The Story of King Punyanidhi and the Glory of Setumadhava

Verse 1 (skanda.3.50.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच । अथातः संप्रवक्ष्यामि सेतुमाधववैभवम् । शृणुध्वं मुनयो भक्त्या पुण्यं पापहरं परम्

śrīsūta uvāca athātaḥ sampravakṣyāmi setumādhavavaibhavam śṛṇudhvaṁ munayo bhaktyā puṇyaṁ pāpaharaṁ param

Shri Suta said: Now I shall proclaim the majesty of Setumadhava. O sages, listen with devotion — it is supremely sacred, a destroyer of sin.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.50.2)

पुरा पुण्यनिधिर्नाम राजा सोमकुलोद्भवः । मधुरां पालयामास हालास्येश्वरभूषिताम्

purā puṇyanidhir nāma rājā somakulodbhavaḥ madhurāṁ pālayāmāsa hālāsyeśvarabhūṣitām

Long ago there was a king named Punyanidhi, born of the lunar dynasty. He governed the city of Madurai, adorned by the Lord of Halasya (Shiva).

Verse 3 (skanda.3.50.3)

कदाचित्स महीपालश्चतुरंगबलान्वितः । सांऽतःपुरपरीवारो मधुरायां निजं सुतम्

kadācit sa mahīpālaś caturaṅgabalānvitaḥ sāntaḥpuraparīvāro madhurāyāṁ nijaṁ sutam

Once that king, together with his fourfold army, together with his household of the inner apartments, having installed in Madurai his own son,

Verse 4 (skanda.3.50.4)

स्थापयित्वा रामसेतुं प्रययौ स्नानकौतुकी । तत्र गत्वा धनुष्कोटौ स्नात्वा संकल्पपूर्वकम्

sthāpayitvā rāmasetuṁ prayayau snānakautukī tatra gatvā dhanuṣkoṭau snātvā saṅkalpapūrvakam

eager to bathe, set out for Ramasetu. Going there, having bathed at Dhanushkoti with due resolve,

Verse 5 (skanda.3.50.5)

अन्येष्वपि च तीर्थेषु तत्रत्येषु नृपोत्तमः । सस्नौ रामेश्वरं देवं सिषेवे च सभक्तिकम्

anyeṣv api ca tīrtheṣu tatratyeṣu nṛpottamaḥ sasnau rāmeśvaraṁ devaṁ siṣeve ca sabhaktikam

that excellent king bathed also in the other tirthas of that place, and served the god Rameshvara with devotion.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.50.6)

एवं स बहुकालं वै तत्रैव न्यवसत्सुखम् । रामसेतौ वसन्पुण्ये गन्धमादनपर्वते

evaṁ sa bahukālaṁ vai tatraiva nyavasat sukham rāmasetau vasan puṇye gandhamādanaparvate

Thus he dwelt there happily for a long time, residing at Ramasetu on the sacred Mount Gandhamadana.

Verse 7 (skanda.3.50.7)

विष्णुप्रीतिकरं यज्ञं कदाचिदकरोन्नृपः । यज्ञावसाने राजासौ मुदावभृथकौतुकी

viṣṇuprītikaraṁ yajñaṁ kadācid akaron nṛpaḥ yajñāvasāne rājāsau mudāvabhṛthakautukī

Once the king performed a sacrifice pleasing to Vishnu. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, that king, delighted, eager for the concluding bath,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.50.8)

सस्नौ रामधनुष्कोटौ सदारः सपरिच्छदः । सेवित्वा रामनाथं च स वेश्म प्रययौ द्विजाः

sasnau rāmadhanuṣkoṭau sadāraḥ saparicchadaḥ sevitvā rāmanāthaṁ ca sa veśma prayayau dvijāḥ

bathed at Rama's Dhanushkoti, together with his wife and retinue. O brahmins, having served Ramanatha, he returned to his own residence.

Verse 9 (skanda.3.50.9)

एवं निवसमानेऽस्मिन्राज्ञि पुण्यनिधौ तदा । कदाचिद्धरिणा लक्ष्मीर्विनोदकलहाकुला

evaṁ nivasamāne'smin rājñi puṇyanidhau tadā kadācid dhariṇā lakṣmīr vinodakalahākulā

Thus, while King Punyanidhi dwelt there, once Lakshmi, with Hari, became engaged in a playful quarrel.

Verse 10 (skanda.3.50.10)

हरिणा समयं कृत्वा नृपभक्तिं परीक्षितुम् । विष्णुना प्रेषिता लक्ष्मीर्वैकुंठात्कमलालया

hariṇā samayaṁ kṛtvā nṛpabhaktiṁ parīkṣitum viṣṇunā preṣitā lakṣmīr vaikuṇṭhāt kamalālayā

Having made an agreement with Hari, sent by Vishnu to test the king's devotion, Lakshmi, dweller of the lotus, from Vaikuntha,

Verse 11 (skanda.3.50.11)

अष्टवर्षवयोरूपा प्रययौ गंधमादने । तत्रागत्य धनुष्कोटौ तस्थौ सा कमलालया

aṣṭavarṣavayorūpā prayayau gandhamādane tatrāgatya dhanuṣkoṭau tasthau sā kamalālayā

in the form of an eight-year-old girl, journeyed to Gandhamadana. Arriving there, that dweller of the lotus remained at Dhanushkoti.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.50.12)

तस्मिन्नवसरे राजा ययौ गुणनिधिर्द्विजाः । स्नातुं रामधनुष्कोटौ सदारः सहसैनिकः

tasminn avasare rājā yayau guṇanidhir dvijāḥ snātuṁ rāmadhanuṣkoṭau sadāraḥ sahasainikaḥ

O brahmins, at that very time, King Gunanidhi (Punyanidhi) went, together with his wife and soldiers, to bathe at Rama's Dhanushkoti.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.50.13)

तत्र गत्वा स राजाऽयं स्नात्वा नियमपूर्वकम् । तुलापुरुषमुख्यानि कृत्वा दानानि कृत्स्नशः

tatra gatvā sa rājā'yaṁ snātvā niyamapūrvakam tulāpuruṣamukhyāni kṛtvā dānāni kṛtsnaśaḥ

Going there, that king, having bathed according to due observance, performed the great gifts beginning with Tulapurusha, all of them.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.50.14)

प्रयातुकामो भवनं कन्यां कांचिद्ददर्श सः । अतीवरूपसंपन्नामष्टवर्षां शुचिस्मिताम्

prayātukāmo bhavanaṁ kanyāṁ kāñcid dadarśa saḥ atīvarūpasampannām aṣṭavarṣāṁ śucismitām

Wishing to return to his palace, he saw a certain maiden, exceedingly beautiful, eight years of age, of pure smile.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.50.15)

दृष्ट्वा नृपस्तां पप्रच्छ कन्यां चारुविलोचनाम् । चारुस्मितां चारुदतीं बिंबोष्ठीं तनुमध्यमाम्

dṛṣṭvā nṛpas tāṁ papraccha kanyāṁ cāruvilocanām cārusmitāṁ cārudatīṁ bimboṣṭhīṁ tanumadhyamām

Seeing that maiden of lovely eyes, lovely smile, lovely teeth, bimba-red lips, and slender waist, the king asked.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.50.16)

पुण्यनिधिरुवाच । का त्वं कन्ये सुता कस्य कुतो वा त्वमिहागता । अत्रागमेन किं कार्यं तव वत्से शुचिस्मिते

puṇyanidhir uvāca kā tvaṁ kanye sutā kasya kuto vā tvam ihāgatā atrāgamena kiṁ kāryaṁ tava vatse śucismite

Punyanidhi said: O maiden, who are you, whose daughter, and from where have you come here? O child, O pure-smiling one, what is your purpose in coming here?

Verse 17 (skanda.3.50.17)

एवं नृपस्तां पप्रच्छ कन्यामुत्पललोच नाम् । एवं पृष्टा तदा कन्या नृपं तमवदद्विजाः

evaṁ nṛpas tāṁ papraccha kanyām utpalalocanām evaṁ pṛṣṭā tadā kanyā nṛpaṁ tam avadad dvijāḥ

Thus the king asked that lotus-eyed maiden. O brahmins, thus questioned, that maiden said to the king.

Verse 18 (skanda.3.50.18)

न मे माता पिता नास्ति न च मे बांधवास्तथा । अनाथाहं महाराज भविष्यामि च ते सुता

na me mātā pitā nāsti na ca me bāndhavās tathā anāthāhaṁ mahārāja bhaviṣyāmi ca te sutā

I have neither mother nor father, nor any kinsmen. O great king, I am an orphan, and I shall become your daughter.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.50.19)

त्वद्गृहेऽहं निवत्स्यामि तात त्वां पश्यतीसदा । हठात्कृष्यति यो वा मां ग्रहीष्यति करेण तम्

tvadgṛhe'haṁ nivatsyāmi tāta tvāṁ paśyatī sadā haṭhāt kṛṣyati yo vā māṁ grahīṣyati kareṇa tam

O father, I shall dwell in your home, ever beholding you. Whoever should forcibly drag me or seize me by the hand,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.50.20)

यदि शासिष्यसे भूप तदाहं तव मंदिरे । वत्स्यामि ते सुता भूत्वा पितर्गुणनिधे चिरम्

yadi śāsiṣyase bhūpa tadāhaṁ tava mandire vatsyāmi te sutā bhūtvā pitar guṇanidhe ciram

if you, O king, would punish him — then, O father Gunanidhi, I shall dwell long in your palace, having become your daughter.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.50.21)

एवमुक्तस्तदा प्राह कन्यां गुणनिधिर्नृपः । अहं सर्वं करिष्यामि त्वदुक्तं कन्यके शुभे

evam uktas tadā prāha kanyāṁ guṇanidhir nṛpaḥ ahaṁ sarvaṁ kariṣyāmi tvaduktaṁ kanyake śubhe

Thus addressed, King Gunanidhi said to the maiden: O auspicious maiden, I shall do all that you have said.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.50.22)

ममापि दुहिता नास्ति पुत्रोऽस्त्येकः कुलोद्वहः । तव यस्मिन्रुचिर्भद्रे त्वां तस्मै प्रददाम्यहम्

mamāpi duhitā nāsti putro'sty eko kulodvahaḥ tava yasmin rucir bhadre tvāṁ tasmai pradadāmy aham

I too have no daughter, only one son, the sustainer of my lineage. O gracious one, to whomever your heart inclines, I shall give you to him.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.50.23)

आगच्छ मद्गृहं कन्ये मम चांतःपुरे वस । मद्भार्यायाः सुता भूत्वा यथाकाममनिंदिते

āgaccha madgṛhaṁ kanye mama cāntaḥpure vasa madbhāryāyāḥ sutā bhūtvā yathākāmam aninditе

Come to my home, O maiden, and dwell in my inner apartments. O faultless one, having become the daughter of my wife, live as you please.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.50.24)

इत्युक्ता सा नृपेणाथ कन्या कमललोचना । तथा स्त्विति नृपं प्रोच्य तेन साकं ययौ गृहम्

ityuktā sā nṛpeṇātha kanyā kamalalocanā tathāstv iti nṛpaṁ procya tena sākaṁ yayau gṛham

Thus addressed by the king, that lotus-eyed maiden, saying to the king, 'so be it,' went together with him to his home.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.50.25)

राजा स्वभार्याहस्ते तां प्रददौ कन्यकां शुभाम् । अब्रवीच्च स्वकां भार्यां राजा विन्ध्यावलिं तदा

rājā svabhāryāhaste tāṁ pradadau kanyakāṁ śubhām abravīc ca svakāṁ bhāryāṁ rājā vindhyāvaliṁ tadā

The king placed that auspicious maiden into his wife's hands. Then the king said to his own wife, Vindhyavali.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.50.26)

आवयोः कन्यका चेयं राज्ञि विंध्यावले शुभे । रक्षेमां सर्वथा त्वं वै पुरुषांतरतः प्रिये

āvayoḥ kanyakā ceyaṁ rājñi vindhyāvale śubhe rakṣemāṁ sarvathā tvaṁ vai puruṣāntarataḥ priye

O Queen Vindhyavali, O auspicious one, this is our daughter now. O beloved, protect her always from any other man.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.50.27)

इतीरिता नृपेणासौ भार्या विंध्या वलिस्तदा । ओमित्युक्त्वाथ तां कन्यां पुत्रीं जग्राह पाणिना

itīritā nṛpeṇāsau bhāryā vindhyāvalis tadā om ity uktvātha tāṁ kanyāṁ putrīṁ jagrāha pāṇinā

Thus told by the king, his wife Vindhyavali, saying 'so be it,' took that maiden as her daughter by the hand.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.50.28)

पोषिता पालिता राज्ञा सुतवत्कन्यका च सा । न्यवात्सीत्सुसुखं राज्ञो भवने लालिता सदा

poṣitā pālitā rājñā sutavat kanyakā ca sā nyavātsīt susukhaṁ rājño bhavane lālitā sadā

That maiden, nourished and reared by the king as his own daughter, dwelt happily, ever cherished, in the king's palace.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.50.29)

अथ विष्णुर्जगन्नाथो लक्ष्मीमन्वेष्टुमादरात् । आरूढविनतानन्दो वैकुंठान्निर्ययौ द्विजाः

atha viṣṇur jagannātho lakṣmīm anveṣṭum ādarāt ārūḍhavinatānando vaikuṇṭhān niryayau dvijāḥ

Then Vishnu, Lord of the world, seeking Lakshmi with earnest care, mounted upon the delight of Vinata (Garuda), O brahmins, set out from Vaikuntha.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.50.30)

विनिर्गत्य स वैकुंठा द्विलंघितवियत्पथः । बभ्राम च बहून्देशाल्लँक्ष्मीं तत्र न दृष्टवान्

vinirgatya sa vaikuṇṭhād vilaṅghitaviyatpathaḥ babhrāma ca bahūn deśāl lakṣmīṁ tatra na dṛṣṭavān

Having departed from Vaikuntha, traversing the sky-path, he wandered through many lands, but did not see Lakshmi there.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.50.31)

रामसेतुमथागच्छद्गंधमादनपर्वते । अन्विष्य सर्वतो रामसेतुं बभ्राम चेंदि राम्

rāmasetum athāgacchad gandhamādanaparvate aniṣya sarvato rāmasetuṁ babhrāma cendirām

Then he came to Ramasetu on Mount Gandhamadana. Searching everywhere at Ramasetu, he wandered about, seeking Indira.

Verse 32 (skanda.3.50.32)

एतस्मिन्नेव काले सा पुष्पावचयकौतुकात् । सखीभिः कन्यकायासीद्भवनोद्यानपादपान्

etasminn eva kāle sā puṣpāvacayakautukāt sakhībhiḥ kanyakāyāsīd bhavanodyānapādapān

At that very time, eager to gather flowers, that maiden, together with her friends, went among the trees of the palace garden.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.50.33)

पुष्पाण्यवचिनोति स्म सखीभिः सह कानने । तत्रागत्य ततो विष्णुर्विप्ररूपधरो द्विजाः

puṣpāṇy avacinoti sma sakhībhiḥ saha kānane tatrāgatya tato viṣṇur vipra rūpadharo dvijāḥ

She began gathering flowers in the grove with her friends. O brahmins, then Vishnu, disguised as a brahmin, arrived there.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.50.34)

गंगांभो विदधत्स्कंधे वहञ्छत्रं करंण च । गंगास्नायिद्विजस्येव रचयन्वेषमात्मनः

gaṅgāmbho vidadhat skandhe vahañ chatraṁ karaṇa ca gaṅgāsnāyidvijasyeva racayan veṣam ātmanaḥ

bearing Ganga water upon his shoulder, carrying an umbrella in hand, fashioning his own guise like a brahmin who has bathed in the Ganga,

Verse 35 (skanda.3.50.35)

धारयन्दक्षिणे पाणौ कुशाग्रंथिपवित्रकम् । भस्मोद्धूलितसर्वांगस्त्रिपुण्ड्रावलिशोभितः

dhārayan dakṣiṇe pāṇau kuśāgranthipavitrakam bhasmoddhūlitasarvāṅgas tripuṇḍrāvaliśobhitaḥ

holding in his right hand a ring of knotted kusha grass, his whole body smeared with ash, adorned with the lines of the tripundra,

Verse 36 (skanda.3.50.36)

प्रजपञ्छिवनामानि धृतरुद्राक्ष मालिकः । सोत्तरीयः शुचिर्विप्राः समायातो जनार्दनः

prajapañ śivanāmāni dhṛtarudrākṣamālikaḥ sottarīyaḥ śucir viprāḥ samāyāto janārdanaḥ

reciting the names of Shiva, wearing a rudraksha rosary, with an upper garment — O brahmins, pure Janardana arrived there.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.50.37)

तमागतं द्विजं दृष्ट्वा स्तब्धाऽतिष्ठत कन्यका । अपश्यदष्टवर्षां तां वल्लभां पुष्प हारिणीम्

tam āgataṁ dvijaṁ dṛṣṭvā stabdhātiṣṭhata kanyakā apaśyad aṣṭavarṣāṁ tāṁ vallabhāṁ puṣpahāriṇīm

Seeing that brahmin who had arrived, the maiden stood transfixed. He beheld that eight-year-old, beloved, flower-gathering maiden.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.50.38)

दृष्ट्वा स त्वरया विप्रः कन्यां मधुरभाषिणीम् । हठात्कृत्य करेणासौ जग्राह गरुडध्वजः

dṛṣṭvā sa tvarayā vipraḥ kanyāṁ madhurabhāṣiṇīm haṭhāt kṛtya kareṇāsau jagrāha garuḍadhvajaḥ

Seeing that sweetly-speaking maiden, that brahmin-formed, Garuda-bannered one, at once, forcibly seized her by the hand.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.50.39)

तदा चुक्रोश सा कन्या सखीभिः सह कानने । तमाक्रोशं समाकर्ण्य राजा स तु समागतः

tadā cukrośa sā kanyā sakhībhiḥ saha kānane tam ākrośaṁ samākarṇya rājā sa tu samāgataḥ

Then that maiden, together with her friends, cried out in the grove. Hearing that cry, the king came there.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.50.40)

प्रययौ भवनोद्यानं वृतः कतिपयैर्भटैः । गत्वा पप्रच्छ तां कन्यां तत्सखीरपि भूपतिः

prayayau bhavanodyānaṁ vṛtaḥ katipayair bhaṭaiḥ gatvā papraccha tāṁ kanyāṁ tatsakhīr api bhūpatiḥ

Surrounded by a few soldiers, the king went to the palace garden. Going there, the king asked that maiden and her friends.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.50.41)

किमर्थमधुना क्रुष्टं सखीभिः सह कन्यके । त्वया तु भवनोद्याने तत्र कारणमुच्यताम्

kimartham adhunā kruṣṭaṁ sakhībhiḥ saha kanyake tvayā tu bhavanodyāne tatra kāraṇam ucyatām

O maiden, why did you, together with your friends, cry out just now in the palace garden? Tell me the reason for it.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.50.42)

केन त्वं परिभूतासि हठात्कृष्य सुते मम । इति पृष्टा तमाचष्ट कन्या गुणनिधिं नृपम् । बाष्पपूर्णानना खिन्ना रुषिता भृशकातरा

kena tvaṁ paribhūtāsi haṭhāt kṛṣya sute mama iti pṛṣṭā tam ācaṣṭa kanyā guṇanidhiṁ nṛpam bāṣpapūrṇānanā khinnā ruṣitā bhṛśakātarā

O daughter, who has molested you by forcibly dragging you?' Thus questioned, that maiden, her face full of tears, distressed, angry, greatly troubled, told King Gunanidhi.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.50.43)

कन्योवाच । अयं विप्रो हठात्कृत्य जगृहे पांड्यनाथ माम्

kanyovāca ayaṁ vipro haṭhāt kṛtya jagṛhe pāṇḍyanātha mām

The maiden said: O lord of the Pandyas, this brahmin forcibly seized me.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.50.44)

तातात्र वृक्षमूलेऽसौ स तिष्ठत्यकुतोभयः । तदाकर्ण्य वचस्तस्या राजा गुणनिधिः सुधीः

tātātra vṛkṣamūle'sau sa tiṣṭhaty akutobhayaḥ tad ākarṇya vacas tasyā rājā guṇanidhiḥ sudhīḥ

O father, here he stands, fearless, at the foot of the tree. Hearing her words, the wise King Gunanidhi,

Verse 45 (skanda.3.50.45)

जग्राह तरसा विप्रमविद्वांस्तद्बलं हठात् । रामनाथालयं नीत्वा निगृह्य च हठात्तदा

jagrāha tarasā vipram avidvāṁs tadbalaṁ haṭhāt rāmanāthālayaṁ nītvā nigṛhya ca haṭhāt tadā

not knowing his power, at once forcibly seized that brahmin, and, taking him to Ramanatha's temple, forcibly restraining him,

Verse 46 (skanda.3.50.46)

बद्ध्वा निगडपाशाभ्या मानयन्मंडपं च तम् । आत्मपुत्रीं समाश्वास्य शुद्धांतमनयन्नृपः

baddhvā nigaḍapāśābhyām ānayan maṇḍapaṁ ca tam ātmaputrīṁ samāśvāsya śuddhāntam anayan nṛpaḥ

having bound him with fetters and cords, brought him to the pavilion. Having comforted his own daughter, the king sent her into the inner apartments.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.50.47)

स्वयं च प्रययौ रम्यं भवनं नृपपुंगवः । ततो रात्रौ स्वपन्राजा स्वप्ने विप्रं ददर्श तम्

svayaṁ ca prayayau ramyaṁ bhavanaṁ nṛpapuṅgavaḥ tato rātrau svapan rājā svapne vipraṁ dadarśa tam

and that foremost of kings himself went to his own delightful palace. Then, at night, as the king slept, he beheld that brahmin in a dream,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.50.48)

शंखचक्रगदापद्मवनमालाविभूषितम् । कौस्तुभालंकृतोरस्कं पीतांबरधरं हरिम्

śaṅkhacakragadāpadmavanamālāvibhūṣitam kaustubhālaṅkṛtoraskaṁ pītāmbaradharaṁ harim

adorned with conch, discus, mace, and lotus, and a forest garland, his chest adorned with the Kaustubha jewel, clad in yellow garments — Hari,

Verse 49 (skanda.3.50.49)

कालमेघच्छविं कांतं गरुडोपरि संस्थितम् । चारुस्मितं चारुदंतं लसन्मकरकुण्डलम्

kālameghacchaviṁ kāntaṁ garuḍopari saṁsthitam cārusmitaṁ cārudantaṁ lasanmakarakuṇḍalam

dark as a rain-cloud, beautiful, seated upon Garuda, of lovely smile, lovely teeth, gleaming crocodile-shaped earrings,

Verse 50 (skanda.3.50.50)

विष्वक्सेनप्रभृतिभिः किंकरैरुपसेवितम् । शेषपर्यंकशयनं नारदादि मुनिस्तुतम्

viṣvaksenaprabhṛtibhiḥ kiṅkarair upasevitam śeṣaparyaṅkaśayanaṁ nāradādimunistutam

attended by servants headed by Vishvaksena, reclining upon the couch of Shesha, praised by sages beginning with Narada,

Verse 51 (skanda.3.50.51)

ददर्श च स्वकां कन्यां विकासिकमलस्थिताम् । धृतपंकजहस्तां तां नीलकुञ्चितमूर्धजाम्

dadarśa ca svakāṁ kanyāṁ vikāsikamalasthitām dhṛtapaṅkajahastāṁ tāṁ nīlakuñcitamūrdhajām

and he also beheld his own daughter, seated upon a blooming lotus, holding a lotus in her hand, her hair dark and curling.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.50.52)

विष्णुवक्षस्थल्रावासां समुन्नतपयोधराम् । दिग्गजैरभिषिक्तांगीं श्यामां पीतांबरावृताम्

viṣṇuvakṣasthalāvāsāṁ samunnatapayodharām diggajair abhiṣiktāṅgīṁ śyāmāṁ pītāmbarāvṛtām

dwelling in Vishnu's breast, her bosom full, her limbs anointed by the elephants of the directions, dark-hued, clad in yellow garments,

Verse 53 (skanda.3.50.53)

स्वर्णपंकजसंक्लृप्तमालालंकृतमूर्धजाम् । दिव्याभरणशोभाढ्यां चारुहा रविभूषिताम्

svarṇapaṅkajasaṅkḷptamālālaṅkṛtamūrdhajām divyābharaṇaśobhāḍhyāṁ cāruhāravibhūṣitām

her hair adorned with a garland made of golden lotuses, richly adorned with divine ornaments, decked with a beautiful necklace,

Verse 54 (skanda.3.50.54)

अनर्घरत्नसंक्लृप्तनासाभरणशोभिताम् । सुवर्णनिष्काभरणां कांचीनूपुरराजिताम्

anargharatnasaṅkḷptanāsābharaṇaśobhitām suvarṇaniṣkābharaṇāṁ kāñcīnūpurarājitām

resplendent with a nose-ornament fashioned of priceless jewels, wearing golden necklaces, radiant with a girdle and anklets,

Verse 55 (skanda.3.50.55)

महालक्ष्मीं ददर्शासौ राजा रात्रौ स्वकां सुताम् । एवं दृष्ट्वा नृपः स्वप्ने विप्रं तं स्वसुतामपि

mahālakṣmīṁ dadarśāsau rājā rātrau svakāṁ sutām evaṁ dṛṣṭvā nṛpaḥ svapne vipraṁ taṁ svasutām api

that king, in the night, beheld his own daughter as Mahalakshmi. Having thus seen in his dream that brahmin and his own daughter,

Verse 56 (skanda.3.50.56)

उत्थितः सहसा तल्पात्कन्यागृहमवाप च । तथैव दृष्टवान्कन्यां यथा स्वप्ने ददर्श ताम्

utthitaḥ sahasā talpāt kanyāgṛham avāpa ca tathaiva dṛṣṭavān kanyāṁ yathā svapne dadarśa tām

he rose at once from his bed and went to the maiden's chamber. He beheld the maiden exactly as he had seen her in the dream.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.50.57)

अथोदिते सवितरि कन्यामादाय भूमिपः । रामनाथालयं प्राप ब्राह्मणं न्यस्तवान्यतः

athodite savitari kanyām ādāya bhūmipaḥ rāmanāthālayaṁ prāpa brāhmaṇaṁ nyastavān yataḥ

Then, when the sun had risen, the king, taking the maiden, went to the temple of Ramanatha, where he had confined the brahmin.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.50.58)

स मंडपवरे विप्रं ददर्श हरिरूपिणम् । यथा ददर्श स्वप्ने तं वनमालादिचिह्नितम् । विष्णुं विज्ञाय तुष्टाव नृपतिर्हरिमीश्वरम्

sa maṇḍapavare vipraṁ dadarśa harirūpiṇam yathā dadarśa svapne taṁ vanamālādicihnitam viṣṇuṁ vijñāya tuṣṭāva nṛpatir harim īśvaram

In that excellent pavilion he beheld the brahmin in the form of Hari, marked with the forest garland and the other signs, just as he had seen in his dream. Recognizing Vishnu, the king praised Hari, the Lord.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.50.59)

पुण्यनिधिरुवाच । नमस्ते कमलाकांत प्रसीद गरुडध्वज

puṇyanidhir uvāca namaste kamalākānta prasīda garuḍadhvaja

Punyanidhi said: Salutation to you, beloved of Kamala. Be gracious, O Garuda-bannered one.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.50.60)

शार्ङ्गपाणे नमस्तुभ्यमपराधं क्षमस्व मे । नमस्ते पुण्डरीकाक्ष चक्रपाणे श्रियःपते

śārṅgapāṇe namas tubhyam aparādhaṁ kṣamasva me namaste puṇḍarīkākṣa cakrapāṇe śriyaḥpate

Salutation to you, bearer of the Sharnga bow; forgive my offense. Salutation to you, lotus-eyed, discus-bearer, lord of Shri.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.50.61)

कौस्तुभालंकृतांकाय नमः श्रीवत्सलक्ष्मणे । नमस्ते ब्रह्मपुत्राय दैत्यसंघविदारिणे

kaustubhālaṅkṛtāṅkāya namaḥ śrīvatsalakṣmaṇe namaste brahmaputrāya daityasaṅghavidāriṇe

Salutation to you, your breast adorned with the Kaustubha, marked with Shrivatsa. Salutation to you, son of Brahma, render of the hosts of daityas.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.50.62)

अशेषभुवनावासनाभिपंकजशालिने । मधुकैटभसंहर्त्रे रावणांतकराय ते

aśeṣabhuvanāvāsanābhipaṅkajaśāline madhukaiṭabhasaṁhartre rāvaṇāntakarāya te

Whose navel-lotus is the very abode of all the worlds, destroyer of Madhu and Kaitabha, ender of Ravana —

Verse 63 (skanda.3.50.63)

प्रह्रादरक्षिणे तुभ्यं धरित्रीपतये नमः । निर्गुणायाप्रमेयाय विष्णवे बुद्धिसाक्षिणे

prahrādarakṣiṇe tubhyaṁ dharitrīpataye namaḥ nirguṇāyāprameyāya viṣṇave buddhisākṣiṇe

protector of Prahlada, lord of the earth, salutation to you. Salutation to Vishnu, without attributes, immeasurable, witness of the intellect.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.50.64)

नमस्ते श्रीनिवासाय जग द्धात्रे परात्मने। नारायणाय देवाय कृष्णाय मधुविद्विषे

namaste śrīnivāsāya jagaddhātre parātmane nārāyaṇāya devāya kṛṣṇāya madhuvidviṣe

Salutation to you, abode of Shri, sustainer of the world, the Supreme Self. Salutation to Narayana, the God, Krishna, foe of Madhu.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.50.65)

नमः पंकजनाभाय नमः पंकजचक्षुषे। नमः पंकजहस्तायाः पतये पंकजांघ्रये

namaḥ paṅkajanābhāya namaḥ paṅkajacakṣuṣe namaḥ paṅkajahastāyāḥ pataye paṅkajāṅghraye

Salutation to the lotus-naveled one, salutation to the lotus-eyed one. Salutation to the lord of her whose hand holds a lotus, the lotus-footed one.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.50.66)

भूयोभूयो जगन्नाथ नमः पंकजमालिने । दयामूर्त्ते नमस्तुभ्यमपराधं क्षमस्व मे

bhūyo bhūyo jagannātha namaḥ paṅkajamāline dayāmūrte namas tubhyam aparādhaṁ kṣamasva me

O Lord of the world, again and again salutation to the lotus-garlanded one. O embodiment of compassion, salutation to you; forgive my offense.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.50.67)

मया निगडपाशाभ्यां यः कृतो मधुसूदन । अनयस्त्वत्स्वरूपमविदित्वा कृतः प्रभो

mayā nigaḍapāśābhyāṁ yaḥ kṛto madhusūdana anayas tvatsvarūpam aviditvā kṛtaḥ prabho

O Madhusudana, the wrong I committed with fetters and cords was done, O Lord, without knowing your true form.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.50.68)

अतो मदपराधोऽयं क्षंतव्यो मधुसूदन । एवं स्तुत्वा महाविष्णुं राजा पुण्यनिधिर्द्विजाः

ato madaparādho'yaṁ kṣantavyo madhusūdana evaṁ stutvā mahāviṣṇuṁ rājā puṇyanidhir dvijāḥ

Therefore, O Madhusudana, this offense of mine deserves to be forgiven. O brahmins, having thus praised the great Vishnu, King Punyanidhi,

Verse 69 (skanda.3.50.69)

लक्ष्मीं तुष्टाव जननीं सर्वेषां प्राणिनां मुदा । नमो देवि जगद्धात्रि विष्णुवक्षस्थलालये

lakṣmīṁ tuṣṭāva jananīṁ sarveṣāṁ prāṇinām mudā namo devi jagaddhātri viṣṇuvakṣasthalālaye

joyfully praised Lakshmi too, the mother of all beings: Salutation to you, O goddess, sustainer of the world, dweller in Vishnu's breast.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.50.70)

नमोब्धिसंभवे तुभ्यं महालक्ष्मि हरिप्रिये । सिद्ध्यै पुष्ट्यै स्वधायै च स्वाहायै सततं नमः

namobdhisambhave tubhyaṁ mahālakṣmi haripriye siddhyai puṣṭyai svadhāyai ca svāhāyai satataṁ namaḥ

Salutation to you, Mahalakshmi, born of the ocean, beloved of Hari. Ever salutation to Siddhi, to Pushti, to Svadha, and to Svaha.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.50.71)

संध्यायै च प्रभायै च धात्र्यै भूत्यै नमोनमः । श्रद्धायै चैव मेधायै सरस्वत्यै नमोनमः

sandhyāyai ca prabhāyai ca dhātryai bhūtyai namo namaḥ śraddhāyai caiva medhāyai sarasvatyai namo namaḥ

Salutation, salutation to Sandhya, to Prabha, to Dhatri, to Bhuti. Salutation, salutation to Shraddha, to Medha, to Sarasvati.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.50.72)

यज्ञविद्ये महाविद्ये गुह्यविद्येतिशोभने । आत्मविद्ये च देवेशि मुक्तिदे सर्वदेहिनाम्

yajñavidye mahāvidye guhyavidyeti śobhane ātmavidye ca deveśi muktide sarvadehinām

O knowledge of sacrifice, O great knowledge, O secret knowledge, O beautiful one, O knowledge of the Self, O queen of the gods, O giver of liberation to all embodied beings!

Verse 73 (skanda.3.50.73)

त्रयीरूपे जगन्मातर्जगद्रक्षाविधायिनि । रक्ष मां त्वं कृपादृष्ट्या सृष्टिस्थित्यंतकारिणि

trayīrūpe jaganmātar jagadrakṣāvidhāyini rakṣa māṁ tvaṁ kṛpādṛṣṭyā sṛṣṭisthityantakāriṇi

O embodiment of the three Vedas, O mother of the world, O protector of the world, O cause of the world's creation, preservation, and dissolution, protect me with your compassionate glance.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.50.74)

भूयोभूयो नमस्तुभ्यं ब्रह्ममात्रे महेश्वरि । इति स्तुत्वा महालक्ष्मीं प्रार्थयामास माधवम्

bhūyo bhūyo namas tubhyaṁ brahmamātre maheśvari iti stutvā mahālakṣmīṁ prārthayāmāsa mādhavam

Again and again salutation to you, O great goddess, the very essence of Brahman. Having thus praised Mahalakshmi, he then made his entreaty to Madhava.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.50.75)

यदज्ञानान्मया विष्णो त्वयि दोषः कृतोऽधुना । पादे निगडबंधेन स द्रोहः क्षम्यतां त्वया

yad ajñānān mayā viṣṇo tvayi doṣaḥ kṛto'dhunā pāde nigaḍabandhena sa drohaḥ kṣamyatāṁ tvayā

O Vishnu, the fault I have now committed against you out of ignorance, the offense of binding fetters upon your feet — may you forgive it.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.50.76)

लोकास्ते शिशवः सर्वे त्वं पिता जगतां हरे। सुताऽपराधः पितृभिः क्षंतव्यो मधुसूदन

lokās te śiśavaḥ sarve tvaṁ pitā jagatāṁ hare sutāparādhaḥ pitṛbhiḥ kṣantavyo madhusūdana

All the worlds are your children, O Hari; you are the father of the worlds. O Madhusudana, fathers must forgive the offenses of their sons.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.50.77)

अपराधिनां च दैत्यानां स्वरूपमपि दत्तवान् । भवान्विष्णो ममापीममपराधं क्षमस्व वै

aparādhināṁ ca daityānāṁ svarūpam api dattavān bhavān viṣṇo mamāpīmam aparādhaṁ kṣamasva vai

You have even granted your own nature to offending daityas. O Vishnu, forgive this offense of mine as well.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.50.78)

जिघांसयापि भगवन्नागतां पूतनां पुरा । अनयस्त्वत्पदांभोजं तन्मां रक्ष कृपानिधे । लक्ष्मीकांत कृपादृष्टिं मयि पातय केशव

jighāṁsayāpi bhagavann āgatāṁ pūtanāṁ purā anayas tvatpadāmbhojaṁ tan māṁ rakṣa kṛpānidhe lakṣmīkānta kṛpādṛṣṭiṁ mayi pātaya keśava

O Lord, even Putana, who came long ago with murderous intent, you led to your own lotus feet. So, O treasury of compassion, protect me. O beloved of Lakshmi, O Keshava, cast your compassionate glance upon me.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.50.79)

श्रीसूत उवाच । इति संप्रार्थितो विष्णु राज्ञा तेन द्विजोत्तमाः । प्राह गंभीरया वाचा नृपं पुण्यनिधिं ततः

śrīsūta uvāca iti samprārthito viṣṇu rājñā tena dvijottamāḥ prāha gambhīrayā vācā nṛpaṁ puṇyanidhiṁ tataḥ

Shri Suta said: O best of brahmins, thus entreated by that king, Vishnu, with a deep voice, then said to King Punyanidhi.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.50.80)

विष्णुरुवाच । राजन्न भीस्त्वया कार्या मद्बंधननिमित्तजा

viṣṇur uvāca rājan na bhīs tvayā kāryā madbandhananimittajā

Vishnu said: O king, you need have no fear arising from my having been bound.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.50.81)

भक्तवश्यत्वमधुना तव प्रतिहितं मया । मम प्रीतिकरं यज्ञमकरोद्यद्भवानिह

bhaktavaśyatvam adhunā tava pratihitaṁ mayā mama prītikaraṁ yajñam akarod yad bhavān iha

I have just now shown you my subjection to devotees. Because you performed here a sacrifice pleasing to me,

Verse 82 (skanda.3.50.82)

अतस्त्वं मम भक्तोसि राजन्पुण्यनिधेऽधुना । तेनाहं तव वश्योऽस्मि भक्तिपाशेन यंत्रितः

atas tvaṁ mama bhakto'si rājan puṇyanidhe'dhunā tenāhaṁ tava vaśyo'smi bhaktipāśena yantritaḥ

therefore, O King Punyanidhi, you are now my devotee. By that very devotion, bound by its bond, I am subject to you.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.50.83)

भक्तापराधं सततं क्षमाम्यहमरिं दम । त्वद्भक्तिं ज्ञातुकामेन मया संप्रेरिता त्वियम्

bhaktāparādhaṁ satataṁ kṣamāmy aham ariṁdama tvadbhaktiṁ jñātukāmena mayā sampreritā tv iyam

O tamer of enemies, I ever forgive the offense of devotees. Desiring to know your devotion, it was I who sent her here.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.50.84)

लक्ष्मीर्मम प्रिया राजंस्त्वयासंरक्षिताऽधुना । तेनाहं तव तुष्टोऽस्मि मत्स्वरूपा त्वियं सदा

lakṣmīr mama priyā rājaṁs tvayāsaṁrakṣitādhunā tenāhaṁ tava tuṣṭo'smi matsvarūpā tv iyaṁ sadā

O king, you have now well protected my beloved Lakshmi. By this I am pleased with you; she is ever my own very form.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.50.85)

अस्यां यो भक्तिमांल्लोके स मद्भक्तोऽभिधीयते । अस्यां यो विमुखो राजन्स मद्द्वेषी स्मृतः सदा

asyāṁ yo bhaktimāṁl loke sa madbhakto'bhidhīyate asyāṁ yo vimukho rājan sa madveṣī smṛtaḥ sadā

Whoever in this world has devotion to her is called my devotee. O king, whoever turns away from her is ever known as my adversary.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.50.86)

त्वमिमां भक्तिसं युक्तो यस्मात्पूजितवानसि । मत्पूजापि कृता तस्मान्मदभिन्ना त्वियं यतः

tvam imāṁ bhaktisaṁyukto yasmāt pūjitavān asi matpūjāpi kṛtā tasmān madabhinnā tv iyaṁ yataḥ

Because you, filled with devotion, have worshipped her, you have thereby worshipped me too, since she is not different from me.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.50.87)

अतस्त्वया नापराधः कृतो मयि नरेश्वर । किं तु पूजैव विहिता तां त्वयार्चयता मम

atas tvayā nāparādhaḥ kṛto mayi nareśvara kiṁ tu pūjaiva vihitā tāṁ tvayārcayatā mama

Therefore, O lord of men, you have committed no offense against me. Rather, in worshipping her, you have performed my own worship.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.50.88)

त्वया मद्भार्यया साकं संकेतोऽकारि यत्पुरा । तत्संकेताभिगुत्यर्थं मां यद्बंधितवानसि

tvayā madbhāryayā sākaṁ saṅketo'kāri yat purā tatsaṅketābhiguptyarthaṁ māṁ yad bandhitavān asi

The vow that was made long ago together with my wife — it was in fulfillment of that very vow that you bound me.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.50.89)

तेन प्रीतोस्मि ते राजँल्लक्ष्मीः संरक्षिताऽधुना । मत्स्वरूपा च सा लक्ष्मीर्जगन्माता त्रयीमयी

tena prītosmi te rājaḻ lakṣmīḥ saṁrakṣitādhunā matsvarūpā ca sā lakṣmīr jaganmātā trayīmayī

By this, O king, I am pleased with you; Lakshmi is now protected. That Lakshmi is my very own form, mother of the world, embodying the three Vedas.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.50.90)

तद्रक्षां कुर्वता भूप त्वया यद्बंधनं मम । तत्प्रियं मम राजेंद्र मा भयं क्रियतां त्वया

tadrakṣāṁ kurvatā bhūpa tvayā yad bandhanaṁ mama tat priyaṁ mama rājendra mā bhayaṁ kriyatāṁ tvayā

O king, in protecting her, this binding of me that you have done is dear to me. O king of kings, have no fear.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.50.91)

इयं लक्ष्मीस्तव सुता सत्यमेव न संशयः । इतीरितेऽथ हरिणा लक्ष्मीः प्रोवाच भूपतिम्

iyaṁ lakṣmīs tava sutā satyam eva na saṁśayaḥ itīrite'tha hariṇā lakṣmīḥ provāca bhūpatim

This Lakshmi is truly your daughter — there is no doubt.' Thus spoken by Hari, Lakshmi then said to the king.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.50.92)

लक्ष्मीरुवाच । राजन्प्रीतास्मि ते चाहं रक्षिता यद्गृहे त्वया । त्वद्भक्तिशोधनार्थं वा अहं विष्णुरुभावपि

lakṣmīr uvāca rājan prītāsmi te cāhaṁ rakṣitā yad gṛhe tvayā tvadbhaktiśodhanārthaṁ vā ahaṁ viṣṇur ubhāv api

Lakshmi said: O king, I am pleased that you protected me in your own home. In order to test your devotion, both Vishnu and I,

Verse 93 (skanda.3.50.93)

विनोद कलहव्याजादागताविह भूपते । तव योगेन भक्त्या च तुष्टावावां परंतप

vinodakalahavyājād āgatāv iha bhūpate tava yogena bhaktyā ca tuṣṭāvāvāṁ parantapa

O king, came here under the pretext of a playful quarrel. O scorcher of foes, we two are pleased by your devotion and merit.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.50.94)

आवयोः कृपया राजन्सुखं ते भवतात्सदा । सर्वभूमंडलैश्वर्यं सदा ते भवतु ध्रुवम्

āvayoḥ kṛpayā rājan sukhaṁ te bhavatāt sadā sarvabhūmaṇḍalaiśvaryaṁ sadā te bhavatu dhruvam

O king, by our grace, may happiness be yours always. May sovereignty over the whole earth certainly be yours always.

Verse 95 (skanda.3.50.95)

आवयोः पादयुगले भक्तिर्भवतु ते ध्रुवा । देहांते मम सायुज्यं पुनरावृत्तिवर्जितम्

āvayoḥ pādayugale bhaktir bhavatu te dhruvā dehānte mama sāyujyaṁ punarāvṛttivarjitam

May your devotion to our pair of feet be steadfast. At the end of your body, may union with me, free of return, be yours.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.50.96)

नित्यं भवतु ते राजन्मा भूत्ते पापधीस्तथा । सदा धर्मे भव धीर्विष्णुभक्तियुता तव

nityaṁ bhavatu te rājan mā bhūt te pāpadhīs tathā sadā dharme bhava dhīr viṣṇubhaktiyutā tava

O king, may this be ever so, and may sinful thoughts never come to you. May your mind, joined with devotion to Vishnu, be ever steadfast in dharma.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.50.97)

एवमुक्त्वा नृपं लक्ष्मीर्विष्णोर्वक्षस्थलं ययौ । अथ विष्णुरुवाचेदं राजानं द्विज पुंगवाः

evam uktvā nṛpaṁ lakṣmīr viṣṇor vakṣasthalaṁ yayau atha viṣṇur uvācedaṁ rājānaṁ dvijapuṅgavāḥ

Having thus spoken to the king, Lakshmi merged back into Vishnu's breast. O foremost of brahmins, then Vishnu said this to the king.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.50.98)

यथा त्वयात्र बद्धोहं निगडेन नृपोतम । तद्रूपेणैव वत्स्यामि सेतुमाधवसंज्ञितः

yathā tvayātra baddho'haṁ nigaḍena nṛpottama tadrūpeṇaiva vatsyāmi setumādhavasaṁjñitaḥ

O excellent king, just as I was bound here by you with fetters, in that very form shall I dwell here, named Setumadhava.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.50.99)

मयैव कारितः सेतुस्तद्रक्षार्थमहं नृप । भूतराक्षससंघेभ्यो भयानामुपशांतये

mayaiva kāritaḥ setus tadrakṣārtham ahaṁ nṛpa bhūtarākṣasasaṅghebhyo bhayānām upaśāntaye

O king, this bridge was built by me myself; for its protection, and for the pacification of fears arising from hosts of bhutas and demons,

Verse 100 (skanda.3.50.100)

ब्रह्मापि सेतुरक्षार्थं वसत्यत्रदिवानिशम्। शंकरो रामनाथाख्यो नित्यं सेतौ वसत्यथ

brahmāpi seturakṣārthaṁ vasaty atra divāniśam śaṅkaro rāmanāthākhyo nityaṁ setau vasaty atha

Brahma too dwells here day and night for the protection of the bridge. Shankara too, named Ramanatha, ever dwells at the Setu.

Verse 101 (skanda.3.50.101)

इंद्रादिलोकपालाश्च वसंत्यत्रमुदान्विताः । अतोऽहमत्रवत्स्यामि सेतुमाधवसंज्ञया

indrādilokapālāś ca vasanty atra mudānvitāḥ ato'ham atra vatsyāmi setumādhavasaṁjñayā

Indra and the other guardians of the worlds too dwell here joyfully. Therefore I too shall dwell here, under the name Setumadhava,

Verse 102 (skanda.3.50.102)

सेतुसंरक्षणार्थं वै सर्वोपद्रवशांतये । सर्वेषामिष्टसिद्ध्यर्थं सर्वपापोपशांतये

setusaṁrakṣaṇārthaṁ vai sarvopadravaśāntaye sarveṣām iṣṭasiddhyarthaṁ sarvapāpopaśāntaye

for the protection of the bridge, for the pacification of all disturbances, for the fulfillment of everyone's desires, and for the pacification of all sins.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.50.103)

त्वया निगडबद्धं मां सेवते येऽत्र मानवाः । ते यांति मम सायुज्यं सर्वाभीष्टं तथा नृप

tvayā nigaḍabaddhaṁ māṁ sevate ye'tra mānavāḥ te yānti mama sāyujyaṁ sarvābhīṣṭaṁ tathā nṛpa

Those men who here serve me, bound with fetters by you, attain union with me, and, O king, likewise every desired thing.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.50.104)

मम लक्ष्म्यास्तव तथा चरितं ये पठंति वै। न ते यास्यंति दारिद्र्यं किं त्वैश्वर्यं व्रजंति ते

mama lakṣmyās tava tathā caritaṁ ye paṭhanti vai na te yāsyanti dāridryaṁ kiṁ tv aiśvaryaṁ vrajanti te

Whoever reads this account of mine and Lakshmi's, and of yours as well, does not go to poverty; rather, they attain prosperity.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.50.105)

त्वत्कृतं यदिदं स्तोत्रं मम लक्ष्म्या विशांपते । ये पठंति च शृण्वंति लिखंति च मुदान्विताः

tvatkṛtaṁ yad idaṁ stotraṁ mama lakṣmyā viśāṁpate ye paṭhanti ca śṛṇvanti likhanti ca mudānvitāḥ

O lord of men, this hymn to me and Lakshmi, composed by you — whoever joyfully reads, hears, or writes it,

Verse 106 (skanda.3.50.106)

न तेषां पुनरावृत्तिर्मम लोकात्कदाचन । इत्युक्त्वा स हरिस्तत्र नृपं पुण्यनिधिं तदा

na teṣāṁ punarāvṛttir mama lokāt kadācana ityuktvā sa haris tatra nṛpaṁ puṇyanidhiṁ tadā

for them there is never any return from my world.' Having said this, Hari then, there, King Punyanidhi—

Verse 107 (skanda.3.50.107)

तत्रैव पूर्णरूपेण संनि धत्ते स्म सर्वदा । नृपः पुण्यनिधिर्विप्राः सेतुमाधवरूपिणम्

tatraiva pūrṇarūpeṇa sannidhatte sma sarvadā nṛpaḥ puṇyanidhir viprāḥ setumādhavarūpiṇam

began to abide, in his full form, ever present in that very place. O brahmins, King Punyanidhi, to Vishnu in the form of Setumadhava,

Verse 108 (skanda.3.50.108)

विष्णुं प्रणम्य भक्त्या तु महापूजां विधाय च । सेवित्वा रामनाथं च स्वमेव भवनं ययौ

viṣṇuṁ praṇamya bhaktyā tu mahāpūjāṁ vidhāya ca sevitvā rāmanāthaṁ ca svam eva bhavanaṁ yayau

having bowed with devotion and performed great worship, and having served Ramanatha, returned to his own palace.

Verse 109 (skanda.3.50.109)

यावज्जीवमसौ तत्र सेतौ न्यवसदुत्तमे । मधुरायां निजं पुत्रं स्थापयामास पालकम्

yāvajjīvam asau tatra setau nyavasad uttame madhurāyāṁ nijaṁ putraṁ sthāpayāmāsa pālakam

For as long as he lived, he dwelt there at that excellent Setu. He established his own son as ruler in Madurai.

Verse 110 (skanda.3.50.110)

तत्रैव निवसन्राजा देहांते मुक्तिमाप्तवान् । विंध्यावलिश्च तत्पत्नी तमेवानुममार सा । पतिव्रता पतिप्राणा प्रययौ सापि सद्गतिम्

tatraiva nivasan rājā dehānte muktim āptavān vindhyāvaliś ca tatpatnī tam evānumamāra sā pativratā patiprāṇā prayayau sāpi sadgatim

Dwelling there, the king attained liberation at the end of his body. His wife Vindhyavali too followed him in death. That devoted wife, whose very life was her husband, likewise attained a blessed state.

Verse 111 (skanda.3.50.111)

श्रीसूत उवाच । येत्र भक्तियुता नित्यं सेवंते सेतुमाधवम्

śrīsūta uvāca yatra bhaktiyutā nityaṁ sevante setumādhavam

Shri Suta said: Those who here, filled with devotion, ever serve Setumadhava,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.50.112)

न तेषां पुनरावृत्तिः कैलासाज्जातु जायते । सेतुमाधवसेवा ये न कुर्वंत्यत्र मानवाः

na teṣāṁ punarāvṛttiḥ kailāsāj jātu jāyate setumādhavasevā ye na kurvanty atra mānavāḥ

for them there is never any return from Kailasa. Those men who do not perform service to Setumadhava here,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.50.113)

न तेषां रामनाथस्य सेवा फलवती भवेत् । गृहीत्वा सैकतं सेतोर्गंगायां निक्षिपेद्यदि

na teṣāṁ rāmanāthasya sevā phalavatī bhavet gṛhītvā saikataṁ setor gaṅgāyāṁ nikṣiped yadi

for them, service to Ramanatha too does not bear fruit. If one takes the sand of the Setu and casts it into the Ganga,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.50.114)

विभज्य माधवपुरे वैकुंठे स वसेन्नरः । गंगां जिगमिषुर्विप्राः सेतुमाधवसन्निधौ

vibhajya mādhavapure vaikuṇṭhe sa vasen naraḥ gaṅgāṁ jigamiṣur viprāḥ setumādhavasannidhau

that man dwells in Vaikuntha at Madhavapura. O brahmins, one wishing to go to the Ganga, in the presence of Setumadhava,

Verse 115 (skanda.3.50.115)

संकल्प्य गंगां निर्गच्छेत्सा यात्रा सफला भवेत्। आनीय गंगासलिलं रामेशमभि षिच्य च

saṅkalpya gaṅgāṁ nirgacchet sā yātrā saphalā bhavet ānīya gaṅgāsalilaṁ rāmeśam abhiṣicya ca

should make his resolve and set out for the Ganga; that pilgrimage shall be fruitful. Bringing the Ganga water and anointing Rameshvara with it,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.50.116)

सेतौ निक्षिप्य तद्भारं ब्रह्म प्राप्नोत्यसंशयः । इति वः कथितं विप्राः सेतुमाधववैभवम्

setau nikṣipya tadbhāraṁ brahma prāpnoty asaṁśayaḥ iti vaḥ kathitaṁ viprāḥ setumādhavavaibhavam

and casting its burden at the Setu, one undoubtedly attains Brahman. O brahmins, thus have I told you the majesty of Setumadhava.

Verse 117 (skanda.3.50.117)

एतत्पठन्वा शृण्वन्वा वैकुंठे लभते गतिम्

etat paṭhan vā śṛṇvan vā vaikuṇṭhe labhate gatim

By reading or hearing this, a man attains passage to Vaikuntha.