The Teaching Given to Dhruva

Verse 1 (skanda.4.19.1)

शिवशर्मोवाच । तिष्ठन्नेकेन पादेन कोयं भ्रमति सत्तमौ । अनेकरशनाव्यग्र हस्ताग्रो व्यग्रलोचनः

śivaśarmovāca tiṣṭhannekena pādena koyaṁ bhramati sattamau anekaraśanāvyagra hastāgro vyagralocanaḥ

Shivasharma said: "O best of companions, who is this that stands upon a single foot and yet wanders about, its tips of hands restless amid countless reins, its eyes ever unsteady?"

Verse 2 (skanda.4.19.2)

त्रिलोकीमंडपस्तंभ सन्निभोभाभिरावृतः । अतुलं ज्योतिषां राशिं तुलया तुलयन्निव

trilokīmaṁḍapastaṁbha sannibhobhābhirāvṛtaḥ atulaṁ jyotiṣāṁ rāśiṁ tulayā tulayanniva

It resembles the pillar of the great pavilion of the three worlds, wrapped in its own radiance, as if weighing the incomparable multitude of stars upon a balance.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.19.3)

सूत्रधार इव व्योम व्यायामपरिमापकः । त्रैविक्रमोंघ्रिदंडो वा प्रोद्दंडो गगनांगणे

sūtradhāra iva vyoma vyāyāmaparimāpakaḥ traivikramoṁghridaṁḍo vā proddaṁḍo gaganāṁgaṇe

Like a master-builder measuring the vast expanse of the sky, or like the uplifted rod of Trivikrama's stride, it stands erect in the courtyard of heaven.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.19.4)

अथवांबरकासारसारयूपस्वरूपधृक् । कोयं कथय तं देवौ कृपया परया मम

athavāṁbarakāsārasārayūpasvarūpadhṛk koyaṁ kathaya taṁ devau kṛpayā parayā mama

Or perhaps it bears the very form of the sacrificial post at the heart of the ocean of the sky. Who is it? Tell me, O you two gods, out of your great kindness.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.19.5)

निशम्येति वचस्तस्य वयस्यस्य विमानगौ। प्रणयादाहतुस्तस्मै ध्रुवां ध्रुवकथां गणौ

niśamyeti vacastasya vayasyasya vimānagau praṇayādāhatustasmai dhruvāṁ dhruvakathāṁ gaṇau

Hearing these words of their friend, the two gana-companions riding in the celestial car lovingly related to him the sure and certain tale of Dhruva.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.19.6)

गणावूचतुः । मनोः स्वायंभुवस्यासीदुत्तानचरणः सुतः । तस्य क्षितिपतेर्विप्र द्वौ सुतौ संबभूवतुः

gaṇāvūcatuḥ manoḥ svāyaṁbhuvasyāsīduttānacaraṇaḥ sutaḥ tasya kṣitipatervipra dvau sutau saṁbabhūvatuḥ

The two ganas said: "Svayambhuva Manu had a son, Uttanapada. To that lord of the earth, O brahmin, two sons were born."

Verse 7 (skanda.4.19.7)

सुरुच्यामुत्तमो ज्येष्ठः सुनीत्यां तु ध्रुवो परः । मध्ये सभं नरपतेरुपविष्टस्य चैकदा

surucyāmuttamo jyeṣṭhaḥ sunītyāṁ tu dhruvo paraḥ madhye sabhaṁ narapaterupaviṣṭasya caikadā

From Suruchi was born the elder, Uttama; from Suniti, the other, Dhruva. One day, while the king sat in the midst of his court...

Verse 8 (skanda.4.19.8)

सुनीत्या राजसेवायै नियुक्तोऽलंकृतोर्भकः । ध्रुवो धात्रेयिकापुत्रैः समं विनयतत्परः

sunītyā rājasevāyai niyukto'laṁkṛtorbhakaḥ dhruvo dhātreyikāputraiḥ samaṁ vinayatatparaḥ

...Dhruva, sent by Suniti to attend upon the king, adorned and ever intent on courtesy, came together with the sons of the nurses.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.19.9)

स गत्वोत्तानचरणं क्षोणीशं प्रणनाम ह । दृष्ट्वोत्तमं तदुत्संगे निविष्टं जनकस्य वै

sa gatvottānacaraṇaṁ kṣoṇīśaṁ praṇanāma ha dṛṣṭvottamaṁ tadutsaṁge niviṣṭaṁ janakasya vai

Going to King Uttanapada, he bowed before him; and there he saw Uttama seated upon their father's lap.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.19.10)

प्रोच्चसिंहासनस्थस्य नृपतेर्बाल्यचापलात् । आरोढुकामस्त्वभवत्सौनीतेयस्तदा ध्रुवः

proccasiṁhāsanasthasya nṛpaterbālyacāpalāt āroḍhukāmastvabhavatsaunīteyastadā dhruvaḥ

Then, out of childish impulse, Dhruva, Suniti's son, wished to climb up onto the lap of the king seated on his lofty throne.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.19.11)

आरुरुक्षुमवेक्ष्यामुं सुरुचिर्धुवमब्रवीत् । दौर्भगेय किमारोढुमिच्छेरंकं महीपतेः

ārurukṣumavekṣyāmuṁ surucirdhuvamabravīt daurbhageya kimāroḍhumiccheraṁkaṁ mahīpateḥ

Seeing him eager to climb up, Suruchi said to Dhruva: "O son of the ill-fated one, why do you wish to climb into the lap of the king?"

Verse 12 (skanda.4.19.12)

बालबालिशबुद्धित्वादभाग्या जठरोद्भव । अस्मिन्सिंहासने स्थातुं न त्वया सुकृतं कृतम्

bālabāliśabuddhitvādabhāgyā jaṭharodbhava asminsiṁhāsane sthātuṁ na tvayā sukṛtaṁ kṛtam

"You, born of an unfortunate womb, have only a child's foolish understanding. To sit upon this throne, you have not performed the merit required."

Verse 13 (skanda.4.19.13)

यदि स्यात्सुकृतं तत्किं दुर्भगोदरगोऽभवः । अनेनैवानुमानेन बुध्यस्व स्वाल्पपुण्यताम्

yadi syātsukṛtaṁ tatkiṁ durbhagodarago'bhavaḥ anenaivānumānena budhyasva svālpapuṇyatām

"If you had merit, why were you born of an unfortunate womb? By this very reasoning, understand how little merit is yours."

Verse 14 (skanda.4.19.14)

भूत्वा राजकुमारोपि नालंकुर्या ममोदरम् । सुकुक्षिजममुं पश्य त्वमुत्तममनुत्तमम्

bhūtvā rājakumāropi nālaṁkuryā mamodaram sukukṣijamamuṁ paśya tvamuttamamanuttamam

"Though born a prince, you did not adorn my womb by your birth. Look instead at this Uttama, born of a blessed womb, unsurpassed among the unsurpassed."

Verse 15 (skanda.4.19.15)

अधिजानुधराजानेर्मानेन परिबृंहितम् । प्रांशोः सिंहासनस्यास्य रुचिश्चेदधिरोहणे

adhijānudharājānermānena paribṛṁhitam prāṁśoḥ siṁhāsanasyāsya ruciścedadhirohaṇe

"He alone deserves to be exalted upon the king's knee with honor. If you desire to climb this lofty throne..."

Verse 16 (skanda.4.19.16)

कुक्षिं हित्वा किमवसः सुरुचेश्च सुरोचिषम् । मध्ये भूपसभं बालस्तयेति परिभर्त्सितः

kukṣiṁ hitvā kimavasaḥ suruceśca surociṣam madhye bhūpasabhaṁ bālastayeti paribhartsitaḥ

"...then why did you not dwell in Suruchi's radiant womb instead?" Thus rebuked in the midst of the royal court, the boy...

Verse 17 (skanda.4.19.17)

पतन्निपीतबाष्पांबुर्धैर्यात्किंचिन्न चोक्तवान् । उचिताऽनुचितं किंचिन्नोचिवान्सोपि पार्थिवः

patannipītabāṣpāṁburdhairyātkiṁcinna coktavān ucitā'nucitaṁ kiṁcinnocivānsopi pārthivaḥ

Falling silent, he swallowed back his welling tears; out of self-restraint he said nothing at all. The king too said nothing, whether fitting or unfitting.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.19.18)

नियंत्रितो महिष्याश्च तस्याः सौभाग्यगौरवात् । विमृज्य च सभालोकं शोकं संमृज्य चेष्टितैः

niyaṁtrito mahiṣyāśca tasyāḥ saubhāgyagauravāt vimṛjya ca sabhālokaṁ śokaṁ saṁmṛjya ceṣṭitaiḥ

He was checked by regard for the honor of that queen's good fortune. Wiping the gaze of the assembly from his mind and masking his grief with childish gestures...

Verse 19 (skanda.4.19.19)

शैशवैः स शिशुर्नत्वा नृपं स्वसदनं ययौ । सुनीतिर्नीतिनिलयमवलोक्याथ बालकम्

śaiśavaiḥ sa śiśurnatvā nṛpaṁ svasadanaṁ yayau sunītirnītinilayamavalokyātha bālakam

...the child bowed to the king and went to his own dwelling. Then Suniti, the abode of righteousness, beheld the boy...

Verse 20 (skanda.4.19.20)

सुखलक्ष्म्यैवचाज्ञासीद्ध्रुवं समवमानितम् । अभिसृत्य च तं बालं मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय सा सकृत्

sukhalakṣmyaivacājñāsīddhruvaṁ samavamānitam abhisṛtya ca taṁ bālaṁ mūrdhnyupāghrāya sā sakṛt

...and by the very look of his joyless bearing understood that Dhruva had been humiliated. Going quickly to the child, she smelled his head once, in a gesture of tender affection...

Verse 21 (skanda.4.19.21)

किंचित्परिम्लानमिव ससांत्वं परिषस्वजे । अथ दृष्ट्वा सुनीतिं स रहोंतः पुरवासिनीम्

kiṁcitparimlānamiva sasāṁtvaṁ pariṣasvaje atha dṛṣṭvā sunītiṁ sa rahoṁtaḥ puravāsinīm

...and, seeing him somewhat downcast, embraced him with comforting words. Then, seeing Suniti alone, that dweller within the inner apartments of the palace...

Verse 22 (skanda.4.19.22)

दीर्घं निःश्वस्य बहुशो मातुरग्रे रुरोद ह । सांत्वयित्वाश्रुनयना वदनं परिमार्ज्य च

dīrghaṁ niḥśvasya bahuśo māturagre ruroda ha sāṁtvayitvāśrunayanā vadanaṁ parimārjya ca

...he sighed long and repeatedly, and wept before his mother. She, her own eyes filled with tears, comforted him, wiping his face...

Verse 23 (skanda.4.19.23)

दुकूलांचल संपर्कैर्मृदुलैर्मृदुपाणिना । पप्रच्छ तनयं माता वद रोदनकारणम् । विद्यमाने नरपतौ शिशो केनापमानितः

dukūlāṁcala saṁparkairmṛdulairmṛdupāṇinā papraccha tanayaṁ mātā vada rodanakāraṇam vidyamāne narapatau śiśo kenāpamānitaḥ

...with the soft touch of her fine silk garment's edge and her tender hand. The mother asked her son: "Tell me the cause of your weeping, child -- who has insulted you while the king yet lives?"

Verse 24 (skanda.4.19.24)

अपोथसमुपस्पृश्य तांबूलं परिगृह्य च । मात्रा पृष्टः सोपरोधं ध्रुवस्तां पर्यभाषत

apothasamupaspṛśya tāṁbūlaṁ parigṛhya ca mātrā pṛṣṭaḥ soparodhaṁ dhruvastāṁ paryabhāṣata

Touching water and taking betel, as custom required before an important speech, and pressed by his mother, Dhruva spoke to her thus:

Verse 25 (skanda.4.19.25)

संपृच्छे जननि त्वाहं सम्यक्शंस ममाग्रतः । भार्यात्वेपि च सामान्ये कथं सा सुरुचिः प्रिया

saṁpṛcche janani tvāhaṁ samyakśaṁsa mamāgrataḥ bhāryātvepi ca sāmānye kathaṁ sā suruciḥ priyā

"Mother, I ask you -- tell me truly before me: though she and you are equally his wives, how is Suruchi the more beloved?"

Verse 26 (skanda.4.19.26)

कथं न भवती मातः प्रिया क्षितिपतेरसि । कथमुत्तमतां प्राप्त उत्तमः सुरुचेः सुतः

kathaṁ na bhavatī mātaḥ priyā kṣitipaterasi kathamuttamatāṁ prāpta uttamaḥ suruceḥ sutaḥ

"Why, mother, are you not beloved of the king? How has Uttama, Suruchi's son, attained such excellence?"

Verse 27 (skanda.4.19.27)

कुमारत्वेपि सामान्ये कथं त्वहमनुत्तमः । कथं त्वं मंदभाग्यासि सुकुक्षिः सुरुचिः कथम्

kumāratvepi sāmānye kathaṁ tvahamanuttamaḥ kathaṁ tvaṁ maṁdabhāgyāsi sukukṣiḥ suruciḥ katham

"Though we are equally princes, why am I not his equal? Why are you called ill-fated, and how is Suruchi's womb called blessed?"

Verse 28 (skanda.4.19.28)

कथं नृपासनं योग्यमुत्तमस्य कथं न मे । कथं मे सुकृतं तुच्छमुत्तमस्योत्तमं कथम्

kathaṁ nṛpāsanaṁ yogyamuttamasya kathaṁ na me kathaṁ me sukṛtaṁ tucchamuttamasyottamaṁ katham

"Why is the royal throne fit for Uttama and not for me? Why is my merit so slight, and Uttama's so great?"

Verse 29 (skanda.4.19.29)

इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य सुनीतिर्नीतिमच्छिशोः । किंचिदुच्छ्वस्य शनकैः शिशुकोपोपशांतये

iti śrutvā vacastasya sunītirnītimacchiśoḥ kiṁciducchvasya śanakaiḥ śiśukopopaśāṁtaye

Hearing these words of her righteous child, Suniti, sighing a little, and slowly, so as to calm the child's anger...

Verse 30 (skanda.4.19.30)

स्वभावमधुरां वाणीं वक्तुं समुपचक्रमे । सापत्नं प्रतिघं त्यक्त्वा राजनीतिविदांवरा

svabhāvamadhurāṁ vāṇīṁ vaktuṁ samupacakrame sāpatnaṁ pratighaṁ tyaktvā rājanītividāṁvarā

...began to speak in her naturally sweet voice, that foremost knower of statecraft setting aside all resentment toward her co-wife.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.19.31)

सुनीतिरुवाच । अयि तात महाबुद्धे विशुद्धेनांतरात्मना । निवेदयामि ते सर्वं माऽपमाने मतिं कृथाः

sunītiruvāca ayi tāta mahābuddhe viśuddhenāṁtarātmanā nivedayāmi te sarvaṁ mā'pamāne matiṁ kṛthāḥ

Suniti said: "O son, of great wisdom, with a pure heart I shall tell you everything. Do not dwell your mind on this insult."

Verse 32 (skanda.4.19.32)

तया यदुक्तं तत्सर्वं तथ्यमेव न चान्यथा । सापत्युर्महिषीराज्ञो राज्ञीनामति वल्लभा

tayā yaduktaṁ tatsarvaṁ tathyameva na cānyathā sāpatyurmahiṣīrājño rājñīnāmati vallabhā

"All that she said is entirely true, not otherwise. She is indeed the chief queen, most beloved among the king's wives."

Verse 33 (skanda.4.19.33)

तया जन्मांतरे तात यत्पुण्यं समुपार्जितम् । तत्पुण्योपचयाद्राजा सुरुच्यां सुरुचिर्भृशम्

tayā janmāṁtare tāta yatpuṇyaṁ samupārjitam tatpuṇyopacayādrājā surucyāṁ surucirbhṛśam

"The merit she earned in a former birth, O son -- through the ripening of that merit the king holds deep affection for Suruchi."

Verse 34 (skanda.4.19.34)

मादृश्यो मंदभाग्यायाः प्रमदासु प्रतिष्ठिताः । केवलं राजपत्नीत्ववादस्तासु न तद्रुचिः

mādṛśyo maṁdabhāgyāyāḥ pramadāsu pratiṣṭhitāḥ kevalaṁ rājapatnītvavādastāsu na tadruciḥ

"Women like me, of little fortune, hold only the rank among his wives -- ours is merely the name 'queen'; his heart finds no delight in us."

Verse 35 (skanda.4.19.35)

महा सुकृतसंभारैरुत्तमश्चोत्तमोदरे । उवास तस्याः पुण्या या नृपसिंहासनोचितः

mahā sukṛtasaṁbhārairuttamaścottamodare uvāsa tasyāḥ puṇyā yā nṛpasiṁhāsanocitaḥ

"By the accumulation of great merit, Uttama dwelt in that excellent womb -- hers is the merit fit for the royal throne."

Verse 36 (skanda.4.19.36)

आतपत्रं च चंद्राभं शुभे चापि च चामरे । भद्रासनं तथोच्चं च सिंधुराश्च मदोद्धुराः

ātapatraṁ ca caṁdrābhaṁ śubhe cāpi ca cāmare bhadrāsanaṁ tathoccaṁ ca siṁdhurāśca madoddhurāḥ

"The moon-white royal parasol, the two auspicious chowries, the high and gracious throne, elephants proud with rut..."

Verse 37 (skanda.4.19.37)

तुरंगमाश्च तुरगास्त्वनाधिव्याधिजीवितम् । निःसपत्नं शुभं राज्यं प्राज्यं हरिहरार्चनम्

turaṁgamāśca turagāstvanādhivyādhijīvitam niḥsapatnaṁ śubhaṁ rājyaṁ prājyaṁ hariharārcanam

"...swift horses, a life free from mental and bodily affliction, an auspicious kingdom without rivals, abundant worship of Hari and Hara..."

Verse 38 (skanda.4.19.38)

विपुलं च कलाज्ञानमधीतमपराजितम् । तथा जयोरिषड्वर्गे स्वभावात्सात्त्विकी मतिः

vipulaṁ ca kalājñānamadhītamaparājitam tathā jayoriṣaḍvarge svabhāvātsāttvikī matiḥ

"...vast and unrivalled learning in the arts once studied, victory over the six inner foes, and a mind that is by nature sattvic..."

Verse 39 (skanda.4.19.39)

दृष्टिः कारुण्यसंपूर्णा वाणी मधुरभाषिणी । अनालस्यं च कार्येषु तथा गुरुजने नतिः

dṛṣṭiḥ kāruṇyasaṁpūrṇā vāṇī madhurabhāṣiṇī anālasyaṁ ca kāryeṣu tathā gurujane natiḥ

"...a gaze full of compassion, a voice that speaks sweetly, tireless diligence in one's duties, and humility before elders..."

Verse 40 (skanda.4.19.40)

सर्वत्र शुचिता तात सा परोपकृतिः सदा । और्जस्वला मनोवृत्तिः सदैवादीनवादिता

sarvatra śucitā tāta sā paropakṛtiḥ sadā aurjasvalā manovṛttiḥ sadaivādīnavāditā

"...purity in all things, constant benevolence toward others, a spirited, vigorous nature, and never speaking in a wretched or piteous manner..."

Verse 41 (skanda.4.19.41)

सदोजिरे च पांडित्यं प्रागल्भ्यं चरणांगणे । आर्जवं बंधुवर्गेषु काठिन्यं क्रयविक्रये

sadojire ca pāṁḍityaṁ prāgalbhyaṁ caraṇāṁgaṇe ārjavaṁ baṁdhuvargeṣu kāṭhinyaṁ krayavikraye

"...scholarship in the assembly hall, boldness in the courts of law, straightforwardness toward kinsmen, firmness in buying and selling..."

Verse 42 (skanda.4.19.42)

मार्दवं स्त्रीप्रयोगेषु वत्सलत्वं प्रजासु च । ब्राह्मणेभ्यो भयं नित्यं वृद्धवृत्त्युपजीवनम्

mārdavaṁ strīprayogeṣu vatsalatvaṁ prajāsu ca brāhmaṇebhyo bhayaṁ nityaṁ vṛddhavṛttyupajīvanam

"...tenderness in dealings with women, affection toward subjects, constant reverent regard for brahmins, and a livelihood following the ways of the elders..."

Verse 43 (skanda.4.19.43)

वासो भागीरथीतीरे तीर्थे वा मरणं रणे । अपराङ्मुखताऽर्थिभ्यः प्रत्यर्थिभ्यो विशेषतः

vāso bhāgīrathītīre tīrthe vā maraṇaṁ raṇe aparāṅmukhatā'rthibhyaḥ pratyarthibhyo viśeṣataḥ

"...dwelling on the banks of the Ganga, dying in a holy place or in battle, never turning away a supplicant, and especially not an adversary who begs..."

Verse 44 (skanda.4.19.44)

भोगः परिजनैः सार्धं दानावंध्यदिनागमः । विद्याव्यसनिता नित्यं नित्यं पित्रोरुपस्थितिः

bhogaḥ parijanaiḥ sārdhaṁ dānāvaṁdhyadināgamaḥ vidyāvyasanitā nityaṁ nityaṁ pitrorupasthitiḥ

"...enjoying life together with one's kin, letting no day pass without giving gifts, an abiding passion for learning, and constant attendance upon one's parents..."

Verse 45 (skanda.4.19.45)

यशसः संचयो नित्यं नित्यं धर्मस्य संचयः । स्वर्गापवर्गयोः सिद्धिः सदा शीलस्य मंडनम्

yaśasaḥ saṁcayo nityaṁ nityaṁ dharmasya saṁcayaḥ svargāpavargayoḥ siddhiḥ sadā śīlasya maṁḍanam

"...the constant gathering of fame, the constant gathering of merit, the attainment of both heaven and liberation, and being ever adorned by good conduct..."

Verse 46 (skanda.4.19.46)

सद्भिश्च संगतिर्नित्यं मैत्री च पितृमित्रकैः । इतिहासपुराणानामुत्कंठा श्रवणे सदा

sadbhiśca saṁgatirnityaṁ maitrī ca pitṛmitrakaiḥ itihāsapurāṇānāmutkaṁṭhā śravaṇe sadā

"...constant association with the virtuous, friendship with one's father's friends, and an ever-eager longing to hear the itihasas and puranas..."

Verse 47 (skanda.4.19.47)

विपद्यपि परं धैर्यं स्थैर्यं संपत्समागमे । गांभीर्यं वाग्विलासेषु औदार्यं पात्रपाणिषु

vipadyapi paraṁ dhairyaṁ sthairyaṁ saṁpatsamāgame gāṁbhīryaṁ vāgvilāseṣu audāryaṁ pātrapāṇiṣu

"...supreme steadfastness even in calamity, composure when fortune arrives, dignity in the play of speech, and generosity toward the hands of the deserving..."

Verse 48 (skanda.4.19.48)

देहे परैका कृशता तपोभिर्नियमैर्यमैः । एतैर्मनोरथफलैः फलत्येव तपोद्रुमाः

dehe paraikā kṛśatā tapobhirniyamairyamaiḥ etairmanorathaphalaiḥ phalatyeva tapodrumāḥ

"...and the body's leanness alone through austerities, observances, and restraints -- by these fruits of desire the very tree of penance bears fruit indeed."

Verse 49 (skanda.4.19.49)

तस्मादल्पतपस्त्वाद्वै त्वं चाहं च महामते । प्राप्यापि राजसांनिध्यं राजलक्ष्म्या न भाजनम्

tasmādalpatapastvādvai tvaṁ cāhaṁ ca mahāmate prāpyāpi rājasāṁnidhyaṁ rājalakṣmyā na bhājanam

"Therefore, O wise one, since our penance in past lives was small, both you and I, though near to the king, are not vessels of royal fortune."

Verse 50 (skanda.4.19.50)

मानापमानयोस्तस्मात्स्वकृतं कारणं परम् । स्रष्टापि नापमार्ष्टुं तत्परीष्टे स्वकृतां कृतिम् । मा शोचस्त्वमतः पुत्र दिष्टमिष्टं समर्पयेत्

mānāpamānayostasmātsvakṛtaṁ kāraṇaṁ param sraṣṭāpi nāpamārṣṭuṁ tatparīṣṭe svakṛtāṁ kṛtim mā śocastvamataḥ putra diṣṭamiṣṭaṁ samarpayet

"Thus honor and dishonor have one's own past deeds as their supreme cause; even the Creator cannot erase what one's own deeds have wrought. Therefore grieve not, my son -- destiny in time bestows what is desired."

Verse 51 (skanda.4.19.51)

इत्याकर्ण्य सुनीत्यास्तन्महावाक्यं सुनीतिमत् । सौनीते यो ध्रुवोवाचमाददे वक्तुमुत्तरम्

ityākarṇya sunītyāstanmahāvākyaṁ sunītimat saunīte yo dhruvovācamādade vaktumuttaram

Having heard this great, wise utterance of Suniti, Dhruva, Suniti's son, prepared to speak his reply.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.19.52)

ध्रुव उवाच । जनयित्रि सुनीते मे शृणु वाक्यमनाकुलम् । मा बाल इति मत्वा मामवमंस्थास्तपस्विनि

dhruva uvāca janayitri sunīte me śṛṇu vākyamanākulam mā bāla iti matvā māmavamaṁsthāstapasvini

Dhruva said: "O Suniti, my mother, hear my calm and untroubled words. Devout one, do not disregard me merely thinking me a child."

Verse 53 (skanda.4.19.53)

यद्यहं मानवे वंशे जातोस्म्यत्यंत पावने । उत्तानपादतनयस्त्वदीयोदर संभवः

yadyahaṁ mānave vaṁśe jātosmyatyaṁta pāvane uttānapādatanayastvadīyodara saṁbhavaḥ

"If indeed I am born in the exceedingly sacred lineage of Manu, a son of Uttanapada, come forth from your own womb..."

Verse 54 (skanda.4.19.54)

तप एव हि चेन्मातः कारणं सर्वसंपदाम् । तत्तदासादितं विद्विपदमन्यैर्दुरासदम्

tapa eva hi cenmātaḥ kāraṇaṁ sarvasaṁpadām tattadāsāditaṁ vidvipadamanyairdurāsadam

"...and if, O mother, penance alone is indeed the cause of all prosperity, then let me attain that very state which is unattainable by others."

Verse 55 (skanda.4.19.55)

एकमेव हि साहाय्यं कुरु मातरतंद्रिता । अनुज्ञा दानमात्रं च आशीर्भिरभिनंदय

ekameva hi sāhāyyaṁ kuru mātarataṁdritā anujñā dānamātraṁ ca āśīrbhirabhinaṁdaya

"Only this one help render me, mother, without hesitation: merely grant your permission, and bless me with your blessings."

Verse 56 (skanda.4.19.56)

सापि ज्ञात्वा महावीर्यं कुमारं कुक्षिसंभवम् । महत्योत्साहसं पत्त्या राजमानमुवाच तम्

sāpi jñātvā mahāvīryaṁ kumāraṁ kukṣisaṁbhavam mahatyotsāhasaṁ pattyā rājamānamuvāca tam

She too, recognizing the great valor of the prince born of her womb, spoke to him -- her own composure heightened by great emotion...

Verse 57 (skanda.4.19.57)

अनुज्ञातुं न शक्ताऽहं त्वामुत्तानशयांगज । साष्टैकवर्षदेशीयन्तथापि कथयाम्यहम्

anujñātuṁ na śaktā'haṁ tvāmuttānaśayāṁgaja sāṣṭaikavarṣadeśīyantathāpi kathayāmyaham

"I am not able to give you leave, O son, you who are barely eight years old; yet still I shall speak."

Verse 58 (skanda.4.19.58)

सपत्नीवाक्यभल्लीभिर्भिन्ने महति मे हृदि । तव बाष्पौघवारीणि न तिष्ठंति करोमि किम्

sapatnīvākyabhallībhirbhinne mahati me hṛdi tava bāṣpaughavārīṇi na tiṣṭhaṁti karomi kim

"My heart, though great, has been pierced by the arrow-like words of my co-wife; the flood-waters of your tears do not cease -- what can I do?"

Verse 59 (skanda.4.19.59)

तानि मन्येऽत्र मार्गेण स्रवंत्यविरतं शिशो । स्रवंतीश्च चिकीर्षंति प्रतिकूल जलाः किल

tāni manye'tra mārgeṇa sravaṁtyavirataṁ śiśo sravaṁtīśca cikīrṣaṁti pratikūla jalāḥ kila

"I think, child, that these tears flow ceaselessly along this path; they seem intent on becoming rivers whose waters flow the wrong way, against nature."

Verse 60 (skanda.4.19.60)

त्वदेकतनया तात त्वदाधारैकजीविता । त्वमंगयष्टिरसि मे त्वन्मुखासक्तलोचना

tvadekatanayā tāta tvadādhāraikajīvitā tvamaṁgayaṣṭirasi me tvanmukhāsaktalocanā

"You are my only child, O son; my life is sustained by you alone; you are the very staff of my body, and my eyes cling only to your face."

Verse 61 (skanda.4.19.61)

लब्धोसि कतिभिः कष्टैरिष्टाः संप्रार्थ्य देवताः । त्वन्मुखेंदूदये तात मन्मनः क्षीरनीरधिः

labdhosi katibhiḥ kaṣṭairiṣṭāḥ saṁprārthya devatāḥ tvanmukheṁdūdaye tāta manmanaḥ kṣīranīradhiḥ

"With how many hardships, praying to my chosen deities, did I obtain you! At the rising of your moon-like face, O son, my mind becomes an ocean of milk..."

Verse 62 (skanda.4.19.62)

आनन्दपयसापूर्य कुचावुद्वेलितो भवेत् । त्वदंगसंगसंभूत सुखसन्दोह शीतला

ānandapayasāpūrya kucāvudvelito bhavet tvadaṁgasaṁgasaṁbhūta sukhasandoha śītalā

"...filled with the milk of joy till my breasts overflow; cooled through and through by the abundant happiness born of touching your body."

Verse 63 (skanda.4.19.63)

सुखंशये सुशयने प्रावृत्य पुलकांबरम् । अपोऽथ समुपस्पृश्य तांबूलं परिगृह्य च

sukhaṁśaye suśayane prāvṛtya pulakāṁbaram apo'tha samupaspṛśya tāṁbūlaṁ parigṛhya ca

"Happily do I lie upon a fine bed, wrapped in a garment touched by the thrill of joy; and after touching water and taking betel..."

Verse 64 (skanda.4.19.64)

त्वदास्यस्यौष्ठपुटक दुग्धवार्धि विवर्धिताम् । सुधासुधांशुवदनधयत्यपि धिनोमि न

tvadāsyasyauṣṭhapuṭaka dugdhavārdhi vivardhitām sudhāsudhāṁśuvadanadhayatyapi dhinomi na

"...though I have drunk of the ocean of milk swollen from the nectar-cup of your lips, O moon-faced one full of nectar, still I am never satisfied."

Verse 65 (skanda.4.19.65)

त्वदीयः शीतलालापः प्राप श्रुतिपथं यदा । सपत्नीवाक्यदवथुस्तदैवत्यात्स वेपथुः

tvadīyaḥ śītalālāpaḥ prāpa śrutipathaṁ yadā sapatnīvākyadavathustadaivatyātsa vepathuḥ

"When your cool, soothing speech reaches the path of my hearing, then at once the burning fever caused by my co-wife's words trembles away."

Verse 66 (skanda.4.19.66)

यदंग निद्रासिचिरं ध्यायंत्यस्मि तदेत्यहम् । कदा निद्रा दरिद्रोसौ भवितार्कोदयेऽब्जवत्

yadaṁga nidrāsiciraṁ dhyāyaṁtyasmi tadetyaham kadā nidrā daridrosau bhavitārkodaye'bjavat

"O child, when sleep steals you long from me, I keep thinking -- when will this poverty-stricken sleep vanish, like a lotus at sunrise?"

Verse 67 (skanda.4.19.67)

यदोपेया गृहान्वत्स खेलित्वा बालखेलनैः । तदानर्घ्यार्घ्यमुत्स्रष्टुं स्तनौस्यातामिवोन्मुखौ

yadopeyā gṛhānvatsa khelitvā bālakhelanaiḥ tadānarghyārghyamutsraṣṭuṁ stanausyātāmivonmukhau

"When, child, you come home after playing childish games, then my breasts seem eager to offer up their priceless tribute to you."

Verse 68 (skanda.4.19.68)

यदा सौधाद्विनिर्यायाः पद्मरेखांकितं पदम् । प्राणानां ते यियासूनां तदा तदवलंबनम्

yadā saudhādviniryāyāḥ padmarekhāṁkitaṁ padam prāṇānāṁ te yiyāsūnāṁ tadā tadavalaṁbanam

"When you step out from the palace terrace, your foot marked with the sign of a lotus becomes, for my life-breaths that seem ready to depart, their only support."

Verse 69 (skanda.4.19.69)

यदायदा बहिर्यासि पुत्र त्रिचतुरं पदम् । तदातदा मम प्राणः कंठप्राघुणिकी भवेत्

yadāyadā bahiryāsi putra tricaturaṁ padam tadātadā mama prāṇaḥ kaṁṭhaprāghuṇikī bhavet

"Whenever, my son, you go outside even three or four steps, at that very moment my life-breath becomes a guest lodged in my throat."

Verse 70 (skanda.4.19.70)

चित्रं पुत्र त्वरयति यातुं मे मानसांडजः । सुधाधाराधर इव बहिश्चिरयति त्वयि

citraṁ putra tvarayati yātuṁ me mānasāṁḍajaḥ sudhādhārādhara iva bahiścirayati tvayi

"Strange it is, my son -- the swan of my mind hastens as if to follow you, yet lingers long, like a cloud heavy with nectar, once you are out of sight."

Verse 71 (skanda.4.19.71)

अथ तिष्ठंतु कठिनाः प्राणाः कंठाटवीतटे । तपस्यंतोतिसंतप्तास्तपसे त्वयि यास्यति

atha tiṣṭhaṁtu kaṭhināḥ prāṇāḥ kaṁṭhāṭavītaṭe tapasyaṁtotisaṁtaptāstapase tvayi yāsyati

"Now then, let my hardened life-breaths remain at the edge of the forest of my throat, themselves practicing austerity, greatly heated with grief, while you go forth to your own penance."

Verse 72 (skanda.4.19.72)

इत्यनुज्ञामनुप्राप्य जननी चरणांबुजौ । क्षणं मौलिजजंबाल जडौ कृत्वा ध्रुवो ययौ

ityanujñāmanuprāpya jananī caraṇāṁbujau kṣaṇaṁ maulijajaṁbāla jaḍau kṛtvā dhruvo yayau

Having thus obtained permission, Dhruva, for a moment, pressed his mother's lotus-feet to his head, moistening them with the dust of devotion, and then set out.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.19.73)

तयापि धैर्यसूत्रेण सुनीत्या परिगुंफ्य च । नेत्रेंदीवरजामाला ध्रुवस्योपायनीकृता

tayāpi dhairyasūtreṇa sunītyā pariguṁphya ca netreṁdīvarajāmālā dhruvasyopāyanīkṛtā

And Suniti too, stringing together with the thread of her own courage the garland of blue-lotus tears from her eyes, offered it to Dhruva as a parting gift.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.19.74)

मात्रातन्मार्गरक्षार्थं तदा तदनुगीकृताः । परैरवार्यप्रसराः स्वाशीर्वादाः परःशताः

mātrātanmārgarakṣārthaṁ tadā tadanugīkṛtāḥ parairavāryaprasarāḥ svāśīrvādāḥ paraḥśatāḥ

For the protection of his path, his mother then sent along with him her own blessings, hundreds upon hundreds, whose course none could obstruct.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.19.75)

स्वसौधात्स विनिर्गत्य बालोऽबालपराक्रमः । अनुकूलेन मरुता दर्शिताध्वाऽविशद्वनम्

svasaudhātsa vinirgatya bālo'bālaparākramaḥ anukūlena marutā darśitādhvā'viśadvanam

Setting out from his own palace, the boy of unchildlike valor, his path shown by a favoring wind, entered the forest.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.19.76)

समरुत्तरुशाखाग्र प्रसारणमिषेण सः । कृताहूतिरिव प्रेम्णा वनेन वनमाविशत्

samaruttaruśākhāgra prasāraṇamiṣeṇa saḥ kṛtāhūtiriva premṇā vanena vanamāviśat

As if the forest itself, through the pretext of the wind-stirred spreading branch-tips of its trees, were affectionately calling him onward, he passed from forest into forest.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.19.77)

समातृदैवतोभिज्ञः केवलं राजवर्त्मनि । न वेद काननाध्वानं क्षणं दध्यौ नृपात्मजः

samātṛdaivatobhijñaḥ kevalaṁ rājavartmani na veda kānanādhvānaṁ kṣaṇaṁ dadhyau nṛpātmajaḥ

Familiar only with his mother, his family deity, and the royal roads, the prince, not knowing the pathways of the wilderness, paused for a moment in thought.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.19.78)

यावदुन्मील्य नयने पुरः पश्यति स ध्रुवः । तावद्ददर्श सप्तर्षीनतर्कित गतीन्वने

yāvadunmīlya nayane puraḥ paśyati sa dhruvaḥ tāvaddadarśa saptarṣīnatarkita gatīnvane

As soon as Dhruva opened his eyes and looked ahead, at that very moment he beheld in the forest the Seven Sages, whose coming he had not expected.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.19.79)

वालिशेष्वसहायेषु भवेद्भाग्यं सहायकृत् । अरण्यान्यां रणे गेहे ततो भाग्यं हि कारणम्

vāliśeṣvasahāyeṣu bhavedbhāgyaṁ sahāyakṛt araṇyānyāṁ raṇe gehe tato bhāgyaṁ hi kāraṇam

For the helpless and the naive, destiny itself becomes their helper -- in the forest, in battle, or at home -- fortune indeed is the true cause.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.19.80)

क्व राजतनयो बालो गहनं क्व च तद्वनम् । बलात्स्वसात्प्रत्कुर्वत्यै नमस्ते भवितव्य ते

kva rājatanayo bālo gahanaṁ kva ca tadvanam balātsvasātpratkurvatyai namaste bhavitavya te

Where the young prince, and where that dense forest -- how far apart these were! Homage to Destiny, who by its own force draws all things to its will.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.19.81)

यत्र यस्य हि यद्भाव्यं शुभं वाऽशुभमेव च । आकृष्यभाविनी रज्जुस्तत्र तस्य हि दापयेत

yatra yasya hi yadbhāvyaṁ śubhaṁ vā'śubhameva ca ākṛṣyabhāvinī rajjustatra tasya hi dāpayeta

Wherever, and to whomever, whatever is destined to happen, good or bad, the rope of destiny draws him there and delivers it to him.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.19.82)

अन्यथा विदधात्येष मानवो बुद्धिवैभवात् । भगवत्या भवित्र्याऽसौ विदध्याद्विधिरन्यथा

anyathā vidadhātyeṣa mānavo buddhivaibhavāt bhagavatyā bhavitryā'sau vidadhyādvidhiranyathā

Through the pride of his own intellect, man plans one thing; but the divine power of destiny ordains it altogether otherwise.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.19.83)

नवयो न च वै चित्र्यं न चित्रं विदधेहितम् । न बलं नोद्यमः पुंसां कारणं प्राक्कृतं कृतम्

navayo na ca vai citryaṁ na citraṁ vidadhehitam na balaṁ nodyamaḥ puṁsāṁ kāraṇaṁ prākkṛtaṁ kṛtam

Neither youth nor cleverness, nor any wondrous device, neither strength nor effort of men is the true cause -- only deeds done in a former life are the cause.

Verse 84 (skanda.4.19.84)

अथ दृष्ट्वा स सप्तर्षीन्सप्तसप्त्यतितेजसः । भाग्यसूत्रैरिवाकृष्योपनीतान्प्रमुमोद ह

atha dṛṣṭvā sa saptarṣīnsaptasaptyatitejasaḥ bhāgyasūtrairivākṛṣyopanītānpramumoda ha

Then, beholding the Seven Sages, radiant beyond the seven-horsed sun, brought to him as if drawn by the very threads of destiny, he rejoiced greatly.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.19.85)

तिलकांकित सद्भालान्कुशोपग्रहितांगुलीन् । कृष्णाजिनोपविष्टांश्च यज्ञसूत्रैरलंकृतान्

tilakāṁkita sadbhālānkuśopagrahitāṁgulīn kṛṣṇājinopaviṣṭāṁśca yajñasūtrairalaṁkṛtān

Their fine foreheads marked with tilaka, their fingers holding blades of kusha grass, seated upon black antelope skins, and adorned with the sacred thread...

Verse 86 (skanda.4.19.86)

साक्षसूत्रकरान्किंचिद्विनिमीलितलो चनान् । सुधौतसूक्ष्मकाषायवासः प्रावरणान्वितान

sākṣasūtrakarānkiṁcidvinimīlitalo canān sudhautasūkṣmakāṣāyavāsaḥ prāvaraṇānvitāna

...their hands holding rosaries, their eyes half-closed in meditation, wrapped in finely woven, well-washed ochre garments...

Verse 87 (skanda.4.19.87)

अकांडेपि महाभागान्मिलितान्सप्तनीरधीन् । चित्रं विपद्विनिर्मग्नानुद्दिधीर्षूनिव प्रजाः

akāṁḍepi mahābhāgānmilitānsaptanīradhīn citraṁ vipadvinirmagnānuddidhīrṣūniva prajāḥ

...those most fortunate ones, appearing suddenly, unlooked for, like the Seven Oceans come together -- wondrous it was, as though intent on rescuing a people sunk deep in calamity.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.19.88)

उपगम्य विनम्रः स प्रबद्धकरसंपुटः । ध्रुवो विज्ञापयांचक्रे प्रणम्य ललितं वचः

upagamya vinamraḥ sa prabaddhakarasaṁpuṭaḥ dhruvo vijñāpayāṁcakre praṇamya lalitaṁ vacaḥ

Approaching them humbly, with palms joined together, Dhruva bowed and addressed them with gentle, graceful words.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.19.89)

ध्रुव उवाच । अवैत मां मुनिवराः सुनीत्युदरसंभवम्। उत्तानपादतनयं ध्रुवं निर्विण्णमानसम्

dhruva uvāca avaita māṁ munivarāḥ sunītyudarasaṁbhavam uttānapādatanayaṁ dhruvaṁ nirviṇṇamānasam

Dhruva said: "Know me, O best of sages, as one born of Suniti's womb, the son of Uttanapada, Dhruva, whose mind is filled with despondency."

Verse 90 (skanda.4.19.90)

इदं वनमनुप्राप्तं सनाथं युष्मदंघ्रिभिः । प्रायोनभिज्ञं सर्वत्र महर्द्ध्युषितमानसम्

idaṁ vanamanuprāptaṁ sanāthaṁ yuṣmadaṁghribhiḥ prāyonabhijñaṁ sarvatra maharddhyuṣitamānasam

"This forest, now blessed by your feet, I have entered, one almost wholly unfamiliar with it, my mind long accustomed to great luxury."

Verse 91 (skanda.4.19.91)

ते दृष्ट्वोर्जस्वलं बालं स्वभाव मधुराकृतिम् । अनर्घ्यनयनेपथ्यं मृदुगंभीरभाषिणम्

te dṛṣṭvorjasvalaṁ bālaṁ svabhāva madhurākṛtim anarghyanayanepathyaṁ mṛdugaṁbhīrabhāṣiṇam

Beholding that vigorous boy, naturally sweet in form, whose eyes were an invaluable adornment, and who spoke gently yet with gravity...

Verse 92 (skanda.4.19.92)

उपोपवेश्य शिशुकं प्रोचुर्वै विस्मिता भृशम् । अहोबालविशालाक्ष महाराज कुमारक

upopaveśya śiśukaṁ procurvai vismitā bhṛśam ahobālaviśālākṣa mahārāja kumāraka

...they seated the child near them and, greatly astonished, said: "O child of wide eyes, O prince, O royal son!"

Verse 93 (skanda.4.19.93)

विचार्यापि न जानीमो वद निर्वेदकारणम् । अद्य ते ह्यर्थचिंता नो क्वापमानः प्रसूर्गृहे

vicāryāpi na jānīmo vada nirvedakāraṇam adya te hyarthaciṁtā no kvāpamānaḥ prasūrgṛhe

"Even after much thought we cannot fathom it -- tell us the cause of your despondency. Surely today it is no want of wealth troubling you, nor any insult in your mother's house?"

Verse 94 (skanda.4.19.94)

नीरुक्छरीरसंपत्तिर्निवेदे किं नु कारणम् । अनवाप्ताभिलाषाणां वैराग्यं जायते नृणाम्

nīrukcharīrasaṁpattirnivede kiṁ nu kāraṇam anavāptābhilāṣāṇāṁ vairāgyaṁ jāyate nṛṇām

"Your body is healthy and prosperous -- what then could be the cause of this dejection? Renunciation arises in men usually from desires left unfulfilled."

Verse 95 (skanda.4.19.95)

सप्तद्वीपपतेराज्ञः कुमारस्त्वं तथा कथम् । स्वभावभिन्नप्रकृतौ लोकेस्मिन्न मनोगतम्

saptadvīpapaterājñaḥ kumārastvaṁ tathā katham svabhāvabhinnaprakṛtau lokesminna manogatam

"You are the prince of the lord of the seven continents -- how then can this be? In this world, where nature differs from person to person, one's true thought is hard to grasp..."

Verse 96 (skanda.4.19.96)

अवगंतुं हि शक्येत यूनो वृद्धस्य वा शिशोः । इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तेषां सहजप्रेमनिर्भरम्

avagaṁtuṁ hi śakyeta yūno vṛddhasya vā śiśoḥ iti śrutvā vacasteṣāṁ sahajapremanirbharam

"...whether of a youth, an elder, or a child." Having heard these words of theirs, brimming with natural affection...

Verse 97 (skanda.4.19.97)

वाचं जग्राह स तदा शिशुः प्रांशुमनोरथः ध्रुव उवाच । प्रेषितो राजसेवार्थं जनन्याऽहं मुनीश्वराः

vācaṁ jagrāha sa tadā śiśuḥ prāṁśumanorathaḥ dhruva uvāca preṣito rājasevārthaṁ jananyā'haṁ munīśvarāḥ

...that child, of lofty ambition, then took up his speech. Dhruva said: "O lords of sages, I was sent by my mother to attend upon the king..."

Verse 98 (skanda.4.19.98)

राजांकमारुरुक्षुर्हि सुरुच्या परिभर्त्सितः । उत्तमं चोत्तमीकृत्य मां च मन्मातरं तथा

rājāṁkamārurukṣurhi surucyā paribhartsitaḥ uttamaṁ cottamīkṛtya māṁ ca manmātaraṁ tathā

"...and when I wished to climb onto the king's lap, I was rebuked by Suruchi, who exalted Uttama while disparaging both myself and my mother."

Verse 99 (skanda.4.19.99)

धिक्कृत्य प्रशशंस स्वं निर्वेदे कारणं त्विदम् । निशम्येति शिशोर्वाक्यं परस्परमवेक्ष्य ते

dhikkṛtya praśaśaṁsa svaṁ nirvede kāraṇaṁ tvidam niśamyeti śiśorvākyaṁ parasparamavekṣya te

"Having scorned us, she praised her own son -- this is the cause of my despondency." Hearing the child's words, the sages looked at one another...

Verse 100 (skanda.4.19.100)

क्षात्रमेव शशंसुस्तदहो बालेपि न क्षमा

kṣātrameva śaśaṁsustadaho bālepi na kṣamā

...and praised his very Kshatriya spirit, saying: "Ah, even in a child there is no room for forbearing an insult!"

Verse 101 (skanda.4.19.101)

ऋषय ऊचुः । किमस्माभिरहो कार्यं कस्तवास्ति मनोरथः । ज्ञातो भवतु तावत्स नः श्रवो गोचरी कुरु

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ kimasmābhiraho kāryaṁ kastavāsti manorathaḥ jñāto bhavatu tāvatsa naḥ śravo gocarī kuru

The sages said: "What service can we render you? What is your heart's desire? Let it be known to us -- bring it within the reach of our hearing."

Verse 102 (skanda.4.19.102)

ध्रुव उवाच । मुनयो मम यो बंधुरुत्तमश्चोत्तमोत्तमः । पित्रा दत्तं च सोऽध्यास्तां तद्भद्रासनमुत्तमम्

dhruva uvāca munayo mama yo baṁdhuruttamaścottamottamaḥ pitrā dattaṁ ca so'dhyāstāṁ tadbhadrāsanamuttamam

Dhruva said: "O sages, let my kinsman Uttama, most excellent among the excellent, occupy that fine seat given to him by our father."

Verse 103 (skanda.4.19.103)

भवत्कृतं हि साहाय्यमेतदिच्छामि सुव्रताः । प्रायो जाने न बालत्वादुपदेशस्तदुच्यताम्

bhavatkṛtaṁ hi sāhāyyametadicchāmi suvratāḥ prāyo jāne na bālatvādupadeśastaducyatām

"This alone is the help I wish from you, O men of noble vows: since I am a child, I mostly do not know the way -- instruct me in it."

Verse 104 (skanda.4.19.104)

अनन्यनृपभुक्तं यद्यदन्येभ्यः समुच्छ्रितम् । इंद्रादिदुरवापं यत्कथं लभ्यं दुरासदम्

ananyanṛpabhuktaṁ yadyadanyebhyaḥ samucchritam iṁdrādiduravāpaṁ yatkathaṁ labhyaṁ durāsadam

"That position which no other king has ever enjoyed, which is exalted above all others, unattainable even by Indra and the other gods -- how may that hard-won thing be obtained?"

Verse 105 (skanda.4.19.105)

पित्रोत्सृष्टं न कांक्षामि कांक्षामि स्वभुजाजितम् । मनोरथपथातीतं भवेद्यत्पितुरप्यहो

pitrotsṛṣṭaṁ na kāṁkṣāmi kāṁkṣāmi svabhujājitam manorathapathātītaṁ bhavedyatpiturapyaho

"I do not desire what my father may bestow; I desire only what is won by my own arm -- something beyond even the reach of my father's imagination."

Verse 106 (skanda.4.19.106)

पितृसंपत्तिभोक्तारः प्रायशो न यशोधनाः । नरोत्तमास्तु ते ज्ञेया ये पित्राधिक्यदर्शिनः

pitṛsaṁpattibhoktāraḥ prāyaśo na yaśodhanāḥ narottamāstu te jñeyā ye pitrādhikyadarśinaḥ

"Those who merely enjoy their father's wealth are usually not rich in true fame; the best of men are known to be those who surpass even their fathers."

Verse 107 (skanda.4.19.107)

उपार्जितं हि पित्रा ये नाशयंति यशःश्रुतम् । धनं निधनमेवास्तु तेषां दुर्वृत्तचेतसाम्

upārjitaṁ hi pitrā ye nāśayaṁti yaśaḥśrutam dhanaṁ nidhanamevāstu teṣāṁ durvṛttacetasām

"Those who destroy the wealth of fame their father earned -- for those of wicked mind, let their riches turn to ruin alone."

Verse 108 (skanda.4.19.108)

इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य मुनयः सुनयोर्जितम् । यथार्थमेव प्रत्यूचुर्मरीच्याद्यास्तथा ध्रुवम्

iti śrutvā vacastasya munayaḥ sunayorjitam yathārthameva pratyūcurmarīcyādyāstathā dhruvam

Hearing his words, full of sound wisdom, the sages headed by Marichi replied to Dhruva each in accordance with the truth.

Verse 109 (skanda.4.19.109)

मरीचिरुवाच । अनर्चिताच्युतपदः पदमापद्यते कथम् । यथातथात्वमात्थांग नातथ्यं कथयाम्यहम्

marīciruvāca anarcitācyutapadaḥ padamāpadyate katham yathātathātvamātthāṁga nātathyaṁ kathayāmyaham

Marichi said: "How can one attain that state without worshipping the feet of Achyuta, the unfailing Lord? You have spoken exactly as it is, my child; I tell you nothing untrue."

Verse 110 (skanda.4.19.110)

अत्रिरुवाच । अनास्वादितगोविंदपदांबुजरजोरसः । मनोरथपथातीतं स्फीतं नाकलयेत्पदम्

atriruvāca anāsvāditagoviṁdapadāṁbujarajorasaḥ manorathapathātītaṁ sphītaṁ nākalayetpadam

Atri said: "One who has not tasted the essence of the dust of Govinda's lotus-feet can never attain that vast state which lies beyond the path of desire."

Verse 111 (skanda.4.19.111)

अंगिरा उवाच । अदवीयः पदं तस्य सर्वासां संपदामिह । कमलाकांतकांतांघ्रि कमले यः सुशीलयेत्

aṁgirā uvāca adavīyaḥ padaṁ tasya sarvāsāṁ saṁpadāmiha kamalākāṁtakāṁtāṁghri kamale yaḥ suśīlayet

Angiras said: "That state, containing all riches, is not far off for one who devotedly serves the lovely lotus-feet of Kamala's Lord."

Verse 112 (skanda.4.19.112)

पुलस्त्य उवाच । यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण महापातकसंततिः । परमांतमवाप्नोति स विष्णुः सर्वदो ध्रुव

pulastya uvāca yasya smaraṇamātreṇa mahāpātakasaṁtatiḥ paramāṁtamavāpnoti sa viṣṇuḥ sarvado dhruva

Pulastya said: "He by mere remembrance of whom even a chain of great sins is utterly destroyed -- that Vishnu, O Dhruva, grants all things."

Verse 113 (skanda.4.19.113)

पुलह उवाच । यदाहुः परमं ब्रह्म प्रधान पुरुषात्परम् । यन्मायया ततं सर्वं सर्वं दास्यति सोच्युतः

pulaha uvāca yadāhuḥ paramaṁ brahma pradhāna puruṣātparam yanmāyayā tataṁ sarvaṁ sarvaṁ dāsyati socyutaḥ

Pulaha said: "He whom they call the Supreme Brahman, beyond both Prakriti and Purusha, by whose maya this whole universe is pervaded -- that Achyuta will grant you everything."

Verse 114 (skanda.4.19.114)

क्रतुरुवाच । यो यज्ञपुरुषो विष्णुर्वेदवेद्यो जनार्दनः । अंतरात्माऽस्य जगतः तुष्टः किं न यच्छति

kraturuvāca yo yajñapuruṣo viṣṇurvedavedyo janārdanaḥ aṁtarātmā'sya jagataḥ tuṣṭaḥ kiṁ na yacchati

Kratu said: "Vishnu, who is the very embodiment of sacrifice, knowable through the Vedas, Janardana, the inner self of this universe -- once pleased, what will he not grant?"

Verse 115 (skanda.4.19.115)

वसिष्ठ उवाच । यद्भ्रूनर्तनवर्तिन्यः सिद्धयोऽष्टौ नृपात्मज । तमाराध्य हृषीकेशमपवर्गोप्यदूरतः

vasiṣṭha uvāca yadbhrūnartanavartinyaḥ siddhayo'ṣṭau nṛpātmaja tamārādhya hṛṣīkeśamapavargopyadūrataḥ

Vasishtha said: "O prince, the eight siddhis themselves dance at the mere movement of his eyebrow; worship that Hrishikesha, and even liberation is not far off."

Verse 116 (skanda.4.19.116)

ध्रुव उवाच । सत्यमुक्तं मुनीशाना विष्णोराराधनं प्रति । कथं वा भगवानीज्यः सविधिश्चोपदिश्यताम्

dhruva uvāca satyamuktaṁ munīśānā viṣṇorārādhanaṁ prati kathaṁ vā bhagavānījyaḥ savidhiścopadiśyatām

Dhruva said: "Truly have you spoken, O lords of sages, concerning the worship of Vishnu. But how is the Lord to be worshipped? Teach me the method along with its rules."

Verse 117 (skanda.4.19.117)

मुनय ऊचुः । तिष्ठता गच्छता वापि स्वपता जाग्रता तथा । शयानेनोपविष्टेन जप्यो नारायणः सदा

munaya ūcuḥ tiṣṭhatā gacchatā vāpi svapatā jāgratā tathā śayānenopaviṣṭena japyo nārāyaṇaḥ sadā

The sages said: "Whether standing or walking, sleeping or waking, lying down or sitting, Narayana should always be repeated in japa."

Verse 118 (skanda.4.19.118)

द्वादशाक्षरमंत्रेण वासुदेवात्मकेन च। ध्यायंश्चतुर्भुजं विष्णुं जप्त्वा सिद्धिं न को गतः

dvādaśākṣaramaṁtreṇa vāsudevātmakena ca dhyāyaṁścaturbhujaṁ viṣṇuṁ japtvā siddhiṁ na ko gataḥ

"With the twelve-syllabled mantra of Vasudeva, meditating upon four-armed Vishnu -- who has not attained perfection through this japa?"

Verse 119 (skanda.4.19.119)

अतसीपुष्पसंकाशं पीतवाससमच्युतम् । क्षणं सर्वात्मकं पश्यन्को न सिध्यति भूतले

atasīpuṣpasaṁkāśaṁ pītavāsasamacyutam kṣaṇaṁ sarvātmakaṁ paśyanko na sidhyati bhūtale

"Beholding, even for a moment, that Achyuta, the soul of all, radiant like the flax flower, clad in yellow garments -- who on this earth does not attain success?"

Verse 120 (skanda.4.19.120)

पुत्रान्कलत्रमित्राणि राज्यं स्वर्गापवर्गकम् । वासुदेवं जपन्मर्त्यः सर्वं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयम्

putrānkalatramitrāṇi rājyaṁ svargāpavargakam vāsudevaṁ japanmartyaḥ sarvaṁ prāpnotyasaṁśayam

"Sons, wife, friends, a kingdom, heaven, and even liberation -- a mortal who chants the name of Vasudeva undoubtedly obtains all of these."

Verse 121 (skanda.4.19.121)

वासुदेव जपासक्तानपिपापकृतो जनान् । नोपस्पृशंति वै विघ्ना यमदूताश्च दारुणाः

vāsudeva japāsaktānapipāpakṛto janān nopaspṛśaṁti vai vighnā yamadūtāśca dāruṇāḥ

"Even people who have committed sins, if devoted to the japa of Vasudeva, are never touched by obstacles, nor by the terrible messengers of Yama."

Verse 122 (skanda.4.19.122)

पितामहेन तेप्येष महामंत्र उपासितः । मनुना राज्यकामेन वैष्णवेन महर्द्धिना

pitāmahena tepyeṣa mahāmaṁtra upāsitaḥ manunā rājyakāmena vaiṣṇavena maharddhinā

"This very great mantra was worshipped by your grandfather Manu himself, desirous of a kingdom, a great devotee of Vishnu, endowed with vast prosperity."

Verse 123 (skanda.4.19.123)

त्वमप्येतेन मंत्रेण वासुदेवपरो भव । यथाभिलषितामृद्धिं क्षिप्रमाप्नुहि सत्तम

tvamapyetena maṁtreṇa vāsudevaparo bhava yathābhilaṣitāmṛddhiṁ kṣipramāpnuhi sattama

"You too, O best of men, become devoted to Vasudeva through this very mantra, and quickly attain the prosperity you desire."

Verse 124 (skanda.4.19.124)

इत्युक्त्वांऽतर्हिताः सर्वे महात्मानो मुनीश्वराः । वासुदेवमना भूत्वा ध्रुवोपि तपसे गतः

ityuktvāṁ'tarhitāḥ sarve mahātmāno munīśvarāḥ vāsudevamanā bhūtvā dhruvopi tapase gataḥ

Having spoken thus, all those great-souled lords of sages vanished from sight; and Dhruva too, his mind now fixed on Vasudeva, departed for his penance.