The Description of Indraloka and Agniloka

Verse 1 (skanda.4.10.1)

शिवशर्मोवाच । रमयंती मनोतीव केयं कस्येयमीशितुः । नयनानंदसंदोहदायिनीपूरनुत्तमा

śivaśarmovāca ramayaṁtī manotīva keyaṁ kasyeyamīśituḥ nayanānaṁdasaṁdohadāyinīpūranuttamā

Shivasharma said: Who is this that so greatly delights the mind? Whose is this, O Lord? This city, granting an abundance of joy to the eyes, is truly supreme.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.10.2)

गणावूचतुः । शिवशर्मन्महाभागसुतीर्थफलितद्रुम । लोकोऽत्र रमते विप्र सहसाक्षपुरी त्वियम्

gaṇāvūcatuḥ śivaśarmanmahābhāgasutīrthaphalitadruma loko'tra ramate vipra sahasākṣapurī tviyam

The two ganas said: O greatly fortunate Shivasharma, whose tree of pilgrimage has borne fruit, O brahmin, people delight here — this is the city of the Thousand-Eyed One.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.10.3)

तपोबलेन महता विहिता विश्वकमर्णा । दिवापि कौमुदी यस्याः सौधश्रेणीश्रियं श्रयेत्

tapobalena mahatā vihitā viśvakamarṇā divāpi kaumudī yasyāḥ saudhaśreṇīśriyaṁ śrayet

Fashioned by Vishvakarma through great power of austerity, its rows of mansions bear the splendour of moonlight even by day.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.10.4)

यदाकलानिधिः क्वापि दर्शे ऽदृश्यत्वमावहेत् । तदा स्वप्रेयसीं ज्योत्स्नां सौधेष्वेषु निगूहयेत्

yadākalānidhiḥ kvāpi darśe 'dṛśyatvamāvahet tadā svapreyasīṁ jyotsnāṁ saudheṣveṣu nigūhayet

When the moon becomes invisible somewhere at the new moon, it is because he has hidden his beloved moonlight within these very mansions.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.10.5)

यदच्छभित्तौ वीक्ष्य स्वमन्ययोपिद्विशंकिता । मुग्धानाशुविशेच्चित्रमपिस्वांचित्रशालिकाम्

yadacchabhittau vīkṣya svamanyayopidviśaṁkitā mugdhānāśuviśeccitramapisvāṁcitraśālikām

Seeing her own reflection in a crystal wall, a bewildered woman, doubting it to be another, swiftly enters her own painted chamber.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.10.6)

हर्म्येषु नीलमणिभिर्निर्मितेष्वत्रनिर्भयम् । स्वनीलिमानमाधाय तमोहःस्वपि तिष्ठति

harmyeṣu nīlamaṇibhirnirmiteṣvatranirbhayam svanīlimānamādhāya tamohaḥsvapi tiṣṭhati

In the mansions here built of sapphire, taking on its own blue hue, darkness abides fearlessly even in broad day.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.10.7)

चंद्रकांतशिलाजालस्रुतमात्रामलंजलम् । तत्र चादाय कलशैर्नेच्छंत्यन्यज्जलं जनाः

caṁdrakāṁtaśilājālasrutamātrāmalaṁjalam tatra cādāya kalaśairnecchaṁtyanyajjalaṁ janāḥ

Taking in their pitchers the utterly pure water that flows only from the moonstone slabs there, the people wish for no other water.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.10.8)

कुविंदा न च संत्यत्र न च ते पश्यतो हराः । चैलान्यलंकृतीरत्र यतः कल्पद्रुमोर्पयेत्

kuviṁdā na ca saṁtyatra na ca te paśyato harāḥ cailānyalaṁkṛtīratra yataḥ kalpadrumorpayet

There are no weavers here, nor any who deal in cloth, for here the wish-fulfilling tree itself bestows garments and ornaments.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.10.9)

गणका नात्र विद्यंते चिंताविद्याविशारदाः । यतश्चिकेति सर्वेषां चिंता चिंतामणिर्द्रुतम्

gaṇakā nātra vidyaṁte ciṁtāvidyāviśāradāḥ yataściketi sarveṣāṁ ciṁtā ciṁtāmaṇirdrutam

There are no reckoners here skilled in reading anxious thoughts, since the wish-fulfilling gem swiftly knows the desire of every mind.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.10.10)

सूपकारा न संत्यत्र रसकर्म विचक्षणाः। दुग्धे सर्वरसानेका कामधेनुरतोयतः

sūpakārā na saṁtyatra rasakarma vicakṣaṇāḥ dugdhe sarvarasānekā kāmadhenuratoyataḥ

There are no cooks skilled in the craft of flavour here, for here a single wish-cow milks forth every flavour there is.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.10.11)

कीर्तिरुच्चैःश्रवा यस्य सर्वतो वाजिराजिषु । रत्नमुच्चैःश्रवाः सोत्र हयानां पौरुषाधिकः

kīrtiruccaiḥśravā yasya sarvato vājirājiṣu ratnamuccaiḥśravāḥ sotra hayānāṁ pauruṣādhikaḥ

He whose fame as Uccaihshravas resounds everywhere among all ranks of horses — that jewel among steeds, surpassing all in prowess, is here.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.10.12)

ऐरावतो दंतिवरश्चतुर्दंतोत्र राजते । द्वितीय इव कैलासो जंगमस्फटिकोज्ज्वलः

airāvato daṁtivaraścaturdaṁtotra rājate dvitīya iva kailāso jaṁgamasphaṭikojjvalaḥ

Here Airavata, the finest of elephants, four-tusked, shines like a second Kailasa — a moving mountain ablaze with crystal.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.10.13)

तरुरत्नंपारिजातः स्त्रीरत्नं सोर्वशी त्विह । नंदनं वनरत्नं च रत्नं मंदाकिनी ह्यपाम्

taruratnaṁpārijātaḥ strīratnaṁ sorvaśī tviha naṁdanaṁ vanaratnaṁ ca ratnaṁ maṁdākinī hyapām

Here the jewel among trees is Parijata, the jewel among women is Urvashi, the jewel among groves is Nandana, and the jewel among waters is the Mandakini.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.10.14)

त्रयस्त्रिंशत्सुराणां या कोटिः श्रुति समीरिता । प्रतीक्षते साऽवसरं सेवायै प्रत्यहंत्विह

trayastriṁśatsurāṇāṁ yā koṭiḥ śruti samīritā pratīkṣate sā'vasaraṁ sevāyai pratyahaṁtviha

The thirty-three crores of gods spoken of in the scriptures wait here every day for their turn to render service.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.10.15)

स्वर्गेष्विंद्रपदादन्यन्न विशिष्येत किंचन । यद्यत्त्रिलोक्यामैश्वर्यं न तत्तुल्यमनेन हि

svargeṣviṁdrapadādanyanna viśiṣyeta kiṁcana yadyattrilokyāmaiśvaryaṁ na tattulyamanena hi

Among the heavens nothing excels the station of Indra; whatever majesty exists in the three worlds, none of it equals this.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.10.16)

अश्वमेधसहस्रस्य लभ्यं विनिमयेन यत् । किं तेन तुल्यमन्यत्स्यात्पवित्रमथवा महत

aśvamedhasahasrasya labhyaṁ vinimayena yat kiṁ tena tulyamanyatsyātpavitramathavā mahata

What is obtained in exchange for a thousand horse-sacrifices — what else could equal that, whether in sanctity or in greatness?

Verse 17 (skanda.4.10.17)

अर्चिष्मती संयमिनी पुण्यवत्यमलावती । गंधवत्यलकेशी च नैतत्तुल्या महर्धिभिः

arciṣmatī saṁyaminī puṇyavatyamalāvatī gaṁdhavatyalakeśī ca naitattulyā mahardhibhiḥ

Archishmati, Samyamini, Punyavati, Amalavati, Gandhavati and Alakeshi — none of these equal this one in great prosperity.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.10.18)

अयमेव सहस्राक्षस्त्वयमेव दिवस्पतिः । शतमन्युरयं देवो नामान्येतानि नामतः

ayameva sahasrākṣastvayameva divaspatiḥ śatamanyurayaṁ devo nāmānyetāni nāmataḥ

This very one is Sahasraksha, this same one is Divaspati, this god is Shatamanyu — these are but different names of one.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.10.19)

सप्तापि लोकपाला ये त एनं समुपासते । नारदाद्यैर्मुनिवरैरयमाशीर्भिरीड्यते

saptāpi lokapālā ye ta enaṁ samupāsate nāradādyairmunivarairayamāśīrbhirīḍyate

All seven guardians of the world attend upon him; he is praised with blessings by the best of sages beginning with Narada.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.10.20)

एतत्स्थैर्येण सर्वेषां लोकानां स्थैर्यमिष्यते । पराजयान्महेंद्रस्य त्रैलोक्यं स्यात्पराजितम्

etatsthairyeṇa sarveṣāṁ lokānāṁ sthairyamiṣyate parājayānmaheṁdrasya trailokyaṁ syātparājitam

By this one's stability, the stability of all the worlds is assured; by the defeat of Mahendra, the three worlds would themselves be defeated.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.10.21)

दनुजा मनुजा दैत्यास्तपस्यंत्युग्रसंयमाः । गंधर्व यक्षरक्षांसि महेंद्रपदलिप्सवः

danujā manujā daityāstapasyaṁtyugrasaṁyamāḥ gaṁdharva yakṣarakṣāṁsi maheṁdrapadalipsavaḥ

Danavas, men, and daityas perform fierce austerities of self-control; gandharvas, yakshas, and rakshasas too, longing to attain Mahendra's seat.

Verse 22 (skanda.4.10.22)

सगराद्या महीपाला वाजिमेधविधायकाः । कृतवंतो महायत्नं शक्रैश्वर्यजिघृक्षवः

sagarādyā mahīpālā vājimedhavidhāyakāḥ kṛtavaṁto mahāyatnaṁ śakraiśvaryajighṛkṣavaḥ

Kings beginning with Sagara, performers of the horse-sacrifice, made great effort, desiring to seize the sovereignty of Shakra.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.10.23)

निष्प्रत्यूहं क्रतुशतं यः कश्चित्कुरुतेऽवनौ । जितेंद्रियोमरावत्यां स प्राप्नोति पुलोमजाम्

niṣpratyūhaṁ kratuśataṁ yaḥ kaścitkurute'vanau jiteṁdriyomarāvatyāṁ sa prāpnoti pulomajām

Whoever on earth completes a hundred sacrifices without hindrance, with senses conquered, attains Pulomaja in Amaravati.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.10.24)

असमाप्तक्रतुशता वसंत्यत्र महीभुजः । ज्योतिष्टोमादिभिर्यागैर्ये यजंत्यपि ते द्विजाः

asamāptakratuśatā vasaṁtyatra mahībhujaḥ jyotiṣṭomādibhiryāgairye yajaṁtyapi te dvijāḥ

Kings whose hundred sacrifices remained unfinished dwell here, as do those twice-born who sacrifice with rites like the Jyotishtoma.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.10.25)

तुलापुरुषदानादि महादानानि षोडश । ये यच्छंत्यमलात्मानस्ते लभंतेऽमरावतीम्

tulāpuruṣadānādi mahādānāni ṣoḍaśa ye yacchaṁtyamalātmānaste labhaṁte'marāvatīm

Those pure-souled ones who give the sixteen great gifts, beginning with the Tulapurusha donation, attain Amaravati.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.10.26)

अक्लीबवादिनो धीराः संग्रामेष्वपराङ्मुखाः । विक्रांता वीरशयने तेऽत्र तिष्ठंति भूभुजः

aklībavādino dhīrāḥ saṁgrāmeṣvaparāṅmukhāḥ vikrāṁtā vīraśayane te'tra tiṣṭhaṁti bhūbhujaḥ

Those steadfast kings who never spoke of weakness, who never turned their backs in battle, who fell valiantly upon the hero's bed — they dwell here.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.10.27)

इत्युद्देशात्समाख्याता महेंद्रनगरी स्थितिः । यायजूका वसंत्यत्र यज्ञविद्याविशारदाः

ityuddeśātsamākhyātā maheṁdranagarī sthitiḥ yāyajūkā vasaṁtyatra yajñavidyāviśāradāḥ

Thus, in brief, the condition of Mahendra's city has been described. Those skilled in the lore of sacrifice, given to performing it, dwell here.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.10.28)

इमामर्चिष्मतीं पश्य वीतिहोत्रपुरीं शुभाम् । जातवेदसि ये भक्तास्ते वसंत्यत्र सुव्रताः

imāmarciṣmatīṁ paśya vītihotrapurīṁ śubhām jātavedasi ye bhaktāste vasaṁtyatra suvratāḥ

Behold this radiant, auspicious city of Vitihotra; those devoted to Jataveda, firm in their vows, dwell here.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.10.29)

अग्निप्रवेशं ये कुर्युर्दृढसत्त्वा जितेंद्रियाः । स्त्रियो वा सत्त्वसंपन्नास्ते सर्वे अग्नितेजसः

agnipraveśaṁ ye kuryurdṛḍhasattvā jiteṁdriyāḥ striyo vā sattvasaṁpannāste sarve agnitejasaḥ

Those of firm resolve and conquered senses who enter fire, or women endowed with such fortitude — all of them come to shine with the very radiance of fire.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.10.30)

अग्निहोत्ररता विप्रास्तथाग्निब्रह्मचारिणः । पंचाग्निव्रतिनो ये वै तेऽग्निलोकेग्नितेजसः

agnihotraratā viprāstathāgnibrahmacāriṇaḥ paṁcāgnivratino ye vai te'gnilokegnitejasaḥ

Brahmins devoted to the Agnihotra rite, those celibate students dedicated to fire, and those who keep the vow of the five fires — they dwell in Agniloka, radiant as fire itself.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.10.31)

शीते शीतापनुत्यै यस्त्विध्मभारान्प्रयच्छति । कुर्यादग्निष्टिकां वाऽथ स वसेदग्निसन्निधौ

śīte śītāpanutyai yastvidhmabhārānprayacchati kuryādagniṣṭikāṁ vā'tha sa vasedagnisannidhau

Whoever, in the cold season, gives loads of firewood to dispel the cold, or builds a fire-hearth for the needy, dwells in the presence of Agni.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.10.32)

अनाथस्याग्निसंस्कारं यः कुर्याच्छ्रद्धयान्वितः । अशक्तः प्रेरयेदन्यं सोग्निलोके महीयते

anāthasyāgnisaṁskāraṁ yaḥ kuryācchraddhayānvitaḥ aśaktaḥ prerayedanyaṁ sogniloke mahīyate

Whoever, filled with faith, performs the fire-rite for one who has no protector, or, if unable, sends another to do it, is honoured in Agniloka.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.10.33)

जठराग्निविवृद्ध्यै यो दद्यादाग्नेयमौषधम् । मंदाग्नये स पुण्यात्मा वह्निलोके वसेच्चिरम्

jaṭharāgnivivṛddhyai yo dadyādāgneyamauṣadham maṁdāgnaye sa puṇyātmā vahniloke vasecciram

Whoever gives fire-enhancing medicine to strengthen the digestive fire of one with weak digestion, that virtuous soul dwells long in the world of fire.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.10.34)

यज्ञोपस्कर वस्तूनि यज्ञार्थं द्रविणं तु वा । यथाशक्ति प्रदद्याद्यो ह्यर्चिष्मत्यांवसेत्स वै

yajñopaskara vastūni yajñārthaṁ draviṇaṁ tu vā yathāśakti pradadyādyo hyarciṣmatyāṁvasetsa vai

Whoever gives, according to his means, the articles required for sacrifice, or wealth for the sake of sacrifice, dwells indeed in Archishmati.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.10.35)

अग्निरेको द्विजातीनां निःश्रेयसकरः परः । गुरुर्देवो व्रतं तीर्थं सर्वमग्निर्विनिश्चितम्

agnireko dvijātīnāṁ niḥśreyasakaraḥ paraḥ gururdevo vrataṁ tīrthaṁ sarvamagnirviniścitam

Fire alone, for the twice-born, is the supreme bestower of the highest good; fire is verily ascertained to be the guru, the god, the vow, the sacred place — everything.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.10.36)

अपावनानि सर्वाणि वह्निसंसर्गतः क्षणात् । पावनानि भवंत्येव तस्माद्यः पावकः स्मृतः

apāvanāni sarvāṇi vahnisaṁsargataḥ kṣaṇāt pāvanāni bhavaṁtyeva tasmādyaḥ pāvakaḥ smṛtaḥ

All impure things become pure the very instant they come into contact with fire; that is why he is remembered as the Purifier.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.10.37)

अपि वेदं विदित्वा यस्त्यक्त्वा वै जातवेदसम् । अन्यत्र बध्नाति रतिं ब्राह्मणो न स वेदवित्

api vedaṁ viditvā yastyaktvā vai jātavedasam anyatra badhnāti ratiṁ brāhmaṇo na sa vedavit

Even a brahmin who, though he knows the Veda, forsakes Jataveda and fastens his devotion elsewhere, is not truly a knower of the Veda.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.10.38)

अंतरात्मा ह्ययं साक्षान्निश्चितो ह्याशुशुक्षणिः । मांसग्रासान्पचेत्कुक्षौ स्त्रीणां नो मांसपेशिकाम्

aṁtarātmā hyayaṁ sākṣānniścito hyāśuśukṣaṇiḥ māṁsagrāsānpacetkukṣau strīṇāṁ no māṁsapeśikām

This swift-blazing fire is ascertained to be verily the inner self within all; it cooks the morsels of food in the belly alike, without favour of any kind.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.10.39)

तैजसी शांभवी मूर्तिः प्रत्यक्षा दहनात्मिका । कर्त्री हंत्री पालयित्री विनैनां किं विलोक्यते

taijasī śāṁbhavī mūrtiḥ pratyakṣā dahanātmikā kartrī haṁtrī pālayitrī vinaināṁ kiṁ vilokyate

This is a blazing, visible form of Shambhu himself, whose very nature is burning — it creates, it destroys, it sustains. Without it, what indeed can be seen at all?

Verse 40 (skanda.4.10.40)

चित्रभानुरयं साक्षान्नेत्रं त्रिभुवनेशितुः । अंधं तमोमये लोके विनैनं कः प्रकाशकः

citrabhānurayaṁ sākṣānnetraṁ tribhuvaneśituḥ aṁdhaṁ tamomaye loke vinainaṁ kaḥ prakāśakaḥ

This Chitrabhanu is verily the very eye of the Lord of the three worlds; in this world sunk in blinding darkness, who but he is its illuminator?

Verse 41 (skanda.4.10.41)

धूपप्रदीपनैवेद्य पयो दधि घृतैक्षवम् । एतद्भुक्तं निषेवंते सर्वे दिवि दिवौकसः

dhūpapradīpanaivedya payo dadhi ghṛtaikṣavam etadbhuktaṁ niṣevaṁte sarve divi divaukasaḥ

Incense, lamp-offerings, food, milk, curd, ghee, and sugarcane — once offered into fire, all the dwellers of heaven partake of and enjoy these in the sky.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.10.42)

शिवशर्मोवाच । कोयं कृशानुः कस्यायं सूनुः कथमिदं पदम् । आग्नेयं लब्धमेतेन ब्रूतमेतन्ममाग्रतः

śivaśarmovāca koyaṁ kṛśānuḥ kasyāyaṁ sūnuḥ kathamidaṁ padam āgneyaṁ labdhametena brūtametanmamāgrataḥ

Shivasharma said: Who is this Krishanu? Whose son is he? How did he attain this Agneya realm? Tell me this before me.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.10.43)

गणावूचतुः । आकर्णय महाप्राज्ञ वर्णयावो यथातथम् । योयं यस्य यथाऽनेन प्रापि ज्योतिष्मतीपुरी

gaṇāvūcatuḥ ākarṇaya mahāprājña varṇayāvo yathātatham yoyaṁ yasya yathā'nena prāpi jyotiṣmatīpurī

The two ganas said: Listen, O greatly wise one, we shall describe it exactly as it is — who this is, whose he is, and how he attained this city of Jyotishmati.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.10.44)

नर्मदायास्तटे रम्ये पुरे नर्मपुरे पुरा । पुरारिभक्तः पुण्यात्माऽभवद्विश्वानरो मुनिः

narmadāyāstaṭe ramye pure narmapure purā purāribhaktaḥ puṇyātmā'bhavadviśvānaro muniḥ

On the lovely banks of the Narmada, in a city called Narmapura, there once lived a devotee of Purari, a virtuous sage named Vishvanara.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.10.45)

ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमे निष्ठो ब्रह्मयज्ञरतःसदा । शांडिल्यगोत्रः शुचिमान्ब्रह्मतेजो निधिर्वशी

brahmacaryāśrame niṣṭho brahmayajñarataḥsadā śāṁḍilyagotraḥ śucimānbrahmatejo nidhirvaśī

Steadfast in the stage of celibate studentship, ever devoted to the Brahma-sacrifice, of the Shandilya lineage, pure, a treasury of Brahmic radiance, and self-controlled.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.10.46)

विज्ञाताखिलशास्त्रार्थो लौकिकाचारचंचुरः । कदाचिच्चिंतयामास हृदि ध्यात्वा महेश्वरम्

vijñātākhilaśāstrārtho laukikācāracaṁcuraḥ kadācicciṁtayāmāsa hṛdi dhyātvā maheśvaram

Having mastered the meaning of every scripture, and skilled also in worldly conduct, he once, meditating on Maheshvara in his heart, began to reflect.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.10.47)

चतुर्णामप्याश्रमाणां कोतीव श्रेयसे सताम् । यस्मिन्प्राप्नोति संक्षुण्णे परत्रेह च वा सुखम्

caturṇāmapyāśramāṇāṁ kotīva śreyase satām yasminprāpnoti saṁkṣuṇṇe paratreha ca vā sukham

'Among the four stages of life, which indeed serves best the welfare of the virtuous — in which, though worn by daily practice, one attains happiness both here and hereafter?'

Verse 48 (skanda.4.10.48)

इदं श्रेयस्त्विदं श्रेयस्त्विदं तु सुकरं भवेत् । इत्थं सर्वं समालोड्य गार्हस्थ्यं प्रशशंस ह

idaṁ śreyastvidaṁ śreyastvidaṁ tu sukaraṁ bhavet itthaṁ sarvaṁ samāloḍya gārhasthyaṁ praśaśaṁsa ha

'This is good, and this too is good, but this would be easier to accomplish' — having thus weighed everything, he praised the householder's stage.

Verse 49 (skanda.4.10.49)

ब्रह्मचारी गृहस्थो वा वानप्रस्थोऽथ भिक्षुकः । एषामाधारभूतोसौ गृहस्थो नान्यथेति च

brahmacārī gṛhastho vā vānaprastho'tha bhikṣukaḥ eṣāmādhārabhūtosau gṛhastho nānyatheti ca

Whether celibate student, householder, forest-dweller, or mendicant — the householder alone is the foundation of all of these, and none other.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.10.50)

देवैर्मनुष्यैः पितृभिस्तिर्यग्भिश्चोपजीव्यते । गृहस्थः प्रत्यहं यस्मात्तस्माच्छ्रेष्ठो गृहाश्रमी

devairmanuṣyaiḥ pitṛbhistiryagbhiścopajīvyate gṛhasthaḥ pratyahaṁ yasmāttasmācchreṣṭho gṛhāśramī

Since gods, men, ancestors, and even animals depend daily upon the householder for their sustenance, the householder's stage is therefore the most excellent.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.10.51)

अस्नात्वा चाप्यहुत्वा वाऽदत्त्वा वाश्नाति यो गृही । देवादीनामृणी भूत्वा नरकं प्रतिपद्यते

asnātvā cāpyahutvā vā'dattvā vāśnāti yo gṛhī devādīnāmṛṇī bhūtvā narakaṁ pratipadyate

The householder who eats without having bathed, without having offered oblation, or without having given first becomes a debtor to the gods and others, and falls into hell.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.10.52)

अस्नाताशी मलं भुंक्ते त्वजपी पूयशोणितम् । अहुताशी कृमीन्भुंक्तेप्यदत्त्वाविड्विभोजनः

asnātāśī malaṁ bhuṁkte tvajapī pūyaśoṇitam ahutāśī kṛmīnbhuṁktepyadattvāviḍvibhojanaḥ

He who eats without bathing eats filth; without japa, he eats pus and blood; without oblation, he eats worms; without giving first, he eats excrement.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.10.53)

ब्रह्मचर्यं हि गार्हस्थ्ये यादृक्कल्पनयोज्झितम् । स्वभावचपले चित्ते क्व तादृग्ब्रह्मचारिणि

brahmacaryaṁ hi gārhasthye yādṛkkalpanayojjhitam svabhāvacapale citte kva tādṛgbrahmacāriṇi

The kind of celibacy possible within householder life, free of mere pretence, where can such genuine celibacy be found in one whose mind, by nature, is fickle?

Verse 54 (skanda.4.10.54)

हठाद्वा लोकभीत्या वा स्वार्थाद्वा ब्रह्मचर्यभाक् । संकल्पयति चित्ते चेत्कृतमप्यकृतं तदा

haṭhādvā lokabhītyā vā svārthādvā brahmacaryabhāk saṁkalpayati citte cetkṛtamapyakṛtaṁ tadā

If one who keeps celibacy out of obstinacy, fear of society, or self-interest still forms desires in his mind, then even what he has done becomes as if undone.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.10.55)

परदारपरित्यागात्स्वदारपरितुष्टितः । ऋतुकालाभिगामित्वाद्ब्रह्मचारी गृहीरितः

paradāraparityāgātsvadāraparituṣṭitaḥ ṛtukālābhigāmitvādbrahmacārī gṛhīritaḥ

By forsaking other men's wives, by contentment with his own wife, and by approaching her only in the proper season, the householder is truly called a celibate.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.10.56)

विमुक्तरागद्वेषो यः कामक्रोधविवर्जितः । साग्निः सदारः स गृही वानप्रस्थाद्विशिष्यते

vimuktarāgadveṣo yaḥ kāmakrodhavivarjitaḥ sāgniḥ sadāraḥ sa gṛhī vānaprasthādviśiṣyate

He who is free of attachment and aversion, devoid of desire and anger, who keeps his sacred fire together with his wife — such a householder surpasses even the forest-dweller.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.10.57)

वैराग्याद्गृहमुत्सृज्य गृहधर्मान्हृदि स्मरेत् । स भवेदुभयभ्रष्टो वानप्रस्थो न वा गृही

vairāgyādgṛhamutsṛjya gṛhadharmānhṛdi smaret sa bhavedubhayabhraṣṭo vānaprastho na vā gṛhī

He who abandons his home out of dispassion, but still remembers household duties in his heart, becomes one fallen from both — neither forest-dweller nor householder.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.10.58)

अयाचितोपस्थितया यो वृत्त्या वर्तते गृही । येन केनापि संतुष्टो भिक्षुकात्स विशिष्यते

ayācitopasthitayā yo vṛttyā vartate gṛhī yena kenāpi saṁtuṣṭo bhikṣukātsa viśiṣyate

The householder who lives on whatever livelihood comes to him unsought, content with whatever it may be, surpasses even the mendicant.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.10.59)

प्राथयेद्यत्क्वचित्किंचिद्दुष्प्रापं वा भविष्यति । अशनेषु न संतुष्टः स यतिः पतितो भवेत्

prāthayedyatkvacitkiṁcidduṣprāpaṁ vā bhaviṣyati aśaneṣu na saṁtuṣṭaḥ sa yatiḥ patito bhavet

The ascetic who craves for something hard to obtain, who is not content with whatever food comes his way, falls from his ascetic state.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.10.60)

गुणागुणविचार्येत्थं स वै विश्वानरो द्विजः । उद्ववाह विधानेन स्वोचितां कुलकन्यकाम्

guṇāguṇavicāryetthaṁ sa vai viśvānaro dvijaḥ udvavāha vidhānena svocitāṁ kulakanyakām

Having thus weighed the merits and demerits, that brahmin Vishvanara duly married, according to proper rite, a maiden of good family suited to him.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.10.61)

अग्निशुश्रूषणरतः पंचयज्ञपरायणः । षट्कर्मनिरतो नित्यं देवपित्रतिथिप्रियः

agniśuśrūṣaṇarataḥ paṁcayajñaparāyaṇaḥ ṣaṭkarmanirato nityaṁ devapitratithipriyaḥ

Devoted to the tending of the sacred fire, intent on the five great sacrifices, ever engaged in the six duties, and dear to gods, ancestors, and guests alike.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.10.62)

धर्मार्थकामान्युक्तात्मा सोर्जयन्स्वस्वकालतः । परस्परमसंकोचं दंपत्योरानुकूल्यतः

dharmārthakāmānyuktātmā sorjayansvasvakālataḥ parasparamasaṁkocaṁ daṁpatyorānukūlyataḥ

With disciplined mind, he pursued dharma, artha, and kama each in its proper season, the couple living in mutual harmony without reserve toward each other.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.10.63)

पूर्वाह्णे दैविकं कर्म सोकरोत्कर्मकांडवित् । मध्यंदिने मनुष्याणां पितॄणामपराह्नके

pūrvāhṇe daivikaṁ karma sokarotkarmakāṁḍavit madhyaṁdine manuṣyāṇāṁ pitṝṇāmaparāhnake

Learned in ritual procedure, he performed the rites owed to the gods in the forenoon, those owed to men at midday, and those owed to the ancestors in the afternoon.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.10.64)

एवं बहुतिथे काले गते तस्याग्रजन्मनः । भार्या शुचिष्मती नाम कामपत्नी वसुव्रता

evaṁ bahutithe kāle gate tasyāgrajanmanaḥ bhāryā śuciṣmatī nāma kāmapatnī vasuvratā

Thus, as a long span of time passed for that twice-born one, his wife, named Shuchishmati, beloved and devoted to her vows—

Verse 65 (skanda.4.10.65)

अपश्यंत्यंकुरमपि संततेः स्वर्गसाधनम् । विज्ञाय शंकंरं कांतं प्रणिपत्य व्यजिज्ञपत्

apaśyaṁtyaṁkuramapi saṁtateḥ svargasādhanam vijñāya śaṁkaṁraṁ kāṁtaṁ praṇipatya vyajijñapat

—seeing not even the sprout of offspring, the means to heaven, and recognizing her husband as one devoted to Shankara, bowed before him and made her request.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.10.66)

शुचिष्मत्युवाच। आर्यपुत्रार्यधिषण प्राणनाथ प्रियव्रत । न दुर्लभं ममास्तीह किंचित्त्वच्चरणार्चनात्

śuciṣmatyuvāca āryaputrāryadhiṣaṇa prāṇanātha priyavrata na durlabhaṁ mamāstīha kiṁcittvaccaraṇārcanāt

Shuchishmati said: O noble husband, O wise one, lord of my life, dear to your vows — nothing is unattainable for me in this world through the worship of your feet.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.10.67)

ये वै भोगाः समुचिताः स्त्रीणां ते त्वत्प्रसादतः । अलंकृत्य मया भुक्ताः प्रसंगाद्वच्मि तान्यपि

ye vai bhogāḥ samucitāḥ strīṇāṁ te tvatprasādataḥ alaṁkṛtya mayā bhuktāḥ prasaṁgādvacmi tānyapi

Whatever enjoyments are fitting for women, I have, by your grace, enjoyed them all, duly adorned; let me, in passing, also name them.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.10.68)

सुवासांसि सुवासाश्च सुशय्या सुनितंबिनी। स्रक्तांबूलान्नपानाश्च अष्टौ भोगाः स्वधर्मिणाम्

suvāsāṁsi suvāsāśca suśayyā sunitaṁbinī sraktāṁbūlānnapānāśca aṣṭau bhogāḥ svadharmiṇām

Fine garments, fine fragrance, a fine bed, a graceful figure, garlands, betel, food, and drink — these are the eight enjoyments of women devoted to their own duty.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.10.69)

एकं मे प्रार्थितं नाथ चिराय हृदिसंस्थितम् । गृहस्थानां समुचितं तत्त्वं दातुमिहार्हसि

ekaṁ me prārthitaṁ nātha cirāya hṛdisaṁsthitam gṛhasthānāṁ samucitaṁ tattvaṁ dātumihārhasi

One thing, O lord, I have long desired, held in my heart — a thing truly fitting for householders — you ought to grant it to me here.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.10.70)

विश्वानर उवाच । किमदेयं हि सुश्रोणि तव प्रियहितैषिणि । तत्प्रार्थय महाभागे प्रयच्छाम्यविलंबितम्

viśvānara uvāca kimadeyaṁ hi suśroṇi tava priyahitaiṣiṇi tatprārthaya mahābhāge prayacchāmyavilaṁbitam

Vishvanara said: What indeed is there that cannot be given to you, O fair one, who wishes only my good? Ask for it, O fortunate one, and I shall grant it without delay.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.10.71)

महेशितुः प्रसादेन मम किंचिन्न दुर्ल्भम् । इहामुत्र च कल्याणि सर्वकल्याणकारिणः

maheśituḥ prasādena mama kiṁcinna durlbham ihāmutra ca kalyāṇi sarvakalyāṇakāriṇaḥ

By the grace of Maheshvara, nothing is unattainable for me, here or hereafter, O auspicious one, for he is the bestower of all good.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.10.72)

इति श्रुत्वा वचः पत्युस्तस्य सा पतिदेवता । उवाच हृष्टवदना यदि देयो वरो मम

iti śrutvā vacaḥ patyustasya sā patidevatā uvāca hṛṣṭavadanā yadi deyo varo mama

Hearing her husband's words, she, devoted to her husband as to a god, said with a joyful face: 'If a boon is to be given to me—'

Verse 73 (skanda.4.10.73)

वरयोग्यास्मि चेन्नाथ नान्यं वरमहं वृणे । महेशसदृशं पुत्रं देहि माहेश्वरानव

varayogyāsmi cennātha nānyaṁ varamahaṁ vṛṇe maheśasadṛśaṁ putraṁ dehi māheśvarānava

'—if indeed, O lord, I am worthy of a boon, then I ask for no other: grant me a son equal to Mahesha, O protector devoted to Maheshvara.'

Verse 74 (skanda.4.10.74)

इति तस्या वचः श्रुत्वा शुचिष्मत्याः शुचिव्रतः । क्षणं समाधिमाधाय हृ(?)द्येतत्समचिंतयत्

iti tasyā vacaḥ śrutvā śuciṣmatyāḥ śucivrataḥ kṣaṇaṁ samādhimādhāya hṛ(?)dyetatsamaciṁtayat

Hearing these words of Shuchishmati, that pure-vowed sage, entering meditation for a moment, reflected thus in his heart.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.10.75)

अहो किमेतया तन्व्या प्रार्थितं ह्यतिदुर्लभम् । मनोरथपथाद्दूरमस्तुवा स हि सर्वकृत्

aho kimetayā tanvyā prārthitaṁ hyatidurlabham manorathapathāddūramastuvā sa hi sarvakṛt

'Ah, what this slender lady has asked for is exceedingly hard to attain, far beyond the reach of any wish! But let it be so, for He is the doer of all.'

Verse 76 (skanda.4.10.76)

तेनैवास्या मुखे स्थित्वा वाक्स्वरूपेण शंभुना । व्याहृतं कोऽन्यथाकर्तुमुत्सहेत भवेदिदम्

tenaivāsyā mukhe sthitvā vāksvarūpeṇa śaṁbhunā vyāhṛtaṁ ko'nyathākartumutsaheta bhavedidam

For it was Shambhu himself, dwelling in her mouth in the very form of speech, who had uttered this — who indeed would dare to make otherwise what has thus been spoken?

Verse 77 (skanda.4.10.77)

ततः प्रोवाच तां पत्नीमेकपत्निव्रते स्थितः । विश्वानरमुनिः श्रीमानिति कांते भविष्यति

tataḥ provāca tāṁ patnīmekapatnivrate sthitaḥ viśvānaramuniḥ śrīmāniti kāṁte bhaviṣyati

Then, steadfast in his vow of having but one wife, the illustrious sage Vishvanara said to his wife: 'So it shall be, my beloved.'

Verse 78 (skanda.4.10.78)

इत्थमाश्वास्य तां पत्नीं जगाम तपसे मुनिः । यत्र विश्वेश्वरः साक्षात्काशीनाथोधितिष्ठति

itthamāśvāsya tāṁ patnīṁ jagāma tapase muniḥ yatra viśveśvaraḥ sākṣātkāśīnāthodhitiṣṭhati

Having thus reassured his wife, the sage set out to perform austerities at the place where Vishveshvara himself, the Lord of Kashi, dwells manifest.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.10.79)

प्राप्य वाराणसीं तूर्णं दृष्ट्वाथ मणिकर्णिकाम् । तत्याज तापत्रितयमपिजन्मशतार्जितम्

prāpya vārāṇasīṁ tūrṇaṁ dṛṣṭvātha maṇikarṇikām tatyāja tāpatritayamapijanmaśatārjitam

Swiftly reaching Varanasi, and beholding Manikarnika, he cast off the threefold affliction earned even over a hundred births.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.10.80)

दृष्ट्वा सर्वाणि लिंगानि विश्वेश प्रमुखानि च । स्नात्वा सर्वेषु कुंडेषु वापीकूटसरःसु च

dṛṣṭvā sarvāṇi liṁgāni viśveśa pramukhāni ca snātvā sarveṣu kuṁḍeṣu vāpīkūṭasaraḥsu ca

Having beheld all the lingas, foremost among them Vishvesha, and having bathed in all the sacred tanks, wells, and pools—

Verse 81 (skanda.4.10.81)

नत्वा विनायकान्सर्वान्गौरीः सर्वाः प्रणम्य च । संपूज्य कालराजं च भैरवं पापभक्षणम्

natvā vināyakānsarvāngaurīḥ sarvāḥ praṇamya ca saṁpūjya kālarājaṁ ca bhairavaṁ pāpabhakṣaṇam

—having bowed to all the Vinayakas, having saluted all the Gauris, and having worshipped Kalaraja and Bhairava, the devourer of sin—

Verse 82 (skanda.4.10.82)

दण्डनायकमुख्यांश्च गणान्स्तुत्वा प्रयत्नतः । आदिकेशवमुख्यांश्च केशवान्परितोष्य च

daṇḍanāyakamukhyāṁśca gaṇānstutvā prayatnataḥ ādikeśavamukhyāṁśca keśavānparitoṣya ca

—having diligently praised the ganas headed by Dandanayaka, and having gratified the forms of Keshava headed by Adikeshava—

Verse 83 (skanda.4.10.83)

लोलार्कमुख्य सूर्यांश्च प्रणम्य च पुनः पुनः । कृत्वा पिण्डप्रदानानि सर्वतीर्थेष्वतंद्रितः

lolārkamukhya sūryāṁśca praṇamya ca punaḥ punaḥ kṛtvā piṇḍapradānāni sarvatīrtheṣvataṁdritaḥ

—having again and again saluted the forms of Surya headed by Lolarka, and, untiring, having offered pinda-oblations at every sacred ford—

Verse 84 (skanda.4.10.84)

सहस्रभोजनाद्यैश्च यतीन्विप्रान्प्रतर्प्य च । महापूजोपचारैश्च लिंगान्यभ्यर्च्य भक्तितः

sahasrabhojanādyaiśca yatīnviprānpratarpya ca mahāpūjopacāraiśca liṁgānyabhyarcya bhaktitaḥ

—having satisfied ascetics and brahmins with feasts given to thousands, and having devotedly worshipped the lingas with the great rites of homage—

Verse 85 (skanda.4.10.85)

असकृच्चिन्तयामास किं लिंगं क्षिप्रसिद्धिदम् । यत्र निश्चलतामेति तपस्तनयकाम्यया

asakṛccintayāmāsa kiṁ liṁgaṁ kṣiprasiddhidam yatra niścalatāmeti tapastanayakāmyayā

—he repeatedly pondered which linga grants swift accomplishment, where austerity undertaken in desire for a son might come to steady fruition.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.10.86)

श्रीमदोंकारनाथं वा कृत्तिवासेश्वरं किमु । कालेशं वृद्धकालेशं कलशेश्वरमेव च

śrīmadoṁkāranāthaṁ vā kṛttivāseśvaraṁ kimu kāleśaṁ vṛddhakāleśaṁ kalaśeśvarameva ca

'Should it be glorious Omkaranatha, or Krittivaseshvara? Kalesha, Vriddhakalesha, or indeed Kalasheshvara?'

Verse 87 (skanda.4.10.87)

केदारेशं तु कामेशं चन्द्रेशं वा त्रिलोचनम् । ज्येष्ठेशं जंबुकेशं वा जैगीषव्येश्वरं तु वा

kedāreśaṁ tu kāmeśaṁ candreśaṁ vā trilocanam jyeṣṭheśaṁ jaṁbukeśaṁ vā jaigīṣavyeśvaraṁ tu vā

'Kedareshvara, or Kameshvara, or the three-eyed Chandreshvara? Jyeshtheshvara, or Jambukeshvara, or Jaigishavyeshvara?'

Verse 88 (skanda.4.10.88)

दशाश्वमेधमीशानं द्रुमि चंडेशमेव च । दृक्केशं गरुडेशं च गोकर्णेशं गणेश्वरम्

daśāśvamedhamīśānaṁ drumi caṁḍeśameva ca dṛkkeśaṁ garuḍeśaṁ ca gokarṇeśaṁ gaṇeśvaram

'Ishana of Dashashvamedha, or indeed Chandeshvara at Drumi? Drikkesha, Garudesha, Gokarnesha, or Ganeshvara?'

Verse 89 (skanda.4.10.89)

ढुंढ्याशागजसिद्धाख्यं धर्मेशं तारकेश्वरम् । नन्दिकेशं निवासेशं पत्रीशं प्रीतिकेश्वरम्

ḍhuṁḍhyāśāgajasiddhākhyaṁ dharmeśaṁ tārakeśvaram nandikeśaṁ nivāseśaṁ patrīśaṁ prītikeśvaram

'The one called Dhundhi, Ashagaja-siddha, Dharmesha, Tarakeshvara? Nandikesha, Nivasesha, Patrisha, or Pritikeshvara?'

Verse 90 (skanda.4.10.90)

पर्वतेशं पशुपतिं ब्रह्मेशं मध्यमेश्वरम् । बृहस्पतीश्वरं वाथ विभांडेश्वरमेव च

parvateśaṁ paśupatiṁ brahmeśaṁ madhyameśvaram bṛhaspatīśvaraṁ vātha vibhāṁḍeśvarameva ca

'Parvatesha, Pashupati, Brahmesha, Madhyameshvara? Or Brihaspatishvara, or indeed Vibhandeshvara?'

Verse 91 (skanda.4.10.91)

भारभूतेश्वरं किं वा महालक्ष्मीश्वरं तु वा । मरुत्तेशं तु मोक्षेशं गंगेशं नर्मदेश्वरम्

bhārabhūteśvaraṁ kiṁ vā mahālakṣmīśvaraṁ tu vā marutteśaṁ tu mokṣeśaṁ gaṁgeśaṁ narmadeśvaram

'Bharabhuteshvara, or Mahalakshmishvara? Marutesha, Mokshesha, Gangesha, or Narmadeshvara?'

Verse 92 (skanda.4.10.92)

मार्कंडं मणिकर्णीश रत्नेश्वरमथापि वा । अथवा योगिनीपीठं साधकस्यैव सिद्धिदम्

mārkaṁḍaṁ maṇikarṇīśa ratneśvaramathāpi vā athavā yoginīpīṭhaṁ sādhakasyaiva siddhidam

'Markanda, Manikarnisha, or even Ratneshvara? Or the Yogini-pitha, which grants accomplishment to the true seeker alone?'

Verse 93 (skanda.4.10.93)

यामुनेशं लांगलीशं श्रीमद्विश्वेश्वरं विभुम् । अविमुक्तेश्वरं वाथ विशालाक्षीशमेव च

yāmuneśaṁ lāṁgalīśaṁ śrīmadviśveśvaraṁ vibhum avimukteśvaraṁ vātha viśālākṣīśameva ca

'Yamunesha, Langalisha, or the glorious Lord Vishveshvara himself? Or Avimukteshvara, or indeed Vishalakshisha?'

Verse 94 (skanda.4.10.94)

व्याघ्रेश्वरं वराहेशं व्यासेशं वृषभध्वजम् । वरुणेशं विधीशं वा वसिष्ठेशं शनीश्वरम्

vyāghreśvaraṁ varāheśaṁ vyāseśaṁ vṛṣabhadhvajam varuṇeśaṁ vidhīśaṁ vā vasiṣṭheśaṁ śanīśvaram

'Vyaghreshvara, Varahesha, Vyasesha, the Bull-bannered one? Varunesha, or Vidhisha, Vasishtesha, or Shanishvara?'

Verse 95 (skanda.4.10.95)

सोमेश्वरं किमिन्द्रेशं स्वर्लीनं संगमेश्वरम् । हरिश्चंद्रेश्वरं किं वा हरिकेशेश्वरं तु वा

someśvaraṁ kimindreśaṁ svarlīnaṁ saṁgameśvaram hariścaṁdreśvaraṁ kiṁ vā harikeśeśvaraṁ tu vā

'Someshvara, or Indresha, Svarlina, or Sangameshvara? Harishchandreshvara, or indeed Harikesheshvara?'

Verse 96 (skanda.4.10.96)

त्रिसंध्येशं महादेवमुपशांति शिवं तथा। भवानीशं कपर्दीशं कंदुकेशं मखेश्वरम्

trisaṁdhyeśaṁ mahādevamupaśāṁti śivaṁ tathā bhavānīśaṁ kapardīśaṁ kaṁdukeśaṁ makheśvaram

'Trisandhyesha Mahadeva, or Upashanti Shiva? Bhavanisha, Kapardisha, Kandukesha, or Makheshvara?'

Verse 97 (skanda.4.10.97)

मित्रावरुणसंज्ञं वा किमेषामाशुपुत्रदम् । क्षणं विचार्य स मुनिरिति विश्वानरः सुधीः

mitrāvaruṇasaṁjñaṁ vā kimeṣāmāśuputradam kṣaṇaṁ vicārya sa muniriti viśvānaraḥ sudhīḥ

'Or the one known as Mitravaruna — which of these swiftly grants a son?' Having thus reflected for a moment, that wise sage Vishvanara—

Verse 98 (skanda.4.10.98)

आज्ञातं विस्मृतं तावत्फलितो मे मनोरथः । सिद्धैः संसेवितं लिंगं सर्वसिद्धिकरं परम्

ājñātaṁ vismṛtaṁ tāvatphalito me manorathaḥ siddhaiḥ saṁsevitaṁ liṁgaṁ sarvasiddhikaraṁ param

—'This was known to me, only forgotten for a moment — my heart's desire is fulfilled! There is a linga served by the siddhas, supreme, granting every accomplishment.'

Verse 99 (skanda.4.10.99)

दर्शनात्स्पर्शनाद्यस्य मनो निर्वृतिभाग्भवेत् । उद्घाटितं सदैवास्ते स्वर्गद्वारं हि यत्र वै

darśanātsparśanādyasya mano nirvṛtibhāgbhavet udghāṭitaṁ sadaivāste svargadvāraṁ hi yatra vai

—'merely by whose sight and touch the mind attains bliss, where indeed the very gate of heaven ever stands open.'

Verse 100 (skanda.4.10.100)

दिवानिशं पूजनार्थं विज्ञाप्य त्रिदशेश्वरम् । पञ्चमुद्रे महापीठे सिद्धिदे सर्वजंतुषु

divāniśaṁ pūjanārthaṁ vijñāpya tridaśeśvaram pañcamudre mahāpīṭhe siddhide sarvajaṁtuṣu

Having resolved to worship day and night the lord of the gods, at that great seat marked by the five signs, which grants accomplishment to all beings—

Verse 101 (skanda.4.10.101)

यत्र सा विकटा देवी प्रकटा सिद्धिरूपिणी । यत्र स्थितानां भक्तानां साक्षात्सिद्धिविनायकः

yatra sā vikaṭā devī prakaṭā siddhirūpiṇī yatra sthitānāṁ bhaktānāṁ sākṣātsiddhivināyakaḥ

—where the goddess Vikata stands manifest in the very form of accomplishment, where, for devotees who dwell there, Siddhivinayaka is directly present—

Verse 102 (skanda.4.10.102)

निर्धूय विघ्नजालानि सर्वाः सिद्धीः प्रयच्छति । अविमुक्ते महाक्षेत्रे सिद्धिक्षेत्रं हि तत्परम्

nirdhūya vighnajālāni sarvāḥ siddhīḥ prayacchati avimukte mahākṣetre siddhikṣetraṁ hi tatparam

—shaking off every web of obstacles, granting every accomplishment; within the great field of Avimukta, that supreme field is verily the Field of Accomplishment.

Verse 103 (skanda.4.10.103)

यत्र वीरेश्वरं लिंगं महागुह्यतमं मतम् । तिलांतरापि नो काश्यां भूमिर्लिंगं विना क्वचित्

yatra vīreśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ mahāguhyatamaṁ matam tilāṁtarāpi no kāśyāṁ bhūmirliṁgaṁ vinā kvacit

There, the linga Vireshvara is held to be the deepest of secrets — for in Kashi there is no ground, even the space of a sesame seed, anywhere without a linga.

Verse 104 (skanda.4.10.104)

परं वीरेश सदृशं न लिंगं त्वाशुसिद्धिदम् । धर्मदं चार्थदं सम्यक्कामदं मोक्षदं तथा

paraṁ vīreśa sadṛśaṁ na liṁgaṁ tvāśusiddhidam dharmadaṁ cārthadaṁ samyakkāmadaṁ mokṣadaṁ tathā

Yet no linga equals Vireshvara in swiftly granting accomplishment — it grants, in full measure, dharma, artha, kama, and moksha alike.

Verse 105 (skanda.4.10.105)

यथा वीरेश्वरं लिंगं काश्यां नान्यत्तथा धुवम् । पंचस्वरोत्र गंधर्वः परां सिद्धिमगात्पुरा

yathā vīreśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ kāśyāṁ nānyattathā dhuvam paṁcasvarotra gaṁdharvaḥ parāṁ siddhimagātpurā

As the linga Vireshvara grants, no other in Kashi surely does; here, of old, the gandharva Panchasvara attained supreme accomplishment.

Verse 106 (skanda.4.10.106)

विद्याधरः स्वच्छविद्यो वसुपूर्णश्च यक्षराट् । नृत्यंती निजभावेन पुराह्यत्राप्सरोवरा

vidyādharaḥ svacchavidyo vasupūrṇaśca yakṣarāṭ nṛtyaṁtī nijabhāvena purāhyatrāpsarovarā

The vidyadhara Svacchavidya, and Vasupurna, the king of yakshas; and, formerly, an excellent apsara here, dancing with her own natural grace—

Verse 107 (skanda.4.10.107)

सदेहा कोकिलालापा लिंगमध्ये लयं गता । ऋषिर्वेदशिरा नाम जपन्वै शतरुद्रियम्

sadehā kokilālāpā liṁgamadhye layaṁ gatā ṛṣirvedaśirā nāma japanvai śatarudriyam

—of cuckoo-sweet voice, merged bodily into the linga itself; and the sage named Vedashiras, reciting the Shatarudriya—

Verse 108 (skanda.4.10.108)

मन्त्रज्योतिर्मये लिंगे सशरीरो विशत्पुरा । चन्द्रमौलि भरद्वाजावुभौ पाशुपतोत्तमौ

mantrajyotirmaye liṁge saśarīro viśatpurā candramauli bharadvājāvubhau pāśupatottamau

—entered bodily, of old, into the linga made of mantra-light; and both Chandramauli and Bharadvaja, foremost among Pashupata devotees—

Verse 109 (skanda.4.10.109)

वीरेश्वरं समभ्यर्च्य गायमानौ लयं गतौ । शंखचूडो हि नागेंद्रः स्वफणामणिभिर्निशि

vīreśvaraṁ samabhyarcya gāyamānau layaṁ gatau śaṁkhacūḍo hi nāgeṁdraḥ svaphaṇāmaṇibhirniśi

—having duly worshipped Vireshvara, merged into it while singing; and Shankhachuda, the king of serpents, by night with the jewels of his own hoods—

Verse 110 (skanda.4.10.110)

षण्मासात्सिद्धिमगमद्बहुनीराजनैरिह । किन्नरी हंसपद्यत्र भर्त्रा वेणुप्रियेण वै

ṣaṇmāsātsiddhimagamadbahunīrājanairiha kinnarī haṁsapadyatra bhartrā veṇupriyeṇa vai

—through many acts of waving lamps attained accomplishment here within six months; and the kinnari Hamsapadi here, together with her husband Venupriya—

Verse 111 (skanda.4.10.111)

गायंती सुस्वरं याता परां निर्वाणभूमिकाम् । असंख्याताः सहस्राणि सिद्धाः सिद्धिमिहागताः

gāyaṁtī susvaraṁ yātā parāṁ nirvāṇabhūmikām asaṁkhyātāḥ sahasrāṇi siddhāḥ siddhimihāgatāḥ

—singing sweetly, attained the supreme state of liberation. Countless thousands of siddhas have come here and attained accomplishment.

Verse 112 (skanda.4.10.112)

सिद्धलिंगमिहाख्यातं तस्माद्वीरेश्वरं परम्

siddhaliṁgamihākhyātaṁ tasmādvīreśvaraṁ param

Hence this linga is renowned here as the 'Siddha-linga' — that Vireshvara, supreme above all.

Verse 113 (skanda.4.10.113)

वीरेश्वरं समाराध्य भ्रष्टराज्यो जयद्रथः । हत्वा रिपूनस्खलितं राज्यं प्राप विदेहजः

vīreśvaraṁ samārādhya bhraṣṭarājyo jayadrathaḥ hatvā ripūnaskhalitaṁ rājyaṁ prāpa videhajaḥ

Having worshipped Vireshvara, the deposed Jayadratha slew his foes and regained his kingdom unopposed — as did the prince of Videha.

Verse 114 (skanda.4.10.114)

विदूरथोऽथ नृपतिरपुत्रः पुत्रवानभूत् । वीरेश्वरप्रसादेन मगधाधिपतिर्वशी

vidūratho'tha nṛpatiraputraḥ putravānabhūt vīreśvaraprasādena magadhādhipatirvaśī

King Viduratha, sonless, became one with a son; and so too, by the grace of Vireshvara, the self-controlled lord of Magadha.

Verse 115 (skanda.4.10.115)

वसुदत्तोत्र च वणिक्सुतां वसुसुतोपमाम् । अब्दमभ्यर्च्य वीरेशं रत्नदत्तोप्यवाप्तवान्

vasudattotra ca vaṇiksutāṁ vasusutopamām abdamabhyarcya vīreśaṁ ratnadattopyavāptavān

And here, having worshipped Vireshvara for a year, Ratnadatta too obtained the merchant's daughter Vasudatta, who was like the very daughter of Vasu.

Verse 116 (skanda.4.10.116)

अहमप्यत्र वीरेशं समाराध्यत्रिकालतः । आशु पुत्रमवाप्स्यामि यथाभिलषितं स्त्रिया

ahamapyatra vīreśaṁ samārādhyatrikālataḥ āśu putramavāpsyāmi yathābhilaṣitaṁ striyā

'I too, worshipping Vireshvara here three times each day, shall swiftly obtain a son, just as my wife has desired.'

Verse 117 (skanda.4.10.117)

इति कृत्वा मतिं धीरो विप्रो विश्वानरः कृती । चन्द्र्कूपजलैः स्नात्वा जग्राह नियमं व्रती

iti kṛtvā matiṁ dhīro vipro viśvānaraḥ kṛtī candrkūpajalaiḥ snātvā jagrāha niyamaṁ vratī

Having thus resolved, the steadfast and accomplished brahmin Vishvanara, bathing in the waters of Chandrakupa, took up a vow, becoming a votary.

Verse 118 (skanda.4.10.118)

एकाहारोभवन्मासं मासं नक्ताशनोभवत । अयाचिताशनो मासं मासं त्यक्ताशनः पुनः

ekāhārobhavanmāsaṁ māsaṁ naktāśanobhavata ayācitāśano māsaṁ māsaṁ tyaktāśanaḥ punaḥ

For one month he ate but once a day; for a month he ate only at night; for a month he ate only unsolicited food; and for a month again he abandoned food altogether.

Verse 119 (skanda.4.10.119)

पयोव्रतोभवन्मासं मासं शाकफलाशनः । मासं मुष्टितिलाहारो मासं पानीयभोजनः

payovratobhavanmāsaṁ māsaṁ śākaphalāśanaḥ māsaṁ muṣṭitilāhāro māsaṁ pānīyabhojanaḥ

For a month he lived on milk alone; for a month on vegetables and fruit; for a month he ate only a fistful of sesame; for a month he subsisted on water alone.

Verse 120 (skanda.4.10.120)

पंचगव्याशनो मासं मासं चांद्रायणव्रती । मासं कुशाग्रजलभुङ्मासं श्वसनभक्षणः

paṁcagavyāśano māsaṁ māsaṁ cāṁdrāyaṇavratī māsaṁ kuśāgrajalabhuṅmāsaṁ śvasanabhakṣaṇaḥ

For a month he took only the five products of the cow; for a month he observed the Chandrayana vow; for a month he took only water from a kusha blade's tip; for a month he subsisted on air alone.

Verse 121 (skanda.4.10.121)

अथ त्रयोदशे मासि स्नात्वा त्रिपथगांभसि । प्रत्यूष एव वीरेशं यावदायाति स द्विजः

atha trayodaśe māsi snātvā tripathagāṁbhasi pratyūṣa eva vīreśaṁ yāvadāyāti sa dvijaḥ

Then in the thirteenth month, having bathed in the waters of the triple-pathed river, that brahmin, coming toward Vireshvara at dawn itself—

Verse 122 (skanda.4.10.122)

तावद्विलोकयांचक्रे मध्ये लिंगं तपोधनः । विभूतिभूषितं बालमष्टवर्षाकृतिं शुभम्

tāvadvilokayāṁcakre madhye liṁgaṁ tapodhanaḥ vibhūtibhūṣitaṁ bālamaṣṭavarṣākṛtiṁ śubham

—that ascetic rich in austerity then beheld, in the midst of the linga, an auspicious child, adorned with sacred ash, having the form of an eight-year-old.

Verse 123 (skanda.4.10.123)

आकर्णपूर्णनेत्रं च सुरक्तदशनच्छदम् । चारुपिंगजटामौलिं नग्नं प्रहसिताननम्

ākarṇapūrṇanetraṁ ca suraktadaśanacchadam cārupiṁgajaṭāmauliṁ nagnaṁ prahasitānanam

With eyes reaching to his ears, with lovely red lips over his teeth, with a beautiful crown of tawny matted locks, unclothed, his face wreathed in laughter.

Verse 124 (skanda.4.10.124)

शैशवोचितनेपथ्यधारिणं चित्तहारिणम् । पठंतं श्रुतिसूक्तानि हसंतं च स्वलीलया

śaiśavocitanepathyadhāriṇaṁ cittahāriṇam paṭhaṁtaṁ śrutisūktāni hasaṁtaṁ ca svalīlayā

Wearing attire fitting for a child, captivating the heart, reciting the hymns of the Veda, and laughing in his own playful way.

Verse 125 (skanda.4.10.125)

तमालोक्य स्तुतिं चक्रे रोमकंचुकितो मुदा । प्रोच्चरद्गद्गदालापो नमोस्त्विति पुनः पुनः

tamālokya stutiṁ cakre romakaṁcukito mudā proccaradgadgadālāpo namostviti punaḥ punaḥ

Beholding him, his hair standing on end with joy, Vishvanara offered praise, his speech faltering with emotion, saying again and again: 'Salutation to thee!'

Verse 126 (skanda.4.10.126)

विश्वानर उवाच । एकब्रह्मैवाद्वितीयं समस्तं सत्यं सत्यं नेहनानास्ति किंचित् । एको रुद्रो न द्वितीयोवतस्थे तस्मादेकं त्वां प्रपद्ये महेशम्

viśvānara uvāca ekabrahmaivādvitīyaṁ samastaṁ satyaṁ satyaṁ nehanānāsti kiṁcit eko rudro na dvitīyovatasthe tasmādekaṁ tvāṁ prapadye maheśam

Vishvanara said: 'The One Brahman alone, without a second, is all this; truly, truly, nothing here is manifold. Rudra alone exists, no second stands apart from him; therefore I take refuge in you, the One, O Mahesha.'

Verse 127 (skanda.4.10.127)

एकः कर्ता त्वं हि सर्वस्य शंभो नानारूपेष्वेकरूपोस्य रूपः । यद्वत्प्रत्यप्स्वर्क एकोप्यनेकस्तस्मान्नान्यं त्वां विनेशं प्रपद्ये

ekaḥ kartā tvaṁ hi sarvasya śaṁbho nānārūpeṣvekarūposya rūpaḥ yadvatpratyapsvarka ekopyanekastasmānnānyaṁ tvāṁ vineśaṁ prapadye

'You alone, O Shambhu, are the maker of all; though appearing in many forms, your form is one, just as the sun, though one, appears as many when reflected in many waters. Therefore I take refuge in none other than you, O Lord.'

Verse 128 (skanda.4.10.128)

रज्जौ सर्पः शुक्तिकायां च रूप्यंनैरःपूरस्तन्मृगाख्ये मरीचौ । यद्वत्तद्वद्विष्वगेष प्रपंचो यस्मिञ्ज्ञाते तं प्रपद्ये महेशम्

rajjau sarpaḥ śuktikāyāṁ ca rūpyaṁnairaḥpūrastanmṛgākhye marīcau yadvattadvadviṣvageṣa prapaṁco yasmiñjñāte taṁ prapadye maheśam

'As a snake appears in a rope, silver in a mother-of-pearl shell, or the illusion of water in a mirage — just so is this whole universe of appearance everywhere; knowing which, I take refuge in you, O Mahesha.'

Verse 129 (skanda.4.10.129)

तोये शैत्यं दाहकत्वं च वह्नौ तापो भानौ शीत भानौप्रसादः । पुष्पे गंधो दुग्धमध्येपि सर्पिर्यत्तच्छंभो त्वं ततस्त्वां प्रपद्ये

toye śaityaṁ dāhakatvaṁ ca vahnau tāpo bhānau śīta bhānauprasādaḥ puṣpe gaṁdho dugdhamadhyepi sarpiryattacchaṁbho tvaṁ tatastvāṁ prapadye

'The coolness in water, the burning power in fire, the heat in the sun, the soothing grace in the cool-rayed moon, the fragrance in the flower, the ghee latent in milk — whatever that essence is, O Shambhu, that you are; therefore I take refuge in you.'

Verse 130 (skanda.4.10.130)

शब्दं गृह्णास्यश्रवास्त्वं हि जिघ्रेरघ्राणस्त्वं व्यंघ्रिरायासि दूरात् । व्यक्षः पश्येस्त्वं रसज्ञोप्यजिह्वः कस्त्वां सम्यग्वेत्त्यतस्त्वां प्रपद्ये

śabdaṁ gṛhṇāsyaśravāstvaṁ hi jighreraghrāṇastvaṁ vyaṁghrirāyāsi dūrāt vyakṣaḥ paśyestvaṁ rasajñopyajihvaḥ kastvāṁ samyagvettyatastvāṁ prapadye

'Without ears you take in sound, without a nose you smell, without feet you come from afar, without eyes you see, without a tongue you know taste — who then can truly know you? Therefore I take refuge in you.'

Verse 131 (skanda.4.10.131)

नोवेदस्त्वामीश साक्षाद्धिवेदनो वा विष्णुर्नोविधाताऽखिलस्य । नो योगींद्रानेंद्रमुख्याश्च देवा भक्तो वेद त्वामतस्त्वां प्रपद्ये

novedastvāmīśa sākṣāddhivedano vā viṣṇurnovidhātā'khilasya no yogīṁdrāneṁdramukhyāśca devā bhakto veda tvāmatastvāṁ prapadye

'O Lord, neither the Veda itself, nor Vishnu, nor Brahma the maker of all, knows you directly; nor do the great lords of yogis, nor the gods headed by Indra — only your devotee knows you; therefore I take refuge in you.'

Verse 132 (skanda.4.10.132)

नो ते गोत्रं नेशजन्मापिनाख्यानो वा रूपं नैव शीलं न देशः । इत्थंभूतोपीश्वरस्त्वं त्रिलोक्याः सर्वान्कामान्पूरयेस्तद्भजे त्वाम्

no te gotraṁ neśajanmāpinākhyāno vā rūpaṁ naiva śīlaṁ na deśaḥ itthaṁbhūtopīśvarastvaṁ trilokyāḥ sarvānkāmānpūrayestadbhaje tvām

'You have no lineage, no birth, no name, no form, no character, no country of your own; and yet, being such, you, the Lord of the three worlds, fulfil every desire — therefore I worship you.'

Verse 133 (skanda.4.10.133)

त्वत्तः सर्वं त्वं हि सर्वं स्मरारे त्वं गौरीशस्त्वं च नग्नोऽतिशांतः । त्वं वै वृद्धस्त्वं युवा त्वं च बालस्तत्त्वं यत्किंनास्यतस्त्वां नतोस्मि

tvattaḥ sarvaṁ tvaṁ hi sarvaṁ smarāre tvaṁ gaurīśastvaṁ ca nagno'tiśāṁtaḥ tvaṁ vai vṛddhastvaṁ yuvā tvaṁ ca bālastattvaṁ yatkiṁnāsyatastvāṁ natosmi

'From you comes everything, and you indeed are everything, O foe of Smara; you are the Lord of Gauri, and you are also the naked one, utterly at peace; you are the aged one, you are the youth, and you are the child too — you are that reality without which nothing exists; therefore I bow to you.'

Verse 134 (skanda.4.10.134)

स्तुत्वेति भूमौ निपपात विप्रः स दंडवद्यावदतीव हृष्टः । तावत्स बालोखिलवृद्धवृद्धः प्रोवाच भूदेव वरं वृणीहि

stutveti bhūmau nipapāta vipraḥ sa daṁḍavadyāvadatīva hṛṣṭaḥ tāvatsa bālokhilavṛddhavṛddhaḥ provāca bhūdeva varaṁ vṛṇīhi

Having thus praised him, the brahmin, overjoyed, fell prostrate upon the ground like a staff; and that child, older than all elders, then said: 'O god upon earth, choose your boon.'

Verse 135 (skanda.4.10.135)

तत उत्थाय हृष्टात्मा मुनिर्विश्वानरः कृती । प्रत्यब्रवीत्किमज्ञातं सर्वज्ञस्य तव प्रभो

tata utthāya hṛṣṭātmā munirviśvānaraḥ kṛtī pratyabravītkimajñātaṁ sarvajñasya tava prabho

Then, rising with a joyful heart, the accomplished sage Vishvanara replied: 'What indeed is unknown to you, O Lord, who are all-knowing?'

Verse 136 (skanda.4.10.136)

सर्वांतरात्मा भगवान्सर्वः सर्वप्रदो भवान् । याच्ञां प्रतिनियुंक्ते मां किमीशो दैन्यकारिणीम्

sarvāṁtarātmā bhagavānsarvaḥ sarvaprado bhavān yācñāṁ pratiniyuṁkte māṁ kimīśo dainyakāriṇīm

'You, O Lord, are the inner self of all, are all, and are the giver of all; why then, O Ishvara, do you press me to a request that would make me appear needy?'

Verse 137 (skanda.4.10.137)

इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य देवो विश्वानरस्य ह । शुचेः शुचिव्रतस्याशु शुचिस्मित्वाब्रवीच्छिशुः

iti śrutvā vacastasya devo viśvānarasya ha śuceḥ śucivratasyāśu śucismitvābravīcchiśuḥ

Hearing these words of the pure Vishvanara, steadfast in his pure vows, the god, in the form of a child, swiftly smiled purely and spoke.

Verse 138 (skanda.4.10.138)

बाल उवाच । त्वया शुचे शुचिष्मत्यां योभिलाषः कृतो हृदि । अचिरेणैवकालेन स भविष्यत्यसंशयः

bāla uvāca tvayā śuce śuciṣmatyāṁ yobhilāṣaḥ kṛto hṛdi acireṇaivakālena sa bhaviṣyatyasaṁśayaḥ

The child said: 'O pure one, the desire you have held in your heart concerning Shuchishmati shall, without doubt, come to pass before long.'

Verse 139 (skanda.4.10.139)

तव पुत्रत्वमेष्यामि शुचिष्मत्यां महामते । ख्यातो गृहपतिर्नाम्ना शुचिः सर्वामरप्रियः

tava putratvameṣyāmi śuciṣmatyāṁ mahāmate khyāto gṛhapatirnāmnā śuciḥ sarvāmarapriyaḥ

'I myself shall become your son through Shuchishmati, O great-minded one, renowned by the name Grihapati, pure, and beloved of all the immortals.'

Verse 140 (skanda.4.10.140)

अभिलाषाष्टकं पुण्यं स्तोत्रमेतत्त्वयेरितम् । अब्दं त्रिकालपठनात्कामदं शिवसंनिधौ

abhilāṣāṣṭakaṁ puṇyaṁ stotrametattvayeritam abdaṁ trikālapaṭhanātkāmadaṁ śivasaṁnidhau

'This sacred hymn of eight verses, which you have just uttered, if recited three times daily for a year in the presence of Shiva, grants every desire.'

Verse 141 (skanda.4.10.141)

एतत्स्तोत्रस्य पठनं पुत्र पौत्र धनप्रदम् । सर्वशांतिकरं चापि सर्वापत्परिनाशनम्

etatstotrasya paṭhanaṁ putra pautra dhanapradam sarvaśāṁtikaraṁ cāpi sarvāpatparināśanam

'The recitation of this hymn bestows sons, grandsons, and wealth; it brings all peace and destroys every calamity.'

Verse 142 (skanda.4.10.142)

स्वर्गापवर्ग संपत्तिकारकं नात्र संशयः । प्रातरुत्थाय सुस्नातो लिंगमभ्यर्च्य शांभवम्

svargāpavarga saṁpattikārakaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ prātarutthāya susnāto liṁgamabhyarcya śāṁbhavam

'It brings the wealth of both heaven and liberation — of this there is no doubt. Rising at dawn, having bathed well, and having worshipped the linga of Shambhu—'

Verse 143 (skanda.4.10.143)

वर्षं जपन्निदं स्तोत्रमपुत्रः पुत्रवान्भवेत् । वैशाखे कार्तिके माघे विशेषनियमैर्युतः

varṣaṁ japannidaṁ stotramaputraḥ putravānbhavet vaiśākhe kārtike māghe viśeṣaniyamairyutaḥ

'—whoever recites this hymn for a year, even if sonless, shall become one with a son; especially so if observed with special vows in the months of Vaishakha, Kartika, or Magha.'

Verse 144 (skanda.4.10.144)

यः पठेत्स्नानसमये स लभेत्सकलं फलम् । कार्तिकस्य तु मासस्य प्रसादादहमव्ययः

yaḥ paṭhetsnānasamaye sa labhetsakalaṁ phalam kārtikasya tu māsasya prasādādahamavyayaḥ

'Whoever recites it at the hour of ritual bathing obtains its full fruit; and by the grace of the month of Kartika I, the imperishable one—'

Verse 145 (skanda.4.10.145)

तव पुत्रत्वमेष्यामि यस्त्वन्यस्तत्पठिष्यति । अभिलाषाष्टकमिदं न देयं यस्य कस्यचित्

tava putratvameṣyāmi yastvanyastatpaṭhiṣyati abhilāṣāṣṭakamidaṁ na deyaṁ yasya kasyacit

'—shall come to you as a son. Whoever else recites it shall likewise be blessed. This Abhilashashtaka must not be given to just anyone.'

Verse 146 (skanda.4.10.146)

गोपनीयं प्रयत्नेन महावंध्याप्रसूतिकृत् । स्त्रिया वा पुरुषेणापि नियमाल्लिंग संनिधौ

gopanīyaṁ prayatnena mahāvaṁdhyāprasūtikṛt striyā vā puruṣeṇāpi niyamālliṁga saṁnidhau

'It must be carefully guarded, for it grants offspring even to a woman utterly barren, whether recited by a woman or a man, with due observance, in the presence of the linga.'

Verse 147 (skanda.4.10.147)

अब्दं जप्तमिदं स्तोत्रं पुत्रदं नात्र संशयः । इत्युक्त्वांतर्दधे बालः सोपि विप्रो गृहं गतः

abdaṁ japtamidaṁ stotraṁ putradaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ ityuktvāṁtardadhe bālaḥ sopi vipro gṛhaṁ gataḥ

'This hymn, recited for a year, grants a son beyond doubt.' Having said this, the child vanished; and that brahmin too returned home.