The Lingas of Shaileshvara and Others, and Himavan's Temple

Verse 1 (skanda.4.66.1)

॥स्कन्द उवाच॥ ज्येष्ठेश्वरस्य परितो लिंगान्यन्यानि यानि तु ॥ तानि ते कथयिष्यामि शृणु वातापितापन

||skanda uvāca|| jyeṣṭheśvarasya parito liṁgānyanyāni yāni tu || tāni te kathayiṣyāmi śṛṇu vātāpitāpana

Skanda said: Whatever other lingas there are around Jyeshtheshvara, those I shall tell you, O scorcher of Vatapi (Agastya) — listen.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.66.2)

ज्येष्ठेशाद्दक्षिणे भागे लिंगमप्सरसां शुभम् ॥ तत्रैवाप्सरसः कूपः सौभाग्योदकसंज्ञकः

jyeṣṭheśāddakṣiṇe bhāge liṁgamapsarasāṁ śubham || tatraivāpsarasaḥ kūpaḥ saubhāgyodakasaṁjñakaḥ

To the south of Jyeshtheshvara is the auspicious linga of the Apsaras; there too is the Apsaras' well, known as Saubhagyodaka, the water of good fortune.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.66.3)

तत्कूपजलसुस्नातो विलोक्याप्सरसेश्वरम् ॥ न दौर्भाग्यमवाप्नोति नारी वा पुरुषोथवा

tatkūpajalasusnāto vilokyāpsaraseśvaram || na daurbhāgyamavāpnoti nārī vā puruṣothavā

One who bathes well in that well's water and beholds Apsaraseshvara — neither woman nor man ever meets with misfortune.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.66.4)

तत्रैव कुक्कुटेशाख्यं लिंगं वापीसमीपगम् ॥ तस्य पूजनतः पुंसां कुटुंबं परिवर्धते

tatraiva kukkuṭeśākhyaṁ liṁgaṁ vāpīsamīpagam || tasya pūjanataḥ puṁsāṁ kuṭuṁbaṁ parivardhate

There too, near the stepped well, is the linga named Kukkuteshvara; by worshipping it, a man's family flourishes.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.66.5)

पितामहेश्वरं लिंगं ज्येष्ठवापीतटे शुभम् ॥ तत्र श्राद्धं नरः कृत्वा पितॄणां मुदमर्पयेत्

pitāmaheśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ jyeṣṭhavāpītaṭe śubham || tatra śrāddhaṁ naraḥ kṛtvā pitṝṇāṁ mudamarpayet

On the bank of the Jyeshtha well is the auspicious linga Pitamaheshvara; performing the shraddha rite there, a man brings joy to his ancestors.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.66.6)

पितामहेशान्नैर्ऋत्यां पूजनीयं प्रयत्नतः ॥ गदाधरेश्वरं लिंगं पितॄणां परितृप्तिदम्

pitāmaheśānnairṛtyāṁ pūjanīyaṁ prayatnataḥ || gadādhareśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ pitṝṇāṁ paritṛptidam

To the southwest of Pitamaheshvara is the linga Gadadhareshvara, to be worshipped with effort, which grants full satisfaction to the ancestors.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.66.7)

दिशि पुण्यजनाख्यायां लिंगाज्ज्येष्ठेश्वरान्मुने ॥ वासुकीश्वरसंज्ञं च लिंगमर्च्यं समंततः

diśi puṇyajanākhyāyāṁ liṁgājjyeṣṭheśvarānmune || vāsukīśvarasaṁjñaṁ ca liṁgamarcyaṁ samaṁtataḥ

In the direction of the Punyajanas (the Yakshas), O sage, from the linga Jyeshtheshvara, is the linga named Vasukishvara, to be worshipped from every side.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.66.8)

तत्र वासुकिकुंडे च स्नानदानादिकाः क्रियाः ॥ सर्पभीतिहराः पुंसां वासुकीशप्रभावतः

tatra vāsukikuṁḍe ca snānadānādikāḥ kriyāḥ || sarpabhītiharāḥ puṁsāṁ vāsukīśaprabhāvataḥ

There, in the Vasuki-kunda, the rites of bathing, giving gifts and the like, by the power of Vasukisha, remove men's fear of serpents.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.66.9)

यः स्नातो नागपंचम्यां कुंडे वासुकिसंज्ञिते ॥ न तस्य विषसंसर्गो भवेत्सर्पसमुद्भवः

yaḥ snāto nāgapaṁcamyāṁ kuṁḍe vāsukisaṁjñite || na tasya viṣasaṁsargo bhavetsarpasamudbhavaḥ

One who bathes on Naga-panchami in the tank named Vasuki never suffers the contact of poison arising from a serpent.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.66.10)

कर्तव्या नागपञ्चम्यां यात्रा वर्षासु तत्र वै ॥ नागाः प्रसन्ना जायंते कुले तस्यापि सर्वदा

kartavyā nāgapañcamyāṁ yātrā varṣāsu tatra vai || nāgāḥ prasannā jāyaṁte kule tasyāpi sarvadā

A pilgrimage should be made there on Naga-panchami during the rainy season; the serpent-deities become ever pleased with that person's family too.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.66.11)

तत्कुण्डात्पश्चिमे भागे लिंगं वै तक्षकेश्वरम् ॥ पूजनीयं प्रयत्नेन भक्तानां सर्वसिद्धिदम्

tatkuṇḍātpaścime bhāge liṁgaṁ vai takṣakeśvaram || pūjanīyaṁ prayatnena bhaktānāṁ sarvasiddhidam

To the west of that tank is the linga Takshakeshvara, to be worshipped with effort, which grants every attainment to devotees.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.66.12)

मुनेस्तस्योत्तरे भागे कुण्डं तक्षकसंज्ञितम् ॥ कृतोदकक्रियस्तत्र न सर्पैरभिभूयते

munestasyottare bhāge kuṇḍaṁ takṣakasaṁjñitam || kṛtodakakriyastatra na sarpairabhibhūyate

To its north, O sage, is the tank named Takshaka; one who performs the water-rite there is never overcome by serpents.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.66.13)

तत्कुण्डादुत्तरे भागे क्षेत्रं क्षेमकरः सदा ॥ भक्तानां साध्वसध्वंसी कपाली नाम भैरवः

tatkuṇḍāduttare bhāge kṣetraṁ kṣemakaraḥ sadā || bhaktānāṁ sādhvasadhvaṁsī kapālī nāma bhairavaḥ

To the north of that tank is a field ever bringing well-being, where the Bhairava named Kapali is the destroyer of the fears of his devotees.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.66.14)

भैरवस्य महाक्षेत्रं तद्वै साधकसिद्धिदम् ॥ तत्र संसाधिता विद्याः षण्मासातत्सिद्धिमाप्नुयुः

bhairavasya mahākṣetraṁ tadvai sādhakasiddhidam || tatra saṁsādhitā vidyāḥ ṣaṇmāsātatsiddhimāpnuyuḥ

That is the great field of Bhairava, granting accomplishment to spiritual seekers; the sciences practised there attain success within six months.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.66.15)

तत्र चण्डी महामुण्डा भक्तविघ्नोपशांतिदा ॥ बलिपूजोपहाराद्यैः पूज्या स्वाभीष्टसिद्धये

tatra caṇḍī mahāmuṇḍā bhaktavighnopaśāṁtidā || balipūjopahārādyaiḥ pūjyā svābhīṣṭasiddhaye

There, the goddess Chandi Mahamunda pacifies the obstacles of her devotees; for the fulfilment of one's desires she is to be worshipped with offerings of oblation, worship and gifts.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.66.16)

तस्या यात्रां तु यः कुर्यान्महाष्टम्यां नरोत्तमः ॥ यशस्वी पुत्रपौत्राढ्यो लक्ष्मीवाँश्चापि जायते

tasyā yātrāṁ tu yaḥ kuryānmahāṣṭamyāṁ narottamaḥ || yaśasvī putrapautrāḍhyo lakṣmīvā~ścāpi jāyate

The best of men who makes a pilgrimage to her on Mahashtami becomes renowned, rich in sons and grandsons, and endowed with prosperity.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.66.17)

महामुण्डा प्रतीच्यां तु चतुःसागरवापिका ॥ तस्यां स्नातो भवेत्स्नातः सागरेषु चतुर्ष्वपि

mahāmuṇḍā pratīcyāṁ tu catuḥsāgaravāpikā || tasyāṁ snāto bhavetsnātaḥ sāgareṣu caturṣvapi

To the west of Mahamunda is the stepped well called Chatuhsagara, the Four Oceans; one who bathes in it becomes as one who has bathed in all four oceans.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.66.18)

महाप्रसिद्धं तत्स्थानं चतुःसागरसंज्ञितम् ॥ चत्वारि तत्र लिंगानि सागरैः स्थापितानि च

mahāprasiddhaṁ tatsthānaṁ catuḥsāgarasaṁjñitam || catvāri tatra liṁgāni sāgaraiḥ sthāpitāni ca

That greatly renowned place is named Chatuhsagara; there stand four lingas, established there by the oceans themselves.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.66.19)

तस्या वाप्याश्चतुर्दिक्षु पूजितानि दहंत्यघम् ॥ तदुत्तरे महालिंगं वृषभेश्वरसंज्ञितम्

tasyā vāpyāścaturdikṣu pūjitāni dahaṁtyagham || taduttare mahāliṁgaṁ vṛṣabheśvarasaṁjñitam

Worshipped on the four sides of that well, they burn away sin; to its north is the great linga named Vrishabheshvara.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.66.20)

हरस्य वृषभेणैव स्थापितं तत्स्वभक्तितः ॥ तस्य दर्शनतः पुंसां षण्मासान्मुक्तिरुद्भवेत्

harasya vṛṣabheṇaiva sthāpitaṁ tatsvabhaktitaḥ || tasya darśanataḥ puṁsāṁ ṣaṇmāsānmuktirudbhavet

It was established by Hara's own bull, out of his own devotion; by beholding it, liberation arises for men within six months.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.66.21)

वृषेश्वरादुदीच्यां तु गंधर्वेश्वरसंज्ञितम् ॥ गंधर्वकुण्डं तत्प्राच्यां तत्र स्नात्वा नरोत्तमः

vṛṣeśvarādudīcyāṁ tu gaṁdharveśvarasaṁjñitam || gaṁdharvakuṇḍaṁ tatprācyāṁ tatra snātvā narottamaḥ

To the north of Vrishesvara is the linga named Gandharveshvara; to its east is the Gandharva-kunda; bathing there, the best of men —

Verse 22 (skanda.4.66.22)

गंधर्वेश्वरमभ्यर्च्य दत्त्वा दानानि शक्तितः ॥ सन्तर्प्य पितॄदेवांश्च गंधर्वैः सह मोदते

gaṁdharveśvaramabhyarcya dattvā dānāni śaktitaḥ || santarpya pitṝdevāṁśca gaṁdharvaiḥ saha modate

— having worshipped Gandharveshvara, having given gifts according to his ability, and having satisfied the ancestors and gods, rejoices in the company of the Gandharvas.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.66.23)

कर्कोटनामा नागोस्ति गन्धर्वेश्वरपूर्वतः ॥ तत्र कर्कोटवापी च लिंगं कर्कोटकेश्वरम्

karkoṭanāmā nāgosti gandharveśvarapūrvataḥ || tatra karkoṭavāpī ca liṁgaṁ karkoṭakeśvaram

East of Gandharveshvara is the serpent named Karkota; there stand the Karkota well and the linga Karkotakeshvara.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.66.24)

तस्यां वाप्यां नरः स्नात्वा कर्कोटेशं समर्च्य च ॥ कर्कोटनागमाराध्य नागलोके महीयते

tasyāṁ vāpyāṁ naraḥ snātvā karkoṭeśaṁ samarcya ca || karkoṭanāgamārādhya nāgaloke mahīyate

Bathing in that well, worshipping Karkoteshvara, and propitiating the serpent Karkota, a man is honoured in the world of serpents.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.66.25)

कर्कोट नागो यैर्दृष्टस्तद्वाप्यां विहितोदकैः ॥ क्रमते न विषं तेषां देहे स्थावरजंगमम्

karkoṭa nāgo yairdṛṣṭastadvāpyāṁ vihitodakaiḥ || kramate na viṣaṁ teṣāṁ dehe sthāvarajaṁgamam

Those who, having performed the water-rite at that well, behold the serpent Karkota — in their bodies, the poison of no creature, moving or still, ever spreads.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.66.26)

कर्कोटेशात्प्रतीच्यां तु धुंधुमारीश्वराभिधम् ॥ तल्लिंगाभ्यर्चनात्पुंसां न भवेद्वैरिजं भयम्

karkoṭeśātpratīcyāṁ tu dhuṁdhumārīśvarābhidham || talliṁgābhyarcanātpuṁsāṁ na bhavedvairijaṁ bhayam

To the west of Karkoteshvara is the linga named Dhundhumarishvara; by worshipping that linga, men have no fear born of enemies.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.66.27)

पुरूरवेश्वरं लिंगं तदुदीच्यां व्यवस्थितम् ॥ द्रष्टव्यं तत्प्रयत्नेन चतुर्वर्गफलप्रदम्

purūraveśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tadudīcyāṁ vyavasthitam || draṣṭavyaṁ tatprayatnena caturvargaphalapradam

To its north stands the linga Pururaveshvara, which should be seen with effort, for it grants the fruit of the four aims of human life.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.66.28)

दिग्गजेनार्चितं लिंगं सुप्रतीकेन तत्पुरः ॥ सुप्रतीकेश्वरं नाम्ना यशोबलविवर्धनम्

diggajenārcitaṁ liṁgaṁ supratīkena tatpuraḥ || supratīkeśvaraṁ nāmnā yaśobalavivardhanam

In front of it is the linga worshipped by the elephant of the quarters, Supratika; named Supratikeshvara, it increases fame and strength.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.66.29)

सरश्च सुप्रतीकाख्यं तत्पुरो भासते महत् ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा च तल्लिंगं दृष्ट्वा दिक्पतितां लभेत्

saraśca supratīkākhyaṁ tatpuro bhāsate mahat || tatra snātvā ca talliṁgaṁ dṛṣṭvā dikpatitāṁ labhet

Before it shines the great lake named Supratika; bathing there and beholding that linga, one attains the rank of a guardian of the quarters.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.66.30)

तत्रास्त्येका महागौरी नाम्ना विजयभैरवी ॥ रक्षार्थमुत्तराद्वारि स्थिता पूज्येष्टसिद्धये

tatrāstyekā mahāgaurī nāmnā vijayabhairavī || rakṣārthamuttarādvāri sthitā pūjyeṣṭasiddhaye

There is a great Gauri there named Vijayabhairavi, stationed at the northern gate for protection, worthy of worship for the fulfilment of one's desires.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.66.31)

वरणायास्तटे रम्ये गणौ हुंडनमुंडनौ ॥ क्षेत्ररक्षां विधत्तस्तौ विघ्नस्तंभन कारकौ

varaṇāyāstaṭe ramye gaṇau huṁḍanamuṁḍanau || kṣetrarakṣāṁ vidhattastau vighnastaṁbhana kārakau

On the lovely bank of the Varana are the two attendants Hundana and Mundana; they guard the sacred field and hold back its obstacles.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.66.32)

तौ द्रष्टव्यौ प्रयत्नेन क्षेत्रनिर्विघ्न हेतवे ॥ हुंडनेशं मुंडनेशं तत्र दृष्ट्वा सुखी भवेत्

tau draṣṭavyau prayatnena kṣetranirvighna hetave || huṁḍaneśaṁ muṁḍaneśaṁ tatra dṛṣṭvā sukhī bhavet

For the field to remain free of obstacles, they should be sought out and seen with effort; beholding Hundanesha and Mundanesha there, one becomes happy.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.66.33)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ इल्वलारे कथामेकां शृणुष्वावहितो भव ॥ वरणायास्तटे रम्ये यद्वृत्त पूर्वमुत्तमम्

||skaṁda uvāca|| ilvalāre kathāmekāṁ śṛṇuṣvāvahito bhava || varaṇāyāstaṭe ramye yadvṛtta pūrvamuttamam

Skanda said: O foe of Ilvala, hear one story, listen attentively — the excellent event that once occurred long ago on the lovely bank of the Varana.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.66.34)

एकदाद्रींद्रमालोक्य मेना संहृष्टमानसम् ॥ उमां संस्मृत्य निःश्वस्य प्रोवाचेति पतिव्रता

ekadādrīṁdramālokya menā saṁhṛṣṭamānasam || umāṁ saṁsmṛtya niḥśvasya provāceti pativratā

Once, seeing the lord of mountains, Himavan, in a joyful mood, the devoted Mena, remembering Uma, sighed and spoke thus.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.66.35)

॥मेनोवाच॥ आर्यपुत्र न जानामि प्रवृत्तिमपि कांचन ॥ विवाहसमयादूर्ध्वं तस्या गौर्या गिरीश्वर

||menovāca|| āryaputra na jānāmi pravṛttimapi kāṁcana || vivāhasamayādūrdhvaṁ tasyā gauryā girīśvara

Mena said: O noble husband, O lord of mountains, since the time of her wedding I know no news whatsoever of Gauri.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.66.36)

स वृषेंद्रगतिर्देवो भस्मोरग विभूषणः ॥ महापितृवनावासो दिग्वासाः क्वास्ति संप्रति

sa vṛṣeṁdragatirdevo bhasmoraga vibhūṣaṇaḥ || mahāpitṛvanāvāso digvāsāḥ kvāsti saṁprati

Where is that bull-borne god now, adorned with ash and serpents, who dwells in the great cremation-ground and is clad in nothing but the directions?

Verse 37 (skanda.4.66.37)

अष्टौ या मातरो दृष्टा ब्राह्मी प्रभृतयः प्रिय ॥ स्वस्वरूपास्ता मन्येऽहं बालिकाः कष्टहेतवः

aṣṭau yā mātaro dṛṣṭā brāhmī prabhṛtayaḥ priya || svasvarūpāstā manye'haṁ bālikāḥ kaṣṭahetavaḥ

The eight Mother-goddesses we once saw, Brahmi and the rest, O beloved — I think those fierce-formed maidens must be a cause of suffering for our daughter.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.66.38)

तस्यैकस्य न कोप्यन्योस्त्यद्वितीयस्य शूलिनः ॥ तदुदंतप्रवृत्त्यै च क्रियतामुद्यमो विभो

tasyaikasya na kopyanyostyadvitīyasya śūlinaḥ || tadudaṁtapravṛttyai ca kriyatāmudyamo vibho

The trident-bearer is without equal, he has no other kin — therefore, my lord, an effort must be made to learn news of her.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.66.39)

तस्याः प्रियाया वाक्येन तदपत्यप्रियो गिरिः ॥ उवाच वचनं सास्रमुमा वात्सल्यसन्नगीः

tasyāḥ priyāyā vākyena tadapatyapriyo giriḥ || uvāca vacanaṁ sāsramumā vātsalyasannagīḥ

At these words of his beloved wife, the mountain-king, fond of his daughter, spoke tearful words, his very speech overcome with affection for Uma.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.66.40)

॥गिरिराज उवाच॥ अहमेव गमिष्यामि तस्या मेने गवेषणे ॥ नितरां बाधते प्रेम तददृष्ट्यग्निदूषितम्

||girirāja uvāca|| ahameva gamiṣyāmi tasyā mene gaveṣaṇe || nitarāṁ bādhate prema tadadṛṣṭyagnidūṣitam

Girirāja said: I myself shall go, O Mena, in search of her; love, scorched by the fire of not seeing her, torments me exceedingly.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.66.41)

यदा प्रभृति सा गौरी निर्गता मम सद्मतः ॥ मन्ये मेने तदारभ्य पद्मसद्मा विनिर्ययौ

yadā prabhṛti sā gaurī nirgatā mama sadmataḥ || manye mene tadārabhya padmasadmā viniryayau

From the moment Gauri left my home, O Mena, I believe that from that very moment lotus-dwelling Lakshmi too departed.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.66.42)

तदालापामृतधयौ न मे शब्दग्रहौ प्रिये ॥ प्राणेश्वरि तदारभ्य स्यातां शब्दांतरग्रहौ

tadālāpāmṛtadhayau na me śabdagrahau priye || prāṇeśvari tadārabhya syātāṁ śabdāṁtaragrahau

My two ears, once drinking the nectar of her speech, now catch no sound at all, O beloved; O mistress of my life, since then they take in only other, lesser sounds.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.66.43)

जैवातृकी यतोह्नः स्याद्दूरीभूता दृशोर्मम ॥ अहो जैवातृकी ज्योत्स्ना ततोह्नोति दुनोति माम्

jaivātṛkī yatohnaḥ syāddūrībhūtā dṛśormama || aho jaivātṛkī jyotsnā tatohnoti dunoti mām

Since that life-giving radiance became distant from my eyes, ah, even the life-giving moonlight itself now burns and torments me.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.66.44)

इत्युक्त्वादाय रत्नानि वासांसि विविधानि च ॥ धराधरेंद्रो निर्यातः शुभलग्नबलोदये

ityuktvādāya ratnāni vāsāṁsi vividhāni ca || dharādhareṁdro niryātaḥ śubhalagnabalodaye

Having said this, taking jewels and garments of many kinds, the lord of mountains set out at the rising of an auspicious and powerful hour.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.66.45)

॥अगस्त्य उवाच॥ कानि कानि च रत्नानि कियंत्यपि च षण्मुख ॥ यान्यादाय प्रतस्थे स तानि मे ब्रूहि पृच्छतः

||agastya uvāca|| kāni kāni ca ratnāni kiyaṁtyapi ca ṣaṇmukha || yānyādāya pratasthe sa tāni me brūhi pṛcchataḥ

Agastya said: What jewels, and in what quantity, O six-faced one, did he take when he set out? Tell me this, as I ask.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.66.46)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ तुला मुक्ताफलानां तु कोटिद्वय परीमिताः ॥ तथा वारितराणां च हीरकाणां तुला शतम्

||skaṁda uvāca|| tulā muktāphalānāṁ tu koṭidvaya parīmitāḥ || tathā vāritarāṇāṁ ca hīrakāṇāṁ tulā śatam

Skanda said: There were two crore measures of pearls, and a hundred measures of the finest diamonds.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.66.47)

नवलक्षाधिकं विप्र षडस्राणां सुतेजसाम् ॥ लक्षद्वयं विदूराणां तुलाविमलवर्चसाम

navalakṣādhikaṁ vipra ṣaḍasrāṇāṁ sutejasām || lakṣadvayaṁ vidūrāṇāṁ tulāvimalavarcasāma

O brahmin, there were more than nine hundred thousand measures of brilliant six-faceted gems, and two hundred thousand measures of spotless vidura-gems.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.66.48)

कोटयः पद्मरागाणां पंचावैहि तुला मुने ॥ पुष्पराग तुलालक्षं गुणितं नवसंख्यया

koṭayaḥ padmarāgāṇāṁ paṁcāvaihi tulā mune || puṣparāga tulālakṣaṁ guṇitaṁ navasaṁkhyayā

Know, O sage, five crore measures of ruby; and of topaz, a hundred thousand measures multiplied nine times over.

Verse 49 (skanda.4.66.49)

तथा गोमेद रत्नानां तुलालक्षमिता मुनै ॥ इंद्रनीलमणीनां च तुलाः कोट्यर्ध संमिताः

tathā gomeda ratnānāṁ tulālakṣamitā munai || iṁdranīlamaṇīnāṁ ca tulāḥ koṭyardha saṁmitāḥ

Likewise, O sage, there were a hundred thousand measures of gomeda gems, and of sapphires, measures equal to half a crore.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.66.50)

गरुडोद्गाररत्नानां तुलाः प्रयुतसंमिताः ॥ शुद्धविद्रुमरत्नानां तुलाश्च नवकोटयः

garuḍodgāraratnānāṁ tulāḥ prayutasaṁmitāḥ || śuddhavidrumaratnānāṁ tulāśca navakoṭayaḥ

Of garuda-udgara gems there were a million measures, and of pure coral gems, nine crore measures.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.66.51)

अष्टांगाभरणानां च संख्या कर्तुं न शक्यते ॥ वाससां च विचित्राणां कोमलानां तथा मुने

aṣṭāṁgābharaṇānāṁ ca saṁkhyā kartuṁ na śakyate || vāsasāṁ ca vicitrāṇāṁ komalānāṁ tathā mune

The number of ornaments of eight different kinds could not be counted, nor, O sage, could the many soft and beautiful garments.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.66.52)

चामराणि च भूयांसि द्रव्याण्यामोदवंति च ॥ सुवर्णदासदास्यादीन्यसंख्यातानि वै मुने

cāmarāṇi ca bhūyāṁsi dravyāṇyāmodavaṁti ca || suvarṇadāsadāsyādīnyasaṁkhyātāni vai mune

There were many yak-tail whisks, fragrant substances, golden ornaments, and countless serving men and women besides, O sage.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.66.53)

सर्वाण्यपि समादाय प्रतस्थे भूधरेश्वरः ॥ आगत्य वरणातीरं दूरात्काशीमलोकयत्

sarvāṇyapi samādāya pratasthe bhūdhareśvaraḥ || āgatya varaṇātīraṁ dūrātkāśīmalokayat

Taking all these, the lord of mountains set out on his journey; arriving at the bank of the Varana, he beheld Kashi from afar.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.66.54)

अनेकरत्ननिचयैः खचिताऽखिलभूमिकाम् ॥ नानाप्रासादमाणिक्यज्योतिस्ततततांबराम्

anekaratnanicayaiḥ khacitā'khilabhūmikām || nānāprāsādamāṇikyajyotistatatatāṁbarām

Its entire ground was studded with heaps of countless jewels, and the sky was pervaded by the ruby-light spreading from its many mansions.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.66.55)

सौधाग्रविविधस्वर्णकलशोज्वलदिङ्मुखाम् ॥ जयंतीवैजयंतीनां निकरैस्त्रिदिवस्थलीम्

saudhāgravividhasvarṇakalaśojvaladiṅmukhām || jayaṁtīvaijayaṁtīnāṁ nikaraistridivasthalīm

Its quarters blazed with the many golden pinnacles atop its palaces, and with its multitudes of victory-banners it seemed the very soil of heaven.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.66.56)

महासिद्ध्यष्टकस्यापि क्रीडाभवनमद्भुतम् ॥ जितकल्पदुमवनां वनैः सर्वफलावनैः

mahāsiddhyaṣṭakasyāpi krīḍābhavanamadbhutam || jitakalpadumavanāṁ vanaiḥ sarvaphalāvanaiḥ

It seemed the wondrous playground even of the eight great powers of perfection, its groves, laden with every fruit, having surpassed even the groves of the wishing-trees.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.66.57)

इति काशीसमृद्धिं स विलोक्याभूद्विलज्जितः ॥ उवाच च मनस्येव भूधरेंद्र इदं वचः

iti kāśīsamṛddhiṁ sa vilokyābhūdvilajjitaḥ || uvāca ca manasyeva bhūdhareṁdra idaṁ vacaḥ

Thus, having beheld the prosperity of Kashi, he became abashed, and the lord of mountains spoke thus within his own mind.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.66.58)

प्रासादेषु प्रतोलीषु प्राकारेषु गृहेषु च ॥ गोपुरेषु विचित्रेषु कपाटेषु तटेष्वपि

prāsādeṣu pratolīṣu prākāreṣu gṛheṣu ca || gopureṣu vicitreṣu kapāṭeṣu taṭeṣvapi

On the mansions, on the great avenues, on the ramparts and the houses, on the wondrous gateway-towers, on the doors, and even on the riverbanks —

Verse 59 (skanda.4.66.59)

मणिमाणिक्यरत्नानामुच्छलच्चारुरोचिषाम् ॥ ज्योतिर्जालैर्जटिलितं ययेदमवलोक्यते

maṇimāṇikyaratnānāmucchalaccārurociṣām || jyotirjālairjaṭilitaṁ yayedamavalokyate

— everything that is seen in that city lies wrapped in webs of light cast by the leaping, beautiful radiance of gems, rubies and jewels.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.66.60)

द्यावाभूम्योरंतरालं तथेति समवैम्यहम् ॥ ईदृक्संपत्तिसंभारः कुवेरस्यापि नो गृहे

dyāvābhūmyoraṁtarālaṁ tatheti samavaimyaham || īdṛksaṁpattisaṁbhāraḥ kuverasyāpi no gṛhe

'Between heaven and earth' — this is now how I understand it; such a mass of wealth as this is not found even in the house of Kubera.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.66.61)

अपि वैकुंठभुवने नेतरस्येह का कथा ॥ इति यावद्गिरींद्रोसौ संभावयति चेतसि

api vaikuṁṭhabhuvane netarasyeha kā kathā || iti yāvadgirīṁdrosau saṁbhāvayati cetasi

Not even in the realm of Vaikuntha — what then to speak of any other place! While the lord of mountains was thus reflecting in his heart —

Verse 62 (skanda.4.66.62)

तावत्कार्पटिकः कश्चित्तल्लोचनपथं गतः ॥ आहूय बहुमानं तमपृच्छच्चाचलेश्वरः

tāvatkārpaṭikaḥ kaścittallocanapathaṁ gataḥ || āhūya bahumānaṁ tamapṛcchaccācaleśvaraḥ

— just then some wandering ascetic came within his sight; the lord of the mountain called him with great respect and questioned him.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.66.63)

॥हिमवानुवाच॥ हंहो कार्पटिक श्रेष्ठ अध्यास्वैतदिहासनम् ॥ स्वपुरोदंतमाख्याहि किमपूर्वमिहाध्वग

||himavānuvāca|| haṁho kārpaṭika śreṣṭha adhyāsvaitadihāsanam || svapurodaṁtamākhyāhi kimapūrvamihādhvaga

Himavan said: Ho, excellent wanderer, be seated here on this seat; tell me the news of your own city, O traveller — what is new here?

Verse 64 (skanda.4.66.64)

कोत्र संप्रत्यधिष्ठाता किमधिष्ठातृ चेष्टितम् ॥ यदि जानासि तत्सर्वमिहाचक्ष्व ममाग्रतः

kotra saṁpratyadhiṣṭhātā kimadhiṣṭhātṛ ceṣṭitam || yadi jānāsi tatsarvamihācakṣva mamāgrataḥ

Who now presides here, and what are the deeds of that ruler? If you know all this, declare it here before me.

Verse 65 (skanda.4.66.65)

सोपि कार्पटिकस्तस्य गिरिराजस्य भाषितम् ॥ समाकर्ण्य समाचष्टुं मुने समुपचक्रमे

sopi kārpaṭikastasya girirājasya bhāṣitam || samākarṇya samācaṣṭuṁ mune samupacakrame

That wandering ascetic too, O sage, having heard the words of the lord of mountains, began to relate his tale.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.66.66)

॥कार्पटिक उवाच॥ आचक्षे शृणु राजेंद्र यत्पृष्टोस्मि त्वयाखिलम् ॥ अहानि पंचषाण्येव व्यतिक्रांतानि मानद

||kārpaṭika uvāca|| ācakṣe śṛṇu rājeṁdra yatpṛṣṭosmi tvayākhilam || ahāni paṁcaṣāṇyeva vyatikrāṁtāni mānada

The Karpatika said: I shall tell all that you have asked me, listen, O king of kings; O giver of honour, barely five or six days have passed —

Verse 67 (skanda.4.66.67)

समायाते जगन्नाथे पर्वतेंद्र सुतापतौ ॥ सुंदरान्मंदरादद्रेर्दिवोदासे गते दिवि

samāyāte jagannāthe parvateṁdra sutāpatau || suṁdarānmaṁdarādadrerdivodāse gate divi

— since, O lord of mountains, after Divodasa's departure to heaven, the Lord of the universe, husband of the mountain's daughter, arrived here from the lovely Mandara.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.66.68)

यो वै जगदधिष्ठाता सोधिष्ठातात्र सर्वगः ॥ सर्वदृक्सर्वदः शर्वः कथं न ज्ञायते विभो

yo vai jagadadhiṣṭhātā sodhiṣṭhātātra sarvagaḥ || sarvadṛksarvadaḥ śarvaḥ kathaṁ na jñāyate vibho

He who is indeed the ruler of the universe — that all-pervading one is the ruler here too; how is it, my lord, that Sharva, the all-seeing, all-giving one, is unknown to you?

Verse 69 (skanda.4.66.69)

मन्ये दृषत्स्वरूपोसि दृषदोपि कठोरधीः ॥ यतो विश्वेश्वरं काश्यां न वेत्सि गिरिजापतिम्

manye dṛṣatsvarūposi dṛṣadopi kaṭhoradhīḥ || yato viśveśvaraṁ kāśyāṁ na vetsi girijāpatim

I think you must be of the very nature of stone, harder of mind even than stone, since you do not know Vishveshvara, the husband of Girija, here in Kashi.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.66.70)

स्वभावकठिनात्मापि स वरं हिमवान्गिरिः ॥ प्राणाधिक सुता दानाद्यो धिनोद्विश्वनायकम्

svabhāvakaṭhinātmāpi sa varaṁ himavāngiriḥ || prāṇādhika sutā dānādyo dhinodviśvanāyakam

Even the mountain Himavan, hard by nature though he is, is truly blessed — for by the gift of his daughter, dearer to him than life, he gratified the Lord of the universe.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.66.71)

बिभ्रत्सहज काठिन्यं जातो गौरीगुरुर्गुरुः ॥ शंभुं प्रपूज्य सुतया स्रजा विश्वगुरोरपि

bibhratsahaja kāṭhinyaṁ jāto gaurīgururguruḥ || śaṁbhuṁ prapūjya sutayā srajā viśvagurorapi

Bearing his innate hardness, Himavan, the father of Gauri, has become the guru of gurus, for with the garland that is his daughter he worshipped Shambhu, guru even of the guru of the universe.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.66.72)

चेष्टितं तस्य को वेद वेदवेद्यस्य चेशितुः ॥ मनागिति च जानेहं तच्चेष्टितमिदं जगत्

ceṣṭitaṁ tasya ko veda vedavedyasya ceśituḥ || manāgiti ca jānehaṁ tacceṣṭitamidaṁ jagat

Who can know the play of that lord, known only through the Vedas? Yet I know a little — this entire world is itself his play.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.66.73)

अधिष्ठाता मया ख्यातस्तथाधिष्ठातृ चेष्टितम् ॥ अपूर्वं यत्त्वयापृष्टं तदाख्यामि च तच्छृणु

adhiṣṭhātā mayā khyātastathādhiṣṭhātṛ ceṣṭitam || apūrvaṁ yattvayāpṛṣṭaṁ tadākhyāmi ca tacchṛṇu

I have declared the name of the ruler, and also the deeds of that ruler; now, the wondrous thing you asked of me, that I shall tell — listen.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.66.74)

शुभे ज्येष्ठेश्वरस्थाने सांप्रतं स उमापतिः ॥ काशीं प्राप्य मुदा तिष्ठेद्गिरिराजांगजा सखः

śubhe jyeṣṭheśvarasthāne sāṁprataṁ sa umāpatiḥ || kāśīṁ prāpya mudā tiṣṭhedgirirājāṁgajā sakhaḥ

That husband of Uma, companion of the mountain-king's daughter, having come now to Kashi, dwells joyfully at the auspicious place of Jyeshtheshvara.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.66.75)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ यदा यदा स गिरिजा मृदुनामाक्षरामृतम् ॥ आविष्करोति पथिकोऽद्रींद्रो हृष्येत्तदातदा

||skaṁda uvāca|| yadā yadā sa girijā mṛdunāmākṣarāmṛtam || āviṣkaroti pathiko'drīṁdro hṛṣyettadātadā

Skanda said: Whenever Girija uttered the nectar of her soft syllables, then and there the wayfaring lord of mountains, all unknowing, would rejoice.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.66.76)

उमानामामृतं पीतं येनेह जगतीतले ॥ न जातु जननीस्तन्यं स पिबेत्कुंभसंभव

umānāmāmṛtaṁ pītaṁ yeneha jagatītale || na jātu jananīstanyaṁ sa pibetkuṁbhasaṁbhava

O jar-born one, he who has drunk here on earth the nectar of Uma's name never again drinks a mother's milk — that is, is never reborn.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.66.77)

उमेतिद्व्यक्षरं मंत्रं योऽहर्निशमनुस्मरेत् ॥ न स्मरेच्चित्रगुप्तस्तं कृतपापमपि द्विज

umetidvyakṣaraṁ maṁtraṁ yo'harniśamanusmaret || na smareccitraguptastaṁ kṛtapāpamapi dvija

O brahmin, he who day and night remembers the two-syllabled mantra 'Umā' — Chitragupta does not recall against him even the sins he has committed.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.66.78)

पुनः शुश्राव हिमवान्हृष्टः कार्पटिकोदितम् ॥ ॥कार्पटिक उवाच॥ राजन्विश्वेश्वरार्थेयः प्रासादो विश्वकर्मणा

punaḥ śuśrāva himavānhṛṣṭaḥ kārpaṭikoditam || ||kārpaṭika uvāca|| rājanviśveśvarārtheyaḥ prāsādo viśvakarmaṇā

Again Himavan, delighted, listened on to what the Karpatika said. The Karpatika said: O king, the temple which is being built by Vishvakarma for Vishveshvara —

Verse 79 (skanda.4.66.79)

निर्मीयते सुनिर्माणो जन्मि निर्वाणदायिनः ॥ तदपूर्वं न कर्णाभ्यामप्याकर्णितवानहम्

nirmīyate sunirmāṇo janmi nirvāṇadāyinaḥ || tadapūrvaṁ na karṇābhyāmapyākarṇitavānaham

— finely built for him who gives liberation to all who are born, that wonder I had never before even heard with my own ears.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.66.80)

यत्रातिमित्रतेजोभिः शलाकाभिः समंततः ॥ मणिमाणिक्यरत्नानां प्रासादेभित्तयः कृताः

yatrātimitratejobhiḥ śalākābhiḥ samaṁtataḥ || maṇimāṇikyaratnānāṁ prāsādebhittayaḥ kṛtāḥ

Where, on every side, the walls of the palace are built of gems, rubies and jewels set with rods of exceeding brilliance.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.66.81)

यत्र संति शतं स्तंभा भास्वंतो द्वादशोत्तराः ॥ एकैकं भुवनं धर्तुमष्टाष्टाविति कल्पिताः

yatra saṁti śataṁ staṁbhā bhāsvaṁto dvādaśottarāḥ || ekaikaṁ bhuvanaṁ dhartumaṣṭāṣṭāviti kalpitāḥ

Where there are a hundred and twelve shining pillars, conceived in groups of eight, each group upholding one of the worlds.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.66.82)

चतुर्दशसु या शोभा विष्टपेषु समंततः ॥ तस्मिन्विमाने सास्तीह शतकोटिगुणोत्तरा

caturdaśasu yā śobhā viṣṭapeṣu samaṁtataḥ || tasminvimāne sāstīha śatakoṭiguṇottarā

Whatever splendour exists throughout the fourteen worlds, that same splendour exists here in this celestial hall, multiplied a hundred crore times over.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.66.83)

चंद्रकांतमणीनां च स्तंभाधार शिलाश्च याः ॥ चित्ररत्नमयैस्तंभैः स्तंभितास्तत्प्रभाभराः

caṁdrakāṁtamaṇīnāṁ ca staṁbhādhāra śilāśca yāḥ || citraratnamayaistaṁbhaiḥ staṁbhitāstatprabhābharāḥ

And the base-stones of moonstone that support the pillars — their masses of radiance seem, as it were, held fast by the pillars of many-coloured gems.

Verse 84 (skanda.4.66.84)

पद्मरागेंद्रनीलानां शालीनाः शालभंजिकाः ॥ नीराजयंत्यहोरात्रं यत्र रजप्रदीपकैः

padmarāgeṁdranīlānāṁ śālīnāḥ śālabhaṁjikāḥ || nīrājayaṁtyahorātraṁ yatra rajapradīpakaiḥ

Where graceful bracket-figurines of ruby and sapphire perform the lamp-offering day and night with lamps of gem-dust.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.66.85)

स्फुरत्स्फटिकनिर्माण श्लक्ष्ण पद्मशिलातले ॥ अनेकरत्नरूपाणि विचित्राणि समंततः

sphuratsphaṭikanirmāṇa ślakṣṇa padmaśilātale || anekaratnarūpāṇi vicitrāṇi samaṁtataḥ

On the smooth lotus-stone floor made of glittering crystal, many wondrous gem-forms appear on every side.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.66.86)

आरक्तपीतमंजिष्ठ नीलकिर्मीरवर्णकैः ॥ विन्यस्तानीव भासंते चित्रे चित्रकृतायतः

āraktapītamaṁjiṣṭha nīlakirmīravarṇakaiḥ || vinyastānīva bhāsaṁte citre citrakṛtāyataḥ

With hues of red-gold, madder-red, blue and dappled colour, they shine as if arranged there by some painter skilled in wondrous pictures.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.66.87)

दृक्पिच्छिला विलोक्यंते माणिक्यस्तंभराजयः ॥ यतोऽविमुक्ते स्वक्षेत्रे मोक्षलक्ष्म्यंकुरा इव

dṛkpicchilā vilokyaṁte māṇikyastaṁbharājayaḥ || yato'vimukte svakṣetre mokṣalakṣmyaṁkurā iva

Rows of ruby pillars are seen there, dazzling to the eye, as if they were the very sprouts of the goddess of liberation growing in Shiva's own field of Avimukta.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.66.88)

रत्नाकरेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यो गणा रत्नोच्चयान्बहून् ॥ राशींश्चक्रुः समानीय यत्राद्रिशिखरोपमान्

ratnākarebhyaḥ sarvebhyo gaṇā ratnoccayānbahūn || rāśīṁścakruḥ samānīya yatrādriśikharopamān

Where the attendants, gathering gems from every mine in the ocean, brought and heaped them into masses resembling mountain peaks.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.66.89)

यत्र पातालतलतो नागानां कोशवेश्मतः ॥ गणैर्मणिगणाः सर्वे समाहृत्य गिरीकृताः

yatra pātālatalato nāgānāṁ kośaveśmataḥ || gaṇairmaṇigaṇāḥ sarve samāhṛtya girīkṛtāḥ

Where the whole store of gems from the treasure-houses of the serpents in the netherworld was gathered by the attendants and piled into mountains.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.66.90)

शिवभक्तः स्वयं यत्र पौलस्त्यः स्वद्रिकूटतः ॥ कोटिहाटककूटानि आनयामास राक्षसैः

śivabhaktaḥ svayaṁ yatra paulastyaḥ svadrikūṭataḥ || koṭihāṭakakūṭāni ānayāmāsa rākṣasaiḥ

Where the Shiva-devotee Paulastya (Ravana) himself, through his rakshasas, brought crores of golden peaks from his own mountain stronghold.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.66.91)

प्रासादनिर्मितिं श्रुत्वा भक्ता द्वीपांतरस्थिताः ॥ माणिक्यानि समाजह्रुर्यथासंख्यान्यहो नृप

prāsādanirmitiṁ śrutvā bhaktā dvīpāṁtarasthitāḥ || māṇikyāni samājahruryathāsaṁkhyānyaho nṛpa

O king, hearing of the building of the temple, devotees dwelling on distant islands too sent countless rubies.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.66.92)

चिंतामणिः स्वयं यत्र कमर्णे विश्वकर्मणे ॥ विश्राणयेदहोरात्रं विचित्रांश्चिं तितान्मणीन्

ciṁtāmaṇiḥ svayaṁ yatra kamarṇe viśvakarmaṇe || viśrāṇayedahorātraṁ vicitrāṁściṁ titānmaṇīn

Where the wish-fulfilling gem itself, day and night, bestowed upon Vishvakarma the wondrous jewels born of its own thought.

Verse 93 (skanda.4.66.93)

नानावर्णपताकाश्च यत्र कल्पमहीरुहः ॥ अनल्पाः कल्पयंत्येव नित्यभक्तिसमन्विताः

nānāvarṇapatākāśca yatra kalpamahīruhaḥ || analpāḥ kalpayaṁtyeva nityabhaktisamanvitāḥ

And where the wishing-trees, filled with unceasing devotion, ceaselessly fashion many-coloured banners in great abundance.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.66.94)

अब्धयो यत्र सततं दधिक्षीरेक्षुसर्पिषाम् ॥ पंचामृतानां कलशैः स्नपयंति दिनेदिने

abdhayo yatra satataṁ dadhikṣīrekṣusarpiṣām || paṁcāmṛtānāṁ kalaśaiḥ snapayaṁti dinedine

Where the very oceans, day after day, bathe the linga with pitchers of the five nectars — curd, milk, sugarcane-juice and ghee.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.66.95)

यत्र कामदुघा नित्यं स्नपयेन्मधुधारया ॥ स्वदुग्धया स्वयं भक्त्या विश्वेशं लिंगरूपिणम्

yatra kāmadughā nityaṁ snapayenmadhudhārayā || svadugdhayā svayaṁ bhaktyā viśveśaṁ liṁgarūpiṇam

Where the wish-granting cow herself, out of devotion, bathes Vishvesha in his linga-form daily with a stream of honey and with her own milk.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.66.96)

गंधसाररसैर्यं च सेवते मलयाचलः ॥ कर्पूररंभा कर्पूरपूरैर्भक्त्या निषेवते

gaṁdhasārarasairyaṁ ca sevate malayācalaḥ || karpūraraṁbhā karpūrapūrairbhaktyā niṣevate

Whom the Malaya mountain serves with the very essence of sandal, and whom the camphor-plantain devotedly serves with an abundance of camphor.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.66.97)

इत्याद्य पूर्वं यत्रास्ति प्रत्यहं शंकरालये ॥ कथं तं त्वमुमाकातं न वेत्सि कठिनाशय

ityādya pūrvaṁ yatrāsti pratyahaṁ śaṁkarālaye || kathaṁ taṁ tvamumākātaṁ na vetsi kaṭhināśaya

Such things as these, and more besides, exist daily in the abode of Shankara — how then, O hard of heart, can you not know that consort of Uma?

Verse 98 (skanda.4.66.98)

इति तस्य समृद्धिं तां दृष्ट्वा जामातुरद्रिराट ॥ त्रपया परिभूतोभून्नितरां कुंभसंभव

iti tasya samṛddhiṁ tāṁ dṛṣṭvā jāmāturadrirāṭa || trapayā paribhūtobhūnnitarāṁ kuṁbhasaṁbhava

O jar-born one, thus having heard of his son-in-law's great prosperity, the lord of mountains was overcome utterly with shame.

Verse 99 (skanda.4.66.99)

तस्मै कार्पटिकायाथ स दत्त्वा पारितोषिकम् ॥ पुनश्चिंतापरोजातोऽद्रिराट्कार्पटिके गते

tasmai kārpaṭikāyātha sa dattvā pāritoṣikam || punaściṁtāparojāto'drirāṭkārpaṭike gate

Then, having given a reward to that wandering ascetic, the lord of mountains, once he had gone, fell again into deep thought.

Verse 100 (skanda.4.66.100)

उवाचेति मनस्येव विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनः ॥ अहो भद्रमिदं जातं यत्त्वया श्रावि शर्मभाक्

uvāceti manasyeva vismayotphullalocanaḥ || aho bhadramidaṁ jātaṁ yattvayā śrāvi śarmabhāk

With eyes wide in astonishment he spoke within his own mind: 'Ah, good indeed has come of this — that I have been made to hear this, and so share in this joy.'

Verse 101 (skanda.4.66.101)

यावत्संपत्तिसंभारः श्रूयते दृश्यतेत्र वै ॥ जामातुरत्र सदने लीला त्रिजगतीपतेः

yāvatsaṁpattisaṁbhāraḥ śrūyate dṛśyatetra vai || jāmāturatra sadane līlā trijagatīpateḥ

'Whatever mass of wealth is heard of and seen here — all of it is but the mere play of my son-in-law, the Lord of the three worlds, in this his abode.'

Verse 102 (skanda.4.66.102)

ततः प्राभृतकस्तुच्छो नितरां प्रतिभाति मे ॥ कन्यार्थं यो मया नीतो जामातुः परितोषकृत्

tataḥ prābhṛtakastuccho nitarāṁ pratibhāti me || kanyārthaṁ yo mayā nīto jāmātuḥ paritoṣakṛt

'Therefore the gift I brought to gratify my son-in-law, in exchange for my daughter, now appears to me utterly paltry.'

Verse 103 (skanda.4.66.103)

अहं मन्ये तथैवासौ यथादर्शि मया पुरा ॥ वृद्धोक्षमात्रसंपत्तिः सर्वकर्मपराङ्मुखः

ahaṁ manye tathaivāsau yathādarśi mayā purā || vṛddhokṣamātrasaṁpattiḥ sarvakarmaparāṅmukhaḥ

'I had thought him just as I had once seen him — possessing nothing but an old bull for wealth, turned away from every worldly pursuit.'

Verse 104 (skanda.4.66.104)

नैनं कोपि विजानीयान्नान्वयोस्य कदाऽचन ॥ नामापि यस्य नैकं च किंदेशीयश्च नोह्यते

nainaṁ kopi vijānīyānnānvayosya kadā'cana || nāmāpi yasya naikaṁ ca kiṁdeśīyaśca nohyate

'No one can ever fully know him, nor his lineage; he has no single fixed name, nor is it known from what land he comes.'

Verse 105 (skanda.4.66.105)

किंवृत्तश्च किमाचारो नाममात्रेण चेश्वरः ॥ ऐश्वर्यसूचकं वस्तु यस्य किंचिन्न लक्ष्यते

kiṁvṛttaśca kimācāro nāmamātreṇa ceśvaraḥ || aiśvaryasūcakaṁ vastu yasya kiṁcinna lakṣyate

'What is his occupation, what his conduct? He is Lord in name alone, for nothing indicating majesty is seen in him at all.'

Verse 106 (skanda.4.66.106)

सोसौ निर्वाणसंपत्तिं रंकायापि ददात्यहो ॥ सुमुखः सर्वकर्माणि फलवंति करोति सः

sosau nirvāṇasaṁpattiṁ raṁkāyāpi dadātyaho || sumukhaḥ sarvakarmāṇi phalavaṁti karoti saḥ

'And yet, ah — he it is who grants the wealth of liberation even to a pauper; gracious of face, he makes every deed bear fruit.'

Verse 107 (skanda.4.66.107)

वेदवेद्यो हि सर्वज्ञो यत्संतानोऽखिलं जगत् ॥ यं न कोपि हि वेदादौ वेदवेद्यः स एष वै

vedavedyo hi sarvajño yatsaṁtāno'khilaṁ jagat || yaṁ na kopi hi vedādau vedavedyaḥ sa eṣa vai

'He, known through the Vedas, is indeed omniscient, whose offspring is this entire world; whom none truly know even at the Vedas' own beginning — he alone is the one known through the Vedas.'

Verse 108 (skanda.4.66.108)

योनभिज्ञः सदाज्ञातः स सर्वज्ञोयमेव हि ॥ यस्यैकमपि नो नाम पुंसा ज्ञेयं न केनचित्

yonabhijñaḥ sadājñātaḥ sa sarvajñoyameva hi || yasyaikamapi no nāma puṁsā jñeyaṁ na kenacit

'He who seems unrecognized yet is ever known — he alone is truly all-knowing; not even one of his names can be fully grasped by any man.'

Verse 109 (skanda.4.66.109)

सर्वेषां सर्वनामानि यस्य नामानि निश्चितम् ॥ सोसौ हि सर्वदेशीयः सर्वेभ्यः सर्वसिद्धिदः

sarveṣāṁ sarvanāmāni yasya nāmāni niścitam || sosau hi sarvadeśīyaḥ sarvebhyaḥ sarvasiddhidaḥ

'All the names of all beings are indeed his own names; he belongs to every land, and grants every attainment to all.'

Verse 110 (skanda.4.66.110)

यस्य देशो न विदितो यस्तु वृत्तिपराङ्मुखः ॥ आचारहीनमिव यं पुराऽपश्यं कठोरधीः

yasya deśo na vidito yastu vṛttiparāṅmukhaḥ || ācārahīnamiva yaṁ purā'paśyaṁ kaṭhoradhīḥ

'Whose land is unknown, who seems averse to any livelihood — him, hard-minded as I was, I once took for one without proper conduct.'

Verse 111 (skanda.4.66.111)

श्रुतिस्मृती यतः सर्वमाचारं वित्त एव हि ॥ नाममात्रेण नियतं यमज्ञासिषमीश्वरम्

śrutismṛtī yataḥ sarvamācāraṁ vitta eva hi || nāmamātreṇa niyataṁ yamajñāsiṣamīśvaram

'For conduct is known only through the Shruti and Smriti scriptures — by name alone, I plainly failed to recognize that Lord.'

Verse 112 (skanda.4.66.112)

साक्षादीश्वर एवैष सोन्येष्वैश्वर्यसूचकः ॥ अपि सर्वगुणाधारो गुणातीतः परापरः

sākṣādīśvara evaiṣa sonyeṣvaiśvaryasūcakaḥ || api sarvaguṇādhāro guṇātītaḥ parāparaḥ

'He is verily the Lord himself, directly — whatever majesty is seen in others is but a sign of him; he is the support of all qualities, yet beyond them, both transcendent and immanent.'

Verse 113 (skanda.4.66.113)

अर्वाचीन इहाप्येष पराचीनः परात्परः ॥ भूधराणामहं नाथो विश्वनाथ उमापतिः

arvācīna ihāpyeṣa parācīnaḥ parātparaḥ || bhūdharāṇāmahaṁ nātho viśvanātha umāpatiḥ

'He is present here and also far beyond, the highest of the high; I am but lord of the mountains, while he is Vishvanatha, the husband of Uma.'

Verse 114 (skanda.4.66.114)

अहं प्रमितसंपत्तिरप्रमेय धनोह्यसौ ॥ तुच्छप्राभृत कस्तस्मान्नेदानीमस्य दर्शनम्

ahaṁ pramitasaṁpattiraprameya dhanohyasau || tucchaprābhṛta kastasmānnedānīmasya darśanam

'My wealth can be measured, but his is beyond all measure; therefore, bearing so paltry a gift, I shall not go for his darshan now.'

Verse 115 (skanda.4.66.115)

करिष्येथ करिष्यामि व्यावृत्त्यागत्य कर्हिचित् ॥ संप्रधार्येति मनसि सायं स च गिरीश्वरः

kariṣyetha kariṣyāmi vyāvṛttyāgatya karhicit || saṁpradhāryeti manasi sāyaṁ sa ca girīśvaraḥ

'I shall do it, I shall do it — I shall come again some other time' — having resolved so in his mind, the lord of mountains passed that evening there.

Verse 116 (skanda.4.66.116)

आहूय सर्वाननुगान्पार्वतीयान्महाबलान् ॥ आदिष्टवानिदं वाक्यं सर्वे यूयं बलाधिकाः

āhūya sarvānanugānpārvatīyānmahābalān || ādiṣṭavānidaṁ vākyaṁ sarve yūyaṁ balādhikāḥ

Calling all his mighty mountain attendants, he gave this command: 'All of you are men of great strength —'

Verse 117 (skanda.4.66.117)

कुर्वंत्वेकं ममादेशं यावन्नोद्यति भानुमान् ॥ तावच्छिवालयं चैकं विदधत्वत्र सत्वरम्

kurvaṁtvekaṁ mamādeśaṁ yāvannodyati bhānumān || tāvacchivālayaṁ caikaṁ vidadhatvatra satvaram

— 'carry out this one order of mine: before the sun rises, build here quickly a single temple of Shiva.'

Verse 118 (skanda.4.66.118)

यस्मिन्कृते कृतार्थः स्यामिह लोके परत्र च ॥ समागत्येह काश्यां यः कुर्यादेकं शिवालयम्

yasminkṛte kṛtārthaḥ syāmiha loke paratra ca || samāgatyeha kāśyāṁ yaḥ kuryādekaṁ śivālayam

'By whose building I shall find fulfilment both in this world and the next; for whoever comes here to Kashi and raises a single temple of Shiva —'

Verse 119 (skanda.4.66.119)

तेन त्रैलोक्यमखिलं सालयं कृतमेव हि ॥ तेन दत्तानि दानानि महांति विधिपूर्वकम्

tena trailokyamakhilaṁ sālayaṁ kṛtameva hi || tena dattāni dānāni mahāṁti vidhipūrvakam

— 'by him it is as if the entire three worlds, with all their abodes, have been built; by him great gifts too have been duly given, according to rite.'

Verse 120 (skanda.4.66.120)

सुपर्वणि सुपात्राय सुताथ श्रद्धयाधिकम् ॥ येन स्ववित्तमानेन धर्मोपार्जित वित्ततः

suparvaṇi supātrāya sutātha śraddhayādhikam || yena svavittamānena dharmopārjita vittataḥ

'On an auspicious occasion, to a worthy recipient, with the utmost faith, in keeping with his own righteously-earned wealth —'

Verse 121 (skanda.4.66.121)

कृतं शंभोर्महासद्म न तं पद्मा त्यजेत्क्वचित् ॥ तपांसि तेन तप्तानि शीर्णपर्णाशनान्यपि

kṛtaṁ śaṁbhormahāsadma na taṁ padmā tyajetkvacit || tapāṁsi tena taptāni śīrṇaparṇāśanānyapi

— 'him who has built the great abode of Shambhu, Lakshmi never forsakes; he has, as it were, performed even the austerity of living on withered leaves.'

Verse 122 (skanda.4.66.122)

वाराणसीं समासाद्य येनाकारि शिवालयः ॥ अशेषाः सुविशेषाढ्या इष्टांस्तेन महामखाः

vārāṇasīṁ samāsādya yenākāri śivālayaḥ || aśeṣāḥ suviśeṣāḍhyā iṣṭāṁstena mahāmakhāḥ

'He who, coming to Varanasi, has built a temple of Shiva, has thereby performed, as it were, every great and abundant sacrifice.'

Verse 123 (skanda.4.66.123)

आनंदकानने येन देवदेवालयः कृतः ॥ इति तस्य समादेशं समाकर्ण्यानुगास्ततः

ānaṁdakānane yena devadevālayaḥ kṛtaḥ || iti tasya samādeśaṁ samākarṇyānugāstataḥ

— 'whoever has built, in the Grove of Bliss, an abode for the god of gods, has attained everything.' Having heard this command of his, the attendants then —

Verse 124 (skanda.4.66.124)

चक्रुर्देवालयं श्रेष्ठं यावद्व्युष्टा न यामिनी ॥ तावच्छैलेश्वरं लिंगं शैलेशेन प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ चंद्रकांतमणेश्चंचत्कांतिश्चेतितमंडपम्

cakrurdevālayaṁ śreṣṭhaṁ yāvadvyuṣṭā na yāminī || tāvacchaileśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ śaileśena pratiṣṭhitam || caṁdrakāṁtamaṇeścaṁcatkāṁtiścetitamaṁḍapam

— built the excellent temple of the god before the night had passed; and by then the lord of mountains had already installed the linga named Shaileshvara, in a pavilion lit by the shimmering lustre of moonstone.

Verse 125 (skanda.4.66.125)

अलेखयत्प्रशस्तिं च प्रशस्ताक्षरमालिनीम् ॥ व्याचक्षाणां निजां सर्वं गोत्रेभ्योप्यधिकोन्नतिम्

alekhayatpraśastiṁ ca praśastākṣaramālinīm || vyācakṣāṇāṁ nijāṁ sarvaṁ gotrebhyopyadhikonnatim

He also had an inscription engraved, garlanded with fine letters, proclaiming in full the glory of his own line, raised even above other lineages.

Verse 126 (skanda.4.66.126)

ततोऽरुणोदये जाते स्नात्वा पंचनदे ह्रदे ॥ शैलराजः कालराजं नमस्कृत्य समर्च्य च

tato'ruṇodaye jāte snātvā paṁcanade hrade || śailarājaḥ kālarājaṁ namaskṛtya samarcya ca

Then, at the break of dawn, having bathed in the Panchanada lake, the lord of mountains, having bowed to and worshipped Kalaraja —

Verse 127 (skanda.4.66.127)

तत्र राशिं समुत्सृज्य परितस्तवरितो ययौ ॥ पार्वतीयैरनुगतः सर्वैरपि निजालयम्

tatra rāśiṁ samutsṛjya paritastavarito yayau || pārvatīyairanugataḥ sarvairapi nijālayam

— left there a heap of the remaining offerings all around, and swiftly departed, followed by all his mountain attendants, for his own abode.

Verse 128 (skanda.4.66.128)

ततः प्रातः समालोक्य गणौ हुंडनमुंडनो ॥ हृष्टौ देवालयं रम्यं वरणायास्तटे शुभे

tataḥ prātaḥ samālokya gaṇau huṁḍanamuṁḍano || hṛṣṭau devālayaṁ ramyaṁ varaṇāyāstaṭe śubhe

Then, in the morning, the two attendants Hundana and Mundana, having beheld the lovely temple of the god on the auspicious bank of the Varana, were delighted —

Verse 129 (skanda.4.66.129)

अदृष्टपूर्वदेवाय निवेदयितुमागतौ ॥ तौ तु दृष्ट्वा महादेवमुमादर्शितदर्पणम्

adṛṣṭapūrvadevāya nivedayitumāgatau || tau tu dṛṣṭvā mahādevamumādarśitadarpaṇam

— and came to report it to the god, who had not seen it before. But the two of them found Mahadeva absorbed, as if Uma were showing him something [the sense of this line is uncertain in the source].

Verse 130 (skanda.4.66.130)

प्रणम्य दंडवद्भूमौ कृतांजलिपुटौ गणौ ॥ कृताभ्यनुज्ञो भ्रूक्षेपाद्विज्ञप्तिमथ चक्रतुः

praṇamya daṁḍavadbhūmau kṛtāṁjalipuṭau gaṇau || kṛtābhyanujño bhrūkṣepādvijñaptimatha cakratuḥ

— bowing flat upon the ground, with joined palms, the two attendants, given leave by a glance of his brow, then made their submission.

Verse 131 (skanda.4.66.131)

देवदेव न जानीवः केनचिद्दृढभक्तिना ॥ अतीव रम्यः प्रासादो निर्मितो वरणातटे

devadeva na jānīvaḥ kenaciddṛḍhabhaktinā || atīva ramyaḥ prāsādo nirmito varaṇātaṭe

'O god of gods, we do not know by whom, but with firm devotion, an exceedingly beautiful temple has been raised on the bank of the Varana.'

Verse 132 (skanda.4.66.132)

आसायं नैक्षिचावाभ्यां दृष्टोद्यैव प्रगे विभो ॥ गणोदितमितीशानो निशम्याह गिरींद्रजाम्

āsāyaṁ naikṣicāvābhyāṁ dṛṣṭodyaiva prage vibho || gaṇoditamitīśāno niśamyāha girīṁdrajām

'We two had not seen it as late as yesterday evening; we saw it only this morning, my lord.' Hearing this said by his attendants, Ishana spoke to the daughter of the mountain-king.

Verse 133 (skanda.4.66.133)

विज्ञातसर्ववृत्तांतः सर्वज्ञोप्यनभिज्ञवत् ॥ अचलेंद्रागजेयावस्तत्प्रासादविलोकने

vijñātasarvavṛttāṁtaḥ sarvajñopyanabhijñavat || acaleṁdrāgajeyāvastatprāsādavilokane

Though all-knowing and already aware of the whole matter, he spoke as if unaware: 'O daughter of the lord of mountains, let us both go and see that temple.'

Verse 134 (skanda.4.66.134)

इत्युक्त्वेशः सगिरिजो निरगात्सगणो मुने ॥ महास्यंदनमारुह्य प्रासादं द्रष्टुमुत्सुकः

ityuktveśaḥ sagirijo niragātsagaṇo mune || mahāsyaṁdanamāruhya prāsādaṁ draṣṭumutsukaḥ

Having said this, O sage, Isha, together with Girija and his attendants, mounted his great chariot and set out eagerly to see the temple.

Verse 135 (skanda.4.66.135)

अथालुलोके गिरिशः प्रासादं वरणातटे ॥ अतीव रम्यरचनं यामिनीमात्रनिर्मितम्

athāluloke giriśaḥ prāsādaṁ varaṇātaṭe || atīva ramyaracanaṁ yāminīmātranirmitam

Then Girisha beheld the temple on the bank of the Varana, its structure exceedingly beautiful, raised in the span of a single night.

Verse 136 (skanda.4.66.136)

स्यंदनादवरुह्याथ गर्भागारमवीविशत् ॥ ददर्श च महालिंगं चंद्रकांतशिलामयम्

syaṁdanādavaruhyātha garbhāgāramavīviśat || dadarśa ca mahāliṁgaṁ caṁdrakāṁtaśilāmayam

Then, descending from his chariot, he entered the inner sanctum, and beheld the great linga fashioned of moonstone.

Verse 137 (skanda.4.66.137)

देदीप्यमानं महसा मोक्षलक्ष्म्यंकुराकृति ॥ दृष्टिप्रसादजननं पुनर्जननशातनम्

dedīpyamānaṁ mahasā mokṣalakṣmyaṁkurākṛti || dṛṣṭiprasādajananaṁ punarjananaśātanam

It blazed with its own radiance, as if it were the very sprout of the goddess of liberation, generating grace at the mere sight of it, and cutting off rebirth.

Verse 138 (skanda.4.66.138)

केनेदं स्थापितं लिंगं यावज्जिज्ञासतीश्वरः ॥ तावद्दर्श पुरतः प्रशस्तिं कर्तृसूचिकाम् ॥ वाचयित्वेव च मनाङ्मनस्येव मनोजहृत् ॥ उवाच देवो दिष्ट्येति प्रेक्षस्वात्मपितुः कृतिम्

kenedaṁ sthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ yāvajjijñāsatīśvaraḥ || tāvaddarśa purataḥ praśastiṁ kartṛsūcikām || vācayitveva ca manāṅmanasyeva manojahṛt || uvāca devo diṣṭyeti prekṣasvātmapituḥ kṛtim

While the Lord wondered, 'By whom was this linga established?', he saw before him at once the inscription declaring its maker. Reading it, as it were, silently within his mind, the god said with delight: 'By good fortune! Behold the work of your own father.'

Verse 139 (skanda.4.66.139)

उमा श्रुत्येति संहृष्टा कदंबकुसुमश्रियम् ॥ आनंदांकुरलक्ष्मीवदंगेषु परिबिभ्रती

umā śrutyeti saṁhṛṣṭā kadaṁbakusumaśriyam || ānaṁdāṁkuralakṣmīvadaṁgeṣu paribibhratī

Hearing this, Uma was overjoyed, and upon her body there appeared the sprouting thrill of delight, lovely as the blossom of the kadamba.

Verse 140 (skanda.4.66.140)

ततो व्यजिज्ञपद्देवं देवी पादौ प्रणम्य च ॥ अस्मिँल्लिंगवरे नाथ त्वया स्थेयमहर्निशम्

tato vyajijñapaddevaṁ devī pādau praṇamya ca || asmi~lliṁgavare nātha tvayā stheyamaharniśam

Then, bowing at the feet of the god, the goddess made her plea: 'My lord, you must dwell in this excellent linga day and night.'

Verse 141 (skanda.4.66.141)

अस्य लिंगस्य ये भक्ता शैलेशस्य महेशितुः ॥ तेभ्यस्त्वं महतीमृद्धिं दास्यसीह परत्र च

asya liṁgasya ye bhaktā śaileśasya maheśituḥ || tebhyastvaṁ mahatīmṛddhiṁ dāsyasīha paratra ca

'Whoever are devotees of this linga of Shaileshvara, the great lord — to them you must grant great prosperity, both here and beyond.'

Verse 142 (skanda.4.66.142)

तथेति देव उक्त्वा तां पार्वतीं पुनरब्रवीत् ॥ वरणायां कृतस्नानैः शैलेशो यैः समर्चितः

tatheti deva uktvā tāṁ pārvatīṁ punarabravīt || varaṇāyāṁ kṛtasnānaiḥ śaileśo yaiḥ samarcitaḥ

The god, saying 'So be it,' spoke again to Parvati: 'Those who, having bathed in the Varana, worship Shailesha —'

Verse 143 (skanda.4.66.143)

पितॄन्संतर्प्य च मुदा दत्त्वा दानानि शक्तितः ॥ न तेषां पुनरावृत्तिरत्र संसारवर्त्मनि

pitṝnsaṁtarpya ca mudā dattvā dānāni śaktitaḥ || na teṣāṁ punarāvṛttiratra saṁsāravartmani

— 'and who, having joyfully satisfied their ancestors, give gifts according to their ability — for them there is no further coming and going on this road of transmigration.'

Verse 144 (skanda.4.66.144)

शैलैश्वरे महालिंगे नित्यं स्थास्याम्यहं शुभे ॥ प्रदास्यामि परां मुक्तिमेतल्लिंगार्चके जने

śailaiśvare mahāliṁge nityaṁ sthāsyāmyahaṁ śubhe || pradāsyāmi parāṁ muktimetalliṁgārcake jane

'In this great linga of Shaileshvara, O auspicious one, I shall dwell forever; and to those who worship this linga I shall grant supreme liberation.'

Verse 145 (skanda.4.66.145)

शैलेश्वरं ये द्रक्ष्यंति वरणायाः सुरोधसि ॥ तेषां काश्यां निवसतां दुःखं नाभिभविष्यति

śaileśvaraṁ ye drakṣyaṁti varaṇāyāḥ surodhasi || teṣāṁ kāśyāṁ nivasatāṁ duḥkhaṁ nābhibhaviṣyati

'Those who behold Shaileshvara on the fair bank of the Varana — for them, dwelling in Kashi, sorrow shall never prevail.'

Verse 146 (skanda.4.66.146)

उमयापि वरो दत्तस्तत्र लिंगे घटोद्भव ॥ शैलेश्वरस्य ये भक्तास्ते मे पुत्रा न संशयः

umayāpi varo dattastatra liṁge ghaṭodbhava || śaileśvarasya ye bhaktāste me putrā na saṁśayaḥ

O jar-born one, Uma too granted a boon concerning that linga: 'Whoever are devotees of Shaileshvara are, without doubt, my own children.'

Verse 147 (skanda.4.66.147)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ इति शैलेश्वरं लिंगं कथितं ते महामुने ॥ इदानीं कथयिष्यामि रत्नेश्वरसमुद्भवम्

||skaṁda uvāca|| iti śaileśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ kathitaṁ te mahāmune || idānīṁ kathayiṣyāmi ratneśvarasamudbhavam

Skanda said: Thus, O great sage, has the linga of Shaileshvara been told to you; now I shall tell of the origin of Ratneshvara.

Verse 148 (skanda.4.66.148)

श्रुत्वा शैलेश माहात्म्यं श्रद्धया परया नरः ॥ पापकंचुकमुत्सृज्य शिवलोकमवाप्नुयात्

śrutvā śaileśa māhātmyaṁ śraddhayā parayā naraḥ || pāpakaṁcukamutsṛjya śivalokamavāpnuyāt

A man who hears the greatness of Shailesha with supreme faith, casting off the garment of sin, attains the world of Shiva.