King Shankara's Atonement for the Sin of Slaying a Woman and a Brahmin

Verse 1 (skanda.3.48.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच । रामनाथं समुद्दिश्य कथां पापविनाशिनीम् । प्रवक्ष्यामि मुनिश्रेष्ठाः शृणुध्वं सुसमाहिताः

śrīsūta uvāca rāmanāthaṁ samuddiśya kathāṁ pāpavināśinīm pravakṣyāmi muniśreṣṭhāḥ śṛṇudhvaṁ susamāhitāḥ

Shri Suta said: O foremost of sages, I shall now tell a sin-destroying story concerning Ramanatha; listen with focused minds.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.48.2)

पांड्यदेशाधिपो राजा पुरासीच्छंकराभिधः । ब्रह्मण्यः सत्यसंधश्च यायजूकश्च धार्मिकः

pāṇḍyadeśādhipo rājā purāsīc chaṅkarābhidhaḥ brahmaṇyaḥ satyasandhaś ca yāyajūkaś ca dhārmikaḥ

Long ago there was a king of the Pandya country named Shankara, a benefactor of brahmins, true to his word, devoted to sacrifice, and righteous.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.48.3)

वेदवेदांगतत्त्वज्ञः परसैन्यविदारणः । चतुरोऽप्याश्रमान्वर्णान्धर्मतः परिपालयन्

vedavedāṅgatattvajñaḥ parasainyavidāraṇaḥ caturo'py āśramān varṇān dharmataḥ paripālayan

He was learned in the essence of the Vedas and Vedangas, a render of enemy armies, and righteously protected all the four life-stages and social orders.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.48.4)

वैदिकाचारनिरतः पुराणस्मृतिपारगः । शिवविष्ण्वर्चको नित्यमन्यदैवतपूजकः

vaidikācāranirataḥ purāṇasmṛtipāragaḥ śivaviṣṇvarcako nityam anyadaivatapūjakaḥ

Devoted to Vedic observance, expert in the Puranas and Smritis, an ever-worshipper of Shiva and Vishnu, and of the other gods as well.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.48.5)

महादानप्रदो नित्यं ब्राह्मणानां महात्मनाम् । मृगयार्थं ययौ धीमान्स कदाचित्तपोवनम्

mahādānapradoo nityaṁ brāhmaṇānāṁ mahātmanām mṛgayārthaṁ yayau dhīmān sa kadācit tapovanam

That wise king, ever giving great gifts to great-souled brahmins, once went to a penance-forest for hunting.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.48.6)

सिंहव्याघ्रेभमहिष क्रूरसत्वभयंकरम् । झिल्लिकाभीषणरवं सरीसृपसमाकुलम्

siṁhavyāghrebhamahiṣakrūrasattvabhayaṅkaram jhillikābhīṣaṇaravaṁ sarīsṛpasamākulam

terrible with cruel creatures — lions, tigers, elephants, buffaloes — resounding with the fearsome cries of crickets, teeming with reptiles,

Verse 7 (skanda.3.48.7)

भीमश्वापदसंपूर्णं दावानलभयंकरम् । महारण्यं प्रविश्याथ शंकरो राजशेखरः

bhīmaśvāpadasampūrṇaṁ dāvānalabhayaṅkaram mahāraṇyaṁ praviśyātha śaṅkaro rājaśekharaḥ

full of terrible wild beasts, dangerous with forest fires — entering that great forest, that crest-jewel of kings, Shankara,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.48.8)

अनेकसैनिकोपेत आखेटिकुलसंकुलः । पादुकागूढचरणो रक्तोष्णीषो हरिच्छदः

anekasainikopeta ākheṭikulasaṅkulaḥ pādukāgūḍhacaraṇo raktoṣṇīṣo haricchadaḥ

accompanied by many soldiers, thronged with a company of huntsmen, his feet covered with shoes, wearing a red turban, clad in green,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.48.9)

बद्धगोधांगुलित्राणो धृतकोदण्डसायकः । कक्ष्याबद्धमहाखङ्गः श्वेताश्ववरमास्थितः

baddhagodhāṅgulitrāṇo dhṛtakodaṇḍasāyakaḥ kakṣyābaddhamahākhaḍgaḥ śvetāśvavaram āsthitaḥ

with a lizard-skin finger-guard bound on, bearing a bow and arrows, a great sword girt at his waist, mounted on an excellent white horse,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.48.10)

सुवेषधारी सन्नद्धः पत्तिसंघसमावृतः । कांतारेषु च सर्वेषु पर्वतेषु गुहासु च

suveṣadhārī sannaddhaḥ pattisaṅghasamāvṛtaḥ kāntāreṣu ca sarveṣu parvateṣu guhāsu ca

handsomely attired, armed, surrounded by a company of footmen, in every wilderness, mountain, and cave,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.48.11)

समुत्तीर्ण महास्रोता युवा सिंहपराक्रमः । विचचार बलैः साकं दरीषु मृगयन्मृगान्

samuttīrṇamahāsrotā yuvā siṁhaparākramaḥ vicacāra balaiḥ sākaṁ darīṣu mṛgayan mṛgān

crossing great streams, that young king of lion-like prowess wandered with his forces through the valleys, tracking deer.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.48.12)

बध्यतां वध्यतामेष याति वेगान्मृगो वने । एवं वदत्सु सैन्येषु स्वयमुत्प्लुत्य शंकरः

badhyatāṁ vadhyatām eṣa yāti vegān mṛgo vane evaṁ vadatsu sainyeṣu svayam utplutya śaṅkaraḥ

'Strike it down, strike it down — this deer runs swiftly through the forest!' — as the soldiers thus called out, Shankara himself, leaping forward,

Verse 13 (skanda.3.48.13)

मृगं हंति महाराजो विगाह्य विपिनस्थलीम् । सिंहान्वराहान्महिषान्कुञ्जराच्छरभांस्तथा

mṛgaṁ hanti mahārājo vigāhya vipinasthalīm siṁhān varāhān mahiṣān kuñjarāc charabhāṁs tathā

penetrating deep into the forest floor, slew the deer. Lions, boars, buffaloes, elephants, and sharabhas as well,

Verse 14 (skanda.3.48.14)

विनिघ्नन्स मृगानन्यान्वन्याञ्छंकरभूपतिः । कुत्रचिद्विपिनोद्देशे दरीमध्यनिवासिनम्

vinighnan sa mṛgān anyān vanyāñ chaṅkarabhūpatiḥ kutracid vipinoddeśe darīmadhyanivāsinam

and other wild deer besides, King Shankara struck down, killing them; and in one spot of the forest, one who dwelt within a cave,

Verse 15 (skanda.3.48.15)

व्याघ्रचर्मधरं शांतं मुनिं नियतमानसम् । व्याघ्रबुद्ध्या जघानाशु शरेणानतपर्वणा

vyāghracarmadharaṁ śāntaṁ muniṁ niyatamānasam vyāghrabuddhyā jaghānāśu śareṇānataparvaṇā

a peaceful sage of restrained mind, clad in a tiger skin, mistaking him for a tiger, at once slew with a curved-jointed arrow.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.48.16)

अतिवेगेन विप्रेंद्रास्तत्पत्नीं च ससायकः । निजघान पतिप्राणां निविष्टां पत्युरंतिके

ativegena viprendrās tatpatnīṁ ca sasāyakaḥ nijaghāna patiprāṇāṁ niviṣṭāṁ patyur antike

O foremost of brahmins, with the same swift shaft, he slew that sage's wife too, who sat beside her husband, dear to him as his own life.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.48.17)

विलोक्य मातापितरौ तत्पुत्रो निहतौ वने । रुरोद भृशदुःखार्तो विललाप च कातरः

vilokya mātāpitarau tatputro nihatau vane ruroda bhṛśaduḥkhārto vilalāpa ca kātaraḥ

Seeing his mother and father slain in the forest, their son, tormented with grief, wept and lamented, overcome with distress.

Verse 18 (skanda.3.48.18)

भोस्तात मातर्मां हित्वा युवां यातौ क्व वाधुना । अहं कुत्र गमिष्यामि को वा मे शरणं भवेत्

bhostāta mātar māṁ hitvā yuvāṁ yātau kva vādhunā ahaṁ kutra gamiṣyāmi ko vā me śaraṇaṁ bhavet

O father, O mother, where have you both gone now, leaving me? Where shall I go now, who will be my refuge?

Verse 19 (skanda.3.48.19)

को मामध्यापयेद्वेदाञ्छास्त्रं वा पाठयेत्पितः । अंब मे भोजनं का वा दास्यते सोपदेशकम्

ko mām adhyāpayed vedāñ chāstraṁ vā pāṭhayet pitaḥ amba me bhojanaṁ kā vā dāsyate sopadeśakam

Who will now teach me the Vedas, O father, or instruct me in scripture? Who, O mother, will give me my food together with counsel?

Verse 20 (skanda.3.48.20)

आचाराञ्च्छिक्षयेत्को वा तात त्वयि मृतेऽधुना । अंब बालं प्रकुपितं का वा मामुपलाप()येत्

ācārāñ chikṣayet ko vā tāta tvayi mṛte'dhunā amba bālaṁ prakupitaṁ kā vā mām upalāpayet

O father, now that you have died, who will teach me proper conduct? O mother, who will now soothe me, an angry child?

Verse 21 (skanda.3.48.21)

युवां निरागसावद्य केन पापेन सायकैः । निहतौ वै तपोनिष्ठौ मत्प्राणौ मद्गुरू वने

yuvāṁ nirāgasāv adya kena pāpena sāyakaiḥ nihatau vai taponiṣṭhau matprāṇau madgurū vane

You two, innocent, devoted to austerity, my very life-breath, my teachers — by what sinner have you both, today, been slain in the forest with arrows?

Verse 22 (skanda.3.48.22)

एवं तयोः सुतो विप्रा मुक्तकण्ठं रुरोद वै । अथ प्रलपितं श्रुत्वा शंकरो विपिने चरन्

evaṁ tayoḥ suto viprā muktakaṇṭhaṁ ruroda vai atha pralapitaṁ śrutvā śaṅkaro vipine caran

O brahmins, thus their son wept aloud without restraint. Then, hearing that lament, Shankara, wandering in the forest,

Verse 23 (skanda.3.48.23)

तच्छब्दाभिमुखः सद्यः प्रययौ स दरीमुखम् । तत्रत्या मुनयोऽप्याशु समागच्छंस्तमाश्रमम्

tacchabdābhimukhaḥ sadyaḥ prayayau sa darīmukham tatratyā munayo'py āśu samāgacchaṁs tam āśramam

turning toward that sound, went at once toward the mouth of that cave. The sages of that place also quickly gathered at that hermitage.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.48.24)

ते दृष्ट्वा मुनयः सर्वे शरेण निहतं मुनिम् । तत्पत्नीं च हतां विप्रा राजानं च धनुर्धरम्

te dṛṣṭvā munayaḥ sarve śareṇa nihataṁ munim tatpatnīṁ ca hatāṁ viprā rājānaṁ ca dhanurdharam

O brahmins, all those sages, seeing the sage slain by an arrow, his slain wife, and the bow-bearing king,

Verse 25 (skanda.3.48.25)

विलपंतं सुतं चापि विलोक्य भृशविह्वलाः । पुत्रमाश्वासयामासुर्मा रोदीरिति कातरम्

vilapantaṁ sutaṁ cāpi vilokya bhṛśavihvalāḥ putram āśvāsayāmāsur mā rodīr iti kātaram

and also the lamenting son, became greatly distraught. They comforted the grieving son, saying 'do not weep.'

Verse 26 (skanda.3.48.26)

मुनय ऊचुः । आढ्ये वापि दरिद्रे वा मूर्खे वा पंडितेऽपि वा । पीने वाथ कृशे वापि समवर्ती परेतराट्

munaya ūcuḥ āḍhye vāpi daridre vā mūrkhe vā paṇḍite'pi vā pīne vātha kṛśe vāpi samavartī paretarāṭ

The sages said: Whether wealthy or poor, foolish or learned, stout or lean — the King of the Dead treats all equally.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.48.27)

वने वा नगरे ग्रामे पर्वते वा स्थलांतरे । मृत्योर्वशे प्रयातव्यं सर्वैरपि हि जंतुभिः

vane vā nagare grāme parvate vā sthalāntare mṛtyor vaśe prayātavyaṁ sarvair api hi jantubhiḥ

In forest, in city, in village, on mountain, or in any other place — all beings must indeed pass under the sway of death.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.48.28)

वत्स नित्यं च गर्भस्थैर्जातैरपि च जंतुभिः । युवभिः स्थविरैः सर्वैर्यातव्यं यमपत्तनम्

vatsa nityaṁ ca garbhasthair jātair api ca jantubhiḥ yuvabhiḥ sthavirai sarvair yātavyaṁ yamapattanam

O child, whether still in the womb or already born, whether young or old — all beings must go to the city of Yama.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.48.29)

वर्णिभिश्च गृहस्थैश्च वानप्रस्थैश्च भिक्षुभिः । काले प्राप्ते त्वयं देहस्त्यक्तव्यो द्विजपुत्रक

varṇibhiś ca gṛhasthaiś ca vānaprasthaiś ca bhikṣubhiḥ kāle prāpte tv ayaṁ dehas tyaktavyo dvijaputraka

By celibate students, householders, forest-dwellers, and mendicants alike — O son of a brahmin, when the time comes, this body must be relinquished.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.48.30)

ब्राह्मणैः क्षत्रियैर्वैश्यैः शूद्रैरपि च संकरैः । यातव्यं प्रेतनिलये द्विजपुत्र महामते

brāhmaṇaiḥ kṣatriyair vaiśyaiḥ śūdrair api ca saṅkaraiḥ yātavyaṁ pretanilaye dvijaputra mahāmate

By brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and even the mixed castes — O wise son of a brahmin, all must go to the abode of the departed.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.48.31)

देवाश्च मुनयो यक्षा गंधर्वोरगराक्षसाः । अन्ये च जंतवः सर्वे ब्रह्मविष्णुहरादयः

devāś ca munayo yakṣā gandharvoragarākṣasāḥ anye ca jantavaḥ sarve brahmaviṣṇuharādayaḥ

Gods, sages, yakshas, gandharvas, serpents, demons, and all other beings, even Brahma, Vishnu, and Hara themselves,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.48.32)

सर्वे यास्यंति विलयं न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि । अद्वयं सच्चिदानंदं यद्ब्रह्मोपनिषद्गतम्

sarve yāsyanti vilayaṁ na tvaṁ śocitum arhasi advayaṁ saccidānandaṁ yad brahmopaniṣadgatam

shall all pass into dissolution — it is not fitting for you to grieve. That non-dual, being-consciousness-bliss Brahman, spoken of in the Upanishads,

Verse 33 (skanda.3.48.33)

न तस्य विलयो जन्म वर्धनं चापि सत्तम । मलभांडे नवद्वारे पूयासृक्छोणितालये

na tasya vilayo janma vardhanaṁ cāpi sattama malabhāṇḍe navadvāre pūyāsṛkśoṇitālaye

O most excellent one, has neither dissolution, nor birth, nor growth. In this body, a vessel of filth, nine-gated, an abode of pus and blood,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.48.34)

देहेऽस्मिन्बुद्बुदाकारे कृमियूथसमाकुले । कामक्रोधभयद्रोहमोहमात्सर्यकारिणि

dehe'smin budbudākāre kṛmiyūthasamākule kāmakrodhabhayadrohamohamātsaryakāriṇi

bubble-like in form, teeming with worms, breeding desire, anger, fear, treachery, delusion, and envy —

Verse 35 (skanda.3.48.35)

परदारपरक्षेत्रपरद्रव्यैकलोलुपे । हिंसासूयाशुचिव्याप्ते विष्ठामूत्रैकभाजने

paradāraparakṣetraparadravyaikalolupe hiṁsāsūyāśuciwyāpte viṣṭhāmūtraikabhājane

greedy only for another's wife, another's land, another's wealth, pervaded by violence, envy, and impurity, a mere vessel of excrement and urine—

Verse 36 (skanda.3.48.36)

यः कुर्याच्छोभनधियं स मूढः स च दुर्मतिः । बहुच्छिद्रघटाकारे देहेऽस्मिन्नशुचौ सदा

yaḥ kuryāc chobhanadhiyaṁ sa mūḍhaḥ sa ca durmatiḥ bahucchidraghaṭākāre dehe'sminn aśucau sadā

whoever holds a favorable opinion of it is deluded and evil-minded. In this ever-impure body, shaped like a pot full of many holes,

Verse 37 (skanda.3.48.37)

वायोरवस्थितिः किं स्यात्प्राणाख्यस्य चिरं द्विज । अतो मा कुरु शोकं त्वं जननीं पितरं प्रति

vāyor avasthitiḥ kiṁ syāt prāṇākhyasya ciraṁ dvija ato mā kuru śokaṁ tvaṁ jananīṁ pitaraṁ prati

O brahmin, how could the wind called the life-breath abide for long? Therefore do not grieve for your mother and father.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.48.38)

तौ स्वकर्मवशाद्यातौ गृहं त्यक्त्वा त्विदं क्वचित् । तव कर्मवशात्त्वं च तिष्ठस्यस्मिन्महीतले

tau svakarmavaśād yātau gṛhaṁ tyaktvā tv idaṁ kvacit tava karmavaśāt tvaṁ ca tiṣṭhasy asmin mahītale

The two of them, subject to their own respective karma, have abandoned this home and gone elsewhere. You too, subject to your own karma, remain here upon this earth.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.48.39)

यदा कर्मक्षयस्ते स्यात्तदा त्वं च मरिष्यसि । मरिष्यमाणप्रेतो हि मृतप्रेतस्य शोचति

yadā karmakṣayas te syāt tadā tvaṁ ca mariṣyasi mariṣyamāṇapreto hi mṛtapretasya śocati

When your own karma is exhausted, you too shall die. A being about to die grieves for a being already dead.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.48.40)

यस्मिन्काले समुत्पन्नौ तव माता पिता तथा । न तस्मिंस्त्वं समुत्पन्नस्ततो भिन्ना गतिर्हि वः

yasmin kāle samutpannau tava mātā pitā tathā na tasmiṁs tvaṁ samutpannas tato bhinnā gatir hi vaḥ

At the time when your mother and father were born, you were not born; therefore your destinies are, in truth, distinct from theirs.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.48.41)

यदि तुल्या गतिस्ते स्यात्ताभ्यां सह महामते । तर्हि त्वयापि यातव्यं मृतौ यत्र हि तौ गतौ

yadi tulyā gatis te syāt tābhyāṁ saha mahāmate tarhi tvayāpi yātavyaṁ mṛtau yatra hi tau gatau

O wise one, if your destiny were identical to theirs, then you too would have to go where those two have gone in death.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.48.42)

मृतानां बांधवा ये तु मुंचंत्यश्रूणि भूतले । पिबंत्यश्रूणि तान्यद्धा मृताः प्रेताः परत्र वै

mṛtānāṁ bāndhavā ye tu muñcanty aśrūṇi bhūtale pibanty aśrūṇi tāny addhā mṛtāḥ pretāḥ paratra vai

Those kinsmen of the dead who shed tears here upon the earth — those dead departed ones, in the world beyond, truly drink those very tears.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.48.43)

अतः शोकं परित्यज्य धृतिं कृत्वा समाहितः । अनयोः प्रेतकार्याणि कुरु त्वं वैदिकानि तु

ataḥ śokaṁ parityajya dhṛtiṁ kṛtvā samāhitaḥ anayoḥ pretakāryāṇi kuru tvaṁ vaidikāni tu

Therefore, abandoning grief, gathering steadiness, with a focused mind, perform the Vedic funeral rites for these two.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.48.44)

शरघातान्मृतावेतौ यस्मात्ते जननी पिता । अतस्तद्दोषशांत्यर्थमस्थीन्यादाय वै तयोः

śaraghātān mṛtāv etau yasmāt te jananī pitā atas tad doṣaśāntyartham asthīny ādāya vai tayoḥ

Since your mother and father died from a wound by an arrow, therefore, for the pacification of that flaw, taking their bones,

Verse 45 (skanda.3.48.45)

रामनाथशिवक्षेत्रे रामसेतौ विमुक्तिदे । स्थापयस्व तथा श्राद्धं सपिंडीकरणादिकम्

rāmanāthaśivakṣetre rāmasetau vimuktide sthāpayasva tathā śrāddhaṁ sapiṇḍīkaraṇādikam

in the liberation-giving Ramasetu, in Ramanatha's Shiva-domain, immerse them there, and there also perform the shraddha, the sapindikarana, and the rest.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.48.46)

तत्रैव कुरु शुद्ध्यर्थं तयोर्बाह्मणपुत्रक । तेन दुर्मृत्युदोषस्य शांतिर्भवति नान्यथा

tatraiva kuru śuddhyarthaṁ tayor brāhmaṇaputraka tena durmṛtyudoṣasya śāntir bhavati nānyathā

O son of a brahmin, do this there for their purification. By this alone comes the pacification of the fault of a bad death, and not otherwise.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.48.47)

श्रीसूत उवाच । एवमुक्तः स मुनिभिः शाकल्यस्य सुतो द्विजाः । जांगलाख्यस्तयोः सर्वं पितृमेधं चकार वै

śrīsūta uvāca evam uktaḥ sa munibhiḥ śākalyasya suto dvijāḥ jāṅgalākhyas tayoḥ sarvaṁ pitṛmedhaṁ cakāra vai

Shri Suta said: O brahmins, thus told by the sages, Shakalya's son, named Jangala, performed all the funeral rites for his mother and father.

Verse 48 (skanda.3.48.48)

अन्येद्युरस्थीन्यादाय हालास्यं प्रययौ च सः । तस्माद्रामेश्वरं सद्यो गत्वाऽयं जांगलो द्विजः

anyedyur asthīny ādāya hālāsyaṁ prayayau ca saḥ tasmād rāmeśvaraṁ sadyo gatvā'yaṁ jāṅgalo dvijaḥ

The next day, taking the bones, he went to Halasya (Madurai). From there this brahmin Jangala went at once to Rameshvara.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.48.49)

मुनिप्रोक्तप्रकारेण तस्मिन्रामेश्वरस्थले । निधाय पित्रोरस्थीनि श्राद्धादीन्यकरोत्तथा

muniproktaprakāreṇa tasmin rāmeśvarasthale nidhāya pitror asthīni śrāddhādīny akarot tathā

According to the method spoken by the sages, at that place of Rameshvara, having immersed his parents' bones, he then performed the shraddha and the rest.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.48.50)

प्रथमाब्दिकपर्यंतं कार्यं तत्राकरोच्च सः । स्थित्वाब्दं स मुनेः पुत्र एको जांगलसंज्ञकः

prathamābdikaparyantaṁ kāryaṁ tatrākarocca saḥ sthitvābdaṁ sa muneḥ putra eko jāṅgalasaṁjñakaḥ

He performed there all the rites up to the first annual shraddha. Having remained there for a year, that sage's son, named Jangala,

Verse 51 (skanda.3.48.51)

आब्दिकांते दिने विप्रो रात्रौ स्वप्ने विलोक्य तु । स्वमातरं च पितरं शंखचक्रगदाधरौ

ābdikānte dine vipro rātrau svapne vilokya tu svamātaraṁ ca pitaraṁ śaṅkhacakragadādharau

on the day when the annual rite concluded, that brahmin, at night, saw in a dream his own mother and father, bearing conch, discus, and mace,

Verse 52 (skanda.3.48.52)

गरुडोपरि संविष्टौ पद्ममालाविभूषितौ । शोभितौ तुलसीदाम्ना स्फुरन्मकरकुंडलौ

garuḍopari saṁviṣṭau padmamālāvibhūṣitau śobhitau tulasīdāmnā sphuranmakarakuṇḍalau

seated upon Garuda, adorned with lotus garlands, resplendent with tulasi garlands, wearing gleaming crocodile-shaped earrings,

Verse 53 (skanda.3.48.53)

कौस्तुभालंकृतोरस्कौ पीतांबरविराजितौ । एवं दृष्ट्वा मुनिसुतो जांगलः सुप्रसन्नधीः

kaustubhālaṅkṛtoraskau pītāmbaravirājitau evaṁ dṛṣṭvā munisuto jāṅgalaḥ suprasannadhīḥ

their chests adorned with the Kaustubha jewel, resplendent in yellow garments. Seeing this, the sage's son Jangala, his mind filled with joy,

Verse 54 (skanda.3.48.54)

स्वाश्रमं पुनरागत्य सुखेन न्यवसद्द्विजाः । स्वप्नदृष्टं च वृत्तांतं मातापित्रोः स जांगलः

svāśramaṁ punar āgatya sukhena nyavasad dvijāḥ svapnadṛṣṭaṁ ca vṛttāntaṁ mātāpitror sa jāṅgalaḥ

O brahmins, returned to his own hermitage and dwelt there happily. That account of his parents seen in the dream, that Jangala,

Verse 55 (skanda.3.48.55)

तेभ्यो न्यवेदयत्सर्वं ब्राह्मणेभ्योऽतिहर्षितः । श्रुत्वा ते मुनयो वृत्तमासन्संप्रीतमानसाः

tebhyo nyavedayat sarvaṁ brāhmaṇebhyo'tiharṣitaḥ śrutvā te munayo vṛttam āsan samprītamānasāḥ

reported in full, greatly delighted, to those brahmins. Hearing that account, those sages became greatly pleased at heart.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.48.56)

अथ राजानमालोक्य सर्वे तेऽपि महर्षयः । अवदन्कुपिता विप्राः शपंतः शंकरं नृपम्

atha rājānam ālokya sarve te'pi maharṣayaḥ avadan kupitā viprāḥ śapantaḥ śaṅkaraṁ nṛpam

Then those great sages too, beholding the king, O brahmins, becoming angry, cursing King Shankara, said this.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.48.57)

पांड्यभूप महामूर्ख क्रौर्याद्ब्राह्मणघातक । स्त्रीहत्या ब्रह्महत्या च कृता यस्मात्त्वयाधुना

pāṇḍyabhūpa mahāmūrkha kraurayād brāhmaṇaghātaka strīhatyā brahmahatyā ca kṛtā yasmāt tvayādhunā

O king of the Pandyas, O great fool, O slayer of a brahmin through cruelty! Since you have now committed the murder of a woman and the murder of a brahmin,

Verse 58 (skanda.3.48.58)

अतः शरीरसंत्यागं कुरु त्वं हव्यवाहने । नोचेत्तव न शुद्धिः स्यात्प्रायश्चित्तशतैरपि

ataḥ śarīrasantyāgaṁ kuru tvaṁ havyavāhane nocet tava na śuddhiḥ syāt prāyaścittaśatair api

therefore you must give up your body in fire. Otherwise, your purification shall not come, not even by a hundred penances.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.48.59)

त्वत्संभाषणमात्रेण ब्रह्महत्यायुतं भवेत् । अस्मत्सकाशाद्गच्छ त्वं पांड्यानां कुलपांसन

tvatsambhāṣaṇamātreṇa brahmahatyāyutaṁ bhavet asmatsakāśād gaccha tvaṁ pāṇḍyānāṁ kulapāṁsana

By merely conversing with you, one incurs the sin of ten thousand slayings of brahmins. Go from our presence, O disgrace to the lineage of the Pandyas.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.48.60)

इत्युक्तो मुनिभिः पांड्यः शंकरो द्विजपुंगवाः । तथास्तु देहसंत्यागं करिष्ये हव्यवाहने

ityukto munibhiḥ pāṇḍyaḥ śaṅkaro dvijapuṅgavāḥ tathāstu dehasantyāgaṁ kariṣye havyavāhane

O foremost of brahmins, thus told by the sages, the Pandya king Shankara said: 'So be it — I shall give up my body in fire.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.48.61)

ब्रह्महत्याविशुद्ध्यर्थं भवतां सन्निधावहम् । अनुग्रहं मे कुर्वंतु भवंतो मुनिसत्तमाः

brahmahatyāviśuddhyarthaṁ bhavatāṁ sannidhāv aham anugrahaṁ me kurvantu bhavanto munisattamāḥ

For the purification of brahmin-slaying, in your presence, I shall do this. O most excellent sages, show me your grace.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.48.62)

तथा शरीर संत्यागात्पातकं मे लयं व्रजेत् । एवमुक्त्वा मुनीन्सर्वाञ्च्छंकरः पांड्यभूपतिः

tathā śarīrasantyāgāt pātakaṁ me layaṁ vrajet evam uktvā munīn sarvāñ chaṅkaraḥ pāṇḍyabhūpatiḥ

so that, by this abandonment of the body, my sin may be dissolved.' Having said this to all the sages, King Shankara of the Pandyas,

Verse 63 (skanda.3.48.63)

स्वान्मंत्रिणः समाहूय बभाषे वचनं त्विदम् । भो मंत्रिणो ब्रह्महत्या मयाऽकार्यविचारतः

svān mantriṇaḥ samāhūya babhāṣe vacanaṁ tv idam bho mantriṇo brahmahatyā mayā'kāryavicārataḥ

summoning his own ministers, spoke this word: 'O ministers, without due consideration, by an act that should not have been done, brahmin-slaying

Verse 64 (skanda.3.48.64)

स्त्रीहत्या च तथा क्रूरा महानरकदायिनी । एतत्पातकशुद्ध्यर्थं मुनीनां वचनादहम्

strīhatyā ca tathā krūrā mahānarakadāyinī etat pātakaśuddhyarthaṁ munīnāṁ vacanād aham

and that cruel, great-hell-bestowing killing of a woman have been committed by me. For the purification of this sin, by the word of the sages, I,

Verse 65 (skanda.3.48.65)

प्रदीप्ते ऽग्नौ महाज्वाले परित्यक्ष्ये कलेवरम् । काष्ठान्यानयत क्षिप्रं तैरग्निश्च समिध्यताम्

pradīpte'gnau mahājvāle parityakṣye kalevaram kāṣṭhāny ānayata kṣipraṁ tair agniś ca samidhyatām

shall abandon my body in a blazing fire of great flame. Quickly bring wood, and let the fire be kindled with it.'

Verse 66 (skanda.3.48.66)

मम पुत्रं च सुरुचिं राज्ये स्थापयताचिरात् । मा शोकं कुरुतामात्या दैवतं दुरतिक्रमम्

mama putraṁ ca suruciṁ rājye sthāpayatācirāt mā śokaṁ kurutāmātyā daivataṁ duratikramam

Establish my son Suruchi on the throne without delay. O ministers, do not grieve — fate is impossible to overcome.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.48.67)

इतीरिता नृपतिना मंत्रिणो रुरुदुस्तदा । पांड्यनाथ महाराज रिपूणामपि वत्सल

itīritā nṛpatinā mantriṇo rurudus tadā pāṇḍyanātha mahārāja ripūṇām api vatsala

Thus addressed by the king, the ministers then wept: 'O lord of the Pandyas, O great king, affectionate even toward your enemies,

Verse 68 (skanda.3.48.68)

वयं हि भवता नित्यं पुत्रवत्परिपालिताः । त्वां विना न प्रवेक्ष्याम पुरीं देवपुरोपमाम्

vayaṁ hi bhavatā nityaṁ putravat paripālitāḥ tvāṁ vinā na praveṣyāma purīṁ devapuropamām

we have ever been protected by you like sons. Without you we shall not enter this city, equal to the city of the gods.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.48.69)

हव्यवाहं प्रवेक्ष्यामो महा काष्ठसमेधितम् । तेषां प्रलपितं श्रुत्वा पांड्य शंकरभूपतिः । प्रोवाच मंत्रिणः सर्वान्वचनं सांत्वपूर्वकम्

havyavāhaṁ praveṣyāmo mahākāṣṭhasamedhitam teṣāṁ pralapitaṁ śrutvā pāṇḍya śaṅkarabhūpatiḥ provāca mantriṇaḥ sarvān vacanaṁ sāntvapūrvakam

We too shall enter that great fire, kindled with wood.' Hearing their lament, King Shankara of the Pandyas spoke consoling words to all his ministers.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.48.70)

शंकर उवाच । किं करिष्यथ भोऽमात्या महापातकिना मया

śaṅkara uvāca kiṁ kariṣyatha bho'mātyā mahāpātakinā mayā

Shankara said: O ministers, what will you accomplish by remaining with me, a great sinner?

Verse 71 (skanda.3.48.71)

सिंहासनं समारुह्य न कर्तुं युज्यते बत । चतुरर्णवपर्यंतधरापालनमंजसा

siṁhāsanaṁ samāruhya na kartuṁ yujyate bata caturarṇavaparyantadharāpālanam añjasā

Mounting the throne to easily govern the earth up to its four oceans — alas, this is no longer fitting for me.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.48.72)

मत्पुत्रं सुरुचिं शीघ्रमतः स्थापयतासने । काष्ठान्यानयत क्षिप्रं प्रवेष्टुं हव्यवाहनम्

matputraṁ suruciṁ śīghram ataḥ sthāpayatāsane kāṣṭhāny ānayata kṣipraṁ praveṣṭuṁ havyavāhanam

Therefore establish my son Suruchi on the throne at once. Quickly bring wood, that I may enter the fire.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.48.73)

मम मंत्रिवरा यूयं विलंबं त्यजताधुना । इत्युक्ता मंत्रिणः काष्ठं समानिन्युः क्षणेन ते

mama mantrivarā yūyaṁ vilambaṁ tyajatādhunā ityuktā mantriṇaḥ kāṣṭhaṁ samāninyuḥ kṣaṇena te

O my excellent ministers, do not delay now.' Thus told, the ministers brought the wood in an instant.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.48.74)

अग्निं प्रज्वलितं काष्ठैर्दृष्ट्वा शंकरभूपतिः । स्नात्वाचम्य विशुद्धात्मा मुनीनां संनिधौ तदा

agniṁ prajvalitaṁ kāṣṭhair dṛṣṭvā śaṅkarabhūpatiḥ snātvācamya viśuddhātmā munīnāṁ sannidhau tadā

Seeing the fire kindled with the wood, King Shankara, having bathed and sipped water, his soul made pure, then, in the presence of the sages,

Verse 75 (skanda.3.48.75)

अग्निं प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य तान्मुनीनपि सत्वरम् । अग्निं मुनीन्नमस्कृत्य ध्यात्वा देवमुमापतिम्

agniṁ pradakṣiṇīkṛtya tān munīn api satvaram agniṁ munīn namaskṛtya dhyātvā devam umāpatim

circumambulated the fire, and quickly those sages too; bowing to the fire and to the sages, meditating on the god, Lord of Uma,

Verse 76 (skanda.3.48.76)

अग्नौ पतितुमारेभे धैर्यमालंब्य भूपतिः । तस्मिन्नवसरे विप्रा मुनीनामपि शृण्वताम्

agnau patitum ārebhe dhairyam ālambya bhūpatiḥ tasminn avasare viprā munīnām api śṛṇvatām

the king, gathering courage, prepared to fall into the fire. O brahmins, at that very moment, even as the sages listened,

Verse 77 (skanda.3.48.77)

अशरीरा समुदभूद्वाणी भैरवनादिनी । भोः शंकर महीपाल मानलं प्रविशाधुना

aśarīrā samudabhūd vāṇī bhairavanādinī bhoḥ śaṅkara mahīpāla mānalaṁ praviśādhunā

a disembodied voice arose, thundering like Bhairava: 'O King Shankara, do not now enter the fire.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.48.78)

ब्रह्महत्यानिमित्तं ते भयं मा भून्महामते । तवोपदेशं वक्ष्यामि रहस्यं वेदसंमितम्

brahmahatyānimittaṁ te bhayaṁ mā bhūn mahāmate tavopadeśaṁ vakṣyāmi rahasyaṁ vedasammitam

O wise one, let there be no fear in you on account of the brahmin-slaying. I shall give you a secret teaching, sanctioned by the Vedas.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.48.79)

शृणुष्वावहितो राजन्मदुक्तं क्रियतां त्वया । दक्षिणांबुनिधेस्तीरे गंधमादनपर्वते

śṛṇuṣvāvahito rājan maduktaṁ kriyatāṁ tvayā dakṣiṇāmbunidhes tīre gandhamādanaparvate

O king, listen attentively, and do as I say. On the shore of the southern ocean, on Mount Gandhamadana,

Verse 80 (skanda.3.48.80)

रामसेतौ महापुण्ये महापातकनाशने । रामप्रतिष्ठितं लिगं रामनाथं महेश्वरम्

rāmasetau mahāpuṇye mahāpātakanāśane rāmapratiṣṭhitaṁ liṅgaṁ rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram

at the most sacred Ramasetu, destroyer of great sins, the linga established by Rama, Maheshvara Ramanatha,

Verse 81 (skanda.3.48.81)

सेवस्व वर्षमेकं त्वं त्रिकालं भक्तिपूर्वकम् । प्रदक्षिणप्रक्रमणं नमस्कारं च वै कुरु

sevasva varṣam ekaṁ tvaṁ trikālaṁ bhaktipūrvakam pradakṣiṇaprakramaṇaṁ namaskāraṁ ca vai kuru

worship for one full year, three times daily, with devotion. Perform circumambulation and prostration too.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.48.82)

महाभिषेकः क्रियतां रामनाथस्य वै त्वया । नैवेद्यं विविधं राजन्क्रियतां च दिनेदिने

mahābhiṣekaḥ kriyatāṁ rāmanāthasya vai tvayā naivedyaṁ vividhaṁ rājan kriyatāṁ ca dine dine

You must perform the great ritual bathing of Ramanatha. O king, various offerings too must be made every day.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.48.83)

चन्दनागरुकर्पूरै रामलिंगं प्रपूजय । भारद्वयेन गव्येन ह्याज्येन त्वभिषेचय

candanāgarukarpūrai rāmaliṅgaṁ prapūjaya bhāradvayena gavyena hy ājyena tv abhiṣecaya

Worship the Rama linga with sandalwood, aloeswood, and camphor. Anoint it with two measures of cow's ghee.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.48.84)

प्रत्यहं च गवां क्षीरैर्द्विभारपरिसंमितैः । मधुद्रोणेन तल्लिंगं प्रत्यहं स्नापय प्रभोः

pratyahaṁ ca gavāṁ kṣīrair dvibhāraparisammitaiḥ madhudroṇena tal liṅgaṁ pratyahaṁ snāpaya prabhoḥ

Every day, with two measures of cow's milk, and with a drona of honey, bathe that linga of the Lord daily.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.48.85)

प्रत्यहं पायसान्नेन नैवेद्यं कुरु भूपते । प्रत्यहं तिलतैलेन दीपाराधनमाचर

pratyahaṁ pāyasānnena naivedyaṁ kuru bhūpate pratyahaṁ tilatailena dīpārādhanam ācara

O king, offer daily naivedya of rice pudding. Daily perform lamp-worship with sesame oil.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.48.86)

एतेन तव राजेंद्र रामनाथस्य शूलिनः । स्त्रीहत्य्रा ब्रह्महत्या च तत्क्षणादेव नश्यतः

etena tava rājendra rāmanāthasya śūlinaḥ strīhatyā brahmahatyā ca tatkṣaṇād eva naśyataḥ

O king of kings, by this, through the grace of the trident-bearing Ramanatha, your killing of a woman and killing of a brahmin shall be instantly destroyed.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.48.87)

दर्शनाद्रामनाथस्य भ्रूणहत्याशतानि च । अयुतं ब्रह्महत्यानां सुरापानायुतं तथा

darśanād rāmanāthasya bhrūṇahatyāśatāni ca ayutaṁ brahmahatyānāṁ surāpānāyutaṁ tathā

By the sight of Ramanatha, hundreds of sins of feticide, ten thousand of brahmin-slaying, and likewise ten thousand of drinking liquor,

Verse 88 (skanda.3.48.88)

स्वर्णस्तेयायुतं राजन्गुरुस्त्रीगमनायुतम् । एतत्संसर्गदोषाश्च विनश्यंति क्षणाद्विभो

svarṇasteyāyutaṁ rājan gurustrīgamanāyutam etatsaṁsargadoṣāś ca vinaśyanti kṣaṇād vibho

O king, ten thousand of stealing gold, ten thousand of approaching one's guru's wife, and the faults of polluting association too, O Lord, are destroyed in an instant.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.48.89)

महापातकतुल्यानि यानि पापानि संति वै । तानि सर्वाणि नश्यंति रामनाथस्य सेवया

mahāpātakatulyāni yāni pāpāni santi vai tāni sarvāṇi naśyanti rāmanāthasya sevayā

Whatever sins there are equal to great mortal sins — all of them are destroyed by service to Ramanatha.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.48.90)

महती रामनाथस्य सेवा लभ्येत चेन्नृणाम् । किं गंगया च गयया प्रयागेणाध्वरेण वा

mahatī rāmanāthasya sevā labhyeta cen nṛṇām kiṁ gaṅgayā ca gayayā prayāgeṇādhvareṇa vā

If men obtain the great service of Ramanatha, what further need is there of the Ganga, or of Gaya, or of Prayaga, or of sacrifice?

Verse 91 (skanda.3.48.91)

तद्गच्छ रामसेतुं त्वं रामनाथं भजानिशम् । विलंबं मा कुरु विभो गमने च त्वरां कुरु

tad gaccha rāmasetuṁ tvaṁ rāmanāthaṁ bhajāniśam vilambaṁ mā kuru vibho gamane ca tvarāṁ kuru

Therefore go to Ramasetu, and worship Ramanatha day and night. O Lord, do not delay; make haste in going.'

Verse 92 (skanda.3.48.92)

इत्युक्त्वा विररामाथ सापि वागशरीरिणी । तच्छ्रुत्वा मुनयः सर्वे त्वरयंति स्म भूपतिम्

ityuktvā virarāmātha sāpi vāg aśarīriṇī tac chrutvā munayaḥ sarve tvarayanti sma bhūpatim

Having said this, that disembodied voice too fell silent. Hearing this, all the sages urged the king to hasten.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.48.93)

गच्छ शीघं महाराज रामसेतुं विमुक्तिदम् । रामनाथस्य माहात्म्यमज्ञात्वास्माभिरीरितम्

gaccha śīghraṁ mahārāja rāmasetuṁ vimuktidam rāmanāthasya māhātmyam ajñātvāsmābhir īritam

'O great king, go quickly to the liberation-giving Ramasetu. Without knowing the glory of Ramanatha, we ourselves,

Verse 94 (skanda.3.48.94)

देहत्यागं कुरुष्वेति वह्नौ प्रज्वलितेऽधुना । अनुज्ञातो मुनिवरैरिति राजा स शंकरः

dehatyāgaṁ kuruṣveti vahnau prajvalite'dhunā anujñāto munivarair iti rājā sa śaṅkaraḥ

told you to give up your body in the fire now blazing.' Thus permitted by the excellent sages, that King Shankara,

Verse 95 (skanda.3.48.95)

चतुरंगबलं पुर्यां प्रापयित्वा त्वरान्वितः । नमस्कृत्य मुनीन्सर्वान्प्रहृष्टेनांतरात्मना

caturaṅgabalaṁ puryāṁ prāpayitvā tvarānvitaḥ namaskṛtya munīn sarvān prahṛṣṭenāntarātmanā

sending his fourfold army back to the city, in haste, having bowed to all the sages, with a joyful inner self,

Verse 96 (skanda.3.48.96)

वृतः कतिपयैः सैन्यैः समादाय धनं बहु । रामनाथस्य सेवार्थमयासीद्गंधमादनम्

vṛtaḥ katipayaiḥ sainyaiḥ samādāya dhanaṁ bahu rāmanāthasya sevārtham ayāsīd gandhamādanam

surrounded by a few soldiers, taking much wealth, went to Gandhamadana for the service of Ramanatha.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.48.97)

उवास वर्षमेकं च रामसेतौ विशुद्धिदे । एकभुक्तो जितक्रोधो विजितेंद्रियसंचयः

uvāsa varṣam ekaṁ ca rāmasetau viśuddhide ekabhukto jitakrodho vijitendriyasañcayaḥ

He dwelt for one full year at the purification-giving Ramasetu, eating but once a day, having conquered anger, having subdued the whole company of senses.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.48.98)

त्रिसंध्यं रामनाथं च सेवमानः सभक्तिकम् । प्रददौ रामनाथाय दशभारं धनं मुदा

trisandhyaṁ rāmanāthaṁ ca sevamānaḥ sabhaktikam pradadau rāmanāthāya daśabhāraṁ dhanaṁ mudā

Serving Ramanatha with devotion at the three daily junctures, he joyfully offered ten measures of wealth to Ramanatha.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.48.99)

प्रत्यहं रामनाथस्य महापूजामकारयत् । अकरोच्च धनुष्कोटौ प्रत्यहं भक्तिपूर्वकम्

pratyahaṁ rāmanāthasya mahāpūjām akārayat akaroc ca dhanuṣkoṭau pratyahaṁ bhaktipūrvakam

Daily he had the great worship of Ramanatha performed. At Dhanushkoti too, daily, with devotion,

Verse 100 (skanda.3.48.100)

स्नानं प्रतिदिनं चान्नं ब्राह्मणेभ्य ददौ मुदा । अशरीरावचःप्रोक्तमखिलं पूजनं तथा

snānaṁ pratidinaṁ cānnaṁ brāhmaṇebhyo dadau mudā aśarīrāvacaḥproktam akhilaṁ pūjanaṁ tathā

he bathed, and daily joyfully gave food to brahmins. And the entire form of worship spoken by the disembodied voice,

Verse 101 (skanda.3.48.101)

एवं कृतवतस्तस्य वर्षमेकं गतं द्विजाः । वर्षांते स शुचिर्भूत्वा शंकरस्तुष्टमानसः

evaṁ kṛtavatas tasya varṣam ekaṁ gataṁ dvijāḥ varṣānte sa śucir bhūtvā śaṅkaras tuṣṭamānasaḥ

O brahmins, doing thus, a year passed for him. At the year's end, having become pure, Shankara, his mind delighted,

Verse 102 (skanda.3.48.102)

तुष्टाव परमेशानं रामनाथं घृणानिधिम्

tuṣṭāva parameśānaṁ rāmanāthaṁ ghṛṇānidhim

praised the supreme Lord Ramanatha, the treasury of compassion.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.48.103)

शंकर उवाच । नमामि रुद्रमीशानं रामनाथमुमापतिम्

śaṅkara uvāca namāmi rudram īśānaṁ rāmanātham umāpatim

Shankara said: I bow to Rudra, Ishana, Ramanatha, Lord of Uma.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.48.104)

पाहि मां कृपया देव ब्रह्महत्यां दहाशु मे । त्रिपुरघ्न महादेव कालकूटविषादन

pāhi māṁ kṛpayā deva brahmahatyāṁ dahāśu me tripuraghna mahādeva kālakūṭaviṣādana

O God, protect me with grace; quickly burn away my brahmin-slaying. O destroyer of Tripura, O Mahadeva, O drinker of the Kalakuta poison!

Verse 105 (skanda.3.48.105)

रक्ष मां त्वं दयासिंधो स्त्रीहत्यां मे विमोचय । गंगाधर विरूपाक्ष रामनाथ त्रिलोचन

rakṣa māṁ tvaṁ dayāsindho strīhatyāṁ me vimocaya gaṅgādhara virūpākṣa rāmanātha trilocana

O ocean of compassion, protect me; free me from the killing of a woman. O bearer of the Ganga, O Virupaksha, O Ramanatha, O three-eyed one!

Verse 106 (skanda.3.48.106)

मां पालय कृपादृष्ट्या छिन्धि मत्पातकं विभो । कामारे कामसंदायिन्भक्तानां राघवेश्वर

māṁ pālaya kṛpādṛṣṭyā chindhi matpātakaṁ vibho kāmāre kāmasaṁdāyin bhaktānāṁ rāghaveśvara

Protect me with your compassionate glance, sever my sin, O Lord. O foe of desire, O granter of the desires of your devotees, O Raghaveshvara!

Verse 107 (skanda.3.48.107)

कटाक्षं पातय मयि शुद्धं मां कुरु धूर्जटे । मार्कंडेयभयत्राण मृत्युंजय शिवाव्यय

kaṭākṣaṁ pātaya mayi śuddhaṁ māṁ kuru dhūrjaṭe mārkaṇḍeyabhayatrāṇa mṛtyuñjaya śivāvyaya

Cast your sidelong glance upon me, purify me, O Dhurjati. O protector of Markandeya from fear, O conqueror of death, O imperishable Shiva!

Verse 108 (skanda.3.48.108)

नमस्ते गिरिजार्धाय निष्पापं कुरु मां सदा । रुद्राक्षमालाभरण चन्द्रशेखर शंकर

namaste girijārdhāya niṣpāpaṁ kuru māṁ sadā rudrākṣamālābharaṇa candraśekhara śaṅkara

Salutation to you whose half is Girija, make me ever free of sin. O adorned with a garland of rudraksha beads, O bearer of the crescent moon, O Shankara!

Verse 109 (skanda.3.48.109)

वेदोक्तसम्यगाचारयोग्यं मां कुरु ते नमः । सूर्यदंतभिदे तुभ्यं भारतीनासिकाच्छिदे

vedoktasamyagācārayogyaṁ māṁ kuru te namaḥ sūryadantabhide tubhyaṁ bhāratīnāsikācchide

Make me fit for proper conduct as taught in the Vedas, salutation to you. To you who broke the Sun's teeth, and who severed the nose of Bharati (Sarasvati),

Verse 110 (skanda.3.48.110)

रामेश्वराय देवाय नमो मे शुद्धिदो भव । आनंदं सच्चिदानंदं रामनाथं वृषध्वजम्

rāmeśvarāya devāya namo me śuddhido bhava ānandaṁ saccidānandaṁ rāmanāthaṁ vṛṣadhvajam

salutation to the god Rameshvara; be my purifier. Blissful, being-consciousness-bliss, bull-bannered Ramanatha,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.48.111)

भूयोभूयो नमस्यामि पातकं मे विनश्यतु । भक्त्यैवं स्तुवतस्तस्य रामनाथं महेश्वरम्

bhūyo bhūyo namasyāmi pātakaṁ me vinaśyatu bhaktyaivaṁ stuvatas tasya rāmanāthaṁ maheśvaram

again and again I bow; may my sin be destroyed. As he thus, with devotion, praised Maheshvara Ramanatha,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.48.112)

निर्जगाम मुखाद्राज्ञो ब्रह्महत्यातिभीषणा । नीलवस्त्रधरा क्रूरा महारक्तशिरोरुहा

nirjagāma mukhād rājño brahmahatyātibhīṣaṇā nīlavastradharā krūrā mahāraktaśiroruhā

from the king's mouth there emerged the most terrible brahmin-slaying, clad in blue garments, cruel, with hair of the deepest red.

Verse 113 (skanda.3.48.113)

तां ब्रह्महत्यां बीभत्सां नृपवक्त्राद्विनिर्गताम् । निजघान त्रिशूलेन भैरवो रुद्रशासनात्

tāṁ brahmahatyāṁ bībhatsāṁ nṛpavaktrād vinirgatām nijaghāna triśūlena bhairavo rudraśāsanāt

That repulsive brahmin-slaying, having emerged from the king's mouth, was struck down by Bhairava with his trident, at Rudra's command.

Verse 114 (skanda.3.48.114)

हतायां ब्रह्महत्यायां भैरवेण शिवाज्ञया । रामनाथो नृपं प्राह स्तुत्या तस्य प्रसन्नधीः

hatāyāṁ brahmahatyāyāṁ bhairaveṇa śivājñayā rāmanātho nṛpaṁ prāha stutyā tasya prasannadhīḥ

When the brahmin-slaying had been slain by Bhairava at Shiva's command, Ramanatha, his mind pleased by his praise, said to the king.

Verse 115 (skanda.3.48.115)

श्रीरामनाथ उवाच । पांड्यभूप महाराज स्तोत्रेणानेन तेऽनघ । प्रसन्नोऽहं वरं दास्ये तुभ्यं वरय चेप्सितम्

śrīrāmanātha uvāca pāṇḍyabhūpa mahārāja stotreṇānena te'nagha prasanno'haṁ varaṁ dāsye tubhyaṁ varaya cepsitam

Shri Ramanatha said: O king of the Pandyas, O great king, O sinless one, I am pleased by this hymn; I shall grant you a boon — ask what you desire.

Verse 116 (skanda.3.48.116)

स्त्रीहत्याब्रह्महत्याभ्यां यस्ते दोषः स निर्गतः । शुद्धो विधूतपापोऽसि राज्यं पालय पूर्ववत्

strīhatyābrahmahatyābhyāṁ yas te doṣaḥ sa nirgataḥ śuddho vidhūtapāpo'si rājyaṁ pālaya pūrvavat

The fault that was upon you from the killing of a woman and the killing of a brahmin has departed. You are pure, cleansed of sins; govern your kingdom as before.

Verse 117 (skanda.3.48.117)

ये मामत्र निषेवंते भक्तियुक्तेन चेतसा । नाशयामि नृणां तेषां ब्रह्महत्यायुतान्यपि

ye mām atra niṣevante bhaktiyuktena cetasā nāśayāmi nṛṇāṁ teṣāṁ brahmahatyāyutāny api

Whoever serves me here with a devotion-filled heart — I destroy even ten thousand sins of brahmin-slaying for those men.

Verse 118 (skanda.3.48.118)

सुरापानायुतं भूप गुरुस्त्रीगमनायुतम् । स्वर्णस्तेयायुतमपि तत्संसर्गायुतं तथा

surāpānāyutaṁ bhūpa gurustrīgamanāyutam svarṇasteyāyutam api tatsaṁsargāyutaṁ tathā

O king, ten thousand sins of drinking liquor, ten thousand of approaching a guru's wife, ten thousand of stealing gold, and likewise ten thousand of associating with such —

Verse 119 (skanda.3.48.119)

अन्यान्यपि च पापानि नाशयामि न संशयः । मत्सेविनो नरा राजन्न भूयः संसरंति ते

anyāny api ca pāpāni nāśayāmi na saṁśayaḥ matsevino narā rājan na bhūyaḥ saṁsaranti te

and other sins too I destroy, without doubt. O king, those men who serve me do not wander again in this cycle of existence.

Verse 120 (skanda.3.48.120)

किं तु सायुज्यरूपां मे मुक्तिं यास्यन्त्यसंशयम् । स्तुवंत्यनेन स्तोत्रेण ये मां भक्तिपुरःसरम्

kiṁ tu sāyujyarūpāṁ me muktiṁ yāsyanty asaṁśayam stuvanty anena stotreṇa ye māṁ bhaktipuraḥsaram

rather, they attain, without doubt, liberation in the very form of union with me. Whoever, with devotion, praises me with this hymn,

Verse 121 (skanda.3.48.121)

नाशयाम्यहमेतेषां महापातकसंचयम् । प्रीतोऽहं तव भक्त्या च स्तोत्रेण मनुजेश्वर

nāśayāmy aham eteṣāṁ mahāpātakasañcayam prīto'haṁ tava bhaktyā ca stotreṇa manujeśvara

for them I destroy the accumulation of great sins. O lord of men, I am pleased by your devotion and by this hymn.

Verse 122 (skanda.3.48.122)

यथेष्टं प्रार्थय वरं मत्तस्त्वं वरदान्नृप । एवमुक्तः शिवेनाथ शंकरो नृपपुंगवः

yatheṣṭaṁ prārthaya varaṁ mattas tvaṁ varadān nṛpa evam uktaḥ śivenātha śaṅkaro nṛpapuṅgavaḥ

O king, ask of me, the boon-giver, whatever boon you desire.' Thus addressed by Shiva, that Shankara, foremost of kings,

Verse 123 (skanda.3.48.123)

रामनाथं बभाषे तं शंकरं करुणानिधिम्

rāmanāthaṁ babhāṣe taṁ śaṅkaraṁ karuṇānidhim

then spoke thus to that Ramanatha Shankara, treasury of compassion.

Verse 124 (skanda.3.48.124)

नृप उवाच । तव संदर्शनेनाहं कृतार्थोऽस्मि महेश्वर

nṛpa uvāca tava saṁdarśanenāhaṁ kṛtārtho'smi maheśvara

The king said: O Maheshvara, by the sight of you I am fulfilled.

Verse 125 (skanda.3.48.125)

इतः परं प्रार्थनीयं मम नास्त्यधुनाधिकम् । मृकण्डुसुतसंतापहारि पादयुगं तव

itaḥ paraṁ prārthanīyaṁ mama nāsty adhunādhikam mṛkaṇḍusutasaṁtāpahāri pādayugaṁ tava

For me now there is nothing more to ask beyond this. Your pair of feet, which removed the anguish of Mrikandu's son (Markandeya),

Verse 126 (skanda.3.48.126)

दृष्टं मया महादेव नातः प्रार्थ्यं विभोस्ति वै । त्वत्पादपद्मयुगुले निश्चला भक्तिरस्तु मे

dṛṣṭaṁ mayā mahādeva nātaḥ prārthyaṁ vibhos ti vai tvatpādapadmayugule niścalā bhaktir astu me

O Mahadeva, I have seen; therefore, O Lord, there is nothing beyond this to ask for. Let my devotion to your pair of lotus feet be unwavering.

Verse 127 (skanda.3.48.127)

न पुनर्जन्म मे भूयान्मातॄणामुदरेऽशुचौ । ये मत्कृतमिदं स्तोत्रं कीर्तयंति तव प्रभो

na punarjanma me bhūyān mātṝṇām udare'śucau ye matkṛtam idaṁ stotraṁ kīrtayanti tava prabho

May I not be born again in the impure womb of mothers. O Lord, whoever chants this hymn composed by me for you,

Verse 128 (skanda.3.48.128)

ते नराः पापनिर्मुक्तास्त्वत्सेवाफलमाप्नुयुः

te narāḥ pāpanirmuktās tvatsevāphalam āpnuyuḥ

may those men, freed from sin, obtain the fruit of your service.

Verse 129 (skanda.3.48.129)

श्रीसूत उवाच । तथास्त्वित्यनुगृह्यैनं रामनाथो द्विजोत्तमाः । नीलकण्ठो विरूपाक्षो लिंगरूपे तिरोहितः

śrīsūta uvāca tathāstv ity anugṛhyainaṁ rāmanātho dvijottamāḥ nīlakaṇṭho virūpākṣo liṅgarūpe tirohitaḥ

Shri Suta said: O best of brahmins, saying 'so be it,' having graced him, Ramanatha, the blue-throated, wide-eyed one, vanished back into the form of the linga.

Verse 130 (skanda.3.48.130)

राजापि रामनाथेन विहितानुग्रहस्ततः । रामनाथं नमस्कृत्य कृतार्थेनांतरात्मना

rājāpi rāmanāthena vihitānugrahas tataḥ rāmanāthaṁ namaskṛtya kṛtārthenāntarātmanā

The king too, thus graced by Ramanatha, having bowed to Ramanatha, with a fulfilled inner self,

Verse 131 (skanda.3.48.131)

स सेनासंवृतः प्रीतः प्रययावात्मनः पुरीम् । वृत्तांतमेतमवदन्मुनीनां वनवासिनाम्

sa senāsaṁvṛtaḥ prītaḥ prayayāv ātmanaḥ purīm vṛttāntam etam avadan munīnāṁ vanavāsinām

surrounded by his army, joyfully departed for his own city. He told this whole account to the forest-dwelling sages.

Verse 132 (skanda.3.48.132)

तेभ्यषिंचन्नृपं राज्ये मुनयः प्रीतमानसाः । पुत्रदारयुतो राजा प्राप्य राज्यमकण्टकम्

tebhyo'ṣiñcan nṛpaṁ rājye munayaḥ prītamānasāḥ putradārayuto rājā prāpya rājyam akaṇṭakam

The delighted sages then anointed the king again upon his throne. The king, together with his sons and wife, having obtained his kingdom free of thorns,

Verse 133 (skanda.3.48.133)

मंत्रिभिः सहितो विप्रा ररक्ष पृथिवीं चिरम् । ततोंतकाले संप्राप्ते ध्यायन्रामेश्वरं शिवम्

mantribhiḥ sahito viprā rarakṣa pṛthivīṁ ciram tato'ntakāle samprāpte dhyāyan rāmeśvaraṁ śivam

O brahmins, together with his ministers, protected the earth for a long time. Then, when his final hour came, meditating on Shiva Rameshvara,

Verse 134 (skanda.3.48.134)

देहांते रामनाथस्य सायुज्यं प्रययौ शुभम् । एवं वः कथितं विप्रा रामनाथस्य वैभवम्

dehānte rāmanāthasya sāyujyaṁ prayayau śubham evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprā rāmanāthasya vaibhavam

at the end of his body, he attained the blessed union with Ramanatha. O brahmins, thus have I told you the majesty of Ramanatha,

Verse 135 (skanda.3.48.135)

चरितं पुण्यमाख्यानं शंकराख्य नृपस्य च । शृण्वन्पठन्वा मनुजस्त्विममध्यायमादरात्

caritaṁ puṇyam ākhyānaṁ śaṅkarākhya nṛpasya ca śṛṇvan paṭhan vā manujas tvam adhyāyam ādarāt

and the sacred account of the king named Shankara as well. Whatever man hears or reads this chapter with reverence,

Verse 136 (skanda.3.48.136)

सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो रामनाथं समश्नुते

sarvapāpavinirmukto rāmanāthaṁ samaśnute

freed from all sins, attains Ramanatha.