The Index Chapter

Verse 1 (skanda.4.100.1)

।। सूत उवाच ।। ।। इदं स्कांदमहं श्रुत्वा काशीखंडमनुत्तमम् ।। नितरां परितृप्तोस्मि हृदि चापि विधारितम्

|| sūta uvāca || || idaṁ skāṁdamahaṁ śrutvā kāśīkhaṁḍamanuttamam || nitarāṁ paritṛptosmi hṛdi cāpi vidhāritam

Suta said: Having heard this excellent Skanda Kashi Khanda, I am exceedingly satisfied, and it is held firmly in my heart.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.100.2)

अनुक्रमणिकाध्यायं तथा माहात्म्यमुत्तमम् ।। पाराशर्य समाचक्ष्व यथापूर्वमिदं भवेत्

anukramaṇikādhyāyaṁ tathā māhātmyamuttamam || pārāśarya samācakṣva yathāpūrvamidaṁ bhavet

Tell also the Index chapter, and the excellent glory, O son of Parashara, just as it was before.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.100.3)

।। व्यास उवाच ।। ।। सूतावधेहि धर्मात्मञ्जातूकर्ण्य निशामय ।। शुकवैशंपायनाद्याः शृण्वंत्वपि च बालकाः

|| vyāsa uvāca || || sūtāvadhehi dharmātmañjātūkarṇya niśāmaya || śukavaiśaṁpāyanādyāḥ śṛṇvaṁtvapi ca bālakāḥ

Vyasa said: O Suta, righteous-souled one, listen attentively, hear well; let Shuka, Vaishampayana and others, and the children too, listen.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.100.4)

अनुक्रमणिकाध्यायं माहात्म्यं चापि खंडजम् ।। प्रवक्ष्याम्यघनाशाय महापुण्यप्रवर्धनम्

anukramaṇikādhyāyaṁ māhātmyaṁ cāpi khaṁḍajam || pravakṣyāmyaghanāśāya mahāpuṇyapravardhanam

I shall tell the Index chapter, and also the glory born of this Khanda, for the destruction of sin, greatly increasing merit.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.100.5)

विंध्यनारदसंवादः प्रथमे परिकीर्तितः ।। सत्यलोकप्रभावश्च द्वितीयः समुदाहृतः

viṁdhyanāradasaṁvādaḥ prathame parikīrtitaḥ || satyalokaprabhāvaśca dvitīyaḥ samudāhṛtaḥ

The dialogue of Vindhya and Narada is told in the first chapter; the power of Satyaloka is recounted as the second.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.100.6)

अगस्तेराश्रमपदे देवानामागमस्ततः ।। पतिव्रता चरित्रं च प्रस्थानं कुंभसंभवः

agasterāśramapade devānāmāgamastataḥ || pativratā caritraṁ ca prasthānaṁ kuṁbhasaṁbhavaḥ

At the hermitage of Agastya, the coming of the gods; the conduct of the devoted wife, the departure of the pot-born one,

Verse 7 (skanda.4.100.7)

तीर्थप्रशंसा च ततः सप्तपुर्यस्ततः स्मृताः ।। संयमिन्याः स्वरूपं च ब्रध्नलोकस्ततः परम्

tīrthapraśaṁsā ca tataḥ saptapuryastataḥ smṛtāḥ || saṁyaminyāḥ svarūpaṁ ca bradhnalokastataḥ param

then praise of the tirthas, then the seven cities are recounted; the nature of Samyamani, then the world of the sun,

Verse 8 (skanda.4.100.8)

इंद्राग्न्योर्लोकसंप्राप्तिस्ततश्च शिवशर्मणः ।। अग्नेः समुद्भवस्तस्मात् क्रव्याद्वरुणसंभवः

iṁdrāgnyorlokasaṁprāptistataśca śivaśarmaṇaḥ || agneḥ samudbhavastasmāt kravyādvaruṇasaṁbhavaḥ

the attainment of the worlds of Indra and Agni, and then of Shivasharma; the origin from Agni, then the birth of Kravyada from Varuna,

Verse 9 (skanda.4.100.9)

गंधवत्यलकापुर्योरीशयोस्तु समुद्भवः ।। चंद्रलोकपरिप्राप्तिः शिवशर्मद्विजन्मनः

gaṁdhavatyalakāpuryorīśayostu samudbhavaḥ || caṁdralokapariprāptiḥ śivaśarmadvijanmanaḥ

the origin of the lords of Gandhavati and Alakapuri; the attainment of the lunar world by the twice-born Shivasharma,

Verse 10 (skanda.4.100.10)

उडुलोक कथा तस्मात्ततः शुक्रसमुद्भवः ।। माहेय गुरुसौरीणां लोकानां वर्णनं ततः

uḍuloka kathā tasmāttataḥ śukrasamudbhavaḥ || māheya gurusaurīṇāṁ lokānāṁ varṇanaṁ tataḥ

then the story of the world of the stars, then the origin from Shukra; then the description of the worlds of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn,

Verse 11 (skanda.4.100.11)

सप्तर्षीणां ततो लोका ध्रुवस्य च तपस्ततः ।। ततो ध्रुवपदप्राप्तिर्ध्रुवलोक स्थितिस्ततः.

saptarṣīṇāṁ tato lokā dhruvasya ca tapastataḥ || tato dhruvapadaprāptirdhruvaloka sthitistataḥ.

then the worlds of the Seven Sages, and the austerity of Dhruva; then the attainment of Dhruva's position, then his dwelling in Dhruva's world,

Verse 12 (skanda.4.100.12)

दर्शनं सत्यलोकस्य तस्य वै शिवशर्मणः ।। चतुर्भुजाभिषेकश्च निर्वाणं शिवशर्मणः

darśanaṁ satyalokasya tasya vai śivaśarmaṇaḥ || caturbhujābhiṣekaśca nirvāṇaṁ śivaśarmaṇaḥ

the sight of Satyaloka by that very Shivasharma; the anointing by the four-armed one, and the liberation of Shivasharma,

Verse 13 (skanda.4.100.13)

स्कंदागस्त्योश्च संवादो मणिकर्ण्याः समुद्भवः ।। ततस्तु गंगामाहात्म्यं ततो दशहरास्तवः

skaṁdāgastyośca saṁvādo maṇikarṇyāḥ samudbhavaḥ || tatastu gaṁgāmāhātmyaṁ tato daśaharāstavaḥ

the dialogue of Skanda and Agastya, the origin of Manikarnika; then the glory of Ganga, then the Dashahara hymn,

Verse 14 (skanda.4.100.14)

प्रभावश्चापि गंगाया गंगानामसहस्रकम् ।। वाराणस्याः प्रशंसाथ भैरवाविर्भवस्ततः

prabhāvaścāpi gaṁgāyā gaṁgānāmasahasrakam || vārāṇasyāḥ praśaṁsātha bhairavāvirbhavastataḥ

the power of Ganga also, the thousand names of Ganga; then the praise of Varanasi, then the manifestation of Bhairava,

Verse 15 (skanda.4.100.15)

दंडपाणेः समुद्भूतिर्ज्ञानवाप्युद्भवस्ततः ।। आख्यानं च कलावत्याः सदाचारस्ततः परम्

daṁḍapāṇeḥ samudbhūtirjñānavāpyudbhavastataḥ || ākhyānaṁ ca kalāvatyāḥ sadācārastataḥ param

the origin of Dandapani, then the origin of Jnanavapi; the story of Kalavati, and, further, right conduct,

Verse 16 (skanda.4.100.16)

ब्रह्मचारि प्रकरणं ततः स्त्रीलक्षणानि च ।। कृत्याकृत्यप्रकरणमविमुक्तेशवर्णनम्

brahmacāri prakaraṇaṁ tataḥ strīlakṣaṇāni ca || kṛtyākṛtyaprakaraṇamavimukteśavarṇanam

the section on the celibate student, and the characteristics of women; the section on what is to be done and not done, the description of Avimuktesha,

Verse 17 (skanda.4.100.17)

ततो गृहस्थधर्माश्च ततो योगनिरूपणम् ।। कालज्ञानं ततः प्रोक्तं दिवोदासस्य वर्णनम्

tato gṛhasthadharmāśca tato yoganirūpaṇam || kālajñānaṁ tataḥ proktaṁ divodāsasya varṇanam

then the duties of the householder, then the exposition of yoga; the knowledge of time then declared, the description of Divodasa,

Verse 18 (skanda.4.100.18)

काश्याश्च वर्णनं तस्माद्योगिनीवर्णनं ततः ।। लोलार्कस्य समाख्यानमुत्तरार्ककथा ततः।।

kāśyāśca varṇanaṁ tasmādyoginīvarṇanaṁ tataḥ || lolārkasya samākhyānamuttarārkakathā tataḥ||

the description of Kashi, then the description of the Yoginis; the account of Lolarka, then the story of Uttararka,

Verse 19 (skanda.4.100.19)

सांबादित्यस्य महिमा द्रुपदादित्य शंसनम् ।। ततस्तु गरुडाख्यानमरुणार्कादयस्ततः

sāṁbādityasya mahimā drupadāditya śaṁsanam || tatastu garuḍākhyānamaruṇārkādayastataḥ

the glory of Sambaditya, the praise of Drupadaditya; then the account of Garuda, then Arunarka and others,

Verse 20 (skanda.4.100.20)

दशाश्वमेधिकं तीर्थं मंदराच्च गणागमः ।। पिशाचमोचनाख्यानं गणेशप्रेषणं ततः

daśāśvamedhikaṁ tīrthaṁ maṁdarācca gaṇāgamaḥ || piśācamocanākhyānaṁ gaṇeśapreṣaṇaṁ tataḥ

the tirtha Dashashvamedhika, and the coming of the ganas from Mandara; the account of Pishachamochana, then the sending of Ganesha,

Verse 21 (skanda.4.100.21)

मायागणपतेश्चाथ ढुंढिप्रादुर्भवस्ततः ।। विष्णुमायाप्रपंचोथ दिवोदासविसर्जनम्

māyāgaṇapateścātha ḍhuṁḍhiprādurbhavastataḥ || viṣṇumāyāprapaṁcotha divodāsavisarjanam

of the illusory Ganapati, then the manifestation of Dhundhi; then the display of Vishnu's maya, the dismissal of Divodasa,

Verse 22 (skanda.4.100.22)

ततः पंचनदोत्पत्तिर्बिंदुमाधवसंभवः ।। ततो वैष्णवतीर्थानां माहात्म्यपरिवर्णनम्

tataḥ paṁcanadotpattirbiṁdumādhavasaṁbhavaḥ || tato vaiṣṇavatīrthānāṁ māhātmyaparivarṇanam

then the origin of Panchanada, the origin of Bindumadhava; then the description of the glory of the Vaishnava tirthas,

Verse 23 (skanda.4.100.23)

प्रयाणं मंदरात्काशीं वृषभध्वजशूलिनः ।। जैगीषव्येन संवादो ज्येष्ठस्थाने महेशितुः

prayāṇaṁ maṁdarātkāśīṁ vṛṣabhadhvajaśūlinaḥ || jaigīṣavyena saṁvādo jyeṣṭhasthāne maheśituḥ

the setting out from Mandara to Kashi of the bull-bannered, trident-bearing one; the dialogue with Jaigishavya at Maheshvara's place in Jyeshthasthana,

Verse 24 (skanda.4.100.24)

ततः क्षेत्ररहस्यस्य कथनं पापनाशनम् ।। अथातः कंदुकेशस्य व्याघ्रेशस्य समुद्भवः

tataḥ kṣetrarahasyasya kathanaṁ pāpanāśanam || athātaḥ kaṁdukeśasya vyāghreśasya samudbhavaḥ

then the telling of the secret of the sacred field, destroyer of sin; then thereafter, the origin of Kandukesha, Vyaghresha,

Verse 25 (skanda.4.100.25)

ततः शैलेश्वरकथा रत्नेशस्य च दर्शनम् ।। कृत्तिवासः समुत्पत्तिस्ततश्चायतनागमः

tataḥ śaileśvarakathā ratneśasya ca darśanam || kṛttivāsaḥ samutpattistataścāyatanāgamaḥ

then the story of Shaileshvara, and the sight of Ratnesha; the origin of Krittivasas, then the coming of the temple,

Verse 26 (skanda.4.100.26)

देवतानामधिष्ठानं दुर्गासुरपराक्रमः ।। दुर्गाया विजयश्चाथ तत ओंकारवर्णनम्

devatānāmadhiṣṭhānaṁ durgāsuraparākramaḥ || durgāyā vijayaścātha tata oṁkāravarṇanam

the establishment of the deities, the might of the Durga-demon; the victory of Durga, then the description of Omkara,

Verse 27 (skanda.4.100.27)

पुनरोंकारमाहात्म्यं त्रिलोचनसमुद्भवः ।। त्रिलोचनप्रभावोथ केदाराख्यानमेव च

punaroṁkāramāhātmyaṁ trilocanasamudbhavaḥ || trilocanaprabhāvotha kedārākhyānameva ca

again the glory of Omkara, the origin of Trilochana; the power of Trilochana, and also the account of Kedara,

Verse 28 (skanda.4.100.28)

ततो धर्मेशमहिमा ततः पक्षिकथा शुभा ।। ततो विश्वभुजाख्यानं दुर्दमस्य कथा ततः

tato dharmeśamahimā tataḥ pakṣikathā śubhā || tato viśvabhujākhyānaṁ durdamasya kathā tataḥ

then the glory of Dharmesha, then the auspicious story of the birds; then the account of Vishvabhuja, then the story of Durdama,

Verse 29 (skanda.4.100.29)

ततो वीरेश्वराख्यानं वीरेश महिमा पुनः ।। गंगातीर्थैश्च संयुक्ता कामेश महिमा ततः

tato vīreśvarākhyānaṁ vīreśa mahimā punaḥ || gaṁgātīrthaiśca saṁyuktā kāmeśa mahimā tataḥ

then the account of Vireshvara, again the glory of Viresha; the glory of Kamesha, joined with the Ganga-tirthas,

Verse 30 (skanda.4.100.30)

विश्वकर्मेश महिमा दक्षयज्ञसमुद्भवः ।। सत्या देहविसर्गश्च ततो दक्षेश्वरोद्भवः

viśvakarmeśa mahimā dakṣayajñasamudbhavaḥ || satyā dehavisargaśca tato dakṣeśvarodbhavaḥ

the glory of Vishvakarmesha, the origin from Daksha's sacrifice; Sati's giving up of her body, then the origin of Dakshesvara,

Verse 31 (skanda.4.100.31)

ततो वै पार्वतीशस्य महिम्नः परिकीर्तनम् ।। गंगेशस्याथ महिमा नर्मदेशसमुद्भवः

tato vai pārvatīśasya mahimnaḥ parikīrtanam || gaṁgeśasyātha mahimā narmadeśasamudbhavaḥ

then the proclamation of the glory of Parvatisha; then the glory of Gangesha, the origin of Narmadesha,

Verse 32 (skanda.4.100.32)

सतीश्वरसमुत्पत्तिरमृतेशादि वणर्नम् ।। व्यासस्य हि भुजस्तंभो व्यासशापविमोक्षणम्

satīśvarasamutpattiramṛteśādi vaṇarnam || vyāsasya hi bhujastaṁbho vyāsaśāpavimokṣaṇam

the origin of Satishvara, the description of Amritesha and others; the paralysis of Vyasa's arm, the release from Vyasa's curse,

Verse 33 (skanda.4.100.33)

क्षेत्रतीर्थकदंबं च मुक्तिमंडप संकथा ।। विश्वेशाविर्भवश्चाथ ततो यात्रापरिक्रमः

kṣetratīrthakadaṁbaṁ ca muktimaṁḍapa saṁkathā || viśveśāvirbhavaścātha tato yātrāparikramaḥ

the mass of the sacred field's tirthas, the story of the Mukti-mandapa; the manifestation of Vishvesha, then the pilgrimage circuit,

Verse 34 (skanda.4.100.34)

एतदाख्यानशतकं क्रमेण परिकीर्तितम् ।। यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण सर्वखंड श्रुतेः फलम् ।। अनुक्रमणिकाध्यायेप्यस्ति यात्रापरिक्रमः

etadākhyānaśatakaṁ krameṇa parikīrtitam || yasya śravaṇamātreṇa sarvakhaṁḍa śruteḥ phalam || anukramaṇikādhyāyepyasti yātrāparikramaḥ

this hundred-fold account has been recounted in order; by mere hearing of which, the fruit of hearing the entire Khanda is obtained. In this Index chapter too, there is the pilgrimage circuit.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.100.35)

।। सूत उवाच ।। यात्रा परिक्रमं ब्रूहि जनानां हितकाम्यया ।। यथावत्सिद्धिकामानां सत्यवत्याः सुतोत्तम

|| sūta uvāca || yātrā parikramaṁ brūhi janānāṁ hitakāmyayā || yathāvatsiddhikāmānāṁ satyavatyāḥ sutottama

Suta said: Tell the pilgrimage circuit, O best son of Satyavati, for the welfare of people, for those who properly desire accomplishment.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.100.36)

।। व्यास उवाच।। ।। निशामय महाप्राज्ञ लोमहर्षण वच्मि ते ।। यथा प्रथमतो यात्रा कर्तव्या यात्रिकैर्मुदा

|| vyāsa uvāca|| || niśāmaya mahāprājña lomaharṣaṇa vacmi te || yathā prathamato yātrā kartavyā yātrikairmudā

Vyasa said: Listen, O greatly wise Lomaharshana, I tell you, how the pilgrimage should be undertaken first by pilgrims, with joy.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.100.37)

सचैलमादौ संस्नाय चक्रपुष्करिणीजले ।। संतर्प्यदेवासपितॄन्ब्राह्मणांश्च तथार्थिनः

sacailamādau saṁsnāya cakrapuṣkariṇījale || saṁtarpyadevāsapitṝnbrāhmaṇāṁśca tathārthinaḥ

Having first bathed with clothes on, in the water of Chakrapushkarini, having offered libations to gods, ancestors, and brahmins, and to seekers,

Verse 38 (skanda.4.100.38)

आदित्यं द्रौपदीं विष्णुं दंडपाणिं महेश्वरम् ।। नमस्कृत्य ततो गच्छेद्द्रष्टुं ढुंढिविनायकम्

ādityaṁ draupadīṁ viṣṇuṁ daṁḍapāṇiṁ maheśvaram || namaskṛtya tato gaccheddraṣṭuṁ ḍhuṁḍhivināyakam

having bowed to Aditya, Draupadi, Vishnu, Dandapani, and Maheshvara, one should then go to see Dhundhivinayaka.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.100.39)

ज्ञानवापीमुपस्पृश्य नंदिकेशं ततोर्चयेत् ।। तारकेशं ततोभ्यर्च्य महाकालेश्वरं ततः

jñānavāpīmupaspṛśya naṁdikeśaṁ tatorcayet || tārakeśaṁ tatobhyarcya mahākāleśvaraṁ tataḥ

Having touched Jnanavapi, one should then worship Nandikesha; then, having worshipped Tarakesha, then Mahakaleshvara,

Verse 40 (skanda.4.100.40)

ततः पुनर्दंडपाणिमित्येषा पंचतीर्थिका

tataḥ punardaṁḍapāṇimityeṣā paṁcatīrthikā

then again Dandapani — this is the fivefold tirtha.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.100.41)

दैनंदिनी विधातव्या महाफलमभीप्सुभिः ।। ततो वैश्वेश्वरी यात्रा कार्या सर्वार्थ सिद्धिदा

dainaṁdinī vidhātavyā mahāphalamabhīpsubhiḥ || tato vaiśveśvarī yātrā kāryā sarvārtha siddhidā

This should be performed daily by those desiring great fruit. Then the Vaisheshvari-yatra should be performed, giver of accomplishment of all aims —

Verse 42 (skanda.4.100.42)

द्विसप्तायतनानां च कार्या यात्रा प्रयत्नतः ।। कृष्णां प्रतिपदं प्राप्य भूतावधि यथाविधि

dvisaptāyatanānāṁ ca kāryā yātrā prayatnataḥ || kṛṣṇāṁ pratipadaṁ prāpya bhūtāvadhi yathāvidhi

the pilgrimage of the fourteen shrines should be performed with effort; reaching the first day of the dark fortnight, until the eighth called Bhuta, according to rule.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.100.43)

अथवा प्रतिभूतं च क्षेत्रसिद्धिमभीप्सुभिः ।। तत्तत्तीर्थकृतस्नानस्तत्तल्लिंगकृतार्चनः

athavā pratibhūtaṁ ca kṣetrasiddhimabhīpsubhiḥ || tattattīrthakṛtasnānastattalliṁgakṛtārcanaḥ

Or, by those desiring the accomplishment of the sacred field as a pledge, bathing at each respective tirtha, worshipping each respective linga,

Verse 44 (skanda.4.100.44)

मौनेन यात्रां कुर्वाणः फलं प्राप्नोति यात्रिकः।। ओंकारं प्रथमं पश्येन्मत्स्योदर्यां कृतोदकः

maunena yātrāṁ kurvāṇaḥ phalaṁ prāpnoti yātrikaḥ|| oṁkāraṁ prathamaṁ paśyenmatsyodaryāṁ kṛtodakaḥ

performing the pilgrimage in silence, the pilgrim obtains the fruit. He should first see Omkara, having made water-offering at Matsyodari.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.100.45)

त्रिविष्टपं महादेवं ततो वै कृत्तिवाससम् ।। रत्नेशं चाथ चंद्रेशं केदारं च ततो व्रजेत्

triviṣṭapaṁ mahādevaṁ tato vai kṛttivāsasam || ratneśaṁ cātha caṁdreśaṁ kedāraṁ ca tato vrajet

Then Trivishtapa-Mahadeva, then indeed Krittivasas; then Ratnesha, then Chandresha, then he should go to Kedara,

Verse 46 (skanda.4.100.46)

धर्मेश्वरं च वीरेशं गच्छेत्कामेश्वरं ततः ।। विश्वकर्मेश्वरं चाथ मणिकर्णीश्वरं ततः

dharmeśvaraṁ ca vīreśaṁ gacchetkāmeśvaraṁ tataḥ || viśvakarmeśvaraṁ cātha maṇikarṇīśvaraṁ tataḥ

then Dharmeshvara and Viresha, then he should go to Kameshvara; then Vishvakarmeshvara, then Manikarnishvara,

Verse 47 (skanda.4.100.47)

अविमुक्तेश्वरं दृष्ट्वा ततो विश्वेशमर्चयेत् ।। एषा यात्रा प्रयत्नेन कर्तव्या क्षेत्रवासिना

avimukteśvaraṁ dṛṣṭvā tato viśveśamarcayet || eṣā yātrā prayatnena kartavyā kṣetravāsinā

having seen Avimukteshvara, he should then worship Vishvesha. This pilgrimage should be performed with effort by the dweller of the sacred field.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.100.48)

यस्तु क्षेत्रमुषित्वा तु नैतां यात्रां समाचरेत् ।। विघ्नास्तस्योपतिष्ठंते क्षेत्रोच्चाटनसूचकाः

yastu kṣetramuṣitvā tu naitāṁ yātrāṁ samācaret || vighnāstasyopatiṣṭhaṁte kṣetroccāṭanasūcakāḥ

Whoever, having lived in the sacred field, does not perform this pilgrimage, obstacles beset him, signs of expulsion from the field.

Verse 49 (skanda.4.100.49)

अष्टायतन यात्रान्या कर्तव्या विघ्रशांतये ।। दक्षेशः पार्वतीशश्च तथा पशुपतीश्वरः

aṣṭāyatana yātrānyā kartavyā vighraśāṁtaye || dakṣeśaḥ pārvatīśaśca tathā paśupatīśvaraḥ

Another pilgrimage, of the eight shrines, should be performed for the pacification of obstacles: Dakshesha, Parvatisha, and likewise Pashupatishvara,

Verse 50 (skanda.4.100.50)

गंगेशो नर्मदेशश्च गभस्तीशः सतीश्वरः ।। अष्टमस्तारकेशश्च प्रत्यष्टमि विशेषतः

gaṁgeśo narmadeśaśca gabhastīśaḥ satīśvaraḥ || aṣṭamastārakeśaśca pratyaṣṭami viśeṣataḥ

Gangesha, Narmadesha, Gabhastisha, Satishvara, and eighth, Tarakesha — especially on every eighth day.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.100.51)

दृश्यान्येतानि लिंगानि महापापोपशांतये ।। अपरापि शुभा यात्रा योगक्षेमकरी सदा

dṛśyānyetāni liṁgāni mahāpāpopaśāṁtaye || aparāpi śubhā yātrā yogakṣemakarī sadā

These lingas are to be seen for the pacification of great sin. There is yet another auspicious pilgrimage, ever bringing welfare and security,

Verse 52 (skanda.4.100.52)

सर्वविघ्रोपहंत्री च कर्तव्या क्षेत्रवासिभिः ।। शैलेशं प्रथमं वीक्ष्य वरणास्नानपूर्वकम्

sarvavighropahaṁtrī ca kartavyā kṣetravāsibhiḥ || śaileśaṁ prathamaṁ vīkṣya varaṇāsnānapūrvakam

destroyer of all obstacles, to be performed by the dwellers of the sacred field. Having first seen Shailesha, preceded by bathing in the Varana,

Verse 53 (skanda.4.100.53)

स्नानं तु संगमे कृत्वा द्रष्टव्यः संगमेश्वरः ।। स्वलीन तीर्थे सुस्नातः पश्येत्स्वलीनमीश्वरम्

snānaṁ tu saṁgame kṛtvā draṣṭavyaḥ saṁgameśvaraḥ || svalīna tīrthe susnātaḥ paśyetsvalīnamīśvaram

having bathed at the confluence, Sangameshvara should be seen; well-bathed at the Svalina tirtha, one should see Svalinesvara.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.100.54)

स्नात्वा मंदाकिनी तीर्थे द्रष्टव्यो मध्यमेश्वरः ।। पश्येद्धिरण्यगर्भेशं तत्र तीर्थे कृतोदकः

snātvā maṁdākinī tīrthe draṣṭavyo madhyameśvaraḥ || paśyeddhiraṇyagarbheśaṁ tatra tīrthe kṛtodakaḥ

Having bathed at the Mandakini tirtha, Madhyameshvara should be seen; having made water-offering at that tirtha, one should see Hiranyagarbhesha.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.100.55)

मणिकर्ण्यां ततः स्नात्वा पश्येदीशानमीश्वरम्।। ततः कूपमुपस्पृश्य गोप्रेक्षमवलोकयेत्

maṇikarṇyāṁ tataḥ snātvā paśyedīśānamīśvaram|| tataḥ kūpamupaspṛśya goprekṣamavalokayet

Having then bathed at Manikarnika, one should see Ishanesha; then, having touched the well, one should behold Goprekshalinga.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.100.56)

कापिलेय ह्रदे स्नात्वा वीक्षेत वृषभध्वजम् ।। उपशांतशिवं पश्येत्तत्कूपविहितोदकः

kāpileya hrade snātvā vīkṣeta vṛṣabhadhvajam || upaśāṁtaśivaṁ paśyettatkūpavihitodakaḥ

Having bathed in the Kapileya pool, one should see the bull-bannered one; having offered water at that well, one should see Upashantashiva.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.100.57)

पंचचूडाह्रदे स्नात्वा ज्येष्ठस्थानं ततोर्चयेत् ।। चतुःसमुद्रकूपे तु स्नात्वा देवं समर्चयेत्

paṁcacūḍāhrade snātvā jyeṣṭhasthānaṁ tatorcayet || catuḥsamudrakūpe tu snātvā devaṁ samarcayet

Having bathed at Panchachudahrada, one should then worship Jyeshthasthana; having bathed at Chatuh-samudra well, one should worship the god.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.100.58)

देवस्याग्रे तु या वापी तत्रोपस्पर्शने कृते ।। शुक्रेश्वरं ततः पश्येत्तत्कूपविहितोदकः

devasyāgre tu yā vāpī tatropasparśane kṛte || śukreśvaraṁ tataḥ paśyettatkūpavihitodakaḥ

At the stepped-well in front of the god, having touched its water there, one should then see Shukreshvara, having made water-offering at that well.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.100.59)

दंडखाते ततः स्नात्वा व्याघ्रेशं पूजयेत्ततः ।। शौनकेश्वरकुंडे तु स्नानं कृत्वा ततोर्चयेत्

daṁḍakhāte tataḥ snātvā vyāghreśaṁ pūjayettataḥ || śaunakeśvarakuṁḍe tu snānaṁ kṛtvā tatorcayet

Having then bathed at Dandakhata, one should worship Vyaghresha; having bathed at Shaunakeshvara's pool, one should then worship him,

Verse 60 (skanda.4.100.60)

जंबुकेशं महालिंगं कृत्वा यात्रामिमां नरः।। क्वचिन्न जायते भूयः संसारे दुःखसागरे

jaṁbukeśaṁ mahāliṁgaṁ kṛtvā yātrāmimāṁ naraḥ|| kvacinna jāyate bhūyaḥ saṁsāre duḥkhasāgare

and Jambukesha, the great linga — a man performing this pilgrimage is never again born in the ocean of sorrow that is samsara.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.100.61)

समारभ्य प्रतिपदं यावत्कृष्णा चतुर्दशी ।। एतत्क्रमेण कर्तव्यान्ये तदायतनानि वै

samārabhya pratipadaṁ yāvatkṛṣṇā caturdaśī || etatkrameṇa kartavyānye tadāyatanāni vai

Beginning from the first day until the fourteenth of the dark fortnight, these other shrines should be visited in order.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.100.62)

इमां यात्रां नरः कृत्वा न भूयोप्यभिजायते ।। अन्या यात्रा प्रकर्तव्यैका दशायतनोद्भवा

imāṁ yātrāṁ naraḥ kṛtvā na bhūyopyabhijāyate || anyā yātrā prakartavyaikā daśāyatanodbhavā

A man, having performed this pilgrimage, is never born again. Another pilgrimage should be performed, of the eleven shrines.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.100.63)

आग्नीध्र कुंडे सुस्नातः पश्येदाग्नीध्रमीश्वरम् ।। उर्वशीशं ततो गच्छेत्ततस्तु नकुलीश्वरम्

āgnīdhra kuṁḍe susnātaḥ paśyedāgnīdhramīśvaram || urvaśīśaṁ tato gacchettatastu nakulīśvaram

Well-bathed at the Agnidhra pool, one should see Agnidhreshvara; then one should go to Urvashisha, then to Nakulishvara.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.100.64)

आषाढीशं ततो दृष्ट्वा भारभूतेश्वरं ततः ।। लांगलीशमथालोक्य ततस्तु त्रिपुरांतकम्

āṣāḍhīśaṁ tato dṛṣṭvā bhārabhūteśvaraṁ tataḥ || lāṁgalīśamathālokya tatastu tripurāṁtakam

Then, having seen Ashadhisha, then Bharabhuteshvara; then having beheld Langalisha, then Tripurantaka,

Verse 65 (skanda.4.100.65)

ततो मनःप्रकामेशं प्रीतिकेशमथो व्रजेत् ।। मदालसेश्वरं तस्मात्तिलपर्णेश्वरं ततः

tato manaḥprakāmeśaṁ prītikeśamatho vrajet || madālaseśvaraṁ tasmāttilaparṇeśvaraṁ tataḥ

then Manahprakameshvara, then he should go to Pritikesha; then Madalaseshvara, then Tilaparneshvara.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.100.66)

यात्रैकादशलिंगानामेषा कार्या प्रयत्नतः।। इमां यात्रां प्रकुर्वाणो रुद्रत्वं प्राप्नुयान्नरः

yātraikādaśaliṁgānāmeṣā kāryā prayatnataḥ|| imāṁ yātrāṁ prakurvāṇo rudratvaṁ prāpnuyānnaraḥ

This pilgrimage of the eleven lingas should be performed with effort. A man performing this pilgrimage attains the state of Rudra.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.100.67)

अतः परं प्रवक्ष्यामि गारी यात्रामनुत्तमाम्।। शुक्लपक्षे तृतीयायां या यात्रा विष्वगृद्धिदा

ataḥ paraṁ pravakṣyāmi gārī yātrāmanuttamām|| śuklapakṣe tṛtīyāyāṁ yā yātrā viṣvagṛddhidā

Beyond this I shall tell the excellent Gauri-pilgrimage. On the third day of the bright fortnight, the pilgrimage which grants prosperity in every direction —

Verse 68 (skanda.4.100.68)

गोप्रेक्षतीर्थे सुस्नाय मुखनिर्मालिकां व्रजेत् ।। ज्येष्ठावाप्यां नरः स्नात्वा ज्येष्ठागौरीं समर्चयेत्

goprekṣatīrthe susnāya mukhanirmālikāṁ vrajet || jyeṣṭhāvāpyāṁ naraḥ snātvā jyeṣṭhāgaurīṁ samarcayet

having bathed well at Goprekshatirtha, one should go to Mukhanirmalika; having bathed at Jyeshtha's stepped-well, one should worship Jyeshtha-Gauri.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.100.69)

सौभाग्यगौरी संपूज्या ज्ञानवाप्यां कृतोदकैः।। ततः शृंगारगौरीं च तत्रैव च कृतोदकः

saubhāgyagaurī saṁpūjyā jñānavāpyāṁ kṛtodakaiḥ|| tataḥ śṛṁgāragaurīṁ ca tatraiva ca kṛtodakaḥ

Saubhagya-Gauri should be worshipped, having made water-offering at Jnanavapi; then Shringara-Gauri, having made water-offering there too.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.100.70)

स्नात्वा विशालगंगायां विशालाक्षीं ततो व्रजेत् ।। सुस्नातो ललितातीर्थे ललितामर्चयेत्ततः

snātvā viśālagaṁgāyāṁ viśālākṣīṁ tato vrajet || susnāto lalitātīrthe lalitāmarcayettataḥ

Having bathed in Vishalaganga, one should then go to Vishalakshi; well-bathed at the Lalita tirtha, one should worship Lalita.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.100.71)

स्नात्वा भवानीतीर्थेथ भवानीं परिपूजयेत् ।। मंगला च ततोभ्यर्च्या बिंदुतीर्थकृतोदकैः

snātvā bhavānītīrthetha bhavānīṁ paripūjayet || maṁgalā ca tatobhyarcyā biṁdutīrthakṛtodakaiḥ

Having bathed at Bhavani tirtha, one should worship Bhavani fully; and Mangala should then be worshipped, with water-offering made at Bindu tirtha.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.100.72)

ततो गच्छेन्महालक्ष्मीं स्थिरलक्ष्मीसमृद्धये ।। इमां यात्रां नरः कृत्वा क्षेत्रेस्मिन्मुक्तिजन्मनि

tato gacchenmahālakṣmīṁ sthiralakṣmīsamṛddhaye || imāṁ yātrāṁ naraḥ kṛtvā kṣetresminmuktijanmani

Then one should go to Mahalakshmi, for the increase of stable fortune. A man, having performed this pilgrimage, in this sacred field of liberation's birth,

Verse 73 (skanda.4.100.73)

न दुःखैरभिभूयेत इहामुत्रापि कुत्रचित् ।। कुर्यात्प्रतिचतुर्थीह यात्रां विघ्नेशितुः सदा

na duḥkhairabhibhūyeta ihāmutrāpi kutracit || kuryātpraticaturthīha yātrāṁ vighneśituḥ sadā

is not overwhelmed by sorrows, here or hereafter, anywhere. One should perform, on every fourth day, the pilgrimage of the lord of obstacles, always.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.100.74)

ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्तदुद्देशाद्देया वै मोदका मुदे ।। भौमे भैरवयात्रा च कार्या पातकहारिणी

brāhmaṇebhyastaduddeśāddeyā vai modakā mude || bhaume bhairavayātrā ca kāryā pātakahāriṇī

Modaka should be given for joy, in that direction, to brahmins. On Tuesday, the Bhairava-pilgrimage should be performed, remover of sin.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.100.75)

रविवारे रवेर्यात्रा षष्ठ्यां वारविसंयुजि ।। तथैव रविसप्तम्यां सर्वविघ्नोपशांतये

ravivāre raveryātrā ṣaṣṭhyāṁ vāravisaṁyuji || tathaiva ravisaptamyāṁ sarvavighnopaśāṁtaye

On Sunday, the pilgrimage of the sun; on the sixth day joined with an otherwise star-less day; likewise on the seventh day joined with Sunday, for the pacification of all obstacles.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.100.76)

नवम्यामथवाष्टम्यां चंडीयात्रा शुभा मता ।। अंतर्गृहस्य वै यात्रा कर्तव्या प्रतिवासरम्

navamyāmathavāṣṭamyāṁ caṁḍīyātrā śubhā matā || aṁtargṛhasya vai yātrā kartavyā prativāsaram

On the ninth, or on the eighth, the Chandi-pilgrimage is held auspicious. The pilgrimage of the inner house should be performed every single day.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.100.77)

प्रातःस्नानं विधायादौ नत्वा पंचविनायकान् ।। नमस्कृत्वाथ विश्वेशं स्थित्वा निर्वाणमंडपे

prātaḥsnānaṁ vidhāyādau natvā paṁcavināyakān || namaskṛtvātha viśveśaṁ sthitvā nirvāṇamaṁḍape

Having first performed morning ablutions, having bowed to the five Vinayakas, having saluted Vishvesha, standing in the Nirvana-mandapa,

Verse 78 (skanda.4.100.78)

अंतर्गृहस्य यात्रा वै करिष्ये घौघशांतये ।। गृहीत्वा नियमं चेति गत्वाथ मणिकर्णिकाम्

aṁtargṛhasya yātrā vai kariṣye ghaughaśāṁtaye || gṛhītvā niyamaṁ ceti gatvātha maṇikarṇikām

[saying:] "I shall perform the pilgrimage of the inner house, for the pacification of the flood of sin" — having taken this vow thus, and having gone then to Manikarnika,

Verse 79 (skanda.4.100.79)

स्नात्वा मौनेन चागत्य मणिकर्णीशमर्चयेत् ।। कंबलाश्वतरौ नत्वा वासुकीशं प्रणम्य च

snātvā maunena cāgatya maṇikarṇīśamarcayet || kaṁbalāśvatarau natvā vāsukīśaṁ praṇamya ca

having bathed and returned in silence, one should worship Manikarnishvara; having bowed to Kambala and Ashvatara, and having saluted Vasukisha,

Verse 80 (skanda.4.100.80)

पर्वतेशं ततो दृष्ट्वा गंगाकेशवमप्यथ ।। ततस्तु ललितां दृष्ट्वा जरासंधेश्वरं ततः

parvateśaṁ tato dṛṣṭvā gaṁgākeśavamapyatha || tatastu lalitāṁ dṛṣṭvā jarāsaṁdheśvaraṁ tataḥ

then, having seen Parvatesha, and also Gangakeshava; then, having seen Lalita, then Jarasandheshvara,

Verse 81 (skanda.4.100.81)

ततो वै सोमनाथं च वाराहं च ततो व्रजेत् ।। ब्रह्मेश्वरं ततो नत्वा नत्वागस्तीश्वरं ततः

tato vai somanāthaṁ ca vārāhaṁ ca tato vrajet || brahmeśvaraṁ tato natvā natvāgastīśvaraṁ tataḥ

then indeed Somanatha, and then one should go to Varaha; then, having bowed to Brahmeshvara, then having bowed to Agastishvara,

Verse 82 (skanda.4.100.82)

कश्यपेशं नमस्कृत्य हरिकेशवनं ततः ।। वैद्यनाथं ततो दृष्ट्वा ध्रुवेशमथ वीक्ष्य च

kaśyapeśaṁ namaskṛtya harikeśavanaṁ tataḥ || vaidyanāthaṁ tato dṛṣṭvā dhruveśamatha vīkṣya ca

having saluted Kashyapesha, then Harikeshavana; then, having seen Vaidyanatha, and having beheld Dhruvesha,

Verse 83 (skanda.4.100.83)

गोकर्णेश्वरमभ्यर्च्य हाटकेशमथो व्रजेत् ।। अस्थिक्षेप तडागे च दृष्ट्वा वै कीकसेश्वरम्

gokarṇeśvaramabhyarcya hāṭakeśamatho vrajet || asthikṣepa taḍāge ca dṛṣṭvā vai kīkaseśvaram

having worshipped Gokarneshvara, then one should go to Hatakesha; and at the pool of Asthikshepa, having seen Kikaseshvara,

Verse 84 (skanda.4.100.84)

भारभूतं ततो नत्वा चित्रेगुप्तेश्वरं ततः ।। चित्रघंटां प्रणम्याथ ततः पशुपतीश्वरम्

bhārabhūtaṁ tato natvā citregupteśvaraṁ tataḥ || citraghaṁṭāṁ praṇamyātha tataḥ paśupatīśvaram

then, having bowed to Bharabhuta, then Chitraguptesvara; having saluted Chitraghanta, then Pashupatishvara,

Verse 85 (skanda.4.100.85)

पितामहेश्वरं गत्वा ततस्तु कलशेश्वरम् ।। चंद्रेशस्त्वथ वीरेशो विद्येशोग्नीश एव च

pitāmaheśvaraṁ gatvā tatastu kalaśeśvaram || caṁdreśastvatha vīreśo vidyeśognīśa eva ca

having gone to Pitamaheshvara, then Kalasheshvara; then Chandresha, Viresha, Vidyesha, and also Agnisha,

Verse 86 (skanda.4.100.86)

नागेश्वरो हरिश्चंद्रश्चिंतामणिविनायकः ।। सेनाविनायकश्चाथ द्रष्टव्यः सर्वविघ्नहृत्

nāgeśvaro hariścaṁdraściṁtāmaṇivināyakaḥ || senāvināyakaścātha draṣṭavyaḥ sarvavighnahṛt

Nageshvara, Harishchandra, Chintamani-Vinayaka; and then Sena-Vinayaka should be seen, remover of all obstacles.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.100.87)

वसिष्ठवामदेवौ च मूर्तिरूपधरावुभौ ।। द्रष्टव्यौ यत्नतः काश्यां महाविघ्नविनाशिनौ

vasiṣṭhavāmadevau ca mūrtirūpadharāvubhau || draṣṭavyau yatnataḥ kāśyāṁ mahāvighnavināśinau

Vasishtha and Vamadeva, both bearing embodied forms — both should be seen with effort in Kashi, great destroyers of obstacles.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.100.88)

सीमाविनायकं चाथ करुणेशं ततो व्रजेत् ।। त्रिसंध्येशो विशालाक्षी धर्मेशो विश्वबाहुका ।। आशाविनायकश्चाथ वृद्धादित्यस्ततः पुनः

sīmāvināyakaṁ cātha karuṇeśaṁ tato vrajet || trisaṁdhyeśo viśālākṣī dharmeśo viśvabāhukā || āśāvināyakaścātha vṛddhādityastataḥ punaḥ

Then Simavinayaka, then one should go to Karunesha; Trisandhyesha, Vishalakshi, Dharmesha, Vishvabahuka, then Ashavinayaka, and then again Vriddhaditya,

Verse 89 (skanda.4.100.89)

चतुर्वक्त्रेश्वरं लिंगं ब्राह्मीशस्तु ततः परः ।। ततो मनःप्रकामेश ईशानेशस्ततः परम्

caturvaktreśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ brāhmīśastu tataḥ paraḥ || tato manaḥprakāmeśa īśāneśastataḥ param

the linga Chaturvaktreshvara, then next Brahmisha; then Manahprakamesha, then next Ishanesha.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.100.90)

चंडीचंडीश्वरौ दृश्यौ भवानीशंकरौ ततः ।। ढुंढिं प्रणम्य च ततो राजराजेशमर्चयेत्

caṁḍīcaṁḍīśvarau dṛśyau bhavānīśaṁkarau tataḥ || ḍhuṁḍhiṁ praṇamya ca tato rājarājeśamarcayet

Chandi and Chandishvara are to be seen, then Bhavanishankara; having bowed to Dhundhi, one should then worship Rajarajesha.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.100.91)

लांगलीशस्ततोभ्यर्च्यस्ततस्तु नकुलीश्वरः ।। परान्नेशमथो नत्वा परद्रव्येश्वरं ततः

lāṁgalīśastatobhyarcyastatastu nakulīśvaraḥ || parānneśamatho natvā paradravyeśvaraṁ tataḥ

Then Langalisha should be worshipped, then Nakulishvara; having bowed to Paranneshvara, then Paradravyeshvara,

Verse 92 (skanda.4.100.92)

प्रतिग्रहेश्वरं वापि निष्कलंकेशमेव च ।। मार्कंडेयेशमभ्यर्च्य ततश्चाप्सरसेश्वरम्

pratigraheśvaraṁ vāpi niṣkalaṁkeśameva ca || mārkaṁḍeyeśamabhyarcya tataścāpsaraseśvaram

and Pratigraheshvara, and also Nishkalankesha; having worshipped Markandeyesha, then Apsarasesvara,

Verse 93 (skanda.4.100.93)

गंगेशोर्च्यस्ततो ज्ञानवाप्यां स्नानं समाचरेत् ।। नंदिकेशं तारकेशं महाकालेश्वरं ततः

gaṁgeśorcyastato jñānavāpyāṁ snānaṁ samācaret || naṁdikeśaṁ tārakeśaṁ mahākāleśvaraṁ tataḥ

having worshipped Gangesha, one should then bathe at Jnanavapi; Nandikesha, Tarakesha, then Mahakaleshvara,

Verse 94 (skanda.4.100.94)

दंडपाणिं महेशं च मोक्षेशं प्रणमेत्ततः ।। वीरभद्रेश्वरं नत्वा अविमुक्तेश्वरं ततः

daṁḍapāṇiṁ maheśaṁ ca mokṣeśaṁ praṇamettataḥ || vīrabhadreśvaraṁ natvā avimukteśvaraṁ tataḥ

Dandapani, Mahesha, and then one should bow to Mokshesha; having bowed to Virabhadreshvara, then Avimukteshvara,

Verse 95 (skanda.4.100.95)

विनायकांस्ततः पंच विश्वनाथं ततो व्रजेत् ।।. ततो मौनं विसृज्याथ मंत्रमेतमुदीरयेत्

vināyakāṁstataḥ paṁca viśvanāthaṁ tato vrajet ||. tato maunaṁ visṛjyātha maṁtrametamudīrayet

then the five Vinayakas, then one should go to Vishvanatha; then, breaking silence, one should recite this mantra —

Verse 96 (skanda.4.100.96)

अंतर्गृहस्य यात्रेयं यथावद्या मया कृता ।। न्यूनातिरिक्तया शंभुः प्रीयतामनया विभुः

aṁtargṛhasya yātreyaṁ yathāvadyā mayā kṛtā || nyūnātiriktayā śaṁbhuḥ prīyatāmanayā vibhuḥ

"This pilgrimage of the inner house has been performed by me as prescribed; may the lord Shambhu, whether it be deficient or excessive, be pleased by this."

Verse 97 (skanda.4.100.97)

इति मंत्रं समुच्चार्य क्षणं वै मुक्तिमंडपे ।। विश्रम्य यायाद्भवनं निष्पापः पुण्यवान्नरः

iti maṁtraṁ samuccārya kṣaṇaṁ vai muktimaṁḍape || viśramya yāyādbhavanaṁ niṣpāpaḥ puṇyavānnaraḥ

Having recited this mantra thus, resting a moment in the Mukti-mandapa, the sinless, meritorious man should then go home.

Verse 98 (skanda.4.100.98)

संप्राप्य वासरं विष्णोर्विष्णुतीर्थेषु सर्वतः ।। कार्या यात्रा प्रयत्नेन महापुण्य समृद्धये

saṁprāpya vāsaraṁ viṣṇorviṣṇutīrtheṣu sarvataḥ || kāryā yātrā prayatnena mahāpuṇya samṛddhaye

Having reached the day of Vishnu, a pilgrimage of all the Vishnu-tirthas everywhere should be performed with effort, for the increase of great merit.

Verse 99 (skanda.4.100.99)

नभस्य पंचदश्यां च कुलस्तंभं समर्चयेत् ।। दुःखं रुद्रपिशाचत्वं न भवेद्यस्य पूजनात्

nabhasya paṁcadaśyāṁ ca kulastaṁbhaṁ samarcayet || duḥkhaṁ rudrapiśācatvaṁ na bhavedyasya pūjanāt

On the full moon of Shravana, one should worship the family-pillar; through worship of which, the misery of Rudra-piśāca-possession does not occur.

Verse 100 (skanda.4.100.100)

श्रद्धापूर्वमिमा यात्रा कर्तव्याः क्षेत्रवासिभिः ।। पर्वस्वपि विशेषेण कार्या यात्राश्च सर्वतः

śraddhāpūrvamimā yātrā kartavyāḥ kṣetravāsibhiḥ || parvasvapi viśeṣeṇa kāryā yātrāśca sarvataḥ

These pilgrimages should be performed by the dwellers of the sacred field with faith; on festival days especially, pilgrimages should be performed everywhere.

Verse 101 (skanda.4.100.101)

न वंध्यं दिवसं कुर्याद्विनायात्रां क्वचित्कृती ।। यात्राद्वयं प्रयत्नेन कर्तव्यं प्रतिवासरम्

na vaṁdhyaṁ divasaṁ kuryādvināyātrāṁ kvacitkṛtī || yātrādvayaṁ prayatnena kartavyaṁ prativāsaram

One who is accomplished should never let a single day pass without pilgrimage; two pilgrimages should be performed with effort every single day —

Verse 102 (skanda.4.100.102)

आदौ स्वर्गतरंगिण्यास्ततो विश्वेशितुर्ध्रुवम् ।। यस्य वंध्यं दिनं यातं काश्यां निवसतः सतः

ādau svargataraṁgiṇyāstato viśveśiturdhruvam || yasya vaṁdhyaṁ dinaṁ yātaṁ kāśyāṁ nivasataḥ sataḥ

first of the celestial river, then certainly of Vishvesha. Whoever, dwelling in Kashi, lets a day pass without this,

Verse 103 (skanda.4.100.103)

निराशाः पितरस्तस्य तस्मिन्नेव दिनेऽभवन् ।। स दष्टः कालसर्पेण स दृष्टो मृत्युना स्फुटम्

nirāśāḥ pitarastasya tasminneva dine'bhavan || sa daṣṭaḥ kālasarpeṇa sa dṛṣṭo mṛtyunā sphuṭam

his ancestors become despondent on that very day. He is bitten by the serpent of time, he is seen clearly by death.

Verse 104 (skanda.4.100.104)

स मुष्टस्तत्र दिवसे विश्वेशो यत्र नेक्षितः ।। सर्वतीर्थेषु सस्नौ स सर्वयात्रां व्यधात्स च ।। मणिकर्ण्यां तु यः स्नातो यो विश्वेशं निरैक्षत

sa muṣṭastatra divase viśveśo yatra nekṣitaḥ || sarvatīrtheṣu sasnau sa sarvayātrāṁ vyadhātsa ca || maṇikarṇyāṁ tu yaḥ snāto yo viśveśaṁ niraikṣata

He is robbed on that day on which Vishvesha was not seen. He who has bathed at all tirthas and performed every pilgrimage,

Verse 105 (skanda.4.100.105)

सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं सत्यं सत्यं पुनःपुनः ।। दृश्यो विश्वेश्वरो नित्यं स्नातव्या मणिकर्णिका

satyaṁ satyaṁ punaḥ satyaṁ satyaṁ satyaṁ punaḥpunaḥ || dṛśyo viśveśvaro nityaṁ snātavyā maṇikarṇikā

yet who has bathed in Manikarnika and beheld Vishvesha — true, true, again true, true, true, again and again — Vishveshvara is to be seen daily, and Manikarnika is to be bathed in.

Verse 106 (skanda.4.100.106)

।। व्यास उवाच ।। ।। सूत स्कांदमिदं श्रुत्वा काशीमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम् ।। नरो न निरयं याति कृत्वाप्यघसहस्रकम्

|| vyāsa uvāca || || sūta skāṁdamidaṁ śrutvā kāśīmāhātmyamuttamam || naro na nirayaṁ yāti kṛtvāpyaghasahasrakam

Vyasa said: O Suta, having heard this excellent glory of Kashi from the Skanda Purana, a man does not go to hell, even having committed a thousand sins.

Verse 107 (skanda.4.100.107)

स्नात्वा सर्वाणि तीर्थानि यच्छ्रेयः समुपार्ज्यते ।। काशीखंडस्य श्रवणात्तत्स्यात्सूत न संशयः

snātvā sarvāṇi tīrthāni yacchreyaḥ samupārjyate || kāśīkhaṁḍasya śravaṇāttatsyātsūta na saṁśayaḥ

Whatever welfare is earned by bathing at all tirthas, that comes, O Suta, from hearing the Kashi Khanda — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 108 (skanda.4.100.108)

दत्त्वा दानानि सर्वाणि कृत्वा यज्ञाननेकशः ।। तत्पुण्यं लभते मर्त्यस्तदा तच्छ्रवणाद्ध्रुवम्

dattvā dānāni sarvāṇi kṛtvā yajñānanekaśaḥ || tatpuṇyaṁ labhate martyastadā tacchravaṇāddhruvam

Having given all manner of gifts, having performed many sacrifices — that merit a mortal obtains, certainly, from hearing that.

Verse 109 (skanda.4.100.109)

तप्त्वा तपांसि चोग्राणि प्राप्यते यन्महत्फलम् ।। श्रवणादस्य खंडस्य लभते तन्न संशयः

taptvā tapāṁsi cogrāṇi prāpyate yanmahatphalam || śravaṇādasya khaṁḍasya labhate tanna saṁśayaḥ

Whatever great fruit is obtained by performing fierce austerities, that is obtained from hearing this Khanda — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 110 (skanda.4.100.110)

अधीत्य चतुरो वेदान्सांगान्यत्फलमाप्यते ।। काशीखंडं समाकर्ण्य तत्फलं लभ्यते नरैः

adhītya caturo vedānsāṁgānyatphalamāpyate || kāśīkhaṁḍaṁ samākarṇya tatphalaṁ labhyate naraiḥ

Whatever fruit is obtained by studying the four Vedas together with their auxiliary texts, that fruit is obtained by men from hearing the Kashi Khanda.

Verse 111 (skanda.4.100.111)

गययां श्राद्धदानाच्च यथा तृप्यंति पूर्वजाः ।। तथैतच्छ्रवणान्नृणां तृप्नुवंति पितामहाः

gayayāṁ śrāddhadānācca yathā tṛpyaṁti pūrvajāḥ || tathaitacchravaṇānnṛṇāṁ tṛpnuvaṁti pitāmahāḥ

Just as ancestors are satisfied by the gift of shraddha at Gaya, so too are the forefathers satisfied for men by hearing this.

Verse 112 (skanda.4.100.112)

तैश्च सर्वपुराणानि श्रुतानि स्थिरबुद्धिभिः ।। काशीखंडं श्रुतं यैश्च सर्वेषां श्रेयसां पदम्

taiśca sarvapurāṇāni śrutāni sthirabuddhibhiḥ || kāśīkhaṁḍaṁ śrutaṁ yaiśca sarveṣāṁ śreyasāṁ padam

All the Puranas have been heard by those of steady intellect; and those by whom the Kashi Khanda has been heard have attained the position of every welfare.

Verse 113 (skanda.4.100.113)

श्रुताश्च सर्वधर्मास्तैर्महापुण्येकराशिभिः ।। श्रुतं यैः स्थिरचेतोभिः काशीमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम्

śrutāśca sarvadharmāstairmahāpuṇyekarāśibhiḥ || śrutaṁ yaiḥ sthiracetobhiḥ kāśīmāhātmyamuttamam

All dharmas have been heard by those, the sole treasuries of great merit, by whom, with steady mind, this excellent glory of Kashi has been heard.

Verse 114 (skanda.4.100.114)

इदमेव हि देवेज्या परमा परिकीर्तिता ।। जपेत्तत्खंडमखिलं श्रोतव्यं श्रद्धया द्विजाः

idameva hi devejyā paramā parikīrtitā || japettatkhaṁḍamakhilaṁ śrotavyaṁ śraddhayā dvijāḥ

This alone is declared the supreme worship of the gods. The entire Khanda should be recited; it should be heard with faith, O brahmins.

Verse 115 (skanda.4.100.115)

शृणुयादेकमपि य आख्यानं काशिखंडजम् ।। श्रुतानि तेन सर्वाणि धर्मशास्त्राण्यसंशयम्

śṛṇuyādekamapi ya ākhyānaṁ kāśikhaṁḍajam || śrutāni tena sarvāṇi dharmaśāstrāṇyasaṁśayam

Whoever shall hear even a single account born of the Kashi Khanda, by him all the dharma-shastras have been heard, without doubt.

Verse 116 (skanda.4.100.116)

महाधर्मैकजननं महार्थप्रतिपादकम् ।। कारणं सर्वकामाप्तेः काशीखंडमिदं स्मृतम्

mahādharmaikajananaṁ mahārthapratipādakam || kāraṇaṁ sarvakāmāpteḥ kāśīkhaṁḍamidaṁ smṛtam

The sole begetter of great dharma, the expounder of great meaning, the cause of the attainment of all desires — this Kashi Khanda is remembered.

Verse 117 (skanda.4.100.117)

एतच्छ्रवणतः पुंसां कैवल्यं नैव दूरतः ।। तुष्यंति सर्वे पितरः श्रुत्वैतत्खंडमुत्तमम्

etacchravaṇataḥ puṁsāṁ kaivalyaṁ naiva dūrataḥ || tuṣyaṁti sarve pitaraḥ śrutvaitatkhaṁḍamuttamam

From hearing this, Kaivalya is not far for men. All the ancestors are pleased, having heard this excellent Khanda.

Verse 118 (skanda.4.100.118)

प्रीणंत्यमर्त्याः सर्वेपि ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादयः ।। मुनयः परिमोदंते माद्यंति सनकादयः

prīṇaṁtyamartyāḥ sarvepi brahmaviṣṇuśivādayaḥ || munayaḥ parimodaṁte mādyaṁti sanakādayaḥ

All the immortals are pleased — Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others; the sages rejoice greatly, Sanaka and the others are exhilarated.

Verse 119 (skanda.4.100.119)

हृष्टः सर्वो भवेदेव भूतग्रामश्चतुर्विधः ।। महिमश्रवणादस्माद्वाराणस्या न संशयः

hṛṣṭaḥ sarvo bhavedeva bhūtagrāmaścaturvidhaḥ || mahimaśravaṇādasmādvārāṇasyā na saṁśayaḥ

The fourfold host of beings becomes joyful indeed, from hearing this glory of Varanasi — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 120 (skanda.4.100.120)

य इदं श्रावयेद्विद्वान्समस्तं त्वर्धमेव वा ।। पादमात्रं तदर्धं वा त्वेकं व्याख्यानमुत्तमम्

ya idaṁ śrāvayedvidvānsamastaṁ tvardhameva vā || pādamātraṁ tadardhaṁ vā tvekaṁ vyākhyānamuttamam

Whoever wise one causes this to be heard, whether the whole, or even half, or a quarter, or half of that, or even one excellent exposition —

Verse 121 (skanda.4.100.121)

स नमस्यः प्रयत्नेन संपूज्यस्त्विष्टदेववत् ।। तस्मै देयं प्रयत्नेन विश्वेश प्रीतये सदा

sa namasyaḥ prayatnena saṁpūjyastviṣṭadevavat || tasmai deyaṁ prayatnena viśveśa prītaye sadā

he is to be saluted with effort, worshipped like one's own chosen deity; to him a gift should be given with effort, ever for the pleasure of Vishvesha.

Verse 122 (skanda.4.100.122)

तस्मिंस्तुष्टे हि संतुष्टो विश्वेशो नात्र संशयः।। यत्रैतत्पठ्यते खंडं परानंदसमाश्रयम्

tasmiṁstuṣṭe hi saṁtuṣṭo viśveśo nātra saṁśayaḥ|| yatraitatpaṭhyate khaṁḍaṁ parānaṁdasamāśrayam

When he is satisfied, Vishvesha too is satisfied — of this there is no doubt. Wherever this Khanda, the abode of supreme bliss, is read,

Verse 123 (skanda.4.100.123)

न तत्र प्रभवेत्कश्चिदमंगलसमुद्भवः ।। य इदं शृणुयाद्विद्वान्यश्चेदं श्रावयेत्सुधीः

na tatra prabhavetkaścidamaṁgalasamudbhavaḥ || ya idaṁ śṛṇuyādvidvānyaścedaṁ śrāvayetsudhīḥ

there nothing inauspicious can ever arise. Whoever wise one shall hear this, and whoever intelligent one shall cause this to be heard,

Verse 124 (skanda.4.100.124)

यः पठेदपि पुण्यात्मा ते सर्वे रुद्रमूर्तयः ।। य एतत्पुस्तकं रम्यं लेखयित्वा समर्पयेत्

yaḥ paṭhedapi puṇyātmā te sarve rudramūrtayaḥ || ya etatpustakaṁ ramyaṁ lekhayitvā samarpayet

whoever meritorious soul shall also recite it — all of them are forms of Rudra. Whoever shall have this lovely book written and shall offer it,

Verse 125 (skanda.4.100.125)

अखिलानि पुराणानि तेन दत्तानि नान्यथा ।। अत्राख्यानानि यावंति श्लोका यावंत एव हि

akhilāni purāṇāni tena dattāni nānyathā || atrākhyānāni yāvaṁti ślokā yāvaṁta eva hi

by him all the Puranas have been given, not otherwise. As many accounts as are here, as many verses as there are,

Verse 126 (skanda.4.100.126)

तथा पदानि यावंति वर्णा यावंत एव हि ।। यावंत्यपि च मात्राणि यावंत्यः पदपंक्तयः

tathā padāni yāvaṁti varṇā yāvaṁta eva hi || yāvaṁtyapi ca mātrāṇi yāvaṁtyaḥ padapaṁktayaḥ

as many words as there are, as many letters as there are, as many syllabic instants as there are, as many lines of words as there are,

Verse 127 (skanda.4.100.127)

गुणे सूत्राणि यावंति यावंतः पटतंतवः ।। चित्ररूपाणि यावंति रम्यपुस्तकसंचके

guṇe sūtrāṇi yāvaṁti yāvaṁtaḥ paṭataṁtavaḥ || citrarūpāṇi yāvaṁti ramyapustakasaṁcake

as many threads in the binding-string, as many woven fibers, as many painted images as there are, in the lovely collection of the book —

Verse 128 (skanda.4.100.128)

तावद्युगसहस्राणि दाता स्वर्गे महीयते ।। एतद्द्वादशकृत्वो यः शृणुयात्खंडमुत्तमम्

tāvadyugasahasrāṇi dātā svarge mahīyate || etaddvādaśakṛtvo yaḥ śṛṇuyātkhaṁḍamuttamam

for that many thousands of ages, the giver is honoured in heaven. Whoever shall hear this excellent Khanda twelve times over,

Verse 129 (skanda.4.100.129)

ब्रह्महत्यापि तस्याशु नश्येच्छंभोरनुग्रहात् ।। अपुत्रः शृणुयाद्यस्तु सुस्नातः श्रद्धयान्वितः

brahmahatyāpi tasyāśu naśyecchaṁbhoranugrahāt || aputraḥ śṛṇuyādyastu susnātaḥ śraddhayānvitaḥ

even the sin of killing a brahmin shall swiftly be destroyed for him, by Shambhu's grace. Whoever, sonless, well-bathed, endowed with faith, shall hear this,

Verse 130 (skanda.4.100.130)

तस्य पुत्रो भवत्येव शंभोराज्ञा प्रभावतः ।। किं बहूक्तेन सूतेह यस्य यस्य मनोरथः

tasya putro bhavatyeva śaṁbhorājñā prabhāvataḥ || kiṁ bahūktena sūteha yasya yasya manorathaḥ

shall indeed obtain a son, through the power of Shambhu's command. What need of many words, O Suta? Whoever has whatever desire,

Verse 131 (skanda.4.100.131)

यो यस्तं तं स ससदा श्रुत्वैतत्प्राप्नुयात्कृती ।। शृणुयाद्दूरदेशेपि यः काशीखंडमुत्तमम्

yo yastaṁ taṁ sa sasadā śrutvaitatprāpnuyātkṛtī || śṛṇuyāddūradeśepi yaḥ kāśīkhaṁḍamuttamam

having heard this, that meritorious one shall always, certainly, obtain it. Whoever, even in a distant land, shall hear this excellent Kashi Khanda,

Verse 132 (skanda.4.100.132)

स काशीवासपुण्यस्य भाजनं स्याच्छिवाज्ञया ।। एतच्छ्रवणतः पुंसां सर्वत्र विजयो भवेत् ।। सौभाग्यं चापि सर्वत्र प्राप्नुयान्निर्मलाशयः

sa kāśīvāsapuṇyasya bhājanaṁ syācchivājñayā || etacchravaṇataḥ puṁsāṁ sarvatra vijayo bhavet || saubhāgyaṁ cāpi sarvatra prāpnuyānnirmalāśayaḥ

he shall, by Shiva's command, become a vessel of the merit of dwelling in Kashi. From hearing this, men shall have victory everywhere,

Verse 133 (skanda.4.100.133)

यस्य विश्वेश्वरस्तुष्टस्तस्यैतच्छ्रवणे मतिः ।। जायते पुण्ययुक्तस्य महानिर्मलचेतसः

yasya viśveśvarastuṣṭastasyaitacchravaṇe matiḥ || jāyate puṇyayuktasya mahānirmalacetasaḥ

and one of pure disposition shall obtain good fortune everywhere too. Whoever has pleased Vishveshvara, in him arises the inclination to hear this — for one endowed with merit, of greatly pure mind.

Verse 134 (skanda.4.100.134)

सर्वेषां मंगलानां च महामंगलमुत्तमम् ।। गृहेपि लिखितं पूज्यं सर्वमंगलसिद्धये

sarveṣāṁ maṁgalānāṁ ca mahāmaṁgalamuttamam || gṛhepi likhitaṁ pūjyaṁ sarvamaṁgalasiddhaye

Of all auspicious things, this is the supreme great auspiciousness; even written and kept in the home, it is to be worshipped, for the accomplishment of all auspiciousness.