The Praise of Ramanatha

Verse 1 (skanda.3.43.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच । अथेदानीं प्रवक्ष्यामि रामनाथस्य वैभवम् । यच्छ्रुत्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मुच्यते मानवो भुवि

śrīsūta uvāca athedānīṁ pravakṣyāmi rāmanāthasya vaibhavam yacchrutvā sarvapāpebhyo mucyate mānavo bhuvi

Shri Suta said: Now I shall proclaim the majesty of Ramanatha, hearing which a man on this earth is freed from all sins.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.43.2)

रामप्रतिष्ठितं लिंगं यः पश्यति नरः सकृत् । स नरो मुक्तिमाप्नोति शिवसायुज्यरूपिणीम्

rāmapratiṣṭhitaṁ liṅgaṁ yaḥ paśyati naraḥ sakṛt sa naro muktim āpnoti śivasāyujyarūpiṇīm

The man who beholds even once the linga installed by Rama attains liberation in the very form of union with Shiva.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.43.3)

दशवर्षैस्तु यत्पुण्यं क्रियते तु कृते युगे । त्रेतायामेकवर्षेण तत्पुण्यं साध्यते नृभिः

daśavarṣais tu yat puṇyaṁ kriyate tu kṛte yuge tretāyām ekavarṣeṇa tat puṇyaṁ sādhyate nṛbhiḥ

The merit that is earned in ten years in the Krita Yuga, men achieve in one year in the Treta Yuga.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.43.4)

द्वापरे तच्च मासेन तद्दिनेन कलौ युगे । तत्फलं कोटिगुणितं निमिषे निमिषे नृणाम्

dvāpare tac ca māsena taddinena kalau yuge tatphalaṁ koṭiguṇitaṁ nimiṣe nimiṣe nṛṇām

In Dvapara that same merit comes in a month, and in the Kali age in a single day. But by the sight of Ramanatha, that fruit comes to men crore-fold in every instant.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.43.5)

निःसंदेहं भवेदेवं रामनाथविलोकिनाम् । रामेश्वर महालिंगे तीर्थानि सकलान्यपि

niḥsandehaṁ bhaved evaṁ rāmanāthavilokinām rāmeśvara mahāliṅge tīrthāni sakalāny api

This comes without doubt to those who behold Ramanatha. In the great Rameshvara linga, all the tirthas too are present,

Verse 6 (skanda.3.43.6)

विद्यंते सर्वदेवाश्च मुनयः पितरस्तथा । एककालद्विकालं वा त्रिकालं सर्वदैव वा

vidyante sarvadevāś ca munayaḥ pitaras tathā ekakāladvikālaṁ vā trikālaṁ sarvadaiva vā

and all the gods, sages, and ancestors as well. Those who — once a day, twice, thrice, or continually—

Verse 7 (skanda.3.43.7)

ये स्मरंति महादेवं रामनाथं विमुक्तिदम् । कीर्तयंत्यथवा विप्रास्ते विमुक्ताघपंजराः

ye smaranti mahādevaṁ rāmanāthaṁ vimuktidam kīrtayanty athavā viprās te vimuktāghapañjarāḥ

remember the liberation-giving Mahadeva Ramanatha, or, O brahmins, glorify him — they are freed from the cage of sin.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.43.8)

सच्चिदानंदमद्वैतं सांबं रुद्रं प्रयांति वै । रामेश्वराख्यं यल्लिंगं रामचन्द्रेण पूजि तम्

saccidānandam advaitaṁ sāmbaṁ rudraṁ prayānti vai rāmeśvarākhyaṁ yal liṅgaṁ rāmacandreṇa pūjitam

They attain the non-dual, being-consciousness-bliss form of Rudra together with Amba. That linga named Rameshvara, worshipped by Ramachandra,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.43.9)

यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण यमपीडापि नो भवेत् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं येऽर्चयंति सकृन्नराः

yasya smaraṇamātreṇa yamapīḍāpi no bhavet rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ ye'rcayanti sakṛn narāḥ

— by the mere remembrance of which, even the torment of Yama does not occur. The men who worship the great Rameshvara linga even once,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.43.10)

न मानुषास्ते विज्ञेयाः किं तु रुद्रा न संशयः । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं नार्चितं येन भक्तितः

na mānuṣās te vijñeyāḥ kiṁ tu rudrā na saṁśayaḥ rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ nārcitaṁ yena bhaktitaḥ

should not be understood as mere men, but, without doubt, as Rudras themselves. He who has not worshipped the great Rameshvara linga with devotion,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.43.11)

चिरकालं स संसारे संसरेद्दुःखसंकुले । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं ये पश्यंति सकृन्नराः

cirakālaṁ sa saṁsāre saṁsared duḥkhasaṅkule rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ ye paśyanti sakṛn narāḥ

wanders for a long time in this sorrow-filled cycle of existence. The men who behold the great Rameshvara linga even once,

Verse 12 (skanda.3.43.12)

किं दानैः किं व्रतैस्तेषां किं तपोभिः किमध्वरैः । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं यो न चिंतयति क्षणम्

kiṁ dānaiḥ kiṁ vratais teṣāṁ kiṁ tapobhiḥ kim adhvaraiḥ rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ yo na cintayati kṣaṇam

for them, what use are gifts, vows, austerities, or sacrifices? He who does not contemplate the great Rameshvara linga even for a moment,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.43.13)

अज्ञानी स च पापी स्यात्स मूको बधिरस्तथा । स जडोंऽधश्च विज्ञेयश्छिद्रं तस्य सदा भवेत्

ajñānī sa ca pāpī syāt sa mūko badhiras tathā sa jaḍo'ndhaś ca vijñeyaś chidraṁ tasya sadā bhavet

is ignorant and sinful, is mute and deaf. He should be known as dull and blind — some flaw ever remains in him.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.43.14)

धनक्षेत्रसुतादीनां तस्य हानिस्तथा भवेत् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगे सकृद्दृष्टे मुनीश्वराः

dhanakṣetrasutādīnāṁ tasya hānis tathā bhavet rāmeśvaramahāliṅge sakṛd dṛṣṭe munīśvarāḥ

He suffers loss also of wealth, land, sons, and the like. O lords of sages, once the great Rameshvara linga has been seen,

Verse 15 (skanda.3.43.15)

किं काश्या गयया किं वा प्रयागेणापि किं फलम् । दुर्लभं प्राप्य मानुष्यं मानवा यत्र भूतले

kiṁ kāśyā gayayā kiṁ vā prayāgeṇāpi kiṁ phalam durlabhaṁ prāpya mānuṣyaṁ mānavā yatra bhūtale

what is the use of Kashi, or of Gaya, or even of Prayaga? On this earth, where men, having obtained the rare gift of human birth,

Verse 16 (skanda.3.43.16)

रामनाथमहालिंगं नमस्यंत्यर्चयंति च । जन्म तेषां हि सफलं ते कृतार्थाश्च नेतरे

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ namasyanty arcayanti ca janma teṣāṁ hi saphalaṁ te kṛtārthāś ca netare

bow to and worship the great Ramanatha linga — their birth alone is fruitful, they alone are fulfilled, and no others.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.43.17)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगे पूजिते वा स्मृतेपि वा । विष्णुना ब्रह्मणा किं वा शक्रेणाप्यखिलामरैः

rāmeśvaramahāliṅge pūjite vā smṛte'pi vā viṣṇunā brahmaṇā kiṁ vā śakreṇāpy akhilāmaraiḥ

When the great Rameshvara linga has been worshipped or even merely remembered, what more could Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, or all the immortals give?

Verse 18 (skanda.3.43.18)

रामनाथमहालिंगं भक्तियुक्ताश्च ये नराः । तेषां प्रणामस्मरणपूजायुक्तास्तु ये नराः

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ bhaktiyuktāś ca ye narāḥ teṣāṁ praṇāmasmaraṇapūjāyuktās tu ye narāḥ

Those men who are devoted to the great Ramanatha linga, those men who engage in bowing, remembering, and worshipping it,

Verse 19 (skanda.3.43.19)

न ते पश्यंति दुःखानि नैव यांति यमालयम् । ब्रह्महत्यासहस्राणि सुरापानायुतानि च

na te paśyanti duḥkhāni naiva yānti yamālayam brahmahatyāsahasrāṇi surāpānāyutāni ca

they behold no sorrows and go not to Yama's abode. Thousands of the sins of slaying a brahmin, and ten thousand of drinking liquor,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.43.20)

दृष्टे रामेश्वरे देवे विलयं यांति कृत्स्नशः । ये वांछंति सदा भोगं राज्यं च त्रिदशालये

dṛṣṭe rāmeśvare deve vilayaṁ yānti kṛtsnaśaḥ ye vāñchanti sadā bhogaṁ rājyaṁ ca tridaśālaye

are utterly dissolved once the god Rameshvara has been seen. Those who ever desire enjoyment and sovereignty in the abode of the gods,

Verse 21 (skanda.3.43.21)

रामे श्वरमहालिंगं ते नमंतु सकृन्मुदा । यानि कानि च पापानि जन्मकोटिकृतान्यपि

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ te namantu sakṛn mudā yāni kāni ca pāpāni janmakoṭikṛtāny api

let them bow, but once, with joy, to the great Rameshvara linga. Whatever sins have been committed across crores of births,

Verse 22 (skanda.3.43.22)

तानि रामेश्वरे दृष्टे विलयं यांति सर्वदा । संपर्कात्कौतुकाल्लोभाद्भयाद्वापि च संस्मरन्

tāni rāmeśvare dṛṣṭe vilayaṁ yānti sarvadā samparkāt kautukāl lobhād bhayād vāpi ca saṁsmaran

are, once Rameshvara has been seen, forever dissolved. One who remembers him — whether from mere contact, curiosity, greed, or even fear—

Verse 23 (skanda.3.43.23)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगं नेहामुत्र च दुःखभाक् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं कीर्तयन्नर्चयन्नपि

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ nehāmutra ca duḥkhabhāk rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ kīrtayann arcayann api

— becomes a sharer of sorrow neither here nor in the world beyond. Glorifying, or even merely worshipping, the great Rameshvara linga,

Verse 24 (skanda.3.43.24)

अवश्यं रुद्रसारूप्यं लभते नात्र संशयः । यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुते क्षणात्

avaśyaṁ rudrasārūpyaṁ labhate nātra saṁśayaḥ yathaidhāṁsi samiddho'gnir bhasmasāt kurute kṣaṇāt

one certainly attains a form like unto Rudra's — there is no doubt of this. Just as a blazing fire reduces fuel to ash in an instant,

Verse 25 (skanda.3.43.25)

तथा पापानि सर्वाणि रामेश्वरविलोकनात् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगभक्तिरष्टविधा स्मृता

tathā pāpāni sarvāṇi rāmeśvaravilokanāt rāmeśvaramahāliṅgabhaktir aṣṭavidhā smṛtā

so too are all sins reduced to ash by the sight of Rameshvara. Devotion to the great Rameshvara linga is declared to be eightfold —

Verse 26 (skanda.3.43.26)

तद्भक्तजनवात्सल्यं तत्पूजापरितोषणम् । स्वयं तत्पूजनं भक्त्या तदर्थे देहचेष्टितम्

tadbhaktajanavātsalyaṁ tatpūjāparitoṣaṇam svayaṁ tatpūjanaṁ bhaktyā tadarthe dehaceṣṭitam

affection for his devotees, satisfaction in his worship, personally worshipping him with devotion, and bodily exertion on his behalf,

Verse 27 (skanda.3.43.27)

तन्माहात्म्यकथानां च श्रवणेष्वादरस्तथा । स्वरनेत्रशरीरेषु विकारस्फुरणं तथा

tanmāhātmyakathānāṁ ca śravaṇeṣv ādaras tathā svaranetraśarīreṣu vikārasphuraṇaṁ tathā

reverence in hearing the stories of his glory, and the visible stirring of emotion in one's voice, eyes, and body,

Verse 28 (skanda.3.43.28)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगस्मरणं संततं तथा । रामेश्वरमहालिंगमाश्रित्यैवोपजीवनम्

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgasmaraṇaṁ satataṁ tathā rāmeśvaramahāliṅgam āśrityaivopajīvanam

constant remembrance of the great Rameshvara linga, and sustaining one's very life by taking refuge in the great Rameshvara linga alone —

Verse 29 (skanda.3.43.29)

एवमष्टविधा भक्तिर्यस्मिन्म्लेच्छेऽपिविद्यते । स एव मुक्तिक्षेत्राणां दायभाक्परिकीर्त्यते

evam aṣṭavidhā bhaktir yasmin mlecche'pi vidyate sa eva muktikṣetrāṇāṁ dāyabhāk parikīrtyate

— this eightfold devotion; in whomever it exists, even in an outcaste, he alone is declared the rightful heir to the realms of liberation.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.43.30)

भक्त्या त्वनन्यया मुक्तिर्ब्रह्मज्ञानेन निश्चिता । वेदांतशास्त्रश्रवणाद्यतीनामूर्ध्वरेतसाम्

bhaktyā tv ananyayā muktir brahmajñānena niścitā vedāntaśāstraśravaṇād yatīnām ūrdhvaretasām

By unwavering devotion, by knowledge of Brahman, and by hearing the Vedanta scriptures, liberation is assured for those celibate ascetics of controlled seed.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.43.31)

सा च मुक्तिर्विना ज्ञानदर्शनश्रवणोद्भवम् । यत्राश्रमं विना विप्रा विरक्तिं च विना तथा

sā ca muktir vinā jñānadarśanaśravaṇodbhavam yatrāśramaṁ vinā viprā viraktiṁ ca vinā tathā

But that liberation, which arises from knowledge, philosophy, and scriptural hearing, here — without even a life-stage, O brahmins, and without renunciation as well,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.43.32)

सर्वेषां चैव वर्णानामखिलाश्रमिणामपि । रामेश्वरमहालिंगदर्शनादेव केवलात्

sarveṣāṁ caiva varṇānām akhilāśramiṇām api rāmeśvaramahāliṅgadarśanād eva kevalāt

comes to all the varnas and to those in every life-stage as well, from the mere sight of the great Rameshvara linga alone —

Verse 33 (skanda.3.43.33)

अपुनर्भवदा मुक्तिर्भ विष्यत्यविलंबिता । कृमिकीटाश्च देवाश्च मुनयश्च तपोधनाः

apunarbhavadā muktir bhaviṣyaty avilambitā kṛmikīṭāś ca devāś ca munayaś ca tapodhanāḥ

unimpeded liberation, free of rebirth, comes about. Worms and insects, gods, and sages rich in austerity —

Verse 34 (skanda.3.43.34)

तुल्या रामेश्वरक्षेत्रे रामनाथप्रसादतः । पापं कृतं मयानेकमिति मा क्रियतां भयम्

tulyā rāmeśvarakṣetre rāmanāthaprasādataḥ pāpaṁ kṛtaṁ mayānekam iti mā kriyatāṁ bhayam

are all equal in Rameshvara's domain, by Ramanatha's grace. Let no one fear, saying 'I have committed many sins,'

Verse 35 (skanda.3.43.35)

मा गर्वः क्रियतां पुण्यं मयाकारीति वा जनैः । रामेश्वरमहालिंगे सांबरुद्रे विलोकिते

mā garvaḥ kriyatāṁ puṇyaṁ mayākārīti vā janaiḥ rāmeśvaramahāliṅge sāmbarudre vilokite

nor let anyone be proud, saying, 'I have done merit' — for once the great Rameshvara linga, Rudra together with Amba, has been beheld,

Verse 36 (skanda.3.43.36)

न न्यूना नाधिकाश्च स्युः किं तु सर्वे जनाः समाः । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं यः पश्यति सभक्तिकम्

na nyūnā nādhikāś ca syuḥ kiṁ tu sarve janāḥ samāḥ rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ yaḥ paśyati sabhaktikam

none is lesser and none greater, but all people become equal. He who beholds the great Rameshvara linga with devotion,

Verse 37 (skanda.3.43.37)

न तेन तुल्यतामेति चतुर्वेद्यपि भूतले । रामेश्वरमहालिंगे भक्तो यः श्वपचोऽपि सन्

na tena tulyatām eti caturvedy api bhūtale rāmeśvaramahāliṅge bhakto yaḥ śvapaco'pi san

even a master of the four Vedas on this earth cannot equal him. Whoever is devoted to the great Rameshvara linga, even if he be an outcaste,

Verse 38 (skanda.3.43.38)

तस्मै दानानि देयानि नान्यस्मै च त्रयीविदे । या गतिर्योगयुक्तानां मुनीनामूर्ध्वरेतसाम्

tasmai dānāni deyāni nānyasmai ca trayīvide yā gatir yogayuktānāṁ munīnām ūrdhvaretasām

to him alone should gifts be given, not to any other, even one learned in the three Vedas. Whatever destination belongs to yoga-united sages of controlled seed,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.43.39)

सा गतिः सर्वजंतूनां रामेश्वरविलोकिनाम् । रामनाथशिवक्षेत्रे ये वसंति नरा द्विजाः

sā gatiḥ sarvajantūnāṁ rāmeśvaravilokinām rāmanāthaśivakṣetre ye vasanti narā dvijāḥ

that same destination comes to all beings who behold Rameshvara. O brahmins, those men who dwell in Ramanatha's Shiva-domain,

Verse 40 (skanda.3.43.40)

ते सर्वे पञ्चवक्त्राः स्युश्चंद्रालंकृतमस्तकाः । नागाभरणसंयुक्तास्तथैव वृषभध्वजाः

te sarve pañcavaktrāḥ syuś candrālaṅkṛtamastakāḥ nāgābharaṇasaṁyuktās tathaiva vṛṣabhadhvajāḥ

they all become five-faced, their heads adorned with the moon, adorned with serpent ornaments, and bearing the bull-banner.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.43.41)

त्रिनेत्रा भस्मदिग्धांगाः कपालाकृतिशेखराः । साक्षात्सांबा महादेवा भवेयुर्नात्र संशयः

trinetrā bhasmadigdhāṅgāḥ kapālākṛtiśekharāḥ sākṣāt sāmbā mahādevā bhaveyur nātra saṁśayaḥ

three-eyed, their limbs smeared with ash, their crowns fashioned with a skull — they become, without doubt, Mahadeva himself, together with Amba.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.43.42)

रामनाथशिवक्षेत्रं ये व्रजंति नरा मुदा । पदेपदेऽश्वमेधानां प्राप्नुयुः सुकृतानि ते

rāmanāthaśivakṣetraṁ ye vrajanti narā mudā pade pade'śvamedhānāṁ prāpnuyuḥ sukṛtāni te

The men who joyfully journey to Ramanatha's Shiva-domain obtain, at every step, the merit of Ashvamedha sacrifices.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.43.43)

रामसेतुं समाश्रित्य रामनाथस्य तुष्टये । ददाति ग्राममेकं यो ब्राह्मणाय सभक्तिकम्

rāmasetuṁ samāśritya rāmanāthasya tuṣṭaye dadāti grāmam ekaṁ yo brāhmaṇāya sabhaktikam

Whoever, taking refuge at Ramasetu, for Ramanatha's pleasure, gives even one village to a brahmin with devotion,

Verse 44 (skanda.3.43.44)

तेन भूः सकला दत्ता सशैलवनकानना । पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं रामनाथाय यो नरः

tena bhūḥ sakalā dattā saśailavanakānanā patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ rāmanāthāya yo naraḥ

by him, the entire earth, with its mountains, forests, and woodlands, is deemed given. Whatever man offers Ramanatha a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water

Verse 45 (skanda.3.43.45)

भक्त्या ददाति तं रक्षेद्रामनाथो ह्यहर्निशम् । रामनाथमहालिंगे सांबे कारुणिके शिवे

bhaktyā dadāti taṁ rakṣed rāmanātho hy aharniśam rāmanāthamahāliṅge sāmbe kāruṇike śive

with devotion, that man Ramanatha protects day and night. In the great Ramanatha linga, Shiva together with Amba, the compassionate one,

Verse 46 (skanda.3.43.46)

अत्यंतदुर्लभा भक्तिस्तत्पूजाप्यतिदुर्लभा । स्तोत्रं च दुर्लभं प्रोक्तं स्मरणं चातिदुर्लभम्

atyantadurlabhā bhaktis tatpūjāpy atidurlabhā stotraṁ ca durlabhaṁ proktaṁ smaraṇaṁ cātidurlabham

devotion is exceedingly rare, and worship of him too is exceedingly rare. Praise of him is declared rare, and even remembrance of him is exceedingly rare.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.43.47)

रामनाथेश्वरं लिंगं महादेवं त्रिलोचनम् । शरणं ये प्रपद्यंते भक्तियुक्तेन चेतसा

rāmanātheśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ mahādevaṁ trilocanam śaraṇaṁ ye prapadyante bhaktiyuktena cetasā

Those who, with a devotion-filled heart, take refuge in the linga of Ramanatheshvara, the three-eyed Mahadeva,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.43.48)

लाभस्तेषां जयस्तेषा मिह लोके परत्र च । रामनाथमहालिंगविषया यस्य शेमुषी

lābhas teṣāṁ jayas teṣām iha loke paratra ca rāmanāthamahāliṅgaviṣayā yasya śemuṣī

gain and victory come to them, both in this world and the next. Whoever's understanding is fixed on the great Ramanatha linga

Verse 49 (skanda.3.43.49)

दिवारात्रं च भवति स वै धन्यतरो भुवि । रामनाथेश्वरं लिंगं यो न पूजयते शिवम्

divārātraṁ ca bhavati sa vai dhanyataro bhuvi rāmanātheśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ yo na pūjayate śivam

day and night, he is truly most blessed on earth. He who does not worship the Shiva-linga of Ramanatheshvara,

Verse 50 (skanda.3.43.50)

नायं भुक्तेश्च मुक्तेश्च राज्यानामपि भाजनम् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगं यः पूजयति भक्तितः

nāyaṁ bhukteś ca mukteś ca rājyānām api bhājanam rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ yaḥ pūjayati bhaktitaḥ

he is fit neither for enjoyment, nor liberation, nor even sovereignty. He who worships the great Rameshvara linga with devotion,

Verse 51 (skanda.3.43.51)

भुक्तिमुक्त्योश्च राज्यानामसौ परमभाजनम् । रामनाथार्चनसमं नाधिकं पुण्यमस्ति वै

bhuktimuktyoś ca rājyānām asau paramabhājanam rāmanāthārcanasamaṁ nādhikaṁ puṇyam asti vai

he is the supreme vessel for enjoyment, liberation, and sovereignty alike. There is no merit greater than the worship of Ramanatha.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.43.52)

रामनाथेश्वरं लिंगं द्वेष्टि यो मोहमास्थितः । ब्रह्महत्यायुतं तेन कृतं नरककारणम्

rāmanātheśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ dveṣṭi yo mohamāsthitaḥ brahmahatyāyutaṁ tena kṛtaṁ narakakāraṇam

He who, overcome by delusion, hates the linga of Ramanatheshvara, has by that committed ten thousand slayings of brahmins, the cause of hell.

Verse 53 (skanda.3.43.53)

तत्संभाषणमात्रेण मानवो नरकं व्रजेत् । रामनाथपरा देवा रामनाथपरा मखाः

tatsambhāṣaṇamātreṇa mānavo narakaṁ vrajet rāmanāthaparā devā rāmanāthaparā makhāḥ

By merely conversing with him, a man goes to hell. The gods are devoted to Ramanatha, sacrifices too are devoted to Ramanatha,

Verse 54 (skanda.3.43.54)

रामनाथपराः सर्वे तस्माद न्यन्न विद्यते । अतः सर्वं परित्यज्य रामनाथं समाश्रयेत्

rāmanāthaparāḥ sarve tasmād anyan na vidyate ataḥ sarvaṁ parityajya rāmanāthaṁ samāśrayet

all things are devoted to Ramanatha; nothing exists apart from him. Therefore, abandoning everything else, one should take refuge in Ramanatha alone.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.43.55)

रामनाथमहालिंगं शरणं याति चेन्नरः । दौर्मत्यं तस्य नास्त्येव शिवलोकं च यास्यति

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ śaraṇaṁ yāti cen naraḥ daurmatyaṁ tasya nāsty eva śivalokaṁ ca yāsyati

If a man takes refuge in the great Ramanatha linga, evil-mindedness never remains in him, and he goes to Shivaloka.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.43.56)

सर्वयज्ञतपोदानतीर्थस्नानेषु यत्फलम् । तत्फलं कोटिगुणितं रामनाथस्य सेवया

sarvayajñatapodānatīrthasnāneṣu yat phalam tat phalaṁ koṭiguṇitaṁ rāmanāthasya sevayā

Whatever fruit exists in every sacrifice, austerity, gift, and tirtha-bathing — that fruit comes crore-fold through service to Ramanatha.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.43.57)

रामनाथेश्वरं लिंगं चिंतयन्घटिका द्वयम् । कुलैकवंशमुद्धृत्य शिवलोके महीयते

rāmanātheśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ cintayan ghaṭikā dvayam kulaikavaṁśam uddhṛtya śivaloke mahīyate

One who contemplates the linga of Ramanatheshvara for two ghatikas, having redeemed his single lineage, is honored in Shivaloka.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.43.58)

दिनमेकं तु यः पश्येद्रामनाथं महेश्वरम् । इहैव धनवान्भूत्वा सोंऽते रुद्रश्च जायते

dinam ekaṁ tu yaḥ paśyed rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram ihaiva dhanavān bhūtvā so'nte rudraś ca jāyate

Whoever beholds Maheshvara Ramanatha for one whole day, becoming wealthy right here, in the end becomes Rudra himself.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.43.59)

यः स्मरेत्प्रातरुत्थाय रामनाथं महेश्वरम् । अनेनैव शरीरेण स शिवो वर्तते भुवि

yaḥ smaret prātar utthāya rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram anenaiva śarīreṇa sa śivo vartate bhuvi

Whoever, rising in the morning, remembers Maheshvara Ramanatha, moves upon the earth, in this very body, as Shiva himself.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.43.60)

रामनाथमहालिंगद्रष्टुर्दर्शनमात्रतः । अन्येषां प्राणिनां पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति

rāmanāthamahāliṅgadraṣṭur darśanamātrataḥ anyeṣāṁ prāṇināṁ pāpaṁ tatkṣaṇād eva naśyati

By the mere sight of one who has seen the great Ramanatha linga, the sins of other beings too are instantly destroyed.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.43.61)

रामनाथेश्वरं लिंगं मध्याह्ने यस्तु पश्यति । सुरापानसहस्राणि तस्य नश्यंति तत्क्षणात्

rāmanātheśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ madhyāhne yas tu paśyati surāpānasahasrāṇi tasya naśyanti tatkṣaṇāt

Whoever beholds the linga of Ramanatheshvara at midday, his thousands of sins of drinking liquor are instantly destroyed.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.43.62)

सायंकाले पश्यति यो रामनाथं सभक्तिकम् । गुरुस्त्रीगमनोत्पन्नपातकं तस्य नश्यति

sāyaṅkāle paśyati yo rāmanāthaṁ sabhaktikam gurustrīgamanotpannapātakaṁ tasya naśyati

Whoever beholds Ramanatha with devotion in the evening, his sin arising from approaching his guru's wife is destroyed.

Verse 63 (skanda.3.43.63)

सायंकाले महास्तोत्रैः स्तौति रामेश्वरं तु यः । स्वर्णस्तेयसहस्राणि तस्य नश्यंति तत्क्षणात्

sāyaṅkāle mahāstotraiḥ stauti rāmeśvaraṁ tu yaḥ svarṇasteyasahasrāṇi tasya naśyanti tatkṣaṇāt

Whoever, in the evening, praises Rameshvara with great hymns, his thousands of sins of stealing gold are instantly destroyed.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.43.64)

स्नानं च धनुषः कोटौ रामनाथस्य दर्शनम् । इति लभ्येत वै पुंसां किं गंगाजलसेवया

snānaṁ ca dhanuṣaḥ koṭau rāmanāthasya darśanam iti labhyeta vai puṁsāṁ kiṁ gaṅgājalasevayā

Bathing at Dhanushkoti and the sight of Ramanatha — when men obtain this, what further need is there of serving the waters of the Ganga?

Verse 65 (skanda.3.43.65)

रामनाथमहालिंगसेवया यन्न लभ्यते । तदन्यद्धर्मजालेन नैव लभ्येत कर्हिचित्

rāmanāthamahāliṅgasevayā yan na labhyate tad anyad dharmajālena naiva labhyeta karhicit

Whatever is not obtained through service to the great Ramanatha linga can never be obtained through any other web of religious observance.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.43.66)

रामनाथं महालिगं यः कदापि न पश्यति । संकरः स तु विज्ञेयो न पितुर्बीजसंभवः

rāmanāthaṁ mahāliṅgaṁ yaḥ kadāpi na paśyati saṅkaraḥ sa tu vijñeyo na pitur bījasambhavaḥ

He who never beholds the great Ramanatha linga should be known as a mongrel, not truly born of his father's seed.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.43.67)

रामनाथेतिशब्दं यस्त्रिः पठेत्प्रातरुत्थितः । तस्य पूर्वदिनोत्पन्नपातकं नश्यति क्षणात्

rāmanāthetiśabdaṁ yas triḥ paṭhet prātar utthitaḥ tasya pūrvadinotpannapātakaṁ naśyati kṣaṇāt

Whoever, rising in the morning, recites the word 'Ramanatha' three times, his sins incurred the previous day are destroyed instantly.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.43.68)

रामनाथे महालिंगे भक्तरक्षणदीक्षिते । भोजने विद्यमानेऽपि याचनाः किं प्रयास्यथ

rāmanāthe mahāliṅge bhaktarakṣaṇadīkṣite bhojane vidyamāne'pi yācanāḥ kiṁ prayāsyatha

With the great Ramanatha linga, devoted to protecting his devotees, while food is right there — why would you go begging?

Verse 69 (skanda.3.43.69)

रामनाथमहालिंगे प्रसन्ने करुणानिधौ । नश्यंति सकलाः क्लेशा यथा सूर्योदये हिमम्

rāmanāthamahāliṅge prasanne karuṇānidhau naśyanti sakalāḥ kleśā yathā sūryodaye himam

When the great Ramanatha linga, the treasury of compassion, is pleased, all afflictions vanish, as frost vanishes at sunrise.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.43.70)

प्राणोत्क्रमणवेलायां रामनाथं स्मरेद्यदि । जन्मनेऽसौ न कल्पेत भूयः शंकरतामियात्

prāṇotkramaṇavelāyāṁ rāmanāthaṁ smared yadi janmane'sau na kalpeta bhūyaḥ śaṅkaratām iyāt

If, at the moment of the departure of the life-breath, one remembers Ramanatha, he is no longer fit for rebirth, but attains the very state of Shankara.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.43.71)

रामनाथ महादेव मां रक्ष करुणानिधे । इति यः सततं ब्रूयात्कलिनासौ न बाध्यते

rāmanātha mahādeva māṁ rakṣa karuṇānidhe iti yaḥ satataṁ brūyāt kalināsau na bādhyate

'O Ramanatha Mahadeva, O treasury of compassion, protect me' — whoever continually says this is not afflicted by Kali.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.43.72)

रामनाथ जगन्नाथ धूर्जटे नीललोहित । इति यः सततं ब्रूयाद्बाध्यतेऽसौ न मायया

rāmanātha jagannātha dhūrjaṭe nīlalohita iti yaḥ satataṁ brūyād bādhyate'sau na māyayā

'O Ramanatha, O Jagannatha, O Dhurjati, O Nilalohita' — whoever continually says this is not afflicted by illusion.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.43.73)

नीलकण्ठ महादेव रामेश्वरसदाशिव । इति ब्रुवन्सदा जंतुर्नैव कामेन बाध्यते

nīlakaṇṭha mahādeva rāmeśvarasadāśiva iti bruvan sadā jantur naiva kāmena bādhyate

'O Nilakantha Mahadeva, O Rameshvara Sadashiva' — a being who always says this is never afflicted by desire.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.43.74)

रामेश्वर यमाराते कालकूटविषादन । इतीरयञ्जनो नित्यं न क्रोधेन प्रपीड्यते

rāmeśvara yamārāte kālakūṭaviṣādana itīrayañ jano nityaṁ na krodhena prapīḍyate

'O Rameshvara, O foe of Yama, O drinker of the Kalakuta poison' — a person who always says this is never tormented by anger.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.43.75)

रामनाथालयं यस्तु दारुभिः कुरुते नरः । स पुमान्स्वर्गमाप्नोति त्रिकोटिकुलसंयुतः

rāmanāthālayaṁ yas tu dārubhiḥ kurute naraḥ sa pumān svargam āpnoti trikoṭikulasaṁyutaḥ

The man who builds a temple of Ramanatha with wood attains heaven, together with three crores of his family lineage.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.43.76)

इष्टकाभिस्तु यः कुर्यात्स वैकुण्ठमवाप्नुयात् । शिलाभिः कुरुते यस्तु स गच्छेद्ब्रह्मणः पदम्

iṣṭakābhis tu yaḥ kuryāt sa vaikuṇṭham avāpnuyāt śilābhiḥ kurute yas tu sa gacched brahmaṇaḥ padam

One who builds it with bricks attains Vaikuntha. One who builds it with stone attains the state of Brahma.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.43.77)

स्फटिकादिशिलाभेदैः कुर्वन्नस्यालयं जनः । शिवलोकमवाप्नोति विमानवरमास्थितः

sphaṭikādiśilābhedaiḥ kurvann asyālayaṁ janaḥ śivalokam avāpnoti vimānavaram āsthitaḥ

One who builds his temple with crystal and other varieties of stone attains Shivaloka, seated upon an excellent celestial chariot.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.43.78)

रामनाथालयं ताम्रैः कुर्वन्भक्तिपुरःसरम् । शिवसामीप्यमाप्नोति शिवस्यार्द्धासनस्थितः

rāmanāthālayaṁ tāmraiḥ kurvan bhaktipuraḥsaram śivasāmīpyam āpnoti śivasyārdhāsanasthitaḥ

One who, with devotion, builds Ramanatha's temple in copper attains proximity to Shiva, seated upon half of Shiva's own seat.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.43.79)

रामेश्वरालयं रूप्यैः कुर्वन्वै मानवो मुदा । शिवसारूप्यमाप्नोति शिववन्मोदते सदा

rāmeśvarālayaṁ rūpyaiḥ kurvan vai mānavo mudā śivasārūpyam āpnoti śivavan modate sadā

The man who joyfully builds Rameshvara's temple in silver attains a form like unto Shiva's, and rejoices forever as Shiva does.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.43.80)

रामनाथालयं हेम्ना यः करोति सभक्तिकम् । स नरो मुक्तिमाप्नोति शिवसायुज्यरूपिणीम्

rāmanāthālayaṁ hemnā yaḥ karoti sabhaktikam sa naro muktim āpnoti śivasāyujyarūpiṇīm

The man who, with devotion, builds Ramanatha's temple in gold attains liberation in the very form of union with Shiva.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.43.81)

रामनाथालयं हेम्ना धनाढ्यः कुरुते नरः । मृदा दरिद्रः कुरुते तयोः पुण्यं समं स्मृतम्

rāmanāthālayaṁ hemnā dhanāḍhyaḥ kurute naraḥ mṛdā daridraḥ kurute tayoḥ puṇyaṁ samaṁ smṛtam

The wealthy man builds Ramanatha's temple in gold, the poor man in clay — the merit of both is declared equal.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.43.82)

रामनाथमहालिंगस्नानकाले द्विजोत्तमाः । त्रिसंध्यं गेयनृत्ते च मुखवाद्यैश्च काहलम्

rāmanāthamahāliṅgasnānakāle dvijottamāḥ trisandhyaṁ geyanṛtte ca mukhavādyaiś ca kāhalam

O best of brahmins, at the time of bathing the great Ramanatha linga, at the three daily junctures, with song and dance, with wind instruments and the kahala,

Verse 83 (skanda.3.43.83)

वाद्यान्यन्यानि कुरुते यः पुमान्भक्तिपूर्वकम् । स महापातकैर्मुक्तो रुद्रलोके महीयते

vādyāny anyāni kurute yaḥ pumān bhaktipūrvakam sa mahāpātakair mukto rudraloke mahīyate

and other instruments as well, the man who plays them with devotion, freed from great sins, is honored in Rudraloka.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.43.84)

योभिषेकस्य समये रामनाथस्य शूलिनः । रुद्राध्यायं च चमकं तथा पुरुषसूक्तकम्

yo'bhiṣekasya samaye rāmanāthasya śūlinaḥ rudrādhyāyaṁ ca camakaṁ tathā puruṣasūktakam

Whoever, at the time of the ritual bathing of Ramanatha, the trident-bearer, the Rudradhyaya, the Chamaka, and the Purusha Sukta,

Verse 85 (skanda.3.43.85)

त्रिसुपर्णं पंचशांतिं पावमान्यादिकं तथा । जपेत्प्रीतियुतो विप्रा नरकं न समश्नुते

trisuparṇaṁ pañcaśāntiṁ pāvamānyādikaṁ tathā japet prītiyuto viprā narakaṁ na samaśnute

the Trisuparna, the Panchashanti, and the Pavamani hymns, recites with love — O brahmins, that man does not attain hell.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.43.86)

गवां क्षीरेण दध्ना च पंचगव्यैर्घृतैस्तथा । रामनाथमहालिंगस्नानं नरकनाशनम्

gavāṁ kṣīreṇa dadhnā ca pañcagavyair ghṛtais tathā rāmanāthamahāliṅgasnānaṁ narakanāśanam

Bathing the great Ramanatha linga with the milk of cows, with curd, with the five products of the cow, and with ghee, destroys hell.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.43.87)

रामनाथमहालिंगं घृतेन स्नापयेच्च यः । कल्पजन्मार्जितं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ ghṛtena snāpayec ca yaḥ kalpajanmārjitaṁ pāpaṁ tatkṣaṇād eva naśyati

Whoever bathes the great Ramanatha linga with ghee — sins earned over births spanning a kalpa are instantly destroyed.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.43.88)

रामनाथमहालिंगं गोक्षीरैः स्नापयन्नरः । कुलैकविंशमुत्तार्य शिवलोके महीयते

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ gokṣīraiḥ snāpayan naraḥ kulaikaviṁśam uttārya śivaloke mahīyate

The man who bathes the great Ramanatha linga with cow's milk, having redeemed twenty-one generations of his lineage, is honored in Shivaloka.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.43.89)

रामनाथमहालिंगं दध्ना संस्नापयन्नरः । सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो विष्णुलोके महीयते

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ dadhnā saṁsnāpayan naraḥ sarvapāpavinirmukto viṣṇuloke mahīyate

The man who bathes the great Ramanatha linga with curd, freed from all sins, is honored in Vishnuloka.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.43.90)

अभ्यंगं तिलतैलेन रामेश्वरशिवस्य यः । करोति हि सकृद्भक्त्या स कुबेरगृहे वसेत्

abhyaṅgaṁ tilatailena rāmeśvaraśivasya yaḥ karoti hi sakṛd bhaktyā sa kuberagṛhe vaset

Whoever anoints Rameshvara Shiva with sesame oil even once with devotion dwells in the house of Kubera.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.43.91)

रामनाथमहालिंगे स्नानमिक्षुरसेन यः । सकृदप्याचरेद्भ क्त्या चन्द्रलोकं समश्नुते

rāmanāthamahāliṅge snānam ikṣurasena yaḥ sakṛd apy ācared bhaktyā candralokaṁ samaśnute

Whoever bathes the great Ramanatha linga with sugarcane juice even once with devotion attains the world of the Moon.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.43.92)

लिकुचाम्ररसोत्पन्नसारेण स्नापयन्नरः । रामनाथमहालिंगं पितृलोकं समश्नुते

likucāmrarasotpannasāreṇa snāpayan naraḥ rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ pitṛlokaṁ samaśnute

The man who bathes the great Ramanatha linga with the essence produced from the juice of the monkey-jack fruit and mango attains the world of the ancestors.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.43.93)

नालिकेरजलैः स्नानं रामनाथमहेश्वरे । ब्रह्महत्यादिपापानां नाशनं परिकीर्तितम्

nālikerajalaiḥ snānaṁ rāmanāthamaheśvare brahmahatyādipāpānāṁ nāśanaṁ parikīrtitam

Bathing Maheshvara Ramanatha with coconut water is declared to destroy the sins of slaying a brahmin and the like.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.43.94)

रामनाथमहालिंगं रंभापक्वैर्विमर्दयन् । विनाश्य सकलं पापं वायुलोके मही यते

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ rambhāpakvair vimardayan vināśya sakalaṁ pāpaṁ vāyuloke mahīyate

One who rubs the great Ramanatha linga with ripe plantains, having destroyed all sin, is honored in the world of Vayu.

Verse 95 (skanda.3.43.95)

वस्त्रपूतेन तोयेन रामनाथं महेश्वरम् । स्नापयन्वारुणं लोकमाप्नोति द्विजसत्तमाः

vastrapūtena toyena rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram snāpayan vāruṇaṁ lokam āpnoti dvijasattamāḥ

O best of brahmins, one who bathes Maheshvara Ramanatha with water strained through cloth attains the world of Varuna.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.43.96)

चंदनोदकधाराभी रामनाथं महेश्वरम् । स्नापयेत्पुरुषो विप्रा गांधर्वं लोकमाप्नुयात्

candanodakadhārābhī rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram snāpayet puruṣo viprā gāndharvaṁ lokam āpnuyāt

O brahmins, the man who bathes Maheshvara Ramanatha with streams of sandalwood water attains the world of the Gandharvas.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.43.97)

पुष्पवासिततोयेन हेमसंपृक्तवारिणा । पद्मवासिततोयेन स्नानाद्रामेश्वरस्य तु

puṣpavāsitatoyena hemasampṛktavāriṇā padmavāsitatoyena snānād rāmeśvarasya tu

By bathing Rameshvara with water scented with flowers, with water mixed with gold, and with water scented with lotus,

Verse 98 (skanda.3.43.98)

महेंद्रासनमारुह्य तेनैव सह मोदते । पाटलोत्पलकल्हारपुन्नागकरवीरकैः

mahendrāsanam āruhya tenaiva saha modate pāṭalotpalakalhārapunnāgakaravīrakaiḥ

one, mounting the throne of Indra, rejoices together with him. With patala, lotus, kalhara, punnaga, and kanera flowers,

Verse 99 (skanda.3.43.99)

वासितैर्वारिभिर्विप्रा रामेश्वरमहेश्वरम् । अभिषिच्य महद्भिश्च पातकैः स विमुच्यते

vāsitair vāribhir viprā rāmeśvaramaheśvaram abhiṣicya mahadbhiś ca pātakaiḥ sa vimucyate

O brahmins, having anointed Maheshvara Rameshvara with waters scented thus, one is freed from great sins.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.43.100)

यानि चान्यानि पुष्पाणि सुरभीणि महांति च । तद्गंधवासितैस्तोयैरभिषिच्य दयानिधिम्

yāni cānyāni puṣpāṇi surabhīṇi mahānti ca tadgandhavāsitais toyair abhiṣicya dayānidhim

And whatever other fragrant and great flowers there may be — having anointed the treasury of compassion with waters scented by them,

Verse 101 (skanda.3.43.101)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगं शिवलोके महीयते । एलाकर्पूरलामज्जवासितैः शुद्धवारिभिः

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgaṁ śivaloke mahīyate elākarpūralāmajjavāsitaiḥ śuddhavāribhiḥ

one who bathes the great Rameshvara linga is honored in Shivaloka. With pure water scented with cardamom, camphor, and lamajja,

Verse 102 (skanda.3.43.102)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगमभिषिच्य विशुद्धधीः । आग्नेयं लोकमासाद्य सर्वाकामा न्समश्नुते

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgam abhiṣicya viśuddhadhīḥ āgneyaṁ lokam āsādya sarvākāmān samaśnute

a person of pure mind, having anointed the great Rameshvara linga, attains the world of Agni and obtains all desires.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.43.103)

रामनाथाभिषेकार्थं मृद्धटान्यः प्रयच्छति । इह लोके शतायुः स्यात्सर्वकाम समृद्धिमान्

rāmanāthābhiṣekārthaṁ mṛdghaṭān yaḥ prayacchati iha loke śatāyuḥ syāt sarvakāmasamṛddhimān

Whoever gives clay pots for Ramanatha's ritual bathing has, in this world, a lifespan of a hundred years and is rich in every desire.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.43.104)

ताम्रकुंभप्रदानेन देवेंद्रत्वमवा प्नुयात् । रौप्यकुंभप्रदानेन ब्रह्मलोकं समश्नुते

tāmrakumbhapradānena devendratvam avāpnuyāt raupyakumbhapradānena brahmalokaṁ samaśnute

By giving a copper pot, one attains the status of Indra. By giving a silver pot, one attains Brahmaloka.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.43.105)

हेमकुंभप्रदानेन शिवलोके महीयते । रत्नकुंभप्रदानेन शिवसामीप्यमश्नुते

hemakumbhapradānena śivaloke mahīyate ratnakumbhapradānena śivasāmīpyam aśnute

By giving a golden pot, one is honored in Shivaloka. By giving a jeweled pot, one attains proximity to Shiva.

Verse 106 (skanda.3.43.106)

रामनाथाभिषेकार्थं नैवेद्यार्थमपि द्विजाः । यो गां पयस्विनीं दद्यात्सोऽश्वमेधफलं लभेत्

rāmanāthābhiṣekārthaṁ naivedyārtham api dvijāḥ yo gāṁ payasvinīṁ dadyāt so'śvamedhaphalaṁ labhet

O brahmins, whoever gives a milk-yielding cow for Ramanatha's ritual bathing or for offerings obtains the fruit of the Ashvamedha.

Verse 107 (skanda.3.43.107)

प्राप्नोति शिववेषं च देहांते शिवलोकभाक् । रामसेतौ धनुष्कोटौ रामनाथेत्युदीर्य यः

prāpnoti śivaveṣaṁ ca dehānte śivalokabhāk rāmasetau dhanuṣkoṭau rāmanātheti udīrya yaḥ

He attains the form of Shiva and, at the end of his body, becomes a partaker of Shivaloka. Whoever, at Ramasetu, at Dhanushkoti, uttering 'Ramanatha,'

Verse 108 (skanda.3.43.108)

यत्र क्वाप्याचरेत्स्नानं सेतुस्नानफलं लभेत् । सुधाप्रलिप्तं यः कुर्याद्रामनाथशिवालयम्

yatra kvāpy ācaret snānaṁ setusnānaphalaṁ labhet sudhāpraliptaṁ yaḥ kuryād rāmanāthaśivālayam

bathes anywhere at all, obtains the fruit of bathing at the Setu. Whoever builds Ramanatha's Shiva-temple plastered with lime,

Verse 109 (skanda.3.43.109)

तत्पुण्यं गदितुं नाहं शक्तो वर्षशतादपि । नवीकरोति यो मर्त्यो रामनाथशिवालयम्

tatpuṇyaṁ gadituṁ nāhaṁ śakto varṣaśatād api navīkaroti yo martyo rāmanāthaśivālayam

his merit I am unable to describe even in a hundred years. Whatever man renovates Ramanatha's Shiva-temple,

Verse 110 (skanda.3.43.110)

कर्तुः शतगुणं ज्ञेयं तस्य पुण्यफलं द्विजाः । छिन्नं भिन्नं च यः सम्यग्रामनाथशिवालयम्

kartuḥ śataguṇaṁ jñeyaṁ tasya puṇyaphalaṁ dvijāḥ chinnaṁ bhinnaṁ ca yaḥ samyag rāmanāthaśivālayam

O brahmins, his merit-fruit should be known as a hundredfold that of the original builder. Whoever properly restores Ramanatha's Shiva-temple that has become broken or damaged,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.43.111)

करोति भक्त्या पुरुषो ब्रह्महत्यायुतं दहेत् । रामनाथस्य पुरतो दीपानारोपयन्मुदा

karoti bhaktyā puruṣo brahmahatyāyutaṁ dahet rāmanāthasya purato dīpān āropayan mudā

with devotion, that man burns away ten thousand sins of slaying a brahmin. One who joyfully lights lamps before Ramanatha,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.43.112)

अविद्यापटलं भित्त्वा याति ब्रह्म सनातनम् । घृतं तैलं तथा मुद्गाञ्छर्करास्तंडुलान्गुडान्

avidyāpaṭalaṁ bhittvā yāti brahma sanātanam ghṛtaṁ tailaṁ tathā mudgāñ charkarās taṇḍulān guḍān

having pierced the veil of ignorance, attains the eternal Brahman. Whoever offers Ramanatha ghee, oil, mung beans, sugar, rice, and jaggery,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.43.113)

प्रयच्छन्रामनाथाय देवेंद्रपदमश्नुते । रामनाथमहालिंगदर्शनादर्चनात्स्मृतेः

prayacchan rāmanāthāya devendrapadam aśnute rāmanāthamahāliṅgadarśanād arcanāt smṛteḥ

attains the status of Indra. From the sight, worship, or remembrance of the great Ramanatha linga,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.43.114)

स्पर्शनादपि पापानि विलयं यांति तत्क्षणात् । रामनाथाय यो दद्यान्महाघंटां च दर्पणम्

sparśanād api pāpāni vilayaṁ yānti tatkṣaṇāt rāmanāthāya yo dadyān mahāghaṇṭāṁ ca darpaṇam

or even from touching it, sins are instantly dissolved. Whoever gives Ramanatha a great bell and a mirror,

Verse 115 (skanda.3.43.115)

विमानशतसं भोगैश्चिरं शिवपुरे वसेत् । भेरीमृदंगपटह निःसाणमुरजादिकम्

vimānaśatasaṁbhogaiś ciraṁ śivapure vaset bherīmṛdaṅgapaṭahaniḥsāṇamurajādikam

dwells for a long time in Shivapura, with the enjoyments of a hundred celestial chariots. The bheri, mridanga, pataha, nissana, muraja, and other instruments,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.43.116)

वंशकांस्यादिवादित्रं तथा वाद्यांतराणि च । प्रयच्छन्रामनाथाय महादे वाय सादरम्

vaṁśakāṁsyādivāditraṁ tathā vādyāntarāṇi ca prayacchan rāmanāthāya mahādevāya sādaram

the flute, cymbals, and other instruments as well — whoever reverently offers these to Mahadeva Ramanatha,

Verse 117 (skanda.3.43.117)

स विमानैर्महाभोगैर्वाद्यघोषसमन्वितैः । अनेकयुगपर्यंतं शिवलोके महीयते

sa vimānair mahābhogair vādyaghoṣasamanvitaiḥ anekayugaparyantaṁ śivaloke mahīyate

he, endowed with celestial chariots, great enjoyments, and the sound of instruments, is honored in Shivaloka for many ages.

Verse 118 (skanda.3.43.118)

रामनाथं समुद्दिश्य यद्दत्तं स्वल्प मादरात् । तदनंतफलं दातुः परत्र भवति ध्रुवम्

rāmanāthaṁ samuddiśya yad dattaṁ svalpam ādarāt tad anantaphalaṁ dātuḥ paratra bhavati dhruvam

Whatever little is given, with reverence, dedicated to Ramanatha, certainly becomes, for the giver, boundless fruit in the world beyond.

Verse 119 (skanda.3.43.119)

रामेश्वरे महाक्षेत्रे रामनाथस्य सन्निधौ । वसन्मुक्तिमवाप्नोति पुनरावृत्तिवर्जिताम्

rāmeśvare mahākṣetre rāmanāthasya sannidhau vasan muktim avāpnoti punarāvṛttivarjitām

A man dwelling in the great domain of Rameshvara, in the presence of Ramanatha, attains liberation free from any return.

Verse 120 (skanda.3.43.120)

आयुः प्रयाति त्वरितं त्वरितं याति यौवनम् । त्वरितं संपदो यांति दारपुत्रादयस्तथा

āyuḥ prayāti tvaritaṁ tvaritaṁ yāti yauvanam tvaritaṁ sampado yānti dāraputrādayas tathā

Life passes swiftly, youth departs swiftly. Wealth too departs swiftly, as do wife, sons, and the rest.

Verse 121 (skanda.3.43.121)

राजादिभिर्धनं बाध्यं गृहक्षेत्रादिकं तथा । सर्वं च क्षणिकं विप्रा गृहोपकरणादिकम्

rājādibhir dhanaṁ bādhyaṁ gṛhakṣetrādikaṁ tathā sarvaṁ ca kṣaṇikaṁ viprā gṛhopakaraṇādikam

Wealth, house, land, and the like may be seized by kings and others. O brahmins, household goods and everything else are momentary.

Verse 122 (skanda.3.43.122)

तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य संसारस्योपलालनम् । रामेश्वरमहालिंगमापन्नार्तिहरं नृणाम्

tasmāt sarvaṁ parityajya saṁsārasyopalālanam rāmeśvaramahāliṅgam āpannārtiharaṁ nṛṇām

Therefore, abandoning entirely the fond attachment to worldly existence, one should turn to the great Rameshvara linga, remover of the afflictions of men in distress,

Verse 123 (skanda.3.43.123)

श्रोतव्यं कीर्तितव्यं च स्मर्तव्यं च मनीषिभिः । रामेश्वराय देवाय यो वै ग्रामान्प्रयच्छति

śrotavyaṁ kīrtitavyaṁ ca smartavyaṁ ca manīṣibhiḥ rāmeśvarāya devāya yo vai grāmān prayacchati

which the wise should hear, glorify, and remember. Whoever gives villages to the god Rameshvara,

Verse 124 (skanda.3.43.124)

स हि प्रारब्धदेहांते शिव एव प्रजा यते । पात्राणामुत्तमं पात्रं रामनाथो महेश्वरः

sa hi prārabdhadehānte śiva eva prajāyate pātrāṇām uttamaṁ pātraṁ rāmanātho maheśvaraḥ

at the end of his present body, becomes Shiva himself. Among all worthy recipients, the most excellent recipient is Maheshvara Ramanatha,

Verse 125 (skanda.3.43.125)

तस्मै दत्त्वा द्विजाः सत्यमनंतं सुखमश्नुते । रामनाथमहालिंगदर्शनावधि पातकम्

tasmai dattvā dvijāḥ satyam anantaṁ sukham aśnute rāmanāthamahāliṅgadarśanāvadhi pātakam

O brahmins, giving to him, one truly attains boundless happiness. Whatever sin exists up to the moment of the sight of the great Ramanatha linga,

Verse 126 (skanda.3.43.126)

दत्त्वा तस्मै जनः किंचित्सार्वभौमो भवेद्ध्रुवम् । तालवृंतं ध्वजं छत्रं चंदनं गुग्गुलुं तथा

dattvā tasmai janaḥ kiñcit sārvabhaumo bhaved dhruvam tālavṛntaṁ dhvajaṁ chatraṁ candanaṁ guggulaṁ tathā

by giving him even a little, a man certainly becomes a universal sovereign. A fan, a banner, a canopy, sandalwood, and guggulu,

Verse 127 (skanda.3.43.127)

ताम्रकांस्यादिरजतहेमरत्नमयान्ध टान् । प्रयच्छंत्यभिषेकार्थं रामनाथस्य ये नराः

tāmrakāṁsyādirajatahemaratnamayān ghaṭān prayacchanty abhiṣekārthaṁ rāmanāthasya ye narāḥ

and pots made of copper, bronze, silver, gold, and jewels, given for Ramanatha's ritual bathing by men who so offer—

Verse 128 (skanda.3.43.128)

भूमंडलाधिपतयो जायंते ते भवांतरे । रामनाथस्य पूजार्थं पुष्पाण्युत्पादयंति ये

bhūmaṇḍalādhipatayo jāyante te bhavāntare rāmanāthasya pūjārthaṁ puṣpāṇy utpādayanti ye

they become rulers of the whole earth in their next birth. Those who cultivate flowers for the worship of Ramanatha,

Verse 129 (skanda.3.43.129)

अश्वमेधादियागानां फलान्यद्धाप्नुवंति ते । रामेश्वरे महालिंगे पूजिते नमिते स्मृते

aśvamedhādiyāgānāṁ phalāny addhāpnuvanti te rāmeśvare mahāliṅge pūjite namite smṛte

they truly obtain the fruits of the Ashvamedha and similar sacrifices. When the great Rameshvara linga has been worshipped, bowed to, or remembered,

Verse 130 (skanda.3.43.130)

श्रुते दृष्टे च विप्रेंद्रा दुर्लभं नास्ति किंचन । रामनाथमहालिंगं सेवितुं यः पुमान्व्रजेत्

śrute dṛṣṭe ca viprendrā durlabhaṁ nāsti kiñcana rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ sevituṁ yaḥ pumān vrajet

O foremost of brahmins, heard, or seen — then nothing at all remains unattainable. Whatever man journeys to serve the great Ramanatha linga,

Verse 131 (skanda.3.43.131)

तं दृष्ट्वा भयमाप्नोति तस्य पापौघ आशु वै । रामनाथो महादेवो दृष्टो यदि भवेन्नृभिः

taṁ dṛṣṭvā bhayam āpnoti tasya pāpaugha āśu vai rāmanātho mahādevo dṛṣṭo yadi bhaven nṛbhiḥ

at the very sight of him, his mass of sins quickly takes fright. If Mahadeva Ramanatha is beheld by men,

Verse 132 (skanda.3.43.132)

किंवेदैः किमु वा शास्त्रैः किं वा तीर्थनिषेवणैः । चंदनं कुंकुमं कोष्ठं कस्तूरीं गुग्गुलुं तथा

kiṁ vedaiḥ kim u vā śāstraiḥ kiṁ vā tīrthaniṣevaṇaiḥ candanaṁ kuṅkumaṁ koṣṭhaṁ kastūrīṁ guggulaṁ tathā

then what use are the Vedas, or the scriptures, or even the service of tirthas? Whoever offers Rameshvara sandalwood, saffron, costus, musk, and guggulu,

Verse 133 (skanda.3.43.133)

मृगनाभिं च सरलं दद्याद्रामेश्वराय यः । स भूमाविह जायेत धनाढ्यो वेदपारगः

mṛganābhiṁ ca saralaṁ dadyād rāmeśvarāya yaḥ sa bhūmāv iha jāyeta dhanāḍhyo vedapāragaḥ

and musk-deer scent and pine resin — that man is born on this earth wealthy and versed in the Vedas.

Verse 134 (skanda.3.43.134)

मुक्ताभरणवस्त्राणि महार्हाणि ददाति यः । रामनाथाय देवाय नासौ दौर्गत्यमाप्नुयात्

muktābharaṇavastrāṇi mahārhāṇi dadāti yaḥ rāmanāthāya devāya nāsau daurgatyam āpnuyāt

Whoever gives the god Ramanatha pearl ornaments and most costly garments never attains poverty.

Verse 135 (skanda.3.43.135)

रामनाथमहालिंगं गंगातोयैः समाहृतैः । योऽभिषिंचत्यसौ पूज्यः शिवस्यापि न संशयः

rāmanāthamahāliṅgaṁ gaṅgātoyaiḥ samāhṛtaiḥ yo'bhiṣiñcaty asau pūjyaḥ śivasyāpi na saṁśayaḥ

Whoever anoints the great Ramanatha linga with waters brought from the Ganga is worthy of worship even by Shiva — there is no doubt of this.

Verse 136 (skanda.3.43.136)

यावन्न याति मरणं यावन्नाक्रमते जरा । यावन्नेंद्रियवैकल्यं तावदेव द्विजोत्तमाः

yāvan na yāti maraṇaṁ yāvan nākramate jarā yāvan nendriyavaikalyaṁ tāvad eva dvijottamāḥ

O best of brahmins, as long as death has not come, as long as old age has not overtaken one, as long as the faculties are not yet impaired, only for that long,

Verse 137 (skanda.3.43.137)

तावदेव महादेवो रामनाथो मुमुक्षुभिः । वन्द्यः पूज्यश्च मंतव्यः स्तुत्यश्च सततं शिवः

tāvad eva mahādevo rāmanātho mumukṣubhiḥ vandyaḥ pūjyaś ca mantavyaḥ stutyaś ca satataṁ śivaḥ

is Mahadeva Ramanatha, that Shiva, to be venerated, worshipped, meditated upon, and ever praised by those seeking liberation.

Verse 138 (skanda.3.43.138)

रामेश्वरमहालिंगपूजातुल्यो न विद्यते । धर्मः सर्वपुराणेषु सर्वशास्त्रेषु वै तथा

rāmeśvaramahāliṅgapūjātulyo na vidyate dharmaḥ sarvapurāṇeṣu sarvaśāstreṣu vai tathā

No dharma equal to the worship of the great Rameshvara linga exists in all the Puranas, nor in all the scriptures.

Verse 139 (skanda.3.43.139)

रामनाथेश्वरं देवं महाकारुणिकं प्रभुम् । भक्त्या भजंति ये नित्यं ते भूलोके सुखान्विताः

rāmanātheśvaraṁ devaṁ mahākāruṇikaṁ prabhum bhaktyā bhajanti ye nityaṁ te bhūloke sukhānvitāḥ

Those who ever worship, with devotion, the god Ramanatheshvara, the greatly compassionate Lord, remain endowed with happiness upon this earth.

Verse 140 (skanda.3.43.140)

भुक्त्वा भोगान्बहुसुखान्पुत्रदारयुता भृशम् । एतच्छरीरपातांते मुक्तिं यास्यंति शाश्वतीम्

bhuktvā bhogān bahusukhān putradārayutā bhṛśam etac charīrapātānte muktiṁ yāsyanti śāśvatīm

Having enjoyed most happy pleasures, richly together with sons and wife, at the fall of this body they attain everlasting liberation.

Verse 141 (skanda.3.43.141)

श्रीसूत उवाच । एवं वः कथितं विप्रा रामनाथस्य वैभवम् । यस्त्वेतच्छृणुयान्नित्यं पठते च सभक्तिकम्

śrīsūta uvāca evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprā rāmanāthasya vaibhavam yas tv etac chṛṇuyān nityaṁ paṭhate ca sabhaktikam

Shri Suta said: O brahmins, thus have I told you the majesty of Ramanatha. Whoever regularly hears this, or reads it with devotion,

Verse 142 (skanda.3.43.142)

स रामनाथसेवायाः फलमाप्नोत्यनुत्तमम् । धनुष्कोटिमहातीर्थस्नानपुण्यं च यास्यति

sa rāmanāthasevāyāḥ phalam āpnoty anuttamam dhanuṣkoṭimahātīrthasnānapuṇyaṁ ca yāsyati

obtains the supreme fruit of service to Ramanatha, and attains the merit of bathing at the great tirtha of Dhanushkoti.