The Manifestation of Vireshvara: The Valor of Amitrajit

Verse 1 (skanda.4.82.1)

।। पार्वत्युवाच ।। ।। वीरेशस्य महेशान श्रूयते महिमा महान् ।। परां सिद्धिं परोपतुस्तत्र सिद्धाः परः शताः

|| pārvatyuvāca || || vīreśasya maheśāna śrūyate mahimā mahān || parāṁ siddhiṁ paropatustatra siddhāḥ paraḥ śatāḥ

Parvati said: "O Maheshana, the greatness of Vireshvara is heard to be great; there hundreds of siddhas have attained supreme perfection."

Verse 2 (skanda.4.82.2)

कथमाविर्भवस्तस्य काश्यां लिंगवरस्य तु ।। आशुसिद्धिप्रदस्येह तन्मे ब्रूहि जगत्पते ।।

kathamāvirbhavastasya kāśyāṁ liṁgavarasya tu || āśusiddhipradasyeha tanme brūhi jagatpate ||

"How did that excellent linga, giver of swift perfection, manifest here at Kashi? Tell me this, O lord of the universe."

Verse 3 (skanda.4.82.3)

।। महेश्वर उवाच ।। ।। निशामय महादेवि वीरेशाविर्भवं परम् ।। यं श्रुत्वापि नरः पुण्यं प्राप्नोति विपुलं शिवे

|| maheśvara uvāca || || niśāmaya mahādevi vīreśāvirbhavaṁ param || yaṁ śrutvāpi naraḥ puṇyaṁ prāpnoti vipulaṁ śive

Maheshvara said: "Listen, O great goddess, to the supreme manifestation of Vireshvara — by merely hearing which, a man obtains abundant merit, O Shive."

Verse 4 (skanda.4.82.4)

आसीदमित्रजिन्नाम राजा परपुरंजयः ।। धार्मिकः सत्त्वसंपन्नः प्रजारंजनतत्परः

āsīdamitrajinnāma rājā parapuraṁjayaḥ || dhārmikaḥ sattvasaṁpannaḥ prajāraṁjanatatparaḥ

"There was a king named Amitrajit, conqueror of enemy cities, righteous, endowed with goodness, devoted to the delight of his subjects,"

Verse 5 (skanda.4.82.5)

यशोधनो वदान्यश्च सुधीर्ब्राह्मणदैवतः ।। सदैवावभृथस्नानपरिक्लिन्न शिरोरुहः

yaśodhano vadānyaśca sudhīrbrāhmaṇadaivataḥ || sadaivāvabhṛthasnānapariklinna śiroruhaḥ

"rich in fame, generous, wise, one for whom brahmins were as gods; his hair ever wet with the concluding bath of sacrifice,"

Verse 6 (skanda.4.82.6)

विनीतो नीतिसंपन्नः कुशलः सर्वकर्मसु ।। विद्याब्धिपारदृश्वा च गुणवान्गुणिवत्सलः

vinīto nītisaṁpannaḥ kuśalaḥ sarvakarmasu || vidyābdhipāradṛśvā ca guṇavānguṇivatsalaḥ

"humble, endowed with statecraft, skilled in every task, one who had seen the far shore of the ocean of learning, virtuous, and fond of the virtuous."

Verse 7 (skanda.4.82.7)

कृतज्ञो मधुरालापः पापकर्मपराङ्मुखः ।। सत्यवाक्छौचनिलयः स्वल्पवाग्विजितेंद्रियः

kṛtajño madhurālāpaḥ pāpakarmaparāṅmukhaḥ || satyavākchaucanilayaḥ svalpavāgvijiteṁdriyaḥ

"Grateful, sweet of speech, turned away from sinful deeds, truthful, an abode of purity, sparing of words, master of his senses,"

Verse 8 (skanda.4.82.8)

रणांगणे कृतांताभः संख्यावांश्च सदोजिरे ।। कामिनीकामकेलिज्ञो युवापि स्थविरप्रियः

raṇāṁgaṇe kṛtāṁtābhaḥ saṁkhyāvāṁśca sadojire || kāminīkāmakelijño yuvāpi sthavirapriyaḥ

"on the battlefield like Death itself, and skilled always in council; versed in the amorous play of women, yet, though young, dear to elders."

Verse 9 (skanda.4.82.9)

धर्मार्थैधितकोशश्च समृद्धबलवाहनः ।। सुभगश्च सुरूपश्च सुमेधाः सुप्रजाश्रयः

dharmārthaidhitakośaśca samṛddhabalavāhanaḥ || subhagaśca surūpaśca sumedhāḥ suprajāśrayaḥ

"His treasury grew through righteous means; his army and mounts were abundant; he was fortunate, handsome, of fine intellect, a refuge for good subjects,"

Verse 10 (skanda.4.82.10)

स्थैर्य धैर्य समापन्नो देशकालविचक्षणः ।। मन्यमानप्रदो नित्यं सर्वदूषणवर्जितः

sthairya dhairya samāpanno deśakālavicakṣaṇaḥ || manyamānaprado nityaṁ sarvadūṣaṇavarjitaḥ

"endowed with steadiness and courage, discerning of place and time, ever giving honour where honour was due, free of every fault."

Verse 11 (skanda.4.82.11)

वासुदेवांघ्रियुगले चेतोवृत्तिं निधाय सः ।। चकार राज्यं निर्द्वंद्वं विष्वगीति विवर्जितम्

vāsudevāṁghriyugale cetovṛttiṁ nidhāya saḥ || cakāra rājyaṁ nirdvaṁdvaṁ viṣvagīti vivarjitam

Having fixed his mind's devotion upon the two feet of Vasudeva, he governed his kingdom free of strife, free of any discordant word anywhere.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.82.12)

अलंघ्यशासनः श्रीमान्विष्णुभक्तिपरायणः ।। अभुनक्प्रचुरान्भोगान्समंताद्विष्णुसात्कृतान्

alaṁghyaśāsanaḥ śrīmānviṣṇubhaktiparāyaṇaḥ || abhunakpracurānbhogānsamaṁtādviṣṇusātkṛtān

His command was never transgressed; glorious, devoted wholly to Vishnu-bhakti, he enjoyed abundant pleasures, all of them first offered up to Vishnu.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.82.13)

हरेरायतनान्युच्चैः प्रतिसौधं पदेपदे ।। तस्य राज्ये समभवन्महाभाग्यनिधेः शिवे

harerāyatanānyuccaiḥ pratisaudhaṁ padepade || tasya rājye samabhavanmahābhāgyanidheḥ śive

In the kingdom of that treasury of great fortune, O Shive, temples of Hari rose high at every mansion, at every step.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.82.14)

गोविंदगोपगोपाल गोपीजनमनोहर ।। गदापाणे गुणातीत गुणाढ्य गरुडध्वज

goviṁdagopagopāla gopījanamanohara || gadāpāṇe guṇātīta guṇāḍhya garuḍadhvaja

"'O Govinda, cowherd, protector of cows, delighter of the gopis! O mace-bearer, beyond all qualities yet rich in qualities, bannered with Garuda!'"

Verse 15 (skanda.4.82.15)

केशिहृत्कैटभाराते कंसारे कमलापते ।। कृष्णकेशव कंजाक्ष कीनाश भयनाशन

keśihṛtkaiṭabhārāte kaṁsāre kamalāpate || kṛṣṇakeśava kaṁjākṣa kīnāśa bhayanāśana

"'O slayer of Keshi, foe of Kaitabha, foe of Kamsa, lord of Kamala! O Krishna, Keshava, lotus-eyed one, destroyer of the fear of Death!'"

Verse 16 (skanda.4.82.16)

पुरुषोत्तम पापारे पुंडरीकविलोचन ।। पीतकौशेयवसन पद्मनाभ परात्पर

puruṣottama pāpāre puṁḍarīkavilocana || pītakauśeyavasana padmanābha parātpara

"'O supreme among beings, foe of sin, lotus-eyed one! O wearer of yellow silk, lotus-naveled one, higher than the highest!'"

Verse 17 (skanda.4.82.17)

जनार्दन जगन्नाथ जाह्नवीजलजन्मभूः ।। जन्मिनां जन्महरण जंजपूकाघनाशन

janārdana jagannātha jāhnavījalajanmabhūḥ || janmināṁ janmaharaṇa jaṁjapūkāghanāśana

"'O Janardana, lord of the universe, source of the water of the Jahnavi! O remover of the birth of the born, destroyer of the sin of the malicious!'"

Verse 18 (skanda.4.82.18)

श्रीवत्सवक्षः श्रीकांत श्रीकर श्रेयसां निधे ।। श्रीरंगशार्ङ्गकोदंड शौरे शीतांशुलोचन

śrīvatsavakṣaḥ śrīkāṁta śrīkara śreyasāṁ nidhe || śrīraṁgaśārṅgakodaṁḍa śaure śītāṁśulocana

"'O Shrivatsa-marked chest, beloved of Shri, giver of Shri, treasure of all blessings! O lord of Shrirangam, wielder of the Sharnga bow, descendant of Shura, moon-eyed one!'"

Verse 19 (skanda.4.82.19)

दैत्यारे दानवाराते दामोदर दुरंतक ।। देवकीहृदयानंद दंदशूकेश्वरेशय

daityāre dānavārāte dāmodara duraṁtaka || devakīhṛdayānaṁda daṁdaśūkeśvareśaya

"'O foe of the daityas, foe of the danavas, Damodara, ender of the unending! O joy of Devaki's heart, one who reclines on the lord of serpents!'"

Verse 20 (skanda.4.82.20)

विष्णो वैकुंठनिलय बाणारे विष्टरश्रवः ।। विष्वक्सेन विराधारे वनमालिन्वनप्रिय

viṣṇo vaikuṁṭhanilaya bāṇāre viṣṭaraśravaḥ || viṣvaksena virādhāre vanamālinvanapriya

"'O Vishnu, dweller in Vaikuntha, foe of Bana, of far-famed glory! O Vishvaksena, foe of Viradha, garlanded with forest-flowers, lover of the woods!'"

Verse 21 (skanda.4.82.21)

त्रिविक्रमत्रिलोकीश चक्रपाणे चतुर्भुज ।। इत्यादीनि पवित्राणि नामानि प्रतिमंदिरम्

trivikramatrilokīśa cakrapāṇe caturbhuja || ityādīni pavitrāṇi nāmāni pratimaṁdiram

"'O Trivikrama, lord of the three worlds, discus-bearer, four-armed one!' — such and other sacred names, in temple after temple —"

Verse 22 (skanda.4.82.22)

स्त्रीवृद्धबालगोपाल वदनोदीरितानि तु ।। श्रूयते यत्रकुत्रापि रम्याणि मधुविद्विषः

strīvṛddhabālagopāla vadanodīritāni tu || śrūyate yatrakutrāpi ramyāṇi madhuvidviṣaḥ

— uttered from the mouths of women, elders, children, and cowherds — these lovely names of the slayer of Madhu were heard everywhere.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.82.23)

सुरसाकाननान्येव विलोक्यंते गृहेगृहे।। चरित्राणि विचित्राणि पवित्राण्यब्धिजापतेः

surasākānanānyeva vilokyaṁte gṛhegṛhe|| caritrāṇi vicitrāṇi pavitrāṇyabdhijāpateḥ

Groves as fragrant as those of the gods were to be seen in every house; the wondrous, sacred deeds of the husband of the ocean-born goddess were displayed there.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.82.24)

सौधभित्तिषु दृश्यंते चित्रकृन्निर्मितानि तु ।। ऋते हरिकथायास्तु नान्या वार्ता निशम्यते ।।

saudhabhittiṣu dṛśyaṁte citrakṛnnirmitāni tu || ṛte harikathāyāstu nānyā vārtā niśamyate ||

On the walls of mansions were seen paintings made by painters of Hari's deeds; other than the story of Hari, no other tale was ever heard.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.82.25)

हरिणा नैव विध्यंते हरिनामांशधारिणः ।। तस्य राज्ञो भयाद्व्याधैररण्यसुखचारिणः

hariṇā naiva vidhyaṁte harināmāṁśadhāriṇaḥ || tasya rājño bhayādvyādhairaraṇyasukhacāriṇaḥ

Deer bearing the mark of Hari's name were never shot by hunters, out of fear of that king, even though they roamed the forest freely.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.82.26)

न मत्स्या नैव कमठा न वराहाश्च केनचित् ।। हन्यंते क्वापि तद्भीत्या मत्स्यमांसाशिनापि वै

na matsyā naiva kamaṭhā na varāhāśca kenacit || hanyaṁte kvāpi tadbhītyā matsyamāṁsāśināpi vai

Fish, tortoises, and boars were killed by no one anywhere, out of fear of him, even by those who ate fish-flesh.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.82.27)

अप्युत्तानशयास्तस्य राष्ट्रे मित्रजितः क्वचित् ।। स्तनपानं न कुर्वंति संप्राप्य हरिवासरम्

apyuttānaśayāstasya rāṣṭre mitrajitaḥ kvacit || stanapānaṁ na kurvaṁti saṁprāpya harivāsaram

Even infants still lying on their backs, in the realm of that Mitrajit, would not take the breast when Hari's sacred day arrived.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.82.28)

पशवोपि तृणाहारं परित्यज्य हरेर्दिने ।। उपोषणपरा जाता अन्येषां का कथा नृणाम्

paśavopi tṛṇāhāraṁ parityajya harerdine || upoṣaṇaparā jātā anyeṣāṁ kā kathā nṛṇām

Even animals, giving up their fodder, took to fasting on Hari's day — what then to speak of other men?

Verse 29 (skanda.4.82.29)

महामहोत्सवः सर्वैः पुरौकोभिर्वितन्यते ।। तस्मिन्प्रशासति भुवं संप्राप्ते हरिवासरे

mahāmahotsavaḥ sarvaiḥ puraukobhirvitanyate || tasminpraśāsati bhuvaṁ saṁprāpte harivāsare

A great festival was celebrated by all the citizens whenever, while he ruled the earth, Hari's sacred day arrived.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.82.30)

स एव दंड्योऽभूत्तस्य राज्ञो मित्रजितः क्षितौ ।। यो विष्णुभक्तिरहितः प्राणैरपि धनैरपि

sa eva daṁḍyo'bhūttasya rājño mitrajitaḥ kṣitau || yo viṣṇubhaktirahitaḥ prāṇairapi dhanairapi

On this earth, in the realm of that King Mitrajit, punishable was only he who lacked devotion to Vishnu — punishable even with life, even with wealth.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.82.31)

अंत्यजा अपि तद्राष्ट्रे शंखचक्रांकधारिणः ।। संप्राप्य वैष्णवीं दीक्षां दीक्षिता इव संबभुः

aṁtyajā api tadrāṣṭre śaṁkhacakrāṁkadhāriṇaḥ || saṁprāpya vaiṣṇavīṁ dīkṣāṁ dīkṣitā iva saṁbabhuḥ

Even the outcastes in that realm, bearing the marks of the conch and discus, having received Vaishnava initiation, shone as though truly initiated.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.82.32)

शुभानि यानि कर्माणि क्रियंतेऽनुदिनं जनैः ।। वासुदेवे समर्प्यंते तानि तैरफलेप्सुभिः

śubhāni yāni karmāṇi kriyaṁte'nudinaṁ janaiḥ || vāsudeve samarpyaṁte tāni tairaphalepsubhiḥ

Whatever auspicious deeds were performed daily by the people, all of them were offered up to Vasudeva by those who sought no fruit for themselves.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.82.33)

विना मुकुंदं गोविदं परमानंदमच्युतम् ।। नान्यो जप्येतमन्येत न भज्येत जनैः क्वचित्

vinā mukuṁdaṁ govidaṁ paramānaṁdamacyutam || nānyo japyetamanyeta na bhajyeta janaiḥ kvacit

No one else was recited, thought upon, or worshipped by the people anywhere, except Mukunda, Govinda, the supreme bliss, the imperishable.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.82.34)

कृष्ण एव परो देव कृष्णएव परागतिः ।। कृष्ण एव परो बंधुस्तस्यासीदवनीपतेः

kṛṣṇa eva paro deva kṛṣṇaeva parāgatiḥ || kṛṣṇa eva paro baṁdhustasyāsīdavanīpateḥ

For that lord of the earth, Krishna alone was the supreme deity, Krishna alone the supreme goal, Krishna alone the supreme kinsman.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.82.35)

एवं तस्मिन्महीपाले राज्यं सम्यक्प्रशासति ।। एकदा नारदः श्रीमांस्तं दिदृक्षुः समाययौ

evaṁ tasminmahīpāle rājyaṁ samyakpraśāsati || ekadā nāradaḥ śrīmāṁstaṁ didṛkṣuḥ samāyayau

While that king thus righteously governed his realm, once the glorious Narada came, wishing to see him.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.82.36)

राज्ञा समर्चितः सोथ मधुपर्क विधानतः ।। नारदो वर्णयामास तममित्रजितं नृपम्

rājñā samarcitaḥ sotha madhuparka vidhānataḥ || nārado varṇayāmāsa tamamitrajitaṁ nṛpam

Honoured by the king with the due offering of madhuparka, Narada then began to speak of that King Amitrajit:

Verse 37 (skanda.4.82.37)

।। नारद उवाच ।। ।। धन्योसि कृतकृत्योसि मान्योप्यसि दिवौकसाम् ।। सर्वभूतेषु गोविंदं परिपश्यन्विशांपते

|| nārada uvāca || || dhanyosi kṛtakṛtyosi mānyopyasi divaukasām || sarvabhūteṣu goviṁdaṁ paripaśyanviśāṁpate

Narada said: "Blessed are you, fulfilled are you, and honoured even by the dwellers of heaven, O lord of your people, seeing Govinda in all beings."

Verse 38 (skanda.4.82.38)

यो वेद पुरुषो विष्णुर्यो यज्ञपुरुषो हरिः ।। योंतरात्मास्य जगतः कर्ता हर्ताविता विभुः

yo veda puruṣo viṣṇuryo yajñapuruṣo hariḥ || yoṁtarātmāsya jagataḥ kartā hartāvitā vibhuḥ

"He who is the Purusha of the Vedas, Vishnu; he who is the Person of the sacrifice, Hari; he who is the inner self of this world, its creator, destroyer, and protector, the all-pervading one —"

Verse 39 (skanda.4.82.39)

तन्मयं पश्यतो विश्वं तव भूपालसत्तम ।। दर्शनं प्राप्य शुभदं शुचित्वमगमं परम्

tanmayaṁ paśyato viśvaṁ tava bhūpālasattama || darśanaṁ prāpya śubhadaṁ śucitvamagamaṁ param

"— seeing the whole universe as consisting of him, O best of kings, I, having obtained the auspicious sight of you, have attained supreme purity."

Verse 40 (skanda.4.82.40)

एक एव हि सारोत्र संसारे क्षणभंगुरे ।। कमलाकांत पादाब्ज भक्तिभावोऽखिलप्रदः

eka eva hi sārotra saṁsāre kṣaṇabhaṁgure || kamalākāṁta pādābja bhaktibhāvo'khilapradaḥ

"There is but one essence in this momentary, fragile world — devotion to the lotus feet of the beloved of Lakshmi, which grants everything."

Verse 41 (skanda.4.82.41)

परित्यज्य हि यः सर्वं विप्णुमेकं सदा भजेत् ।। सुमेधसं भजंते तं पदार्थाः सर्व एव हि

parityajya hi yaḥ sarvaṁ vipṇumekaṁ sadā bhajet || sumedhasaṁ bhajaṁte taṁ padārthāḥ sarva eva hi

"Whoever, giving up everything else, worships Vishnu alone always — that wise one is served, in turn, by all things themselves."

Verse 42 (skanda.4.82.42)

हृषीकेशे हृषीकाणि यस्य स्थैर्यं गतान्यहो ।। स एव स्थैर्यमाप्नोति ब्रह्मांडेऽतीव चंचले

hṛṣīkeśe hṛṣīkāṇi yasya sthairyaṁ gatānyaho || sa eva sthairyamāpnoti brahmāṁḍe'tīva caṁcale

"Ah, whoever's senses have found steadiness in Hrishikesha, lord of the senses — he alone finds steadiness in this exceedingly restless universe."

Verse 43 (skanda.4.82.43)

यौवनं धनमायुष्यं पद्मिनीजलबिंदुवत् ।। अतीव चपलं ज्ञात्वाऽच्युतमेकं समाश्रयेत्

yauvanaṁ dhanamāyuṣyaṁ padminījalabiṁduvat || atīva capalaṁ jñātvā'cyutamekaṁ samāśrayet

"Knowing youth, wealth, and lifespan to be exceedingly fickle, like a drop of water on a lotus leaf, one should take refuge in Achyuta alone."

Verse 44 (skanda.4.82.44)

वाचि चेतसि सर्वत्र यस्य देवो जनार्दनः ।। स एव सर्वदा वंद्यो नररूपी जनार्दनः

vāci cetasi sarvatra yasya devo janārdanaḥ || sa eva sarvadā vaṁdyo nararūpī janārdanaḥ

"He in whose speech and mind, everywhere, dwells the god Janardana — he himself, though in human form, is Janardana, ever to be revered."

Verse 45 (skanda.4.82.45)

निर्व्याज प्रणिधानेन शीलयित्वा श्रियःपतिम् ।। पुरुषोत्तमतां को न प्राप्तवानिह भूतले

nirvyāja praṇidhānena śīlayitvā śriyaḥpatim || puruṣottamatāṁ ko na prāptavāniha bhūtale

"By sincere, guileless devotion, honouring the husband of Shri — who has not attained the very state of Purushottama here on this earth?"

Verse 46 (skanda.4.82.46)

अनया विष्णुभक्त्या ते संतुष्टेंद्रियमानसः ।। उपकर्तुमना ब्रूयां तन्निशामय भूपते

anayā viṣṇubhaktyā te saṁtuṣṭeṁdriyamānasaḥ || upakartumanā brūyāṁ tanniśāmaya bhūpate

"Pleased in my senses and mind by this devotion of yours to Vishnu, I wish to do you a good turn — listen to what I shall say, O king."

Verse 47 (skanda.4.82.47)

बाला विद्याधरसुता नाम्ना मलयगंधिनी ।। क्रीडंती पितुराक्रोडे हृता कंकालकेतुना

bālā vidyādharasutā nāmnā malayagaṁdhinī || krīḍaṁtī piturākroḍe hṛtā kaṁkālaketunā

"A young Vidyadhara maiden, named Malayagandhini, playing in her father's lap, was carried off by Kankalaketu,"

Verse 48 (skanda.4.82.48)

कपालकेतुपुत्रेण दानवेन बलीयसा ।। आगामिन्यां तृतीयायां तस्याः पाणिग्रहृं किल

kapālaketuputreṇa dānavena balīyasā || āgāminyāṁ tṛtīyāyāṁ tasyāḥ pāṇigrahṛṁ kila

"the mighty demon, son of Kapalaketu; her hand is to be seized by him, it is said, on the coming third lunar day."

Verse 49 (skanda.4.82.49)

पाताले चंपकावत्यां नगर्यां सास्ति सांप्रतम् ।। हाटकेशात्समागच्छंस्तया हंसाश्रुनेत्रया

pātāle caṁpakāvatyāṁ nagaryāṁ sāsti sāṁpratam || hāṭakeśātsamāgacchaṁstayā haṁsāśrunetrayā

"She is now in the city of Champakavati, in Patala. Coming from Hatakesha, I was seen by her, her eyes tear-filled as a swan's,"

Verse 50 (skanda.4.82.50)

दृष्टः प्रणम्य विज्ञप्तो यथा तच्च निथामय ।। ब्रह्मचारिन्मुनिश्रेष्ठ गंधमादनशैलतः

dṛṣṭaḥ praṇamya vijñapto yathā tacca nithāmaya || brahmacārinmuniśreṣṭha gaṁdhamādanaśailataḥ

"and, bowing to me, she made this request — listen to it: 'O brahmacharin, best of sages, from the mountain of Gandhamadana —'"

Verse 51 (skanda.4.82.51)

बालक्रीडनकासक्तां मोहयित्वा निनाय सः ।। कंकालकेतुर्दुर्वृत्तो दुर्जयोन्यास्त्रघाततः

bālakrīḍanakāsaktāṁ mohayitvā nināya saḥ || kaṁkālaketurdurvṛtto durjayonyāstraghātataḥ

"'— he, the wicked Kankalaketu, deluding me while I was absorbed in a child's game, carried me off; unconquerable is he by the strike of any weapon,'"

Verse 52 (skanda.4.82.52)

स्वस्य त्रिशूलघातेन म्रियते नान्यथा रणे ।। जगत्पर्याकुलीकृत्य निद्रात्यत्रविनिर्भयः

svasya triśūlaghātena mriyate nānyathā raṇe || jagatparyākulīkṛtya nidrātyatravinirbhayaḥ

"'except by the blow of his own trident; he dies by no other means in battle. Having thrown the world into turmoil, he sleeps here without fear.'"

Verse 53 (skanda.4.82.53)

यदि कोपि कृतज्ञो मां हत्वेमं दुष्टदानवम् ।। मद्दत्तेन त्रिशूलेन नयेद्भद्रं भवेन्नरः

yadi kopi kṛtajño māṁ hatvemaṁ duṣṭadānavam || maddattena triśūlena nayedbhadraṁ bhavennaraḥ

"'If some grateful man would slay this wicked demon with the very trident I give him, and lead me away, may good fortune come to him.'"

Verse 54 (skanda.4.82.54)

यदत्रोपचिकीर्षुस्त्वं रक्ष मां दुष्टदानवात् ।। ममापि हि वरो दत्तो भगवत्या महामुने

yadatropacikīrṣustvaṁ rakṣa māṁ duṣṭadānavāt || mamāpi hi varo datto bhagavatyā mahāmune

"'Since you wish to help me here, protect me from this wicked demon. A boon too was given to me, O great sage, by the goddess herself —'"

Verse 55 (skanda.4.82.55)

विष्णुभक्तो युवा धीमान्पुत्रि त्वां परिणेष्यति ।। आ तृतीया तिथि यथा तद्वाक्यं तथ्यतां व्रजेत्

viṣṇubhakto yuvā dhīmānputri tvāṁ pariṇeṣyati || ā tṛtīyā tithi yathā tadvākyaṁ tathyatāṁ vrajet

"'A young, wise devotee of Vishnu, my daughter, shall marry you — before the third lunar day, let this word come true.'"

Verse 56 (skanda.4.82.56)

तथा निमित्तमात्रं त्वं भव यत्नं समाचर ।। इति तद्वचनाद्राजन्विष्णुभक्तिपरायणम् ।। युवानं चापि धीमंतं त्वामनु प्राप्तवानहम्

tathā nimittamātraṁ tvaṁ bhava yatnaṁ samācara || iti tadvacanādrājanviṣṇubhaktiparāyaṇam || yuvānaṁ cāpi dhīmaṁtaṁ tvāmanu prāptavānaham

"'So become merely the instrument for this; make the effort.' — By these words, O king, I have now come to you, a young, wise one devoted wholly to Vishnu-bhakti."

Verse 57 (skanda.4.82.57)

तद्गच्छ कार्यसिद्ध्यै त्वं हत्वा तं दुष्टदानवम् ।। आनयाशु महाबाहो शुभां मलयगंधिनीम्

tadgaccha kāryasiddhyai tvaṁ hatvā taṁ duṣṭadānavam || ānayāśu mahābāho śubhāṁ malayagaṁdhinīm

"Therefore go, O mighty-armed one, to accomplish this task; slay that wicked demon and swiftly bring back the auspicious Malayagandhini."

Verse 58 (skanda.4.82.58)

सा तु विद्याधरी जीवेद्विलोक्य त्वां नरेश्वर ।। पार्वतीवचनाद्दुष्टं घातयिष्यत्ययत्नतः

sā tu vidyādharī jīvedvilokya tvāṁ nareśvara || pārvatīvacanādduṣṭaṁ ghātayiṣyatyayatnataḥ

"That Vidyadhara maiden shall live on beholding you, O lord of men; by the very word of Parvati, that wicked one shall be slain, effortlessly."

Verse 59 (skanda.4.82.59)

इति नारदवाक्यं स निशम्यामित्रजिन्नृपः ।। अनल्पोत्कलिको जातो विद्याधरसुतां प्रति

iti nāradavākyaṁ sa niśamyāmitrajinnṛpaḥ || analpotkaliko jāto vidyādharasutāṁ prati

Hearing this speech of Narada, King Amitrajit became filled with no small longing for the Vidyadhara maiden.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.82.60)

उपायं चापि पप्रच्छ गंतुं तां चंपकावतीम् ।। नारदेन पुनः प्रोक्तः स राजा गिरिराजजे

upāyaṁ cāpi papraccha gaṁtuṁ tāṁ caṁpakāvatīm || nāradena punaḥ proktaḥ sa rājā girirājaje

He asked also for the means of going to that Champakavati; and Narada, O daughter of the mountain-king, spoke again to that king:

Verse 61 (skanda.4.82.61)

तूर्णमर्णवमासाद्य पूर्णिमादिवसे नृप ।। भवान्द्रक्ष्यति पोतस्थः कल्पवृंदारथस्थितम्

tūrṇamarṇavamāsādya pūrṇimādivase nṛpa || bhavāndrakṣyati potasthaḥ kalpavṛṁdārathasthitam

"Having swiftly reached the ocean, O king, on the day of the full moon, you, standing on a ship, shall see a chariot of Kalpa-trees standing there,"

Verse 62 (skanda.4.82.62)

तत्र दिव्यांगना काचिद्दिव्यपर्यंक संस्थिता ।। वीणामादाय गायंती गाथां गास्यति सुस्वरम्

tatra divyāṁganā kāciddivyaparyaṁka saṁsthitā || vīṇāmādāya gāyaṁtī gāthāṁ gāsyati susvaram

"and there a certain celestial woman, seated upon a divine couch, taking up a vina, singing, shall sing a song in sweet melody:"

Verse 63 (skanda.4.82.63)

यत्कर्मविहितं येन शुभं वाथ शुभेतरम् ।। स एव भुंक्ते तत्तथ्यं विधिसूत्रनियंत्रितः

yatkarmavihitaṁ yena śubhaṁ vātha śubhetaram || sa eva bhuṁkte tattathyaṁ vidhisūtraniyaṁtritaḥ

"'Whatever deed, auspicious or otherwise, is performed by whoever — that very one truly experiences it, bound by the thread of destiny.'"

Verse 64 (skanda.4.82.64)

गाथामिमां सा संगीय सरथा स महीरुहा ।। सपर्यंका क्षणादेव मध्ये सिंधुं प्रवेक्ष्यति

gāthāmimāṁ sā saṁgīya sarathā sa mahīruhā || saparyaṁkā kṣaṇādeva madhye siṁdhuṁ pravekṣyati

"Having sung this song, she, together with her chariot, her tree, and her couch, shall in an instant sink into the midst of the sea."

Verse 65 (skanda.4.82.65)

भवानप्यविशंकं च ततः पोतान्महार्णवे ।। तामनु व्रजतु क्षिप्रं यज्ञवाराहमास्तुवन्

bhavānapyaviśaṁkaṁ ca tataḥ potānmahārṇave || tāmanu vrajatu kṣipraṁ yajñavārāhamāstuvan

"You too, without hesitation, then, from the ship into the great ocean, follow swiftly after her, praising the sacrificial Boar."

Verse 66 (skanda.4.82.66)

ततो द्रक्ष्यसि पाताले नगरीं चंपकावतीम् ।। महामनोहरा राजन्सहितां बालयानया

tato drakṣyasi pātāle nagarīṁ caṁpakāvatīm || mahāmanoharā rājansahitāṁ bālayānayā

"Then, in Patala, you shall see the city of Champakavati, most enchanting, O king, together with that very maiden."

Verse 67 (skanda.4.82.67)

इत्युक्त्वांतर्हितो देवि स चतुर्मुखनंदनः ।। राजाप्यर्णवमासाद्य यथोक्तं परिलक्ष्य च

ityuktvāṁtarhito devi sa caturmukhanaṁdanaḥ || rājāpyarṇavamāsādya yathoktaṁ parilakṣya ca

Having said this, O goddess, that son of the four-faced one vanished; and the king too, reaching the ocean and observing exactly as had been told,

Verse 68 (skanda.4.82.68)

विवेशांतःसमुद्रं च नगरीमाससाद ताम् ।। साथ विद्याधरी बाला नेत्रप्राघुणकी कृता

viveśāṁtaḥsamudraṁ ca nagarīmāsasāda tām || sātha vidyādharī bālā netraprāghuṇakī kṛtā

entered into the very midst of the sea and reached that city; and that Vidyadhara maiden became a guest, as it were, of his eyes.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.82.69)

तेन राज्ञा त्रिजगती सौंदर्यश्रीरिवैकिका ।। पातालदेवतेयं वा ममनेत्रोत्सवाय किम्

tena rājñā trijagatī sauṁdaryaśrīrivaikikā || pātāladevateyaṁ vā mamanetrotsavāya kim

The king thought: "Is she the very fortune of beauty of all three worlds, gathered into one? Or is she a goddess of Patala, come for the festival of my eyes?"

Verse 70 (skanda.4.82.70)

निरणायि मधुद्वेष्ट्रा स्रष्टुः सृष्टिविलक्षणा ।। कुहूराहुभयादेषा कांतिश्चांद्रमसी किमु

niraṇāyi madhudveṣṭrā sraṣṭuḥ sṛṣṭivilakṣaṇā || kuhūrāhubhayādeṣā kāṁtiścāṁdramasī kimu

"Was she fashioned by the enemy of Madhu, distinct from the Creator's own creation? Or is this the very radiance of the moon, fled here for fear of Rahu on the new-moon night?"

Verse 71 (skanda.4.82.71)

योषिद्रूपं समाश्रित्य तिष्ठतेऽत्राकुतोऽभया ।। इत्थं क्षणं तां निर्वर्ण्य स राजागात्तदंतिकम्

yoṣidrūpaṁ samāśritya tiṣṭhate'trākuto'bhayā || itthaṁ kṣaṇaṁ tāṁ nirvarṇya sa rājāgāttadaṁtikam

"— who has taken the form of a woman, and stays here fearless of anything." Having thus gazed upon her a moment, the king approached her.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.82.72)

सा विलोक्याथ तं बाला नितरां मधुराकृतिम् ।। विशालोरस्थलतलं प्रलंबतुलसीस्रजम्

sā vilokyātha taṁ bālā nitarāṁ madhurākṛtim || viśālorasthalatalaṁ pralaṁbatulasīsrajam

Then that maiden, beholding him, exceedingly sweet in form, with a broad chest, wearing a long garland of tulasi,

Verse 73 (skanda.4.82.73)

शंखचक्रांकसुभग भुजद्वयविराजितम् ।। हरिनामाक्षरसुधा सुधौत रदनावलिम्

śaṁkhacakrāṁkasubhaga bhujadvayavirājitam || harināmākṣarasudhā sudhauta radanāvalim

his two arms lovely, marked with the conch and discus, his row of teeth washed clean by the very nectar of the syllables of Hari's name,

Verse 74 (skanda.4.82.74)

भवानीभक्तिबीजोत्थं भूरुहं पुरुषाकृतिम् ।। मनोरथफलैः पूर्णमासीद्धृष्टतनूरुहा

bhavānībhaktibījotthaṁ bhūruhaṁ puruṣākṛtim || manorathaphalaiḥ pūrṇamāsīddhṛṣṭatanūruhā

seeing him as if he were the very tree sprung from the seed of her own devotion to Bhavani, in human form, laden with the fruit of her heart's desire, her body thrilled with joy.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.82.75)

दोलापर्यंकमुत्सृज्य ह्रीभरा नम्रकंधरा ।। वेपथुं च परिष्टभ्य बाला प्रोवाच भूपतिम्

dolāparyaṁkamutsṛjya hrībharā namrakaṁdharā || vepathuṁ ca pariṣṭabhya bālā provāca bhūpatim

Leaving her swing-couch, overcome with modesty, her neck bowed, restraining her trembling, the maiden said to the king:

Verse 76 (skanda.4.82.76)

कस्त्वमत्र कृतांतस्य भवनं मधुराकृते ।। प्राप्तो मे मंदभाग्यायाश्चेतोवृत्तिं निरुंधयन्

kastvamatra kṛtāṁtasya bhavanaṁ madhurākṛte || prāpto me maṁdabhāgyāyāścetovṛttiṁ niruṁdhayan

"Who are you, O sweet-formed one, who has come here to this abode of Death, to me of ill fortune, so overwhelming my mind's composure?"

Verse 77 (skanda.4.82.77)

यावन्नायाति सुभग स कठोरतराकृतिः ।। अतिपर्याकुलीकृत्य त्रिलोकीं दानवो मुहुः

yāvannāyāti subhaga sa kaṭhoratarākṛtiḥ || atiparyākulīkṛtya trilokīṁ dānavo muhuḥ

"O fortunate one, until that most cruel-formed demon arrives — he who again and again throws the three worlds into utter turmoil —"

Verse 78 (skanda.4.82.78)

कंकालकेतुर्दुर्वृत्तस्त्ववध्यः परहेतिभिः ।। तावद्गुप्तं समातिष्ठ शस्त्रागारेति गह्वरे

kaṁkālaketurdurvṛttastvavadhyaḥ parahetibhiḥ || tāvadguptaṁ samātiṣṭha śastrāgāreti gahvare

"— Kankalaketu, the wicked one, unslayable by any other's weapon — until then, stay hidden, in this cave-like armoury."

Verse 79 (skanda.4.82.79)

न मे कन्याव्रतं भंक्तुं स समर्थ उमा वरात्।। आगामिन्यां तृतीयायां परश्वः पाणिपीडनम्

na me kanyāvrataṁ bhaṁktuṁ sa samartha umā varāt|| āgāminyāṁ tṛtīyāyāṁ paraśvaḥ pāṇipīḍanam

"By the boon of Uma, he is not able to break my maiden-vow; the coming third lunar day, the day after tomorrow, is set for my marriage —"

Verse 80 (skanda.4.82.80)

संचिकीर्षति दुष्टात्मा गतायुर्मम शापतः ।। मा तद्भीतिं कुरु युवंस्तत्कार्यं भविताचिरम्

saṁcikīrṣati duṣṭātmā gatāyurmama śāpataḥ || mā tadbhītiṁ kuru yuvaṁstatkāryaṁ bhavitāciram

"— which that wicked-souled one intends to force, though his life is already forfeit by my curse. Do not fear him, young man; that matter shall soon be resolved."

Verse 81 (skanda.4.82.81)

विद्याधर्येति चोक्तः स शस्त्रागारे निगूढवत् ।। स्थितो वीरो महाबाहुर्दानवागमने क्षणः

vidyādharyeti coktaḥ sa śastrāgāre nigūḍhavat || sthito vīro mahābāhurdānavāgamane kṣaṇaḥ

Thus told by the Vidyadhara maiden, that hero, mighty-armed, remained hidden in the armoury, watchful for the moment of the demon's arrival.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.82.82)

अथ सायं समायातो दानवो भीषणाकृतिः।। त्रिशूलं कलयन्पाणौ मृत्योरपि भयावहम्

atha sāyaṁ samāyāto dānavo bhīṣaṇākṛtiḥ|| triśūlaṁ kalayanpāṇau mṛtyorapi bhayāvaham

Then, in the evening, that demon of terrifying form arrived, holding in his hand a trident that would strike fear even into Death himself.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.82.83)

आगत्य दानवो रौद्रः प्रलयांबुदनिस्वनः ।। विद्याधरीं जगादेति मदाघूर्णितलोचनः

āgatya dānavo raudraḥ pralayāṁbudanisvanaḥ || vidyādharīṁ jagādeti madāghūrṇitalocanaḥ

Coming there, that fierce demon, roaring like the clouds of doomsday, his eyes rolling with intoxication, said this to the Vidyadhara maiden:

Verse 84 (skanda.4.82.84)

गृहाणेमानि रत्नानि दिव्यानि वरवर्णिनि ।। कन्यात्वं च परश्वस्ते पाणिग्राहादपैष्यति

gṛhāṇemāni ratnāni divyāni varavarṇini || kanyātvaṁ ca paraśvaste pāṇigrāhādapaiṣyati

"Take these divine jewels, O fair one; and the day after tomorrow, your maidenhood shall depart, taken by your bridegroom."

Verse 85 (skanda.4.82.85)

दासीनामयुतं प्रातर्दास्यामि तव सुंदरि ।। आसुरीणां सुरीणां च दानवीनां मनोहरम्

dāsīnāmayutaṁ prātardāsyāmi tava suṁdari || āsurīṇāṁ surīṇāṁ ca dānavīnāṁ manoharam

"In the morning I shall give you ten thousand maidservants, O beauty, lovely ones among asura-women, deva-women, and danava-women,"

Verse 86 (skanda.4.82.86)

गंधर्वीणां नरीणां च किन्नरीणां शतंशतम् ।। विद्याधरीणां नागीनां यक्षिणीनां शतानि षट्

gaṁdharvīṇāṁ narīṇāṁ ca kinnarīṇāṁ śataṁśatam || vidyādharīṇāṁ nāgīnāṁ yakṣiṇīnāṁ śatāni ṣaṭ

"a hundred hundred of gandharva-women, human women, and kinnara-women; six hundred of vidyadhara-women, naga-women, and yakshini-women,"

Verse 87 (skanda.4.82.87)

राक्षसीनां शतान्यष्टौ शतमप्सरसां वरम् ।। एतास्ते परिचारिण्यो भविष्यंत्यमलाशये

rākṣasīnāṁ śatānyaṣṭau śatamapsarasāṁ varam || etāste paricāriṇyo bhaviṣyaṁtyamalāśaye

"eight hundred of rakshasa-women, and a hundred excellent apsaras — all these shall become your attendants, O pure-hearted one."

Verse 88 (skanda.4.82.88)

यावत्संपत्तिसंभारो दिक्पालानां गृहेषु वै ।। मत्परिग्रहतां प्राप्य तावतस्त्वमिहेश्वरी

yāvatsaṁpattisaṁbhāro dikpālānāṁ gṛheṣu vai || matparigrahatāṁ prāpya tāvatastvamiheśvarī

"Whatever wealth exists in the households of the guardians of the directions — having become my own, you shall become mistress of all of it here."

Verse 89 (skanda.4.82.89)

दिव्यान्भोगान्मया सार्धं भोक्ष्यसे मत्परिग्रहात् ।। कदा परश्वो भविता यस्मिन्वैवाहिको विधिः

divyānbhogānmayā sārdhaṁ bhokṣyase matparigrahāt || kadā paraśvo bhavitā yasminvaivāhiko vidhiḥ

"You shall enjoy divine pleasures together with me, as my own; when will the day after tomorrow come, on which the marriage rite shall be?"

Verse 90 (skanda.4.82.90)

त्वदंगसंगसंस्पर्श सुखसंदोह मेदुरः ।। परां निर्वृतिमाप्स्यामि परश्वो निकटं यदि

tvadaṁgasaṁgasaṁsparśa sukhasaṁdoha meduraḥ || parāṁ nirvṛtimāpsyāmi paraśvo nikaṭaṁ yadi

"Rich with the abundant joy of the touch of union with your body, I shall attain supreme bliss, if the day after tomorrow is indeed near."

Verse 91 (skanda.4.82.91)

मनोरथाश्चिरं यावद्यं मे हृदि समेधिताः ।। तान्कृतार्थी करिष्यामि परश्वस्तव संगमात्

manorathāściraṁ yāvadyaṁ me hṛdi samedhitāḥ || tānkṛtārthī kariṣyāmi paraśvastava saṁgamāt

"Whatever desires have long grown in my heart, I shall fulfil them all through union with you the day after tomorrow."

Verse 92 (skanda.4.82.92)

जित्वा देवान्रणे सर्वानिंद्रादीन्मृगलोचने ।। त्रैलोक्यैश्वर्यसंपत्तेस्त्वां करिष्यामि चेश्वरीम्

jitvā devānraṇe sarvāniṁdrādīnmṛgalocane || trailokyaiśvaryasaṁpattestvāṁ kariṣyāmi ceśvarīm

"Having conquered all the gods in battle, Indra and the rest, O doe-eyed one, I shall make you mistress of the wealth and sovereignty of the three worlds."

Verse 93 (skanda.4.82.93)

आधायांके त्रिशूलं स्वे सुष्वापेति प्रलप्य सः ।। नरमांसवसास्वाद प्रमत्तो वीतसाध्वसः ।।

ādhāyāṁke triśūlaṁ sve suṣvāpeti pralapya saḥ || naramāṁsavasāsvāda pramatto vītasādhvasaḥ ||

Placing his trident upon his own lap, having babbled thus, he fell asleep, intoxicated by the taste of human flesh and fat, utterly fearless.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.82.94)

वरं स्मरंती सा गौर्या विद्याधरकुमारिका ।। विज्ञाय तं प्रमत्तं च सुसुप्तं चातिनिर्भयम्

varaṁ smaraṁtī sā gauryā vidyādharakumārikā || vijñāya taṁ pramattaṁ ca susuptaṁ cātinirbhayam

Remembering the boon given by Gauri, that Vidyadhara maiden, realizing he was intoxicated, fast asleep, and utterly unguarded,

Verse 95 (skanda.4.82.95)

आहूय तं नरवरं वरं सर्वांगसुंदरम् ।।। विष्णुभक्तिकृतत्राणं प्राणनाथेति जल्प्य च

āhūya taṁ naravaraṁ varaṁ sarvāṁgasuṁdaram ||| viṣṇubhaktikṛtatrāṇaṁ prāṇanātheti jalpya ca

called to that excellent man, beautiful in every limb, protected by his devotion to Vishnu, saying "O lord of my life,"

Verse 96 (skanda.4.82.96)

शूलं तदंकादादाय गृहाणेमं जहि द्रुतम् ।। इति त्रिशूलं बालातो बालार्कसदृशद्युति

śūlaṁ tadaṁkādādāya gṛhāṇemaṁ jahi drutam || iti triśūlaṁ bālāto bālārkasadṛśadyuti

"take this trident from his lap and slay him swiftly." Thus she said, handing him the trident, radiant as the rising sun, from her own hands.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.82.97)

समादाय महाबाहुः स तदा मित्रजिन्नृपः ।। जहर्ष च जगादोच्चैर्बालायाश्चाभयं दिशन्

samādāya mahābāhuḥ sa tadā mitrajinnṛpaḥ || jaharṣa ca jagādoccairbālāyāścābhayaṁ diśan

Taking it, that mighty-armed King Mitrajit rejoiced, and spoke loudly, granting fearlessness to the maiden.

Verse 98 (skanda.4.82.98)

वामपादप्रहारेण तमाताड्य स निर्भयः ।। संस्मरंश्चक्रिणं चित्ते जगद्रक्षामणिं हरिम्

vāmapādaprahāreṇa tamātāḍya sa nirbhayaḥ || saṁsmaraṁścakriṇaṁ citte jagadrakṣāmaṇiṁ harim

Fearlessly striking him with a blow of his left foot, remembering in his heart the discus-bearer, Hari, the very jewel that protects the universe,

Verse 99 (skanda.4.82.99)

जर्गाद तिष्ठ रे दुष्ट कन्याधर्षणलालस ।। युध्यस्वात्र मया सार्धं न सुप्तं हन्म्यहं रिपुम्

jargāda tiṣṭha re duṣṭa kanyādharṣaṇalālasa || yudhyasvātra mayā sārdhaṁ na suptaṁ hanmyahaṁ ripum

he cried out: "Stand, O wicked one, so eager to violate this maiden! Fight with me here — I do not slay a sleeping enemy."

Verse 100 (skanda.4.82.100)

इति संश्रुत्य संभ्रांत उत्थाय स दनोः सुतः ।। त्रिशूलं देहि मे कांते प्रोवाचेति मुहुर्मुहुः

iti saṁśrutya saṁbhrāṁta utthāya sa danoḥ sutaḥ || triśūlaṁ dehi me kāṁte provāceti muhurmuhuḥ

Hearing this, that son of Danu rose up in confusion, and cried out to the maiden again and again: "Give me my trident, my dear!"

Verse 101 (skanda.4.82.101)

कोयं मृत्युगृहं प्राप्तः कस्य रुष्टोऽद्य चांतकः ।। क आयुषाद्य संत्यक्तो यः प्राप्तो मम गोचरम्

koyaṁ mṛtyugṛhaṁ prāptaḥ kasya ruṣṭo'dya cāṁtakaḥ || ka āyuṣādya saṁtyakto yaḥ prāpto mama gocaram

"Who is this who has come to the very house of death? With whom is Death angry today? Whose life has today run out, that he has come within my reach?"

Verse 102 (skanda.4.82.102)

मम प्रचंड दोर्दंड कंडू कंडूयन क्षमः ।। नाल्पो नरोयं भविता किं त्रिशूलेन सुंदरि

mama pracaṁḍa dordaṁḍa kaṁḍū kaṁḍūyana kṣamaḥ || nālpo naroyaṁ bhavitā kiṁ triśūlena suṁdari

"He must be no ordinary man, capable of scratching the very itch of my fierce arms! O beauty, what need have I of the trident against him?"

Verse 103 (skanda.4.82.103)

माभैर्मे कौतुकं पश्य भक्ष्योऽयं मम सांप्रतम् ।। कालेन मत्तो भीतेन स्वयमेवोपढौकितः ।६ ३ ।। इत्युक्त्वा मुष्टिघातेन तेनोच्चैर्दनुसूनुना ।। हृदये निहतो राजा शिलातिकठिने द्रुतम्

mābhairme kautukaṁ paśya bhakṣyo'yaṁ mama sāṁpratam || kālena matto bhītena svayamevopaḍhaukitaḥ |6 3 || ityuktvā muṣṭighātena tenoccairdanusūnunā || hṛdaye nihato rājā śilātikaṭhine drutam

"Fear not, watch my sport — this fellow is now my meal, sent by Death himself, terrified of me!" Having said this, that son of Danu struck the king a great blow of his fist upon his chest, hard as stone.

Verse 104 (skanda.4.82.104)

स चक्रिणा कृतत्राणः पीडामल्पीयसीमपि ।। नो वेद कठिनोरस्कस्तत्करं प्रत्युतानुदत्

sa cakriṇā kṛtatrāṇaḥ pīḍāmalpīyasīmapi || no veda kaṭhinoraskastatkaraṁ pratyutānudat

He, protected by the discus-bearer, did not feel even the slightest pain; his chest, hard as it was, in turn thrust back that hand of the demon's.

Verse 105 (skanda.4.82.105)

अथ कोपवता राज्ञा हतो वक्त्रे चपेटया ।। आघूर्णितशिरा भूमौ पतित्वा पुनरुत्थितः

atha kopavatā rājñā hato vaktre capeṭayā || āghūrṇitaśirā bhūmau patitvā punarutthitaḥ

Then, struck across the face by an angry blow from the king, his head reeling, he fell to the ground, and then rose up again,

Verse 106 (skanda.4.82.106)

उवाच च वचो धैर्यमवष्टभ्य महाबली

uvāca ca vaco dhairyamavaṣṭabhya mahābalī

and that mighty one, gathering his courage, spoke these words:

Verse 107 (skanda.4.82.107)

।। दानव उवाच ।। ।। ज्ञातं न त्वं मनुष्योसि नृरूपेण चतुर्भुजः ।। आयातश्छिद्रमासाद्य हंतुं मां दानवांतकः

|| dānava uvāca || || jñātaṁ na tvaṁ manuṣyosi nṛrūpeṇa caturbhujaḥ || āyātaśchidramāsādya haṁtuṁ māṁ dānavāṁtakaḥ

The demon said: "I now know you are no mere man — you are the four-armed one in human form, the very slayer of demons, who has come to kill me by finding my weakness."

Verse 108 (skanda.4.82.108)

एकं विधेहि मधुभिद्यदि त्वं बलवानसि ।। विहायैतन्महच्छूलं युध्यस्व स्वायुधैर्मया

ekaṁ vidhehi madhubhidyadi tvaṁ balavānasi || vihāyaitanmahacchūlaṁ yudhyasva svāyudhairmayā

"O slayer of Madhu, do me one favour, if you are indeed so strong: set aside this great trident, and fight me with your own weapons."

Verse 109 (skanda.4.82.109)

त्वया कपटरूपेण बलिनः कैटभादयः ।। न बलेन हताः संख्ये हता एवच्छलेन हि

tvayā kapaṭarūpeṇa balinaḥ kaiṭabhādayaḥ || na balena hatāḥ saṁkhye hatā evacchalena hi

"By deceitful forms, you have slain the mighty ones — Kaitabha and the rest were killed in battle not by strength, but by deceit alone."

Verse 110 (skanda.4.82.110)

बलिं पातालमनयस्त्वं नृवामनतां दधत् ।। नृमृगत्वेन भवता हिरण्यकशिपुर्हतः

baliṁ pātālamanayastvaṁ nṛvāmanatāṁ dadhat || nṛmṛgatvena bhavatā hiraṇyakaśipurhataḥ

"You sent Bali down to Patala, taking the form of a dwarf-man; and by becoming half-man, half-lion, you slew Hiranyakashipu."

Verse 111 (skanda.4.82.111)

त्वया जटिलरूपेण लंकेशो विनिपातितः ।। गोपालवेषमासाद्य कंसाद्या घातितास्त्वया

tvayā jaṭilarūpeṇa laṁkeśo vinipātitaḥ || gopālaveṣamāsādya kaṁsādyā ghātitāstvayā

"By you, in the matted-haired form of an ascetic, the lord of Lanka was struck down; and taking the guise of a cowherd, you slew Kamsa and the others."

Verse 112 (skanda.4.82.112)

स्त्रीरूपेणाहरस्त्वं तु विप्रलाप्या सुरान्सुधाम् ।। यादो रूपेण भवता शंखाद्यानि हता बहु

strīrūpeṇāharastvaṁ tu vipralāpyā surānsudhām || yādo rūpeṇa bhavatā śaṁkhādyāni hatā bahu

"In the form of a woman, you stole away the nectar, deceiving the demons; and in the form of a fish, you slew Shankhasura and many others."

Verse 113 (skanda.4.82.113)

मायाविनामग्रगण्य सर्वमर्मज्ञसाधक ।। न त्वत्तोहं बिभेम्यद्य यदि शूलं विहास्यसि

māyāvināmagragaṇya sarvamarmajñasādhaka || na tvattohaṁ bibhemyadya yadi śūlaṁ vihāsyasi

"O foremost of illusionists, adept at knowing every weak point — I do not fear you today, if you will set aside that trident."

Verse 114 (skanda.4.82.114)

अथवा दैन्यवचनः किमेभिः कातरोचितैः ।। न त्यक्ष्यसि त्रिशूलं त्वं न त्वां जेष्याम्यहं रणे

athavā dainyavacanaḥ kimebhiḥ kātarocitaiḥ || na tyakṣyasi triśūlaṁ tvaṁ na tvāṁ jeṣyāmyahaṁ raṇe

"Or rather, what use are these words fit for a coward? You will not give up the trident; and so I shall never defeat you in battle."

Verse 115 (skanda.4.82.115)

अवश्यमेव मर्तव्यमद्य प्रातः शरीरिणा ।। त्वत्करेण वरं मृत्युर्बलेनापिच्छलेन वा

avaśyameva martavyamadya prātaḥ śarīriṇā || tvatkareṇa varaṁ mṛtyurbalenāpicchalena vā

"Every embodied being must certainly die, today or tomorrow morning; better indeed is death at your very hand, whether by strength or by deceit."

Verse 116 (skanda.4.82.116)

इयं विद्याधरी कन्या न मया दूषिता सती ।। साक्षाच्छ्रीरेव मंतव्या तवार्थं रक्षिता मया

iyaṁ vidyādharī kanyā na mayā dūṣitā satī || sākṣācchrīreva maṁtavyā tavārthaṁ rakṣitā mayā

"This Vidyadhara maiden has not been violated by me — she remains virtuous; consider her the very embodiment of Shri, kept safe by me for your sake."

Verse 117 (skanda.4.82.117)

इत्युक्त्वा वामदोर्दंडप्रहारेणातिनिष्ठुरम् ।। निजघान दनोः सूनुस्तं शिलोच्चयकंपिना

ityuktvā vāmadordaṁḍaprahāreṇātiniṣṭhuram || nijaghāna danoḥ sūnustaṁ śiloccayakaṁpinā

Having said this, that son of Danu struck him a most brutal blow with his left arm, a blow that could shake a mountain range.

Verse 118 (skanda.4.82.118)

नृपो वक्षः प्रहारं तं विषह्य रण मूर्द्धनि ।। लक्षीचकार तद्वक्षस्त्रिशूलं तोलयन्करे

nṛpo vakṣaḥ prahāraṁ taṁ viṣahya raṇa mūrddhani || lakṣīcakāra tadvakṣastriśūlaṁ tolayankare

The king, withstanding that blow upon his chest at the very forefront of battle, took aim at the demon's own chest, hefting the trident in his hand,

Verse 119 (skanda.4.82.119)

निजघान महाबाहुः स च प्राणाञ्जहौ क्षणात् ।। इत्थं कंकालकेतुं स निहत्य सुरकंपनम्

nijaghāna mahābāhuḥ sa ca prāṇāñjahau kṣaṇāt || itthaṁ kaṁkālaketuṁ sa nihatya surakaṁpanam

and that mighty-armed one struck him down; and he gave up his life in an instant. Thus, having slain Kankalaketu, who had made even the gods tremble,

Verse 120 (skanda.4.82.120)

विद्याधरीं प्रपश्यंतीं प्राह हृष्टतनूरुहाम् ।। नारदस्य मुनेर्वाक्यात्तव सुश्रोणि वांछितम्

vidyādharīṁ prapaśyaṁtīṁ prāha hṛṣṭatanūruhām || nāradasya munervākyāttava suśroṇi vāṁchitam

he said to the Vidyadhara maiden, who watched him, her body thrilled with joy: "O fair one, by the word of the sage Narada, your wish —"

Verse 121 (skanda.4.82.121)

कृतं मया कृतज्ञे किं करवाण्यधुना वद ।। श्रुत्वेति तस्य सा वाक्यं प्राह गंभीरचेतसः

kṛtaṁ mayā kṛtajñe kiṁ karavāṇyadhunā vada || śrutveti tasya sā vākyaṁ prāha gaṁbhīracetasaḥ

"— has been fulfilled by me, O grateful one; tell me now, what more shall I do?" Hearing his words, she of profound feeling spoke:

Verse 122 (skanda.4.82.122)

मलयगंधिन्युवाच ।। ।। अथोदारमते वीर निज प्राणैः पणीकृताम् ।। किं मां पृच्छसि जीवातो कुलकन्या प्रदूषिताम्

malayagaṁdhinyuvāca || || athodāramate vīra nija prāṇaiḥ paṇīkṛtām || kiṁ māṁ pṛcchasi jīvāto kulakanyā pradūṣitām

Malayagandhini said: "O noble-hearted hero, why do you ask this of me, who staked my very life for you, a maiden of good family who has been dishonoured, for your sake?"

Verse 123 (skanda.4.82.123)

इति ब्रुवत्यां कन्यायां पुनः स्वैरचरो मुनिः ।। अतर्कितागमः प्राप्तो नारदो देवलोकतः

iti bruvatyāṁ kanyāyāṁ punaḥ svairacaro muniḥ || atarkitāgamaḥ prāpto nārado devalokataḥ

As the maiden was speaking thus, once again that freely-wandering sage Narada arrived unexpectedly from the world of the gods.

Verse 124 (skanda.4.82.124)

ततस्तुतुषतुस्तौ तु दृष्ट्वा तं मुनिसत्तमम् ।। कृतप्रणामौ मुनिना परिविश्राणिताशिषौ

tatastutuṣatustau tu dṛṣṭvā taṁ munisattamam || kṛtapraṇāmau muninā pariviśrāṇitāśiṣau

Then, seeing that best of sages, the two of them were delighted; they bowed to him, and were granted his blessings.

Verse 125 (skanda.4.82.125)

पाणिग्रहेण विधिनाऽभिषिक्तौ नारदेन तु ।। जग्मतुर्नारदादिष्ट वर्त्मना कृतमंगलौ

pāṇigraheṇa vidhinā'bhiṣiktau nāradena tu || jagmaturnāradādiṣṭa vartmanā kṛtamaṁgalau

Duly united in marriage by the proper rite, consecrated by Narada, the two, their auspicious rites completed, set out by the path Narada showed them.

Verse 126 (skanda.4.82.126)

तया मलयगंधिन्या युतः सोऽमित्रजिन्नृपः ।। पुरीं वाराणसीं प्राप्य पौरैर्विहितमंगलाम्

tayā malayagaṁdhinyā yutaḥ so'mitrajinnṛpaḥ || purīṁ vārāṇasīṁ prāpya paurairvihitamaṁgalām

Accompanied by that Malayagandhini, King Amitrajit reached the city of Varanasi, whose auspicious rites were performed by its citizens,

Verse 127 (skanda.4.82.127)

यद्वीक्षणादपि नरो नारकी नैव जातुचित् ।। गतिमाप्नोति मेधावी तां पुरीमविशन्नृपः

yadvīkṣaṇādapi naro nārakī naiva jātucit || gatimāpnoti medhāvī tāṁ purīmaviśannṛpaḥ

that city by merely beholding which a man never attains a hellish state at all — the wise king entered that very city,

Verse 128 (skanda.4.82.128)

यस्यां पुर्यां प्रवेशं न लभंते वासवादयः ।। कैवल्यजनयित्र्यां हि तां पुरीमविशन्नृपः

yasyāṁ puryāṁ praveśaṁ na labhaṁte vāsavādayaḥ || kaivalyajanayitryāṁ hi tāṁ purīmaviśannṛpaḥ

that city entry into which even Indra and the other gods cannot obtain — the very begetter of liberation — the king entered that city,

Verse 129 (skanda.4.82.129)

अपि स्मृत्वा पुरीं यां वै काशीं त्रैलोक्यकांक्षिताम् ।। न नरो लिप्यते पापैस्तां विवेश स भूपतिः ।

api smṛtvā purīṁ yāṁ vai kāśīṁ trailokyakāṁkṣitām || na naro lipyate pāpaistāṁ viveśa sa bhūpatiḥ |

that city, Kashi, desired by all three worlds, merely by remembering which a man is never tainted by sin — that city the king now entered,

Verse 130 (skanda.4.82.130)

यस्यां पुर्यां प्रविष्टो ना महद्भिरपि पातकैः ।। नाभिभूयेत तां काशीं प्राविशत्स विशांपतिः

yasyāṁ puryāṁ praviṣṭo nā mahadbhirapi pātakaiḥ || nābhibhūyeta tāṁ kāśīṁ prāviśatsa viśāṁpatiḥ

that Kashi, entering which a man is never overcome even by the greatest sins — that Kashi the lord of his people entered.

Verse 131 (skanda.4.82.131)

सापि विद्याधरी काशी समृद्धिं वीक्ष्य दूरतः ।। निनिंद स्वर्गलोकं च पातालनगरीमपि

sāpi vidyādharī kāśī samṛddhiṁ vīkṣya dūrataḥ || niniṁda svargalokaṁ ca pātālanagarīmapi

And that Vidyadhara maiden too, beholding the splendour of Kashi even from afar, disparaged in comparison both the world of heaven and the very city of Patala.

Verse 132 (skanda.4.82.132)

प्राप्या मित्रजितं कांतं तथा हृष्टा न सा वधूः ।। यथा दृष्ट्वाप्यहो काशीं परमानंदकेतनम्

prāpyā mitrajitaṁ kāṁtaṁ tathā hṛṣṭā na sā vadhūḥ || yathā dṛṣṭvāpyaho kāśīṁ paramānaṁdaketanam

That bride was not so delighted at having obtained her beloved Mitrajit as she was, ah, at beholding Kashi, the very abode of supreme bliss.

Verse 133 (skanda.4.82.133)

सा कृतार्थमिवात्मानं मन्यमाना मनस्विनी ।। तेन पत्या च काश्या च परां निर्वृतिमाययौ

sā kṛtārthamivātmānaṁ manyamānā manasvinī || tena patyā ca kāśyā ca parāṁ nirvṛtimāyayau

That noble-hearted woman, considering herself as if truly fulfilled, attained supreme bliss both through that husband and through Kashi itself.

Verse 134 (skanda.4.82.134)

सोप्यमित्रजिदासाद्य पत्नीं मलयगंधिनीम् ।। धर्मप्रधानं संसेव्य कामं प्राप्तोत्तमं सुखम्

sopyamitrajidāsādya patnīṁ malayagaṁdhinīm || dharmapradhānaṁ saṁsevya kāmaṁ prāptottamaṁ sukham

And Amitrajit too, having obtained his wife Malayagandhini, and having served her with dharma foremost, attained the supreme happiness of desire fulfilled.

Verse 135 (skanda.4.82.135)

सैकदा तं पतिं राज्ञी विष्णुभक्तिपरायणम् ।। रहो विज्ञापयांचक्रे पतिभक्ता सुतार्थिनी

saikadā taṁ patiṁ rājñī viṣṇubhaktiparāyaṇam || raho vijñāpayāṁcakre patibhaktā sutārthinī

Once, that queen, devoted to her husband and desirous of a son, privately made a request to her husband, who was devoted to Vishnu-bhakti:

Verse 136 (skanda.4.82.136)

।। राज्ञ्युवाच ।। ।। भूपाभीष्टतृतीयायाश्चरिष्यामि महाव्रतम् ।। यद्यनुज्ञा भवेद्भर्तुः पुत्रकामार्थितप्रदम्

|| rājñyuvāca || || bhūpābhīṣṭatṛtīyāyāścariṣyāmi mahāvratam || yadyanujñā bhavedbhartuḥ putrakāmārthitapradam

The queen said: "O king, if my husband gives permission, I shall observe the great vow of Abhishta-tritiya, which grants the desire for a son to those who ask."

Verse 137 (skanda.4.82.137)

।। राजोवाच ।। ।। देव्यभीष्टतृतीयायां व्रतं कीदृग्भवेद्वद ।। का देवता तत्र पूज्या विधानं चापि किं फलम्

|| rājovāca || || devyabhīṣṭatṛtīyāyāṁ vrataṁ kīdṛgbhavedvada || kā devatā tatra pūjyā vidhānaṁ cāpi kiṁ phalam

The king said: "O queen, tell me — what is this vow of Abhishta-tritiya? Which deity is worshipped in it, and what is its procedure and fruit?"

Verse 138 (skanda.4.82.138)

नारी पत्यननुज्ञाता या व्रतादि समाचरेत् ।। जीवंती दुःखिनी सा स्यान्मृता निरयमृच्छति

nārī patyananujñātā yā vratādi samācaret || jīvaṁtī duḥkhinī sā syānmṛtā nirayamṛcchati

"A woman who, without her husband's permission, performs a vow or the like, is sorrowful while she lives, and after death goes to hell."

Verse 139 (skanda.4.82.139)

इति राज्ञोदिता राज्ञी प्रवक्तुमुपचक्रमे ।। इति कर्तव्यतां तस्य व्रतस्य सरहस्यकाम्

iti rājñoditā rājñī pravaktumupacakrame || iti kartavyatāṁ tasya vratasya sarahasyakām

Thus addressed by the king, the queen then began to explain the procedure of that vow, together with its secret meaning.