Description of the Realms of Nirriti and Varuna

Verse 1 (skanda.4.12.1)

शिवशर्मोवाच। नैर्ऋतादीन् क्रमाल्लोकानाख्यातं पुरुषोत्तमौ। पुरुषोत्तमपादाब्जपरागोद्धूसरालकौ

śivaśarmovāca nairṛtādīn kramāllokānākhyātaṁ puruṣottamau puruṣottamapādābjaparāgoddhūsarālakau

Shivasharma said: The realms beginning with that of Nirriti were then related in order to those two best of men, whose locks were grayed with the pollen-dust of Purushottama's lotus feet.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.12.2)

गणावूचतुः। आकर्णय महाभाग संयमिन्याः पुरीं पराम्। दिक्पतेर्निर्ऋतस्यासौ पुण्यापुण्यजनोषिता

gaṇāvūcatuḥ ākarṇaya mahābhāga saṁyaminyāḥ purīṁ parām dikpaternirṛtasyāsau puṇyāpuṇyajanoṣitā

The two ganas said: Listen, O most fortunate one, to the account of Samyamani, the supreme city of the guardian of the quarter, Nirriti, inhabited by the Punyajanas, the meritorious spirit-folk.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.12.3)

राक्षसानिवसंत्यस्यामपरद्रोहिणः सदा। जातिमात्रेण रक्षांसि वृत्तैः पुण्यजना इमे

rākṣasānivasaṁtyasyāmaparadrohiṇaḥ sadā jātimātreṇa rakṣāṁsi vṛttaiḥ puṇyajanā ime

In it dwell rakshasas who never harm others; these are rakshasas by birth alone, but by their conduct they are Punyajanas, virtuous folk.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.12.4)

स्मृत्युक्तश्रुतिवर्त्मानो जातवर्णावरेष्वपि। नाद्रियंतेऽन्नपानानामस्मृत्युक्तं कदाचन

smṛtyuktaśrutivartmāno jātavarṇāvareṣvapi nādriyaṁte'nnapānānāmasmṛtyuktaṁ kadācana

Though born into the lowest of castes, they follow the path taught by the Smriti and the Shruti; they never partake of food or drink not sanctioned by the Smriti.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.12.5)

परदार परद्रव्य परद्रोहपराङ्मुखाः। जाताजातौ निकृष्टायामपिपुण्यानुसारिणः

paradāra paradravya paradrohaparāṅmukhāḥ jātājātau nikṛṣṭāyāmapipuṇyānusāriṇaḥ

They turn away from another's wife, another's wealth, and doing harm to others; though born into a low station, they follow the path of merit.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.12.6)

द्विजातिभक्त्युत्पन्नार्थैरात्मानं पोषयंति ये। सदा संकुचितांगाश्च द्विजसंभाषणादिषु

dvijātibhaktyutpannārthairātmānaṁ poṣayaṁti ye sadā saṁkucitāṁgāśca dvijasaṁbhāṣaṇādiṣu

They sustain themselves with the means earned through devotion to the twice-born, and remain ever humble in body when speaking with brahmins and the like.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.12.7)

आहूता वस्त्रवदना वदंति द्विजसंनिधौ। जयजीवभगोनाथ स्वामिन्निति हि वादिनः

āhūtā vastravadanā vadaṁti dvijasaṁnidhau jayajīvabhagonātha svāminniti hi vādinaḥ

When summoned, they cover their mouths with cloth and speak in the presence of brahmins, saying, 'Victory! Long life! O lord! O master!'

Verse 8 (skanda.4.12.8)

तीर्थस्नानपरानित्यं नित्यं देवपरायणाः। द्विजेषु नित्यं प्रणताः स्वनामाख्यानपूर्वकम्

tīrthasnānaparānityaṁ nityaṁ devaparāyaṇāḥ dvijeṣu nityaṁ praṇatāḥ svanāmākhyānapūrvakam

They are ever intent on bathing at sacred fords, ever devoted to the gods, and ever bow before brahmins, first announcing their own names.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.12.9)

दम दान दया क्षांति शौचेंद्रिय विनिग्रहाः। अस्तेय सत्याहिंसाश्च सर्वेषां धर्महेतवः

dama dāna dayā kṣāṁti śauceṁdriya vinigrahāḥ asteya satyāhiṁsāśca sarveṣāṁ dharmahetavaḥ

Self-control, charity, compassion, forbearance, purity, mastery of the senses, non-theft, truthfulness, and non-violence -- these are the roots of dharma for everyone.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.12.10)

आवश्येषु सदोद्युक्ता ये जाता यत्रकुत्रचित्। सर्वभोगसमृद्धास्ते वसंत्यत्र पुरोत्तमे

āvaśyeṣu sadodyuktā ye jātā yatrakutracit sarvabhogasamṛddhāste vasaṁtyatra purottame

Those who are ever diligent in their essential duties, wherever they may have been born, dwell in this supreme city, rich in every enjoyment.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.12.11)

म्लेच्छा अपि सुतीर्थेषु ये मृतानात्मघातकाः। विहाय काशीं निर्वाण विश्राणांतेऽत्र भोगिनः

mlecchā api sutīrtheṣu ye mṛtānātmaghātakāḥ vihāya kāśīṁ nirvāṇa viśrāṇāṁte'tra bhoginaḥ

Even mlecchas who die at holy fords -- not by self-slaughter -- apart from the liberation granted by Kashi, come to rest here as enjoyers of pleasure.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.12.12)

अंधं तमो विशेयुस्ते ये चैवात्महनो जनाः। भुक्त्वा निरयसाहस्रं ते च स्युर्ग्रामसूकराः

aṁdhaṁ tamo viśeyuste ye caivātmahano janāḥ bhuktvā nirayasāhasraṁ te ca syurgrāmasūkarāḥ

But those who kill themselves fall into blind darkness; after suffering a thousand hells, they are reborn as village swine.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.12.13)

आत्मघातो न कर्तव्यस्तस्मात्क्वापि विपश्चिता। इहापि च परत्रापि न शुभान्यात्मघातिनाम्

ātmaghāto na kartavyastasmātkvāpi vipaścitā ihāpi ca paratrāpi na śubhānyātmaghātinām

Therefore the wise should never take their own lives anywhere; for self-slayers nothing good comes, either in this world or the next.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.12.14)

यथेष्टमरणं केचिदाहुस्तत्त्वावबोधकाः। प्रयागे सर्वतीर्थानां राज्ञिसर्वाभिलाषदे

yatheṣṭamaraṇaṁ kecidāhustattvāvabodhakāḥ prayāge sarvatīrthānāṁ rājñisarvābhilāṣade

Some who know the truth speak of a death undertaken by choice at Prayaga, the queen of all tirthas, which grants every desire.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.12.15)

अंत्यजा अपि ये केचिद्दयाधर्मानुसारिणः। परोपकृतिनिष्ठास्ते वसंत्यत्र तु सत्तमाः

aṁtyajā api ye keciddayādharmānusāriṇaḥ paropakṛtiniṣṭhāste vasaṁtyatra tu sattamāḥ

Even those born as antyajas, outcastes, if they follow the path of compassion and dharma and remain devoted to the service of others, dwell here as the most excellent of beings.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.12.16)

अस्य स्वरूपं वक्ष्यावो दिक्पतेः क्षणतः शृणु। मध्ये विंध्याटवि पुरा पक्कणस्थजनाग्रणीः

asya svarūpaṁ vakṣyāvo dikpateḥ kṣaṇataḥ śṛṇu madhye viṁdhyāṭavi purā pakkaṇasthajanāgraṇīḥ

We shall now tell the true nature of this guardian of the quarter -- listen for a moment. Long ago, in the midst of the Vindhya forest, there lived a foremost man among the Pakkana, a tribe of forest-hunters.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.12.17)

पल्लीपतिरभूदुग्रः पिंगाक्ष इति विश्रुतः। निर्विंध्यायास्तटे शूरः क्रूरकर्मपराङ्मुखः

pallīpatirabhūdugraḥ piṁgākṣa iti viśrutaḥ nirviṁdhyāyāstaṭe śūraḥ krūrakarmaparāṅmukhaḥ

He was the fierce chieftain of a hamlet, known by the name Pingaksha, a hero dwelling on the bank of the river Nirvindhya, yet averse to cruel deeds.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.12.18)

घातयेद्दूरसंस्थोपि यः पांथपरिपंथिनः। व्याघ्रादीन् दुष्टसत्त्वांश्च स हिनस्ति प्रयत्नतः

ghātayeddūrasaṁsthopi yaḥ pāṁthaparipaṁthinaḥ vyāghrādīn duṣṭasattvāṁśca sa hinasti prayatnataḥ

Even from afar, he would have those who waylaid travelers put to death, and he strove diligently to kill tigers and other dangerous beasts.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.12.19)

जीवेन्मृगयु धर्मेण तत्रापि करुणापरः। न विश्वस्तान्पक्षिमृगान्न सुप्तान्न व्यवायिनः

jīvenmṛgayu dharmeṇa tatrāpi karuṇāparaḥ na viśvastānpakṣimṛgānna suptānna vyavāyinaḥ

He lived by the hunter's calling, yet even in that he was given to compassion: he would never kill birds or beasts that trusted him, nor those asleep, nor those mating.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.12.20)

न तोयगृध्नून्न शिशून्नांतर्वर्त्नित्वलक्षणान्। स घातयति धर्मज्ञो जातिधर्मपराङ्मुखः

na toyagṛdhnūnna śiśūnnāṁtarvartnitvalakṣaṇān sa ghātayati dharmajño jātidharmaparāṅmukhaḥ

Knowing what was right, though his calling ran counter to the duty of his birth, he would not kill creatures intent on drinking water, nor the young, nor those showing signs of pregnancy.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.12.21)

श्रमातुरेभ्यः पांथेभ्यः स विश्रामं प्रयच्छति। हरेत्क्षुधा क्षुधार्तानामुपानद्दोऽनुपानहे

śramāturebhyaḥ pāṁthebhyaḥ sa viśrāmaṁ prayacchati haretkṣudhā kṣudhārtānāmupānaddo'nupānahe

He gave rest to travelers worn out with weariness; he relieved the hunger of the famished, and gave his own sandals to one who had none.

Verse 22 (skanda.4.12.22)

मृगत्त्वचोतिमृदुला विवस्त्रेभ्यातिसर्जति। अनुव्रजति कांतारे प्रांतरे पथिकान्पथि

mṛgattvacotimṛdulā vivastrebhyātisarjati anuvrajati kāṁtāre prāṁtare pathikānpathi

He gave the softest deerskins to those who had no clothing, and he would walk alongside travelers, escorting them through the wilds and along the road.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.12.23)

न जिघृक्षति तेभ्योर्थमभयं चेति यच्छति। आविंध्याटवि मे नाम ग्राह्यं दुष्टभयापहम्

na jighṛkṣati tebhyorthamabhayaṁ ceti yacchati āviṁdhyāṭavi me nāma grāhyaṁ duṣṭabhayāpaham

He took no payment from them, and granted them safety, saying: 'Throughout this Vindhya forest, let my name be invoked -- it will dispel the fear of the wicked.'

Verse 24 (skanda.4.12.24)

नित्यं कार्पटिकान्सर्वान् स पुत्रेण प्रपश्यति। तेपि च प्रतितीर्थं हि तमाशीर्वादयं ति वै

nityaṁ kārpaṭikānsarvān sa putreṇa prapaśyati tepi ca pratitīrthaṁ hi tamāśīrvādayaṁ ti vai

He always watched over every wandering pilgrim as though he were his own son, and they in turn would bless him at every tirtha they reached.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.12.25)

इति तिष्ठति पिंगाक्षे साटवी नगरायिता। अध्वनीने ऽध्वगान्कोपि न रुणद्धि ससाध्वसः

iti tiṣṭhati piṁgākṣe sāṭavī nagarāyitā adhvanīne 'dhvagānkopi na ruṇaddhi sasādhvasaḥ

Thus, while Pingaksha kept watch, that forest became as safe as a city; fearing him, no one on the road dared molest the travelers.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.12.26)

कदाचित्तत्पितृव्येण समीप ग्रामवासिना। श्रुतः कार्पटिकानां हि सार्थः सार्थो महास्वनः

kadācittatpitṛvyeṇa samīpa grāmavāsinā śrutaḥ kārpaṭikānāṁ hi sārthaḥ sārtho mahāsvanaḥ

Once, his paternal uncle, who lived in a nearby village, heard the loud noise of a large caravan of wandering pilgrims passing by.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.12.27)

लुब्धकस्तद्धने लुब्धः क्षुद्रस्तन्निधनोद्यतः। स रुरोध तमध्वानमग्रे गत्वाऽतिगूढवत्

lubdhakastaddhane lubdhaḥ kṣudrastannidhanodyataḥ sa rurodha tamadhvānamagre gatvā'tigūḍhavat

That greedy hunter, covetous of their wealth, base of nature and bent on killing them, went ahead and lay in ambush, blocking the road.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.12.28)

तदा युप्यस्यशेषेण पिंगाक्षो मृगयां गतः। तस्मिन्नरण्ये तन्मार्गं निकषाध्युषितो निशि

tadā yupyasyaśeṣeṇa piṁgākṣo mṛgayāṁ gataḥ tasminnaraṇye tanmārgaṁ nikaṣādhyuṣito niśi

At that time Pingaksha had gone off elsewhere to hunt; that night his uncle lay in wait, close by that road in the forest.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.12.29)

परप्राणद्रुहां पुंसां न सिद्ध्येयुर्मनोरथाः। विश्वं कुशलितेनैतद्विश्वेशपरिरक्षितम्

paraprāṇadruhāṁ puṁsāṁ na siddhyeyurmanorathāḥ viśvaṁ kuśalitenaitadviśveśaparirakṣitam

The desires of those who plot against the lives of others never come to pass; this whole world is kept safe by the Lord of the Universe, for its own well-being.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.12.30)

न चिंतयेदनिष्टानि तस्मात्कृष्टिः कदाचन। विधिदृष्टं यतो भावि कलुषंभावि केवलम्

na ciṁtayedaniṣṭāni tasmātkṛṣṭiḥ kadācana vidhidṛṣṭaṁ yato bhāvi kaluṣaṁbhāvi kevalam

Therefore let a person never contemplate harm to another; for whatever is ordained by fate alone will come to pass, and mere wickedness brings only sorrow.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.12.31)

तस्मादात्मसुखंप्रेप्सु रिष्टानिष्टं न चिंतयेत्। चिंतयेच्चेत्तदाचिंत्यो मोक्षोपायो न चेतरः

tasmādātmasukhaṁprepsu riṣṭāniṣṭaṁ na ciṁtayet ciṁtayeccettadāciṁtyo mokṣopāyo na cetaraḥ

Therefore one who desires his own happiness should not dwell on harm or misfortune; and if he must contemplate something, let it be the unfathomable means to liberation, and nothing else.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.12.32)

व्युष्टायामथयामिन्यामभूत्कोलाहलो महान्। घातयध्वं पातयध्वं नग्नयध्वं द्रुतं भटाः

vyuṣṭāyāmathayāminyāmabhūtkolāhalo mahān ghātayadhvaṁ pātayadhvaṁ nagnayadhvaṁ drutaṁ bhaṭāḥ

As the night wore on, a great uproar arose: 'Strike them down! Fell them! Strip them bare at once, O men!'

Verse 33 (skanda.4.12.33)

मा मारयध्वं त्रायध्वं भटाः कार्पटिका वयम्। अनायासं लुंठयध्वं नयध्वं च यदस्ति नः

mā mārayadhvaṁ trāyadhvaṁ bhaṭāḥ kārpaṭikā vayam anāyāsaṁ luṁṭhayadhvaṁ nayadhvaṁ ca yadasti naḥ

The pilgrims cried out: 'Do not kill us -- spare us, O men! We are only wandering pilgrims. Plunder us freely and take whatever we have.'

Verse 34 (skanda.4.12.34)

वयं पांथा अनाथाः स्मो विश्वनाथपरायणाः। सनाथास्ते न दूरं सनाथतां पथिकोऽपरः

vayaṁ pāṁthā anāthāḥ smo viśvanāthaparāyaṇāḥ sanāthāste na dūraṁ sanāthatāṁ pathiko'paraḥ

'We are travelers without any protector, relying only on the Lord of the Universe. Yet a protector is not far away -- another traveler gives us his protection.'

Verse 35 (skanda.4.12.35)

वयं पिंगाक्षविश्वासादस्मिन्मार्गेऽकुतोभयाः। यातायातं सदा कुर्मः स च दूर इतो वनात्

vayaṁ piṁgākṣaviśvāsādasminmārge'kutobhayāḥ yātāyātaṁ sadā kurmaḥ sa ca dūra ito vanāt

'Trusting in Pingaksha we go fearlessly along this road; we always travel back and forth safely, even though he is now far from this part of the forest.'

Verse 36 (skanda.4.12.36)

इति श्रुत्वाऽथ पिंगाक्षो भटः कार्पटिकेरितम। दूरान्मा भैष्ट माभैष्ट ब्रुवन्निति समागतः

iti śrutvā'tha piṁgākṣo bhaṭaḥ kārpaṭikeritama dūrānmā bhaiṣṭa mābhaiṣṭa bruvanniti samāgataḥ

Hearing this said by the pilgrims, the warrior Pingaksha, while still far off, came running, calling out, 'Fear not! Fear not!'

Verse 37 (skanda.4.12.37)

तत्कर्मसूत्रैराकृष्टो भिल्लःकार्पटिकप्रियः। तूर्णं तदायुष्यमिव तत्रोपस्थितवान् क्षणात्

tatkarmasūtrairākṛṣṭo bhillaḥkārpaṭikapriyaḥ tūrṇaṁ tadāyuṣyamiva tatropasthitavān kṣaṇāt

Drawn as if by the very threads of that karma, the Bhilla who so loved the pilgrims arrived there in an instant, as swiftly as though his own life depended on it.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.12.38)

कोयंकोयं दुराचारः पिंगाक्षे मयि जीवति। उल्लुलुंठयिषुः पांथान्प्राणलिंगसमान्मम

koyaṁkoyaṁ durācāraḥ piṁgākṣe mayi jīvati ulluluṁṭhayiṣuḥ pāṁthānprāṇaliṁgasamānmama

'Who -- who is this evildoer who dares plunder these travelers, as dear to me as my own life, while I, Pingaksha, am still alive?'

Verse 39 (skanda.4.12.39)

इति तद्वाक्यमाकर्ण्य ताराक्षस्तत्पितृव्यकः। धनलोभेन पिंगाक्षे पापं पापो व्यचिंतयत्

iti tadvākyamākarṇya tārākṣastatpitṛvyakaḥ dhanalobhena piṁgākṣe pāpaṁ pāpo vyaciṁtayat

Hearing these words, Taraksha, his paternal uncle, a sinner himself, conceived out of greed for wealth a wicked scheme against Pingaksha.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.12.40)

कुलधर्मं व्यपास्यैष वर्तते कुलपांसनः। चिरं चिंतितमद्यामुं घातयिष्याम्यसंशयम्

kuladharmaṁ vyapāsyaiṣa vartate kulapāṁsanaḥ ciraṁ ciṁtitamadyāmuṁ ghātayiṣyāmyasaṁśayam

Taraksha thought: 'Having cast off our family's dharma, this fellow lives as a disgrace to our clan. Today I shall surely kill him -- a deed I have long intended.'

Verse 41 (skanda.4.12.41)

विचार्येति स दुष्टात्मा भृत्यानाज्ञापयत्क्रुधा। आदावेनं घातयंतु ततः कार्पटिकानिमान्

vicāryeti sa duṣṭātmā bhṛtyānājñāpayatkrudhā ādāvenaṁ ghātayaṁtu tataḥ kārpaṭikānimān

Having resolved thus, that evil-minded man angrily ordered his servants: 'Kill him first, and then these pilgrims.'

Verse 42 (skanda.4.12.42)

ततो ऽयुध्यन्दुराचारास्तेनैकेन च तेऽखिलाः। यथाकथंचित्ताननयत्स च स्वावसथांतिकम्

tato 'yudhyandurācārāstenaikena ca te'khilāḥ yathākathaṁcittānanayatsa ca svāvasathāṁtikam

Then those wicked men fought against him, all of them against him alone; yet he somehow managed to drive them all the way back near his own dwelling.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.12.43)

आच्छिन्नं हि धनुर्वाणं छिन्नं सन्नहनं शरैः। असूदयिष्यमेतांस्तदभविष्यं यदीश्वरः

ācchinnaṁ hi dhanurvāṇaṁ chinnaṁ sannahanaṁ śaraiḥ asūdayiṣyametāṁstadabhaviṣyaṁ yadīśvaraḥ

He thought: 'My bow and arrows are shattered, my armor cut to pieces by their shafts; had I truly had the power, I would have slain them all.'

Verse 44 (skanda.4.12.44)

अभिलप्यन्निति प्राणानत्याक्षीत्स परार्थतः। तेपि कार्पटिकाः प्राप्तास्तत्पल्लीं गतसाध्वसाः

abhilapyanniti prāṇānatyākṣītsa parārthataḥ tepi kārpaṭikāḥ prāptāstatpallīṁ gatasādhvasāḥ

Speaking thus, he gave up his life for the sake of others; and those pilgrims, their fear now gone, reached that hamlet safely.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.12.45)

या मतिस्त्वंतकाले स्याद्गतिस्तदनुरूपतः। दिगीशत्वमतः प्राप्तो निर्ऋत्यां नैर्ऋतेश्वरः

yā matistvaṁtakāle syādgatistadanurūpataḥ digīśatvamataḥ prāpto nirṛtyāṁ nairṛteśvaraḥ

Whatever thought a person holds at the moment of death, his destiny follows accordingly; thus Pingaksha attained lordship of that quarter, becoming Nairriteshvara, the lord of Nirriti's realm.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.12.46)

इत्थमस्य स्वरूपं ते आवाभ्यां समुदीरितम्। एतस्योत्तरतो लोको वरुणस्यायमद्भुतः

itthamasya svarūpaṁ te āvābhyāṁ samudīritam etasyottarato loko varuṇasyāyamadbhutaḥ

Thus have the two of us told you the true nature of that realm; to the north of it lies this wondrous realm of Varuna.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.12.47)

कूपवापीतडागानां कर्तारो निर्मलैर्धनैः। इह लोके महीयंते वारुणे वरुणप्रभाः

kūpavāpītaḍāgānāṁ kartāro nirmalairdhanaiḥ iha loke mahīyaṁte vāruṇe varuṇaprabhāḥ

Those who, with wealth honestly earned, build wells, step-wells, and tanks are honored in this world, and in Varuna's realm they shine with a splendor like Varuna's own.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.12.48)

निर्जले जलदातारः परसंतापहारिणः। अर्थिभ्यो ये प्रयच्छंति चित्रच्छत्रकमंडलून्

nirjale jaladātāraḥ parasaṁtāpahāriṇaḥ arthibhyo ye prayacchaṁti citracchatrakamaṁḍalūn

Those who give water in waterless places, who remove the suffering of others, and who give beautiful umbrellas and water-pots to those who ask.

Verse 49 (skanda.4.12.49)

पानीयशालिकाः कुर्युर्नानोपस्करसंयुताः। दद्युर्धर्मघटांश्चापि सुगंधोदकपूरितान्

pānīyaśālikāḥ kuryurnānopaskarasaṁyutāḥ dadyurdharmaghaṭāṁścāpi sugaṁdhodakapūritān

They build water-stalls furnished with every convenience, and give away charitable water-jars filled with fragrant water.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.12.50)

अश्वत्थसेकं ये कुर्युः पथि पादपरोपकाः। विश्रामशालाकर्तारः श्रांतसंतापनोदकाः

aśvatthasekaṁ ye kuryuḥ pathi pādaparopakāḥ viśrāmaśālākartāraḥ śrāṁtasaṁtāpanodakāḥ

Those who water the sacred fig tree, who plant trees along the road, and who build rest-houses that relieve the weariness and distress of travelers.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.12.51)

ग्रीष्मोष्प्रहंति मायूरपिच्छादि रचितान्यपि। चित्राणि तालवृंतानि वितरंति तपागमे

grīṣmoṣprahaṁti māyūrapicchādi racitānyapi citrāṇi tālavṛṁtāni vitaraṁti tapāgame

Those who dispel the heat of summer by distributing beautiful fans -- some fashioned of peacock feathers -- of palm-leaf, when the hot season arrives.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.12.52)

रसवंति सुगंधीनि हिमवंति तपर्तुषु। विश्राणयंति वा तृप्ति पानकानि प्रयत्नतः

rasavaṁti sugaṁdhīni himavaṁti tapartuṣu viśrāṇayaṁti vā tṛpti pānakāni prayatnataḥ

Or who, in the season of heat, diligently give out drinks -- flavorful, fragrant, and cool -- bringing full satisfaction to those who drink them.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.12.53)

इक्षुक्षेत्राणि संकल्प्य ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददत्यपि। तथा नानाप्रकारांश्च विकारानैक्षवान्बहून्

ikṣukṣetrāṇi saṁkalpya brāhmaṇebhyo dadatyapi tathā nānāprakārāṁśca vikārānaikṣavānbahūn

They also make vows and give fields of sugarcane to brahmins, together with many kinds of preparations made from sugarcane.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.12.54)

गोरसानां प्रदातारस्तथा गोमहिषीप्रदाः। धारामंडपकर्तारश्छायामंडपकारिणः

gorasānāṁ pradātārastathā gomahiṣīpradāḥ dhārāmaṁḍapakartāraśchāyāmaṁḍapakāriṇaḥ

Those who give dairy products, and those who give cows and buffaloes; those who build pavilions with flowing water, and those who build shaded pavilions.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.12.55)

देवालयेषु ये दद्युर्बहुधारागलंतिकाः। तीर्थे वा करहर्तारस्तीर्थमार्गावनेजका.

devālayeṣu ye dadyurbahudhārāgalaṁtikāḥ tīrthe vā karahartārastīrthamārgāvanejakā.

Those who set up many-streamed water-vessels in temples, or who at a holy ford pay the toll for pilgrims, or who cleanse the roads leading to a tirtha.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.12.56)

अभयं ये प्रयच्छंति भयार्तोद्यत पाणयः। निर्भया वारुणे लोके ते वसंति लसंति च

abhayaṁ ye prayacchaṁti bhayārtodyata pāṇayaḥ nirbhayā vāruṇe loke te vasaṁti lasaṁti ca

Those who raise their hands to grant safety to the terrified dwell without fear, radiant, in the world of Varuna.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.12.57)

विपाशयंति ये पुण्या दुर्वृतैः कंठपाशितान्। ते पाशपाणे लोकेस्मिन्निवसंत्यकुतोभयाः

vipāśayaṁti ye puṇyā durvṛtaiḥ kaṁṭhapāśitān te pāśapāṇe lokesminnivasaṁtyakutobhayāḥ

Those virtuous ones who free people whose necks have been bound by the nooses of evildoers dwell without fear in this realm of the noose-bearing Varuna.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.12.58)

नौकाद्युपायैर्न द्यादौ पांथान्ये तारयंत्यपि। तारयंत्यपि दुःखाब्धेस्तत्र नागरिका द्विज

naukādyupāyairna dyādau pāṁthānye tārayaṁtyapi tārayaṁtyapi duḥkhābdhestatra nāgarikā dvija

O brahmin, those who ferry travelers across rivers by boats and other means also ferry them across the ocean of sorrow -- such are the citizens of that world.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.12.59)

घट्टान्पुण्यतटिन्यादेर्बंधयंति शिलादिभिः। तोयार्थिसुखसिद्ध्यर्थं ये नरास्तेत्र भोगिनः

ghaṭṭānpuṇyataṭinyāderbaṁdhayaṁti śilādibhiḥ toyārthisukhasiddhyarthaṁ ye narāstetra bhoginaḥ

Those men who construct ghats with stones and the like on the banks of sacred rivers, for the convenience of those who seek water, become enjoyers of bliss in that world.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.12.60)

वितर्पयंति ये पुण्यास्तृषिताञ्शीतलैर्जलैः। तेऽत्र वै वारुणे लोके सुखसंततिभागिनः

vitarpayaṁti ye puṇyāstṛṣitāñśītalairjalaiḥ te'tra vai vāruṇe loke sukhasaṁtatibhāginaḥ

Those virtuous souls who satisfy the thirsty with cool water share in an unbroken stream of happiness in that realm of Varuna.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.12.61)

जलाशयानां सर्वेषामयमेकतमः पतिः। प्रचेता यादसांनाथः साक्षी सर्वेषुकर्मसु

jalāśayānāṁ sarveṣāmayamekatamaḥ patiḥ pracetā yādasāṁnāthaḥ sākṣī sarveṣukarmasu

He is the sole lord of all bodies of water, the wise Praceta, the lord of all aquatic creatures, and the witness of every deed.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.12.62)

अस्योत्पत्तिं शृणु पतेर्वरुणस्यमहात्मनः। आसीन्मुनिरमेयात्मा कर्दमस्य प्रजापतेः

asyotpattiṁ śṛṇu patervaruṇasyamahātmanaḥ āsīnmunirameyātmā kardamasya prajāpateḥ

Now hear the story of the origin of this great-souled lord Varuna. There was a sage of immeasurable spirit, son of Kardama Prajapati.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.12.63)

शुचिष्मानिति विख्यातस्तनयो विनयोचितः। स्थैर्य माधुर्य धैर्याद्यैर्गुणैरुपचितोहितः

śuciṣmāniti vikhyātastanayo vinayocitaḥ sthairya mādhurya dhairyādyairguṇairupacitohitaḥ

He was known by the name Shuchishman, a son marked by humility, richly endowed with virtues such as steadfastness, gentleness, and courage, and well-disposed toward all.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.12.64)

अच्छोदे सरसि स्नातुं स गतो बालकैः सह। जलक्रीडनसंसक्तं शिशुमारो हरच्च तम्

acchode sarasi snātuṁ sa gato bālakaiḥ saha jalakrīḍanasaṁsaktaṁ śiśumāro haracca tam

He went with other boys to bathe in Lake Achchhoda, and while he was absorbed in play in the water, a crocodile seized and carried him off.

Verse 65 (skanda.4.12.65)

ततस्तस्मिन्मुनिसुते हृतेऽत्याहितशंसिभिः। तैः समागत्य शिशुभिः कथितं तत्पितुः पुरः

tatastasminmunisute hṛte'tyāhitaśaṁsibhiḥ taiḥ samāgatya śiśubhiḥ kathitaṁ tatpituḥ puraḥ

When that sage's son had been carried off, the other boys came together and reported the terrible news to his father.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.12.66)

हरार्चनोपविष्टस्य समाधौ निश्चलात्मनः। श्रुतबालविपत्तेश्च चचाल न मनोहरात्

harārcanopaviṣṭasya samādhau niścalātmanaḥ śrutabālavipatteśca cacāla na manoharāt

He was seated in the worship of Hara, his soul unmoving in deep meditation; even on hearing of his son's disaster, his mind did not stir from its beloved object of contemplation.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.12.67)

अधिकं शीलयामास स सर्वज्ञं त्रिलोचनम्। पश्यञ्शंभोः समीपे स भुवनानि चतुर्दश

adhikaṁ śīlayāmāsa sa sarvajñaṁ trilocanam paśyañśaṁbhoḥ samīpe sa bhuvanāni caturdaśa

He devoted himself all the more to contemplating the omniscient, three-eyed Lord, and, in Shambhu's presence, beheld the fourteen worlds.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.12.68)

नाना भूतानि भूतानि ब्रह्मांडांतर्गतानि च। चंद्रसूर्यर्क्षताराश्च पर्वतान्सरितो द्रुमान्

nānā bhūtāni bhūtāni brahmāṁḍāṁtargatāni ca caṁdrasūryarkṣatārāśca parvatānsarito drumān

He beheld the manifold beings contained within the cosmic egg -- the moon, the sun, the stars and constellations, the mountains, the rivers, and the trees.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.12.69)

समुद्रानंतरीयाणि ह्यरण्यानीस्सरांसि च। नाना देवनिकायांश्च बह्वीर्दिविषदां पुरीः

samudrānaṁtarīyāṇi hyaraṇyānīssarāṁsi ca nānā devanikāyāṁśca bahvīrdiviṣadāṁ purīḥ

He beheld the oceans, the intervening regions, the forests and lakes, the various hosts of gods, and the many cities of the celestials.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.12.70)

वापीकूपतडागानि कुल्याः पुष्करिणीर्बहु। एकस्मिन्क्वापि सरसि जलक्रीडापरायणान्

vāpīkūpataḍāgāni kulyāḥ puṣkariṇīrbahu ekasminkvāpi sarasi jalakrīḍāparāyaṇān

He saw step-wells, wells, tanks, channels, and many lotus-ponds; and, in one particular lake, he saw boys absorbed in play in the water.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.12.71)

बहून्मुनिकुमारांश्च मज्जनोन्मज्जनादिभिः। करयंत्रविनिर्मुक्ततोयधाराभिषेचनैः

bahūnmunikumārāṁśca majjanonmajjanādibhiḥ karayaṁtravinirmuktatoyadhārābhiṣecanaiḥ

He saw many young sons of sages diving under and surfacing again, drenching one another with jets of water shot from hand-worked water-toys.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.12.72)

करताडितपानीयशब्ददिङ्मुखनादिभिः। जलखेलनकैरित्थं संसक्तान्बहुबालकान्

karatāḍitapānīyaśabdadiṅmukhanādibhiḥ jalakhelanakairitthaṁ saṁsaktānbahubālakān

He saw many boys, filling every direction with the sound of hands slapping the water, absorbed in this way in their many water-games.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.12.73)

तेषां मध्ये ददर्शाथ समाधिस्थः स कर्दमः। स्वं शिशुं शिशुमारेण नीयमानं सुविह्वलम्

teṣāṁ madhye dadarśātha samādhisthaḥ sa kardamaḥ svaṁ śiśuṁ śiśumāreṇa nīyamānaṁ suvihvalam

Among them, Kardama, still absorbed in his meditation, then saw his own son, utterly distressed, being carried off by the crocodile.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.12.74)

कयाचिज्जलदेव्याथ तस्माच्चक्रूरयादसः। प्रसह्य नीत्वोदधये दृष्टवांस्तं समर्पितम्

kayācijjaladevyātha tasmāccakrūrayādasaḥ prasahya nītvodadhaye dṛṣṭavāṁstaṁ samarpitam

He saw too how some water-goddess forcibly seized him from that cruel aquatic creature and carried him off, delivering him to the ocean.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.12.75)

निर्भर्त्स्य सरितांनाथं केनचिद्रुद्ररूपिणा। त्रिशूलपाणिनेत्युक्तं क्रोधताम्राननेनच

nirbhartsya saritāṁnāthaṁ kenacidrudrarūpiṇā triśūlapāṇinetyuktaṁ krodhatāmrānanenaca

He saw the lord of the rivers rebuked by someone in the form of Rudra, trident in hand, his face reddened with anger, who spoke thus:

Verse 76 (skanda.4.12.76)

कुतो जलानामधिप शिवभक्तस्य बालकः। प्रजापतेः कर्दमस्य महाभागस्य धीमतः

kuto jalānāmadhipa śivabhaktasya bālakaḥ prajāpateḥ kardamasya mahābhāgasya dhīmataḥ

'O lord of the waters, how dare you take the child of the Shiva-devotee, the illustrious and wise Prajapati Kardama?'

Verse 77 (skanda.4.12.77)

अज्ञात्वा शिवसामर्थ्यं भवताचिरमासितः। भयत्रस्तेन तद्वाक्यश्रवणात्तमुदन्वता

ajñātvā śivasāmarthyaṁ bhavatāciramāsitaḥ bhayatrastena tadvākyaśravaṇāttamudanvatā

'Not knowing the power of Shiva, you shall suffer long for this' -- hearing these words, the ocean, seized with terror, obeyed at once.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.12.78)

बालं रत्नैरलंकृत्य बद्ध्वा तं शिशुमारकम्। समर्पितं समानीय शंभुपादाब्जसंनिधौ

bālaṁ ratnairalaṁkṛtya baddhvā taṁ śiśumārakam samarpitaṁ samānīya śaṁbhupādābjasaṁnidhau

Having adorned the boy with jewels and bound that crocodile, the ocean brought them and presented them near the lotus feet of Shambhu.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.12.79)

नत्वा विज्ञापयत्तं च नापराध्याम्यहं विभो। अनाथनाथविश्वेश भक्तापत्तिविनाशन

natvā vijñāpayattaṁ ca nāparādhyāmyahaṁ vibho anāthanāthaviśveśa bhaktāpattivināśana

Bowing down, he petitioned him: 'O mighty Lord, I have committed no offense; O protector of the helpless, O Lord of the Universe, O destroyer of the troubles of your devotees.'

Verse 80 (skanda.4.12.80)

भक्तकल्पतरो शंभोऽनेनायं दुष्टयादसा। अनायिन मया नाथ भवद्भक्तजनार्भकः

bhaktakalpataro śaṁbho'nenāyaṁ duṣṭayādasā anāyina mayā nātha bhavadbhaktajanārbhakaḥ

'O Shambhu, wishing-tree of your devotees! O Lord, it was not I, but this wicked water-creature, who carried off this child of your devotee.'

Verse 81 (skanda.4.12.81)

गणेन तेन विज्ञाय शंभोरथ मनोगतम्। पाशेन बद्ध्वा तद्यादः शिशुहस्ते समर्पितम्

gaṇena tena vijñāya śaṁbhoratha manogatam pāśena baddhvā tadyādaḥ śiśuhaste samarpitam

Then that attendant, having understood Shambhu's intent, bound that aquatic creature with a noose and placed it in the boy's own hand.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.12.82)

गृहाणेमं स्वतनयं पार्षदे शंकराज्ञया। याहि स्वभवनं वत्स ब्रुवतीति स कर्दमः

gṛhāṇemaṁ svatanayaṁ pārṣade śaṁkarājñayā yāhi svabhavanaṁ vatsa bruvatīti sa kardamaḥ

'Take back this son of yours,' said the attendant by Shankara's command; and to the boy: 'Go home now, my child' -- so he spoke; and Kardama...

Verse 83 (skanda.4.12.83)

समाधिसमये सर्वमिति शृण्वन्नुदारधीः। उन्मील्य नयने यावत्प्रणिधानं विसृज्य च

samādhisamaye sarvamiti śṛṇvannudāradhīḥ unmīlya nayane yāvatpraṇidhānaṁ visṛjya ca

Hearing all this during his meditation, the noble-minded Kardama, as he opened his eyes and released his deep concentration...

Verse 84 (skanda.4.12.84)

संपश्यते शिशुं तावत्पुरतः समवैक्षत। गृहीतशिशुमारं च पार्श्वेऽलंकृतकर्णिकम्

saṁpaśyate śiśuṁ tāvatpurataḥ samavaikṣata gṛhītaśiśumāraṁ ca pārśve'laṁkṛtakarṇikam

...he then saw, right before him, his own child -- his ears now adorned with ornaments -- standing close by, holding the captured crocodile.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.12.85)

तोयार्द्रकाकपक्षाग्रं कषायनयनांचलम्। किंचिद्विरूक्षं त्वक्क्षोभं संभ्रमापन्नमानसम्

toyārdrakākapakṣāgraṁ kaṣāyanayanāṁcalam kiṁcidvirūkṣaṁ tvakkṣobhaṁ saṁbhramāpannamānasam

The tips of his side-locks were still wet with water, the corners of his eyes reddened, his skin somewhat roughened and unsettled, and his mind still filled with agitation.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.12.86)

कृतप्रणाममालिंग्य जिघ्रंस्तन्मुखपंकजम्। पुनर्जातमिवामंस्त पश्यंश्चापि मुहुर्मुहुः

kṛtapraṇāmamāliṁgya jighraṁstanmukhapaṁkajam punarjātamivāmaṁsta paśyaṁścāpi muhurmuhuḥ

As the boy bowed to him, Kardama embraced him, pressing his face to that lotus-like countenance, and gazing at him again and again, felt as though his son had been born anew.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.12.87)

शतानिपंचवर्षाणि प्रणिधानस्थितस्य हि। कर्दमस्य व्यतीतानि शंभुमर्चयतस्तदा

śatānipaṁcavarṣāṇi praṇidhānasthitasya hi kardamasya vyatītāni śaṁbhumarcayatastadā

Thus five hundred years had passed for Kardama, established in deep meditation, all the while worshipping Shambhu.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.12.88)

कर्दमोपि च तत्कालमज्ञासीत्क्षणसंगतम्। यतो न प्रभवेत्कालो महाकालस्य संनिधौ

kardamopi ca tatkālamajñāsītkṣaṇasaṁgatam yato na prabhavetkālo mahākālasya saṁnidhau

Yet Kardama perceived that whole span as though only a moment had passed; for time has no power in the presence of Mahakala.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.12.89)

ततस्तं तनयः पृष्ट्वा पितरं प्रणिपत्य च। जगाम तूर्णं तपसे श्रीमद्वाराणसीं पुरीम्

tatastaṁ tanayaḥ pṛṣṭvā pitaraṁ praṇipatya ca jagāma tūrṇaṁ tapase śrīmadvārāṇasīṁ purīm

Then the son, having asked leave of his father and bowed before him, swiftly set out for the glorious city of Varanasi to undertake austerities.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.12.90)

तत्र तप्त्वा तपो घोरं लिंगं संस्थाप्य शांभवम्। पंचवर्षसहस्राणि स्थितः पाषाणनिश्चलः

tatra taptvā tapo ghoraṁ liṁgaṁ saṁsthāpya śāṁbhavam paṁcavarṣasahasrāṇi sthitaḥ pāṣāṇaniścalaḥ

There, having performed fierce austerities and set up a linga of Shambhu, he remained motionless as stone for five thousand years.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.12.91)

आविरासीन्महादेवस्तुष्टस्तत्तपसा ततः। उवाच कार्दमे ब्रूहि कं ददामि वरोत्तमम्

āvirāsīnmahādevastuṣṭastattapasā tataḥ uvāca kārdame brūhi kaṁ dadāmi varottamam

Then Mahadeva, pleased by that austerity, appeared and said: 'Speak, O son of Kardama -- what excellent boon shall I grant you?'

Verse 92 (skanda.4.12.92)

कार्दमिरुवाच। यदि नाथ प्रसन्नोसि भक्तानामनुकंपक। सर्वासामाधिपत्यं मे देह्यपां यादसामपि

kārdamiruvāca yadi nātha prasannosi bhaktānāmanukaṁpaka sarvāsāmādhipatyaṁ me dehyapāṁ yādasāmapi

The son of Kardama said: 'O Lord, compassionate to your devotees, if you are pleased with me, grant me lordship over all the waters, and over all creatures that dwell in them.'

Verse 93 (skanda.4.12.93)

इति श्रुत्वा महेशानः सर्वचिंतितदः प्रभुः। अभ्यषिंचत तं तत्र वारुणे परमे पदे

iti śrutvā maheśānaḥ sarvaciṁtitadaḥ prabhuḥ abhyaṣiṁcata taṁ tatra vāruṇe parame pade

Hearing this, the great Lord, who grants whatever is desired, thereupon anointed him there in the supreme station of Varuna.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.12.94)

रत्नानामब्धिजातानामब्धीनां सरितामपि। सरसां पल्वलानां च वाप्यंबु स्रोतसा पुनः

ratnānāmabdhijātānāmabdhīnāṁ saritāmapi sarasāṁ palvalānāṁ ca vāpyaṁbu srotasā punaḥ

'Become lord of the jewels born of the ocean, of the oceans and the rivers, of the lakes and ponds, and of the waters of step-wells and streams...'

Verse 95 (skanda.4.12.95)

जलाशयानां सर्वेषां प्रतीच्याश्चापि वैदिशः। अधीश्वरः पाशपाणिर्भव सर्वामरप्रियः

jalāśayānāṁ sarveṣāṁ pratīcyāścāpi vaidiśaḥ adhīśvaraḥ pāśapāṇirbhava sarvāmarapriyaḥ

'...and of all bodies of water, and of the western quarter and the intermediate directions -- become their supreme lord, noose in hand, beloved by all the immortals.'

Verse 96 (skanda.4.12.96)

ददामि वरमन्यं च सर्वेषां हितकारकम्। त्वयैतत्स्थापितं लिंगं तव नाम्ना भविष्यति

dadāmi varamanyaṁ ca sarveṣāṁ hitakārakam tvayaitatsthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ tava nāmnā bhaviṣyati

'I grant you yet another boon, one beneficial to all: this linga you have established shall become renowned by your own name.'

Verse 97 (skanda.4.12.97)

वरुणेशमिति ख्यातं वाराणस्यां सुसिद्धिदम्। मणिकर्णेश लिंगस्य नैर्ऋत्यां दिशि संस्थितम्

varuṇeśamiti khyātaṁ vārāṇasyāṁ susiddhidam maṇikarṇeśa liṁgasya nairṛtyāṁ diśi saṁsthitam

'It shall be known in Varanasi as Varuneshvara, granting excellent success, situated to the southwest of the linga of Manikarnesha.'

Verse 98 (skanda.4.12.98)

आराधितं सदा पुंसां सर्वजाड्यविनाशकृत्। वरुणेशस्य ये भक्ता न तेषामब्भयं क्वचित्

ārādhitaṁ sadā puṁsāṁ sarvajāḍyavināśakṛt varuṇeśasya ye bhaktā na teṣāmabbhayaṁ kvacit

'Worshipped always, it destroys all dullness in men. Those who are devotees of Varuneshvara never have any fear from water.'

Verse 99 (skanda.4.12.99)

न संतापभयं तेषां नापायमरणं क्वचित्। जलोदरभयं नैव न भयं वै तृषः क्वचित्

na saṁtāpabhayaṁ teṣāṁ nāpāyamaraṇaṁ kvacit jalodarabhayaṁ naiva na bhayaṁ vai tṛṣaḥ kvacit

'They have no fear of fever, no fear of untimely death; no fear of dropsy, and never any fear of thirst.'

Verse 100 (skanda.4.12.100)

नीरसान्यन्नपानानि वरुणेश्वर संस्मृतेः। सरसानि भविष्यंति नात्र कार्या विचारणा

nīrasānyannapānāni varuṇeśvara saṁsmṛteḥ sarasāni bhaviṣyaṁti nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

'By remembrance of Varuneshvara, even tasteless food and drink shall turn flavorful -- of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 101 (skanda.4.12.101)

इत्युक्त्वांतर्दधे शंभुर्वरुणोपि स्वबंधुभिः। इमं लोकमलंकुर्वंस्तदारभ्य स्थितो द्विजः

ityuktvāṁtardadhe śaṁbhurvaruṇopi svabaṁdhubhiḥ imaṁ lokamalaṁkurvaṁstadārabhya sthito dvijaḥ

Having said this, Shambhu vanished; and Varuna too, together with his kinsmen, O brahmin, has remained ever since, adorning this realm.

Verse 102 (skanda.4.12.102)

इदं वरुणलोकस्य स्वरूपं ते निरूपितम्। यच्छ्रुत्वा न नरः क्वापि दुरपायैः प्रबाध्यते

idaṁ varuṇalokasya svarūpaṁ te nirūpitam yacchrutvā na naraḥ kvāpi durapāyaiḥ prabādhyate

Thus has the true nature of Varuna's realm been described to you; hearing it, a person is never afflicted anywhere by misfortune.