Description of the Realm of Shukra, Venus

Verse 1 (skanda.4.16.1)

गणावूचतुः। शिवशर्मन्महाबुद्धे शुक्रलोकोयमद्भुतः। दानवानां च दैत्यानां गुरुरत्र वसेत्कविः

gaṇāvūcatuḥ śivaśarmanmahābuddhe śukralokoyamadbhutaḥ dānavānāṁ ca daityānāṁ gururatra vasetkaviḥ

The two ganas said: O Shivasharma, of great wisdom, this is the wondrous world of Shukra; here dwells Kavi, the guru of the Danavas and Daityas.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.16.2)

पीत्वा वर्षसहस्रं वै कणधूमं सुदुःसहम्। यः प्राप्तवान्महाविद्यां मृत्युसंजीविनीं हरात्

pītvā varṣasahasraṁ vai kaṇadhūmaṁ suduḥsaham yaḥ prāptavānmahāvidyāṁ mṛtyusaṁjīvinīṁ harāt

He who, having drunk for a thousand years the utterly unbearable smoke of grains, obtained from Hara the great science of Mrityusanjivani, the reviving of the dead.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.16.3)

इमां विद्यां न जानाति देवाचार्योति दुप्कराम्। ऋते मृत्युंजयात्स्कंदात्पार्वत्या गजवक्त्रतः

imāṁ vidyāṁ na jānāti devācāryoti dupkarām ṛte mṛtyuṁjayātskaṁdātpārvatyā gajavaktrataḥ

Not even the preceptor of the gods knows this difficult science, save Mrityunjaya, Shiva, Skanda, Parvati, and the elephant-faced Ganesha.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.16.4)

शिवशर्मोवाच। कोसौ शुक्र इति ख्यातो यस्यायं लोक उत्तमः। कथं तेन च विद्याप्ता मृत्युसंजीवनी हरात्

śivaśarmovāca kosau śukra iti khyāto yasyāyaṁ loka uttamaḥ kathaṁ tena ca vidyāptā mṛtyusaṁjīvanī harāt

Shivasharma said: Who is this one known as Shukra, whose is this supreme world? And how was the science of Mrityusanjivani obtained by him from Hara?

Verse 5 (skanda.4.16.5)

आचक्षाथामिदं देवौ यदि प्रीतिर्मयि प्रभू। ततस्तौ स्माहतुर्देवौ शुक्रस्य परमां कथाम्

ācakṣāthāmidaṁ devau yadi prītirmayi prabhū tatastau smāhaturdevau śukrasya paramāṁ kathām

'Tell me this, O two divine lords, if you have affection for me.' Then the two divine ones told the supreme tale of Shukra.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.16.6)

यां श्रुत्वा चापमृत्युभ्यो हीयंते श्रद्धयायुताः। भूतप्रेतपिशाचेभ्यो न भयं चापि जायते

yāṁ śrutvā cāpamṛtyubhyo hīyaṁte śraddhayāyutāḥ bhūtapretapiśācebhyo na bhayaṁ cāpi jāyate

Hearing which, those endowed with faith are freed from untimely death; and no fear arises from bhutas, pretas, and pishachas either.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.16.7)

आजौ प्रवर्तमानायामंधकांधकवैरिणोः। अनिर्भेद्य गिरिव्यूह वज्रव्यूहाधिनाथयोः

ājau pravartamānāyāmaṁdhakāṁdhakavairiṇoḥ anirbhedya girivyūha vajravyūhādhināthayoḥ

When battle broke out between Andhaka and the Enemy-of-Andhaka, the two lords of the impenetrable mountain-formation and the thunderbolt-formation...

Verse 8 (skanda.4.16.8)

अपसृत्य ततो युद्धादंधकः शुक्रसंनिधिम्। अधिगम्य बभाषेदमवरुह्य रथात्ततः

apasṛtya tato yuddhādaṁdhakaḥ śukrasaṁnidhim adhigamya babhāṣedamavaruhya rathāttataḥ

...Andhaka, then withdrawing from the battle, came into the presence of Shukra, and, descending from his chariot, spoke thus:

Verse 9 (skanda.4.16.9)

भगवंस्त्वामुपाश्रित्य वयं देवांश्च सानुगान्। मन्यामहे तृणैस्तुल्यान्रुद्रोपेंद्रादिकानपि

bhagavaṁstvāmupāśritya vayaṁ devāṁśca sānugān manyāmahe tṛṇaistulyānrudropeṁdrādikānapi

'O illustrious one, taking refuge in you, we consider the gods together with their followers, even Rudra, Upendra, and the rest, as equal to mere straw.'

Verse 10 (skanda.4.16.10)

कुंजरा इव सिंहेभ्यो गरुडेभ्य इवोरगाः। अस्मत्तो बिभ्यति सुरा गुरो युष्मदनुग्रहात्

kuṁjarā iva siṁhebhyo garuḍebhya ivoragāḥ asmatto bibhyati surā guro yuṣmadanugrahāt

'Like elephants before lions, like serpents before Garuda, the gods fear us, O guru, through your favor.'

Verse 11 (skanda.4.16.11)

वज्रव्यूहमनिर्भेद्यं विविशुर्देत्यदानवाः। विधूय प्रमथानीकं ह्रदं तापार्दिता इव

vajravyūhamanirbhedyaṁ viviśurdetyadānavāḥ vidhūya pramathānīkaṁ hradaṁ tāpārditā iva

'The Daityas and Danavas entered the impenetrable thunderbolt-formation, scattering the army of the Pramathas, like creatures tormented by heat entering a lake.'

Verse 12 (skanda.4.16.12)

वयं त्वच्छरणं भूत्वा पर्वता इव निश्चलाः। स्थित्वा चराम निःशंका ब्राह्मणेंद्र महाहवे

vayaṁ tvaccharaṇaṁ bhūtvā parvatā iva niścalāḥ sthitvā carāma niḥśaṁkā brāhmaṇeṁdra mahāhave

'Having become your refuge, standing motionless like mountains, O foremost of brahmins, we move about fearlessly in this great battle.'

Verse 13 (skanda.4.16.13)

आप्तभावेन च वयं पादौ तव सुखप्रदौ। सदाराः ससुताश्चैव शुश्रूषामो दिवानिशम्

āptabhāvena ca vayaṁ pādau tava sukhapradau sadārāḥ sasutāścaiva śuśrūṣāmo divāniśam

'With devoted hearts, we, together with our wives and sons, serve your two feet, which grant happiness, day and night.'

Verse 14 (skanda.4.16.14)

अभिरक्षाभितो विप्र प्रसन्नः शरणागतान्। पश्य हुंडं तुहुंडं च कुजंभं जंभमेव च

abhirakṣābhito vipra prasannaḥ śaraṇāgatān paśya huṁḍaṁ tuhuṁḍaṁ ca kujaṁbhaṁ jaṁbhameva ca

'O brahmin, be pleased and protect on every side those who have come for refuge. Behold Hunda, Tuhunda, Kujambha, and Jambha...'

Verse 15 (skanda.4.16.15)

पाकं कार्तस्वनं चैव विपाकं पाकहारिणम्। तं चन्द्रदमनं शूरं शूरामरविदारणम्

pākaṁ kārtasvanaṁ caiva vipākaṁ pākahāriṇam taṁ candradamanaṁ śūraṁ śūrāmaravidāraṇam

'...Paka, Kartasvana, Vipaka, Pakaharin, that hero Chandradamana, the render of the heroic immortals...'

Verse 16 (skanda.4.16.16)

प्रमथैर्भीमविक्रांतैः क्रांतं मृत्युप्रमाथिभिः। सूदितान्पतितांश्चैव द्राविडैरिव चंदनान्

pramathairbhīmavikrāṁtaiḥ krāṁtaṁ mṛtyupramāthibhiḥ sūditānpatitāṁścaiva drāviḍairiva caṁdanān

'...overrun by the fearsomely valiant Pramathas, agents of death, slain and fallen, like sandalwood trees felled by Dravidians, woodcutters.'

Verse 17 (skanda.4.16.17)

या पीत्वा कणधूमं वै सहस्रं शरदां पुरा। वरा विद्या त्वया प्राप्ता तस्याः कालोयमागतः

yā pītvā kaṇadhūmaṁ vai sahasraṁ śaradāṁ purā varā vidyā tvayā prāptā tasyāḥ kāloyamāgataḥ

'The excellent science you obtained long ago, having drunk grain-smoke for a thousand autumns -- now has come the time for it.'

Verse 18 (skanda.4.16.18)

अथ विद्याफलं तत्ते दैत्यान्संजीवयिष्यतः। पश्यंतु प्रमथाः सर्वे त्वया संजीवितानिमान्

atha vidyāphalaṁ tatte daityānsaṁjīvayiṣyataḥ paśyaṁtu pramathāḥ sarve tvayā saṁjīvitānimān

'Now show the fruit of that science, by reviving the daityas; let all the Pramathas see these ones brought back to life by you.'

Verse 19 (skanda.4.16.19)

इत्यंधकवचः श्रुत्वा स्थिरधीर्भार्गवोमुनिः। किंचित्स्मितं तदा कृत्वा दानवाधिपमब्रवीत्

ityaṁdhakavacaḥ śrutvā sthiradhīrbhārgavomuniḥ kiṁcitsmitaṁ tadā kṛtvā dānavādhipamabravīt

Hearing Andhaka's words, the steady-minded sage Bhargava, smiling slightly, said to the lord of the Danavas:

Verse 20 (skanda.4.16.20)

दानवाधिपते सर्वं तथ्यं यद्भाषितं त्वया। विद्योपार्जनमेतद्धि दानवार्थं मया कृतम्

dānavādhipate sarvaṁ tathyaṁ yadbhāṣitaṁ tvayā vidyopārjanametaddhi dānavārthaṁ mayā kṛtam

'O lord of the Danavas, all that you have said is true. Indeed, this acquisition of the science was made by me for the sake of the Danavas.'

Verse 21 (skanda.4.16.21)

पीत्वा वर्षसहस्रं वै कणधूमं सुदुःसहम्। एषा प्राप्तेश्वराद्विद्या बांधवानां सुखावहा

pītvā varṣasahasraṁ vai kaṇadhūmaṁ suduḥsaham eṣā prāpteśvarādvidyā bāṁdhavānāṁ sukhāvahā

'Having drunk for a thousand years the utterly unbearable grain-smoke, this science was obtained from the Lord, bringing happiness to our kinsmen.'

Verse 22 (skanda.4.16.22)

एतया विद्यया सोहं प्रमयैर्मथितान्रणे। उत्थापयिष्ये ग्लानानि धान्यन्यंबुधरो यथा

etayā vidyayā sohaṁ pramayairmathitānraṇe utthāpayiṣye glānāni dhānyanyaṁbudharo yathā

'By this science I shall raise up those crushed by the Pramathas in battle, as a rain-cloud revives withered crops.'

Verse 23 (skanda.4.16.23)

निर्व्रणान्नीरुजः स्वस्थान्सुप्त्वेव पुनरुत्थितान्। अस्मिन्मुहूर्ते द्रष्टासि दानवानुत्थितान्नृप

nirvraṇānnīrujaḥ svasthānsuptveva punarutthitān asminmuhūrte draṣṭāsi dānavānutthitānnṛpa

'Free of wounds, free of illness, restored to health, as though risen again from sleep -- in this very moment, O king, you shall see the Danavas risen up.'

Verse 24 (skanda.4.16.24)

इत्युक्त्वा दानवपतिं विद्यामावर्तयत्कविः। एकैकं दैत्यमुद्दिश्य त उत्तस्थुर्धृतायुधाः

ityuktvā dānavapatiṁ vidyāmāvartayatkaviḥ ekaikaṁ daityamuddiśya ta uttasthurdhṛtāyudhāḥ

Having said this to the lord of the Danavas, Kavi began reciting the science, addressing each daitya one by one; and they rose up, weapons in hand...

Verse 25 (skanda.4.16.25)

वेदा इव सदभ्यस्ताः समये वा यथांबुदाः। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो यथा दत्ताः श्रद्धयार्था महापदि

vedā iva sadabhyastāḥ samaye vā yathāṁbudāḥ brāhmaṇebhyo yathā dattāḥ śraddhayārthā mahāpadi

...like the Vedas well-practiced, like clouds at their proper season, like wealth given to brahmins with faith in a time of great calamity.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.16.26)

उज्जीवितांस्तु तान्दृष्ट्वा तुहुंडाद्यान्महासुरान्। विनेदुः पूर्वदेवास्ते जलपूर्णा इवांबुदाः

ujjīvitāṁstu tāndṛṣṭvā tuhuṁḍādyānmahāsurān vineduḥ pūrvadevāste jalapūrṇā ivāṁbudāḥ

Seeing those great asuras, Tuhunda and the rest, brought back to life, the daityas roared like clouds full of water.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.16.27)

शुक्रेणोजीवितान्दृष्ट्वा दानवांस्तान्गणेश्वराः। विज्ञाप्यमेव देवेशे ह्येवं तेऽन्योन्यमब्रुवन्

śukreṇojīvitāndṛṣṭvā dānavāṁstāngaṇeśvarāḥ vijñāpyameva deveśe hyevaṁ te'nyonyamabruvan

Seeing those Danavas brought back to life by Shukra, the lords of the ganas, resolving to inform the Lord of gods, said to one another:

Verse 28 (skanda.4.16.28)

आश्चर्यरूपे प्रमथेश्वराणां तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तति युद्धयज्ञे। अमर्षितो भार्गवकर्मदृष्ट्वा शिलादपुत्रोभ्यगमन्महेशम्

āścaryarūpe pramatheśvarāṇāṁ tasmiṁstathā vartati yuddhayajñe amarṣito bhārgavakarmadṛṣṭvā śilādaputrobhyagamanmaheśam

While that wondrous sacrifice of battle, of the lords of the Pramathas, was thus taking place, the son of Shilada, Nandi, enraged upon seeing Bhargava's deed, went to Mahesha.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.16.29)

जयेति चोक्त्वा जय योनिमुग्रमुवाच नंदी कनकावदातम्। गणेश्वराणां रणकर्म देव देवैश्च सेंद्रैरपि दुष्करं यत्

jayeti coktvā jaya yonimugramuvāca naṁdī kanakāvadātam gaṇeśvarāṇāṁ raṇakarma deva devaiśca seṁdrairapi duṣkaraṁ yat

Having said 'Victory!', Nandi spoke to the fierce, golden-hued source of victory: 'O God, that battle-feat of the lords of the ganas, difficult even for the gods together with Indra...'

Verse 30 (skanda.4.16.30)

तद्भार्गवेणाद्य कृतं वृथा नः संजीव्य तानाजिमृतान्विपक्षान्। आवर्त्य विद्यां मृतजीवदात्रीमेकैकमुद्दिश्य सहेलमीश

tadbhārgaveṇādya kṛtaṁ vṛthā naḥ saṁjīvya tānājimṛtānvipakṣān āvartya vidyāṁ mṛtajīvadātrīmekaikamuddiśya sahelamīśa

'...has today been rendered futile by Bhargava, who has revived those enemies slain in battle, reciting, effortlessly, one by one, the life-giving science for the dead, O Lord.'

Verse 31 (skanda.4.16.31)

तुहुंडहुंडादिकजंभजंभविपाकपाकादि महासुरेंद्राः। यमालयादद्य पुनर्निवृत्ता विद्रावयंतः प्रमथाश्चरंति

tuhuṁḍahuṁḍādikajaṁbhajaṁbhavipākapākādi mahāsureṁdrāḥ yamālayādadya punarnivṛttā vidrāvayaṁtaḥ pramathāścaraṁti

'Tuhunda, Hunda, Jambha, Kujambha, Vipaka, Paka, and the other great lords of the asuras, returned today from the abode of Yama, now range about, routing the Pramathas.'

Verse 32 (skanda.4.16.32)

यदि ह्यसौ दैत्यवरान्निरस्तान्संजीवयेदत्र पुनःपुनस्तान्। जयः कुतो नो भविता महेश गणेश्वराणां कुत एव शांतिः

yadi hyasau daityavarānnirastānsaṁjīvayedatra punaḥpunastān jayaḥ kuto no bhavitā maheśa gaṇeśvarāṇāṁ kuta eva śāṁtiḥ

'If this one shall revive, again and again, these fallen chief daityas, how then shall victory be ours, O Mahesha, and how shall there be any peace for the lords of the ganas?'

Verse 33 (skanda.4.16.33)

इत्येवमुक्तः प्रमथेश्वरेण स नंदिना वै प्रमथेश्वरेशः। उवाच देवः प्रहसंस्तदानीं तं नंदिनं सर्वगणेशराजम्

ityevamuktaḥ pramatheśvareṇa sa naṁdinā vai pramatheśvareśaḥ uvāca devaḥ prahasaṁstadānīṁ taṁ naṁdinaṁ sarvagaṇeśarājam

Thus addressed by Nandi, the lord of the Pramathas, that god, the very lord of the lords of the Pramathas, then said, laughing, to Nandi, the king of all the lords of the ganas:

Verse 34 (skanda.4.16.34)

नंदिन्प्रयाहि त्वरितोतिमात्रं द्विजेंद्रवर्यं दितिनंदनानाम्। मध्यात्समुद्धृत्य तथानयाशु श्येनो यथा लावकमंडजातम्

naṁdinprayāhi tvaritotimātraṁ dvijeṁdravaryaṁ ditinaṁdanānām madhyātsamuddhṛtya tathānayāśu śyeno yathā lāvakamaṁḍajātam

'O Nandi, go swiftly, with utmost haste, and, seizing that finest of brahmin lords from the midst of the sons of Diti, bring him quickly, as a hawk seizes a quail-chick.'

Verse 35 (skanda.4.16.35)

स एव मुक्तो वृषभध्वजेन ननाद नंदी वृषसिंहनादः। जगाम तूर्णं च विगाह्य सेनां यत्राभवद्भार्गववंशदीपः

sa eva mukto vṛṣabhadhvajena nanāda naṁdī vṛṣasiṁhanādaḥ jagāma tūrṇaṁ ca vigāhya senāṁ yatrābhavadbhārgavavaṁśadīpaḥ

Thus released by the bull-bannered god, Nandi, roaring like a bull-lion, went swiftly, plunging into the army, to where the lamp of Bhargava's lineage was.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.16.36)

तं रक्ष्यमाणं दितिजैः समस्तैः पाशासिवृक्षोपलशैलहस्तैः। विक्षोभ्य दैत्यान्बलवाञ्जहार काव्यं स नंदी शरभो यथेभम्

taṁ rakṣyamāṇaṁ ditijaiḥ samastaiḥ pāśāsivṛkṣopalaśailahastaiḥ vikṣobhya daityānbalavāñjahāra kāvyaṁ sa naṁdī śarabho yathebham

Though guarded by all the sons of Diti, weapons of noose, sword, tree, stone, and boulder in hand, that mighty Nandi, throwing the daityas into confusion, seized Kavi, as a sharabha seizes an elephant.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.16.37)

स्रस्तांबरं विच्युतभूषणं च विमुक्तकेशं बलिना गृहीतम्। विमोचयिष्यंत इवानुजग्मुः सुरारयः सिंहरवान्सृजंतः

srastāṁbaraṁ vicyutabhūṣaṇaṁ ca vimuktakeśaṁ balinā gṛhītam vimocayiṣyaṁta ivānujagmuḥ surārayaḥ siṁharavānsṛjaṁtaḥ

Seized by the mighty one, his garments slipping, his ornaments falling away, his hair loosened -- the enemies of the gods pursued after him, as if to rescue him, raising lion-like roars.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.16.38)

दंभोलि शूलासिपरश्वधानामुद्दंडचक्रोपल कंपनानाम्। नंदीश्वरस्योपरि दानवेद्रा वर्षं ववर्षुर्जलदा इवोग्रम्

daṁbholi śūlāsiparaśvadhānāmuddaṁḍacakropala kaṁpanānām naṁdīśvarasyopari dānavedrā varṣaṁ vavarṣurjaladā ivogram

The lords of the Danavas rained down upon Nandishvara a fierce shower of thunderbolts, tridents, swords, axes, upraised discuses, boulders, and clubs, like storm-clouds.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.16.39)

तं भार्गवं प्राप्य गणाधिराजो मुखाग्निना शस्त्रशतानि दग्ध्वा। आयात्प्रवृद्धेऽसुरदेवयुद्धे भवस्य पार्श्वे व्यथितारिसैन्यः

taṁ bhārgavaṁ prāpya gaṇādhirājo mukhāgninā śastraśatāni dagdhvā āyātpravṛddhe'suradevayuddhe bhavasya pārśve vyathitārisainyaḥ

Having seized Bhargava, and having burned up hundreds of weapons with the fire of his own mouth, the king of the ganas, having thrown the enemy army into distress, came, amid that swelling war of gods and asuras, to the side of Bhava.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.16.40)

अयं स शुक्रो भगवन्नितीदं निवेदयामास भवाय शीघ्रम्। जग्राह शुक्रं स च देवदेवो यथोपहारं शुचिना प्रदत्तम्

ayaṁ sa śukro bhagavannitīdaṁ nivedayāmāsa bhavāya śīghram jagrāha śukraṁ sa ca devadevo yathopahāraṁ śucinā pradattam

'O Lord, this is that Shukra' -- thus he swiftly announced to Bhava. And the God of gods took hold of Shukra, as though he were an offering presented by a pure devotee.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.16.41)

न किंचिदुक्त्वा स हि भूतगोप्ता चिक्षेप वक्त्रे फलवत्कवींद्रम्। हाहारवस्तैरसुरैः समस्तैरुच्चैर्विमुक्तो हहहेति भूरि

na kiṁciduktvā sa hi bhūtagoptā cikṣepa vaktre phalavatkavīṁdram hāhāravastairasuraiḥ samastairuccairvimukto hahaheti bhūri

Without saying anything, the protector of all beings then threw the lord of poets into his mouth as though he were a fruit; and from all the asuras a great cry of 'Ha! Ha!' arose loudly, again and again.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.16.42)

काव्ये निगीर्णे गिरिजेश्वरेण दैत्या जयाशा रहिता बभूवुः। हस्तैर्विमुक्ता इव वारणेंद्राः शृंगैर्विहीना इव गोवृषाश्च

kāvye nigīrṇe girijeśvareṇa daityā jayāśā rahitā babhūvuḥ hastairvimuktā iva vāraṇeṁdrāḥ śṛṁgairvihīnā iva govṛṣāśca

When Kavi was thus swallowed by the Lord of Girija, the daityas became bereft of all hope of victory -- like elephants freed of their trunks, like bulls shorn of their horns.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.16.43)

शरीर हीना इव जीवसंघा द्विजा यथा चाध्ययनेन हीनाः। निरुद्यमाः सत्त्वगुणा यथा वै यथोद्यमा भाग्यविवर्जिताश्च

śarīra hīnā iva jīvasaṁghā dvijā yathā cādhyayanena hīnāḥ nirudyamāḥ sattvaguṇā yathā vai yathodyamā bhāgyavivarjitāśca

Like a mass of living beings deprived of a body, like brahmins deprived of Vedic study, like the quality of goodness deprived of effort, like effort itself bereft of fortune...

Verse 44 (skanda.4.16.44)

पत्या विहीनाश्च यथैव योषा यथा विपक्षा इव मार्गणौघाः। आयूंषि हीनानि यथैव पुण्यैर्वृत्तेन हीनानि यथा श्रुतानि

patyā vihīnāśca yathaiva yoṣā yathā vipakṣā iva mārgaṇaughāḥ āyūṁṣi hīnāni yathaiva puṇyairvṛttena hīnāni yathā śrutāni

...like women deprived of a husband, like a shower of arrows without feathers, like lifespans deprived of merit, like scriptural learning deprived of good conduct...

Verse 45 (skanda.4.16.45)

विना यथा वैभवशक्तिमेकां भवंति हीनाः स्वफलैः क्रियौघाः। तथा विना तं द्विजवर्यमेकं दैत्या जयाशा विमुखा बभूवुः

vinā yathā vaibhavaśaktimekāṁ bhavaṁti hīnāḥ svaphalaiḥ kriyaughāḥ tathā vinā taṁ dvijavaryamekaṁ daityā jayāśā vimukhā babhūvuḥ

...like a mass of rites, without that one power of majesty, deprived of their own fruits -- so, without that one finest of brahmin, the daityas became devoid of any hope of victory.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.16.46)

नंदिनापहृते शुक्रे गिलिते च विषादिना। विषादमगमन्दैत्या हीयमानरणोत्सवाः

naṁdināpahṛte śukre gilite ca viṣādinā viṣādamagamandaityā hīyamānaraṇotsavāḥ

When Shukra had been carried off by Nandi, and swallowed by the wielder of poison, the daityas fell into despair, their zest for battle waning.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.16.47)

तान्वीक्ष्य विगतोत्साहानंधकः प्रत्यभाषत। कविं विक्रम्य नयता नंदिना वंचिता वयम्

tānvīkṣya vigatotsāhānaṁdhakaḥ pratyabhāṣata kaviṁ vikramya nayatā naṁdinā vaṁcitā vayam

Seeing them thus deprived of enthusiasm, Andhaka spoke to them: 'We have been cheated by Nandi, who forcibly carried off Kavi.'

Verse 48 (skanda.4.16.48)

तनूर्विना हृताः प्राणाः सर्वेषामद्य तेन नः। धैर्यं वीर्यं गतिः कीर्तिः सत्त्वं तेजः पराक्रमः

tanūrvinā hṛtāḥ prāṇāḥ sarveṣāmadya tena naḥ dhairyaṁ vīryaṁ gatiḥ kīrtiḥ sattvaṁ tejaḥ parākramaḥ

'This day, our very life-breaths have been taken from all of us, though our bodies remain: our courage, our valor, our recourse, our fame, our fortitude, our vigor, our prowess...'

Verse 49 (skanda.4.16.49)

युगपन्नो हृतं सर्वमेकस्मिन्भार्गवे हृते। धिगस्मान्कुलपूज्यो यैरेकोपि कुलसत्तमः। गुरुः सर्वसमर्थश्च त्राता त्रातो न चापदि

yugapanno hṛtaṁ sarvamekasminbhārgave hṛte dhigasmānkulapūjyo yairekopi kulasattamaḥ guruḥ sarvasamarthaśca trātā trāto na cāpadi

'All of these have been taken from us at once, with the single loss of Bhargava. Shame on us, who let our clan's own venerable one -- one alone, yet the very best of the clan, our guru, capable of everything, our protector -- go unprotected in this calamity.'

Verse 50 (skanda.4.16.50)

तद्धैर्यमवलंब्येह युध्यध्वमरिभिः सह। सूदयिष्याम्यहं सर्वान्प्रमथान्सह नंदिना

taddhairyamavalaṁbyeha yudhyadhvamaribhiḥ saha sūdayiṣyāmyahaṁ sarvānpramathānsaha naṁdinā

'Therefore, taking hold of courage here, fight on with the enemy; I myself shall slay all the Pramathas, together with Nandi.'

Verse 51 (skanda.4.16.51)

अद्यैतान्विवशान्हत्वा सह देवैः सवासवैः। भार्गवं मोचयिष्यामि जीवं योगीव कर्मतः

adyaitānvivaśānhatvā saha devaiḥ savāsavaiḥ bhārgavaṁ mocayiṣyāmi jīvaṁ yogīva karmataḥ

'Today, having slain these helpless ones, together with the gods and Vasava, I shall free Bhargava alive, as a yogi frees himself from the bonds of action.'

Verse 52 (skanda.4.16.52)

स चापि योगी योगेन यदि नाम स्वयं प्रभुः। शरीरात्तस्य निर्गच्छेदस्माकं रोषपालिता

sa cāpi yogī yogena yadi nāma svayaṁ prabhuḥ śarīrāttasya nirgacchedasmākaṁ roṣapālitā

'And he too, that yogi, by his own yogic power, being himself a master, may well emerge from that body -- kept safe within it by our own wrath.'

Verse 53 (skanda.4.16.53)

इत्यंधकवचः श्रुत्वा दानवा मेघनिःस्वनाः। प्रमथा नर्दयामासुर्मर्तव्ये कृत निश्चयाः

ityaṁdhakavacaḥ śrutvā dānavā meghaniḥsvanāḥ pramathā nardayāmāsurmartavye kṛta niścayāḥ

Hearing Andhaka's words, the Danavas, thundering like clouds, roared at the Pramathas, resolved to die.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.16.54)

सत्यायुपि न नो जातु शक्ताः स्युः प्रमथाबलात्। असत्यायुषि किं गत्वा त्यक्त्वा स्वामिनमाहवे

satyāyupi na no jātu śaktāḥ syuḥ pramathābalāt asatyāyuṣi kiṁ gatvā tyaktvā svāminamāhave

'Even with a full lifespan, we would never be a match for the might of the Pramathas -- but with our lives already forfeit, what does it matter, going forth having abandoned our lord in battle?'

Verse 55 (skanda.4.16.55)

ये स्वामिनं विहायाजौ बहुमानधना जनाः। यांति ते यांति नियतमंधतामिस्रमालयम्

ye svāminaṁ vihāyājau bahumānadhanā janāḥ yāṁti te yāṁti niyatamaṁdhatāmisramālayam

'Those who abandon their lord in battle, however endowed with honor and wealth, they surely go to the abode of blind darkness.'

Verse 56 (skanda.4.16.56)

अयशस्तमसा ख्यातिं मलिनीकृत्यभूरिशः। इहामुत्रापि सुखिनो न स्युर्भग्ना रणाजिरात्

ayaśastamasā khyātiṁ malinīkṛtyabhūriśaḥ ihāmutrāpi sukhino na syurbhagnā raṇājirāt

'Having thoroughly sullied their fame with the darkness of infamy, those who flee the battlefield find happiness neither here nor hereafter.'

Verse 57 (skanda.4.16.57)

किं दानैः किं तपोभिश्च किं तीर्थपरिमज्जनैः। धरातीर्थे यदि स्नातं पुनर्भव मलापहे

kiṁ dānaiḥ kiṁ tapobhiśca kiṁ tīrthaparimajjanaiḥ dharātīrthe yadi snātaṁ punarbhava malāpahe

'What use are gifts, what use austerities, what use bathing at holy fords, if one has already bathed at the tirtha of the battlefield, which removes the very taint of rebirth?'

Verse 58 (skanda.4.16.58)

संप्रधार्येति तेऽन्योन्यं दैत्यास्ते दनुजास्तथा। ममंथुः प्रमथानाजौ रणभेरीर्निनाद्य च

saṁpradhāryeti te'nyonyaṁ daityāste danujāstathā mamaṁthuḥ pramathānājau raṇabherīrninādya ca

Having thus resolved among themselves, those daityas and danavas, sounding the war-drums, then churned the Pramathas in battle.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.16.59)

तत्र वाणासिवज्रौघैः कटंकटशिलामयैः। भुशुंडीभिंदिपालैश्च शक्तिभल्ल परश्वधैः

tatra vāṇāsivajraughaiḥ kaṭaṁkaṭaśilāmayaiḥ bhuśuṁḍībhiṁdipālaiśca śaktibhalla paraśvadhaiḥ

There, with showers of arrows, swords, and thunderbolts, with jagged rocks and stones, with bhushundi-weapons and javelins, with spears, blunt clubs, and axes...

Verse 60 (skanda.4.16.60)

खट्वांगैः पट्टिशैः शूलैर्लकुटैर्मुसलैरलम्। परस्परमभिघ्नंतः प्रचक्रुः कदनं महत्

khaṭvāṁgaiḥ paṭṭiśaiḥ śūlairlakuṭairmusalairalam parasparamabhighnaṁtaḥ pracakruḥ kadanaṁ mahat

...with skull-topped clubs, with spiked maces, tridents, staves, and pestles in abundance, striking one another, they wrought a great slaughter.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.16.61)

कार्मुकाणां विकृष्टानां पततां च पतत्रिणाम्। भिंदिपालभुशुंडीनां क्ष्वेडितानां रवोऽभवत्

kārmukāṇāṁ vikṛṣṭānāṁ patatāṁ ca patatriṇām bhiṁdipālabhuśuṁḍīnāṁ kṣveḍitānāṁ ravo'bhavat

There arose the sound of bows drawn taut, of falling arrows, of hurled javelins and bhushundis, and of battle-cries.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.16.62)

रणतूर्यनिनादैश्च गजानां बहुबृंहितैः। हेषारवैर्हयानां च महान्कोलाहलोऽभवत्

raṇatūryaninādaiśca gajānāṁ bahubṛṁhitaiḥ heṣāravairhayānāṁ ca mahānkolāhalo'bhavat

With the blare of war-trumpets, the manifold trumpeting of elephants, and the neighing of horses, a mighty tumult arose.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.16.63)

प्रतिस्वनैरवापूरि द्यावाभूम्योर्यदंतरम्। अभीरूणां च भीरूणां महारोमोद्गमोऽभवत्

pratisvanairavāpūri dyāvābhūmyoryadaṁtaram abhīrūṇāṁ ca bhīrūṇāṁ mahāromodgamo'bhavat

The space between heaven and earth was filled with echoing reverberations; among both the fearless and the fearful, hair stood on end in great horror.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.16.64)

गजवाजिमहाराव स्फुटच्छब्दग्रहाणि च। भग्नध्वजपताकानि क्षीणप्रहरणानि च

gajavājimahārāva sphuṭacchabdagrahāṇi ca bhagnadhvajapatākāni kṣīṇapraharaṇāni ca

The battlefield was filled with the mighty roars of elephants and horses, with the crashing sound of blows landing, with broken standards and banners, with weapons worn away...

Verse 65 (skanda.4.16.65)

रुधिरोद्गार चित्राणि व्यश्वहस्तिरथानि च। पिपासितानि सैन्यानि मुमूर्छुरुभयत्र वै

rudhirodgāra citrāṇi vyaśvahastirathāni ca pipāsitāni sainyāni mumūrchurubhayatra vai

...variegated with gushing blood, with chariots stripped of horses and elephants; and the parched armies on both sides fell into fainting.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.16.66)

दृष्ट्वा सैन्यं च प्रमथैर्भज्यमानमितस्ततः। दुद्राव रथमास्थाय स्वयमेवांधको गणान्

dṛṣṭvā sainyaṁ ca pramathairbhajyamānamitastataḥ dudrāva rathamāsthāya svayamevāṁdhako gaṇān

Seeing his army being broken here and there by the Pramathas, Andhaka himself, mounting his chariot, charged at the ganas.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.16.67)

शरवज्रप्रहारैस्तैर्वज्राघातैर्नगा इव। प्रमथानेशिरे वातैर्निस्तोया इव तोयदाः

śaravajraprahāraistairvajrāghātairnagā iva pramathāneśire vātairnistoyā iva toyadāḥ

With those blows of arrow-thunderbolts, struck as if by lightning-bolts, the Pramathas were scattered, like clouds emptied of water by the winds, like mountains struck by lightning.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.16.68)

यांतमायांतमालोक्य दूरस्थं निकटस्थितम्। प्रत्येकं रोमसंख्याभिर्व्यधाद्बाणैस्तदांधकः

yāṁtamāyāṁtamālokya dūrasthaṁ nikaṭasthitam pratyekaṁ romasaṁkhyābhirvyadhādbāṇaistadāṁdhakaḥ

Andhaka then pierced, one after another, with as many arrows as there were hairs on their bodies, each of the Pramathas -- whether coming or going, whether standing far off or nearby.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.16.69)

विनायकेन स्कंदेन नंदिना सोमनंदिना। नैगमेयेन शाखेन विशाखेन बलीयसा

vināyakena skaṁdena naṁdinā somanaṁdinā naigameyena śākhena viśākhena balīyasā

With Vinayaka, Skanda, Nandi, Somanandi, Naigameya, Shakha, and the mighty Vishakha...

Verse 70 (skanda.4.16.70)

इत्याद्यैस्तु गणैरुग्रैरंधकोप्यंधकीकृतः। त्रिशूल शक्तिबाणौघ धारासंपातपातिभिः

ityādyaistu gaṇairugrairaṁdhakopyaṁdhakīkṛtaḥ triśūla śaktibāṇaugha dhārāsaṁpātapātibhiḥ

...by these and other fierce ganas, wielding torrents of tridents, spears, and showers of arrows, Andhaka himself was made 'Andhaka,' blinded, indeed.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.16.71)

ततः कोलाहलो जातः प्रमथासुरसैन्ययोः। तेन शब्देन महता शुक्रः शंभूदरे स्थितः

tataḥ kolāhalo jātaḥ pramathāsurasainyayoḥ tena śabdena mahatā śukraḥ śaṁbhūdare sthitaḥ

Then a tumult arose between the armies of the Pramathas and the asuras; and by that great noise, Shukra, still lodged within Shambhu's belly...

Verse 72 (skanda.4.16.72)

छिद्रान्वेषी भ्रमन्सोथ विनिःकेतो यथानिलः। सप्तलोकान् सपालान्स रुद्रदेहे व्यलोकयत्

chidrānveṣī bhramansotha viniḥketo yathānilaḥ saptalokān sapālānsa rudradehe vyalokayat

...searching for an opening, wandering about like the homeless wind, beheld within Rudra's body the seven worlds together with their guardians.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.16.73)

ब्रह्मनारायणेंद्राणामादित्याप्यरसां तथा। भुवनानि विचित्राणि युद्धं च प्रमथासुरम्

brahmanārāyaṇeṁdrāṇāmādityāpyarasāṁ tathā bhuvanāni vicitrāṇi yuddhaṁ ca pramathāsuram

He beheld the wondrous realms of Brahma, Narayana, Indra, and the Adityas, and of the waters, and the battle between the Pramathas and the asuras.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.16.74)

सवर्षाणां शतं कुक्षौ भवस्य परितो भ्रमन्। न तस्य ददृशे रंध्रं शुचे रंध्रं खलो यथा

savarṣāṇāṁ śataṁ kukṣau bhavasya parito bhraman na tasya dadṛśe raṁdhraṁ śuce raṁdhraṁ khalo yathā

Wandering about within Bhava's belly for a hundred years, he could not find any opening -- just as a wicked man cannot find a flaw in one who is pure.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.16.75)

शांभवेनाथयोगेन शुक्ररूपेण भार्गवः। चस्कंदाथ ननामापि ततो देवेन भाषितः

śāṁbhavenāthayogena śukrarūpeṇa bhārgavaḥ caskaṁdātha nanāmāpi tato devena bhāṣitaḥ

Then, by the yogic power of Shambhu, Bhargava, in the very form of shukra, semen, flowed forth and bowed down; and then he was addressed by the god:

Verse 76 (skanda.4.16.76)

शुक्रवन्निःसृतोयस्मात्तस्मात्त्वं भृगुनंदन। कर्मणानेन शुक्रस्त्वं मम पुत्रोसि गम्यताम्

śukravanniḥsṛtoyasmāttasmāttvaṁ bhṛgunaṁdana karmaṇānena śukrastvaṁ mama putrosi gamyatām

'Since you have issued forth like semen, O son of Bhrigu, therefore by this very act you are Shukra; you are my own son -- go now.'

Verse 77 (skanda.4.16.77)

जठरान्निर्गते शुक्रे देवोपि मुमुदेतराम्। भ्रमञ्छ्रेयोभवद्यन्मे न मृतो जठरे द्विजः

jaṭharānnirgate śukre devopi mumudetarām bhramañchreyobhavadyanme na mṛto jaṭhare dvijaḥ

When Shukra had emerged from his belly, the god too rejoiced exceedingly: 'It is well that the brahmin, while wandering within me, did not die in my belly.'

Verse 78 (skanda.4.16.78)

इत्येवमुक्तो देवेन शुक्रोर्कसदृश द्युतिः। विवेश दानवानीकं मेघमालां यथा शशी

ityevamukto devena śukrorkasadṛśa dyutiḥ viveśa dānavānīkaṁ meghamālāṁ yathā śaśī

Thus addressed by the god, Shukra, radiant as the sun, entered the army of the Danavas, like the moon entering a garland of clouds.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.16.79)

शुक्रोदयान्मुदं लेभे स दानव महार्णवः। यथा चंद्रोदये हर्षमूर्मिमाली महोदधिः

śukrodayānmudaṁ lebhe sa dānava mahārṇavaḥ yathā caṁdrodaye harṣamūrmimālī mahodadhiḥ

At the rising of Shukra, that great ocean of Danavas found joy, as the great, wave-garlanded ocean rejoices at the rising of the moon.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.16.80)

अंधकांधकहंत्रोर्वै वर्तमाने महाहवे। इत्थं नाम्नाभवच्छुक्रः स वै भार्गवनंदनः

aṁdhakāṁdhakahaṁtrorvai vartamāne mahāhave itthaṁ nāmnābhavacchukraḥ sa vai bhārgavanaṁdanaḥ

Thus, while the great battle between Andhaka and the Slayer-of-Andhaka was still raging, that son of Bhrigu became, in name, Shukra.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.16.81)

यथा च विद्यां तां प्राप मृतसंजीवनीं पराम्। शंभोरनुग्रहात्काव्यस्तन्निशामय सुव्रत

yathā ca vidyāṁ tāṁ prāpa mṛtasaṁjīvanīṁ parām śaṁbhoranugrahātkāvyastanniśāmaya suvrata

And now hear, O one of noble vows, how Kavi obtained that supreme science of Mrityusanjivani, by the grace of Shambhu.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.16.82)

गणावूचतुः। पुराऽसौ भृगुदायादो गत्वा वाराणसीं पुरीम्। अंडजस्वेदजोद्भिज्जजरायुज गतिप्रदाम्

gaṇāvūcatuḥ purā'sau bhṛgudāyādo gatvā vārāṇasīṁ purīm aṁḍajasvedajodbhijjajarāyuja gatipradām

The two ganas said: Long ago, that descendant of Bhrigu went to the city of Varanasi, the giver of liberation to beings born from eggs, from sweat, from plants, and from wombs.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.16.83)

संस्थाप्य लिंगं श्रीशंभोः कूपं कृत्वा तदग्रतः। बहुकालं तपस्तेपे ध्यायन्विश्वेश्वरं प्रभुम्

saṁsthāpya liṁgaṁ śrīśaṁbhoḥ kūpaṁ kṛtvā tadagrataḥ bahukālaṁ tapastepe dhyāyanviśveśvaraṁ prabhum

Having established a linga of Shri Shambhu, and having made a well before it, he performed austerities for a long time, meditating upon the Lord Vishveshvara.

Verse 84 (skanda.4.16.84)

राजचंपकधत्तूर करवीरकुशेशयैः। मालती कर्णिकारैश्च कदंबैर्बकुलोत्पलैः

rājacaṁpakadhattūra karavīrakuśeśayaiḥ mālatī karṇikāraiśca kadaṁbairbakulotpalaiḥ

With royal champaka, dhattura, karavira, and lotus flowers; with malati, karnikara, kadamba, bakula, and utpala...

Verse 85 (skanda.4.16.85)

मल्लिकाशतपत्रीभिः सिंदुवारैः सकिंशुकैः। अशोकैः करुणैः पुष्पैः पुन्नागैर्नागकेसरैः

mallikāśatapatrībhiḥ siṁduvāraiḥ sakiṁśukaiḥ aśokaiḥ karuṇaiḥ puṣpaiḥ punnāgairnāgakesaraiḥ

...with mallika, hundred-petaled roses, sinduvara, kinshuka, ashoka, and karuna blossoms, punnaga and nagakesara...

Verse 86 (skanda.4.16.86)

क्षुद्राभिर्माधवीभिश्च पाटला बिल्वचंपकैः। नवमल्लीविचिकिलैः कुंदैः समुचुकुंदकैः

kṣudrābhirmādhavībhiśca pāṭalā bilvacaṁpakaiḥ navamallīvicikilaiḥ kuṁdaiḥ samucukuṁdakaiḥ

...with small madhavi flowers, patala, bilva, and champaka, navamallika and vichikila, kunda and muchukunda...

Verse 87 (skanda.4.16.87)

मंदारैर्बिल्वपत्रैश्च द्रोणैर्मरुबकैर्बकैः। ग्रंथिपर्णैर्दमनकैः सुरभूचूतपल्लवैः

maṁdārairbilvapatraiśca droṇairmarubakairbakaiḥ graṁthiparṇairdamanakaiḥ surabhūcūtapallavaiḥ

...with mandara flowers and bilva leaves, drona, maruvaka, and baka, granthiparna and damanaka, fragrant earth-blossoms and mango-shoots...

Verse 88 (skanda.4.16.88)

तुलसी देवगंधारी बृहत्पत्री कुशांकुरैः। नद्यावर्तैरगस्त्यैश्च सशालैर्देवदारुभिः

tulasī devagaṁdhārī bṛhatpatrī kuśāṁkuraiḥ nadyāvartairagastyaiśca saśālairdevadārubhiḥ

...with tulasi, devagandhari, brihatpatri, sprouts of kusha grass, nadyavarta and agastya flowers, sala and devadaru boughs...

Verse 89 (skanda.4.16.89)

कांचनारैः कुरबकैर्दूर्वांकुर कुरंटकैः। प्रत्येकमेभिः कुसुमैः पल्लवैरपरैरपि

kāṁcanāraiḥ kurabakairdūrvāṁkura kuraṁṭakaiḥ pratyekamebhiḥ kusumaiḥ pallavairaparairapi

...with kanchana, kurabaka, durva-shoots, and kurantaka -- with each of these blossoms, and with yet other tender shoots too...

Verse 90 (skanda.4.16.90)

पत्रैः शतसहस्रैश्च स समानर्च शंकरम्। पंचामृतैर्द्रोणमितैर्लक्षकृत्वः प्रयत्नतः

patraiḥ śatasahasraiśca sa samānarca śaṁkaram paṁcāmṛtairdroṇamitairlakṣakṛtvaḥ prayatnataḥ

...and with hundreds of thousands of leaves, he worshipped Shankara; with panchamrita measured by the drona, a hundred thousand times, diligently...

Verse 91 (skanda.4.16.91)

स्नपयामास देवेशं सुगंधस्नपनैर्बहु। सहस्रकृत्वो देवेशं चंदनैर्यक्षकर्दमैः

snapayāmāsa deveśaṁ sugaṁdhasnapanairbahu sahasrakṛtvo deveśaṁ caṁdanairyakṣakardamaiḥ

...he bathed the Lord of gods, many times with fragrant ablutions; a thousand times he anointed the Lord of gods with sandal-paste mixed with yaksha-kardama musk...

Verse 92 (skanda.4.16.92)

समालिलिंप देवेशं सुगंधोद्वर्तनान्यनु। गीतनृत्योपहारैश्च श्रुत्युक्तस्तुतिभिर्बहुः

samāliliṁpa deveśaṁ sugaṁdhodvartanānyanu gītanṛtyopahāraiśca śrutyuktastutibhirbahuḥ

...he anointed the Lord of gods with fragrant unguents; with offerings of song and dance, and with many hymns of praise drawn from the Shruti...

Verse 93 (skanda.4.16.93)

नाम्नां सहस्रैरन्यैश्च स्तोत्रैस्तुष्टाव शंकरम्। सहस्रं पंचशरदामित्थं शुक्रः समर्चयन्

nāmnāṁ sahasrairanyaiśca stotraistuṣṭāva śaṁkaram sahasraṁ paṁcaśaradāmitthaṁ śukraḥ samarcayan

...and with a thousand names and other hymns, he praised Shankara; thus Shukra worshipped him for five thousand years.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.16.94)

यदा देवं नालुलोके मनागपि वरोन्मुखम्। तदान्यं नियमं घोरं जग्राहातीवदुःसहम्

yadā devaṁ nāluloke manāgapi varonmukham tadānyaṁ niyamaṁ ghoraṁ jagrāhātīvaduḥsaham

When he did not behold the god even slightly inclined toward granting a boon, he then undertook another vow, terrible and utterly unbearable.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.16.95)

प्रक्षाल्य चेतसो त्यंतं चांचल्याख्यं महामलम्। भावनावार्भि रसकृदिंद्रियैः सहितस्य च

prakṣālya cetaso tyaṁtaṁ cāṁcalyākhyaṁ mahāmalam bhāvanāvārbhi rasakṛdiṁdriyaiḥ sahitasya ca

Having thoroughly washed away the great taint called restlessness from his mind, together with his senses, by the waters of contemplation, repeatedly...

Verse 96 (skanda.4.16.96)

निर्मलीकृत्य तच्चेतो रत्नं दत्त्वा पिनाकिने। प्रपपौ कणधूमौघं सहस्रं शरदां कविः

nirmalīkṛtya tacceto ratnaṁ dattvā pinākine prapapau kaṇadhūmaughaṁ sahasraṁ śaradāṁ kaviḥ

...having thus purified that mind like a jewel and offered it to the wielder of the Pinaka, Kavi drank the stream of grain-smoke for a thousand years.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.16.97)

प्रससाद तदा देवो भार्गवाय महात्मने। तस्माल्लिंगाद्विनिर्गत्य सहस्रार्काधिकद्युतिः

prasasāda tadā devo bhārgavāya mahātmane tasmālliṁgādvinirgatya sahasrārkādhikadyutiḥ

Then the god became gracious to the great-souled Bhargava; emerging from that linga, with splendor greater than a thousand suns...

Verse 98 (skanda.4.16.98)

उवाच च विरूपाक्षः साक्षाद्दाक्षायणीपतिः। तपोनिधे प्रसन्नोस्मि वरं वरय भार्गव

uvāca ca virūpākṣaḥ sākṣāddākṣāyaṇīpatiḥ taponidhe prasannosmi varaṁ varaya bhārgava

...the misshapen-eyed one, the very lord of the daughter of Daksha, said: 'O treasury of austerity, I am pleased; choose a boon, O Bhargava.'

Verse 99 (skanda.4.16.99)

निशम्येति वचः शंभोरंभोजनयनो द्विजः। उद्यदानंदसंदोह रोमांचांचित विग्रहः

niśamyeti vacaḥ śaṁbhoraṁbhojanayano dvijaḥ udyadānaṁdasaṁdoha romāṁcāṁcita vigrahaḥ

Hearing these words of Shambhu, that lotus-eyed brahmin, his body covered with horripilation from the surge of rising bliss...

Verse 100 (skanda.4.16.100)

तुष्टावाष्टतनुं तुष्टः प्रफु ल्ल नयनांचलः। मौलावंजलिमाधाय वदञ्जयजयेति च

tuṣṭāvāṣṭatanuṁ tuṣṭaḥ praphu lla nayanāṁcalaḥ maulāvaṁjalimādhāya vadañjayajayeti ca

...delighted, his eyes wide with joy, placing his folded hands upon his own head, praised the Eight-formed God, saying, 'Victory! Victory!'

Verse 101 (skanda.4.16.101)

भार्गव उवाच। त्वं भाभिराभिरभिभूय तमः समस्तमस्तं नयस्यभिमतानि निशाचराणाम्। देदीप्यसे मणेगगनेहिताय लोकत्रयस्य जगदीश्वर तन्नमस्ते

bhārgava uvāca tvaṁ bhābhirābhirabhibhūya tamaḥ samastamastaṁ nayasyabhimatāni niśācarāṇām dedīpyase maṇegaganehitāya lokatrayasya jagadīśvara tannamaste

Bhargava said: Overwhelming all darkness with these your rays, you send to their ruin the designs of the night-wanderers; you blaze forth, O jewel set in the sky, for the welfare of the three worlds, O Lord of the universe -- salutation to you for that.

Verse 102 (skanda.4.16.102)

लोकेतिवेलमतिवेलमहामहोभिर्निर्मासि कौमुदमुदं च समुत्समुद्रम्। विद्राविताखिलतमाः सुतमोहिमांशो पीयूषपूरपरिपूरित तन्नमस्ते

loketivelamativelamahāmahobhirnirmāsi kaumudamudaṁ ca samutsamudram vidrāvitākhilatamāḥ sutamohimāṁśo pīyūṣapūraparipūrita tannamaste

In the world, beyond all bounds, with your immense and boundless splendor, you fashion moon-lit joy that surges like the ocean; O rayed one who has dispelled all darkness utterly, filled to overflowing with a flood of nectar -- salutation to you for that.

Verse 103 (skanda.4.16.103)

त्वं पावने पथि सदागतिरस्युपास्यः कस्त्वां विना भुवनजीवनजीवतीह। स्तब्धप्रभंजन विवर्धित सर्वजंतोसंतोषिताहि कुलसर्वगतन्नमस्ते

tvaṁ pāvane pathi sadāgatirasyupāsyaḥ kastvāṁ vinā bhuvanajīvanajīvatīha stabdhaprabhaṁjana vivardhita sarvajaṁtosaṁtoṣitāhi kulasarvagatannamaste

You are ever the true recourse on the purifying path, worthy of worship; who, without you, could sustain the very life of the world's life? O you who, even against the raging wind, cause all creatures to flourish, who satisfy the whole race of serpents, all-pervading -- salutation to you for that.

Verse 104 (skanda.4.16.104)

विश्वैकपावकनतावकपावकैक शक्तेर्ऋतेऽमृतवतामृतदिव्यकार्यम्। प्राणित्यदो जगदहो जगदंतरात्मंस्तत्पावक प्रतिपदं शमदं नमस्ते

viśvaikapāvakanatāvakapāvakaika śakterṛte'mṛtavatāmṛtadivyakāryam prāṇityado jagadaho jagadaṁtarātmaṁstatpāvaka pratipadaṁ śamadaṁ namaste

Without the one purifying power of you, the sole purifier of the universe, before whom all bow, no divine and immortal deed could exist for the immortals; by you this world draws its very breath -- O inner self of the world, O purifier, giver of peace at every step -- salutation to you.

Verse 105 (skanda.4.16.105)

पानीयरूप परमेश जगत्पवित्र चित्रं विचित्रसुचरित्र करोषि नूनम्। विश्वपवित्रममलं किल विश्वनाथ पानावगाहनत एतदतो नतोस्मि

pānīyarūpa parameśa jagatpavitra citraṁ vicitrasucaritra karoṣi nūnam viśvapavitramamalaṁ kila viśvanātha pānāvagāhanata etadato natosmi

O supreme lord in the form of water, O purifier of the world, of wondrous and manifold sacred conduct, you surely accomplish all; O Lord of the universe, this world is made stainless and pure indeed through drinking and bathing in you -- therefore I bow to you.

Verse 106 (skanda.4.16.106)

आकाशरूप बहिरंतरुतावकाश दानाद्विकस्वरमिहेश्वर विश्वमैतत्। त्वत्तः सदा सदयसंश्वसिति स्वभावात्संकोचमेति भवतोस्मि नतस्ततस्त्वाम्

ākāśarūpa bahiraṁtarutāvakāśa dānādvikasvaramiheśvara viśvamaitat tvattaḥ sadā sadayasaṁśvasiti svabhāvātsaṁkocameti bhavatosmi natastatastvām

O you of the form of space, by your granting of room both without and within, this entire universe here expands and blossoms; from you, by its very nature, it ever breathes with life, and unto you it contracts again -- therefore I bow to you.

Verse 107 (skanda.4.16.107)

विश्वंभरात्मक बिभर्ति विभोऽत्रविश्वं को विश्वनाथ भवतोन्य तमस्तमोरे। तत्त्वां विना न शमिनां हिमजाहिभूषस्तव्योऽपरः परपरप्रणतस्ततस्त्वाम्

viśvaṁbharātmaka bibharti vibho'traviśvaṁ ko viśvanātha bhavatonya tamastamore tattvāṁ vinā na śamināṁ himajāhibhūṣastavyo'paraḥ paraparapraṇatastatastvām

O all-sustaining one, O all-pervading Lord, who but you sustains this universe here, O Lord of the universe, O enemy of darkness? Without you, there is no other refuge for the peaceful, O you adorned with the daughter of the snow-mountain and with serpents, worthy of the homage of the highest of the high -- therefore unto you I bow.

Verse 108 (skanda.4.16.108)

आत्मस्वरूप तव रूप परंपराभिराभिस्ततं हर चराचर रूपमेतत्। सर्वांतरात्मनिलयप्रतिरूपरूपनित्यंनतोस्मि परमात्मतनोऽष्टमूर्ते

ātmasvarūpa tava rūpa paraṁparābhirābhistataṁ hara carācara rūpametat sarvāṁtarātmanilayapratirūparūpanityaṁnatosmi paramātmatano'ṣṭamūrte

O one whose own nature is the Self, this entire moving and unmoving universe is pervaded by these successive forms of yours, O Hara; O you whose form mirrors the abode of the innermost self of all, O supreme Self embodied, O eight-formed one -- I bow to you eternally.

Verse 109 (skanda.4.16.109)

इत्यष्टमूर्तिभि रिमाभिरुमाभिवंद्यवंद्यातिवंद्य भव विश्वजनीनमूर्ते। एतत्ततं सुविततं प्रणतप्रणीत सर्वाथर्सार्थपरमार्थ ततो नतोस्मि

ityaṣṭamūrtibhi rimābhirumābhivaṁdyavaṁdyātivaṁdya bhava viśvajanīnamūrte etattataṁ suvitataṁ praṇatapraṇīta sarvātharsārthaparamārtha tato natosmi

Thus, O Bhava, worthy of the homage even of Uma who is herself worthy of all homage -- O supreme object of homage, O form beneficial to the whole world -- this praise, offered fully and widely, leads those who bow to you to the true meaning of every aim of life -- therefore I bow to you.

Verse 110 (skanda.4.16.110)

अष्टमूर्त्यष्टकेनेष्टं परिष्टूयेति भार्गवः। भर्गभूमिमिलन्मौलिः प्रणनाम पुनःपुनः

aṣṭamūrtyaṣṭakeneṣṭaṁ pariṣṭūyeti bhārgavaḥ bhargabhūmimilanmauliḥ praṇanāma punaḥpunaḥ

Having thus praised the desired one with these eight verses addressed to his eight forms, Bhargava, his head touching the very ground of Bharga, Shiva, bowed again and again.

Verse 111 (skanda.4.16.111)

इति स्तुतो महादेवो भार्गवेणातितेजसा। उत्थाप्य भूमेर्बाहुभ्यां धृत्वा तं प्रणतं द्विजम्

iti stuto mahādevo bhārgaveṇātitejasā utthāpya bhūmerbāhubhyāṁ dhṛtvā taṁ praṇataṁ dvijam

Thus praised by Bhargava of surpassing splendor, Mahadeva, raising that bowing brahmin up from the ground with his own arms, and holding him...

Verse 112 (skanda.4.16.112)

उवाच दशनज्योत्स्ना प्रद्योतित दिगंतरः। अनेनात्युग्रतपसा ह्यनन्याचरितेन च

uvāca daśanajyotsnā pradyotita digaṁtaraḥ anenātyugratapasā hyananyācaritena ca

...said, illuminating the far reaches of every direction with the moonlight of his own teeth: 'By this extremely fierce austerity, unmatched by any other...'

Verse 113 (skanda.4.16.113)

लिंगस्थापनपुण्येन लिंगस्याराधनेन च। चित्तरत्नोपहारेण शुचिना निश्चलेन च

liṁgasthāpanapuṇyena liṁgasyārādhanena ca cittaratnopahāreṇa śucinā niścalena ca

'...by the merit of establishing the linga and worshipping it, by the offering of the jewel of your mind, pure and unwavering...'

Verse 114 (skanda.4.16.114)

अविमुक्त महाक्षेत्रे पवित्राचरणेन च। त्वां सुताभ्यां प्रपश्यामि तवादेयं न किंचन

avimukta mahākṣetre pavitrācaraṇena ca tvāṁ sutābhyāṁ prapaśyāmi tavādeyaṁ na kiṁcana

'...and by your pure conduct in the great field of Avimukta, I look upon you as my own son; there is nothing that cannot be given to you.'

Verse 115 (skanda.4.16.115)

अनेनैव शरीरेण ममोदरदरीं गतः। मद्वरेंद्रियमार्गेण पुत्र जन्मत्वमेष्यसि

anenaiva śarīreṇa mamodaradarīṁ gataḥ madvareṁdriyamārgeṇa putra janmatvameṣyasi

'Having entered the cave of my own belly with this very body, by the path of my own excellent organ of generation, you shall attain the state of my own son by birth.'

Verse 116 (skanda.4.16.116)

अन्यं वरं प्रयच्छामि दुष्प्रापं पार्षदैरपि। हरौ हिरण्यगर्भेपि प्रायशोऽहं जुगोपयाम्

anyaṁ varaṁ prayacchāmi duṣprāpaṁ pārṣadairapi harau hiraṇyagarbhepi prāyaśo'haṁ jugopayām

'I grant you another boon, hard to obtain even by my own attendants; one which, I have generally kept guarded even from Hari and Hiranyagarbha themselves.'

Verse 117 (skanda.4.16.117)

मृतसंजीवनी नाम विद्या या मम निर्मला। तपोबलेन महता मयैव परिनिर्मिता

mṛtasaṁjīvanī nāma vidyā yā mama nirmalā tapobalena mahatā mayaiva parinirmitā

'The pure science named Mrityusanjivani, which I myself fashioned by the power of great austerity...'

Verse 118 (skanda.4.16.118)

त्वां तां तु प्रापयाम्यद्य मंत्ररूपां महाशुचे। योग्यता तेऽस्ति विद्यायास्तस्याः शुचितपोनिधे

tvāṁ tāṁ tu prāpayāmyadya maṁtrarūpāṁ mahāśuce yogyatā te'sti vidyāyāstasyāḥ śucitaponidhe

'...that very science, in the form of a mantra, I now bestow upon you, O greatly pure one; you have the fitness for that science, O treasury of pure austerity.'

Verse 119 (skanda.4.16.119)

यंयमुद्दिश्यनियतमेतामावर्तयिष्यसि। विद्यां विद्येश्वरश्रेष्ठ स स प्राणिष्यति धुवम्

yaṁyamuddiśyaniyatametāmāvartayiṣyasi vidyāṁ vidyeśvaraśreṣṭha sa sa prāṇiṣyati dhuvam

'Whomever, O foremost lord of sciences, you shall address and recite this science over, with regulated discipline, he shall surely live.'

Verse 120 (skanda.4.16.120)

अत्यर्कमत्यग्निं च ते तेजो व्योम्न्यतितारकम्। देदीप्यमानं भविता ग्रहाणां प्रवरो भव

atyarkamatyagniṁ ca te tejo vyomnyatitārakam dedīpyamānaṁ bhavitā grahāṇāṁ pravaro bhava

'Your splendor shall blaze in the sky, surpassing the sun, surpassing fire, surpassing the stars; become the foremost of the planets.'

Verse 121 (skanda.4.16.121)

अभि त्वां ये करिष्यंति यात्रां नार्यो नरोपि वा। तेषां त्वदृष्टिपातेन सर्वं कार्यं प्रणंक्ष्यति

abhi tvāṁ ye kariṣyaṁti yātrāṁ nāryo naropi vā teṣāṁ tvadṛṣṭipātena sarvaṁ kāryaṁ praṇaṁkṣyati

'Those women or men who shall undertake a journey with regard to you -- by the mere falling of your glance, every one of their undertakings shall succeed.'

Verse 122 (skanda.4.16.122)

तवोदये भविष्यंति विवाहादीनि सुव्रत। सर्वाणि धर्मकार्याणि फलवंति नृणामिह

tavodaye bhaviṣyaṁti vivāhādīni suvrata sarvāṇi dharmakāryāṇi phalavaṁti nṛṇāmiha

'At your rising, O one of noble vows, marriages and all other rites of dharma performed by men shall here bear fruit.'

Verse 123 (skanda.4.16.123)

सर्वाश्च तिथयो मंदास्तव संयोगतः शुभाः। तव भक्ता भविष्यंति बहुशुक्रा बहुप्रजाः

sarvāśca tithayo maṁdāstava saṁyogataḥ śubhāḥ tava bhaktā bhaviṣyaṁti bahuśukrā bahuprajāḥ

'All inauspicious lunar days shall become auspicious through conjunction with you; your devotees shall be abundant in seed and abundant in offspring.'

Verse 124 (skanda.4.16.124)

त्वयेदं स्थापितं लिंगं शुक्रेशमिति संज्ञितम्। येऽर्चयिष्यंति मनुजास्तेषां सिद्धिर्भविष्यति

tvayedaṁ sthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ śukreśamiti saṁjñitam ye'rcayiṣyaṁti manujāsteṣāṁ siddhirbhaviṣyati

'This linga established by you shall be known by the name Shukresha; those men who worship it shall attain accomplishment.'

Verse 125 (skanda.4.16.125)

आवर्षं प्रतिशुक्रं ये नक्तव्रतपरा नराः। त्वद्दिने शुक्रकूपे ये कृतसर्वोदकक्रियाः

āvarṣaṁ pratiśukraṁ ye naktavrataparā narāḥ tvaddine śukrakūpe ye kṛtasarvodakakriyāḥ

'Those men who, every Friday throughout the year, devoted to the nakta-vrata, having performed all the water-rites at the Shukra-well on your day...'

Verse 126 (skanda.4.16.126)

शुक्रेशमर्चयिष्यंति शृणु तेषां तु यत्फलम्। अवंध्यशुक्रास्ते मर्त्याः पुत्रवंतोऽतिरेतसः

śukreśamarcayiṣyaṁti śṛṇu teṣāṁ tu yatphalam avaṁdhyaśukrāste martyāḥ putravaṁto'tiretasaḥ

'...shall worship Shukresha -- hear what fruit shall be theirs: those mortals shall never be barren of seed, shall have sons, and abundant vigor.'

Verse 127 (skanda.4.16.127)

पुंस्त्वसौभाग्यसंपन्ना भविष्यंति न संशयः। व्यपेतविघ्नास्ते सर्वे जनाः स्युः सुखवासिनः। इति दत्त्वा वरान्देवस्तत्र लिंगे लयं ययौ

puṁstvasaubhāgyasaṁpannā bhaviṣyaṁti na saṁśayaḥ vyapetavighnāste sarve janāḥ syuḥ sukhavāsinaḥ iti dattvā varāndevastatra liṁge layaṁ yayau

'They shall undoubtedly be endowed with virility and good fortune; all such people, freed of obstacles, shall dwell in happiness.' Having granted these boons, the god merged into that linga.

Verse 128 (skanda.4.16.128)

गणावूचतुः। शुक्रेश्वरस्य ये भक्ताः शुक्रलोके वसंति ते। विश्वेश्वराद्दक्षिणतः शुक्रेशोस्ति परंतप

gaṇāvūcatuḥ śukreśvarasya ye bhaktāḥ śukraloke vasaṁti te viśveśvarāddakṣiṇataḥ śukreśosti paraṁtapa

The two ganas said: Those who are devotees of Shukreshvara dwell in the world of Shukra. To the south of Vishveshvara stands Shukresha, O scorcher of foes.

Verse 129 (skanda.4.16.129)

तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण शुक्रलोके महीयते। इत्येषा शुक्रलोकस्य स्थितिरुक्ता महामते

tasya darśanamātreṇa śukraloke mahīyate ityeṣā śukralokasya sthitiruktā mahāmate

By the mere sight of it, one is exalted in the world of Shukra. Thus has this account of the nature of Shukra's world been told, O great-minded one.

Verse 130 (skanda.4.16.130)

अगस्त्य उवाच। इत्थं सधर्मिणि कथां शुक्रलोकस्य सुव्रते। शृण्वन्नांगारकं लोकमालुलोकेऽथ स द्विजः

agastya uvāca itthaṁ sadharmiṇi kathāṁ śukralokasya suvrate śṛṇvannāṁgārakaṁ lokamāluloke'tha sa dvijaḥ

Agastya said: Thus, O wife, my partner in dharma, O one of noble vows, while listening to this tale of Shukra's world, that brahmin then beheld the world of Angaraka, Mars.