The Glory of Rama-tirtha and the Atonement for Yudhishthira's Falsehood

Verse 1 (skanda.3.18.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच। कुंभसंभवतीर्थेऽस्मिन्विधायाभिषवं नरः। रामकुंडं ततः पुण्यं गच्छेत्पापविमुक्तये

śrīsūta uvāca kuṁbhasaṁbhavatīrthe'sminvidhāyābhiṣavaṁ naraḥ rāmakuṁḍaṁ tataḥ puṇyaṁ gacchetpāpavimuktaye

Suta said: Having performed ablution at this Kumbhasambhava-tirtha (Agastya-tirtha), a man should then go to the holy Rama-kunda, for release from sin.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.18.2)

रघुनाथसरः पुण्यं द्विजाः पापहरं तथा। रघुनाथसरस्तीरे कृतो यज्ञोऽल्पदक्षिणः

raghunāthasaraḥ puṇyaṁ dvijāḥ pāpaharaṁ tathā raghunāthasarastīre kṛto yajño'lpadakṣiṇaḥ

Raghunatha's lake is holy, O brahmins, and likewise removes sin; a sacrifice performed on the bank of Raghunatha's lake, even with scant dakshina,

Verse 3 (skanda.3.18.3)

संपूर्णफलदो भूयात्स्वाध्यायोऽपि जपस्तथा। रघुनाथ सरस्तीरे मुष्टिमात्रमपि द्विजाः

saṁpūrṇaphalado bhūyātsvādhyāyo'pi japastathā raghunātha sarastīre muṣṭimātramapi dvijāḥ

becomes one that yields complete fruit, and likewise Vedic recitation and japa performed there. O brahmins, even a mere handful (of grain)

Verse 4 (skanda.3.18.4)

दत्तं चेद्वेदविदुषे तदनंतगुणं भवेत्। रामतीर्थं समुद्दिश्य वक्ष्यामि मुनिपुंगवाः

dattaṁ cedvedaviduṣe tadanaṁtaguṇaṁ bhavet rāmatīrthaṁ samuddiśya vakṣyāmi munipuṁgavāḥ

given on the bank of Raghunatha's lake to one learned in the Veda becomes infinitely meritorious. With reference to Rama-tirtha, O bulls among sages, I shall relate

Verse 5 (skanda.3.18.5)

इतिहासं महापुण्यं सर्वपातकनाशनम्। सुतीक्ष्णनामा विप्रेंद्रो मुनिर्नियतमानसः

itihāsaṁ mahāpuṇyaṁ sarvapātakanāśanam sutīkṣṇanāmā vipreṁdro munirniyatamānasaḥ

a greatly holy story that destroys all sin. A foremost brahmin sage named Sutikshna, of controlled mind,

Verse 6 (skanda.3.18.6)

अगस्त्यशिष्यो रामस्य चरणाब्जविचिंतकः। रामचंद्रसरस्तीरे तपस्तेपे सुदुष्करम्

agastyaśiṣyo rāmasya caraṇābjaviciṁtakaḥ rāmacaṁdrasarastīre tapastepe suduṣkaram

a disciple of Agastya, contemplating the lotus feet of Rama, practised exceedingly difficult austerity on the bank of Ramachandra's lake,

Verse 7 (skanda.3.18.7)

जपन्षडक्षरं मंत्रं रामचंद्राधिदैवतम्। नित्यं स पंचसाहस्रं मत्रराजमतंद्रितः

japanṣaḍakṣaraṁ maṁtraṁ rāmacaṁdrādhidaivatam nityaṁ sa paṁcasāhasraṁ matrarājamataṁdritaḥ

reciting the six-syllabled mantra whose presiding deity is Ramachandra; daily, five thousand times, that king of mantras, untiringly

Verse 8 (skanda.3.18.8)

जजाप कुर्वन्स्नानं च रघुनाथसरोजले। भिक्षाशी नियताहारो जितक्रोधो जितेंद्रियः

jajāpa kurvansnānaṁ ca raghunāthasarojale bhikṣāśī niyatāhāro jitakrodho jiteṁdriyaḥ

he recited, while bathing in the water of Raghunatha's lake; living on alms, of restrained diet, having conquered anger, his senses controlled.

Verse 9 (skanda.3.18.9)

एवं सुतीक्ष्णो विप्रेंद्रा बहुकालमवर्तत। ततः कदाचित्स मुनीरामं ध्याय न्सदा हृदि। तुष्टाव सीतासहितं रामचंद्रं सभक्तिकम्

evaṁ sutīkṣṇo vipreṁdrā bahukālamavartata tataḥ kadācitsa munīrāmaṁ dhyāya nsadā hṛdi tuṣṭāva sītāsahitaṁ rāmacaṁdraṁ sabhaktikam

Thus, O foremost brahmins, Sutikshna continued for a long time. Then once, that sage, ever meditating on Rama in his heart, praised with devotion Ramachandra together with Sita.

Verse 10 (skanda.3.18.10)

सुतीक्ष्ण उवाच। नमस्ते जानकीनाथ नमस्ते हनुमत्प्रिय

sutīkṣṇa uvāca namaste jānakīnātha namaste hanumatpriya

Sutikshna said: Salutations to you, O lord of Janaki, salutations to you, beloved of Hanuman,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.18.11)

नमस्ते कौशिकमुनेर्यागरक्षणदीक्षित। नमस्ते कौसलेयाय विश्वामित्रप्रियाय च

namaste kauśikamuneryāgarakṣaṇadīkṣita namaste kausaleyāya viśvāmitrapriyāya ca

salutations to you, consecrated to the protection of the sacrifice of the sage Kaushika (Vishvamitra); salutations to you, son of Kausalya, dear to Vishvamitra,

Verse 12 (skanda.3.18.12)

नमस्ते हरकोदण्डभंजकामरसेवित। मारीचांतक राजेंद्र ताटकाप्राणनाशन

namaste harakodaṇḍabhaṁjakāmarasevita mārīcāṁtaka rājeṁdra tāṭakāprāṇanāśana

salutations to you, breaker of Hara's bow, served by the immortals; O destroyer of Maricha, O king of kings, O slayer of the life of Tataka,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.18.13)

कबंधारे हरे तुभ्यं नमो दशरथात्मज। जामदग्न्यजिते तुभ्यं खरविध्वंसिने नमः

kabaṁdhāre hare tubhyaṁ namo daśarathātmaja jāmadagnyajite tubhyaṁ kharavidhvaṁsine namaḥ

O enemy of Kabandha, O Hari, salutations to you, O son of Dasharatha; salutations to you, conqueror of Jamadagni's son, salutations to you, destroyer of Khara,

Verse 14 (skanda.3.18.14)

नमः सुग्रीवनाथाय नमो वालिहराय ते। विभीषणभयक्लेशहारिणे मलहारिणे

namaḥ sugrīvanāthāya namo vāliharāya te vibhīṣaṇabhayakleśahāriṇe malahāriṇe

salutations to the lord of Sugriva, salutations to you, slayer of Vali; salutations to you, remover of Vibhishana's fear and affliction, remover of impurity,

Verse 15 (skanda.3.18.15)

अहल्यादुःखसंहर्त्रे नमस्ते भरताग्रज। अंभोधिगर्वसंहर्त्रे तस्मिन्सेतु कृते नमः

ahalyāduḥkhasaṁhartre namaste bharatāgraja aṁbhodhigarvasaṁhartre tasminsetu kṛte namaḥ

remover of Ahalya's sorrow, salutations to you, elder brother of Bharata; O destroyer of the ocean's pride, salutations to you by whom the bridge (Setu) was made,

Verse 16 (skanda.3.18.16)

तारकब्रह्मणे तुभ्यं लक्ष्मणाग्रज ते नमः। रक्षःसंहारिणे तुभ्यं नमो रावणमर्द्दिने

tārakabrahmaṇe tubhyaṁ lakṣmaṇāgraja te namaḥ rakṣaḥsaṁhāriṇe tubhyaṁ namo rāvaṇamarddine

salutations to you, the Taraka-Brahman itself, elder brother of Lakshmana; salutations to you, destroyer of the rakshasas, salutations to you, crusher of Ravana,

Verse 17 (skanda.3.18.17)

कोदण्डधारिणे तुभ्यं सर्व रक्षाविधायिने। इति स्तुवन्मुनिः सोऽयं सुतीक्ष्णो राममन्वहम्

kodaṇḍadhāriṇe tubhyaṁ sarva rakṣāvidhāyine iti stuvanmuniḥ so'yaṁ sutīkṣṇo rāmamanvaham

salutations to you, bearer of the bow, worker of the protection of all. Thus praising, that sage Sutikshna, day after day, meditated on Rama,

Verse 18 (skanda.3.18.18)

निनाय कालमनिशं रामचंद्रनिषण्णधीः। एवमभ्यसतस्तस्य राम मन्त्रं षडक्षरम्

nināya kālamaniśaṁ rāmacaṁdraniṣaṇṇadhīḥ evamabhyasatastasya rāma mantraṁ ṣaḍakṣaram

passing his time ceaselessly, his mind fixed upon Ramachandra. As he thus practised the six-syllabled mantra of Rama,

Verse 19 (skanda.3.18.19)

स्तुवतो रामचंद्रं च स्तोत्रेणानेन सुव्रताः। तीर्थे च रघुनाथस्य कुर्वतः स्नानमन्वहम्

stuvato rāmacaṁdraṁ ca stotreṇānena suvratāḥ tīrthe ca raghunāthasya kurvataḥ snānamanvaham

praising Ramachandra with this hymn, O men of good vows, and bathing daily at the tirtha of Raghunatha,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.18.20)

अभवन्निश्चला भक्ती रामचंद्रेतिनिर्मला। अभूदद्वैतविज्ञानं प्रत्यगात्मैकलक्षणम्

abhavanniścalā bhaktī rāmacaṁdretinirmalā abhūdadvaitavijñānaṁ pratyagātmaikalakṣaṇam

unwavering, pure devotion to Ramachandra arose in him; and non-dual knowledge arose, characterised solely by the inner Self;

Verse 21 (skanda.3.18.21)

अनधीतत्रयीज्ञानं तथैवाश्रुतवेदनम्। परकायप्रवेशे च सामर्थ्यमभवद्द्विजाः

anadhītatrayījñānaṁ tathaivāśrutavedanam parakāyapraveśe ca sāmarthyamabhavaddvijāḥ

even without having studied the threefold Vedic knowledge, and likewise without having heard the Vedas, the power of entering another's body arose, O brahmins,

Verse 22 (skanda.3.18.22)

आकाशगमने शक्तिः कलावैदग्ध्यमेव च। अश्रुतानां च शास्त्राणामभिज्ञानं विना गुरुम्

ākāśagamane śaktiḥ kalāvaidagdhyameva ca aśrutānāṁ ca śāstrāṇāmabhijñānaṁ vinā gurum

the power of moving through the sky, and skill in the arts; and knowledge of unheard scriptures without a teacher,

Verse 23 (skanda.3.18.23)

गमनं सर्वलोकेषु प्रति घातविवर्जितम्। अतींद्रियार्थद्रष्टृत्वं देवैः संभाषणं तथा

gamanaṁ sarvalokeṣu prati ghātavivarjitam atīṁdriyārthadraṣṭṛtvaṁ devaiḥ saṁbhāṣaṇaṁ tathā

movement through all worlds unimpeded; the power to perceive objects beyond the senses, and conversation with the gods,

Verse 24 (skanda.3.18.24)

पिपीलिकादिजंतूनां वार्ताज्ञानमपि द्विजाः। ब्रह्मविष्णुमहादेवलोकेषु गमनं तथा

pipīlikādijaṁtūnāṁ vārtājñānamapi dvijāḥ brahmaviṣṇumahādevalokeṣu gamanaṁ tathā

and knowledge of the affairs even of ants and other small creatures, O brahmins; and access to the worlds of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadeva,

Verse 25 (skanda.3.18.25)

चतुर्दशसु लोकेषु स्वाधीनगमनं तथा। एतान्यन्यानि सर्वाणि योगिलभ्यानि सत्तमाः

caturdaśasu lokeṣu svādhīnagamanaṁ tathā etānyanyāni sarvāṇi yogilabhyāni sattamāḥ

and free movement in the fourteen worlds - all these and other such powers, attainable only by yogis, O excellent ones,

Verse 26 (skanda.3.18.26)

सुतीक्ष्णस्याभवन्विप्रा रामा तीर्थनिषेवणात्। एवंप्रभावं तत्तीर्थं महापातकनाशनम्

sutīkṣṇasyābhavanviprā rāmā tīrthaniṣevaṇāt evaṁprabhāvaṁ tattīrthaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam

arose in Sutikshna, O brahmins, from his devotion to the Rama-tirtha. Such is the power of that tirtha, which destroys great sin,

Verse 27 (skanda.3.18.27)

महासिद्धिकरं पुण्यमपमृत्युविनाशनम्। भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं पुंसां नरकक्लेशना शनम्

mahāsiddhikaraṁ puṇyamapamṛtyuvināśanam bhuktimuktipradaṁ puṁsāṁ narakakleśanā śanam

which brings about great accomplishments, holy, destroying untimely death, bestowing enjoyment and liberation on men, destroying the suffering of hell,

Verse 28 (skanda.3.18.28)

रामभक्तिप्रदं नित्यं संसारोच्छेदकारणम्। अस्य तीरे महल्लिंगं स्थापयित्वा रघूद्वहः। पूजयामास तल्लिंगं लोकानुग्रहका म्यया

rāmabhaktipradaṁ nityaṁ saṁsārocchedakāraṇam asya tīre mahalliṁgaṁ sthāpayitvā raghūdvahaḥ pūjayāmāsa talliṁgaṁ lokānugrahakā myayā

ever bestowing devotion to Rama, the cause of the severance of samsara. On its bank, the descendant of Raghu, having installed a great Linga, worshipped that Linga out of desire to bless the worlds.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.18.29)

रामतीर्थे महापुण्ये स्नात्वा तल्लिंगदर्शनात्। नराणां मुक्तिरेव स्यात्किमुतान्या विभूतयः

rāmatīrthe mahāpuṇye snātvā talliṁgadarśanāt narāṇāṁ muktireva syātkimutānyā vibhūtayaḥ

Bathing at the greatly holy Rama-tirtha, from the mere sight of that Linga, liberation itself accrues to men - what then of other lesser attainments?

Verse 30 (skanda.3.18.30)

तत्र स्नात्वा शिवं दृष्ट्वा धर्म पुत्रः पुरा द्विजाः। अनृतोक्तिसमुद्भूतदोषान्मुक्तोऽभवत्क्षणात्

tatra snātvā śivaṁ dṛṣṭvā dharma putraḥ purā dvijāḥ anṛtoktisamudbhūtadoṣānmukto'bhavatkṣaṇāt

Bathing there and beholding Shiva, O brahmins, Dharmaputra (Yudhishthira) of old was instantly freed from the fault arising from the utterance of falsehood.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.18.31)

ऋषय ऊचुः।असत्यमुदितं कस्माद्धर्मपुत्रेण सूतज। यद्दोषशांतये सस्नौ रामतीथेऽतिपावने

ṛṣaya ūcuḥasatyamuditaṁ kasmāddharmaputreṇa sūtaja yaddoṣaśāṁtaye sasnau rāmatīthe'tipāvane

The sages said: For what reason did Dharmaputra speak an untruth, O son of Suta, for the pacification of whose fault he bathed at the exceedingly holy Rama-tirtha?

Verse 32 (skanda.3.18.32)

श्रीसूत उवाच। युष्माकमृषयो वक्ष्ये यथोक्तमनृतं रणे। छलेन धर्मपुत्रेण यन्नष्टं रामतीर्थके

śrīsūta uvāca yuṣmākamṛṣayo vakṣye yathoktamanṛtaṁ raṇe chalena dharmaputreṇa yannaṣṭaṁ rāmatīrthake

Suta said: I shall tell you sages, O sages, how the falsehood in battle was spoken by Dharmaputra by a trick, on account of which he was undone, at Rama-tirtha.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.18.33)

अन्योन्यं पांडवा विप्रा धर्मपुत्रादयः पुरा। धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्राश्च दुर्नोधनमुखास्तदा

anyonyaṁ pāṁḍavā viprā dharmaputrādayaḥ purā dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putrāśca durnodhanamukhāstadā

Long ago, O brahmins, the Pandavas, headed by Dharmaputra, and the sons of Dhritarashtra, headed by Duryodhana,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.18.34)

महद्वै वैरमासाद्य राज्यार्थं विप्रसत्तमाः। महत्या सेनया सार्द्धं कुरुक्षेत्रे समेत्य च

mahadvai vairamāsādya rājyārthaṁ viprasattamāḥ mahatyā senayā sārddhaṁ kurukṣetre sametya ca

having come to great mutual enmity for the sake of the kingdom, O best of brahmins, meeting together at Kurukshetra with great armies,

Verse 35 (skanda.3.18.35)

अयुध्यन्समरे वीराः समरेष्वनिवर्तिनः। युद्धं कृत्वा दशदिनं गांगेयः पतितो भुवि

ayudhyansamare vīrāḥ samareṣvanivartinaḥ yuddhaṁ kṛtvā daśadinaṁ gāṁgeyaḥ patito bhuvi

fought in battle, heroes who never retreated in battle. Having fought for ten days, the son of Ganga (Bhishma) fell to the ground.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.18.36)

ततः पंचदिनं भूयो धृष्टद्युम्नेन वीर्यवान्। आचार्यो युयुधे द्रोणो महाबलपराक्रमः

tataḥ paṁcadinaṁ bhūyo dhṛṣṭadyumnena vīryavān ācāryo yuyudhe droṇo mahābalaparākramaḥ

Then for five more days, the mighty preceptor Drona, of great strength and prowess, fought with the powerful Dhrishtadyumna.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.18.37)

अनेकास्त्राणि शस्त्राणि द्रोणाचर्यो महाबली। विसृजन्पांडवानीकं पीडयामास वीर्यवान्

anekāstrāṇi śastrāṇi droṇācaryo mahābalī visṛjanpāṁḍavānīkaṁ pīḍayāmāsa vīryavān

Discharging many weapons and missiles, the mighty preceptor Drona, powerful, harassed the Pandava army.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.18.38)

अथ दिव्यास्त्रविच्छूरो धृष्टद्युम्नो महाबलः। अभिनद्बाणवर्षेण द्रोणसेनामनेकधा

atha divyāstravicchūro dhṛṣṭadyumno mahābalaḥ abhinadbāṇavarṣeṇa droṇasenāmanekadhā

Then Dhrishtadyumna, a hero skilled in divine weapons, of great strength, pierced Drona's army manifoldly with a shower of arrows.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.18.39)

धृष्टद्युम्नं तदा द्रोणः शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्। पार्थसेना तथा द्रोणबाणवर्षातिपीडिता

dhṛṣṭadyumnaṁ tadā droṇaḥ śaravarṣairavākirat pārthasenā tathā droṇabāṇavarṣātipīḍitā

Then Drona showered Dhrishtadyumna with arrows; and the army of the Parthas, greatly afflicted by Drona's shower of arrows,

Verse 40 (skanda.3.18.40)

दशदिक्षु भयाक्रांता विद्रुता द्विजसत्तमाः। ततोऽर्जुनो रणे द्रोणं युयुधे रथिनां वरः

daśadikṣu bhayākrāṁtā vidrutā dvijasattamāḥ tato'rjuno raṇe droṇaṁ yuyudhe rathināṁ varaḥ

fled in fear in the ten directions, O best of brahmins. Then Arjuna, best of charioteers, fought Drona in battle.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.18.41)

रणप्रवीणयोस्तत्र विजयद्रोणयो रणे। द्रष्टुं समागतैर्देवैरभूद्व्योमनिरं तरम्

raṇapravīṇayostatra vijayadroṇayo raṇe draṣṭuṁ samāgatairdevairabhūdvyomaniraṁ taram

There, as Vijaya (Arjuna) and Drona, both skilled in warfare, fought, the sky became crowded with gods who had come to watch.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.18.42)

द्रोणफाल्गुनयोर्विप्रा नास्ति युद्धोपमा भुवि। सामर्षयोस्तदाचार्यशिष्ययोरभवद्रणः

droṇaphālgunayorviprā nāsti yuddhopamā bhuvi sāmarṣayostadācāryaśiṣyayorabhavadraṇaḥ

There is no battle on earth comparable, O brahmins, to that of Drona and Phalguna (Arjuna); a fierce battle arose between the enraged teacher and disciple.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.18.43)

द्रोणफाल्गुनयोर्युद्धं द्रोणफाल्गुन योरिव। बहु मेनेऽथ मनसा द्रोणोऽर्जुनपराक्रमम्

droṇaphālgunayoryuddhaṁ droṇaphālguna yoriva bahu mene'tha manasā droṇo'rjunaparākramam

The battle of Drona and Phalguna was like none but itself. Drona, in his mind, greatly esteemed Arjuna's valour.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.18.44)

ततो द्रोणो महावीर्यं प्रियशिष्यं स फाल्गुनम्। विहाय पांचालबलं समयुध्यत वीर्यवान्

tato droṇo mahāvīryaṁ priyaśiṣyaṁ sa phālgunam vihāya pāṁcālabalaṁ samayudhyata vīryavān

Then Drona, of great might, leaving aside his beloved disciple Phalguna, that powerful one fought with the Panchala army.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.18.45)

सविंशतिसहस्राणि दश तत्रायुतानि च। द्रोणाचार्योऽवधीद्राज्ञां युद्धे सगजवाजिनाम्

saviṁśatisahasrāṇi daśa tatrāyutāni ca droṇācāryo'vadhīdrājñāṁ yuddhe sagajavājinām

Twenty thousand and ten myriads (of soldiers) - the preceptor Drona slew, in that battle, kings together with their elephants and horses.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.18.46)

धृष्टद्युम्नोऽथ कुपितो द्रोण मभ्यहनच्छरैः। द्रोणश्च पट्टिशं गृह्य धृष्टद्युम्नमताडयत्

dhṛṣṭadyumno'tha kupito droṇa mabhyahanaccharaiḥ droṇaśca paṭṭiśaṁ gṛhya dhṛṣṭadyumnamatāḍayat

Then Dhrishtadyumna, enraged, struck Drona with arrows; and Drona, taking up his mace, struck Dhrishtadyumna.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.18.47)

शरैर्विव्याध तं युद्धे तीक्ष्णैरग्निशिखोपमैः। परङ्मुखोऽभवत्तत्र धृष्ट द्युम्नः शराहतः

śarairvivyādha taṁ yuddhe tīkṣṇairagniśikhopamaiḥ paraṅmukho'bhavattatra dhṛṣṭa dyumnaḥ śarāhataḥ

He pierced him in battle with sharp arrows like tongues of fire; Dhrishtadyumna, struck by arrows, turned his back there.

Verse 48 (skanda.3.18.48)

ततो विरथमागत्य धृष्टद्युम्नं वृकोदरः। स्वं स्यंदनं समारोप्य द्रोणाचार्यमथाब्रवीत्

tato virathamāgatya dhṛṣṭadyumnaṁ vṛkodaraḥ svaṁ syaṁdanaṁ samāropya droṇācāryamathābravīt

Then Vrikodara (Bhima), seeing Dhrishtadyumna without a chariot, took him up onto his own chariot, and then spoke to Drona:

Verse 49 (skanda.3.18.49)

स्वकर्मभिरसंतुष्टाः शिक्षितास्त्रा द्विजाधमाः। न युद्ध्येरन्यदि क्रूरा न नश्येरन्नृपा रणे

svakarmabhirasaṁtuṣṭāḥ śikṣitāstrā dvijādhamāḥ na yuddhyeranyadi krūrā na naśyerannṛpā raṇe

"If those base twice-born, skilled in weapons, cruel, were not discontented with their own proper duties (i.e. did not fight beyond their dharma), and did not fight, kings would not perish in battle.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.18.50)

अहिंसा हि परो धर्मो ब्राह्मणानां सदा स्मृतः। हिंसया दारपुत्रादीन्रक्षंते व्याधजातयः

ahiṁsā hi paro dharmo brāhmaṇānāṁ sadā smṛtaḥ hiṁsayā dāraputrādīnrakṣaṁte vyādhajātayaḥ

Non-violence is indeed always remembered as the highest dharma for brahmins; it is by violence that hunters and their kind protect their wives and children and the like.

Verse 51 (skanda.3.18.51)

हिंसीस्त्वमेकपुत्रार्थे युद्धे स्थित्वा बहून्नृपान्। स चापि ते सुतो ब्रह्मन्हतः शेते रणाजिरे

hiṁsīstvamekaputrārthe yuddhe sthitvā bahūnnṛpān sa cāpi te suto brahmanhataḥ śete raṇājire

You commit violence for the sake of a single son, having taken your stand in battle against many kings; but even that son of yours, O brahmin, lies slain on the battlefield.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.18.52)

तथापि लज्जा ते नास्ति शोकोऽपीह न जायते। वचनं त्विति भीमस्य सत्यं श्रुत्वा युधिष्ठिरात्

tathāpi lajjā te nāsti śoko'pīha na jāyate vacanaṁ tviti bhīmasya satyaṁ śrutvā yudhiṣṭhirāt

Yet you feel no shame, nor is any grief born in you here." Having heard this true speech of Bhima, from Yudhishthira,

Verse 53 (skanda.3.18.53)

निजायुधं स तत्याज पपात स्यंदनो परि। योगवित्प्रायमातस्थे द्रोणाचार्यस्तदा द्विजाः

nijāyudhaṁ sa tatyāja papāta syaṁdano pari yogavitprāyamātasthe droṇācāryastadā dvijāḥ

he cast aside his own weapon and sank down upon his chariot; the preceptor Drona, then, O brahmins, remained as though absorbed in yoga.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.18.54)

तदंतरं परिज्ञाय द्रोणाचार्यस्य पार्श्वतः। खङ्गपाणिः शिरच्छेत्तुमभ्यधावद्रणा जिरे

tadaṁtaraṁ parijñāya droṇācāryasya pārśvataḥ khaṅgapāṇiḥ śiracchettumabhyadhāvadraṇā jire

Perceiving that opportunity, from beside the preceptor Drona, one rushed onto the battlefield, sword in hand, to sever his head.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.18.55)

वार्यमाणोऽपि पार्थाद्यैस्तच्छिरश्छेत्तुमुद्ययौ। योगवित्त्वाद्द्रोणमूर्ध्नो ज्योतिरूर्ध्वं दिवं ययौ

vāryamāṇo'pi pārthādyaistacchiraśchettumudyayau yogavittvāddroṇamūrdhno jyotirūrdhvaṁ divaṁ yayau

Though restrained by Arjuna and the others, he went forth to sever that head. Being versed in yoga, a light from Drona's head went upward to heaven,

Verse 56 (skanda.3.18.56)

दृष्टं कृष्णार्जुनकृपधर्मपुत्रादि भिर्मृधे। द्रोणस्यास्य गतप्राणाच्छरीरादच्छिनच्छिरः

dṛṣṭaṁ kṛṣṇārjunakṛpadharmaputrādi bhirmṛdhe droṇasyāsya gataprāṇāccharīrādacchinacchiraḥ

seen in battle by Krishna, Arjuna, Kripa, Dharmaputra and the others; from that lifeless body of Drona he cut off the head.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.18.57)

भारद्वाजे हते युद्धे कौरवाः प्राद्रवन्भयात्। जहृषुः पांडवा विप्रा धृष्टद्युम्नादय स्तदा

bhāradvāje hate yuddhe kauravāḥ prādravanbhayāt jahṛṣuḥ pāṁḍavā viprā dhṛṣṭadyumnādaya stadā

When the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) was slain in battle, the Kauravas fled in fear; the Pandavas rejoiced, O brahmins, Dhrishtadyumna and the others.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.18.58)

सेनां तां विद्रुतां दृष्ट्वा द्रौणिरूचे सुयोधनम्। एतद्द्रवति कि सैन्यं त्यक्तप्रहरणं नृप

senāṁ tāṁ vidrutāṁ dṛṣṭvā drauṇirūce suyodhanam etaddravati ki sainyaṁ tyaktapraharaṇaṁ nṛpa

Seeing that army routed, the son of Drona (Ashvatthama) said to Suyodhana: "Why is this army fleeing, having cast aside its weapons, O king?"

Verse 59 (skanda.3.18.59)

तदा दुर्योधनो राजा स्वयं वक्तु मशक्नुवन्। युद्धे द्रोणवधं वक्तुं कृपाचार्यमचोदयत्। द्रौणयेऽथ कृपाचार्यो वधमूचे गुरोस्तदा

tadā duryodhano rājā svayaṁ vaktu maśaknuvan yuddhe droṇavadhaṁ vaktuṁ kṛpācāryamacodayat drauṇaye'tha kṛpācāryo vadhamūce gurostadā

Then King Duryodhana, himself unable to speak, urged Kripacharya to tell of Drona's death in battle; Kripacharya then told the son of Drona of his teacher's death.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.18.60)

कृप उवाच। अश्वत्थामंस्तव पिता ब्रह्मास्त्रेण मृधे रिपून्। हत्वा निनाय सदनं यमस्य शतशो बली

kṛpa uvāca aśvatthāmaṁstava pitā brahmāstreṇa mṛdhe ripūn hatvā nināya sadanaṁ yamasya śataśo balī

Kripa said: "O Ashvatthama, your father, mighty, having slain hundreds of enemies in battle with the Brahma weapon, sent them to Yama's abode.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.18.61)

दुराधर्षतमं दृष्ट्वा तद्वीर्यं केशवस्तदा। पांडवान्प्राह विप्रेंद्र वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः

durādharṣatamaṁ dṛṣṭvā tadvīryaṁ keśavastadā pāṁḍavānprāha vipreṁdra vākyaṁ vākyaviśāradaḥ

Then Keshava, seeing that valour exceedingly hard to overcome, O foremost of brahmins, spoke to the Pandavas these words, skilled in speech as he was:

Verse 62 (skanda.3.18.62)

केशव उवाच। द्रोणं जेतुमुपायोऽस्ति पांडवा युधि दुर्जयम्

keśava uvāca droṇaṁ jetumupāyo'sti pāṁḍavā yudhi durjayam

Keshava said: 'There is a means, O Pandavas, to conquer Drona, unconquerable in battle -

Verse 63 (skanda.3.18.63)

अश्वत्थात्मा तव सुतो हतो द्रोण मृधेऽधुना। सत्यवादी वदेदेवं यदि प्रामाणिको जनः

aśvatthātmā tava suto hato droṇa mṛdhe'dhunā satyavādī vadedevaṁ yadi prāmāṇiko janaḥ

If a truthful man of authority were to say: "Your son Ashvatthama has now been slain by Drona in battle" -

Verse 64 (skanda.3.18.64)

द्रोणो निवर्तेत रणात्तदा त्यक्त्वायुधं क्षणात्। अत एनां मृषावार्तां धर्मराजोऽधुना वदेत्

droṇo nivarteta raṇāttadā tyaktvāyudhaṁ kṣaṇāt ata enāṁ mṛṣāvārtāṁ dharmarājo'dhunā vadet

Drona would then withdraw from battle, casting aside his weapon at once. Therefore let Dharmaraja now speak this false report.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.18.65)

नान्यथा शक्यते जेतुं द्रोणो युद्धविशारदः। धर्माज्जेतुमशक्यं चेद्धर्मं त्यक्त्वाऽप्यरिं जयेत्

nānyathā śakyate jetuṁ droṇo yuddhaviśāradaḥ dharmājjetumaśakyaṁ ceddharmaṁ tyaktvā'pyariṁ jayet

Drona, skilled in warfare, cannot otherwise be conquered. If he cannot be conquered by dharma, one should conquer the enemy even by abandoning dharma.'

Verse 66 (skanda.3.18.66)

इति केशववाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा भीमः पृथासतः। पितरं ते समभ्येत्य मिथ्यावाक्यमभाषत

iti keśavavākyaṁ tacchrutvā bhīmaḥ pṛthāsataḥ pitaraṁ te samabhyetya mithyāvākyamabhāṣata

Having heard this speech of Keshava, Bhima, son of Pritha, approaching your father, spoke a false statement:

Verse 67 (skanda.3.18.67)

अश्वत्थामा हतो द्रोण युद्धेऽत्र पतितोऽधुना। द्रोणाचार्योपि तद्वाक्यममन्यत यथार्थतः

aśvatthāmā hato droṇa yuddhe'tra patito'dhunā droṇācāryopi tadvākyamamanyata yathārthataḥ

'O Drona, Ashvatthama has been slain, and has fallen this very moment in battle.' The preceptor Drona regarded that speech as true.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.18.68)

अविश्वस्य पुनः सोऽथ धर्मजं प्राप्य चाब्रवीत्। धर्मात्मज मृधे सूनुरश्वत्थामा ममाधुना

aviśvasya punaḥ so'tha dharmajaṁ prāpya cābravīt dharmātmaja mṛdhe sūnuraśvatthāmā mamādhunā

Yet, not fully trusting it, he then went to Dharmaja and said: 'O son of Dharma, is my son Ashvatthama

Verse 69 (skanda.3.18.69)

हतः किं त्वं वदस्वाद्य सत्यवादी भवान्मतः। धर्मपुत्रोऽसत्यभीरुरासीच्चारिजयोत्सुकः

hataḥ kiṁ tvaṁ vadasvādya satyavādī bhavānmataḥ dharmaputro'satyabhīrurāsīccārijayotsukaḥ

now slain in battle? Tell me today - you are considered a speaker of truth.' Dharmaputra, fearful of falsehood, yet eager for his enemy's defeat,

Verse 70 (skanda.3.18.70)

किं कर्तव्यं मयाद्येति दोलालोलमना अभूत्। स दृष्ट्वा भीमनिहतमश्वत्थामाभिधं गजम्

kiṁ kartavyaṁ mayādyeti dolālolamanā abhūt sa dṛṣṭvā bhīmanihatamaśvatthāmābhidhaṁ gajam

wavered in mind, thinking, 'What should I do now?' Having seen the elephant named Ashvatthama slain by Bhima,

Verse 71 (skanda.3.18.71)

अश्वत्थामा हतो युद्धे भीमेनाद्य रणे महान्। इत्थं द्रोणं बभाषेऽसौ धर्मपुत्रश्छलोक्तितः

aśvatthāmā hato yuddhe bhīmenādya raṇe mahān itthaṁ droṇaṁ babhāṣe'sau dharmaputraśchaloktitaḥ

he said to Drona: 'Ashvatthama has been slain today in battle by the mighty Bhima.' Thus Dharmaputra spoke to Drona, deceived by the trick of ambiguous words.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.18.72)

तच्छ्रुत्वा त्वत्पिता शस्त्रं त्यक्त्वा युद्धान्न्यवर्त्तत। अथ धर्मसुतः प्राह परं वारण इत्यपि

tacchrutvā tvatpitā śastraṁ tyaktvā yuddhānnyavarttata atha dharmasutaḥ prāha paraṁ vāraṇa ityapi

Hearing that, your father cast aside his weapon and withdrew from battle. Then the son of Dharma said further, raising his hand:

Verse 73 (skanda.3.18.73)

त्यक्तं शस्त्रं न गृह्णीयां युद्धे पुनरिति स्म सः। प्रतिजज्ञे तव पिता वत्स द्रोणो बली पुनः

tyaktaṁ śastraṁ na gṛhṇīyāṁ yuddhe punariti sma saḥ pratijajñe tava pitā vatsa droṇo balī punaḥ

'Having cast aside my weapon, I shall not take it up again in battle' - thus your father Drona, mighty, made this second vow.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.18.74)

अतः शस्त्रं न जग्राह प्रतिज्ञाभंगकातरः। धृष्टद्युम्नं तदा दृष्ट्वा पिता ते मृत्युमात्मनः

ataḥ śastraṁ na jagrāha pratijñābhaṁgakātaraḥ dhṛṣṭadyumnaṁ tadā dṛṣṭvā pitā te mṛtyumātmanaḥ

Therefore he did not take up his weapon, fearful of breaking his vow. Then, seeing Dhrishtadyumna there, and, being versed in yoga, having recognised his own death approaching,

Verse 75 (skanda.3.18.75)

मत्वा प्रायोपवेशेन रथोपस्थे स योगवित्। अशयिष्ट समाधिस्थः प्राणानायम्य वाग्यतः

matvā prāyopaveśena rathopasthe sa yogavit aśayiṣṭa samādhisthaḥ prāṇānāyamya vāgyataḥ

he seated himself upon his chariot, resolved on fasting unto death, absorbed in meditation, having restrained his breath, his speech silenced.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.18.76)

ततो निर्भिद्य मूर्धानं तत्प्राणा निर्ययुः क्षणात्। तदा मृतस्य द्रोणस्य वत्स खङ्गेन तच्छिरः

tato nirbhidya mūrdhānaṁ tatprāṇā niryayuḥ kṣaṇāt tadā mṛtasya droṇasya vatsa khaṅgena tacchiraḥ

Then, his skull having burst, his life-breaths departed instantly. Then, O child, with a sword, the head of that dead Drona -

Verse 77 (skanda.3.18.77)

केशागृहीत्वा हस्तेन धृष्टद्युम्नोऽच्छिनद्युधि। मावधीरिति पार्थाद्याः प्रोचुः सर्वे च सैनिकाः। सर्वैर्निवार्यमाणोपि त्वत्तातं पार्श्वतोऽवधीत्

keśāgṛhītvā hastena dhṛṣṭadyumno'cchinadyudhi māvadhīriti pārthādyāḥ procuḥ sarve ca sainikāḥ sarvairnivāryamāṇopi tvattātaṁ pārśvato'vadhīt

seizing him by the hair with his hand, Dhrishtadyumna severed it in battle. 'Do not kill him!' cried Arjuna and all the other soldiers - yet, restrained by all, he slew your father right there beside him.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.18.78)

श्रीसूत उवाच। पितरं निहतं श्रुत्वा रुदन्द्रौणिश्चिरं द्विजाः।

śrīsūta uvāca pitaraṁ nihataṁ śrutvā rudandrauṇiściraṁ dvijāḥ

Suta said: Having heard of his father's slaying, the son of Drona, O brahmins, wept for a long time.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.18.79)

कोपेन महता तत्र ज्वलन्वाक्यमथाब्रवीत। अनृतं प्रोच्य पितरं न्यस्तशस्त्रं चकार यः

kopena mahatā tatra jvalanvākyamathābravīta anṛtaṁ procya pitaraṁ nyastaśastraṁ cakāra yaḥ

Then, blazing with great anger, he spoke these words: "The one who, having spoken falsehood to my father, who had cast aside his weapon,

Verse 80 (skanda.3.18.80)

पितरं मेऽद्य तं पार्थमप्यन्या थ पांडवान्। गृहीत्वा केशपाशं यस्त्यक्तशस्त्रशिरोऽहनत्

pitaraṁ me'dya taṁ pārthamapyanyā tha pāṁḍavān gṛhītvā keśapāśaṁ yastyaktaśastraśiro'hanat

and to me now, and likewise to Arjuna and the other Pandavas - the one who, seizing him by the lock of hair, slew him though he had cast aside his weapon and bowed his head -

Verse 81 (skanda.3.18.81)

छद्मना पार्षतं तं च हनिष्याम्यचिरादहम्। कृष्णेन सह पश्यंतु पाण्डवा मत्पराक्रमम्

chadmanā pārṣataṁ taṁ ca haniṣyāmyacirādaham kṛṣṇena saha paśyaṁtu pāṇḍavā matparākramam

that son of Prishata (Dhrishtadyumna), I shall soon slay by a trick. Let the Pandavas, together with Krishna, witness my prowess."

Verse 82 (skanda.3.18.82)

इति द्रौणिर्द्विजास्तत्र प्रतिजज्ञे भयंकरम्। ततोस्तं गत आदित्ये राजानः सर्व एव ते

iti drauṇirdvijāstatra pratijajñe bhayaṁkaram tatostaṁ gata āditye rājānaḥ sarva eva te

Thus, O brahmins, the son of Drona made this terrifying vow there. Then, when the sun had set, all those kings,

Verse 83 (skanda.3.18.83)

उभये निहते द्रोणे प्राविशन्पटमण्डपम्। अष्टादशदिनैरेवं निवृत्तमभवद्रणम्

ubhaye nihate droṇe prāviśanpaṭamaṇḍapam aṣṭādaśadinairevaṁ nivṛttamabhavadraṇam

both sides, Drona now slain, entered their tented pavilions. Thus, in eighteen days, the war came to an end.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.18.84)

शल्यं कर्णं तथान्यांश्च दुर्योधनमुखांस्ततः। धार्तराष्ट्रान्निहत्याजौ धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः

śalyaṁ karṇaṁ tathānyāṁśca duryodhanamukhāṁstataḥ dhārtarāṣṭrānnihatyājau dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ

Having slain in battle Shalya, Karna, and the others, headed by Duryodhana, the sons of Dhritarashtra, King Dharmaraja Yudhishthira,

Verse 85 (skanda.3.18.85)

स्वीयानां च परेषां च मृतानां सांपरायिकम्। अकरोद्विधिवद्विप्राः सार्धं धौम्या दिभिर्द्विजैः

svīyānāṁ ca pareṣāṁ ca mṛtānāṁ sāṁparāyikam akarodvidhivadviprāḥ sārdhaṁ dhaumyā dibhirdvijaiḥ

duly performed, O brahmins, the funeral rites for the dead, both his own men and those of the enemy, together with Dhaumya and the other brahmins.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.18.86)

वंदित्वा धृतराष्ट्रं च सर्वे संभूय पाण्डवाः। धृतराष्ट्राभ्यनुज्ञाता हतशिष्टजनैर्वृताः

vaṁditvā dhṛtarāṣṭraṁ ca sarve saṁbhūya pāṇḍavāḥ dhṛtarāṣṭrābhyanujñātā hataśiṣṭajanairvṛtāḥ

Having bowed to Dhritarashtra, all the Pandavas together, given leave by Dhritarashtra, surrounded by the surviving people,

Verse 87 (skanda.3.18.87)

संप्राप्य हास्तिनपुरं प्राविशंस्ते स्वमंदिरम्। ततः कतिपयाहःसु गतेषु किल नागराः

saṁprāpya hāstinapuraṁ prāviśaṁste svamaṁdiram tataḥ katipayāhaḥsu gateṣu kila nāgarāḥ

having reached Hastinapura, entered their own palace. Then, after some days had passed, it is said, the citizens,

Verse 88 (skanda.3.18.88)

धौम्यादिमुनिभिः सार्धं धर्मजस्य महात्मनः। राज्या भिषेचनं कर्तुं प्रारभंत मुनीश्वराः। राज्याभिषेचने तस्य प्रवृत्ते धर्मजस्य तु। अशरीरा ततो वाणी बभाषे धर्मनंदनम्

dhaumyādimunibhiḥ sārdhaṁ dharmajasya mahātmanaḥ rājyā bhiṣecanaṁ kartuṁ prārabhaṁta munīśvarāḥ rājyābhiṣecane tasya pravṛtte dharmajasya tu aśarīrā tato vāṇī babhāṣe dharmanaṁdanam

the officiating sages together with Dhaumya began to perform the coronation of the great-souled Dharmaja. As the coronation of Dharmaja was proceeding, a bodiless voice then spoke to the son of Dharma:

Verse 89 (skanda.3.18.89)

धर्म पुत्र महाभाग रिपूणामपि वत्सल। राज्याभिषेकं मा कार्षीर्नार्हस्त्वं राज्यपालने

dharma putra mahābhāga ripūṇāmapi vatsala rājyābhiṣekaṁ mā kārṣīrnārhastvaṁ rājyapālane

"O son of Dharma, greatly fortunate, affectionate even to your enemies! Do not perform the coronation - you are not fit to rule the kingdom,

Verse 90 (skanda.3.18.90)

यतस्त्वं छद्मनाचार्यमुक्त्वा सत्यं द्विजोत्तमम्। न्यस्त शस्त्रं रणे राजन्नघातयदलज्जकः

yatastvaṁ chadmanācāryamuktvā satyaṁ dvijottamam nyasta śastraṁ raṇe rājannaghātayadalajjakaḥ

because, having deceitfully spoken to your teacher (though it was) true, O best of brahmins, you, without shame, O king, caused the killing of one who had cast aside his weapon in battle.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.18.91)

अतस्ते पापबाहुल्यं विद्यते धर्मनंदन। प्रायश्चित्तमकृत्वास्य राज्यपालनकर्मणि

ataste pāpabāhulyaṁ vidyate dharmanaṁdana prāyaścittamakṛtvāsya rājyapālanakarmaṇi

Therefore great sinfulness abides in you, O son of Dharma. Without having performed atonement for this, in the matter of ruling the kingdom -

Verse 92 (skanda.3.18.92)

नार्हता विद्यते यस्मात्प्रायश्चित्तमतश्चर। इत्युक्त्वा विररामाथ सा तु वागशरीरिणी

nārhatā vidyate yasmātprāyaścittamataścara ityuktvā virarāmātha sā tu vāgaśarīriṇī

you are not fit, since you lack the fitness; therefore perform atonement." Having said this, that bodiless voice fell silent.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.18.93)

ततो धर्मसुतो राजा तद्वाक्यं भृशकातरः। मूढोऽहं साहसी क्रूरः पिशुनो लोभमोहितः

tato dharmasuto rājā tadvākyaṁ bhṛśakātaraḥ mūḍho'haṁ sāhasī krūraḥ piśuno lobhamohitaḥ

Then King Dharmaputra, greatly distressed by that speech, (thought): "Foolish am I, rash, cruel, malicious, deluded by greed -

Verse 94 (skanda.3.18.94)

तुच्छराज्याभिलाषेण कृतवान्पापमीदृशम्। एतत्पापविशुद्ध्यर्थं किं करिष्यामि का गतिः

tuccharājyābhilāṣeṇa kṛtavānpāpamīdṛśam etatpāpaviśuddhyarthaṁ kiṁ kariṣyāmi kā gatiḥ

out of desire for a paltry kingdom I have committed such a sin. What shall I do for the purification of this sin? What recourse is there?

Verse 95 (skanda.3.18.95)

किं वा दानं प्रदास्यामि कुत्र यास्यामि वा पुनः। इति शोकसमाविष्टे तस्मिन्राजनि धर्मजे

kiṁ vā dānaṁ pradāsyāmi kutra yāsyāmi vā punaḥ iti śokasamāviṣṭe tasminrājani dharmaje

What gift shall I give? Or where indeed shall I go?" While that King Dharmaja was thus overwhelmed with grief,

Verse 96 (skanda.3.18.96)

कृष्णद्वैपायनो व्यासस्समायातस्तदंतिकम्। ततोऽभिवंद्य तं व्यासं प्रत्युत्थाय कृतांजलिः

kṛṣṇadvaipāyano vyāsassamāyātastadaṁtikam tato'bhivaṁdya taṁ vyāsaṁ pratyutthāya kṛtāṁjaliḥ

Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa arrived near him. Then, having bowed to that Vyasa, rising up with joined palms,

Verse 97 (skanda.3.18.97)

संपूज्यार्घ्यादिना विप्रा भक्तियुक्तेन चेतसा। अदेहवाचा यत्प्रोक्तं तत्सर्वमखिलेन सः।

saṁpūjyārghyādinā viprā bhaktiyuktena cetasā adehavācā yatproktaṁ tatsarvamakhilena saḥ

having honoured him with arghya and the like, O brahmins, with a heart full of devotion, all that (voice's message), spoken by a bodiless voice,

Verse 98 (skanda.3.18.98)

व्यासाय श्रावयामास दुःखितो धर्मनंदनः। श्रुत्वा तदखिलं वाक्यं धर्मजस्य महामुनिः। ध्यात्वा तु सुचिरं कालं ततो वक्तुं प्रच क्रमे

vyāsāya śrāvayāmāsa duḥkhito dharmanaṁdanaḥ śrutvā tadakhilaṁ vākyaṁ dharmajasya mahāmuniḥ dhyātvā tu suciraṁ kālaṁ tato vaktuṁ praca krame

the sorrowful son of Dharma related in full to Vyasa. Having heard that entire account of Dharmaja, that great sage, having pondered for a very long time, then began to speak.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.18.99)

व्यास उवाच। मा कार्षीस्त्वं भयं राजन्नुपायं प्रब्रवीमि ते। अस्य पापस्य शांत्यर्थं श्रुत्वानुष्ठीयतां त्वया

vyāsa uvāca mā kārṣīstvaṁ bhayaṁ rājannupāyaṁ prabravīmi te asya pāpasya śāṁtyarthaṁ śrutvānuṣṭhīyatāṁ tvayā

Vyasa said: "Have no fear, O king; I shall tell you the means. For the pacification of this sin, having heard it, let it be carried out by you.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.18.100)

युधिष्ठिर उवाच। किं तद्ब्रूहि महायोगिन्पाराशर्य कृपानिधे। येन मे पापनाशः स्यादचिरात्तद्वदाधुना

yudhiṣṭhira uvāca kiṁ tadbrūhi mahāyoginpārāśarya kṛpānidhe yena me pāpanāśaḥ syādacirāttadvadādhunā

Yudhishthira said: "Tell me that, O great yogi, O son of Parashara, O ocean of compassion, by which my sin may be destroyed - tell it to me now, quickly."

Verse 101 (skanda.3.18.101)

व्यास उवाच। दक्षिणांभोनिधौ सेतौ गंधमादनपर्वते

vyāsa uvāca dakṣiṇāṁbhonidhau setau gaṁdhamādanaparvate

Vyasa said: "In the southern ocean, at the Setu, on Mount Gandhamadana,

Verse 102 (skanda.3.18.102)

रामसेतौ महाराज रामतीर्थमिति श्रुतम्। अस्ति पुण्यं सरः सिद्धं महापातकनाशनम्

rāmasetau mahārāja rāmatīrthamiti śrutam asti puṇyaṁ saraḥ siddhaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam

at Rama's Setu, O great king, there is a holy lake known as Rama-tirtha, accomplished, destroying great sin,

Verse 103 (skanda.3.18.103)

यस्य दर्शनमात्रेण महापातककोटयः। प्रयांति विलयं सद्यस्तमः सूर्योदये यथा

yasya darśanamātreṇa mahāpātakakoṭayaḥ prayāṁti vilayaṁ sadyastamaḥ sūryodaye yathā

by the mere sight of which crores of great sins go at once to destruction, as darkness vanishes at sunrise.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.18.104)

रामतीर्थं यदा पश्येत्स्वयं रामेण निर्मितम्। तदैव ब्रह्महत्याया मुच्यते नात्र संशयः

rāmatīrthaṁ yadā paśyetsvayaṁ rāmeṇa nirmitam tadaiva brahmahatyāyā mucyate nātra saṁśayaḥ

When one beholds Rama-tirtha, made by Rama himself, one is at that very moment released from brahminicide - of this there is no doubt.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.18.105)

तत्र गत्वा महाराज रामतीर्थे विमुक्तिदे। स्नाहि ते पापशुद्धिः स्याद्राज्यरक्षार्हतापि च

tatra gatvā mahārāja rāmatīrthe vimuktide snāhi te pāpaśuddhiḥ syādrājyarakṣārhatāpi ca

Go there, O great king, to Rama-tirtha, the bestower of liberation, and bathe; your sin shall be purified, and you shall also become worthy to protect the kingdom.

Verse 106 (skanda.3.18.106)

दानं कुरुष्व तत्तीरे गोभूमितिलवाससाम्। सुवर्णरजतानां च दानं कुरु युधिष्ठिर। अवश्यमेतत्पापानां शुद्धिस्ते न चिराद्भवेत्

dānaṁ kuruṣva tattīre gobhūmitilavāsasām suvarṇarajatānāṁ ca dānaṁ kuru yudhiṣṭhira avaśyametatpāpānāṁ śuddhiste na cirādbhavet

Make gifts on its bank of cows, land, sesame, and garments, and gifts of gold and silver, O Yudhishthira; surely this purification of your sins shall not be long in coming."

Verse 107 (skanda.3.18.107)

श्रीसूत उवाच। व्यासेन धर्मपुत्रोऽयमेवमुक्तो द्विजोत्तमाः

śrīsūta uvāca vyāsena dharmaputro'yamevamukto dvijottamāḥ

Suta said: Thus addressed by Vyasa, O best of brahmins, Dharmaputra,

Verse 108 (skanda.3.18.108)

तत्क्षणेनैव धौम्येन सहितः सानुजस्तदा। सहदेवं प्रतिष्ठाप्य राज्ये धर्मात्मजस्तदा

tatkṣaṇenaiva dhaumyena sahitaḥ sānujastadā sahadevaṁ pratiṣṭhāpya rājye dharmātmajastadā

that very moment, together with Dhaumya and his younger brothers, having settled the affairs of the kingdom, the son of Dharma

Verse 109 (skanda.3.18.109)

रामसेतुं समुद्दिश्य प्रतस्थे वाहनं विना। दिनैः कतिपयैरेव रामसेतुं जगाम सः

rāmasetuṁ samuddiśya pratasthe vāhanaṁ vinā dinaiḥ katipayaireva rāmasetuṁ jagāma saḥ

set out on foot, without any vehicle, toward Rama's Setu; in a mere few days he reached Rama's Setu.

Verse 110 (skanda.3.18.110)

रामतीर्थं समासाद्य धौम्येन सह पांडवः। पुरोहितोक्तमार्गेण संकल्प्य विधिपूर्वकम्

rāmatīrthaṁ samāsādya dhaumyena saha pāṁḍavaḥ purohitoktamārgeṇa saṁkalpya vidhipūrvakam

Having reached Rama-tirtha, that Pandava, together with Dhaumya, having made his resolve (sankalpa) duly, by the path told by the chief priest,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.18.111)

सस्नौ रामसरस्तीर्थे पुण्ये पापविनाशने। स्नात्वाचम्य विशुद्धात्मा क्षेत्रपिंडं प्रदाय च

sasnau rāmasarastīrthe puṇye pāpavināśane snātvācamya viśuddhātmā kṣetrapiṁḍaṁ pradāya ca

bathed at the holy, sin-destroying tirtha of Rama's lake; having bathed and sipped water, purified in soul, and having offered the field-oblation (kshetra-pinda),

Verse 112 (skanda.3.18.112)

व्यासो क्ताखिलदानानि प्रददौ स युधिष्ठिरः। मासमेकं निराहारः सस्नौ तत्र स धर्मजः

vyāso ktākhiladānāni pradadau sa yudhiṣṭhiraḥ māsamekaṁ nirāhāraḥ sasnau tatra sa dharmajaḥ

Yudhishthira gave all the gifts prescribed by Vyasa; that son of Dharma bathed there for a full month, fasting.

Verse 113 (skanda.3.18.113)

प्रत्यहं च ददौ दानं वित्तलोभं विना द्विजाः। एक मासे गते त्वेवं कस्मिंश्चिद्दिवसे ततः

pratyahaṁ ca dadau dānaṁ vittalobhaṁ vinā dvijāḥ eka māse gate tvevaṁ kasmiṁściddivase tataḥ

And daily, O brahmins, he gave gifts without any greed for wealth. When one month had thus passed, on a certain day,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.18.114)

आह धर्मात्मजं वाणी पुनरप्यशरीरिणी। राजंस्ते विलयं यातं सर्वं पापं युधिष्ठिर

āha dharmātmajaṁ vāṇī punarapyaśarīriṇī rājaṁste vilayaṁ yātaṁ sarvaṁ pāpaṁ yudhiṣṭhira

the bodiless voice spoke again to the son of Dharma: "O king, O Yudhishthira, all your sin has gone to destruction -

Verse 115 (skanda.3.18.115)

छले नासत्यवचनादाचार्यस्य वधेन यः। दोषस्ते समभूत्पूर्वं सोऽपि नष्टः परंतप

chale nāsatyavacanādācāryasya vadhena yaḥ doṣaste samabhūtpūrvaṁ so'pi naṣṭaḥ paraṁtapa

the fault that arose formerly from the deceitful, untrue speech and the slaying of your teacher - that too, O scorcher of foes, has been destroyed.

Verse 116 (skanda.3.18.116)

याहि स्वनगरं राजन्गत्वा पालय मेदिनीम्। अभिषेचय चात्मानं राज्यरक्षार्हतास्ति ते

yāhi svanagaraṁ rājangatvā pālaya medinīm abhiṣecaya cātmānaṁ rājyarakṣārhatāsti te

Go to your own city, O king; go and protect the earth. Consecrate yourself, for you are now worthy to protect the kingdom."

Verse 117 (skanda.3.18.117)

इत्युक्त्वा विररामाथ सापि वागशरीरिणी। ततो धर्मात्मजः प्रीतस्तामुद्दिश्य दिशं प्रति

ityuktvā virarāmātha sāpi vāgaśarīriṇī tato dharmātmajaḥ prītastāmuddiśya diśaṁ prati

Having said this, that bodiless voice too fell silent. Then the son of Dharma, pleased, turning toward that direction (from which the voice had spoken),

Verse 118 (skanda.3.18.118)

नमस्कृत्वाशरीरिण्यै तस्यै वाचे सहानुजः। प्रययौ हास्तिनपुरं सुप्रीतेनांतरात्मना

namaskṛtvāśarīriṇyai tasyai vāce sahānujaḥ prayayau hāstinapuraṁ suprītenāṁtarātmanā

having bowed to that bodiless Voice, together with his younger brothers, set out for Hastinapura with a joyful inner heart.

Verse 119 (skanda.3.18.119)

अभिषिक्तोऽथ राज्येऽसौ पालयामास मेदिनीम्। इत्थं धर्मात्मजो विप्रा रामतीर्थनिमज्जनात्

abhiṣikto'tha rājye'sau pālayāmāsa medinīm itthaṁ dharmātmajo viprā rāmatīrthanimajjanāt

Then, consecrated in the kingdom, he protected the earth. Thus, O brahmins, the son of Dharma, by immersion in Rama-tirtha,

Verse 120 (skanda.3.18.120)

गतपापो विशुद्धात्मा योग्योऽभूद्राज्यरक्षणे। एवं वः कथितं चित्रं रामतीर्थस्य वैभवम्

gatapāpo viśuddhātmā yogyo'bhūdrājyarakṣaṇe evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ citraṁ rāmatīrthasya vaibhavam

became free of sin, pure in soul, fit to protect the kingdom. Thus has the wondrous greatness of Rama-tirtha been told to you,

Verse 121 (skanda.3.18.121)

सर्वपापहरं पुण्यं भक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायकम्। यत्र स्नानाद्विमुक्तोऽभून्मिथ्यादोषात्स धर्मजः

sarvapāpaharaṁ puṇyaṁ bhaktimuktipradāyakam yatra snānādvimukto'bhūnmithyādoṣātsa dharmajaḥ

holy, removing all sin, bestowing devotion and liberation, at which, by bathing, that son of Dharma was released from the fault of falsehood.

Verse 122 (skanda.3.18.122)

पठंति येऽ ध्यायमिदं द्विजोत्तमाः शृण्वंति वा ये मनुजा विपातकाः। यास्यंति कैलासमनन्यलभ्यं गत्वा न संयांति पुनश्च जन्म।

paṭhaṁti ye' dhyāyamidaṁ dvijottamāḥ śṛṇvaṁti vā ye manujā vipātakāḥ yāsyaṁti kailāsamananyalabhyaṁ gatvā na saṁyāṁti punaśca janma

O best of brahmins, whatever sinful men read this chapter, or hear it, shall go to Kailasa, not easily attained by others, and having gone there, shall not return again to birth.