The Vision of the Lord

Verse 1 (skanda.4.20.1)

गणावूचतुः । औत्तानपादिर्निर्गत्य ततः काननतो द्विज । रम्यं मधुवनं प्राप यमुनायास्तटे महत

gaṇāvūcatuḥ auttānapādirnirgatya tataḥ kānanato dvija ramyaṁ madhuvanaṁ prāpa yamunāyāstaṭe mahata

The two ganas said: "Then, O brahmin, the son of Uttanapada, departing from that forest, reached the great and lovely Madhuvana on the bank of the Yamuna."

Verse 2 (skanda.4.20.2)

आद्यं भगवतः स्थानं तत्पुण्यं हरिमेधसः । पापोपि जंतुस्तत्प्राप्य निष्पापो जायते ध्रुवम्

ādyaṁ bhagavataḥ sthānaṁ tatpuṇyaṁ harimedhasaḥ pāpopi jaṁtustatprāpya niṣpāpo jāyate dhruvam

"That is the primeval and sacred abode of the Lord, of Hari whose very mind is sacrifice; even a sinful creature, upon reaching it, surely becomes free of sin."

Verse 3 (skanda.4.20.3)

जपन्स वासुदेवाख्यं परंब्रह्म निरामयम् । अपश्यत्तन्मयं विश्वं ध्यानस्तिमितलोचनः

japansa vāsudevākhyaṁ paraṁbrahma nirāmayam apaśyattanmayaṁ viśvaṁ dhyānastimitalocanaḥ

"There, repeating the name of Vasudeva, the taintless Supreme Brahman, he beheld, his eyes stilled in meditation, the whole universe as filled with that very Being."

Verse 4 (skanda.4.20.4)

हरिर्हरित्सु सर्वासु हरिर्हरिमरीचिषु । शिवामृगमृगेंद्रादि रूपः काननगो हरिः

harirharitsu sarvāsu harirharimarīciṣu śivāmṛgamṛgeṁdrādi rūpaḥ kānanago hariḥ

"Hari he saw in all directions, Hari in the rays of the sun; in the form of the jackal, the deer, the lion, and the rest, Hari moving in the forest."

Verse 5 (skanda.4.20.5)

जले शालूरकूर्मादि रूपेण भगवान्हरिः । हरिरश्वादिरूपेण मंदुरास्वपि भूभुजाम्

jale śālūrakūrmādi rūpeṇa bhagavānhariḥ hariraśvādirūpeṇa maṁdurāsvapi bhūbhujām

"In the water, the Lord Hari as the frog, the tortoise, and the rest; Hari too in the form of horses, even in the stables of kings."

Verse 6 (skanda.4.20.6)

अनंतरूपः पाताले गगनेऽनंतसंज्ञकः । एकोप्यनंततां यातो रूपभेदैरनंतकैः

anaṁtarūpaḥ pātāle gagane'naṁtasaṁjñakaḥ ekopyanaṁtatāṁ yāto rūpabhedairanaṁtakaiḥ

"Of infinite form in the netherworld, known as Ananta in the sky -- though one alone, he had attained infinity through his countless differing forms."

Verse 7 (skanda.4.20.7)

देवेषु यो वसेन्नित्यं देवानां वसतिर्हि यः । स वासुदेवः सर्वत्र दीव्येद्यद्वासनावशात्

deveṣu yo vasennityaṁ devānāṁ vasatirhi yaḥ sa vāsudevaḥ sarvatra dīvyedyadvāsanāvaśāt

"He who ever dwells among the gods, and who is himself the dwelling-place of the gods -- he is Vasudeva, who shines everywhere by the power of his own indwelling nature."

Verse 8 (skanda.4.20.8)

विष्लृव्याप्तावयंधातुर्यत्रसार्थकतां गतः। ते विष्णुनाम स्वरूपे हि सर्वव्यापनशीलिनि

viṣlṛvyāptāvayaṁdhāturyatrasārthakatāṁ gataḥ te viṣṇunāma svarūpe hi sarvavyāpanaśīlini

"The root 'vish', meaning to pervade, finds its true meaning in him alone; hence the name Vishnu applies rightly to that very form whose nature is to pervade all."

Verse 9 (skanda.4.20.9)

सर्वेषां च हृषीकाणामीशनात्परमेश्वरः । हृषीकेश इति ख्यातो यः स सर्वत्रसंस्थितः

sarveṣāṁ ca hṛṣīkāṇāmīśanātparameśvaraḥ hṛṣīkeśa iti khyāto yaḥ sa sarvatrasaṁsthitaḥ

"Because he is the supreme lord who rules over all the senses (hrishika), he is known as Hrishikesha; he indeed abides everywhere."

Verse 10 (skanda.4.20.10)

न च्यवंतेपि यद्भक्ता महति प्रलये सति । अतोऽच्युतोऽखिले लोके स एकः सर्वगोऽव्ययः

na cyavaṁtepi yadbhaktā mahati pralaye sati ato'cyuto'khile loke sa ekaḥ sarvago'vyayaḥ

"Because his devotees do not fall away even at the time of the great dissolution, he is called Achyuta throughout all the worlds -- the one, all-pervading, imperishable Lord."

Verse 11 (skanda.4.20.11)

इदं चराचरं विश्वं यो बभार स्वलीलया । भृत्यास्वरूपसंपत्त्या सोऽत्र विश्वंभरोऽखिलम्

idaṁ carācaraṁ viśvaṁ yo babhāra svalīlayā bhṛtyāsvarūpasaṁpattyā so'tra viśvaṁbharo'khilam

"He who bears this entire moving and unmoving universe through his own play, sustaining it as though it were the wealth of his own servants -- he here is Vishvambhara, the bearer of all."

Verse 12 (skanda.4.20.12)

तस्येक्षणे समीक्षेते नान्यद्विप्णुपदादृते । निरीक्ष्यः पुंडरीकाक्षो नान्यो नियमतो ह्यतः

tasyekṣaṇe samīkṣete nānyadvipṇupadādṛte nirīkṣyaḥ puṁḍarīkākṣo nānyo niyamato hyataḥ

"For his sight, nothing else was to be looked upon but the abode of Vishnu; the lotus-eyed Lord alone was worthy of his gaze, and by his own vow, no other."

Verse 13 (skanda.4.20.13)

नान्य शब्दग्रहौ तस्य जातौ शब्दग्रहावपि । विना मुकुंद गोविंद दामोदर चतुर्भुज

nānya śabdagrahau tasya jātau śabdagrahāvapi vinā mukuṁda goviṁda dāmodara caturbhuja

"His two ears, though capable of grasping any sound, would grasp no name other than Mukunda, Govinda, Damodara, or Chaturbhuja."

Verse 14 (skanda.4.20.14)

गोविंदचरणार्थार्चां तत्प्रियंकर्मवै विना । शंखचक्रांकितौ तस्य नान्यकर्मकरौकरौ

goviṁdacaraṇārthārcāṁ tatpriyaṁkarmavai vinā śaṁkhacakrāṁkitau tasya nānyakarmakaraukarau

"Except for worshipping Govinda's feet and performing deeds pleasing to him, his two hands, marked with the sign of the conch and discus, would perform no other task."

Verse 15 (skanda.4.20.15)

निर्द्वंद्वचरणद्वंद्वं तन्मनो मनुते हरेः । हित्वान्यन्मननं सर्वं निश्चलत्वमवाप ह

nirdvaṁdvacaraṇadvaṁdvaṁ tanmano manute hareḥ hitvānyanmananaṁ sarvaṁ niścalatvamavāpa ha

"His mind thought only of Hari's pair of feet, free from all duality; forsaking every other thought, it attained perfect stillness."

Verse 16 (skanda.4.20.16)

चरणौ विष्णुशरणौ हित्वा नारायणांगणम् । तस्य नो चरतोन्यत्र चरतो विपुलं तपः

caraṇau viṣṇuśaraṇau hitvā nārāyaṇāṁgaṇam tasya no caratonyatra carato vipulaṁ tapaḥ

"His two feet, having taken refuge in Vishnu, would tread nowhere but the courtyard of Narayana, as he practiced his vast penance."

Verse 17 (skanda.4.20.17)

वाणीप्रमाणी क्रियते गोविंदगुणवर्णने । जोषं समासता तेन महासारं तपस्यता

vāṇīpramāṇī kriyate goviṁdaguṇavarṇane joṣaṁ samāsatā tena mahāsāraṁ tapasyatā

"His speech was employed only in describing the virtues of Govinda; otherwise, in the practice of his profound penance, he remained wholly silent."

Verse 18 (skanda.4.20.18)

नितांतकमलाकांत नामधेयसुधारसम् । रसयंती न रसना तस्यान्यरसस्पृहा

nitāṁtakamalākāṁta nāmadheyasudhārasam rasayaṁtī na rasanā tasyānyarasaspṛhā

"His tongue, ever tasting the nectar-essence of the name of Kamala's beloved Lord, had no desire for any other taste."

Verse 19 (skanda.4.20.19)

श्रीमुकुंद पदद्वंद्व पद्मामोदप्रमोदितम् । गंधांतरं न तद्घ्राणं परिजिघ्रत्यशीघ्रगम्

śrīmukuṁda padadvaṁdva padmāmodapramoditam gaṁdhāṁtaraṁ na tadghrāṇaṁ parijighratyaśīghragam

"His sense of smell, delighted by the fragrance of the lotus-pair of Shri Mukunda's feet, would slowly savor no other scent."

Verse 20 (skanda.4.20.20)

त्वगिंद्रियं मधुरिपोः परिस्पृश्य पदद्वयम् । सर्वस्पर्शसुखं प्राप तस्य भूजानिजन्मनः

tvagiṁdriyaṁ madhuripoḥ parispṛśya padadvayam sarvasparśasukhaṁ prāpa tasya bhūjānijanmanaḥ

"His sense of touch, from merely touching the two feet of the Enemy of Madhu, attained a bliss of touch surpassing every touch he had known since his birth."

Verse 21 (skanda.4.20.21)

शब्दादिविषयाधारं सारं दामोदरं परम् । ध्रुवेंद्रियाणि संप्राप्य कृतार्थान्यभवंस्तदा

śabdādiviṣayādhāraṁ sāraṁ dāmodaraṁ param dhruveṁdriyāṇi saṁprāpya kṛtārthānyabhavaṁstadā

"Reaching Damodara, the supreme essence, the substratum of sound and all the other sense-objects, Dhruva's senses thereby became truly fulfilled."

Verse 22 (skanda.4.20.22)

लुप्तानि सर्वतेजांसि तत्तपस्तपनोदये । चंद्रसूर्यानलर्क्षाणां प्रदीपित जगत्त्रये

luptāni sarvatejāṁsi tattapastapanodaye caṁdrasūryānalarkṣāṇāṁ pradīpita jagattraye

"At the very rising of that penance's fire, the radiance of moon, sun, fire, and stars, which illumine the three worlds, was itself eclipsed."

Verse 23 (skanda.4.20.23)

इंद्र चंद्राग्नि वरुण समीरण धनाधिपाः । यम नैर्ऋतमुख्याश्च जाताः स्वपदशंकिताः

iṁdra caṁdrāgni varuṇa samīraṇa dhanādhipāḥ yama nairṛtamukhyāśca jātāḥ svapadaśaṁkitāḥ

"Indra, the Moon, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Yama, Nirriti and the other chief gods all grew fearful for their own positions."

Verse 24 (skanda.4.20.24)

वैमानिकास्तथाऽन्येपि वसुमुख्या दिवौकसः । ततो धुवात्समुत्त्रेसुः स्वाधिकारैधिताधयः

vaimānikāstathā'nyepi vasumukhyā divaukasaḥ tato dhuvātsamuttresuḥ svādhikāraidhitādhayaḥ

"The Vasus and the other celestial dwellers, who travel in their heavenly chariots, likewise grew alarmed because of Dhruva, their anxiety fed by concern for their own domains."

Verse 25 (skanda.4.20.25)

यत्र यत्र ध्रुवः पादं मिनोति पृथिवीतले । धरा तस्य भराक्रांता विनमेत्तत्र तत्र वै

yatra yatra dhruvaḥ pādaṁ minoti pṛthivītale dharā tasya bharākrāṁtā vinamettatra tatra vai

"Wherever on the surface of the earth Dhruva planted his foot in the measure of his standing pose, the earth there, overwhelmed by his weight, would sink down."

Verse 26 (skanda.4.20.26)

अहो तदंगसंगीनि त्यक्त्वा जाड्यं जलान्यपि । रसवंति पदस्थानि स्फुरंत्यन्यत्र तद्भयात्

aho tadaṁgasaṁgīni tyaktvā jāḍyaṁ jalānyapi rasavaṁti padasthāni sphuraṁtyanyatra tadbhayāt

"Wondrous indeed -- even the waters that touched his body, forsaking their natural inertness, grew tremulous and full of feeling in that place, and out of fear of him moved elsewhere."

Verse 27 (skanda.4.20.27)

यावंति विष्वक्तेजांसि सिद्धरूपगुणानि च । नेत्रातिथीनि तावंति तत्तपस्तेजसाऽभवन्

yāvaṁti viṣvaktejāṁsi siddharūpaguṇāni ca netrātithīni tāvaṁti tattapastejasā'bhavan

"As many as were the powers of splendor and the qualities of accomplished beings scattered everywhere, all of them became, as it were, guests before the eyes of that penance's fiery radiance."

Verse 28 (skanda.4.20.28)

अहो निजगुणस्पर्शः सततं मातरिश्वना । दूरदेशांतरस्थोपि तत्त्वचो विषयीकृतः

aho nijaguṇasparśaḥ satataṁ mātariśvanā dūradeśāṁtarasthopi tattvaco viṣayīkṛtaḥ

"Wondrous indeed -- the wind, though blowing at a great distance, constantly made its own quality of touch felt upon his very skin."

Verse 29 (skanda.4.20.29)

व्योम्नापि शब्दगुणिना ध्रुवाराधनबुद्धिना । शब्दजातस्त्वशेषोपि तत्कर्ण शरणीकृतः

vyomnāpi śabdaguṇinā dhruvārādhanabuddhinā śabdajātastvaśeṣopi tatkarṇa śaraṇīkṛtaḥ

"Even the sky, whose very quality is sound, moved by the wish to serve Dhruva's worship, brought every kind of sound to take refuge in his ear."

Verse 30 (skanda.4.20.30)

आराधितोऽनुदिवसं सभूतैरपि पंचभिः । तप एव परं मेने गोविंदार्पित मानसः

ārādhito'nudivasaṁ sabhūtairapi paṁcabhiḥ tapa eva paraṁ mene goviṁdārpita mānasaḥ

"Thus worshipped day after day even by the five elements themselves, he whose mind was wholly offered to Govinda regarded penance alone as supreme."

Verse 31 (skanda.4.20.31)

कौस्तुभोद्भासितहृदः पीतकौशेयवाससः । ध्यानात्तेजोमयं विश्वं तेनैक्षि नृपसूनुना

kaustubhodbhāsitahṛdaḥ pītakauśeyavāsasaḥ dhyānāttejomayaṁ viśvaṁ tenaikṣi nṛpasūnunā

"Through his meditation, that prince beheld the whole universe filled with the radiance of him whose heart shone with the Kaustubha jewel and who was clad in yellow silk garments."

Verse 32 (skanda.4.20.32)

मरुत्वतातिमहती चिंताऽप्ता तत्तपोभयात् । मत्पदं चेदकांक्षिष्यदहरिष्यद्ध्रुवं धुवः

marutvatātimahatī ciṁtā'ptā tattapobhayāt matpadaṁ cedakāṁkṣiṣyadahariṣyaddhruvaṁ dhuvaḥ

Indra fell into very great anxiety from fear of that penance, thinking: "If this Dhruva should desire my position, he would surely, with certainty, seize it."

Verse 33 (skanda.4.20.33)

समर्थस्त्वप्सरोवर्गो नियंतुं यमिनां यमान् । स तु यूनि प्रभवति नात्र बाले करोमि किम्

samarthastvapsarovargo niyaṁtuṁ yamināṁ yamān sa tu yūni prabhavati nātra bāle karomi kim

"The band of Apsaras is indeed capable of overpowering even the self-restraint of ascetics, but such power avails only over the youthful, not here upon a mere child -- what am I to do?"

Verse 34 (skanda.4.20.34)

तपस्विनां तपो हंतुं द्वौ मत्साहाय्यकारिणौ । कामक्रौधौ न तावस्मिन्प्रभवेतां शिशौ ध्रुवे

tapasvināṁ tapo haṁtuṁ dvau matsāhāyyakāriṇau kāmakraudhau na tāvasminprabhavetāṁ śiśau dhruve

"Desire and anger, my two usual helpers in destroying the penance of ascetics, have no power over this child Dhruva."

Verse 35 (skanda.4.20.35)

एक एव किलोपायो बाले मे प्रभविष्यति । भूतालिं भीषणाकारां प्रहिणोमीह तद्भिये

eka eva kilopāyo bāle me prabhaviṣyati bhūtāliṁ bhīṣaṇākārāṁ prahiṇomīha tadbhiye

"Only one device, it seems, will succeed against this child: I shall send against him here a host of fearsome-shaped demons, to frighten him."

Verse 36 (skanda.4.20.36)

बालत्वाद्भीषितो भूतैस्तपस्त्यक्ष्यत्यसौ ध्रुवम् । इति निश्चित्य भूतालिं प्रेषयामास वासवः

bālatvādbhīṣito bhūtaistapastyakṣyatyasau dhruvam iti niścitya bhūtāliṁ preṣayāmāsa vāsavaḥ

"Being but a child, frightened by these demons, he will surely abandon his penance." Having thus resolved, Indra sent forth his host of demons.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.20.37)

भल्लूकाकारसर्वांग उष्ट्रलंबशिरोधरः । कश्चिद्दुर्दर्शदशनस्त्वभ्यधावत्तमर्भकम्

bhallūkākārasarvāṁga uṣṭralaṁbaśirodharaḥ kaściddurdarśadaśanastvabhyadhāvattamarbhakam

One demon, his whole body shaped like a bear, his neck long and drooping like a camel's, with terrible fangs, charged toward the child.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.20.38)

तं व्याघ्रवदनः कश्चिद्व्यादाय विकटाननम् । द्विपोच्च देहसंस्थानो मुहुर्गर्जन्समभ्यगात्

taṁ vyāghravadanaḥ kaścidvyādāya vikaṭānanam dvipocca dehasaṁsthāno muhurgarjansamabhyagāt

Another, with a tiger's face, his gaping mouth grotesque, his body as huge as an elephant, roaring again and again, came upon him.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.20.39)

रयात्तु मांसकं भुंजन्कश्चिद्विकटदंष्ट्रकः । रोषात्तमभिदुद्राव दृष्ट्वा संतर्जयन्निव

rayāttu māṁsakaṁ bhuṁjankaścidvikaṭadaṁṣṭrakaḥ roṣāttamabhidudrāva dṛṣṭvā saṁtarjayanniva

Yet another, with grotesque fangs, devouring flesh in haste, ran furiously toward him, glaring as if in fierce menace.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.20.40)

अतितीक्ष्णैर्विषाणाग्रैस्तटानुच्चान्विदारयन् । खुराग्रैर्दलयन्भूमिं महोक्षोऽभिजगर्जतम्

atitīkṣṇairviṣāṇāgraistaṭānuccānvidārayan khurāgrairdalayanbhūmiṁ mahokṣo'bhijagarjatam

A great bull-demon, tearing high river-banks with his extremely sharp horn-tips, splitting the earth with his hoof-tips, roared at him.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.20.41)

कश्चिद्धि पन्नगी भूय फटाटोपभयानकः । अतिलोलद्विरसनः पुस्फूर्जनिकषाचितम्

kaściddhi pannagī bhūya phaṭāṭopabhayānakaḥ atiloladvirasanaḥ pusphūrjanikaṣācitam

Another, having taken the form of a great female serpent, terrifying with the spread of its hood, its forked tongue flickering restlessly, hissed at him fiercely.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.20.42)

कश्चिच्च महिषाकारः क्षिपञ्शृंगाग्रतो गिरोन् । लांगूलताडितधरः श्वसन्वेगात्तमाप्तवान्

kaścicca mahiṣākāraḥ kṣipañśṛṁgāgrato giron lāṁgūlatāḍitadharaḥ śvasanvegāttamāptavān

Another, in the form of a buffalo, hurling boulders with the tip of its horns, striking the earth with its swishing tail, came upon him breathing hard with speed.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.20.43)

कश्चिद्दावानलालीढ खर्जूरद्रुमसन्निभम् । बिभ्रदूरुद्वयंभूतो व्यात्तास्यस्तमभीषयत्

kaściddāvānalālīḍha kharjūradrumasannibham bibhradūrudvayaṁbhūto vyāttāsyastamabhīṣayat

Another demon, its two thighs resembling date-palm trees scorched by a forest fire, its mouth agape, terrified him.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.20.44)

मौलिजैरभ्रसंघर्षं कुर्वन्दीर्घकृशोदरः । निमग्नपिंगनयनः कश्चिद्भीषयति स्म तम्

maulijairabhrasaṁgharṣaṁ kurvandīrghakṛśodaraḥ nimagnapiṁganayanaḥ kaścidbhīṣayati sma tam

Another, long and lean-bellied, its matted locks scraping against the clouds, its tawny eyes sunk deep, terrified him.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.20.45)

कृपाणपाणिर्भग्नास्यो वामहस्तकपालधृत् । प्रचंडं क्ष्वेडयन्कश्चिदभ्यधावत्तमर्भकम्

kṛpāṇapāṇirbhagnāsyo vāmahastakapāladhṛt pracaṁḍaṁ kṣveḍayankaścidabhyadhāvattamarbhakam

A sword in hand, its face distorted, holding a skull-bowl in its left hand, roaring furiously, ran toward the child.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.20.46)

विशाल सालमादाय कुर्वन्किल किलारवम् । कश्चित्तमभितो याति कालो दंडधरो यथा

viśāla sālamādāya kurvankila kilāravam kaścittamabhito yāti kālo daṁḍadharo yathā

Wielding a huge sal-tree trunk, making a terrible clamor, one demon came around him, as though he were Death himself, staff in hand.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.20.47)

तमः संकेतसदनं व्याघ्रं वै वदनं महत्। कृतांतकं दराकारं बिभ्रत्कश्चित्तमभ्यगात्

tamaḥ saṁketasadanaṁ vyāghraṁ vai vadanaṁ mahat kṛtāṁtakaṁ darākāraṁ bibhratkaścittamabhyagāt

Another, bearing a great tiger's face, that very dwelling-place of darkness, terrifying and cave-like in form, came toward him as if bringing death itself.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.20.48)

उलूकाकारतां धृत्वा फूत्कारैरतिदारुणैः । हृदयाकंपनैः कश्चिद्भीषयामास तं ध्रुवम्

ulūkākāratāṁ dhṛtvā phūtkārairatidāruṇaiḥ hṛdayākaṁpanaiḥ kaścidbhīṣayāmāsa taṁ dhruvam

Assuming the form of an owl, another terrified Dhruva with extremely dreadful hisses that made the heart tremble.

Verse 49 (skanda.4.20.49)

यक्षिणी काचिदानीय रुदंतं कस्यचिच्छिशुम् । अपिबद्रुधिरं कोष्ठाच्चखादास्थि मृणालवत्

yakṣiṇī kācidānīya rudaṁtaṁ kasyacicchiśum apibadrudhiraṁ koṣṭhāccakhādāsthi mṛṇālavat

A certain Yakshini, bringing a weeping child of someone else, drank the blood from its belly and chewed its bones as if they were lotus-stalks.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.20.50)

पिपासिताद्य रुधिरं तेपि पास्याम्यहं धुव । यथास्य बालस्य तथा चर्वित्वास्थीनि वादिनी

pipāsitādya rudhiraṁ tepi pāsyāmyahaṁ dhuva yathāsya bālasya tathā carvitvāsthīni vādinī

"Thirsty am I today, and I shall drink your blood too, O Dhruva, just as I have drunk this child's," she said, chewing his bones as she spoke.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.20.51)

अनीय तृणदारूणि परिस्तीर्य समंततः । दावाग्निं ज्वालयामास काचिद्वात्याविवर्धितम्

anīya tṛṇadārūṇi paristīrya samaṁtataḥ dāvāgniṁ jvālayāmāsa kācidvātyāvivardhitam

Another demoness, bringing grass and wood, spreading them all around, kindled a forest fire, fanned high as if by a whirlwind.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.20.52)

वेताली रूपमास्थाय भंक्त्वा काचित्तरून्गिरीन् । रुरोध गगनाध्वानं कंपयंती च तं भृशम्

vetālī rūpamāsthāya bhaṁktvā kācittarūngirīn rurodha gaganādhvānaṁ kaṁpayaṁtī ca taṁ bhṛśam

Assuming the form of a Vetali, another, shattering trees and hills, blocked the very pathway of the sky, making him tremble violently.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.20.53)

अन्या सुनीतिरूपेण तमभिप्रेक्ष्य दूरतः । रुरोदातीवदुःखार्ता वक्षोघातं मुहुर्मुहुः

anyā sunītirūpeṇa tamabhiprekṣya dūrataḥ rurodātīvaduḥkhārtā vakṣoghātaṁ muhurmuhuḥ

Yet another, taking the form of Suniti herself, seeing him from a distance, wept in great sorrow, striking her breast again and again.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.20.54)

उवाच च वचश्चाटु बहुमाया विनिर्मितम् । कारुण्यपूर्ण वात्सल्यमतीवातन्वती सती

uvāca ca vacaścāṭu bahumāyā vinirmitam kāruṇyapūrṇa vātsalyamatīvātanvatī satī

And, being of great illusory power, she spoke flattering, deceptive words, feigning intense, compassion-filled maternal tenderness:

Verse 55 (skanda.4.20.55)

त्वदेकशरणां वत्स बत मृत्युर्जिघांसति । रक्षरक्ष गतासुं मां शरणागतवत्सल

tvadekaśaraṇāṁ vatsa bata mṛtyurjighāṁsati rakṣarakṣa gatāsuṁ māṁ śaraṇāgatavatsala

"Alas, my child, death seeks to slay me, who have you as my only refuge! O you who are ever kind to those who seek shelter, save me, save me -- my life is fading."

Verse 56 (skanda.4.20.56)

प्रतिग्रामं प्रतिपुरं प्रत्यध्वं प्रतिकाननम् । प्रत्याश्रमं प्रतिगिरिं श्रांता त्वद्वीक्षणातुरा

pratigrāmaṁ pratipuraṁ pratyadhvaṁ pratikānanam pratyāśramaṁ pratigiriṁ śrāṁtā tvadvīkṣaṇāturā

"In every village, every town, every road, every forest, every hermitage, every mountain, I have wandered exhausted, aching to see you again."

Verse 57 (skanda.4.20.57)

यदा प्रभृति रे बाल निरगात्तपसे भवान् । तदेव दिनमारभ्य निर्गताऽहं त्वदीक्षणे

yadā prabhṛti re bāla niragāttapase bhavān tadeva dinamārabhya nirgatā'haṁ tvadīkṣaṇe

"From the very day, O child, that you set out for your penance, from that very day I too have set out, searching to catch sight of you."

Verse 58 (skanda.4.20.58)

तैस्तैः सपत्नीदुर्वाक्यैर्दुनोपि त्वं यथार्भक । तथाऽहमपि दूनास्मि नितरां तद्वचोऽग्निना

taistaiḥ sapatnīdurvākyairdunopi tvaṁ yathārbhaka tathā'hamapi dūnāsmi nitarāṁ tadvaco'gninā

"Just as you, my child, were tormented by all those harsh words of your co-mother, so too I am tormented, still more, by the fire of those very words."

Verse 59 (skanda.4.20.59)

न निद्रामि न जागर्मि नाश्नामि न पिबाम्यहम् । ध्यायामि केवलं त्वाऽहं योगिनीव वियोगिनी

na nidrāmi na jāgarmi nāśnāmi na pibāmyaham dhyāyāmi kevalaṁ tvā'haṁ yoginīva viyoginī

"I neither sleep nor wake, I neither eat nor drink; I only meditate upon you, like a yogini separated from her beloved."

Verse 60 (skanda.4.20.60)

निद्रादरिद्रनयना स्वप्नेपि न तवाननम् । आनंदि सर्वथा यन्मे मंदभाग्या विलोकये

nidrādaridranayanā svapnepi na tavānanam ānaṁdi sarvathā yanme maṁdabhāgyā vilokaye

"My eyes, deprived of sleep, do not even in dreams behold your face, which would fill me with joy in every way -- so unfortunate am I."

Verse 61 (skanda.4.20.61)

त्वदाननप्रतिनिधिर्विधुर्विधुरया मया । उदित्वरोपिनालोकि तापं वै त्यक्तुकामया

tvadānanapratinidhirvidhurvidhurayā mayā uditvaropināloki tāpaṁ vai tyaktukāmayā

"Even the moon, that substitute for your face, rising though it does, I, forlorn, wishing only to shed my anguish, could not bear to look upon."

Verse 62 (skanda.4.20.62)

त्वदालापसमालापं कलयन्किलकाकलीम् । कोकिलोपि मयाकर्णि नालकाकीर्णकर्णया

tvadālāpasamālāpaṁ kalayankilakākalīm kokilopi mayākarṇi nālakākīrṇakarṇayā

"Even the cuckoo, whose sweet warbling seemed to imitate your speech, I -- my ears filled only with longing -- could not bring myself to hear."

Verse 63 (skanda.4.20.63)

त्वदंगसंगमधुरो ध्रुवधूपितयामया । नानिलोपि मयालिंगि क्वचिद्विश्रांतया भृशम्

tvadaṁgasaṁgamadhuro dhruvadhūpitayāmayā nānilopi mayāliṁgi kvacidviśrāṁtayā bhṛśam

"Even the breeze, sweet as your embrace, I -- ever restless, my nights spent in constant burning grief -- could nowhere embrace with any rest."

Verse 64 (skanda.4.20.64)

के देशाः काश्च सरितः के शैलास्त्वत्कृते ध्रुव । मया चरणचारिण्या राजपत्न्या न लंघिताः

ke deśāḥ kāśca saritaḥ ke śailāstvatkṛte dhruva mayā caraṇacāriṇyā rājapatnyā na laṁghitāḥ

"What lands, what rivers, what mountains, O Dhruva, have I -- though a queen -- not crossed on foot, walking in search of you?"

Verse 65 (skanda.4.20.65)

अध्रुवं सर्वमेवैतत्पश्यंत्यंधीकृतास्म्यहम् । धात्रीं त्रायस्व मां पुत्र प्राप्य त्वंमेंऽधयष्टिताम्

adhruvaṁ sarvamevaitatpaśyaṁtyaṁdhīkṛtāsmyaham dhātrīṁ trāyasva māṁ putra prāpya tvaṁmeṁ'dhayaṣṭitām

"Seeing all else as impermanent, I have become as if blind. Save your nursing mother, my son -- I have become a blind woman's staff, dependent wholly on you."

Verse 66 (skanda.4.20.66)

मृदुलानि तवांगानि क्वेमानि क्व तपस्त्विदम् । परुषं पुरुषैः साध्यं परुषांगैर्नरर्षभ

mṛdulāni tavāṁgāni kvemāni kva tapastvidam paruṣaṁ puruṣaiḥ sādhyaṁ paruṣāṁgairnararṣabha

"Where are these tender limbs of yours, and where this harsh penance, O bull among men, fit only to be accomplished by men of hardened, rugged bodies?"

Verse 67 (skanda.4.20.67)

अनेन तपसा वत्स त्वयाऽऽप्यं किमनेनसा । धराधीशतनूजत्वादधिकं तद्वदाधुना

anena tapasā vatsa tvayā''pyaṁ kimanenasā dharādhīśatanūjatvādadhikaṁ tadvadādhunā

"My innocent child, what is it that you would gain by this penance, greater than what you already have by birth as the son of the lord of the earth? Tell me that now."

Verse 68 (skanda.4.20.68)

अनेन वयसा बाल खेलनीयं त्वयाऽनिशम् । बालक्रीडनकैरन्यैः सवयः शिशुभिः समम्

anena vayasā bāla khelanīyaṁ tvayā'niśam bālakrīḍanakairanyaiḥ savayaḥ śiśubhiḥ samam

"At this age, child, you ought to be forever playing children's games with other boys of your own age."

Verse 69 (skanda.4.20.69)

ततः कौमारमासाद्य वयोऽभिध्यानशीलिना । भवता सर्वविद्यानां भाव्यं वै पारदृश्वना

tataḥ kaumāramāsādya vayo'bhidhyānaśīlinā bhavatā sarvavidyānāṁ bhāvyaṁ vai pāradṛśvanā

"Then, having reached the age of youth, applying your mind to study, you ought to become one who has mastered every branch of learning."

Verse 70 (skanda.4.20.70)

वयोथ चतुरं प्राप्य योषास्रक्चंदनादिकान् । निर्वेक्ष्यसि बहून्भोगानिंद्रियार्थान्कृतार्थयन्

vayotha caturaṁ prāpya yoṣāsrakcaṁdanādikān nirvekṣyasi bahūnbhogāniṁdriyārthānkṛtārthayan

"Then, reaching a mature age, you shall enjoy many pleasures -- women, garlands, sandal-paste and the rest -- fulfilling the objects of your senses."

Verse 71 (skanda.4.20.71)

उत्पाद्याथ बहून्पुत्रान्गुणिनो धर्मवत्सलान् । परिसंक्रामितश्रीकस्तेष्वथो त्वं तपश्चर

utpādyātha bahūnputrānguṇino dharmavatsalān parisaṁkrāmitaśrīkasteṣvatho tvaṁ tapaścara

"Then, having begotten many virtuous, righteous sons, and having passed your royal fortune on to them, only then should you practice penance."

Verse 72 (skanda.4.20.72)

इदानीमेव तपसि बाल्ये वयसि कः श्रमः । पादांगुष्ठकरीषाग्निः कदा मौलिमवाप्स्यति

idānīmeva tapasi bālye vayasi kaḥ śramaḥ pādāṁguṣṭhakarīṣāgniḥ kadā maulimavāpsyati

"What is the use of this labor of penance right now, in your childhood? When will the mere dung-fire warmth of a toe ever reach up to touch the crown of your head?"

Verse 73 (skanda.4.20.73)

विपक्षपरिभूतेन हृतमानेन केनचित् । परिभ्रष्टश्रिया वापि तप्तव्यं तेषु को भवान्

vipakṣaparibhūtena hṛtamānena kenacit paribhraṣṭaśriyā vāpi taptavyaṁ teṣu ko bhavān

"It is one overpowered by an enemy, one whose honor has been stripped away, or one fallen from all fortune, who should undergo such austerity -- which of these, pray, are you?"

Verse 74 (skanda.4.20.74)

हृतमानेन तप्तव्यं निशम्येति वचो ध्रुवः । दीर्घमुष्णं हि निःश्वस्य पुनर्दध्यौ हरिं हृदि

hṛtamānena taptavyaṁ niśamyeti vaco dhruvaḥ dīrghamuṣṇaṁ hi niḥśvasya punardadhyau hariṁ hṛdi

Hearing these words -- "penance is for one whose honor has been stripped away" -- Dhruva sighed a long, hot sigh, and again fixed his meditation upon Hari in his heart.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.20.75)

जनयित्रीमनाभाष्य भूतभीतिं विहाय च । ध्रुवोऽच्युतध्यानपरः पुनरेव बभूव ह

janayitrīmanābhāṣya bhūtabhītiṁ vihāya ca dhruvo'cyutadhyānaparaḥ punareva babhūva ha

Without answering this false mother, and casting aside all fear of the demons, Dhruva once again became wholly absorbed in meditation upon Achyuta.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.20.76)

सापि भूतावली भीतिंबहुभीषणभूषणा । दर्शयंती तमभितोऽद्राक्षीच्चक्रं सुदर्शनम्

sāpi bhūtāvalī bhītiṁbahubhīṣaṇabhūṣaṇā darśayaṁtī tamabhito'drākṣīccakraṁ sudarśanam

That host of demons, decked out with countless terrifying ornaments, while still displaying its terror all around him, then beheld the Sudarshana discus.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.20.77)

परितः परिवेषाभं सूर्यस्योच्चैः स्फुरत्प्रभम् । रक्षणाय च रक्षोभ्यस्तस्याधोक्षज निर्मितम्

paritaḥ pariveṣābhaṁ sūryasyoccaiḥ sphuratprabham rakṣaṇāya ca rakṣobhyastasyādhokṣaja nirmitam

All around it blazed with a halo like the sun's own corona, flashing intensely -- fashioned by Adhokshaja himself, for Dhruva's protection against these demons.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.20.78)

भूतावली तमालोक्य स्फुरच्चक्रसुदर्शनम् । ज्वालामालाकुलं तीव्रं रक्षंतं परितो ध्रुवम्

bhūtāvalī tamālokya sphuraccakrasudarśanam jvālāmālākulaṁ tīvraṁ rakṣaṁtaṁ parito dhruvam

Beholding that flashing Sudarshana discus, ringed about with garlands of flame, fiercely guarding Dhruva on every side...

Verse 79 (skanda.4.20.79)

अतीव निष्कंपहृदं गोविदार्पितचेतसम् । तपोंकुरमिवोद्भिद्य मेदिनीं समुदित्वरम्

atīva niṣkaṁpahṛdaṁ govidārpitacetasam tapoṁkuramivodbhidya medinīṁ samuditvaram

...that host of demons saw Dhruva, his heart utterly unshaken, his mind wholly offered to Govinda, rising up as though he were a sprout of penance itself, having burst forth from the earth.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.20.80)

सापि प्रत्युतभीतातं ध्रुवं ध्रुवविनिश्चयम् । नमस्कृत्य यथायातं याताव्यर्थमनोरथा

sāpi pratyutabhītātaṁ dhruvaṁ dhruvaviniścayam namaskṛtya yathāyātaṁ yātāvyarthamanorathā

That host of demons, on the contrary now itself terrified, bowed down to that Dhruva of unwavering resolve, and departed the very way it had come, its purpose utterly frustrated.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.20.81)

गर्जत्कादंबिनीजालं व्योम्नि वै व्याकुलं यथा । वृथा भवति संप्राप्य मनागनिललोलताम्

garjatkādaṁbinījālaṁ vyomni vai vyākulaṁ yathā vṛthā bhavati saṁprāpya manāganilalolatām

Just as a roaring mass of thunderclouds in the sky, however turbulent, becomes futile once it meets even a little of the wind's own force and is scattered...

Verse 82 (skanda.4.20.82)

अथ जंभारिणा सार्धं भीताः सर्वे दिवौकसः । संमंत्र्य त्वरिता जग्मुर्ब्रह्माणं शरणं द्विज

atha jaṁbhāriṇā sārdhaṁ bhītāḥ sarve divaukasaḥ saṁmaṁtrya tvaritā jagmurbrahmāṇaṁ śaraṇaṁ dvija

...just so, O brahmin, all the terrified dwellers of heaven, together with Indra, slayer of Jambha, having taken counsel, hastened swiftly to Brahma for refuge.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.20.83)

नत्वा विज्ञापयामासुः परिष्टुत्या पितामहम् । वच्रोऽवसरमालोक्य पृष्टागमनकारणाः

natvā vijñāpayāmāsuḥ pariṣṭutyā pitāmaham vacro'vasaramālokya pṛṣṭāgamanakāraṇāḥ

Bowing down, they informed the Grandsire, praising him fittingly; and Indra, watching for the right moment, when asked the reason for their coming...

Verse 84 (skanda.4.20.84)

देवा ऊचुः । धातरुत्तानपादस्य तनयेन सुवर्चसा । तपता तापिताः सर्वे त्रिलोकी तलवासिनः

devā ūcuḥ dhātaruttānapādasya tanayena suvarcasā tapatā tāpitāḥ sarve trilokī talavāsinaḥ

The gods said: "O Creator, all of us, the dwellers of the three worlds, have been scorched by the penance of the radiant son of Uttanapada, who himself is performing great austerity."

Verse 85 (skanda.4.20.85)

सम्यक्संविद्महे तात धुवस्य न मनीषितम् । पदं परिजिहीर्षुः स कस्यास्मासु महातपाः

samyaksaṁvidmahe tāta dhuvasya na manīṣitam padaṁ parijihīrṣuḥ sa kasyāsmāsu mahātapāḥ

"We do not truly know, father, Dhruva's intention -- whose position among us does this great ascetic wish to seize?"

Verse 86 (skanda.4.20.86)

इति विज्ञापितो देवैर्विहस्य चतुराननः । प्रत्युवाचाथ तान्सर्वान्ध्रुवतो भीतमानसान्

iti vijñāpito devairvihasya caturānanaḥ pratyuvācātha tānsarvāndhruvato bhītamānasān

Thus informed by the gods, the four-faced Brahma smiled, and then replied to them all, whose minds were all afraid because of Dhruva.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.20.87)

ब्रह्मोवाच । न भेतव्यं सुरास्तस्माद्ध्रुवाद्ध्रुवपदैषिणः । व्रजंतु विज्वराः सर्वे न स वः पदमिच्छति

brahmovāca na bhetavyaṁ surāstasmāddhruvāddhruvapadaiṣiṇaḥ vrajaṁtu vijvarāḥ sarve na sa vaḥ padamicchati

Brahma said: "You need not fear that Dhruva, seeker of the fixed and unshakeable state; let all of you go, free of your fever, for he does not desire your positions."

Verse 88 (skanda.4.20.88)

न तस्माद्भगवद्भक्ताद्भेतव्यं केनचित्क्वचित् । निश्चितं विष्णुभक्ता ये न ते स्युः परतापिनः

na tasmādbhagavadbhaktādbhetavyaṁ kenacitkvacit niścitaṁ viṣṇubhaktā ye na te syuḥ paratāpinaḥ

"From that devotee of the Lord, no one need ever fear anything, anywhere. It is certain: those who are devotees of Vishnu never become tormentors of others."

Verse 89 (skanda.4.20.89)

आराध्य विष्णुं देवेशं लब्ध्वा तस्मात्स्वकांक्षितम् । भवतामपि सर्वेषां पदानि स्थिरयिष्यति

ārādhya viṣṇuṁ deveśaṁ labdhvā tasmātsvakāṁkṣitam bhavatāmapi sarveṣāṁ padāni sthirayiṣyati

"Having worshipped Vishnu, lord of the gods, and obtained from him what he himself desires, he will in fact make firm and secure the very positions of all of you."

Verse 90 (skanda.4.20.90)

निशम्येति च गीर्वाणाः प्रणीतं ब्रह्मणो वचः । प्रणिपत्य स्वधिष्ण्यानि प्रहृष्टाः परिवव्रजुः

niśamyeti ca gīrvāṇāḥ praṇītaṁ brahmaṇo vacaḥ praṇipatya svadhiṣṇyāni prahṛṣṭāḥ parivavrajuḥ

Hearing these well-reasoned words of Brahma, the gods, greatly delighted, bowed down and returned each to their own abode.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.20.91)

अथ नारायणो देवस्तं दृष्ट्वा दृढमानसम् । अनन्यशरणं बालं गत्वा तार्क्ष्यरथोऽब्रवीत्

atha nārāyaṇo devastaṁ dṛṣṭvā dṛḍhamānasam ananyaśaraṇaṁ bālaṁ gatvā tārkṣyaratho'bravīt

Then the god Narayana, seeing that boy of firm mind, who had taken no refuge but him, went to him mounted on his Garuda-chariot and spoke.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.20.92)

श्रीविष्णुरुवाच । प्रसन्नोस्मि महाभाग वरं वरय सुव्रत । तपसोऽस्मान्निवर्तस्व चिरं खिन्नोसि बालक

śrīviṣṇuruvāca prasannosmi mahābhāga varaṁ varaya suvrata tapaso'smānnivartasva ciraṁ khinnosi bālaka

Sri Vishnu said: "I am pleased with you, O fortunate one; choose your boon, O soul of noble vows. Cease now from this penance -- you have been weary for a long time, my child."

Verse 93 (skanda.4.20.93)

वचोऽमृतं समाकर्ण्य पर्युन्मील्य विलोचने । इंद्रनीलमणिज्योतिः पटलीं पर्यलोकयत्

vaco'mṛtaṁ samākarṇya paryunmīlya vilocane iṁdranīlamaṇijyotiḥ paṭalīṁ paryalokayat

Hearing that nectar-like voice, opening wide his eyes, Dhruva beheld a radiant mass of light like sapphire.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.20.94)

प्रत्यग्रविकसन्नीलोत्पलानां निकुरंबकैः । प्रोत्फुल्लितां समंताच्च रोदसी सरसीमिव

pratyagravikasannīlotpalānāṁ nikuraṁbakaiḥ protphullitāṁ samaṁtācca rodasī sarasīmiva

Heaven and earth appeared to him, on every side, in full bloom, as if they were a lake covered with clusters of freshly-blossoming blue lotuses.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.20.95)

लक्ष्मीदेवीकटाक्षोघैः कटाक्षितमिवाखिलम् । धुवस्तदानिरैक्षिष्ट द्यावाभूम्योर्यदंतरम्

lakṣmīdevīkaṭākṣoghaiḥ kaṭākṣitamivākhilam dhuvastadāniraikṣiṣṭa dyāvābhūmyoryadaṁtaram

All that lay between heaven and earth Dhruva then beheld, as though the whole of it had been touched by the glancing showers of Goddess Lakshmi's own sidelong gaze.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.20.96)

प्रोद्यत्कादंबिनीमध्य विद्युद्दामसमानरुक् । पुरः पीतांबरः कृष्णस्तेन नेत्रातिथीकृतः

prodyatkādaṁbinīmadhya vidyuddāmasamānaruk puraḥ pītāṁbaraḥ kṛṣṇastena netrātithīkṛtaḥ

Before him, dark of hue, clad in yellow silk, radiant like a streak of lightning amid a rising mass of thunderclouds, the Lord became a guest before his eyes.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.20.97)

नभो निकष पाषाणो मेरुकांचन रेखितः । यथातथा ध्रुवेणैक्षि तदा गरुडवाहनः

nabho nikaṣa pāṣāṇo merukāṁcana rekhitaḥ yathātathā dhruveṇaikṣi tadā garuḍavāhanaḥ

Just as a touchstone set against the sky is streaked with the gold of Meru, so did Dhruva then behold the Lord mounted upon Garuda.

Verse 98 (skanda.4.20.98)

सुनीलगगनं यद्वद्भूषितं तु कलावता । पीतेन वाससा युक्तं स ददर्श हरिं तदा

sunīlagaganaṁ yadvadbhūṣitaṁ tu kalāvatā pītena vāsasā yuktaṁ sa dadarśa hariṁ tadā

As the deep blue sky is adorned by the crescent moon, so did he then behold Hari, adorned and clothed in yellow garments.

Verse 99 (skanda.4.20.99)

दंडवत्प्रणिपत्याथ परितः परिलुठ्य च । रुरोद दृष्ट्वेव चिरं पितरं दुःखितः शिशुः

daṁḍavatpraṇipatyātha paritaḥ pariluṭhya ca ruroda dṛṣṭveva ciraṁ pitaraṁ duḥkhitaḥ śiśuḥ

Then, prostrating himself flat like a stick upon the ground, rolling about on every side, the child, as though beholding his own long-lost father, wept in great sorrow.

Verse 100 (skanda.4.20.100)

नारदेन सनंदेन सनकेन सुसंस्तुतः । अन्यैः सनत्कुमाराद्यैर्योगिभिर्योगिनां वरः

nāradena sanaṁdena sanakena susaṁstutaḥ anyaiḥ sanatkumārādyairyogibhiryogināṁ varaḥ

The Lord, best among yogis, being duly praised by Narada, Sanandana, Sanaka, and other yogis such as Sanatkumara...

Verse 101 (skanda.4.20.101)

कारुण्यवाष्पनीरार्द्र पुंडरीकविलोचनः। ध्रुवमुत्थापयांचक्रे चक्री धृत्वा करेण तम्

kāruṇyavāṣpanīrārdra puṁḍarīkavilocanaḥ dhruvamutthāpayāṁcakre cakrī dhṛtvā kareṇa tam

...his lotus-eyes moist with tears of compassion, the Wielder of the Discus raised Dhruva up, taking hold of him with his own hand.

Verse 102 (skanda.4.20.102)

हरिस्तु परिपस्पर्श तदंगं धूलिधूसरम् । कराभ्यां सुकठोराभ्यां नित्यं शास्त्रपरिग्रहात्

haristu paripasparśa tadaṁgaṁ dhūlidhūsaram karābhyāṁ sukaṭhorābhyāṁ nityaṁ śāstraparigrahāt

And Hari lovingly touched all over that body of his, gray with dust, with his own two hands, hardened as they were from the constant grasp of his weapons.

Verse 103 (skanda.4.20.103)

स्पर्शनाद्देवदेवस्य सुसंस्कृतमयी शुभा । वाणी प्रवृत्ता तस्यास्यात्तुष्टावाथ ध्रुवो हरिम्

sparśanāddevadevasya susaṁskṛtamayī śubhā vāṇī pravṛttā tasyāsyāttuṣṭāvātha dhruvo harim

From the very touch of the God of gods, a pure and perfectly formed speech arose from Dhruva's mouth, and he then began to praise Hari.