The Hunter's Teaching and the Fruits of Gifts

Verse 1 (skanda.5.211.1)

उत्तानपाद उवाच। अन्यच्च श्रोतुमिच्छामि केन गङ्गावतारिता। रुद्रशीर्षे स्थिता देवी पुण्या कथमिहागता॥

uttānapāda uvāca| anyacca śrotumicchāmi kena gaṅgāvatāritā| rudraśīrṣe sthitā devī puṇyā kathamihāgatā||

Uttanapada said: "I wish to hear yet another thing: by whom was the Ganga brought down? The sacred goddess who dwells on Rudra's head — how did she come here?

Verse 2 (skanda.5.211.2)

पुण्या देवाशिला नाम तस्या माहात्म्यमुत्तमम्। एतदाख्याहि मे सर्वं प्रसन्नो यदि शङ्कर॥

puṇyā devāśilā nāma tasyā māhātmyamuttamam| etadākhyāhi me sarvaṁ prasanno yadi śaṅkara||

There is a sacred rock named Devashila, of supreme glory; tell me all of this, O Shankara, if you are pleased."

Verse 3 (skanda.5.211.3)

ईश्वर उवाच। शृणुष्वैकमना भूत्वा यथा गङ्गावतारिता। देवैः सर्वैर्महाभागा सर्वलोकहिताय वै॥

īśvara uvāca| śṛṇuṣvaikamanā bhūtvā yathā gaṅgāvatāritā| devaiḥ sarvairmahābhāgā sarvalokahitāya vai||

Ishvara said: "Listen with a focused mind to how the most blessed Ganga was brought down by all the gods, for the welfare of all the worlds.

Verse 4 (skanda.5.211.4)

अस्ति विन्ध्यो नगो नाम याम्याशायां महीपते। गीर्वाणास्तु गताः सर्वे तस्य मूर्ध्नि नरेश्वर॥

asti vindhyo nago nāma yāmyāśāyāṁ mahīpate| gīrvāṇāstu gatāḥ sarve tasya mūrdhni nareśvara||

O lord of the earth, there is a mountain named Vindhya in the southern quarter; O lord of men, all the celestials went to its summit.

Verse 5 (skanda.5.211.5)

तत्र चाह्वानिता गङ्गा ब्रह्माद्यैरखिलैः सुरैः। अभ्यर्च्येशं जगन्नाथं देवदेवं जगद्गुरुम्॥

tatra cāhvānitā gaṅgā brahmādyairakhilaiḥ suraiḥ| abhyarcyeśaṁ jagannāthaṁ devadevaṁ jagadgurum||

There the Ganga was invoked by Brahma and all the other gods; having worshipped Isha, lord of the universe, God of gods, guru of the world,

Verse 6 (skanda.5.211.6)

जटामध्यस्थितां गङ्गां मोचयस्वेति भूतले। भास्वन्ती सा ततो मुक्ता रुद्रेण शिरसा भुवि॥

jaṭāmadhyasthitāṁ gaṅgāṁ mocayasveti bhūtale| bhāsvantī sā tato muktā rudreṇa śirasā bhuvi||

they said: 'Release the Ganga who dwells within your matted locks, onto the earth.' Then she, radiant, was released by Rudra from his head onto the earth.

Verse 7 (skanda.5.211.7)

तत्र स्थाने महापुण्या देवैरुत्पादिता स्वयम्। ततो देवनदी जाता सा हिताय नृणां भुवि॥

tatra sthāne mahāpuṇyā devairutpāditā svayam| tato devanadī jātā sā hitāya nṛṇāṁ bhuvi||

In that most sacred place she was brought forth by the gods themselves; thus she became the celestial river on earth, for the welfare of men.

Verse 8 (skanda.5.211.8)

वसन्ति ये तटे तस्याः स्नानं कुर्वन्ति भक्तितः। पिबन्ति च जलं नित्यं न ते यान्ति यमालयम्॥

vasanti ye taṭe tasyāḥ snānaṁ kurvanti bhaktitaḥ| pibanti ca jalaṁ nityaṁ na te yānti yamālayam||

Those who dwell on her banks, who bathe there with devotion and ever drink her water, do not go to the abode of Yama.

Verse 9 (skanda.5.211.9)

यत्र सा पतिता कुण्डे शूलभेदे नराधिप। देवनद्याः प्रतीच्यां तु तत्र प्राची सरस्वती॥

yatra sā patitā kuṇḍe śūlabhede narādhipa| devanadyāḥ pratīcyāṁ tu tatra prācī sarasvatī||

O lord of men, where she fell into the pool at Shulabheda — to the west of the celestial river there flows the Sarasvati, eastward;

Verse 10 (skanda.5.211.10)

याम्यायां शूलभेदस्य तत्र तीर्थमनुत्तमम्। तत्र देवशिला पुण्या स्वयं देवेन निर्मिता॥

yāmyāyāṁ śūlabhedasya tatra tīrthamanuttamam| tatra devaśilā puṇyā svayaṁ devena nirmitā||

to the south of Shulabheda is that unsurpassed tirtha; there stands the sacred Devashila, created by the God himself.

Verse 11 (skanda.5.211.11)

तत्र स्नात्वा तु यो भक्त्या तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः। पितरस्तस्य तृप्यन्ति यावदाभूतसम्प्लवम्॥

tatra snātvā tu yo bhaktyā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ| pitarastasya tṛpyanti yāvadābhūtasamplavam||

Whoever bathes there and offers libation with devotion to the ancestor-gods — his ancestors remain satisfied until the dissolution of the elements.

Verse 12 (skanda.5.211.12)

तत्र स्नात्वा तु यो भक्त्या ब्राह्मणान् भोजयेन्नृप। स्वल्पान्नेनापि दत्तेन तस्य चान्तो न विद्यते॥

tatra snātvā tu yo bhaktyā brāhmaṇān bhojayennṛpa| svalpānnenāpi dattena tasya cānto na vidyate||

O king, whoever bathes there and feeds brahmins with devotion — even with a small offering of food, his merit is without end.

Verse 13 (skanda.5.211.13)

उत्तानपाद उवाच। कानि दानानि दत्तानि शस्तानि धरणीतले। यानि दत्त्वा नरो भक्त्या मुच्यते सर्वपातकैः॥

uttānapāda uvāca| kāni dānāni dattāni śastāni dharaṇītale| yāni dattvā naro bhaktyā mucyate sarvapātakaiḥ||

Uttanapada said: "What gifts, given upon this earth, are praised — by giving which with devotion a man is freed from all sins?

Verse 14 (skanda.5.211.14)

देवशिलाया माहात्म्यं स्नानदानादिजं फलम्। व्रतोपवासनियमैर्यत्प्राप्यं तद्वदस्व मे॥

devaśilāyā māhātmyaṁ snānadānādijaṁ phalam| vratopavāsaniyamairyatprāpyaṁ tadvadasva me||

Tell me the greatness of Devashila, the fruit born of bathing and giving, and what is attained through vows, fasts and observances."

Verse 15 (skanda.5.211.15)

ईश्वर उवाच। आसीत्पुरा महावीर्यश्चेदिनाथो महाबलः। वीरसेन इति ख्यातो मण्डलाधिपतिर्नृप॥

īśvara uvāca| āsītpurā mahāvīryaścedinātho mahābalaḥ| vīrasena iti khyāto maṇḍalādhipatirnṛpa||

Ishvara said: "O king, there once was, in ancient times, a lord of Chedi of great valour and great might, a provincial overlord renowned as Virasena.

Verse 16 (skanda.5.211.16)

राष्ट्रे तस्य रिपुर्नास्ति न व्याधिर्न च तस्कराः। न चाधर्मोऽभवत्तत्र धर्म एव हि सर्वदा॥

rāṣṭre tasya ripurnāsti na vyādhirna ca taskarāḥ| na cādharmo'bhavattatra dharma eva hi sarvadā||

In his realm there was no enemy, no disease, and no thieves; unrighteousness never arose there — righteousness alone prevailed always.

Verse 17 (skanda.5.211.17)

सदा मुदान्वितो राजा सभार्यो बहुपुत्रकः। एकासीद्दुहिता तस्य सुरूपा गिरिजा यथा॥

sadā mudānvito rājā sabhāryo bahuputrakaḥ| ekāsīdduhitā tasya surūpā girijā yathā||

The king, ever filled with joy, had a wife and many sons; he had one daughter, beautiful as Girija herself.

Verse 18 (skanda.5.211.18)

इष्टा सा पितृमातृभ्यां बन्धुवर्गजनस्य च। कृतं वैवाहिकं कर्म काले प्राप्ते यथाविधि॥

iṣṭā sā pitṛmātṛbhyāṁ bandhuvargajanasya ca| kṛtaṁ vaivāhikaṁ karma kāle prāpte yathāvidhi||

She was beloved of her father and mother and of all her kinsfolk; when the time came, her marriage rite was duly performed.

Verse 19 (skanda.5.211.19)

अनन्तरं चेदिपतिर्द्वादशाब्दमखे स्थितः। ततस्तस्यास्तु यो भर्ता स मृत्युवशमागतः॥

anantaraṁ cedipatirdvādaśābdamakhe sthitaḥ| tatastasyāstu yo bhartā sa mṛtyuvaśamāgataḥ||

Thereafter the lord of Chedi engaged in a twelve-year sacrifice; then it was that her husband came under the sway of death.

Verse 20 (skanda.5.211.20)

विधवां तां सुतां दृष्ट्वा राजा शोकसमन्वितः। उवाच वचनं तत्र स्वभार्यां दुःखपीडिताम्॥

vidhavāṁ tāṁ sutāṁ dṛṣṭvā rājā śokasamanvitaḥ| uvāca vacanaṁ tatra svabhāryāṁ duḥkhapīḍitām||

Seeing his daughter widowed, the king was overcome with grief; he spoke these words there to his own wife, who was stricken with sorrow:

Verse 21 (skanda.5.211.21)

प्रिये दुःखमिदं जातं यावज्जीवं सुदुःसहम्। नैषा रक्षयितुं शक्या रूपयौवनगर्विता॥

priye duḥkhamidaṁ jātaṁ yāvajjīvaṁ suduḥsaham| naiṣā rakṣayituṁ śakyā rūpayauvanagarvitā||

"My dear, this sorrow has arisen, unbearable for as long as life lasts; this girl, proud in her beauty and youth, cannot be guarded.

Verse 22 (skanda.5.211.22)

दूषयेत कुलं क्वापि कथं रक्ष्या हि बालिका। नोपायो विद्यते क्वापि भानुमत्याश्च रक्षणे। परस्परं विवदतोः श्रुत्वा तत्कन्यकाब्रवीत्॥

dūṣayeta kulaṁ kvāpi kathaṁ rakṣyā hi bālikā| nopāyo vidyate kvāpi bhānumatyāśca rakṣaṇe| parasparaṁ vivadatoḥ śrutvā tatkanyakābravīt||

She might somehow bring disgrace upon the family — how indeed is a girl to be guarded? There is no means anywhere to protect Bhanumati." Hearing them disputing thus with one another, the maiden spoke:

Verse 23 (skanda.5.211.23)

भानुमत्युवाच। न लज्जामि तवाग्रेऽहं जल्पन्ती तात कर्हिचित्। सत्यं नोत्पद्यते दोषो मदर्थे ते नराधिप॥

bhānumatyuvāca| na lajjāmi tavāgre'haṁ jalpantī tāta karhicit| satyaṁ notpadyate doṣo madarthe te narādhipa||

Bhanumati said: "Father, I am never ashamed to speak before you. O lord of men, truly no fault shall arise on my account for you.

Verse 24 (skanda.5.211.24)

अद्यप्रभृत्यहं तात धारयिष्ये न मूर्धजान्। स्थूलवस्त्रपटार्द्धं तु धारयिष्यामि ते गृहे॥

adyaprabhṛtyahaṁ tāta dhārayiṣye na mūrdhajān| sthūlavastrapaṭārddhaṁ tu dhārayiṣyāmi te gṛhe||

From today, father, I shall not dress my hair; I shall wear coarse, half-cloth garments in your house.

Verse 25 (skanda.5.211.25)

करिष्यामि व्रतान्याशु पुराणविहितानि च। आत्मानं शोषयिष्यामि तोषयिष्ये जनार्दनम्॥

kariṣyāmi vratānyāśu purāṇavihitāni ca| ātmānaṁ śoṣayiṣyāmi toṣayiṣye janārdanam||

I shall promptly undertake the vows prescribed in the Puranas; I shall make my body austere, and I shall please Janardana.

Verse 26 (skanda.5.211.26)

ममैषा वर्तते बुद्धिर्यदि त्वं तात मन्यसे। भानुमत्या वचः श्रुत्वा राजा संहर्षितोऽभवत्॥

mamaiṣā vartate buddhiryadi tvaṁ tāta manyase| bhānumatyā vacaḥ śrutvā rājā saṁharṣito'bhavat||

This is my resolve, father, if you approve of it." Hearing Bhanumati's words, the king was filled with great joy.

Verse 27 (skanda.5.211.27)

तीर्थयात्रां समुद्दिश्य कोशं दत्त्वा सुपुष्कलम्। विसृज्य पुरुषान्वृद्धान् कृत्वा तस्याः सुरक्षणे॥

tīrthayātrāṁ samuddiśya kośaṁ dattvā supuṣkalam| visṛjya puruṣānvṛddhān kṛtvā tasyāḥ surakṣaṇe||

Resolving upon a pilgrimage to sacred places, giving her ample treasure, and appointing aged men for her protection,

Verse 28 (skanda.5.211.28)

पुरुषान् सायुधांश्चापि ब्राह्मणान्सपुरोहितान्। दासीदासान्पदातींश्च चास्याः संरक्षणक्षमान्॥

puruṣān sāyudhāṁścāpi brāhmaṇānsapurohitān| dāsīdāsānpadātīṁśca cāsyāḥ saṁrakṣaṇakṣamān||

armed men, brahmins together with the family priest, maidservants and menservants, and foot-soldiers capable of guarding her, [were sent with her].

Verse 29 (skanda.5.211.29)

ततः पितुर्मतेनैव गङ्गातीरं गता सती। अवगाह्य तटे द्वे तु गङ्गायाः स नराधिप॥

tataḥ piturmatenaiva gaṅgātīraṁ gatā satī| avagāhya taṭe dve tu gaṅgāyāḥ sa narādhipa||

Then, at her father's own wish, that chaste woman went to the bank of the Ganga; O lord of men, she bathed at two spots on the Ganga's banks.

Verse 30 (skanda.5.211.30)

नित्यं सम्पूज्य सद्विप्रान्गन्धमाल्यादिभूषणैः। द्वादशाब्दानि सा तीरे गङ्गायाः समवस्थिता॥

nityaṁ sampūjya sadviprāngandhamālyādibhūṣaṇaiḥ| dvādaśābdāni sā tīre gaṅgāyāḥ samavasthitā||

Daily worshipping the good brahmins with scents, garlands and other adornments, she remained on the bank of the Ganga for twelve years.

Verse 31 (skanda.5.211.31)

त्यक्त्वा गङ्गां तदा राज्ञी गता काष्ठां तु दक्षिणाम्। प्राप्ता सा सचिवैः सार्द्धं यत्र रेवा महानदी॥

tyaktvā gaṅgāṁ tadā rājñī gatā kāṣṭhāṁ tu dakṣiṇām| prāptā sā sacivaiḥ sārddhaṁ yatra revā mahānadī||

Then, leaving the Ganga, the princess went toward the southern direction; together with her ministers she arrived where the great river Reva flows.

Verse 32 (skanda.5.211.32)

समाः पञ्च स्थिता तत्र ओङ्कारेऽमरकण्टके। उदग्याम्येषु तीर्थेषु तीर्थात्तीर्थं जगाम सा॥

samāḥ pañca sthitā tatra oṅkāre'marakaṇṭake| udagyāmyeṣu tīrtheṣu tīrthāttīrthaṁ jagāma sā||

She dwelt there at Omkara-Amarakantaka for five years; she went from tirtha to tirtha among the tirthas of the north and south.

Verse 33 (skanda.5.211.33)

स्नात्वा स्नात्वा पूज्य विप्रान् भक्तिपूर्वमतन्द्रिता। वारुणीं सा दिशं गत्वा देवनद्याश्च सङ्गमे॥

snātvā snātvā pūjya viprān bhaktipūrvamatandritā| vāruṇīṁ sā diśaṁ gatvā devanadyāśca saṅgame||

Bathing again and again, worshipping brahmins with devotion, untiring, she went in the direction of Varuna, and arrived at the confluence of the celestial river,

Verse 34 (skanda.5.211.34)

ददर्श चाश्रमं पुण्यं मुनिसङ्घैः समाकुलम्। दृष्ट्वा मुनिसमूहं सा प्रणिपत्येदमब्रवीत्॥

dadarśa cāśramaṁ puṇyaṁ munisaṅghaiḥ samākulam| dṛṣṭvā munisamūhaṁ sā praṇipatyedamabravīt||

and there she saw a sacred hermitage, thronged with hosts of sages. Seeing that assembly of sages, she bowed and said:

Verse 35 (skanda.5.211.35)

माहात्म्यमस्य तीर्थस्य नाम चैवास्य कीदृशम्। कथयन्तु महाभागाः प्रसादः क्रियतां मम॥

māhātmyamasya tīrthasya nāma caivāsya kīdṛśam| kathayantu mahābhāgāḥ prasādaḥ kriyatāṁ mama||

"What is the greatness of this tirtha, and what indeed is its name? Tell me, O blessed ones; be gracious to me."

Verse 36 (skanda.5.211.36)

ऋषय ऊचुः। चक्रतीर्थं तु विख्यातं चक्रं दत्तं पुरा हरेः। महेश्वरेण तुष्टेन देवदेवेन शूलिना॥

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ| cakratīrthaṁ tu vikhyātaṁ cakraṁ dattaṁ purā hareḥ| maheśvareṇa tuṣṭena devadevena śūlinā||

The sages said: "This is renowned as Chakratirtha; here, of old, Maheshvara, the God of gods, the trident-bearer, pleased with Hari, gave him the discus.

Verse 37 (skanda.5.211.37)

अत्र तीर्थे तु यः स्नात्वा तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः। अनिवर्तिका गतिस्तस्य जायते नात्र संशयः॥

atra tīrthe tu yaḥ snātvā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ| anivartikā gatistasya jāyate nātra saṁśayaḥ||

Whoever bathes at this tirtha and offers libation to the ancestor-gods attains, without doubt, a state from which there is no return.

Verse 38 (skanda.5.211.38)

द्वितीयेऽह्नि ततो गच्छेच्छूलभेदे तपस्विनि। पूर्वोक्तेन विधानेन स्नानं कुर्याद्यथाविधि॥

dvitīye'hni tato gacchecchūlabhede tapasvini| pūrvoktena vidhānena snānaṁ kuryādyathāvidhi||

Thereafter, on the second day, one should go to austere Shulabheda; one should bathe there in due manner, as previously described.

Verse 39 (skanda.5.211.39)

जन्मत्रयकृतैः पापैर्मुच्यते नात्र संशयः। जलेन तिलमात्रेण प्रदद्यादञ्जलित्रयम्॥

janmatrayakṛtaiḥ pāpairmucyate nātra saṁśayaḥ| jalena tilamātreṇa pradadyādañjalitrayam||

There one is freed, without doubt, from sins committed across three births. With water mixed with sesame, one should offer three handfuls;

Verse 40 (skanda.5.211.40)

तृप्यन्ति पितरस्तस्य द्वादशाब्दान्यसंशयम्। यः श्राद्धं कुरुते भक्त्या श्रोत्रियैर्ब्राह्मणैर्नृप॥

tṛpyanti pitarastasya dvādaśābdānyasaṁśayam| yaḥ śrāddhaṁ kurute bhaktyā śrotriyairbrāhmaṇairnṛpa||

O king, whoever performs the shraddha with devotion, with learned brahmins — his ancestors remain satisfied for twelve years, without doubt.

Verse 41 (skanda.5.211.41)

वार्द्धुष्याद्यास्तु वर्ज्यन्ते पितॄणां दत्तमक्षयम्। अपरेऽह्णि ततो गच्छेत्पुण्यां देवशिलां शुभाम्॥

vārddhuṣyādyāstu varjyante pitḥṇāṁ dattamakṣayam| apare'hṇi tato gacchetpuṇyāṁ devaśilāṁ śubhām||

Usury and the like are excluded; whatever is given to the ancestors is imperishable. Thereafter, on the next day, one should go to the sacred and auspicious Devashila,

Verse 42 (skanda.5.211.42)

वीक्ष्यते जाह्नवी पुण्या देवैरुत्पादिता पुरा। स्नात्वा तत्र जलं दद्यात्तिलमिश्रं नराधिप॥

vīkṣyate jāhnavī puṇyā devairutpāditā purā| snātvā tatra jalaṁ dadyāttilamiśraṁ narādhipa||

where the sacred Jahnavi, brought forth by the gods of old, is seen; O lord of men, bathing there one should offer water mixed with sesame.

Verse 43 (skanda.5.211.43)

सकृत्पिण्डप्रदानेन मुच्यते ब्रह्महत्यया। एकादश्यामुपोषित्वा पक्षयोरुभयोरपि॥

sakṛtpiṇḍapradānena mucyate brahmahatyayā| ekādaśyāmupoṣitvā pakṣayorubhayorapi||

By a single offering of the pinda there, one is freed from the sin of brahmin-slaying. Having fasted on the Ekadashi of both fortnights,

Verse 44 (skanda.5.211.44)

क्षपाजागरणं कुर्यात्पठेत्पौराणिकीं कथाम्। विष्णुपूजां प्रकुर्वीत पुष्पधूपनिवेदनैः॥

kṣapājāgaraṇaṁ kuryātpaṭhetpaurāṇikīṁ kathām| viṣṇupūjāṁ prakurvīta puṣpadhūpanivedanaiḥ||

one should keep vigil through the night and recite the Puranic story; one should worship Vishnu with flowers, incense and offerings.

Verse 45 (skanda.5.211.45)

प्रभाते भोजयेद्विप्रान् दानं दद्यात्सशक्तितः। चतुर्थेऽह्नि ततो गच्छेद्यत्र प्राची सरस्वती॥

prabhāte bhojayedviprān dānaṁ dadyātsaśaktitaḥ| caturthe'hni tato gacchedyatra prācī sarasvatī||

In the morning one should feed brahmins and give gifts according to one's ability. Thereafter, on the fourth day, one should go to where the Sarasvati flows eastward,

Verse 46 (skanda.5.211.46)

ब्रह्मदेहाद्विनिष्क्रान्ता पावनार्थं शरीरिणाम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो भक्त्या तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः॥

brahmadehādviniṣkrāntā pāvanārthaṁ śarīriṇām| tatra snātvā naro bhaktyā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ||

having issued forth from the body of Brahma for the purification of embodied beings; bathing there, a man should offer libation to the ancestor-gods with devotion.

Verse 47 (skanda.5.211.47)

श्राद्धं कृत्वा यथान्यायमनिन्द्यान् भोजयेद्द्विजान्। पितरस्तस्य तृप्यन्ति द्वादशाब्दान्यसंशयम्॥

śrāddhaṁ kṛtvā yathānyāyamanindyān bhojayeddvijān| pitarastasya tṛpyanti dvādaśābdānyasaṁśayam||

Having performed the shraddha rite in due order, he should feed blameless brahmins; his ancestors remain satisfied for twelve years, without doubt.

Verse 48 (skanda.5.211.48)

सर्वदेवमयं स्थानं सर्वतीर्थमयं तथा। देवकोटिसमाकीर्णं कोटिलिङ्गोत्तमोत्तमम्॥

sarvadevamayaṁ sthānaṁ sarvatīrthamayaṁ tathā| devakoṭisamākīrṇaṁ koṭiliṅgottamottamam||

That place is filled with all the gods and likewise with all the tirthas; it is thronged with crores of gods, adorned with crores of the most excellent lingas.

Verse 49 (skanda.5.211.49)

त्रिरात्रं कुरुते योऽत्र शुचिः स्नात्वा जितेन्द्रियः। पक्षं मासं च षण्मासमब्दमेकं कदाचन॥

trirātraṁ kurute yo'tra śuciḥ snātvā jitendriyaḥ| pakṣaṁ māsaṁ ca ṣaṇmāsamabdamekaṁ kadācana||

Whoever, pure and self-controlled, dwells here for three nights, or a fortnight, a month, six months, or even a full year at some time, having bathed —

Verse 50 (skanda.5.211.50)

न तस्य सम्भवो मर्त्ये तस्य वासो भवेद्दिवि। नियमस्थो विमुच्येत त्रिजन्मजनितादघात्॥

na tasya sambhavo martye tasya vāso bhaveddivi| niyamastho vimucyeta trijanmajanitādaghāt||

he is not born again in the mortal world; his abode is in heaven. Steadfast in his observance, he is freed from the sin born of three births.

Verse 51 (skanda.5.211.51)

विना पुंसा तु या नारी द्वादशाब्दं शुचिव्रता। तिष्ठते साक्षयं कालं रुद्रलोके महीयते॥

vinā puṁsā tu yā nārī dvādaśābdaṁ śucivratā| tiṣṭhate sākṣayaṁ kālaṁ rudraloke mahīyate||

And a woman who, without a husband, keeps a chaste vow for twelve years, dwells for an imperishable span of time, honoured in the world of Rudra.

Verse 52 (skanda.5.211.52)

मुनीनां वचनं श्रुत्वा मुदा परमया ययौ। ततोऽवगाह्य तत्तीर्थमहर्निशमतन्द्रिता॥

munīnāṁ vacanaṁ śrutvā mudā paramayā yayau| tato'vagāhya tattīrthamaharniśamatandritā||

Hearing the sages' words, she went forth with the greatest joy; untiring, she bathed in that tirtha day and night.

Verse 53 (skanda.5.211.53)

दृष्ट्वा तीर्थप्रभावं तु पुनर्वचनमब्रवीत्। श्रूयतां वचनं मेऽद्य ब्राह्मणाः सपुरोहिताः॥

dṛṣṭvā tīrthaprabhāvaṁ tu punarvacanamabravīt| śrūyatāṁ vacanaṁ me'dya brāhmaṇāḥ sapurohitāḥ||

Having seen the power of the tirtha, she spoke these words again: "Listen, O brahmins together with the family priests, to my words today.

Verse 54 (skanda.5.211.54)

न त्यजामीदृशं स्थानं यावज्जीवमहर्निशम्। मत्पितुश्च तथा मातुः कथयध्वमिदं वचः॥

na tyajāmīdṛśaṁ sthānaṁ yāvajjīvamaharniśam| matpituśca tathā mātuḥ kathayadhvamidaṁ vacaḥ||

I shall not abandon such a place as this, for as long as I live, day or night. Convey this word of mine to my father and mother:

Verse 55 (skanda.5.211.55)

त्वत्कन्या शूलभेदस्था नियता व्रतचारिणी। एवमुक्त्वा स्थिता सा तु तत्र भानुमती नृपः॥

tvatkanyā śūlabhedasthā niyatā vratacāriṇī| evamuktvā sthitā sā tu tatra bhānumatī nṛpaḥ||

'Your daughter remains at Shulabheda, restrained, keeping her vow.'" Having thus spoken, that Bhanumati, O king, remained there,

Verse 56 (skanda.5.211.56)

एकान्तरोपवासस्था शनैर्मासोपवासिता। देवशिलास्थिता नित्यं दध्यौ सा चक्रपाणिनम्॥

ekāntaropavāsasthā śanairmāsopavāsitā| devaśilāsthitā nityaṁ dadhyau sā cakrapāṇinam||

fasting every other day, and gradually keeping a month-long fast; established constantly upon Devashila, she meditated upon the wielder of the discus.

Verse 57 (skanda.5.211.57)

अहर्निशं दहेद्धूपं चन्दनं च सदीपकम्। पादशौचं स्वयं कृत्वा स्वयं भोजयते द्विजान्। द्वादशाब्दानि सा राज्ञी सुव्रता तत्र संस्थिता॥

aharniśaṁ daheddhūpaṁ candanaṁ ca sadīpakam| pādaśaucaṁ svayaṁ kṛtvā svayaṁ bhojayate dvijān| dvādaśābdāni sā rājñī suvratā tatra saṁsthitā||

Day and night she burned incense and sandalwood together with a lamp; washing the feet of guests herself, she herself fed the brahmins. That princess of excellent vows dwelt there for twelve years.

Verse 58 (skanda.5.211.58)

ईश्वर उवाच। अन्यद्देवशिलायास्तु माहात्म्यं शृणु भूपते। कथयामि महाबाहो सेतिहासं पुरातनम्॥

īśvara uvāca| anyaddevaśilāyāstu māhātmyaṁ śṛṇu bhūpate| kathayāmi mahābāho setihāsaṁ purātanam||

Ishvara said: "Hear yet another greatness of Devashila, O king; O mighty-armed one, I shall tell you this ancient history.

Verse 59 (skanda.5.211.59)

कश्चिद्वनेचरो व्याधः शबरः सह भार्यया। दुर्भिक्षपीडितस्तत्र आमिषार्थं वनं गतः॥

kaścidvanecaro vyādhaḥ śabaraḥ saha bhāryayā| durbhikṣapīḍitastatra āmiṣārthaṁ vanaṁ gataḥ||

A certain forest-dwelling hunter, a Shabara, together with his wife, afflicted by famine, went into the forest there in search of meat.

Verse 60 (skanda.5.211.60)

नापश्यत्पक्षिणस्तत्र न मृगान्न फलानि च। सरस्ततो ददर्शाथ पद्मिनीखण्डमण्डितम्॥

nāpaśyatpakṣiṇastatra na mṛgānna phalāni ca| sarastato dadarśātha padminīkhaṇḍamaṇḍitam||

He saw there neither birds, nor deer, nor fruits; then he saw a lake, adorned with clusters of lotuses.

Verse 61 (skanda.5.211.61)

दृष्ट्वा सरोवरं तत्र शबरी वाक्यमब्रवीत्। कुमुदानि गृहाण त्वं दिव्यान्याहारसिद्धये॥

dṛṣṭvā sarovaraṁ tatra śabarī vākyamabravīt| kumudāni gṛhāṇa tvaṁ divyānyāhārasiddhaye||

Seeing that lake, the Shabara woman spoke these words: "Take these divine white water-lilies, for the sake of obtaining food.

Verse 62 (skanda.5.211.62)

देवस्य पूजनार्थं तु शूलभेदस्य यत्नतः। विक्रयो भविता तत्र धर्मशीलो जनो यतः॥

devasya pūjanārthaṁ tu śūlabhedasya yatnataḥ| vikrayo bhavitā tatra dharmaśīlo jano yataḥ||

For the worship of the God of Shulabheda they will diligently be sold, for it is righteous-minded people who come there."

Verse 63 (skanda.5.211.63)

भार्याया वचनं श्रुत्वा जग्राह कुमुदानि सः। उत्तीर्णस्तु तटे यावद्दृष्ट्वा श्रीवृक्षमग्रतः॥

bhāryāyā vacanaṁ śrutvā jagrāha kumudāni saḥ| uttīrṇastu taṭe yāvaddṛṣṭvā śrīvṛkṣamagrataḥ||

Hearing his wife's words, he gathered the water-lilies. As he came up onto the bank, he saw before him a bilva tree.

Verse 64 (skanda.5.211.64)

श्रीफलानि गृहीत्वा तु सुपक्वानि विशेषतः। शूलभेदं स सम्प्राप्तो ददर्श सुबहूञ्जनान्॥

śrīphalāni gṛhītvā tu supakvāni viśeṣataḥ| śūlabhedaṁ sa samprāpto dadarśa subahūñjanān||

Taking its fruits, especially the well-ripened ones, he arrived at Shulabheda and saw a great many people there.

Verse 65 (skanda.5.211.65)

चैत्रमासे सिते पक्षे एकादश्यां नराधिप। तस्मिन्नहनि नाश्नीयुर्बाला वृद्धास्तथा स्त्रियः॥

caitramāse site pakṣe ekādaśyāṁ narādhipa| tasminnahani nāśnīyurbālā vṛddhāstathā striyaḥ||

O lord of men, in the month of Chaitra, in the bright fortnight, on the Ekadashi — on that day children, the elderly, and even women do not eat.

Verse 66 (skanda.5.211.66)

मण्डपं ददृशे तत्र कृतं देवशिलोपरि। वस्त्रैः संवेष्टितं दिव्यं स्रङ्माल्यैरुपशोभितम्॥

maṇḍapaṁ dadṛśe tatra kṛtaṁ devaśilopari| vastraiḥ saṁveṣṭitaṁ divyaṁ sraṅmālyairupaśobhitam||

He saw there a pavilion erected above Devashila, wrapped in cloths, celestial, and beautified with garlands and wreaths.

Verse 67 (skanda.5.211.67)

ऋषयश्चागतास्तत्र ये चाश्रमनिवासिनः। सोपवासाः सनियमाः सर्वे साग्निपरिग्रहाः॥

ṛṣayaścāgatāstatra ye cāśramanivāsinaḥ| sopavāsāḥ saniyamāḥ sarve sāgniparigrahāḥ||

Sages dwelling in the hermitage had also gathered there, all of them fasting, devoted to their observances, and maintaining the sacred fires.

Verse 68 (skanda.5.211.68)

देवनद्यास्तटे रम्ये मुनिसङ्घैः समाकुले। आगच्छद्भिर्नृपश्रेष्ठ मार्गस्तत्र न लभ्यते॥

devanadyāstaṭe ramye munisaṅghaiḥ samākule| āgacchadbhirnṛpaśreṣṭha mārgastatra na labhyate||

O best of kings, on the lovely bank of the celestial river, thronged with hosts of sages, no path could be found through the people arriving there.

Verse 69 (skanda.5.211.69)

दृष्ट्वा जनपदं तत्र तां भार्यां शबरोऽब्रवीत्। गच्छ पृच्छस्व किमपि किमद्य स्नानकारणम्॥

dṛṣṭvā janapadaṁ tatra tāṁ bhāryāṁ śabaro'bravīt| gaccha pṛcchasva kimapi kimadya snānakāraṇam||

Seeing that great gathering of people, the Shabara said to his wife: "Go and ask what the reason is for this bathing today.

Verse 70 (skanda.5.211.70)

पर्वाणि यानि श्रूयन्ते किंस्वित्सूर्येन्दुसम्प्लवः। अयनं किं भवेदद्य किं वाक्षयतृतीयका॥

parvāṇi yāni śrūyante kiṁsvitsūryendusamplavaḥ| ayanaṁ kiṁ bhavedadya kiṁ vākṣayatṛtīyakā||

What festival is being spoken of? Is it some conjunction of the sun and moon? Is it a solstice today, or is it Akshaya Tritiya?"

Verse 71 (skanda.5.211.71)

ततः स्वभर्तुर्वचनाच्छबरी प्रस्थिता तदा। पप्रच्छ नारीं दृष्ट्वाग्रे दत्त्वाग्रे कमले शुभे॥

tataḥ svabharturvacanācchabarī prasthitā tadā| papraccha nārīṁ dṛṣṭvāgre dattvāgre kamale śubhe||

Then, at her husband's word, the Shabara woman set out; seeing a woman ahead, she first gave her an auspicious lotus and asked—

Verse 72 (skanda.5.211.72)

तिथिरद्यैव का प्रोक्ता किं पर्व कथयस्व मे। किमयं स्नाति लोकोऽयं किं वा स्नानस्य कारणम्॥

tithiradyaiva kā proktā kiṁ parva kathayasva me| kimayaṁ snāti loko'yaṁ kiṁ vā snānasya kāraṇam||

"What is the tithi said to be today? What festival is it — tell me. Are these people bathing for some reason, or what is the cause of the bathing?"

Verse 73 (skanda.5.211.73)

नार्युवाच। अद्य चैकादशी पुण्या सर्वपापक्षयंकरी। उपोषिता सकृद्येन नाकप्राप्तिं करोति सा॥

nāryuvāca| adya caikādaśī puṇyā sarvapāpakṣayaṁkarī| upoṣitā sakṛdyena nākaprāptiṁ karoti sā||

The woman said: "Today is the sacred Ekadashi, destroyer of all sin; whoever fasts on it even once attains heaven by it."

Verse 74 (skanda.5.211.74)

तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा शबरी शाबराय वै। कथयामास चाव्यग्रा स्त्रीवाक्यं नृपसत्तम॥

tasyāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā śabarī śābarāya vai| kathayāmāsa cāvyagrā strīvākyaṁ nṛpasattama||

Hearing her words, the Shabara woman, without agitation, O best of kings, related that woman's speech to her Shabara husband—

Verse 75 (skanda.5.211.75)

अद्य त्वेकादशी पुण्या बालवृद्धैरुपोषिता। मदनैकादशी नाम सर्वपापक्षयंकरी॥

adya tvekādaśī puṇyā bālavṛddhairupoṣitā| madanaikādaśī nāma sarvapāpakṣayaṁkarī||

"Today indeed is the sacred Ekadashi, observed in fasting by young and old alike; it is called Madanaikadashi, destroyer of all sin.

Verse 76 (skanda.5.211.76)

नियता श्रूयते तत्र राजपुत्री सुशोभना। व्रतस्था नियताहारा नाम्ना भानुमती सती॥

niyatā śrūyate tatra rājaputrī suśobhanā| vratasthā niyatāhārā nāmnā bhānumatī satī||

It is also heard there that a princess named Bhanumati, exceedingly beautiful, established in her vow, of restrained diet, a chaste woman,

Verse 77 (skanda.5.211.77)

नैतया सदृशी काचित्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुता। दृश्यते सा वरारोहा ह्यवतीर्णा महीतले॥

naitayā sadṛśī kācittriṣu lokeṣu viśrutā| dṛśyate sā varārohā hyavatīrṇā mahītale||

none is seen renowned in the three worlds equal to her; that most excellent woman appears as though she had descended upon the earth."

Verse 78 (skanda.5.211.78)

भार्याया वचनं श्रुत्वा शबरस्तां जगाद ह। कमलानि यथालाभं दत्त्वा भुङ्क्ष्व हि सत्वरम्॥

bhāryāyā vacanaṁ śrutvā śabarastāṁ jagāda ha| kamalāni yathālābhaṁ dattvā bhuṅkṣva hi satvaram||

Hearing his wife's words, the Shabara said to her: "Having given away whatever lotuses you have, eat promptly.

Verse 79 (skanda.5.211.79)

ममैषा वर्तते बुद्धिर्न भोक्तव्यं मया ध्रुवम्। न मयोपार्जितं भद्रे पापबुद्ध्या शुभं क्वचित्॥

mamaiṣā vartate buddhirna bhoktavyaṁ mayā dhruvam| na mayopārjitaṁ bhadre pāpabuddhyā śubhaṁ kvacit||

This indeed is my resolve — I shall surely not eat; my dear, I have never earned anything good through a sinful mind."

Verse 80 (skanda.5.211.80)

शबर्युवाच। न पूर्वं तु मया भुक्तं कस्मिंश्चैव तु वासरे। भुक्तशेषं मया भुक्तं यावत्कालं स्मराम्यहम्॥

śabaryuvāca| na pūrvaṁ tu mayā bhuktaṁ kasmiṁścaiva tu vāsare| bhuktaśeṣaṁ mayā bhuktaṁ yāvatkālaṁ smarāmyaham||

The Shabara woman said: "I have never eaten first, on any day; for as long as I can remember, I have always eaten only what remained after you."

Verse 81 (skanda.5.211.81)

भार्याया निश्चयं ज्ञात्वा स्नानं कर्तुं जगाम ह। अर्धोत्तरीयवस्त्रेण स्नानं कृत्वा तु भक्तितः॥

bhāryāyā niścayaṁ jñātvā snānaṁ kartuṁ jagāma ha| ardhottarīyavastreṇa snānaṁ kṛtvā tu bhaktitaḥ||

Learning his wife's resolve, he went to bathe; having bathed with devotion, using half of his upper garment,

Verse 82 (skanda.5.211.82)

सर्वान् देवान्नमस्कृत्य गतो देवशिलां प्रति। तस्थौ स शङ्कमानोऽपि नमस्कृत्य जनार्दनम्॥

sarvān devānnamaskṛtya gato devaśilāṁ prati| tasthau sa śaṅkamāno'pi namaskṛtya janārdanam||

and having saluted all the gods, he went toward Devashila; hesitant though he was, he saluted Janardana and stood there.

Verse 83 (skanda.5.211.83)

यस्यास्तु कुमुदे दत्ते तया राज्ञ्यै निवेदितम्। तद्दृष्ट्वा पद्मयुगलं तां दासीं साब्रवीत्तदा॥

yasyāstu kumude datte tayā rājñyai niveditam| taddṛṣṭvā padmayugalaṁ tāṁ dāsīṁ sābravīttadā||

The one to whom those two lotuses had been given reported the matter to the princess; seeing that pair of lotuses, she said to her maidservant—

Verse 84 (skanda.5.211.84)

कुत्र पद्मद्वयं लब्धं कथ्यतामग्रतो मम। शीघ्रं तत्रैव गत्वा च पद्मानानय चापरान्॥

kutra padmadvayaṁ labdhaṁ kathyatāmagrato mama| śīghraṁ tatraiva gatvā ca padmānānaya cāparān||

"Where were these two lotuses obtained? Tell me first. Go there quickly and bring more lotuses,

Verse 85 (skanda.5.211.85)

धान्येन वसुना वापि कमलानि समानय। भानुमत्या वचः श्रुत्वा गता सा शबरं प्रति॥

dhānyena vasunā vāpi kamalāni samānaya| bhānumatyā vacaḥ śrutvā gatā sā śabaraṁ prati||

bring the lotuses [in exchange] for grain or for wealth." Hearing Bhanumati's words, she went to the Shabara woman—

Verse 86 (skanda.5.211.86)

श्रीफलानि च पुष्पाणि बहून्यन्यानि देहि मे॥

śrīphalāni ca puṣpāṇi bahūnyanyāni dehi me||

"Give me bilva-fruits and flowers, and much else besides."

Verse 87 (skanda.5.211.87)

शबर्युवाच। श्रीफलानि सपुष्पाणि दास्यामि च विशेषतः। न लोभो न स्पृहा मेऽस्ति गत्वा राज्ञीं निवेदय॥

śabaryuvāca| śrīphalāni sapuṣpāṇi dāsyāmi ca viśeṣataḥ| na lobho na spṛhā me'sti gatvā rājñīṁ nivedaya||

The Shabara woman said: "I shall give you the bilva-fruits and flowers, especially. I have no greed or desire [for payment]; go and inform the princess."

Verse 88 (skanda.5.211.88)

तया च सत्वरं गत्वा यथावृत्तं निवेदितम्। शबर्युक्तं पुरस्तस्याः सविस्तरपरं वचः॥

tayā ca satvaraṁ gatvā yathāvṛttaṁ niveditam| śabaryuktaṁ purastasyāḥ savistaraparaṁ vacaḥ||

She went swiftly and reported before her, just as it was, the detailed words spoken by the Shabara woman.

Verse 89 (skanda.5.211.89)

तस्यास्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा राज्ञी तत्र स्वयं गता। उवाच शबरीं प्रीत्या देहि पद्मानि मूल्यतः॥

tasyāstu vacanaṁ śrutvā rājñī tatra svayaṁ gatā| uvāca śabarīṁ prītyā dehi padmāni mūlyataḥ||

Hearing her words, the princess herself went there; she said to the Shabara woman with affection: "Give me the lotuses for a price."

Verse 90 (skanda.5.211.90)

शबर्युवाच। न मूल्यं कामये देवि फलपुष्पसमुद्भवम्। श्रीफलानि च पुष्पाणि यथेष्टं मम गृह्यताम्॥

śabaryuvāca| na mūlyaṁ kāmaye devi phalapuṣpasamudbhavam| śrīphalāni ca puṣpāṇi yatheṣṭaṁ mama gṛhyatām||

The Shabara woman said: "O Devi, I do not desire payment arising from fruits and flowers; take the bilva-fruits and flowers as you wish, freely.

Verse 91 (skanda.5.211.91)

अर्चां कुरु यथान्यायं वासुदेवे जगत्पतौ॥

arcāṁ kuru yathānyāyaṁ vāsudeve jagatpatau||

Perform worship, according to rule, to Vasudeva, lord of the universe."

Verse 92 (skanda.5.211.92)

राज्ञ्युवाच। विना मूल्यं न गृह्णामि कमलानि तवाधुना। धान्यस्य खारिकामेकां ददामि प्रतिगृह्यताम्॥

rājñyuvāca| vinā mūlyaṁ na gṛhṇāmi kamalāni tavādhunā| dhānyasya khārikāmekāṁ dadāmi pratigṛhyatām||

The princess said: "I shall not accept your lotuses now without payment; I give you one khari of grain — accept it.

Verse 93 (skanda.5.211.93)

दश विंशत्यथ त्रिंशच्चत्वारिंशदथापि वा। गृहाण वा खारिशतं दुर्भिक्षां बोधिमुत्तर॥

daśa viṁśatyatha triṁśaccatvāriṁśadathāpi vā| gṛhāṇa vā khāriśataṁ durbhikṣāṁ bodhimuttara||

Or ten, twenty, thirty, or even forty; or take a hundred kharis — the famine is severe, understand this.

Verse 94 (skanda.5.211.94)

वसु रत्नं सुवर्णं च अन्यत्ते यदभीप्सितम्। तत्सर्वं सम्प्रदास्यामि कमलार्थे न संशयः॥

vasu ratnaṁ suvarṇaṁ ca anyatte yadabhīpsitam| tatsarvaṁ sampradāsyāmi kamalārthe na saṁśayaḥ||

Wealth, jewels, gold, and whatever else you desire — all that I shall give you for the sake of the lotuses, without doubt."

Verse 95 (skanda.5.211.95)

शबर्युवाच। नाहारं चिन्तयाम्यद्य मुक्त्वा देवं वरानने। देवकार्यं विना भद्रे नान्या बुद्धिः प्रवर्तते॥

śabaryuvāca| nāhāraṁ cintayāmyadya muktvā devaṁ varānane| devakāryaṁ vinā bhadre nānyā buddhiḥ pravartate||

The Shabara woman said: "O fair-faced one, apart from the God, I think of no food today. My dear, apart from the God's service, no other thought occurs to me."

Verse 96 (skanda.5.211.96)

राज्ञ्युवाच। न त्वयान्नं परित्याज्यं सर्वमन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्। तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन ममान्नं प्रतिगृह्यताम्॥

rājñyuvāca| na tvayānnaṁ parityājyaṁ sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam| tasmātsarvaprayatnena mamānnaṁ pratigṛhyatām||

The princess said: "You must not give up food; everything rests upon food. Therefore, with every effort, accept my offering of food.

Verse 97 (skanda.5.211.97)

तपस्विनो महाभागा ये चारण्यनिवासिनः। गृहस्थद्वारि ते सर्वे याचन्तेऽन्नमतन्द्रिताः॥

tapasvino mahābhāgā ye cāraṇyanivāsinaḥ| gṛhasthadvāri te sarve yācante'nnamatandritāḥ||

Even the most fortunate ascetics who dwell in the forest all, untiring, beg for food at the householder's door."

Verse 98 (skanda.5.211.98)

शबर्युवाच। निषेधश्च कृतः पूर्वं सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम्। सत्येन तपते सूर्यः सत्येन ज्वलतेऽनलः॥

śabaryuvāca| niṣedhaśca kṛtaḥ pūrvaṁ sarvaṁ satye pratiṣṭhitam| satyena tapate sūryaḥ satyena jvalate'nalaḥ||

The Shabara woman said: "That has already been refused; everything rests upon truth. By truth the sun gives heat, by truth fire burns,

Verse 99 (skanda.5.211.99)

सत्येन तिष्ठत्युदधिर्वायुः सत्येन वाति हि। सत्येन पच्यते सस्यं गावः क्षीरं स्रवन्ति च॥

satyena tiṣṭhatyudadhirvāyuḥ satyena vāti hi| satyena pacyate sasyaṁ gāvaḥ kṣīraṁ sravanti ca||

by truth the ocean stays within its bounds, by truth the wind blows; by truth the crops ripen, and cows yield their milk.

Verse 100 (skanda.5.211.100)

सत्याधारमिदं सर्वं जगत्स्थावरजङ्गमम्। तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन सत्यं सत्येन पालयेत्॥

satyādhāramidaṁ sarvaṁ jagatsthāvarajaṅgamam| tasmātsarvaprayatnena satyaṁ satyena pālayet||

This entire world, moving and unmoving, rests upon truth as its foundation. Therefore, with every effort, one should preserve truth by truth alone.

Verse 101 (skanda.5.211.101)

देवकार्यं तु मे मुक्त्वा नान्या बुद्धिः प्रवर्तते। गृहाण राज्ञि पुष्पाणि कुरु पूजां गदाभृतः॥

devakāryaṁ tu me muktvā nānyā buddhiḥ pravartate| gṛhāṇa rājñi puṣpāṇi kuru pūjāṁ gadābhṛtaḥ||

Apart from the God's service, no other thought occurs to me. O princess, accept the flowers; worship the mace-bearer."

Verse 102 (skanda.5.211.102)

श्रूयते द्विजवाक्यैस्तु न दोषो विद्यते क्वचित्। कुशाः शाकं पयो मत्स्या गन्धाः पुष्पाक्षता दधि। मांसं शय्यासनं धानाः प्रत्याख्येया न वारि च॥

śrūyate dvijavākyaistu na doṣo vidyate kvacit| kuśāḥ śākaṁ payo matsyā gandhāḥ puṣpākṣatā dadhi| māṁsaṁ śayyāsanaṁ dhānāḥ pratyākhyeyā na vāri ca||

It is heard, by the sayings of the twice-born, that there is no fault at all in this: kusha grass, vegetables, milk, fish, fragrances, flowers, unbroken rice, curd, meat, a bed or seat, parched grain, and water — these should never be refused.

Verse 103 (skanda.5.211.103)

राज्ञ्युवाच। आरामोपहृतं पुष्पमारण्यं पुष्पमेव च। क्रीतं प्रतिग्रहे लब्धं पुष्पमेवं चतुर्विधम्॥

rājñyuvāca| ārāmopahṛtaṁ puṣpamāraṇyaṁ puṣpameva ca| krītaṁ pratigrahe labdhaṁ puṣpamevaṁ caturvidham||

The princess said: "A flower brought from a garden, a flower from the forest, a bought flower, and a flower obtained as a gift — flowers are thus of four kinds.

Verse 104 (skanda.5.211.104)

उत्तमं पुष्पमारण्यं गृहीतं स्वयमेव च। मध्यमं फलमारामे त्वधमं क्रीतमेव च। प्रतिग्रहेण यल्लब्धं निष्फलं तद्विदुर्बुधाः॥

uttamaṁ puṣpamāraṇyaṁ gṛhītaṁ svayameva ca| madhyamaṁ phalamārāme tvadhamaṁ krītameva ca| pratigraheṇa yallabdhaṁ niṣphalaṁ tadvidurbudhāḥ||

The best flower is that gathered by oneself from the forest; the middling is fruit from a garden, and the lowest is that which is bought; that obtained as a gift, the wise know to be fruitless."

Verse 105 (skanda.5.211.105)

पुरोहित उवाच। गृहाण राज्ञि पुष्पाणि कुरु पूजां गदाभृतः। उपकारः प्रकर्तव्यो व्यपदेशेन कर्हिचित्॥

purohita uvāca| gṛhāṇa rājñi puṣpāṇi kuru pūjāṁ gadābhṛtaḥ| upakāraḥ prakartavyo vyapadeśena karhicit||

The family priest said: "O princess, accept the flowers; worship the mace-bearer. A benefit should sometimes be rendered under some pretext."

Verse 106 (skanda.5.211.106)

ईश्वर उवाच। श्रीफलानि सपद्मानि दत्तानि शबरेण तु। गृहीत्वा तानि राज्ञी सा पूजां चक्रे सुशोभनाम्॥

īśvara uvāca| śrīphalāni sapadmāni dattāni śabareṇa tu| gṛhītvā tāni rājñī sā pūjāṁ cakre suśobhanām||

Ishvara said: "Taking the bilva-fruits and lotuses given by the Shabara, the princess performed a most beautiful worship.

Verse 107 (skanda.5.211.107)

क्षपाजागरणं चक्रे श्रुत्वा पौराणिकीं कथाम्। शबरस्तु ततो भार्यामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥

kṣapājāgaraṇaṁ cakre śrutvā paurāṇikīṁ kathām| śabarastu tato bhāryāmidaṁ vacanamabravīt||

Having heard the Puranic story, she kept vigil through the night. Then the Shabara said these words to his wife:

Verse 108 (skanda.5.211.108)

दीपार्थं गृह्यतां स्नेहो यथालाभेन सुन्दरि। कृत्वा दीपं ततस्तौ तु कृत्वा पूजां हरेः शुभाम्॥

dīpārthaṁ gṛhyatāṁ sneho yathālābhena sundari| kṛtvā dīpaṁ tatastau tu kṛtvā pūjāṁ hareḥ śubhām||

"Fair one, take whatever oil can be had, for the lamp." Having thus made a lamp, the two of them, having performed a beautiful worship of Hari,

Verse 109 (skanda.5.211.109)

चक्रतुर्जागरं रात्रौ ध्यायन्तो धरणीधरम्। ततः प्रभातसमये दृष्ट्वा स्नानोत्सुकं जनम्॥

cakraturjāgaraṁ rātrau dhyāyanto dharaṇīdharam| tataḥ prabhātasamaye dṛṣṭvā snānotsukaṁ janam||

kept vigil through the night, meditating upon the Bearer of the earth. Then, at the hour of dawn, seeing the people eager for their bath,

Verse 110 (skanda.5.211.110)

स्नाति वै शूलभेदे तु देवनद्यां तथापरे। सरस्वत्यां नराः केचिन्मार्कण्डस्य ह्रदेऽपरे॥

snāti vai śūlabhede tu devanadyāṁ tathāpare| sarasvatyāṁ narāḥ kecinmārkaṇḍasya hrade'pare||

some bathed at Shulabheda, others in the celestial river, some in the Sarasvati, and others in the pool of Markanda;

Verse 111 (skanda.5.211.111)

चक्रतीर्थं गताश्चक्रुः स्नानं केचिद्विधानतः। शुचयस्ते जनाः सर्वे स्नात्वा देवाशिलोपरि॥

cakratīrthaṁ gatāścakruḥ snānaṁ kecidvidhānataḥ| śucayaste janāḥ sarve snātvā devāśilopari||

others, having gone to Chakratirtha, bathed according to rule; all those pure people, having bathed atop Devashila,

Verse 112 (skanda.5.211.112)

श्राद्धं चक्रुः प्रयत्नेन श्रद्धया पूतचेतसा। तान्दृष्ट्वा शबरो बिल्वैः पिण्डांश्चक्रे प्रयत्नतः॥

śrāddhaṁ cakruḥ prayatnena śraddhayā pūtacetasā| tāndṛṣṭvā śabaro bilvaiḥ piṇḍāṁścakre prayatnataḥ||

performed the shraddha rite diligently, with faith and purified minds. Seeing them, the Shabara diligently made pinda-offerings from bilva-fruit.

Verse 113 (skanda.5.211.113)

भानुमत्या तथा भर्तुः पिण्डनिर्वपणं कृतम्। अनिन्द्या भोजिता विप्रा दम्भवार्द्धुष्यवर्जिताः॥

bhānumatyā tathā bhartuḥ piṇḍanirvapaṇaṁ kṛtam| anindyā bhojitā viprā dambhavārddhuṣyavarjitāḥ||

Bhanumati too made the pinda-offering for her husband. Blameless brahmins, free of hypocrisy and usury, were fed

Verse 114 (skanda.5.211.114)

हविष्यान्नैस्तथा दध्ना शर्करामधुसर्पिषा। पायसेन तु गव्येन कृतान्नेन विशेषतः॥

haviṣyānnaistathā dadhnā śarkarāmadhusarpiṣā| pāyasena tu gavyena kṛtānnena viśeṣataḥ||

with sacrificial food, and with curd, sugar, honey and ghee, and with rice-pudding made of cow's milk, and especially with cooked food.

Verse 115 (skanda.5.211.115)

भोजयित्वा तथा राज्ञी ददौ दानं यथाविधि। पादुकोपानहौ छत्रं शय्यां गोवृषमेव च॥

bhojayitvā tathā rājñī dadau dānaṁ yathāvidhi| pādukopānahau chatraṁ śayyāṁ govṛṣameva ca||

Having fed them, the princess then gave gifts according to rule: sandals, shoes, an umbrella, a bed, and a bull as well,

Verse 116 (skanda.5.211.116)

विविधानि च दानानि हेमरत्नधनानि च। चक्रतीर्थे महाराज कपिलां यः प्रयच्छति। पृथ्वी तेन भवेद्दत्ता सशैलवनकानना॥

vividhāni ca dānāni hemaratnadhanāni ca| cakratīrthe mahārāja kapilāṁ yaḥ prayacchati| pṛthvī tena bhaveddattā saśailavanakānanā||

and various other gifts of gold, jewels and wealth. O great king, whoever gives a tawny cow at Chakratirtha — by him the whole earth, with its mountains, forests and woods, is as good as given.

Verse 117 (skanda.5.211.117)

उत्तानपाद उवाच। यानि यानि च दत्तानि शस्तानि जगतीपतेः। तानि सर्वाणि देवेश कथयस्व प्रसादतः॥

uttānapāda uvāca| yāni yāni ca dattāni śastāni jagatīpateḥ| tāni sarvāṇi deveśa kathayasva prasādataḥ||

Uttanapada said: "O lord of gods, tell me all the gifts that are given and praised for the lord of the earth, by your grace."

Verse 118 (skanda.5.211.118)

ईश्वर उवाच। तिलप्रदः प्रजामिष्टां दीपदश्चक्षुरुत्तमम्। भूमिदः स्वर्गमाप्नोति दीर्घमायुर्हिरण्यदः॥

īśvara uvāca| tilapradaḥ prajāmiṣṭāṁ dīpadaścakṣuruttamam| bhūmidaḥ svargamāpnoti dīrghamāyurhiraṇyadaḥ||

Ishvara said: "The giver of sesame obtains the offspring he desires; the giver of a lamp obtains excellent eyesight; the giver of land attains heaven; the giver of gold obtains long life.

Verse 119 (skanda.5.211.119)

गृहदो रोगरहितो रूप्यदो रूपवान् भवेत्। वासोदश्चन्द्रसालोक्यमर्कसायुज्यमश्वदः॥

gṛhado rogarahito rūpyado rūpavān bhavet| vāsodaścandrasālokyamarkasāyujyamaśvadaḥ||

The giver of a house becomes free of disease; the giver of silver becomes handsome; the giver of clothing attains dwelling in the world of the moon; the giver of a horse attains union with the sun.

Verse 120 (skanda.5.211.120)

वृषदस्तु श्रियं पुष्टां गोदाता च त्रिविष्टपम्। यानशय्याप्रदो भार्यामैश्वर्यमभयप्रदः॥

vṛṣadastu śriyaṁ puṣṭāṁ godātā ca triviṣṭapam| yānaśayyāprado bhāryāmaiśvaryamabhayapradaḥ||

The giver of a bull obtains abundant prosperity; the giver of a cow attains heaven; the giver of a vehicle or bed obtains a wife; the giver of fearlessness obtains sovereignty.

Verse 121 (skanda.5.211.121)

धान्यदः शाश्वतं सौख्यं ब्रह्मदो ब्रह्म शाश्वतम्। वार्यन्नपृथिवीवासस्तिलकाञ्चनसर्पिषाम्॥

dhānyadaḥ śāśvataṁ saukhyaṁ brahmado brahma śāśvatam| vāryannapṛthivīvāsastilakāñcanasarpiṣām||

The giver of grain obtains everlasting happiness; the giver of sacred knowledge obtains everlasting Brahman; there is merit in the gift of water, food, land, dwelling, sesame, gold and ghee —

Verse 122 (skanda.5.211.122)

सर्वेषामेव दानानां ब्रह्मदानं विशिष्यते। येन येन हि भावेन यद्यद्दानं प्रयच्छति॥

sarveṣāmeva dānānāṁ brahmadānaṁ viśiṣyate| yena yena hi bhāvena yadyaddānaṁ prayacchati||

but of all gifts, the gift of sacred knowledge is the most excellent. With whatever disposition a man gives whatever gift,

Verse 123 (skanda.5.211.123)

तेन तेन स भावेन प्राप्नोति प्रतिपूजितम्। दृष्ट्वा दानानि सर्वाणि राज्ञी दत्तानि यानि च॥

tena tena sa bhāvena prāpnoti pratipūjitam| dṛṣṭvā dānāni sarvāṇi rājñī dattāni yāni ca||

with that same disposition he receives it back, duly honoured. Having seen all the gifts given by the princess,

Verse 124 (skanda.5.211.124)

उवाच शबरो भार्यां यत्तच्छृणु नरेश्वर। पुराणं पठितं भद्रे ब्राह्मणैर्वेदपारगैः॥

uvāca śabaro bhāryāṁ yattacchṛṇu nareśvara| purāṇaṁ paṭhitaṁ bhadre brāhmaṇairvedapāragaiḥ||

the Shabara said to his wife — hear this, O lord of men — "My dear, the Purana was recited by brahmins learned in the Vedas,

Verse 125 (skanda.5.211.125)

श्रुतं च तन्मया सर्वं दानधर्मफलं शुभम्। पूर्वजन्मार्जितं पापं स्नानदानव्रतादिभिः॥

śrutaṁ ca tanmayā sarvaṁ dānadharmaphalaṁ śubham| pūrvajanmārjitaṁ pāpaṁ snānadānavratādibhiḥ||

and I have heard all of it — the auspicious fruit of righteous giving. Sin earned in a previous birth, through bathing, giving, vows and the like,

Verse 126 (skanda.5.211.126)

शरीरं दुस्त्यजं मुक्त्वा लभते गतिमुत्तमाम्। संसारसागराद्भीतः सत्यं भद्रे वदामि ते॥

śarīraṁ dustyajaṁ muktvā labhate gatimuttamām| saṁsārasāgarādbhītaḥ satyaṁ bhadre vadāmi te||

is set aside along with this hard-to-abandon body, and one attains the highest state. Fearful of the ocean of transmigration, my dear, I speak the truth to you.

Verse 127 (skanda.5.211.127)

अनेकानि च पापानि कृतानि बहुशो मया। घातिता जन्तवो भद्रे निर्दग्धाः पर्वताः सदा॥

anekāni ca pāpāni kṛtāni bahuśo mayā| ghātitā jantavo bhadre nirdagdhāḥ parvatāḥ sadā||

Many sins have I committed, again and again; my dear, creatures have been slain, and mountains constantly set ablaze.

Verse 128 (skanda.5.211.128)

तेन पापेन दग्धोऽहं दारिद्र्यं न निवर्तते। तीर्थावगाहनं पूर्वं पापेन न कृतं मया॥

tena pāpena dagdho'haṁ dāridryaṁ na nivartate| tīrthāvagāhanaṁ pūrvaṁ pāpena na kṛtaṁ mayā||

Burned by that sin, my poverty does not depart. Out of sinfulness I never before bathed in a sacred tirtha.

Verse 129 (skanda.5.211.129)

तेनाहं दुःखितो भद्रे दारिद्र्यमनिवर्तिकम्। मातुर्गृहं प्रयाहि त्वं त्यज स्नेहं ममोपरि। नगशृङ्गं समारुह्य मोक्तुमिच्छाम्यहं तनुम्॥

tenāhaṁ duḥkhito bhadre dāridryamanivartikam| māturgṛhaṁ prayāhi tvaṁ tyaja snehaṁ mamopari| nagaśṛṅgaṁ samāruhya moktumicchāmyahaṁ tanum||

Therefore, my dear, I am wretched, my poverty unending. Go to your mother's house; abandon your affection for me. Climbing the mountain's peak, I wish to cast off this body."

Verse 130 (skanda.5.211.130)

शबर्युवाच। मात्रा पित्रा न मे कार्यं नापि स्वजनबान्धवैः। या गतिस्तव जीवेश सा ममापि भविष्यति॥

śabaryuvāca| mātrā pitrā na me kāryaṁ nāpi svajanabāndhavaiḥ| yā gatistava jīveśa sā mamāpi bhaviṣyati||

The Shabara woman said: "I have no need of mother, father, or kinsfolk and relations. O lord of my life, whatever destiny is yours, that shall be mine also.

Verse 131 (skanda.5.211.131)

न स्त्रीणामीदृशो धर्मो विना भर्त्रा स्वजीवितम्। श्रूयन्ते बहवो दोषा धर्मशास्त्रेष्वनेकधा॥

na strīṇāmīdṛśo dharmo vinā bhartrā svajīvitam| śrūyante bahavo doṣā dharmaśāstreṣvanekadhā||

It is not the duty of women to live on without their husband. Many faults regarding this are heard, spoken variously in the scriptures of law.

Verse 132 (skanda.5.211.132)

पारणं कुरु भोजेन्द्र व्रतं येन न नश्यति। यत्तेऽभिवाञ्छितं किंचिद्विष्णवे कर्तुमर्हसि॥

pāraṇaṁ kuru bhojendra vrataṁ yena na naśyati| yatte'bhivāñchitaṁ kiṁcidviṣṇave kartumarhasi||

O lord of the Bhojas, break your fast, so that your vow may not be ruined. Whatever you have desired, you ought to accomplish it for Vishnu's sake."

Verse 133 (skanda.5.211.133)

भार्याया वचनं श्रुत्वा मुमुदे शबरस्ततः। गृहीत्वा श्रीफलं शीघ्रं होमं कृत्वा यथाविधि॥

bhāryāyā vacanaṁ śrutvā mumude śabarastataḥ| gṛhītvā śrīphalaṁ śīghraṁ homaṁ kṛtvā yathāvidhi||

Hearing his wife's words, the Shabara then rejoiced; taking a bilva-fruit quickly, and performing the fire-offering according to rule,

Verse 134 (skanda.5.211.134)

सर्वदेवान्नमस्कृत्य भुक्तोऽपि च तया सह। चैत्र्यां तु विषुवं ज्ञात्वा तस्थौ तत्र दिनत्रयम्॥

sarvadevānnamaskṛtya bhukto'pi ca tayā saha| caitryāṁ tu viṣuvaṁ jñātvā tasthau tatra dinatrayam||

and having saluted all the gods, he then ate together with her. Learning that it was the equinox in the month of Chaitra, they remained there for three days.