The Description of Hara's Tandava Dance

Verse 1 (skanda.6.254.1)

शूद्र उवाच । इदमाश्चर्यरूपं मे प्रतिभाति वचस्तव । यद्यपि स्यान्महाक्लेशो वदतस्तव सुव्रत

śūdra uvāca idamāścaryarūpaṁ me pratibhāti vacastava yadyapi syānmahākleśo vadatastava suvrata

The Shudra said: This speech of yours appears to me a form of wonder. Even though, O one of good vows, it may be a great toil for you to tell it,

Verse 2 (skanda.6.254.2)

तथापि मम भाग्येन मत्पुण्यैर्मद्गृहं गतः । न तृप्ये त्वन्मुखांभोजाच्च्युतं वाक्यामृतं पुनः

tathāpi mama bhāgyena matpuṇyairmadgṛhaṁ gataḥ na tṛpye tvanmukhāṁbhojāccyutaṁ vākyāmṛtaṁ punaḥ

yet by my good fortune and by my merits you have come to my house. I am not satisfied, again and again, with the nectar of words falling from your lotus mouth,

Verse 3 (skanda.6.254.3)

पिबन्गौरीकथाख्यानं विशेषगुणपूरितम् । कथं महेश्वरो नृत्यं चकार सुरसंवृतः

pibangaurīkathākhyānaṁ viśeṣaguṇapūritam kathaṁ maheśvaro nṛtyaṁ cakāra surasaṁvṛtaḥ

drinking in the narrative of Gauri's story, filled with special virtues. How did Maheshvara perform the dance, surrounded by the gods?

Verse 4 (skanda.6.254.4)

चातुर्मास्ये कथं जातं कि ग्राह्यं व्रतमुच्यते । अनुग्रहं कृतवती सा कथं को ह्यनुग्रहः

cāturmāsye kathaṁ jātaṁ ki grāhyaṁ vratamucyate anugrahaṁ kṛtavatī sā kathaṁ ko hyanugrahaḥ

How did it come about during Chaturmasya? What vow is said to be undertaken? How did she grant her favour, and what indeed was that favour?

Verse 5 (skanda.6.254.5)

एतद्विस्तरतो ब्रूहि पृच्छतो मे द्विजोत्तम । भगवान्पूज्यते लोके ममानुग्रहकारकः

etadvistarato brūhi pṛcchato me dvijottama bhagavānpūjyate loke mamānugrahakārakaḥ

Tell this to me in detail as I ask, O best of brahmins. The Lord, who is worshipped in the world, is the one who grants favour to me as well,

Verse 6 (skanda.6.254.6)

प्रसन्नवदनो भूत्वा स्वस्थः कथय सुव्रत । गालवश्चापि तच्छ्रुत्वा पुनराह प्रहृष्टवान्

prasannavadano bhūtvā svasthaḥ kathaya suvrata gālavaścāpi tacchrutvā punarāha prahṛṣṭavān

so, becoming glad of countenance and at ease, tell it, O one of good vows. And Galava too, hearing this, greatly delighted, spoke again:

Verse 7 (skanda.6.254.7)

गालव उवाच । इतिहासमिमं पुण्यं कथयामि तवानघ । शृणुष्वावहितो भूत्वा यज्ञायुतफलप्रदम्

gālava uvāca itihāsamimaṁ puṇyaṁ kathayāmi tavānagha śṛṇuṣvāvahito bhūtvā yajñāyutaphalapradam

Galava said: I shall tell you this meritorious itihasa, O sinless one; listen with attention — it grants the fruit of ten thousand sacrifices.

Verse 8 (skanda.6.254.8)

चातुर्मास्येऽथ संप्राप्ते हरो भक्तिसमन्वितः । ब्रह्मचर्यव्रतपरः प्रहृष्टवदनोऽभवत्

cāturmāsye'tha saṁprāpte haro bhaktisamanvitaḥ brahmacaryavrataparaḥ prahṛṣṭavadano'bhavat

Then, when Chaturmasya had arrived, Hara, filled with devotion and intent on the vow of celibacy, became glad of countenance.

Verse 9 (skanda.6.254.9)

देवतानां च संकल्पं महर्षीणां चकार ह । समागत्य ततो देवा मन्दराचलमास्थिताः

devatānāṁ ca saṁkalpaṁ maharṣīṇāṁ cakāra ha samāgatya tato devā mandarācalamāsthitāḥ

He made known his resolve to the gods and to the great sages. Then the gods, having assembled, took their place on Mount Mandara,

Verse 10 (skanda.6.254.10)

प्रणम्य ते महेशानं तस्थुः प्रांजलयोऽग्रतः । तानुवाच सुरान्सर्वान्हरो दृष्ट्वा समागतान्

praṇamya te maheśānaṁ tasthuḥ prāṁjalayo'grataḥ tānuvāca surānsarvānharo dṛṣṭvā samāgatān

and, having bowed to Maheshana, stood before him with joined palms. Hara, seeing all the gods assembled, spoke to them:

Verse 11 (skanda.6.254.11)

पार्वत्याभिहितं प्राह कस्मिन्कार्यांतरे सति । मया नियुक्तेऽभिनये यत्र साहाय्यकारिणः

pārvatyābhihitaṁ prāha kasminkāryāṁtare sati mayā niyukte'bhinaye yatra sāhāyyakāriṇaḥ

He told them what Parvati had said: 'On a certain occasion, when I am engaged in a performance directed by her, you shall be my helpers there —'

Verse 12 (skanda.6.254.12)

भवंत्विंद्रपुरोगाश्च चातुर्मास्ये समागते । ते तथोचुश्च संहृष्टा नमस्कृत्य च शूलिनम्

bhavaṁtviṁdrapurogāśca cāturmāsye samāgate te tathocuśca saṁhṛṣṭā namaskṛtya ca śūlinam

'let you, with Indra at your head, be present when Chaturmasya arrives.' They, greatly delighted, agreed to this, and, having bowed to the Trident-bearer,

Verse 13 (skanda.6.254.13)

स्वंस्वं भवनमाजग्मुर्विमानैः सूर्यसन्निभैः । तथाऽऽषाढे शुक्लपक्षे चतुर्दश्यां महेश्वरः

svaṁsvaṁ bhavanamājagmurvimānaiḥ sūryasannibhaiḥ tathā''ṣāḍhe śuklapakṣe caturdaśyāṁ maheśvaraḥ

went each to his own abode, in chariots resembling the sun. And then, in Ashadha, on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight, Maheshvara,

Verse 14 (skanda.6.254.14)

प्रनर्त्तयितुमारेभे भवानीतोषणाय च । मंदरे पर्वतश्रेष्ठे तत्र जग्मुर्महर्षयः

pranarttayitumārebhe bhavānītoṣaṇāya ca maṁdare parvataśreṣṭhe tatra jagmurmaharṣayaḥ

began to dance, for the pleasure of Bhavani. To Mount Mandara, best of mountains, the great sages went —

Verse 15 (skanda.6.254.15)

नारदो देवलो व्यासः शुकद्वैपायनादयः । अंगिराश्च मरीचिश्च कर्दमश्च प्रजापतिः

nārado devalo vyāsaḥ śukadvaipāyanādayaḥ aṁgirāśca marīciśca kardamaśca prajāpatiḥ

Narada, Devala, Vyasa, Shuka, Dvaipayana, and the rest; Angiras, Marichi, and Kardama the Prajapati;

Verse 16 (skanda.6.254.16)

कश्यपो गौतमश्चात्रिर्वसिष्ठो भृगुरेव च । जमदग्निस्तथोत्तंको रामो भार्गव एव च

kaśyapo gautamaścātrirvasiṣṭho bhṛgureva ca jamadagnistathottaṁko rāmo bhārgava eva ca

Kashyapa, Gautama, and Atri, Vasishtha and Bhrigu too; Jamadagni, likewise Uttanka, and Rama the descendant of Bhrigu;

Verse 17 (skanda.6.254.17)

अगस्त्यश्च पुलोमा च पुलस्त्यः पुलहस्तथा । प्रचेताश्च क्रतुश्चैव तथैवान्ये महर्षयः

agastyaśca pulomā ca pulastyaḥ pulahastathā pracetāśca kratuścaiva tathaivānye maharṣayaḥ

Agastya, and Puloma, Pulastya, and likewise Pulaha; Pracheta and Kratu too, and likewise other great sages;

Verse 18 (skanda.6.254.18)

सिद्धा यक्षाः पिशाचाश्च चारणाश्चारणैः सह । आदित्या गुह्यकाश्चैव साध्याश्च वसवोऽश्विनौ

siddhā yakṣāḥ piśācāśca cāraṇāścāraṇaiḥ saha ādityā guhyakāścaiva sādhyāśca vasavo'śvinau

the Siddhas, Yakshas, Pishachas, and Charanas together with other Charanas; the Adityas, Guhyakas, Sadhyas, Vasus, and the two Ashvins —

Verse 19 (skanda.6.254.19)

एते सर्वे तथेन्द्राद्या ब्रह्मविष्णुपुरोगमाः । समाजग्मुर्महेशस्य नृत्यदर्शनलालसाः

ete sarve tathendrādyā brahmaviṣṇupurogamāḥ samājagmurmaheśasya nṛtyadarśanalālasāḥ

all these, and likewise Indra and the rest, with Brahma and Vishnu at their head, assembled together, eager to behold Mahesha's dance.

Verse 20 (skanda.6.254.20)

ततो गणा नंदिमुखा रत्नानि प्रददुस्तथा । भूषणानि च वासांसि मुन्यादिभ्यो यथाक्रमम्

tato gaṇā naṁdimukhā ratnāni pradadustathā bhūṣaṇāni ca vāsāṁsi munyādibhyo yathākramam

Then the ganas, headed by Nandi, likewise gave jewels, ornaments, and garments to the sages and the rest, each in due order.

Verse 21 (skanda.6.254.21)

ततो वाद्यसहस्रेषु वादित्रेषु समंततः । सर्वैर्जयेति चैवोक्ता भगवान्व्रतमादिशत्

tato vādyasahasreṣu vāditreṣu samaṁtataḥ sarvairjayeti caivoktā bhagavānvratamādiśat

Then, amid a thousand instruments sounding on every side, and with all crying out 'Victory!', the Lord proclaimed the vow.

Verse 22 (skanda.6.254.22)

भवानी हृष्टहृदया महादेवं व्यलोकयत् । जया च विजया चैव जयन्ती मंगलारुणा

bhavānī hṛṣṭahṛdayā mahādevaṁ vyalokayat jayā ca vijayā caiva jayantī maṁgalāruṇā

Bhavani, her heart delighted, gazed upon Mahadeva; and Jaya, and Vijaya too, Jayanti, and Mangalaruna,

Verse 23 (skanda.6.254.23)

चतुष्टयसखीमध्ये विरराज शुभानना । तस्याः सान्निध्ययोगेन जगद्भाति गुणोत्तरम्

catuṣṭayasakhīmadhye virarāja śubhānanā tasyāḥ sānnidhyayogena jagadbhāti guṇottaram

amid these four companions, the auspicious-faced goddess shone forth. By her very presence, the world shines with the highest of virtues,

Verse 24 (skanda.6.254.24)

यस्याः शरीरजा शोभा वर्णितुं नैव शक्यते । ईशोऽपि गणकोटीभिर्नानावक्त्राभिरीक्षितः

yasyāḥ śarīrajā śobhā varṇituṁ naiva śakyate īśo'pi gaṇakoṭībhirnānāvaktrābhirīkṣitaḥ

whose bodily splendour cannot indeed be described. Isha too was being gazed upon by crores of ganas, of manifold faces,

Verse 25 (skanda.6.254.25)

पिशाचभूतसंघैश्च वृतः परमशोभनः । स्वर्णवेत्रधरो नन्दी बभौ कपिमुखोऽग्रतः

piśācabhūtasaṁghaiśca vṛtaḥ paramaśobhanaḥ svarṇavetradharo nandī babhau kapimukho'grataḥ

most resplendent, surrounded by hosts of pishachas and bhutas. Nandi, bearing a golden staff, monkey-faced, shone forth in front.

Verse 26 (skanda.6.254.26)

विद्याधराश्च गंधर्वाश्चित्रसेनादयस्तथा । चित्रन्यस्ता इव बभुस्तत्र नागा मुनीश्वराः

vidyādharāśca gaṁdharvāścitrasenādayastathā citranyastā iva babhustatra nāgā munīśvarāḥ

The Vidyadharas and Gandharvas, Chitrasena and the rest, and likewise the Nagas and the lords of sages, shone there as though painted in a picture.

Verse 27 (skanda.6.254.27)

श्रीरागप्रमुखा रागास्तस्य पुत्रा महौजसः । अमूर्त्ताश्चैव ते पुत्रा हरदेव समुद्भवाः

śrīrāgapramukhā rāgāstasya putrā mahaujasaḥ amūrttāścaiva te putrā haradeva samudbhavāḥ

The Ragas, headed by Shri-raga, of great might, were his sons; and those formless sons had arisen from the god Hara,

Verse 28 (skanda.6.254.28)

एकैकस्य च षड्भार्याः सर्वासां च पितामहः । ताभिः सहैव ते रागा लीलावपुर्धरास्तथा

ekaikasya ca ṣaḍbhāryāḥ sarvāsāṁ ca pitāmahaḥ tābhiḥ sahaiva te rāgā līlāvapurdharāstathā

and each one had six wives, of all of whom he was the grandsire. Together with those wives, those Ragas, assuming playful bodily forms,

Verse 29 (skanda.6.254.29)

प्रादुर्बभूवुः सहसा चिंतितास्तेन शंभुना । तेषां नामानि ते वच्मि शृणुष्व त्वं महाधन

prādurbabhūvuḥ sahasā ciṁtitāstena śaṁbhunā teṣāṁ nāmāni te vacmi śṛṇuṣva tvaṁ mahādhana

suddenly appeared, thought into being by Shambhu. I shall tell you their names — listen, O greatly wealthy one.

Verse 30 (skanda.6.254.30)

श्रीरागः प्रथमः पुत्र ईश्वरस्य विमोहनः । आसां चक्रे भ्रुवोर्मध्ये परब्रह्म प्रदायकः

śrīrāgaḥ prathamaḥ putra īśvarasya vimohanaḥ āsāṁ cakre bhruvormadhye parabrahma pradāyakaḥ

Shri-raga, the first son, is the enchanter even of Ishvara; he arose in the wheel between the brows, the bestower of the supreme Brahman.

Verse 31 (skanda.6.254.31)

तन्मध्यश्चैव माहेशात्समुद्भूतो गणोत्तमः । द्वितीयोऽथ वसन्तोऽभूत्कटिदेशान्महायशाः

tanmadhyaścaiva māheśātsamudbhūto gaṇottamaḥ dvitīyo'tha vasanto'bhūtkaṭideśānmahāyaśāḥ

That middle one, foremost of ganas, arose from Mahesha; and then the second, Vasanta, of great renown, was born from the region of the hip.

Verse 32 (skanda.6.254.32)

महदंकश्च भूतानां चक्राच्चैव विशुद्धितः । पंचमस्तु तृतीयोऽभूत्सुतो विश्वविभूषणः

mahadaṁkaśca bhūtānāṁ cakrāccaiva viśuddhitaḥ paṁcamastu tṛtīyo'bhūtsuto viśvavibhūṣaṇaḥ

He is the great mark of beings, and arose in full purity from that chakra. The fifth — reckoned here as the third — son is the ornament of the universe,

Verse 33 (skanda.6.254.33)

महेश्वरहृदो जातं चक्रं चैवमनाहतम् । नासादेशात्समुद्भूतो भैरवो भैरवः स्वयम्

maheśvarahṛdo jātaṁ cakraṁ caivamanāhatam nāsādeśātsamudbhūto bhairavo bhairavaḥ svayam

born from the chakra called Anahata, which itself arose from Maheshvara's heart. And from the region of the nose arose Bhairava, Bhairava himself,

Verse 34 (skanda.6.254.34)

मणिपूरकनामेदं चक्रं तद्धि विमुक्तिदम् । पंचाशच्च तथा वर्णा अंका नाम महेश्वरात्

maṇipūrakanāmedaṁ cakraṁ taddhi vimuktidam paṁcāśacca tathā varṇā aṁkā nāma maheśvarāt

connected with the chakra named Manipuraka, which indeed grants liberation. The fifty letters likewise, and that called Anka, arose from Maheshvara,

Verse 35 (skanda.6.254.35)

राशयो द्वादश तथा नक्षत्राणि तथैव च । स्वाधिष्ठानसमुद्भूता जगद्बीजसमन्विताः

rāśayo dvādaśa tathā nakṣatrāṇi tathaiva ca svādhiṣṭhānasamudbhūtā jagadbījasamanvitāḥ

and likewise the twelve zodiac signs, and the lunar mansions too, arose from the Svadhishthana chakra, endowed with the seed of the universe.

Verse 36 (skanda.6.254.36)

क्षणेन वृद्धिमायांति ततो रेतः प्रवर्तते । रेतसस्तु जगत्सृष्टं तदीशजननेंद्रियम्

kṣaṇena vṛddhimāyāṁti tato retaḥ pravartate retasastu jagatsṛṣṭaṁ tadīśajananeṁdriyam

In an instant they come to growth, and from that the generative essence arises. From that essence the world was created — that is the Lord's organ of generation,

Verse 37 (skanda.6.254.37)

आधाराच्च महान्षष्ठो नटो नारायणोऽभवत् । महेशवल्लभः पुत्रो नीलो विष्णुपराक्रमः

ādhārācca mahānṣaṣṭho naṭo nārāyaṇo'bhavat maheśavallabhaḥ putro nīlo viṣṇuparākramaḥ

and from the Muladhara chakra arose the sixth, the great dancer Narayana. Nila too, Mahesha's beloved son, endowed with Vishnu's own might, arose in this way,

Verse 38 (skanda.6.254.38)

एते मूर्तिधरा रागा जाता भार्यासहायिनः । भार्यास्तेषां समुद्भूताः शिरोभागात्पिनाकिनः

ete mūrtidharā rāgā jātā bhāryāsahāyinaḥ bhāryāsteṣāṁ samudbhūtāḥ śirobhāgātpinākinaḥ

these embodied Ragas were born, accompanied by their wives; their wives arose from the head-region of the Bearer of the Pinaka bow,

Verse 39 (skanda.6.254.39)

षट्त्रिंशत्परिमाणेन ततस्तास्त्वं निशामय । गौरी कोलाहली धीरा द्राविडी मालकौशिकी

ṣaṭtriṁśatparimāṇena tatastāstvaṁ niśāmaya gaurī kolāhalī dhīrā drāviḍī mālakauśikī

in number thirty-six. Now hear them — Gauri, Kolahali, Dhira, Dravidi, Malakaushiki,

Verse 40 (skanda.6.254.40)

षष्ठी स्याद्देवगांधारी श्रीरागत्य प्रिया इमाः । आन्दोला कौशिकी चैव तथा चरममंजरी

ṣaṣṭhī syāddevagāṁdhārī śrīrāgatya priyā imāḥ āndolā kauśikī caiva tathā caramamaṁjarī

and the sixth, Devagandhari — these are the beloved wives of Shri-raga. Andola, and Kaushiki too, and likewise Charamamanjari,

Verse 41 (skanda.6.254.41)

गंडगिरी देवशाखा रामगिरी वसन्तगा । त्रिगुणा स्तम्भतीर्था च अहिरी कुंकुमा तथा

gaṁḍagirī devaśākhā rāmagirī vasantagā triguṇā stambhatīrthā ca ahirī kuṁkumā tathā

Gandagiri, Devashakha, and Ramagiri — these belong to Vasanta. Triguna, Stambhatirtha, Ahiri, and likewise Kunkuma —

Verse 42 (skanda.6.254.42)

वैराटी सामवेरी च षड्भार्याः पंचमे मताः । भैरवी गुर्जरी चैव भाषा वेलागुली तथा

vairāṭī sāmaverī ca ṣaḍbhāryāḥ paṁcame matāḥ bhairavī gurjarī caiva bhāṣā velāgulī tathā

and Vairati, Sameveri — these six wives are held to belong to the fifth Raga. Bhairavi, and Gurjari too, Bhasha, and likewise Velavali —

Verse 43 (skanda.6.254.43)

कर्णाटकी रक्तहंसा षड्भार्या भैरवानुगाः । बंगाली मधुरा चैव कामोदा चाक्षिनारिका

karṇāṭakī raktahaṁsā ṣaḍbhāryā bhairavānugāḥ baṁgālī madhurā caiva kāmodā cākṣinārikā

Karnataki, and Raktahamsa — these six wives belong to Bhairava. Bangali, and Madhura too, Kamoda, and Akshinarika —

Verse 44 (skanda.6.254.44)

देवगिरी च देवाली मेघरागानुगा इमा । त्रोटकी मीडकी चैव नरादुम्बी तथैव च

devagirī ca devālī megharāgānugā imā troṭakī mīḍakī caiva narādumbī tathaiva ca

and Devagiri, Devali — these belong to Meghraga. Trotaki, and Midaki too, and likewise Naradumbi —

Verse 45 (skanda.6.254.45)

मल्हारी सिन्धुमल्हारी नटनारायणानुगाः । एता हि गिरिशं नत्वा महेशं च महेश्वरीम्

malhārī sindhumalhārī naṭanārāyaṇānugāḥ etā hi giriśaṁ natvā maheśaṁ ca maheśvarīm

Malhari, and Sindhu-malhari — these belong to Nata-narayana. All these, having bowed to Girisha, and to Mahesha and Maheshvari,

Verse 46 (skanda.6.254.46)

स्वमूर्त्तिवाहनोपेताः स्वभर्तृसहिताः स्थिताः । ब्रह्मा मृदंगवाद्येन तोषयामास शंकरम्

svamūrttivāhanopetāḥ svabhartṛsahitāḥ sthitāḥ brahmā mṛdaṁgavādyena toṣayāmāsa śaṁkaram

endowed with their own forms and vehicles, stood there together with their own husbands. Brahma pleased Shankara with the playing of the mridanga,

Verse 47 (skanda.6.254.47)

चतुरक्षरवाद्येन सुवाद्यं चाकरोत्पुनः । तालक्रियां महेशाय दर्शयामास केशवः

caturakṣaravādyena suvādyaṁ cākarotpunaḥ tālakriyāṁ maheśāya darśayāmāsa keśavaḥ

and with the four-syllabled instrument he again made fine music. Keshava showed the art of keeping rhythm to Mahesha.

Verse 48 (skanda.6.254.48)

वायवस्तत्र वाद्यं च चक्रुः सुस्वरमोजसा । महेन्द्रो वंशवाद्यं च सुगिरं सुस्वरं बहुः

vāyavastatra vādyaṁ ca cakruḥ susvaramojasā mahendro vaṁśavādyaṁ ca sugiraṁ susvaraṁ bahuḥ

The Vayus made music there, of fine tone, with vigour; and Mahendra played the flute, of fine and abundantly melodious sound.

Verse 49 (skanda.6.254.49)

वह्निः शूर्परवं चक्रे पणवं च तथाश्विनौ । उपांगवादनं चक्रे सोमः सूर्यः समंततः

vahniḥ śūrparavaṁ cakre paṇavaṁ ca tathāśvinau upāṁgavādanaṁ cakre somaḥ sūryaḥ samaṁtataḥ

Agni made the sound of the shurpa, and likewise the two Ashvins the panava drum; Soma played the upanga, and Surya on every side,

Verse 50 (skanda.6.254.50)

घंटानां वादनं चक्रुर्गणाः शतसहस्रशः । मुनीश्वरास्तथा देव्यः पार्वतीसहितास्तथा

ghaṁṭānāṁ vādanaṁ cakrurgaṇāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ munīśvarāstathā devyaḥ pārvatīsahitāstathā

and the ganas, by the hundreds of thousands, rang bells. The lords of sages, and likewise the goddesses together with Parvati,

Verse 51 (skanda.6.254.51)

स्वर्णभद्रासनेष्वेते ह्युपविष्टा व्यलोकयन् । शृंगाणां वादनं चक्रुर्वसवः समहोरगाः

svarṇabhadrāsaneṣvete hyupaviṣṭā vyalokayan śṛṁgāṇāṁ vādanaṁ cakrurvasavaḥ samahoragāḥ

sat upon golden auspicious seats and watched. The Vasus, together with the great serpents, sounded horns;

Verse 52 (skanda.6.254.52)

भेरीध्वनिं तथा साध्या वाद्यान्यन्ये सुरोत्तमाः । झर्झरीगोमुखादीनि साध्याश्चक्रुर्महोत्सवे

bherīdhvaniṁ tathā sādhyā vādyānyanye surottamāḥ jharjharīgomukhādīni sādhyāścakrurmahotsave

the Sadhyas likewise made the sound of the bheri drum, and other best of gods played other instruments; the Sadhyas played the jharjhari, gomukha, and the like at that great festival.

Verse 53 (skanda.6.254.53)

तन्त्रीलयसमायुक्ता गंधर्वा मधुरस्वराः । सुवर्णशृंगनादं च चक्रुः सिद्धाः समंततः

tantrīlayasamāyuktā gaṁdharvā madhurasvarāḥ suvarṇaśṛṁganādaṁ ca cakruḥ siddhāḥ samaṁtataḥ

The Gandharvas, of sweet voice, joined with the rhythm of stringed instruments; and the Siddhas on every side made the sound of golden horns.

Verse 54 (skanda.6.254.54)

ततस्तु भगवानासीन्महानटवपुर्धरः । मुकुटाः पंचशीर्षे तु पन्नगैरुपशोभिताः

tatastu bhagavānāsīnmahānaṭavapurdharaḥ mukuṭāḥ paṁcaśīrṣe tu pannagairupaśobhitāḥ

Then the blessed Lord stood forth, bearing the form of a great dancer; upon his five heads were crowns, adorned with serpents,

Verse 55 (skanda.6.254.55)

जटा विमुच्य सकला भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहः । बाहुभिर्दशभिर्युक्तो हारकेयूरसंयुतः

jaṭā vimucya sakalā bhasmoddhūlitavigrahaḥ bāhubhirdaśabhiryukto hārakeyūrasaṁyutaḥ

his matted locks all let loose, his form smeared with ash; endowed with ten arms, adorned with necklaces and armlets,

Verse 56 (skanda.6.254.56)

त्रैलोक्यव्यापकं रूपं सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभम् । कृत्वा ननर्त्त भगवान्भासुरं स महानगे

trailokyavyāpakaṁ rūpaṁ sūryakoṭisamaprabham kṛtvā nanartta bhagavānbhāsuraṁ sa mahānage

having assumed a form pervading the three worlds, radiant as a crore of suns, the blessed and effulgent Lord danced there upon the great mountain.

Verse 57 (skanda.6.254.57)

ततं वीणादिकं वाद्यं कांस्यतालादिकं घनम् । वंशादिकं तु वादित्रं तोमरादिकनामकम्

tataṁ vīṇādikaṁ vādyaṁ kāṁsyatālādikaṁ ghanam vaṁśādikaṁ tu vāditraṁ tomarādikanāmakam

Stringed instruments beginning with the vina, solid ones beginning with the bronze cymbals, wind instruments beginning with the flute, and those named beginning with the tomara —

Verse 58 (skanda.6.254.58)

चतुर्विधं ततो वाद्यं तुमुलं समजायत । तालानां पटहादीनां हस्तकानां तथैव च

caturvidhaṁ tato vādyaṁ tumulaṁ samajāyata tālānāṁ paṭahādīnāṁ hastakānāṁ tathaiva ca

thus a fourfold, tumultuous clamour of music arose. Of the rhythms, of the drums beginning with pataha, and likewise of the hand-gestures,

Verse 59 (skanda.6.254.59)

मानानां चैव तानानां प्रत्यक्षं रूपमाबभौ । सुकंठं सुस्वरं मुक्तं सुगम्भीरं महास्वनम्

mānānāṁ caiva tānānāṁ pratyakṣaṁ rūpamābabhau sukaṁṭhaṁ susvaraṁ muktaṁ sugambhīraṁ mahāsvanam

and of the measures and the melodic phrases, the visible form shone forth — sweet of throat, of fine tone, free and unrestrained, deep and resonant, of great sound.

Verse 60 (skanda.6.254.60)

विश्वावसुर्नारदश्च तुंबुरुश्चैव गायकाः । जगुर्गंधर्वपतयोऽप्सरसो मधुरस्वराः

viśvāvasurnāradaśca tuṁburuścaiva gāyakāḥ jagurgaṁdharvapatayo'psaraso madhurasvarāḥ

Vishvavasu, Narada, and Tumburu, the singers, the lords of the Gandharvas, sang; and the Apsarases, of sweet voice, sang as well.

Verse 61 (skanda.6.254.61)

ग्रामत्रयसमोपेतं स्वरसप्तकसंयुतम् । दिव्यं शुद्धं च सांकल्पं तत्र गेयमवर्त्तत

grāmatrayasamopetaṁ svarasaptakasaṁyutam divyaṁ śuddhaṁ ca sāṁkalpaṁ tatra geyamavarttata

Endowed with the three musical scales, joined with the seven notes, a divine, pure, and deeply intentional song arose there.

Verse 62 (skanda.6.254.62)

पर्वतोऽपि महानादं हरपादतलाहतः । भ्रमिभिर्भ्रमयंस्तत्र महीं सपुरकाननाम्

parvato'pi mahānādaṁ harapādatalāhataḥ bhramibhirbhramayaṁstatra mahīṁ sapurakānanām

The very mountain, struck by the soles of Hara's feet, made a great sound, and, by his whirling movements, whirled the earth there, together with its cities and forests.

Verse 63 (skanda.6.254.63)

हस्तकांश्चतुराशीतिं स ससर्ज सदाशिवः । ललाटफलकस्वेदात्सूतमागधबंदिनः

hastakāṁścaturāśītiṁ sa sasarja sadāśivaḥ lalāṭaphalakasvedātsūtamāgadhabaṁdinaḥ

Sadashiva created eighty-four hand-gestures; and from the sweat of his forehead were created the Sutas, Magadhas, and court bards,

Verse 64 (skanda.6.254.64)

महेशहृदयाज्जाता गंधर्वा विश्वगायकाः । ते मूर्त्ता देवदेवस्य सुरंगालयसंयुताः

maheśahṛdayājjātā gaṁdharvā viśvagāyakāḥ te mūrttā devadevasya suraṁgālayasaṁyutāḥ

and from Mahesha's heart were born the Gandharvas, singers of the whole world; these, taking bodily form, were joined to the god of gods' beautiful stage.

Verse 65 (skanda.6.254.65)

प्रेक्षकाणामृषीणां च चक्रुराश्चर्यमोजसा । किन्नराः पुष्पवर्षाणि ससृजुः स्वैर्गुणैरिह

prekṣakāṇāmṛṣīṇāṁ ca cakrurāścaryamojasā kinnarāḥ puṣpavarṣāṇi sasṛjuḥ svairguṇairiha

They caused wonder, by their vigour, among the sages who watched; and the Kinnaras, with their own musical virtues, rained down showers of flowers there.

Verse 66 (skanda.6.254.66)

एवं चतुर्षुमासेषु यदा नृत्यमजायत । अतिक्रांता शरज्जाता निर्मलाकाशशोभिता

evaṁ caturṣumāseṣu yadā nṛtyamajāyata atikrāṁtā śarajjātā nirmalākāśaśobhitā

Thus, when the dance took place during the four months, the autumn season passed, adorned with a clear sky,

Verse 67 (skanda.6.254.67)

पद्मखंडसमाच्छन्नसरोवरमुखांबुजा । फलवृक्षौषधीभिश्च किंचित्पांडुमुखच्छविः

padmakhaṁḍasamācchannasarovaramukhāṁbujā phalavṛkṣauṣadhībhiśca kiṁcitpāṁḍumukhacchaviḥ

the faces of the lakes covered with clusters of lotuses, and, on account of the fruit-trees and the herbs, its countenance somewhat pale.

Verse 68 (skanda.6.254.68)

ऊर्जशुक्लचतुर्दश्यां प्रसन्ना गिरिजा तदा । समाप्तव्रतचर्यः स ईश्वरोऽपि तदा बभौ

ūrjaśuklacaturdaśyāṁ prasannā girijā tadā samāptavratacaryaḥ sa īśvaro'pi tadā babhau

On the fourteenth of the bright fortnight of Urja (Kartika), Girija became pleased; and Ishvara too, having completed the observance of the vow, then shone forth.

Verse 69 (skanda.6.254.69)

सा चोवाच तदा शंभुं विकचस्वरलोचना । विप्रशापपातितं च यदा लिंगं भविष्यति

sā covāca tadā śaṁbhuṁ vikacasvaralocanā vipraśāpapātitaṁ ca yadā liṁgaṁ bhaviṣyati

And she, her eyes wide and radiant, then spoke to Shambhu: 'When the linga cast down by a brahmin's curse shall come to be,'

Verse 70 (skanda.6.254.70)

नर्मदाजलसंभूतं विश्वपूज्यं भविष्यति । एवमुक्त्वा ततस्तुष्टा हरस्तोत्रं चकार ह

narmadājalasaṁbhūtaṁ viśvapūjyaṁ bhaviṣyati evamuktvā tatastuṣṭā harastotraṁ cakāra ha

'born of the waters of the Narmada, it shall become worthy of worship by the universe.' Having said this, then pleased, she made a hymn of praise to Hara:

Verse 71 (skanda.6.254.71)

नमस्ते देवदेवाय महादेवाय मौलिने । जगद्धात्रे सवित्रे च शंकराय शिवाय च

namaste devadevāya mahādevāya mauline jagaddhātre savitre ca śaṁkarāya śivāya ca

"Salutation to you, god of gods, great god, crowned one; to the sustainer of the world, the begetter, to Shankara, and to Shiva;"

Verse 72 (skanda.6.254.72)

कपर्दिनेऽजयादाय ब्रह्मगर्भाय ते नमः । हिरण्यरेतसे तुभ्यं नीलग्रीवाय ते नमः

kapardine'jayādāya brahmagarbhāya te namaḥ hiraṇyaretase tubhyaṁ nīlagrīvāya te namaḥ

"to the matted-haired one, the unconquered giver, salutation to you who bear Brahma in your womb; salutation to you of the golden seed, salutation to you, blue-throated one;"

Verse 73 (skanda.6.254.73)

नमो ब्रह्मण्यदेवाय सितभूतिधराय च । पंचवक्त्राय रूपाय नीरूपाय नमोनमः

namo brahmaṇyadevāya sitabhūtidharāya ca paṁcavaktrāya rūpāya nīrūpāya namonamaḥ

"salutation to the god who favours brahmins, and to the bearer of white ash; salutation again and again to the five-faced form, and to the formless one;"

Verse 74 (skanda.6.254.74)

सहस्राक्षाय शुभ्राय नमस्ते कृत्तिवाससे । अन्धकासुरमोक्षाय पशूनां पतये नमः

sahasrākṣāya śubhrāya namaste kṛttivāsase andhakāsuramokṣāya paśūnāṁ pataye namaḥ

"to the thousand-eyed, radiant one, salutation to you clad in an animal-hide; to the liberator of the demon Andhaka, salutation to the lord of creatures;"

Verse 75 (skanda.6.254.75)

विप्रवह्निमुखाग्राय हराय च भवाय च । शंकराय महेशाय ईश्वराय नमो नमः

vipravahnimukhāgrāya harāya ca bhavāya ca śaṁkarāya maheśāya īśvarāya namo namaḥ

"to the one before whom brahmins and fire stand foremost, to Hara, and to Bhava; salutation, salutation, to Shankara, to Mahesha, to Ishvara;"

Verse 76 (skanda.6.254.76)

अमूर्तब्रह्मरूपाय मूर्त्तानां भावनाय च । नमः शिवाय चोग्राय हराय च भवाय च

amūrtabrahmarūpāya mūrttānāṁ bhāvanāya ca namaḥ śivāya cogrāya harāya ca bhavāya ca

"to the formless form of Brahman, and to the maker of all embodied beings; salutation to Shiva, and to Ugra, to Hara, and to Bhava;"

Verse 77 (skanda.6.254.77)

नमः कृष्णाय शर्वाय त्रिपुरांतकहारिणे । अघोराय नमस्तेऽस्तु नमस्ते पुरुषाय ते

namaḥ kṛṣṇāya śarvāya tripurāṁtakahāriṇe aghorāya namaste'stu namaste puruṣāya te

"salutation to Krishna, to Sharva, to the one who ended Tripura; let there be salutation to Aghora, salutation to you, the Purusha;"

Verse 78 (skanda.6.254.78)

सद्योजाताय तुभ्यं भो वामदेवाय ते नमः । ईशानाय नमस्तुभ्यं पंचास्याय कपालिने

sadyojātāya tubhyaṁ bho vāmadevāya te namaḥ īśānāya namastubhyaṁ paṁcāsyāya kapāline

"to you, O lord, Sadyojata, and salutation to you, Vamadeva; salutation to you, Ishana, to the five-faced one, the bearer of the skull-bowl;"

Verse 79 (skanda.6.254.79)

विरूपाक्षाय भावाय भगनेत्रनिपातिने । पूषदंतनिपाताय महायज्ञनिपातिने

virūpākṣāya bhāvāya bhaganetranipātine pūṣadaṁtanipātāya mahāyajñanipātine

"to Virupaksha, to Bhava, to the one who struck out Bhaga's eye; to the one who knocked out Pushan's teeth, to the one who overthrew the great sacrifice;"

Verse 80 (skanda.6.254.80)

मृगव्याधाय धर्माय कालचक्राय चक्रिणे । महापुरुषपूज्याय गणानां पतये नमः

mṛgavyādhāya dharmāya kālacakrāya cakriṇe mahāpuruṣapūjyāya gaṇānāṁ pataye namaḥ

"to the hunter of the deer, to Dharma, to the wheel of time, to the bearer of the discus; to the one worthy of worship by the great Purusha, salutation to the lord of the ganas;"

Verse 81 (skanda.6.254.81)

गंगाधराय मृडिने भवानीप्रियकारिणे । जगदानंददात्रे च ब्रह्मरूपाय ते नमः

gaṁgādharāya mṛḍine bhavānīpriyakāriṇe jagadānaṁdadātre ca brahmarūpāya te namaḥ

"to the bearer of Ganga, to the gracious one, to the one who acts for Bhavani's pleasure; to the giver of joy to the world, salutation to you in the form of Brahman;"

Verse 82 (skanda.6.254.82)

गुणातीताय गुणिने सूक्ष्माय गुरवेऽपि च । नमो महास्वरूपाय भस्मनो जन्मकारिणे

guṇātītāya guṇine sūkṣmāya gurave'pi ca namo mahāsvarūpāya bhasmano janmakāriṇe

"to the one beyond the gunas, and to the one possessed of the gunas, to the subtle one, and to the guru as well; salutation to the great essential form, to the one whose creation is ash;"

Verse 83 (skanda.6.254.83)

वैराग्यरूपिणे नित्यं योगाचार्याय वै नमः । मयोक्तमप्रियं देव स्मरसंहारकारक

vairāgyarūpiṇe nityaṁ yogācāryāya vai namaḥ mayoktamapriyaṁ deva smarasaṁhārakāraka

"to the eternal embodiment of dispassion, salutation indeed to the teacher of yoga. O god, destroyer of Smara, whatever displeasing thing I have spoken,"

Verse 84 (skanda.6.254.84)

क्षंतुमर्हसि विश्वेश शिरसा त्वां प्रसादये । शापानुग्रह एवैष कृतस्ते वै न संशयः

kṣaṁtumarhasi viśveśa śirasā tvāṁ prasādaye śāpānugraha evaiṣa kṛtaste vai na saṁśayaḥ

"you should forgive it, O lord of the universe; with bowed head I seek your favour. This grace within the curse has indeed already been granted by you — there is no doubt of it,"

Verse 85 (skanda.6.254.85)

ममापराधजो मन्युर्न कार्यो भवताऽनघ । एवं प्रसादितः शंभुर्हृष्टात्मा त्रिदशैः सह

mamāparādhajo manyurna kāryo bhavatā'nagha evaṁ prasāditaḥ śaṁbhurhṛṣṭātmā tridaśaiḥ saha

"and no anger born of my offence should be held by you, O sinless one." Thus propitiated, Shambhu, his soul delighted, together with the thirty gods,

Verse 86 (skanda.6.254.86)

तीर्णव्रतपरानंदनिर्भरः प्राह तामुमाम् । य इमां मत्स्तुतिं भक्त्या पठिष्यति तवोद्गताम् । तस्य चेष्टवियोगश्च न भविष्यति पार्वति

tīrṇavrataparānaṁdanirbharaḥ prāha tāmumām ya imāṁ matstutiṁ bhaktyā paṭhiṣyati tavodgatām tasya ceṣṭaviyogaśca na bhaviṣyati pārvati

having completed his vow, filled with the highest bliss, said to that Uma: 'Whoever shall recite with devotion this hymn of praise to me that has arisen from you, O Parvati — for him separation from what he desires shall never come to be.'

Verse 87 (skanda.6.254.87)

जन्मत्रयधनैर्युक्तः सर्वव्याधिविवर्जितः । भुक्त्वेह विविधान्भोगानंते यास्यति मत्पुरम्

janmatrayadhanairyuktaḥ sarvavyādhivivarjitaḥ bhuktveha vividhānbhogānaṁte yāsyati matpuram

'Endowed with wealth for three lifetimes, free from every disease, having enjoyed manifold pleasures in this world, at the end he shall go to my abode.'

Verse 88 (skanda.6.254.88)

इत्युक्त्वा तां महेशोऽपि स्वमंगं प्रददौ ततः । वैष्णवं वामभागं सा प्रतिजग्राह पार्वती

ityuktvā tāṁ maheśo'pi svamaṁgaṁ pradadau tataḥ vaiṣṇavaṁ vāmabhāgaṁ sā pratijagrāha pārvatī

Having said this to her, Mahesha then gave her his own body; and Parvati received its left, Vaishnava side.

Verse 89 (skanda.6.254.89)

शर्वं कपालहस्तं च ग्रीवार्द्धे गरलान्वितम् । रुण्डमालार्द्धहारं च सितगौरं समंततः

śarvaṁ kapālahastaṁ ca grīvārddhe garalānvitam ruṇḍamālārddhahāraṁ ca sitagauraṁ samaṁtataḥ

In that combined form, Sharva held the skull-bowl in hand, half the neck marked with poison; half a garland of skulls, half a necklace, and white and fair on every side;

Verse 90 (skanda.6.254.90)

ब्रह्मांडकोटिजनकं जटाभिर्भूषितं शिरः । सितद्युतिकलाखंडरत्नभासावभासितम्

brahmāṁḍakoṭijanakaṁ jaṭābhirbhūṣitaṁ śiraḥ sitadyutikalākhaṁḍaratnabhāsāvabhāsitam

the father of crores of universes, the head adorned with matted locks; illumined by the radiance of a portion of the white moon and by jewels,

Verse 91 (skanda.6.254.91)

स्वर्णाभरणसंयुक्तमेकतो भुजगांगदम् । एकतः कृत्तिवसनमन्यतः पट्टकूलवत्

svarṇābharaṇasaṁyuktamekato bhujagāṁgadam ekataḥ kṛttivasanamanyataḥ paṭṭakūlavat

on one side joined with golden ornaments, with a serpent as an armlet; on one side clad in an animal-hide, and on the other in fine silken cloth;

Verse 92 (skanda.6.254.92)

मत्स्यवाहनसंयुक्तमन्यतो वृषभांकितम् । एकतः पार्षदैः सेव्यमन्यतः सखिसेवितम्

matsyavāhanasaṁyuktamanyato vṛṣabhāṁkitam ekataḥ pārṣadaiḥ sevyamanyataḥ sakhisevitam

on one side joined with a fish as vehicle, on the other marked by the bull; on one side served by attendants, on the other served by companions —

Verse 93 (skanda.6.254.93)

रूपमेवंविधं दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्माद्या देवतागणाः । तुष्टुवुः परया भक्त्या तेजोभूषितलोचनम्

rūpamevaṁvidhaṁ dṛṣṭvā brahmādyā devatāgaṇāḥ tuṣṭuvuḥ parayā bhaktyā tejobhūṣitalocanam

Beholding this form of such a kind, the hosts of gods headed by Brahma, their eyes adorned with splendour, praised it with supreme devotion:

Verse 94 (skanda.6.254.94)

त्वमेको भगवान्सर्वव्यापकः सर्वदेहिनाम् । पितृवद्रक्षकोऽसि त्वं माता त्वं जीवसंज्ञकः

tvameko bhagavānsarvavyāpakaḥ sarvadehinām pitṛvadrakṣako'si tvaṁ mātā tvaṁ jīvasaṁjñakaḥ

"You alone, O blessed one, pervade all embodied beings; you are the protector like a father, you are the mother, you are called the individual soul,"

Verse 95 (skanda.6.254.95)

साक्षी विश्वस्य बीजं त्वं ब्रह्मांडवशकारकः । उत्पद्यंते विलीयंते त्वयि ब्रह्मांडकोटयः

sākṣī viśvasya bījaṁ tvaṁ brahmāṁḍavaśakārakaḥ utpadyaṁte vilīyaṁte tvayi brahmāṁḍakoṭayaḥ

"you are the witness and the seed of the universe, the one who brings the universes under sway; in you crores of universes arise and are dissolved,"

Verse 96 (skanda.6.254.96)

ऊर्मयः सागरे नित्यं सलिले बुद्बुदा यथा । अहं कदाचित्तेनेत्रात्कदाचित्तव भालतः

ūrmayaḥ sāgare nityaṁ salile budbudā yathā ahaṁ kadācittenetrātkadācittava bhālataḥ

"like waves ever in the ocean, or like bubbles in water. I have at times been born from your eye, and at other times from your brow,"

Verse 97 (skanda.6.254.97)

क्वचित्संगे शिवादेव्या प्राहुर्भूत्वा सृजे जगत् । तवाज्ञाकरिणः सर्वे वयं ब्रह्मादयः सुराः

kvacitsaṁge śivādevyā prāhurbhūtvā sṛje jagat tavājñākariṇaḥ sarve vayaṁ brahmādayaḥ surāḥ

"and at times through union with the goddess Shiva — so it is said — coming into being, I create the world. All of us gods, Brahma and the rest, are the doers of your command,"

Verse 98 (skanda.6.254.98)

अनंतवैभवोऽनंतोऽनंतधामाऽस्यनंतकः । अनंतः सर्वभंगाय कुरुषे रूपमद्भुतम्

anaṁtavaibhavo'naṁto'naṁtadhāmā'syanaṁtakaḥ anaṁtaḥ sarvabhaṁgāya kuruṣe rūpamadbhutam

"of infinite majesty, infinite, of infinite abode, you are the Endless One; infinite, you assume a wondrous form for the destruction of all evil,"

Verse 99 (skanda.6.254.99)

भवानि त्वं भयं नित्यमशिवानां पवित्रकृत् । शिवा नामपि दात्री त्वं तपसामपि त्वं फलम्

bhavāni tvaṁ bhayaṁ nityamaśivānāṁ pavitrakṛt śivā nāmapi dātrī tvaṁ tapasāmapi tvaṁ phalam

"O Bhavani, you are the ever-present fear of the inauspicious, and the maker of purity; you are the giver even of auspiciousness, and you are even the fruit of austerities,"

Verse 100 (skanda.6.254.100)

यः शिवः स स्वयं विष्णुर्यो विष्णुः स सदाशिवः । इत्यभेदमतिर्जाता स्वल्पा नस्त्वत्प्रसादतः

yaḥ śivaḥ sa svayaṁ viṣṇuryo viṣṇuḥ sa sadāśivaḥ ityabhedamatirjātā svalpā nastvatprasādataḥ

"he who is Shiva is himself Vishnu, and he who is Vishnu is Sadashiva — thus has this small understanding of their non-difference arisen in us, by your grace,"

Verse 101 (skanda.6.254.101)

यत्किंचिच्च जगत्यस्मिन्दृश्यते श्रूयतेऽपि वा । मध्ये बहिश्च तत्सर्वं त्रयं व्याप्य स्थिता यदा

yatkiṁcicca jagatyasmindṛśyate śrūyate'pi vā madhye bahiśca tatsarvaṁ trayaṁ vyāpya sthitā yadā

"for whatever in this world is seen or is even heard, within and without — all of that, since you stand pervading that triad,"

Verse 102 (skanda.6.254.102)

जगत्पूज्ये सुरेशानि जगद्वंद्ये तथांबिके । प्रसादं कुरु देवेशि देवेश प्रणता वयम्

jagatpūjye sureśāni jagadvaṁdye tathāṁbike prasādaṁ kuru deveśi deveśa praṇatā vayam

"O you worshipped by the world, O mistress of the gods, O Mother honoured by the world — grant your favour, O queen of the gods; O lord of gods, we bow before you."

Verse 103 (skanda.6.254.103)

इत्युक्त्वा त्रिदशाः सर्वे हृष्टा जग्मुर्यथागतम्

ityuktvā tridaśāḥ sarve hṛṣṭā jagmuryathāgatam

Having said this, all the thirty gods, delighted, departed as they had come.

Verse 104 (skanda.6.254.104)

गालव उवाच । तद्दिव्यरूपमतुलं भुवि ये मनुष्याः संसारसागरसमुत्तरणैकपोतम् । संचिन्तयंति मनसा हृतकिल्बिषास्ते ब्रह्मस्वरूपमनुयांति विमुक्तसंगाः

gālava uvāca taddivyarūpamatulaṁ bhuvi ye manuṣyāḥ saṁsārasāgarasamuttaraṇaikapotam saṁcintayaṁti manasā hṛtakilbiṣāste brahmasvarūpamanuyāṁti vimuktasaṁgāḥ

Galava said: Those men on earth who, in their mind, meditate upon that divine, incomparable form — the sole boat for crossing over the ocean of worldly existence — they, their sins taken away, freed from all attachment, attain to the very nature of Brahman.