the middle heap. Tell me plainly, O auspicious one."

Verse 33 (skanda.2.6.33)

ओमित्याहाथ धरणी पुलिंदां राजवल्लभा। राशिरुक्तः फलं ब्रूहि धनराशिं ददामि ते

omityāhātha dharaṇī puliṁdāṁ rājavallabhā| rāśiruktaḥ phalaṁ brūhi dhanarāśiṁ dadāmi te

Then Dharani, the beloved of the king, said, "Yes." "The heap has been named — now tell me the result; I shall give you a heap of wealth."

Verse 34 (skanda.2.6.34)

धरण्युवाच। पुलिन्दोवाच। सत्यं वदामि ते सुभ्रु शिशोरन्नं प्रयच्छ मे। इत्युक्ता सा तु धरणी स्वर्णपात्रेऽन्नमाददे

dharaṇyuvāca| pulindovāca| satyaṁ vadāmi te subhru śiśorannaṁ prayaccha me| ityuktā sā tu dharaṇī svarṇapātre'nnamādade

Dharani said — the Pulindini said: "O fair-browed one, I tell you the truth; first give me food for my child." Thus addressed, Dharani took food in a golden vessel.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.6.35)

दत्त्वा तस्यै पुलिंदिन्यै सत्यं ब्रूहीति सावदत्। सक्षीरमन्नमादाय दत्त्वा पुत्राय भामिनी

dattvā tasyai puliṁdinyai satyaṁ brūhīti sāvadat| sakṣīramannamādāya dattvā putrāya bhāminī

Giving it to the Pulindini, she said, "Now tell the truth." That woman, taking the food together with milk, and feeding her son -

Verse 36 (skanda.2.6.36)

सा सत्यमवदत्सुभ्रूर्दुहितुर्देहशोषणम्। पुरुषादागतं भीरु तद्रूपाऽदर्शनादियम्

sā satyamavadatsubhrūrduhiturdehaśoṣaṇam| puruṣādāgataṁ bhīru tadrūpā'darśanādiyam

That fair-browed one spoke the truth: "O timid one, your daughter's body is wasting away because of a man; it is from not seeing his form again that this has come upon her."

Verse 37 (skanda.2.6.37)

अंगतापं समापन्ना ह्यनंगशरपीडिता। स तु देवादिदेवो वै वैकुण्ठादागतः स्वयम्

aṁgatāpaṁ samāpannā hyanaṁgaśarapīḍitā| sa tu devādidevo vai vaikuṇṭhādāgataḥ svayam

"Pierced by the arrows of the bodiless one, Kama, she has come to bodily anguish. And that man is none other than the God of gods himself, come from Vaikuntha."

Verse 38 (skanda.2.6.38)

श्रीवेंकटाद्रिशिखरे स्वामिपुष्करिणीतटे। मायावी परमानंदः श्रिया सह रमापतिः

śrīveṁkaṭādriśikhare svāmipuṣkariṇītaṭe| māyāvī paramānaṁdaḥ śriyā saha ramāpatiḥ

"On the summit of Sri Venkatadri, on the bank of Svamipushkarini, that wielder of maya, of supreme bliss, the Lord of Rama, together with Sri -"

Verse 39 (skanda.2.6.39)

कामरूपी विहरते भक्ताभीष्टप्रदो हरिः। स तुरंगं समारुह्य विहरन्काननान्तरे

kāmarūpī viharate bhaktābhīṣṭaprado hariḥ| sa turaṁgaṁ samāruhya viharankānanāntare

"assumes forms at will and, as Hari, grants the desires of his devotees, sporting there. He, mounted upon a horse, sporting within the forest -"

Verse 40 (skanda.2.6.40)

आगत्योपवनं राज्ञि तव कन्यां स दृष्टवान्। रमासमामिमां दृष्ट्वा स्वयं कामवशं गतः

āgatyopavanaṁ rājñi tava kanyāṁ sa dṛṣṭavān| ramāsamāmimāṁ dṛṣṭvā svayaṁ kāmavaśaṁ gataḥ

"O queen, coming to the garden, he saw this daughter of yours; beholding her, equal to Lakshmi, he himself came under the sway of desire."

Verse 41 (skanda.2.6.41)

स्वसखीं ललितां देवः प्रेषयिष्यति तेंतिकम्। रमेव तं समेत्यैषा रमिष्यति सुखं चिरम्

svasakhīṁ lalitāṁ devaḥ preṣayiṣyati teṁtikam| rameva taṁ sametyaiṣā ramiṣyati sukhaṁ ciram

"That god will send his charming companion to you; and she, like Rama (Lakshmi), uniting with him, will long dwell in happiness."

Verse 42 (skanda.2.6.42)

एतत्सत्यं मम वचः पश्याद्यैव नृपात्मजे। पुत्रस्यान्नं प्रयच्छेति तूष्णीमास पुलिन्दिनी

etatsatyaṁ mama vacaḥ paśyādyaiva nṛpātmaje| putrasyānnaṁ prayaccheti tūṣṇīmāsa pulindinī

"O princess, see this word of mine proved true this very day." "Now give food to my son" — so saying, the Pulindini fell silent.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.6.43)

अन्नं दत्त्वा पुनर्भूरि तस्यै तां विससर्ज ह। तस्यां विनिर्गतायां तु पुलिंदिन्यामनिन्दिता

annaṁ dattvā punarbhūri tasyai tāṁ visasarja ha| tasyāṁ vinirgatāyāṁ tu puliṁdinyāmaninditā

Giving her once more abundant food, Dharani sent her away. When that Pulindini had departed, the blameless Dharani -

Verse 44 (skanda.2.6.44)

उत्थाय चांगणात्तस्माद्विवेशांतःपुरं शुभम्। यत्र पद्मालया कन्या समास्ते स्वसखीवृता

utthāya cāṁgaṇāttasmādviveśāṁtaḥpuraṁ śubham| yatra padmālayā kanyā samāste svasakhīvṛtā

rose from that courtyard and entered the fair inner apartments, where the maiden Padmalaya sat surrounded by her companions.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.6.45)

गत्वा पुत्रीसमीपस्था कन्यां कामातुरां सुताम्। पुत्रि किं ते करिष्यामि वस्तु किं वा प्रियं शुभे

gatvā putrīsamīpasthā kanyāṁ kāmāturāṁ sutām| putri kiṁ te kariṣyāmi vastu kiṁ vā priyaṁ śubhe

Going near her daughter, to that maiden afflicted with longing — "O daughter, what shall I do for you? O auspicious one, what thing would please you?"

Verse 46 (skanda.2.6.46)

इति मात्राभिपृष्टा सा मन्दमाह मनस्विनी

iti mātrābhipṛṣṭā sā mandamāha manasvinī

Thus asked by her mother, that resolute maiden spoke softly.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.6.47)

नेत्राभिरामं यल्लोके सतामपि मनःप्रियम्। यद्द्रष्टुकामा ब्रह्माद्या यत्तु सर्वगतं महत्

netrābhirāmaṁ yalloke satāmapi manaḥpriyam| yaddraṣṭukāmā brahmādyā yattu sarvagataṁ mahat

"That which is pleasing to the eyes in this world, dear even to the minds of the virtuous, which even Brahma and the others long to see, which is the great all-pervading reality -"

Verse 48 (skanda.2.6.48)

तेजसामपि तेजस्वि देवानामपि दैवतम्। भक्तैस्सद्भिरिह प्राप्यमभक्तैर्न कदाचन

tejasāmapi tejasvi devānāmapi daivatam| bhaktaissadbhiriha prāpyamabhaktairna kadācana

"which is the very radiance of the radiant, the very deity of the gods, attainable here only by true devotees, and never by those without devotion -"

Verse 49 (skanda.2.6.49)

तस्मिन्नेव मनो मेऽम्ब वस्तुनीह प्रवर्तते। तदेवान्विष्यतां मातर्भक्तानां सर्वकामदम्

tasminneva mano me'mba vastunīha pravartate| tadevānviṣyatāṁ mātarbhaktānāṁ sarvakāmadam

"It is upon that very thing, O mother, that my mind is set. Seek out, O mother, that very one who grants all desires to his devotees."

Verse 50 (skanda.2.6.50)

श्रीवराह उवाच। एतच्छ्रुत्वाथ धरणी तामपृच्छत्पुनः सुताम्। तद्भक्तलक्षणं ब्रूहि यैः प्राप्यं तत्सुलोचने

śrīvarāha uvāca| etacchrutvātha dharaṇī tāmapṛcchatpunaḥ sutām| tadbhaktalakṣaṇaṁ brūhi yaiḥ prāpyaṁ tatsulocane

Sri Varaha said: Hearing this, Dharani again asked her daughter: "O fair-eyed one, tell me the marks of his devotees, by whom he is attained."

Verse 51 (skanda.2.6.51)

पद्मालयोवाच। भक्तानां लक्षणं मातः शृणु गुह्यं समाहिता। शंखचक्रांकिता नित्यं भुजयुग्मे वसुन्धरे

padmālayovāca| bhaktānāṁ lakṣaṇaṁ mātaḥ śṛṇu guhyaṁ samāhitā| śaṁkhacakrāṁkitā nityaṁ bhujayugme vasundhare

Padmalaya said: Listen attentively, O mother, to the secret mark of devotees, O Vasundhara: upon both arms they ever bear the mark of the conch and discus.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.6.52)

ऊर्ध्वपुंड्रं सान्तरालं तेषामेव विशेषतः। पुण्ड्रानि द्वादश पुनर्धारयंति तथापरे

ūrdhvapuṁḍraṁ sāntarālaṁ teṣāmeva viśeṣataḥ| puṇḍrāni dvādaśa punardhārayaṁti tathāpare

They especially bear the upward tilaka-mark with its central line; and others again wear twelve such marks.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.6.53)

ललाटोदरहृत्कण्ठे जठरे पार्श्वयोरपि। कूर्परयोर्भुजद्वन्द्वे पृष्ठे च गलपृष्ठके

lalāṭodarahṛtkaṇṭhe jaṭhare pārśvayorapi| kūrparayorbhujadvandve pṛṣṭhe ca galapṛṣṭhake

On the forehead, belly, heart, throat, abdomen, on both flanks, on both elbows, on both arms, on the back, and on the nape of the neck -

Verse 54 (skanda.2.6.54)

केशवादीनि नामानि द्वादशांगेषु द्वादश। वासुदेवेति तन्मूर्ध्नि धारयंति नमोऽस्त्विति

keśavādīni nāmāni dvādaśāṁgeṣu dvādaśa| vāsudeveti tanmūrdhni dhārayaṁti namo'stviti

they bear the twelve names beginning with Keshava upon the twelve limbs, and on the head they bear the name Vasudeva, saying "salutation to him."

Verse 55 (skanda.2.6.55)

तेषां तु नियमान्वक्ष्ये मातः शृणु मनोरमान्। वेदपारायणरताः कर्म कुर्वंति वैदिकम्

teṣāṁ tu niyamānvakṣye mātaḥ śṛṇu manoramān| vedapārāyaṇaratāḥ karma kurvaṁti vaidikam

I shall tell you their observances, O mother; hear these pleasing rules: they are devoted to the recitation of the Vedas and perform Vedic rites.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.6.56)

सत्यं वदन्ति ये देवि नासूयंति परान्क्वचित्। परनिंदां न कुर्वंति परस्वं न हरंति च

satyaṁ vadanti ye devi nāsūyaṁti parānkvacit| paraniṁdāṁ na kurvaṁti parasvaṁ na haraṁti ca

O goddess, they speak the truth, never malign others, do not slander others, and do not steal others' property.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.6.57)

न स्मरंति न पश्यन्ति न स्पृशंति कदाचन। परदारान्सुरूपांश्च ये च तान्विद्धि वैष्णवान्

na smaraṁti na paśyanti na spṛśaṁti kadācana| paradārānsurūpāṁśca ye ca tānviddhi vaiṣṇavān

They never recall, look upon, or touch other men's wives, however beautiful — know such to be Vaishnavas.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.6.58)

सर्वभूतदयावंतः सर्वभूतहिते रताः। सदा गायंति देवेशमेतान्भक्तानवेहि वै

sarvabhūtadayāvaṁtaḥ sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ| sadā gāyaṁti deveśametānbhaktānavehi vai

They are compassionate toward all beings, devoted to the welfare of all beings, ever singing the praise of the Lord of gods — know these to be true devotees.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.6.59)

येन केन च सन्तुष्टाः स्वदारनिरताश्च ये। वीतरागभयक्रोधास्तान्भक्तान्विद्धि वैष्णवान्

yena kena ca santuṣṭāḥ svadāraniratāśca ye| vītarāgabhayakrodhāstānbhaktānviddhi vaiṣṇavān

Those who are content with whatever comes, devoted to their own wives alone, and free from passion, fear, and anger — know such devotees to be Vaishnavas.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.6.60)

एवंविधैर्गुणैर्युक्ताः पंचायुधधरा अपि। पित्रा चाचार्यरूपेण शिष्टेनान्येन वा पुनः

evaṁvidhairguṇairyuktāḥ paṁcāyudhadharā api| pitrā cācāryarūpeṇa śiṣṭenānyena vā punaḥ

Endowed with such qualities, bearing the five weapons — these marks are conferred by the father, in the guise of a teacher, or else by some other cultured person -

Verse 61 (skanda.2.6.61)

स्वगृह्योक्तविधानेन वह्निमादाय वै बुधः। चक्राद्यायुधमंत्रेण जुहुयात्षोडशाहुतीः

svagṛhyoktavidhānena vahnimādāya vai budhaḥ| cakrādyāyudhamaṁtreṇa juhuyātṣoḍaśāhutīḥ

Kindling the fire according to the rite prescribed in one's own Grihya-sutra, the learned one should offer sixteen oblations with the mantras of the discus and other weapons.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.6.62)

मूलमंत्रेण सूक्तेन पौरुषेण ततः परम्। जातवेदः सुमंत्रेण पश्चादष्टोत्तरं शतम्

mūlamaṁtreṇa sūktena pauruṣeṇa tataḥ param| jātavedaḥ sumaṁtreṇa paścādaṣṭottaraṁ śatam

Then, further, with the root-mantra and the Purusha-sukta; and afterward, with the excellent mantra of Jatavedas, one hundred and eight oblations.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.6.63)

हुत्वा महाव्याहृतिभिश्चक्रादींस्तत्र तापयेत्। सह्यान्सुतप्तान्गुरुणा मंत्रवद्धारयेद्बुधः

hutvā mahāvyāhṛtibhiścakrādīṁstatra tāpayet| sahyānsutaptānguruṇā maṁtravaddhārayedbudhaḥ

Having offered oblations with the Mahavyahritis, one should heat the discus and other emblems there. The learned guru should then, with due mantras, apply those emblems, heated to a bearable degree, upon the disciple.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.6.64)

भुजद्वये शंखचक्रे मूर्ध्नि शार्ङ्गशरौ तथा। ललाटे तु गदा धार्या हृदये खड्गमेव च

bhujadvaye śaṁkhacakre mūrdhni śārṅgaśarau tathā| lalāṭe tu gadā dhāryā hṛdaye khaḍgameva ca

On the two arms, the conch and discus; on the head, the Sharnga bow and arrow; on the forehead, the mace should be borne; and on the heart, the sword.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.6.65)

एवं धार्याणि पञ्चैव विष्णुभक्तैर्मुमुक्षुभिः। अथवा भुजयोश्चक्र शंखौ चैव सुलक्षणौ

evaṁ dhāryāṇi pañcaiva viṣṇubhaktairmumukṣubhiḥ| athavā bhujayoścakra śaṁkhau caiva sulakṣaṇau

Thus these five emblems should be borne by liberation-seeking devotees of Vishnu; or else, upon the two arms alone, the well-formed discus and conch.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.6.66)

एवं लाञ्छनयुक्ता ये भक्तास्ते वैष्णवाः स्मृताः। तैरेव लभ्यं तद्ब्रह्म सदाचारसमन्वितैः

evaṁ lāñchanayuktā ye bhaktāste vaiṣṇavāḥ smṛtāḥ| taireva labhyaṁ tadbrahma sadācārasamanvitaiḥ

Devotees marked with these emblems are called Vaishnavas. It is by them alone, endowed with right conduct, that Brahman is to be attained.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.6.67)

तस्मिन्नेव मम प्रीतिस्तत्प्राप्तिं कांक्षते मनः। मातर्विष्णुविनान्येषु वाञ्छा काचिन्न जायते

tasminneva mama prītistatprāptiṁ kāṁkṣate manaḥ| mātarviṣṇuvinānyeṣu vāñchā kācinna jāyate

In him alone is my affection; my mind longs only for attaining him. O mother, no desire arises in me for anything other than Vishnu.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.6.68)

स्मरामि श्यामलं विष्णुं वदामि हरिमच्युतम्। तेनैव मातर्जीवामि तद्योगे चिन्त्यतां विधिः

smarāmi śyāmalaṁ viṣṇuṁ vadāmi harimacyutam| tenaiva mātarjīvāmi tadyoge cintyatāṁ vidhiḥ

I remember the dark Vishnu, I speak the name of Hari the Unfallen; by him alone, O mother, do I live — devise the means for union with him.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.6.69)

श्रीवराह उवाच। इत्युक्त्वा मातरं दीना विररामाम्बुजानना। तच्छ्रुत्वा चिन्तयामास विष्णुः प्रीतः कथं भवेत्

śrīvarāha uvāca| ityuktvā mātaraṁ dīnā virarāmāmbujānanā| tacchrutvā cintayāmāsa viṣṇuḥ prītaḥ kathaṁ bhavet

Sri Varaha said: Having said this to her mother, that forlorn lotus-faced one fell silent. Hearing this, Vishnu began to think about how he might be pleased with the union.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.6.70)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे कन्या अगस्त्येशं समर्च्य च। आगता धरणीं द्रष्टुं सहैव बकुलस्रजा

etasminnaṁtare kanyā agastyeśaṁ samarcya ca| āgatā dharaṇīṁ draṣṭuṁ sahaiva bakulasrajā

Meanwhile, having worshipped Agastyesha, the maiden, together with Bakulamalika, arrived to see Dharani.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.6.71)

आगतान्ब्राह्मणान्साथ पूजयित्वा सुभोजनैः। दत्त्वाथ दक्षिणाः पूर्णा वस्त्रालंकारसंयुताः

āgatānbrāhmaṇānsātha pūjayitvā subhojanaiḥ| dattvātha dakṣiṇāḥ pūrṇā vastrālaṁkārasaṁyutāḥ

Honouring the Brahmins who had come with excellent food, and giving them full sacrificial fees together with garments and ornaments -

Verse 72 (skanda.2.6.72)

आशिषौ वाचयित्वाथ वांछितार्थस्य सिद्धये। विसृज्य व्राह्मणान्सर्वानथापृच्छत्स्वयोषितः

āśiṣau vācayitvātha vāṁchitārthasya siddhaye| visṛjya vrāhmaṇānsarvānathāpṛcchatsvayoṣitaḥ

and having them pronounce blessings for the fulfilment of her desired aim, then dismissing all the Brahmins, she inquired of her own women.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.6.73)

पूजयित्वा ह्यगस्त्येशमागतास्ता मनस्विनीः

pūjayitvā hyagastyeśamāgatāstā manasvinīḥ

Those thoughtful women, having worshipped Agastyesha, had now arrived there.