The Glory of Agastya-tirtha and the Quest for Kakshivan's Marriage

Verse 1 (skanda.3.16.1)

सूत उवाच। कुंडे हनुमतः स्नात्वा स्वयं रुद्रेण सेविते। अगस्तितीर्थं विप्रेंद्रास्ततो गच्छेत्समाहितः

sūta uvāca kuṁḍe hanumataḥ snātvā svayaṁ rudreṇa sevite agastitīrthaṁ vipreṁdrāstato gacchetsamāhitaḥ

Suta said: Having bathed in Hanuman's kunda, which is itself frequented by Rudra, one should then go, with a composed mind, O foremost of brahmins, to Agastya-tirtha.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.16.2)

एतद्विनिर्मितं तीर्थं साक्षाद्वै कुम्भयोनिना। प्रवर्तमाने कलहे पुरा वै मेरुविंध्ययोः

etadvinirmitaṁ tīrthaṁ sākṣādvai kumbhayoninā pravartamāne kalahe purā vai meruviṁdhyayoḥ

This tirtha was created directly by the pot-born sage (Agastya), when of old a quarrel arose between Meru and Vindhya.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.16.3)

निरुद्धभुवनाभोगो ववृधे विंध्यपर्वतः। तदा प्राणिषु सर्वेषु निरुच्छ्वासेषु देवताः

niruddhabhuvanābhogo vavṛdhe viṁdhyaparvataḥ tadā prāṇiṣu sarveṣu nirucchvāseṣu devatāḥ

The Vindhya mountain grew, blocking the expanse of the world; then, when all creatures were gasping for breath, the gods,

Verse 4 (skanda.3.16.4)

कैलासं पर्वतं गत्वा शंभवे तद्व्यजिज्ञपन्। तदा स पार्वतीपाणिग्रहणोत्सुककौतुकी

kailāsaṁ parvataṁ gatvā śaṁbhave tadvyajijñapan tadā sa pārvatīpāṇigrahaṇotsukakautukī

having gone to Mount Kailasa, informed Shambhu of this. At that time he, eager and curious for the taking of Parvati's hand in marriage,

Verse 5 (skanda.3.16.5)

प्रेषयित्वा वसिष्ठादीन्पार्वतीं याचितुं मुनीन्। कुंभज त्वं निगृह्णीष्व विंध्याद्रिमिति सोऽन्वशात्

preṣayitvā vasiṣṭhādīnpārvatīṁ yācituṁ munīn kuṁbhaja tvaṁ nigṛhṇīṣva viṁdhyādrimiti so'nvaśāt

having sent Vasishtha and other sages to ask for Parvati, commanded thus: "O pot-born one, you restrain Mount Vindhya."

Verse 6 (skanda.3.16.6)

ततः स कुम्भजः प्राह भगवंतं पिनाकिनम्। उद्वाहवेषं ते देव न द्रक्ष्येहं कथं विभो

tataḥ sa kumbhajaḥ prāha bhagavaṁtaṁ pinākinam udvāhaveṣaṁ te deva na drakṣyehaṁ kathaṁ vibho

Then that pot-born sage said to the illustrious wielder of the Pinaka: "O God, how shall I not see your wedding attire, O Lord?"

Verse 7 (skanda.3.16.7)

इति विज्ञापितः शंभुः पुनः कुंभजमब्रवीत्। कुंभजोद्वाहवेषं ते पार्वत्या सहितो ह्यहम्

iti vijñāpitaḥ śaṁbhuḥ punaḥ kuṁbhajamabravīt kuṁbhajodvāhaveṣaṁ te pārvatyā sahito hyaham

Thus addressed, Shambhu again said to the pot-born one: "O pot-born one, I, together with Parvati, in wedding attire,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.16.8)

वेदारण्ये महापुण्ये दर्शयिष्याम्यसंशयः। तद्गच्छ शीघ्रं विंध्याद्रिं निग्रहीतुं मुनीश्वर

vedāraṇye mahāpuṇye darśayiṣyāmyasaṁśayaḥ tadgaccha śīghraṁ viṁdhyādriṁ nigrahītuṁ munīśvara

shall without doubt show myself in the greatly holy Veda-forest. So go quickly, O lord of sages, to restrain Mount Vindhya."

Verse 9 (skanda.3.16.9)

एवमुक्तस्ततोगस्त्यो विन्ध्याद्रिं स निगृह्य च। पादाक्रमणमात्रेण समीकुर्वन्महीतलम्

evamuktastatogastyo vindhyādriṁ sa nigṛhya ca pādākramaṇamātreṇa samīkurvanmahītalam

Thus commanded, Agastya then restrained Mount Vindhya, levelling the surface of the earth by the mere striding of his foot.

Verse 10 (skanda.3.16.10)

चरित्वा दक्षि णान्देशान्गन्धमादनमन्वगात्। स विदित्वा महर्षिस्तु गन्धमादनवैभवम्

caritvā dakṣi ṇāndeśāngandhamādanamanvagāt sa viditvā maharṣistu gandhamādanavaibhavam

Having traversed the southern lands, he went on to Gandhamadana; and that great sage, having come to know the greatness of Gandhamadana,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.16.11)

तत्र तीर्थं महापुण्यं स्वनाम्ना निर्ममे मुनिः। लोपामुद्रासखस्तत्र वर्ततेऽद्यापि कुंभजः

tatra tīrthaṁ mahāpuṇyaṁ svanāmnā nirmame muniḥ lopāmudrāsakhastatra vartate'dyāpi kuṁbhajaḥ

created there a greatly holy tirtha under his own name. There the pot-born sage, the husband of Lopamudra, dwells even to this day.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.16.12)

तत्र स्नात्वा च पीत्वा च न भूयो जन्मभाग्भवेत्। इह लोके त्रिकालेपि तत्तीर्थसदृशं द्विजाः।

tatra snātvā ca pītvā ca na bhūyo janmabhāgbhavet iha loke trikālepi tattīrthasadṛśaṁ dvijāḥ

Bathing and drinking there, one is no longer subject to birth again. In this world, even in the three time-periods, O brahmins,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.16.13)

तीर्थं न विद्यते पुण्यं भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदम्। सर्वाभीष्टप्रदं नृणां यत्तीर्थस्नानवैभवात्

tīrthaṁ na vidyate puṇyaṁ bhuktimuktiphalapradam sarvābhīṣṭapradaṁ nṛṇāṁ yattīrthasnānavaibhavāt

there exists no other holy tirtha bestowing the fruit of enjoyment and liberation, granting all desires to men, such is the greatness of bathing at this tirtha.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.16.14)

सुदीर्घतमसः पुत्रः कक्षीवान्नाम नामतः। लेभे मनोरमां नाम स्वनयस्य सुतां प्रियाम्

sudīrghatamasaḥ putraḥ kakṣīvānnāma nāmataḥ lebhe manoramāṁ nāma svanayasya sutāṁ priyām

The son of Dirghatamas, named Kakshivan, obtained as his beloved the daughter of Svanaya named Manorama.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.16.15)

कक्षीवतः कथा सेयं पुण्यापापविनाशिनी। तां कथां वः प्रवक्ष्यामि तच्छृणुध्वं मुनीश्वराः।

kakṣīvataḥ kathā seyaṁ puṇyāpāpavināśinī tāṁ kathāṁ vaḥ pravakṣyāmi tacchṛṇudhvaṁ munīśvarāḥ

This story of Kakshivan is holy, destroying sin; I shall tell you that story - listen to it, O lords of sages.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.16.16)

अस्ति दीर्घतमा नाम मुनिः परमधार्मिकः। तस्य पुत्रः समभवत्कक्षीवानिति विश्रुतः

asti dīrghatamā nāma muniḥ paramadhārmikaḥ tasya putraḥ samabhavatkakṣīvāniti viśrutaḥ

There was a sage named Dirghatamas, supremely righteous; his son was renowned by the name Kakshivan.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.16.17)

उपनीतः स कक्षीवान्ब्रह्मचारी जितें द्रियः। वेदाभ्यासाय स गुरोः कुले वासमकल्पयत्

upanītaḥ sa kakṣīvānbrahmacārī jiteṁ driyaḥ vedābhyāsāya sa guroḥ kule vāsamakalpayat

That Kakshivan, invested with the sacred thread, a celibate student of controlled senses, took up residence in his teacher's house for the study of the Vedas.

Verse 18 (skanda.3.16.18)

उदंकस्य गुरोर्गेहे वसन्दीर्घतमःसुतः। सोऽध्येष्ट चतुरो वेदान्सांगाञ्छास्त्राणि षट् तथा

udaṁkasya gurorgehe vasandīrghatamaḥsutaḥ so'dhyeṣṭa caturo vedānsāṁgāñchāstrāṇi ṣaṭ tathā

Dwelling in the house of his teacher Udanka, the son of Dirghatamas studied the four Vedas with their limbs, and likewise the six auxiliary sciences,

Verse 19 (skanda.3.16.19)

इतिहासपुराणानि तथोपनिषदोऽपिच। उषित्वा षष्टिवर्षाणि कक्षीवान्गुरुसन्निधौ

itihāsapurāṇāni tathopaniṣado'pica uṣitvā ṣaṣṭivarṣāṇi kakṣīvāngurusannidhau

the Itihasas and Puranas, and also the Upanishads. Having dwelt sixty years in the presence of his teacher, Kakshivan,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.16.20)

प्रयास्यन्स्वगृहं विप्रा गुरवे दक्षि णामदात्। उवाच वै गुरुर्विद्वान्कक्षीवान्ब्रह्मवित्तमः

prayāsyansvagṛhaṁ viprā gurave dakṣi ṇāmadāt uvāca vai gururvidvānkakṣīvānbrahmavittamaḥ

about to depart for his own home, O brahmins, gave dakshina to his teacher. Then that learned teacher, most excellent knower of Brahman, spoke to Kakshivan.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.16.21)

कक्षीवानुवाच। अहं गृहं प्रयास्यामि कुर्वनुज्ञां महामुने। अवलोक्य कृपादृष्ट्या मां रक्षोदंक सांप्रतम्। उदंकस्त्वेव मुदितः कक्षीवंतमथाब्रवीत्

kakṣīvānuvāca ahaṁ gṛhaṁ prayāsyāmi kurvanujñāṁ mahāmune avalokya kṛpādṛṣṭyā māṁ rakṣodaṁka sāṁpratam udaṁkastveva muditaḥ kakṣīvaṁtamathābravīt

Kakshivan said: "I shall go home; grant me leave, O great sage. Looking upon me with a glance of compassion, protect me now, O Udanka." Udanka, delighted, then said to Kakshivan.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.16.22)

उदंक उवाच। अनुजानामि कक्षीवन्गच्छ त्वं स्वगृहं प्रति

udaṁka uvāca anujānāmi kakṣīvangaccha tvaṁ svagṛhaṁ prati

Udanka said: "I grant you leave, O Kakshivan; go to your own home.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.16.23)

उद्वाहार्थमुपायं ते वत्स वक्ष्यामि तच्छृणु। रामसेतुं प्रयाहि त्वं गंधमादनपर्वतम्

udvāhārthamupāyaṁ te vatsa vakṣyāmi tacchṛṇu rāmasetuṁ prayāhi tvaṁ gaṁdhamādanaparvatam

I shall tell you, O child, the means for your marriage; listen to it. Go to Rama's Setu, to Mount Gandhamadana.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.16.24)

तत्रागस्त्यकृतं तीर्थं सर्वाभीष्टप्रदा यकम्। भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं पुंसां सर्वपापनिबर्हणम्

tatrāgastyakṛtaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvābhīṣṭapradā yakam bhuktimuktipradaṁ puṁsāṁ sarvapāpanibarhaṇam

There exists a tirtha made by Agastya, which grants all desires, which bestows enjoyment and liberation upon men, which destroys all sin.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.16.25)

विद्यते स्नाहि तत्र त्वं सर्वमंगलसाधने। त्रिवर्षं वस तत्र त्वं नियमाचारसंयुतः

vidyate snāhi tatra tvaṁ sarvamaṁgalasādhane trivarṣaṁ vasa tatra tvaṁ niyamācārasaṁyutaḥ

Bathe there, in that accomplisher of every auspicious thing; dwell there for three years, observing your vows and conduct.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.16.26)

वर्षेषु त्रिषु यातेषु चतुर्थे वत्सरे ततः। निर्गमिष्यति मातंगः कश्चित्तीर्थोत्तमात्ततः

varṣeṣu triṣu yāteṣu caturthe vatsare tataḥ nirgamiṣyati mātaṁgaḥ kaścittīrthottamāttataḥ

When three years have passed, then in the fourth year an elephant will emerge from that excellent tirtha,

Verse 27 (skanda.3.16.27)

चतुर्दंतो महाकायः शरदभ्रसमच्छविः। तं गजं गिरिसंकाशं स्नात्वा तत्र समारुह

caturdaṁto mahākāyaḥ śaradabhrasamacchaviḥ taṁ gajaṁ girisaṁkāśaṁ snātvā tatra samāruha

four-tusked, of great body, with the hue of an autumn cloud. Having bathed there, mount that elephant, resembling a mountain.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.16.28)

आरुह्य तं गजं वत्स स्वनयस्य पुरीं व्रज। चतुर्दंतगजस्थं त्वां दृष्ट्वा शक्रमिवापरम्

āruhya taṁ gajaṁ vatsa svanayasya purīṁ vraja caturdaṁtagajasthaṁ tvāṁ dṛṣṭvā śakramivāparam

Having mounted that elephant, O child, go to the city of Svanaya. Seeing you seated upon the four-tusked elephant, resembling a second Indra,

Verse 29 (skanda.3.16.29)

राजर्षिः स्वनयो धीमान्हर्षव्याकुललोचनः। स्वकन्यायाः कृते दुःखं त्यजेदेव हृदिस्थितम्

rājarṣiḥ svanayo dhīmānharṣavyākulalocanaḥ svakanyāyāḥ kṛte duḥkhaṁ tyajedeva hṛdisthitam

the wise royal sage Svanaya, his eyes overwhelmed with joy, shall then give up the sorrow lodged in his heart on account of his daughter.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.16.30)

पुरा हि प्रतिजज्ञे सा तस्य पुत्री मनोरमा। चतुर्दंतं महाकायं गजं सर्वांगपांडुरम्

purā hi pratijajñe sā tasya putrī manoramā caturdaṁtaṁ mahākāyaṁ gajaṁ sarvāṁgapāṁḍuram

For his daughter Manorama had of old made a vow: whoever comes mounted upon a four-tusked elephant, of great body, white all over,

Verse 31 (skanda.3.16.31)

आरुह्य यः समागच्छेत्स मे भर्ता भवेदिति। स्वकन्यायाः प्रतिज्ञां तां समाकर्ण्य स भूपतिः।

āruhya yaḥ samāgacchetsa me bhartā bhavediti svakanyāyāḥ pratijñāṁ tāṁ samākarṇya sa bhūpatiḥ

he shall become my husband. Having heard that vow of his daughter, that lord of the earth,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.16.32)

दुःखाकुलमना भूत्वा सततं पर्यचिंतयत्। स्वनये चिंतयत्येवं नारदः समुपागमत्

duḥkhākulamanā bhūtvā satataṁ paryaciṁtayat svanaye ciṁtayatyevaṁ nāradaḥ samupāgamat

became troubled at heart with grief, and pondered constantly. While Svanaya was thus pondering, Narada arrived.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.16.33)

तमागतं मुनिं दृष्ट्वा राजर्षिरतिधार्मिकः। प्रत्युद्गम्य मुदा युक्तः पाद्यार्घ्याद्यैरपूजयत्

tamāgataṁ muniṁ dṛṣṭvā rājarṣiratidhārmikaḥ pratyudgamya mudā yuktaḥ pādyārghyādyairapūjayat

Seeing that sage arrived, the exceedingly righteous royal sage rose to receive him and, filled with joy, honoured him with the offerings of water for the feet, arghya, and the like.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.16.34)

प्रणम्य नारदं राजा वचनं चेदमब्रवीत्। कन्येयं मम देवर्षे प्रतिज्ञामकरोत्पुरा

praṇamya nāradaṁ rājā vacanaṁ cedamabravīt kanyeyaṁ mama devarṣe pratijñāmakarotpurā

Having bowed to Narada, the king spoke these words: "O divine sage, this daughter of mine made a vow long ago:

Verse 35 (skanda.3.16.35)

चतु र्दंतं महाकायं गजं सर्वांगपांडुरम्। आरुह्य यः समागच्छेत्स मे भर्ता भवेदिति

catu rdaṁtaṁ mahākāyaṁ gajaṁ sarvāṁgapāṁḍuram āruhya yaḥ samāgacchetsa me bhartā bhavediti

'Whoever comes mounted upon a four-tusked elephant, of great body, white all over, he shall become my husband.'

Verse 36 (skanda.3.16.36)

चतुर्दंतो महाकायो गजः सर्वांगपांडुरः। संभवेदिंद्रभवने भूतले नैव विद्यते

caturdaṁto mahākāyo gajaḥ sarvāṁgapāṁḍuraḥ saṁbhavediṁdrabhavane bhūtale naiva vidyate

A four-tusked elephant of great body, white all over, could only exist in Indra's abode - it does not exist on this earth.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.16.37)

इयं च दुस्तरामेनां प्रतिज्ञां बालिशाऽकरोत्। इयं प्रतिज्ञातितरां सततं बाधते हि माम्

iyaṁ ca dustarāmenāṁ pratijñāṁ bāliśā'karot iyaṁ pratijñātitarāṁ satataṁ bādhate hi mām

This foolish girl has made this vow, impossible to fulfil. This vow constantly and exceedingly torments me.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.16.38)

अनूढा हि पितुः कन्या सर्वदा शोकमावहेत्। इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा स्वनये नारदोऽब्रवीत्

anūḍhā hi pituḥ kanyā sarvadā śokamāvahet iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā svanaye nārado'bravīt

For an unmarried daughter is a source of grief to her father at all times." Having heard his words, Narada said to Svanaya:

Verse 39 (skanda.3.16.39)

मा विषीदस्व राजर्षे तस्या ईदृग्विधः पतिः। भविष्यत्यचिरादेव पृथिव्यां ब्राह्मणोत्तमः

mā viṣīdasva rājarṣe tasyā īdṛgvidhaḥ patiḥ bhaviṣyatyacirādeva pṛthivyāṁ brāhmaṇottamaḥ

"Do not grieve, O royal sage; a husband of just such a kind shall soon be hers - the best of brahmins on this earth,

Verse 40 (skanda.3.16.40)

कक्षीवानिति विख्यातो जामाता ते भविष्यति। इत्युक्त्वा नारदमुनिर्ययावाकाशमार्गतः

kakṣīvāniti vikhyāto jāmātā te bhaviṣyati ityuktvā nāradamuniryayāvākāśamārgataḥ

renowned by the name Kakshivan, shall become your son-in-law." Having said this, the sage Narada departed by the path of the sky.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.16.41)

स्व नयस्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा नारदेन प्रभाषितम्। आकांक्षते दिवारात्रं तादृग्विधसमागमम्

sva nayastadvacaḥ śrutvā nāradena prabhāṣitam ākāṁkṣate divārātraṁ tādṛgvidhasamāgamam

Svanaya, having heard those words spoken by Narada, longed day and night for such a union.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.16.42)

अतः सौम्य महाभाग कक्षीवन्बालतापस। अगस्त्यतीर्थमद्य त्वं स्नातुं गच्छ त्वरान्वितः

ataḥ saumya mahābhāga kakṣīvanbālatāpasa agastyatīrthamadya tvaṁ snātuṁ gaccha tvarānvitaḥ

"Therefore, O gentle, greatly fortunate Kakshivan, young ascetic, go quickly today to bathe at Agastya-tirtha.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.16.43)

सर्वमंगलसिद्धिस्ते भविष्यति न संशयः। उदंकेनैवमुक्तोऽथ कक्षीवान्द्विजपुंगवः

sarvamaṁgalasiddhiste bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ udaṁkenaivamukto'tha kakṣīvāndvijapuṁgavaḥ

The accomplishment of every auspicious thing shall be yours - there is no doubt of it." Thus addressed by Udanka, Kakshivan, that foremost of brahmins,

Verse 44 (skanda.3.16.44)

अनु ज्ञातश्च गुरुणा प्रययौ गंधमादनम्। संप्राप्यागस्त्यतीर्थं च तत्र सस्नौ जितेंद्रियः

anu jñātaśca guruṇā prayayau gaṁdhamādanam saṁprāpyāgastyatīrthaṁ ca tatra sasnau jiteṁdriyaḥ

having received leave from his teacher, set out for Gandhamadana; and, having reached Agastya-tirtha, he bathed there, his senses controlled.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.16.45)

क्षेत्रोपवासमकरोद्दिनमेकं मुनीश्वरः। अपरेद्युः पुनः स्नात्वा पारणामकरोद्द्विजः

kṣetropavāsamakaroddinamekaṁ munīśvaraḥ aparedyuḥ punaḥ snātvā pāraṇāmakaroddvijaḥ

That lord of sages kept a fast in that sacred field for one day; the next day, having bathed again, that brahmin broke his fast.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.16.46)

रात्रौ तत्रैव सुष्वाप कक्षीवान्धर्मतत्परः। एवं नियमयुक्तस्य तस्य कक्षीवतो मुनेः

rātrau tatraiva suṣvāpa kakṣīvāndharmatatparaḥ evaṁ niyamayuktasya tasya kakṣīvato muneḥ

At night he slept right there, that Kakshivan devoted to dharma. Thus, for that sage Kakshivan, observing his vows,

Verse 47 (skanda.3.16.47)

एकेन दिवसे नोनं वर्षत्रयमथागमत्। अथ वर्षत्रयस्यांते तस्मिन्नेव दिने मुनिः

ekena divase nonaṁ varṣatrayamathāgamat atha varṣatrayasyāṁte tasminneva dine muniḥ

three years passed, short by a single day. Then, at the end of those three years, on that very day, the sage,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.16.48)

अन्वास्य पश्चिमां संध्यां सुखं सुष्वाप तत्तटे। याममात्रावशिष्टायां विभावर्यां महाध्वनिः

anvāsya paścimāṁ saṁdhyāṁ sukhaṁ suṣvāpa tattaṭe yāmamātrāvaśiṣṭāyāṁ vibhāvaryāṁ mahādhvaniḥ

having performed the evening twilight rites, slept happily on that bank. When only a watch of the night remained, a great sound

Verse 49 (skanda.3.16.49)

उदभूत्प्रलयांभोधिवीचिकोलाहलोपमः। तेन शब्देन महता कक्षीवान्प्रत्यबुध्यत

udabhūtpralayāṁbhodhivīcikolāhalopamaḥ tena śabdena mahatā kakṣīvānpratyabudhyata

arose, like the tumult of the waves of the ocean of dissolution. By that great sound, Kakshivan awoke.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.16.50)

ततस्तु स्वनयो नाम राजा सानुचरो बली। मृगयाकौतुकी तत्र मधुरापतिराययौ

tatastu svanayo nāma rājā sānucaro balī mṛgayākautukī tatra madhurāpatirāyayau

Then the powerful king named Svanaya, lord of Madhura, curious for hunting, arrived there with his followers.

Verse 51 (skanda.3.16.51)

विनिघ्नन्स गजान्सिंहान्वराहान्महिषान्नुरून्। अन्यान्मृगविशेषांश्च स राजा न्यवधीच्छरैः

vinighnansa gajānsiṁhānvarāhānmahiṣānnurūn anyānmṛgaviśeṣāṁśca sa rājā nyavadhīccharaiḥ

Slaying elephants, lions, boars, buffaloes, and deer, and other particular kinds of wild animals, that king killed them with his arrows.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.16.52)

सामात्यो मृगयासक्तो रथवाजिगजैर्युतः। अगस्त्यतीर्थसविधमाससाद भटान्वितः

sāmātyo mṛgayāsakto rathavājigajairyutaḥ agastyatīrthasavidhamāsasāda bhaṭānvitaḥ

Together with his ministers, absorbed in the hunt, furnished with chariots, horses, and elephants, he reached the vicinity of Agastya-tirtha, accompanied by his warriors.

Verse 53 (skanda.3.16.53)

स राजा मृगयाश्रांतः श्रांतसैनिकसंवृतः। तत्तीर्थतीरप्रांतेषु निषसाद महीपतिः

sa rājā mṛgayāśrāṁtaḥ śrāṁtasainikasaṁvṛtaḥ tattīrthatīraprāṁteṣu niṣasāda mahīpatiḥ

That king, wearied by the hunt, surrounded by his weary soldiers, that lord of the earth sat down on the edge of the bank of that tirtha.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.16.54)

ततः प्रभाते विमले कक्षी वान्मुनिसत्तमः। अगस्त्यतीर्थे स्नात्वाऽसौ संध्यां पूर्वामुपास्य च

tataḥ prabhāte vimale kakṣī vānmunisattamaḥ agastyatīrthe snātvā'sau saṁdhyāṁ pūrvāmupāsya ca

Then, at clear dawn, that best of sages, Kakshivan, having bathed at Agastya-tirtha and performed the morning twilight rites,

Verse 55 (skanda.3.16.55)

तस्य तीरे जपन्मत्रांस्तस्थौ नियमसंयुतः। अत्रांतरे तीर्थवराद्गज एको विनिर्ययौ

tasya tīre japanmatrāṁstasthau niyamasaṁyutaḥ atrāṁtare tīrthavarādgaja eko viniryayau

remained on its bank, reciting mantras, observing his vows. Meanwhile, an elephant emerged from that excellent tirtha,

Verse 56 (skanda.3.16.56)

चतुर्दंतो महाकायः कैलास इव मूर्तिमान्। स समुत्थाय तत्तीर्थादगात्कक्षीवदंतिकम्

caturdaṁto mahākāyaḥ kailāsa iva mūrtimān sa samutthāya tattīrthādagātkakṣīvadaṁtikam

four-tusked, of great body, like Mount Kailasa in embodied form. Having risen up from that tirtha, it went to the presence of Kakshivan.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.16.57)

तमागतमुदंकोक्त लक्षणैरुपलक्षितम्। तदा निरीक्ष्य कक्षीवानारोढुं स्नानमातनोत्

tamāgatamudaṁkokta lakṣaṇairupalakṣitam tadā nirīkṣya kakṣīvānāroḍhuṁ snānamātanot

Having beheld that elephant arrived, marked with the signs told by Udanka, Kakshivan then performed his bath in order to mount it.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.16.58)

नमस्कृत्य च तत्तीर्थं श्लाघमानो मुहुर्मुहुः। आरुरोह च कक्षीवांश्चतुर्दंतं महागजम्

namaskṛtya ca tattīrthaṁ ślāghamāno muhurmuhuḥ āruroha ca kakṣīvāṁścaturdaṁtaṁ mahāgajam

Having bowed to that tirtha and praising it again and again, Kakshivan then mounted the great four-tusked elephant.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.16.59)

आरुह्य तं चतुर्दंतं रजताचलसंनिभम्। स्वनयस्य पुरीमेव कक्षीवान्गंतुमैच्छत

āruhya taṁ caturdaṁtaṁ rajatācalasaṁnibham svanayasya purīmeva kakṣīvāngaṁtumaicchata

Having mounted that four-tusked elephant, resembling the silver mountain (Kailasa), Kakshivan wished to go straight to the city of Svanaya.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.16.60)

तमारूढं चतुर्दंतं श्वेतदंतावलोत्तमम्। स वीक्ष्य निश्चिकायैनं कक्षीवानिति भूपतिः

tamārūḍhaṁ caturdaṁtaṁ śvetadaṁtāvalottamam sa vīkṣya niścikāyainaṁ kakṣīvāniti bhūpatiḥ

Seeing him mounted upon that best of white-tusked, four-tusked elephants, that king recognised him as Kakshivan.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.16.61)

प्रसन्नहृदयो राजा तस्यांतिकमुपागमत्। तदाभ्याशमुपागम्य कक्षीवंतं नृपोऽब्रवीत्

prasannahṛdayo rājā tasyāṁtikamupāgamat tadābhyāśamupāgamya kakṣīvaṁtaṁ nṛpo'bravīt

The king, glad at heart, approached him; having drawn near, the king spoke to Kakshivan.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.16.62)

स्वनय उवाच। त्वं ब्रह्मन्कस्य पुत्रोऽसि नाम किं तव मे वद। गजमेनं समारुह्य कुत्र वा गन्तुमिच्छसि। स्वनयेनैवमुक्तस्तु कक्षीवान्वाक्यमब्रवीत्

svanaya uvāca tvaṁ brahmankasya putro'si nāma kiṁ tava me vada gajamenaṁ samāruhya kutra vā gantumicchasi svanayenaivamuktastu kakṣīvānvākyamabravīt

Svanaya said: "O brahmin, whose son are you? Tell me your name. And mounted upon this elephant, where do you wish to go?" Thus addressed by Svanaya, Kakshivan spoke these words.

Verse 63 (skanda.3.16.63)

कक्षीवानुवाच। पुत्रोऽहं दीर्घतमसः कक्षीवानिति विश्रुतः

kakṣīvānuvāca putro'haṁ dīrghatamasaḥ kakṣīvāniti viśrutaḥ

Kakshivan said: "I am the son of Dirghatamas, renowned by the name Kakshivan.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.16.64)

स्वनयस्य तु राजर्षेर्गच्छामि नगरं प्रति। अहमुद्वोढुमिच्छामि तस्य कन्या मनोरमाम्

svanayasya tu rājarṣergacchāmi nagaraṁ prati ahamudvoḍhumicchāmi tasya kanyā manoramām

I am going to the city of the royal sage Svanaya; I wish to marry his daughter Manorama.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.16.65)

चतुर्दंतगजारूढस्तत्प्रतिज्ञां च पूरयन्। स्वनयस्य सुतापाणिं ग्रहीष्यामि नराधिप

caturdaṁtagajārūḍhastatpratijñāṁ ca pūrayan svanayasya sutāpāṇiṁ grahīṣyāmi narādhipa

Mounted upon this four-tusked elephant, fulfilling her vow, I shall take the hand of Svanaya's daughter, O king."

Verse 66 (skanda.3.16.66)

तद्भाषितं समाकर्ण्य श्रोत्रपीयूषवर्षणम्। हर्षसंफुल्लनयनः स्वनयो वाक्यम ब्रवीत्

tadbhāṣitaṁ samākarṇya śrotrapīyūṣavarṣaṇam harṣasaṁphullanayanaḥ svanayo vākyama bravīt

Hearing those words, a shower of nectar to his ears, Svanaya, his eyes blossoming with joy, spoke these words:

Verse 67 (skanda.3.16.67)

कक्षीवन्भोः कृतार्थोस्मि स एव स्वनयो ह्यहम्। उद्वोढुमिच्छति भवान्यस्य कन्यां मनोरमाम्

kakṣīvanbhoḥ kṛtārthosmi sa eva svanayo hyaham udvoḍhumicchati bhavānyasya kanyāṁ manoramām

"O Kakshivan, I am indeed blessed - I am that very Svanaya whose daughter Manorama you wish to marry.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.16.68)

स्वागतं ते मुनिश्रेष्ठ कक्षीवन्बालतापस। मम कन्यां गृहाण त्वं तपोधन मनोरमाम्

svāgataṁ te muniśreṣṭha kakṣīvanbālatāpasa mama kanyāṁ gṛhāṇa tvaṁ tapodhana manoramām

Welcome to you, O foremost of sages, Kakshivan, young ascetic. Accept my daughter Manorama, O wealthy in austerity.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.16.69)

तया सह चरन्धर्मान्गार्हस्थ्यं प्रतिपालय। राज्ञोक्तः स तदोवाच कक्षीवान्धर्मतत्परः। राजानं स्वनयं प्रीतं मधुरापुरवासिनम्

tayā saha carandharmāngārhasthyaṁ pratipālaya rājñoktaḥ sa tadovāca kakṣīvāndharmatatparaḥ rājānaṁ svanayaṁ prītaṁ madhurāpuravāsinam

Practising the duties of dharma together with her, maintain the householder's life." Thus addressed by the king, Kakshivan, devoted to dharma, then spoke to the delighted King Svanaya, the lord of Madhura city.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.16.70)

कक्षीवानुवाच। पिता दीर्घतमानाम वेदारण्ये मम प्रभो।

kakṣīvānuvāca pitā dīrghatamānāma vedāraṇye mama prabho

Kakshivan said: "My father, named Dirghatamas, O lord, dwells in the Veda-forest,

Verse 71 (skanda.3.16.71)

आस्ते तपश्चरन्सौम्यो नियमाचारतत्परः। तस्यांतिकं प्रेषय त्वं विप्रमेकं धरापते

āste tapaścaransaumyo niyamācāratatparaḥ tasyāṁtikaṁ preṣaya tvaṁ vipramekaṁ dharāpate

gentle, practising austerity, devoted to vows and observances. Send to him, O lord of the earth, a single brahmin.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.16.72)

तथोक्तः स तदा राजा स्वनयो हृष्टमा नसः। अनेकसेनया सार्धं प्राहिणोत्स्वपुरोधसम्

tathoktaḥ sa tadā rājā svanayo hṛṣṭamā nasaḥ anekasenayā sārdhaṁ prāhiṇotsvapurodhasam

Thus addressed, King Svanaya, glad at heart, sent his own chief priest together with a great army,

Verse 73 (skanda.3.16.73)

विप्रं सुदर्शनं नाम वेदारण्यस्थलं प्रति। सुदर्शनः समादिष्टः स्वनयेन नृपेण सः

vipraṁ sudarśanaṁ nāma vedāraṇyasthalaṁ prati sudarśanaḥ samādiṣṭaḥ svanayena nṛpeṇa saḥ

that brahmin named Sudarshana, toward the region of the Veda-forest. That Sudarshana, thus instructed by King Svanaya,

Verse 74 (skanda.3.16.74)

महत्या सेनया सार्धं प्रययौ वेदकाननम्। तत्रोटजे समासीन तं दीर्घतमसं मुनिम्

mahatyā senayā sārdhaṁ prayayau vedakānanam tatroṭaje samāsīna taṁ dīrghatamasaṁ munim

set out together with a great army for the Veda-forest. There he saw the sage Dirghatamas, seated in his hut,

Verse 75 (skanda.3.16.75)

तपश्चरतमासीनं ध्यायन्वेदाटवी पतिम्। पुरोहितो ददर्शाथ जपंतं मंत्रमुत्तमम्

tapaścaratamāsīnaṁ dhyāyanvedāṭavī patim purohito dadarśātha japaṁtaṁ maṁtramuttamam

practising austerity, meditating, the lord of the Veda-forest, reciting the supreme mantra. The chief priest saw him thus.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.16.76)

प्रणाममकरोत्तस्मै मुनये स सुदर्शनः। उवाच दीर्घतमसं मुनिं प्रह्लादयन्निव

praṇāmamakarottasmai munaye sa sudarśanaḥ uvāca dīrghatamasaṁ muniṁ prahlādayanniva

That Sudarshana made obeisance to that sage, and spoke to the sage Dirghatamas as though gladdening him:

Verse 77 (skanda.3.16.77)

सुदर्शन उवाच। कच्चित्ते कुशलं ब्रह्मन्कच्चित्ते वर्धते तपः। आश्रमे कुशलं कच्चित्कच्चिद्धर्मे सुखं वद

sudarśana uvāca kaccitte kuśalaṁ brahmankaccitte vardhate tapaḥ āśrame kuśalaṁ kaccitkacciddharme sukhaṁ vada

Sudarshana said: "I hope all is well with you, O brahmin; I hope your austerity is increasing. I hope all is well in your ashrama; tell me, is there happiness in the practice of dharma?"

Verse 78 (skanda.3.16.78)

पृष्टः सुदर्शनेनैवं मुनिर्दीर्घतमास्तदा। सुदर्शनमुवाचेदमर्घ्यादिविधिपूर्वकम्

pṛṣṭaḥ sudarśanenaivaṁ munirdīrghatamāstadā sudarśanamuvācedamarghyādividhipūrvakam

Thus questioned by Sudarshana, the sage Dirghatamas then, having duly offered arghya and the like, spoke this to Sudarshana:

Verse 79 (skanda.3.16.79)

दीर्घतमा उवाच। सर्वत्र कुशलं ब्रह्मन्सुदर्शन महामते। मम वेदाटवीनाथकृपया नाशुभं क्वचित्

dīrghatamā uvāca sarvatra kuśalaṁ brahmansudarśana mahāmate mama vedāṭavīnāthakṛpayā nāśubhaṁ kvacit

Dirghatamas said: "All is well everywhere, O wise brahmin Sudarshana; by the grace of the lord of the Veda-forest nothing inauspicious befalls me anywhere.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.16.80)

तवापि कुशलं ब्रह्मन्किं सुखागमनं तथा। किंवाऽऽगमनकार्यं ते सुदर्शन ममाश्रमे

tavāpi kuśalaṁ brahmankiṁ sukhāgamanaṁ tathā kiṁvā''gamanakāryaṁ te sudarśana mamāśrame

Is it well with you too, O brahmin? Was your journey a pleasant one? And what, O Sudarshana, is the purpose of your coming to my ashrama?

Verse 81 (skanda.3.16.81)

स्वनयस्य पुरोधास्त्वं खलु वेदविदांवरः। तं विहाय महाराज मधुरापुरवासिनम्

svanayasya purodhāstvaṁ khalu vedavidāṁvaraḥ taṁ vihāya mahārāja madhurāpuravāsinam

You are indeed the chief priest of Svanaya, foremost among knowers of the Veda; having left that great king, resident of Madhura city,

Verse 82 (skanda.3.16.82)

महत्या सेनया सार्धं किमर्थं त्वमिहागतः। इत्युक्तो दीर्घतमसा तदानीं स सुदर्शनः

mahatyā senayā sārdhaṁ kimarthaṁ tvamihāgataḥ ityukto dīrghatamasā tadānīṁ sa sudarśanaḥ

why have you come here together with a great army?" Thus addressed by Dirghatamas, Sudarshana then

Verse 83 (skanda.3.16.83)

उवाच तं महात्मानं मुनिं ज्वलिततेजसम्। सर्वत्र मे सुखं ब्रह्मन्भवतः कृपया सदा

uvāca taṁ mahātmānaṁ muniṁ jvalitatejasam sarvatra me sukhaṁ brahmanbhavataḥ kṛpayā sadā

spoke to that great-souled sage of blazing splendour: "All is well with me everywhere, O brahmin, by your grace always.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.16.84)

भगवन्स्व नयो राजा साष्टांगं प्रणिपत्य तु। त्वां प्राह प्रश्रितं वाक्यं मन्मुखेन शृणुष्व तत्

bhagavansva nayo rājā sāṣṭāṁgaṁ praṇipatya tu tvāṁ prāha praśritaṁ vākyaṁ manmukhena śṛṇuṣva tat

O lord, King Svanaya, having bowed with all eight limbs to the ground, addresses this humble message to you through my mouth - listen to it.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.16.85)

स्वनय उवाच। कक्षीवांस्ते सुतो ब्रह्म न्गंधमादनपर्वते। स्नानं कुर्वन्नगस्त्यस्य तीर्थे संप्रति वर्तते

svanaya uvāca kakṣīvāṁste suto brahma ngaṁdhamādanaparvate snānaṁ kurvannagastyasya tīrthe saṁprati vartate

Svanaya says: 'O brahmin, your son Kakshivan, having bathed on Mount Gandhamadana, is now present at Agastya's tirtha.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.16.86)

तस्य रूपं तपो धर्ममाचारान्वैदिकांस्तथा। वेदशास्त्रप्रवीणत्वमाभि जात्यं च तादृशम्

tasya rūpaṁ tapo dharmamācārānvaidikāṁstathā vedaśāstrapravīṇatvamābhi jātyaṁ ca tādṛśam

Having come to know his beauty, his austerity, his righteousness, his Vedic conduct, his proficiency in the Vedas and scriptures, and his such noble birth -

Verse 87 (skanda.3.16.87)

लोकोत्तरमिदं सर्वं विज्ञाय तव नंदने। मनोरमां सुतां तस्मै दातुमिच्छाम्यहं मुने

lokottaramidaṁ sarvaṁ vijñāya tava naṁdane manoramāṁ sutāṁ tasmai dātumicchāmyahaṁ mune

all this exceeding the ordinary in your son - I wish to give my daughter Manorama to him, O sage.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.16.88)

मृगयाकौतुकी चाहं गंधमादनपर्वतम्। आगतो मुनिशार्दूल वर्त्ते युष्मत्सुतांतिके

mṛgayākautukī cāhaṁ gaṁdhamādanaparvatam āgato muniśārdūla vartte yuṣmatsutāṁtike

Curious for hunting, I came to Mount Gandhamadana, O tiger among sages, and am now near your son.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.16.89)

पित्रनुज्ञां विना नाहमुद्वहेयं सुतां तव। इति ब्रूते तव सुतः कक्षीवान्मुनिस त्तम

pitranujñāṁ vinā nāhamudvaheyaṁ sutāṁ tava iti brūte tava sutaḥ kakṣīvānmunisa ttama

"Without my father's permission I shall not marry your daughter" - thus says your son Kakshivan, O best of sages.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.16.90)

तद्भावां मत्सुतां तस्मै दातुं मेऽनुग्रहं कुरु। प्रैषयं च समीपं ते सेनया च सुदर्शनम्

tadbhāvāṁ matsutāṁ tasmai dātuṁ me'nugrahaṁ kuru praiṣayaṁ ca samīpaṁ te senayā ca sudarśanam

Therefore, do me the favour of allowing me to give my daughter to him. I have accordingly sent Sudarshana, with an army, to you.'"

Verse 91 (skanda.3.16.91)

सुदर्शन उवाच। इति मां भगवन्राजा प्राहिणोत्तव सन्निधिम्। तद्भवाननुमन्यस्व राज्ञस्तस्य चिकीर्षितम्

sudarśana uvāca iti māṁ bhagavanrājā prāhiṇottava sannidhim tadbhavānanumanyasva rājñastasya cikīrṣitam

Sudarshana said: "Thus, O venerable one, the king has sent me into your presence; therefore be pleased to assent to what that king wishes to do."

Verse 92 (skanda.3.16.92)

श्रीसूत उवाच। इत्युक्त्वा विररामाथ स्वनयस्य पुरोहितः। ततो दीर्घतमाः प्राह स्वनयस्य पुरोहितम्

śrīsūta uvāca ityuktvā virarāmātha svanayasya purohitaḥ tato dīrghatamāḥ prāha svanayasya purohitam

Suta said: Having said this, Svanaya's chief priest fell silent. Then Dirghatamas spoke to Svanaya's chief priest:

Verse 93 (skanda.3.16.93)

दीर्घतमा उवाच। सुदर्शन भवत्वेवं कथितं स्वनयेन यत्। ममाभीष्टतमं ह्येतत्पाणिग्रहणमंगलम्

dīrghatamā uvāca sudarśana bhavatvevaṁ kathitaṁ svanayena yat mamābhīṣṭatamaṁ hyetatpāṇigrahaṇamaṁgalam

Dirghatamas said: "O Sudarshana, let it be so, as has been said by Svanaya; this auspicious marriage is indeed most desired by me.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.16.94)

आगमिष्याम्यहं विप्र गन्धमादनपर्वतम्। इत्युक्त्वा स मुनिर्विप्रा महादीर्घतमा मुनिः

āgamiṣyāmyahaṁ vipra gandhamādanaparvatam ityuktvā sa munirviprā mahādīrghatamā muniḥ

I shall myself come to Mount Gandhamadana, O brahmin." Having said this, that great sage Dirghatamas, O brahmins,

Verse 95 (skanda.3.16.95)

वेदाटवीपतिं नत्वा भक्तिप्रवणचेतसा। सुदर्शनेन सहितः सेतुमुद्दिश्य निर्ययौ

vedāṭavīpatiṁ natvā bhaktipravaṇacetasā sudarśanena sahitaḥ setumuddiśya niryayau

having bowed with a heart inclined to devotion to the lord of the Veda-forest, set out for the Setu together with Sudarshana.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.16.96)

षट्भिर्दिनैर्मुनिः पुण्यं प्रययौ गन्धमादनम्। अगस्तितीर्थतीरं च गत्वा दीर्घतमा मुनिः

ṣaṭbhirdinairmuniḥ puṇyaṁ prayayau gandhamādanam agastitīrthatīraṁ ca gatvā dīrghatamā muniḥ

In six days the sage reached the holy Gandhamadana; and, having gone to the bank of Agastya-tirtha, the sage Dirghatamas

Verse 97 (skanda.3.16.97)

अथ पुत्रं ददर्शाग्रे कक्षीवंतं महामुनिः। कक्षीवान्पितरं दृष्ट्वा ववन्दे नाम कीर्तयन्

atha putraṁ dadarśāgre kakṣīvaṁtaṁ mahāmuniḥ kakṣīvānpitaraṁ dṛṣṭvā vavande nāma kīrtayan

then beheld his son Kakshivan before him, that great sage. Kakshivan, seeing his father, bowed to him, uttering his name.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.16.98)

ततो दीर्घतमा योगी स्वांकमारोप्य तं सुतम्। मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय सस्नेहं सस्वजे पुलकाकुलः

tato dīrghatamā yogī svāṁkamāropya taṁ sutam mūrdhnyupāghrāya sasnehaṁ sasvaje pulakākulaḥ

Then Dirghatamas the yogi, having raised his son onto his lap, smelling his head with affection, embraced him, overcome with horripilation of joy.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.16.99)

कुशलं परिपप्रच्छ तदा दीर्घतमा ऋषिः। सर्ववेदास्त्वयाधीताः कक्षीवन्किमु वत्सक

kuśalaṁ paripapraccha tadā dīrghatamā ṛṣiḥ sarvavedāstvayādhītāḥ kakṣīvankimu vatsaka

The sage Dirghatamas then asked after his welfare: "Have you studied all the Vedas, O Kakshivan, my child?

Verse 100 (skanda.3.16.100)

शास्त्राण्यपाठीः किं त्वं वा वत्स सर्वं वदस्व मे। इति पृष्टः स्वपित्रा स सर्वं वृत्तं तमव्रवीत्।

śāstrāṇyapāṭhīḥ kiṁ tvaṁ vā vatsa sarvaṁ vadasva me iti pṛṣṭaḥ svapitrā sa sarvaṁ vṛttaṁ tamavravīt

Have you studied the shastras too, O child? Tell me everything." Thus questioned by his father, he related to him the whole matter.