The Worlds of the Apsaras and the Sun

Verse 1 (skanda.4.9.1)

शिवशर्मोवाच । का इमा रूपलावण्य सौभाग्यनिधयः स्त्रियः । दिव्यालंकारधारिण्यो दिव्यभोगसमन्विताः

śivaśarmovāca kā imā rūpalāvaṇya saubhāgyanidhayaḥ striyaḥ divyālaṁkāradhāriṇyo divyabhogasamanvitāḥ

Shivasharma said: Who are these women, treasuries of beauty, grace, and good fortune, adorned with divine ornaments and endowed with divine enjoyments?

Verse 2 (skanda.4.9.2)

गणावूचतुः । एता वारविलासिन्यो यज्ञभाजां प्रियंकराः । गीतज्ञा नृत्यकुशला वाद्यविद्या विचक्षणाः

gaṇāvūcatuḥ etā vāravilāsinyo yajñabhājāṁ priyaṁkarāḥ gītajñā nṛtyakuśalā vādyavidyā vicakṣaṇāḥ

The ganas said: These are celestial courtesans, beloved of those who perform sacrifices, skilled in song, expert in dance, and accomplished in the art of music.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.9.3)

कामकेलिकलाभिज्ञा द्यूतविद्याविशारदाः । रसज्ञा भाववेदिन्यश्चतुराश्चोचितोक्तिषु

kāmakelikalābhijñā dyūtavidyāviśāradāḥ rasajñā bhāvavedinyaścaturāścocitoktiṣu

They are skilled in the arts of amorous play, expert in the knowledge of dice, connoisseurs of aesthetic sentiment, knowers of inner emotion, and clever in speaking fitting words.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.9.4)

नानादेश विशेषज्ञा नानाभाषा सुकोविदाः । संकेतोदंतनिपुणा नैकास्वैरचरा मुदा

nānādeśa viśeṣajñā nānābhāṣā sukovidāḥ saṁketodaṁtanipuṇā naikāsvairacarā mudā

They know the particular ways of many lands, are well versed in many tongues, skilled in secret signs and messages, and roam about freely in many places at will, out of sheer delight.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.9.5)

लीलानर्मसुसाभिज्ञाः सुप्रलापेषु पंडिताः । यूनां मनांसि सततं स्वैर्हावै रमयंत्यमूः

līlānarmasusābhijñāḥ supralāpeṣu paṁḍitāḥ yūnāṁ manāṁsi satataṁ svairhāvai ramayaṁtyamūḥ

Well versed in playful jesting, learned in delightful talk, these women ever captivate the hearts of young men with their own graceful gestures.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.9.6)

निर्मथ्यमानात्क्षीरोदात्पूर्वमप्सरसस्त्वमूः । निःसृतास्त्रिजगज्जेतुर्मोहनास्त्रमनोभुवः

nirmathyamānātkṣīrodātpūrvamapsarasastvamūḥ niḥsṛtāstrijagajjeturmohanāstramanobhuvaḥ

These very apsaras first arose from the Ocean of Milk as it was being churned — they are the enchanting weapons of Manobhava, the mind-born Kamadeva, for the conquest of the three worlds.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.9.7)

उर्वशी मेनका रंभा चंद्रलेखा तिलोत्तमा । वपुष्मतीकांतिमती लीलावत्युत्पलावती

urvaśī menakā raṁbhā caṁdralekhā tilottamā vapuṣmatīkāṁtimatī līlāvatyutpalāvatī

Urvashi, Menaka, Rambha, Chandralekha, Tilottama, Vapushmati, Kantimati, Lilavati, Utpalavati —

Verse 8 (skanda.4.9.8)

अलंबुषा गुणवती स्थूलकेशी कलावती । कलानिधिर्गुणनिधिः कर्पूरतिलकोर्वरा

alaṁbuṣā guṇavatī sthūlakeśī kalāvatī kalānidhirguṇanidhiḥ karpūratilakorvarā

Alambusha, Gunavati, Sthulakeshi, Kalavati, Kalanidhi, Gunanidhi, Karpuratilaka, Urvara —

Verse 9 (skanda.4.9.9)

अनंगलतिका चापि तथा मदनमोहिनी । चकोराक्षी चंद्रकला तथा मुनिमनोहरा

anaṁgalatikā cāpi tathā madanamohinī cakorākṣī caṁdrakalā tathā munimanoharā

And likewise Anangalatika, Madanamohini, Chakorakshi, Chandrakala, and Munimanohara —

Verse 10 (skanda.4.9.10)

ग्रावद्रावा तपोद्वेष्टी चारुनासा सुकर्णिका । दारुसंजीविनी सुश्रीः क्रतुशुल्का शुभानना

grāvadrāvā tapodveṣṭī cārunāsā sukarṇikā dārusaṁjīvinī suśrīḥ kratuśulkā śubhānanā

Gravadrava, Tapodveshti, Charunasa, Sukarnika, Darusanjivini, Sushri, Kratushulka, Shubhanana —

Verse 11 (skanda.4.9.11)

तपःशुल्का तीर्थशुल्का दानशुल्का हिमावती । पंचाश्वमेधिका चैव राजसूयार्थिनी तथा

tapaḥśulkā tīrthaśulkā dānaśulkā himāvatī paṁcāśvamedhikā caiva rājasūyārthinī tathā

Tapahshulka, Tirthashulka, Danashulka, Himavati, and likewise Panchashvamedhika and Rajasuyarthini —

Verse 12 (skanda.4.9.12)

अष्टाग्निहोमिका तद्वद्वाजपेयशतोद्भवा । इत्याद्यप्सरसां श्रेष्ठं सहस्रं षष्टिसंमितम्

aṣṭāgnihomikā tadvadvājapeyaśatodbhavā ityādyapsarasāṁ śreṣṭhaṁ sahasraṁ ṣaṣṭisaṁmitam

and Ashtagnihomika, and likewise Vajapeyashatodbhava — such are these, foremost among the apsaras, sixty thousand in number.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.9.13)

एतस्मिन्नप्सरोलोके वसंत्यन्या अपिस्त्रियः । सदा स्खलितलावण्याः सदास्खलितयौवनाः

etasminnapsaroloke vasaṁtyanyā apistriyaḥ sadā skhalitalāvaṇyāḥ sadāskhalitayauvanāḥ

In this world of the Apsaras also dwell other women — those whose loveliness has once faltered, whose youth has once lapsed.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.9.14)

दिव्यांबरा दिव्यमाल्या दिव्यगंधानुलेपनाः । दिव्यभोगैः सुसंपन्नाः स्वेच्छाविधृतविग्रहाः

divyāṁbarā divyamālyā divyagaṁdhānulepanāḥ divyabhogaiḥ susaṁpannāḥ svecchāvidhṛtavigrahāḥ

Clad in divine garments, wearing divine garlands, anointed with divine fragrances, richly endowed with divine enjoyments, they assume forms at their own will.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.9.15)

कृत्वा मासोपवासानि स्खलंति ब्रह्मचर्यतः । सकृदेव द्विकृत्वो वा त्रिःकृत्वो दैवयोगतः

kṛtvā māsopavāsāni skhalaṁti brahmacaryataḥ sakṛdeva dvikṛtvo vā triḥkṛtvo daivayogataḥ

Having kept month-long fasts, they lapse from their vow of celibacy — once, or twice, or thrice, through the working of fate.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.9.16)

ता इमा दिव्यभोगिन्यो रूपलावण्यसंपदः। निवसंत्यप्सरोलोके सर्वकामसमन्विताः

tā imā divyabhoginyo rūpalāvaṇyasaṁpadaḥ nivasaṁtyapsaroloke sarvakāmasamanvitāḥ

These very women, enjoyers of divine pleasures, endowed with the wealth of beauty and grace, dwell in the world of the Apsaras, their every desire fulfilled.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.9.17)

कृत्वा व्रतानि सांगानि कामिकानि विधानतः । भवंति स्वैरचारिण्यो देवभोग्या इहागताः

kṛtvā vratāni sāṁgāni kāmikāni vidhānataḥ bhavaṁti svairacāriṇyo devabhogyā ihāgatāḥ

Having duly performed, together with all their ancillary rites, vows undertaken out of desire, they become free-roaming, having come here to be enjoyed by the gods.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.9.18)

पतिव्रतधृता नार्यो बलेन बलिना धृताः । भर्तबुद्ध्यारमंतेतं(?) कदाचित्ता इमा द्विज

pativratadhṛtā nāryo balena balinā dhṛtāḥ bhartabuddhyāramaṁtetaṁ(?) kadācittā imā dvija

Chaste wives, held fast by force by some powerful being, who, O twice-born, at some time sport with him under the belief that he is their own husband —

Verse 19 (skanda.4.9.19)

भर्तरि प्रोषिते याश्च ब्रह्मचर्यव्रताः सदा । विप्लवं ते सकृद्दैवात्ता एता वामलोचनाः

bhartari proṣite yāśca brahmacaryavratāḥ sadā viplavaṁ te sakṛddaivāttā etā vāmalocanāḥ

and those lovely-eyed women who, while their husband is away, ever keep the vow of celibacy, but through fate suffer a single lapse — these are they [who dwell here].

Verse 20 (skanda.4.9.20)

कुसुमानि सुगंधीनि सुवासं चंदनं तथा । सुगौरं चापि कर्पूरं सुसूक्ष्माण्यंबराणि च

kusumāni sugaṁdhīni suvāsaṁ caṁdanaṁ tathā sugauraṁ cāpi karpūraṁ susūkṣmāṇyaṁbarāṇi ca

Fragrant flowers, sweet-scented sandalwood, pale fine camphor, and delicate garments,

Verse 21 (skanda.4.9.21)

पर्णानि ऋजुताराणि जीर्णानि कठिनानि च । साग्राणि स्वर्णवर्णानि स्थूलनीलशिराणि च

parṇāni ṛjutārāṇi jīrṇāni kaṭhināni ca sāgrāṇi svarṇavarṇāni sthūlanīlaśirāṇi ca

betel leaves straight-veined, mature and firm, golden-tipped, with thick blue-green veins,

Verse 22 (skanda.4.9.22)

सुवासोपस्कराढ्यानि नागवल्ल्या द्विजोत्तम । शय्याविचित्राभरणा रतिशालोचितानि च

suvāsopaskarāḍhyāni nāgavallyā dvijottama śayyāvicitrābharaṇā ratiśālocitāni ca

rich with fragrant condiments of the betel-vine, O best of the twice-born, together with a bed adorned with varied ornaments, fit for the chamber of love,

Verse 23 (skanda.4.9.23)

बहुकौतुकवस्तूनि समर्च्यद्विजदंपती । भोगदानमिदं काम्यं प्रतिसंक्रमणं रवेः

bahukautukavastūni samarcyadvijadaṁpatī bhogadānamidaṁ kāmyaṁ pratisaṁkramaṇaṁ raveḥ

and many delightful objects — with these one should worship a Brahmin couple; this desired gift of enjoyment is to be given at every transit (sankranti) of the Sun.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.9.24)

किंवा प्रतिव्यतीपातमेकसंवत्सरावधि। कोदादिति च मंत्रेण या दद्याद्वरवर्णिनी

kiṁvā prativyatīpātamekasaṁvatsarāvadhi kodāditi ca maṁtreṇa yā dadyādvaravarṇinī

Or at every vyatipata occasion, for the span of a full year — whichever fair woman offers such a gift with the sacred formula,

Verse 25 (skanda.4.9.25)

कामरूपधरो देवः प्रीयतामिति वादिनी । सा श्रेष्ठाऽप्सरसां मध्ये वसेत्कल्पमिहांगना

kāmarūpadharo devaḥ prīyatāmiti vādinī sā śreṣṭhā'psarasāṁ madhye vasetkalpamihāṁganā

saying, 'May the god who assumes the form he desires be pleased' — that woman becomes foremost among the apsaras and dwells here for a whole kalpa.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.9.26)

कन्यारूपधराकाचिद्याभुक्ता केनचित्क्वचित् । देवरूपेण तं कालमारभ्य ब्रह्मचारिणी

kanyārūpadharākācidyābhuktā kenacitkvacit devarūpeṇa taṁ kālamārabhya brahmacāriṇī

And some maiden, who was once, somewhere, enjoyed by someone in the guise of a god, from that time onward remains a celibate,

Verse 27 (skanda.4.9.27)

तदेव वृत्तं ध्यायंती निधनं याति कालतः । दिव्यरूपधरा सेह जायते दिव्य भोगभाक्

tadeva vṛttaṁ dhyāyaṁtī nidhanaṁ yāti kālataḥ divyarūpadharā seha jāyate divya bhogabhāk

and, dwelling ever in thought upon that very event, in time meets her death; she, assuming a divine form, is born here as a partaker of divine pleasure.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.9.28)

निदानमप्सरोलोकस्येतिशृण्वन्द्विजाग्रणीः । सौरं लोकमथ प्राप्य क्षणेन स विमानगः

nidānamapsarolokasyetiśṛṇvandvijāgraṇīḥ sauraṁ lokamatha prāpya kṣaṇena sa vimānagaḥ

Having heard thus of the origin of the world of the Apsaras, that foremost of the twice-born, borne upon his celestial chariot, reached the world of the Sun in but a moment.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.9.29)

यथा कदंबकुसुमं किंजल्कैः सर्वतोवृतम् । देदीप्यमानं हि तथा समंताद्भानुभानुभिः

yathā kadaṁbakusumaṁ kiṁjalkaiḥ sarvatovṛtam dedīpyamānaṁ hi tathā samaṁtādbhānubhānubhiḥ

Just as a kadamba blossom is surrounded on every side by its filaments, so was that world blazing all around with the rays of the Sun.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.9.30)

दूराद्रविं स विज्ञाय धृततामरसद्वयम् । नवभिर्योजनानां च सहस्रैः संमितेन ह

dūrādraviṁ sa vijñāya dhṛtatāmarasadvayam navabhiryojanānāṁ ca sahasraiḥ saṁmitena ha

He beheld the Sun-god from afar, holding a pair of lotuses, at a distance measured by nine thousand yojanas,

Verse 31 (skanda.4.9.31)

विचित्रेणैकचक्रेण सप्तसप्तियुतेन च । अनूरुणाधिष्ठितेन पुरतोधृतरश्मिना

vicitreṇaikacakreṇa saptasaptiyutena ca anūruṇādhiṣṭhitena puratodhṛtaraśminā

seated in a wondrous single-wheeled chariot yoked with seven horses, driven by the thigh-less Aruna, holding the reins out before him,

Verse 32 (skanda.4.9.32)

अप्सरोमुनिगंधर्व सर्पग्रामणि नैर्ऋतैः । स्यंदनेनातिजविना प्रणनाम कृतांजलिः

apsaromunigaṁdharva sarpagrāmaṇi nairṛtaiḥ syaṁdanenātijavinā praṇanāma kṛtāṁjaliḥ

in his swift-coursing chariot, attended by apsaras, sages, gandharvas, chiefs of serpents, and the nairritas — before him he bowed with joined palms.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.9.33)

तस्य प्रणामंदेवोपि भ्रूभंगेनानुमन्य च। अतिदूरं नभोवर्त्म व्यतिचक्राम सक्षणात्

tasya praṇāmaṁdevopi bhrūbhaṁgenānumanya ca atidūraṁ nabhovartma vyaticakrāma sakṣaṇāt

The god, too, acknowledging his obeisance with but the arch of an eyebrow, in that very instant crossed the vast pathway of the sky.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.9.34)

प्रक्रांते द्युमणौ दूरं शिवशर्मातिशर्मवान् । प्रोवाच भगवद्भक्तौ कथं लभ्यं रवेः पदम्

prakrāṁte dyumaṇau dūraṁ śivaśarmātiśarmavān provāca bhagavadbhaktau kathaṁ labhyaṁ raveḥ padam

When the Sun-orb had gone far, Shivasharma, filled with great delight, said to the two devoted ganas: 'How is the state of the Sun to be attained?'

Verse 35 (skanda.4.9.35)

एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुमाचक्षाथां ममाग्रतः । सतां साप्तपदी मैत्री तन्मे मैत्र्या प्रणोदितौ

etadicchāmyahaṁ śrotumācakṣāthāṁ mamāgrataḥ satāṁ sāptapadī maitrī tanme maitryā praṇoditau

This I wish to hear — do tell it before me. Friendship among the good is sealed by seven steps taken together; therefore, moved by that very friendship, do speak.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.9.36)

गणावूचतुः । शृणु द्विज महाप्राज्ञ त्वय्यकथ्यं न किंचन । सत्संगादेव साधूनां सत्कथा संप्रवर्तते

gaṇāvūcatuḥ śṛṇu dvija mahāprājña tvayyakathyaṁ na kiṁcana satsaṁgādeva sādhūnāṁ satkathā saṁpravartate

The ganas said: Listen, O greatly wise twice-born; there is nothing that may not be told to you. It is only through the company of the virtuous that virtuous discourse comes forth.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.9.37)

नियंता सर्वभूतानां य एकःकारणं परम् । अनामा गोत्ररहितो रूपादि परिवर्जितः

niyaṁtā sarvabhūtānāṁ ya ekaḥkāraṇaṁ param anāmā gotrarahito rūpādi parivarjitaḥ

He who is the sole controller of all beings, the one supreme cause, nameless, without lineage, devoid of form and all such attributes —

Verse 38 (skanda.4.9.38)

आविर्भाव तिरोभावौ यद्भूनर्तनवर्तिनौ । स एव वक्ति सततं सर्वात्मा वेदपूरुषः

āvirbhāva tirobhāvau yadbhūnartanavartinau sa eva vakti satataṁ sarvātmā vedapūruṣaḥ

he whose appearing and disappearing occur through the dance of this world's becoming — he alone, the Self of all, the Purusha of the Veda, ever declares:

Verse 39 (skanda.4.9.39)

योसावादित्यपुरुषः सोसावहमिति स्फुटम् । अंधतमः प्रविशंति ये चैवान्यमुपासते

yosāvādityapuruṣaḥ sosāvahamiti sphuṭam aṁdhatamaḥ praviśaṁti ye caivānyamupāsate

'That Purusha who dwells in the Sun — He indeed am I' — this is declared clearly. Those who worship another [in ignorance of this] enter into blind darkness.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.9.40)

निश्चितार्थां श्रुतिमिमां ब्राह्मणासो द्विजोत्तम । तमेकमुपतिष्ठंते निश्चित्येति पुनःपुनः

niścitārthāṁ śrutimimāṁ brāhmaṇāso dvijottama tamekamupatiṣṭhaṁte niścityeti punaḥpunaḥ

Having ascertained the meaning of this Vedic text, O best of the twice-born, brahmins, resolving thus again and again, worship that One alone.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.9.41)

उपलभ्य च सावित्रीं नोपतिष्ठेत यः पराम् । काले त्रिकालं सप्ताहात्स पतेन्नात्र संशयः

upalabhya ca sāvitrīṁ nopatiṣṭheta yaḥ parām kāle trikālaṁ saptāhātsa patennātra saṁśayaḥ

He who, having obtained the supreme Savitri (the Gayatri), does not worship her three times daily at the proper hour, falls [from his station] within a week — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.9.42)

तावत्प्रातर्जपंस्तिष्ठेद्यावदर्धोदयो रवेः । आसनस्थो जपेन्मौनी प्रत्यगातारकोदयात्

tāvatprātarjapaṁstiṣṭhedyāvadardhodayo raveḥ āsanastho japenmaunī pratyagātārakodayāt

In the morning he should stand reciting his japa until the Sun is half-risen; seated and silent, he should recite until the stars appear again in the evening.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.9.43)

सादित्यां मध्यमां संध्यां जपेदादित्यसंमुखः । काललोपो न कर्तव्यस्ततः कालं प्रतीक्षयेत्

sādityāṁ madhyamāṁ saṁdhyāṁ japedādityasaṁmukhaḥ kālalopo na kartavyastataḥ kālaṁ pratīkṣayet

He should recite the midday twilight-rite facing the Sun; the proper time should never be neglected — he must always wait for it.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.9.44)

काले फलंत्योषधयः काले पुष्पंति पादपाः । वर्षंति तोयदाः काले तस्मात्कालं न लंघयेत्

kāle phalaṁtyoṣadhayaḥ kāle puṣpaṁti pādapāḥ varṣaṁti toyadāḥ kāle tasmātkālaṁ na laṁghayet

In their season the herbs bear fruit, in their season the trees flower, in their season the clouds pour rain — therefore one should never transgress the [proper] time.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.9.45)

मंदेहदेहनाशार्थमुदयास्तमये रविः । समीहते द्विजोत्सृष्टं मंत्रतोयांजलित्रयम्

maṁdehadehanāśārthamudayāstamaye raviḥ samīhate dvijotsṛṣṭaṁ maṁtratoyāṁjalitrayam

For the destruction of the Mandeha demons, at sunrise and at sunset the Sun desires the threefold offering of mantra-sanctified water, poured out by the twice-born from cupped hands.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.9.46)

गायत्रीमंत्रतोयाढ्यं दत्तं येनांजलित्रयम् । काले सवित्रे किं न स्यात्तेन दत्तं जगत्त्रयम्

gāyatrīmaṁtratoyāḍhyaṁ dattaṁ yenāṁjalitrayam kāle savitre kiṁ na syāttena dattaṁ jagattrayam

By whomever the threefold handful of water, filled with the Gayatri mantra, is offered to Savitri at the proper time — what has he not given? By him the three worlds themselves have been given.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.9.47)

किं किं न सविता सूते काले सम्यगुपासितः । आयुरारोग्यमैश्वर्यं वसूनि सपशूनि च

kiṁ kiṁ na savitā sūte kāle samyagupāsitaḥ āyurārogyamaiśvaryaṁ vasūni sapaśūni ca

What indeed does Savitri, when rightly worshipped at the proper time, not bestow? Long life, health, prosperity, wealth together with cattle,

Verse 48 (skanda.4.9.48)

मित्रपुत्र कलत्राणि क्षेत्राणि विविधानि च । भोगानष्टविधांश्चापि स्वर्गं चाप्यपवर्गकम्

mitraputra kalatrāṇi kṣetrāṇi vividhāni ca bhogānaṣṭavidhāṁścāpi svargaṁ cāpyapavargakam

friends, sons, wives, fields of many kinds, the eight forms of enjoyment, heaven, and even final liberation —

Verse 49 (skanda.4.9.49)

अष्टादश सुविद्यासु मीमांसातिगरीयसी । ततोपि तर्कशास्त्राणि पुराणं तेभ्य एव च

aṣṭādaśa suvidyāsu mīmāṁsātigarīyasī tatopi tarkaśāstrāṇi purāṇaṁ tebhya eva ca

[all this Savitri grants]. Among the eighteen branches of learning, Mimamsa is the weightiest; weightier still than that are the treatises of logic; and weightier still than these, the Puranas;

Verse 50 (skanda.4.9.50)

ततोपि धर्मशास्त्राणि तेभ्यो गुर्वी श्रुतिर्द्विज । ततोप्युपनिषच्छ्रेष्ठा गायत्री च ततोधिका

tatopi dharmaśāstrāṇi tebhyo gurvī śrutirdvija tatopyupaniṣacchreṣṭhā gāyatrī ca tatodhikā

weightier still than these are the Dharmashastras; weightier than those, O twice-born, is the Shruti (the Veda); and weightier still than that are the Upanishads, supreme among all; and the Gayatri is greater even than these.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.9.51)

दुर्लभा सर्वमंत्रेषु गायत्री प्रणवान्विता । न गायत्र्याधिकं किंचित्त्रयीषु परिगीयते

durlabhā sarvamaṁtreṣu gāyatrī praṇavānvitā na gāyatryādhikaṁ kiṁcittrayīṣu parigīyate

Among all mantras, the Gayatri joined with the Pranava is the hardest to attain; nothing greater than the Gayatri is sung of among the three Vedas.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.9.52)

न गायत्री समो मंत्रो न काशी सदृशी पुरी । न विश्वेश समं लिंगं सत्यंसत्यं पुनःपुनः

na gāyatrī samo maṁtro na kāśī sadṛśī purī na viśveśa samaṁ liṁgaṁ satyaṁsatyaṁ punaḥpunaḥ

There is no mantra equal to the Gayatri, no city equal to Kashi, no linga equal to Vishveshvara — this is true, most true, again and again.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.9.53)

गायत्री वेदजननी गायत्री ब्राह्मणप्रसूः । गातारं त्रायते यस्माद्गायत्री तेन गीयते

gāyatrī vedajananī gāyatrī brāhmaṇaprasūḥ gātāraṁ trāyate yasmādgāyatrī tena gīyate

The Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas, the Gayatri is the very source of brahminhood; because she saves (trayate) the one who chants (gata) her, she is called 'Gayatri'.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.9.54)

वाच्यवाचकसंबंधो गायत्र्याः सवितुर्द्वयोः । वाच्योसौ सविता साक्षाद्गायत्रीवाचिकापरा

vācyavācakasaṁbaṁdho gāyatryāḥ saviturdvayoḥ vācyosau savitā sākṣādgāyatrīvācikāparā

Between the Gayatri and Savitri, the two, there exists the relation of the word and its meaning: Savitri is directly the meaning signified, while the Gayatri is the other — the word that signifies him.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.9.55)

प्रभावेणैव गायत्र्याः क्षत्रियः कौशिको वशी । राजर्षित्वं परित्यज्य ब्रह्मर्षिपदमीयिवान्

prabhāveṇaiva gāyatryāḥ kṣatriyaḥ kauśiko vaśī rājarṣitvaṁ parityajya brahmarṣipadamīyivān

By the very power of the Gayatri, the self-controlled kshatriya Kaushika, abandoning his rank as a royal sage, attained the state of a brahmarshi;

Verse 56 (skanda.4.9.56)

सामर्थ्यं प्राप चात्युच्चैरन्यद्भुवनसर्जने । किं किं न दद्याद्गायत्री सम्यगेवमुपासिता

sāmarthyaṁ prāpa cātyuccairanyadbhuvanasarjane kiṁ kiṁ na dadyādgāyatrī samyagevamupāsitā

and he attained a still higher power — even the capacity to fashion another creation. What indeed would the Gayatri, rightly worshipped thus, not bestow?

Verse 57 (skanda.4.9.57)

न ब्राह्मणो वेदपाठान्न शास्त्रपठनादपि । देव्यास्त्रिकालमभ्यासाद्बाह्मणः स्याद्धि नान्यथा

na brāhmaṇo vedapāṭhānna śāstrapaṭhanādapi devyāstrikālamabhyāsādbāhmaṇaḥ syāddhi nānyathā

Not through the recitation of the Veda, nor even through the study of the scriptures, does one become a brahmin — only through the thrice-daily practice of [worshipping] the Goddess does one truly become a brahmin, not otherwise.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.9.58)

गायत्र्येव परं विष्णुर्गायत्र्येव परःशिवः । गायत्र्येव परोब्रह्मा गायत्र्येव त्रयी ततः

gāyatryeva paraṁ viṣṇurgāyatryeva paraḥśivaḥ gāyatryeva parobrahmā gāyatryeva trayī tataḥ

The Gayatri alone is the supreme Vishnu, the Gayatri alone is the supreme Shiva, the Gayatri alone is the supreme Brahma; the Gayatri alone, therefore, is the triple Veda.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.9.59)

देवत्रयं स भगवानंशुमाली दिवाकरः । सर्वेषां महसां राशिः कालकालप्रवर्तकः

devatrayaṁ sa bhagavānaṁśumālī divākaraḥ sarveṣāṁ mahasāṁ rāśiḥ kālakālapravartakaḥ

That blessed Divakara, garlanded with rays, is himself the triad of gods; he is the very mass of all splendor, the mover of time and of death itself.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.9.60)

अर्कमुद्दिश्य सततमस्मल्लोकनिवासिनः । श्रुतिं ह्युदाहरंतीमां सारासारविवेकिनः

arkamuddiśya satatamasmallokanivāsinaḥ śrutiṁ hyudāharaṁtīmāṁ sārāsāravivekinaḥ

The wise dwellers of our world, who discern the essential from the inessential, ever cite, with the Sun in mind, this very Vedic text —

Verse 61 (skanda.4.9.61)

एषो ह देवः प्रदिशोनु सर्वाः पूर्वो ह जातः स उ गर्भे अंतः । स एव जातः स जनिष्यमाणः प्रत्यङ्जानास्तिष्ठति सर्वतोमुखः

eṣo ha devaḥ pradiśonu sarvāḥ pūrvo ha jātaḥ sa u garbhe aṁtaḥ sa eva jātaḥ sa janiṣyamāṇaḥ pratyaṅjānāstiṣṭhati sarvatomukhaḥ

'This god pervades all the quarters; he was born first, and he too dwells within the womb; he alone is born, and he alone is yet to be born; facing all beings, he stands with his face turned toward every side.'

Verse 62 (skanda.4.9.62)

सदैवमुपतिष्ठेरन्सौरसूक्तैरतंद्रिताः । ये नमंत्यत्र ते विप्रा विप्रा भास्करसन्निभाः

sadaivamupatiṣṭheransaurasūktairataṁdritāḥ ye namaṁtyatra te viprā viprā bhāskarasannibhāḥ

Those who ever untiring thus worship with the solar hymns and bow here [to the Sun] — those brahmins become brahmins radiant as the Sun himself.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.9.63)

पुष्यार्केप्यथ हस्तार्के मूलार्केप्यथवा द्विज । उत्तरार्केऽथ यत्कार्यं तत्फलत्येव नान्यथा

puṣyārkepyatha hastārke mūlārkepyathavā dvija uttarārke'tha yatkāryaṁ tatphalatyeva nānyathā

On a Sunday falling in the Pushya, or Hasta, or Mula, or Uttara nakshatras, O twice-born, whatever act is then undertaken surely bears fruit, and never fails to.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.9.64)

पौषे मास्यर्कदिवसे यः स्नात्वा भास्करोदये । दानहोमंजपंकुर्यादर्चामर्कस्य सुव्रत

pauṣe māsyarkadivase yaḥ snātvā bhāskarodaye dānahomaṁjapaṁkuryādarcāmarkasya suvrata

He who, in the month of Pausha, on a Sunday, having bathed at sunrise, performs charity, fire-offering, japa, and worship of the Sun, O virtuous one,

Verse 65 (skanda.4.9.65)

श्रद्धावानेकभक्तश्च कामक्रोधविवर्जितः । सहाप्सरोभिर्द्युतिमान्स वसेदत्र भोगवान्

śraddhāvānekabhaktaśca kāmakrodhavivarjitaḥ sahāpsarobhirdyutimānsa vasedatra bhogavān

full of faith, eating but a single meal a day, free from desire and anger — he, radiant, dwells here amid the apsaras, endowed with every enjoyment.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.9.66)

अयने विषुवे चापि षडशीतिमुखेषु वा । विष्णुपद्यां च ये दद्युर्महादानानि सुव्रताः

ayane viṣuve cāpi ṣaḍaśītimukheṣu vā viṣṇupadyāṁ ca ye dadyurmahādānāni suvratāḥ

Those firm in their vows who give great gifts at a solstice, or at an equinox, or at any of the eighty-six [transit points], or on Vishnupadi,

Verse 67 (skanda.4.9.67)

तिलाञ्जुह्वति साज्यांश्च ब्राह्मणान्भोजयंति च । पितॄनुद्दिश्य च श्राद्धं ये कुर्वंति विपश्चितः

tilāñjuhvati sājyāṁśca brāhmaṇānbhojayaṁti ca pitṝnuddiśya ca śrāddhaṁ ye kurvaṁti vipaścitaḥ

who offer sesame mixed with ghee into the fire, who feed brahmins, and who, being learned, perform the shraddha rite for the ancestors,

Verse 68 (skanda.4.9.68)

महापूजां च ये कुर्युर्महामंत्राञ्जपंति च । तेऽत्र वैकर्तने लोके विकर्तनसमप्रभा

mahāpūjāṁ ca ye kuryurmahāmaṁtrāñjapaṁti ca te'tra vaikartane loke vikartanasamaprabhā

and who perform great worship and recite great mantras — they, in this world of Vaikartana, shine with a splendor equal to that of Vikartana himself.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.9.69)

न दरिद्रा न च दुःखार्ता न व्याधि परिपीडिताः । संक्रमेष्वर्कभक्ता ये न विरूपा न दुर्भगाः

na daridrā na ca duḥkhārtā na vyādhi paripīḍitāḥ saṁkrameṣvarkabhaktā ye na virūpā na durbhagāḥ

Those devoted to the Sun at the sankrantis are never poor, never afflicted with sorrow, never tormented by disease, never deformed, never unfortunate.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.9.70)

संक्रमेषु न यैर्दत्तं न स्नातं तीर्थवारिषु। विशेषहोमो न कृतः कपिलाज्याप्लुतैस्तिलैः

saṁkrameṣu na yairdattaṁ na snātaṁ tīrthavāriṣu viśeṣahomo na kṛtaḥ kapilājyāplutaistilaiḥ

But those by whom nothing was given at the sankrantis, who did not bathe in sacred waters, and who did not perform the special fire-offering with sesame steeped in the ghee of a tawny cow —

Verse 71 (skanda.4.9.71)

ते दृश्यंते प्रतिद्वारं विहीन नयनाननाः । देहिदेहीति जल्पंतो देहिनः सपटच्चराः

te dṛśyaṁte pratidvāraṁ vihīna nayanānanāḥ dehidehīti jalpaṁto dehinaḥ sapaṭaccarāḥ

such people are seen at every doorway, their faces bereft of eyes, crying 'give, give,' as beggars clad in tattered rags.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.9.72)

समं कृष्णलकेनापि यो दद्यात्कांचनं कृती । सूर्यग्रहे कुरुक्षेत्रे स वसेदत्र पुण्यभाक्

samaṁ kṛṣṇalakenāpi yo dadyātkāṁcanaṁ kṛtī sūryagrahe kurukṣetre sa vasedatra puṇyabhāk

The skillful man who gives even the weight of a single krishnala in gold, during a solar eclipse in Kurukshetra, dwells here as a possessor of great merit.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.9.73)

सर्वं गंगासमं तोयं सर्वे ब्रह्मसमा द्विजाः । सर्वं देयं स्वर्णसमं राहुग्रस्ते दिवाकरे

sarvaṁ gaṁgāsamaṁ toyaṁ sarve brahmasamā dvijāḥ sarvaṁ deyaṁ svarṇasamaṁ rāhugraste divākare

When the Sun is seized by Rahu, all water becomes equal to the Ganga, all brahmins become equal to Brahma, and every gift given becomes equal to gold.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.9.74)

दत्तं जप्तं हुतं स्नातं यत्किंचित्सदनुष्ठितम्। भानूपरागे श्राद्धादि तद्धेतुर्ब्रध्न संनिधे

dattaṁ japtaṁ hutaṁ snātaṁ yatkiṁcitsadanuṣṭhitam bhānūparāge śrāddhādi taddheturbradhna saṁnidhe

Whatever gift, japa, fire-offering, bathing, shraddha, or other good rite is performed during a solar eclipse becomes a source of great merit, in the very presence of the Sun.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.9.75)

रविवारे संक्रमश्चेदुपरागोऽथवाभवेत् । तदा यदर्जितं पुण्यं तदिहाक्षयमाप्यते

ravivāre saṁkramaśceduparāgo'thavābhavet tadā yadarjitaṁ puṇyaṁ tadihākṣayamāpyate

If a solar transit or an eclipse should occur upon a Sunday, then whatever merit is earned on that occasion becomes imperishable here.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.9.76)

भानुवारो यदा षष्ठ्यां सप्तम्यामथ जायते । तदा यत्सुकृतं कर्म कृतं तदिह भुज्यते

bhānuvāro yadā ṣaṣṭhyāṁ saptamyāmatha jāyate tadā yatsukṛtaṁ karma kṛtaṁ tadiha bhujyate

When Sunday falls upon the sixth or the seventh lunar day, whatever meritorious deed is then performed is enjoyed here in full.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.9.77)

हंसो भानुः सहस्रांशुस्तपनस्तापनो रवि । विकर्तनो विवस्वांश्च विश्वकर्मा विभावसुः

haṁso bhānuḥ sahasrāṁśustapanastāpano ravi vikartano vivasvāṁśca viśvakarmā vibhāvasuḥ

Hamsa, Bhanu, Sahasramshu (of a thousand rays), Tapana, Tapana, Ravi, Vikartana, Vivasvan, Vishvakarma, Vibhavasu —

Verse 78 (skanda.4.9.78)

विश्वरूपो विश्वकर्ता मार्तंडो मिहिरोंऽशुमान् । आदित्यश्चोष्णगुः सूर्योऽर्यमा ब्रध्नो दिवाकरः

viśvarūpo viśvakartā mārtaṁḍo mihiroṁ'śumān ādityaścoṣṇaguḥ sūryo'ryamā bradhno divākaraḥ

Vishvarupa, Vishvakarta, Martanda, Mihira, Amshuman, Aditya, Ushnagu, Surya, Aryama, Bradhna, Divakara —

Verse 79 (skanda.4.9.79)

द्वादशात्मा सप्तहयो भास्करो हस्करः खगः । सुरः प्रभाकरः श्रीमाँल्लोकचक्षुर्ग्रहेश्वरः

dvādaśātmā saptahayo bhāskaro haskaraḥ khagaḥ suraḥ prabhākaraḥ śrīmā~llokacakṣurgraheśvaraḥ

Dvadashatma (of twelve forms), Saptahaya (seven-horsed), Bhaskara, Haskara, Khaga, Sura, Prabhakara, Shrimat, Lokachakshu (eye of the world), Graheshvara (lord of the planets) —

Verse 80 (skanda.4.9.80)

त्रिलोकेशो लोकसाक्षीतमोरिः शाश्वतः शुचिः । गभस्तिहस्तस्तीव्रांशुस्तरणिः सुमहोरणिः

trilokeśo lokasākṣītamoriḥ śāśvataḥ śuciḥ gabhastihastastīvrāṁśustaraṇiḥ sumahoraṇiḥ

Trilokesha (lord of the three worlds), Lokasakshi (witness of the world), Tamori (enemy of darkness), Shashvata, Shuchi, Gabhastihasta (with rays for hands), Tivramshu (fierce-rayed), Tarani, Sumahorani —

Verse 81 (skanda.4.9.81)

द्युमणिर्हरिदश्वोर्को भानुमान्भयनाशनः। छन्दोश्वो वेदवेद्यश्च भास्वान्पूषा वृषाकपिः

dyumaṇirharidaśvorko bhānumānbhayanāśanaḥ chandośvo vedavedyaśca bhāsvānpūṣā vṛṣākapiḥ

Dyumani, Haridashva (tawny-horsed), Arka, Bhanuman, Bhayanashana (destroyer of fear), Chandoshva, Vedavedya (knowable through the Veda), Bhasvan, Pusha, Vrishakapi —

Verse 82 (skanda.4.9.82)

एकचक्ररथो मित्रो मंदेहारिस्तमिस्रहा । दैत्यहा पापहर्ता च धर्मोधर्म प्रकाशकः

ekacakraratho mitro maṁdehāristamisrahā daityahā pāpahartā ca dharmodharma prakāśakaḥ

Ekachakraratha (of the one-wheeled chariot), Mitra, Mandehari (foe of the Mandehas), Tamisraha (destroyer of darkness), Daityaha (slayer of the daityas), Papaharta (remover of sin), and Dharmadharmaprakashaka (revealer of right and wrong) —

Verse 83 (skanda.4.9.83)

हेलिकश्चित्रभानुश्च कलिघ्नस्तार्क्ष्यवाहनः । दिक्पतिः पद्मिनीनाथः कुशेशयकरो हरिः

helikaścitrabhānuśca kalighnastārkṣyavāhanaḥ dikpatiḥ padminīnāthaḥ kuśeśayakaro hariḥ

Helika, Chitrabhanu, Kalighna (destroyer of Kali), Tarkshyavahana, Dikpati, Padmininatha (lord of the lotus), Kusheshayakara, Hari —

Verse 84 (skanda.4.9.84)

घर्मरश्मिर्दुर्निरीक्ष्यश्चंडांशुः कश्यपात्मजः । एभिः सप्ततिसंख्याकैः पुण्यैः सूर्यस्य नामभिः

gharmaraśmirdurnirīkṣyaścaṁḍāṁśuḥ kaśyapātmajaḥ ebhiḥ saptatisaṁkhyākaiḥ puṇyaiḥ sūryasya nāmabhiḥ

Gharmarashmi, Durnirikshya (hard to gaze upon), Chandamshu, Kashyapatmaja (son of Kashyapa) — with these, seventy in number, are the sacred names of the Sun,

Verse 85 (skanda.4.9.85)

प्रणवादि चतुर्थ्यंतैर्नमस्कार समन्वितैः । प्रत्येकमुच्चरन्नाम दृष्ट्वादृष्ट्वा दिवाकरम्

praṇavādi caturthyaṁtairnamaskāra samanvitaiḥ pratyekamuccarannāma dṛṣṭvādṛṣṭvā divākaram

each preceded by the Pranava and ending in the fourth (dative) case, each joined with the salutation 'namah' — uttering each name in turn, whether the Sun-god is seen or unseen,

Verse 86 (skanda.4.9.86)

विगृह्य पाणियुग्मेन ताम्रपात्रं सुनिर्मलम् । जानुभ्यामवनिं गत्वा परिपूर्य जलेन च

vigṛhya pāṇiyugmena tāmrapātraṁ sunirmalam jānubhyāmavaniṁ gatvā paripūrya jalena ca

holding a spotless copper vessel with both hands, going down upon both knees to the ground, and filling it with water,

Verse 87 (skanda.4.9.87)

करवीरादि कुसुमै रक्तचंदनमिश्रितैः । दूर्वांकुरैरक्षतैश्च निक्षिप्तैः पात्रमध्यतः

karavīrādi kusumai raktacaṁdanamiśritaiḥ dūrvāṁkurairakṣataiśca nikṣiptaiḥ pātramadhyataḥ

together with oleander and other flowers mixed with red sandal-paste, sprouts of durva grass, and unbroken rice-grains placed within the vessel,

Verse 88 (skanda.4.9.88)

दद्यादर्घ्यमनर्घ्याय सवित्रे ध्यानपूर्वकम् । उपमौलि समानीय तत्पात्रं नान्यदृङ्मनाः

dadyādarghyamanarghyāya savitre dhyānapūrvakam upamauli samānīya tatpātraṁ nānyadṛṅmanāḥ

one should, with meditation, offer the arghya to Savitri, the priceless one, raising the vessel to the level of one's head, with mind and eye fixed on nothing else,

Verse 89 (skanda.4.9.89)

प्रतिमंत्रं नमस्कुर्यादुदयास्तमये रविम् । अनया नामसप्तत्या महामंत्ररहस्यया

pratimaṁtraṁ namaskuryādudayāstamaye ravim anayā nāmasaptatyā mahāmaṁtrarahasyayā

and salute the Sun at his rising and his setting with a mantra for each name, by means of this seventy-name litany, the secret of the great mantra.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.9.90)

एवं कुर्वन्नरो जातु न दरिद्रो न दुःखभाक् । व्याधिभिर्मुच्यते घोरैरपिजन्मांतरार्जितैः

evaṁ kurvannaro jātu na daridro na duḥkhabhāk vyādhibhirmucyate ghorairapijanmāṁtarārjitaiḥ

A man who acts thus never becomes poor, nor ever suffers sorrow; he is freed even from terrible diseases carried over from a former birth.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.9.91)

विनौषधैर्विना वैद्यैर्विनापथ्यपरिग्रहैः । कालेन निधनं प्राप्तः सूर्यलोके महीयते

vinauṣadhairvinā vaidyairvināpathyaparigrahaiḥ kālena nidhanaṁ prāptaḥ sūryaloke mahīyate

Without medicines, without physicians, without any dietary restriction, when in time he meets his death, he is exalted in the world of the Sun.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.9.92)

इत्येकदेशः कथितो भानुलोकस्य सत्तम । महातेजोनिधेरस्य कोविशेषमवैत्यहो

ityekadeśaḥ kathito bhānulokasya sattama mahātejonidherasya koviśeṣamavaityaho

Thus, O most excellent one, only a portion has been told of the world of Bhanu; ah, who indeed can know the full extent of this treasure-house of great splendor?

Verse 93 (skanda.4.9.93)

स्वकर्णविषयीकुर्वन्नितिपुण्यकथामिमाम् । क्षणादालोकयांचक्रे महेंद्रस्य महापुरीम्

svakarṇaviṣayīkurvannitipuṇyakathāmimām kṣaṇādālokayāṁcakre maheṁdrasya mahāpurīm

Making this sacred story the very object of his own hearing, he then, in a moment, beheld the great city of Mahendra.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.9.94)

अगस्तिरुवाच । श्रुत्वा सौरीं कथमेतामप्सरोलोकसंयुताम् । न दरिद्रो भवेत्क्वापि नाधर्मेषु प्रवर्तते

agastiruvāca śrutvā saurīṁ kathametāmapsarolokasaṁyutām na daridro bhavetkvāpi nādharmeṣu pravartate

Agastya said: Having heard this story of the Sun's world together with the world of the Apsaras, a man never becomes poor anywhere, nor engages in unrighteous deeds.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.9.95)

ब्राह्मणैः सततं श्राव्यमिदमाख्यानमुत्तमम् । वेदपाठेन यत्पुण्यं तत्पुण्यफलदायकम्

brāhmaṇaiḥ satataṁ śrāvyamidamākhyānamuttamam vedapāṭhena yatpuṇyaṁ tatpuṇyaphaladāyakam

This excellent narrative should ever be heard by brahmins; it bestows the very fruit of merit that comes from the recitation of the Veda.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.9.96)

ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शृण्वंतोऽध्यायमुत्तमम् । पातकानि विसृज्येह गतिं यास्यंत्यनुत्तमाम्

brāhmaṇāḥ kṣatriyā vaiśyāḥ śṛṇvaṁto'dhyāyamuttamam pātakāni visṛjyeha gatiṁ yāsyaṁtyanuttamām

Brahmins, kshatriyas, and vaishyas, hearing this excellent chapter, casting off their sins here, shall attain the highest, unsurpassed goal.