The Greatness of Avimukta, and How Shiva Departed to Mandara

Verse 1 (skanda.4.39.1)

स्कंद उवाच॥ शृण्वगस्त्य महाभाग कथां पापप्रणाशिनीम्॥ नैःश्रेयस्याः श्रियोहेतुमविमुक्त समाश्रयाम्

skaṁda uvāca śṛṇvagastya mahābhāga kathāṁ pāpapraṇāśinīm naiḥśreyasyāḥ śriyohetumavimukta samāśrayām

Skanda said: "Listen now, O greatly blessed Agastya, to this sin-destroying tale, resting upon Avimukta, the cause of the highest and most blessed fortune."

Verse 2 (skanda.4.39.2)

परं ब्रह्म यदाम्नातं निष्प्रपंचं निरात्मकम्॥ निर्विकल्पं निराकारमव्यक्तं स्थूलसूक्ष्मवत्

paraṁ brahma yadāmnātaṁ niṣprapaṁcaṁ nirātmakam nirvikalpaṁ nirākāramavyaktaṁ sthūlasūkṣmavat

That Supreme Brahman which is declared in the sacred texts is beyond all multiplicity, beyond selfhood, beyond alternatives, formless, unmanifest -- and yet it appears as though in both gross and subtle forms.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.39.3)

तदेतत्क्षेत्रमापूर्य स्थितं सर्वगमप्यहो॥ किमन्यत्र न शक्तोसौ जंतून्मोचयितुं भवात्

tadetatkṣetramāpūrya sthitaṁ sarvagamapyaho kimanyatra na śaktosau jaṁtūnmocayituṁ bhavāt

How wondrous, that this all-pervading Brahman is present here, having filled this very Kshetra completely! Is it, then, unable elsewhere to free beings from worldly existence?

Verse 4 (skanda.4.39.4)

भवो ध्रुवं यदत्रैव मोचयेत्तं निशामय॥ महत्या योगयुक्त्या वा महादानैरकामिकैः

bhavo dhruvaṁ yadatraiva mocayettaṁ niśāmaya mahatyā yogayuktyā vā mahādānairakāmikaiḥ

Listen: him whom Lord Bhava liberates elsewhere only through great yogic discipline, or through great gifts given without any desire for reward...

Verse 5 (skanda.4.39.5)

सुमहद्भिस्तपोभिर्वा शिवोन्यत्र विमोचयेत्॥ योगयुक्तिं न महतीं न दानानि महांति च

sumahadbhistapobhirvā śivonyatra vimocayet yogayuktiṁ na mahatīṁ na dānāni mahāṁti ca

...or only through extremely great austerities does Shiva liberate elsewhere -- that same liberation, here in Kashi, comes without such great yogic discipline, and without such great gifts.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.39.6)

न तपांस्यतिदीर्घाणि काश्यां मुक्त्यै शिवोर्थयेत्॥ वियुनक्ति न यत्काश्या उपसर्गे महत्यपि

na tapāṁsyatidīrghāṇi kāśyāṁ muktyai śivorthayet viyunakti na yatkāśyā upasarge mahatyapi

For liberation in Kashi, Shiva does not require excessively prolonged austerities, for he never lets go of Kashi, even amid the greatest calamity.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.39.7)

अयमेव महायोग उपयोगस्त्विहा परः॥ नियमेन तु विश्वेशे पुष्पं पत्रं फलं जलम्

ayameva mahāyoga upayogastvihā paraḥ niyamena tu viśveśe puṣpaṁ patraṁ phalaṁ jalam

The supreme practice here is itself the great yoga: offering, with steady discipline, a flower, a leaf, a fruit, or water to Vishveshvara.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.39.8)

यद्दत्तं सुमनोवृत्त्या महादानं तदत्र वै॥ मुक्तिमंडपिकायां च क्षणं यत्स्थिरमास्यते

yaddattaṁ sumanovṛttyā mahādānaṁ tadatra vai muktimaṁḍapikāyāṁ ca kṣaṇaṁ yatsthiramāsyate

Whatever is offered here with a pure and gracious heart becomes, here, a great gift; and to sit steadily even for a moment in this pavilion of liberation...

Verse 9 (skanda.4.39.9)

स्नात्वा गंगामृते शुद्धे तप एतदिहोत्तमम्॥ सत्कृत्य भिक्षवे भिक्षा यत्काश्यां परिदीयते॥ तुला पुरुष एतस्याः कलां नार्हति षोडशीम्

snātvā gaṁgāmṛte śuddhe tapa etadihottamam satkṛtya bhikṣave bhikṣā yatkāśyāṁ paridīyate tulā puruṣa etasyāḥ kalāṁ nārhati ṣoḍaśīm

...is here a supreme austerity, greater even than bathing in the pure, nectar-like waters of the Ganga. Alms respectfully given to a beggar in Kashi -- not even a sixteenth part of its merit is reached by weighing a man against gold elsewhere.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.39.10)

हृदि संचिंत्य विश्वेशं क्षणं यद्विनिमील्यते॥ देवस्य दक्षिणे भागे महायोगोयमुत्तमः॥ इदमेव तपोत्युग्रं यदिंद्रिय विलोलताम्॥ निषिध्य स्थीयते काश्यां क्षुत्तापाद्यवमन्य च

hṛdi saṁciṁtya viśveśaṁ kṣaṇaṁ yadvinimīlyate devasya dakṣiṇe bhāge mahāyogoyamuttamaḥ idameva tapotyugraṁ yadiṁdriya vilolatām niṣidhya sthīyate kāśyāṁ kṣuttāpādyavamanya ca

To meditate upon Vishveshvara in one's heart and close the eyes for even a moment on the southern side of the deity -- this itself is the supreme great yoga here. And this alone is the most severe austerity: restraining the fickleness of the senses and remaining steadfast in Kashi, disregarding hunger, thirst, and the like.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.39.11)

मासि मासि यदाप्येत व्रताच्चांद्रायणात्फलम्॥ अन्यत्र तदिहाप्येत भूतायां नक्तभोजनात्

māsi māsi yadāpyeta vratāccāṁdrāyaṇātphalam anyatra tadihāpyeta bhūtāyāṁ naktabhojanāt

The fruit that is gained elsewhere, month after month, from the Chandrayana vow, is obtained here merely by a single evening meal observed on the Bhuta-ashtami day.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.39.12)

मासोपवासादन्यत्र यत्फलं समुपार्ज्यते॥ श्रद्धयैकोपवासेन तत्काश्यां स्यादसंशयम्

māsopavāsādanyatra yatphalaṁ samupārjyate śraddhayaikopavāsena tatkāśyāṁ syādasaṁśayam

Whatever fruit is earned elsewhere by fasting for a full month is, without doubt, obtained in Kashi by a single fast observed with faith.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.39.13)

चातुर्मास्य व्रतात्प्रोक्तं यदन्यत्र महाफलम्॥ एकादश्युपवासेन तत्काश्यां स्यादसंशयम्

cāturmāsya vratātproktaṁ yadanyatra mahāphalam ekādaśyupavāsena tatkāśyāṁ syādasaṁśayam

Whatever great fruit is declared elsewhere from the four-month Chaturmasya vow is, without doubt, obtained in Kashi merely by observing the Ekadashi fast.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.39.14)

षण्मासान्न परित्यागाद्यदन्यत्र फलं लभेत्॥ शिवरात्र्युपवासेन तत्काश्यां जायते ध्रुवम्

ṣaṇmāsānna parityāgādyadanyatra phalaṁ labhet śivarātryupavāsena tatkāśyāṁ jāyate dhruvam

Whatever fruit is gained elsewhere by renouncing grain for six months is certainly obtained in Kashi by a single Shivaratri fast.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.39.15)

वर्षं कृत्वोपवासानि लभेदन्यत्र यद्व्रती॥ तत्फलं स्यात्त्रिरात्रेण काश्यामविकलं मुने

varṣaṁ kṛtvopavāsāni labhedanyatra yadvratī tatphalaṁ syāttrirātreṇa kāśyāmavikalaṁ mune

O sage, whatever fruit a vow-keeper gains elsewhere by fasting for a whole year is obtained in Kashi, complete and undiminished, by a mere three-night fast.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.39.16)

मासिमासि कुशाग्रांबु पानादन्यत्र यत्फलम्॥ काश्यामुत्तरवाहिन्यामेकेन चुलुकेन तत्

māsimāsi kuśāgrāṁbu pānādanyatra yatphalam kāśyāmuttaravāhinyāmekena culukena tat

Whatever fruit is gained elsewhere, month after month, by drinking water dripped from a kusha-grass tip, is obtained in Kashi by a single handful drawn from the northward-flowing Ganga.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.39.17)

अनंतो महिमा काश्याः कस्तं वर्णयितुं प्रभुः॥ विपत्तिमिच्छतो जंतोर्यत्रकर्णे जपः शिवः

anaṁto mahimā kāśyāḥ kastaṁ varṇayituṁ prabhuḥ vipattimicchato jaṁtoryatrakarṇe japaḥ śivaḥ

Infinite is the glory of Kashi -- who indeed has the power to describe it in full? Here, into the ear of a creature facing the calamity of death, the very name "Shiva" is whispered as a mantra...

Verse 18 (skanda.4.39.18)

शंभुस्तत्किंचिदाचष्टे म्रियमाणस्य जन्मिनः॥ कर्णेऽक्षरं यदाकर्ण्य मृतोप्यमृततां व्रजेत्

śaṁbhustatkiṁcidācaṣṭe mriyamāṇasya janminaḥ karṇe'kṣaraṁ yadākarṇya mṛtopyamṛtatāṁ vrajet

...and Shambhu himself speaks that word into the ear of the dying creature; hearing that syllable in his ear, even one who has died attains immortality.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.39.19)

स्मारं स्मारं स्मररिपोः पुरीं त्वमिव शंकरः॥ अदुनोन्मंदरं यातो बहुशस्तदवाप्तये॥ अगस्त्य उवाच॥ स्वकार्यनिपुणैः स्वामिन्गीर्वाणैरतिदारुणैः॥ त्याजितोहं पुरीं काशीं हरो त्याक्षीत्कुतः प्रभुः

smāraṁ smāraṁ smararipoḥ purīṁ tvamiva śaṁkaraḥ adunonmaṁdaraṁ yāto bahuśastadavāptaye agastya uvāca svakāryanipuṇaiḥ svāmingīrvāṇairatidāruṇaiḥ tyājitohaṁ purīṁ kāśīṁ haro tyākṣītkutaḥ prabhuḥ

Remembering again and again that city of Shiva, the Enemy of Kama, Shankara himself, just like you, went repeatedly to Mount Mandara to attain her. Agastya said: "O Lord, I was driven to leave the city of Kashi by the gods, skilled only in their own affairs and utterly without mercy -- but for what reason would Lord Hara himself ever leave her?"

Verse 20 (skanda.4.39.20)

पराधीनोहमिव किं देवदेवः पिनाकवान्॥ काशिकां सोऽत्यजत्कस्मान्निर्वाणमणिराशिकाम्

parādhīnohamiva kiṁ devadevaḥ pinākavān kāśikāṁ so'tyajatkasmānnirvāṇamaṇirāśikām

"Is the God of Gods, wielder of the Pinaka bow, subject to another's will, as I once was? Then for what reason would he have abandoned Kashika, that very heap of jewels bestowing liberation?"

Verse 21 (skanda.4.39.21)

॥ स्कंद उवाच॥ मित्रावरुणसंभूत कथयामि कथामिमाम्॥ तत्याज च यथा स्थाणुः काशीं विध्युपरोधतः

skaṁda uvāca mitrāvaruṇasaṁbhūta kathayāmi kathāmimām tatyāja ca yathā sthāṇuḥ kāśīṁ vidhyuparodhataḥ

Skanda said: "O son of Mitra and Varuna, I shall tell you this story -- how Sthanu, compelled by the constraint of destiny, once left Kashi."

Verse 22 (skanda.4.39.22)

प्रार्थितस्त्वं यथा लेखैः परोपकृतये मुने॥ द्रुहिणेन तथा रुद्रः स्वरक्षण विचक्षणः

prārthitastvaṁ yathā lekhaiḥ paropakṛtaye mune druhiṇena tathā rudraḥ svarakṣaṇa vicakṣaṇaḥ

O sage, just as you were entreated through letters, for the benefit of others, so too was Rudra -- ever watchful in the protection of his own -- entreated by Brahma.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.39.23)

॥ अगस्त्य उवाच॥ कथं स भगवान्रुद्रो द्रुहिणेन कृपांबुधिः॥ प्रार्थितोभूत्किमर्थं च तन्मे ब्रूहि षडानन

agastya uvāca kathaṁ sa bhagavānrudro druhiṇena kṛpāṁbudhiḥ prārthitobhūtkimarthaṁ ca tanme brūhi ṣaḍānana

Agastya said: "O Six-Faced One, how, and for what purpose, was the blessed Rudra, that very ocean of compassion, entreated by Brahma? Tell me this."

Verse 24 (skanda.4.39.24)

॥ स्कंद उवाच॥ पाद्मेकल्पे पुरावृत्ते मनोः स्वायंभुवेंतरे॥ अनावृष्टिरभूद्विप्र सर्वभूतप्रकंपिनी

skaṁda uvāca pādmekalpe purāvṛtte manoḥ svāyaṁbhuveṁtare anāvṛṣṭirabhūdvipra sarvabhūtaprakaṁpinī

Skanda said: "O brahmin, long ago, in the Padma-kalpa, during the passing of the age of Svayambhuva Manu, a terrible drought arose that made all beings tremble."

Verse 25 (skanda.4.39.25)

तया तु षष्टिहायिन्या पीडिताः प्राणिनोऽखिलाः॥ केचिदंबुधितीरेषु गिरिद्रोणीषु केचन

tayā tu ṣaṣṭihāyinyā pīḍitāḥ prāṇino'khilāḥ kecidaṁbudhitīreṣu giridroṇīṣu kecana

Afflicted by that drought, which lasted sixty years, all creatures scattered -- some to the shores of the ocean, some into mountain valleys...

Verse 26 (skanda.4.39.26)

महानिम्नेषु कच्छेषु मुनिवृत्त्या जनाः स्थिताः॥ अरण्यान्यवनिर्जाता ग्रामखर्वट वर्जिता

mahānimneṣu kaccheṣu munivṛttyā janāḥ sthitāḥ araṇyānyavanirjāta grāmakharvaṭa varjitā

...while others settled in the low-lying tracts along great rivers, adopting the austere way of the sages. The forests of the earth turned to wasteland, and villages and small hamlets were left deserted.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.39.27)

क्रव्यादा एव सर्वेषु नगरेषु पुरेषु च॥ आसन्नभ्रंलिहो वृक्षाः सर्वत्र क्षोणिमंडले

kravyādā eva sarveṣu nagareṣu pureṣu ca āsannabhraṁliho vṛkṣāḥ sarvatra kṣoṇimaṁḍale

In every city and town, only flesh-eating creatures now remained; and across the whole circle of the earth, the trees stood gaunt and bare, as if licking the clouds themselves.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.39.28)

चौरा एव महाचौरैरुल्लुठ्यंत इतस्ततः॥ मांसवृत्त्योपजीवंति प्राणिनः प्राणरक्षिणः॥ अराजके समुत्पन्ने लोकेऽत्याहितशंसिनि॥ प्रयत्नो विफलस्त्वासीत्सृष्टेः सृष्टिकृतस्तदा

caurā eva mahācaurairulluṭhyaṁta itastataḥ māṁsavṛttyopajīvaṁti prāṇinaḥ prāṇarakṣiṇaḥ arājake samutpanne loke'tyāhitaśaṁsini prayatno viphalastvāsītsṛṣṭeḥ sṛṣṭikṛtastadā

Even thieves were plundered by greater thieves and wandered about helplessly; creatures sustained their very lives on flesh, guarding only their own survival. When the world, bereft of a king, grew full of dire portents, even the Creator's own effort at fashioning creation came to nothing.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.39.29)

चिंतामवाप महती जगद्योनिः प्रजाक्षयात्॥ प्रजासु क्षीयमाणासु क्षीणा यज्ञादिकाः क्रियाः

ciṁtāmavāpa mahatī jagadyoniḥ prajākṣayāt prajāsu kṣīyamāṇāsu kṣīṇā yajñādikāḥ kriyāḥ

Brahma, the very source of the world, fell into deep anxiety over the destruction of his creatures. As the people dwindled, the sacrifices and other rites too dwindled away.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.39.30)

तासु क्षीणासु संक्षीणाः सर्वे यज्ञभुजोऽभवन्॥ ततश्चिंतयता स्रष्ट्रा दृष्टो राजर्षिसत्तमः

tāsu kṣīṇāsu saṁkṣīṇāḥ sarve yajñabhujo'bhavan tataściṁtayatā sraṣṭrā dṛṣṭo rājarṣisattamaḥ

As those rites dwindled, all the gods who partake of the sacrificial offerings grew weak as well. Then the anxious Creator beheld a most excellent royal sage...

Verse 31 (skanda.4.39.31)

अविमुक्ते महाक्षेत्रे तपस्यन्निश्चलेंद्रियः॥ मनोरन्वयजो वीरः क्षात्रो धर्म इवोदितः

avimukte mahākṣetre tapasyanniścaleṁdriyaḥ manoranvayajo vīraḥ kṣātro dharma ivoditaḥ

...who was performing austerity in the great Kshetra of Avimukta, his senses stilled -- a hero born in the very line of Manu, as if the embodiment of Kshatriya dharma itself had arisen.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.39.32)

रिपुंजय इति ख्यातो राजा परपुरंजयः॥ अथ ब्रह्मा तमासाद्य बहुगौरवपूर्वकम्

ripuṁjaya iti khyāto rājā parapuraṁjayaḥ atha brahmā tamāsādya bahugauravapūrvakam

That king, conqueror of his enemies' cities, was known by the name Ripunjaya. Then Brahma, approaching him with the greatest reverence...

Verse 33 (skanda.4.39.33)

उवाच वचनं राजन्रिपुंजय महामते॥ इलां पालय भूपाल ससमुद्राद्रिकाननाम्

uvāca vacanaṁ rājanripuṁjaya mahāmate ilāṁ pālaya bhūpāla sasamudrādrikānanām

...spoke to him these words: "O wise King Ripunjaya, O protector of the earth, take up the guardianship of this world, together with its oceans, mountains, and forests."

Verse 34 (skanda.4.39.34)

नागकन्यां नागराजः पत्न्यर्थं ते प्रदास्यति॥ अनंगमोहिनीं नाम्ना वासुकिः शीलभूषणाम्

nāgakanyāṁ nāgarājaḥ patnyarthaṁ te pradāsyati anaṁgamohinīṁ nāmnā vāsukiḥ śīlabhūṣaṇām

"Vasuki, the King of Serpents, will give you as your wife his serpent-daughter, virtuous and named Anangamohini."

Verse 35 (skanda.4.39.35)

दिवोपि देवा दास्यंति रत्नानि कुसुमानि च॥ प्रजापालनसंतुष्टा महाराज प्रतिक्षणम्

divopi devā dāsyaṁti ratnāni kusumāni ca prajāpālanasaṁtuṣṭā mahārāja pratikṣaṇam

"O great king, pleased with your protection of the people, the gods will send down jewels and flowers from heaven at every moment."

Verse 36 (skanda.4.39.36)

दिवोदास इति ख्यातमतो नाम त्वमाप्स्यसि॥ मत्प्रभावाच्च नृपते दिव्यं सामर्थ्यमस्तु ते

divodāsa iti khyātamato nāma tvamāpsyasi matprabhāvācca nṛpate divyaṁ sāmarthyamastu te

"For this reason you shall obtain the celebrated name Divodasa; and O king, by my own power, may divine capability be yours."

Verse 37 (skanda.4.39.37)

परमेष्ठिवचः श्रुत्वा ततोसौ राजसत्तमः॥ वेधसं बहुशः स्तुत्वा वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह॥ ॥राजोवाच॥ पितामह महाप्राज्ञ जनाकीर्णे महीतले॥ कथं नान्ये च राजानो मां कथं कथ्यते त्वया

parameṣṭhivacaḥ śrutvā tatosau rājasattamaḥ vedhasaṁ bahuśaḥ stutvā vākyaṁ cedamuvāca ha rājovāca pitāmaha mahāprājña janākīrṇe mahītale kathaṁ nānye ca rājāno māṁ kathaṁ kathyate tvayā

Having heard these words of the Supreme Grandsire, that best of kings, having praised the Creator again and again, spoke these words in reply. The King said: "O Grandsire, O greatly wise one, this earth is crowded with people and other kings besides me -- why then do you speak thus to me alone?"

Verse 38 (skanda.4.39.38)

॥ ब्रह्मोवाच॥ त्वयि राज्यं प्रकुर्वाणे देवो वृष्टिं विधास्यति॥ पापनिष्ठे च वै राज्ञि न देवो वर्षते पुनः

brahmovāca tvayi rājyaṁ prakurvāṇe devo vṛṣṭiṁ vidhāsyati pāpaniṣṭhe ca vai rājñi na devo varṣate punaḥ

Brahma said: "When you rule the kingdom, the god will send rain; but under a sinful king, the god will never send rain again."

Verse 39 (skanda.4.39.39)

॥ राजोवाच॥ पितामह महामान्य त्रिलोकी करणक्षम॥ महाप्रसाद इत्याज्ञां त्वदीयां मूर्ध्न्युपाददे

rājovāca pitāmaha mahāmānya trilokī karaṇakṣama mahāprasāda ityājñāṁ tvadīyāṁ mūrdhnyupādade

The King said: "O Grandsire, most venerable one, capable of fashioning the three worlds -- this is indeed a great favor; I place your command upon my very head."

Verse 40 (skanda.4.39.40)

किंचिद्विज्ञप्तुकामोहं तन्मदर्थं करोषि चेत्॥ ततः करोम्यहं राज्यं पृथिव्यामसपत्नवत्

kiṁcidvijñaptukāmohaṁ tanmadarthaṁ karoṣi cet tataḥ karomyahaṁ rājyaṁ pṛthivyāmasapatnavat

"I wish to make one small request; if you will grant it for my sake, then I shall rule this earth without a single rival."

Verse 41 (skanda.4.39.41)

॥ ब्रह्मोवाच॥ अविलंबेन तद्ब्रूहि कृतं मन्यस्व पार्थिव॥ यत्ते हृदि महाबाहो तवादेयं न किंचन

brahmovāca avilaṁbena tadbrūhi kṛtaṁ manyasva pārthiva yatte hṛdi mahābāho tavādeyaṁ na kiṁcana

Brahma said: "Speak it without delay, O king, and consider it already granted. O mighty-armed one, there is nothing in your heart that cannot be given to you."

Verse 42 (skanda.4.39.42)

॥ राजोवाच॥ यद्यहं पृथिवीनाथः सर्वलोकपितामह॥ तदादिविष(प?)दो देवा दिवि तिष्ठंतु मा भुवि

rājovāca yadyahaṁ pṛthivīnāthaḥ sarvalokapitāmaha tadādiviṣa(pa?)do devā divi tiṣṭhaṁtu mā bhuvi

The King said: "O Grandsire of all worlds, if I am to be lord of this earth, then let the gods, together with the lord of serpents, dwell in heaven -- and not upon the earth."

Verse 43 (skanda.4.39.43)

देवेषु दिवितिष्ठत्सु मयि तिष्ठति भूतले॥ असपत्नेन राज्येन प्रजासौख्यमवाप्स्यति

deveṣu divitiṣṭhatsu mayi tiṣṭhati bhūtale asapatnena rājyena prajāsaukhyamavāpsyati

"With the gods dwelling in heaven and myself dwelling upon the earth, my people shall find happiness under a kingdom without rival."

Verse 44 (skanda.4.39.44)

तथेति विश्वसृक्प्रोक्तो दिवोदासो नरेश्वरः॥ पटहं घोषयांचक्रे दिवं देवा व्रजंत्विति

tatheti viśvasṛkprokto divodāso nareśvaraḥ paṭahaṁ ghoṣayāṁcakre divaṁ devā vrajaṁtviti

The Creator of the universe granted this, saying, "So be it." Then King Divodasa had the drum sounded, proclaiming: "Let the gods depart to heaven!"

Verse 45 (skanda.4.39.45)

मा गच्छंत्विह वै नागा नराः स्वस्था भवंत्वितः॥ मयि प्रशासति क्षोणीं सुराः स्वस्था भवंत्विति

mā gacchaṁtviha vai nāgā narāḥ svasthā bhavaṁtvitaḥ mayi praśāsati kṣoṇīṁ surāḥ svasthā bhavaṁtviti

"Let the serpents not come here, so that men may live undisturbed; and while I govern this earth, let the gods too remain secure and at peace in their own place."

Verse 46 (skanda.4.39.46)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे ब्रह्मा विश्वेशं प्रणिपत्य ह॥ यावद्विज्ञप्तुकामोभूत्तावदीशोब्रवीद्विधिम्॥ लोकेश्वर समायाहि मंदरो नाम भूधरः॥ कुशद्वीपादिहागत्य तपस्तप्येत दुष्करम्

etasminnaṁtare brahmā viśveśaṁ praṇipatya ha yāvadvijñaptukāmobhūttāvadīśobravīdvidhim lokeśvara samāyāhi maṁdaro nāma bhūdharaḥ kuśadvīpādihāgatya tapastapyeta duṣkaram

Meanwhile, Brahma bowed before Vishvesha and was about to make his request, when the Lord himself spoke first to the Creator: "O Lord of Worlds, come -- there is a mountain named Mandara, who has come here from Kushadvipa and is performing a most difficult austerity."

Verse 47 (skanda.4.39.47)

यावस्तस्मै वरं दातुं बहुकालं तपस्यते॥ इत्युक्त्वा पार्वतीनाथो नंदिभृंगिपुरोगमः

yāvastasmai varaṁ dātuṁ bahukālaṁ tapasyate ityuktvā pārvatīnātho naṁdibhṛṁgipurogamaḥ

"He has been performing austerity for so long a time that I must grant him a boon." Having said this, the Lord of Parvati, with Nandi and Bhringi leading the way...

Verse 48 (skanda.4.39.48)

जगाम वृषमारुह्य मंदरो यत्र तिष्ठति॥ उवाच च प्रसन्नात्मा देवदेवो वृषध्वज

jagāma vṛṣamāruhya maṁdaro yatra tiṣṭhati uvāca ca prasannātmā devadevo vṛṣadhvaja

...mounted upon his bull and went to where Mandara stood. The God of Gods, bearer of the bull-banner, spoke with a gracious heart...

Verse 49 (skanda.4.39.49)

उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रं ते वरं ब्रूहि धरोत्तम॥ सोथ श्रुत्वा महेशानं देवदेवं त्रिलोचनम्

uttiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhadraṁ te varaṁ brūhi dharottama sotha śrutvā maheśānaṁ devadevaṁ trilocanam

"Rise, rise! May you be blessed, O best of mountains -- speak your boon." Then, hearing the three-eyed Great Lord, God of Gods...

Verse 50 (skanda.4.39.50)

प्रणम्य बहुशो भूमावद्रिरेतद्व्यजिज्ञपत्॥ लीलाविग्रहभृच्छंभो प्रणतैक कृपानिधे

praṇamya bahuśo bhūmāvadriretadvyajijñapat līlāvigrahabhṛcchaṁbho praṇataika kṛpānidhe

...that mountain, bowing again and again to the ground, made this request: "O Shambhu, who bears a form of playful sport, sole treasury of compassion for those who bow before you..."

Verse 51 (skanda.4.39.51)

सर्वज्ञोपि कथं नाम न वेत्थ मम वांछितम्॥ शरणागतसंत्राण सर्ववृत्तांतकोविद

sarvajñopi kathaṁ nāma na vettha mama vāṁchitam śaraṇāgatasaṁtrāṇa sarvavṛttāṁtakovida

"...though you are all-knowing, how is it you do not know my heart's desire? O protector of those who take refuge, knower of every circumstance..."

Verse 52 (skanda.4.39.52)

सर्वेषां हृदयानंद शर्वसर्वगसर्वकृत्॥ यदि देयो वरो मह्यं स्वभावादृषदात्मने

sarveṣāṁ hṛdayānaṁda śarvasarvagasarvakṛt yadi deyo varo mahyaṁ svabhāvādṛṣadātmane

"...O joy of every heart, O Sharva, all-pervading, all-doer -- if a boon is indeed to be given to one such as I, whose very nature is stone..."

Verse 53 (skanda.4.39.53)

याचकायातिशोच्याय प्रणतार्तिप्रभंजक॥ ततोऽविमुक्तक्षेत्रस्य साम्यं ह्यभिलषाम्यहम्

yācakāyātiśocyāya praṇatārtiprabhaṁjaka tato'vimuktakṣetrasya sāmyaṁ hyabhilaṣāmyaham

"...a most pitiable suppliant -- O breaker of the sorrow of those who bow to you -- then what I long for is equality with the Kshetra of Avimukta itself."

Verse 54 (skanda.4.39.54)

कुशद्वीप उमा सार्धं नाथाद्य सपरिच्छदः॥ मन्मौलौ विहितावासः प्रयात्वेष वरो मम

kuśadvīpa umā sārdhaṁ nāthādya saparicchadaḥ manmaulau vihitāvāsaḥ prayātveṣa varo mama

"O Lord, come today to Kushadvipa, together with Uma and your whole retinue, and take up your dwelling upon my very summit -- let this be my boon."

Verse 55 (skanda.4.39.55)

सर्वेषां सर्वदः शंभुः क्षणं यावद्विचिंतयेत्॥ विज्ञातावसरो ब्रह्मा तावच्छंभुं व्यजिज्ञपत्॥ प्रणम्याग्रेसरो भूत्वा मौलौ बद्धकरद्वयः॥ ॥ ब्रह्मोवाच॥ विश्वेश जगतांनाथ पत्या व्यापारितोस्म्यहम्॥ कृतप्रसादेन विभो सृष्टिं कर्तुं चतुर्विधाम्

sarveṣāṁ sarvadaḥ śaṁbhuḥ kṣaṇaṁ yāvadviciṁtayet vijñātāvasaro brahmā tāvacchaṁbhuṁ vyajijñapat praṇamyāgresaro bhūtvā maulau baddhakaradvayaḥ brahmovāca viśveśa jagatāṁnātha patyā vyāpāritosmyaham kṛtaprasādena vibho sṛṣṭiṁ kartuṁ caturvidhām

While Shambhu, the giver of all to all, pondered but a moment, Brahma, seizing his chance, stepped forward before Shambhu, bowed low with both hands folded at his forehead, and made his own request. Brahma said: "O Vishvesha, Lord of the World, I have been entrusted with a task by my own master; O mighty one, it was by your very grace that I was to fashion the fourfold creation..."

Verse 56 (skanda.4.39.56)

प्रयत्नेन मया सृष्टा सा सृष्टिस्त्वदनुज्ञया॥ अवृष्ट्या षष्टिहायिन्या तत्र नष्टाऽप्रजा भुवि

prayatnena mayā sṛṣṭā sā sṛṣṭistvadanujñayā avṛṣṭyā ṣaṣṭihāyinyā tatra naṣṭā'prajā bhuvi

"...with great effort, by your leave, I fashioned that creation; but a sixty-year drought destroyed it there, and the earth was left bereft of offspring."

Verse 57 (skanda.4.39.57)

अराजकं महच्चासीद्दुरवस्थमभूज्जगत्॥ ततो रिपुंजयो नाम राजर्षिर्मनुवंशजः

arājakaṁ mahaccāsīdduravasthamabhūjjagat tato ripuṁjayo nāma rājarṣirmanuvaṁśajaḥ

"The world, without a king, fell into a most wretched state. Then a royal sage named Ripunjaya, born in the line of Manu..."

Verse 58 (skanda.4.39.58)

मयाभिषिक्तो राजर्षिः प्रजाः पातुं नरेश्वरः॥ चकार समयं सोपि महावीर्यो महातपाः

mayābhiṣikto rājarṣiḥ prajāḥ pātuṁ nareśvaraḥ cakāra samayaṁ sopi mahāvīryo mahātapāḥ

"...was consecrated by me as king, to protect the people. And that royal sage, of great valor and great austerity, in turn made a compact."

Verse 59 (skanda.4.39.59)

तवाज्ञया चेत्स्थास्यंति सर्वे दिविषदो दिवि॥ नागलोके तथा नागास्ततो राज्यं करोम्यहम्

tavājñayā cetsthāsyaṁti sarve diviṣado divi nāgaloke tathā nāgāstato rājyaṁ karomyaham

"'If, by your command, all the celestial dwellers remain in heaven, and likewise the serpents in their own serpent-world, then I shall accept this kingdom' -- so he said."

Verse 60 (skanda.4.39.60)

तथेति च मया प्रोक्तं प्रमाणीक्रियतां तु तत्॥ मंदराय वरो दत्तो भवेदेवं कृपानिधे

tatheti ca mayā proktaṁ pramāṇīkriyatāṁ tu tat maṁdarāya varo datto bhavedevaṁ kṛpānidhe

"And I too said, 'So be it.' O treasury of compassion, let that promise now be confirmed, just as you have granted a boon to Mandara."

Verse 61 (skanda.4.39.61)

तस्य राज्ञः प्रजास्त्रातुं भूयाच्चैष मनोरथः॥ मम नाडीद्वयं राज्यं तस्यापि च शतक्रतोः

tasya rājñaḥ prajāstrātuṁ bhūyāccaiṣa manorathaḥ mama nāḍīdvayaṁ rājyaṁ tasyāpi ca śatakratoḥ

"Let this be my own heartfelt wish as well -- that the people of that king be protected. My own span of rule is but two nadikas, and Indra's own reign is likewise brief."

Verse 62 (skanda.4.39.62)

मर्त्यानां गणना क्वेह निमेषार्ध निमेषिणाम्॥ देवोपि निर्मलं मत्वा मंदरं चारुकंदरम्

martyānāṁ gaṇanā kveha nimeṣārdha nimeṣiṇām devopi nirmalaṁ matvā maṁdaraṁ cārukaṁdaram

"Then what account is there here of mortals, whose whole lives last but half an eye-blink? Even the god himself, judging Mandara, that mountain of lovely caves, to be utterly pure..."

Verse 63 (skanda.4.39.63)

विधेश्च गौरवं रक्षंस्तथोरी कृतवान्हरः॥ जंबूद्वीपे यथा काशी निर्वाणपददा सदा

vidheśca gauravaṁ rakṣaṁstathorī kṛtavānharaḥ jaṁbūdvīpe yathā kāśī nirvāṇapadadā sadā

...while preserving the honor of the Creator's word, Hara made it his own dwelling as well -- just as, in Jambudvipa, Kashi ever grants the state of liberation.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.39.64)

तथा बहुतिथं कालं द्वीपोभूत्सोपि मंदरः॥ यियासुना च देवेन मंदरं चित्रकंदरम्॥ निजमूर्तिमयं लिंगमविज्ञातं विधेरपि॥ स्थापितं सर्वसिद्धीनां स्थापकेभ्यः समर्पितुम्

tathā bahutithaṁ kālaṁ dvīpobhūtsopi maṁdaraḥ yiyāsunā ca devena maṁdaraṁ citrakaṁdaram nijamūrtimayaṁ liṁgamavijñātaṁ vidherapi sthāpitaṁ sarvasiddhīnāṁ sthāpakebhyaḥ samarpitum

Thus, for a great span of time, Mandara became that island-dwelling. And the god, when the time came that he wished to depart, established upon that mountain of wondrous caves -- a mountain unknown even to Brahma -- a Linga of his own very form, to grant every accomplishment to those who worshipped it there.

Verse 65 (skanda.4.39.65)

विपन्नानां च जंतूनां दातुं नैःश्रेयसीं श्रियम्॥ सर्वेषामिह संस्थानां क्षेत्रं चैवाभिरक्षितुम्

vipannānāṁ ca jaṁtūnāṁ dātuṁ naiḥśreyasīṁ śriyam sarveṣāmiha saṁsthānāṁ kṣetraṁ caivābhirakṣitum

This he did to grant the wealth of the highest good to beings in distress, and to protect the sacred ground for all who dwelt there.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.39.66)

मंदराद्रिगतेनापि क्षेत्रं नैतत्पिनाकिना॥ विमुक्तं लिंगरूपेण अविमुक्तमतः स्मृतम्

maṁdarādrigatenāpi kṣetraṁ naitatpinākinā vimuktaṁ liṁgarūpeṇa avimuktamataḥ smṛtam

Thus, even having gone to Mount Mandara, Pinakin never truly abandoned this Kshetra in his form as the Linga; and for this reason it is remembered as Avimukta, the Never-Forsaken.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.39.67)

पुरा नंदवनं नाम क्षेत्रमेतत्प्रकीर्तितम्॥ अविमुक्तं तदारभ्य नामास्य प्रथितं भुवि

purā naṁdavanaṁ nāma kṣetrametatprakīrtitam avimuktaṁ tadārabhya nāmāsya prathitaṁ bhuvi

In earlier times, this Kshetra was renowned by the name Nandavana; from that very time onward, its name "Avimukta" became celebrated upon the earth.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.39.68)

नामाविमुक्तमभवदुभयोः क्षेत्रलिंगयोः॥ एतद्द्वयं समासाद्य न भूयो गर्भभाग्भवेत्

nāmāvimuktamabhavadubhayoḥ kṣetraliṁgayoḥ etaddvayaṁ samāsādya na bhūyo garbhabhāgbhavet

The name "Avimukta" came to belong equally to both the Kshetra and the Linga; having attained this pair together, one never again becomes subject to the womb.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.39.69)

अविमुक्तेश्वरं लिंगं दृष्ट्वा क्षेत्रेऽविमुक्तके॥ विमुक्त एव भवति सर्वस्मात्कर्मबंधनात्

avimukteśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ dṛṣṭvā kṣetre'vimuktake vimukta eva bhavati sarvasmātkarmabaṁdhanāt

Having beheld the Linga of Avimukteshvara in the Kshetra of Avimukta, a man becomes truly liberated from every bond of karma.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.39.70)

अर्चंति विश्वे विश्वेशं विश्वेशोर्चति विश्वकृत्॥ अविमुक्तेश्वरं लिंगं भुविमुक्तिप्रदायकम्

arcaṁti viśve viśveśaṁ viśveśorcati viśvakṛt avimukteśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ bhuvimuktipradāyakam

The whole universe worships Vishvesha; and Vishvesha, the maker of the universe, in turn worships the Linga of Avimukteshvara, the very bestower of liberation on earth.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.39.71)

पुरा न स्थापितं लिंगं कस्यचित्केनचित्क्वचित्॥ किमाकृति भवेल्लिंगं नैतद्वेत्त्यपि कश्चन

purā na sthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ kasyacitkenacitkvacit kimākṛti bhavelliṁgaṁ naitadvettyapi kaścana

In ancient times, this Linga had not been established anywhere by anyone, for anyone; not even its very shape was known to any being.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.39.72)

आकारमविमुक्तस्य दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्माच्युतादयः॥ लिंगं संस्थापयामासुर्वसिष्ठाद्यास्तथषर्यः

ākāramavimuktasya dṛṣṭvā brahmācyutādayaḥ liṁgaṁ saṁsthāpayāmāsurvasiṣṭhādyāstathaṣaryaḥ

Having beheld the self-manifest form of Avimukta, Brahma, Vishnu, and the others, together with Vasishtha and the other sages, established that Linga in worshippable form.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.39.73)

आदिलिंगमिदं प्रोक्तमविमुक्तेश्वरं महत्॥ ततो लिंगांतराण्यत्र जातानि क्षितिमंडले॥ अविमुक्तेश नामापि श्रुत्वा जन्मार्जितादघात्॥ क्षणान्मुक्तो भवेन्मर्त्यो नात्र कार्या विचारणा

ādiliṁgamidaṁ proktamavimukteśvaraṁ mahat tato liṁgāṁtarāṇyatra jātāni kṣitimaṁḍale avimukteśa nāmāpi śrutvā janmārjitādaghāt kṣaṇānmukto bhavenmartyo nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

This great Avimukteshvara is declared to be the primordial Linga; from it, all other Lingas upon the whole earth afterward arose. Merely by hearing the name "Avimuktesha," a mortal is instantly freed from sin gathered across many births -- of this there should be no doubt whatever.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.39.74)

अविमुक्तेश्वरं लिंगं स्मृत्वा दूरगतोपि च॥ जन्मद्वयकृतात्पापात्क्षणादेव विमुच्यते

avimukteśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ smṛtvā dūragatopi ca janmadvayakṛtātpāpātkṣaṇādeva vimucyate

Even one who is far away, merely by calling to mind the Linga of Avimukteshvara, is instantly freed from the sin accumulated across two lifetimes.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.39.75)

अविमुक्ते महाक्षेत्रेऽविमुक्तमवलोक्य च॥ त्रिजन्मजनितं पापं हित्वा पुण्यमयो भवेत्

avimukte mahākṣetre'vimuktamavalokya ca trijanmajanitaṁ pāpaṁ hitvā puṇyamayo bhavet

Having beheld Avimukta itself in the great Kshetra of Avimukta, a man casts off the sin born of three lifetimes and becomes filled with merit.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.39.76)

यत्कृतं ज्ञानविभ्रंशादेनः पंचसु जन्मसु॥ अविमुक्तेश संस्पर्शात्तत्क्षयेदेव नान्यथा

yatkṛtaṁ jñānavibhraṁśādenaḥ paṁcasu janmasu avimukteśa saṁsparśāttatkṣayedeva nānyathā

Whatever sin has been committed through the loss of true knowledge across five lifetimes is destroyed only through contact with Avimuktesha -- and by no other means.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.39.77)

अर्चयित्वा महालिंगमविमुक्तेश्वरं नरः॥ कृतकृत्यो भवेदत्र न च स्याज्जन्मभाक्कुतः

arcayitvā mahāliṁgamavimukteśvaraṁ naraḥ kṛtakṛtyo bhavedatra na ca syājjanmabhākkutaḥ

Having worshipped the great Linga of Avimukteshvara, a man here becomes one whose purpose is fully accomplished; how then could he remain subject to rebirth?

Verse 78 (skanda.4.39.78)

स्तुत्वा नत्वार्चयित्वा च यथाशक्ति यथामति॥ अविमुक्ते विमुक्तेशं स्तूयते नम्यतेऽर्च्यते

stutvā natvārcayitvā ca yathāśakti yathāmati avimukte vimukteśaṁ stūyate namyate'rcyate

Whoever, in Avimukta, praises, bows to, and worships Vimuktesha, the Lord of Liberation, according to his own ability and understanding, is himself thereby praised, honored, and worshipped.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.39.79)

अनादिमदिदं लिंगं स्वयं विश्वेश्वरार्चितम्॥ काश्यां प्रयत्नतः सेव्यमविमुक्तं विमुक्तये

anādimadidaṁ liṁgaṁ svayaṁ viśveśvarārcitam kāśyāṁ prayatnataḥ sevyamavimuktaṁ vimuktaye

This Linga is without beginning, worshipped even by Vishveshvara himself; in Kashi, one desiring liberation should diligently serve this Avimukta Linga.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.39.80)

संति लिंगान्यनेकानि पुण्येष्वायतनेषु च॥ आयांति तानि लिंगानि माघीं प्राप्य चतुदर्शीम्

saṁti liṁgānyanekāni puṇyeṣvāyataneṣu ca āyāṁti tāni liṁgāni māghīṁ prāpya catudarśīm

Many Lingas exist in the sacred shrines of the world; when the fourteenth day of the month of Magha arrives, all these Lingas come here, to Avimukta.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.39.81)

कृष्णायां माघभूतायामविमुक्तेश जागरात्॥ सदा विगतनिद्रस्य योगिनो गतिभाग्भवेत्

kṛṣṇāyāṁ māghabhūtāyāmavimukteśa jāgarāt sadā vigatanidrasya yogino gatibhāgbhavet

On that dark fourteenth of Magha, through the night-vigil kept for Avimuktesha, the yogi who remains ever wakeful, free of sleep, attains the highest state.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.39.82)

नानायतनलिंगानि चतुर्वर्गप्रदान्यपि॥ माघकृष्णचतुर्दश्यामविमुक्तमुपासते॥ किं बिभेति नरो धीरः कृतादघशिलोच्चयात्॥ अविमुक्तेश लिंगस्य भक्ति वज्रधरो यदि

nānāyatanaliṁgāni caturvargapradānyapi māghakṛṣṇacaturdaśyāmavimuktamupāsate kiṁ bibheti naro dhīraḥ kṛtādaghaśiloccayāt avimukteśa liṁgasya bhakti vajradharo yadi

Even the Lingas of countless shrines, granters of the fourfold aim of life, worship Avimukta on the dark fourteenth of Magha. What has a steadfast man to fear from any mountain of accumulated sin, if he holds devotion to the Linga of Avimuktesha -- even were he Indra, the very wielder of the thunderbolt?

Verse 83 (skanda.4.39.83)

क्वाविमुक्तं महालिंगं चतुर्वर्गफलोदयम्॥ क्व पापि पापशैलोऽल्पो यःक्षयेन्नामसंभृतः

kvāvimuktaṁ mahāliṁgaṁ caturvargaphalodayam kva pāpi pāpaśailo'lpo yaḥkṣayennāmasaṁbhṛtaḥ

Where does the great Linga of Avimukta stand, source of the fourfold reward of life -- and where does that mere mountain of sin stand, which crumbles the moment his very name is uttered?

Verse 84 (skanda.4.39.84)

अविमुक्ते महाक्षेत्रे विश्वेशसमधिष्ठिते॥ यैर्न दृष्टं विमूढास्तेऽविमुक्तं लिंगमुत्तमम्

avimukte mahākṣetre viśveśasamadhiṣṭhite yairna dṛṣṭaṁ vimūḍhāste'vimuktaṁ liṁgamuttamam

Those who, in this great Kshetra of Avimukta where Vishvesha himself resides, have never beheld the supreme Linga of Avimukta are, in truth, utterly deluded.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.39.85)

द्रष्टारमविमुक्तस्य दृष्ट्वा दंडधरो यमः॥ दूरादेव प्रणमति प्रबद्धकरसंपुटः

draṣṭāramavimuktasya dṛṣṭvā daṁḍadharo yamaḥ dūrādeva praṇamati prabaddhakarasaṁpuṭaḥ

The very moment Yama, the wielder of the rod, beholds one who has seen Avimukta, he bows from afar, his hands folded in reverence.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.39.86)

धन्यं तन्नेत्रनिर्माणं कृतकृत्यौ तु तौ करौ॥ अविमुक्तेश्वरं येन याभ्यामैक्षिष्ट यः स्पृशेत्

dhanyaṁ tannetranirmāṇaṁ kṛtakṛtyau tu tau karau avimukteśvaraṁ yena yābhyāmaikṣiṣṭa yaḥ spṛśet

Blessed indeed is the making of those eyes with which one has beheld Avimukteshvara; and truly accomplished are those two hands with which one has touched him.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.39.87)

त्रिसंध्यमविमुक्तेशं यो जपेन्नियतः शुचिः॥ दूरदेशविपन्नोपि काशीमृतफलं लभेत्

trisaṁdhyamavimukteśaṁ yo japenniyataḥ śuciḥ dūradeśavipannopi kāśīmṛtaphalaṁ labhet

One who, disciplined and pure, recites the name of Avimuktesha at all three daily junctures obtains the very fruit of dying in Kashi, even if he perishes in a distant land.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.39.88)

अविमुक्तं महालिंगं दृष्ट्वा ग्रामांतरं व्रजेत्॥ लब्धाशुकार्यसंसिद्धिं क्षेमेण प्रविशेद्गृहम्

avimuktaṁ mahāliṁgaṁ dṛṣṭvā grāmāṁtaraṁ vrajet labdhāśukāryasaṁsiddhiṁ kṣemeṇa praviśedgṛham

One should set out for another village only after beholding the great Linga of Avimukta; doing so, he swiftly attains the success of his errand and returns home safely.