Greatness and Rules of the Madhuka-Tritiya Vrata

Verse 1 (skanda.5.181.1)

युधिष्ठिर उवाच। जालेश्वरेऽपि यत्प्रोक्तं त्वया पूर्वं द्विजोत्तम । तत्कथं तु भवेत्पुण्यमृषिसिद्धनिषेवितम्

yudhiṣṭhira uvāca| jāleśvare'pi yatproktaṁ tvayā pūrvaṁ dvijottama | tatkathaṁ tu bhavetpuṇyamṛṣisiddhaniṣevitam

Yudhishthira said: O best of brahmins, what you earlier spoke of regarding Jaleshvara — how did that come to be a sacred place resorted to by sages and Siddhas?

Verse 2 (skanda.5.181.2)

श्रीमार्कण्डेय उवाच। जालेश्वरात्परं तीर्थं न भूतं न भविष्यति । तस्योत्पत्तिं कथयतः शृणु त्वं पाण्डुनन्दन

śrīmārkaṇḍeya uvāca| jāleśvarātparaṁ tīrthaṁ na bhūtaṁ na bhaviṣyati | tasyotpattiṁ kathayataḥ śṛṇu tvaṁ pāṇḍunandana

Sri Markandeya said: There has been, and there will be, no tirtha greater than Jaleshvara. O son of Pandu, hear its origin as I tell it.

Verse 3 (skanda.5.181.3)

पुरा ऋषिगणाः सर्वे सेन्द्राश्चैव मरुद्गणाः । तापिता असुरैः सर्वैः क्षयं नीता ह्यनेकशः

purā ṛṣigaṇāḥ sarve sendrāścaiva marudgaṇāḥ | tāpitā asuraiḥ sarvaiḥ kṣayaṁ nītā hyanekaśaḥ

Formerly all the sages, together with Indra and the hosts of Maruts, were tormented by all the demons and repeatedly brought to ruin.

Verse 4 (skanda.5.181.4)

बाणासुरप्रभृतिभिर्जम्भशुम्भपुरोगमैः । वध्यमाना ह्यनेकैश्च ब्रह्माणं शरणं गताः

bāṇāsuraprabhṛtibhirjambhaśumbhapurogamaiḥ | vadhyamānā hyanekaiśca brahmāṇaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatāḥ

Being slain by the demons led by Banasura, Jambha, and Shumbha, they went for refuge to Brahma.

Verse 5 (skanda.5.181.5)

विमानैः पर्वताकारैर्हयैश्चैव गजोपमैः । स्यन्दनैर्नगराकारैः सिंहशार्दूलयोजितैः

vimānaiḥ parvatākārairhayaiścaiva gajopamaiḥ | syandanairnagarākāraiḥ siṁhaśārdūlayojitaiḥ

On aerial chariots shaped like mountains, on horses like elephants, on city-shaped chariots yoked with lions and tigers,

Verse 6 (skanda.5.181.6)

कच्छपैर्मकरैश्चान्ये जग्मुरन्ये पदातयः । प्राप्य ते परमं स्थानमशक्यं यदधार्मिकैः

kacchapairmakaraiścānye jagmuranye padātayaḥ | prāpya te paramaṁ sthānamaśakyaṁ yadadhārmikaiḥ

riding on tortoises and crocodiles, and some on foot, they reached that supreme abode, unattainable to the unrighteous.

Verse 7 (skanda.5.181.7)

दृष्ट्वा पद्मोद्भवं देवं सर्वलोकस्य शङ्करम् । ते सर्वे तत्र गत्वा तु स्तुतिं चक्रुः समाहिताः

dṛṣṭvā padmodbhavaṁ devaṁ sarvalokasya śaṅkaram | te sarve tatra gatvā tu stutiṁ cakruḥ samāhitāḥ

Seeing the lotus-born god, benefactor of all worlds, they all, gathered there with focused mind, began to offer praise.

Verse 8 (skanda.5.181.8)

देवा ऊचुः । जयामेय जयाभेद जय सम्भूतिकारक । पद्मयोने सुरश्रेष्ठ त्वां वयं शरणं गताः

devā ūcuḥ | jayāmeya jayābheda jaya sambhūtikāraka | padmayone suraśreṣṭha tvāṁ vayaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatāḥ

The gods said: 'Victory to the immeasurable one! Victory to the undivided one! Victory to the maker of creation! O lotus-born, best of gods, we have come to you for refuge.'

Verse 9 (skanda.5.181.9)

तच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचो देवो देवानां भावितात्मनाम् । मेघगम्भीरया वाचा प्रत्युवाच पितामहः

tacchrutvā tu vaco devo devānāṁ bhāvitātmanām | meghagambhīrayā vācā pratyuvāca pitāmahaḥ

Hearing those words of the purified-minded gods, the Grandsire Brahma replied in a voice deep as thunder —

Verse 10 (skanda.5.181.10)

किं वो ह्यागमनं देवाः सर्वेषां च विवर्णता । केनावमानिताः सर्वे शीघ्रं कथयतामराः

kiṁ vo hyāgamanaṁ devāḥ sarveṣāṁ ca vivarṇatā | kenāvamānitāḥ sarve śīghraṁ kathayatāmarāḥ

'O gods, why have you come, and why are all your faces pale? By whom have you been insulted? Tell me quickly, O immortals.'

Verse 11 (skanda.5.181.11)

देवा ऊचुः । बाणो नाम महावीर्यो दानवो बलदर्पितः । तेनास्माकं हृतं सर्वं धनरत्नैर्वियोजिताः

devā ūcuḥ | bāṇo nāma mahāvīryo dānavo baladarpitaḥ | tenāsmākaṁ hṛtaṁ sarvaṁ dhanaratnairviyojitāḥ

The gods said: 'There is a demon of great might named Bana, drunk with strength; he has seized everything of ours, and we are stripped of wealth and jewels.'

Verse 12 (skanda.5.181.12)

देवानां वचनं श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः । चिन्तयामास देवेशस्तस्य नाशाय या क्रिया

devānāṁ vacanaṁ śrutvā brahmā lokapitāmahaḥ | cintayāmāsa deveśastasya nāśāya yā kriyā

Hearing the gods' words, Brahma, grandsire of the worlds, lord of gods, began pondering a means of his destruction —

Verse 13 (skanda.5.181.13)

अवध्यो दानवः पापः सर्वेषां वै दिवौकसाम् । मुक्त्वा तु शङ्करं देवं न मया न च विष्णुना

avadhyo dānavaḥ pāpaḥ sarveṣāṁ vai divaukasām | muktvā tu śaṅkaraṁ devaṁ na mayā na ca viṣṇunā

'That sinful demon is unslayable by all the gods — except by the god Shankara, neither I nor Vishnu can slay him.'

Verse 14 (skanda.5.181.14)

तत्रैव सर्वे गच्छामो यत्र देवो महेश्वरः । स गतिश्चैव सर्वेषां विद्यतेऽन्यो न कश्चन

tatraiva sarve gacchāmo yatra devo maheśvaraḥ | sa gatiścaiva sarveṣāṁ vidyate'nyo na kaścana

'Let us all go where the god Maheshvara is; he alone is the refuge of all — there is no other.'

Verse 15 (skanda.5.181.15)

एवमुक्त्वा सुरैः सर्वैर्ब्रह्मा वेदविदांवरः । ब्राह्मणैः सह विद्वद्भिरतो यत्र महेश्वरः

evamuktvā suraiḥ sarvairbrahmā vedavidāṁvaraḥ | brāhmaṇaiḥ saha vidvadbhirato yatra maheśvaraḥ

Having said this, Brahma, foremost of Veda-knowers, went, together with all the gods and learned brahmins, to where Maheshvara was,

Verse 16 (skanda.5.181.16)

स्तुतिभिश्च सुपुष्टाभिस्तुष्टाव परमेश्वरम्

stutibhiśca supuṣṭābhistuṣṭāva parameśvaram

and pleased the Supreme Lord with beautiful hymns of praise.

Verse 17 (skanda.5.181.17)

देवा ऊचुः । जय त्वं देवदेवेश जयोमार्धशरीरधृक् । वृषासन महाबाहो शशाङ्ककृतभूषण

devā ūcuḥ | jaya tvaṁ devadeveśa jayomārdhaśarīradhṛk | vṛṣāsana mahābāho śaśāṅkakṛtabhūṣaṇa

The gods said: 'Victory to you, lord of the gods of gods, who bear Uma as half your body! O mighty-armed one, seated on the bull, adorned with the moon!'

Verse 18 (skanda.5.181.18)

नमः शूलाग्रहस्ताय नमः खट्वाङ्गधारिणे । जय भूतपते देव दक्षयज्ञविनाशन

namaḥ śūlāgrahastāya namaḥ khaṭvāṅgadhāriṇe | jaya bhūtapate deva dakṣayajñavināśana

'Salutation to the one whose hand bears the trident's tip, salutation to the bearer of the skull-staff! Victory, O lord of beings, destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice!'

Verse 19 (skanda.5.181.19)

पञ्चाक्षर नमो देव पञ्चभूतात्मविग्रह । पञ्चवक्त्रमयेशान वेदैस्त्वं तु प्रगीयसे

pañcākṣara namo deva pañcabhūtātmavigraha | pañcavaktramayeśāna vedaistvaṁ tu pragīyase

'Salutation, O god of the five syllables, whose body is the essence of the five elements! O five-faced Ishana, you are sung by the Vedas.'

Verse 20 (skanda.5.181.20)

सृष्टिपालनसंहारांस्त्वं सदा कुरुषे नमः । अष्टमूर्ते स्मरहर स्मर सत्यं यथा स्तुतः

sṛṣṭipālanasaṁhārāṁstvaṁ sadā kuruṣe namaḥ | aṣṭamūrte smarahara smara satyaṁ yathā stutaḥ

'You ever perform creation, preservation, and destruction — salutation! O one of eight forms, destroyer of the god of love, remember the truth as you are praised.'

Verse 21 (skanda.5.181.21)

पञ्चात्मिका तनुर्देव ब्राह्मणैस्ते प्रगीयते । सद्यो वामे तथाघोरे ईशो तत्पुरुषे तथा

pañcātmikā tanurdeva brāhmaṇaiste pragīyate | sadyo vāme tathāghore īśo tatpuruṣe tathā

'O god, your fivefold body, celebrated by the brahmins, in the forms of Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Ishana, and Tatpurusha —'

Verse 22 (skanda.5.181.22)

हेमजाले सुविस्तीर्णे हंसवत्कूजसे हर । एवं स्तुतो मुनिगणैर्ब्रह्माद्यैश्च सुरासुरैः

hemajāle suvistīrṇe haṁsavatkūjase hara | evaṁ stuto munigaṇairbrahmādyaiśca surāsuraiḥ

'— murmurs like a swan in that vast golden net, O Hara!' Thus praised by the hosts of sages, by Brahma and the gods and demons,

Verse 23 (skanda.5.181.23)

प्रहृष्टः सुमना भूत्वा सुरसङ्घानुवाच ह

prahṛṣṭaḥ sumanā bhūtvā surasaṅghānuvāca ha

greatly delighted and pleased of mind, he spoke to the assembly of gods.

Verse 24 (skanda.5.181.24)

ईश्वर उवाच। स्वागतं देवविप्राणां सुप्रभाताद्य शर्वरी । किं कुर्मो वदत क्षिप्रं कोऽन्यः सेव्यः सुरासुरैः

īśvara uvāca| svāgataṁ devaviprāṇāṁ suprabhātādya śarvarī | kiṁ kurmo vadata kṣipraṁ ko'nyaḥ sevyaḥ surāsuraiḥ

Ishvara said: 'Welcome to the gods and brahmins; this night has today turned to good dawn. What shall I do? Tell me quickly. Who else is served by gods and demons?'

Verse 25 (skanda.5.181.25)

किं दुःखं को नु सन्तापः कुतो वो भयमागतम् । कथयध्वं महाभागाः कारणं यन्मनोगतम्

kiṁ duḥkhaṁ ko nu santāpaḥ kuto vo bhayamāgatam | kathayadhvaṁ mahābhāgāḥ kāraṇaṁ yanmanogatam

'What is your sorrow, what your anguish, whence has fear come upon you? O illustrious ones, tell me the cause that is on your minds.'

Verse 26 (skanda.5.181.26)

एवमुक्तास्तु रुद्रेण प्रत्यवोचन्सुरर्षभाः । स्वान्स्वान्देहान्दर्शयन्तो लज्जमाना अधोमुखाः

evamuktāstu rudreṇa pratyavocansurarṣabhāḥ | svānsvāndehāndarśayanto lajjamānā adhomukhāḥ

Thus addressed by Rudra, the foremost gods, ashamed and downcast, began to answer, showing their own bodies —

Verse 27 (skanda.5.181.27)

अस्ति घोरो महावीर्यो दानवो बलदर्पितः । बाणो नामेति विख्यातो यस्य तत्त्रिपुरं महत्

asti ghoro mahāvīryo dānavo baladarpitaḥ | bāṇo nāmeti vikhyāto yasya tattripuraṁ mahat

'There is a terrible demon, mighty and drunk with strength, renowned by the name Bana, whose is that great Tripura.'

Verse 28 (skanda.5.181.28)

तेन वै सुतपस्तप्तं दशवर्षशतानि हि । तस्य तुष्टोऽभवद्ब्रह्मा नियमेन दमेन च

tena vai sutapastaptaṁ daśavarṣaśatāni hi | tasya tuṣṭo'bhavadbrahmā niyamena damena ca

'He performed excellent austerity for a thousand years; and Brahma was pleased by his discipline and self-restraint.'

Verse 29 (skanda.5.181.29)

पुराणि तान्यभेद्यानि ददौ कामगमानि वै । आयसं राजतं चैव सौवर्णं च तथापरम्

purāṇi tānyabhedyāni dadau kāmagamāni vai | āyasaṁ rājataṁ caiva sauvarṇaṁ ca tathāparam

'He gave him impregnable cities that move at will — one of iron, one of silver, and another likewise of gold.'

Verse 30 (skanda.5.181.30)

त्रिपुरं ब्रह्मणा सृष्टं भ्रमत्तत्कामगामि च । तस्यैव तु बलोत्कृष्टास्त्रिपुरे दानवाः स्थिताः

tripuraṁ brahmaṇā sṛṣṭaṁ bhramattatkāmagāmi ca | tasyaiva tu balotkṛṣṭāstripure dānavāḥ sthitāḥ

'That Tripura, made by Brahma, wanders as it wishes; his own mighty demons dwell within that Tripura.'

Verse 31 (skanda.5.181.31)

त्रैलोक्यं सकलं देव पीडयन्ति महासुराः । दण्डपाशासिशस्त्राणि अविकारे विकुर्वते । त्रिपुरं दानवैर्जुष्टं भ्रमत्तच्चक्रसंनिभम्

trailokyaṁ sakalaṁ deva pīḍayanti mahāsurāḥ | daṇḍapāśāsiśastrāṇi avikāre vikurvate | tripuraṁ dānavairjuṣṭaṁ bhramattaccakrasaṁnibham

'O god, those great demons oppress the entire three worlds, wreaking harm on the innocent with clubs, nooses, and swords. That Tripura, filled with demons, wanders like a turning wheel.'

Verse 32 (skanda.5.181.32)

क्वचिद्दृश्यमदृश्यं वा मृगतृष्णैव लक्ष्यते

kvaciddṛśyamadṛśyaṁ vā mṛgatṛṣṇaiva lakṣyate

'Sometimes visible, sometimes vanishing, it appears like a mirage.'

Verse 33 (skanda.5.181.33)

यस्मिन्पतति तद्दिव्यं दृप्तस्य त्रिपुरं महत् । न तत्र ब्राह्मणा देवा गावो नैव तु जन्तवः

yasminpatati taddivyaṁ dṛptasya tripuraṁ mahat | na tatra brāhmaṇā devā gāvo naiva tu jantavaḥ

'Wherever that great divine Tripura of the arrogant one descends, neither brahmins, gods, cattle, nor any creatures survive.'

Verse 34 (skanda.5.181.34)

न तत्र दृश्यते किंचित्पतेद्यत्र पुरत्रयम् । नद्यो ग्रामाश्च देशाश्च बहवो भस्मसात्कृताः

na tatra dṛśyate kiṁcitpatedyatra puratrayam | nadyo grāmāśca deśāśca bahavo bhasmasātkṛtāḥ

'Nothing whatsoever is seen wherever that triple city descends; many rivers, villages, and lands have been reduced to ashes.'

Verse 35 (skanda.5.181.35)

सुवर्णं रजतं चैव मणिमौक्तिकमेव च । स्त्रीरत्नं शोभनं यच्च तत्सर्वं कर्षते बलात्

suvarṇaṁ rajataṁ caiva maṇimauktikameva ca | strīratnaṁ śobhanaṁ yacca tatsarvaṁ karṣate balāt

'Gold, silver, gems, pearls, and whatever fine jewel of womanhood there is — all of it he seizes by force.'

Verse 36 (skanda.5.181.36)

न शस्त्रेण न चास्त्रेण न दिवा निशि वा हर । शक्यते देवसङ्घैश्च निहन्तुं स कथंचन

na śastreṇa na cāstreṇa na divā niśi vā hara | śakyate devasaṅghaiśca nihantuṁ sa kathaṁcana

'O Hara, neither by weapon nor by missile, neither by day nor by night, can it be destroyed by the hosts of gods in any way.'

Verse 37 (skanda.5.181.37)

तद्दहस्व महादेव त्वं हि नः परमा गतिः । एवं प्रसादं देवेश सर्वेषां कर्तुमर्हसि

taddahasva mahādeva tvaṁ hi naḥ paramā gatiḥ | evaṁ prasādaṁ deveśa sarveṣāṁ kartumarhasi

'Burn it, O Mahadeva — you alone are our supreme refuge. O lord of gods, grant this grace to us all.'

Verse 38 (skanda.5.181.38)

येन देवाश्च गन्धर्वा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः । परां धृतिं समायान्ति तत्प्रभो कर्तुमर्हसि

yena devāśca gandharvā ṛṣayaśca tapodhanāḥ | parāṁ dhṛtiṁ samāyānti tatprabho kartumarhasi

'Do that, O lord, by which gods, Gandharvas, and sages rich in austerity may attain supreme steadfastness.'

Verse 39 (skanda.5.181.39)

ईश्वर उवाच। एतत्सर्वं करिष्यामि मा विषादं गमिष्यथ । अचिरेणैव कालेन कुर्यां युष्मत्सुखावहम्

īśvara uvāca| etatsarvaṁ kariṣyāmi mā viṣādaṁ gamiṣyatha | acireṇaiva kālena kuryāṁ yuṣmatsukhāvaham

Ishvara said: 'I shall do all this — do not despair. In a short time I shall bring about your happiness.'

Verse 40 (skanda.5.181.40)

आश्वासयित्वा तान्देवान्सर्वानिन्द्रपुरोगमान् । चिन्तयामास देवेशस्त्रिपुरस्य वधं प्रति

āśvāsayitvā tāndevānsarvānindrapurogamān | cintayāmāsa deveśastripurasya vadhaṁ prati

Having reassured all the gods led by Indra, the lord of gods began pondering the destruction of Tripura —

Verse 41 (skanda.5.181.41)

कथं केन प्रकारेण हन्तव्यं त्रिपुरं मया । तमेकं नारदं मुक्त्वा नान्योपायो विधीयते

kathaṁ kena prakāreṇa hantavyaṁ tripuraṁ mayā | tamekaṁ nāradaṁ muktvā nānyopāyo vidhīyate

'By what means should I destroy Tripura? Apart from Narada alone, no other means exists.'

Verse 42 (skanda.5.181.42)

एवं संस्तभ्य चात्मानं ततो ध्यातः स नारदः । तत्क्षणादेव सम्प्राप्तो वायुभूतो महातपाः

evaṁ saṁstabhya cātmānaṁ tato dhyātaḥ sa nāradaḥ | tatkṣaṇādeva samprāpto vāyubhūto mahātapāḥ

Having thus composed himself, he meditated on Narada; and that greatly austere one, swift as the wind, arrived that very instant,

Verse 43 (skanda.5.181.43)

कमण्डलुधरो देवस्त्रिदण्डी ज्ञानकोविदः । योगपट्टाक्षसूत्रेण छत्रेणैव विराजितः

kamaṇḍaludharo devastridaṇḍī jñānakovidaḥ | yogapaṭṭākṣasūtreṇa chatreṇaiva virājitaḥ

bearing a water-pot and the triple staff, that god skilled in knowledge, adorned with a yoga-band, a rosary, and an umbrella,

Verse 44 (skanda.5.181.44)

जटाजूटाबद्धशिरा ज्वलनार्कसमप्रभः । त्रिधा प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य दण्डवत्पतितो भुवि

jaṭājūṭābaddhaśirā jvalanārkasamaprabhaḥ | tridhā pradakṣiṇīkṛtya daṇḍavatpatito bhuvi

his head bound in matted locks, radiant as fire or the sun; having circled thrice, he prostrated flat upon the ground.

Verse 45 (skanda.5.181.45)

कृताञ्जलिपुटो भूत्वा नारदो भगवान्मुनिः । स्तोत्रेण महता शर्वः स्तुतो भक्त्या महामनाः

kṛtāñjalipuṭo bhūtvā nārado bhagavānmuniḥ | stotreṇa mahatā śarvaḥ stuto bhaktyā mahāmanāḥ

With joined hands, the blessed sage Narada praised Shiva devotedly with a mighty hymn —

Verse 46 (skanda.5.181.46)

नारद उवाच। जय शम्भो विरूपाक्ष जय देव त्रिलोचन । जय शङ्कर ईशान रुद्रेश्वर नमोऽस्तु ते

nārada uvāca| jaya śambho virūpākṣa jaya deva trilocana | jaya śaṅkara īśāna rudreśvara namo'stu te

Narada said: 'Victory, O Shambhu, of strange eyes! Victory, O three-eyed god! Victory, O Shankara, Ishana, lord Rudra — salutation to you.'

Verse 47 (skanda.5.181.47)

त्वं पतिस्त्वं जगत्कर्ता त्वमेव लयकृद्विभो । त्वमेव जगतां नाथो दुष्टातकनिषूदनः

tvaṁ patistvaṁ jagatkartā tvameva layakṛdvibho | tvameva jagatāṁ nātho duṣṭātakaniṣūdanaḥ

'You are the lord, you the maker of the world, you the destroyer, O mighty one; you alone are the protector of the worlds, destroyer of the wicked.'

Verse 48 (skanda.5.181.48)

त्वं नः पाहि सुरेशान त्रयीमूर्ते सनातन । भवमूर्ते भवारे त्वं भजतामभयो भव

tvaṁ naḥ pāhi sureśāna trayīmūrte sanātana | bhavamūrte bhavāre tvaṁ bhajatāmabhayo bhava

'Protect us, O lord of gods, eternal embodiment of the triple Veda! O form of existence, foe of worldly bondage, grant fearlessness to your devotees.'

Verse 49 (skanda.5.181.49)

भवभावविनाशार्थं भव त्वां शरणं भजे । किमर्थं चिन्तितो देव आज्ञा मे दीयतां प्रभो

bhavabhāvavināśārthaṁ bhava tvāṁ śaraṇaṁ bhaje | kimarthaṁ cintito deva ājñā me dīyatāṁ prabho

'O Bhava, for the destruction of worldly existence I take refuge in you. Why have you thought of me, O lord? Give me your command.'

Verse 50 (skanda.5.181.50)

कस्य संक्षोभये चित्तं को वाद्य पततु क्षितौ । कमद्य कलहेनाहं योजये जयतांवर

kasya saṁkṣobhaye cittaṁ ko vādya patatu kṣitau | kamadya kalahenāhaṁ yojaye jayatāṁvara

'Whose mind shall I disturb? Who shall today fall to the earth? Whom shall I engage today in strife, O best of the victorious?'

Verse 51 (skanda.5.181.51)

नारदस्य वचः श्रुत्वा देवदेवो महेश्वरः । उत्फुल्लनयनो भूत्वा इदं वचनमब्रवीत्

nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā devadevo maheśvaraḥ | utphullanayano bhūtvā idaṁ vacanamabravīt

Hearing Narada's words, Maheshvara, the god of gods, his eyes wide with pleasure, spoke this —

Verse 52 (skanda.5.181.52)

स्वागतं ते मुनिश्रेष्ठ सदैव कलहप्रिय । वीणावादनतत्त्वज्ञ ब्रह्मपुत्र सनातन

svāgataṁ te muniśreṣṭha sadaiva kalahapriya | vīṇāvādanatattvajña brahmaputra sanātana

Ishvara said: 'Welcome, O foremost of sages, ever fond of strife! O one skilled in playing the vina, eternal son of Brahma!'

Verse 53 (skanda.5.181.53)

गच्छ नारद शीघ्रं त्वं यत्र तत्त्रिपुरं महत् । बाणस्य दानवेन्द्रस्य सर्वलोकभयावहम्

gaccha nārada śīghraṁ tvaṁ yatra tattripuraṁ mahat | bāṇasya dānavendrasya sarvalokabhayāvaham

'O Narada, go quickly to where the great Tripura of the demon-lord Bana stands, a terror to all worlds.'

Verse 54 (skanda.5.181.54)

भर्तारो देवतातुल्याः स्त्रियस्तत्राप्सरःसमाः । तासां वै तेजसा चैव भ्रमते त्रिपुरं महत्

bhartāro devatātulyāḥ striyastatrāpsaraḥsamāḥ | tāsāṁ vai tejasā caiva bhramate tripuraṁ mahat

'There the husbands are like gods, and the women like Apsaras; by their power alone that great Tripura keeps moving.'

Verse 55 (skanda.5.181.55)

न शक्यते कथं भेत्तुं सर्वोपायैर्द्विजोत्तम । गत्वा त्वं मोहय क्षिप्रं पृथग्धर्मैरनेकधा

na śakyate kathaṁ bhettuṁ sarvopāyairdvijottama | gatvā tvaṁ mohaya kṣipraṁ pṛthagdharmairanekadhā

'O best of brahmins, it cannot be broken by any means. Go and swiftly delude them by manifold and varied stratagems.'

Verse 56 (skanda.5.181.56)

नारद उवाच। तव वाक्येन देवेश भेदयामि पुरोत्तमम् । अभेद्यं बहुधोपायैर्यत्तु देवैः सवासवैः

nārada uvāca| tava vākyena deveśa bhedayāmi purottamam | abhedyaṁ bahudhopāyairyattu devaiḥ savāsavaiḥ

Narada said: 'At your word, O lord of gods, I shall break that supreme city, unbreakable by manifold means even by the gods and Indra.'

Verse 57 (skanda.5.181.57)

एवमुक्त्वा गतो भूप शतयोजनमायतम् । बाणस्य तत्पुरश्रेष्ठमृद्धिवृद्धिसमायुतम्

evamuktvā gato bhūpa śatayojanamāyatam | bāṇasya tatpuraśreṣṭhamṛddhivṛddhisamāyutam

O king, having said this, he went to that excellent city of Bana, extending a hundred yojanas, filled with abundant prosperity,

Verse 58 (skanda.5.181.58)

कृतकौतुकसम्बाधं नानाधातुविचित्रितम् । अनेकहर्म्यसंछन्नमनेकायतनोज्ज्वलम्

kṛtakautukasambādhaṁ nānādhātuvicitritam | anekaharmyasaṁchannamanekāyatanojjvalam

crowded with festivities, adorned with various minerals, covered with many mansions, radiant with numerous shrines,

Verse 59 (skanda.5.181.59)

द्वारतोरणसंयुक्तं कपाटार्गलभूषितम् । बहुयन्त्रसमोपेतं प्राकारपरिखोज्ज्वलम्

dvāratoraṇasaṁyuktaṁ kapāṭārgalabhūṣitam | bahuyantrasamopetaṁ prākāraparikhojjvalam

fitted with gateways and arches, adorned with doors and bolts, equipped with many devices, splendid with ramparts and moats,

Verse 60 (skanda.5.181.60)

वापीकृपतडागैश्च देवतायतनैर्युतम् । हंसकारण्डवाकीर्णं पद्मिनीखण्डमण्डितम्

vāpīkṛpataḍāgaiśca devatāyatanairyutam | haṁsakāraṇḍavākīrṇaṁ padminīkhaṇḍamaṇḍitam

furnished with step-wells, wells, and tanks and temples of the gods, thronged with swans and karandava ducks, graced with lotus groves,

Verse 61 (skanda.5.181.61)

अनेकवनशोभाढ्यं नानाविहगमण्डितम् । एवं गुणगणाकीर्णं बाणस्य पुरमुत्तमम्

anekavanaśobhāḍhyaṁ nānāvihagamaṇḍitam | evaṁ guṇagaṇākīrṇaṁ bāṇasya puramuttamam

rich with the beauty of many groves, adorned with manifold birds — such, filled with this host of excellences, was Bana's supreme city.

Verse 62 (skanda.5.181.62)

तस्य मध्ये महाकायं सप्तकक्षं सुशोभितम् । बाणस्य भवनं दिव्यं सर्वं काञ्चनभूषितम्

tasya madhye mahākāyaṁ saptakakṣaṁ suśobhitam | bāṇasya bhavanaṁ divyaṁ sarvaṁ kāñcanabhūṣitam

In its midst was Bana's vast, seven-chambered, beautifully adorned divine mansion, decked entirely with gold,

Verse 63 (skanda.5.181.63)

मौक्तिकादामशोभाढ्यं वज्रवैडूर्यभूषितम् । रुक्मपट्टतलाकीर्णं रत्नभूम्या सुशोभितम्

mauktikādāmaśobhāḍhyaṁ vajravaiḍūryabhūṣitam | rukmapaṭṭatalākīrṇaṁ ratnabhūmyā suśobhitam

rich with strings of pearls, adorned with diamond and beryl, its ground strewn with gold plates, splendid with a gem-studded floor,

Verse 64 (skanda.5.181.64)

मत्तमातङ्गनिःश्वासैः स्यन्दनैः संकुलीकृतम् । हयहेषितशब्दैश्च नारीणां नूपुरस्वनैः

mattamātaṅganiḥśvāsaiḥ syandanaiḥ saṁkulīkṛtam | hayaheṣitaśabdaiśca nārīṇāṁ nūpurasvanaiḥ

crowded with the breath of rutting elephants and with chariots, resounding with neighing horses and the tinkling of women's anklets,

Verse 65 (skanda.5.181.65)

खड्गतोमरहस्तैश्च वज्राङ्कुशशरायुधैः । रक्षितं घोररूपैश्च दानवैर्बलदर्पितैः

khaḍgatomarahastaiśca vajrāṅkuśaśarāyudhaiḥ | rakṣitaṁ ghorarūpaiśca dānavairbaladarpitaiḥ

guarded by demons of terrible form, drunk with strength, bearing swords and lances, armed with thunderbolts, goads, and arrows —

Verse 66 (skanda.5.181.66)

एवं गुणगणाकीर्णं बाणस्य भवनोत्तमम् । कैलासशिखरप्रख्यं महेन्द्रभवनोपमम्

evaṁ guṇagaṇākīrṇaṁ bāṇasya bhavanottamam | kailāsaśikharaprakhyaṁ mahendrabhavanopamam

thus filled with this host of excellences, Bana's supreme mansion resembled the peak of Kailasa, comparable to the palace of great Indra.

Verse 67 (skanda.5.181.67)

नारदो गगने शीघ्रमगमत्पुरसंमुखः । द्वारदेशं समासाद्य क्षत्तारं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

nārado gagane śīghramagamatpurasaṁmukhaḥ | dvāradeśaṁ samāsādya kṣattāraṁ vākyamabravīt

Narada quickly went through the sky facing that city, and, reaching the gateway, spoke thus to the doorkeeper —

Verse 68 (skanda.5.181.68)

भोभोः क्षत्तर्महाबुद्धे राजकार्यविशारद । शीघ्रं बाणाय चाचक्ष्व नारदो द्वारि तिष्ठति

bhobhoḥ kṣattarmahābuddhe rājakāryaviśārada | śīghraṁ bāṇāya cācakṣva nārado dvāri tiṣṭhati

'O doorkeeper of great intelligence, skilled in royal affairs, quickly tell Bana that Narada stands at the gate.'

Verse 69 (skanda.5.181.69)

स वन्दयित्वा चरणौ नारदस्य त्वरान्वितः । सभामध्यगतं बाणं विज्ञप्तुमुपचक्रमे

sa vandayitvā caraṇau nāradasya tvarānvitaḥ | sabhāmadhyagataṁ bāṇaṁ vijñaptumupacakrame

He, saluting Narada's feet in haste, began to inform Bana, who sat in the midst of his assembly,

Verse 70 (skanda.5.181.70)

वेपमानाङ्गयष्टिस्तु करेणापिहिताननः । शृण्वतां सर्वयोधानामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

vepamānāṅgayaṣṭistu kareṇāpihitānanaḥ | śṛṇvatāṁ sarvayodhānāmidaṁ vacanamabravīt

and, his body trembling, his face covered with his hand, spoke these words within hearing of all the warriors —

Verse 71 (skanda.5.181.71)

वन्दितो देवगन्धर्वैर्यक्षकिन्नरदानवैः । कलिप्रियो दुराराध्यो नारदो द्वारि तिष्ठति

vandito devagandharvairyakṣakinnaradānavaiḥ | kalipriyo durārādhyo nārado dvāri tiṣṭhati

'Narada, revered by gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, and demons, fond of discord and hard to please, stands at the gate.'

Verse 72 (skanda.5.181.72)

द्वारपालस्य तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा बाणस्त्वरान्वितः । द्वाःस्थमाह महादैत्यः सविस्मयमिदं तदा

dvārapālasya tadvākyaṁ śrutvā bāṇastvarānvitaḥ | dvāḥsthamāha mahādaityaḥ savismayamidaṁ tadā

Hearing the doorkeeper's words, Bana the great demon, hastily and with astonishment, said this to the gatekeeper —

Verse 73 (skanda.5.181.73)

बाण उवाच। ब्रह्मपुत्रं सतेजस्कं दुःसहं दुरतिक्रमम् । प्रवेशय महाभागं किमर्थं वारितो बहिः

bāṇa uvāca| brahmaputraṁ satejaskaṁ duḥsahaṁ duratikramam | praveśaya mahābhāgaṁ kimarthaṁ vārito bahiḥ

Bana said: 'Admit the illustrious son of Brahma, radiant, unbearable, and insurmountable. Why has he been kept waiting outside?'

Verse 74 (skanda.5.181.74)

श्रुत्वा प्रभोर्वचस्तस्य प्रावेशयदुदीरितम् । गत्वा वेगेन महता नारदं गृहमागतम्

śrutvā prabhorvacastasya prāveśayadudīritam | gatvā vegena mahatā nāradaṁ gṛhamāgatam

Hearing his lord's word, he at once went with great speed and admitted Narada, who had come to the house.

Verse 75 (skanda.5.181.75)

दृष्ट्वा देवर्षिमायान्तं नारदं सुरपूजितम् । साहसोत्थाय संहृष्टो ववन्दे चरणौ मुनेः

dṛṣṭvā devarṣimāyāntaṁ nāradaṁ surapūjitam | sāhasotthāya saṁhṛṣṭo vavande caraṇau muneḥ

Seeing the divine sage Narada, honored by the gods, arriving, Bana rose up boldly, delighted, and saluted the sage's feet.

Verse 76 (skanda.5.181.76)

ददौ चासनमर्घ्यं च पाद्यं पूजां यथाविधि । न्यवेदयच्च तद्राज्यमात्मानं बान्धवैः सह

dadau cāsanamarghyaṁ ca pādyaṁ pūjāṁ yathāvidhi | nyavedayacca tadrājyamātmānaṁ bāndhavaiḥ saha

He duly offered a seat, the guest-offering, water for the feet, and worship, and presented his kingdom and himself, together with his kinsmen.

Verse 77 (skanda.5.181.77)

पप्रच्छ कुशलं चापि मुनिं बाणासुरः स्वयम्

papraccha kuśalaṁ cāpi muniṁ bāṇāsuraḥ svayam

Banasura himself also inquired after the sage's welfare.

Verse 78 (skanda.5.181.78)

नारद उवाच। साधु साधु महाबाहो दनोर्वंशविवर्द्धन । कोऽन्यस्त्रिभुवने श्लाघ्यस्त्वां मुक्त्वा दनुपुंगव

nārada uvāca| sādhu sādhu mahābāho danorvaṁśavivarddhana | ko'nyastribhuvane ślāghyastvāṁ muktvā danupuṁgava

Narada said: 'Well done, well done, O mighty-armed increaser of Danu's line! Who else in the three worlds is praiseworthy besides you, O foremost of the Danavas?'

Verse 79 (skanda.5.181.79)

पूजितोऽहं दनुश्रेष्ठ धनरत्नैः सुशोभनैः । राज्येन चात्मना वापि ह्येवं कः पूजयेत्परः

pūjito'haṁ danuśreṣṭha dhanaratnaiḥ suśobhanaiḥ | rājyena cātmanā vāpi hyevaṁ kaḥ pūjayetparaḥ

'O best of the Danavas, I have been honored with splendid wealth and jewels, with your kingdom and your very self — who else would so honor me?'

Verse 80 (skanda.5.181.80)

न मे कार्यं हि भोगेन भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यमनामयम् । त्वद्दर्शनोत्सुकः प्राप्तो दृष्ट्वा देवं महेश्वरम्

na me kāryaṁ hi bhogena bhuṅkṣva rājyamanāmayam | tvaddarśanotsukaḥ prāpto dṛṣṭvā devaṁ maheśvaram

'I have no need of enjoyments — enjoy your kingdom free of affliction. Having seen the god Maheshvara, eager to see you, I have come here.'

Verse 81 (skanda.5.181.81)

भ्रमते त्रिपुरं लोके स्त्रीसतीत्वान्मया श्रुतम् । तान्द्रष्टुकामः सम्प्राप्तस्त्वद्दारान्दानवेश्वर

bhramate tripuraṁ loke strīsatītvānmayā śrutam | tāndraṣṭukāmaḥ samprāptastvaddārāndānaveśvara

'I have heard it said that Tripura moves in the world because of the chastity of your women; O lord of demons, I have come desiring to see your wives.'

Verse 82 (skanda.5.181.82)

मन्यसे यदि मे शीघ्रं दर्शयस्व च माचिरम् । नारदस्य वचः श्रुत्वा कञ्चुकिं समुदीक्ष्य वै

manyase yadi me śīghraṁ darśayasva ca māciram | nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā kañcukiṁ samudīkṣya vai

'If you think it right, show them to me at once without delay.' Hearing Narada's words, and looking at an old, staff-bearing, virtuous chamberlain of the inner apartments,

Verse 83 (skanda.5.181.83)

अन्तःपुरचरं वृद्धं दण्डपाणिं गुणान्वितम् । उवाच राजा हृष्टात्मा शब्देनापूरयन्दिशः

antaḥpuracaraṁ vṛddhaṁ daṇḍapāṇiṁ guṇānvitam | uvāca rājā hṛṣṭātmā śabdenāpūrayandiśaḥ

the king, delighted at heart, spoke, filling the directions with his voice —

Verse 84 (skanda.5.181.84)

नारदाय महादेवीं दर्शयस्वेह कञ्चुकिन् । अन्तःपुरचरैः सर्वैः समेतामविशङ्कितः

nāradāya mahādevīṁ darśayasveha kañcukin | antaḥpuracaraiḥ sarvaiḥ sametāmaviśaṅkitaḥ

'O chamberlain, let Narada see the great queen here, together with all the attendants of the inner apartments, without hesitation.'

Verse 85 (skanda.5.181.85)

नाथस्याज्ञां पुरस्कृत्य गृहीत्वा नारदं करे । प्रविश्याकथयद्देव्यै नारदोऽयं समागतः

nāthasyājñāṁ puraskṛtya gṛhītvā nāradaṁ kare | praviśyākathayaddevyai nārado'yaṁ samāgataḥ

Taking his lord's command as authority, and taking Narada by the hand, he entered and told the queen: 'Narada has arrived.'

Verse 86 (skanda.5.181.86)

दृष्ट्वा देवी मुनिश्रेष्ठं कृत्वा पादाभिवन्दनम् । आसनं काञ्चनं शुभ्रमर्घ्यपाद्यादिकं ददौ

dṛṣṭvā devī muniśreṣṭhaṁ kṛtvā pādābhivandanam | āsanaṁ kāñcanaṁ śubhramarghyapādyādikaṁ dadau

Seeing the foremost of sages, the queen, saluting his feet, offered a radiant golden seat and the guest-offering and water for the feet.

Verse 87 (skanda.5.181.87)

तस्यै स भगवांस्तुष्टो ह्याशीर्वादमदात्परम् । नान्या देवि त्रिलोकेऽपि त्वत्समा दृश्यतेऽङ्गना

tasyai sa bhagavāṁstuṣṭo hyāśīrvādamadātparam | nānyā devi triloke'pi tvatsamā dṛśyate'ṅganā

Pleased with her, the blessed one gave her a supreme blessing: 'O queen, no other woman is seen equal to you even in the three worlds —'

Verse 88 (skanda.5.181.88)

पतिव्रता शुभाचारा सत्यशौचसमन्विता । यस्याः प्रभावात्त्रिपुरं भ्रमते चक्रवत्सदा

pativratā śubhācārā satyaśaucasamanvitā | yasyāḥ prabhāvāttripuraṁ bhramate cakravatsadā

'— devoted to your husband, of good conduct, endowed with truth and purity, by whose power Tripura ever moves like a wheel.'

Verse 89 (skanda.5.181.89)

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं देवी नारदस्य सुदान्वितम् । पर्यपृच्छदृषिं भक्त्या धर्मं धर्मभृतांवरा

tacchrutvā vacanaṁ devī nāradasya sudānvitam | paryapṛcchadṛṣiṁ bhaktyā dharmaṁ dharmabhṛtāṁvarā

Hearing Narada's generous words, that queen, foremost among upholders of dharma, devotedly began to question the sage about dharma —

Verse 90 (skanda.5.181.90)

राज्ञ्युवाच - भगवन्मानुषे लोके देवास्तुष्यन्ति कैर्व्रतैः । कानि दानानि दीयन्ते येषां च स्यान्महत्फलम्

rājñyuvāca - bhagavanmānuṣe loke devāstuṣyanti kairvrataiḥ | kāni dānāni dīyante yeṣāṁ ca syānmahatphalam

The queen said: 'O venerable one, by what vows are the gods pleased in the world of men? What gifts are given whose fruit is great?'

Verse 91 (skanda.5.181.91)

उपवासाश्च ये केचित्स्त्रीधर्मे कथिता बुधैः । यैः कृतैः स्वर्गमायान्ति सुकृतिन्यः स्त्रियो यथा

upavāsāśca ye kecitstrīdharme kathitā budhaiḥ | yaiḥ kṛtaiḥ svargamāyānti sukṛtinyaḥ striyo yathā

'And the fasts prescribed by the wise for women's dharma, by observing which meritorious women go to heaven,'

Verse 92 (skanda.5.181.92)

यत्तत्सर्वं महाभाग कथयस्व यथातथम् । श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं सर्वं कथयस्वाविशङ्कितः

yattatsarvaṁ mahābhāga kathayasva yathātatham | śrotumicchāmyahaṁ sarvaṁ kathayasvāviśaṅkitaḥ

'O illustrious one, tell all of that truly; I wish to hear everything — speak without hesitation.'

Verse 93 (skanda.5.181.93)

नारद उवाच। साधु साधु महाभागे प्रश्नोऽयं वेदितस्त्वया । यं श्रुत्वा सर्वनारीणां धर्मवृद्धिस्तु जायते

nārada uvāca| sādhu sādhu mahābhāge praśno'yaṁ veditastvayā | yaṁ śrutvā sarvanārīṇāṁ dharmavṛddhistu jāyate

Narada said: 'Well asked, O illustrious lady, this excellent question, by hearing which the dharma of all women shall increase.'

Verse 94 (skanda.5.181.94)

उपवासैश्च दानैश्च पतिपुत्रौ वशानुगौ । बान्धवैः पूज्यते नित्यं यैः कृतैः कथयामि ते

upavāsaiśca dānaiśca patiputrau vaśānugau | bāndhavaiḥ pūjyate nityaṁ yaiḥ kṛtaiḥ kathayāmi te

'By fasts and gifts, husband and son remain devoted, and one is ever honored by kin — the deeds by which this comes about, I shall tell you.'

Verse 95 (skanda.5.181.95)

दुर्भगा सुभगा यैस्तु सुभगा दुर्भगा भवेत् । पुत्रिणी पुत्ररहिता ह्यपुत्रा पुत्रिणी तथा

durbhagā subhagā yaistu subhagā durbhagā bhavet | putriṇī putrarahitā hyaputrā putriṇī tathā

'By which an unfortunate woman becomes fortunate, and a fortunate one unfortunate; a woman with sons becomes sonless, and a sonless one gains sons,'

Verse 96 (skanda.5.181.96)

भर्तारं लभते कन्या तथान्या भर्तृवर्जिता । कृताकृतैश्च जायन्ते तन्निबोधस्व सुन्दरि

bhartāraṁ labhate kanyā tathānyā bhartṛvarjitā | kṛtākṛtaiśca jāyante tannibodhasva sundari

'a maiden obtains a husband, while another loses one — all this comes about by deeds done or left undone; understand this, O beautiful one.'

Verse 97 (skanda.5.181.97)

तिलधेनुं सुवर्णं च रूप्यं गा वाससी तथा । पानीयं भूमिदानं च गन्धधूपानुलेपनम्

tiladhenuṁ suvarṇaṁ ca rūpyaṁ gā vāsasī tathā | pānīyaṁ bhūmidānaṁ ca gandhadhūpānulepanam

'A sesame cow, gold, silver, cattle, garments; water, the gift of land, fragrance, incense, and unguent,'

Verse 98 (skanda.5.181.98)

पादुकोपानहौ छत्रं पुण्यानि व्यञ्जनानि च । पादाभ्यङ्गं शिरोऽभ्यङ्गं स्नानं शय्यासनानि च

pādukopānahau chatraṁ puṇyāni vyañjanāni ca | pādābhyaṅgaṁ śiro'bhyaṅgaṁ snānaṁ śayyāsanāni ca

'sandals, shoes, an umbrella, sacred offerings, oil for the feet and head, bathing, a bed and a seat —'

Verse 99 (skanda.5.181.99)

एतानि ये प्रयच्छन्ति नोपसर्पन्ति ते यमम् । मधु माषं पयः सर्पिर्लवणं गुडमौषधम्

etāni ye prayacchanti nopasarpanti te yamam | madhu māṣaṁ payaḥ sarpirlavaṇaṁ guḍamauṣadham

'those who give these do not approach Yama. Honey, black gram, milk, ghee, salt, jaggery, medicine,'

Verse 100 (skanda.5.181.100)

पानीयं भूमिदानं च शालीनिक्षुरसांस्तथा । आरक्तवाससी श्लक्ष्णे दम्पत्योर्ललितादिने

pānīyaṁ bhūmidānaṁ ca śālīnikṣurasāṁstathā | āraktavāsasī ślakṣṇe dampatyorlalitādine

'water, land, rice, and sugarcane juice besides; two fine reddish garments for the couple on the day of Lalita worship —'

Verse 101 (skanda.5.181.101)

सौभाग्यं जायते चैव इह लोके परत्र च । ब्राह्मणे वृत्तसम्पन्ने सुरूपे च गुणान्विते

saubhāgyaṁ jāyate caiva iha loke paratra ca | brāhmaṇe vṛttasampanne surūpe ca guṇānvite

'— given to a brahmin of good conduct, handsome and virtuous, bring good fortune in this world and the next.'

Verse 102 (skanda.5.181.102)

तिथौ यस्यामिदं देयं तत्ते राज्ञि वदाम्यहम् । प्रतिपत्सु च या नारी पूर्वाह्णे च शुचिव्रता

tithau yasyāmidaṁ deyaṁ tatte rājñi vadāmyaham | pratipatsu ca yā nārī pūrvāhṇe ca śucivratā

'O queen, on which lunar days these should be given, I shall tell you. On the first day, a woman pure and observing the vow, in the forenoon,'

Verse 103 (skanda.5.181.103)

इन्धनं ब्राह्मणे दद्यात्प्रीयतां मे हुताशनः । तस्या जन्मानि षट्त्रिंशदङ्गप्रत्यङ्गसन्धिषु

indhanaṁ brāhmaṇe dadyātprīyatāṁ me hutāśanaḥ | tasyā janmāni ṣaṭtriṁśadaṅgapratyaṅgasandhiṣu

'should give fuel to a brahmin, praying that Agni be pleased with her. By this, for thirty-six births, in the joints of her limbs,'

Verse 104 (skanda.5.181.104)

न रजो नैव सन्तापो जायते राजवल्लभे । द्वितीयायां तु या नारी नवनीतमुदान्विता

na rajo naiva santāpo jāyate rājavallabhe | dvitīyāyāṁ tu yā nārī navanītamudānvitā

'neither impurity nor affliction arises, and she becomes beloved of a king. On the second day, a woman, joyfully offering fresh butter'

Verse 105 (skanda.5.181.105)

ददाति द्विजमुख्याय सुकुमारतनुर्भवेत् । लवणं विप्रवर्याय तृतीयायां प्रयच्छति

dadāti dvijamukhyāya sukumāratanurbhavet | lavaṇaṁ vipravaryāya tṛtīyāyāṁ prayacchati

'to an excellent brahmin, becomes tender of body. On the third day, she gives salt to an excellent brahmin —'

Verse 106 (skanda.5.181.106)

गौरी मे प्रीयतां देवी तस्याः पुण्यफलं शृणु । कौमारिका पतिं प्राप्य तेन सार्द्धमुमा यथा

gaurī me prīyatāṁ devī tasyāḥ puṇyaphalaṁ śṛṇu | kaumārikā patiṁ prāpya tena sārddhamumā yathā

'praying, “May the goddess Gauri be pleased with me.” Hear her meritorious fruit: a maiden, obtaining a husband, sports with him like Uma'

Verse 107 (skanda.5.181.107)

क्रीडत्यविधवा चापि लभते सा महद्यशः । नक्तं कृत्वा चतुर्थ्यां वै दद्याद्विप्राय मोदकान्

krīḍatyavidhavā cāpi labhate sā mahadyaśaḥ | naktaṁ kṛtvā caturthyāṁ vai dadyādviprāya modakān

'and, never becoming a widow, attains great renown. On the fourth day, having fasted till night, she should give sweet cakes to a brahmin —'

Verse 108 (skanda.5.181.108)

प्रीयतां मम देवेशो गणनाथो विनायकः । तस्यास्तेन फलेनाशु सर्वकर्मसु भामिनि

prīyatāṁ mama deveśo gaṇanātho vināyakaḥ | tasyāstena phalenāśu sarvakarmasu bhāmini

'praying, “May my lord Vinayaka, master of the ganas, be pleased.” By that fruit, O lady, swiftly, in all undertakings,'

Verse 109 (skanda.5.181.109)

विघ्नं न जायते क्वापि एवमाह पितामहः । पञ्चमीं तु ततः प्राप्य ब्राह्मणे तिलदा तु या

vighnaṁ na jāyate kvāpi evamāha pitāmahaḥ | pañcamīṁ tu tataḥ prāpya brāhmaṇe tiladā tu yā

'no obstacle ever arises — so said the Grandsire. Then, on the fifth day, she who gives sesame to a brahmin,'

Verse 110 (skanda.5.181.110)

सा भवेद्रूपसम्पन्ना यथा चैव तिलोत्तमा । षष्ठ्यां तु या मधूकस्य फलदा तु भवेत्सदा

sā bhavedrūpasampannā yathā caiva tilottamā | ṣaṣṭhyāṁ tu yā madhūkasya phaladā tu bhavetsadā

'becomes as beautiful as Tilottama. On the sixth day, she who ever gives the fruit of the madhuka tree,'

Verse 111 (skanda.5.181.111)

उद्दिश्य चाग्निजं देवं ब्राह्मणे वेदपारगे । तस्याः पुत्रो यथा स्कन्दो देवसङ्घेषु चोत्तमः

uddiśya cāgnijaṁ devaṁ brāhmaṇe vedapārage | tasyāḥ putro yathā skando devasaṅgheṣu cottamaḥ

'dedicated to the fire-born god Skanda, to a brahmin versed in the Veda — her son, like Skanda, foremost among the gods,'

Verse 112 (skanda.5.181.112)

उत्पद्यते महाराजः सर्वलोकेषु पूजितः । सप्तम्यां या द्विजश्रेष्ठं सुवर्णेन प्रपूजयेत्

utpadyate mahārājaḥ sarvalokeṣu pūjitaḥ | saptamyāṁ yā dvijaśreṣṭhaṁ suvarṇena prapūjayet

'is born a great king, honored in all worlds. On the seventh day, she who honors an excellent brahmin with gold —'

Verse 113 (skanda.5.181.113)

उद्दिश्य जगतो नाथं देवदेवं दिवाकरम् । तस्य पुण्यफलं यद्वै कथितं द्विजसत्तमैः

uddiśya jagato nāthaṁ devadevaṁ divākaram | tasya puṇyaphalaṁ yadvai kathitaṁ dvijasattamaiḥ

'dedicated to the lord of the world, the sun, god of gods — its meritorious fruit, as declared by the best of brahmins,'

Verse 114 (skanda.5.181.114)

तत्ते राज्ञि प्रवक्ष्यामि शृणुष्वैकमनाः सति । दद्रूचित्रककुष्ठानि मण्डलानि विचर्चिका

tatte rājñi pravakṣyāmi śṛṇuṣvaikamanāḥ sati | dadrūcitrakakuṣṭhāni maṇḍalāni vicarcikā

'I shall now tell you, O queen; listen with a focused mind, O virtuous one. Ringworm, skin blotches, leprosy, sores, and eczema'

Verse 115 (skanda.5.181.115)

न भवन्तीह चाङ्गेषु पूर्वकर्मार्जितान्यपि । कृष्णां धेनुं तथाष्टम्यां या प्रयच्छति भामिनी

na bhavantīha cāṅgeṣu pūrvakarmārjitānyapi | kṛṣṇāṁ dhenuṁ tathāṣṭamyāṁ yā prayacchati bhāminī

'and diseases earned by past deeds do not arise on the limbs. On the eighth day, the woman who gives a black cow'

Verse 116 (skanda.5.181.116)

ब्राह्मणे वृत्तसम्पन्ने प्रीयतां मे महेश्वरः । तस्या जन्मार्जितं पापं नश्यते विभवान्विता

brāhmaṇe vṛttasampanne prīyatāṁ me maheśvaraḥ | tasyā janmārjitaṁ pāpaṁ naśyate vibhavānvitā

'to a virtuous brahmin, praying, “May Maheshvara be pleased with me” — her sin accumulated over births is destroyed, and she becomes prosperous;'

Verse 117 (skanda.5.181.117)

जायते नात्र सन्देहो यस्माद्दानमनुत्तमम् । गन्धधूपं तु या नारी भक्त्या विप्राय दापयेत्

jāyate nātra sandeho yasmāddānamanuttamam | gandhadhūpaṁ tu yā nārī bhaktyā viprāya dāpayet

'of this there is no doubt, for that gift is unmatched. On the ninth day, the woman who, with devotion, gives fragrance and incense to a brahmin'

Verse 118 (skanda.5.181.118)

कात्यायनीं समुद्दिश्य नवम्यां शृणु यत्फलम् । तस्या भ्राता पिता पुत्रः पतिर्वा रणमुत्तमम्

kātyāyanīṁ samuddiśya navamyāṁ śṛṇu yatphalam | tasyā bhrātā pitā putraḥ patirvā raṇamuttamam

'dedicated to Katyayani — hear the fruit: her brother, father, son, or husband, in a great battle,'

Verse 119 (skanda.5.181.119)

प्राप्यते नैव सीदन्ति तेन दानेन रक्षिताः । इक्षुदण्डरसं देवि दशम्यां या प्रयच्छति

prāpyate naiva sīdanti tena dānena rakṣitāḥ | ikṣudaṇḍarasaṁ devi daśamyāṁ yā prayacchati

'never suffer defeat, protected by that gift. O queen, she who on the tenth day gives sugarcane juice'

Verse 120 (skanda.5.181.120)

लोकपालान्समुद्दिश्य ब्राह्मणे व्यङ्गवर्जिते । तेन दानेन सा नित्यं सर्वलोकस्य वल्लभा

lokapālānsamuddiśya brāhmaṇe vyaṅgavarjite | tena dānena sā nityaṁ sarvalokasya vallabhā

'dedicated to the guardians of the world, to a flawless brahmin — by that gift she becomes ever beloved of the whole world;'

Verse 121 (skanda.5.181.121)

जायते नात्र सन्देह इत्येवं शङ्करोऽब्रवीत् । एकादश्यामुपोष्याथ द्वादश्यामुदकप्रदा

jāyate nātra sandeha ityevaṁ śaṅkaro'bravīt | ekādaśyāmupoṣyātha dvādaśyāmudakapradā

'of this there is no doubt — so spoke Shankara. Fasting on the eleventh day, and giving water on the twelfth,'

Verse 122 (skanda.5.181.122)

नारायणं समुद्दिश्य ब्राह्मणे विष्णुतत्परे । सा सदा स्पर्शसम्भाषैर्द्रावयेद्भावयेज्जनम्

nārāyaṇaṁ samuddiśya brāhmaṇe viṣṇutatpare | sā sadā sparśasambhāṣairdrāvayedbhāvayejjanam

'dedicated to Narayana, to a brahmin devoted to Vishnu — she shall ever melt and move people by her touch and speech,'

Verse 123 (skanda.5.181.123)

यस्माद्दानं महर्लोके ह्यनन्तमुदके भवेत् । पादाभ्यङ्गं शिरोऽभ्यङ्गं काममुद्दिश्य वै द्विजे

yasmāddānaṁ maharloke hyanantamudake bhavet | pādābhyaṅgaṁ śiro'bhyaṅgaṁ kāmamuddiśya vai dvije

'for that gift becomes as infinite water in the world of Mahar. On the thirteenth day, dedicated to Kama, to a brahmin,'

Verse 124 (skanda.5.181.124)

ददाति च त्रयोदश्यां भक्त्या परमयाङ्गना । यस्यां यस्यां मृता जायेद्भूयो योन्यां तु जन्मनि

dadāti ca trayodaśyāṁ bhaktyā paramayāṅganā | yasyāṁ yasyāṁ mṛtā jāyedbhūyo yonyāṁ tu janmani

'a woman gives oil for the feet and head with supreme devotion — in whatever womb she is reborn after death,'

Verse 125 (skanda.5.181.125)

तस्यां तस्यां तु सा भर्तुर्न वियुज्येत कर्हिचित् । तथाप्येवं चतुर्दश्यां दद्यात्पात्रमुपानहौ

tasyāṁ tasyāṁ tu sā bharturna viyujyeta karhicit | tathāpyevaṁ caturdaśyāṁ dadyātpātramupānahau

'in that she shall never be separated from her husband. Likewise, on the fourteenth day, a vessel and shoes should be given,'

Verse 126 (skanda.5.181.126)

ब्रह्मणे धर्ममुद्दिश्य तस्या लोका ह्यनामयाः । एवं च पक्षपक्षान्ते श्राद्धे तर्पेद्द्विजोत्तमान्

brahmaṇe dharmamuddiśya tasyā lokā hyanāmayāḥ | evaṁ ca pakṣapakṣānte śrāddhe tarpeddvijottamān

'to a brahmin, for the sake of dharma — her worlds thereafter are free of affliction. And thus at the end of each fortnight, excellent brahmins should be satisfied in the shraddha rite;'

Verse 127 (skanda.5.181.127)

अव्युच्छिन्ना सदा राज्ञि सन्ततिर्जायते भुवि । एवं ते तिथिमाहात्म्यं दानयोगेन भाषितम्

avyucchinnā sadā rājñi santatirjāyate bhuvi | evaṁ te tithimāhātmyaṁ dānayogena bhāṣitam

'O queen, her lineage on earth is never cut off. Thus has the greatness of the lunar days, joined with giving, been told to you.'

Verse 128 (skanda.5.181.128)

तथा वनस्पतीनां तु आराधनविधिं शृणु । जम्बूं निम्बतरुं चैव तिन्दुकं मधुकं तथा

tathā vanaspatīnāṁ tu ārādhanavidhiṁ śṛṇu | jambūṁ nimbataruṁ caiva tindukaṁ madhukaṁ tathā

'Now hear the rule for the worship of trees — the jambu, the neem, the tinduka, and the madhuka,'

Verse 129 (skanda.5.181.129)

आम्रं चामलकं चैव शाल्मलिं वटपिप्पलौ । शमीबिल्वामलीवृक्षं कदलीं पाटलीं तथा

āmraṁ cāmalakaṁ caiva śālmaliṁ vaṭapippalau | śamībilvāmalīvṛkṣaṁ kadalīṁ pāṭalīṁ tathā

'the mango, the amla, the shalmali, banyan and peepal; the shami, bilva, amali tree, plantain, and patali —'

Verse 130 (skanda.5.181.130)

अन्यान्पुण्यतमान्वृक्षानुपेत्य स्वर्गमाप्नुयात्

anyānpuṇyatamānvṛkṣānupetya svargamāpnuyāt

'by resorting to these and other most sacred trees, one attains heaven.'

Verse 131 (skanda.5.181.131)

नारद उवाच। चैत्रे मासे तु या नारी कुर्याद्व्रतमनुत्तमम् । तस्य व्रतस्य चान्यानि कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम्

nārada uvāca| caitre māse tu yā nārī kuryādvratamanuttamam | tasya vratasya cānyāni kalāṁ nārhanti ṣoḍaśīm

Narada said: 'The woman who performs this excellent vow in the month of Chaitra — no other vow equals even a sixteenth part of it.'

Verse 132 (skanda.5.181.132)

श्रुतेन येन सुभगे दुर्भगत्वं न पश्यति । यथा हिमं रविं प्राप्य विलयं याति भूतले

śrutena yena subhage durbhagatvaṁ na paśyati | yathā himaṁ raviṁ prāpya vilayaṁ yāti bhūtale

'O fortunate one, by merely hearing it misfortune vanishes; just as frost, meeting the sun, melts away upon the earth,'

Verse 133 (skanda.5.181.133)

तथा दुःखं च दौर्भाग्यं व्रतादस्माद्विलीयते । मधुकाख्यां तु ललितामाराधयति येन वै

tathā duḥkhaṁ ca daurbhāgyaṁ vratādasmādvilīyate | madhukākhyāṁ tu lalitāmārādhayati yena vai

'so sorrow and misfortune dissolve through this vow, by which one worships Lalita under the name of the madhuka tree,'

Verse 134 (skanda.5.181.134)

विधिं तं शृणु सुभगे कथ्यमानं सुखावहम् । चैत्रे शुक्लतृतीयायां सुस्नाता शुद्धमानसा

vidhiṁ taṁ śṛṇu subhage kathyamānaṁ sukhāvaham | caitre śuklatṛtīyāyāṁ susnātā śuddhamānasā

'hear that happiness-bringing procedure, O fortunate one. On the third day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, well-bathed and pure of mind,'

Verse 135 (skanda.5.181.135)

प्रतिमां मधुवृक्षस्य शाङ्करीमुमया सह । कारयित्वा द्विजवरैः प्रतिष्ठाप्य यथाविधि

pratimāṁ madhuvṛkṣasya śāṅkarīmumayā saha | kārayitvā dvijavaraiḥ pratiṣṭhāpya yathāvidhi

'having had an image of Shankara together with Uma made from madhuka wood by excellent brahmins, and duly installed it,'

Verse 136 (skanda.5.181.136)

सुगन्धिकुसुमैर्धूपैस्तथा कर्पूरकुङ्कुमैः । पूजयेद्विधिना देवं मन्त्रयुक्तेन भामिनी

sugandhikusumairdhūpaistathā karpūrakuṅkumaiḥ | pūjayedvidhinā devaṁ mantrayuktena bhāminī

'a woman should worship the god duly, with fragrant flowers, incense, camphor, and vermilion, accompanied by mantra.'

Verse 137 (skanda.5.181.137)

पादौ नमः शिवायेति मेढ्रे वै मन्मथाय च । कालोदरायेत्युदरं नीलकंठाय कण्ठकम्

pādau namaḥ śivāyeti meḍhre vai manmathāya ca | kālodarāyetyudaraṁ nīlakaṁṭhāya kaṇṭhakam

'The feet are worshipped with Namah Shivaya, the loins with an offering to Manmatha, the belly to Kalodara, the throat to Nilakantha —'

Verse 138 (skanda.5.181.138)

शिरः सर्वात्मने पूज्य उमां पश्चात्प्रपूजयेत् । क्षामोदरायैह्युदरं सुकण्ठायै च कण्ठकम्

śiraḥ sarvātmane pūjya umāṁ paścātprapūjayet | kṣāmodarāyaihyudaraṁ sukaṇṭhāyai ca kaṇṭhakam

'the head worshipped as belonging to the Self of all; then Uma should be worshipped — her belly to Kshamodara, her throat to Sukantha,'

Verse 139 (skanda.5.181.139)

शिरः सौभाग्यदायिन्यै पश्चादर्घ्यं प्रदापयेत्

śiraḥ saubhāgyadāyinyai paścādarghyaṁ pradāpayet

'her head as the bestower of good fortune; and afterward the guest-water offering is given —'

Verse 140 (skanda.5.181.140)

नमस्ते देवदेवेश उमावर जगत्पते । अर्घ्येणानेन मे सर्वं दौर्भाग्यं नाशय प्रभो । इति अर्घ्यमन्त्रः

namaste devadeveśa umāvara jagatpate | arghyeṇānena me sarvaṁ daurbhāgyaṁ nāśaya prabho | iti arghyamantraḥ

'“Salutation to you, lord of the gods of gods, husband of Uma, lord of the world; by this offering destroy all my misfortune, O lord.” — this is the arghya mantra.'

Verse 141 (skanda.5.181.141)

अर्घ्यं दत्त्वा ततः पश्चात्करकं वारिपूरितम् । मधूकपात्रोपभृतं सहिरण्यं तु शक्तितः

arghyaṁ dattvā tataḥ paścātkarakaṁ vāripūritam | madhūkapātropabhṛtaṁ sahiraṇyaṁ tu śaktitaḥ

'Having given the arghya, a pot filled with water, held in a madhuka-wood vessel, together with gold according to one's means,'

Verse 142 (skanda.5.181.142)

करकं वारिसम्पूर्णं सौभाग्येन तु संयुतम् । दत्तं तु ललिते तुभ्यं सौभाग्यादिविवर्धनम् । इति करकदानमन्त्रः

karakaṁ vārisampūrṇaṁ saubhāgyena tu saṁyutam | dattaṁ tu lalite tubhyaṁ saubhāgyādivivardhanam | iti karakadānamantraḥ

'that pot, full of water and joined with good fortune — “O Lalita, this is given to you, increasing fortune and more” — this is the mantra for giving the pot.'

Verse 143 (skanda.5.181.143)

मन्त्रेणानेन विप्राय दद्यात्करकमुत्तमम् । लवणं वर्जयेच्छुक्लां यावदन्यां तृतीयिकाम्

mantreṇānena viprāya dadyātkarakamuttamam | lavaṇaṁ varjayecchuklāṁ yāvadanyāṁ tṛtīyikām

'With this mantra, the excellent pot should be given to a brahmin. Salt should be forsworn through the bright fortnight until the next third day.'

Verse 144 (skanda.5.181.144)

क्षमाप्य देवीं देवेशां नक्तमद्यात्स्वयं हविः । अनेन विधिना सार्धं मासि मासि ह्यपक्रमेत्

kṣamāpya devīṁ deveśāṁ naktamadyātsvayaṁ haviḥ | anena vidhinā sārdhaṁ māsi māsi hyapakramet

'Having begged the goddess's pardon, one should eat consecrated food only at night. By this same rule one should proceed month by month.'

Verse 145 (skanda.5.181.145)

फाल्गुनस्य तृतीयायां शुक्लायां तु समाप्यते । वैशाखे लवणं देयं ज्येष्ठे चाज्यं प्रदीयते

phālgunasya tṛtīyāyāṁ śuklāyāṁ tu samāpyate | vaiśākhe lavaṇaṁ deyaṁ jyeṣṭhe cājyaṁ pradīyate

'This vow concludes on the third day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna. In Vaishakha salt should be given, in Jyeshtha ghee,'

Verse 146 (skanda.5.181.146)

आषाढे मासि निष्पावाः पयो देयं तु श्रावणे । मुद्गा देया नभस्ये तु शालिमाश्वयुजे तथा

āṣāḍhe māsi niṣpāvāḥ payo deyaṁ tu śrāvaṇe | mudgā deyā nabhasye tu śālimāśvayuje tathā

'in Ashadha beans, in Shravana milk should be given; in Bhadrapada mung beans, in Ashvina rice,'

Verse 147 (skanda.5.181.147)

कार्त्तिके शर्करापात्रं करकं रससंभृतम् । मार्गशीर्षे तु कार्पासं करकं घृतसंयुतम्

kārttike śarkarāpātraṁ karakaṁ rasasaṁbhṛtam | mārgaśīrṣe tu kārpāsaṁ karakaṁ ghṛtasaṁyutam

'in Kartika a vessel of sugar and a pot filled with juice; in Margashirsha cotton and a pot filled with ghee,'

Verse 148 (skanda.5.181.148)

पौषे तु कुङ्कुमं देयं माघे पात्रं तिलैर्भृतम् । फाल्गुने मासि सम्प्राप्ते पात्रं मोदकसंभृतम्

pauṣe tu kuṅkumaṁ deyaṁ māghe pātraṁ tilairbhṛtam | phālgune māsi samprāpte pātraṁ modakasaṁbhṛtam

'in Pausha saffron, in Magha a vessel filled with sesame; and when the month of Phalguna arrives, a vessel filled with sweet cakes.'

Verse 149 (skanda.5.181.149)

पश्चात्तृतीयादेयं यत्तत्पूर्वस्यां विवर्जयेत् । विधानमासां सर्वासां सामान्यं मनसः प्रिये

paścāttṛtīyādeyaṁ yattatpūrvasyāṁ vivarjayet | vidhānamāsāṁ sarvāsāṁ sāmānyaṁ manasaḥ priye

'What is meant for the later third day should not be given on the earlier one. This procedure is common to all the months, O beloved of my heart.'

Verse 150 (skanda.5.181.150)

प्रतिमां मधुवृक्षस्य तामेव प्रतिपूजयेत् । तस्मै सर्वं तु विप्राय आचार्याय प्रदीयते

pratimāṁ madhuvṛkṣasya tāmeva pratipūjayet | tasmai sarvaṁ tu viprāya ācāryāya pradīyate

'Worship of that same madhuka-wood image should continue. Everything is given to that brahmin, the preceptor of the rite.'

Verse 151 (skanda.5.181.151)

ततः संवत्सरस्यान्ते उद्यापनविधिं शृणु । मधुवृक्षं ततो गत्वा बहुसम्भारसंवृतः

tataḥ saṁvatsarasyānte udyāpanavidhiṁ śṛṇu | madhuvṛkṣaṁ tato gatvā bahusambhārasaṁvṛtaḥ

'Then, at year's end, hear the procedure for the concluding rite — going to the madhuka tree, with abundant materials,'

Verse 152 (skanda.5.181.152)

निखनेत्प्रतिमां मध्ये माधूकीं मधुकस्य च । तत्रस्थं पूजयेत्सर्वमुमादेहार्द्धधारिणम्

nikhanetpratimāṁ madhye mādhūkīṁ madhukasya ca | tatrasthaṁ pūjayetsarvamumādehārddhadhāriṇam

'the madhuka-wood image should be set in the midst, and full worship offered there to the one who bears Uma's body as half his own,'

Verse 153 (skanda.5.181.153)

पूजोपहारैर्विपुलैः कुङ्कुमेन पुनःपुनः । श्लक्ष्णाभिः पुष्पमालाभिः कौसुम्भैः केसरेण च

pūjopahārairvipulaiḥ kuṅkumena punaḥpunaḥ | ślakṣṇābhiḥ puṣpamālābhiḥ kausumbhaiḥ kesareṇa ca

'with abundant offerings, again and again with vermilion, with delicate garlands, with kusumbha-dyed cloth and saffron,'

Verse 154 (skanda.5.181.154)

कौसुम्भे वाससी शुभ्रे अतसीपुष्पसन्निभे । परिधाप्य तां प्रतिमां दम्पती रविसंख्यया

kausumbhe vāsasī śubhre atasīpuṣpasannibhe | paridhāpya tāṁ pratimāṁ dampatī ravisaṁkhyayā

'clothing that image of the divine couple in bright kusumbha garments the color of the flax flower, twelve in number,'

Verse 155 (skanda.5.181.155)

उपानद्युगलैश्छत्रैः कण्ठसूत्रैः सकण्ठिकैः । कटकैरङ्गुलीयैश्च शयनीयैः शुभास्तृतैः

upānadyugalaiśchatraiḥ kaṇṭhasūtraiḥ sakaṇṭhikaiḥ | kaṭakairaṅgulīyaiśca śayanīyaiḥ śubhāstṛtaiḥ

'with pairs of shoes, umbrellas, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, and beds spread with fine coverings,'

Verse 156 (skanda.5.181.156)

कुङ्कुमेन विलिप्ताङ्गौ बहुपुष्पैश्च पूजितौ । भोजयेद्विविधै रत्नैर्मधूकावासके स्थितौ

kuṅkumena viliptāṅgau bahupuṣpaiśca pūjitau | bhojayedvividhai ratnairmadhūkāvāsake sthitau

'their bodies anointed with vermilion, worshipped with many flowers, that couple, set in the madhuka-shrine, should be feasted with various precious offerings.'

Verse 157 (skanda.5.181.157)

भुक्तोत्थितौ तु विश्राम्य शय्यासु च क्षमापयेत् । गुरुमूलं यतः सर्वं गुरुर्ज्ञेयो महेश्वरः

bhuktotthitau tu viśrāmya śayyāsu ca kṣamāpayet | gurumūlaṁ yataḥ sarvaṁ gururjñeyo maheśvaraḥ

'After eating and resting upon the beds, one should beg their pardon; for the root of all is the guru, and the guru is to be known as Maheshvara himself.'

Verse 158 (skanda.5.181.158)

प्रीते गुरौ ततः सर्वं जगत्प्रीतं सुरासुरम् । यद्यदिष्टतमं लोके यत्किंचिद्दयितं गृहे

prīte gurau tataḥ sarvaṁ jagatprītaṁ surāsuram | yadyadiṣṭatamaṁ loke yatkiṁciddayitaṁ gṛhe

'When the guru is pleased, the whole world, gods and demons, is pleased. Whatever is most cherished in the world, whatever is dear in the home,'

Verse 159 (skanda.5.181.159)

तत्सर्वं गुरवे देयमात्मनः श्रेय इच्छता । इदं तु धनिभिर्देयमन्यैर्देयं यथोच्यते

tatsarvaṁ gurave deyamātmanaḥ śreya icchatā | idaṁ tu dhanibhirdeyamanyairdeyaṁ yathocyate

'all that should be given to the guru by one seeking one's own welfare. This applies to the wealthy; others should give as much as prescribed for them.'

Verse 160 (skanda.5.181.160)

दाम्पत्यमेकं विधिवत्प्रतिपूज्य शुभव्रतैः । द्वितीयं गुरुदाम्पत्यं वित्तशाठ्यं विवर्जयेत्

dāmpatyamekaṁ vidhivatpratipūjya śubhavrataiḥ | dvitīyaṁ gurudāmpatyaṁ vittaśāṭhyaṁ vivarjayet

'Having duly worshipped one married couple with auspicious rites, and a second, the preceptor couple, one should abandon stinginess with wealth.'

Verse 161 (skanda.5.181.161)

ततः क्षमापयेद्देवीं देवं च ब्राह्मणं गुरुम् । यथा त्वं देवि ललिते न वियुक्तासि शम्भुना

tataḥ kṣamāpayeddevīṁ devaṁ ca brāhmaṇaṁ gurum | yathā tvaṁ devi lalite na viyuktāsi śambhunā

'Then one should beg pardon of the goddess, the god, and the brahmin guru: “As you, O goddess Lalita, have never been separated from Shambhu,'

Verse 162 (skanda.5.181.162)

तथा मे पतिपुत्राणामवियोगः प्रदीयताम् । अनेन विधिना कृत्वा तृतीयां मधुसंज्ञिकाम्

tathā me patiputrāṇāmaviyogaḥ pradīyatām | anena vidhinā kṛtvā tṛtīyāṁ madhusaṁjñikām

'so may I never be parted from my husband and sons — grant this.“ Having performed the madhuka third-day vow in this manner,'

Verse 163 (skanda.5.181.163)

इन्द्राणी चेन्द्रपत्नीत्वमवाप सुतमुत्तमम् । सौभाग्यं सर्वलोकेषु सर्वर्द्धिसुखमुत्तमम्

indrāṇī cendrapatnītvamavāpa sutamuttamam | saubhāgyaṁ sarvalokeṣu sarvarddhisukhamuttamam

Indrani attained the status of Indra's queen, an excellent son, good fortune in all worlds, and every kind of prosperity and happiness.

Verse 164 (skanda.5.181.164)

अनेन विधिना या तु कुमारी व्रतमाचरेत् । शोभनं पतिमाप्नोति यथेन्द्राण्या शतक्रतुः

anena vidhinā yā tu kumārī vratamācaret | śobhanaṁ patimāpnoti yathendrāṇyā śatakratuḥ

Whatever maiden performs this vow in this manner obtains, like Indrani, an excellent husband equal to Shatakratu.

Verse 165 (skanda.5.181.165)

दुर्भगा सुभगत्वं च सुभगा पुत्रिणी भवेत् । पुत्रिण्यक्षयमाप्नोति न शोकं पश्यति क्वचित्

durbhagā subhagatvaṁ ca subhagā putriṇī bhavet | putriṇyakṣayamāpnoti na śokaṁ paśyati kvacit

The unfortunate woman becomes fortunate, and the fortunate one becomes blessed with sons; one with sons attains unending happiness and knows no sorrow.

Verse 166 (skanda.5.181.166)

अनेकजन्मजनितं दौर्भाग्यं नश्यति ध्रुवम् । मृता तु त्रिदिवं प्राप्य उमया सह मोदते

anekajanmajanitaṁ daurbhāgyaṁ naśyati dhruvam | mṛtā tu tridivaṁ prāpya umayā saha modate

Misfortune carried through many births is surely destroyed; and upon death she attains heaven and rejoices there together with Uma.

Verse 167 (skanda.5.181.167)

कल्पकोटिशतं साग्रं भुक्त्वा भोगान् यथेप्सितान् । पुनस्तु सम्भवे लोके पार्थिवं पतिमाप्नुयात्

kalpakoṭiśataṁ sāgraṁ bhuktvā bhogān yathepsitān | punastu sambhave loke pārthivaṁ patimāpnuyāt

Having enjoyed desired pleasures for more than a hundred crore kalpas, she is again born in the world and obtains a king as her husband.

Verse 168 (skanda.5.181.168)

सुभगा रूपसम्पन्ना पार्थिवं जनयेत्सुतम्

subhagā rūpasampannā pārthivaṁ janayetsutam

Fortunate and endowed with beauty, she gives birth to a royal son.

Verse 169 (skanda.5.181.169)

एतत्ते कथितं सर्वं व्रतानामुत्तमं व्रतम् । अन्यत्पृच्छस्व सुभगे वाञ्छितं यद्धृदि स्थितम्

etatte kathitaṁ sarvaṁ vratānāmuttamaṁ vratam | anyatpṛcchasva subhage vāñchitaṁ yaddhṛdi sthitam

All this has been told to you — the supreme vow among vows. O fortunate one, ask further whatever else is desired and abides in your heart.