The Glory of Agni-tirtha and Release from the Curse of Dishonest Trade

Verse 1 (skanda.3.22.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच। लक्ष्मीतीर्थे शुभे पुंसां सर्वैश्वर्यैककारणे। स्नात्वा नरस्ततो गच्छेदग्नितीर्थं द्विजोत्तमाः

śrīsūta uvāca lakṣmītīrthe śubhe puṁsāṁ sarvaiśvaryaikakāraṇe snātvā narastato gacchedagnitīrthaṁ dvijottamāḥ

Suta said: Having bathed at auspicious Lakshmi-tirtha, the sole cause of all lordship for men, a man should then go, O best of brahmins, to Agni-tirtha.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.22.2)

अग्नितीर्थं महापुण्यं महापातकनाशनम्। तीर्थानामुत्तमं तीर्थं सर्वाभीष्टैकसाधनम्। तत्र स्नायान्नरो भक्त्या स्वपापपरिशुद्धये

agnitīrthaṁ mahāpuṇyaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam tīrthānāmuttamaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvābhīṣṭaikasādhanam tatra snāyānnaro bhaktyā svapāpapariśuddhaye

Agni-tirtha is greatly holy, destroying great sin, the best among tirthas, the sole means for all desires; a man should bathe there with devotion for the purification of his own sins.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.22.3)

ऋषय ऊचुः। अग्निर्तार्थमितिख्यातिः कथं तस्य मुनीश्वर।

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ agnirtārthamitikhyātiḥ kathaṁ tasya munīśvara

The sages said: How did it come to be renowned as Agni-tirtha, O lord of sages?

Verse 4 (skanda.3.22.4)

कुत्रैदमग्नितीर्थं च कीदृशं तस्य वैभवम्। एतन्नः श्रद्दधानानां विस्तराद्वक्तुमर्हसि

kutraidamagnitīrthaṁ ca kīdṛśaṁ tasya vaibhavam etannaḥ śraddadhānānāṁ vistarādvaktumarhasi

And where is this Agni-tirtha, and what is its greatness? You ought to tell us this in detail, since we place our faith in you.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.22.5)

श्रीसूत उवाच। सम्यक्पृष्टं हि युष्माभिः शृणुध्वं मुनिपुंगवाः। पुरा हि राघवो हत्वा रावणं सपरिच्छदम्

śrīsūta uvāca samyakpṛṣṭaṁ hi yuṣmābhiḥ śṛṇudhvaṁ munipuṁgavāḥ purā hi rāghavo hatvā rāvaṇaṁ saparicchadam

Suta said: Well have you asked, O bulls among sages; listen. Long ago, Raghava, having slain Ravana together with his retinue,

Verse 6 (skanda.3.22.6)

स्थापयित्वा तु लंकायां भर्तारं च विभीषणम्। सीतासौमित्रिसंयुक्तो रामो दशरथात्मजः

sthāpayitvā tu laṁkāyāṁ bhartāraṁ ca vibhīṣaṇam sītāsaumitrisaṁyukto rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ

having established Vibhishana as lord in Lanka, Rama, son of Dasharatha, together with Sita and Saumitri (Lakshmana),

Verse 7 (skanda.3.22.7)

सिद्धचारणगंधवैर्देवैरप्सरसां गणैः। स्तूयमानो मुनिगणैः सत्याशीस्तीर्थकौतुकी

siddhacāraṇagaṁdhavairdevairapsarasāṁ gaṇaiḥ stūyamāno munigaṇaiḥ satyāśīstīrthakautukī

praised by Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, gods, and hosts of Apsarases, and by groups of sages, of truthful blessing, curious about the tirthas,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.22.8)

धारयँल्लीलया चापं रामोऽसह्यपराक्रमः। आत्मनः शुद्धिमाधातुं जानकीं शोधितु तथा

dhāraya~llīlayā cāpaṁ rāmo'sahyaparākramaḥ ātmanaḥ śuddhimādhātuṁ jānakīṁ śodhitu tathā

bearing his bow playfully, Rama of unbearable prowess, in order to establish his own purity, and likewise to purify Janaki,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.22.9)

इंद्रादिदेववृन्दैश्च मुनिभिः पितृभिस्तथा। विभीषणेन सहितः सर्वेरपि च वानरैः

iṁdrādidevavṛndaiśca munibhiḥ pitṛbhistathā vibhīṣaṇena sahitaḥ sarverapi ca vānaraiḥ

together with the hosts of gods headed by Indra, with sages, with ancestors, together with Vibhishana and all the monkeys as well,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.22.10)

आययौ सेतुमार्गेण गंधमादनपर्वतम्। लक्ष्मीतीर्थतटे स्थित्वा जानकीशोधनाय सः

āyayau setumārgeṇa gaṁdhamādanaparvatam lakṣmītīrthataṭe sthitvā jānakīśodhanāya saḥ

came by the path of the Setu to Mount Gandhamadana. Standing on the bank of Lakshmi-tirtha, in order to purify Janaki, he

Verse 11 (skanda.3.22.11)

अग्निमावाहयामास देवर्षिपितृसन्निधौ। अथोत्तस्थौ महांभोधेर्लक्ष्मीतीर्थाद्विदूरतः

agnimāvāhayāmāsa devarṣipitṛsannidhau athottasthau mahāṁbhodherlakṣmītīrthādvidūrataḥ

invoked Agni, in the presence of gods, sages, and ancestors. Then, from a distance from Lakshmi-tirtha, from the great ocean, rose

Verse 12 (skanda.3.22.12)

पश्यत्सु सर्वलोकेषु लिहन्नंभांसि पावकः। आताम्रलोचनः पीतवासा धनुर्धरः

paśyatsu sarvalokeṣu lihannaṁbhāṁsi pāvakaḥ ātāmralocanaḥ pītavāsā dhanurdharaḥ

Pavaka (Agni), visible to all the worlds, licking the waters, his eyes tinged red, clad in yellow, bearing a bow,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.22.13)

सप्तभिश्चैव जिह्वाभिर्लेलिहानो दिशो दश। दृष्ट्वा रघुपतिं शूरं लीलामानुषरूपिणम्

saptabhiścaiva jihvābhirlelihāno diśo daśa dṛṣṭvā raghupatiṁ śūraṁ līlāmānuṣarūpiṇam

with seven tongues licking the ten directions. Having seen the heroic lord of the Raghus, in his playful human form,

Verse 14 (skanda.3.22.14)

जगाद वचनं रम्यं जानकीशुद्धिकारणात्। रामराम महाबाहो राक्षसानां भयावह

jagāda vacanaṁ ramyaṁ jānakīśuddhikāraṇāt rāmarāma mahābāho rākṣasānāṁ bhayāvaha

he spoke a pleasing speech, for the purpose of Janaki's purification: "O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed, terror of the rakshasas!

Verse 15 (skanda.3.22.15)

पातिव्रत्येन जानक्या रावणं हतवान्भवान्। सत्यंसत्यं पुनः सत्यं नात्र कार्या विचारणा

pātivratyena jānakyā rāvaṇaṁ hatavānbhavān satyaṁsatyaṁ punaḥ satyaṁ nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

By Janaki's chastity you have slain Ravana. Truly, truly, and again truly - no deliberation is needed here.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.22.16)

कमलेयं जगन्माता लीलामानुषविग्रहा। देवत्वे देवदेहेयं मनुष्यत्वे च मानुषी

kamaleyaṁ jaganmātā līlāmānuṣavigrahā devatve devadeheyaṁ manuṣyatve ca mānuṣī

This Kamala (Lakshmi/Sita) is the mother of the world, of playful human form; in godhood she has a divine body, and in humanhood a human one.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.22.17)

विष्णोर्देहानुरूपां वै करोत्येषात्मनस्तनुम्। यदायदा जगत्स्वामिन्देवदेव जनार्द्दन

viṣṇordehānurūpāṁ vai karotyeṣātmanastanum yadāyadā jagatsvāmindevadeva janārddana

She indeed assumes a body corresponding to Vishnu's own body. Whenever, O lord of the world, O god of gods, Janardana,

Verse 18 (skanda.3.22.18)

अवतारान्करोषि त्वं तदेयं त्वत्सहायिनी। यदा त्वं भार्गवो रामस्तदाभूद्धरणी त्वियम्

avatārānkaroṣi tvaṁ tadeyaṁ tvatsahāyinī yadā tvaṁ bhārgavo rāmastadābhūddharaṇī tviyam

you take incarnations, she becomes your companion then. When you were Rama the son of Bhrigu (Parashurama), then this earth (Bhumi) was she;

Verse 19 (skanda.3.22.19)

अधुना जानकी जाता भवित्री रुक्मिणी ततः। अन्येषु चावतारेषु विष्णोरेषा सहायिनी

adhunā jānakī jātā bhavitrī rukmiṇī tataḥ anyeṣu cāvatāreṣu viṣṇoreṣā sahāyinī

now she has become Janaki, and shall later become Rukmini. In other incarnations too, she is Vishnu's companion.

Verse 20 (skanda.3.22.20)

तस्मामद्वचनादेनां प्रति गृह्णीष्व राघव। पावकस्य तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा देवा महर्षयः

tasmāmadvacanādenāṁ prati gṛhṇīṣva rāghava pāvakasya tu tadvākyaṁ śrutvā devā maharṣayaḥ

Therefore, at my word, accept her back, O Raghava." Having heard that speech of Pavaka, the gods, the great sages,

Verse 21 (skanda.3.22.21)

विद्याधराश्च गंधर्वा मानवाः पन्नगास्तथा। अन्ये च भूतनिवहा रामं दशरथात्मजम्

vidyādharāśca gaṁdharvā mānavāḥ pannagāstathā anye ca bhūtanivahā rāmaṁ daśarathātmajam

the Vidyadharas, Gandharvas, men, and Nagas as well, and other hosts of beings, praised Rama, son of Dasharatha,

Verse 22 (skanda.3.22.22)

जानकीं मैथिलीं चैव प्रशशंसुः पुनःपुनः। रामोऽग्निवचनात्सीतां प्रतिजग्राह निर्मलाम्

jānakīṁ maithilīṁ caiva praśaśaṁsuḥ punaḥpunaḥ rāmo'gnivacanātsītāṁ pratijagrāha nirmalām

and Janaki Maithili too, again and again. Rama, at Agni's word, took back the pure Sita.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.22.23)

एवं सीताविशुद्ध्यर्थं रामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा। आवाहने कृते वह्निर्लक्ष्मीतीर्थाद्विदूरतः

evaṁ sītāviśuddhyarthaṁ rāmeṇākliṣṭakarmaṇā āvāhane kṛte vahnirlakṣmītīrthādvidūrataḥ

Thus, for the purification of Sita, by Rama of unwearied deeds, the invocation having been made, Agni, from a distance from Lakshmi-tirtha,

Verse 24 (skanda.3.22.24)

यतः प्रदेशादुत्तस्थावंबुधेर्द्विजसत्तमाः। अग्नितीर्थं विजानीत तं प्रदेशमनुत्तमम्

yataḥ pradeśāduttasthāvaṁbudherdvijasattamāḥ agnitīrthaṁ vijānīta taṁ pradeśamanuttamam

from whatever spot of the ocean he arose, O best of brahmins, know that spot as the supreme Agni-tirtha.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.22.25)

ततो विनिर्गमादग्नेरग्नितीर्थमितीर्यते। अत्र स्नात्वा नरो भक्त्या वह्नेस्तीर्थे विमुक्तिदे

tato vinirgamādagneragnitīrthamitīryate atra snātvā naro bhaktyā vahnestīrthe vimuktide

Therefore, from the emergence of Agni, it is called Agni-tirtha. Bathing here with devotion, a man, at the liberating tirtha of Vahni (Agni),

Verse 26 (skanda.3.22.26)

उपोष्य वेदविदुषो ब्राह्मणानपि भोजयेत्। तेभ्यो वस्त्रं धनं भूमिं दद्यात्कन्यां च भूषिताम्

upoṣya vedaviduṣo brāhmaṇānapi bhojayet tebhyo vastraṁ dhanaṁ bhūmiṁ dadyātkanyāṁ ca bhūṣitām

having fasted, should also feed brahmins learned in the Veda; he should give them garments, wealth, land, and an adorned maiden.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.22.27)

सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो विष्णुसायुज्यमाप्नुयात्। अग्नितीर्थस्य कूलेस्मिन्नन्नदानं विशिष्यते

sarvapāpavinirmukto viṣṇusāyujyamāpnuyāt agnitīrthasya kūlesminnannadānaṁ viśiṣyate

Freed from all sin, he attains union (sayujya) with Vishnu. On this bank of Agni-tirtha, giving of food is especially praised.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.22.28)

अग्नितीर्थसमं तीर्थं न भूतं न भविष्यति। दुष्पण्योपि महापापो यत्र स्नानात्पिशाचताम्

agnitīrthasamaṁ tīrthaṁ na bhūtaṁ na bhaviṣyati duṣpaṇyopi mahāpāpo yatra snānātpiśācatām

There has been, and there will be, no tirtha equal to Agni-tirtha. Even Dushpanya, a man of great sin, by bathing here, cast off pishacha-hood,

Verse 29 (skanda.3.22.29)

परित्यज्य महाघोरां दिव्यं रूपमवाप्तवान्। पशुमान्नाम वैश्योऽभूत्पुरा पाटलिपुत्रके

parityajya mahāghorāṁ divyaṁ rūpamavāptavān paśumānnāma vaiśyo'bhūtpurā pāṭaliputrake

having given up that great terror, obtained a divine form. Long ago there was a vaishya named Pashuman in Pataliputra,

Verse 30 (skanda.3.22.30)

स वै धर्मपरो नित्यं ब्राह्मणाराधने रतः। कृषिं निरंतरं कुर्वन्गो रक्षां चैव सर्वदा

sa vai dharmaparo nityaṁ brāhmaṇārādhane rataḥ kṛṣiṁ niraṁtaraṁ kurvango rakṣāṁ caiva sarvadā

who was ever devoted to dharma, delighting in the worship of brahmins, ceaselessly engaged in farming, and always in the protection of cattle,

Verse 31 (skanda.3.22.31)

पण्यवीथ्यां च विक्रीणन्कांचनादीनि धर्मतः। पशुमन्नामधेयस्य वणिक्छ्रेष्ठस्य तस्य वै

paṇyavīthyāṁ ca vikrīṇankāṁcanādīni dharmataḥ paśumannāmadheyasya vaṇikchreṣṭhasya tasya vai

and selling gold and the like righteously in the market street. That excellent merchant named Pashuman

Verse 32 (skanda.3.22.32)

बभूव भार्यात्रितयं पतिशुश्रूषणे रतम्। ज्येष्ठा त्रीन्सुषुवे पुत्रान्वैश्यवंशविवर्द्धनान्

babhūva bhāryātritayaṁ patiśuśrūṣaṇe ratam jyeṣṭhā trīnsuṣuve putrānvaiśyavaṁśavivarddhanān

had three wives, all devoted to serving their husband. The eldest bore three sons who increased the vaishya lineage:

Verse 33 (skanda.3.22.33)

सुपण्यं पण्यवतं च चारुपण्यं तथैव च। मध्यमा सुषुते पुत्रौ सुकोश बहुकोशकौ

supaṇyaṁ paṇyavataṁ ca cārupaṇyaṁ tathaiva ca madhyamā suṣute putrau sukośa bahukośakau

Supanya, Panyavan, and likewise Charupanya. The middle wife bore two sons, Sukosha and Bahukosha.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.22.34)

तृतीयायां त्रयः पुत्रास्तस्य वैश्यस्य जज्ञिरे। महापण्यो महाकोशो दुष्पण्य इति विश्रुताः

tṛtīyāyāṁ trayaḥ putrāstasya vaiśyasya jajñire mahāpaṇyo mahākośo duṣpaṇya iti viśrutāḥ

To the third wife three sons were born to that vaishya: Mahapanya, Mahakosha, and one renowned as Dushpanya.

Verse 35 (skanda.3.22.35)

एवं पशुमतस्तस्य वैश्यस्य द्विजसत्तमाः। बभूवुरष्टौ तनयास्तासु स्त्रीषु तिसृष्वपि

evaṁ paśumatastasya vaiśyasya dvijasattamāḥ babhūvuraṣṭau tanayāstāsu strīṣu tisṛṣvapi

Thus, O bulls among brahmins, that vaishya Pashuman had eight sons by those three wives.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.22.36)

ते सुपण्यमुखाः सर्वे पुत्रा ववृधिरे क्रमात। धूलिकेलिं वितन्वन्तः पितरौ तोषयंति ते

te supaṇyamukhāḥ sarve putrā vavṛdhire kramāta dhūlikeliṁ vitanvantaḥ pitarau toṣayaṁti te

All those sons, headed by Supanya, grew up in due course, delighting their parents by playing in the dust.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.22.37)

पंचहायनतां प्राप्ताः क्रमात्ते वैश्यनंदनाः। पशुमानपि वैश्येंद्रः सर्वानपि च तान्सुतान्

paṁcahāyanatāṁ prāptāḥ kramātte vaiśyanaṁdanāḥ paśumānapi vaiśyeṁdraḥ sarvānapi ca tānsutān

Those sons of the vaishya, having reached the age of five in due course, that lord of vaishyas Pashuman also

Verse 38 (skanda.3.22.38)

बाल्यमारभ्य सततं स्वकृत्येषु व्यशिक्षयत्। कृषिगोत्राणवाणिज्यकर्मसु क्रमशिक्षिताः

bālyamārabhya satataṁ svakṛtyeṣu vyaśikṣayat kṛṣigotrāṇavāṇijyakarmasu kramaśikṣitāḥ

trained all those sons, from childhood continuously, in their own proper occupations. Trained step by step in the work of agriculture, cattle-keeping, and trade,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.22.39)

सुपण्यमुख्याः सप्तैव पितृवाक्यमशृण्वत। पशुमान्वक्ति यत्कार्यं तत्क्षणान्निरवर्तयन्

supaṇyamukhyāḥ saptaiva pitṛvākyamaśṛṇvata paśumānvakti yatkāryaṁ tatkṣaṇānniravartayan

the seven headed by Supanya listened to their father's word; whatever task Pashuman told them, they performed it that very instant.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.22.40)

नैपुण्यं प्रापुरत्यंतं ते सुवर्णक्रियास्वपि। दुष्पण्यस्त्वष्टमः पुत्रो बाल्यमारभ्य संततम्

naipuṇyaṁ prāpuratyaṁtaṁ te suvarṇakriyāsvapi duṣpaṇyastvaṣṭamaḥ putro bālyamārabhya saṁtatam

They attained extreme skill even in gold-work. But Dushpanya, the eighth son, from childhood continuously,

Verse 41 (skanda.3.22.41)

दुर्मार्गनिरतो भूत्वा नाशृणोत्पितृभाषितम्। धूलिकेलिं समारभ्य दुर्मार्गनिरतोऽभवत्

durmārganirato bhūtvā nāśṛṇotpitṛbhāṣitam dhūlikeliṁ samārabhya durmārganirato'bhavat

having become devoted to bad ways, did not listen to his father's speech. Having begun with playing in the dust, he became devoted to bad ways.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.22.42)

स बाल एव सन्पुत्रो बालानन्यानबाधत। दुष्कर्मनिरतं दृष्ट्वा तं पिता पशुमांस्तथा

sa bāla eva sanputro bālānanyānabādhata duṣkarmanirataṁ dṛṣṭvā taṁ pitā paśumāṁstathā

Even as a mere child, that son tormented other children. Seeing him devoted to bad conduct, his father Pashuman likewise

Verse 43 (skanda.3.22.43)

उपेक्षामेव कृतवान्बालिशोऽयमितीरयन्। अथाष्टावपि वैश्यस्य प्रापुर्यौवनमात्मजाः

upekṣāmeva kṛtavānbāliśo'yamitīrayan athāṣṭāvapi vaiśyasya prāpuryauvanamātmajāḥ

simply neglected him, saying "he is just a foolish child." Then all eight of the vaishya's sons reached youth.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.22.44)

ततोऽयमष्टमः पुत्रो दुष्पण्यो बलिनां वरः। गृहीत्वा पाणिषु गले बालान्नगरवर्तिनः

tato'yamaṣṭamaḥ putro duṣpaṇyo balināṁ varaḥ gṛhītvā pāṇiṣu gale bālānnagaravartinaḥ

Then this eighth son, Dushpanya, foremost among the strong, seizing the children of the city by the hand and by the throat,

Verse 45 (skanda.3.22.45)

निचिक्षेप स कूपेषु सरित्सु च सरःस्वपि। न कोऽपि तस्य जानाति दुश्चरित्रमिदं जनः

nicikṣepa sa kūpeṣu saritsu ca saraḥsvapi na ko'pi tasya jānāti duścaritramidaṁ janaḥ

threw them into wells, rivers, and lakes; no one at all among the people knew of this evil conduct of his.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.22.46)

यावन्म्रियंते ते बालास्तावन्निक्षिप्तवाञ्जले। तेषां मृतानां बालानां पितरो मातरस्तथा

yāvanmriyaṁte te bālāstāvannikṣiptavāñjale teṣāṁ mṛtānāṁ bālānāṁ pitaro mātarastathā

As long as those children were dying, he kept throwing them into the water. The fathers and mothers of those dead children,

Verse 47 (skanda.3.22.47)

गवेषयंति तान्सर्वान्नगरेषु हि सर्वशः। तान् दृष्ट्वा च मृतान्पुत्रान्केवलं प्रारुदञ्जनाः

gaveṣayaṁti tānsarvānnagareṣu hi sarvaśaḥ tān dṛṣṭvā ca mṛtānputrānkevalaṁ prārudañjanāḥ

searched for all of them everywhere in the city. Having seen their children dead, the people simply wept.

Verse 48 (skanda.3.22.48)

जलेष्वथ शवान्दृष्ट्वा जनाश्चक्रुर्यथोचितम्। एवं प्रतिदिनं बालान्दुष्पण्यो मारयन्पुरे

jaleṣvatha śavāndṛṣṭvā janāścakruryathocitam evaṁ pratidinaṁ bālānduṣpaṇyo mārayanpure

Having seen the corpses in the water, the people performed the customary rites. Thus, day after day, Dushpanya kept killing children in the city,

Verse 49 (skanda.3.22.49)

जनैरप्यपरिज्ञातश्चिरमेवमवर्तत। म्रियमाणेषु बालेषु वैश्यपुत्रस्य कर्मणा

janairapyaparijñātaściramevamavartata mriyamāṇeṣu bāleṣu vaiśyaputrasya karmaṇā

unknown even to the people, and this continued for a long time. As the children kept dying by that vaishya-son's doing,

Verse 50 (skanda.3.22.50)

प्रजानां वृद्धिराहित्याच्छून्यप्रायमभूत्पुरम्। ततः समेत्य पौरास्तद्वृत्तं राज्ञे न्यवेदयन्

prajānāṁ vṛddhirāhityācchūnyaprāyamabhūtpuram tataḥ sametya paurāstadvṛttaṁ rājñe nyavedayan

the city became nearly empty, from the lack of growth in the population. Then the citizens, gathering together, reported this matter to the king.

Verse 51 (skanda.3.22.51)

श्रुत्वा नृपस्तद्वचनमाहूय ग्रामपालकान्। कारणं बालमरणे चिंत्यतामिति सोऽन्वशात्

śrutvā nṛpastadvacanamāhūya grāmapālakān kāraṇaṁ bālamaraṇe ciṁtyatāmiti so'nvaśāt

Having heard that report, the king summoned the village guardians and commanded: "Let the cause of the children's death be investigated."

Verse 52 (skanda.3.22.52)

ग्रामपालास्तथेत्युक्त्वा तत्र तत्र व्यवस्थिताः। सम्यग्गवेषयामासुः कारणं बालमारणे

grāmapālāstathetyuktvā tatra tatra vyavasthitāḥ samyaggaveṣayāmāsuḥ kāraṇaṁ bālamāraṇe

The village guardians, saying "So be it," stationed here and there, sought diligently for the cause of the children's death.

Verse 53 (skanda.3.22.53)

ते वै गवेषंयतोऽपि नाविंदन्बालमारकम्। ते पुनर्नृपमासाद्य भीता वाक्यमथाब्रुवन्

te vai gaveṣaṁyato'pi nāviṁdanbālamārakam te punarnṛpamāsādya bhītā vākyamathābruvan

Yet, even searching, they did not find the killer of the children. They, again approaching the king, afraid, spoke these words:

Verse 54 (skanda.3.22.54)

गवेषयंतोऽपि वयं तन्न विंदामहे नृप। यो बालान्नगरे स्थित्वा सततं मारयत्यपि

gaveṣayaṁto'pi vayaṁ tanna viṁdāmahe nṛpa yo bālānnagare sthitvā satataṁ mārayatyapi

"Even searching, we do not find him, O king, who, remaining in the city, keeps killing the children continually."

Verse 55 (skanda.3.22.55)

पुनश्च नागराः सर्वे राजानं प्राप्य दुःखिताः। पुनः प्रजानां मरणमब्रुवन्वाष्पसंकुलाः

punaśca nāgarāḥ sarve rājānaṁ prāpya duḥkhitāḥ punaḥ prajānāṁ maraṇamabruvanvāṣpasaṁkulāḥ

Then again all the citizens, approaching the king, distressed, spoke again of the deaths of their children, overcome with tears.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.22.56)

राजा तत्कारणाज्ञानात्तूष्णीमास्ते विचिंत्य तु। कदाचिद्वैश्यपुत्रोयं पंचभिर्बालकैः सह

rājā tatkāraṇājñānāttūṣṇīmāste viciṁtya tu kadācidvaiśyaputroyaṁ paṁcabhirbālakaiḥ saha

The king, from ignorance of the cause, remained silent, pondering. Once this son of the vaishya, together with five children,

Verse 57 (skanda.3.22.57)

तटाकांतिकमापेदे पंकजाहरणच्छलात्। बलाद्गृहीत्वा तान्बालान्दुष्पण्यः क्रोशतस्तदा

taṭākāṁtikamāpede paṁkajāharaṇacchalāt balādgṛhītvā tānbālānduṣpaṇyaḥ krośatastadā

came near a pond, on the pretext of gathering lotuses. Having forcibly seized those crying children, Dushpanya then,

Verse 58 (skanda.3.22.58)

क्रूरात्मा मज्जयामास कंठदघ्ने सरोजले। मृतान्मत्वा च ताञ्छीघ्रं दुष्पण्यः स्वगृहं ययौ

krūrātmā majjayāmāsa kaṁṭhadaghne sarojale mṛtānmatvā ca tāñchīghraṁ duṣpaṇyaḥ svagṛhaṁ yayau

cruel-souled, submerged them up to the neck in the water of the pond. Thinking them dead, Dushpanya quickly went to his own house.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.22.59)

पञ्चानां पितरस्तेषां मार्गयंतः सुतान्पुरे। तेषु वै मार्गमाणेषु पंच तेनातिबालकाः

pañcānāṁ pitarasteṣāṁ mārgayaṁtaḥ sutānpure teṣu vai mārgamāṇeṣu paṁca tenātibālakāḥ

The fathers of those five, searching for their sons in the city, while they were searching, those five little children,

Verse 60 (skanda.3.22.60)

निक्षिप्ता अपि तोयेषु नाम्रियंत यदृच्छया। ते शनैः कूलमासाद्य पंचापि क्लिन्नमौलयः

nikṣiptā api toyeṣu nāmriyaṁta yadṛcchayā te śanaiḥ kūlamāsādya paṁcāpi klinnamaulayaḥ

though thrown into the water, did not die, by chance. Slowly reaching the bank, all five, their hair drenched,

Verse 61 (skanda.3.22.61)

अशक्ता नगरं गंतुं बाल्यात्तत्रैव बभ्रमुः। दूरादुच्चार्यमाणानि स्वनामानि स्वबंधुभिः

aśaktā nagaraṁ gaṁtuṁ bālyāttatraiva babhramuḥ dūrāduccāryamāṇāni svanāmāni svabaṁdhubhiḥ

unable to go to the city, being children, wandered about right there. Hearing their own names being called from a distance by their own kinsmen,

Verse 62 (skanda.3.22.62)

श्रुत्वा पंचापि ते बालाः प्रतिशब्दमकुर्वत। ततस्तत्पितरः श्रुत्वा तत्रागत्यसरस्तटे

śrutvā paṁcāpi te bālāḥ pratiśabdamakurvata tatastatpitaraḥ śrutvā tatrāgatyasarastaṭe

all five of those children responded with an echoing call. Then their fathers, hearing that, came there to the bank of the lake,

Verse 63 (skanda.3.22.63)

पुत्रान्दृष्ट्वा तु सप्राणान्प्रहर्षमतुलं गताः। किमेतदिति पित्राद्यैः पृष्टास्ते बालकास्तदा

putrāndṛṣṭvā tu saprāṇānpraharṣamatulaṁ gatāḥ kimetaditi pitrādyaiḥ pṛṣṭāste bālakāstadā

and, seeing their sons alive, attained incomparable joy. When those children were questioned by their fathers and others, "What is this?"

Verse 64 (skanda.3.22.64)

दुष्पण्यस्याथ दुष्कृत्यं बन्धुभ्यस्ते न्यवेदयन्। ततो विदितवृत्तांता राजानं प्राप्य नागराः

duṣpaṇyasyātha duṣkṛtyaṁ bandhubhyaste nyavedayan tato viditavṛttāṁtā rājānaṁ prāpya nāgarāḥ

they then reported to their kinsmen the evil deed of Dushpanya. Then the citizens, having learned what had happened, approaching the king,

Verse 65 (skanda.3.22.65)

पंचभिः कथितं वृत्तं दुष्पण्यस्य न्यवेदयन्। ततो राजा समाहूय पशुमंतं वणिग्वरम्। पौरेष्वपि च शृण्वत्सु वाक्यमेतदभाषत

paṁcabhiḥ kathitaṁ vṛttaṁ duṣpaṇyasya nyavedayan tato rājā samāhūya paśumaṁtaṁ vaṇigvaram paureṣvapi ca śṛṇvatsu vākyametadabhāṣata

reported to him the matter of Dushpanya, as told by the five children. Then the king, summoning that excellent merchant Pashuman, before the citizens listening too, spoke this word:

Verse 66 (skanda.3.22.66)

राजोवाच। दुष्पण्यनामा पशुमन्बहुप्रजमिदं पुरम्

rājovāca duṣpaṇyanāmā paśumanbahuprajamidaṁ puram

The king said: "O Pashuman, this populous city, because of the one named Dushpanya,

Verse 67 (skanda.3.22.67)

शून्यप्रायं कृतं पश्य त्वत्पुत्रेण दुरात्मना। इदानीं बालिशानेतान्मज्जयामास वै जले

śūnyaprāyaṁ kṛtaṁ paśya tvatputreṇa durātmanā idānīṁ bāliśānetānmajjayāmāsa vai jale

has been made nearly empty, behold - by your evil-souled son. Now he has drowned these poor children in the water,

Verse 68 (skanda.3.22.68)

यदृच्छया च सप्राणाः पुनरप्यागताः पुरम्। अस्मिन्नित्थं गते कार्ये किं कर्तव्यं वदाधुना

yadṛcchayā ca saprāṇāḥ punarapyāgatāḥ puram asminnitthaṁ gate kārye kiṁ kartavyaṁ vadādhunā

and by chance they have come back alive to the city again. This matter having thus come to pass, tell me now what should be done.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.22.69)

अद्य त्वामेव पृच्छामि यतस्त्वं धर्मतत्परः। इत्युक्तः पशुमान्राज्ञा धर्मज्ञो युक्तमब्रवीत्

adya tvāmeva pṛcchāmi yatastvaṁ dharmatatparaḥ ityuktaḥ paśumānrājñā dharmajño yuktamabravīt

I ask you specifically today, since you are devoted to dharma." Thus addressed by the king, Pashuman, knower of dharma, spoke fittingly.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.22.70)

पशुमानुवाच। पुरं निःशेषितं येन वधमेवायमर्हति। न ह्यत्र विषये किंचित्प्रष्टव्यं विद्यते नृप

paśumānuvāca puraṁ niḥśeṣitaṁ yena vadhamevāyamarhati na hyatra viṣaye kiṁcitpraṣṭavyaṁ vidyate nṛpa

Pashuman said: "The one by whom the city has been emptied deserves nothing but death; there is truly nothing to be asked about in this matter, O king.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.22.71)

न ह्ययं मम पुत्रः स्याच्छत्रुरेवातिपापकृत्। न ह्यस्य निष्कृतिं पश्ये येन निःशेषितं पुरम्

na hyayaṁ mama putraḥ syācchatrurevātipāpakṛt na hyasya niṣkṛtiṁ paśye yena niḥśeṣitaṁ puram

He is not my son at all - he is indeed an enemy, the doer of the greatest sin. I see no remedy for him, by whom the city has been emptied.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.22.72)

वध्यतामेव दुष्टात्मा सत्यमेव ब्रवीम्यहम्। श्रुत्वा पशुमतो वाक्यं नागराः सर्व एव हि

vadhyatāmeva duṣṭātmā satyameva bravīmyaham śrutvā paśumato vākyaṁ nāgarāḥ sarva eva hi

Let that evil-souled one simply be put to death - I speak only the truth." Having heard Pashuman's words, all the citizens indeed,

Verse 73 (skanda.3.22.73)

वणिग्वरं श्लाघमाना राजानमिदमूचिरे। न वध्यतामयं दुष्टस्तूष्णीं निर्वास्यतां पुरात्

vaṇigvaraṁ ślāghamānā rājānamidamūcire na vadhyatāmayaṁ duṣṭastūṣṇīṁ nirvāsyatāṁ purāt

praising that excellent merchant, said this to the king: "Let not this wicked one be put to death; let him simply be banished, silently, from the city."

Verse 74 (skanda.3.22.74)

ततः स राजा दुष्पण्यं समाहूयेदमब्रवीत्। अस्माद्देशाद्भवाञ्छीघ्रं दुष्टात्मन्गच्छ सांप्रतम्

tataḥ sa rājā duṣpaṇyaṁ samāhūyedamabravīt asmāddeśādbhavāñchīghraṁ duṣṭātmangaccha sāṁpratam

Then the king, summoning Dushpanya, said this to him: "From this land, go now quickly, O evil-souled one;

Verse 75 (skanda.3.22.75)

यदि तिष्ठेस्त्वमत्रैव दण्डयेयं वधेन वै। इति राज्ञा विनिर्भर्त्स्य दूतैर्निर्वासितः पुरात्

yadi tiṣṭhestvamatraiva daṇḍayeyaṁ vadhena vai iti rājñā vinirbhartsya dūtairnirvāsitaḥ purāt

if you remain right here, I shall punish you with death." Thus rebuked by the king, he was banished from the city by messengers.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.22.76)

दुष्पण्यस्त्वथ तं देशं परित्यज्य भयान्वितः। मुनिमंडलसंबाधं वनमेव ययौ तदा

duṣpaṇyastvatha taṁ deśaṁ parityajya bhayānvitaḥ munimaṁḍalasaṁbādhaṁ vanameva yayau tadā

Dushpanya then, abandoning that land, filled with fear, went then to a forest thronged with an assembly of sages.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.22.77)

तत्राप्येकं मुनिसुतं स तोयेषु न्यमज्जयत्। केल्यर्थमागता दृष्ट्वा मुनिपुत्रा मृतं शिशुम्

tatrāpyekaṁ munisutaṁ sa toyeṣu nyamajjayat kelyarthamāgatā dṛṣṭvā muniputrā mṛtaṁ śiśum

There too he drowned a certain sage's son in the water. The sons of the sages, having come there for play, seeing the dead child,

Verse 78 (skanda.3.22.78)

तत्पित्रे कथयामासुरभ्येत्य भृशदुःखिताः। तत उग्रश्रवाः श्रुत्वा तेभ्यः पुत्रं जले मृतम्

tatpitre kathayāmāsurabhyetya bhṛśaduḥkhitāḥ tata ugraśravāḥ śrutvā tebhyaḥ putraṁ jale mṛtam

went and reported it to his father, exceedingly grieved. Then Ugrashravas, hearing from them of his son dead in the water,

Verse 79 (skanda.3.22.79)

तपोमहिम्ना दुष्प ण्यचरितं तदमन्यत। उग्रश्रवाः शशापैनं दुष्पण्यं वैश्यनंदनम्

tapomahimnā duṣpa ṇyacaritaṁ tadamanyata ugraśravāḥ śaśāpainaṁ duṣpaṇyaṁ vaiśyanaṁdanam

by the power of his austerity, understood that this was Dushpanya's doing. Ugrashravas cursed him, that Dushpanya, son of the vaishya.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.22.80)

उग्रश्रवा उवाच। मत्सुतं पयसि क्षिप्य यत्त्वं मारितवानसि। तवापि मरणं भूयाज्जल एव निमज्जनात्

ugraśravā uvāca matsutaṁ payasi kṣipya yattvaṁ māritavānasi tavāpi maraṇaṁ bhūyājjala eva nimajjanāt

Ugrashravas said: "As you have thrown my son into the water and killed him, so may your death too come by drowning in water.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.22.81)

मृतश्च सुचिरं कालं पिशाचस्त्वं भविष्यसि। इति शापे श्रुते सद्यो दुष्पण्यः खिन्नमानसः

mṛtaśca suciraṁ kālaṁ piśācastvaṁ bhaviṣyasi iti śāpe śrute sadyo duṣpaṇyaḥ khinnamānasaḥ

And having died, for a very long time you shall become a pishacha (ghoul)." Hearing that curse, Dushpanya, at once, his mind distressed,

Verse 82 (skanda.3.22.82)

तद्वै वनं परित्यज्य घोरमन्यद्वनं ययौ। सिंहादिक्रूरसत्वाढ्यं तस्मिन्प्राप्ते वनांतरम्

tadvai vanaṁ parityajya ghoramanyadvanaṁ yayau siṁhādikrūrasatvāḍhyaṁ tasminprāpte vanāṁtaram

abandoning that forest, went to another, terrible forest. Having reached that other forest, abounding in fierce beasts like lions,

Verse 83 (skanda.3.22.83)

पांसुवर्षं मह्द्वर्षन्वृक्षानामोटय न्मुहुः। वज्रघातसमस्पर्शो ववौ झंझानिलो महान्

pāṁsuvarṣaṁ mahdvarṣanvṛkṣānāmoṭaya nmuhuḥ vajraghātasamasparśo vavau jhaṁjhānilo mahān

a great rain of dust fell there, repeatedly snapping the trees; a great whirlwind blew, with a touch like a thunderbolt's stroke.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.22.84)

वेगेन गात्रं भिंदन्ती वृष्टिश्चासीत्सुदुःसहा। तद्दृष्ट्वा स तु दुष्पण्यश्चिंतयन्भृशदुः खितः

vegena gātraṁ bhiṁdantī vṛṣṭiścāsītsuduḥsahā taddṛṣṭvā sa tu duṣpaṇyaściṁtayanbhṛśaduḥ khitaḥ

A rain unbearably piercing the body with its force followed. Seeing that, Dushpanya, thinking, exceedingly distressed,

Verse 85 (skanda.3.22.85)

मृतं शुष्कं महाकायं गजमेकमपश्यत। महावातं महावर्षं तदा सोढुमशक्नुवन्

mṛtaṁ śuṣkaṁ mahākāyaṁ gajamekamapaśyata mahāvātaṁ mahāvarṣaṁ tadā soḍhumaśaknuvan

saw a single dead, dried-up, huge elephant. Unable to bear the great wind and the great rain,

Verse 86 (skanda.3.22.86)

गजास्यविवरेणैव विवेशोदरगह्वरम्। तस्मिन्प्रविष्टमात्रे तु वृष्टिरासीत्सुभूयसी

gajāsyavivareṇaiva viveśodaragahvaram tasminpraviṣṭamātre tu vṛṣṭirāsītsubhūyasī

he entered the cavernous belly of the elephant through the opening of its mouth. As soon as he had entered, the rain fell in exceeding abundance.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.22.87)

ततो वर्षजलैः सर्वैः प्रवाहः सुमहानभूत्। स प्रवाहो वने तस्मिन्नदी काचिदजायत

tato varṣajalaiḥ sarvaiḥ pravāhaḥ sumahānabhūt sa pravāho vane tasminnadī kācidajāyata

Then, from all that rain-water, a very great flood arose; that flood, in that forest, became a kind of river.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.22.88)

अथ तैर्वर्षसलिलैः स गजः पूरितोदरः। प्लवमानो महापूरे नीरंध्रः समजायत

atha tairvarṣasalilaiḥ sa gajaḥ pūritodaraḥ plavamāno mahāpūre nīraṁdhraḥ samajāyata

Then that elephant, its belly filled by that rain-water, floating in the great flood, became without any opening (sealed shut).

Verse 89 (skanda.3.22.89)

ततो निर्विवरस्यास्य जलपूर्णोदरस्य च। गजस्य जठरात्सोऽयं निर्गंतु न शशाक ह

tato nirvivarasyāsya jalapūrṇodarasya ca gajasya jaṭharātso'yaṁ nirgaṁtu na śaśāka ha

Then, that elephant having no opening and its belly filled with water, from that elephant's stomach he was unable to emerge.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.22.90)

ततश्च वृष्टितोयानां प्रवाहो भीमवेगवान्। उदरस्थितदुष्पण्यं समुद्रं प्रापयद्गजम्

tataśca vṛṣṭitoyānāṁ pravāho bhīmavegavān udarasthitaduṣpaṇyaṁ samudraṁ prāpayadgajam

Then the flood of rain-water, of terrible force, carried that elephant, with Dushpanya inside its belly, to the ocean.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.22.91)

दुष्पण्यः सलिले मग्नः क्षणात्प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत। मृत एव स दुष्पण्यः पिशाचत्वमवाप्तवान्

duṣpaṇyaḥ salile magnaḥ kṣaṇātprāṇairvyayujyata mṛta eva sa duṣpaṇyaḥ piśācatvamavāptavān

Dushpanya, submerged in the water, was separated from his life-breaths in an instant. Having died thus, that Dushpanya attained pishacha-hood.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.22.92)

पीडितः क्षुत्पिपासाभ्यां दुर्गमं वनमाश्रितः। घोरेषु घर्मकालेषु समाक्रोशन्भयानकम्

pīḍitaḥ kṣutpipāsābhyāṁ durgamaṁ vanamāśritaḥ ghoreṣu gharmakāleṣu samākrośanbhayānakam

Tormented by hunger and thirst, resorting to an impassable forest, in the terrible hot seasons, crying out fearfully,

Verse 93 (skanda.3.22.93)

अतिष्ठद्गहनेऽरण्ये दुःखान्यनुभवन्बहु। कल्पकोटिसहस्राणि कल्पकोटिशतानि च

atiṣṭhadgahane'raṇye duḥkhānyanubhavanbahu kalpakoṭisahasrāṇi kalpakoṭiśatāni ca

he dwelt in the dense forest, experiencing many sorrows. For thousands of crores of kalpas, and hundreds of crores of kalpas,

Verse 94 (skanda.3.22.94)

स पिशाचो महादुःखी न्यवसद्घोरकानने। वनाद्वनांतरं धावन्देशाद्देशाद्देशांतरं तथा

sa piśāco mahāduḥkhī nyavasadghorakānane vanādvanāṁtaraṁ dhāvandeśāddeśāddeśāṁtaraṁ tathā

that pishacha, greatly sorrowful, dwelt in the terrible forest. Running from forest to forest, and likewise from land to land,

Verse 95 (skanda.3.22.95)

सर्वत्रानुभवन्दुःखमाययौ दण्डकान्क्रमात्। अगस्त्यादाश्रमात्पुण्यान्नातिदूरे स संचरन्

sarvatrānubhavanduḥkhamāyayau daṇḍakānkramāt agastyādāśramātpuṇyānnātidūre sa saṁcaran

experiencing sorrow everywhere, he came in due course to Dandaka. Wandering not far from the holy ashrama of Agastya,

Verse 96 (skanda.3.22.96)

नदन्भैरवनादं च वाक्यमुच्चैरभाषत। भोभोस्तपोधनाः सर्वे शृणुध्वं मामकं वचः

nadanbhairavanādaṁ ca vākyamuccairabhāṣata bhobhostapodhanāḥ sarve śṛṇudhvaṁ māmakaṁ vacaḥ

crying out with a fearsome roar, he spoke aloud these words: "O, O, all you wealthy in austerity, hear my words!

Verse 97 (skanda.3.22.97)

भवन्तो हि कृपावन्तः सर्वभूतहिते रताः। कृपादृष्ट्यानुगृह्णीत मां दुःखैरतिपीडितम्

bhavanto hi kṛpāvantaḥ sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ kṛpādṛṣṭyānugṛhṇīta māṁ duḥkhairatipīḍitam

You are indeed compassionate, devoted to the welfare of all beings; with a compassionate glance, favour me, exceedingly afflicted with sorrows.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.22.98)

पुरा दुष्पण्यनामाहं वैश्यः पाटलिपुत्रके। पुत्रः पशु मतश्चापि बहून्बालानमारयम्

purā duṣpaṇyanāmāhaṁ vaiśyaḥ pāṭaliputrake putraḥ paśu mataścāpi bahūnbālānamārayam

Long ago I was a vaishya named Dushpanya in Pataliputra, son of Pashuman, and I killed many children.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.22.99)

ततो विवासितो राज्ञा तस्माद्देशाद्वनं गतः। अमारयं जले पुत्रं तत्रोग्रश्रवसो मुनेः

tato vivāsito rājñā tasmāddeśādvanaṁ gataḥ amārayaṁ jale putraṁ tatrograśravaso muneḥ

Then, banished by the king, I went from that land to a forest. I killed in the water the son of the sage Ugrashravas there.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.22.100)

स मुनिर्दत्त वाञ्छापं ममापि मरणं जले। पिशाचतां च मे घोरां दत्तवान्दुःखभूयसीम्

sa munirdatta vāñchāpaṁ mamāpi maraṇaṁ jale piśācatāṁ ca me ghorāṁ dattavānduḥkhabhūyasīm

That sage gave me a curse: 'May your death too be by water.' And he gave me this terrible pishacha-hood, abounding in sorrow.

Verse 101 (skanda.3.22.101)

कल्पकोटिसहस्राणि कल्पकोटिशतान्यपि। पिशाच तानुभूतेयं शून्यकाननभूमिषु

kalpakoṭisahasrāṇi kalpakoṭiśatānyapi piśāca tānubhūteyaṁ śūnyakānanabhūmiṣu

For thousands of crores of kalpas, and hundreds of crores of kalpas, I have experienced this pishacha-hood in empty forest lands.

Verse 102 (skanda.3.22.102)

नाहं सोढुं समर्थोऽस्मि पिपासां क्षुधमेव च। रक्षध्वं कृपया यूयमतो मां बहुदुःखिनम्

nāhaṁ soḍhuṁ samartho'smi pipāsāṁ kṣudhameva ca rakṣadhvaṁ kṛpayā yūyamato māṁ bahuduḥkhinam

I am not able to bear the thirst and hunger any longer. Protect me, out of compassion, from this great sorrow, all of you.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.22.103)

यथा मुच्येय पैशाच्यात्तथा कुरुत तापसाः। इति श्रुत्वा पिशाचस्य वचनं ते तपोधनाः। लोपामुद्रासहचरमूचिरे कुम्भसंभवम्। तापसा ऊचुः। पिशाचस्यास्य भगवन्ब्रूहि निष्कृतिमुत्तमाम्

yathā mucyeya paiśācyāttathā kuruta tāpasāḥ iti śrutvā piśācasya vacanaṁ te tapodhanāḥ lopāmudrāsahacaramūcire kumbhasaṁbhavam tāpasā ūcuḥ piśācasyāsya bhagavanbrūhi niṣkṛtimuttamām

Whatever way I may be released from this pishacha-hood, do that, O ascetics." Having heard these words of the pishacha, those wealthy in austerity spoke to the companion of Lopamudra, the pot-born sage (Agastya). The ascetics said: "O venerable one, tell us the best remedy for this pishacha.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.22.104)

एवंविधानां पापानां त्वं समर्थो हि रक्षणे। तेषामगस्त्यः श्रुतवान्कृपया परया युतः। प्रियशिष्यं समाहूय सुतीक्ष्णं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

evaṁvidhānāṁ pāpānāṁ tvaṁ samartho hi rakṣaṇe teṣāmagastyaḥ śrutavānkṛpayā parayā yutaḥ priyaśiṣyaṁ samāhūya sutīkṣṇaṁ vākyamabravīt

For you are capable of protecting from such sins." Agastya, hearing of them, filled with supreme compassion, summoning his beloved disciple Sutikshna, spoke these words:

Verse 105 (skanda.3.22.105)

अगस्त्य उवाच। सुतीक्ष्ण गच्छ त्वरितं पर्वतं गंधमादनम्

agastya uvāca sutīkṣṇa gaccha tvaritaṁ parvataṁ gaṁdhamādanam

Agastya said: "O Sutikshna, go quickly to Mount Gandhamadana;

Verse 106 (skanda.3.22.106)

तत्राग्नितीर्थं सुमहद्विद्यते पापनाशनम्। पिशाचमोक्षणार्थाय तत्र स्नाहि महामते

tatrāgnitīrthaṁ sumahadvidyate pāpanāśanam piśācamokṣaṇārthāya tatra snāhi mahāmate

there exists a very great, sin-destroying Agni-tirtha; for the release of the pishacha, bathe there, O wise one.

Verse 107 (skanda.3.22.107)

पिशाचार्थं त्वयि स्नाते तत्र संकल्पपूर्वकम्। पिशाचभावमुन्मुच्य दिव्यतामेष यास्यति

piśācārthaṁ tvayi snāte tatra saṁkalpapūrvakam piśācabhāvamunmucya divyatāmeṣa yāsyati

When you bathe there, with due resolve, for the sake of the pishacha, he, casting off his pishacha state, shall attain divinity.

Verse 108 (skanda.3.22.108)

निष्कृतिं नास्य पश्यामि विना तत्तीर्थसेवनात। अतः सुतीक्ष्णकृपया रक्षस्वैनं पिशाचकम्

niṣkṛtiṁ nāsya paśyāmi vinā tattīrthasevanāta ataḥ sutīkṣṇakṛpayā rakṣasvainaṁ piśācakam

I see no remedy for him except by service at that tirtha. Therefore, by your compassion, O Sutikshna, protect this pishacha.

Verse 109 (skanda.3.22.109)

अगस्त्येनैवमुक्तस्तु सुतीक्ष्णो गन्धमादनम्। प्राप्याग्नितीर्थे संकल्प्य पिशाचार्थं कृपानिधिः

agastyenaivamuktastu sutīkṣṇo gandhamādanam prāpyāgnitīrthe saṁkalpya piśācārthaṁ kṛpānidhiḥ

Thus addressed by Agastya, Sutikshna, having reached Gandhamadana, at Agni-tirtha, having made his resolve for the sake of the pishacha, that ocean of compassion,

Verse 110 (skanda.3.22.110)

सस्नौ तत्र पिशाचार्थं नियमेन दिनत्रयम्। रामनाथादिकं सेव्य तत्तीर्थं प्रतिगृह्य च

sasnau tatra piśācārthaṁ niyamena dinatrayam rāmanāthādikaṁ sevya tattīrthaṁ pratigṛhya ca

bathed there for the pishacha's sake, with due observance, for three days; having worshipped Ramanatha and the other deities, and having received the grace of that tirtha,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.22.111)

स्वाश्रमं प्रति गत्वाथ सुतीक्ष्णो विप्रसत्तमः। तत्तीर्थ प्रोक्षणात्सद्यः सवियुज्य पिशाचताम्

svāśramaṁ prati gatvātha sutīkṣṇo viprasattamaḥ tattīrtha prokṣaṇātsadyaḥ saviyujya piśācatām

having gone back to his own ashrama, that Sutikshna, foremost of brahmins - by the sprinkling of that tirtha's water, at once, that pishacha was released from his pishacha-hood,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.22.112)

वैभवात्तस्य तीर्थस्य सद्यो दिव्यत्वमाप्तवान्। विमानवरमारूढो दिव्यस्त्रीपरिवारितः

vaibhavāttasya tīrthasya sadyo divyatvamāptavān vimānavaramārūḍho divyastrīparivāritaḥ

and by the greatness of that tirtha, at once attained divinity. Mounted upon an excellent celestial chariot, surrounded by divine women,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.22.113)

सुतीक्ष्णं चाप्यगस्त्यं च तथान्यांश्च तपोधनान्। पुनःपुनर्नमस्कृत्य तांश्चामंत्र्य प्रहर्षितः

sutīkṣṇaṁ cāpyagastyaṁ ca tathānyāṁśca tapodhanān punaḥpunarnamaskṛtya tāṁścāmaṁtrya praharṣitaḥ

having bowed again and again to Sutikshna and to Agastya, and to the other ascetics as well, and having taken leave of them, filled with joy,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.22.114)

स्वर्गमेवारुहत्तूर्णं देवैरपि स पूजितः। अग्नितीर्थस्य माहात्म्याद्दुष्पण्यो वैश्यनंदनः

svargamevāruhattūrṇaṁ devairapi sa pūjitaḥ agnitīrthasya māhātmyādduṣpaṇyo vaiśyanaṁdanaḥ

he ascended swiftly to heaven, honoured even by the gods. By the greatness of Agni-tirtha, Dushpanya, son of the vaishya,

Verse 115 (skanda.3.22.115)

पैशाच्यं शापजं त्यक्त्वा दिव्यतामित्थमाप्तवान्। एवं वः कथितं विप्रा अग्नितीर्थस्य वैभवम्

paiśācyaṁ śāpajaṁ tyaktvā divyatāmitthamāptavān evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprā agnitīrthasya vaibhavam

having cast off the pishacha-hood born of the curse, thus attained divinity. Thus has been told to you, O brahmins, the greatness of Agni-tirtha,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.22.116)

यः पठेदिममध्यायं शृणुयाद्वा सभक्तिकम्। पिशाचमोक्षणाख्यानं मुच्यते सर्वपातकैः

yaḥ paṭhedimamadhyāyaṁ śṛṇuyādvā sabhaktikam piśācamokṣaṇākhyānaṁ mucyate sarvapātakaiḥ

Whoever reads this chapter, or hears it with devotion - this story of the release of a pishacha - is freed from all sins.

Verse 117 (skanda.3.22.117)

इह भुक्त्वा महाभोगान्परत्रापि सुखं लभेत्

iha bhuktvā mahābhogānparatrāpi sukhaṁ labhet

Having enjoyed great pleasures here, he shall obtain happiness in the world beyond as well.