The Description of Righteous Conduct

Verse 1 (skanda.3.59.1)

व्यास उवाच । संप्राप्य धर्मवाप्यां च यः कुर्यात्पितृतर्पणम् । तृप्तिं प्रयांति पितरो यावदिंद्राश्चतुर्दश

vyāsa uvāca saṁprāpya dharmavāpyāṁ ca yaḥ kuryātpitṛtarpaṇam tṛptiṁ prayāṁti pitaro yāvadiṁdrāścaturdaśa

Vyasa said: One who, upon reaching the Dharma-vapi, performs the offering of water to the ancestors there satisfies those ancestors for as long as the reigns of fourteen Indras endure.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.59.2)

पितरश्चात्र पूज्याश्च स्वर्गता ये च पूर्वजाः । पिंडांश्च निर्वपेत्तेषां प्राप्येमां मुक्तिदायिकाम्

pitaraścātra pūjyāśca svargatā ye ca pūrvajāḥ piṁḍāṁśca nirvapetteṣāṁ prāpyemāṁ muktidāyikām

The ancestors, and the forefathers who have gone to heaven, are to be worshipped here; having reached this liberation-bestowing place, one should offer the rice-balls (pinda) to them.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.59.3)

त्रेतायां पंच दिवसैर्द्वापरे त्रिदिनेन तु । एकचित्तेन यो विप्राः पिंडं दद्यात्कलौ युगे

tretāyāṁ paṁca divasairdvāpare tridinena tu ekacittena yo viprāḥ piṁḍaṁ dadyātkalau yuge

What is gained in five days in the Treta age, and in three days in the Dvapara, that same fruit, O brahmins, is gained at once by one who, in the Kali age, offers the pinda with a single-pointed mind.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.59.4)

लोलुपा मानवा लोके संप्राप्ते तु कलौ युगे । परदाररता लोकाः स्त्रियोऽतिचपलाः पुनः

lolupā mānavā loke saṁprāpte tu kalau yuge paradāraratā lokāḥ striyo'ticapalāḥ punaḥ

When the Kali age arrives, men in the world become greedy; people become devoted to other men's wives, and women in turn grow extremely fickle.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.59.5)

परद्रोहरताः सर्वे नरनारीनपुंसकाः । परनिन्दापरा नित्यं परच्छिद्रोपदर्शकाः

paradroharatāḥ sarve naranārīnapuṁsakāḥ paranindāparā nityaṁ paracchidropadarśakāḥ

All of them — men, women, and eunuchs — become devoted to harming one another, ever bent on reviling others, forever pointing out others' faults.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.59.6)

परोद्वेगकरा नूनं कलहा मित्रभेदिनः । सर्वे ते शुद्धतां यांति काजेशाः स्वयमब्रुवन्

parodvegakarā nūnaṁ kalahā mitrabhedinaḥ sarve te śuddhatāṁ yāṁti kājeśāḥ svayamabruvan

Even those who trouble others, who are quarrelsome, who sow discord among friends — all of them attain purity here; this the Kajesha deities themselves have declared.

Verse 7 (skanda.3.59.7)

एतदुक्तं महाभाग धर्मारण्यस्य वर्णनम् । फलं चैवात्र सर्वं हि यदुक्तं शूलपाणिना

etaduktaṁ mahābhāga dharmāraṇyasya varṇanam phalaṁ caivātra sarvaṁ hi yaduktaṁ śūlapāṇinā

O illustrious one, thus has this account of Dharmaranya been told, together with all its fruit, exactly as declared by Shulapani, the wielder of the trident.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.59.8)

वाङ्मनः कायशुद्धाश्च परदारपराङ्मुखाः । अद्रोहाश्च समाः क्रुद्धा मातापितृपरायणाः

vāṅmanaḥ kāyaśuddhāśca paradāraparāṅmukhāḥ adrohāśca samāḥ kruddhā mātāpitṛparāyaṇāḥ

Pure in speech, mind, and body; turned away from other men's wives; free of malice; even-tempered though provoked to anger; devoted to mother and father —

Verse 9 (skanda.3.59.9)

अलौल्या लोभरहिता दानधर्मपरायणाः । आस्तिकाश्चैव धर्मज्ञाः स्वामिभक्तिरताश्च ये

alaulyā lobharahitā dānadharmaparāyaṇāḥ āstikāścaiva dharmajñāḥ svāmibhaktiratāśca ye

Free from craving and greed, devoted to charity and righteousness, faithful in belief, knowers of dharma, and devoted in service to their masters —

Verse 10 (skanda.3.59.10)

पतिव्रता तु या नारी पतिशुश्रूषणे रता । अहिंसका आतिथेयाः स्वधर्मनिरताः सदा

pativratā tu yā nārī patiśuśrūṣaṇe ratā ahiṁsakā ātitheyāḥ svadharmaniratāḥ sadā

And the woman who is a devoted wife (pativrata), intent upon serving her husband; those who are non-violent, hospitable to guests, ever devoted to their own dharma —

Verse 11 (skanda.3.59.11)

शौनक उवाच । शृणु सूत महाभाग सर्वधर्मविदांवर । गृहस्थानां सदाचारः श्रुतश्च त्वन्मुखान्मया

śaunaka uvāca śṛṇu sūta mahābhāga sarvadharmavidāṁvara gṛhasthānāṁ sadācāraḥ śrutaśca tvanmukhānmayā

Shaunaka said: Listen, O Suta, illustrious one, foremost among the knowers of all dharma. I have heard from your own mouth the right conduct of householders. O son of Suta, now tell me this one thing that my mind desires.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.59.12)

एकं मनेप्सितं मेद्य तत्कथयस्व सूतज । पतिव्रतानां सर्वासां लक्षणं कीदृशं वद

ekaṁ manepsitaṁ medya tatkathayasva sūtaja pativratānāṁ sarvāsāṁ lakṣaṇaṁ kīdṛśaṁ vada

Tell me — what are the distinguishing marks of all devoted wives (pativratas)?

Verse 13 (skanda.3.59.13)

सूत उवाच । पतिव्रता गृहे यस्य सफलं तस्य जीवनम् । यस्यांगच्छायया तुल्या यत्कथा पुण्यकारिणी

sūta uvāca pativratā gṛhe yasya saphalaṁ tasya jīvanam yasyāṁgacchāyayā tulyā yatkathā puṇyakāriṇī

Suta said: He in whose home there dwells a devoted wife — his life alone is fruitful; even the shadow of her body is auspicious, and her very story bestows merit.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.59.14)

पतिव्रतास्त्वरुंधत्या सावित्र्याप्यनसूयया । शांडिल्या चैव सत्या च लक्ष्म्या च शतरूपया

pativratāstvaruṁdhatyā sāvitryāpyanasūyayā śāṁḍilyā caiva satyā ca lakṣmyā ca śatarūpayā

Devoted wives are like unto Arundhati, Savitri, Anasuya, Shandili, Sati, Lakshmi, and Shatarupa —

Verse 15 (skanda.3.59.15)

मेनया च सुनीत्या च संज्ञया स्वाहया समाः । पतिव्रतानां धर्मा हि मुनिना च प्रकीर्तिताः

menayā ca sunītyā ca saṁjñayā svāhayā samāḥ pativratānāṁ dharmā hi muninā ca prakīrtitāḥ

And like Mena, Suniti, Sanjna, and Svaha — such are they. The duties of devoted wives have indeed been proclaimed by the sage.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.59.16)

भुंक्ते भुक्ते स्वामिनि च तिष्ठ ति त्वनुतिष्ठति । विनिद्रिते या निद्राति प्रथमं परिबुध्यति

bhuṁkte bhukte svāmini ca tiṣṭha ti tvanutiṣṭhati vinidrite yā nidrāti prathamaṁ paribudhyati

She eats only after her husband has eaten, stands only after he stands, and follows his lead in all things; she sleeps only once he has fallen asleep, and she is the first to awaken.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.59.17)

अनलंकृतमात्मानं देशांते भर्तरि स्थिते । कार्यार्थं प्रोषिते क्वापि सर्व्वमंड नवर्जिता

analaṁkṛtamātmānaṁ deśāṁte bhartari sthite kāryārthaṁ proṣite kvāpi sarvvamaṁḍa navarjitā

She keeps herself unadorned while her husband is away in a distant land; when he has gone off anywhere on business, she remains free of all ornament.

Verse 18 (skanda.3.59.18)

भर्तुर्नाम न गृह्णाति ह्यायुषोऽस्य हि वृद्धये । पुरुषांतरनामापि न गृह्णति कदाचन

bharturnāma na gṛhṇāti hyāyuṣo'sya hi vṛddhaye puruṣāṁtaranāmāpi na gṛhṇati kadācana

For the sake of the increase of his lifespan, she does not speak her husband's name aloud, nor does she ever utter the name of another man.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.59.19)

आकृष्टापि च नाक्रोशेत्ताडितापि प्रसीदति । इदं कुरु कृतं स्वामिन्मन्यतामिति वक्ति च

ākṛṣṭāpi ca nākrośettāḍitāpi prasīdati idaṁ kuru kṛtaṁ svāminmanyatāmiti vakti ca

Even if pulled about roughly, she does not curse; even if struck, she remains gentle, and says: "Do this, my lord — it is as good as done; may you be pleased."

Verse 20 (skanda.3.59.20)

आहूता गृहकार्याणि त्यक्त्वा गच्छति सत्वरम् । किमर्थं व्याहृता नाथ स प्रसादो विधीयताम्

āhūtā gṛhakāryāṇi tyaktvā gacchati satvaram kimarthaṁ vyāhṛtā nātha sa prasādo vidhīyatām

When called, she leaves her household tasks and comes at once, saying: "For what reason have I been called, my lord? Grant me that favour of your command."

Verse 21 (skanda.3.59.21)

न चिरं तिष्ठति द्वारि न द्वारमुपसेवते । अदातव्यं स्वयं किंचित्कर्हिचिन्न ददात्यपि

na ciraṁ tiṣṭhati dvāri na dvāramupasevate adātavyaṁ svayaṁ kiṁcitkarhicinna dadātyapi

She does not linger long at the doorway, nor does she frequent the door; nor does she ever, on her own initiative, give away anything that ought not to be given.

Verse 22 (skanda.3.59.22)

पूजोपकरणं सर्वम नुक्ता साधयेत्स्वयम् । नियमोदकबर्हींषि यत्र पुष्पाक्षतादिकम्

pūjopakaraṇaṁ sarvama nuktā sādhayetsvayam niyamodakabarhīṁṣi yatra puṣpākṣatādikam

Without being told, she herself prepares all the materials for worship — the water for the ritual observance, the sacred kusha grass, and, wherever needed, flowers, unbroken rice grains, and the like.

Verse 23 (skanda.3.59.23)

प्रतीक्षमाणा च वरं यथाकालोचितं हि यत् । तदुपस्थापयेत्सर्वमनुद्वि ग्नातिहृष्टवत्

pratīkṣamāṇā ca varaṁ yathākālocitaṁ hi yat tadupasthāpayetsarvamanudvi gnātihṛṣṭavat

Watching for the right moment, whatever is fitting to the occasion, she has it all ready and at hand, without any agitation, as if full of delight.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.59.24)

सेवते भर्त्तुरुच्छिष्टमिष्टमन्नं फलादिकम् । दूरतो वर्ज्जयेदेषा समाजोत्सवदर्शनम्

sevate bhartturucchiṣṭamiṣṭamannaṁ phalādikam dūrato varjjayedeṣā samājotsavadarśanam

She partakes of her husband's leftover food, of the choice grains and fruits; and she keeps far away from the sight of public gatherings and festive crowds.

Verse 25 (skanda.3.59.25)

न गच्छेत्तीर्थयात्रादिविवाहप्रेक्षणा दिषु । सुखसुप्तं सुखासीनं रममाणं यदृच्छया

na gacchettīrthayātrādivivāhaprekṣaṇā diṣu sukhasuptaṁ sukhāsīnaṁ ramamāṇaṁ yadṛcchayā

She does not go off to pilgrimages, weddings, or spectacles; nor does she disturb her husband when he is happily asleep, comfortably seated, or engaged at his own pleasure.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.59.26)

अंतरायेऽपि कार्येषु पतिं नोत्थापयेत्क्वचित् । स्त्रीधर्मिणी त्रिरात्रं तु स्वमुखं नैव दर्शयेत्

aṁtarāye'pi kāryeṣu patiṁ notthāpayetkvacit strīdharmiṇī trirātraṁ tu svamukhaṁ naiva darśayet

Even should some pressing matter arise, she never rouses her husband from rest; and during her monthly courses, for three nights, she does not so much as show her face.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.59.27)

स्ववाक्यं श्रावयेन्नापि यावत्स्नात्वा न शुध्यति । सुस्नाता भर्तृवदनमीक्षेतान्यस्य न क्वचित् । अथवा मनसि ध्यात्वा पतिं भानुं विलोकयेत्

svavākyaṁ śrāvayennāpi yāvatsnātvā na śudhyati susnātā bhartṛvadanamīkṣetānyasya na kvacit athavā manasi dhyātvā patiṁ bhānuṁ vilokayet

Until she has bathed and become pure, she does not even let her voice be heard by others; once properly bathed, she looks upon no other man's face at all — or, holding her husband in her mind, she gazes instead upon the sun.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.59.28)

हरिद्रां कुकुमं चैव सिंदूरं कज्जलं तथा । कूर्पासकं च तांबूलं मांगल्याभरणं शुभम्

haridrāṁ kukumaṁ caiva siṁdūraṁ kajjalaṁ tathā kūrpāsakaṁ ca tāṁbūlaṁ māṁgalyābharaṇaṁ śubham

Turmeric, kumkum, vermilion, and collyrium; the bodice, betel leaf, and the auspicious marks and ornaments of marriage —

Verse 29 (skanda.3.59.29)

केशसंस्कारकं चैव करकर्णादिभूषणम् । भर्तुरायुष्यमिच्छंती दूरयेन्न पतिव्रता

keśasaṁskārakaṁ caiva karakarṇādibhūṣaṇam bharturāyuṣyamicchaṁtī dūrayenna pativratā

And the dressing of her hair, the ornaments for hands, ears, and the rest — desiring her husband's long life, the devoted wife never sets these aside.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.59.30)

भर्तृविद्वेषिणीं नारीं नैषा संभाषते क्वचित् । नैकाकिनी क्वचिद्भूयान्न नग्ना स्नाति च क्वचित्

bhartṛvidveṣiṇīṁ nārīṁ naiṣā saṁbhāṣate kvacit naikākinī kvacidbhūyānna nagnā snāti ca kvacit

She never converses with a woman who bears hatred toward her husband; she is never anywhere alone, nor does she ever bathe unclothed.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.59.31)

नोलूखले न मुशले न वर्द्धन्यां दृषद्यपि । न यंत्रके न देहल्यां सती चोपविशेत्क्वचित्

nolūkhale na muśale na varddhanyāṁ dṛṣadyapi na yaṁtrake na dehalyāṁ satī copaviśetkvacit

The virtuous wife never sits upon a mortar, a pestle, a grindstone, or even a millstone; nor upon a press, nor upon the threshold.

Verse 32 (skanda.3.59.32)

विना व्यवायसमयात्प्रागल्भ्यं न क्वचिच्चरेत । यत्रयत्र रुचिर्भर्तुस्तत्र प्रेमवती सदा

vinā vyavāyasamayātprāgalbhyaṁ na kvaciccareta yatrayatra rucirbhartustatra premavatī sadā

Except at the proper time for union, she never behaves with forwardness; and wherever her husband's inclination lies, there she is ever full of love.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.59.33)

इदमेव व्रतं स्त्रीणामयमेव परो वृषः । इयमेव च पूजा च भर्तुर्वाक्यं न लंघयेत्

idameva vrataṁ strīṇāmayameva paro vṛṣaḥ iyameva ca pūjā ca bharturvākyaṁ na laṁghayet

This alone is the vow of women, this alone the highest virtue; this alone is true worship — never to transgress her husband's word.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.59.34)

क्लीबं वा दुरवस्थं वा व्याधितं वृद्धमेव वा । सुस्थिरं दुःस्थिरं वापि पतिमेकं न लंघयेत्

klībaṁ vā duravasthaṁ vā vyādhitaṁ vṛddhameva vā susthiraṁ duḥsthiraṁ vāpi patimekaṁ na laṁghayet

Whether he be impotent, or in miserable circumstance, or sick, or aged; whether steady in fortune or unsteady — she should never slight her one husband.

Verse 35 (skanda.3.59.35)

सर्पिर्लव(?)णहिंग्वादिक्षयेऽपि व पति व्रता । पतिं नास्तीति न ब्रूयादायसीषु न भोजयेत्

sarpirlava(?)ṇahiṁgvādikṣaye'pi va pati vratā patiṁ nāstīti na brūyādāyasīṣu na bhojayet

Even should there be a shortage of ghee, salt(?), asafoetida, and the like, the devoted wife must never tell her husband "there is none," nor ever serve his food in iron vessels.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.59.36)

तीर्थस्नानार्थिनी चैव पतिपादोदकं पिबेत् । शंकरादपि वा विष्णोः पतिरेवाधि कः स्त्रियः

tīrthasnānārthinī caiva patipādodakaṁ pibet śaṁkarādapi vā viṣṇoḥ patirevādhi kaḥ striyaḥ

A woman who longs for the merit of bathing at a sacred place should instead drink the water that has washed her husband's feet; for to a woman, the husband stands higher even than Shankara or Vishnu.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.59.37)

व्रतोपवामनियमं पतिमुल्लंघ्य या चरेत् । आयुष्यं हरते भर्तुर्मृता निरयमृच्छति

vratopavāmaniyamaṁ patimullaṁghya yā caret āyuṣyaṁ harate bharturmṛtā nirayamṛcchati

She who keeps vows, fasts, and observances by overriding her husband's wishes robs her husband of his lifespan, and upon death goes to hell.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.59.38)

उक्ता प्रत्युत्तरं दद्यान्नारी या क्रोधत त्परा । सरमा जायते ग्रामे शृगाली निर्जने वने

uktā pratyuttaraṁ dadyānnārī yā krodhata tparā saramā jāyate grāme śṛgālī nirjane vane

The woman who, when spoken to, answers back in anger, ever prone to wrath, is reborn as a bitch in the village, or as a jackal in the desolate forest.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.59.39)

स्त्रीणां हि परमश्चैको नियमः समुदाहृतः । अभ्यर्च्य चरणौ भतुर्भो क्तव्यं कृतनिश्चया

strīṇāṁ hi paramaścaiko niyamaḥ samudāhṛtaḥ abhyarcya caraṇau bhaturbho ktavyaṁ kṛtaniścayā

For women, one supreme rule alone has been declared: having first worshipped her husband's feet, she should then eat — let this be her fixed resolve.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.59.40)

उच्चासनं न सेवेत न व्रजेत्परवेश्मसु । तत्र पारुष्यवाक्यानि ब्रूयान्नैव कदाचन

uccāsanaṁ na seveta na vrajetparaveśmasu tatra pāruṣyavākyāni brūyānnaiva kadācana

She should not take a high seat for herself, nor visit another's house; and there she should never speak harsh words.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.59.41)

गुरूणां सन्निधौ वापि नोच्चैर्ब्रूयान्नवाहयेत्

gurūṇāṁ sannidhau vāpi noccairbrūyānnavāhayet

Nor, even in the presence of her elders, should she speak loudly or create any disturbance.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.59.42)

या भर्तारं परित्यज्य रहश्चरति दुर्मतिः । उलूकी जायते क्रूरा वृक्षकोटरशायिनी

yā bhartāraṁ parityajya rahaścarati durmatiḥ ulūkī jāyate krūrā vṛkṣakoṭaraśāyinī

The evil-minded woman who abandons her husband and wanders about in secret is born as a fierce she-owl, dwelling in the hollow of a tree.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.59.43)

ताडिता ताडयेच्चेत्तं सा व्याघ्री वृषदंशिका । कटाक्षयति याऽन्यं वै केकराक्षी तु सा भवेत्

tāḍitā tāḍayeccettaṁ sā vyāghrī vṛṣadaṁśikā kaṭākṣayati yā'nyaṁ vai kekarākṣī tu sā bhavet

If, when struck, she strikes back in return, she is reborn as a tigress or a shrew; and she who casts sidelong glances at another man is born squint-eyed.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.59.44)

या भर्तारं परित्यज्य मिष्टमश्नाति केवलम् । ग्रामे सा सूकरी भूयाद्वल्गुली वाथ विङ्भुजा

yā bhartāraṁ parityajya miṣṭamaśnāti kevalam grāme sā sūkarī bhūyādvalgulī vātha viṅbhujā

She who, disregarding her husband, eats sweets by herself alone, is reborn in the village as a sow, or as a bat, or as a dung-eating creature.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.59.45)

हुन्त्वंकृत्याप्रियं ब्रूते मूका सा जायते खलु । या सपत्नीं सदैर्ष्येत दुर्भगा सा पुनःपुनः । दृष्टिं विलुप्य भर्तुर्या कंचिदन्यं समीक्षते

huntvaṁkṛtyāpriyaṁ brūte mūkā sā jāyate khalu yā sapatnīṁ sadairṣyeta durbhagā sā punaḥpunaḥ dṛṣṭiṁ vilupya bharturyā kaṁcidanyaṁ samīkṣate

She who speaks harsh, insulting words is indeed reborn dumb; she who ever envies a co-wife becomes ill-fated again and again; and she who, evading her husband's gaze, looks upon some other man —

Verse 46 (skanda.3.59.46)

काणा च विमुखा वापि कुरूपापि च जायते । बाह्यादायांतमालोक्य त्वरिता च जलासनैः । तांबूलैर्व्यजनैश्चैव पादसंवाहनादिभिः

kāṇā ca vimukhā vāpi kurūpāpi ca jāyate bāhyādāyāṁtamālokya tvaritā ca jalāsanaiḥ tāṁbūlairvyajanaiścaiva pādasaṁvāhanādibhiḥ

— is born one-eyed, or repellent, or misshapen. But she who, seeing her husband arriving from outside, hastens at once with water, a seat, betel, a fan, and the massaging of his feet —

Verse 47 (skanda.3.59.47)

तथैव चारुवचनैः स्वेदसंनोदनैः परैः । या प्रियं प्रीणयेत्प्रीता त्रिलोकी प्रीणिता तया । मितं ददाति हि पिता मितं भ्राता सुतं सुतः

tathaiva cāruvacanaiḥ svedasaṁnodanaiḥ paraiḥ yā priyaṁ prīṇayetprītā trilokī prīṇitā tayā mitaṁ dadāti hi pitā mitaṁ bhrātā sutaṁ sutaḥ

— and, likewise, with sweet words and by wiping away his sweat and other such cares, gladdens her beloved husband with delight — by her, the three worlds themselves are made glad. A father gives only in measure, a brother gives only in measure, a son gives only in measure —

Verse 48 (skanda.3.59.48)

अमितस्य हि दातारं भर्तारं का न पूजयेत् । भर्ता देवो गुरुर्भर्ता धर्मतीर्थव्रतानि च । तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य पतिमेकं समर्चयेत्

amitasya hi dātāraṁ bhartāraṁ kā na pūjayet bhartā devo gururbhartā dharmatīrthavratāni ca tasmātsarvaṁ parityajya patimekaṁ samarcayet

— but the husband is the giver without limit; what woman would not worship him? The husband is her god, her guru, and he is her dharma, her pilgrimage, and her vow. Therefore, forsaking all else, she should worship her husband alone.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.59.49)

जीवहीनो यथा देही क्षणादशुचितां व्रजेत् । भर्तृहीना तथा योषित्सुस्नाताप्यशुचिः सदा

jīvahīno yathā dehī kṣaṇādaśucitāṁ vrajet bhartṛhīnā tathā yoṣitsusnātāpyaśuciḥ sadā

Just as a body, deprived of life, becomes impure in an instant, so too a woman deprived of her husband remains impure always, however well she may bathe.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.59.50)

अमंगलेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यो विधवा स्यादमंगला । विधवादर्शनात्सिद्धिः क्वापि जातु न जायते

amaṁgalebhyaḥ sarvebhyo vidhavā syādamaṁgalā vidhavādarśanātsiddhiḥ kvāpi jātu na jāyate

Of all inauspicious things, the widow is the most inauspicious; from the sight of a widow, success is never attained, anywhere or at any time.

Verse 51 (skanda.3.59.51)

विहाय मातरं चैकां सर्वा मंगलवर्जिताः । तदाशिषमपि प्राज्ञस्त्यजेदाशीविषोपमाम्

vihāya mātaraṁ caikāṁ sarvā maṁgalavarjitāḥ tadāśiṣamapi prājñastyajedāśīviṣopamām

Save for one's own mother, all widows are held devoid of auspiciousness; a wise man should shun even their blessing, as though it were the venom of a serpent.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.59.52)

कन्याविवाहसमये वाचयेयुरिति द्विजाः । भर्तुः सहचरी भूयाज्जीवतो ऽजीवतोपि वा

kanyāvivāhasamaye vācayeyuriti dvijāḥ bhartuḥ sahacarī bhūyājjīvato 'jīvatopi vā

At the time of a maiden's marriage, the brahmins should have her recite: "May I become my husband's companion, whether he be living or no more living."

Verse 53 (skanda.3.59.53)

अनुव्रजन्ती भर्तारं गृहात्पितृवनं मुदा । पदेपदेश्वमेधस्य फलं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयम्

anuvrajantī bhartāraṁ gṛhātpitṛvanaṁ mudā padepadeśvamedhasya phalaṁ prāpnotyasaṁśayam

The woman who joyfully follows her husband from the household to the ancestral forest [the cremation ground] gains, without doubt, the merit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice at every single step.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.59.54)

व्यालग्राही यथा व्यालं बलादुद्धरते बिलात् । एवमुत्क्रम्य दूतेभ्यः पतिं स्वर्गं व्रजेत्सती

vyālagrāhī yathā vyālaṁ balāduddharate bilāt evamutkramya dūtebhyaḥ patiṁ svargaṁ vrajetsatī

Just as a snake-charmer forcibly draws the serpent out from its hole, so the virtuous wife rises above the messengers of Yama and leads her husband up to heaven.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.59.55)

यमदूताः पलायंते तामालोक्य पतिव्रताम् । तपनस्तप्यते नूनं दहनोपि च दह्यते

yamadūtāḥ palāyaṁte tāmālokya pativratām tapanastapyate nūnaṁ dahanopi ca dahyate

At the sight of that devoted wife, the messengers of Yama flee; the very sun burns the hotter, and fire itself blazes more fiercely.

Verse 56 (skanda.3.59.56)

कंपंते सर्वतेजांसि दृष्ट्वा पातिव्रतं महः । यावत्स्वलोमसंख्यास्ति तावत्कोट्ययुतानि च

kaṁpaṁte sarvatejāṁsi dṛṣṭvā pātivrataṁ mahaḥ yāvatsvalomasaṁkhyāsti tāvatkoṭyayutāni ca

All the shining powers tremble at the sight of the splendour of her chastity; for as many hairs as are on her body, so many tens of millions of years' merit accrue to her.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.59.57)

भर्त्रा स्वर्गसुखं भुंक्ते रममाणा पतिव्रता । धन्या सा जननी लोके धन्योऽसौ जनकः पुनः

bhartrā svargasukhaṁ bhuṁkte ramamāṇā pativratā dhanyā sā jananī loke dhanyo'sau janakaḥ punaḥ

The devoted wife, dwelling joyfully with her husband, enjoys the very bliss of heaven; blessed is that mother in this world, and blessed too is that father.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.59.58)

धन्यः स च पतिः श्रीमान्येषां गेहे पतिव्रता । पितृवंश्या मातृवंश्याः पतिवंश्यास्त्रयस्त्रयः । पतिव्रतायाः पुण्येन स्वर्गसौख्यानि भुंजते

dhanyaḥ sa ca patiḥ śrīmānyeṣāṁ gehe pativratā pitṛvaṁśyā mātṛvaṁśyāḥ pativaṁśyāstrayastrayaḥ pativratāyāḥ puṇyena svargasaukhyāni bhuṁjate

Blessed is that glorious husband in whose home a devoted wife dwells. The father's lineage, the mother's lineage, and the husband's lineage — all three families enjoy the joys of heaven through the merit of a devoted wife.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.59.59)

शीलभंगेन दुर्वृत्ताः पातयंति कुलत्रयम् । पितुर्मातुस्तथा पत्युरिहारमुत्र च दुःखिताः

śīlabhaṁgena durvṛttāḥ pātayaṁti kulatrayam piturmātustathā patyurihāramutra ca duḥkhitāḥ

By the breaking of her chastity, a woman of evil conduct brings ruin upon the three lineages — of father, mother, and husband — and suffers grief both in this world and the next.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.59.60)

पतिव्रतायाश्चरणो यत्रयत्र स्पृशेद्भुवम् । सा तीर्थभूमिर्म्मान्येति नात्र भारोऽस्ति पावनः

pativratāyāścaraṇo yatrayatra spṛśedbhuvam sā tīrthabhūmirmmānyeti nātra bhāro'sti pāvanaḥ

Wherever the foot of a devoted wife touches the earth, that ground is honoured as a place of pilgrimage — there is no doubting its holiness.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.59.61)

बिभ्यत्पतिव्रतास्पर्शं कुरुते भानुमानपि । सोमो गन्धर्व एवापि स्वपावित्र्याय नान्यथा

bibhyatpativratāsparśaṁ kurute bhānumānapi somo gandharva evāpi svapāvitryāya nānyathā

Even the sun fears the touch of a devoted wife; the moon and the gandharvas likewise, for the sake of their own purity, never act otherwise.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.59.62)

आपः पतिव्रतास्पर्शमभिलष्यंति सर्वदा । गायत्र्याघविनाशो नो पातिव्रत्येन साऽघनुत्

āpaḥ pativratāsparśamabhilaṣyaṁti sarvadā gāyatryāghavināśo no pātivratyena sā'ghanut

The very waters ever long for the touch of a devoted wife; not even the Gayatri's power to destroy sin surpasses it — by chastity alone is sin destroyed.

Verse 63 (skanda.3.59.63)

गृहेगृहे न किं नार्य्यो रूपलावण्यगर्विताः । परं विश्वेशभक्त्यैव लभ्यते स्त्री पति व्रता

gṛhegṛhe na kiṁ nāryyo rūpalāvaṇyagarvitāḥ paraṁ viśveśabhaktyaiva labhyate strī pati vratā

Are there not, in every home, women proud of their beauty and charm? But it is only through devotion to the Lord of the universe that a truly devoted wife is obtained.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.59.64)

भार्या मूलं गृहस्थस्य भार्या मूलं सुखस्य च । भार्या धर्मफलायैव भार्या संतानवृद्धये

bhāryā mūlaṁ gṛhasthasya bhāryā mūlaṁ sukhasya ca bhāryā dharmaphalāyaiva bhāryā saṁtānavṛddhaye

The wife is the very root of the householder's life, the wife is the root of happiness; the wife exists for the fruit of dharma, and the wife for the increase of offspring.

Verse 65 (skanda.3.59.65)

परलोकस्त्वयं लोको जीयते भार्यया द्वयम् । देवपित्रतिथीनां च तृप्तिः स्याद्भार्यया गृहे । गृहस्थः स तु विज्ञेयो गृहे यस्य पतिव्रता

paralokastvayaṁ loko jīyate bhāryayā dvayam devapitratithīnāṁ ca tṛptiḥ syādbhāryayā gṛhe gṛhasthaḥ sa tu vijñeyo gṛhe yasya pativratā

Both this world and the next are won through the wife; through the wife in the household comes the satisfaction of gods, ancestors, and guests alike. He alone should be known as a true householder in whose home a devoted wife dwells.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.59.66)

यथा गंगावगाहेन शरीरं पावनं भवेत् । तथा पतिव्रतां दृष्ट्वा सदनं पावनं भवेत्

yathā gaṁgāvagāhena śarīraṁ pāvanaṁ bhavet tathā pativratāṁ dṛṣṭvā sadanaṁ pāvanaṁ bhavet

Just as the body is purified by immersion in the Ganga, so too the household is purified merely by the sight of a devoted wife.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.59.67)

पर्यंकशायिनी नारी विधवा पातयेत्पतिम् । तस्माद्भूशयनं कार्य्यं पतिसौख्यसमीहया

paryaṁkaśāyinī nārī vidhavā pātayetpatim tasmādbhūśayanaṁ kāryyaṁ patisaukhyasamīhayā

A widow who sleeps upon a bed brings about her husband's downfall; therefore, out of desire for her husband's well-being, she should sleep upon the bare ground.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.59.68)

नैवांगोद्वर्त्तनं कार्य्यं स्त्रिया विधवया क्वचित् । गन्धद्रव्यस्य संभोगो नैव कार्य्यस्तया क्वचित्

naivāṁgodvarttanaṁ kāryyaṁ striyā vidhavayā kvacit gandhadravyasya saṁbhogo naiva kāryyastayā kvacit

A widow should never anoint her limbs with unguents, nor should she ever indulge in the use of perfumes.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.59.69)

तर्प्पणं प्रत्यहं कार्यं भर्तुः कुशतिलोदकैः । तत्पितुस्तत्पितुश्चापि नामगोत्रादिपूर्वकम्

tarppaṇaṁ pratyahaṁ kāryaṁ bhartuḥ kuśatilodakaiḥ tatpitustatpituścāpi nāmagotrādipūrvakam

Every day she should perform the tarpana offering for her husband with kusha grass, sesame seeds, and water, and likewise for his father and grandfather, invoking their names and gotras.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.59.70)

विष्णोः संपूजनं कार्यं पतिबुद्ध्या न चान्यथा । पतिमेव सदा ध्यायेद्विष्णुरूपधरं हरिम्

viṣṇoḥ saṁpūjanaṁ kāryaṁ patibuddhyā na cānyathā patimeva sadā dhyāyedviṣṇurūpadharaṁ harim

The worship of Vishnu should be performed regarding him as her husband, and not otherwise; she should ever meditate upon her husband alone as Hari himself, bearing the form of Vishnu.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.59.71)

यद्यदिष्टतमं लोके यद्यत्पत्युः समीहितम् । तत्तद्गुणवते देयं पतिप्रीणनकाम्यया

yadyadiṣṭatamaṁ loke yadyatpatyuḥ samīhitam tattadguṇavate deyaṁ patiprīṇanakāmyayā

Whatever is most cherished in this world, whatever her husband desires, should all be given to the worthy, out of the wish to please her husband.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.59.72)

वैशाखे कार्त्तिके मासे विशेषनियमांश्चरेत् । स्नानं दानं तीर्थयात्रां पुराणश्रवणं मुहुः

vaiśākhe kārttike māse viśeṣaniyamāṁścaret snānaṁ dānaṁ tīrthayātrāṁ purāṇaśravaṇaṁ muhuḥ

In the months of Vaishakha and Kartika, she should observe special vows — bathing, charitable giving, pilgrimage, and the frequent hearing of the Puranas.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.59.73)

वैशाखे जलकुम्भाश्च कार्त्तिके घृतदीपिकाः । माघे धान्यतिलोत्सर्गः स्वर्गलोके विशिष्यते

vaiśākhe jalakumbhāśca kārttike ghṛtadīpikāḥ māghe dhānyatilotsargaḥ svargaloke viśiṣyate

In Vaishakha, jars of water; in Kartika, lamps of ghee; in Magha, the giving of grain and sesame — these are held in special esteem in the world of heaven.

Verse 74 (skanda.3.59.74)

प्रपा कार्या च वैशाखे देवे देया गलंतिका । उशीरं व्यजनं छत्रं सूक्ष्मवासांसि चंदनम्

prapā kāryā ca vaiśākhe deve deyā galaṁtikā uśīraṁ vyajanaṁ chatraṁ sūkṣmavāsāṁsi caṁdanam

In Vaishakha, a water-booth (prapa) should be set up, and a dripping water-vessel offered to the deity; also to be given: fragrant khus-root, a fan, an umbrella, fine garments, and sandalwood.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.59.75)

सकर्पूरं च तांबूलं पुष्पदानं तथैव च । जलपात्राण्यनेकानि तथा पुष्पगृहाणि च

sakarpūraṁ ca tāṁbūlaṁ puṣpadānaṁ tathaiva ca jalapātrāṇyanekāni tathā puṣpagṛhāṇi ca

Betel leaf with camphor, and the offering of flowers likewise; many vessels of water, and also bowers of flowers —

Verse 76 (skanda.3.59.76)

पानानि च विचित्राणि द्राक्षारंभाफलानि च । देयानि द्विजमुख्येभ्यः पतिर्मे प्रीयतामिति

pānāni ca vicitrāṇi drākṣāraṁbhāphalāni ca deyāni dvijamukhyebhyaḥ patirme prīyatāmiti

Various delightful drinks, grapes, plantains, and other fruits — all these should be given to the leading brahmins, with the prayer "may my husband be pleased."

Verse 77 (skanda.3.59.77)

ऊर्ज्जे यवान्नमश्नीयादेकान्नमथवा पुनः । वृन्ताकं सूरणं चैव शूकशिंबीं च वर्जयेत्

ūrjje yavānnamaśnīyādekānnamathavā punaḥ vṛntākaṁ sūraṇaṁ caiva śūkaśiṁbīṁ ca varjayet

In the month of Urja (Kartika), she should eat food of barley, or else take only a single kind of grain; she should avoid eggplant, yam, and pod-bearing legumes.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.59.78)

कार्त्तिके वर्जयेत्तैलं कांस्यं चापि विवर्जयेत् । कार्त्तिके मौननियमे चारुघण्टां प्रदापयेत्

kārttike varjayettailaṁ kāṁsyaṁ cāpi vivarjayet kārttike maunaniyame cārughaṇṭāṁ pradāpayet

In Kartika, she should give up oil, and likewise give up bronze vessels; observing the vow of silence in Kartika, she should have a beautiful bell donated.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.59.79)

पत्रभोजी कांस्यपात्रं घृतपूर्णं प्रयच्छति । भूमिशय्याव्रते देया शय्या श्लक्ष्णा सतूलिका

patrabhojī kāṁsyapātraṁ ghṛtapūrṇaṁ prayacchati bhūmiśayyāvrate deyā śayyā ślakṣṇā satūlikā

While eating from a leaf-plate, she should give away a bronze vessel filled with ghee; and while observing the vow of sleeping on the ground, a soft, cotton-padded bed should be given in charity.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.59.80)

फलत्यागे फलं देयं रसत्यागे च तद्रसः । धान्यत्यागे च तद्धान्यमथवा शालयः स्मृताः । धेनुं दद्यात्प्रयत्ने न सालंकारा सकांचनाम्

phalatyāge phalaṁ deyaṁ rasatyāge ca tadrasaḥ dhānyatyāge ca taddhānyamathavā śālayaḥ smṛtāḥ dhenuṁ dadyātprayatne na sālaṁkārā sakāṁcanām

When she renounces fruit, fruit should be given in charity; when she renounces a certain flavour, that same flavour should be given; when she renounces grain, that same grain, or rice, is prescribed. With diligence, she should give a cow adorned with ornaments and gold.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.59.81)

एकतः सर्वदानानि दीपदानं तथैकतः । कार्त्तिके दीपदानस्य कलां नार्हंति षोडशीम्

ekataḥ sarvadānāni dīpadānaṁ tathaikataḥ kārttike dīpadānasya kalāṁ nārhaṁti ṣoḍaśīm

On one side, all other gifts together; on the other, the single gift of a lamp — all of them combined do not equal even a sixteenth part of the merit of giving a lamp in the month of Kartika.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.59.82)

इत्यादिविधवानां च नियमाः संप्रकीर्तिताः । तेषां फलमिदं राजन्नान्येषां च कदाचन

ityādividhavānāṁ ca niyamāḥ saṁprakīrtitāḥ teṣāṁ phalamidaṁ rājannānyeṣāṁ ca kadācana

Thus have the observances for widows been declared; this fruit, O king, belongs to them alone, never to any others.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.59.83)

धर्मवापीं समासाद्य दानं दद्याद्विचक्षणः । कोटिधा वर्द्धते नित्यं ब्रह्मणो वचनं यथा

dharmavāpīṁ samāsādya dānaṁ dadyādvicakṣaṇaḥ koṭidhā varddhate nityaṁ brahmaṇo vacanaṁ yathā

The wise man, upon reaching the Dharma-vapi, should give gifts there; such merit ever multiplies ten-millionfold, as declared by the word of Brahma.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.59.84)

तिलधेनुं च यो दयाद्धर्मेश्वरपुरः स्थितः । तिलसंख्यानि वर्षाणि स्वर्गे लोके महीयते

tiladhenuṁ ca yo dayāddharmeśvarapuraḥ sthitaḥ tilasaṁkhyāni varṣāṇi svarge loke mahīyate

And he who, standing before Dharmeshvara, gives a cow fashioned of sesame seeds is glorified in the world of heaven for as many years as there are sesame seeds in it.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.59.85)

धर्मक्षेत्रे तु संप्राप्य श्राद्धं कुर्यादतंद्रितः । तस्य संवत्सरं यावत्तृप्ताः स्युः पितरो धुवम्

dharmakṣetre tu saṁprāpya śrāddhaṁ kuryādataṁdritaḥ tasya saṁvatsaraṁ yāvattṛptāḥ syuḥ pitaro dhuvam

Having reached the sacred field of Dharma, one should perform the shraddha rite without any laziness; by this, that person's ancestors, without doubt, remain satisfied for a full year.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.59.86)

ये चान्ये पूर्वजाः स्वर्गे ये चान्ये नरकौकसः । ये च तिर्यक्त्वमापन्ना ये च भूतादिसंस्थिताः

ye cānye pūrvajāḥ svarge ye cānye narakaukasaḥ ye ca tiryaktvamāpannā ye ca bhūtādisaṁsthitāḥ

And whatever other forefathers are in heaven, whatever others dwell in hell, whatever others have taken birth as animals, and whatever others exist among spirits and the like —

Verse 87 (skanda.3.59.87)

तान्सर्वान्धर्मकूपे वै श्राद्धं कुर्याद्यथाविधि । अत्र प्रकिरणं यत्तु मनुष्यैः क्रियते भुवि । तेन ते तृप्तिमायांति ये पिशाचत्वमागताः

tānsarvāndharmakūpe vai śrāddhaṁ kuryādyathāvidhi atra prakiraṇaṁ yattu manuṣyaiḥ kriyate bhuvi tena te tṛptimāyāṁti ye piśācatvamāgatāḥ

— for all of them, shraddha should be duly performed at the Dharma-well. Whatever is scattered here upon the ground by men — by that, those who have become pishachas (ghosts) attain their satisfaction.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.59.88)

येषां तु स्नानवस्त्रोत्थं भूमौ पतति पुत्रक । तेन ये तरुतां प्राप्तास्तेषां तृप्तिः प्रजायते

yeṣāṁ tu snānavastrotthaṁ bhūmau patati putraka tena ye tarutāṁ prāptāsteṣāṁ tṛptiḥ prajāyate

O son, whatever water falls to the ground from the wrung bathing-cloth — by that, satisfaction arises for those who have taken birth as trees.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.59.89)

या वै यवानां कणिकाः पतंति धरणीतले । ताभिराप्यायनं तेषां ये तु देवत्वमागताः

yā vai yavānāṁ kaṇikāḥ pataṁti dharaṇītale tābhirāpyāyanaṁ teṣāṁ ye tu devatvamāgatāḥ

And whatever grains of barley fall upon the ground — by these, nourishment comes to those who have attained divinity.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.59.90)

उद्धृतेष्यथ पिंडेषु यावान्नकणिका भुवि । ताभिराप्यायनं तेषां ये च पातालमागताः

uddhṛteṣyatha piṁḍeṣu yāvānnakaṇikā bhuvi tābhirāpyāyanaṁ teṣāṁ ye ca pātālamāgatāḥ

And when the pindas are lifted, whatever grains of rice fall to the ground — by these, nourishment comes to those who have gone down to Patala, the netherworld.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.59.91)

ये वा वर्णाश्रमाचारक्रियालोपा ह्यसंस्कृताः । विपन्नास्ते भवंत्यत्र संमार्जनजलाशिनः

ye vā varṇāśramācārakriyālopā hyasaṁskṛtāḥ vipannāste bhavaṁtyatra saṁmārjanajalāśinaḥ

And those who, by neglecting the observances proper to their varna and ashrama, remain without the sacraments — such ones, upon death, become here the drinkers of sweepings-water.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.59.92)

भुक्त्वा वाचमनं यच्च जलं पतति भूतले । ब्राह्मणानां तथैवान्ये तेन तृप्तिं प्रयांति वै

bhuktvā vācamanaṁ yacca jalaṁ patati bhūtale brāhmaṇānāṁ tathaivānye tena tṛptiṁ prayāṁti vai

And the water that falls to the ground when brahmins, after eating, rinse their mouths — by that too, others attain their satisfaction.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.59.93)

एवं यो यजमानश्च यच्च तेषां द्विजन्मनाम् । क्वचिज्जलान्नविक्षेपः शुचिरस्पृष्ट एव च

evaṁ yo yajamānaśca yacca teṣāṁ dvijanmanām kvacijjalānnavikṣepaḥ śuciraspṛṣṭa eva ca

Thus, whatever pure and untouched scattering of water and food is made anywhere, whether by the sacrificer or by the twice-born —

Verse 94 (skanda.3.59.94)

ये चान्ये नरके जातास्तत्र योन्यंतरं गताः । प्रयांत्याप्यायनं वत्स सम्यक्छ्राद्धक्रियावताम्

ye cānye narake jātāstatra yonyaṁtaraṁ gatāḥ prayāṁtyāpyāyanaṁ vatsa samyakchrāddhakriyāvatām

— O son, those others too who are born in hell, and those who have passed into other wombs, attain nourishment through the proper performance of the shraddha rite.

Verse 95 (skanda.3.59.95)

अन्यायोपार्जितैर्द्रव्यैः श्राद्धं यत्क्रियते नरैः । तृप्यंति तेन चण्डालपुल्कसादिषु योनिषु

anyāyopārjitairdravyaiḥ śrāddhaṁ yatkriyate naraiḥ tṛpyaṁti tena caṇḍālapulkasādiṣu yoniṣu

The shraddha that men perform with wealth wrongfully acquired — by that, only those born in the low wombs of chandalas, pulkasas, and the like are satisfied.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.59.96)

एवमाप्यायिता वत्स तेन चानेक बांधवाः । श्राद्धं कर्तुमशक्तिश्चेच्छाकैरपि हि जायते

evamāpyāyitā vatsa tena cāneka bāṁdhavāḥ śrāddhaṁ kartumaśaktiścecchākairapi hi jāyate

Thus, O son, are many kinsfolk nourished by this. And should one be unable to perform the full shraddha, it may indeed be accomplished even with mere greens.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.59.97)

तस्माच्छ्राद्धं नरो भक्त्या शाकैरपि यथाविधि । कुरुते कुर्वतः श्राद्धं कुलं क्वचिन्न सीदति

tasmācchrāddhaṁ naro bhaktyā śākairapi yathāvidhi kurute kurvataḥ śrāddhaṁ kulaṁ kvacinna sīdati

Therefore let a man perform the shraddha rite with devotion and due observance, even if only with vegetables; for the family of one who performs the shraddha never comes to grief.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.59.98)

पापं यदि कृतं सर्वं पापं च वर्द्धते ध्रुवम् । कुर्वाणो नरके घोरे पच्यते नात्र संशयः

pāpaṁ yadi kṛtaṁ sarvaṁ pāpaṁ ca varddhate dhruvam kurvāṇo narake ghore pacyate nātra saṁśayaḥ

But if a man has done nothing but sin, that sin too surely multiplies here; and such a doer is cooked in dreadful hell — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.59.99)

यथा पुण्यं तथा पापं कृतं कर्म शुभाशुभम् । तत्सर्वं वर्द्धते नूनं धर्मारण्ये नृपोत्तम

yathā puṇyaṁ tathā pāpaṁ kṛtaṁ karma śubhāśubham tatsarvaṁ varddhate nūnaṁ dharmāraṇye nṛpottama

As with merit, so with sin — whatever deed, good or evil, has been done, all of it, O best of kings, verily multiplies in Dharmaranya.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.59.100)

कामिकं कामदं देवं योगिनां मुक्तिदायकम् । सिद्धानां सिद्धिदं प्रोक्तं धर्मारण्यं तु सर्वदा

kāmikaṁ kāmadaṁ devaṁ yogināṁ muktidāyakam siddhānāṁ siddhidaṁ proktaṁ dharmāraṇyaṁ tu sarvadā

Dharmaranya is ever declared to be that which fulfills desires for those who desire, the divine grantor of liberation for yogis, and the bestower of attainment for the accomplished (siddhas).