The Glory of Lakshmana-tirtha and Balabhadra's Release from Brahminicide

Verse 1 (skanda.3.19.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच। तारकब्रह्मणस्तस्य तीर्थे स्नात्वा द्विजोत्तमाः। लक्ष्मणस्य ततस्तीर्थमभिगच्छेत्समाहितः

śrīsūta uvāca tārakabrahmaṇastasya tīrthe snātvā dvijottamāḥ lakṣmaṇasya tatastīrthamabhigacchetsamāhitaḥ

Suta said: Having bathed at the tirtha of that Taraka-Brahman (Rama-tirtha), O best of brahmins, one should then go, with a composed mind, to the tirtha of Lakshmana.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.19.2)

श्रीलक्ष्मणस्य तीर्थे तु स्नात्वा पापैर्विमोचिताः। मुक्तिं प्रयांति विमलामपुनर्भवलक्षणाम्

śrīlakṣmaṇasya tīrthe tu snātvā pāpairvimocitāḥ muktiṁ prayāṁti vimalāmapunarbhavalakṣaṇām

Bathing at the tirtha of Shri Lakshmana, released from sins, they go to pure liberation, characterised by non-return to birth.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.19.3)

स्नानाल्लक्ष्मणतीर्थे तु दारिद्र्यं नश्यतेखिलम्। आयुष्मान्गुणवान्विद्वान्पुत्रश्चैवास्य जायते

snānāllakṣmaṇatīrthe tu dāridryaṁ naśyatekhilam āyuṣmānguṇavānvidvānputraścaivāsya jāyate

By bathing at Lakshmana-tirtha, all poverty is destroyed entirely; a long-lived, virtuous, learned son is born to him.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.19.4)

कूले लक्ष्मणतीर्थस्य तन्मन्त्रं जपते तु यः। स सर्वशास्त्रवेत्ता स्याच्चतुर्वेदविदप्यसौ

kūle lakṣmaṇatīrthasya tanmantraṁ japate tu yaḥ sa sarvaśāstravettā syāccaturvedavidapyasau

Whoever recites its mantra on the bank of Lakshmana-tirtha becomes a knower of all the scriptures, and also a knower of the four Vedas.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.19.5)

तस्य कूले महल्लिंगं स्थापयामास लक्ष्मणः। तत्र तीर्थे तु यः स्नात्वा सेवते लक्ष्मणेश्वरम्

tasya kūle mahalliṁgaṁ sthāpayāmāsa lakṣmaṇaḥ tatra tīrthe tu yaḥ snātvā sevate lakṣmaṇeśvaram

On its bank Lakshmana installed a great Linga; whoever, having bathed at that tirtha, worships Lakshmaneshvara,

Verse 6 (skanda.3.19.6)

इह दारिद्र्यरोगाभ्यां संसाराच्च विमुच्यते। स्नात्वा लक्ष्मणतीर्थे तु सेवित्वा लक्ष्मणेश्वरम्। बलभद्रः पुरा विप्रा मुमुचे ब्रह्महत्यया

iha dāridryarogābhyāṁ saṁsārācca vimucyate snātvā lakṣmaṇatīrthe tu sevitvā lakṣmaṇeśvaram balabhadraḥ purā viprā mumuce brahmahatyayā

is released here from poverty and disease, and from samsara. By bathing at Lakshmana-tirtha and worshipping Lakshmaneshvara, Balabhadra, O brahmins, was of old released from brahminicide.

Verse 7 (skanda.3.19.7)

ऋषय ऊचुः। ब्रह्महत्या कथमभूद्रौहिणेयस्य सूतज। कथं चात्र विनष्टा सा तन्नो ब्रूहि महामुने

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ brahmahatyā kathamabhūdrauhiṇeyasya sūtaja kathaṁ cātra vinaṣṭā sā tanno brūhi mahāmune

The sages said: How did brahminicide come upon the son of Rohini, O son of Suta? And how was it destroyed there? Tell us that, O great sage.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.19.8)

श्रीसूत उवाच। शेषावतारो भगवान्बलभद्रः पुरा द्विजाः

śrīsūta uvāca śeṣāvatāro bhagavānbalabhadraḥ purā dvijāḥ

Suta said: The illustrious Balabhadra, the incarnation of Shesha, O brahmins, of old,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.19.9)

कुरूणां पांडवानां च युद्धोद्योगं विलोक्य तु। बंधूनां स वधं सोढुमसमर्थो हलायुधः

kurūṇāṁ pāṁḍavānāṁ ca yuddhodyogaṁ vilokya tu baṁdhūnāṁ sa vadhaṁ soḍhumasamartho halāyudhaḥ

having witnessed the preparation for war between the Kurus and the Pandavas, unable to bear the killing of his kinsmen, the wielder of the plough,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.19.10)

विचारमेवमकरोद्बलभद्रो महामतिः। यद्यहं कुरुराजस्य करिष्यामि सहायताम्

vicāramevamakarodbalabhadro mahāmatiḥ yadyahaṁ kururājasya kariṣyāmi sahāyatām

that greatly wise Balabhadra reflected thus: "If I render assistance to the king of the Kurus,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.19.11)

कोपः स्यात्पांडुपुत्राणां मय्यवार्यः सुदारुणः। उपकारं करिष्यामि पांडवानामहं यदि

kopaḥ syātpāṁḍuputrāṇāṁ mayyavāryaḥ sudāruṇaḥ upakāraṁ kariṣyāmi pāṁḍavānāmahaṁ yadi

the wrath of the sons of Pandu shall be turned upon me, terrible, unrestrained. And if I render assistance to the Pandavas,

Verse 12 (skanda.3.19.12)

दुर्योधनस्य कोपः स्यादिति बुद्ध्वा हलायुधः। तीर्थयात्राच्छलेनासौ मध्यस्थः प्रययौ तदा

duryodhanasya kopaḥ syāditi buddhvā halāyudhaḥ tīrthayātrācchalenāsau madhyasthaḥ prayayau tadā

the wrath of Duryodhana shall arise" - knowing this, the wielder of the plough, under the pretext of a pilgrimage, set out then, remaining neutral.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.19.13)

प्रभासमभिगम्याथ स्नात्वा संकल्पपूर्वकम्। देवानृषीन्पितृगणांस्तर्पयामास वारिणा

prabhāsamabhigamyātha snātvā saṁkalpapūrvakam devānṛṣīnpitṛgaṇāṁstarpayāmāsa vāriṇā

Then, having gone to Prabhasa and bathed there with due resolve, he offered libations of water to the gods, sages, and ancestors.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.19.14)

सरस्वतीं ततः प्रायात्प्रतीच्यभिमुखां हली। पृथूदकं बिंदुसरो मुक्तिदं ब्रह्मतीर्थकम्

sarasvatīṁ tataḥ prāyātpratīcyabhimukhāṁ halī pṛthūdakaṁ biṁdusaro muktidaṁ brahmatīrthakam

Then the wielder of the plough went to the Sarasvati, which flows westward, and to Prithudaka, Bindusaras, and Brahma-tirtha, the bestower of liberation.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.19.15)

गंगां च यमुनां सिंधुं शतद्रूं च सुदर्शनम्। संप्राप्य बलभद्रोऽयं स्नात्वा तीर्थेषु धर्मतः

gaṁgāṁ ca yamunāṁ siṁdhuṁ śatadrūṁ ca sudarśanam saṁprāpya balabhadro'yaṁ snātvā tīrtheṣu dharmataḥ

Having reached the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Sindhu, the Shatadru, and Sudarshana, and having bathed at those tirthas in due order,

Verse 16 (skanda.3.19.16)

प्रपेदे नैमिषारण्यं मुनींद्रैरभिसेवितम्। आगतं तं विलोक्याथ नैमिषीयास्तपस्विनः

prapede naimiṣāraṇyaṁ munīṁdrairabhisevitam āgataṁ taṁ vilokyātha naimiṣīyāstapasvinaḥ

this Balabhadra reached the Naimisha forest, attended by lords of sages. Seeing him arrived, the ascetics of Naimisha,

Verse 17 (skanda.3.19.17)

दीर्घसत्रे स्थिताः सम्यङ्नियता धर्मतत्पराः। अभ्युद्गम्य यदुश्रेष्ठं प्रणम्योत्थाय चासनात्

dīrghasatre sthitāḥ samyaṅniyatā dharmatatparāḥ abhyudgamya yaduśreṣṭhaṁ praṇamyotthāya cāsanāt

seated in their long sacrificial session, well-restrained, devoted to dharma, rising from their seats, having bowed and risen, came forward to greet that best of the Yadus,

Verse 18 (skanda.3.19.18)

अपूजयन्विष्टराद्यैः कंदमूलफलैस्तदा। आसनं परिगृह्यायं पूजितः सपुरःसरः

apūjayanviṣṭarādyaiḥ kaṁdamūlaphalaistadā āsanaṁ parigṛhyāyaṁ pūjitaḥ sapuraḥsaraḥ

and honoured him with seats and the like, and with roots and fruits. Having then received a seat, he was honoured, together with his attendants.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.19.19)

उच्चासने स्थितं सूतमनमंतमनुत्थितम्। अकृतांजलिमासीनं व्यासशिष्यं विलोक्य सः

uccāsane sthitaṁ sūtamanamaṁtamanutthitam akṛtāṁjalimāsīnaṁ vyāsaśiṣyaṁ vilokya saḥ

Then he, seated on a high seat, saw the disciple of Vyasa (i.e. a suta, a bard) seated there, not rising, not bowing, without joined palms,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.19.20)

विप्रांश्चानमतो दृष्ट्वा विलोक्यात्मानमागतम्। चुक्रोध रोहिणीसूनुः सूतं पौराणिकोत्तमम्

viprāṁścānamato dṛṣṭvā vilokyātmānamāgatam cukrodha rohiṇīsūnuḥ sūtaṁ paurāṇikottamam

and, seeing the brahmins bowing while looking at himself arrived, the son of Rohini grew angry at that Suta, that excellent reciter of Puranas -

Verse 21 (skanda.3.19.21)

मध्ये मुनीनां सूतोऽयं कस्मान्निंद्योऽनुलोमजः। उच्चासने समध्यास्ते न युक्तमिदमंजसा।

madhye munīnāṁ sūto'yaṁ kasmānniṁdyo'nulomajaḥ uccāsane samadhyāste na yuktamidamaṁjasā

"Why, in the midst of sages, does this contemptible, low-born Suta sit upon a high seat? This is not at all fitting.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.19.22)

अवमत्य भृशं चास्मान्धर्मसंरक्षकानयम्। आस्तेऽनुत्थाय निर्भीतिर्न च प्रणमते तथा

avamatya bhṛśaṁ cāsmāndharmasaṁrakṣakānayam āste'nutthāya nirbhītirna ca praṇamate tathā

Having greatly disrespected us, the protectors of dharma, he sits without rising, fearless, and does not even bow.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.19.23)

पठित्वायं पुराणानि द्वैपायनसकाशतः। सेतिहासानि सर्वाणि धर्मशास्त्राण्यनेकशः

paṭhitvāyaṁ purāṇāni dvaipāyanasakāśataḥ setihāsāni sarvāṇi dharmaśāstrāṇyanekaśaḥ

Even though this one has studied the Puranas from Dvaipayana himself, together with all the Itihasas and the many dharma-shastras,

Verse 24 (skanda.3.19.24)

न मां दृष्ट्वा प्रणमते नैव त्यजति चासनम्। द्वैपायनस्य महतः शिष्याः पैलादयो द्विजाः

na māṁ dṛṣṭvā praṇamate naiva tyajati cāsanam dvaipāyanasya mahataḥ śiṣyāḥ pailādayo dvijāḥ

having seen me, he does not bow, nor does he give up his seat. The disciples of the great Dvaipayana, Paila and the others, O brahmins,

Verse 25 (skanda.3.19.25)

एवंविधमधर्मं ते नैव कुर्युर्यथा त्वयम्। तस्मादेनं वधिष्यामि दुरात्मानमचेतनम्

evaṁvidhamadharmaṁ te naiva kuryuryathā tvayam tasmādenaṁ vadhiṣyāmi durātmānamacetanam

would never do such an unrighteous thing as this one does. Therefore I shall slay this evil-minded, senseless wretch.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.19.26)

दुष्टानां निग्रहार्थं हि भूर्लोकमहमागमम्। मया हतो हि दुष्टात्मा शुद्धिमेष्यत्यसंशयम्

duṣṭānāṁ nigrahārthaṁ hi bhūrlokamahamāgamam mayā hato hi duṣṭātmā śuddhimeṣyatyasaṁśayam

For I have come to this earthly world for the suppression of the wicked; slain by me, this evil-souled one shall attain purification, without doubt.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.19.27)

इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्रामो मुसली प्रबलो हली। पाणिस्थेन कुशाग्रेण तच्छिरः प्राच्छिनद्रुषा

ityuktvā bhagavānrāmo musalī prabalo halī pāṇisthena kuśāgreṇa tacchiraḥ prācchinadruṣā

Having said this, the illustrious Rama, wielder of the pestle, mighty, the plough-bearer, in anger, with the mere tip of a blade of kusha grass held in his hand, severed his head.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.19.28)

तत्रत्या मुनयः सर्वे हा कष्टमिति चुक्रुशुः। अवादिषुस्तदा रामं मुनयो ब्रह्मवादिनः

tatratyā munayaḥ sarve hā kaṣṭamiti cukruśuḥ avādiṣustadā rāmaṁ munayo brahmavādinaḥ

All the sages present there cried out, "Alas, what a calamity!" Then the Vedic sages spoke these words to Rama:

Verse 29 (skanda.3.19.29)

रामाधर्मः कृतः कष्टस्त्वया संकर्षण प्रभो। अस्य सूतस्य चास्माभिर्दत्तं ब्रह्मासनं महत्

rāmādharmaḥ kṛtaḥ kaṣṭastvayā saṁkarṣaṇa prabho asya sūtasya cāsmābhirdattaṁ brahmāsanaṁ mahat

"A grievous unrighteousness has been done by you, O Rama Sankarshana, O Lord! We ourselves gave this Suta this great seat of a Brahmin (an honored seat),

Verse 30 (skanda.3.19.30)

अक्षयं चायुरस्माभिरस्य दत्तं हलायुध। भवताऽऽजानतैवाद्य कृतो ब्रह्मवधो महान्

akṣayaṁ cāyurasmābhirasya dattaṁ halāyudha bhavatā''jānataivādya kṛto brahmavadho mahān

And we ourselves gave him imperishable life, O wielder of the plough. You, knowingly, have today committed this great brahminicide.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.19.31)

योगेश्वरस्य भवतो नास्ति कश्चिन्नियामकः। अस्यास्तु ब्रह्महत्याया यत्कर्त्तव्यं विचार्य तत्

yogeśvarasya bhavato nāsti kaścinniyāmakaḥ asyāstu brahmahatyāyā yatkarttavyaṁ vicārya tat

For you, the lord of yogis, there is no one to restrain you; but whatever ought to be done regarding this brahminicide, having considered it,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.19.32)

प्रायश्चित्तं भवानेव लोकसंग्रहणाय तु। कुरुष्व भगवन्राम नान्येन प्रेरितः कुरु। इत्युक्तो भगवान्रामस्तानुवाच मुनीन्प्रति

prāyaścittaṁ bhavāneva lokasaṁgrahaṇāya tu kuruṣva bhagavanrāma nānyena preritaḥ kuru ityukto bhagavānrāmastānuvāca munīnprati

you yourself, O illustrious Rama, for the sake of guiding the world, perform the atonement - do it not because urged by another." Thus addressed, the illustrious Rama spoke to those sages:

Verse 33 (skanda.3.19.33)

राम उवाच। प्रायश्चित्तं चरिष्याभि पापशोधकमास्तिकाः

rāma uvāca prāyaścittaṁ cariṣyābhi pāpaśodhakamāstikāḥ

Rama said: "I shall perform the atonement that purifies sin, O believers in dharma,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.19.34)

लोकसंग्रहणार्थाय नान्यकामनयाऽधुना। यादृशो नियमोऽस्माभिः कर्तव्यः पापशांतये

lokasaṁgrahaṇārthāya nānyakāmanayā'dhunā yādṛśo niyamo'smābhiḥ kartavyaḥ pāpaśāṁtaye

for the sake of guiding the world, and not now from any other desire. Whatever observance ought to be performed by me for the pacification of this sin,

Verse 35 (skanda.3.19.35)

तादृशं नियमं त्वद्य भवतः प्रब्रुवंतु नः। भवद्भिरस्य सूतस्य यदायुर्दत्तमक्षयम्। इंद्रियाणि च सत्त्वं च करिष्ये योगमायया

tādṛśaṁ niyamaṁ tvadya bhavataḥ prabruvaṁtu naḥ bhavadbhirasya sūtasya yadāyurdattamakṣayam iṁdriyāṇi ca sattvaṁ ca kariṣye yogamāyayā

tell me now that observance of yours. I shall, by my yogic power, restore to this Suta the imperishable life, the senses, and the vital force which you had given him."

Verse 36 (skanda.3.19.36)

मुनय ऊचुः। पराक्रमस्य तेस्त्रस्य मृत्योर्नश्च यथा प्रभो। स्यात्सत्यवचनं राम तद्भवान्कर्तुमर्हति

munaya ūcuḥ parākramasya testrasya mṛtyornaśca yathā prabho syātsatyavacanaṁ rāma tadbhavānkartumarhati

The sages said: "So that there be true speech regarding the valour, and the mortality or otherwise, of this one, O Lord Rama, you ought to accomplish that."

Verse 37 (skanda.3.19.37)

राम उवाच। आत्मा वै पुत्ररूपेण भवतीति श्रुतिस्सदा

rāma uvāca ātmā vai putrarūpeṇa bhavatīti śrutissadā

Rama said: "The Self indeed becomes manifest in the form of a son" - thus the Shruti ever

Verse 38 (skanda.3.19.38)

उद्घोषयति विप्रेंद्रास्तस्मादस्य शरीरतः। पुत्रो भवतु दीर्घायुः सत्त्वेंद्रिय बलोर्जितः

udghoṣayati vipreṁdrāstasmādasya śarīrataḥ putro bhavatu dīrghāyuḥ sattveṁdriya balorjitaḥ

proclaims, O foremost of brahmins; therefore, from his very body, let there be born to him a long-lived son, endowed with strength of vital force and senses,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.19.39)

कथयिष्यति युष्माकं पुराणादीनि सोऽन्वहम्। संभविष्यति सर्वज्ञो योगमायाबलान्मम

kathayiṣyati yuṣmākaṁ purāṇādīni so'nvaham saṁbhaviṣyati sarvajño yogamāyābalānmama

who shall daily relate to you the Puranas and the rest; he shall become omniscient, by the power of my yogic illusion (yogamaya).

Verse 40 (skanda.3.19.40)

इत्युक्त्वा रौहिणेयस्तान्पुनः प्रश्रितमब्रवीत्। मनोभिलषितं किं वा युष्माकं करवाण्यहम्

ityuktvā rauhiṇeyastānpunaḥ praśritamabravīt manobhilaṣitaṁ kiṁ vā yuṣmākaṁ karavāṇyaham

Having said this, the son of Rohini again spoke humbly to them: "What is it that you desire in your minds? What shall I do for you?

Verse 41 (skanda.3.19.41)

तद्ब्रूत मुनयो यूयं करिष्यामि न संशयः। अज्ञानान्मत्कृतस्यास्य पापस्यापि निवर्तकम्। प्रायश्चित्तं भवन्तो मे प्रब्रूत मुनिसत्तमाः

tadbrūta munayo yūyaṁ kariṣyāmi na saṁśayaḥ ajñānānmatkṛtasyāsya pāpasyāpi nivartakam prāyaścittaṁ bhavanto me prabrūta munisattamāḥ

Tell me that, O sages; I shall do it, without doubt - a means of removing even this sin committed unknowingly by me. Tell me the atonement, O best of sages."

Verse 42 (skanda.3.19.42)

मुनय ऊचुः। इल्वलस्यात्मजः कश्चिद्दानवो बल्वलाभिधः

munaya ūcuḥ ilvalasyātmajaḥ kaściddānavo balvalābhidhaḥ

The sages said: "There is a certain danava, son of Ilvala, named Balvala,

Verse 43 (skanda.3.19.43)

स दूषयति नो यागं रामेहागत्य पर्वणि। दुष्टं तं दानवं पापं जहि लोकैककण्टकम्

sa dūṣayati no yāgaṁ rāmehāgatya parvaṇi duṣṭaṁ taṁ dānavaṁ pāpaṁ jahi lokaikakaṇṭakam

who defiles our sacrifice, O Rama, coming here at the time of the festival. Slay that wicked, sinful danava, the sole thorn of the world.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.19.44)

अनेन पूजा ह्यस्माकं कृता स्याद्भवताधुना। अस्थिविण्मूत्ररक्तानि सुरामांसानि च क्रतौ

anena pūjā hyasmākaṁ kṛtā syādbhavatādhunā asthiviṇmūtraraktāni surāmāṁsāni ca kratau

By this, worship shall indeed have been rendered to us by you now. Bones, excrement, urine, and blood, and liquor and flesh,

Verse 45 (skanda.3.19.45)

सदाभिवर्षतेऽस्माकमत्रागत्य स दानवः। अस्मिन्भारतभूभागे यानि तीर्थानि संति हि

sadābhivarṣate'smākamatrāgatya sa dānavaḥ asminbhāratabhūbhāge yāni tīrthāni saṁti hi

that danava, coming here, ever rains down upon us during the sacrifice. In this part of Bharata's land, whatever tirthas there are,

Verse 46 (skanda.3.19.46)

तेषु स्नाह्यब्दमेकं त्वं सर्वेषु सुसमाहितः। तेन ते पापशांतिः स्यान्नात्र कार्या विचारणा

teṣu snāhyabdamekaṁ tvaṁ sarveṣu susamāhitaḥ tena te pāpaśāṁtiḥ syānnātra kāryā vicāraṇā

bathe in all of them for one full year, with a composed mind; by that your sin shall be pacified - no deliberation is needed on this.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.19.47)

श्रीसूत उवाच। पर्वकाले तु विप्रेंद्राः समावृत्ते मुनिक्रतौ। महाभीमो रजोवर्षो झंझावातश्च भीषणः

śrīsūta uvāca parvakāle tu vipreṁdrāḥ samāvṛtte munikratau mahābhīmo rajovarṣo jhaṁjhāvātaśca bhīṣaṇaḥ

Suta said: At the time of the festival, O foremost of brahmins, when the sages' sacrificial session was in progress, a terrible dust-storm and a fearful whirlwind

Verse 48 (skanda.3.19.48)

प्रादुर्बभूव विप्रेंद्राः पूयरक्तैश्च वर्षणम्। ततो विष्ठामया वृष्टिर्बल्वलेन कृताप्यभूत्

prādurbabhūva vipreṁdrāḥ pūyaraktaiśca varṣaṇam tato viṣṭhāmayā vṛṣṭirbalvalena kṛtāpyabhūt

appeared, O foremost of brahmins, and a rain of pus and blood; then a rain composed of excrement was also made by Balvala.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.19.49)

असुरं यज्ञशालायां शूलपाणिमथ क्षणात्। अपश्यद्बलभद्रोऽसौ महाबलपराक्रमम्

asuraṁ yajñaśālāyāṁ śūlapāṇimatha kṣaṇāt apaśyadbalabhadro'sau mahābalaparākramam

Balabhadra then, in an instant, saw in the sacrificial hall a demon holding a trident, of great strength and prowess.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.19.50)

तमालोक्य महादेहं दग्धाद्रिप्रतिमं तदा। प्रतप्तताम्रसंकाशश्मश्रुदंष्ट्रोत्कटाननम्

tamālokya mahādehaṁ dagdhādripratimaṁ tadā prataptatāmrasaṁkāśaśmaśrudaṁṣṭrotkaṭānanam

Beholding him, of huge body, resembling a burnt mountain, then, glowing like heated copper, with bristling beard and fangs, terrible-faced,

Verse 51 (skanda.3.19.51)

चिंतयामास मुसलं रामः परविदारणम्। सीरं च दानवहरं गदां दैत्यविदारिणीम्

ciṁtayāmāsa musalaṁ rāmaḥ paravidāraṇam sīraṁ ca dānavaharaṁ gadāṁ daityavidāriṇīm

Rama thought of his pestle, the destroyer of enemies, and of his plough, the slayer of demons, and of his mace, the destroyer of daityas.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.19.52)

यान्यायुधानि तं रामं चिंतितान्युपतस्थिरे। सीराग्रेण तमाकृष्य बल्वलं खेचरं तदा

yānyāyudhāni taṁ rāmaṁ ciṁtitānyupatasthire sīrāgreṇa tamākṛṣya balvalaṁ khecaraṁ tadā

Whatever weapons Rama thought of came and presented themselves to him. Having then dragged that sky-roving Balvala with the tip of his plough,

Verse 53 (skanda.3.19.53)

मुसलेन निजघ्ने स कुपितो मूर्ध्नि वेगतः। पपात भुवि संक्षुण्णललाटो रक्तमुद्वमन्

musalena nijaghne sa kupito mūrdhni vegataḥ papāta bhuvi saṁkṣuṇṇalalāṭo raktamudvaman

he, enraged, struck him swiftly on the head with the pestle. He fell to the ground, his forehead crushed, vomiting blood,

Verse 54 (skanda.3.19.54)

बल्वलो दीनकथनो गिरिर्वज्रहतो यथा। स्तुत्वाथ मुनयो रामं प्रोच्चार्य विमलाशिषः

balvalo dīnakathano girirvajrahato yathā stutvātha munayo rāmaṁ proccārya vimalāśiṣaḥ

Balvala, uttering piteous words, like a mountain struck by the thunderbolt. Then the sages, having praised Rama and pronounced pure blessings,

Verse 55 (skanda.3.19.55)

अभ्यषिंचञ्च्छुभैस्तोयैर्वृत्रशत्रुं यथा सुराः। मालां ददुर्वैजयन्तीं श्रीमदंबुज शोभिताम्

abhyaṣiṁcañcchubhaistoyairvṛtraśatruṁ yathā surāḥ mālāṁ dadurvaijayantīṁ śrīmadaṁbuja śobhitām

anointed him with auspicious waters, as the gods anointed the slayer of Vritra (Indra). They gave him a Vaijayanti garland, resplendent with lotuses of good fortune,

Verse 56 (skanda.3.19.56)

माधवाय शुभे वस्त्रे भूषणानि शुभानि च। धारयंस्तानि सर्वाणि रौहिणेयो महाबलः

mādhavāya śubhe vastre bhūṣaṇāni śubhāni ca dhārayaṁstāni sarvāṇi rauhiṇeyo mahābalaḥ

and auspicious garments and auspicious ornaments to Madhava (Balarama). Wearing all of those, the son of Rohini, of great strength,

Verse 57 (skanda.3.19.57)

पुष्पितानोकहोपेतः कैलास इव पर्वतः। अनुज्ञातोऽथ मुनिभिः सर्वतीर्थेषु स द्विजाः

puṣpitānokahopetaḥ kailāsa iva parvataḥ anujñāto'tha munibhiḥ sarvatīrtheṣu sa dvijāḥ

adorned with flowering trees, was like Mount Kailasa. Then, given leave by the sages, at all the tirthas, O brahmins,

Verse 58 (skanda.3.19.58)

एकमब्दं चरन्सस्नौ नियमाचारसंयुतः। ततः संवत्सरे पूर्णे कालिंदीभेदनो बलः

ekamabdaṁ caransasnau niyamācārasaṁyutaḥ tataḥ saṁvatsare pūrṇe kāliṁdībhedano balaḥ

for one full year he wandered, bathing, observing his vows and conduct. Then, when the year was complete, Bala, the cleaver of the Kalindi (Yamuna),

Verse 59 (skanda.3.19.59)

समाप्ततीर्थयात्रः सन्पुरीं गन्तुं प्रचक्रमे। ततस्तमोमयीं छायां पृष्ठतोनुगतां कृशाम्

samāptatīrthayātraḥ sanpurīṁ gantuṁ pracakrame tatastamomayīṁ chāyāṁ pṛṣṭhatonugatāṁ kṛśām

his tirtha-pilgrimage completed, prepared to go to his city. Then he saw a dark, shadow-like, thin figure following behind him,

Verse 60 (skanda.3.19.60)

अपश्यद्बलदेवोयं महानादविराविणीम्। अथ वार्ता स शुश्राव समुद्भूतां तदांबरे

apaśyadbaladevoyaṁ mahānādavirāviṇīm atha vārtā sa śuśrāva samudbhūtāṁ tadāṁbare

this Baladeva saw, uttering a great cry. Then he heard a voice that arose in the sky at that time:

Verse 61 (skanda.3.19.61)

रामराम महाबाहो रौहिणेय सितप्रभ। तीर्थाभिगमनेनाद्य चरितेन त्वयाऽनघ।

rāmarāma mahābāho rauhiṇeya sitaprabha tīrthābhigamanenādya caritena tvayā'nagha

"O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed, son of Rohini, of fair splendour! By this conduct of yours today, going to the tirthas, O sinless one,

Verse 62 (skanda.3.19.62)

न नष्टा ब्रह्महत्या ते निःशेषं रोहिणीसुत। इति वार्तां समाकर्ण्य चिंतयामास वै बलः

na naṣṭā brahmahatyā te niḥśeṣaṁ rohiṇīsuta iti vārtāṁ samākarṇya ciṁtayāmāsa vai balaḥ

your brahminicide has not been destroyed entirely, O son of Rohini." Hearing that report, Bala reflected:

Verse 63 (skanda.3.19.63)

प्रायश्चित्तं मया चीर्णमेकाब्दं तीर्थ सेवया। तथापि ब्रह्महत्या सा न नष्टेति श्रुतं वचः

prāyaścittaṁ mayā cīrṇamekābdaṁ tīrtha sevayā tathāpi brahmahatyā sā na naṣṭeti śrutaṁ vacaḥ

"I have performed atonement, a full year of service to the tirthas; yet I have heard the words that that brahminicide is not destroyed.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.19.64)

किं कुर्म इति संचिंत्य नैमिषारण्यमभ्यगात्। तत्र गत्वा मुनीनां तन्न्यवेदयदरिंदमः

kiṁ kurma iti saṁciṁtya naimiṣāraṇyamabhyagāt tatra gatvā munīnāṁ tannyavedayadariṁdamaḥ

Thinking, "What shall we do?" he went to the Naimisha forest. Having gone there, that queller of foes reported this to the sages.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.19.65)

यच्छ्रुतं गगने वाक्यं या च दृष्टा तमोमयी। न्यवेदयत तत्सर्वं मुनीनां रोहिणीसुतः। तच्छ्रुत्वा मुनयः सर्वे रामं वाक्यमथाब्रुवन्

yacchrutaṁ gagane vākyaṁ yā ca dṛṣṭā tamomayī nyavedayata tatsarvaṁ munīnāṁ rohiṇīsutaḥ tacchrutvā munayaḥ sarve rāmaṁ vākyamathābruvan

Whatever speech he had heard in the sky, and whatever dark figure he had seen - all that the son of Rohini reported to the sages. Having heard that, all the sages then spoke this word to Rama:

Verse 66 (skanda.3.19.66)

मुनय ऊचुः। यदि राम न नष्टा ते ब्रह्महत्या तु कृत्स्नशः

munaya ūcuḥ yadi rāma na naṣṭā te brahmahatyā tu kṛtsnaśaḥ

The sages said: "If, O Rama, your brahminicide has not been destroyed entirely,

Verse 67 (skanda.3.19.67)

तर्हि गच्छ महाभाग गंधमादनपर्वतम्। महादुःख प्रशमनं महारोगविनाशनम्

tarhi gaccha mahābhāga gaṁdhamādanaparvatam mahāduḥkha praśamanaṁ mahārogavināśanam

then go, O greatly fortunate one, to Mount Gandhamadana - the pacifier of great sorrow, the destroyer of great disease.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.19.68)

रामसेतौ महापुण्ये गन्धमादनपर्वते। अस्ति लक्ष्मणतीर्थाख्यं सरः पापविनाशनम्

rāmasetau mahāpuṇye gandhamādanaparvate asti lakṣmaṇatīrthākhyaṁ saraḥ pāpavināśanam

On Rama's Setu, on the greatly holy Mount Gandhamadana, there is a lake called Lakshmana-tirtha, the destroyer of sin.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.19.69)

स्नानं कुरुष्व तत्र त्वं तल्लिंगं च नमस्कुरु। निःशेषं तेन नष्टा स्याद्ब्रह्महत्या न संशयः

snānaṁ kuruṣva tatra tvaṁ talliṁgaṁ ca namaskuru niḥśeṣaṁ tena naṣṭā syādbrahmahatyā na saṁśayaḥ

Bathe there, and bow to that Linga; by that your brahminicide shall be destroyed entirely, without doubt.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.19.70)

श्रीसूत उवाच। एवमुक्तस्तदा रामो गन्धमादनपर्वतम्। गत्वा लक्ष्मणतीर्थं च प्राप्तवान्मुनिपुंगवाः

śrīsūta uvāca evamuktastadā rāmo gandhamādanaparvatam gatvā lakṣmaṇatīrthaṁ ca prāptavānmunipuṁgavāḥ

Suta said: Thus addressed, O bulls among sages, Rama then went to Mount Gandhamadana, and, having gone there, reached Lakshmana-tirtha.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.19.71)

स्नात्वा संकल्पपूर्वं तु तत्र तीर्थे हलायुधः। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ वित्तं धान्यं गाश्च वसुन्धराम्

snātvā saṁkalpapūrvaṁ tu tatra tīrthe halāyudhaḥ brāhmaṇebhyo dadau vittaṁ dhānyaṁ gāśca vasundharām

Having bathed with due resolve there at that tirtha, the wielder of the plough gave to brahmins wealth, grain, cows, and land.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.19.72)

तस्मिन्नवसरे तत्र राममाहाशरीरवाक्। निःशेषं राम नष्टा ते ब्रह्महत्याधुना त्विह

tasminnavasare tatra rāmamāhāśarīravāk niḥśeṣaṁ rāma naṣṭā te brahmahatyādhunā tviha

At that time, a voice from the sky spoke there to Rama: "O Rama, your brahminicide has now been destroyed entirely, right here.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.19.73)

संदेहो नात्र कर्तव्यः सुखं याहि पुरीं निजाम्। तच्छ्रुत्वा बलभद्रोऽथ तत्तीर्थं प्रशशंस ह

saṁdeho nātra kartavyaḥ sukhaṁ yāhi purīṁ nijām tacchrutvā balabhadro'tha tattīrthaṁ praśaśaṁsa ha

No doubt should be entertained about this; go happily to your own city." Having heard that, Balabhadra then praised that tirtha,

Verse 74 (skanda.3.19.74)

ततस्तत्रत्यतीर्थेषु स्नात्वा सर्वेषु माधवः। धनुष्कोटौ तथा स्नात्वा रामनाथं निषेव्य च। द्वारकां स्वपुरीं प्रायान्नष्टपातकसंचयः

tatastatratyatīrtheṣu snātvā sarveṣu mādhavaḥ dhanuṣkoṭau tathā snātvā rāmanāthaṁ niṣevya ca dvārakāṁ svapurīṁ prāyānnaṣṭapātakasaṁcayaḥ

Then, having bathed at all the tirthas there, Madhava (Balarama), and having bathed also at Dhanushkoti and worshipped Ramanatha, set out for his own city, Dvaraka, his accumulation of sin destroyed.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.19.75)

श्रीसूत उवाच। एवं वः कथितं विप्राः श्रीलक्ष्मणसरोऽमलम्

śrīsūta uvāca evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprāḥ śrīlakṣmaṇasaro'malam

Suta said: Thus has been told to you, O brahmins, the immaculate lake of Shri Lakshmana,

Verse 76 (skanda.3.19.76)

पुण्यं पवित्रं पापघ्नं ब्रह्महत्यादिशोधकम्। यः पठेदिममध्यायं शृणुयाद्वा समाहितः

puṇyaṁ pavitraṁ pāpaghnaṁ brahmahatyādiśodhakam yaḥ paṭhedimamadhyāyaṁ śṛṇuyādvā samāhitaḥ

holy, pure, destroying sin, purifying even from brahminicide and the like. Whoever reads this chapter, or hears it with a composed mind,

Verse 77 (skanda.3.19.77)

स याति मुक्तिं विप्रेंद्राः पुनरावृत्तिवर्जिताम्

sa yāti muktiṁ vipreṁdrāḥ punarāvṛttivarjitām

attains liberation, O foremost of brahmins, free from return to birth again.