The Abodes of the Guardian Goddesses

Verse 1 (skanda.4.70.1)

॥अगस्त्य उवाच॥ कात्यायनेय कथय नंदिना विश्वनंदिना ॥ यथा व्यापारिता देव्यो देवदेवनिदेशतः

||agastya uvāca|| kātyāyaneya kathaya naṁdinā viśvanaṁdinā || yathā vyāpāritā devyo devadevanideśataḥ

Agastya said: O son of Katyayani, tell me how the goddesses were set to work by Nandi, the joy of the universe, at the command of the god of gods.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.70.2)

अविमुक्तस्य रक्षार्थं यत्र या देवताः स्थिताः ॥ प्रसादं कुरु मे देव ताः समाचक्ष्व तत्त्वतः

avimuktasya rakṣārthaṁ yatra yā devatāḥ sthitāḥ || prasādaṁ kuru me deva tāḥ samācakṣva tattvataḥ

Whatever deities are stationed wherever, for the protection of Avimukta — grant me your grace, O god, and tell me of them truly.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.70.3)

इत्यगस्त्युदितं श्रुत्वा महादेवतनूद्भवः ॥ कथयामास या यत्र स्थिताऽऽनंदवने मुदा

ityagastyuditaṁ śrutvā mahādevatanūdbhavaḥ || kathayāmāsa yā yatra sthitā''naṁdavane mudā

Hearing this said by Agastya, the son of Mahadeva joyfully told which goddess is stationed where in the Grove of Bliss.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.70.4)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ वाराणस्यां विशालाक्षी क्षेत्रस्य परमेष्टदा ॥ विशालतीर्थं गंगायां कृत्वा पृष्ठे व्यवस्थिता

||skaṁda uvāca|| vārāṇasyāṁ viśālākṣī kṣetrasya parameṣṭadā || viśālatīrthaṁ gaṁgāyāṁ kṛtvā pṛṣṭhe vyavasthitā

Skanda said: In Varanasi, Vishalakshi, granting the field's supreme boon, having made the Vishala-tirtha in the Ganga, is stationed at its back.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.70.5)

स्नात्वा विशालतीर्थे वै विशालाक्षीं प्रणम्य च ॥ विशालां लभते लक्ष्मीं परत्रेह च शर्मदाम्

snātvā viśālatīrthe vai viśālākṣīṁ praṇamya ca || viśālāṁ labhate lakṣmīṁ paratreha ca śarmadām

Bathing at Vishala-tirtha, and bowing to Vishalakshi, one obtains vast prosperity, granting happiness both here and beyond.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.70.6)

भाद्रकृष्णतृतीयायामुपोषणपरैर्नृभिः ॥ कृत्वा जागरणं रात्रौ विशालाक्षीसमीपतः

bhādrakṛṣṇatṛtīyāyāmupoṣaṇaparairnṛbhiḥ || kṛtvā jāgaraṇaṁ rātrau viśālākṣīsamīpataḥ

By men devoted to fasting on the dark third day of Bhadrapada, keeping vigil through the night near Vishalakshi —

Verse 7 (skanda.4.70.7)

प्रातर्भोज्याः प्रयत्नेन चतुर्दशकुमारिकाः ॥ अलंकृता यथाशक्त्या स्रगंबरविभूषणैः

prātarbhojyāḥ prayatnena caturdaśakumārikāḥ || alaṁkṛtā yathāśaktyā sragaṁbaravibhūṣaṇaiḥ

— fourteen maidens are to be diligently fed in the morning, adorned according to one's means with garlands, garments and ornaments.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.70.8)

विधाय पारणं पश्चात्पुत्रभृत्यसमन्वितैः ॥ सम्यग्वाराणसीवासफलं लभ्येत कुंभज

vidhāya pāraṇaṁ paścātputrabhṛtyasamanvitaiḥ || samyagvārāṇasīvāsaphalaṁ labhyeta kuṁbhaja

Having then broken the fast, together with sons and servants, O jar-born one, one fully obtains the fruit of dwelling in Varanasi.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.70.9)

तस्यां तिथौ महायात्रा कार्या क्षेत्रनिवासिभिः ॥ उपसर्ग प्रशांत्यर्थं निर्वाणकमलाप्तये

tasyāṁ tithau mahāyātrā kāryā kṣetranivāsibhiḥ || upasarga praśāṁtyarthaṁ nirvāṇakamalāptaye

On that day, a great pilgrimage is to be made by the dwellers of the sacred field, for the pacification of calamities and the attainment of the lotus of liberation.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.70.10)

वाराणस्यां विशालाक्षी पूजनीया प्रयत्नतः ॥ धूपदीपैः शुभैर्माल्यैरुपहारैर्मनोहरैः

vārāṇasyāṁ viśālākṣī pūjanīyā prayatnataḥ || dhūpadīpaiḥ śubhairmālyairupahārairmanoharaiḥ

In Varanasi, Vishalakshi is to be diligently worshipped with incense, lamps, auspicious garlands, and delightful offerings.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.70.11)

मणिमुक्ताद्यलंकारैर्विचित्रोल्लोच चामरैः ॥ शुभैरनुपभुक्तैश्च दुकूलैर्गंधवासितैः

maṇimuktādyalaṁkārairvicitrolloca cāmaraiḥ || śubhairanupabhuktaiśca dukūlairgaṁdhavāsitaiḥ

With ornaments of gems and pearls, wondrous canopies and whisks, auspicious and unworn fine cloths, scented with fragrance.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.70.12)

मोक्षलक्ष्मी समृद्ध्यर्थं यत्रकुत्र निवासिभिः ॥ अप्यल्पमपि यद्दत्तं विशालाक्ष्यै नरोत्तमैः

mokṣalakṣmī samṛddhyarthaṁ yatrakutra nivāsibhiḥ || apyalpamapi yaddattaṁ viśālākṣyai narottamaiḥ

Whatever, even a small thing, is given to Vishalakshi by the best of men dwelling anywhere, for the prosperity of the goddess of liberation —

Verse 13 (skanda.4.70.13)

तदानंत्याय जायंत मुने लोकद्वयेपि हि ॥ विशालाक्षी महापीठे दत्तं जप्तं हुतं स्तुतम्

tadānaṁtyāya jāyaṁta mune lokadvayepi hi || viśālākṣī mahāpīṭhe dattaṁ japtaṁ hutaṁ stutam

— that becomes, O sage, endless in both worlds. Whatever is given, recited, offered, or praised at the great seat of Vishalakshi —

Verse 14 (skanda.4.70.14)

मोक्षस्तस्य परीपाको नात्र कार्या विचाणा ॥ विशालाक्षी समर्चातो रूपसंपत्तियुक्पतिः

mokṣastasya parīpāko nātra kāryā vicāṇā || viśālākṣī samarcāto rūpasaṁpattiyukpatiḥ

— its fruition is liberation itself — no doubt is to be entertained here. Through the worship of Vishalakshi, a husband endowed with beauty and prosperity —

Verse 15 (skanda.4.70.15)

प्राप्यतेत्र कुमारीभिर्गुणशीलाद्यलंकृतः ॥ गुर्विणीभिः सुतनयो वंध्याभिगर्भसंभवः

prāpyatetra kumārībhirguṇaśīlādyalaṁkṛtaḥ || gurviṇībhiḥ sutanayo vaṁdhyābhigarbhasaṁbhavaḥ

— is obtained by maidens, one adorned with virtue and good character; by pregnant women, a fine son; by barren women, conception itself.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.70.16)

असौभाग्यवतीभिश्च सौभाग्यं महदाप्यते ॥ विधवाभिर्न वैधव्यं पुनर्जन्मांतरे क्वचित्

asaubhāgyavatībhiśca saubhāgyaṁ mahadāpyate || vidhavābhirna vaidhavyaṁ punarjanmāṁtare kvacit

By unfortunate women, great good fortune is obtained; by widows, widowhood never again in any future birth.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.70.17)

सीमंतिनीभिः पुंभिर्वा परं निर्वाणमिच्छुभिः ॥ श्रुता दृष्टार्चिता काश्यां विशालाक्ष्यभिलाषदा

sīmaṁtinībhiḥ puṁbhirvā paraṁ nirvāṇamicchubhiḥ || śrutā dṛṣṭārcitā kāśyāṁ viśālākṣyabhilāṣadā

By married women, or by men desiring supreme liberation — heard of, seen, and worshipped, Vishalakshi in Kashi fulfils every desire.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.70.18)

ततोन्यल्ललितातीर्थं गंगाकेशवसन्निधौ ॥ तत्रास्ति ललिता देवी क्षेत्ररक्षाकरी परा

tatonyallalitātīrthaṁ gaṁgākeśavasannidhau || tatrāsti lalitā devī kṣetrarakṣākarī parā

Then, another sacred ford, Lalita-tirtha, is near Gangakeshava; there is the goddess Lalita, the supreme protector of the sacred field.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.70.19)

सा च पूज्या प्रयत्नेन सर्वसंपत्समृद्धये ॥ ललितापूजकानां च जातु विघ्नो न जायते

sā ca pūjyā prayatnena sarvasaṁpatsamṛddhaye || lalitāpūjakānāṁ ca jātu vighno na jāyate

She is to be worshipped diligently, for the increase of every prosperity; for the worshippers of Lalita, no obstacle ever arises.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.70.20)

इषे कृष्णद्वितीयायां ललितां परिपूज्य वै ॥ नारी वा पुरुषो वापि लभते वांछितं पदम्

iṣe kṛṣṇadvitīyāyāṁ lalitāṁ paripūjya vai || nārī vā puruṣo vāpi labhate vāṁchitaṁ padam

In the month of Ashvina, on the dark second day, having worshipped Lalita fully, woman or man alike obtains the desired state.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.70.21)

स्नात्वा च ललिता तीर्थे ललितां प्रणिपत्य वै ॥ लभेत्सर्वत्र लालित्यं यद्वा तद्वाऽनुलप्य च

snātvā ca lalitā tīrthe lalitāṁ praṇipatya vai || labhetsarvatra lālityaṁ yadvā tadvā'nulapya ca

Bathing at Lalita-tirtha and bowing to Lalita, one obtains gracefulness everywhere, in whatever pursuit one undertakes.

Verse 22 (skanda.4.70.22)

मुने विश्वभुजा गौरी विशालाक्षी पुरः स्थिता ॥ संहरंती महाविघ्नं क्षेत्रभक्तिजुषां सदा

mune viśvabhujā gaurī viśālākṣī puraḥ sthitā || saṁharaṁtī mahāvighnaṁ kṣetrabhaktijuṣāṁ sadā

O sage, the goddess Vishvabhuja, Gauri, stands before Vishalakshi, ever destroying the great obstacles of those devoted to the sacred field.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.70.23)

शारदं नवरात्रं च कार्या यात्रा प्रयत्नतः ॥ देव्या विश्वभुजाया वै सर्वकामसमृद्धये

śāradaṁ navarātraṁ ca kāryā yātrā prayatnataḥ || devyā viśvabhujāyā vai sarvakāmasamṛddhaye

During the autumn Navaratri, a pilgrimage is to be diligently made to the goddess Vishvabhuja, for the fulfilment of every desire.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.70.24)

यो न विश्वभुजां देवीं वाराणस्यां नमेन्नरः ॥ कुतो महोपसर्गेभ्यस्तस्य शांतिर्दुरात्मनः

yo na viśvabhujāṁ devīṁ vārāṇasyāṁ namennaraḥ || kuto mahopasargebhyastasya śāṁtirdurātmanaḥ

A man who does not bow to the goddess Vishvabhuja in Varanasi — whence, for that evil soul, comes any relief from great calamities?

Verse 25 (skanda.4.70.25)

यैस्तु विश्वभुजा देवी वाराणस्यां स्तुतार्चिता ॥ न हि तान्विघ्नसंघातो बाधते सुकृतात्मनः

yaistu viśvabhujā devī vārāṇasyāṁ stutārcitā || na hi tānvighnasaṁghāto bādhate sukṛtātmanaḥ

By whom the goddess Vishvabhuja has been praised and worshipped in Varanasi — those virtuous souls are never troubled by any mass of obstacles.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.70.26)

अन्यास्ति काश्यां वाराही क्रतुवाराहसन्निधौ ॥ तां प्रणम्य नरो भक्त्या विपदब्धौ न मज्जति

anyāsti kāśyāṁ vārāhī kratuvārāhasannidhau || tāṁ praṇamya naro bhaktyā vipadabdhau na majjati

There is another, Varahi, in Kashi, near Kratu-varaha; bowing to her with devotion, a man does not sink in the ocean of calamity.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.70.27)

शिवदूती तु तत्रैव द्रष्टव्याऽऽपद्विनाशिनी ॥ आनंदवनरक्षार्थमुद्यच्छूलारितर्जनी

śivadūtī tu tatraiva draṣṭavyā''padvināśinī || ānaṁdavanarakṣārthamudyacchūlāritarjanī

Shivaduti too is to be seen there, destroyer of calamities, raising her trident to threaten the enemy, for the protection of the Grove of Bliss.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.70.28)

वज्रहस्ता तथा चैंद्री गजराज रथास्थिता ॥ इंद्रेशाद्दक्षिणेभागेऽर्चिता संपत्करी सदा

vajrahastā tathā caiṁdrī gajarāja rathāsthitā || iṁdreśāddakṣiṇebhāge'rcitā saṁpatkarī sadā

Aindri, thunderbolt in hand, mounted on the royal elephant as her chariot, ever worshipped to the south of Indresha, granting prosperity.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.70.29)

स्कंदेश्वर समीपे तु कौमारी बर्हियानगा ॥ प्रेक्षणीया प्रयत्नेन महाफलसमृद्धये

skaṁdeśvara samīpe tu kaumārī barhiyānagā || prekṣaṇīyā prayatnena mahāphalasamṛddhaye

Near Skandeshvara, Kaumari, riding a peacock, is to be diligently sought and seen, for the increase of great fruit.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.70.30)

महेश्वराद्दक्षिणतो देवी माहेश्वरी नरैः ॥ वृषयानवती पूज्या महावृषसमृद्धिदा

maheśvarāddakṣiṇato devī māheśvarī naraiḥ || vṛṣayānavatī pūjyā mahāvṛṣasamṛddhidā

To the south of Maheshvara, the goddess Maheshvari, mounted on a bull, is to be worshipped by men, granting the increase of great righteousness.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.70.31)

निर्वाणनरसिंहस्य समीपे मोक्षकांक्षिभिः ॥ नारसिंही समर्च्या च समुद्यच्चक्र रम्यदोः

nirvāṇanarasiṁhasya samīpe mokṣakāṁkṣibhiḥ || nārasiṁhī samarcyā ca samudyaccakra ramyadoḥ

Near Nirvana-Narasimha, Narasimhi, her lovely arm raised with a discus, is to be worshipped by those desiring liberation.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.70.32)

हंसयानवती ब्राह्मी ब्रह्मेशात्पश्चिमे स्थिता ॥ गलत्कमंडलुजल चुलका ताडिता हिता

haṁsayānavatī brāhmī brahmeśātpaścime sthitā || galatkamaṁḍalujala culakā tāḍitā hitā

Brahmi, mounted on a swan, stands to the west of Brahmesha, sprinkling forth benefit with handfuls of water dripping from her water-pot.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.70.33)

ब्रह्मविद्या प्रबोधार्थं काश्यां पूज्या दिनेदिने ॥ ब्राह्मणैर्यतिभिर्नित्यं निजतत्त्वावबोधिभिः

brahmavidyā prabodhārthaṁ kāśyāṁ pūjyā dinedine || brāhmaṇairyatibhirnityaṁ nijatattvāvabodhibhiḥ

For the awakening of the knowledge of Brahman, she is to be worshipped daily in Kashi by brahmins and ascetics, ever seeking awareness of their own true nature.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.70.34)

शार्ङ्गचापविनिर्मुक्त महेषुभिरितस्ततः ॥ उत्सादयंतीं प्रत्यूहान्काश्यां नारायणीं श्रयेत्

śārṅgacāpavinirmukta maheṣubhiritastataḥ || utsādayaṁtīṁ pratyūhānkāśyāṁ nārāyaṇīṁ śrayet

One should take refuge in Narayani in Kashi, who, with great arrows released from the Sharnga bow, destroys obstacles on every side.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.70.35)

प्रतीच्यांगोपिगोविंदाद्भ्राम्यच्चक्रोच्च तर्जनीम् ॥ नारायणीं यः प्रणमेत्तस्य काश्यां महोदयः

pratīcyāṁgopigoviṁdādbhrāmyaccakrocca tarjanīm || nārāyaṇīṁ yaḥ praṇamettasya kāśyāṁ mahodayaḥ

He who bows to Narayani, to the west of Gopi-Govinda, her discus whirling, her finger raised in warning, attains great prosperity in Kashi.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.70.36)

ततो गौरीं विरूपाक्ष देवयान्या उदग्दिशि ॥ पूजयित्वा नरो भक्त्या वांछितां लभते श्रियम्

tato gaurīṁ virūpākṣa devayānyā udagdiśi || pūjayitvā naro bhaktyā vāṁchitāṁ labhate śriyam

Then, having worshipped Gauri with devotion, to the north of the road of the gods at Virupaksha, a man obtains the desired prosperity.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.70.37)

शैलेश्वरी समभ्यर्च्या शैलेश्वर समीपगा ॥ तर्जयंती च तर्जन्या संसर्गमुपसर्गजम्

śaileśvarī samabhyarcyā śaileśvara samīpagā || tarjayaṁtī ca tarjanyā saṁsargamupasargajam

Shaileshvari, near Shaileshvara, is to be worshipped, warding off with her raised finger the contact that gives rise to calamity.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.70.38)

चित्रकूपे नरः स्नात्वा विचित्रफलदे नृणाम् ॥ चित्रगुप्तेश्वरं वीक्ष्य चित्रघंटां प्रपूज्य च

citrakūpe naraḥ snātvā vicitraphalade nṛṇām || citragupteśvaraṁ vīkṣya citraghaṁṭāṁ prapūjya ca

A man, bathing at Chitrakupa, which grants wondrous fruit to men, and beholding Chitraguptesvara, and worshipping Chitraghanta —

Verse 39 (skanda.4.70.39)

बहुपातकयुक्तोपि त्यक्तधर्मपथोपि वा ॥ न चित्रगुप्तलेख्यः स्याच्चित्रघंटार्चको नरः

bahupātakayuktopi tyaktadharmapathopi vā || na citraguptalekhyaḥ syāccitraghaṁṭārcako naraḥ

— even if burdened with many sins, or having abandoned the path of dharma, a man who worships Chitraghanta is not recorded by Chitragupta.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.70.40)

योषिद्वा पुरुषो वापि चित्रघंटां न योर्चयेत् ॥ काश्यां विघ्नसहस्राणि तं सेवंते पदेपदे

yoṣidvā puruṣo vāpi citraghaṁṭāṁ na yorcayet || kāśyāṁ vighnasahasrāṇi taṁ sevaṁte padepade

Whatever woman or man does not worship Chitraghanta — thousands of obstacles attend that person at every step in Kashi.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.70.41)

चैत्रशुक्लतृतीयायां कार्या यात्रा प्रयत्नतः ॥ महामहोत्सवः कार्यो निशि जागरणं तथा

caitraśuklatṛtīyāyāṁ kāryā yātrā prayatnataḥ || mahāmahotsavaḥ kāryo niśi jāgaraṇaṁ tathā

On the bright third day of Chaitra, a pilgrimage is to be diligently made; a great festival is to be held, and vigil kept through the night.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.70.42)

महापूजोपकरणैश्चित्रघंटां समर्च्य च ॥ शृणोति नांतकस्येह घंटां महिषकंठगाम्

mahāpūjopakaraṇaiścitraghaṁṭāṁ samarcya ca || śṛṇoti nāṁtakasyeha ghaṁṭāṁ mahiṣakaṁṭhagām

Having worshipped Chitraghanta with the implements of great worship, one no longer hears the bell that hangs from the buffalo-neck of Death here.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.70.43)

चित्रांगदेश्वरप्राच्यां चित्रग्रीवां प्रणम्य च ॥ न जातु जंतुर्वीक्षेत विचित्रां यमयातनाम्

citrāṁgadeśvaraprācyāṁ citragrīvāṁ praṇamya ca || na jātu jaṁturvīkṣeta vicitrāṁ yamayātanām

Bowing to Chitragriva, to the east of Chitrangadeshvara, a creature never beholds the manifold torments of Yama.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.70.44)

भद्रकालीं नरो दृष्ट्वा नाभद्रं पश्यति क्वचित् ॥ भद्रनागस्य पुरतो भद्रवाप्यां कृतोदकः

bhadrakālīṁ naro dṛṣṭvā nābhadraṁ paśyati kvacit || bhadranāgasya purato bhadravāpyāṁ kṛtodakaḥ

A man, beholding Bhadrakali, never sees misfortune. Having performed the water-rite at the Bhadra-well, before the serpent Bhadra —

Verse 45 (skanda.4.70.45)

हरसिद्धिं प्रयत्नेन पूजयित्वा नरोत्तमः ॥ महासिद्धिमवाप्नोति प्राच्यां सिद्धिविनायकात्

harasiddhiṁ prayatnena pūjayitvā narottamaḥ || mahāsiddhimavāpnoti prācyāṁ siddhivināyakāt

— the best of men, having diligently worshipped Harasiddhi, to the east of Siddhivinayaka, obtains great accomplishment.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.70.46)

विधिं संपूज्य विधिवद्विविधैरुपहारकैः ॥ विविधां लभते सिद्धिं विधीश्वरसमीपगाम्

vidhiṁ saṁpūjya vidhivadvividhairupahārakaiḥ || vividhāṁ labhate siddhiṁ vidhīśvarasamīpagām

Having duly worshipped Vidhi with various offerings, one obtains manifold accomplishment, near Vidhishvara.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.70.47)

प्रयागतीर्थे सुस्नातो जनो निगडभंजनीम् ॥ सभाजयित्वा नो जातु निगडैः परिबाध्यते

prayāgatīrthe susnāto jano nigaḍabhaṁjanīm || sabhājayitvā no jātu nigaḍaiḥ paribādhyate

A person, well bathed at this Prayaga-tirtha, having honoured Nigadabhanjani, breaker of fetters, is never again troubled by fetters.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.70.48)

भौमवारे सदा पूज्या देवीनिगडभंजनी ॥ कृत्वैकभुक्तं भक्त्यात्र बंदीमोक्षणकाम्यया

bhaumavāre sadā pūjyā devīnigaḍabhaṁjanī || kṛtvaikabhuktaṁ bhaktyātra baṁdīmokṣaṇakāmyayā

The goddess Nigadabhanjani is ever to be worshipped on Tuesday; having taken but one meal, with devotion, for the desire of freeing a captive —

Verse 49 (skanda.4.70.49)

संसारबंधविच्छित्तिमपि यच्छति सार्चिता ॥ गणना शृंखलादीनां का च तस्याः समर्चनात्

saṁsārabaṁdhavicchittimapi yacchati sārcitā || gaṇanā śṛṁkhalādīnāṁ kā ca tasyāḥ samarcanāt

— worshipped, she grants even the severing of the bonds of worldly existence; what then is the mere counting of chains and the like, compared to her worship?

Verse 50 (skanda.4.70.50)

दूरस्थोपि हि यो बंधुः सोपि क्षिप्रं समेष्यति ॥ बंदी पदजुषां पुंसां श्रद्धया नात्र संशयः

dūrasthopi hi yo baṁdhuḥ sopi kṣipraṁ sameṣyati || baṁdī padajuṣāṁ puṁsāṁ śraddhayā nātra saṁśayaḥ

Even a kinsman who is far away shall swiftly return; for men who resort faithfully to her feet in captivity, there is no doubt of this.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.70.51)

किंचिन्नियममालंब्य यदि सा परिषेविता ॥ कामान्पूरयति क्षिप्रं काशी संदेहहारिणी

kiṁcinniyamamālaṁbya yadi sā pariṣevitā || kāmānpūrayati kṣipraṁ kāśī saṁdehahāriṇī

If she is served, even with some small observance, she swiftly fulfils desires — such is Kashi, remover of all doubt.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.70.52)

घनटंककरा देवी भक्तबंधनभेदिनी ॥ कं कं न पूरयेत्कामं तीर्थराजसमीपगा

ghanaṭaṁkakarā devī bhaktabaṁdhanabhedinī || kaṁ kaṁ na pūrayetkāmaṁ tīrtharājasamīpagā

The goddess, chisel in hand, breaker of her devotees' bonds, near the king of sacred fords — what desire would she not fulfil?

Verse 53 (skanda.4.70.53)

देवी पशुऽपतेः पश्चादमृतेश्वर सन्निधौ ॥ स्नात्वा चैवामृते कूपे नमनीया प्रयत्नतः

devī paśu'pateḥ paścādamṛteśvara sannidhau || snātvā caivāmṛte kūpe namanīyā prayatnataḥ

The goddess, to the west of Pashupati, near Amriteshvara — having bathed in the well of nectar, she is diligently to be bowed to.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.70.54)

पूजयित्वा नरो भक्त्या देवताममृतेश्वरीम् ॥ अमृतत्वं भजेदेव तत्पादांबुज सेवनात्

pūjayitvā naro bhaktyā devatāmamṛteśvarīm || amṛtatvaṁ bhajedeva tatpādāṁbuja sevanāt

A man, having worshipped the goddess Amriteshvari with devotion, attains immortality itself, through service to her lotus feet.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.70.55)

धारयंतीं महामायाममृतस्य कमंडलुम् ॥ दक्षिणेऽभयदां वामे ध्यात्वा को नाऽमृतत्वभाक्

dhārayaṁtīṁ mahāmāyāmamṛtasya kamaṁḍalum || dakṣiṇe'bhayadāṁ vāme dhyātvā ko nā'mṛtatvabhāk

Meditating on the great illusion-bearing goddess, holding a water-pot of nectar, granting fearlessness with her right hand, who would not partake of immortality?

Verse 56 (skanda.4.70.56)

सिद्धलक्ष्मी जगद्धात्री प्रतीच्याममृतेश्वरात् ॥ प्रपितामह लिंगस्य पुरतः सिद्धिदार्चिता

siddhalakṣmī jagaddhātrī pratīcyāmamṛteśvarāt || prapitāmaha liṁgasya purataḥ siddhidārcitā

Siddhalakshmi, sustainer of the world, to the west of Amriteshvara, before the linga Prapitamaha, is worshipped as granter of accomplishment.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.70.57)

प्रासादं सिद्धलक्ष्म्याश्च विलोक्य कमलाकृतिम् ॥ लक्ष्मीविलाससंज्ञं च को न लक्ष्मीं समाप्नुयात्

prāsādaṁ siddhalakṣmyāśca vilokya kamalākṛtim || lakṣmīvilāsasaṁjñaṁ ca ko na lakṣmīṁ samāpnuyāt

Beholding the temple of Siddhalakshmi, lotus-shaped, called Lakshmi-vilasa, who would not obtain prosperity?

Verse 58 (skanda.4.70.58)

ततः कुब्जा जगन्माता नलकूवरलिंगतः ॥ पूजनीया पुरोभागे प्रपितामहपश्चिमे

tataḥ kubjā jaganmātā nalakūvaraliṁgataḥ || pūjanīyā purobhāge prapitāmahapaścime

Then, Kubja, mother of the universe, is to be worshipped in front of the linga Nalakuvara, to the west of Prapitamaha.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.70.59)

उपसर्गा न शेषांश्च कुब्जा हरति पूजिता ॥ तस्मात्कुब्जा प्रयत्नेन पूज्या काश्यां शुभार्थिभिः

upasargā na śeṣāṁśca kubjā harati pūjitā || tasmātkubjā prayatnena pūjyā kāśyāṁ śubhārthibhiḥ

Kubja, when worshipped, removes calamities without exception; therefore Kubja is to be diligently worshipped in Kashi by those seeking good fortune.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.70.60)

कुब्जांबरेश्वरं लिंगं नलकूबर पश्चिमे ॥ त्रिलोकसुंदरी गौरी तत्रार्च्याभीष्टदायिनी

kubjāṁbareśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ nalakūbara paścime || trilokasuṁdarī gaurī tatrārcyābhīṣṭadāyinī

The linga Kubjambareshvara is to the west of Nalakubara; there, Gauri Trilokasundari is to be worshipped, granting one's heart's desire.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.70.61)

त्रिलोकसुंदरी सिद्धिं दद्यात्त्रैलोक्यसुंदरीम् ॥ वैधव्यं नाप्यते क्वापि तस्या देव्याः समर्चनात्

trilokasuṁdarī siddhiṁ dadyāttrailokyasuṁdarīm || vaidhavyaṁ nāpyate kvāpi tasyā devyāḥ samarcanāt

Trilokasundari grants the accomplishment of beauty renowned in the three worlds; widowhood is never attained through the worship of that goddess.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.70.62)

दीप्ता नाम महाशक्तिः सांबादित्यसमीपगा ॥ देदीप्यमान लक्ष्मीका जायंते तत्समर्चनात्

dīptā nāma mahāśaktiḥ sāṁbādityasamīpagā || dedīpyamāna lakṣmīkā jāyaṁte tatsamarcanāt

The great power named Dipta is near Sambaditya; through her worship, one is born endowed with a radiant, blazing prosperity.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.70.63)

श्रीकंठ सन्निधौ देवी महालक्ष्मीर्जगज्जनिः ॥ स्नात्वा श्रीकुंड तीर्थे तु समर्च्या जगदंबिका

śrīkaṁṭha sannidhau devī mahālakṣmīrjagajjaniḥ || snātvā śrīkuṁḍa tīrthe tu samarcyā jagadaṁbikā

Near Shrikantha is the goddess Mahalakshmi, mother of the universe; bathing at the sacred ford Shrikunda, the mother of the world is to be worshipped.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.70.64)

पितॄन्संतर्प्य विधिवत्तीर्थे श्रीकुंडसंज्ञिते ॥ दत्त्वा दानानि विधिवन्न लक्ष्म्या परिमुच्यते

pitṝnsaṁtarpya vidhivattīrthe śrīkuṁḍasaṁjñite || dattvā dānāni vidhivanna lakṣmyā parimucyate

Having duly satisfied the ancestors at the sacred ford named Shrikunda, and duly given gifts, one is never parted from prosperity.

Verse 65 (skanda.4.70.65)

लक्ष्मीक्षेत्रं महापीठं साधकस्यैव सिद्धिदम् ॥ साधकस्तत्र मंत्रांश्च नरः सिद्धिमवाप्नुयात्

lakṣmīkṣetraṁ mahāpīṭhaṁ sādhakasyaiva siddhidam || sādhakastatra maṁtrāṁśca naraḥ siddhimavāpnuyāt

The field of Lakshmi is a great seat, granting accomplishment to the true seeker; a seeker who recites mantras there obtains accomplishment.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.70.66)

संति पीठन्यनेकानि काश्यां सिद्धिकराण्यपि ॥ महालक्ष्मीपीठसमं नान्यल्लक्ष्मीकरं परम्

saṁti pīṭhanyanekāni kāśyāṁ siddhikarāṇyapi || mahālakṣmīpīṭhasamaṁ nānyallakṣmīkaraṁ param

There are many seats in Kashi that grant accomplishment, but none other is equal to the seat of Mahalakshmi in bestowing prosperity.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.70.67)

महालक्ष्म्यष्टमीं प्राप्य तत्र यात्रा कृतां नृणाम् ॥ संपूजितेह विधिवत्पद्मा सद्म न मुंचति

mahālakṣmyaṣṭamīṁ prāpya tatra yātrā kṛtāṁ nṛṇām || saṁpūjiteha vidhivatpadmā sadma na muṁcati

Having reached the eighth day sacred to Mahalakshmi, and having made a pilgrimage there and duly worshipped, Lakshmi never leaves the house of men.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.70.68)

उत्तरे तु महालक्ष्म्या हयकंठीकुठारधृक् ॥ काशीविघ्रमहावृक्षांश्छिनत्ति प्रतिवासरम्

uttare tu mahālakṣmyā hayakaṁṭhīkuṭhāradhṛk || kāśīvighramahāvṛkṣāṁśchinatti prativāsaram

To the north of Mahalakshmi, Hayakanthi, axe in hand, daily cuts down the great trees of obstacles to Kashi.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.70.69)

कौर्मी शक्तिर्महालक्ष्मी दक्षिणे पाशपाणिका ॥ बध्नाति विघ्नसंघातं क्षेत्रस्यास्य प्रतिक्षणम्

kaurmī śaktirmahālakṣmī dakṣiṇe pāśapāṇikā || badhnāti vighnasaṁghātaṁ kṣetrasyāsya pratikṣaṇam

To the south of Mahalakshmi is the power Kaurmi, noose in hand, binding fast the mass of obstacles to this sacred field at every instant.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.70.70)

सा पूजितास्तुता मर्त्यैः क्षेत्रसिद्धिं प्रयच्छति ॥ वायव्यां च शिखी चंडी क्षेत्ररक्षाकरी परा

sā pūjitāstutā martyaiḥ kṣetrasiddhiṁ prayacchati || vāyavyāṁ ca śikhī caṁḍī kṣetrarakṣākarī parā

She, worshipped and praised by mortals, grants accomplishment in the sacred field. To the northwest, the crested Chandi is the supreme protector of the field.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.70.71)

खादंती विघ्नसंघातं शिखी शब्दं करोति च ॥ तस्याः संदर्शनात्पुंसां नश्यंति व्याधयोखिलाः

khādaṁtī vighnasaṁghātaṁ śikhī śabdaṁ karoti ca || tasyāḥ saṁdarśanātpuṁsāṁ naśyaṁti vyādhayokhilāḥ

The crested one, devouring the mass of obstacles, makes a sound; by the sight of her, all diseases of men are destroyed.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.70.72)

भीमचंड्युत्तरद्वारं सदा रक्षेदतंद्रिता ॥ भीमेश्वरस्य पुरतः पाशमुद्गरधारिणीम्

bhīmacaṁḍyuttaradvāraṁ sadā rakṣedataṁdritā || bhīmeśvarasya purataḥ pāśamudgaradhāriṇīm

Bhimachandi, tirelessly, ever guards the northern gate; before Bhimeshvara, she bears a noose and a mace.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.70.73)

भीमचंडीं नरो दृष्ट्वा भीमकुंडे कृतोदकः ॥ भीमाकृतीन्न वै पश्येद्याम्यान्दूतान्क्वचित्कृती

bhīmacaṁḍīṁ naro dṛṣṭvā bhīmakuṁḍe kṛtodakaḥ || bhīmākṛtīnna vai paśyedyāmyāndūtānkvacitkṛtī

A man, having beheld Bhimachandi, and performed the water-rite at Bhimakunda, being virtuous, never sees the fearsome-formed messengers of Yama.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.70.74)

छागवक्त्रेश्वरी देवी दक्षिणे वृषभध्वजात् ॥ अहर्निशं भक्षयति विघ्नौघतरुपल्लवान्

chāgavaktreśvarī devī dakṣiṇe vṛṣabhadhvajāt || aharniśaṁ bhakṣayati vighnaughatarupallavān

The goddess Chagavaktreshvari, to the south of Vrishabhadhvaja, devours day and night the very shoots of the trees of the flood of obstacles.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.70.75)

तस्या देव्याः प्रसादेन काशीवासः प्रलभ्यते ॥ अतश्छागेश्वरीं देवीं महाष्टम्यां प्रपूजयेत्

tasyā devyāḥ prasādena kāśīvāsaḥ pralabhyate || ataśchāgeśvarīṁ devīṁ mahāṣṭamyāṁ prapūjayet

By the grace of that goddess, dwelling in Kashi is obtained; therefore, on the great eighth day, one should worship the goddess Chagesvari.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.70.76)

तालजंघेश्वरी देवी तालवृक्षकृतायुधा ॥ उत्सादयति विघ्नौघानानंदवन मध्यगान्

tālajaṁgheśvarī devī tālavṛkṣakṛtāyudhā || utsādayati vighnaughānānaṁdavana madhyagān

The goddess Talajangheshvari, her weapon fashioned from a palm tree, destroys the floods of obstacles that reach into the midst of the Grove of Bliss.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.70.77)

संगमेश्वर लिंगस्य दक्षिणे विकटाननाम् ॥ तालजंघेश्वरीं नत्वा न विघ्नैरभिभूयते

saṁgameśvara liṁgasya dakṣiṇe vikaṭānanām || tālajaṁgheśvarīṁ natvā na vighnairabhibhūyate

Bowing to Talajangheshvari, of terrible countenance, to the south of the linga Sangameshvara, one is not overcome by obstacles.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.70.78)

उद्दालकेश्वराल्लिंगात्तीर्थं उद्दालकाभिधे ॥ याम्यां च यमदंष्ट्राख्या चर्वयेद्विघ्नसंहतिम्

uddālakeśvarālliṁgāttīrthaṁ uddālakābhidhe || yāmyāṁ ca yamadaṁṣṭrākhyā carvayedvighnasaṁhatim

At the sacred ford named Uddalaka, from the linga Uddalakeshvara, to its south, the one named Yamadamshtra chews up the mass of obstacles.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.70.79)

प्रणता यमदंष्ट्रायैस्तीर्थेचोद्दालकाभिधे ॥ कृत्वापि पापसंघातं न यमाद्बिभ्यतीहते

praṇatā yamadaṁṣṭrāyaistīrthecoddālakābhidhe || kṛtvāpi pāpasaṁghātaṁ na yamādbibhyatīhate

Those who bow to Yamadamshtra, at the sacred ford named Uddalaka, do not fear Yama even after having committed a mass of sins.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.70.80)

दारुकेश्वर तीर्थे तु दारुकेशसमीपतः ॥ पातालतालुवदनामाकाशोष्ठीं धराधराम्

dārukeśvara tīrthe tu dārukeśasamīpataḥ || pātālatāluvadanāmākāśoṣṭhīṁ dharādharām

At the sacred ford of Darukeshvara, near Darukesha, is the goddess whose mouth is the netherworld's palate, whose lip is the sky, who upholds the earth —

Verse 81 (skanda.4.70.81)

कपालकर्त्रीं हस्तां च ब्रह्मांडकवलप्रियाम् ॥ शुष्कोदरीं स्नायुबद्धां चर्ममुंडेति विश्रुताम्

kapālakartrīṁ hastāṁ ca brahmāṁḍakavalapriyām || śuṣkodarīṁ snāyubaddhāṁ carmamuṁḍeti viśrutām

— holding a skull and a knife, fond of devouring the very universe as a morsel, dry-bellied, girded with sinews, known as Charmamunda —

Verse 82 (skanda.4.70.82)

क्षेत्रस्य पूर्वदिग्भागं रक्षंती विघ्नसंघतः ॥ लसत्सहस्रदोर्दंडां ज्वलत्केकरवीक्षणाम्

kṣetrasya pūrvadigbhāgaṁ rakṣaṁtī vighnasaṁghataḥ || lasatsahasradordaṁḍāṁ jvalatkekaravīkṣaṇām

— guarding the eastern part of the sacred field from the mass of obstacles, her thousand arms gleaming, her squinting glance blazing —

Verse 83 (skanda.4.70.83)

पारावारप्रसृमर हस्त न्यस्तारि मोदकाम् ॥ द्वीपि कृत्तिपरीधानां कटुकाट्टाट्टहासिनीम्

pārāvāraprasṛmara hasta nyastāri modakām || dvīpi kṛttiparīdhānāṁ kaṭukāṭṭāṭṭahāsinīm

— her hands, spreading as far as the ocean's shores, holding sweetmeats made of her enemy, clad in a leopard's hide, laughing with a harsh, terrible cackle —

Verse 84 (skanda.4.70.84)

मृणालनालवत्तीव्रं चर्वंतीमस्थि पापिनः ॥ शूलाग्रप्रोत दुर्वृत्त क्षेत्रद्रोहिकलेवराम्

mṛṇālanālavattīvraṁ carvaṁtīmasthi pāpinaḥ || śūlāgraprota durvṛtta kṣetradrohikalevarām

— fiercely chewing the bones of the sinful as if they were tender lotus-stalks, her trident piercing through the bodies of the wicked, the enemies of the sacred field —

Verse 85 (skanda.4.70.85)

कपालमालाभरणां महाभीषणरूपिणीम् ॥ चर्ममुंडां नरो नत्वा क्षेत्रविघ्नैर्न बाध्यते

kapālamālābharaṇāṁ mahābhīṣaṇarūpiṇīm || carmamuṁḍāṁ naro natvā kṣetravighnairna bādhyate

— adorned with a garland of skulls, of most terrifying form — a man, bowing to Charmamunda, is not troubled by the obstacles of the sacred field.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.70.86)

यथैव चर्ममुंडैषा महारुंडापि तादृशी ॥ एतावानेव भेदोस्या रुंडस्रग्भूषणात्वियम्

yathaiva carmamuṁḍaiṣā mahāruṁḍāpi tādṛśī || etāvāneva bhedosyā ruṁḍasragbhūṣaṇātviyam

Just as this Charmamunda is, so too is Maharunda of like form; the only difference is that this one is adorned with a garland of skulls.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.70.87)

क्षेत्ररक्षां प्रकुरुत उभेदेव्यौ महाबले ॥ हसंत्यौ करतालीभिरन्योन्यं दोः प्रसारणात्

kṣetrarakṣāṁ prakuruta ubhedevyau mahābale || hasaṁtyau karatālībhiranyonyaṁ doḥ prasāraṇāt

Both these mighty goddesses perform the protection of the sacred field, laughing with the clapping of hands and the stretching of arms toward one another.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.70.88)

हयग्रीवेश्वरे तीर्थे लोलार्कादुत्तरे सदा ॥ महारुंडा प्रचंडास्या तिष्ठते भक्तविघ्नहृत्

hayagrīveśvare tīrthe lolārkāduttare sadā || mahāruṁḍā pracaṁḍāsyā tiṣṭhate bhaktavighnahṛt

At the sacred ford Hayagriveshvara, always to the north of Lolarka, stands Maharunda, fierce of face, remover of the obstacles of her devotees.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.70.89)

चर्ममुंडा महारुंडा कथिते ये तु देवते ॥ तयोरंतरतस्तिष्ठेच्चामुंडा मुंडरूपिणी

carmamuṁḍā mahāruṁḍā kathite ye tu devate || tayoraṁtaratastiṣṭheccāmuṁḍā muṁḍarūpiṇī

Between these two goddesses just described, Charmamunda and Maharunda, stands Chamunda, in her skull-adorned form.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.70.90)

एतास्तिस्रः प्रयत्नेन पूज्याः क्षेत्रनिवासिभिः ॥ धनधान्यप्रदाश्चैताः पुत्रपौत्रप्रदा इमाः

etāstisraḥ prayatnena pūjyāḥ kṣetranivāsibhiḥ || dhanadhānyapradāścaitāḥ putrapautrapradā imāḥ

These three are to be diligently worshipped by the dwellers of the sacred field; they grant wealth and grain, and they grant sons and grandsons.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.70.91)

उपसर्गानमूर्घ्नंति दद्युर्नैःश्रेयसीं श्रियम् ॥ स्मृता दृष्टा न ताः स्पृष्टाः पूजिताः श्रद्धया नरैः

upasargānamūrghnaṁti dadyurnaiḥśreyasīṁ śriyam || smṛtā dṛṣṭā na tāḥ spṛṣṭāḥ pūjitāḥ śraddhayā naraiḥ

They cut down calamities and bestow the highest prosperity; when remembered, seen, and worshipped with faith by men, they never touch with harm.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.70.92)

महारुंडा प्रतीच्यां च देवी स्वप्नेश्वरी शुभा ॥ भविष्यं कथयेत्स्वप्ने भक्तस्याग्रे शुभाशुभम्

mahāruṁḍā pratīcyāṁ ca devī svapneśvarī śubhā || bhaviṣyaṁ kathayetsvapne bhaktasyāgre śubhāśubham

To the west of Maharunda is the auspicious goddess Svapneshvari, who reveals in a dream, before her devotee, what is to come, whether good or ill.

Verse 93 (skanda.4.70.93)

तत्र स्वप्नेश्वरं लिंगं देवीं स्वप्नेश्वरीं तथा ॥ स्नात्वासिसंगमे पुण्ये यस्मिन्कस्मिंस्तिथावपि

tatra svapneśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ devīṁ svapneśvarīṁ tathā || snātvāsisaṁgame puṇye yasminkasmiṁstithāvapi

There is the linga Svapneshvara, and likewise the goddess Svapneshvari; having bathed at the sacred confluence of the Asi, on any day whatsoever —

Verse 94 (skanda.4.70.94)

उपोषणपरो धीमान्नारीवा पुरुषोपि वा ॥ संपूज्य स्थंडिलशयः स्वप्ने भावि विलोकयेत्

upoṣaṇaparo dhīmānnārīvā puruṣopi vā || saṁpūjya sthaṁḍilaśayaḥ svapne bhāvi vilokayet

— a wise woman or man, devoted to fasting, having worshipped and lying upon the bare ground, may behold in a dream what is to come.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.70.95)

अद्यापि प्रत्ययस्तत्र कार्य एष विजानता ॥ भूतं भावि भवत्सर्वं वदेत्स्वप्नेश्वरी निशि

adyāpi pratyayastatra kārya eṣa vijānatā || bhūtaṁ bhāvi bhavatsarvaṁ vadetsvapneśvarī niśi

Even today, this test is to be made there by those who wish to know; Svapneshvari declares in the night all that has been, is, and shall be.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.70.96)

अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां नवम्यां निशि वा दिवा ॥ प्रयत्नतः समर्च्या सा काश्यां ज्ञानार्थिभिर्नरैः

aṣṭamyāṁ ca caturdaśyāṁ navamyāṁ niśi vā divā || prayatnataḥ samarcyā sā kāśyāṁ jñānārthibhirnaraiḥ

On the eighth, fourteenth, or ninth day, whether by night or day, she is to be diligently worshipped in Kashi by men seeking knowledge.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.70.97)

स्वप्नेश्वर्याश्च वारुण्यां दुर्गादेवी व्यवस्थिता ॥ क्षेत्रस्य दक्षिणं भागं सा सदैवाभिरक्षति

svapneśvaryāśca vāruṇyāṁ durgādevī vyavasthitā || kṣetrasya dakṣiṇaṁ bhāgaṁ sā sadaivābhirakṣati

To the west of Svapneshvari is stationed the goddess Durga; she ever protects the southern part of the sacred field.