The Establishment of the Ramanatha Linga

Verse 1 (skanda.3.44.1)

ऋषय ऊचुः । सर्ववेदार्थतत्त्वज्ञ पुराणार्णवपारग । व्यासपादांबुजद्वंद्वनमस्कारहृताशुभ

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ sarvavedārthatattvajña purāṇārṇavapāraga vyāsapādāmbujadvandvanamaskārahṛtāśubha

The sages said: O knower of the essence of all the Vedas, O one who has crossed to the far shore of the ocean of the Puranas, O you whose every inauspiciousness was removed by bowing to the twin lotus feet of Vyasa!

Verse 2 (skanda.3.44.2)

पुराणार्थोपदेशेन सर्वप्राण्युपकारक । त्वया ह्यनुगृहीताः स्म पुराणकथनाद्वयम्

purāṇārthopadeśena sarvaprāṇyupakāraka tvayā hy anugṛhītāḥ sma purāṇakathanād vayam

You, benefactor of all beings through the teaching of the Puranas' meaning — we two have been graced by you through the recounting of the Purana.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.44.3)

अधुना सेतुमाहात्म्यकथनात्सुतरां मुने । वयं कृतार्थाः संजाता व्यासशिष्य महामते

adhunā setumāhātmyakathanāt sutarāṁ mune vayaṁ kṛtārthāḥ saṁjātā vyāsaśiṣya mahāmate

O sage, now, through the telling of the Setu's glory, we have become truly fulfilled — O wise one, disciple of Vyasa.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.44.4)

यथा प्रातिष्ठिपल्लिंगं रामो दशरथात्मजः । तच्छ्रोतुं वयमिच्छामस्त्वमिदानीं वदस्व नः

yathā prātiṣṭhipal liṅgaṁ rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ tac chrotuṁ vayam icchāmas tvam idānīṁ vadasva naḥ

How Rama, Dasharatha's son, established the linga — that we wish to hear. Now tell it to us.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.44.5)

श्रीसूत उवाच । यदर्थं स्थापितं लिंगं गन्धमादनपर्वते । रामचन्द्रेण विप्रेंद्र तदिदानीं ब्रवीमि वः

śrīsūta uvāca yadarthaṁ sthāpitaṁ liṅgaṁ gandhamādanaparvate rāmacandreṇa viprendra tad idānīṁ bravīmi vaḥ

Shri Suta said: O foremost of brahmins, for what purpose the linga was established by Ramachandra on Mount Gandhamadana — that I shall now tell you.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.44.6)

हृतभार्यो वनाद्रामो रावणेन बलीयसा । कपिसेनायुतो धीरः ससौमि त्रिर्महाबलः

hṛtabhāryo vanād rāmo rāvaṇena balīyasā kapisenāyuto dhīraḥ sasaumitrir mahābalaḥ

Rama, whose wife had been abducted from the forest by the mighty Ravana, steadfast, accompanied by the army of monkeys, together with the mighty son of Sumitra,

Verse 7 (skanda.3.44.7)

महेंद्रं गिरिमासाद्य व्यलोकयत वारिधिम् । तस्मिन्नपारे जलधौ कृत्वा सेतुं रघूद्वहः

mahendraṁ girim āsādya vyalokayata vāridhim tasminn apāre jaladhau kṛtvā setuṁ raghūdvahaḥ

having reached Mount Mahendra, beheld the ocean. Having built a bridge across that boundless sea, that foremost of the Raghu lineage,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.44.8)

तेन गत्वा पुरीं लंकां रावणेनाभिरक्षि ताम् । अस्तंगते सहस्रांशौ पौर्णमास्यां निशामुखे

tena gatvā purīṁ laṅkāṁ rāvaṇenābhirakṣitām astaṅgate sahasrāṁśau paurṇamāsyāṁ niśāmukhe

went by that bridge to the city of Lanka, guarded by Ravana; and when the thousand-rayed sun had set, at the onset of the full-moon night,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.44.9)

रामः ससैनिको विप्राः सुवेलगिरिमारुहत् । ततः सौधस्थितं रात्रौ दृष्ट्वा लंकेश्वरं बली

rāmaḥ sasainiko viprāḥ suvelagirim āruhat tataḥ saudhasthitaṁ rātrau dṛṣṭvā laṅkeśvaraṁ balī

O brahmins, Rama, with his army, climbed Mount Suvela. Then, at night, seeing the lord of Lanka seated in his palace, the mighty—

Verse 10 (skanda.3.44.10)

सूर्यपुत्रोऽस्य मुकुटं पातयास भूतले । राक्षसो भग्नमुकुटः प्रविवेश गृहोदरम्

sūryaputro'sya mukuṭaṁ pātayāsa bhūtale rākṣaso bhagnamukuṭaḥ praviveśa gṛhodaram

son of the Sun knocked down his crown to the ground. His crown broken, the demon went back inside his palace.

Verse 11 (skanda.3.44.11)

गृहं प्रविष्टे लंकेशे रामः सुग्रीवसंयुतः । सानुजः सेनया सार्द्धमवरुह्य गिरेस्तटात्

gṛhaṁ praviṣṭe laṅkeśe rāmaḥ sugrīvasaṁyutaḥ sānujaḥ senayā sārdham avaruhya girestaṭāt

When the lord of Lanka had entered his palace, Rama, together with Sugriva, with his younger brother, together with the army, descending from the mountain slope,

Verse 12 (skanda.3.44.12)

सेनां न्यवेशयद्वीरो रामो लंकासमीपतः । ततो निवेशमानांस्तान्वानरान्रावणानुगाः

senāṁ nyaveśayad vīro rāmo laṅkāsamīpataḥ tato niveśamānāṁs tān vānarān rāvaṇānugāḥ

the heroic Rama encamped his army near Lanka. Then, as those monkeys were setting up camp, Ravana's followers,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.44.13)

अभिजग्मुर्महाकायाः सायुधाः सहसैनिकाः । पर्वणः पूतनो जृंभः खरः क्रोधवशो हरिः

abhijagmur mahākāyāḥ sāyudhāḥ sahasainikāḥ parvaṇaḥ pūtano jṛmbhaḥ kharaḥ krodhavaśo hariḥ

huge-bodied, armed, with their soldiers, attacked them — Parvana, Putana, Jrimbha, Khara, Krodhavasha, Hari,

Verse 14 (skanda.3.44.14)

प्रारुजश्चारुजश्चैव प्रहस्तश्चेतरे तथा । ततोऽभिपततां तेषामदृश्यानां दुरात्मनाम्

prārujaś cārujaś caiva prahastaś cetare tathā tato'bhipatatāṁ teṣām adṛśyānāṁ durātmanām

Praruja, Aruja, Prahasta, and others too. Then, as those invisible evil-souled ones attacked,

Verse 15 (skanda.3.44.15)

अन्तर्धानवधं तत्र चकार स्म विभीषणः । ते दृश्यमाना बलिभिर्हरिभिर्दूरपातिभिः

antardhānavadhaṁ tatra cakāra sma vibhīṣaṇaḥ te dṛśyamānā balibhir haribhir dūrapātibhiḥ

Vibhishana there dispelled their invisibility. Once made visible, they, by the powerful, far-striking monkeys,

Verse 16 (skanda.3.44.16)

निहताः सर्वतश्चैते न्यपतन्वै गतासवः । अमृष्यमाणः सबलो रावणो निर्ययावथ

nihatāḥ sarvataś caite nyapatan vai gatāsavaḥ amṛṣyamāṇaḥ sabalo rāvaṇo niryayāv atha

were struck down from every side and fell lifeless. Unable to bear this, the mighty Ravana then came forth,

Verse 17 (skanda.3.44.17)

व्यूह्य तान्वानरान्सर्वान्न्यवारयत सायकैः । राघवस्त्वथ निर्याय व्यूढानीको दशाननम्

vyūhya tān vānarān sarvān nyavārayata sāyakaiḥ rāghavas tv atha niryāya vyūḍhānīko daśānanam

and, arraying his forces, checked all those monkeys with arrows. Then Raghava too, marshaling his troops, came forth and against the ten-headed one—

Verse 18 (skanda.3.44.18)

प्रत्ययुध्यत वेगेन द्वंद्वयुद्धमभूत्तदा । युयुधे लक्ष्मणेनाथ इंद्रजिद्रावणात्मजः

pratyayudhyata vegena dvandvayuddham abhūt tadā yuyudhe lakṣmaṇenātha indrajid rāvaṇātmajaḥ

—fought with speed; a duel then took place. Then Ravana's son Indrajit fought with Lakshmana.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.44.19)

विरूपाक्षेण सुग्रीवस्तारेयेणापि खर्वटः । पौंड्रेण च नलस्तत्र पुटेशः पनसेन च

virūpākṣeṇa sugrīvas tāreyeṇāpi kharvaṭaḥ pauṇḍreṇa ca nalas tatra puṭeśaḥ panasena ca

Sugriva fought with Virupaksha, Kharvata with Tareya, Nala there with Paundra, and Putesha with Panasa,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.44.20)

अन्येपि कपयो वीरा राक्षसैर्द्वंद्वमेत्य तु । चक्रुर्युद्धं सुतुमुलं भीरूणां भयवर्द्धनम्

anye'pi kapayo vīrā rākṣasair dvandvam etya tu cakrur yuddhaṁ sutumulaṁ bhīrūṇāṁ bhayavardhanam

and other heroic monkeys too, engaging demons in single combat, waged a tumultuous battle, increasing the fear of the fearful.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.44.21)

अथ रक्षांसि भिन्नानि वानरैर्भीमविक्रमैः । प्रदुद्रुवू रणादाशु लंकां रावणपालिताम्

atha rakṣāṁsi bhinnāni vānarair bhīmavikramaiḥ pradudruvū raṇād āśu laṅkāṁ rāvaṇapālitām

Then the demons, broken by the monkeys of terrible prowess, fled swiftly from the battle into Lanka, ruled by Ravana.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.44.22)

भग्नेषु सर्वसैन्येषु रावणप्रेरितेन वै । पुत्रेणेंद्रजिता युद्धे नागास्त्रैरतिदारुणैः

bhagneṣu sarvasainyeṣu rāvaṇapreritena vai putreṇendrajitā yuddhe nāgāstrair atidāruṇaiḥ

When all the armies had been broken, Ravana's son Indrajit, sent forth by him, in battle with most terrible serpent-weapons,

Verse 23 (skanda.3.44.23)

विद्धौ दाशरथी विप्रा उभौ तौ रामलक्ष्मणौ । मोचितौ वैनतेयेन गरुडेन महात्मना

viddhau dāśarathī viprā ubhau tau rāmalakṣmaṇau mocitau vainateyena garuḍena mahātmanā

O brahmins, pierced both sons of Dasharatha, Rama and Lakshmana. They were freed by the great-souled Garuda, son of Vinata.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.44.24)

तत्र प्रहस्तस्तरसा समभ्येत्य विभीषणम् । गदया ताडयामास विनद्य रणकर्कशः

tatra prahastas tarasā samabhyetya vibhīṣaṇam gadayā tāḍayāmāsa vinadya raṇakarkaśaḥ

There Prahasta, swiftly approaching Vibhishana, harsh in battle, roaring, struck him with a mace.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.44.25)

स तयाभिहतो धीमान्गदया भामिवेगया । नाकंपत महाबाहुर्हिमवानिव सुस्थितः

sa tayābhihato dhīmān gadayā bhīmavegayā nākampata mahābāhur himavān iva susthitaḥ

Struck by that terribly swift mace, the wise, mighty-armed one did not tremble, remaining as steadfast as the Himalaya.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.44.26)

ततः प्रगृह्य विपुलामष्टघंटां विभीषणः । अभिमंत्र्य महाशक्तिं चिक्षे पास्य शिरः प्रति

tataḥ pragṛhya vipulām aṣṭaghaṇṭāṁ vibhīṣaṇaḥ abhimantrya mahāśaktiṁ cikṣepāsya śiraḥ prati

Then Vibhishana, taking up the vast eight-belled great spear, having consecrated it with mantra, hurled it at his (Prahasta's) head.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.44.27)

पतंत्या स तया वेगाद्राक्षसोऽशनिना यथा । हृतोत्तमांगो ददृशे वातरुग्ण इव द्रुमः

patantyā sa tayā vegād rākṣaso'śaninā yathā hṛtottamāṅgo dadṛśe vātarugṇa iva drumaḥ

As it fell with that force, the demon, as though struck by a thunderbolt, was deprived of his head and appeared like a tree broken by a storm.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.44.28)

तं दृष्ट्वा निहतं संख्ये प्रहस्तं क्षणदाचरम् । अभिदुद्राव धूम्राक्षो वेगेन महता कपीन्

taṁ dṛṣṭvā nihataṁ saṅkhye prahastaṁ kṣaṇadācaram abhidudrāva dhūmrākṣo vegena mahatā kapīn

Seeing that night-wanderer Prahasta slain in battle, Dhumraksha charged the monkeys with tremendous force.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.44.29)

कपिसैन्यं समालोक्य विद्रुतं पवनात्मजः । धूम्राक्षमाजघानाशु शरेण रणमूर्धनि

kapisainyaṁ samālokya vidrutaṁ pavanātmajaḥ dhūmrākṣam ājaghānāśu śareṇa raṇamūrdhani

Seeing the monkey army fleeing, the son of the Wind quickly struck down Dhumraksha with an arrow at the forefront of the battle.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.44.30)

धूम्राक्षं निहतं दृष्ट्वा हतशेषा निशाचराः । सर्वं राज्ञे यथावृत्तं रावणाय न्यवेदयन्

dhūmrākṣaṁ nihataṁ dṛṣṭvā hataśeṣā niśācarāḥ sarvaṁ rājñe yathāvṛttaṁ rāvaṇāya nyavedayan

Seeing Dhumraksha slain, the surviving night-wanderers reported to King Ravana everything that had occurred.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.44.31)

ततः शयानं लंकेशः कुम्भकर्णमबोधयत् । प्रबुद्धं प्रेषयामास युद्धाय स च रावणः

tataḥ śayānaṁ laṅkeśaḥ kumbhakarṇam abodhayat prabuddhaṁ preṣayāmāsa yuddhāya sa ca rāvaṇaḥ

Then the lord of Lanka awakened the sleeping Kumbhakarna. Once he was awake, Ravana sent him off to battle.

Verse 32 (skanda.3.44.32)

आगतं कुम्भकर्णं तं ब्रह्मास्त्रेण तु लक्ष्मणः । जघान समरे क्रुद्धो गतासुर्न्यपतच्च सः

āgataṁ kumbhakarṇaṁ taṁ brahmāstreṇa tu lakṣmaṇaḥ jaghāna samare kruddho gatāsur nyapatac ca saḥ

That Kumbhakarna, having come, the enraged Lakshmana slew in battle with the Brahmastra, and he fell down lifeless.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.44.33)

दूषणस्यानुजौ तत्र वत्रवेगप्रमाथिनौ । हनुमन्नीलनिहतौ रावणप्रतिमौ रणे

dūṣaṇasyānujau tatra vātravegapramāthinau hanumannīlanihatau rāvaṇapratimau raṇe

There Dushana's two younger brothers, swift as a thunderbolt, equal to Ravana, were slain in battle by Hanuman and Nila.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.44.34)

वज्रदंष्ट्रं समवधीद्विश्वकर्मसुतो नलः । अकंपनं च न्यहनत्कुमुदो वानरर्षभः

vajradaṁṣṭraṁ samavadhīd viśvakarmasuto nalaḥ akampanaṁ ca nyahanat kumudo vānararṣabhaḥ

Nala, son of Vishvakarma, slew Vajradamshtra, and Kumuda, the bull among monkeys, struck down Akampana.

Verse 35 (skanda.3.44.35)

षष्ठ्यां पराजितो राजा प्राविशच्च पुरीं ततः । अतिकायो लक्ष्मणेन हतश्च त्रिशिरास्तथा

ṣaṣṭhyāṁ parājito rājā prāviśac ca purīṁ tataḥ atikāyo lakṣmaṇena hataś ca triśirās tathā

Defeated on the sixth day, the king then entered the city. Atikaya and Trishira too were slain by Lakshmana.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.44.36)

सुग्रीवेण हतौ युद्धे देवांत कनरांतकौ । हनूमता हतौ युद्धे कुम्भकर्णसुतावुभौ

sugrīveṇa hatau yuddhe devāntakanarāntakau hanūmatā hatau yuddhe kumbhakarṇasutāv ubhau

Devantaka and Narantaka were both slain in battle by Sugriva. Both of Kumbhakarna's sons were slain in battle by Hanuman.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.44.37)

विभीषणेन निहतो मकराक्षः खरात्मजः । तत इन्द्रजितं पुत्रं चोदयामास रावणः

vibhīṣaṇena nihato makarākṣaḥ kharātmajaḥ tata indrajitaṁ putraṁ codayāmāsa rāvaṇaḥ

Makaraksha, son of Khara, was slain by Vibhishana. Then Ravana sent forth his son Indrajit.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.44.38)

इन्द्रजिन्मोहयित्वा तौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्षमणौ । घोरैः शरैरंगदेन हतवाहो दिवि स्थितः

indrajin mohayitvā tau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau ghoraiḥ śarair aṅgadena hatavāho divi sthitaḥ

Indrajit, having bewildered the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana, with terrible arrows destroyed their conveyance, and, remaining in the sky,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.44.39)

कुमुदांगदसुग्रीवनलजांबवदादिभिः । सहिता वानराः सर्वे न्यपतंस्तेन घातिताः

kumudāṅgadasugrīvanalajāmbavadādibhiḥ sahitā vānarāḥ sarve nyapatams tena ghātitāḥ

all the monkeys present, together with Kumuda, Angada, Sugriva, Nala, Jambavan, and the rest, struck by him, fell down.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.44.40)

एवं निहत्य समरे ससैन्यौ रामलक्ष्मणौ । अंतर्दधे तदा व्योम्नि मेघनादो महाबलः

evaṁ nihatya samare sasainyau rāmalakṣmaṇau antardadhe tadā vyomni meghanādo mahābalaḥ

Thus, having struck down Rama and Lakshmana together with their army in battle, the mighty Meghanada vanished then into the sky.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.44.41)

ततो विभीषणो राममिक्ष्वाकुकुलभूषणम् । उवाच प्रांजलिर्वाक्यं प्रणम्य च पुनःपुनः

tato vibhīṣaṇo rāmam ikṣvākukulabhūṣaṇam uvāca prāñjalir vākyaṁ praṇamya ca punaḥ punaḥ

Then Vibhishana, with joined palms, having bowed again and again, spoke this word to Rama, ornament of the Ikshvaku lineage.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.44.42)

अयमंभो गृहीत्वा तु राजराजस्य शासनात् । गुह्यकोऽभ्यागतो राम त्वत्सकाशमरिंदम

ayam ambho gṛhītvā tu rājarājasya śāsanāt guhyako'bhyāgato rāma tvatsakāśam ariṁdama

O Rama, tamer of foes, by the command of the King of Kings (Kubera), a guhyaka has come to your presence bearing this water.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.44.43)

इदमंभः कुबेरस्ते महाराज प्रयच्छति । अंतर्हितानां भूतानां दर्शनार्थं परं तप

idam ambhaḥ kuberas te mahārāja prayacchati antarhitānāṁ bhūtānāṁ darśanārthaṁ paraṁ tapa

O great king, Kubera offers you this water, O supreme ascetic — it is for the seeing of beings who have become invisible.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.44.44)

अनेन स्पृष्टनयनो भूतान्यंतर्हितान्यपि । भवान्द्रक्ष्यति यस्मै वा भवानेतत्प्रदास्यति

anena spṛṣṭanayano bhūtāny antarhitāny api bhavān drakṣyati yasmai vā bhavān etat pradāsyati

With this touched to your eyes, you shall see even invisible beings, and whomever you give this to,

Verse 45 (skanda.3.44.45)

सोऽपि द्रक्ष्यति भूतानि वियत्त्यंतर्हितानि वै । तथेति रामस्तद्वारि प्रतिगृह्याथ सत्कृतम्

so'pi drakṣyati bhūtāni viyaty antarhitāni vai tatheti rāmas tad vāri pratigṛhyātha satkṛtam

he too shall see beings that have become invisible in the sky. Saying 'so be it,' Rama accepted that honored water,

Verse 46 (skanda.3.44.46)

चकार नेत्रयोः शौचं लक्ष्मणश्च महाबलः । सुग्रीवजांबवन्तौ च हनुमानंगदस्तथा

cakāra netrayoḥ śaucaṁ lakṣmaṇaś ca mahābalaḥ sugrīvajāmbavantau ca hanumān aṅgadas tathā

and purified his eyes with it, as did the mighty Lakshmana, and Sugriva and Jambavan, and likewise Hanuman and Angada,

Verse 47 (skanda.3.44.47)

मैंदद्विविदनीलाश्च ये चान्ये वानरास्तथा । ते सर्वे रामदत्तेन वारिणा शुद्धचक्षुषः

maindadvividanīlāś ca ye cānye vānarās tathā te sarve rāmadattena vāriṇā śuddhacakṣuṣaḥ

Mainda, Dvivida, Nila, and all the other monkeys as well — all of them, their eyes made pure by the water given by Rama,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.44.48)

आकाशेंतर्हितं वीरमपश्यन्रावणा त्मजम् । ततस्तमभिदुद्राव सौमित्रिर्दृष्टिगोचरम्

ākāśe'ntarhitaṁ vīram apaśyan rāvaṇātmajam tatas tam abhidudrāva saumitrir dṛṣṭigocaram

beheld the heroic son of Ravana who had become invisible in the sky. Then Lakshmana charged at him, now visible.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.44.49)

ततो जघान संकुद्धो लक्ष्मणः कृतलक्षणः । कुवेरप्रेषितजलैः पवित्रीकृतलोचनः

tato jaghāna saṅkruddho lakṣmaṇaḥ kṛtalakṣaṇaḥ kuberapreṣitajalaiḥ pavitrīkṛtalocanaḥ

Then Lakshmana, his eyes purified by the water sent by Kubera, having taken aim, greatly enraged, struck him.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.44.50)

ततः समभवद्युद्धं लक्ष्मणेंद्रजितोर्महत् । अतीव चित्रमाश्चर्यं शक्रप्रह्लादयोरिव

tataḥ samabhavad yuddhaṁ lakṣmaṇendrajitor mahat atīva citram āścaryaṁ śakraprahlādayor iva

Then a great battle took place between Lakshmana and Indrajit, most wondrous and astonishing, like the battle of Indra and Prahlada.

Verse 51 (skanda.3.44.51)

ततस्तृतीयदिवसे यत्नेन महता द्विजाः । इंद्रजिन्निहतो युद्धे लक्ष्मणेन बलीयसा

tatas tṛtīyadivase yatnena mahatā dvijāḥ indrajin nihato yuddhe lakṣmaṇena balīyasā

O brahmins, then, on the third day, with great effort, Indrajit was slain in battle by the mighty Lakshmana.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.44.52)

ततो मूलबलं सर्वं हतं रामेण धीमता । अथ क्रुद्धो दशग्रीवः प्रियपुत्रे निपातिते

tato mūlabalaṁ sarvaṁ hataṁ rāmeṇa dhīmatā atha kruddho daśagrīvaḥ priyaputre nipātite

Then the entire main army was destroyed by the wise Rama. Then, enraged at the fall of his beloved son, the ten-necked one,

Verse 53 (skanda.3.44.53)

निर्ययौ रथमास्थाय नगराद्बहुसैनिकः । रावणो जानकीं हन्तुमुद्युक्तो विंध्यवारितः

niryayau ratham āsthāya nagarād bahusainikaḥ rāvaṇo jānakīṁ hantum udyukto vindhyavāritaḥ

mounted his chariot and came forth from the city with many soldiers. Ravana, eager to kill Janaki, was restrained by Vindhya.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.44.54)

ततो हर्यश्वयुक्तेन रथेनादित्यवर्चसा । उपतस्थे रणे रामं मातलिः शक्रसारथिः

tato haryaśvayuktena rathenādityavarcasā upatasthe raṇe rāmaṁ mātaliḥ śakrasārathiḥ

Then Matali, Indra's charioteer, with a chariot yoked with tawny horses, radiant as the sun, presented himself to Rama in the battle.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.44.55)

ऐन्द्रं रथं समारुह्य रामो धर्मभृतां वरः । शिरांसि राक्षसेन्द्रस्य ब्रह्मास्त्रेणावधीद्रणे

aindraṁ rathaṁ samāruhya rāmo dharmabhṛtāṁ varaḥ śirāṁsi rākṣasendrasya brahmāstreṇāvadhīd raṇe

Rama, foremost of the upholders of dharma, mounting Indra's chariot, slew the heads of the lord of the demons in battle with the Brahmastra.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.44.56)

ततो हतदशग्रीवं रामं दशरथात्मजम् । आशीर्भिर्जययुक्ताभिर्देवाः सर्षिपुरोगमाः

tato hatadaśagrīvaṁ rāmaṁ daśarathātmajam āśīrbhir jayayuktābhir devāḥ sarṣipurogamāḥ

Then the gods, together with the sages, with victory-laden blessings, praised Rama, son of Dasharatha,

Verse 57 (skanda.3.44.57)

तुष्टुवुः परिसंतुष्टाः सिद्धविद्याधरास्तथा । रामं कमलपत्राक्षं पुष्प वर्षेरवाकिरन्

tuṣṭuvuḥ parisantuṣṭāḥ siddhavidyādharās tathā rāmaṁ kamalapatrākṣaṁ puṣpavarṣair avākiran

who had slain the ten-necked one, being greatly delighted, and the siddhas and vidyadharas too; upon the lotus-eyed Rama they showered flowers.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.44.58)

रामस्तैः सुरसंघातैः सहितः सैनिकैर्वृतः । सीतासौमित्रिसहितः समारुह्य च पुष्पकम्

rāmas taiḥ surasaṅghātaiḥ sahitaḥ sainikair vṛtaḥ sītāsaumitrisahitaḥ samāruhya ca puṣpakam

Rama, together with those hosts of gods, surrounded by his soldiers, together with Sita and Saumitri, mounting the Pushpaka chariot,

Verse 59 (skanda.3.44.59)

तथाभिषिच्य राजानं लंकायां च विभीषणम् । कपिसेनावृतो रामो गन्धमादनमन्वगात्

tathābhiṣicya rājānaṁ laṅkāyāṁ ca vibhīṣaṇam kapisenāvṛto rāmo gandhamādanam anvagāt

and having anointed Vibhishana as king in Lanka, Rama, surrounded by the monkey army, proceeded toward Gandhamadana.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.44.60)

परिशोध्य च वैदेहीं गंधमादनपर्वते । रामं कमलपत्राक्षं स्थितवानर संवृतम्

pariśodhya ca vaidehīṁ gandhamādanaparvate rāmaṁ kamalapatrākṣaṁ sthitavānarasaṁvṛtam

Having had Vaidehi's purity tested on Mount Gandhamadana, the lotus-eyed Rama, seated there, surrounded by monkeys,

Verse 61 (skanda.3.44.61)

हतलंकेश्वरं वीरं सानुजं सविभीषणम् । सभार्यं देववृंदैश्च सेवितं मुनिपुंगवैः

hatalaṅkeśvaraṁ vīraṁ sānujaṁ savibhīṣaṇam sabhāryaṁ devavṛndaiś ca sevitaṁ munipuṅgavaiḥ

the hero who had slain the lord of Lanka, together with his brother, with Vibhishana, with his wife, attended by hosts of gods and by eminent sages,

Verse 62 (skanda.3.44.62)

मुनयोऽभ्यागता द्रष्टुं दंडकारण्य वासिनः । अगस्त्यं ते पुरस्कृत्य तुष्टुवुर्मैथिलीपतिम्

munayo'bhyāgatā draṣṭuṁ daṇḍakāraṇyavāsinaḥ agastyaṁ te puraskṛtya tuṣṭuvur maithilīpatim

the sages dwelling in Dandaka forest came to see him and, placing Agastya at their head, praised the lord of Maithili.

Verse 63 (skanda.3.44.63)

मुनय ऊचुः । नमस्ते रामचंद्राय लोकानुग्रहकारिणे । अरावणं जगत्कर्तुमवतीर्णाय भूतले

munaya ūcuḥ namaste rāmacandrāya lokānugrahakāriṇe arāvaṇaṁ jagat kartum avatīrṇāya bhūtale

The sages said: Salutation to Ramachandra, who works grace upon the worlds, who descended to this earth to make the world free of Ravana.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.44.64)

ताटिकादेहसंहर्त्रे गाधिजाध्वररक्षिणे । नमस्ते जितमारीच सुवाहुप्राणहारिणे

tāṭikādehasaṁhartre gādhijādhvararakṣiṇe namaste jitamārīca suvāhuprāṇahāriṇe

Destroyer of Tataka's body, protector of the sacrifice of Gadhi's son (Vishvamitra), conqueror of Maricha, taker of Subahu's life — salutation to you.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.44.65)

अहल्यामुक्तिसंदायिपादपंकजरेणवे । नमस्ते हरकोदण्डलीलाभञ्जनकारिणे

ahalyāmuktisandāyipādapaṅkajareṇave namaste harakodaṇḍalīlābhañjanakāriṇe

Whose lotus-foot's dust gave liberation to Ahalya, who broke Hara's bow as mere play — salutation to you.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.44.66)

नमस्ते मैथिलीपाणिग्रहणोत्सवशालिने । नमस्ते रेणुकापुत्रपराजयविधायिने

namaste maithilīpāṇigrahaṇotsavaśāline namaste reṇukāputraparājayavidhāyine

Blessed with the celebration of taking Maithili's hand in marriage, and vanquisher of Renuka's son (Parashurama) — salutation to you.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.44.67)

सहलक्ष्मणसीताभ्यां कैकेय्यास्तु वरद्वयात् । सत्यं पितृवचः कर्तुं नमो वनमुपे युषे

sahalakṣmaṇasītābhyāṁ kaikeyyās tu varadvayāt satyaṁ pitṛvacaḥ kartuṁ namo vanam upeyuṣe

Who, together with Lakshmana and Sita, because of Kaikeyi's two boons, went to the forest to make his father's word true — salutation to you.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.44.68)

भरतप्रार्थनादत्तपादुकायुगुलाय ते । नमस्ते शरभंगस्य स्वर्गप्राप्त्यैकहेतवे

bharataprārthanādattapādukāyugulāya te namaste śarabhaṅgasya svargaprāptyaikahetave

Who, at Bharata's entreaty, gave him a pair of sandals — salutation to you. Sole cause of Sharabhanga's attainment of heaven — salutation to you.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.44.69)

नमो विराधसंहर्त्रे गृधराजस खाय ते । मायामृगमहाक्रूरमारीचांगविदारिणे

namo virādhasaṁhartre gṛdharājasakhāya te māyāmṛgamahākrūramārīcāṅgavidāriṇe

Destroyer of Viradha, friend of the vulture-king (Jatayu), render of the limbs of the illusory, most cruel deer-form of Maricha — salutation to you.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.44.70)

सीतापहारिलोकेशयुद्धत्यक्तकलेवरम् । जटायुषं तु संदह्य तत्कैवल्यप्रदायिने

sītāpahārilokeśayuddhatyaktakalevaram jaṭāyuṣaṁ tu saṁdahya tatkaivalyapradāyine

Who cremated Jatayu, who had given up his body in battle against the world-lord who abducted Sita, and thereby granted him final liberation — salutation to you.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.44.71)

नमः कबंधसंहर्त्रे शवरीपूजितांघ्रये । प्राप्तसुग्रीवसख्याय कृतवालिवधाय ते

namaḥ kabandhasaṁhartre śavarīpūjitāṅghraye prāptasugrīvasakhyāya kṛtavālivadhāya te

Destroyer of Kabandha, whose feet were worshipped by Shabari, who obtained Sugriva's friendship, who slew Vali — salutation to you.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.44.72)

नमः कृतवते सेतुं समुद्रे वरुणालये । सर्वराक्षससंहर्त्रे रावणप्राणहारिणे

namaḥ kṛtavate setuṁ samudre varuṇālaye sarvarākṣasasaṁhartre rāvaṇaprāṇahāriṇe

Who built a bridge across the ocean, abode of Varuna, destroyer of all the demons, taker of Ravana's life — salutation to you.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.44.73)

संसारांबुधिसंतारपोतपादांबुजाय ते । नमो भक्तार्तिसंहर्त्रे सच्चिदानंदरूपिणे

saṁsārāmbudhisaṁtārapotapādāmbujāya te namo bhaktārtisaṁhartre saccidānandarūpiṇe

Whose lotus-feet are the very boat for crossing the ocean of worldly existence, destroyer of the afflictions of devotees, whose form is being-consciousness-bliss — salutation to you.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.44.74)

नमस्ते राम भद्राय जगतामृद्धिहेतवे । रामादिपुण्यनामानि जपतां पापहारिणे

namaste rāma bhadrāya jagatām ṛddhihetave rāmādipuṇyanāmāni japatāṁ pāpahāriṇe

O Rama, auspicious one, cause of the prosperity of the worlds, remover of the sins of those who chant the holy names beginning with 'Rama' — salutation to you.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.44.75)

नमस्ते सर्वलोकानां सृष्टिस्थित्यंतकारिणे । नमस्ते करुणामूर्ते भक्तरक्षणदीक्षित

namaste sarvalokānāṁ sṛṣṭisthityantakāriṇe namaste karuṇāmūrte bhaktarakṣaṇadīkṣita

Cause of the creation, preservation, and dissolution of all the worlds — salutation to you. O embodiment of compassion, O one vowed to protect your devotees — salutation to you.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.44.76)

ससीताय नमस्तुभ्यं विभीषणसुखप्रद । लंकेश्वरवधाद्राम पालितं हि जगत्त्वया

sasītāya namas tubhyaṁ vibhīṣaṇasukhaprada laṅkeśvaravadhād rāma pālitaṁ hi jagat tvayā

Salutation to you together with Sita, O bestower of happiness on Vibhishana. O Rama, by the slaying of the lord of Lanka you have indeed protected the world.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.44.77)

रक्षरक्ष जगन्नाथ पाह्य स्माञ्जानकीपते । स्तुत्वैवं मुनयः सर्वे तूष्णीं तस्थुर्द्विजोत्तमाः

rakṣa rakṣa jagannātha pāhy asmāñ jānakīpate stutvaivaṁ munayaḥ sarve tūṣṇīṁ tasthur dvijottamāḥ

Protect, protect, O Lord of the world; save us, O Lord of Janaki. O best of brahmins, having thus praised him, all the sages fell silent.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.44.78)

श्रीसूत उवाच । य इदं रामचन्द्रस्य स्तोत्रं मुनिभिरीरितम् । त्रिसंध्यं पठते भक्त्या भुक्तिं मुक्तिं च विंदति

śrīsūta uvāca ya idaṁ rāmacandrasya stotraṁ munibhir īritam trisandhyaṁ paṭhate bhaktyā bhuktiṁ muktiṁ ca vindati

Shri Suta said: Whoever recites this hymn to Ramachandra, spoken by the sages, three times daily with devotion, obtains both enjoyment and liberation.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.44.79)

प्रयाणकाले पठतो न भीतिरुपजायते । एतत्स्तोत्रस्य पठनाद्भूतवेतालकादयः

prayāṇakāle paṭhato na bhītir upajāyate etat stotrasya paṭhanād bhūtavetālakādayaḥ

For one reciting it at the time of death, no fear arises. From the recitation of this hymn, ghosts, vetalas, and the like,

Verse 80 (skanda.3.44.80)

नश्यंति रोगा नश्यंति नश्यते पापसंचयः । पुत्रकामो लभेत्पुत्रं कन्या विंदति सत्पतिम्

naśyanti rogā naśyanti naśyate pāpasañcayaḥ putrakāmo labhet putraṁ kanyā vindati satpatim

vanish; diseases vanish, and the accumulation of sin is destroyed. One desiring a son obtains a son, a girl obtains a good husband.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.44.81)

मोक्षकामो लभेन्मोक्षं धनकामो धनं लभेत् । सर्वान्कामानवाप्नोति पठन्भक्त्या त्विमं स्तवम्

mokṣakāmo labhen mokṣaṁ dhanakāmo dhanaṁ labhet sarvān kāmān avāpnoti paṭhan bhaktyā tv imaṁ stavam

One desiring liberation obtains liberation, one desiring wealth obtains wealth. Reciting this hymn with devotion, one obtains all desires.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.44.82)

ततो रामो मुनीन्प्राह प्रणम्य च कृतांजलिः । अहं विशुद्धये प्राप्यः सकलैरपि मानवैः

tato rāmo munīn prāha praṇamya ca kṛtāñjaliḥ ahaṁ viśuddhaye prāpyaḥ sakalair api mānavaiḥ

Then Rama, having bowed with joined palms, said to the sages: I am attainable, for the sake of purification, even by all men.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.44.83)

मद्दृष्टिगोचरो जन्तुर्नित्यमोक्षस्य भाजनम् । तथापि मुनयो नित्यं भक्तियुक्तेन चेतसा

maddṛṣṭigocaro jantur nityamokṣasya bhājanam tathāpi munayo nityaṁ bhaktiyuktena cetasā

Whatever being comes within my sight is a partaker of eternal liberation. Yet still, O sages, with a heart full of devotion, constantly,

Verse 84 (skanda.3.44.84)

स्वात्मलाभेन संतुष्टान्साधून्भूतसुहृत्तमान् । निरहंकारिणः शांतान्नमस्याम्यूर्ध्वरेतसः

svātmalābhena santuṣṭān sādhūn bhūtasuhṛttamān nirahaṅkāriṇaḥ śāntān namasyāmy ūrdhvaretasaḥ

I bow to holy men — content in their attainment of the self, the truest friends of all beings, free of ego, tranquil, of controlled seed.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.44.85)

यस्माद्ब्रह्मण्यदेवोऽहमतो विप्रान्भजे सदा । युष्मान्पृच्छाम्यहं किंचित्तद्वदध्वं विचार्य तु

yasmād brahmaṇyadevo'ham ato viprān bhaje sadā yuṣmān pṛcchāmy ahaṁ kiñcit tad vadadhvaṁ vicārya tu

Since I am Brahmanyadeva, ever the benefactor of brahmins, I worship brahmins always. I ask you something — consider it well and tell me.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.44.86)

रावणस्य वधाद्विप्रा यत्पापं मम वर्तते । तस्य मे निष्कृतिं ब्रूत पौलस्त्यवधजस्य हि । यत्कृत्वा तेन पापे न मुच्येऽहं मुनिपुंगवाः

rāvaṇasya vadhād viprā yat pāpaṁ mama vartate tasya me niṣkṛtiṁ brūta paulastyavadhajasya hi yat kṛtvā tena pāpe na mucye'haṁ munipuṅgavāḥ

O brahmins, whatever sin now rests upon me from the slaying of Ravana, O foremost of sages, tell me the atonement for it, that sin arising from slaying a descendant of Pulastya, by doing which I may be freed from that sin.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.44.87)

मुनय ऊचुः । सत्यव्रत जगन्नाथ जगद्रक्षाधुरंधर

munaya ūcuḥ satyavrata jagannātha jagadrakṣādhuraṁdhara

The sages said: O truthful in vows, O Lord of the world, O bearer of the burden of protecting the world!

Verse 88 (skanda.3.44.88)

सर्वलोकोपकारार्थं कुरु राम शिवार्चनम् । गन्धमादनशृंगेऽस्मिन्महापुण्ये विमुक्तिदे

sarvalokopakārārthaṁ kuru rāma śivārcanam gandhamādanaśṛṅge'smin mahāpuṇye vimuktide

O Rama, for the benefit of all the worlds, perform the worship of Shiva on this most sacred, liberation-giving peak of Gandhamadana.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.44.89)

शिवलिंगप्रतिष्ठां त्वं लोकसंग्रहकाम्यया । कुरु राम दशग्रीववधदोषापनुत्तये

śivaliṅgapratiṣṭhāṁ tvaṁ lokasaṅgrahakāmyayā kuru rāma daśagrīvavadhadoṣāpanuttaye

O Rama, out of desire for the guidance of the world, and to remove the fault of slaying the ten-necked one, establish a Shiva-linga.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.44.90)

लिंगस्थापनजं पुण्यं चतुर्वक्त्रोऽपि भाषितुम् । न शक्नोति ततो वक्तुं किं पुनर्मनुजेश्वर

liṅgasthāpanajaṁ puṇyaṁ caturvaktro'pi bhāṣitum na śaknoti tato vaktuṁ kiṁ punar manujeśvara

Even the four-faced Brahma is unable to describe the merit born of establishing a linga; how much less, then, O lord of men, could anyone else?

Verse 91 (skanda.3.44.91)

यत्त्वया स्थाप्यते लिगं गन्धमादनपर्वते । अस्य संदर्शनं पुंसां काशीलिंगावलोकनात्

yat tvayā sthāpyate liṅgaṁ gandhamādanaparvate asya sandarśanaṁ puṁsāṁ kāśīliṅgāvalokanāt

The linga that shall be established by you on Mount Gandhamadana — the mere sight of it, for men, compared to beholding the linga of Kashi,

Verse 92 (skanda.3.44.92)

अधिकं कोटिगुणितं फलवत्स्यान्न संशयः । तव नाम्ना त्विदं लिंगं लोके ख्यातिं समश्नुताम्

adhikaṁ koṭiguṇitaṁ phalavat syān na saṁśayaḥ tava nāmnā tv idaṁ liṅgaṁ loke khyātiṁ samaśnutām

shall bear crore-fold greater fruit — there is no doubt of this. By your very name, let this linga attain fame in the world,

Verse 93 (skanda.3.44.93)

नाशकं पुण्यपापाख्यकाष्ठानां दहनोपमम् । इदं रामेश्वरं लिंगं ख्यातं लोके भविष्यति

nāśakaṁ puṇyapāpākhyakāṣṭhānāṁ dahanopamam idaṁ rāmeśvaraṁ liṅgaṁ khyātaṁ loke bhaviṣyati

destroying the wood of merit and sin, like unto fire. This linga named Rameshvara shall become renowned throughout the world.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.44.94)

मा विलंबं कुरुष्वातो लिंगस्थापनकर्मणि । रामचंद्र महाभाग करुणापूर्णविग्रह

mā vilambaṁ kuruṣvāto liṅgasthāpanakarmaṇi rāmacandra mahābhāga karuṇāpūrṇavigraha

O Ramachandra, most fortunate one, whose form is filled with compassion, therefore do not delay in the work of establishing the linga.

Verse 95 (skanda.3.44.95)

श्रीसूत उवाच । इति श्रुत्वा वचो रामो मुनीनां तं मुनीश्वराः । पुण्यकालं विचार्याथ द्विमुहूर्तं जगत्पतिः

śrīsūta uvāca iti śrutvā vaco rāmo munīnāṁ taṁ munīśvarāḥ puṇyakālaṁ vicāryātha dvimuhūrtaṁ jagatpatiḥ

Shri Suta said: O lords of sages, having heard this word of the sages, Rama, Lord of the world, having considered an auspicious two-muhurta interval,

Verse 96 (skanda.3.44.96)

कैलासं प्रेषयामास हनुमन्तं शिवालयम् । शिवलिंगं समानेतुं स्थापनार्थं रघूद्वहः

kailāsaṁ preṣayāmāsa hanumantaṁ śivālayam śivaliṅgaṁ samānetuṁ sthāpanārthaṁ raghūdvahaḥ

sent Hanuman to Kailasa, Shiva's abode. That foremost of the Raghu lineage sent him to bring a Shiva-linga for the installation.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.44.97)

राम उवाच । हनूमन्नंजनीसूनो वायुपुत्र महाबल । कैलासं त्वरितो गत्वा लिंगमानय मा चिरम्

rāma uvāca hanūman añjanīsūno vāyuputra mahābala kailāsaṁ tvarito gatvā liṅgam ānaya mā ciram

Rama said: O Hanuman, son of Anjani, son of Vayu, mighty one, go swiftly to Kailasa and bring the linga; do not delay.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.44.98)

इत्याज्ञप्तस्स रामेण भुजावास्फाल्य वीर्यवान् । मुहूर्तद्वितयं ज्ञात्वा पुण्यकालं कपीश्वरः

ity ājñaptas sa rāmeṇa bhujāv āsphālya vīryavān muhūrtadvitayaṁ jñātvā puṇyakālaṁ kapīśvaraḥ

Thus commanded by Rama, the mighty lord of the monkeys, slapping his arms, knowing the auspicious two-muhurta interval,

Verse 99 (skanda.3.44.99)

पश्यतां सर्वदेवानामृषीणां च महात्मनाम् । उत्पपात महावेगश्चालयन्गंधमादनम्

paśyatāṁ sarvadevānām ṛṣīṇāṁ ca mahātmanām utpapāta mahāvegaś cālayan gandhamādanam

before the very eyes of all the gods and the great-souled sages, shaking Mount Gandhamadana, sprang up into the sky with tremendous speed.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.44.100)

लंघयन्स वियन्मार्गं कैलासं पर्वतं ययौ । न ददर्श महादेवं लिंगरूपधरं कपिः

laṅghayan sa viyanmārgaṁ kailāsaṁ parvataṁ yayau na dadarśa mahādevaṁ liṅgarūpadharaṁ kapiḥ

Traversing the sky-path, he reached Mount Kailasa. But the monkey did not behold Mahadeva in the form of the linga.

Verse 101 (skanda.3.44.101)

कैलासे पर्वते तस्मिन्पुण्ये शंकरपालिते । आंजनेयस्तपस्तेपे लिंगप्राप्त्यर्थमादरात्

kailāse parvate tasmin puṇye śaṅkarapālite āñjaneyas tapas tepe liṅgaprāptyartham ādarāt

On that sacred Mount Kailasa, guarded by Shankara, the son of Anjana performed austerities with reverence in order to obtain the linga.

Verse 102 (skanda.3.44.102)

प्रागग्रेषु समासीनः कुशेषु मुनिपुंगवाः । ऊर्ध्वबाहुर्निरालम्बो निरुच्छ्वासो जितेंद्रियः

prāgagreṣu samāsīnaḥ kuśeṣu munipuṅgavāḥ ūrdhvabāhur nirālambo nirucchvāso jitendriyaḥ

O foremost of sages, seated on kusha grass with its tips facing east, arms raised, unsupported, breathless, senses conquered,

Verse 103 (skanda.3.44.103)

प्रसादयन्महादेवं लिंगं लेभे स मारुतिः । एतस्मिन्नंतरे विप्रा मुनिभिस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः

prasādayan mahādevaṁ liṅgaṁ lebhe sa mārutiḥ etasminn antare viprā munibhis tattvadarśibhiḥ

propitiating Mahadeva, that son of Maruta was on the verge of obtaining the linga. Meanwhile, O brahmins, by the truth-perceiving sages,

Verse 104 (skanda.3.44.104)

अनागतं हनूमंतं कालं स्वल्पावशेषितम् । ज्ञात्वा प्रकथितं तत्र रामं प्रति महामतिम्

anāgataṁ hanūmantaṁ kālaṁ svalpāvaśeṣitam jñātvā prakathitaṁ tatra rāmaṁ prati mahāmatim

knowing that Hanuman had not returned and that only a little of the auspicious time remained, this was declared there to the wise Rama.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.44.105)

रामराम महाबाहो कालो ह्यत्येति सांप्रतम् । जानक्या यत्कृतं लिंगं सैकतं लीलया विभो

rāmarāma mahābāho kālo hy atyeti sāmpratam jānakyā yat kṛtaṁ liṅgaṁ saikataṁ līlayā vibho

O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed one, the time is now passing away. O Lord, that sand linga which Janaki has made as mere play—

Verse 106 (skanda.3.44.106)

तल्लिंगं स्थापयस्वाद्य महालिंगमनुत्तमम् । श्रुत्वैतद्वचनं रामो जानक्या सह सत्वरम्

tal liṅgaṁ sthāpayasvādya mahāliṅgam anuttamam śrutvaitad vacanaṁ rāmo jānakyā saha satvaram

that most excellent great linga, establish it today. Hearing this word, Rama, together with Janaki, at once,

Verse 107 (skanda.3.44.107)

मुनिभिः सहितः प्रीत्या कृतकौतुकमंगलः । ज्येष्ठे मासे सिते पक्षे दशम्यां बुधहस्तयोः

munibhiḥ sahitaḥ prītyā kṛtakautukamaṅgalaḥ jyeṣṭhe māse site pakṣe daśamyāṁ budhahastayoḥ

together with the sages, with joy, having performed the auspicious rites, on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha, under Wednesday and the Hasta constellation,

Verse 108 (skanda.3.44.108)

गरानंदे व्यतीपाते कन्या चन्द्रे वृषे रवौ । दशयोगे महापुण्ये गन्धमादनपर्वते

garānande vyatīpāte kanyā candre vṛṣe ravau daśayoge mahāpuṇye gandhamādanaparvate

amid the Gara tithi, the Ananda yoga, the Vyatipata, the moon in Virgo, the sun in Taurus — in this most auspicious conjunction of ten factors, on Mount Gandhamadana,

Verse 109 (skanda.3.44.109)

सेतुमध्ये महादेवं लिंगरूपधरं हरम् । ईशानं कृत्तिवसनं गंगाचंद्रकलाधरम्

setumadhye mahādevaṁ liṅgarūpadharaṁ haram īśānaṁ kṛttivasanaṁ gaṅgācandrakalādharam

in the midst of the Setu, Mahadeva Hara in the form of a linga, Ishana, clad in an elephant's hide, bearing the Ganga and the crescent moon,

Verse 110 (skanda.3.44.110)

रामो वै स्थापयामास शिवलिंगमनुत्तमम् । लिंगस्थं पूजयामास राघवः सांबमीश्वरम्

rāmo vai sthāpayāmāsa śivaliṅgam anuttamam liṅgasthaṁ pūjayāmāsa rāghavaḥ sāmbam īśvaram

Rama himself established that most excellent Shiva-linga. Raghava worshipped Ishvara, present in the linga together with Amba.

Verse 111 (skanda.3.44.111)

लिंगस्थः स महादेवः पार्वत्या सह शंकरः । प्रत्यक्षमेव भगवान्दत्तवान्वरमुत्तमम्

liṅgasthaḥ sa mahādevaḥ pārvatyā saha śaṅkaraḥ pratyakṣam eva bhagavān dattavān varam uttamam

That Mahadeva Shankara, present in the linga, together with Parvati, the Lord himself, manifesting visibly, granted an excellent boon.

Verse 112 (skanda.3.44.112)

सर्वलोकशरण्याय राघवाय महात्मने । त्वयात्र स्थापितं लिंगं ये पश्यंति रघूद्वह

sarvalokaśaraṇyāya rāghavāya mahātmane tvayātra sthāpitaṁ liṅgaṁ ye paśyanti raghūdvaha

to Raghava, the refuge of all the worlds, the great soul — O foremost of the Raghu lineage, whoever beholds this linga established by you here,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.44.113)

महापातकयुक्ताश्च तेषां पापं प्रणश्यति । सर्वाण्यपि हि पापानि धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात्

mahāpātakayuktāś ca teṣāṁ pāpaṁ praṇaśyati sarvāṇy api hi pāpāni dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt

even if burdened with great sins, their sin shall be destroyed. All sins too, by bathing at Dhanushkoti,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.44.114)

दर्शनाद्रामलिंगस्य पातकानि महांत्यपि । विलयं यांति राजेंद्र रामचन्द्र न संशयः

darśanād rāmaliṅgasya pātakāni mahānty api vilayaṁ yānti rājendra rāmacandra na saṁśayaḥ

and by the sight of the Rama-linga, even the greatest sins are dissolved, O King Ramachandra — there is no doubt of this.

Verse 115 (skanda.3.44.115)

प्रादादेवं हि रामाय वरं देवोंऽबिकापतिः । तदग्रे नंदिकेशं च स्थापयामास राघवः

prādād evaṁ hi rāmāya varaṁ devo'mbikāpatiḥ tad agre nandikeśaṁ ca sthāpayāmāsa rāghavaḥ

Thus the god, lord of Ambika, granted this boon to Rama. Then Raghava also established Nandikeshvara before it.

Verse 116 (skanda.3.44.116)

ईश्वरस्याभिषेकार्थं धनुष्कोट्याथ राघवः । एकं कूपं धरां भित्त्वा जनयामास वै द्विजाः

īśvarasyābhiṣekārthaṁ dhanuṣkoṭyātha rāghavaḥ ekaṁ kūpaṁ dharāṁ bhittvā janayāmāsa vai dvijāḥ

O brahmins, then Raghava, for the ritual bathing of Ishvara, at Dhanushkoti, having pierced the earth, created a well.

Verse 117 (skanda.3.44.117)

तस्माज्जलमुपादाय स्नापयामास शंकरम् । कोटितीर्थमिति प्रोक्तं तत्तीर्थं पुण्यमुत्तमम्

tasmāj jalam upādāya snāpayāmāsa śaṅkaram koṭitīrtham iti proktaṁ tat tīrthaṁ puṇyam uttamam

Taking water from it, he bathed Shankara. That most sacred tirtha is declared to be named Kotitirtha.

Verse 118 (skanda.3.44.118)

उक्तं तद्वैभवं पूर्वमस्माभिर्मुनिपुंगवाः । देवाश्च मुनयो नागा गन्धर्वाप्स रसां गणाः

uktaṁ tad vaibhavaṁ pūrvam asmābhir munipuṅgavāḥ devāś ca munayo nāgā gandharvāpsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ

O foremost of sages, its glory has already been told by us before. The gods, sages, nagas, gandharvas, and hosts of apsaras,

Verse 119 (skanda.3.44.119)

सर्वेपि वानरा लिंगमेकैकं चक्रुरादरात् । श्रीसूत उवाच । एवं वः कथितं विप्रा यथा रामेण धीमत

sarve'pi vānarā liṅgam ekaikaṁ cakrur ādarāt śrīsūta uvāca evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprā yathā rāmeṇa dhīmatā

and all the monkeys too, each with reverence, established a linga of his own. Shri Suta said: O brahmins, thus have I told you how the wise Rama

Verse 120 (skanda.3.44.120)

स्थापितं शिवलिंगं वै भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायकम् । इमां लिंगप्रतिष्ठां यः शृणोति पठतेऽथवा

sthāpitaṁ śivaliṅgaṁ vai bhuktimuktipradāyakam imāṁ liṅgapratiṣṭhāṁ yaḥ śṛṇoti paṭhate'thavā

established a Shiva-linga granting both enjoyment and liberation. Whoever hears or reads this account of the linga's installation,

Verse 121 (skanda.3.44.121)

स रामेश्वरलिंगस्य सेवाफलमवाप्नुयात् । सायुज्यं च समाप्नोति रामनाथस्य वैभवात्

sa rāmeśvaraliṅgasya sevāphalam avāpnuyāt sāyujyaṁ ca samāpnoti rāmanāthasya vaibhavāt

obtains the fruit of service to the Rameshvara linga, and attains, through Ramanatha's majesty, union with the divine.