The Gundicha Chariot Festival at the Mahavedi

Verse 1 (skanda.2.73.1)

जैमिनिरुवाच। अत ऊर्ध्वं प्रवक्ष्यामि महावेदीमहोत्सवम्। अज्ञानतिमिरांधोऽपि येन भास्वत्पदं व्रजेत्

jaiminiruvāca ata ūrdhvaṁ pravakṣyāmi mahāvedīmahotsavam ajñānatimirāṁdho'pi yena bhāsvatpadaṁ vrajet

Jaimini said: Now I shall further declare the great festival of the Mahavedi, by which even one blinded by the darkness of ignorance attains the radiant abode of the Lord.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.73.2)

वैशाखस्यामले पक्षे तृतीया पापनाशिनी। स्वयमाविष्कृता चैषा प्राजापत्यर्क्षसंयुता

vaiśākhasyāmale pakṣe tṛtīyā pāpanāśinī svayamāviṣkṛtā caiṣā prājāpatyarkṣasaṁyutā

In the bright fortnight of Vaishakha, the third lunar day, which destroys sin, manifested of itself, joined with the Prajapatya (Rohini) constellation.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.73.3)

तस्यां संकल्प्य नृपतिराचार्यं वरयेच्छुचिः। एकं त्रीनथ तक्षाणं दृष्टकर्माणमादरात्

tasyāṁ saṁkalpya nṛpatirācāryaṁ varayecchuciḥ ekaṁ trīnatha takṣāṇaṁ dṛṣṭakarmāṇamādarāt

On that day the king, having made his resolve and purified himself, should respectfully choose a preceptor, and one or three carpenters of proven skill.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.73.4)

वृणुयाद्वनयागाय वस्त्रालंकरणादिभिः। तक्ष्णा सार्द्धं वनं गत्वा साधुवृक्षगणाकुलम्

vṛṇuyādvanayāgāya vastrālaṁkaraṇādibhiḥ takṣṇā sārddhaṁ vanaṁ gatvā sādhuvṛkṣagaṇākulam

He should engage them for the forest-rite with garments and ornaments, and go with the carpenters to a grove filled with fine trees.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.73.5)

तन्मध्ये वह्निमाधाय मंत्रराजेन मंत्रवित्। अष्टोत्तरशतं हुत्वा संपाताज्यविमिश्रितम्

tanmadhye vahnimādhāya maṁtrarājena maṁtravit aṣṭottaraśataṁ hutvā saṁpātājyavimiśritam

There the one versed in mantras should install the sacred fire and offer, with the king of mantras, one hundred and eight oblations mixed with dripping ghee.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.73.6)

आज्यं तरूणां मूले तु प्रत्येकमभिघारयेत्। दिक्पालेभ्यो बलिं दत्त्वा क्षेत्रपालपशूंस्तथा

ājyaṁ tarūṇāṁ mūle tu pratyekamabhighārayet dikpālebhyo baliṁ dattvā kṣetrapālapaśūṁstathā

He should anoint the root of each tree with ghee, offer bali to the guardians of the directions, and offer bali to Kshetrapala and the guardian animals as well.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.73.7)

वनस्पतये जुहुयात्क्षीरोदनशताहुतिम्। ततः परशुमादाय वृक्षमूलेषु दिक्षु वै

vanaspataye juhuyātkṣīrodanaśatāhutim tataḥ paraśumādāya vṛkṣamūleṣu dikṣu vai

He should offer a hundred oblations of milk-rice to the lord of the forest; then, taking up the axe, at the roots of the trees in every direction,

Verse 8 (skanda.2.73.8)

आज्यसंस्कृतिदेशेषु आचार्यो मंत्रमुच्चरन्। किंचित्किंचिच्छेदयेद्वै चिंतयन्गरुडध्वजम्

ājyasaṁskṛtideśeṣu ācāryo maṁtramuccaran kiṁcitkiṁcicchedayedvai ciṁtayangaruḍadhvajam

at the spots consecrated with ghee, the acharya, reciting the mantra and meditating on Garuda-bannered Vishnu, should cut a little at a time.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.73.9)

नदत्सु तूर्यघोषेषु गीतमंगलवादिषु। नियोज्य वर्द्धकिं तत्र आचार्यः स्वगृहं व्रजेत्

nadatsu tūryaghoṣeṣu gītamaṁgalavādiṣu niyojya varddhakiṁ tatra ācāryaḥ svagṛhaṁ vrajet

While trumpets sound and auspicious songs and music resound, the acharya, having set the carpenter to work there, should return home.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.73.10)

अथवा स्थान लब्धानि दारूणि रथकर्मणि। उक्तसंस्कारविधिना संस्कुर्यात्कल्पितेनले

athavā sthāna labdhāni dārūṇi rathakarmaṇi uktasaṁskāravidhinā saṁskuryātkalpitenale

Or else, with timbers already obtained for the chariot-work, he should consecrate them by the prescribed rite, with fire duly kindled.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.73.11)

आरभेत रथं कृत्वा विघ्रराजमहोत्सवम्। षोडशारैः षोडशभिश्चक्रैर्लोहमयैर्दृढैः

ārabheta rathaṁ kṛtvā vighrarājamahotsavam ṣoḍaśāraiḥ ṣoḍaśabhiścakrairlohamayairdṛḍhaiḥ

He should begin building the chariot after the great festival of Vighnaraja (Ganesha), fitted with sixteen strong iron wheels, each with sixteen spokes.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.73.12)

युक्तं विष्णो रथं कुर्याद्दृढाक्षं दृढकूबरम्। विचित्रघटनाकक्षपुत्तलीपरिवेष्टितम्

yuktaṁ viṣṇo rathaṁ kuryāddṛḍhākṣaṁ dṛḍhakūbaram vicitraghaṭanākakṣaputtalīpariveṣṭitam

He should make Vishnu's chariot with a strong axle and strong pole, surrounded with wondrously wrought figures and side-panels.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.73.13)

नानाविचित्रबहुलमिक्षुखण्डविराजितम्। चतुस्तोरणसंयुक्तं चतुर्द्वारं सुशोभनम्

nānāvicitrabahulamikṣukhaṇḍavirājitam catustoraṇasaṁyuktaṁ caturdvāraṁ suśobhanam

Rich with manifold wondrous work and sugarcane-stalk motifs, joined with four archways and four doorways, altogether beautiful.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.73.14)

नानाविचित्रबहुलं हेमपट्टविराजितम्। द्वाविंशतिकरोच्छ्रायं पताकाभिरलंकृतम्

nānāvicitrabahulaṁ hemapaṭṭavirājitam dvāviṁśatikarocchrāyaṁ patākābhiralaṁkṛtam

Rich with manifold wondrous ornament, resplendent with bands of gold, rising to a height of twenty-two cubits, adorned with banners.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.73.15)

गारुडं च ध्वजं कुर्याद्रक्तचंदननिर्मितम्। दीर्घनासं स्थूलदेहं कुण्डलाभ्यां विभूषितम्

gāruḍaṁ ca dhvajaṁ kuryādraktacaṁdananirmitam dīrghanāsaṁ sthūladehaṁ kuṇḍalābhyāṁ vibhūṣitam

He should fashion the Garuda-banner of red sandalwood, with a long beak and stout body, adorned with a pair of earrings.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.73.16)

चंच्वग्रदष्टभुजगं सर्वालंकारभूषितम्। वितत्य पक्षती व्योम्नि उड्डीयंतमिवोदितम्

caṁcvagradaṣṭabhujagaṁ sarvālaṁkārabhūṣitam vitatya pakṣatī vyomni uḍḍīyaṁtamivoditam

With a serpent caught at the tip of its beak, adorned with every ornament, its wings spread in the sky as though soaring aloft.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.73.17)

दैत्यदानवसंघस्य बलदर्पविनाशनम्। सर्वांगं तस्य कनकैराच्छाद्य परिशोभयेत्

daityadānavasaṁghasya baladarpavināśanam sarvāṁgaṁ tasya kanakairācchādya pariśobhayet

That destroyer of the strength and pride of the hosts of daityas and danavas — one should cover its every limb with gold and make it resplendent.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.73.18)

रथमेव हरेः कुर्यात्स्वासनं सुपरिष्कृतम्। चतुर्दशरथांगैस्तं रथं कुर्याच्च सीरिणः

rathameva hareḥ kuryātsvāsanaṁ supariṣkṛtam caturdaśarathāṁgaistaṁ rathaṁ kuryācca sīriṇaḥ

He should make Hari's own chariot a finely-wrought seat, and should make Balarama's chariot with fourteen chariot-fittings.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.73.19)

चक्रैर्द्वादशभिः कुर्यात्सुभद्राया रथोत्तमम्। सप्तच्छदमयं कुर्यात्सीरिणो लांगलध्वजम्

cakrairdvādaśabhiḥ kuryātsubhadrāyā rathottamam saptacchadamayaṁ kuryātsīriṇo lāṁgaladhvajam

He should make Subhadra's excellent chariot with twelve wheels, and fashion Balarama's plough-banner from saptacchada wood.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.73.20)

देव्याः पद्मध्वजं कुर्यात्पद्मकाष्ठविनिर्मितम्। विरचय्य रथान्राजा प्रतिष्ठां पूर्ववच्चरेत्

devyāḥ padmadhvajaṁ kuryātpadmakāṣṭhavinirmitam viracayya rathānrājā pratiṣṭhāṁ pūrvavaccaret

He should fashion the goddess Subhadra's lotus-banner from lotus-wood; and having thus completed the chariots, the king should perform their consecration as before.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.73.21)

यथामन्त्रं यथाशास्त्रं विश्वसेद्ब्राह्मणेषु च। ब्राह्मणा जगदीशस्य जंगमास्तनवः स्मृताः

yathāmantraṁ yathāśāstraṁ viśvasedbrāhmaṇeṣu ca brāhmaṇā jagadīśasya jaṁgamāstanavaḥ smṛtāḥ

He should place his trust in the brahmins according to mantra and scripture, for brahmins are remembered as the moving embodiments of the Lord of the World.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.73.22)

इत्थं सुघटितं चक्रित्रयं देवत्रयस्य वै। आषाढस्य सिते पक्षे दिने विष्णोः शुभप्रदे

itthaṁ sughaṭitaṁ cakritrayaṁ devatrayasya vai āṣāḍhasya site pakṣe dine viṣṇoḥ śubhaprade

Thus the three chariots of the three deities, well fashioned, are consecrated on an auspicious day dear to Vishnu in the bright fortnight of Ashadha.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.73.23)

प्रतिष्ठाप्य समृद्धेन विधिना पूर्ववद्विजाः। रक्षणीयं तथा तत्र नारोहेत्कश्चनाशुभः

pratiṣṭhāpya samṛddhena vidhinā pūrvavadvijāḥ rakṣaṇīyaṁ tathā tatra nārohetkaścanāśubhaḥ

Having consecrated them in full splendour by the prescribed rite as before, O brahmins, they should be guarded so that no inauspicious being should mount upon them —

Verse 24 (skanda.2.73.24)

पक्षी वा मानुषो वापि मार्जारनकुलादयः। ततो दिनत्रयादर्वाग्रथानामुत्तरे कृते

pakṣī vā mānuṣo vāpi mārjāranakulādayaḥ tato dinatrayādarvāgrathānāmuttare kṛte

neither bird nor man, nor cat, mongoose, and the like. Then, within three days, when the chariots have been readied,

Verse 25 (skanda.2.73.25)

मण्डपे उत्सवांगे वा प्रकुर्यादंकुरार्पणम्। अद्भुतेष्वथ जातेषु शांतिं कुर्यात्पुरोदिताम्

maṇḍape utsavāṁge vā prakuryādaṁkurārpaṇam adbhuteṣvatha jāteṣu śāṁtiṁ kuryātpuroditām

in the pavilion, as part of the festival, one should perform the sprout-offering; and should any ill omen occur, one should perform the peace-rite already prescribed.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.73.26)

रथ्या सुसंस्कृता कार्या महावेदीं यथा व्रजेत्। पार्श्वयोर्मंडलं कुर्यात्पथि गुल्मादिभिः फलैः

rathyā susaṁskṛtā kāryā mahāvedīṁ yathā vrajet pārśvayormaṁḍalaṁ kuryātpathi gulmādibhiḥ phalaiḥ

The chariot-road should be well prepared so that it may lead to the Mahavedi; on both sides one should make round beds along the way with shrubs and fruit-plants,

Verse 27 (skanda.2.73.27)

सुमनस्तबकैर्माल्यैर्दुकूलैश्चामरैस्तथा। यथा सुपुष्पितारण्यराजी तत्र विराजते

sumanastabakairmālyairdukūlaiścāmaraistathā yathā supuṣpitāraṇyarājī tatra virājate

with clusters of flowers, garlands, fine cloths, and chowries, as though a row of a well-blossomed forest were shining there.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.73.28)

भूमिः समा च कार्या वै निष्पंका सुखचारणा। निर्मला च सुगन्धा च सुदूराद्वर्जितोत्करा

bhūmiḥ samā ca kāryā vai niṣpaṁkā sukhacāraṇā nirmalā ca sugandhā ca sudūrādvarjitotkarā

The ground should be made level, free of mud, easy to walk upon, clean and fragrant, cleared of refuse from far around.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.73.29)

धूपपात्राण्यनुपदं दिगामोदकराणि च। चंदनांभः परिक्षेपो यंत्रपातोत्करस्तथा

dhūpapātrāṇyanupadaṁ digāmodakarāṇi ca caṁdanāṁbhaḥ parikṣepo yaṁtrapātotkarastathā

Incense-vessels should be placed at every step, filling the directions with fragrance; sandal-water should be sprinkled about, and devices for scattering water set up as well.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.73.30)

बहूनि ऋतुपुष्पाणि पुष्पवृष्ट्यर्थमेव हि। नटनर्त्तकमुख्याश्च गायना बहवस्तथा

bahūni ṛtupuṣpāṇi puṣpavṛṣṭyarthameva hi naṭanarttakamukhyāśca gāyanā bahavastathā

Many seasonal flowers should be gathered for a shower of blossoms; there should be many chief actors, dancers, and singers.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.73.31)

वेश्या यौवनगर्वाढ्याः रूपालंकारभूषिताः। मृदंगा पणवाश्चैव भेरीढक्कादयस्तथा

veśyā yauvanagarvāḍhyāḥ rūpālaṁkārabhūṣitāḥ mṛdaṁgā paṇavāścaiva bherīḍhakkādayastathā

Courtesans proud of their youth, adorned with beauty and ornament, should be there; and mridangas, panavas, bheris, dhakkas, and other instruments as well.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.73.32)

बहवो बहुधा तत्र पताकाश्चित्रितांतराः। ध्वजाश्च बहवस्तत्र स्वर्णराजतनिर्मिताः

bahavo bahudhā tatra patākāścitritāṁtarāḥ dhvajāśca bahavastatra svarṇarājatanirmitāḥ

Many banners of many kinds, painted within, should be there, and many flags made of gold and silver.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.73.33)

वैजयंत्यो बहुविधा भूमिगा वाहनास्तथा। हस्तिनश्च हयाश्चैव सुसन्नद्धाः स्वलंकृताः

vaijayaṁtyo bahuvidhā bhūmigā vāhanāstathā hastinaśca hayāścaiva susannaddhāḥ svalaṁkṛtāḥ

Many kinds of victory-banners, and land-vehicles as well; elephants and horses, well caparisoned and finely adorned.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.73.34)

एवं संभृतसंभारः क्षितिपालः शुचिव्रतः। मुदा भक्त्या च परया युक्तः कुर्यान्महोत्सवम्

evaṁ saṁbhṛtasaṁbhāraḥ kṣitipālaḥ śucivrataḥ mudā bhaktyā ca parayā yuktaḥ kuryānmahotsavam

Thus, having gathered together all the requisites, the king, pure in his vow, filled with joy and supreme devotion, should hold the great festival.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.73.35)

आषाढस्य सिते पक्षे द्वितीया पुष्यसंयुता। अरुणोदयवेलायां तस्यां देवं प्रपूजयेत्

āṣāḍhasya site pakṣe dvitīyā puṣyasaṁyutā aruṇodayavelāyāṁ tasyāṁ devaṁ prapūjayet

On the second lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, joined with the Pushya constellation, at the hour of dawn, one should worship the Lord.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.73.36)

ब्राह्मणैर्वैष्णवैः सार्द्धं यतिभिश्च तपस्विभिः। विज्ञापयेद्देवदेवं यात्रायै संस्कृतांजलिः

brāhmaṇairvaiṣṇavaiḥ sārddhaṁ yatibhiśca tapasvibhiḥ vijñāpayeddevadevaṁ yātrāyai saṁskṛtāṁjaliḥ

Together with brahmins, Vaishnavas, ascetics, and sages, with hands folded in reverence, he should petition the God of gods for the procession:

Verse 37 (skanda.2.73.37)

इन्द्रद्युम्नं क्षितिभुजं यथाज्ञासीः पुरा विभो। विजयस्व रथे नाथ गुंडिचामण्डपं प्रति

indradyumnaṁ kṣitibhujaṁ yathājñāsīḥ purā vibho vijayasva rathe nātha guṁḍicāmaṇḍapaṁ prati

'As you formerly made yourself known to King Indradyumna, O Lord, so now, O Master, triumph forth in your chariot toward the Gundicha pavilion.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.73.38)

तवापांगविलोकेन प्रपुनंतु दिशो दश। निःश्रेयसपदं यांतु स्थावराणि चराणि च

tavāpāṁgavilokena prapunaṁtu diśo daśa niḥśreyasapadaṁ yāṁtu sthāvarāṇi carāṇi ca

May the glance of your eye purify the ten directions; may all things moving and unmoving attain the state of supreme beatitude.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.73.39)

अवतारः कृतो ह्येष लोकानुग्रहकाम्यया। तदेहि भगवन्प्रीत्या चरणं न्यस्य भूतले

avatāraḥ kṛto hyeṣa lokānugrahakāmyayā tadehi bhagavanprītyā caraṇaṁ nyasya bhūtale

This incarnation of yours has indeed been taken out of the desire to bless the world; therefore come, O Lord, with love, and set your foot upon the earth.'

Verse 40 (skanda.2.73.40)

ततः कर्पूरचूर्णैश्च सुमनोभिरवाकिरेत्। पथि शाकुनसूक्तानि प्रपठंति द्विजातयः

tataḥ karpūracūrṇaiśca sumanobhiravākiret pathi śākunasūktāni prapaṭhaṁti dvijātayaḥ

Then camphor-powder and flowers should be scattered over the path; and the twice-born recite hymns of good omen along the way.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.73.41)

केचिन्मंगलगाथाश्च केचिज्जय जयेति च। जितं त इति मन्त्रं वै केचिदुच्चैर्जपंति च

kecinmaṁgalagāthāśca kecijjaya jayeti ca jitaṁ ta iti mantraṁ vai keciduccairjapaṁti ca

Some sing auspicious songs, some cry 'Victory! Victory!', and some loudly chant the mantra 'jitaṁ te' — 'Victory to you.'

Verse 42 (skanda.2.73.42)

सूतमागधमुख्याश्च कीर्तिं पुण्यां मुदा जगुः। स्वर्णदंडप्रकीर्णानां श्रेणी चोभयपार्श्वयोः

sūtamāgadhamukhyāśca kīrtiṁ puṇyāṁ mudā jaguḥ svarṇadaṁḍaprakīrṇānāṁ śreṇī cobhayapārśvayoḥ

The chief bards and panegyrists sang holy praise with joy; and rows of scattered golden staffs stood on both sides.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.73.43)

लीलयांदोलयंति स्म रणत्कंकणमंजुलम्। स्वर्णपात्रपरिक्षिप्तकृष्णागुरुसुधूपितैः

līlayāṁdolayaṁti sma raṇatkaṁkaṇamaṁjulam svarṇapātraparikṣiptakṛṣṇāgurusudhūpitaiḥ

Playfully they waved the fans, their bangles jingling sweetly, amid the sweet fumes of black aloe-wood scattered from golden vessels.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.73.44)

सुरभीकृतसर्वाशा मुखे व्योमांगणे तथा। चर्चरीझर्झरीवेणुवीणामाधुरिकादयः। शब्दायंते सुमधुरं गोविंदविजयांतरे

surabhīkṛtasarvāśā mukhe vyomāṁgaṇe tathā carcarījharjharīveṇuvīṇāmādhurikādayaḥ śabdāyaṁte sumadhuraṁ goviṁdavijayāṁtare

All the quarters were made fragrant, before them and in the courtyard of the sky; the sweet sounds of drums, flutes, and vinas rang out amid the triumphal procession of Govinda.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.73.45)

एवं प्रवृत्ते समये कृष्णं रामपुरःसरम्। नयंति विप्रा भद्रां च क्षत्रियाश्च विशस्तथा

evaṁ pravṛtte samaye kṛṣṇaṁ rāmapuraḥsaram nayaṁti viprā bhadrāṁ ca kṣatriyāśca viśastathā

As this was taking place, the brahmins led Krishna forth with Rama going before, and the kshatriyas and vaishyas led Subhadra as well.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.73.46)

छत्रमाला समुदिता मुक्तास्रक्चीनतोरणा। रत्नध्वजा हेमदंडाः पार्श्वयोर्मुरवैरिणः

chatramālā samuditā muktāsrakcīnatoraṇā ratnadhvajā hemadaṁḍāḥ pārśvayormuravairiṇaḥ

A row of raised umbrellas, garlands of pearls, silken archways; jewelled banners on staffs of gold moved on both sides of the Enemy-of-Mura.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.73.47)

राजा चतुर्विधा वर्णा अन्ये ये च पृथग्जनाः। दीना महांतश्च तदा समानास्तत्र भांति वै

rājā caturvidhā varṇā anye ye ca pṛthagjanāḥ dīnā mahāṁtaśca tadā samānāstatra bhāṁti vai

The king, the four varnas, and all other common folk, the humble and the great alike, all shone there together as equals.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.73.48)

सलीलचरणन्यासं तूलिकास्तरणेषु तान्। वासयंतः क्वचित्छांता देवांस्ते रथमन्वियुः

salīlacaraṇanyāsaṁ tūlikāstaraṇeṣu tān vāsayaṁtaḥ kvacitchāṁtā devāṁste rathamanviyuḥ

Setting the deities' feet down playfully upon spread cushions, at times giving them rest, those calm attendants followed the chariot.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.73.49)

महोत्सवं समासाद्य गीतकोलाहलानि च। करे कृत्वा जगन्नाथं भ्रामयित्वा रथोत्तमम्

mahotsavaṁ samāsādya gītakolāhalāni ca kare kṛtvā jagannāthaṁ bhrāmayitvā rathottamam

Having reached the site of the great festival, amid the tumult of songs, taking Jagannatha up and leading the great chariot in procession,

Verse 50 (skanda.2.73.50)

रामं कृष्णं सुभद्रां च रथमध्ये निवेशयेत्। चारुचंद्रातपाढ्येन मंडपेन विराजिते

rāmaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ subhadrāṁ ca rathamadhye niveśayet cārucaṁdrātapāḍhyena maṁḍapena virājite

one should seat Rama, Krishna, and Subhadra in the midst of the chariot, resplendent with its beautiful moonlight-white canopy,

Verse 51 (skanda.2.73.51)

किंकिणीमालिकाभिश्च माल्यचामरभूषिते। ससारकृष्णागुरुजधूपपूरितगर्भके

kiṁkiṇīmālikābhiśca mālyacāmarabhūṣite sasārakṛṣṇāgurujadhūpapūritagarbhake

adorned with strings of little bells, garlands, and chowries, its inner chamber filled with the fragrant smoke of sara and black aloe-wood.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.73.52)

ततस्तान्वासयित्वा तु तूलिकासु सुरोत्तमान्। भूषयेद्विविधैर्भक्त्या वस्त्रालंकार माल्यकैः

tatastānvāsayitvā tu tūlikāsu surottamān bhūṣayedvividhairbhaktyā vastrālaṁkāra mālyakaiḥ

Then, having seated those best of gods upon cushions, one should adorn them with devotion in various ways, with garments, ornaments, and garlands.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.73.53)

पूजयेदुपचारैस्तैः समृद्धैर्भक्तिभावितैः। नातः परतरं विष्णोर्यात्रांतरमवेक्ष्यते

pūjayedupacāraistaiḥ samṛddhairbhaktibhāvitaiḥ nātaḥ parataraṁ viṣṇoryātrāṁtaramavekṣyate

He should worship them with rich ritual honours steeped in devotion; no other procession of Vishnu is regarded as higher than this.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.73.54)

यत्र स्वयं त्रिलोकेशः स्यंदनेन कुतूहलात्। मानयन्पूर्वमाज्ञां तां वर्षे वर्षे व्रजेदसौ

yatra svayaṁ trilokeśaḥ syaṁdanena kutūhalāt mānayanpūrvamājñāṁ tāṁ varṣe varṣe vrajedasau

wherein the Lord of the three worlds himself, out of delight, honouring that ancient command, rides forth in the chariot year after year.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.73.55)

रथस्थितं व्रजंतं तं महावेदीमहोत्सवे। ये पश्यंति मुदा भक्त्या वासस्तेषां हरेः पदे

rathasthitaṁ vrajaṁtaṁ taṁ mahāvedīmahotsave ye paśyaṁti mudā bhaktyā vāsasteṣāṁ hareḥ pade

Those who behold him, seated in the chariot and moving forth at the great festival of the Mahavedi, with joy and devotion — their dwelling is at Hari's feet.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.73.56)

सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं प्रतिजाने द्विजोत्तमाः। नातः श्रेयः परं विष्णोरुत्सवः शास्त्रसंमतः

satyaṁ satyaṁ punaḥ satyaṁ pratijāne dvijottamāḥ nātaḥ śreyaḥ paraṁ viṣṇorutsavaḥ śāstrasaṁmataḥ

Truly, truly, and again truly I declare, O best of brahmins: there is no festival of Vishnu sanctioned by scripture greater than this.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.73.57)

यथा रथविहारोऽयं महावेदीमहोत्सवः। यत्रागत्य दिवो देवाः स्वर्गं यांत्यधिकारिणः

yathā rathavihāro'yaṁ mahāvedīmahotsavaḥ yatrāgatya divo devāḥ svargaṁ yāṁtyadhikāriṇaḥ

Such is this chariot-procession, the great festival of the Mahavedi, coming to which the gods from heaven return to heaven with authority,

Verse 58 (skanda.2.73.58)

किं वच्मि तस्य माहात्म्यमुत्सवस्य मुरद्विषः। यस्य संकीर्तनात्पापं नश्येज्जन्म शतोद्भवम्

kiṁ vacmi tasya māhātmyamutsavasya muradviṣaḥ yasya saṁkīrtanātpāpaṁ naśyejjanma śatodbhavam

What more can I say of the greatness of this festival of the Foe-of-Mura, by the mere recital of which the sins of a hundred births perish?

Verse 59 (skanda.2.73.59)

महावेदीं व्रजंतं तं रथस्थं पुरुषोत्तमम्। बलभद्रं सुभद्रां च जन्मकोटिसमुद्भवम्

mahāvedīṁ vrajaṁtaṁ taṁ rathasthaṁ puruṣottamam balabhadraṁ subhadrāṁ ca janmakoṭisamudbhavam

Beholding Purushottama, seated in the chariot, going to the Mahavedi together with Balabhadra and Subhadra, the sins accumulated over ten million births are destroyed without doubt.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.73.60)

दृष्ट्वा पापं नाशयति नात्र कार्या विचारणा। रथच्छायां समाक्रम्य ब्रह्महत्या व्यपोहति

dṛṣṭvā pāpaṁ nāśayati nātra kāryā vicāraṇā rathacchāyāṁ samākramya brahmahatyā vyapohati

By merely stepping into the shadow of the chariot, even the sin of killing a brahmin is dispelled; of this there is no need to doubt.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.73.61)

तद्रेणुसंसक्तवपुस्त्रिविधां पापसंहतिम्। नाशयेत्स्वर्गगंगायाः स्नानजं फलमाप्नुयात्

tadreṇusaṁsaktavapustrividhāṁ pāpasaṁhatim nāśayetsvargagaṁgāyāḥ snānajaṁ phalamāpnuyāt

One whose body is coated with the dust of that road destroys the threefold mass of sin and obtains the fruit that arises from bathing in the heavenly Ganga.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.73.62)

घनांबुवृष्टियोगेन रथमार्गे तु पंकिले। दिव्यदृष्ट्या च कृष्णस्य समस्तमलहारिणि

ghanāṁbuvṛṣṭiyogena rathamārge tu paṁkile divyadṛṣṭyā ca kṛṣṇasya samastamalahāriṇi

When, through a downpour of rain, the chariot-road becomes muddy — a mud that removes every impurity through the divine glance of Krishna —

Verse 63 (skanda.2.73.63)

तत्र ये प्रणिपातांस्तु कुर्वते वैष्णवोत्तमाः। अनादिव्यूढपंकांस्ते हित्वा मोक्षमवाप्नुयुः

tatra ye praṇipātāṁstu kurvate vaiṣṇavottamāḥ anādivyūḍhapaṁkāṁste hitvā mokṣamavāpnuyuḥ

those best of Vaishnavas who prostrate themselves there cast off the beginningless accumulation of sin like mud, and attain liberation.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.73.64)

गवां कोटिप्रदानस्य कन्यानामयुतस्य च। वाजिमेधसहस्रस्य फलं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयः

gavāṁ koṭipradānasya kanyānāmayutasya ca vājimedhasahasrasya phalaṁ prāpnotyasaṁśayaḥ

One obtains, without doubt, the fruit of gifting ten million cows, of gifting ten thousand maidens, and of a thousand horse-sacrifices.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.73.65)

अनुगच्छंति कृष्णं ये यात्राकौतूहलादपि। अनुव्रजंति नित्यं वै देवाः शक्रपुरोगमाः

anugacchaṁti kṛṣṇaṁ ye yātrākautūhalādapi anuvrajaṁti nityaṁ vai devāḥ śakrapurogamāḥ

Those who follow after Krishna, even out of mere curiosity for the procession — the gods, with Indra at their head, follow after them forever.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.73.66)

पश्यंति ये रथं यांतं दारुब्रह्म सनातनम्। पदे पदेऽश्वमेधस्य फलं तेषां प्रकीर्तितम्

paśyaṁti ye rathaṁ yāṁtaṁ dārubrahma sanātanam pade pade'śvamedhasya phalaṁ teṣāṁ prakīrtitam

Those who behold the eternal Wood-Brahman going forth in the chariot — for them, at every step, the fruit of a horse-sacrifice is proclaimed.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.73.67)

वेदैः स्तुवंति वेदानां वक्तारो मोक्षदायिनम्। इतिहासपुराणाद्यैः स्तोत्रैर्वापि स्वयंकृतैः

vedaiḥ stuvaṁti vedānāṁ vaktāro mokṣadāyinam itihāsapurāṇādyaiḥ stotrairvāpi svayaṁkṛtaiḥ

The reciters of the Vedas praise the Bestower of Liberation with Vedic hymns, or with verses from the Itihasas and Puranas, or with self-composed hymns.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.73.68)

स्तुवंति पुंडरीकाक्षं ये वै विगतकल्मषाः। वैष्णवं योगमास्थाय मोदंते नारदादिभिः

stuvaṁti puṁḍarīkākṣaṁ ye vai vigatakalmaṣāḥ vaiṣṇavaṁ yogamāsthāya modaṁte nāradādibhiḥ

Those free of all sin who praise the Lotus-Eyed One, established in the Vaishnava discipline, rejoice together with Narada and the other sages.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.73.69)

कुर्वंति वासुदेवाग्रे जयशब्देन वा स्तुतिम्। ते वै जयंति पापानि विविधानि न संशयः

kurvaṁti vāsudevāgre jayaśabdena vā stutim te vai jayaṁti pāpāni vividhāni na saṁśayaḥ

Those who offer praise before Vasudeva, even merely with cries of 'Victory!' — they conquer their manifold sins without doubt.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.73.70)

लयतालानभिज्ञोपि गीतमाधुर्यवर्जितः। नर्त्तनं कुरुते वापि गायत्यथ नरोत्तमः। वैष्णवोत्तमसंसर्गान्मुक्तिं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयः

layatālānabhijñopi gītamādhuryavarjitaḥ narttanaṁ kurute vāpi gāyatyatha narottamaḥ vaiṣṇavottamasaṁsargānmuktiṁ prāpnotyasaṁśayaḥ

Even one unversed in rhythm and time, devoid of any sweetness of song, if he dances or sings there, through the mere company of the best Vaishnavas attains liberation without doubt.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.73.71)

नामानि कीर्तयन्नस्य तेन याति सहैव यः। अनुव्रज्यात्तत्फलं वै प्राप्नोत्यत्र न संशयः

nāmāni kīrtayannasya tena yāti sahaiva yaḥ anuvrajyāttatphalaṁ vai prāpnotyatra na saṁśayaḥ

He who goes along chanting His names — whoever accompanies him on that path obtains the very same fruit, without doubt.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.73.72)

जय कृष्ण जय कृष्ण जय कृष्णेति यो वदेत्। गुंडिचानगरं यांतं कृष्णं भक्तिसमन्वितः। न मातृगर्भवासस्य स च दुःखमवाप्नुयात्

jaya kṛṣṇa jaya kṛṣṇa jaya kṛṣṇeti yo vadet guṁḍicānagaraṁ yāṁtaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ bhaktisamanvitaḥ na mātṛgarbhavāsasya sa ca duḥkhamavāpnuyāt

He who, filled with devotion, cries 'Victory to Krishna! Victory to Krishna! Victory to Krishna!' as Krishna goes to the town of Gundicha, shall never again suffer the misery of dwelling in a mother's womb.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.73.73)

चामरैर्व्यजनैः पुष्पस्तबकैर्नीलचोलकैः। रथस्याग्रस्थितो यो वै वीजयेत्पुरुषोत्तमम्

cāmarairvyajanaiḥ puṣpastabakairnīlacolakaiḥ rathasyāgrasthito yo vai vījayetpuruṣottamam

He who, standing at the front of the chariot, fans Purushottama with chowries, fans, clusters of flowers, or blue cloths,

Verse 74 (skanda.2.73.74)

स वीज्यमानोप्सरोभिर्गंधर्वैरुपशोभितः। अनुव्रजद्भिस्त्रिदशैर्महेंद्रासनसंस्थितः

sa vījyamānopsarobhirgaṁdharvairupaśobhitaḥ anuvrajadbhistridaśairmaheṁdrāsanasaṁsthitaḥ

is himself fanned by apsarases, adorned by gandharvas, followed by the gods, and seated upon the throne of Indra.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.73.75)

भुनक्ति भोगानतुलान्यावदाभूतसंप्लवम्। तदंते च ब्रह्मलोकं प्राप्य मुक्तिमवाप्नुयात्

bhunakti bhogānatulānyāvadābhūtasaṁplavam tadaṁte ca brahmalokaṁ prāpya muktimavāpnuyāt

He enjoys incomparable pleasures until the dissolution of creation, and at its end, attaining the world of Brahma, obtains liberation.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.73.76)

कृष्णस्य पुरतो ये वै पुष्पवृष्टिं प्रकुर्वते। ते वै मनोगतान्सर्वान्प्राप्नुवंति मनोरथान्

kṛṣṇasya purato ye vai puṣpavṛṣṭiṁ prakurvate te vai manogatānsarvānprāpnuvaṁti manorathān

Those who shower flowers before Krishna obtain all the desires cherished in their hearts.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.73.77)

सहस्रनामभिः पुण्यैः पर्यटंति रथं तु ये। तेषां प्रदक्षिणं कुर्युस्त्रिदशानतकंधराः

sahasranāmabhiḥ puṇyaiḥ paryaṭaṁti rathaṁ tu ye teṣāṁ pradakṣiṇaṁ kuryustridaśānatakaṁdharāḥ

Those who circumambulate the chariot while reciting the thousand holy names — the gods, their necks bowed, in turn circumambulate them,

Verse 78 (skanda.2.73.78)

वसंति वैकुण्ठगृहे विष्णुतुल्यपराक्रमाः

vasaṁti vaikuṇṭhagṛhe viṣṇutulyaparākramāḥ

and they dwell in the abode of Vaikuntha, their might equal to that of Vishnu.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.73.79)

तस्मिन्काले महापुण्ये देवर्षिपितृसेविते। एकं ब्रह्म त्रिधाभूतं माययानुगतं स्वया

tasminkāle mahāpuṇye devarṣipitṛsevite ekaṁ brahma tridhābhūtaṁ māyayānugataṁ svayā

At that most holy time, honoured by gods, sages, and ancestors, the one Brahman, become threefold, accompanied by his own Maya,

Verse 80 (skanda.2.73.80)

साक्षाद्दारुस्वरूपेण महावेदीमहोत्सवम्

sākṣāddārusvarūpeṇa mahāvedīmahotsavam

visibly, in his form of wood, at the great festival of the Mahavedi —

Verse 81 (skanda.2.73.81)

रथारूढः कौतुकवान्यत्रयाति जगत्प्रभुः। तस्मिन्काले पृथिव्यां तु चरेत्तत्र महोत्सवम्

rathārūḍhaḥ kautukavānyatrayāti jagatprabhuḥ tasminkāle pṛthivyāṁ tu carettatra mahotsavam

mounted on the chariot, full of delight, the Lord of the universe goes forth; at that time, on earth, the great festival should be observed.

Verse 82 (skanda.2.73.82)

देवा अप्युत्सवे तस्मिन्पुरुहूतपुरोगमाः। अभिमानं परित्यज्य श्रेणीभूता हि पार्श्वयोः

devā apyutsave tasminpuruhūtapurogamāḥ abhimānaṁ parityajya śreṇībhūtā hi pārśvayoḥ

The gods too, at that festival, with Indra at their head, laying aside their pride, forming ranks on either side,

Verse 83 (skanda.2.73.83)

प्रकुर्वते महायात्रां तैस्तैर्दिव्यैः परिच्छदैः

prakurvate mahāyātrāṁ taistairdivyaiḥ paricchadaiḥ

carry out the great procession with all manner of their divine retinues.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.73.84)

तेषामग्रेसरस्तत्र देवोपि प्रपितामहः। चतुर्दशानां जगतां कर्त्ता यः परमेश्वरः

teṣāmagresarastatra devopi prapitāmahaḥ caturdaśānāṁ jagatāṁ karttā yaḥ parameśvaraḥ

Foremost among them there is the god who is the great-grandfather, the Supreme Lord who is the maker of the fourteen worlds.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.73.85)

सोऽपि तत्र जगन्नाथं रथे यांतं महोत्सवे। ब्रह्मलोकात्परावृत्य स्तुवन्वेदमयैः स्तवैः। पदे पदे प्रणमति भगवंतं सनातनम्

so'pi tatra jagannāthaṁ rathe yāṁtaṁ mahotsave brahmalokātparāvṛtya stuvanvedamayaiḥ stavaiḥ pade pade praṇamati bhagavaṁtaṁ sanātanam

He too, turning back from Brahmaloka, praises Jagannatha with hymns woven of the Vedas as he goes forth in the chariot, bowing to the eternal Lord at every step.

Verse 86 (skanda.2.73.86)

यद्यप्यब्जनिधेः कृष्णान्न भेदोऽस्ति तथाप्ययम्। महोत्सवस्य महिमा यत्र सर्वेऽनुयायिनः

yadyapyabjanidheḥ kṛṣṇānna bhedo'sti tathāpyayam mahotsavasya mahimā yatra sarve'nuyāyinaḥ

Although there is in truth no difference between the lotus-born one and Krishna, such nonetheless is the greatness of this great festival, wherein all become his followers.

Verse 87 (skanda.2.73.87)

नातः परतरो लोके महावेदीमहोत्सवात्। सर्वपापहरो योगः सर्वतीर्थफलप्रदः

nātaḥ parataro loke mahāvedīmahotsavāt sarvapāpaharo yogaḥ sarvatīrthaphalapradaḥ

There is in this world no discipline higher than the great festival of the Mahavedi for removing every sin and bestowing the fruit of every sacred place.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.73.88)

कृष्णमुद्दिश्य यस्तत्र दानं ददाति वै नरः। यत्किंचिदक्षयफलं मेरुदानेन तत्समम्

kṛṣṇamuddiśya yastatra dānaṁ dadāti vai naraḥ yatkiṁcidakṣayaphalaṁ merudānena tatsamam

Whatever gift a man there offers with Krishna in mind, however small, yields imperishable fruit equal to the gift of a mountain of gold.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.73.89)

तस्याग्रे देवदेवस्य व्रजतो गुंडिचालयम्। यत्किंचित्कुरुते कर्म तत्तदक्षयमश्नुते

tasyāgre devadevasya vrajato guṁḍicālayam yatkiṁcitkurute karma tattadakṣayamaśnute

Before the God of gods, as he goes to the abode of Gundicha, whatever act one performs there, that very act one enjoys as imperishable.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.73.90)

उपायनानि नाना वै भक्ष्यभोज्यानि चैव हि। समर्पयंति देवाय तत्प्रीत्यै वा द्विजन्मने। तेषामक्षयपुण्यानि सर्वकामप्रदानि च

upāyanāni nānā vai bhakṣyabhojyāni caiva hi samarpayaṁti devāya tatprītyai vā dvijanmane teṣāmakṣayapuṇyāni sarvakāmapradāni ca

Those who offer various gifts and foods, whether to please the deity or a brahmin, obtain merits that are imperishable and grant every desire.

Verse 91 (skanda.2.73.91)

हरेरग्रेसरा ये वै पश्यंतस्तन्मुखांबुजम्। पदे पदे नमंतश्च पंकधूलिपरिप्लुताः

hareragresarā ye vai paśyaṁtastanmukhāṁbujam pade pade namaṁtaśca paṁkadhūlipariplutāḥ

Those who go before Hari, beholding his lotus-face, bowing at every step, covered over with mud and dust of that road,

Verse 92 (skanda.2.73.92)

विहाय पाप कवचमभेद्यं कोटिजन्मभिः। क्षणान्मुक्तिफलं प्राप्य यांति विष्णोः शुभालयम्

vihāya pāpa kavacamabhedyaṁ koṭijanmabhiḥ kṣaṇānmuktiphalaṁ prāpya yāṁti viṣṇoḥ śubhālayam

cast off the armour of sin unbreakable through ten million births, and in an instant, obtaining the fruit of liberation, go to Vishnu's blessed abode.

Verse 93 (skanda.2.73.93)

सर्वक्रतूनां तीर्थानां दानानां यांति ते फलम्। भगवद्भक्तिभावानां नातः पुण्यतमो महः

sarvakratūnāṁ tīrthānāṁ dānānāṁ yāṁti te phalam bhagavadbhaktibhāvānāṁ nātaḥ puṇyatamo mahaḥ

They obtain the fruit of every sacrifice, sacred place, and gift; there is no holier occasion than this for devotion to the Lord.

Verse 94 (skanda.2.73.94)

एवं स भगवान्कृष्णः सुभद्रारामसंगतः। व्रजन्स्यंदनश्रेष्ठस्थो द्योतयंश्च चतुर्दिशः

evaṁ sa bhagavānkṛṣṇaḥ subhadrārāmasaṁgataḥ vrajansyaṁdanaśreṣṭhastho dyotayaṁśca caturdiśaḥ

Thus the blessed Krishna, accompanied by Subhadra and Rama, seated on the finest of chariots, moving forth and illumining the four directions,

Verse 95 (skanda.2.73.95)

श्रीमदंगोपसृष्टेन मरुता सर्वदेहिनाम्। पापानि नाशयञ्छ्रीमान्दयालुर्भक्तभावनः

śrīmadaṁgopasṛṣṭena marutā sarvadehinām pāpāni nāśayañchrīmāndayālurbhaktabhāvanaḥ

by the breeze that has touched his glorious limbs, destroys the sins of all embodied beings — the glorious, compassionate one, who cherishes the sentiments of his devotees.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.73.96)

अज्ञानामप्यविश्वासभाजां विश्वासहेतवे। निसर्गमुक्तिदोऽप्येष यात्रारंभान्करोति वै

ajñānāmapyaviśvāsabhājāṁ viśvāsahetave nisargamuktido'pyeṣa yātrāraṁbhānkaroti vai

For the sake of inspiring faith even in the ignorant who partake of unbelief, he — though liberation is his by nature to give freely — nonetheless undertakes the procession.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.73.97)

व्रजन्समृद्ध्या देवानां मर्त्यानां च जनार्दनः। सूर्ये ललाटं तपति मध्याह्ने मार्गमध्यतः

vrajansamṛddhyā devānāṁ martyānāṁ ca janārdanaḥ sūrye lalāṭaṁ tapati madhyāhne mārgamadhyataḥ

Janardana, going forth in splendour befitting gods and mortals — when the sun burns down upon his forehead at midday, in the middle of the road,

Verse 98 (skanda.2.73.98)

श्रांता कर्षजनस्तस्थौ म्लायन्वै तद्रजोवृतः। तत्रातपस्य शांत्यर्थं दर्पणेष्वभिषेचयेत्

śrāṁtā karṣajanastasthau mlāyanvai tadrajovṛtaḥ tatrātapasya śāṁtyarthaṁ darpaṇeṣvabhiṣecayet

the toiling people stood weary, wilting, covered with that dust. There, for relief from the heat, one should sprinkle water upon mirrors,

Verse 99 (skanda.2.73.99)

पंचामृतैः शीततोयैः पुष्पकर्पूरवासितैः। चामरैश्च जलार्द्रांतैः शीतलैर्व्यजनैस्तथा

paṁcāmṛtaiḥ śītatoyaiḥ puṣpakarpūravāsitaiḥ cāmaraiśca jalārdrāṁtaiḥ śītalairvyajanaistathā

with the five nectars, with cool water scented with flowers and camphor, with chowries whose ends are moistened, and with cooling fans,

Verse 100 (skanda.2.73.100)

वीजयेत्पुण्डरीकाक्षं सुभद्रां राममेव च। शीतैश्च पानकैर्हद्यैस्तथा खण्डविकारकैः

vījayetpuṇḍarīkākṣaṁ subhadrāṁ rāmameva ca śītaiśca pānakairhadyaistathā khaṇḍavikārakaiḥ

one should fan the Lotus-Eyed One, Subhadra, and Rama, and offer them cool, delightful sherbets and sugar preparations,

Verse 101 (skanda.2.73.101)

खर्जूरैर्नारिकेलैश्च नानारंभाफलैस्तथा। तथा क्षीरविकारैश्च पनसैस्तृणराजकैः

kharjūrairnārikelaiśca nānāraṁbhāphalaistathā tathā kṣīravikāraiśca panasaistṛṇarājakaiḥ

dates, coconuts, and various plantains; and milk-sweets, jackfruit, and sugarcane,

Verse 102 (skanda.2.73.102)

इक्षुभिः स्वादुहृद्यैश्च फलैर्नानाविधैस्तथा। वासितैः शीततोयैश्च पक्वतांबूलपत्रकैः

ikṣubhiḥ svāduhṛdyaiśca phalairnānāvidhaistathā vāsitaiḥ śītatoyaiśca pakvatāṁbūlapatrakaiḥ

sweet and delightful sugarcane and various other fruits, scented cool water, and ripe betel-leaves,

Verse 103 (skanda.2.73.103)

सकर्पूरलवंगाद्यैः पूजयेत्पुरुषोत्तमम्

sakarpūralavaṁgādyaiḥ pūjayetpuruṣottamam

with camphor, cloves, and the like — with all these one should worship Purushottama.

Verse 104 (skanda.2.73.104)

तस्मिन्काले द्विजश्रेष्ठा ये पश्यंति जनार्दनम्। पूजयंति यथाशक्ति न ते संसारजं श्रमम्

tasminkāle dvijaśreṣṭhā ye paśyaṁti janārdanam pūjayaṁti yathāśakti na te saṁsārajaṁ śramam

At that time, O best of brahmins, those who behold Janardana and worship him according to their means shall never again know the weariness born of worldly existence;

Verse 105 (skanda.2.73.105)

प्राप्नुवंति द्विजश्रेष्ठा ब्रह्मलोकनिवासिनः

prāpnuvaṁti dvijaśreṣṭhā brahmalokanivāsinaḥ

O best of brahmins, they attain to dwelling in the world of Brahma.

Verse 106 (skanda.2.73.106)

रथत्रयस्थितं देवत्रयं ये पुरुषर्षभाः। प्रदक्षिणं प्रकुर्वंति त्रिश्चतुः सप्त एव वा

rathatrayasthitaṁ devatrayaṁ ye puruṣarṣabhāḥ pradakṣiṇaṁ prakurvaṁti triścatuḥ sapta eva vā

Those foremost of men who circumambulate the three deities seated in the three chariots, three, four, or seven times,

Verse 107 (skanda.2.73.107)

दशप्रणामान्कृत्वांते स्थिताः प्रांजलयोऽग्रतः। पुरारथस्थितान्ब्रह्मा स्तुतिभिर्याभिरब्जभूः

daśapraṇāmānkṛtvāṁte sthitāḥ prāṁjalayo'grataḥ purārathasthitānbrahmā stutibhiryābhirabjabhūḥ

and afterward, having made ten prostrations, stand before them with folded hands — with the very hymns by which lotus-born Brahma, of old, standing before them seated in their chariots,

Verse 108 (skanda.2.73.108)

तुष्टाव ताभिर्देवेशं स्तुवंति परमेश्वरम्। ये नरा ब्रह्मलोकं ते प्रयांति नियतं द्विजाः

tuṣṭāva tābhirdeveśaṁ stuvaṁti parameśvaram ye narā brahmalokaṁ te prayāṁti niyataṁ dvijāḥ

gladdened the Lord of gods — with those very hymns they too praise the Supreme Lord: such men, O brahmins, assuredly go to the world of Brahma.

Verse 109 (skanda.2.73.109)

ततोऽपराह्णे देवेशं दक्षिणानिलवीजितम्। शनैः शनैर्नयेद्गीतैवेंणुवीणादिनादितैः

tato'parāhṇe deveśaṁ dakṣiṇānilavījitam śanaiḥ śanairnayedgītaiveṁṇuvīṇādināditaiḥ

Then, in the afternoon, the Lord of gods, fanned by the southern breeze, should be led slowly, slowly, amid songs and the sound of flutes and vinas,

Verse 110 (skanda.2.73.110)

बंदिनः स्तुतिपाठैश्च कलैर्मधुरिकास्वनैः। निरंतरैः पुष्पवर्षैश्चामरांदोलनैस्तथा

baṁdinaḥ stutipāṭhaiśca kalairmadhurikāsvanaiḥ niraṁtaraiḥ puṣpavarṣaiścāmarāṁdolanaistathā

amid the recitals of bards, with sweet and melodious sounds, with a ceaseless shower of flowers, and the waving of chowries.

Verse 111 (skanda.2.73.111)

एवं व्रजति देवेशे सूर्यश्चास्तंगतो भवेत्। दीपिकानां सहस्राणि ज्वालितानि सहस्रशः

evaṁ vrajati deveśe sūryaścāstaṁgato bhavet dīpikānāṁ sahasrāṇi jvālitāni sahasraśaḥ

As the Lord of gods thus proceeds, the sun sets; then thousands upon thousands of lamps are lit,

Verse 112 (skanda.2.73.112)

तदालोकप्रकाशेन मार्गशेषश्च नीयते। रथावरोहणेनैषां मण्डपारोहणेन च

tadālokaprakāśena mārgaśeṣaśca nīyate rathāvarohaṇenaiṣāṁ maṇḍapārohaṇena ca

and by the light of their glow the rest of the way is completed, until the deities descend from the chariots and ascend into the pavilion.

Verse 113 (skanda.2.73.113)

संमर्दः सुमहांस्तत्र दिदृक्षूणां कुतूहलात्। मण्डपे वासयेद्देवं गुण्डिचाख्ये मनोहरे

saṁmardaḥ sumahāṁstatra didṛkṣūṇāṁ kutūhalāt maṇḍape vāsayeddevaṁ guṇḍicākhye manohare

There a great crowd gathers, eager out of curiosity to behold; the deity should be seated in the lovely pavilion called Gundicha,

Verse 114 (skanda.2.73.114)

चारुचंद्रातपे चारुमाल्यचामरभूषिते। रत्नस्तंभमये स्वर्णवेदिकोपस्कृतांतरे

cārucaṁdrātape cārumālyacāmarabhūṣite ratnastaṁbhamaye svarṇavedikopaskṛtāṁtare

beautiful with its moonlight-white canopy, adorned with lovely garlands and chowries, made of jewelled pillars, its interior furnished with a golden altar,

Verse 115 (skanda.2.73.115)

प्राचीरवलयावीते सुधालेपसमुज्ज्वले। साधुसोपानघटिते चतुर्द्वारोपशोभिते

prācīravalayāvīte sudhālepasamujjvale sādhusopānaghaṭite caturdvāropaśobhite

encircled by a ring of ramparts, resplendent with a coating of lime-plaster, fitted with fine stairways, and graced with four doorways —

Verse 116 (skanda.2.73.116)

त्रैलोक्यांडबरयुते महावेद्यां महाक्रतोः। प्रादुर्भावो महेशस्य यत्राभूद्दारुवर्ष्मणः

trailokyāṁḍabarayute mahāvedyāṁ mahākratoḥ prādurbhāvo maheśasya yatrābhūddāruvarṣmaṇaḥ

joined with the pomp of the three worlds, at the Mahavedi of the great sacrifice, where the manifestation of the great Lord took place in his form of wood.