The Power of Shiva's Devotees

Verse 1 (skanda.3.101.1)

॥ ऋषय ऊचुः ॥ साधुसाधु महाभाग त्वया कथितमुत्तमम् ॥ आख्यानं पुनरन्यत्र विचित्रं वक्तुमर्हसि

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ sādhusādhu mahābhāga tvayā kathitamuttamam ākhyānaṁ punaranyatra vicitraṁ vaktumarhasi

The sages said: Well done, well done, O most fortunate one! You have told us an excellent tale. You should tell us yet another wondrous account.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.101.2)

सूत उवाच ॥ विदर्भविषये पूर्वमासीदेको द्विजोत्तमः ॥ वेदमित्र इति ख्यातो वेद शास्त्रार्थवित्सुधीः

sūta uvāca vidarbhaviṣaye pūrvamāsīdeko dvijottamaḥ vedamitra iti khyāto veda śāstrārthavitsudhīḥ

Suta said: Formerly in the land of Vidarbha there was an excellent brahmin, renowned as Vedamitra, wise and versed in the meaning of the Vedas and scriptures.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.101.3)

तस्यासीदपरो विप्रः सखा सारस्वताह्वयः ॥ तावुभौ परमस्निग्धावेकदेशनिवासिनौ

tasyāsīdaparo vipraḥ sakhā sārasvatāhvayaḥ tāvubhau paramasnigdhāvekadeśanivāsinau

He had another brahmin friend, called Sarasvata; both of them were most affectionately close, dwelling in the same place.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.101.4)

वेदमित्रस्य पुत्रोऽभूत्सुमेधा नाम सुव्रतः ॥ सारस्वतस्य तनयः सोमवानिति विश्रुतः

vedamitrasya putro'bhūtsumedhā nāma suvrataḥ sārasvatasya tanayaḥ somavāniti viśrutaḥ

To Vedamitra was born a son named Sumedha, devoted to good vows; to Sarasvata was born a son renowned as Somavan.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.101.5)

उभौ सवयसौ बालौ समवेषौ समस्थिती ॥ समं च कृतसंस्कारौ सम विद्यौ बभूवतुः

ubhau savayasau bālau samaveṣau samasthitī samaṁ ca kṛtasaṁskārau sama vidyau babhūvatuḥ

Both boys, of the same age, of the same appearance, of the same standing, having their sacraments performed together, became equal in learning.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.101.6)

सांगानधीत्य तौ वेदांस्तर्कव्याकरणानि च ॥ इतिहासपुराणानि धर्मशास्त्राणि कृत्स्नशः

sāṁgānadhītya tau vedāṁstarkavyākaraṇāni ca itihāsapurāṇāni dharmaśāstrāṇi kṛtsnaśaḥ

Having studied the Vedas together with their auxiliary texts, logic and grammar, and the itihasas, puranas, and dharma-shastras in their entirety,

Verse 7 (skanda.3.101.7)

सर्वविद्याकुशलिनौ बाल्य एव मनीषिणौ ॥ प्रहर्षमतुलं पित्रोर्ददतुः सकलैर्गुणैः

sarvavidyākuśalinau bālya eva manīṣiṇau praharṣamatulaṁ pitrordadatuḥ sakalairguṇaiḥ

skilled in all branches of learning even in childhood, and wise, they gave boundless joy to their parents through all their virtues.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.101.8)

तावेकदा स्वतनयौ तावुभौ ब्राह्मणोत्तमौ ॥ आहूयावोचतां प्रीत्या षोड शाब्दौ शुभाकृती

tāvekadā svatanayau tāvubhau brāhmaṇottamau āhūyāvocatāṁ prītyā ṣoḍa śābdau śubhākṛtī

Once, those two excellent brahmins, calling their own sixteen-year-old sons of auspicious form, said to them with affection:

Verse 9 (skanda.3.101.9)

हे पुत्रकौ युवां बाल्ये कृतविद्यौ सुवर्चसौ ॥ वैवाहिकोयं समयो वर्तते युवयोः समम्

he putrakau yuvāṁ bālye kṛtavidyau suvarcasau vaivāhikoyaṁ samayo vartate yuvayoḥ samam

"My sons, you have completed your education in childhood, and are radiant; this is the season for your marriage, for both of you alike.

Verse 10 (skanda.3.101.10)

इमं प्रसाद्य राजानं विदर्भेशं स्वविद्यया ॥ ततः प्राप्य धनं भूरि कृतोद्वाहौ भविष्यथः

imaṁ prasādya rājānaṁ vidarbheśaṁ svavidyayā tataḥ prāpya dhanaṁ bhūri kṛtodvāhau bhaviṣyathaḥ

"Having pleased this king, the lord of Vidarbha, with your learning, and then obtaining abundant wealth, you shall be married."

Verse 11 (skanda.3.101.11)

एवमुक्तौ सुतौ ताभ्यां तावुभौ द्विजनंदनौ ॥ विदर्भराजमासाद्य समतोषयतां गुणैः

evamuktau sutau tābhyāṁ tāvubhau dvijanaṁdanau vidarbharājamāsādya samatoṣayatāṁ guṇaiḥ

Thus addressed by their fathers, those two sons of brahmins went to the king of Vidarbha and pleased him with their virtues.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.101.12)

विद्यया परितुष्टाय तस्मै द्विजकुमारकौ ॥ विवाहार्थं कृतोद्योगौ धनहीनावशंसताम्

vidyayā parituṣṭāya tasmai dvijakumārakau vivāhārthaṁ kṛtodyogau dhanahīnāvaśaṁsatām

Pleased with their learning, the king made ready for their marriage; but those two brahmin youths, being without wealth, expressed their wish.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.101.13)

तयोरपि मतं ज्ञात्वा स विदर्भमहीपतिः ॥ प्रहस्य किंचित्प्रोवाच लोकतत्त्वविवित्सया

tayorapi mataṁ jñātvā sa vidarbhamahīpatiḥ prahasya kiṁcitprovāca lokatattvavivitsayā

Knowing their intention too, that lord of Vidarbha, wishing to test the nature of the world, smiled a little and said:

Verse 14 (skanda.3.101.14)

आस्ते निषधराजस्य राज्ञी सीमंतिनी सती ॥ सोमवारे महादेवं पूजयत्यंबिकायुतम्

āste niṣadharājasya rājñī sīmaṁtinī satī somavāre mahādevaṁ pūjayatyaṁbikāyutam

"There dwells the faithful queen of the king of Nishadha, Simantini, who worships Mahadeva together with Ambika on Monday.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.101.15)

तस्मिन्दिने सपत्नीकान्द्विजाग्र्यान्वेदवित्तमान्॥ संपूज्य परया भक्त्या धनं भूरि ददाति च

tasmindine sapatnīkāndvijāgryānvedavittamān saṁpūjya parayā bhaktyā dhanaṁ bhūri dadāti ca

"On that day, she honors the foremost brahmins learned in the Veda, together with their wives, with the greatest devotion, and gives abundant wealth.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.101.16)

अतोऽत्र युवयोरैको नारीविभ्रमवेषधृक्॥ एकस्तस्या पतिर्भूत्वा जायेतां विप्रदंपती

ato'tra yuvayoraiko nārīvibhramaveṣadhṛk ekastasyā patirbhūtvā jāyetāṁ vipradaṁpatī

"So, let one of you two, disguised in the guise and bearing of a woman, become her husband; thus you two shall become a brahmin couple.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.101.17)

युवां वधूवरौ भूत्वा प्राप्य सीमंतिनीगृहम्॥ भुक्त्वा भूरि धनं लब्ध्वा पुनर्यातं ममांमतिकम्

yuvāṁ vadhūvarau bhūtvā prāpya sīmaṁtinīgṛham bhuktvā bhūri dhanaṁ labdhvā punaryātaṁ mamāṁmatikam

"Having become bride and groom, go to Simantini's house; having enjoyed abundant hospitality and obtained wealth, return again to my presence."

Verse 18 (skanda.3.101.18)

इति राज्ञा समादिष्टौ भीतौ द्विजकुमारकौ ॥ प्रत्यूचतुरिदं कर्म कर्तुं नौ जायते भयम्

iti rājñā samādiṣṭau bhītau dvijakumārakau pratyūcaturidaṁ karma kartuṁ nau jāyate bhayam

Thus commanded by the king, the two frightened brahmin youths replied: "We are afraid to do this deed.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.101.19)

देवतासु गुरौ पित्रोस्तथा राजकुलेषु च ॥ कौटिल्यमाचरन्मोहात्सद्यो नश्यति सान्वयः

devatāsu gurau pitrostathā rājakuleṣu ca kauṭilyamācaranmohātsadyo naśyati sānvayaḥ

"Practicing deceit toward the gods, toward the guru, toward parents, and likewise toward royal houses, out of delusion, one's whole lineage is instantly destroyed.

Verse 20 (skanda.3.101.20)

कथमंतर्गृहं राज्ञां छद्मना प्रविशेत्पुमान् ॥ गोप्यमानमपिच्छद्म कदाचित्ख्यातिमेष्यति

kathamaṁtargṛhaṁ rājñāṁ chadmanā praviśetpumān gopyamānamapicchadma kadācitkhyātimeṣyati

"How could a man, in disguise, enter the inner apartments of kings? Even a hidden deceit will someday become known.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.101.21)

ये गुणाः साधिताः पूर्वं शीलाचारश्रुतादिभिः ॥ सद्यस्ते नाशमायांति कौटिल्य पथगामिनः

ye guṇāḥ sādhitāḥ pūrvaṁ śīlācāraśrutādibhiḥ sadyaste nāśamāyāṁti kauṭilya pathagāminaḥ

"Whatever virtues were formerly cultivated through good character, conduct, and learning, they are instantly destroyed for those who walk the path of deceit.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.101.22)

पापं निंदा भयं वैरं चत्वार्येतानि देहिनाम् ॥ छद्ममार्गप्रपन्नानां तिष्ठंत्येव हि सर्वदा

pāpaṁ niṁdā bhayaṁ vairaṁ catvāryetāni dehinām chadmamārgaprapannānāṁ tiṣṭhaṁtyeva hi sarvadā

"Sin, censure, fear, and enmity, these four always remain with embodied beings who have taken to the path of deception.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.101.23)

अत आवां शुभाचारौ जातौ च शुचिनां कुले ॥ वृत्तं धूर्तजनश्लाघ्यं नाश्रयावः कदाचन

ata āvāṁ śubhācārau jātau ca śucināṁ kule vṛttaṁ dhūrtajanaślāghyaṁ nāśrayāvaḥ kadācana

"Therefore, born as we are into a family of the pure, of good conduct, we shall never resort to a course of action praised only by rogues."

Verse 24 (skanda.3.101.24)

राजोवाच ॥ दैवतानां गुरूणां च पित्रोश्च पृथिवीपतेः ॥ शासनस्याप्यलंघ्यत्वात्प्रत्यादेशो न कर्हिचित्

rājovāca daivatānāṁ gurūṇāṁ ca pitrośca pṛthivīpateḥ śāsanasyāpyalaṁghyatvātpratyādeśo na karhicit

The king said: "Since the commands of the gods, of the guru, of one's parents, and of the ruler of the earth are inviolable, there can never be any refusal.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.101.25)

एतैर्यद्यत्समादिष्टं शुभं वा यदि वाऽशुभम् ॥ कर्तव्यं नियतं भीतैरप्रमत्तैर्बुभूषुभिः

etairyadyatsamādiṣṭaṁ śubhaṁ vā yadi vā'śubham kartavyaṁ niyataṁ bhītairapramattairbubhūṣubhiḥ

"Whatever is commanded by these, whether auspicious or inauspicious, must certainly be done by those who are afraid, heedful, and desirous of well-being.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.101.26)

अहो वयं हि राजानः प्रजा यूयं हि संमताः ॥ राजाज्ञया प्रवृत्तानां श्रेयः स्यादन्यथा भयम्

aho vayaṁ hi rājānaḥ prajā yūyaṁ hi saṁmatāḥ rājājñayā pravṛttānāṁ śreyaḥ syādanyathā bhayam

"Ah, we indeed are kings, and you are our subjects; for those who act by royal command, good fortune results, otherwise, fear.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.101.27)

अतो मच्छासनं कार्यं भव द्भ्यामविलंबितम् ॥ इत्युक्तौ नरदेवेन तौ तथेत्यूचतुर्भयात्

ato macchāsanaṁ kāryaṁ bhava dbhyāmavilaṁbitam ityuktau naradevena tau tathetyūcaturbhayāt

"Therefore my command must be carried out by you two without delay." Thus addressed by the king, they, out of fear, said "So be it."

Verse 28 (skanda.3.101.28)

सारस्वतस्य तनयं सामवन्तं नराधिपः ॥ स्त्रीरूपधारिणं चक्रे वस्त्राकल्पां जनादिभिः

sārasvatasya tanayaṁ sāmavantaṁ narādhipaḥ strīrūpadhāriṇaṁ cakre vastrākalpāṁ janādibhiḥ

The king then made Sarasvata's son, Samavan, take on the form of a woman, dressed with garments and ornaments by the attendants and others.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.101.29)

स कृत्रिमोद्भूतकलत्रभावः प्रयुक्तकर्णाभरणांगरागः ॥ स्निग्धाञ्जनाक्षः स्पृहणीयरूपो बभूव सद्यः प्रमदोत्तमाभः

sa kṛtrimodbhūtakalatrabhāvaḥ prayuktakarṇābharaṇāṁgarāgaḥ snigdhāñjanākṣaḥ spṛhaṇīyarūpo babhūva sadyaḥ pramadottamābhaḥ

He, having artificially assumed the nature of a woman, fitted with earrings and cosmetic unguents, his eyes anointed with soft collyrium, at once became of a form desirable, radiant as an excellent young woman.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.101.30)

तावुभौ दंपती भूत्वा द्विजपुत्रौ नृपाज्ञया ॥ जग्मतुर्नैषधं देशं यद्वा तद्वा भवत्विति

tāvubhau daṁpatī bhūtvā dvijaputrau nṛpājñayā jagmaturnaiṣadhaṁ deśaṁ yadvā tadvā bhavatviti

The two of them, becoming husband and wife, those two sons of brahmins, by the king's command, set out for the land of Nishadha, saying "Come what may."

Verse 31 (skanda.3.101.31)

उपेत्य राजसदनं सोमवारे द्विजोत्तमैः ॥ सपत्नीकैः कृतातिथ्यौ धौतपादौ बभूवतुः

upetya rājasadanaṁ somavāre dvijottamaiḥ sapatnīkaiḥ kṛtātithyau dhautapādau babhūvatuḥ

Arriving at the royal palace on Monday, together with the other excellent brahmins and their wives, they were received as guests, their feet washed.

Verse 32 (skanda.3.101.32)

सा राज्ञी ब्राह्मणान्सर्वानुपविष्टान्वरासने ॥ प्रत्येकमर्चयांचक्रे सपत्नीकान्द्विजोत्तमान्

sā rājñī brāhmaṇānsarvānupaviṣṭānvarāsane pratyekamarcayāṁcakre sapatnīkāndvijottamān

That queen, honoring each of all the brahmins seated on excellent seats, together with their wives, worshipped that pair too, disguised as a couple.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.101.33)

तौ च विप्रसुतौ दृष्ट्वा प्राप्तौ कृतकदंपती ॥ ज्ञात्वा किंचिद्विहस्याथ मेने गौरीमहेश्वरौ

tau ca viprasutau dṛṣṭvā prāptau kṛtakadaṁpatī jñātvā kiṁcidvihasyātha mene gaurīmaheśvarau

Seeing those two sons of brahmins arrived, having assumed the guise of a couple, and, having somewhat perceived the truth with a slight smile, she regarded them as Gauri and Maheshvara.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.101.34)

आवाह्य द्विजमुख्येषु देवदेवं सदाशिवम् ॥ पत्नीष्वावाहयामास सा देवीं जगदंबिकाम्

āvāhya dvijamukhyeṣu devadevaṁ sadāśivam patnīṣvāvāhayāmāsa sā devīṁ jagadaṁbikām

Having invoked the god of gods, Sadashiva, in the foremost of the brahmins, she invoked the goddess, mother of the universe, in their wives.

Verse 35 (skanda.3.101.35)

गन्धैर्माल्यैः सुरभिभिर्धूपैर्नीराजनैरपि ॥ अर्चयित्वा द्विजश्रेष्ठान्नमश्चक्रे समाहिता

gandhairmālyaiḥ surabhibhirdhūpairnīrājanairapi arcayitvā dvijaśreṣṭhānnamaścakre samāhitā

Having worshipped the excellent brahmins with fragrances, garlands, sweet incense, and arati lamps, she, composed in mind, bowed to them.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.101.36)

हिरण्मयेषु पात्रेषु पायसं घृतसंयुतम् ॥ शर्करामधुसंयुक्तं शाकैर्जुष्टं मनोरमैः

hiraṇmayeṣu pātreṣu pāyasaṁ ghṛtasaṁyutam śarkarāmadhusaṁyuktaṁ śākairjuṣṭaṁ manoramaiḥ

In golden vessels, she offered rice-pudding mixed with ghee, combined with sugar and honey, seasoned with delightful vegetables,

Verse 37 (skanda.3.101.37)

गंधशाल्योदनैर्हृद्यैर्मोदकापूपराशिभिः ॥ शष्क्रुलीभिश्च संयावैः कृसरैर्माषपक्वकैः

gaṁdhaśālyodanairhṛdyairmodakāpūparāśibhiḥ śaṣkrulībhiśca saṁyāvaiḥ kṛsarairmāṣapakvakaiḥ

with fragrant rice dishes, heaps of sweet balls and cakes, with fried sweets and confections, with khichari and cooked black-gram dishes,

Verse 38 (skanda.3.101.38)

तथान्यैरप्यसंख्यातैर्भक्ष्यैर्भोज्यैर्मनोरमैः ॥ सुगन्धैः स्वादुभिः सूपैः पानीयैरपि शीतलैः

tathānyairapyasaṁkhyātairbhakṣyairbhojyairmanoramaiḥ sugandhaiḥ svādubhiḥ sūpaiḥ pānīyairapi śītalaiḥ

and with countless other delightful foods and dishes, with fragrant and tasty soups, and with cool drinking water as well.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.101.39)

क्लृप्तमन्नं द्विजा -ग्र्येभ्यः सा भक्त्या पर्यवेषयत् ॥ दध्योदनं निरुपमं निवेद्य समतोषयत्

klṛptamannaṁ dvijā -gryebhyaḥ sā bhaktyā paryaveṣayat dadhyodanaṁ nirupamaṁ nivedya samatoṣayat

She served that prepared food to the foremost brahmins with devotion, and, having offered incomparable curd-rice, satisfied them.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.101.40)

भुक्तवत्सु द्विजाग्र्येषु स्वाचांतेषु नृपांगना ॥ प्रणम्य दत्त्वा तांबूलं दक्षिणां च यथार्हतः

bhuktavatsu dvijāgryeṣu svācāṁteṣu nṛpāṁganā praṇamya dattvā tāṁbūlaṁ dakṣiṇāṁ ca yathārhataḥ

When the foremost brahmins had eaten and rinsed their mouths, that royal lady, bowing, gave them betel and dakshina according to their worth.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.101.41)

धेनूर्हिरण्यवासांसि रत्नस्रग्भूषणानि च ॥ दत्त्वा भूयो नमस्कृत्य विससर्ज द्विजोत्तमान्

dhenūrhiraṇyavāsāṁsi ratnasragbhūṣaṇāni ca dattvā bhūyo namaskṛtya visasarja dvijottamān

Giving cows, gold, garments, jeweled garlands and ornaments, and bowing again, she took leave of the excellent brahmins.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.101.42)

तयोर्द्वयोर्भूसुरवर्यपुत्रयोरेकस्त्तया हैमवतीधियार्चितः ॥ एको महादेवधियाभिपूजितः कृतप्रणामौ ययतुस्तदाज्ञया

tayordvayorbhūsuravaryaputrayorekasttayā haimavatīdhiyārcitaḥ eko mahādevadhiyābhipūjitaḥ kṛtapraṇāmau yayatustadājñayā

Of those two sons of excellent brahmins, one was worshipped by her with the thought of the daughter of the Himalaya, the other honored with the thought of Mahadeva; having received her salutation, they departed at her command.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.101.43)

सा तु विस्मृतपुंभावा तस्मिन्नेव द्विजोत्तमे ॥ जातस्पृहा मदोत्सिक्ता कन्दर्पविवशाब्रवीत्

sā tu vismṛtapuṁbhāvā tasminneva dvijottame jātaspṛhā madotsiktā kandarpavivaśābravīt

But she, having forgotten his male nature, feeling desire for that very excellent brahmin, filled with intoxication, overcome by the god of love, spoke:

Verse 44 (skanda.3.101.44)

अंयि नाथ विशालाक्ष सर्वावयवसुन्दर ॥ तिष्ठतिष्ठ क्व वा यासि मां न पश्यसि ते प्रियाम्

aṁyi nātha viśālākṣa sarvāvayavasundara tiṣṭhatiṣṭha kva vā yāsi māṁ na paśyasi te priyām

"O lord, wide-eyed one, beautiful in every limb! Stay, stay, where are you going? Do you not see your beloved?

Verse 45 (skanda.3.101.45)

इदमग्रे वनं रम्यं सुपुष्पितमहाद्रुमम् ॥ अस्मिन्विहर्तुमिच्छामि त्वया सह यथासुखम्

idamagre vanaṁ ramyaṁ supuṣpitamahādrumam asminvihartumicchāmi tvayā saha yathāsukham

"Ahead here is a lovely forest with great trees in full bloom; in it I wish to sport with you at ease."

Verse 46 (skanda.3.101.46)

इत्थं तयोक्तमाकर्ण्य पुरोऽगच्छद्द्विजात्मजः ॥ विचिंत्य परिहासोक्तिं गच्छति स्म यथा पुरा

itthaṁ tayoktamākarṇya puro'gacchaddvijātmajaḥ viciṁtya parihāsoktiṁ gacchati sma yathā purā

Hearing these words spoken by her, the brahmin's son went on ahead, thinking it merely a jesting remark, walking on as before.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.101.47)

पुनरप्याह सा बाला तिष्ठतिष्ठ क्व यास्यसि॥ दुरुत्सहस्मरावेशां परिभोक्तुमुपेत्य माम्

punarapyāha sā bālā tiṣṭhatiṣṭha kva yāsyasi durutsahasmarāveśāṁ paribhoktumupetya mām

Again that girl said: "Stay, stay, where are you going? Overwhelmed by an unbearable onset of the god of love, come and enjoy me.

Verse 48 (skanda.3.101.48)

परिष्वजस्व मां कांतां पाययस्व तवाधरम् ॥ नाहं गंतुं समर्थास्मि स्मरबाणप्रपीडिता

pariṣvajasva māṁ kāṁtāṁ pāyayasva tavādharam nāhaṁ gaṁtuṁ samarthāsmi smarabāṇaprapīḍitā

"Embrace me, your beloved; let me drink your lower lip; I am unable to go on, tormented by the arrows of the god of love."

Verse 49 (skanda.3.101.49)

इत्थमश्रुतपूर्वां तां निशम्य परिशंकितः ॥ आयांतीं पृष्ठतो वीक्ष्य सहसा विस्मयं गतः

itthamaśrutapūrvāṁ tāṁ niśamya pariśaṁkitaḥ āyāṁtīṁ pṛṣṭhato vīkṣya sahasā vismayaṁ gataḥ

Hearing this unprecedented speech, he became suspicious; looking back at her approaching, he was suddenly filled with astonishment.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.101.50)

कैषा पद्मपलाशाक्षी पीनोन्नतपयोधरा ॥ कृशोदरी बृहच्छ्रोणी नवपल्लवकोमला

kaiṣā padmapalāśākṣī pīnonnatapayodharā kṛśodarī bṛhacchroṇī navapallavakomalā

"Who is this, lotus-petal-eyed, with full, high breasts, slender-waisted, broad-hipped, tender as a fresh sprout?

Verse 51 (skanda.3.101.51)

स एव मे सखा किन्नु जात एव वरांगना ॥ पृच्छाम्येनमतः सर्वमिति संचिन्त्य सोऽब्रवीत्

sa eva me sakhā kinnu jāta eva varāṁganā pṛcchāmyenamataḥ sarvamiti saṁcintya so'bravīt

"Can this really be my friend, now become an excellent woman? Let me ask him everything." Thus reflecting, he said:

Verse 52 (skanda.3.101.52)

किमपूर्व इवाभाषि सखे रूपगुणादिभिः ॥ अपूर्वं भाषसे वाक्यं कामिनीव समाकुला

kimapūrva ivābhāṣi sakhe rūpaguṇādibhiḥ apūrvaṁ bhāṣase vākyaṁ kāminīva samākulā

"Why do you speak so strangely, friend, in form and manner? You speak unprecedented words, as agitated as a woman in love.

Verse 53 (skanda.3.101.53)

यस्त्वं वेदपुराणज्ञो ब्रह्मचारी जितेंद्रियः ॥ सारस्वतात्मजः शांतः कथमेवं प्रभाषसे

yastvaṁ vedapurāṇajño brahmacārī jiteṁdriyaḥ sārasvatātmajaḥ śāṁtaḥ kathamevaṁ prabhāṣase

"You who know the Vedas and Puranas, a celibate student, self-controlled, son of Sarasvata, tranquil, how do you speak like this?"

Verse 54 (skanda.3.101.54)

इत्युक्ता सा पुनः प्राह नाहमस्मि पुमान्प्रभो ॥ नाम्ना सामवती बाला तवास्मि रतिदायिनी

ityuktā sā punaḥ prāha nāhamasmi pumānprabho nāmnā sāmavatī bālā tavāsmi ratidāyinī

Thus addressed, she spoke again: "I am not a man, my lord; I am a girl named Samavati, come to give you delight.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.101.55)

यदि ते संशयः कांत ममांगानि विलोकय ॥ इत्युक्तः सहसा मार्गे रहस्येनां व्यलोकयत्

yadi te saṁśayaḥ kāṁta mamāṁgāni vilokaya ityuktaḥ sahasā mārge rahasyenāṁ vyalokayat

"If you doubt it, beloved, look upon my limbs." Thus addressed, he suddenly, there on the path, examined her in secret.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.101.56)

तामकृत्रिमधम्मिल्लां जवनस्तनशोभिनीम् ॥ सुरूपां वीक्ष्य कामेन किंचिद्व्याकुलतामगात्

tāmakṛtrimadhammillāṁ javanastanaśobhinīm surūpāṁ vīkṣya kāmena kiṁcidvyākulatāmagāt

Beholding her natural hair, her firm and shapely breasts, her beautiful form, he became somewhat agitated by desire.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.101.57)

पुनः संस्तभ्य यत्नेन चेतसो विकृतिं बुधः ॥ मुहूर्तं विस्मयाविष्टो न किंचित्प्रत्यभाषत

punaḥ saṁstabhya yatnena cetaso vikṛtiṁ budhaḥ muhūrtaṁ vismayāviṣṭo na kiṁcitpratyabhāṣata

But again, restraining with effort the disturbance of his mind, the wise one, filled with astonishment for a moment, said nothing at all.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.101.58)

सामवत्युवाच ॥ गतस्ते संशयः कश्चित्तर्ह्यागच्छ भजस्व माम् ॥ पश्येदं विपिनं कांत परस्त्रीसुरतोचितम्

sāmavatyuvāca gataste saṁśayaḥ kaścittarhyāgaccha bhajasva mām paśyedaṁ vipinaṁ kāṁta parastrīsuratocitam

Samavati said: "Your doubt is now gone; then come, be devoted to me. See, this forest, beloved, is fit for love-making with another's wife."

Verse 59 (skanda.3.101.59)

सुमेधा उवाच ॥ मैवं कथय मर्यादां मा हिंसीर्मदमत्तवत् ॥ आवां विज्ञातशास्त्रार्थौ त्वमेवं भाषसे कथम्

sumedhā uvāca maivaṁ kathaya maryādāṁ mā hiṁsīrmadamattavat āvāṁ vijñātaśāstrārthau tvamevaṁ bhāṣase katham

Sumedha said: "Do not speak thus, do not violate propriety, do not act as if maddened; how can you, who know the meaning of the scriptures as I do, speak in this way?

Verse 60 (skanda.3.101.60)

अधीतस्य च शास्त्रस्य विवेकस्य कुलस्य च ॥ किमेष सदृशो धर्मो जारधर्मनिषेवणम्

adhītasya ca śāstrasya vivekasya kulasya ca kimeṣa sadṛśo dharmo jāradharmaniṣevaṇam

"Of studied scripture, of discernment, and of good family, is this conduct, the practice of adulterous love, fitting for these?

Verse 61 (skanda.3.101.61)

न त्वं स्त्री पुरुषो विद्वाञ्जानीह्यात्मानमात्मना ॥ अयं स्वयंकृतोऽनर्थ आवाभ्यां यद्विचेष्टितम्

na tvaṁ strī puruṣo vidvāñjānīhyātmānamātmanā ayaṁ svayaṁkṛto'nartha āvābhyāṁ yadviceṣṭitam

"You are not a woman, you are a learned man; know yourself by your own self. This calamity is self-inflicted, brought on by what we two have done.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.101.62)

वंचयित्वात्मपितरौ धूर्त्तराजानुशासनात् ॥ कृत्वा चानुचितं कर्म तस्यैतद्भुज्यते फलम्

vaṁcayitvātmapitarau dhūrttarājānuśāsanāt kṛtvā cānucitaṁ karma tasyaitadbhujyate phalam

"Having deceived our own fathers, by the deceitful command of a king, and having done an unbecoming deed, this is the fruit now being reaped of it.

Verse 63 (skanda.3.101.63)

सर्वं त्वनुचितं कर्म नृणां श्रेयोविनाशनम् ॥ यस्त्वं विप्रात्मजो विद्वान्गतः स्त्रीत्वं विगर्हितम्

sarvaṁ tvanucitaṁ karma nṛṇāṁ śreyovināśanam yastvaṁ viprātmajo vidvāngataḥ strītvaṁ vigarhitam

"Every unbecoming deed is the ruin of men's welfare; you, a learned son of a brahmin, have gone to this despicable state of womanhood.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.101.64)

मार्गं त्यक्त्वा गतोऽरण्यं नरो विध्येत कण्टकैः ॥ बलार्द्धिस्येत वा हिंस्रैर्यदा त्यक्तसमा गमः

mārgaṁ tyaktvā gato'raṇyaṁ naro vidhyeta kaṇṭakaiḥ balārddhisyeta vā hiṁsrairyadā tyaktasamā gamaḥ

"A man who leaves the road and goes into the forest is pierced by thorns, or is overpowered by wild, violent beasts, when he abandons the company of equals.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.101.65)

एवं विवेकमाश्रित्य तूष्णीमेहि स्वयं गृहम् ॥ देवद्विजप्रसादेन स्त्रीत्वं तव विलीयते

evaṁ vivekamāśritya tūṣṇīmehi svayaṁ gṛham devadvijaprasādena strītvaṁ tava vilīyate

"Thus, having resorted to discernment, go home quietly by yourself; by the grace of the gods and brahmins, your womanhood shall dissolve.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.101.66)

अथवा दैवयोगेन स्त्रीत्वमेव भवेत्तव ॥ पित्रा दत्ता मया साकं रंस्यसे वरवर्णिनि

athavā daivayogena strītvameva bhavettava pitrā dattā mayā sākaṁ raṁsyase varavarṇini

"Or else, should it be by the working of fate that your womanhood should remain, then, given by your father together with me, you shall enjoy pleasures, O fair one."

Verse 67 (skanda.3.101.67)

अहो चित्रमहो दुःखमहो पापबलं महत् ॥ अहो राज्ञः प्रभावोयं शिवाराधनसंभृतः

aho citramaho duḥkhamaho pāpabalaṁ mahat aho rājñaḥ prabhāvoyaṁ śivārādhanasaṁbhṛtaḥ

"Ah, how strange, ah, how sorrowful, ah, how great the power of sin! Ah, this is the power of the king, brought about through the worship of Shiva!"

Verse 68 (skanda.3.101.68)

इत्युक्ताप्यसकृत्तेन सा वधूरतिविह्वला ॥ बलेन तं समालिंग्य चुचुंबाधरपल्लवम्

ityuktāpyasakṛttena sā vadhūrativihvalā balena taṁ samāliṁgya cucuṁbādharapallavam

Though thus repeatedly addressed by him, that bride, utterly overwhelmed, forcibly embraced him and kissed his lower lip.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.101.69)

धर्षितोपि तया धीरः सुमेधा नूतनस्त्रियम् ॥ यत्नादानीय सदनं कृत्स्नं तत्र न्यवेदयत्

dharṣitopi tayā dhīraḥ sumedhā nūtanastriyam yatnādānīya sadanaṁ kṛtsnaṁ tatra nyavedayat

Though thus assaulted by her, the steadfast Sumedha, with effort, brought that transformed woman to his house and told the whole matter there.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.101.70)

तदाकर्ण्याथ तौ विप्रौ कुपितौ शोकविह्वलौ ॥ ताभ्यां सह कुमाराभ्यां वैदर्भांतिकमीयतुः

tadākarṇyātha tau viprau kupitau śokavihvalau tābhyāṁ saha kumārābhyāṁ vaidarbhāṁtikamīyatuḥ

Hearing this, those two brahmins, angered and overwhelmed with grief, went together with the two young men into the presence of the king of Vidarbha.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.101.71)

ततः सारस्वतः प्राह राजानं धूर्तचेष्टितम् ॥ राजन्ममात्मजं पश्य तव शासनयंत्रितम्

tataḥ sārasvataḥ prāha rājānaṁ dhūrtaceṣṭitam rājanmamātmajaṁ paśya tava śāsanayaṁtritam

Then Sarasvata spoke to the king of that deceitful conduct: "O king, behold my son, bound by your own command.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.101.72)

एतौ तवाज्ञावशगौ चक्रतुः कर्म गर्हितम् ॥ मत्पुत्रस्तत्फलं भुंक्ते स्त्रीत्वं प्राप्य जुगुप्सितम्

etau tavājñāvaśagau cakratuḥ karma garhitam matputrastatphalaṁ bhuṁkte strītvaṁ prāpya jugupsitam

"These two, subject to your order, performed this reprehensible deed; my son now reaps its fruit, having attained this loathsome state of womanhood.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.101.73)

अद्य मे संततिर्नष्टा निराशाः पितरो मम ॥ नापुत्रस्य हि लोकोस्ति लुप्तपिंडादिसंस्कृतेः

adya me saṁtatirnaṣṭā nirāśāḥ pitaro mama nāputrasya hi lokosti luptapiṁḍādisaṁskṛteḥ

"Today my lineage is destroyed; my ancestors are left without hope, for there is no world for one who is without a son, whose funeral rites and offerings have lapsed.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.101.74)

शिखोपवीतमजिनं मौजीं दंडं कमंडलुम् ॥ ब्रह्मचर्योचितं चिह्नं विहायेमां दशां गतः

śikhopavītamajinaṁ maujīṁ daṁḍaṁ kamaṁḍalum brahmacaryocitaṁ cihnaṁ vihāyemāṁ daśāṁ gataḥ

"Having abandoned the tuft of hair, the sacred thread, the deerskin, the girdle of munja grass, the staff, and the water-pot, the marks proper to a celibate student, he has come to this condition.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.101.75)

ब्रह्मसूत्रं च सावित्रीं स्नानं संध्यां जपार्चनम् ॥ विसृज्य स्त्रीत्वमाप्तोस्य का गतिर्वद पार्थिव

brahmasūtraṁ ca sāvitrīṁ snānaṁ saṁdhyāṁ japārcanam visṛjya strītvamāptosya kā gatirvada pārthiva

"Having given up the sacred thread, the Savitri mantra, bathing, the twilight prayers, and the recitation of worship, having attained womanhood, what fate awaits him, tell me, O king?

Verse 76 (skanda.3.101.76)

त्वया मे संततिर्नष्टा नष्टो वेदपथश्च मे ॥ एकात्मजस्य मे राजन्का गतिर्वद शाश्वती

tvayā me saṁtatirnaṣṭā naṣṭo vedapathaśca me ekātmajasya me rājankā gatirvada śāśvatī

"Because of you, my lineage is destroyed, and my path of the Vedas is destroyed too; I have but one son, O king, tell me, what eternal fate is his?"

Verse 77 (skanda.3.101.77)

इति सारस्वतेनोक्तं वाक्यमाकर्ण्य भूपतिः ॥ सीमंतिन्याः प्रभावेण विस्मयं परमं गतः

iti sārasvatenoktaṁ vākyamākarṇya bhūpatiḥ sīmaṁtinyāḥ prabhāveṇa vismayaṁ paramaṁ gataḥ

Hearing these words spoken by Sarasvata, the king, through the power of Simantini, was struck with the greatest astonishment.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.101.78)

अथ सर्वान्समाहूय महर्षीनमितद्युतीन्॥ प्रसाद्य प्रार्थयामास तस्य पुंस्त्वं महीपतिः

atha sarvānsamāhūya maharṣīnamitadyutīn prasādya prārthayāmāsa tasya puṁstvaṁ mahīpatiḥ

Then, summoning all the great sages of boundless splendor, that king, having appeased them, prayed for that boy's manhood to be restored.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.101.79)

तेऽबुवन्नथ पार्वत्याः शिवस्य च समीहितम् ॥ तद्भक्तानां च माहात्म्यं कोन्यथा कर्तुमीश्वरः

te'buvannatha pārvatyāḥ śivasya ca samīhitam tadbhaktānāṁ ca māhātmyaṁ konyathā kartumīśvaraḥ

They said: "This is the will of Parvati and of Shiva; who else could accomplish it, and the greatness of their devotees?"

Verse 80 (skanda.3.101.80)

अथ राजा भरद्वाजमादाय मुनिपुंगवम् ॥ ताभ्यां सह द्विजाग्र्याभ्यां तत्सुताभ्यां समन्वितः

atha rājā bharadvājamādāya munipuṁgavam tābhyāṁ saha dvijāgryābhyāṁ tatsutābhyāṁ samanvitaḥ

Then the king, taking with him Bharadvaja, foremost among sages, together with those two excellent brahmins and their two sons,

Verse 81 (skanda.3.101.81)

अंबिकाभवनं प्राप्य भरद्वाजोपदेशतः ॥ तां देवीं नियमैस्तीव्रैरुपास्ते स्म महानिशि

aṁbikābhavanaṁ prāpya bharadvājopadeśataḥ tāṁ devīṁ niyamaistīvrairupāste sma mahāniśi

reaching the temple of Ambika, on Bharadvaja's instruction, worshipped that goddess through the night with the most intense observances.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.101.82)

एवं त्रिरात्रं सुविसृष्टभोजनः स पार्वतीध्यान रतो महीपतिः ॥ सम्यक्प्रणामैर्विविधैश्च संस्तवैर्गौरीं प्रपन्नार्तिहरामतोषयत्

evaṁ trirātraṁ suvisṛṣṭabhojanaḥ sa pārvatīdhyāna rato mahīpatiḥ samyakpraṇāmairvividhaiśca saṁstavairgaurīṁ prapannārtiharāmatoṣayat

Thus for three nights, having renounced food, the king, devoted to meditation on Parvati, pleased Gauri, remover of the suffering of those who take refuge in her, with proper prostrations and various hymns of praise.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.101.83)

ततः प्रसन्ना सा देवी भक्तस्य पृथिवीपतेः ॥ स्वरूपं दर्शयामास चंद्रकोटिसमप्रभम्

tataḥ prasannā sā devī bhaktasya pṛthivīpateḥ svarūpaṁ darśayāmāsa caṁdrakoṭisamaprabham

Then that goddess, pleased with the king's devotion, showed her true form, radiant as a myriad moons.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.101.84)

अथाह गौरी राजानं किं ते ब्रूहि समीहितम् ॥ सोऽप्याह पुंस्त्वमेतस्य कृपया दीयतामिति

athāha gaurī rājānaṁ kiṁ te brūhi samīhitam so'pyāha puṁstvametasya kṛpayā dīyatāmiti

Then Gauri said to the king: "Tell me, what is your desire?" And he replied: "Grant, out of compassion, this one's manhood."

Verse 85 (skanda.3.101.85)

भूयोप्याह महादेवी मद्भक्तैः कर्म यत्कृतम् ॥ शक्यते नान्यथा कर्तुं वर्षायुतशतैरपि

bhūyopyāha mahādevī madbhaktaiḥ karma yatkṛtam śakyate nānyathā kartuṁ varṣāyutaśatairapi

The great goddess spoke again: "What is done by my devotees cannot be undone otherwise, even by a hundred thousand million years."

Verse 86 (skanda.3.101.86)

राजोवाच ॥ एकात्मजो हि विप्रोयं कर्मणा नष्टसंततिः ॥ कथं सुखं प्रपद्येत विना पुत्रेण तादृशः

rājovāca ekātmajo hi viproyaṁ karmaṇā naṣṭasaṁtatiḥ kathaṁ sukhaṁ prapadyeta vinā putreṇa tādṛśaḥ

The king said: "This brahmin has but one son, whose line is destroyed by this deed; how can such a man attain happiness without a son?"

Verse 87 (skanda.3.101.87)

देव्युवाच ॥ तस्यान्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति सुतोत्तमः ॥ विद्या विनयसंपन्नो दीर्घायुरमलाशयः

devyuvāca tasyānyo matprasādena bhaviṣyati sutottamaḥ vidyā vinayasaṁpanno dīrghāyuramalāśayaḥ

The goddess said: "By my grace, another excellent son shall be born to him, endowed with learning and humility, long-lived, and of pure intent.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.101.88)

एषा सामवती नाम सुता तस्य द्विजन्मनः ॥ भूत्वा सुमेधसः पत्नी कामभोगेन युज्यताम्

eṣā sāmavatī nāma sutā tasya dvijanmanaḥ bhūtvā sumedhasaḥ patnī kāmabhogena yujyatām

"This girl named Samavati, the daughter of that twice-born one, having become the wife of Sumedha, let her be united with him in the enjoyment of love."

Verse 89 (skanda.3.101.89)

इत्युक्त्वांतर्हिता देवी ते च राजपुरोगमाः ॥ गताः स्वंस्वं गृहं सर्वे चक्रुस्तच्छासने स्थितिम्

ityuktvāṁtarhitā devī te ca rājapurogamāḥ gatāḥ svaṁsvaṁ gṛhaṁ sarve cakrustacchāsane sthitim

Having said this, the goddess vanished; and those, headed by the king, all went to their own homes, and abided by her command.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.101.90)

सोपि सारस्वतो विप्रः पुत्रं पूर्वसुतो त्तमम् ॥ लेभे देव्याः प्रसादेन ह्यचिरादेव कालतः

sopi sārasvato vipraḥ putraṁ pūrvasuto ttamam lebhe devyāḥ prasādena hyacirādeva kālataḥ

That brahmin Sarasvata too, in time, quickly obtained a son even better than his first, by the grace of the goddess.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.101.91)

तां च सामवतीं कन्यां ददौ तस्मै सुमेधसे ॥ तौ दंपती चिरं कालं बुभुजाते परं सुखम्

tāṁ ca sāmavatīṁ kanyāṁ dadau tasmai sumedhase tau daṁpatī ciraṁ kālaṁ bubhujāte paraṁ sukham

And he gave that girl Samavati in marriage to Sumedha; those two, husband and wife, enjoyed the highest happiness for a long time.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.101.92)

सूत उवाच ॥ इत्येष शिवभक्तायाः सीमंतिन्या नृपस्त्रियाः ॥ प्रभावः कथितः शंभोर्माहात्म्यमपि वर्णितम्

sūta uvāca ityeṣa śivabhaktāyāḥ sīmaṁtinyā nṛpastriyāḥ prabhāvaḥ kathitaḥ śaṁbhormāhātmyamapi varṇitam

Suta said: Thus has been told the power of the devoted queen Simantini, and the glory of Shambhu has also been described.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.101.93)

भूयोपि शिवभक्तानां प्रभावं विस्मयावहम् ॥ समासाद्वर्णयिष्यामि श्रोतॄणां मंगलायनम्

bhūyopi śivabhaktānāṁ prabhāvaṁ vismayāvaham samāsādvarṇayiṣyāmi śrotṝṇāṁ maṁgalāyanam

I shall again describe, for the auspicious benefit of the listeners, the astonishing power of Shiva's devotees, in brief.