The Glory of Trilochana

Verse 1 (skanda.4.76.1)

।। स्कंद उवाच ।। ।। शृणुष्व मैत्रावरुणे पुराकल्पे रथंतरे ।। इतिहास इहासीद्यः पीठे विरजसंज्ञिते

|| skaṁda uvāca || || śṛṇuṣva maitrāvaruṇe purākalpe rathaṁtare || itihāsa ihāsīdyaḥ pīṭhe virajasaṁjñite

Skanda said: Listen, O son of Mitra-Varuna, to a story of a bygone age, in the Rathantara [kalpa] — this tale took place at the seat called Viraja.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.76.2)

त्रिलोचनस्य प्रासादे मणिमाणिक्यनिर्मिते ।। नानाभंगि गवाक्षाढ्ये रत्नसानाविवायते

trilocanasya prāsāde maṇimāṇikyanirmite || nānābhaṁgi gavākṣāḍhye ratnasānāvivāyate

In the temple of Trilochana, built of jewels and rubies, rich with many-curved lattice windows, resembling a mountain-peak of gems —

Verse 3 (skanda.4.76.3)

कदाचिदपि कल्पांते द्यो लोके भ्रंशति क्षये ।। प्रोत्तंभनं स्तंभ इव दत्तो विश्वकृता स्वयम्

kadācidapi kalpāṁte dyo loke bhraṁśati kṣaye || prottaṁbhanaṁ staṁbha iva datto viśvakṛtā svayam

As if, lest the sky itself should fall at the end of a kalpa when the world dissolves, the Creator of the universe himself had set it up as a supporting pillar.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.76.4)

मरुत्तरंगिताग्राभिः पताकाभिरितस्ततः ।। सन्निवारयतीवेत्थमघौघान्विशतो मुने

maruttaraṁgitāgrābhiḥ patākābhiritastataḥ || sannivārayatīvetthamaghaughānviśato mune

With banners at its pinnacle rippling in the wind on every side, it seemed, O sage, to be warding off the floods of sin that sought entry there.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.76.5)

देदीप्यमान सौवर्ण कलशेन विराजिते ।। पार्वणेन शशांकेन खेदादिव समाश्रिते

dedīpyamāna sauvarṇa kalaśena virājite || pārvaṇena śaśāṁkena khedādiva samāśrite

It shone with a blazing golden pinnacle-vessel, as though the full moon itself, wearied of shining alone, had come to rest upon it.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.76.6)

तत्र पारावतद्वंद्वं वसेत्स्वैरं कृतालयम् ।। प्रातःसायं च मध्याह्ने कुर्वन्नित्यं प्रदक्षिणम्

tatra pārāvatadvaṁdvaṁ vasetsvairaṁ kṛtālayam || prātaḥsāyaṁ ca madhyāhne kurvannityaṁ pradakṣiṇam

There a pair of doves had freely made their home, and every day, morning, noon, and evening, they would circle it in devout circumambulation.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.76.7)

उड्डीयमानं परितः पक्षवातेरितस्ततः ।। रजःप्रासादसंलग्नं दूरीकुर्वद्दिनेदिने

uḍḍīyamānaṁ paritaḥ pakṣavāteritastataḥ || rajaḥprāsādasaṁlagnaṁ dūrīkurvaddinedine

Flying about it on every side, the wind of their wings would daily blow away the dust that clung to the temple.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.76.8)

त्रिलोचनेति सततं नाम भक्तैरुदाहृतम् ।। त्रिविष्टपेति च तथा तयोः कर्णातिथी भवेत्

trilocaneti satataṁ nāma bhaktairudāhṛtam || triviṣṭapeti ca tathā tayoḥ karṇātithī bhavet

The name "Trilochana," and likewise "Trivishtapa," constantly uttered by devotees, would ever become a guest in their ears.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.76.9)

चतुर्विधानि वाद्यानि शंभुप्रीतिकराण्यलम् ।। तयोः कर्णगुहां प्राप्य प्रतिशब्दं प्रतन्वते

caturvidhāni vādyāni śaṁbhuprītikarāṇyalam || tayoḥ karṇaguhāṁ prāpya pratiśabdaṁ pratanvate

The four kinds of musical instruments, played abundantly to please Shambhu, reaching the cave of their ears, would resound there as an echo.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.76.10)

मंगलारार्तिकज्योतिस्त्रिसंध्यं पक्षिणोस्तयोः ।। नेत्रांत निर्विशन्नित्यं भक्तचेष्टां प्रदर्शयेत्

maṁgalārārtikajyotistrisaṁdhyaṁ pakṣiṇostayoḥ || netrāṁta nirviśannityaṁ bhaktaceṣṭāṁ pradarśayet

The auspicious flame of the arati lamp, at the three daily junctures, entering the eyes of those two birds, would daily reveal to them the very conduct of devotees.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.76.11)

प्राणयात्रां विहायापि कदाचित्स्थिरमानसौ ।। नोड्डीयवांछितं यातः पश्यंतौ कौतुकं खगौ

prāṇayātrāṁ vihāyāpi kadācitsthiramānasau || noḍḍīyavāṁchitaṁ yātaḥ paśyaṁtau kautukaṁ khagau

Sometimes, setting aside even the search for food, the two birds, their minds made steady, would not fly off wherever they wished, but would stay watching the wonder of worship with delight.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.76.12)

तत्र भक्तजनाकीर्णं प्रासादं परितो मुने ।। तंडुलादि चरंतौ तौ कुर्वाते च प्रदक्षिणम्

tatra bhaktajanākīrṇaṁ prāsādaṁ parito mune || taṁḍulādi caraṁtau tau kurvāte ca pradakṣiṇam

There, O sage, pecking at grains of rice scattered by the throng of devotees around the temple, the two would also make circumambulation.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.76.13)

देवदक्षिणदिग्भागे चतुःस्रोतस्विनी जलम् ।। तृषार्तौ धयतो विप्र स्नातौ जातु चिदंडजौ

devadakṣiṇadigbhāge catuḥsrotasvinī jalam || tṛṣārtau dhayato vipra snātau jātu cidaṁḍajau

On the southern side of the temple was the water of the Chatuh-Srotasvini; when thirsty, O brahmin, the two birds would drink there, and would also at times bathe.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.76.14)

तयोरित्थं विचरतोस्त्रिलोचनसमीपतः ।। अगाद्बहुतिथः कालो द्विजयोः साधुचेष्टयोः

tayoritthaṁ vicaratostrilocanasamīpataḥ || agādbahutithaḥ kālo dvijayoḥ sādhuceṣṭayoḥ

As the two birds of such virtuous conduct thus roamed near Trilochana, a long span of time passed by.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.76.15)

अथ देवालयस्कंधे गवाक्षांतर्गतौ च तौ ।। श्येनेन केनचिद्दृष्टौ क्रूरदृष्ट्या सुखस्थितौ

atha devālayaskaṁdhe gavākṣāṁtargatau ca tau || śyenena kenaciddṛṣṭau krūradṛṣṭyā sukhasthitau

Then once, as the two sat happily within a lattice-window on the upper part of the temple, they were spotted by a certain hawk with a cruel eye.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.76.16)

तच्च पारावतद्वंद्वं श्येनः परिजिघृक्षुकः ।। अवतीर्यांबरादाशु प्रविष्टोन्यशिवालये

tacca pārāvatadvaṁdvaṁ śyenaḥ parijighṛkṣukaḥ || avatīryāṁbarādāśu praviṣṭonyaśivālaye

Wishing to seize that pair of doves, the hawk swiftly descended from the sky and entered another nearby Shiva-temple.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.76.17)

ततो विलोकयामास तदागमविनिर्गमौ ।। केन मार्गेण विशतो दुर्गमेतौ पतत्त्रिणौ

tato vilokayāmāsa tadāgamavinirgamau || kena mārgeṇa viśato durgametau patattriṇau

Then he began to observe their comings and goings — by what path these two birds entered that stronghold.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.76.18)

केनाध्वना च निर्यातः क्व काले कुरुतश्च किम् ।। कथं युगपदे तौ मे ग्राह्यौ स्वैरं भविष्यतः

kenādhvanā ca niryātaḥ kva kāle kurutaśca kim || kathaṁ yugapade tau me grāhyau svairaṁ bhaviṣyataḥ

By which route do they leave, at what hour, and what do they do — and how might I easily seize both of them at once?

Verse 19 (skanda.4.76.19)

मध्ये दुर्गप्रविष्टौ च ममवश्याविमौ न यत् ।। एकदृष्टिः क्षणं तस्थौ श्येन इत्थं विचिंतयन्

madhye durgapraviṣṭau ca mamavaśyāvimau na yat || ekadṛṣṭiḥ kṣaṇaṁ tasthau śyena itthaṁ viciṁtayan

"For once inside their stronghold, the two are beyond my power" — thinking thus, the hawk stood still for a moment, gazing fixedly.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.76.20)

अहो दुर्गबलं प्राज्ञाः शंसंत्येवेति हेतुतः ।। दुर्बलोप्याकलयितुं सहसारिर्न शक्यते

aho durgabalaṁ prājñāḥ śaṁsaṁtyeveti hetutaḥ || durbalopyākalayituṁ sahasārirna śakyate

"Ah, this is why the wise praise the strength of a stronghold — even one who is weak cannot be seized by an enemy at once, if he holds a fort."

Verse 21 (skanda.4.76.21)

करिणां तु सहस्रेण वराश्वानां न लक्षतः ।। तत्कर्मसिद्धिर्नृपतेर्दुर्गेणैकेन यद्भवेत्

kariṇāṁ tu sahasreṇa varāśvānāṁ na lakṣataḥ || tatkarmasiddhirnṛpaterdurgeṇaikena yadbhavet

"That accomplishment of a king's purpose which a single stronghold secures is not achieved even by a thousand elephants or a hundred thousand fine horses."

Verse 22 (skanda.4.76.22)

दुर्गस्थो नाभिभूयेत विपक्षः केनचित्क्वचित् ।। स्वतंत्रं यदि दुर्गं स्यादमर्मज्ञप्रकाशितम्

durgastho nābhibhūyeta vipakṣaḥ kenacitkvacit || svataṁtraṁ yadi durgaṁ syādamarmajñaprakāśitam

"One who dwells in a fortress cannot ever be overcome by any adversary, if that fortress is self-sufficient and its vulnerable points remain unrevealed."

Verse 23 (skanda.4.76.23)

इति दुर्गबलं शंसञ्श्येनो रोषारुणेक्षणः ।। असाध्वसौ कलरवौ वीक्ष्य यातो नभोंगणम्

iti durgabalaṁ śaṁsañśyeno roṣāruṇekṣaṇaḥ || asādhvasau kalaravau vīkṣya yāto nabhoṁgaṇam

Thus praising the strength of the fortress, the hawk, his eyes red with rage, seeing the two doves still free of fear, went off into the expanse of the sky.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.76.24)

अथ पारावतीदक्षा विपक्षं प्रेक्ष्य पक्षिणम् ।। महाबलं दुर्गबला प्राह पारावतं पतिम्

atha pārāvatīdakṣā vipakṣaṁ prekṣya pakṣiṇam || mahābalaṁ durgabalā prāha pārāvataṁ patim

Then the clever female dove, having seen that powerful enemy bird, though herself relying on the strength of the fortress, spoke to her husband, the male dove.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.76.25)

।। कलरव्युवाच ।। ।। प्रिय पारावत प्राज्ञ सर्वकामि सुखारव ।। तव दृग्विषयं प्राप्तः श्येनोय प्रबलो रिपुः

|| kalaravyuvāca || || priya pārāvata prājña sarvakāmi sukhārava || tava dṛgviṣayaṁ prāptaḥ śyenoya prabalo ripuḥ

Kalaravi said: "O beloved dove, wise one, granter of every wish, joy of my cries — this powerful hawk, an enemy, has come within your sight."

Verse 26 (skanda.4.76.26)

सावज्ञं वाक्यमाकर्ण्य पारावत्याः स तत्पतिः ।। पारावतीमुवाचेदं का चिंतेति तव प्रिये

sāvajñaṁ vākyamākarṇya pārāvatyāḥ sa tatpatiḥ || pārāvatīmuvācedaṁ kā ciṁteti tava priye

Hearing these somewhat disdainful words of the female dove, her husband said to her: "What is this worry of yours, my dear?"

Verse 27 (skanda.4.76.27)

।। पारावत उवाच ।। ।। कति नाम न संतीह सुभगे व्योमचारिणः ।। कति देवालयेष्वेषु खगा नोपविशंति हि

|| pārāvata uvāca || || kati nāma na saṁtīha subhage vyomacāriṇaḥ || kati devālayeṣveṣu khagā nopaviśaṁti hi

The male dove said: "O fair one, how many wanderers of the sky are there! In how many of these temples do birds not perch!"

Verse 28 (skanda.4.76.28)

कति चैव न पश्यंति नौ सुखस्थाविह प्रिये ।। तेभ्यो यदीह भेतव्यं कुतो नौ तत्सुखं प्रिये

kati caiva na paśyaṁti nau sukhasthāviha priye || tebhyo yadīha bhetavyaṁ kuto nau tatsukhaṁ priye

"And how many do not see us, happily settled here, my dear! If we must fear all of them, then where is there happiness for us?"

Verse 29 (skanda.4.76.29)

रमस्व त्वं मया सार्धं त्यज चिंतामिमां शुभे ।। अस्य श्येनवराकस्य गणनापि न मे हृदि

ramasva tvaṁ mayā sārdhaṁ tyaja ciṁtāmimāṁ śubhe || asya śyenavarākasya gaṇanāpi na me hṛdi

"Rejoice with me, and give up this worry, O auspicious one. This wretched hawk does not even enter my mind as worth counting."

Verse 30 (skanda.4.76.30)

इत्थं पारावतवचः श्रुत्वा पारावती ततः ।। मौनमालंब्य संतस्थे पत्युः पादार्पितेक्षणा

itthaṁ pārāvatavacaḥ śrutvā pārāvatī tataḥ || maunamālaṁbya saṁtasthe patyuḥ pādārpitekṣaṇā

Hearing these words of the male dove, the female dove then fell silent, and remained still, her gaze fixed upon her husband's feet.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.76.31)

हितवर्त्मोपदिश्यापि प्रिय प्रियचिकीर्षया ।। साध्व्या जोषं समास्थेयं कार्यं पत्युर्वचः सदा

hitavartmopadiśyāpi priya priyacikīrṣayā || sādhvyā joṣaṁ samāstheyaṁ kāryaṁ patyurvacaḥ sadā

[Reflecting:] "Even after pointing out the beneficial path, out of a wish to please her beloved, a virtuous wife should stay silent and accept it — her husband's word must always be followed."

Verse 32 (skanda.4.76.32)

अन्येद्युरप्यथायातः श्येनो पश्यत्स दंपती ।। अपरिच्छिन्नया दृष्ट्या यथा मृत्युर्गतायुषम्

anyedyurapyathāyātaḥ śyeno paśyatsa daṁpatī || aparicchinnayā dṛṣṭyā yathā mṛtyurgatāyuṣam

The next day too, the hawk came again and watched the couple, with an unwavering gaze, as death watches one whose life-span has run out.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.76.33)

अथ मंडलगत्या स प्रासादं परितो भ्रमन् ।। निरीक्ष्य तद्गतायातौ यातो गगनमार्गतः

atha maṁḍalagatyā sa prāsādaṁ parito bhraman || nirīkṣya tadgatāyātau yāto gaganamārgataḥ

Then, circling round in a wide sweep about the temple, and having closely observed their comings and goings, he departed by the path of the sky.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.76.34)

गतेऽथ नभसि श्येने पुनः पारावतांगना ।। प्रोवाच प्रेयसी नाथ दृष्टो दुष्टस्त्वयाऽहितः

gate'tha nabhasi śyene punaḥ pārāvatāṁganā || provāca preyasī nātha dṛṣṭo duṣṭastvayā'hitaḥ

When the hawk had gone off into the sky, the female dove again said to her beloved: "My lord, you saw that wicked, hostile one, did you not?"

Verse 35 (skanda.4.76.35)

तस्या वाक्यं समाकर्ण्य पुनः कलरवोब्रवीत् ।। किं करिष्यत्यसौ मुग्धे मम व्योमविहारिणः

tasyā vākyaṁ samākarṇya punaḥ kalaravobravīt || kiṁ kariṣyatyasau mugdhe mama vyomavihāriṇaḥ

Hearing her words, Kalarava said again: "What can he do, O innocent one, to me, who ranges the sky as he does?"

Verse 36 (skanda.4.76.36)

दुर्गं च स्वर्गतुल्यं मे यत्र नास्त्यरितो भयम् ।। अयं न ता गतीर्वेत्ति या वेदाहं नभोंगणे

durgaṁ ca svargatulyaṁ me yatra nāstyarito bhayam || ayaṁ na tā gatīrvetti yā vedāhaṁ nabhoṁgaṇe

"My fortress is equal to heaven itself, where there is no fear from any foe. This fellow does not know the ways of flight that I know in the expanse of the sky."

Verse 37 (skanda.4.76.37)

प्रडीनोड्डीन संडीन कांडव्याडकपाटिकाः ।।। स्रंसनी मंडलवती गतयोष्टावुदाहृताः

praḍīnoḍḍīna saṁḍīna kāṁḍavyāḍakapāṭikāḥ ||| sraṁsanī maṁḍalavatī gatayoṣṭāvudāhṛtāḥ

"Praḍīna, uḍḍīna, saṇḍīna, kāṇḍa, vyāḍa, kapāṭikā, sraṁsanī, and maṇḍalavatī — these are declared to be the eight modes of flight."

Verse 38 (skanda.4.76.38)

यथैतास्विह कौशल्यं मयि पारावति प्रिये ।। गतिषु क्वापि कस्यापि पक्षिणो न तथांबरे

yathaitāsviha kauśalyaṁ mayi pārāvati priye || gatiṣu kvāpi kasyāpi pakṣiṇo na tathāṁbare

"Such skill as I have in these, O dear Paravati, no other bird anywhere possesses in these movements through the sky."

Verse 39 (skanda.4.76.39)

सुखेन तिष्ठ का चिंता मयि जीवति ते प्रिये ।। इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सास्थिता मूकवत्सती

sukhena tiṣṭha kā ciṁtā mayi jīvati te priye || iti tadvacanaṁ śrutvā sāsthitā mūkavatsatī

"Rest at ease — what worry can you have, my dear, while I am alive?" Hearing these words of his, the virtuous wife remained silent, as though mute.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.76.40)

अपरेद्युरपि श्येनस्तत्र भारशिलातले ।। कियदंतरमासाद्योपविष्टोऽतिप्रहृष्टवत्

aparedyurapi śyenastatra bhāraśilātale || kiyadaṁtaramāsādyopaviṣṭo'tiprahṛṣṭavat

The next day too, the hawk came there and, having found a spot at some distance on a heavy rock-slab, sat down as if greatly pleased.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.76.41)

आयामं तत्र संस्थित्वा तत्कुलायं विलोक्य च ।। पुनर्विनिर्गतः श्येनः सापि भीताब्रवीत्पुनः

āyāmaṁ tatra saṁsthitvā tatkulāyaṁ vilokya ca || punarvinirgataḥ śyenaḥ sāpi bhītābravītpunaḥ

Having stayed there a while and observed their nest, the hawk then departed again; and she, frightened, spoke once more.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.76.42)

प्रियस्थानमिदं त्याज्यं दुष्टदृष्टिविदूषितम् ।। असौ क्रूरोति निकटमुपविष्टोऽतिहृष्टवत्

priyasthānamidaṁ tyājyaṁ duṣṭadṛṣṭividūṣitam || asau krūroti nikaṭamupaviṣṭo'tihṛṣṭavat

"This dear place must now be abandoned, defiled by that wicked one's gaze — that cruel one sat right nearby, seeming so pleased."

Verse 43 (skanda.4.76.43)

सावज्ञं स पुनः प्राह किं करिष्यत्यसौ प्रिये ।। मृगाक्षीणां स्वभावोयं प्रायशो भीरुवृत्तयः

sāvajñaṁ sa punaḥ prāha kiṁ kariṣyatyasau priye || mṛgākṣīṇāṁ svabhāvoyaṁ prāyaśo bhīruvṛttayaḥ

He again replied, somewhat scornfully: "What can he do, my dear? This is simply the nature of doe-eyed females — mostly of a timid disposition."

Verse 44 (skanda.4.76.44)

इतरेद्युरपि प्राप्तः स च श्येनो महाबलः ।। तयोरभिमुखं तत्र स्थितो याम द्वयावधि

itaredyurapi prāptaḥ sa ca śyeno mahābalaḥ || tayorabhimukhaṁ tatra sthito yāma dvayāvadhi

The next day again, that mighty hawk came and stood there directly facing them for a full two watches of the day.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.76.45)

पुनर्विलोक्य तद्वर्त्म शीघ्रं यातो यथागतम्।। गतेथ शकुनौ तस्मिन्सा बभाषे विहंगमी।।

punarvilokya tadvartma śīghraṁ yāto yathāgatam|| gatetha śakunau tasminsā babhāṣe vihaṁgamī||

Having again observed their route, he swiftly departed as he had come. When that bird had gone, the female bird spoke:

Verse 46 (skanda.4.76.46)

नाथ स्थानांतरं यावो मृत्युर्नौ निकटोत्र यत् ।। पुनर्दुष्टे प्रणष्टेस्मिन्नावां स्यावः सुखं प्रिय

nātha sthānāṁtaraṁ yāvo mṛtyurnau nikaṭotra yat || punarduṣṭe praṇaṣṭesminnāvāṁ syāvaḥ sukhaṁ priya

"My lord, let us go to another place, for death is now near us here. Only once this wicked one is gone for good shall the two of us know happiness, my love."

Verse 47 (skanda.4.76.47)

प्रिय यस्य सपक्षस्य गतिः सर्वत्र सिद्धिदा ।। स किं स्वदेशरागेण नाशं प्राप्नोति बुद्धिमान्

priya yasya sapakṣasya gatiḥ sarvatra siddhidā || sa kiṁ svadeśarāgeṇa nāśaṁ prāpnoti buddhimān

"My dear, one who has wings, and whose flight brings him success everywhere — should such a wise one perish out of mere attachment to his own place?"

Verse 48 (skanda.4.76.48)

सोपसर्गं निजं देशं त्यक्त्वा योन्यत्र न व्रजेत् ।। स पंगुर्नाशमाप्नोति कूलस्थित इव द्रुमः

sopasargaṁ nijaṁ deśaṁ tyaktvā yonyatra na vrajet || sa paṁgurnāśamāpnoti kūlasthita iva drumaḥ

"He who, though his own land is beset with danger, does not go elsewhere but stays — that lame one perishes, like a tree rooted on a crumbling riverbank."

Verse 49 (skanda.4.76.49)

प्रियोदितं निशम्येति स भवित्री दशार्दितः ।। सरीढं पुनरप्याह प्रिये मा भैः खगात्ततः

priyoditaṁ niśamyeti sa bhavitrī daśārditaḥ || sarīḍhaṁ punarapyāha priye mā bhaiḥ khagāttataḥ

Hearing these words spoken by his beloved — words that were to prove true — he, oppressed by approaching fate, again said stubbornly: "My dear, do not fear that bird."

Verse 50 (skanda.4.76.50)

अथापरस्मिन्नहनि स श्येनः प्रातरेव हि ।। तद्द्वारदेशमासाद्य सायं यावत्स्थितो बलः

athāparasminnahani sa śyenaḥ prātareva hi || taddvāradeśamāsādya sāyaṁ yāvatsthito balaḥ

Then on yet another day, that powerful hawk, having come to the very entrance of their nest early in the morning, remained there until evening.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.76.51)

अस्ताचलस्य शिखरं याते भानौ गते खगे ।। कुलायाद्बाह्यमागत्योवाच पारावती पतिम्

astācalasya śikharaṁ yāte bhānau gate khage || kulāyādbāhyamāgatyovāca pārāvatī patim

When the sun had gone to the peak of the western mountain and the hawk had departed, the female dove came out from the nest and said to her husband:

Verse 52 (skanda.4.76.52)

नाथ निर्गमनस्यायं कालः कालोऽतिदूरतः ।। यावत्तावद्विनिर्याहि त्यक्त्वा मामपि सन्मते

nātha nirgamanasyāyaṁ kālaḥ kālo'tidūrataḥ || yāvattāvadviniryāhi tyaktvā māmapi sanmate

"My lord, now is the time to leave, while he is far off. While there is still time, go forth — even leaving me behind, O good-hearted one."

Verse 53 (skanda.4.76.53)

त्वयि जीवति दुष्प्राप्यं न किंचिज्जगतीतले ।। पुनर्दाराः पुनर्मित्रं पुनर्वसु पुनर्गृहम् ।।

tvayi jīvati duṣprāpyaṁ na kiṁcijjagatītale || punardārāḥ punarmitraṁ punarvasu punargṛham ||

"While you live, nothing on this earth is unattainable — a wife again, friends again, wealth again, a home again can all be regained."

Verse 54 (skanda.4.76.54)

यद्यात्मा रक्षितः पुंसा दारैरपि धनैरपि ।। तदा सर्वं हरिश्चंद्रभूपेनेवेह लभ्यते

yadyātmā rakṣitaḥ puṁsā dārairapi dhanairapi || tadā sarvaṁ hariścaṁdrabhūpeneveha labhyate

"If a man preserves his own life, even at the cost of wife or wealth, then, as with King Harishchandra, everything is eventually regained."

Verse 55 (skanda.4.76.55)

अयमात्मा प्रियो बंधुरयमात्मा महद्धनम् ।। धमार्थकाममोक्षाणामयमात्मार्जकः परः

ayamātmā priyo baṁdhurayamātmā mahaddhanam || dhamārthakāmamokṣāṇāmayamātmārjakaḥ paraḥ

"This self is one's dearest kinsman; this self is one's greatest wealth. This self alone is the supreme means of acquiring dharma, artha, kama, and moksha."

Verse 56 (skanda.4.76.56)

यावदात्मनि वै क्षेमं तावत्क्षेमं जगत्त्रये ।। सोपि क्षेमः सुमतिना यशसा सह वांछ्यते

yāvadātmani vai kṣemaṁ tāvatkṣemaṁ jagattraye || sopi kṣemaḥ sumatinā yaśasā saha vāṁchyate

"As long as one's own self is safe, so long is the whole triple world safe. And even that safety, the wise should desire together with honor."

Verse 57 (skanda.4.76.57)

यशोहीनं तु यत्क्षेमं तत्क्षेमान्निधनं वरम् ।। तद्यशः प्राप्यते पुंभिर्नीतिमार्गप्रवर्तने

yaśohīnaṁ tu yatkṣemaṁ tatkṣemānnidhanaṁ varam || tadyaśaḥ prāpyate puṁbhirnītimārgapravartane

"But safety without honor — death is better than such safety. And that honor is attained by men through following the path of right conduct."

Verse 58 (skanda.4.76.58)

अतो नीतिपथं श्रुत्वा नाथ स्थानादितो व्रज ।। न गमिष्यसि चेत्प्रातस्ततो मे संस्मरिष्यसि

ato nītipathaṁ śrutvā nātha sthānādito vraja || na gamiṣyasi cetprātastato me saṁsmariṣyasi

"Therefore, having heard this path of right counsel, my lord, go from this place now. If you do not go, then tomorrow you will remember these words of mine."

Verse 59 (skanda.4.76.59)

इत्युक्तोपि स वै पत्न्या पारावत्या सुमेधया ।। न निर्ययौ प्रतिस्थानाद्भवित्र्या प्रतिवारितः

ityuktopi sa vai patnyā pārāvatyā sumedhayā || na niryayau pratisthānādbhavitryā prativāritaḥ

Though thus addressed by his wise wife, the female dove, he did not leave his place — held back, as it were, by fate itself.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.76.60)

अथोषसि समागत्य श्येनेन बलिना तदा ।। तन्निर्गमाध्वा संरुद्धः किंचिद्भक्ष्यवता मुने

athoṣasi samāgatya śyenena balinā tadā || tannirgamādhvā saṁruddhaḥ kiṁcidbhakṣyavatā mune

Then, O sage, at dawn the mighty hawk came and blocked their only exit-path, holding some prey in its talons.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.76.61)

दिनानि कतिचित्तत्र स्थित्वा श्येनो महामतिः ।। पारावतमुवाचेदं धिक्त्वां पौरुषवर्जितम्

dināni katicittatra sthitvā śyeno mahāmatiḥ || pārāvatamuvācedaṁ dhiktvāṁ pauruṣavarjitam

Having stayed there for several days, the very cunning hawk said this to the dove: "Shame on you, devoid of manliness!"

Verse 62 (skanda.4.76.62)

किंवा युध्यस्व दुर्बुद्धे किंवा निर्याहि मे गिरा ।। क्षुधाक्षीणो मृतः पश्चान्निरयं यास्यसि ध्रुवम्

kiṁvā yudhyasva durbuddhe kiṁvā niryāhi me girā || kṣudhākṣīṇo mṛtaḥ paścānnirayaṁ yāsyasi dhruvam

"Either fight, you fool, or come out at my word. Wasted by hunger, you will die, and thereafter surely go to hell."

Verse 63 (skanda.4.76.63)

द्वौ भवंतावहं चैकश्चलौ जयपराजयौ !। स्थानार्थं युध्यतः सत्त्वात्स्वर्गो वा दुर्गमेव वा

dvau bhavaṁtāvahaṁ caikaścalau jayaparājayau !| sthānārthaṁ yudhyataḥ sattvātsvargo vā durgameva vā

"You two are there, and I am but one; victory and defeat are uncertain for both sides. For one who fights bravely for his own place, the outcome is either heaven or the safety of the fortress."

Verse 64 (skanda.4.76.64)

पुरुपार्थं समालंब्य ये यतंते महाधियः ।। विधिरेव हि साहाय्यं कुर्यात्तत्सत्त्वचोदितः

purupārthaṁ samālaṁbya ye yataṁte mahādhiyaḥ || vidhireva hi sāhāyyaṁ kuryāttatsattvacoditaḥ

"Those great-souled ones who strive, having undertaken a manly purpose — for them, Providence itself, moved by their courage, surely lends its aid."

Verse 65 (skanda.4.76.65)

इत्थं स श्येनसंप्रोक्तः पत्न्याप्युत्साहितः खगः ।। अयुध्यत्तेन श्येनेन स्वदुर्गद्वारमाश्रितः

itthaṁ sa śyenasaṁproktaḥ patnyāpyutsāhitaḥ khagaḥ || ayudhyattena śyenena svadurgadvāramāśritaḥ

Thus addressed by the hawk, and also urged on by his wife, the bird, taking his stand at the entrance of his own fortress, fought with that hawk.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.76.66)

क्षुधितस्तृषितः सोथ श्येनेन बलिना धृतः ।। चरणेन दृढेनाशु चंच्वा सापि धृता खगी

kṣudhitastṛṣitaḥ sotha śyenena balinā dhṛtaḥ || caraṇena dṛḍhenāśu caṁcvā sāpi dhṛtā khagī

Hungry and thirsty, he was then swiftly seized by the powerful hawk with its firm talon; and the female bird too was seized by its beak.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.76.67)

तावादायोड्डयांचक्रे श्येनो व्योमनि सत्वरम् ।। चिंतयद्भक्षणस्थानमन्यपक्षिविवर्जितम्

tāvādāyoḍḍayāṁcakre śyeno vyomani satvaram || ciṁtayadbhakṣaṇasthānamanyapakṣivivarjitam

Seizing the two of them, the hawk swiftly took flight into the sky, thinking of a place to devour them, free of other birds.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.76.68)

अथ पत्न्या कलरवः प्रोक्तस्तत्र सुमेधया ।। वचोवमानितं नाथ त्वया मे स्त्रीति बुद्धितः

atha patnyā kalaravaḥ proktastatra sumedhayā || vacovamānitaṁ nātha tvayā me strīti buddhitaḥ

Then the wise wife Kalaravi spoke there: "My lord, my words were disregarded by you, thinking, 'She is only a woman.'"

Verse 69 (skanda.4.76.69)

अतोऽवस्थामिमां प्राप्तः किं कुर्यामबलायतः ।। अधुनापि वचश्चैकं करोषि यदि मे प्रिय

ato'vasthāmimāṁ prāptaḥ kiṁ kuryāmabalāyataḥ || adhunāpi vacaścaikaṁ karoṣi yadi me priya

"That is why we have come to this plight — what more can I, a weak woman, do? Yet even now, my dear, if you will do one thing I say —"

Verse 70 (skanda.4.76.70)

तदा हितं ते वक्ष्यामि कुरु चैवाविचारितम् ।। ममैकवाक्यकरणात्स्त्रीजितो न भविप्यसि

tadā hitaṁ te vakṣyāmi kuru caivāvicāritam || mamaikavākyakaraṇātstrījito na bhavipyasi

"— then I shall tell you what is beneficial; do it without deliberation. By doing this one thing I say, you will not be called 'conquered by a woman.'"

Verse 71 (skanda.4.76.71)

यावदास्यगतास्म्यस्य यावत्खस्थो न भूमिगः ।। तावदात्मविमुक्त्यैवमरेः पादं दृढं दश

yāvadāsyagatāsmyasya yāvatkhastho na bhūmigaḥ || tāvadātmavimuktyaivamareḥ pādaṁ dṛḍhaṁ daśa

"While I am still in his beak, and while he is still in the sky and has not landed — in that moment, to free yourself, bite the enemy's foot hard."

Verse 72 (skanda.4.76.72)

इति पत्नीवचः श्रुत्वा तथा स कृतवान्खगः ।। सपीडितो दृढं पादे श्येनश्चीत्कृतवान्बहु

iti patnīvacaḥ śrutvā tathā sa kṛtavānkhagaḥ || sapīḍito dṛḍhaṁ pāde śyenaścītkṛtavānbahu

Hearing his wife's words, the bird did just that; and the hawk, sharply pained in its foot, cried out loudly.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.76.73)

तेन चीत्करणेनाथ मुक्ता सा मुखसंपुटात्।। पादांगुलि श्लथत्वेन सोपि पारावतोऽपतत्

tena cītkaraṇenātha muktā sā mukhasaṁpuṭāt|| pādāṁguli ślathatvena sopi pārāvato'patat

By that very cry, she was released from its beak; and, as its talon-grip loosened, the male dove too fell free.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.76.74)

विपद्यपि च न प्राज्ञैः संत्या ज्यः क्वचिदुद्यमः ।। क्व चंचुपुटस्तस्य क्व च तत्पादपीडनम्

vipadyapi ca na prājñaiḥ saṁtyā jyaḥ kvacidudyamaḥ || kva caṁcupuṭastasya kva ca tatpādapīḍanam

Even in calamity, the wise should never abandon effort — how different was escape from its beak-grip, and how different the stratagem of paining its very foot!

Verse 75 (skanda.4.76.75)

क्व च द्वयोस्तथाभूता दरेर्मोक्षणमद्भुतम् ।। दुर्बलेप्युद्यमवति फलं भाग्यं यतोऽर्पयेत् ।।

kva ca dvayostathābhūtā darermokṣaṇamadbhutam || durbalepyudyamavati phalaṁ bhāgyaṁ yato'rpayet ||

And how wondrous was the release of the two of them from the enemy's grip in that way! For even in one who is weak, if he makes the effort, fortune bestows its fruit.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.76.76)

तस्माद्भाग्यानुसारेण फलत्येव सदोद्यमः ।। प्रशंसंत्युद्यमं चातो विपद्यपि मनीषिणः

tasmādbhāgyānusāreṇa phalatyeva sadodyamaḥ || praśaṁsaṁtyudyamaṁ cāto vipadyapi manīṣiṇaḥ

Therefore, effort always bears fruit according to one's destiny; and for this reason the wise praise effort even in the midst of calamity.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.76.77)

अथ तौ कालयोगेन विपन्नौ सरयूतटे ।। मुक्तिपुर्यामयोध्यायामेको विद्याधरोऽभवत्

atha tau kālayogena vipannau sarayūtaṭe || muktipuryāmayodhyāyāmeko vidyādharo'bhavat

Then, in due course of time, the two of them died on the bank of the Sarayu, at the city of liberation, Ayodhya; and the male became a Vidyadhara.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.76.78)

मृतानां यत्र जंतूनां काशीप्राप्तिर्भवेद्ध्रुवम् ।। मंदारदामतनयो नाम्ना परिमलालयः

mṛtānāṁ yatra jaṁtūnāṁ kāśīprāptirbhaveddhruvam || maṁdāradāmatanayo nāmnā parimalālayaḥ

Ayodhya being a place where creatures who die surely attain Kashi — he was born as the son of Mandaradama, named Parimalalaya.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.76.79)

अनेकविद्यानिलयः कलाकौशलभाजनम्।। कौमारं वय आसाद्य शिवभक्तिपरोभवत्

anekavidyānilayaḥ kalākauśalabhājanam|| kaumāraṁ vaya āsādya śivabhaktiparobhavat

A repository of many branches of learning, a vessel of skill in the arts, on reaching youth he became devoted to Shiva.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.76.80)

नियमं चातिजग्राह विजितेंद्रियमानसः ।। एकपत्नीव्रतं नित्यं चरिष्यामीति निश्चितम्

niyamaṁ cātijagrāha vijiteṁdriyamānasaḥ || ekapatnīvrataṁ nityaṁ cariṣyāmīti niścitam

Having conquered his senses and mind, he took up a further vow, resolving: "I shall always observe the vow of having but one wife."

Verse 81 (skanda.4.76.81)

परयोषित्समासक्तिरायुः कीर्ति बलं सुखम् ।। हरेत्स्वर्ग गतिं चापि तस्मात्तां वर्जयेत्सुधीः

parayoṣitsamāsaktirāyuḥ kīrti balaṁ sukham || haretsvarga gatiṁ cāpi tasmāttāṁ varjayetsudhīḥ

"Attachment to another's wife steals away one's lifespan, fame, strength, and happiness, and even one's passage to heaven; therefore the wise should shun it."

Verse 82 (skanda.4.76.82)

अपरं चापि नियमं स शुचिष्मान्समाददे ।। गतजन्मांतराभ्यासात्त्रिलोचनसमाश्रयात्

aparaṁ cāpi niyamaṁ sa śuciṣmānsamādade || gatajanmāṁtarābhyāsāttrilocanasamāśrayāt

That pure-hearted one took up yet another vow too, owing to the practice carried over from a former birth, through his refuge in Trilochana.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.76.83)

समस्तपुण्यनिलयं समस्तार्थप्रकाशकम् ।। समस्तकामजनकं परानंदैककारणम् ।।

samastapuṇyanilayaṁ samastārthaprakāśakam || samastakāmajanakaṁ parānaṁdaikakāraṇam ||

Trilochana, the abode of all merit, the revealer of all true purpose, the begetter of all desires, and the sole cause of supreme bliss —

Verse 84 (skanda.4.76.84)

यावच्छरीरमरुजं यावन्नेंद्रियविप्लवः ।। तावत्त्रिलोचनं काश्यामनर्च्याश्नामि नाण्वपि

yāvaccharīramarujaṁ yāvanneṁdriyaviplavaḥ || tāvattrilocanaṁ kāśyāmanarcyāśnāmi nāṇvapi

"So long as my body remains free of illness, and so long as my senses have not failed — until then, without worshipping Trilochana at Kashi, I shall not eat even a particle of food."

Verse 85 (skanda.4.76.85)

इत्थं मांदारदामिः स नित्यं परिमलालयः ।। काश्यां त्रिविष्टपं द्रष्टुं समागच्छेत्प्रयत्नवान्

itthaṁ māṁdāradāmiḥ sa nityaṁ parimalālayaḥ || kāśyāṁ triviṣṭapaṁ draṣṭuṁ samāgacchetprayatnavān

Thus that son of Mandaradama, Parimalalaya, would daily and diligently come to Kashi to behold Trivishtapa.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.76.86)

पारावत्यपि सा जाता रत्नदीपस्य मंदिरे ।। नागराजस्य पाताले नाम्ना रत्नावलीति च

pārāvatyapi sā jātā ratnadīpasya maṁdire || nāgarājasya pātāle nāmnā ratnāvalīti ca

And that female dove too was born in the palace of Ratnadipa, king of the nagas, in Patala, named Ratnavali.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.76.87)

समस्तनागकन्यानां रूपशीलकलागुणैः ।। एकैव रत्नभूतासीद्रत्नदीपोरगात्मजा

samastanāgakanyānāṁ rūpaśīlakalāguṇaiḥ || ekaiva ratnabhūtāsīdratnadīporagātmajā

Among all the naga maidens, in beauty, character, and accomplishments, she alone, the daughter of Ratnadipa, stood out as their very jewel.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.76.88)

तस्या सखीद्वयं चासीदेका नाम्ना प्रभावती ।। कलावती तथान्या च नित्यं तदनुगे उभे

tasyā sakhīdvayaṁ cāsīdekā nāmnā prabhāvatī || kalāvatī tathānyā ca nityaṁ tadanuge ubhe

She had two companions: one named Prabhavati, and the other Kalavati — both ever devoted to her.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.76.89)

स्वदेहादनपायिन्यौ छायाकांती यथा तया ।। ते द्वे सख्यावभूतांहि रत्नावल्या घटोद्भव

svadehādanapāyinyau chāyākāṁtī yathā tayā || te dve sakhyāvabhūtāṁhi ratnāvalyā ghaṭodbhava

Inseparable from her own body, like shadow and lustre, these two friends stayed always with Ratnavali, O jar-born one.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.76.90)

सा तु बाल्ये व्यतिक्रांते किंचिदुद्रिन्नयौवना ।। शिवभक्तं स्वपितरं दृष्ट्वा नियममग्रहीत्

sā tu bālye vyatikrāṁte kiṁcidudrinnayauvanā || śivabhaktaṁ svapitaraṁ dṛṣṭvā niyamamagrahīt

When her childhood had passed and her youth was just beginning to blossom, seeing her father devoted to Shiva, she too took up a vow.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.76.91)

पितस्त्रिलोचनं काश्यामर्चयित्वा दिनेदिने ।। आभ्यां सखीभ्यां सहिता मौनं त्यक्ष्यामि नान्यथा ।।

pitastrilocanaṁ kāśyāmarcayitvā dinedine || ābhyāṁ sakhībhyāṁ sahitā maunaṁ tyakṣyāmi nānyathā ||

"Father, only after worshipping Trilochana at Kashi every day, together with these two companions, will I break my silence — not otherwise."

Verse 92 (skanda.4.76.92)

एवं नागकुमारी सा सखीद्वयसमन्विता ।। त्रिलोचनं समभ्यर्च्य गृहानहरहोव्रजेत्

evaṁ nāgakumārī sā sakhīdvayasamanvitā || trilocanaṁ samabhyarcya gṛhānaharahovrajet

Thus that naga-princess, accompanied by her two friends, would worship Trilochana and then return home each day.

Verse 93 (skanda.4.76.93)

दिनेदिने सा प्रत्यग्रैः कुसुमैरिष्टगंधिभिः ।। सुविचित्राणि माल्यानि परिगुंफ्यार्चयेद्विभुम्

dinedine sā pratyagraiḥ kusumairiṣṭagaṁdhibhiḥ || suvicitrāṇi mālyāni pariguṁphyārcayedvibhum

Each day, with fresh, sweetly fragrant flowers, she would weave wondrous garlands and worship the Lord.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.76.94)

तिस्रोपि गीतं गायंति लसद्गांधारसुंदरम् ।। रासमंडलभेदेन लास्यं तिस्रोपि कुर्वते

tisropi gītaṁ gāyaṁti lasadgāṁdhārasuṁdaram || rāsamaṁḍalabhedena lāsyaṁ tisropi kurvate

All three would sing songs, lovely with the shimmering gandhara note, and all three would perform dances in the manner of the rasa-circle.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.76.95)

वीणावेणुमृदंगांश्च लयतालविचक्षणाः ।। वादयंति मुदा युक्तास्तिस्रोपीश्वरसन्निधौ

vīṇāveṇumṛdaṁgāṁśca layatālavicakṣaṇāḥ || vādayaṁti mudā yuktāstisropīśvarasannidhau

Skilled in rhythm and beat, all three, filled with joy, would play the vina, flute, and mridanga in the Lord's presence.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.76.96)

इत्थमाराधयंतीशं तिस्रो नागकुमारिकाः ।। विचित्रगंधमालाभिः संमार्जनविलेपनैः

itthamārādhayaṁtīśaṁ tisro nāgakumārikāḥ || vicitragaṁdhamālābhiḥ saṁmārjanavilepanaiḥ

Thus the three naga-maidens worshipped the Lord with wondrous fragrant garlands, with sweeping and anointing of the shrine —

Verse 97 (skanda.4.76.97)

एकदा माधवे मासि तृतीयायामुपोषिताः ।। रात्रौ जागरणं कृत्वा नृत्यगीतकथादिभिः

ekadā mādhave māsi tṛtīyāyāmupoṣitāḥ || rātrau jāgaraṇaṁ kṛtvā nṛtyagītakathādibhiḥ

Once, in the month of Madhava, on the third lunar day, having fasted, they kept a night-vigil with dance, song, and sacred tales,

Verse 98 (skanda.4.76.98)

प्रातश्चतुर्थीं स्नात्वाथ तीर्थं पैलिपिले शुभे ।। त्रिलोचनं समर्च्याथ प्रसुप्ता रंगमंडपे

prātaścaturthīṁ snātvātha tīrthaṁ pailipile śubhe || trilocanaṁ samarcyātha prasuptā raṁgamaṁḍape

and on the fourth day at dawn, having bathed at the auspicious Pailipila tirtha and worshipped Trilochana, they fell asleep in the dance-pavilion.

Verse 99 (skanda.4.76.99)

सुप्तासु तासु बालासु त्रिनेत्रः शशिभूषणः ।। शुद्धकर्पूरगौरांगो जटामुकुटमंडलः

suptāsu tāsu bālāsu trinetraḥ śaśibhūṣaṇaḥ || śuddhakarpūragaurāṁgo jaṭāmukuṭamaṁḍalaḥ

While those maidens slept, the three-eyed one, adorned with the crescent moon, his body fair as pure camphor, his matted locks forming a crown —

Verse 100 (skanda.4.76.100)

तमालनीलसुग्रीवः स्फुरत्फणिविभूषणः ।। वामार्धविलसच्छक्तिर्नागयज्ञोपवीतवान्

tamālanīlasugrīvaḥ sphuratphaṇivibhūṣaṇaḥ || vāmārdhavilasacchaktirnāgayajñopavītavān

his throat dark-blue as the tamala tree, adorned with a gleaming serpent-ornament, Shakti shining on his left half, wearing a serpent as his sacred thread —

Verse 101 (skanda.4.76.101)

तस्मादेव विनिष्क्रम्य लिंगात्पन्नगमेखलात् ।। उवाच च ततो बाला विभुरुत्तिष्ठतेति सः

tasmādeva viniṣkramya liṁgātpannagamekhalāt || uvāca ca tato bālā vibhuruttiṣṭhateti saḥ

issuing forth from that very linga girdled with serpents, the Lord then said to the maidens: "Arise!"

Verse 102 (skanda.4.76.102)

उत्थाय ता विनिर्मार्ज्य लोचने श्रुतिसंगते ।। अंगमोटनवत्यश्च जृंभाभिः क्वणिताननाः

utthāya tā vinirmārjya locane śrutisaṁgate || aṁgamoṭanavatyaśca jṛṁbhābhiḥ kvaṇitānanāḥ

Rising up, rubbing their eyes, stretching their limbs, their faces murmuring with yawns —

Verse 103 (skanda.4.76.103)

यावत्पश्यंति पुरतः संभ्रमापन्नमानसाः ।। अतर्कितागमस्तावत्ताभिर्दृष्टस्त्रिलोचनः

yāvatpaśyaṁti purataḥ saṁbhramāpannamānasāḥ || atarkitāgamastāvattābhirdṛṣṭastrilocanaḥ

just as, their minds startled, they looked ahead, they beheld Trilochana, whose coming they had not expected.

Verse 104 (skanda.4.76.104)

ववंदुरथ ता बाला ज्ञात्वा लक्ष्मभिरीश्वरम् ।। तुष्ट्वुश्च प्रहृष्टास्याः सन्नकंठ्योतिगद्गदम्।।

vavaṁduratha tā bālā jñātvā lakṣmabhirīśvaram || tuṣṭvuśca prahṛṣṭāsyāḥ sannakaṁṭhyotigadgadam||

Then the maidens, recognizing the Lord by his distinctive signs, bowed to him, and, their faces overjoyed, praised him, their voices choked with emotion.

Verse 105 (skanda.4.76.105)

जयशंभो जयेशान जय सर्वग सर्वद ।। जय त्रिपुरसंहर्तर्जयांधकनिषूदन

jayaśaṁbho jayeśāna jaya sarvaga sarvada || jaya tripurasaṁhartarjayāṁdhakaniṣūdana

"Victory to Shambhu! Victory to Ishana! Victory to the all-pervading, all-giving one! Victory to the destroyer of Tripura! Victory to the slayer of Andhaka!"

Verse 106 (skanda.4.76.106)

जय जालंधरहर जय कंदर्पदर्पहृत् ।। जय त्रैलोक्यजनक जय त्रैलोक्यवर्धन

jaya jālaṁdharahara jaya kaṁdarpadarpahṛt || jaya trailokyajanaka jaya trailokyavardhana

"Victory to the destroyer of Jalandhara! Victory to the one who crushed the pride of Kandarpa! Victory to the father of the three worlds! Victory to their nourisher!"

Verse 107 (skanda.4.76.107)

जय त्रैलोक्यनिलय जय त्रैलोक्यवंदित ।। जय भक्तजनाधीन जय प्रमथनायक

jaya trailokyanilaya jaya trailokyavaṁdita || jaya bhaktajanādhīna jaya pramathanāyaka

"Victory to the abode of the three worlds! Victory to the one honoured by the three worlds! Victory to the one subject to his devotees! Victory to the lord of the Pramathas!"

Verse 108 (skanda.4.76.108)

जय त्रिपथगापाथः प्रक्षालितजटातट ।। जय चंद्रकलाज्योतिर्विद्योतितजगत्त्रय

jaya tripathagāpāthaḥ prakṣālitajaṭātaṭa || jaya caṁdrakalājyotirvidyotitajagattraya

"Victory to the one whose matted locks are washed by the waters of the sky-flowing river! Victory to the one whose crescent-moon radiance illumines the three worlds!"

Verse 109 (skanda.4.76.109)

जय सर्पफणारत्न प्रभाभासितविग्रह ।। जयाद्रिराजतनया तपःक्रीतार्धदेहक

jaya sarpaphaṇāratna prabhābhāsitavigraha || jayādrirājatanayā tapaḥkrītārdhadehaka

"Victory to the one whose form is lit by the radiance of jewels on serpent-hoods! Victory to the one whose half body was won by the mountain-king's daughter through her austerity!"

Verse 110 (skanda.4.76.110)

जय श्मशाननिलय जय वाराणसीप्रिय ।। जयानंदवनाध्यासि प्राणिनिर्वाणदायक

jaya śmaśānanilaya jaya vārāṇasīpriya || jayānaṁdavanādhyāsi prāṇinirvāṇadāyaka

"Victory to the dweller in the cremation-ground! Victory to the beloved of Varanasi! Victory to the one who dwells in Anandavana, bestower of liberation upon all beings!"

Verse 111 (skanda.4.76.111)

जय विश्वपते शर्व शर्वरीपरिवर्जित ।। जय नृत्यप्रियेशोग्र जय गीतविशारद

jaya viśvapate śarva śarvarīparivarjita || jaya nṛtyapriyeśogra jaya gītaviśārada

"Victory to Sharva, lord of the universe, untouched by night! Victory to the fierce lord who loves the dance! Victory to the one skilled in song!"

Verse 112 (skanda.4.76.112)

जय प्रणवसद्वास जय धाम महानिधे ।। जय शूलिन्विरूपाक्ष जय प्रणतसर्वद

jaya praṇavasadvāsa jaya dhāma mahānidhe || jaya śūlinvirūpākṣa jaya praṇatasarvada

"Victory to the one whose true abode is the syllable Om! Victory to the great treasure-house of splendour! Victory to the trident-bearer, the strange-eyed one! Victory to the one who grants everything to those who bow before him!"

Verse 113 (skanda.4.76.113)

विधिः सर्वविधिज्ञोपि न त्वां स्तोतुं विचक्षणः ।। वाचो वाचस्पतेर्नाथ त्वत्स्तुतौ परिकुंठिताः

vidhiḥ sarvavidhijñopi na tvāṁ stotuṁ vicakṣaṇaḥ || vāco vācaspaternātha tvatstutau parikuṁṭhitāḥ

"Even Brahma, knower of every rite, is not skilled enough to praise you; even the words of Brihaspati, my lord, grow blunt in praising you."

Verse 114 (skanda.4.76.114)

विदंति वेदाः सर्वज्ञ न त्वां नाथ यथार्थतः ।। मनतीह मनो न त्वामनंतं चादिवर्जितम्

vidaṁti vedāḥ sarvajña na tvāṁ nātha yathārthataḥ || manatīha mano na tvāmanaṁtaṁ cādivarjitam

"O omniscient one, even the Vedas do not know you as you truly are; even the mind cannot conceive of you, who are infinite and without beginning."

Verse 115 (skanda.4.76.115)

नमस्तुभ्यं नमस्तुभ्यं नमस्तुभ्यं नमोनमः ।। त्रिलोचन नमस्तुभ्यं त्रिविष्टप नमोस्तु ते

namastubhyaṁ namastubhyaṁ namastubhyaṁ namonamaḥ || trilocana namastubhyaṁ triviṣṭapa namostu te

"Salutations to you, salutations to you, salutations to you, again and again! O Trilochana, salutations to you! O Trivishtapa, salutations be to you!"

Verse 116 (skanda.4.76.116)

इत्युक्त्वा दंडवद्भूमौ प्रणिपेतुः कुमारिकाः ।। अथोत्थाप्य कुमारीस्ताः प्रोवाच शशिभूषणः

ityuktvā daṁḍavadbhūmau praṇipetuḥ kumārikāḥ || athotthāpya kumārīstāḥ provāca śaśibhūṣaṇaḥ

Having said this, the maidens prostrated themselves flat on the ground like staves; then the moon-crested one, raising them up, spoke:

Verse 117 (skanda.4.76.117)

सुतो मंदारदाम्नश्च नाम्ना परिमलालयः ।। पतिर्विद्याधरवरो भवतीनां भविष्यति

suto maṁdāradāmnaśca nāmnā parimalālayaḥ || patirvidyādharavaro bhavatīnāṁ bhaviṣyati

"The son of Mandaradama, named Parimalalaya, an excellent Vidyadhara, shall become the husband of all of you."

Verse 118 (skanda.4.76.118)

चिरं विद्याधरे लोके भोगान्भुक्त्वा समंततः ।। ततो निर्वेदमापन्नाः काशीसिद्धिमवाप्स्यथ ।।

ciraṁ vidyādhare loke bhogānbhuktvā samaṁtataḥ || tato nirvedamāpannāḥ kāśīsiddhimavāpsyatha ||

"After long enjoying every pleasure in the world of the Vidyadharas, you will then become detached, and attain liberation at Kashi."

Verse 119 (skanda.4.76.119)

यूयं तिस्रोपि मे भक्ताः स च विद्याधरो युवा ।। चत्वारोप्येत एवात्र प्रतिमोक्षमवाप्स्यथ

yūyaṁ tisropi me bhaktāḥ sa ca vidyādharo yuvā || catvāropyeta evātra pratimokṣamavāpsyatha

"All three of you are my devotees, and that young Vidyadhara too; all four of you shall attain liberation here."

Verse 120 (skanda.4.76.120)

जन्मांतरेपि मे सेवा भवतीभिश्च तेन च ।। विहिता तेन वो जन्म निर्मलं भक्तिभावितम्

janmāṁtarepi me sevā bhavatībhiśca tena ca || vihitā tena vo janma nirmalaṁ bhaktibhāvitam

"In a former birth too, service was rendered to me both by you and by him; for that reason, your birth in this life has been pure, imbued with devotion."

Verse 121 (skanda.4.76.121)

एतच्च भवती स्तोत्रं यः पठिष्यति मे पुरः ।। तस्य कामं प्रदास्यामि भवतीनामिव स्फुटम्

etacca bhavatī stotraṁ yaḥ paṭhiṣyati me puraḥ || tasya kāmaṁ pradāsyāmi bhavatīnāmiva sphuṭam

"And whoever recites this hymn of yours before me, to him I shall grant his desire, clearly, just as I do for you."

Verse 122 (skanda.4.76.122)

त्यजेत्क्षपाकृतं पापं शुचिः प्रातः पठन्नरः ।। दिवाकृतमलं हंति सायं पठनतः स्फुटम्

tyajetkṣapākṛtaṁ pāpaṁ śuciḥ prātaḥ paṭhannaraḥ || divākṛtamalaṁ haṁti sāyaṁ paṭhanataḥ sphuṭam

"A man reciting it purely at dawn casts off the sin done at night; and reciting it in the evening clearly destroys the impurity done during the day."

Verse 123 (skanda.4.76.123)

इत्युक्तवति देवेशे ताः कन्या हृष्टमानसाः ।। प्रणम्य प्रोचुरीशानं प्रबद्धकरसंपुटाः ।।

ityuktavati deveśe tāḥ kanyā hṛṣṭamānasāḥ || praṇamya procurīśānaṁ prabaddhakarasaṁpuṭāḥ ||

When the Lord of gods had spoken thus, those maidens, their minds delighted, bowed and, with hands folded in reverence, said to Ishana:

Verse 124 (skanda.4.76.124)

नागकन्या ऊचुः ।। ।। पृच्छामो ब्रूहि नो नाथ करुणाकर शंकर ।। जन्मांतरे कथं सेवा चतुर्भिर्भवतः कृता

nāgakanyā ūcuḥ || || pṛcchāmo brūhi no nātha karuṇākara śaṁkara || janmāṁtare kathaṁ sevā caturbhirbhavataḥ kṛtā

The naga-maidens said: "We ask you, tell us, O compassionate Shankara — how was service to you rendered by the four of us in a former birth?"

Verse 125 (skanda.4.76.125)

भवप्राग्भव वृत्तांतं तस्यापि सुकृतात्मनः ।। अस्माकमपि चाख्याहि कृपां कुरु कृपानिधे

bhavaprāgbhava vṛttāṁtaṁ tasyāpi sukṛtātmanaḥ || asmākamapi cākhyāhi kṛpāṁ kuru kṛpānidhe

"Tell us the account of that former birth — his, the virtuous one's, as well as ours. Show your grace, O treasure of compassion."

Verse 126 (skanda.4.76.126)

इति श्रुत्वा प्रणयतो बालोदीरितमीशिता ।। प्रोवाच तासां तस्यापि भवांतरविचेष्टितम् ।।

iti śrutvā praṇayato bālodīritamīśitā || provāca tāsāṁ tasyāpi bhavāṁtaraviceṣṭitam ||

Hearing this affectionate request spoken by the maidens, the Lord then related to them the doings of their former birth.

Verse 127 (skanda.4.76.127)

।। ईश्वर उवाव ।। ।। शृणुध्वं नागतनयास्तिस्रोपि हि समाहिताः ।। प्राग्भवे भवतीनां च तस्यापि कथयाम्यहम्

|| īśvara uvāva || || śṛṇudhvaṁ nāgatanayāstisropi hi samāhitāḥ || prāgbhave bhavatīnāṁ ca tasyāpi kathayāmyaham

Ishvara said: "Listen, O naga-daughters, all three of you, with full attention; I shall tell of your former birth, and of his as well."

Verse 128 (skanda.4.76.128)

एषा रत्नावली पूर्वमासीत्पारावती खगी ।। स च विद्याधरवरः पतिरस्याः खगोभवत्

eṣā ratnāvalī pūrvamāsītpārāvatī khagī || sa ca vidyādharavaraḥ patirasyāḥ khagobhavat

"This Ratnavali was formerly the female dove Paravati; and that excellent Vidyadhara was formerly her husband, the male dove."

Verse 129 (skanda.4.76.129)

प्रासादेत्र ममैताभ्यामुषितं सुचिरं सुखम्।। रजःप्रासादसंलग्नं नुन्नं पक्षानिलैः पुनः

prāsādetra mamaitābhyāmuṣitaṁ suciraṁ sukham|| rajaḥprāsādasaṁlagnaṁ nunnaṁ pakṣānilaiḥ punaḥ

"By these two, happiness was long enjoyed here in my temple; and the dust that clung to my temple was again and again blown away by the wind of their wings."

Verse 130 (skanda.4.76.130)

उपरिष्टादधस्ताच्च कृता बह्व्यः प्रदक्षिणाः ।। व्योम्ना संचरमाणाभ्यां संचरद्भ्यां ममाजिरे

upariṣṭādadhastācca kṛtā bahvyaḥ pradakṣiṇāḥ || vyomnā saṁcaramāṇābhyāṁ saṁcaradbhyāṁ mamājire

"Above and below, moving about through the sky, many circumambulations were made in my courtyard by the two of them."

Verse 131 (skanda.4.76.131)

स्नातं चतुर्नदे तीर्थे पीतं तत्रांबु चासकृत् ।। आभ्यां कलरवाभ्यां च कृतः कलरवो मुदे

snātaṁ caturnade tīrthe pītaṁ tatrāṁbu cāsakṛt || ābhyāṁ kalaravābhyāṁ ca kṛtaḥ kalaravo mude

"By these two 'sweet-voiced' ones, bathing was done at the Chaturnada tirtha, and its water was drunk there again and again, and sweet cooing was made there for joy."

Verse 132 (skanda.4.76.132)

एताभ्यां स्थिरचेतोभ्यां मुदिताभ्यामतीव हि ।। दृष्टानि कौतुकान्यत्र मम भक्तैः कृतानि वै

etābhyāṁ sthiracetobhyāṁ muditābhyāmatīva hi || dṛṣṭāni kautukānyatra mama bhaktaiḥ kṛtāni vai

"By these two, steady of mind and filled with joy, the wondrous rites performed here by my devotees were witnessed."

Verse 133 (skanda.4.76.133)

अमूभ्यां बहुशो दृष्टा मम मंगलदीपिकाः ।। पीतं श्रुतिपुटाभ्यां च मम नामाक्षरामृतम्

amūbhyāṁ bahuśo dṛṣṭā mama maṁgaladīpikāḥ || pītaṁ śrutipuṭābhyāṁ ca mama nāmākṣarāmṛtam

"By these two, my auspicious arati-lamps were seen many times; and through the cups of their ears, the nectar of the syllables of my name was drunk in."

Verse 134 (skanda.4.76.134)

तिर्यग्योनिप्रभावेन न मृतौ मम सन्निधौ ।। मृतं पुर्यामयोध्यायां काशीप्राप्तिकृति ध्रुवम्

tiryagyoniprabhāvena na mṛtau mama sannidhau || mṛtaṁ puryāmayodhyāyāṁ kāśīprāptikṛti dhruvam

"Owing to the nature of their birth as animals, they did not die in my very presence; instead they died in the city of Ayodhya, which surely grants the attainment of Kashi."

Verse 135 (skanda.4.76.135)

अयोध्यानिधनादेषा रत्नदीपसुताभवत् ।। पतिः पारावतोऽस्याः स जातो विद्याधरांगजः

ayodhyānidhanādeṣā ratnadīpasutābhavat || patiḥ pārāvato'syāḥ sa jāto vidyādharāṁgajaḥ

"From dying at Ayodhya, this one became the daughter of Ratnadipa; and her husband, the former dove, was born as the son of a Vidyadhara."

Verse 136 (skanda.4.76.136)

एषा प्रभावती नागी नागराजस्य पद्मिनः ।। इह जन्मनि कन्यासीत्पूर्वं जन्म ब्रवीमि वः

eṣā prabhāvatī nāgī nāgarājasya padminaḥ || iha janmani kanyāsītpūrvaṁ janma bravīmi vaḥ

"This Prabhavati was, in this present birth, the daughter of Padmi, king of the nagas; now I shall tell you her former birth."

Verse 137 (skanda.4.76.137)

त्रिशिखस्योरगेंद्रस्य सुता चेयं कलावती ।। एतस्या अपि वृत्तांतं निशामयत वच्म्यहम्

triśikhasyorageṁdrasya sutā ceyaṁ kalāvatī || etasyā api vṛttāṁtaṁ niśāmayata vacmyaham

"And this Kalavati is the daughter of Trishikha, lord of serpents; hear her story too, which I shall now tell."

Verse 138 (skanda.4.76.138)

भवांतरे तृतीयेऽतः कन्ये चारायणस्य ह ।। आस्तां महर्षेः शीलाढ्ये प्रेमवत्यौ परस्परम्

bhavāṁtare tṛtīye'taḥ kanye cārāyaṇasya ha || āstāṁ maharṣeḥ śīlāḍhye premavatyau parasparam

"Three births ago, Prabhavati and Kalavati were the two virtuous daughters of the sage Charayana, deeply devoted to one another."

Verse 139 (skanda.4.76.139)

पित्रा चारायणेनापि ताभ्यां संप्रेरितेन ते ।। आमुष्यायण पुत्राय दत्ते नारायणाय हि

pitrā cārāyaṇenāpi tābhyāṁ saṁpreritena te || āmuṣyāyaṇa putrāya datte nārāyaṇāya hi

"By their father Charayana, at their own urging, they were given in marriage to Narayana, son of Amushyayana."

Verse 140 (skanda.4.76.140)

अप्राप्तयौवनः सोथ समिदाहरणाय वै ।। गतो विधिवशाद्दष्टो दंदशूकेन कानने

aprāptayauvanaḥ sotha samidāharaṇāya vai || gato vidhivaśāddaṣṭo daṁdaśūkena kānane

"He, not yet having reached youth, went to gather sacred kindling, and, as fate would have it, was bitten by a serpent in the forest."

Verse 141 (skanda.4.76.141)

भवानीगौतमी नाम्न्यो ते तु चारायणांगजे ।। वैधव्य दुःखमापन्ने दैन्यग्रस्ते बभूवतुः

bhavānīgautamī nāmnyo te tu cārāyaṇāṁgaje || vaidhavya duḥkhamāpanne dainyagraste babhūvatuḥ

"Those two daughters of Charayana, named Bhavani and Gautami, then fell into the sorrow of widowhood, overcome with wretchedness."

Verse 142 (skanda.4.76.142)

अतएव प्रयत्नेन परिणेता विवर्जयेत् ।। देवतासरिदाह्वानां कन्या पाणिग्रहे सुधीः

ataeva prayatnena pariṇetā vivarjayet || devatāsaridāhvānāṁ kanyā pāṇigrahe sudhīḥ

"For this very reason, a wise bridegroom should carefully avoid, in marriage, a girl named after a deity or a river."

Verse 143 (skanda.4.76.143)

अथर्षेः कस्यचिद्दैवादाश्रमे परमाद्भुते ।। रंभाफलान्यदत्तानि मोहाज्जगृहतुस्तदा

atharṣeḥ kasyaciddaivādāśrame paramādbhute || raṁbhāphalānyadattāni mohājjagṛhatustadā

"Then, by chance, in the wondrous hermitage of a certain sage, they took, out of delusion, plantains that had not been given to them."

Verse 144 (skanda.4.76.144)

कृत्वा मासोपवासादि व्रतानि ब्राह्मणांगजे ।। अवाप्य निधनं कालाच्छाखामृग्यौ बभूवतुः

kṛtvā māsopavāsādi vratāni brāhmaṇāṁgaje || avāpya nidhanaṁ kālācchākhāmṛgyau babhūvatuḥ

"Though as daughters of a brahmin they performed month-long fasts and other vows, having in time met their death, they became two female monkeys."

Verse 145 (skanda.4.76.145)

फलचौर्यविपाकेन वानरीत्वं तयोरभूत् ।। शीलरक्षणधर्मेण काश्यां जनिमवापतुः

phalacauryavipākena vānarītvaṁ tayorabhūt || śīlarakṣaṇadharmeṇa kāśyāṁ janimavāpatuḥ

"By the consequence of stealing fruit, they became monkeys; but by the merit of guarding their virtue earlier, they later obtained birth at Kashi."

Verse 146 (skanda.4.76.146)

स च नारायणो विप्रः पितृशुश्रूषणव्रतः।। दष्टोपि दंदशूकेन काश्यां पारावतोभवत्

sa ca nārāyaṇo vipraḥ pitṛśuśrūṣaṇavrataḥ|| daṣṭopi daṁdaśūkena kāśyāṁ pārāvatobhavat

"And that brahmin Narayana, who had been devoted to serving his father, though bitten by the serpent, was born at Kashi as a dove."

Verse 147 (skanda.4.76.147)

एवं भवांतरेचासीदेतयोः पतिरेष कः ।। तिसृणां भवतीनां च भावी भर्ताधुनापि हि

evaṁ bhavāṁtarecāsīdetayoḥ patireṣa kaḥ || tisṛṇāṁ bhavatīnāṁ ca bhāvī bhartādhunāpi hi

"Thus, in that former birth too, this one was the husband of these two; and even now he shall be the future husband of all three of you."

Verse 148 (skanda.4.76.148)

प्रासादस्यास्य पार्श्वे तु न्यग्रोधस्तु महानभूत् ।। तस्मिञ्शाखिनि शाखाढ्ये शाखामृग्यौ बभूवतुः

prāsādasyāsya pārśve tu nyagrodhastu mahānabhūt || tasmiñśākhini śākhāḍhye śākhāmṛgyau babhūvatuḥ

"By the side of this very temple stood a great banyan tree, rich with branches; on that tree the two of them lived as female monkeys."

Verse 149 (skanda.4.76.149)

चतुःस्रोतस्विनी तीर्थे क्रीडया च ममज्जतुः ।। पपतुश्चापि पानीयं तस्मिंस्तीर्थं तृषातुरे

catuḥsrotasvinī tīrthe krīḍayā ca mamajjatuḥ || papatuścāpi pānīyaṁ tasmiṁstīrthaṁ tṛṣāture

"At the Chatuh-Srotasvini tirtha they would dive playfully, and, when thirsty, would drink the water of that very tirtha."

Verse 150 (skanda.4.76.150)

जातिस्वभावचापल्यात्क्रीडंत्यौ च प्रदक्षिणम् ।। चक्रतुर्बहुकृत्वश्च लिंगं ददृशतुर्बहु

jātisvabhāvacāpalyātkrīḍaṁtyau ca pradakṣiṇam || cakraturbahukṛtvaśca liṁgaṁ dadṛśaturbahu

"Out of the restlessness natural to their kind, playing, they made circumambulation many times, and beheld the linga again and again."

Verse 151 (skanda.4.76.151)

विचरंत्याविति स्वैरं तत्र न्यग्रोध सन्निधौ ।। केनचिद्योगिवेषेण पाशेन च नियंत्रिते

vicaraṁtyāviti svairaṁ tatra nyagrodha sannidhau || kenacidyogiveṣeṇa pāśena ca niyaṁtrite

"Roaming thus freely there near the banyan tree, they were captured with a noose by a certain man in the guise of a yogi."

Verse 152 (skanda.4.76.152)

भिक्षार्थं शिक्षिते तेन तदुत्प्लुत्यादि नर्तनम्।। अथ ते क्वापि मर्कट्यौ कालधर्मवशंगते।।

bhikṣārthaṁ śikṣite tena tadutplutyādi nartanam|| atha te kvāpi markaṭyau kāladharmavaśaṁgate||

"Trained by him for begging alms, to leap and dance and such; then, at some point, those two monkeys came under the sway of death."

Verse 153 (skanda.4.76.153)

काशीवासज पुण्येन त्रैलोचन्यानुसेवया ।। प्रादक्षिण्यादिरूपिण्या जाते नागसुते इति

kāśīvāsaja puṇyena trailocanyānusevayā || prādakṣiṇyādirūpiṇyā jāte nāgasute iti

"By the merit of dwelling at Kashi, and through their service to Trailochani, in the form of circumambulation and the like, they were born as these naga-daughters."

Verse 154 (skanda.4.76.154)

अधुना तं पतिं प्राप्य विद्याधरकुमारकम् ।। निर्विश्य स्वर्गभोगांश्च काश्यां निर्वृतिमेष्यथ

adhunā taṁ patiṁ prāpya vidyādharakumārakam || nirviśya svargabhogāṁśca kāśyāṁ nirvṛtimeṣyatha

"Now, having obtained him as your husband, the Vidyadhara prince, and having enjoyed the pleasures of heaven, you shall attain liberation at Kashi."

Verse 155 (skanda.4.76.155)

यदल्पमपि वै काश्यां कृतं कर्म शुभावहम् ।। तस्य मोक्षः परीपाको निश्चितं मदनुग्रहात्

yadalpamapi vai kāśyāṁ kṛtaṁ karma śubhāvaham || tasya mokṣaḥ parīpāko niścitaṁ madanugrahāt

"Whatever auspicious act, however small, is performed at Kashi, its final ripening is certainly liberation, through my grace."

Verse 156 (skanda.4.76.156)

त्रिलोक्या अपि सर्वस्याः श्रेष्ठा वाराणसी पुरी ।। ततोपि लिंगमोंकारं ततोप्यत्र त्रिलोचनम्

trilokyā api sarvasyāḥ śreṣṭhā vārāṇasī purī || tatopi liṁgamoṁkāraṁ tatopyatra trilocanam

"Of the entire triple world, the city of Varanasi is supreme; more supreme than that is the linga of Omkara; and more supreme still, here, is Trilochana."

Verse 157 (skanda.4.76.157)

तिष्ठमानोत्र लिंगेहं भक्तमुक्तिं दिशाम्यहम् ।। ततः सर्वप्रयत्नेन काश्यां पूज्यस्त्रिलोचनः

tiṣṭhamānotra liṁgehaṁ bhaktamuktiṁ diśāmyaham || tataḥ sarvaprayatnena kāśyāṁ pūjyastrilocanaḥ

"Abiding here in this linga, I grant liberation to my devotees; therefore Trilochana should be worshipped at Kashi with every effort."

Verse 158 (skanda.4.76.158)

इत्युक्त्वा देवदेवेशस्तत्प्रासादांतरं विशत् ।। अवाच्यरूपमासाद्य स्थूलं त्रिभुवनादपि

ityuktvā devadeveśastatprāsādāṁtaraṁ viśat || avācyarūpamāsādya sthūlaṁ tribhuvanādapi

Having said this, the Lord of gods entered into that very temple, taking on a form beyond words, vaster than the three worlds themselves.

Verse 159 (skanda.4.76.159)

ताश्च स्वं स्वं पदं प्राप्य तद्वृत्तांतमशेषतः ।। स्वमातृपुरतश्चोक्त्वा कृतकृत्या इवाभवन्

tāśca svaṁ svaṁ padaṁ prāpya tadvṛttāṁtamaśeṣataḥ || svamātṛpurataścoktvā kṛtakṛtyā ivābhavan

And they, each reaching her own home, having told their mothers the entire account, became, as it were, fulfilled in their purpose.

Verse 160 (skanda.4.76.160)

एकदा माधवे मासि महायात्रा समागता ।। विद्याधरास्तथा नागा मिलिताः सपरिच्छदाः

ekadā mādhave māsi mahāyātrā samāgatā || vidyādharāstathā nāgā militāḥ saparicchadāḥ

Once, in the month of Madhava, a great festival-procession took place; the Vidyadharas and the nagas gathered together with their retinues.

Verse 161 (skanda.4.76.161)

विरजस्के महाक्षेत्रे त्रिलोचनसमीपतः ।। देवस्य वरदानाच्च पृष्ट्वान्योन्यं कुलावलीम्

virajaske mahākṣetre trilocanasamīpataḥ || devasya varadānācca pṛṣṭvānyonyaṁ kulāvalīm

At the great and stainless Virajaska tirtha, near Trilochana, by the boon of the god, they inquired of one another's lineage.

Verse 162 (skanda.4.76.162)

विद्याधराय ता नागैः कन्यास्तिस्रोपि कल्पिताः ।। मंदारदामा संतुष्टः प्राप्य तच्च स्नुषात्रयम्

vidyādharāya tā nāgaiḥ kanyāstisropi kalpitāḥ || maṁdāradāmā saṁtuṣṭaḥ prāpya tacca snuṣātrayam

The three maidens were then given by the nagas to the Vidyadhara; and Mandaradama, delighted at obtaining these three daughters-in-law —

Verse 163 (skanda.4.76.163)

रत्नदीपश्च नागेंद्रः पद्मी च भुजगेश्वरः ।। त्रिशिखोपि फणींद्रश्च हृष्टा एते त्रयोपि च

ratnadīpaśca nāgeṁdraḥ padmī ca bhujageśvaraḥ || triśikhopi phaṇīṁdraśca hṛṣṭā ete trayopi ca

— and Ratnadipa the naga-lord, Padmi the serpent-king, and Trishikha the serpent-lord too, all three of these were delighted —

Verse 164 (skanda.4.76.164)

जामातरं समासाद्य शुभं परिमलालयम् ।। अन्योन्यं स्वजनास्ते तु मुदा विकसितेक्षणाः

jāmātaraṁ samāsādya śubhaṁ parimalālayam || anyonyaṁ svajanāste tu mudā vikasitekṣaṇāḥ

having obtained the auspicious Parimalalaya as their son-in-law, their kinsfolk on both sides, their eyes wide with joy, rejoiced together.

Verse 165 (skanda.4.76.165)

विवाहोत्सव माकल्प्य स्वं स्वं भुवनमाविशन् ।। त्रिलोचनस्य लिंगस्य वर्णयंतोतिगौरवम्

vivāhotsava mākalpya svaṁ svaṁ bhuvanamāviśan || trilocanasya liṁgasya varṇayaṁtotigauravam

Having arranged a wedding-festival, they returned each to their own realm, praising all the while the great majesty of the linga of Trilochana.

Verse 166 (skanda.4.76.166)

स च विद्याधरः श्रीमान्नागीभिर्विपुलं सुखम् ।। भुक्त्वा वाराणसीं प्राप्य संसेव्याथ त्रिलोचनम्

sa ca vidyādharaḥ śrīmānnāgībhirvipulaṁ sukham || bhuktvā vārāṇasīṁ prāpya saṁsevyātha trilocanam

And that glorious Vidyadhara, having enjoyed abundant happiness with his naga-wives, then came to Varanasi and served Trilochana there.

Verse 167 (skanda.4.76.167)

गायन्गीतं सुमधुरं नागीभिः सहितः कृती ।। आत्मानं चातिसंस्मृत्य मध्ये लिंगं लयं गतः

gāyangītaṁ sumadhuraṁ nāgībhiḥ sahitaḥ kṛtī || ātmānaṁ cātisaṁsmṛtya madhye liṁgaṁ layaṁ gataḥ

Singing sweet songs together with his naga-wives, that accomplished one, recalling deeply his own true self, merged into the very midst of the linga.

Verse 168 (skanda.4.76.168)

।। स्कंद उवाच ।। ।। त्रिलोचनस्य महिमा कलौ देवेन गोपितः ।। अतोल्पसत्त्वा मनुजा न तल्लिंगमुपासते

|| skaṁda uvāca || || trilocanasya mahimā kalau devena gopitaḥ || atolpasattvā manujā na talliṁgamupāsate

Skanda said: "In the Kali age, the greatness of Trilochana has been concealed by the god himself; therefore, men of little merit do not worship that linga."

Verse 169 (skanda.4.76.169)

त्रिलोचनकथामेतां श्रुत्वा पापान्वितोप्यहो ।। विपाप्मा जायते मर्त्यो लभते च परां गतिम्

trilocanakathāmetāṁ śrutvā pāpānvitopyaho || vipāpmā jāyate martyo labhate ca parāṁ gatim

"Ah, having heard this story of Trilochana, even a mortal steeped in sin becomes free of sin, and attains the supreme goal."