The Manifestation of Kelishvari and the Slaying of Andhaka

Verse 1 (skanda.6.149.1)

॥ ऋषय ऊचुः ॥ ॥ केलीश्वरी च या देवी श्रूयते सूतनंदन ॥ माहात्म्यं वद नस्तस्या उत्पत्तिं च सुविस्तरात्

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ kelīśvarī ca yā devī śrūyate sūtanaṁdana māhātmyaṁ vada nastasyā utpattiṁ ca suvistarāt

The sages said: O son of Suta, tell us in full detail the greatness and the origin of that goddess known as Kelishvari.

Verse 2 (skanda.6.149.2)

कस्मिन्काले समुत्पन्ना किमर्थं च सुरेश्वरी ॥। किं तस्या जायते श्रेयः पूजया नमनेन च

kasminkāle samutpannā kimarthaṁ ca sureśvarī kiṁ tasyā jāyate śreyaḥ pūjayā namanena ca

At what time, and for what purpose, was that goddess of the gods born? What benefit comes from worshipping and bowing to her?

Verse 3 (skanda.6.149.3)

त्वया कात्यायनी प्रोक्ता चामुण्डा च सुरेश्वरी ॥ श्रीमाता च समुत्पन्ना किमर्थं च सुरेश्वरी

tvayā kātyāyanī proktā cāmuṇḍā ca sureśvarī śrīmātā ca samutpannā kimarthaṁ ca sureśvarī

You have told us of Katyayani, Chamunda, and the goddess of the gods, Shrimata — for what purpose was that goddess born?

Verse 4 (skanda.6.149.4)

श्रीमाता च तथा तारा देवी शत्रुविनाशिनी ॥ केलीश्वरी न संप्रोक्ता तस्मात्तां वद सांप्रतम्

śrīmātā ca tathā tārā devī śatruvināśinī kelīśvarī na saṁproktā tasmāttāṁ vada sāṁpratam

Shrimata, and the goddess Tara, destroyer of enemies — these have been spoken of, but Kelishvari has not; therefore tell us of her now.

Verse 5 (skanda.6.149.5)

कौतुकं नः समुत्पन्नमत्रार्थे सूतनंदन

kautukaṁ naḥ samutpannamatrārthe sūtanaṁdana

O son of Suta, great curiosity has arisen in us concerning this matter.

Verse 6 (skanda.6.149.6)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ आद्यैका देवता लोके बहुरूपा व्यवस्थिता ॥ देवतानां हितार्थाय दैत्यपक्षक्षयाय च

sūta uvāca ādyaikā devatā loke bahurūpā vyavasthitā devatānāṁ hitārthāya daityapakṣakṣayāya ca

Suta said: In this world there stands but a single primordial deity, established in many forms, for the welfare of the gods and for the destruction of the demon faction.

Verse 7 (skanda.6.149.7)

यदायदात्र देवानां व्यसनं जायते क्वचित् ॥ तदातदा परा शक्तिर्या सा व्याप्य व्यवस्थिता

yadāyadātra devānāṁ vyasanaṁ jāyate kvacit tadātadā parā śaktiryā sā vyāpya vyavasthitā

Whenever and wherever some calamity befalls the gods, then and there that supreme power alone pervades and establishes herself.

Verse 8 (skanda.6.149.8)

सर्वमेतज्जगद्धात्री जन्म चक्रे धरातले ॥ महिषासुरनाशाय सा च कात्यायनी भुवि

sarvametajjagaddhātrī janma cakre dharātale mahiṣāsuranāśāya sā ca kātyāyanī bhuvi

She, the nurse and sustainer of this entire universe, took birth upon the earth — for the destruction of Mahishasura, she descended to the earth as Katyayani.

Verse 9 (skanda.6.149.9)

अवतीर्णा परा मूर्तिर्गतास्मिन्भुवनत्रये ॥ यदा शुंभनिक्षंभौ च दानवौ बलदर्पितौ

avatīrṇā parā mūrtirgatāsminbhuvanatraye yadā śuṁbhanikṣaṁbhau ca dānavau baladarpitau

That supreme form descended into these three worlds; when the two danavas Shumbha and Nishumbha, intoxicated with the pride of their strength, arose —

Verse 10 (skanda.6.149.10)

अवतीर्णा तदा सैव चामुंडा रूपमाश्रिता ॥ प्रोद्गते कालयवने सर्वदेवभयावहे

avatīrṇā tadā saiva cāmuṁḍā rūpamāśritā prodgate kālayavane sarvadevabhayāvahe

then she herself, taking the form of Chamunda, descended; and when Kalayavana arose, striking terror into all the gods —

Verse 11 (skanda.6.149.11)

श्रीमातारूपिणी देवी सैव जाता महीतले ॥ अंधासुरवधार्थाय शंभुनाऽऽक्रांतचेतसा ॥ सृष्टा केलीवरी देवी यया व्याप्तमिदं जगत्

śrīmātārūpiṇī devī saiva jātā mahītale aṁdhāsuravadhārthāya śaṁbhunā''krāṁtacetasā sṛṣṭā kelīvarī devī yayā vyāptamidaṁ jagat

That same goddess was born on earth in the form of Shrimata. And for the slaying of Andhakasura, by Shambhu, his mind seized with distress, the goddess Kelivari was created, by whom this entire universe is pervaded.

Verse 12 (skanda.6.149.12)

ततस्तस्याः प्रभावेन हत्वा दैत्यानशेषतः ॥ अन्धको निहतः पश्चात्त्रैलोक्यव्यसनप्रदः

tatastasyāḥ prabhāvena hatvā daityānaśeṣataḥ andhako nihataḥ paścāttrailokyavyasanapradaḥ

Then, by her power, having slain all the daityas, Andhaka too, the one who had brought calamity upon the three worlds, was finally slain.

Verse 13 (skanda.6.149.13)

॥ ऋषय ऊचुः ॥ ॥ अन्धकः कस्य पुत्रोऽयं किंप्रभावः कथं हतः ॥ कस्माद्धतस्तु संग्रामे सर्वं विस्तरतो वद

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ andhakaḥ kasya putro'yaṁ kiṁprabhāvaḥ kathaṁ hataḥ kasmāddhatastu saṁgrāme sarvaṁ vistarato vada

The sages said: Whose son was this Andhaka? What was his power? How was he slain? By whom was he killed in battle — tell us all this in detail.

Verse 14 (skanda.6.149.14)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ दक्षस्य दुहिता नाम्ना दितिः सर्वगुणालया ॥ हिरण्यकशिपुर्नाम तस्याः पुत्रो बभूव ह

sūta uvāca dakṣasya duhitā nāmnā ditiḥ sarvaguṇālayā hiraṇyakaśipurnāma tasyāḥ putro babhūva ha

Suta said: To Diti, the daughter of Daksha, the abode of every virtue, was born a son named Hiranyakashipu.

Verse 15 (skanda.6.149.15)

येन शक्रादयो देवा जिताः सर्वे रणाजिरे ॥ स्वर्गे राज्यं कृतं भूरि स्वयमेव महात्मना

yena śakrādayo devā jitāḥ sarve raṇājire svarge rājyaṁ kṛtaṁ bhūri svayameva mahātmanā

By whom Shakra and all the other gods were conquered on the field of battle, and who, that great being, himself ruled a vast kingdom in heaven.

Verse 16 (skanda.6.149.16)

यद्भयात्सकलैर्देवैर्नानाशस्त्राण्यनेकशः ॥ निर्मितान्यतिमुख्यानि वर्मचर्मयुतानि च

yadbhayātsakalairdevairnānāśastrāṇyanekaśaḥ nirmitānyatimukhyāni varmacarmayutāni ca

In fear of whom all the gods had various kinds of most excellent weapons made, together with armor and shields —

Verse 17 (skanda.6.149.17)

स्वयं विदारितो यश्च विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना ॥ करजैर्जानुनि पृष्ठे विनिधाय प्रकोपतः

svayaṁ vidārito yaśca viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā karajairjānuni pṛṣṭhe vinidhāya prakopataḥ

he was, in the end, himself torn apart by the mighty Vishnu, who, in fury, placed him upon the back of his knee and rent him with his claws.

Verse 18 (skanda.6.149.18)

तस्य पुत्रद्वयं जज्ञ वीर्यौदार्यगुणान्वितम् ॥ ज्येष्ठः प्रह्लाद इत्युक्तो द्वितीयश्चांधकस्तथा

tasya putradvayaṁ jajña vīryaudāryaguṇānvitam jyeṣṭhaḥ prahlāda ityukto dvitīyaścāṁdhakastathā

To him were born two sons, endowed with the virtues of valor and generosity — the elder called Prahlada, and the second, Andhaka.

Verse 19 (skanda.6.149.19)

हिरण्यकशिपौ प्राप्ते मृत्युलोकं सुहृद्गणैः ॥ अमात्यैश्च ततः प्रोक्तः प्रह्लादो विनयान्वितैः

hiraṇyakaśipau prāpte mṛtyulokaṁ suhṛdgaṇaiḥ amātyaiśca tataḥ proktaḥ prahlādo vinayānvitaiḥ

When Hiranyakashipu had met his death, thereafter Prahlada was addressed by his humble friends and ministers.

Verse 20 (skanda.6.149.20)

पितृपैतामहं राज्यमेतदाचर सांप्रतम् ॥ धुरं वहस्व राज्योत्थां देवान्युद्धे निपातय

pitṛpaitāmahaṁ rājyametadācara sāṁpratam dhuraṁ vahasva rājyotthāṁ devānyuddhe nipātaya

They said: Now govern this kingdom of your father and grandfather; bear the burden that comes with rule, and cast down the gods in battle.

Verse 21 (skanda.6.149.21)

॥ प्रह्राद उवाच ॥ ॥ नाहं राज्यं करिष्यामि कथंचिदपि भूतले ॥ यतस्ततो निबोधध्वं वचनं मम सांप्रतम्

prahrāda uvāca nāhaṁ rājyaṁ kariṣyāmi kathaṁcidapi bhūtale yatastato nibodhadhvaṁ vacanaṁ mama sāṁpratam

Prahlada said: I shall not, in any way, rule this kingdom upon the earth; hear now from me the reason for this.

Verse 22 (skanda.6.149.22)

दैत्यराज्यं न वांछंति देवाः शक्रपुरोगमाः ॥ तेषां रक्षाकरो नित्यं विष्णुः स भगवान्स्वयम्

daityarājyaṁ na vāṁchaṁti devāḥ śakrapurogamāḥ teṣāṁ rakṣākaro nityaṁ viṣṇuḥ sa bhagavānsvayam

The gods, with Shakra at their head, do not desire a daitya kingdom; and their eternal protector is the Blessed Lord Vishnu himself.

Verse 23 (skanda.6.149.23)

अप्यहं सन्त्यजे प्राणान्सर्वस्वं वा न संशयः ॥ हरिणा सह संग्रामं नाहं कर्तुमहो क्षमः

apyahaṁ santyaje prāṇānsarvasvaṁ vā na saṁśayaḥ hariṇā saha saṁgrāmaṁ nāhaṁ kartumaho kṣamaḥ

Even if I were to give up my life, or all that I possess — of that there is no doubt — still I am not capable of waging war against Hari.

Verse 24 (skanda.6.149.24)

यो मयाऽभ्यर्चितो नित्यं प्रणतश्च सुरेश्वरः ॥ न तेन सहितो युद्धं करिष्यामि कथञ्चन

yo mayā'bhyarcito nityaṁ praṇataśca sureśvaraḥ na tena sahito yuddhaṁ kariṣyāmi kathañcana

That lord of the gods, whom I ever worship and to whom I bow in reverence — with him I shall in no way wage war.

Verse 25 (skanda.6.149.25)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ प्रह्लादेन च संत्यक्ते राज्ये पितृसमुद्भवे ॥ अन्धकः स्थापितस्तत्र संमंत्र्य सचिवैर्मिथः

sūta uvāca prahlādena ca saṁtyakte rājye pitṛsamudbhave andhakaḥ sthāpitastatra saṁmaṁtrya sacivairmithaḥ

Suta said: When Prahlada had thus renounced that paternal kingdom, the ministers, taking counsel together among themselves, installed Andhaka there in his stead.

Verse 26 (skanda.6.149.26)

हिरण्यकशिपोः पुत्रो देवदानवदर्पहा ॥ सोऽपि राज्यममात्येभ्यो निधाय तदनन्तरम्

hiraṇyakaśipoḥ putro devadānavadarpahā so'pi rājyamamātyebhyo nidhāya tadanantaram

That son of Hiranyakashipu, a crusher of the pride of both gods and demons, having entrusted the kingdom to his ministers, thereafter —

Verse 27 (skanda.6.149.27)

तपश्चक्रे चिरं कालं ध्यायमानः पितामहम् ॥ त्यक्त्वा कामं तथा क्रोधं दंभं मत्सरमेव च

tapaścakre ciraṁ kālaṁ dhyāyamānaḥ pitāmaham tyaktvā kāmaṁ tathā krodhaṁ daṁbhaṁ matsarameva ca

performed austerity for a long time, meditating upon the grandfather Brahma, having abandoned desire, anger, arrogance, and envy.

Verse 28 (skanda.6.149.28)

जितेंद्रियः सुशांतात्मा समः सर्वेषु जन्तुषु ॥ वृक्षमूलाश्रयः शांतः संतुष्टेनांतरात्मना

jiteṁdriyaḥ suśāṁtātmā samaḥ sarveṣu jantuṣu vṛkṣamūlāśrayaḥ śāṁtaḥ saṁtuṣṭenāṁtarātmanā

He became one with senses conquered, deeply tranquil in mind, equal-minded toward all creatures, taking shelter at the root of a tree, peaceful, and content in his inmost soul.

Verse 29 (skanda.6.149.29)

यावद्वर्षसहस्रांतं फलाहारो बभूव ह ॥ शीर्णपर्णाशनाहारो यावद्वर्षसहस्रकम्

yāvadvarṣasahasrāṁtaṁ phalāhāro babhūva ha śīrṇaparṇāśanāhāro yāvadvarṣasahasrakam

For a thousand years he subsisted on fruit alone, and for a further thousand years he subsisted only on fallen leaves.

Verse 30 (skanda.6.149.30)

ध्यायमानो दिवानक्तं देवदेवं पितामहम् ॥ वायुभक्षस्ततो जज्ञे तावत्कालं द्विजोत्तमाः

dhyāyamāno divānaktaṁ devadevaṁ pitāmaham vāyubhakṣastato jajñe tāvatkālaṁ dvijottamāḥ

O best of brahmins, meditating day and night upon the god of gods, the grandfather, he then, for an equal span of time, became one who lived on air alone.

Verse 31 (skanda.6.149.31)

ततो वर्षसहस्रांते चतुर्थे समुपस्थिते ॥ तमुवाच स्वयं ब्रह्मा स्वयमभ्येत्य हर्षितः

tato varṣasahasrāṁte caturthe samupasthite tamuvāca svayaṁ brahmā svayamabhyetya harṣitaḥ

Then, when the fourth thousand years had arrived, Brahma himself, pleased, came to him personally and spoke.

Verse 32 (skanda.6.149.32)

॥ ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ ॥ परितुष्टोऽस्मि ते वत्स वरं वरय सुव्रत ॥ तुष्टोऽहं ते प्रदास्यामि यद्यपि स्यात्सुदुर्लभम्

brahmovāca parituṣṭo'smi te vatsa varaṁ varaya suvrata tuṣṭo'haṁ te pradāsyāmi yadyapi syātsudurlabham

Brahma said: O child, O noble one of good vows, I am well pleased with you; ask for a boon; being pleased, I shall grant it to you, however difficult to obtain it may be.

Verse 33 (skanda.6.149.33)

॥ अन्धक उवाच ॥ ॥ यदि यच्छसि मे ब्रह्मन्वरं मनसि वांछितम् ॥ जरामरणनाशाय दीयतां सुरसत्तम

andhaka uvāca yadi yacchasi me brahmanvaraṁ manasi vāṁchitam jarāmaraṇanāśāya dīyatāṁ surasattama

Andhaka said: O Brahma, if you would grant me the boon desired in my heart, then, O best of gods, grant me the destruction of old age and death.

Verse 34 (skanda.6.149.34)

॥ श्रीब्रह्मोवाच ॥ ॥ न कश्चिच्च जराहीनो विद्यतेऽत्र धरातले ॥ मरणेन विना नैव यस्य जन्म भवेत्क्षितौ

śrībrahmovāca na kaścicca jarāhīno vidyate'tra dharātale maraṇena vinā naiva yasya janma bhavetkṣitau

Shri Brahma said: There exists no one upon this earth free of old age, and there is none, born upon this earth, whose being can exist without death.

Verse 35 (skanda.6.149.35)

तथापि तव दास्यामि बहुधर्मरतस्य च ॥ तस्मात्कुरु महाभाग राज्यं गत्वा निजं गृहम्

tathāpi tava dāsyāmi bahudharmaratasya ca tasmātkuru mahābhāga rājyaṁ gatvā nijaṁ gṛham

Nevertheless, since you are devoted to many acts of dharma, I shall grant you something; therefore, O blessed one, go to your own home and rule.

Verse 36 (skanda.6.149.36)

भवेद्बहुफलं राज्यं श्मशानं भवनं यथा ॥ बहुकण्टकसंकीर्णं क्रूरकर्मभिरावृतम्

bhavedbahuphalaṁ rājyaṁ śmaśānaṁ bhavanaṁ yathā bahukaṇṭakasaṁkīrṇaṁ krūrakarmabhirāvṛtam

I grant that your kingdom shall be most fruitful — like a dwelling built upon a cremation ground; strewn thick with thorns, and enveloped in cruel deeds.

Verse 37 (skanda.6.149.37)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ एवमुक्त्वा चतुर्वक्त्रस्ततश्चादर्शनं गतः ॥ कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य प्रेरितः कालधर्मणा ॥ प्रोवाच सचिवान्सोऽथ पितुर्वैरमनुस्मरन्

sūta uvāca evamuktvā caturvaktrastataścādarśanaṁ gataḥ kasyacittvatha kālasya preritaḥ kāladharmaṇā provāca sacivānso'tha piturvairamanusmaran

Suta said: Having said this, the four-faced Brahma then vanished from sight. Then, after some time, driven by the law of time, remembering his father's old enmity, he spoke to his ministers.

Verse 38 (skanda.6.149.38)

॥ अन्धक उवाच ॥ ॥ पितास्माकं हतो देवैः पितृव्यश्च महाबलः ॥ कपटेन न शौर्येण तस्मात्तान्सूदयाम्यहम्

andhaka uvāca pitāsmākaṁ hato devaiḥ pitṛvyaśca mahābalaḥ kapaṭena na śauryeṇa tasmāttānsūdayāmyaham

Andhaka said: Our father, and our mighty uncle too, were slain by the gods through deceit, not through valor; therefore I shall destroy them.

Verse 39 (skanda.6.149.39)

कोऽर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यो न कृत्यैः सुशंसितैः ॥ प्राकट्यं याति सर्वत्र वंशस्याग्रे ध्वजो यथा

ko'rthaḥ putreṇa jātena yo na kṛtyaiḥ suśaṁsitaiḥ prākaṭyaṁ yāti sarvatra vaṁśasyāgre dhvajo yathā

What use is a son once born, who does not, through praiseworthy deeds, become renowned everywhere, like a banner raised before his lineage?

Verse 40 (skanda.6.149.40)

॥ मंत्रिण ऊचुः ॥ ॥ युक्तमेतन्महाभाग यत्त्वया व्याहृतं वचः ॥ वध्याःस्युर्विबुधाः सर्वे येऽस्माकं परिपंथिनः

maṁtriṇa ūcuḥ yuktametanmahābhāga yattvayā vyāhṛtaṁ vacaḥ vadhyāḥsyurvibudhāḥ sarve ye'smākaṁ paripaṁthinaḥ

The ministers said: O blessed one, fitting is this word you have spoken; all the gods, who are our adversaries, deserve to be slain.

Verse 41 (skanda.6.149.41)

अस्माकं खल्विमे लोकाः के देवाः के द्विजातयः ॥ यज्ञभागान्हरिष्यामो हत्वा शक्रमुखान्सुरान्

asmākaṁ khalvime lokāḥ ke devāḥ ke dvijātayaḥ yajñabhāgānhariṣyāmo hatvā śakramukhānsurān

These worlds are, in truth, ours alone — what are the gods, what are the twice-born? We shall slay Shakra and the other gods and seize their portions of the sacrifice.

Verse 42 (skanda.6.149.42)

एवं ते समयं कृत्वा सैन्येन महतान्विताः ॥ प्रजग्मुस्त्वरितास्तत्र यत्र शक्रो व्यवस्थितः

evaṁ te samayaṁ kṛtvā sainyena mahatānvitāḥ prajagmustvaritāstatra yatra śakro vyavasthitaḥ

Having thus resolved, joined by a vast army, they marched swiftly to where Indra was stationed.

Verse 43 (skanda.6.149.43)

शक्रोऽपि दानवानीकं दृष्ट्वा तान्सहसागतान्॥ आरुह्यैरावणं नागं युद्धार्थं निर्ययौ तदा

śakro'pi dānavānīkaṁ dṛṣṭvā tānsahasāgatān āruhyairāvaṇaṁ nāgaṁ yuddhārthaṁ niryayau tadā

Indra too, seeing that army of danavas arrive suddenly, mounted the elephant Airavata and set out for battle.

Verse 44 (skanda.6.149.44)

सह देवगणैः सर्वैर्वसुरुद्रार्कपूर्वकैः ॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे शक्रो वज्रं रौद्रतमं च यत्

saha devagaṇaiḥ sarvairvasurudrārkapūrvakaiḥ etasminnaṁtare śakro vajraṁ raudratamaṁ ca yat

together with all the hosts of gods, the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Adityas foremost. Meanwhile, Indra took up his most terrible thunderbolt —

Verse 45 (skanda.6.149.45)

समुद्दिश्यांधकं तस्मै मुमोच परवीरहा॥ स हतस्तेन वज्रेण विहस्य दनुजोत्तमः

samuddiśyāṁdhakaṁ tasmai mumoca paravīrahā sa hatastena vajreṇa vihasya danujottamaḥ

and that slayer of enemy heroes hurled it at Andhaka; struck by that thunderbolt, that foremost of danus merely laughed.

Verse 46 (skanda.6.149.46)

शक्रं प्रोवाच संहृष्टस्तारनादेन संयुगे ॥ दृष्टं बाहुबलं शक्र तवाद्य सुचिरान्मया

śakraṁ provāca saṁhṛṣṭastāranādena saṁyuge dṛṣṭaṁ bāhubalaṁ śakra tavādya sucirānmayā

Greatly delighted, he cried out to Indra in the battle with a loud voice: O Shakra, today, after a very long time, I have seen the strength of your arm.

Verse 47 (skanda.6.149.47)

अधुना पश्य चास्माकं त्वमेव बलसूदन

adhunā paśya cāsmākaṁ tvameva balasūdana

Now, O destroyer of strength, behold our strength as well.

Verse 48 (skanda.6.149.48)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ एवमुक्त्वाथ चाविध्य गदां गुर्वीं मुमोच ह ॥ शतघंटामहारावां निर्मितां विश्वकर्मणा

sūta uvāca evamuktvātha cāvidhya gadāṁ gurvīṁ mumoca ha śataghaṁṭāmahārāvāṁ nirmitāṁ viśvakarmaṇā

Suta said: Having said this, he swung and hurled a massive mace, fashioned by Vishvakarma, resounding with the mighty clang of a hundred bells.

Verse 49 (skanda.6.149.49)

सर्वायसमयीं गुर्वीं यमजिह्वाभिवापराम् ॥ शतहस्तां प्रमाणेन प्राणिनां भयवर्द्धिनीम्

sarvāyasamayīṁ gurvīṁ yamajihvābhivāparām śatahastāṁ pramāṇena prāṇināṁ bhayavarddhinīm

It was made entirely of iron, heavy, terrible as the very tongue of Yama, a hundred cubits in measure, and one that increased fear in all beings.

Verse 50 (skanda.6.149.50)

तया विनिहतः शक्रो मूर्छाव्याकुलितेंद्रियः ॥ ध्वजयष्टिं समाश्रित्य निविष्टो गजमूर्द्धनि

tayā vinihataḥ śakro mūrchāvyākuliteṁdriyaḥ dhvajayaṣṭiṁ samāśritya niviṣṭo gajamūrddhani

Struck by it, Indra, his senses reeling with unconsciousness, took hold of the flagstaff and sank down upon the elephant's head.

Verse 51 (skanda.6.149.51)

अथ संमूर्छितं दृष्ट्वा शक्रं स्कन्दः प्रकोपितः ॥ मुमोचाथ निजां शक्तिममोघां वज्रसंनिभाम्

atha saṁmūrchitaṁ dṛṣṭvā śakraṁ skandaḥ prakopitaḥ mumocātha nijāṁ śaktimamoghāṁ vajrasaṁnibhām

Then, seeing Indra fallen unconscious, Skanda, enraged, hurled his own unfailing spear, resembling a thunderbolt.

Verse 52 (skanda.6.149.52)

तामायांतीं समालोक्य दानवो निशितैः शरैः ॥ प्रतिलोमां ततश्चक्रे लीलयैव महाबलः

tāmāyāṁtīṁ samālokya dānavo niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ pratilomāṁ tataścakre līlayaiva mahābalaḥ

Seeing it come, that mighty danava, with sharp arrows, effortlessly turned it back, as if in mere sport.

Verse 53 (skanda.6.149.53)

ततः स्कन्दोऽपि संगृह्य चापं तं प्रति सायकान्॥ मुमोचाशीविषाकाराल्लँघ्वस्त्रं तस्य दर्शयन्

tataḥ skando'pi saṁgṛhya cāpaṁ taṁ prati sāyakān mumocāśīviṣākārālla~ghvastraṁ tasya darśayan

Thereupon Skanda too, taking up his bow, loosed arrows against him shaped like venomous serpents, displaying to him the power of his lesser weapon.

Verse 54 (skanda.6.149.54)

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे देवाः सर्वे शस्त्रप्रवृष्टिभिः ॥ समंताच्छादयामासुर्दानवानामनीकिनीम्

etasminnantare devāḥ sarve śastrapravṛṣṭibhiḥ samaṁtācchādayāmāsurdānavānāmanīkinīm

Meanwhile, all the gods, with a downpour of weapons, covered the army of the danavas from every side.

Verse 55 (skanda.6.149.55)

ततस्तु दानवाः सर्वे देवतानामनीकिनीम्॥ प्रहारैः पीडयामासुर्दुद्रुवुस्ते दिवौकसः

tatastu dānavāḥ sarve devatānāmanīkinīm prahāraiḥ pīḍayāmāsurdudruvuste divaukasaḥ

Then all the danavas, with their blows, so tormented the army of the gods that those celestials fled.

Verse 56 (skanda.6.149.56)

ततो भग्नान्सुरान्दृष्ट्वा सगणो वृषवाहनः ॥ दर्शयामास चात्मानं देवानाश्वासयन्निव

tato bhagnānsurāndṛṣṭvā sagaṇo vṛṣavāhanaḥ darśayāmāsa cātmānaṁ devānāśvāsayanniva

Then, seeing the gods routed, Vrishabhavahana (Shiva), together with his ganas, revealed himself, as if to comfort the gods.

Verse 57 (skanda.6.149.57)

मा भैष्ट देवताः सर्वाः पश्यध्वं मद्विचेष्टितम् ॥ इत्युक्त्वा भगवाञ्छम्भुर्मंत्रैराथर्वणैस्तदा

mā bhaiṣṭa devatāḥ sarvāḥ paśyadhvaṁ madviceṣṭitam ityuktvā bhagavāñchambhurmaṁtrairātharvaṇaistadā

He said: O all you gods, do not fear — behold my own action now. Having said this, the Lord Shambhu then, with mantras drawn from the Atharva Veda —

Verse 58 (skanda.6.149.58)

आह्वयामास विश्वेशां परां शक्तिमनुत्तमाम्॥ आहूता परमा शक्तिर्जगाम हरसंनिधिम्

āhvayāmāsa viśveśāṁ parāṁ śaktimanuttamām āhūtā paramā śaktirjagāma harasaṁnidhim

invoked that supreme, unsurpassed Shakti, the mistress of the universe. Summoned, that supreme power came into Hara's presence.

Verse 59 (skanda.6.149.59)

दृष्ट्वा तामग्रतः प्राप्तां सर्वैदेवैः समन्वितः ॥ अस्तावीत्प्रणतो भूत्वा स्तोत्रेणानेन भक्तितः

dṛṣṭvā tāmagrataḥ prāptāṁ sarvaidevaiḥ samanvitaḥ astāvītpraṇato bhūtvā stotreṇānena bhaktitaḥ

Beholding her arrived before him, together with all the gods, he, bowing down, praised her with devotion through this very hymn.

Verse 60 (skanda.6.149.60)

॥ श्रीभगवानुवाच ॥ ॥ नमस्ते देवदेवेशि नमस्ते भक्तिवल्लभे ॥ सर्वगे सर्वदे देवि नमस्ते विश्वधारिणि

śrībhagavānuvāca namaste devadeveśi namaste bhaktivallabhe sarvage sarvade devi namaste viśvadhāriṇi

The Blessed Lord said: Salutations to you, O empress of the gods of gods! Salutations to you, beloved of devotion! O all-pervading, all-giving goddess, salutations to you, O sustainer of the universe!

Verse 61 (skanda.6.149.61)

नमस्ते शक्तिरूपेण सृष्टिप्रलयकारिणि ॥ नमस्ते प्रभया युक्ते विद्युज्ज्वलितकुण्डले

namaste śaktirūpeṇa sṛṣṭipralayakāriṇi namaste prabhayā yukte vidyujjvalitakuṇḍale

Salutations to you in your form as Shakti, the creator and destroyer of the universe; salutations to you, radiant, your earrings flashing like lightning.

Verse 62 (skanda.6.149.62)

त्वं स्वाहा त्वं स्वधा देवि त्वं सृष्टिस्त्वं शुचिर्धृतिः ॥ अरुंधती तथेंद्राणी त्वं लक्ष्मीस्त्वं च पार्वती

tvaṁ svāhā tvaṁ svadhā devi tvaṁ sṛṣṭistvaṁ śucirdhṛtiḥ aruṁdhatī tatheṁdrāṇī tvaṁ lakṣmīstvaṁ ca pārvatī

O goddess, you are Svaha, you are Svadha, you are creation, you are purity, you are steadfastness; you are Arundhati, and you are Indrani, you are Lakshmi, and you are Parvati.

Verse 63 (skanda.6.149.63)

यत्किंचित्स्त्रीस्वरूपं च समस्तं भुवनत्रये॥ तत्सर्वं त्वत्स्वरूपं स्यादिति शास्त्रेषु निश्चयः

yatkiṁcitstrīsvarūpaṁ ca samastaṁ bhuvanatraye tatsarvaṁ tvatsvarūpaṁ syāditi śāstreṣu niścayaḥ

Whatever exists in feminine form throughout the three worlds — all of it is your very form; this is the settled conclusion of the scriptures.

Verse 64 (skanda.6.149.64)

॥ श्रीदेव्युवाच ॥ ॥ किमर्थं च समाहूता त्वयाहं वृषवाहन ॥ मंत्रैराथर्वणै रौद्रैस्तत्सर्वं मे प्रकीर्तय

śrīdevyuvāca kimarthaṁ ca samāhūtā tvayāhaṁ vṛṣavāhana maṁtrairātharvaṇai raudraistatsarvaṁ me prakīrtaya

The Goddess said: O bull-bannered one, for what purpose have you summoned me with these fierce Atharvan mantras? Tell me all of it.

Verse 65 (skanda.6.149.65)

येन ते कृत्स्नशः कृत्यं प्रकरोमि यथोदितम्

yena te kṛtsnaśaḥ kṛtyaṁ prakaromi yathoditam

So that I may accomplish that entire task for you, exactly as declared.

Verse 66 (skanda.6.149.66)

॥ श्रीभगवानुवाच ॥ ॥ एते शक्रादयो देवाः सर्वे स्वर्गाद्विवासिताः ॥ अंधकेन महाभागे दैत्यानामधिपेन च

śrībhagavānuvāca ete śakrādayo devāḥ sarve svargādvivāsitāḥ aṁdhakena mahābhāge daityānāmadhipena ca

The Blessed Lord said: O most blessed one, these gods, Shakra and the rest, have all been banished from heaven by Andhaka, the lord of the daityas.

Verse 67 (skanda.6.149.67)

तस्मात्तस्य वधार्थाय गच्छमानस्य मे शृणु ॥ साहाय्यं कुरु मे चाशु सूदयामि रणाजिरे

tasmāttasya vadhārthāya gacchamānasya me śṛṇu sāhāyyaṁ kuru me cāśu sūdayāmi raṇājire

Therefore, hear me, as I go forth to slay him; render me your aid at once, so that I may destroy him upon the field of battle.

Verse 68 (skanda.6.149.68)

एते मातृगणाः सर्वे मया दत्तास्तवाधुना ॥ क्षुत्क्षामाः सूदयिष्यंति दानवान्ये पुरः स्थिताः

ete mātṛgaṇāḥ sarve mayā dattāstavādhunā kṣutkṣāmāḥ sūdayiṣyaṁti dānavānye puraḥ sthitāḥ

All these mother-goddesses I now give to you; famished with hunger, they shall destroy whatever danavas stand before them.

Verse 69 (skanda.6.149.69)

यस्मात्केलीमयं रूपं विधाय त्वं सहस्रधा ॥ अनेकैर्विकृतै रूपैः समाहूताग्निमध्यतः

yasmātkelīmayaṁ rūpaṁ vidhāya tvaṁ sahasradhā anekairvikṛtai rūpaiḥ samāhūtāgnimadhyataḥ

Since, having assumed a form of sport, you were summoned a thousandfold, in many terrible forms, from the very midst of the fire —

Verse 70 (skanda.6.149.70)

तस्मात्केलीश्वरीनाम त्रैलोक्ये त्वं भविष्यसि ॥ अनेनैव तु रूपेण यस्त्वां भक्त्याऽर्चयिष्यति

tasmātkelīśvarīnāma trailokye tvaṁ bhaviṣyasi anenaiva tu rūpeṇa yastvāṁ bhaktyā'rcayiṣyati

Therefore you shall become known throughout the three worlds by the name Kelishvari; whoever, in this very form, worships you with devotion —

Verse 71 (skanda.6.149.71)

अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां तस्याभीष्टं भविष्यति ॥ युद्धकालेऽथ संप्राप्ते स्तोत्रेणानेन ते स्तुतिम्

aṣṭamyāṁ ca caturdaśyāṁ tasyābhīṣṭaṁ bhaviṣyati yuddhakāle'tha saṁprāpte stotreṇānena te stutim

on the eighth and fourteenth days, his desire shall be fulfilled; and when the time of battle arrives, whoever offers you praise with this very hymn —

Verse 72 (skanda.6.149.72)

यः करिष्यति भूपालो जयस्तस्य भविष्यति ॥ अपि स्वल्पस्वसैन्यस्य स्वल्पाश्वस्य च संगरे

yaḥ kariṣyati bhūpālo jayastasya bhaviṣyati api svalpasvasainyasya svalpāśvasya ca saṁgare

whatever king performs this shall attain victory, even in battle with but a small army and few horses.

Verse 73 (skanda.6.149.73)

भविष्यति जयो नूनं त्वत्प्रसादादसंशयम् ॥ एवं सा देवदेवेन प्रोक्ता केलीश्वरी तदा

bhaviṣyati jayo nūnaṁ tvatprasādādasaṁśayam evaṁ sā devadevena proktā kelīśvarī tadā

By your grace, victory shall surely and without doubt be his. Thus, at that time, was Kelishvari addressed by the god of gods.

Verse 74 (skanda.6.149.74)

प्रस्थिता पुरतस्तस्य भवसैन्यस्य हर्षिता ॥ सर्वैर्मातृगणैः सार्धं रौद्रारावैःसुभीषणैः

prasthitā puratastasya bhavasainyasya harṣitā sarvairmātṛgaṇaiḥ sārdhaṁ raudrārāvaiḥsubhīṣaṇaiḥ

Then, delighted, she set out at the head of Shiva's army, together with all the mother-goddesses, amid most terrible, fierce roars.

Verse 75 (skanda.6.149.75)

युद्धोत्साहपरै रौद्रैर्नानाशस्त्रप्रहारिभिः॥ अथ ते दानवा दृष्ट्वा स्त्रीसैन्यं तत्समागतम्

yuddhotsāhaparai raudrairnānāśastraprahāribhiḥ atha te dānavā dṛṣṭvā strīsainyaṁ tatsamāgatam

Those fierce ones, eager for battle, striking with various weapons. Then those danavas beheld that army of women arrived before them.

Verse 76 (skanda.6.149.76)

विकृतं विकृताकारं विकृताकाररावणम् ॥ शस्त्रोद्यतकरं सर्वयुद्धवांछापरायणम्

vikṛtaṁ vikṛtākāraṁ vikṛtākārarāvaṇam śastrodyatakaraṁ sarvayuddhavāṁchāparāyaṇam

An army grotesque, misshapen in form, uttering grotesque roars, weapons raised in hand, wholly bent upon the desire for battle.

Verse 77 (skanda.6.149.77)

जहसुः सुस्वरं केचित्केचिन्निर्भर्त्सयंति च ॥ अन्ये स्त्रीति परिज्ञाय प्रहरंति न दानवाः

jahasuḥ susvaraṁ kecitkecinnirbhartsayaṁti ca anye strīti parijñāya praharaṁti na dānavāḥ

Some danavas laughed loudly, others jeered in contempt; and others, knowing them to be women, would not strike them.

Verse 78 (skanda.6.149.78)

वध्यमानापि लज्जंतः पौरुषे स्वे व्यवस्थिताः ॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्तो नारदो मुनिसत्तमः

vadhyamānāpi lajjaṁtaḥ pauruṣe sve vyavasthitāḥ etasminnaṁtare prāpto nārado munisattamaḥ

Even as they were being slain, out of shame they remained fixed in their manly pride. Meanwhile, the great sage Narada arrived there.

Verse 79 (skanda.6.149.79)

अन्धकाय स वृत्तांतं कथयामास कृत्स्नशः ॥ नैताः स्त्रियो दनुश्रेष्ठ युद्धार्थं समुपस्थिताः

andhakāya sa vṛttāṁtaṁ kathayāmāsa kṛtsnaśaḥ naitāḥ striyo danuśreṣṭha yuddhārthaṁ samupasthitāḥ

He related the entire matter to Andhaka: O best of the danus, these are no ordinary women who have come here for battle.

Verse 80 (skanda.6.149.80)

एषा कृत्या वधार्थाय तव रुद्रेण निर्मिता ॥ यैषा सिंहसमारूढा चक्रांकितकरा स्थिता

eṣā kṛtyā vadhārthāya tava rudreṇa nirmitā yaiṣā siṁhasamārūḍhā cakrāṁkitakarā sthitā

This is a Kritya, a magical power, fashioned by Rudra for your destruction; this one, mounted upon a lion, bearing the mark of a discus in her hand, stationed here —

Verse 81 (skanda.6.149.81)

एषा केलीश्वरीनाम वह्निकुण्डाद्विनिर्गता ॥ एताभिः सह रौद्राभिः स्त्रीभिर्मंत्रबलाश्रयात्

eṣā kelīśvarīnāma vahnikuṇḍādvinirgatā etābhiḥ saha raudrābhiḥ strībhirmaṁtrabalāśrayāt

this is the power named Kelishvari, who emerged from the fire-pit; together with these terrible women, by the strength of mantra,

Verse 82 (skanda.6.149.82)

स्वरक्तेन कृते होमे देवदेवेन शम्भुना ॥ स एष भगवान्क्रुद्धः स्वयमभ्येति तेंऽतिकम्

svaraktena kṛte home devadevena śambhunā sa eṣa bhagavānkruddhaḥ svayamabhyeti teṁ'tikam

brought forth in an oblation offered by the god of gods, Shambhu, with his own blood. And now the Blessed Lord himself, in fury, comes near to you.

Verse 83 (skanda.6.149.83)

युद्धाय निजहर्म्ये तान्स्थापयित्वा सुरोत्तमान् ॥॥ प्रतिज्ञाय वधं तुभ्यं पुरतः परमेष्ठिनः

yuddhāya nijaharmye tānsthāpayitvā surottamān pratijñāya vadhaṁ tubhyaṁ purataḥ parameṣṭhinaḥ

Having installed those excellent gods in his own dwelling, and having vowed your destruction in the presence of Brahma, he comes for battle.

Verse 84 (skanda.6.149.84)

एतज्ज्ञात्वा महाभाग यद्युक्तं तत्समाचर

etajjñātvā mahābhāga yadyuktaṁ tatsamācara

O blessed one, knowing this, do whatever is fitting.

Verse 85 (skanda.6.149.85)

॥ अन्धक उवाच ॥ ॥ नाहं बिभेमि रुद्रस्य तथान्यस्यापि कस्यचित् ॥ न स्त्रीणां प्रहरिष्यामि पालयन्पुरुषव्रतम्

andhaka uvāca nāhaṁ bibhemi rudrasya tathānyasyāpi kasyacit na strīṇāṁ prahariṣyāmi pālayanpuruṣavratam

Andhaka said: I fear neither Rudra nor anyone else; but, upholding the code of a man, I shall not strike women.

Verse 86 (skanda.6.149.86)

॥ सूत उवाच ॥ ॥ एवं प्रवदतस्तस्य दानवस्य महात्मनः ॥ आक्रंदः सुमहाञ्जज्ञे तस्मिन्देशे समंततः

sūta uvāca evaṁ pravadatastasya dānavasya mahātmanaḥ ākraṁdaḥ sumahāñjajñe tasmindeśe samaṁtataḥ

Suta said: Even as that great-souled danava spoke thus, a mighty cry of lamentation arose all around that place.

Verse 87 (skanda.6.149.87)

भक्ष्यन्ते दानवाः केचिद्वध्यन्ते त्वथ चापरे ॥ अर्धभक्षित गात्राश्च प्रणश्यंति तथा परे

bhakṣyante dānavāḥ kecidvadhyante tvatha cāpare ardhabhakṣita gātrāśca praṇaśyaṁti tathā pare

Some danavas were being devoured, others were being slain, and still others, their bodies half-eaten, were perishing.

Verse 88 (skanda.6.149.88)

युध्यमानास्तथैवान्ये शक्तिमंतोऽपि दानवाः ॥ भक्ष्यंते मातृभिस्तत्र सायुधाश्च सवाहनाः

yudhyamānāstathaivānye śaktimaṁto'pi dānavāḥ bhakṣyaṁte mātṛbhistatra sāyudhāśca savāhanāḥ

Likewise, other powerful danavas too, even while fighting, were being devoured by the mother-goddesses there, weapons, mounts, and all.

Verse 89 (skanda.6.149.89)

तच्छ्रुत्वा स महाक्रंदमंधकः क्रोधमूर्छितः॥ आदाय खड्गमुत्तस्थौ किमिदं किमिदं ब्रुवन्

tacchrutvā sa mahākraṁdamaṁdhakaḥ krodhamūrchitaḥ ādāya khaḍgamuttasthau kimidaṁ kimidaṁ bruvan

Hearing that mighty outcry, Andhaka, overwhelmed with fury, took up his sword and rose, crying, "What is this, what is this?"

Verse 90 (skanda.6.149.90)

अथ पश्यति विध्वस्तान्दानवान्बलदर्पितान् ॥ भक्ष्यमाणास्तथैवान्यान्पलायनपरायणान्

atha paśyati vidhvastāndānavānbaladarpitān bhakṣyamāṇāstathaivānyānpalāyanaparāyaṇān

Then he saw those danavas, once proud in their strength, now devastated; others being devoured, and still others intent upon flight.

Verse 91 (skanda.6.149.91)

अन्येषां निहतानां च रुदंत्यो निकटस्थिताः ॥ स पश्यति प्रिया भार्याः प्रलपंत्योऽतिदुःखिताः

anyeṣāṁ nihatānāṁ ca rudaṁtyo nikaṭasthitāḥ sa paśyati priyā bhāryāḥ pralapaṁtyo'tiduḥkhitāḥ

And the beloved wives of the others who had been slain, weeping nearby, wailing in deep sorrow — this too he saw.

Verse 92 (skanda.6.149.92)

अथ तत्कदनं दृष्ट्वा अंधकः क्रोधमूर्छितः ॥ भर्त्सयामास ताः सर्वा योगिनीः समरोद्यताः

atha tatkadanaṁ dṛṣṭvā aṁdhakaḥ krodhamūrchitaḥ bhartsayāmāsa tāḥ sarvā yoginīḥ samarodyatāḥ

Beholding that carnage, Andhaka, overwhelmed with fury, rebuked all those yoginis, ready for battle.

Verse 93 (skanda.6.149.93)

न च तास्तस्य दैत्यस्य भयं चक्रुः कथंचन ॥। केवलं सूदयंति स्म भक्षयंति च दानवान्

na ca tāstasya daityasya bhayaṁ cakruḥ kathaṁcana kevalaṁ sūdayaṁti sma bhakṣayaṁti ca dānavān

But they held no fear of that daitya whatsoever; they simply continued to slay and devour the danavas.

Verse 94 (skanda.6.149.94)

ततः स दानवस्तासां दृष्ट्वा तच्चेष्टितं रुषा ॥ स्वस्य गात्रस्य रक्षां स चकार भयसंकुलः

tataḥ sa dānavastāsāṁ dṛṣṭvā tacceṣṭitaṁ ruṣā svasya gātrasya rakṣāṁ sa cakāra bhayasaṁkulaḥ

Then that danava, seeing their action with fury, and overcome with fear, began to protect his own body.

Verse 95 (skanda.6.149.95)

तमोऽस्त्रं मुमुचे रौद्रं कृत्वा रावं स तत्क्षणात् ॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे कृत्स्नं त्रैलोक्यं तमसा वृतम्

tamo'straṁ mumuce raudraṁ kṛtvā rāvaṁ sa tatkṣaṇāt etasminnaṁtare kṛtsnaṁ trailokyaṁ tamasā vṛtam

That very instant, with a terrible roar, he loosed the weapon of darkness; meanwhile, the entire three worlds became enveloped in gloom.

Verse 96 (skanda.6.149.96)

न किंचिज्ज्ञायते तत्र समं विषममेव च ॥ केवलं दानवेन्द्रश्च सर्वं पश्यति नेतरः

na kiṁcijjñāyate tatra samaṁ viṣamameva ca kevalaṁ dānavendraśca sarvaṁ paśyati netaraḥ

There, neither level ground nor uneven could be told apart; only the lord of the danavas could see everything, no one else.

Verse 97 (skanda.6.149.97)

ततः स सूदयामास योगिनीस्ताः शितैः शरैः ॥ यथायथा परा नार्यस्तादृग्रूपा भवन्ति च

tataḥ sa sūdayāmāsa yoginīstāḥ śitaiḥ śaraiḥ yathāyathā parā nāryastādṛgrūpā bhavanti ca

Thereupon he began to slay those yoginis with sharp arrows; but as fast as they fell, ever more women of that very form kept appearing.

Verse 98 (skanda.6.149.98)

अथ दृष्ट्वा परां वृद्धिं योगिनीनां स दानवः ॥ संहारं तस्य चास्त्रस्य चकार भयसंकुलः

atha dṛṣṭvā parāṁ vṛddhiṁ yoginīnāṁ sa dānavaḥ saṁhāraṁ tasya cāstrasya cakāra bhayasaṁkulaḥ

Then, seeing the yoginis increasing without measure, that danava, overcome with fear, withdrew that weapon of his.

Verse 99 (skanda.6.149.99)

ततः शुक्रं समासाद्य दीनः प्राह कृतांजलिः ॥ पश्य मे भार्गवश्रेष्ठ स्त्रीभिर्यत्कदनं कृतम्

tataḥ śukraṁ samāsādya dīnaḥ prāha kṛtāṁjaliḥ paśya me bhārgavaśreṣṭha strībhiryatkadanaṁ kṛtam

Then, dejected, with joined palms, he went to Shukra and said: O best of the Bhargavas, behold what havoc these women have wrought upon me.

Verse 100 (skanda.6.149.100)

अवध्याभिर्ममास्त्राणां मंत्रशक्त्या सुरद्विषः ॥ उत्पन्नाभिः प्रभूताभिर्हतं मे सर्वतो बलम्

avadhyābhirmamāstrāṇāṁ maṁtraśaktyā suradviṣaḥ utpannābhiḥ prabhūtābhirhataṁ me sarvato balam

O foe of the enemies of the gods, by these numberless women, invincible to my weapons, born of mantric power, all my strength has been destroyed on every side.

Verse 101 (skanda.6.149.101)

तस्मात्त्वमपि तां विद्यां प्रसाधय महामते ॥ यदि मे वांछसि श्रेयो नान्यथास्ति जयो रणे

tasmāttvamapi tāṁ vidyāṁ prasādhaya mahāmate yadi me vāṁchasi śreyo nānyathāsti jayo raṇe

Therefore, O wise one, if you desire my welfare, master that very knowledge yourself as well; otherwise, victory in battle is not possible for me.