The Glory of Bhutamatrika (Mother of Spirits)

Verse 1 (skanda.7.167.1)

ईश्वर उवाच। ततो गच्छेन्महादेवि तत्रस्थां भूतमातृकाम्। सावित्र्या वारूणे भागे शतधन्वंतरे स्थिताम्। नवकोटि गणैर्युक्तां प्रेतभूतसमाकुलाम्। पूजितां सिद्धगंधर्वैर्देवादिभिरनेकशः

īśvara uvāca| tato gacchenmahādevi tatrasthāṁ bhūtamātṛkām| sāvitryā vārūṇe bhāge śatadhanvaṁtare sthitām| navakoṭi gaṇairyuktāṁ pretabhūtasamākulām| pūjitāṁ siddhagaṁdharvairdevādibhiranekaśaḥ

Ishvara said: Then, O great Goddess, one should go to Bhutamatrika who dwells there, situated to the west of Savitri at a distance of a hundred bow-lengths, attended by ninety million spirit-hosts, thronged with ghosts and spirits, and worshipped by Siddhas, Gandharvas, and many gods.

Verse 2 (skanda.7.167.2)

देव्युवाच। भूतमातेति संहृष्टा ग्रामेग्रामे पुरेपुरे। गायन्नृत्यन्हसँल्लोकः सर्वतः परिधावति

devyuvāca| bhūtamāteti saṁhṛṣṭā grāmegrāme purepure| gāyannṛtyanhasam̐llokaḥ sarvataḥ paridhāvati

The Goddess said: Crying 'It is the Mother of Spirits!' people run about joyfully in every village and every town, singing, dancing, and laughing on every side.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.167.3)

उन्मत्तवत्प्रलपते क्षितौ पतति मत्तवत्। क्रुद्धवद्धावति परान्मृतवत्कृष्यते हि सः

unmattavatpralapate kṣitau patati mattavat| kruddhavaddhāvati parānmṛtavatkṛṣyate hi saḥ

One raves like a madman, another falls to the ground like a drunkard, another rushes at others as if in fury, and another is dragged about as though dead.

Verse 4 (skanda.7.167.4)

सुखभंगांश्च कुरुते लोको वातगृहीतवत्। भूतवद्भस्ममूत्रांबुकर्दमानवगाहते

sukhabhaṁgāṁśca kurute loko vātagṛhītavat| bhūtavadbhasmamūtrāṁbukardamānavagāhate

People, as if seized by a wind-spirit, break off from their pleasant occupations, and, as if possessed, wallow in ash, urine, water, and mud.

Verse 5 (skanda.7.167.5)

किमेष शास्त्रनिर्दिष्टो मार्गः किमुत लौकिकः। मुह्यते मे मनो देव तेन त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि

kimeṣa śāstranirdiṣṭo mārgaḥ kimuta laukikaḥ| muhyate me mano deva tena tvaṁ vaktumarhasi

Is this practice prescribed by scripture, or is it merely a worldly custom? O Lord, my mind is bewildered by this — pray tell me of it.

Verse 6 (skanda.7.167.6)

कथं सा पुरुषैः पूज्या प्रभासक्षेत्रवासिभिः। कस्मात्तत्र गता देवी कस्मिन्काले समागता। कस्मिन्दिने तु मासे तु तस्याः कार्यो महोत्सवः

kathaṁ sā puruṣaiḥ pūjyā prabhāsakṣetravāsibhiḥ| kasmāttatra gatā devī kasminkāle samāgatā| kasmindine tu māse tu tasyāḥ kāryo mahotsavaḥ

How is she to be worshipped by the dwellers of the Prabhasa field? For what reason did that goddess come there, at what time did she arrive, and on which day of which month should her great festival be held?

Verse 7 (skanda.7.167.7)

ईश्वर उवाच। शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि यत्ते किंचिन्मनोगतम्। आस्तिकाः श्रद्दधानाश्च भवन्तीति मतिर्मम

īśvara uvāca| śṛṇu devi pravakṣyāmi yatte kiṁcinmanogatam| āstikāḥ śraddadhānāśca bhavantīti matirmama

Ishvara said: Listen, O Goddess, I shall tell you what is on your mind; it is my belief that, hearing this, people shall become believers and grow in faith.

Verse 8 (skanda.7.167.8)

चाक्षुषस्यान्तरेऽतीते प्राप्ते वैवस्वतेऽन्तरे। दक्षापमानात्संजाता तदा पर्वतपुत्रिका

cākṣuṣasyāntare'tīte prāpte vaivasvate'ntare| dakṣāpamānātsaṁjātā tadā parvataputrikā

When the Chakshusha Manvantara had passed and the Vaivasvata Manvantara had arrived, then, because of Daksha's insult, you were born as the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 9 (skanda.7.167.9)

द्वापरे तु द्वितीये वै दत्ता त्वं पर्वतेन मे। विवाहे चैव संजाते सर्वदेवमनोरमे

dvāpare tu dvitīye vai dattā tvaṁ parvatena me| vivāhe caiva saṁjāte sarvadevamanorame

O delight of all the gods, in the second Dvapara age, the Mountain gave you to me, and the marriage took place.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.167.10)

त्वया च सहितः पूर्वं मन्दरे चारुकंदरे। अक्रीडं च मुदा युक्तो दिव्यक्रीडनकैः प्रिये। पीनोन्नतनितंबेन भ्राजमाना कुचोन्नताम्

tvayā ca sahitaḥ pūrvaṁ maṁdare cārukaṁdare| akrīḍaṁ ca mudā yukto divyakrīḍanakaiḥ priye| pīnonnatanitaṁbena bhrājamānā kuconnatām

O beloved, once together with you, in a lovely grotto of Mount Mandara, I sported joyfully with divine games; you, radiant with full, high hips and raised breasts —

Verse 11 (skanda.7.167.11)

सिताब्जवदनां हृष्टां दृष्ट्वाऽहं त्वां महाप्रभाम्। दग्धकामतरोः कन्दकंदलीमिव निःसृताम्। महार्हशयनस्थां त्वां तदा कामितवानहम्

sitābjavadanāṁ hṛṣṭāṁ dṛṣṭvā'haṁ tvāṁ mahāprabhām| dagdhakāmataroḥ kandakaṁdalīmiva niḥsṛtām| mahārhaśayanasthāṁ tvāṁ tadā kāmitavānaham

— your face like a white lotus, joyful, of great radiance, as though a fresh shoot sprung from the burnt tree of desire; seeing you reclining upon a precious couch, I then desired you.

Verse 12 (skanda.7.167.12)

सुरते तव संजातं दिव्यं वर्षशतं यदा। तदा देवि समुत्थाय निरोधान्निर्गता बहिः

surate tava saṁjātaṁ divyaṁ varṣaśataṁ yadā| tadā devi samutthāya nirodhānnirgatā bahiḥ

When our union had continued for a hundred divine years, then, O Goddess, you rose up and stepped forth from that enclosed retreat.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.167.13)

तवोदकात्समुत्तस्थौ नार्येका गह्वरोदरा। कृष्णा करालवदना पिंगाक्षी मुक्तमूर्धजा

tavodakātsamuttasthau nāryekā gahvarodarā| kṛṣṇā karālavadanā piṁgākṣī muktamūrdhajā

From your own moisture there rose up a woman, hollow-bellied, black-hued, of fearsome face, tawny-eyed, her hair unbound.

Verse 14 (skanda.7.167.14)

कपालमालाभरणा बद्धमुण्डार्धपिंडका। खट्वांगकंकालधरा रुण्डमुंडकरा शिवा

kapālamālābharaṇā baddhamuṇḍārdhapiṁḍakā| khaṭvāṁgakaṁkāladharā ruṇḍamuṁḍakarā śivā

Adorned with a garland of skulls, her waist bound with half-skulls, bearing the skull-topped staff and a skeleton, that fierce goddess held severed heads in her hands.

Verse 15 (skanda.7.167.15)

द्वीपिचर्माम्बरधरा रणत्किंकिणिमेखला। डमड्डमरुकारा च फेत्कारपूरिताम्बरा

dvīpicarmāmbaradharā raṇatkiṁkiṇimekhalā| ḍamaḍḍamarukārā ca phetkārapūritāmbarā

Clad in the hide of a leopard, her girdle jingling with tiny bells, she rattled her hand-drum and filled the sky with her fearsome howling cry.

Verse 16 (skanda.7.167.16)

तस्याश्च पार्श्वगा अन्यास्तासां नामानि मे शृणु। सख्यो ब्राह्मणराक्षस्यस्तासां चैव सुदर्शनाः

tasyāśca pārśvagā anyāstāsāṁ nāmāni me śṛṇu| sakhyo brāhmaṇarākṣasyastāsāṁ caiva sudarśanāḥ

Beside her stood other companions as well — hear their names from me: they were brahmin-demoness companions, comely of appearance.

Verse 17 (skanda.7.167.17)

दशकोटिप्रभेदेन धरां व्याप्य सुसंस्थिताः। मुख्यास्तत्र चतस्रो वै महाबलपराक्रमाः

daśakoṭiprabhedena dharāṁ vyāpya susaṁsthitāḥ| mukhyāstatra catasro vai mahābalaparākramāḥ

In a hundred million varieties they pervade and abide over the earth; among them four are principal, endowed with great strength and prowess.

Verse 18 (skanda.7.167.18)

रक्तवर्णा महाजिह्वाऽक्षया वै पापकारिणी। एतासामन्वये जाताः पृथिव्यां ब्रह्मराक्षसाः

raktavarṇā mahājihvā'kṣayā vai pāpakāriṇī| etāsāmanvaye jātāḥ pṛthivyāṁ brahmarākṣasāḥ

Red of hue, huge-tongued, inexhaustible, and workers of sin — from their lineage the Brahmarakshasas (fallen-brahmin demons) are born upon the earth.

Verse 19 (skanda.7.167.19)

श्लेष्मातकतरौ ह्येते प्रायशः सुकृतालयाः। उत्तालतालचपला नृत्यंति च हसंति च

śleṣmātakatarau hyete prāyaśaḥ sukṛtālayāḥ| uttālatālacapalā nṛtyaṁti ca hasaṁti ca

These generally dwell in the Sleshmataka tree, which is mostly a home for the meritorious; restless to the rapid clap of rhythm, they dance and laugh.

Verse 20 (skanda.7.167.20)

विज्ञेया इह लोकेऽस्मिन्भूतानां मूलनायकाः। अतिकृष्णा भवन्त्येते व्यंतरान्तरचारिणः

vijñeyā iha loke'sminbhūtānāṁ mūlanāyakāḥ| atikṛṣṇā bhavaṁtyete vyaṁtarāntaracāriṇaḥ

In this world they are to be known as the root leaders of all spirit-beings; they are exceedingly dark and move about in the intermediate regions of the sky.

Verse 21 (skanda.7.167.21)

वृक्षाग्रमात्रमाकाशं ते चरंति न संशयः

vṛkṣāgramātramākāśaṁ te caraṁti na saṁśayaḥ

They roam through the sky only as high as the tops of trees — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 22 (skanda.7.167.22)

तथैव मम वीर्यात्तु मद्रूपाभरणः पुमान्। कपालखट्वांगधरो जातश्चर्मविगुण्ठितः

tathaiva mama vīryāttu madrūpābharaṇaḥ pumān| kapālakhaṭvāṁgadharo jātaścarmaviguṇṭhitaḥ

Likewise, from my own seed, a man was born, bearing my own form and ornaments, holding a skull-bowl and skull-topped staff, wrapped in hide.

Verse 23 (skanda.7.167.23)

अनुगम्यमानो बहुभिर्भूतैरपि भयंकरः। सिंहशार्दूलवदनैर्वदनोल्लिखितांबरैः

anugamyamāno bahubhirbhūtairapi bhayaṁkaraḥ| siṁhaśārdūlavadanairvadanollikhitāṁbaraiḥ

He was followed by many terrifying spirits, with faces like lions and tigers, their mouths as if slicing through the sky.

Verse 24 (skanda.7.167.24)

एवं देवि तदा जातः क्षुधाक्रान्तो बभाष माम्। अतोऽहं क्षुधितं दृष्ट्वा वरं हीमं च दत्तवान्

evaṁ devi tadā jātaḥ kṣudhākrānto babhāṣa mām| ato'haṁ kṣudhitaṁ dṛṣṭvā varaṁ hīmaṁ ca dattavān

O Goddess, thus born, he, overcome with hunger, spoke to me; therefore, seeing him hungry, I granted him this boon —

Verse 25 (skanda.7.167.25)

युवयोर्हस्तसंस्पर्शान्नक्तमेवास्तु सर्वशः। नक्तं चैव बलीयांसौ दिवा नातिबलावुभौ। पुत्रवद्रक्षतं लोकान्धर्मश्चैवानुपाल्यताम्

yuvayorhastasaṁsparśānnaktamevāstu sarvaśaḥ| naktaṁ caiva balīyāṁsau divā nātibalāvubhau| putravadrakṣataṁ lokāndharmaścaivānupālyatām

'— let food from the touch of your two hands come only at night, always; by night you two shall be strong, by day not overly so; protect the worlds as if they were your own children, and uphold righteousness too.'

Verse 26 (skanda.7.167.26)

इत्युक्तौ तौ मया तत्र भूतमातृगणौ प्रिये। एकीभूतौ क्षणेनैव तौ भवानीभवोद्भवौ

ityuktau tau mayā tatra bhūtamātṛgaṇau priye| ekībhūtau kṣaṇenaiva tau bhavānībhavodbhavau

O beloved, thus addressed by me there, those two spirit-hosts, sprung from Bhavani and from Bhava (myself), became united into one in that very instant.

Verse 27 (skanda.7.167.27)

दृष्ट्वा हृष्टमनाश्चाहमवोचं त्वां शुचिस्मिते

dṛṣṭvā hṛṣṭamanāścāhamavocaṁ tvāṁ śucismite

Seeing this, glad of heart, O pure-smiling one, I said to you —

Verse 28 (skanda.7.167.28)

कल्याणि पश्यपश्यैतौ ममांशाच्च समुद्भवौ। बीभत्साद्भुतशृंगारधारिणौ हास्यकारिणौ

kalyāṇi paśyapaśyaitau mamāṁśācca samudbhavau| bībhatsādbhutaśṛṁgāradhāriṇau hāsyakāriṇau

'O auspicious one, behold, behold — these two are born from my own portion, embodying the grotesque, the wondrous, and the amorous, and evoking laughter.'

Verse 29 (skanda.7.167.29)

भ्रातृभांडा भूतमाता तथैवोदकसेविता। संज्ञात्रयं स्मृतं देवि लोके विख्यातपौरुषम्

bhrātṛbhāṁḍā bhūtamātā tathaivodakasevitā| saṁjñātrayaṁ smṛtaṁ devi loke vikhyātapauruṣam

'Bhratribhanda,' 'Bhutamata,' and 'Udakasevita' — O Goddess, these three names are remembered, renowned in the world for their vigor.

Verse 30 (skanda.7.167.30)

पुनः कृतांजलिपुटौ दृष्ट्वा मामूचतुस्तदा। आवयोर्भगवन्कुत्र स्थाने वासो भविष्यति

punaḥ kṛtāṁjalipuṭau dṛṣṭvā māmūcatustadā| āvayorbhagavankutra sthāne vāso bhaviṣyati

Then, seeing me, joining their palms, those two said: 'O Lord, in what place shall we two dwell?'

Verse 31 (skanda.7.167.31)

इत्युक्तवन्तौ तौ तत्र वरेण च्छन्दितौ मया। अस्ति सौराष्ट्रविषये भारते क्षेत्रमुत्तमम्

ityuktavantau tau tatra vareṇa cchanditau mayā| asti saurāṣṭraviṣaye bhārate kṣetramuttamam

When they had spoken thus, I there pleased them with a boon, saying: 'In the region of Saurashtra, within Bharata, there is an excellent sacred field —'

Verse 32 (skanda.7.167.32)

प्रभासेति समाख्यातं तत्र क्षेमं मम प्रियम्। कूर्मस्य नैर्ऋते भागे स्थितं वै दक्षिणे परे

prabhāseti samākhyātaṁ tatra kṣemaṁ mama priyam| kūrmasya nairṛte bhāge sthitaṁ vai dakṣiṇe pare

'— known by the name Prabhasa; there lies my own beloved place of safety, situated in the southwest portion of the tortoise-shaped field, far to the south.'

Verse 33 (skanda.7.167.33)

स्वाती विशाखा मैत्रं च यत्र ऋक्षत्रयं स्मृतम्। तस्मिन्स्थाने सदा स्थेयं यावन्मन्वन्तरावधि

svātī viśākhā maitraṁ ca yatra ṛkṣatrayaṁ smṛtam| tasminsthāne sadā stheyaṁ yāvanmanvantarāvadhi

'Where the three asterisms of Svati, Vishakha, and Maitra (Anuradha) are held sacred — in that very place you two shall dwell always, until the end of this Manvantara.'

Verse 34 (skanda.7.167.34)

अन्यदा जीविकं वच्मि तव भूतप्रिये सदा

anyadā jīvikaṁ vacmi tava bhūtapriye sadā

'O beloved of the spirits, now I shall tell you always of your means of livelihood.'

Verse 35 (skanda.7.167.35)

यत्र कण्टकिनो वृक्षा यत्र निष्पाववल्लरी। भार्या पुनर्भूर्वल्मीकस्तास्ते वसतयश्चिरम्

yatra kaṇṭakino vṛkṣā yatra niṣpāvavallarī| bhāryā punarbhūrvalmīkastāste vasatayaściram

Where there are thorny trees, where there is the bean-creeper, where a wife has remarried, and where there is an anthill — these are your lasting dwelling-places.

Verse 36 (skanda.7.167.36)

यस्मिन्गृहे नराः पञ्च स्त्रीत्रयं तावतीश्च गाः। अन्धकारेंधनाग्निश्च तद्गृहे वसतिस्तव

yasmingṛhe narāḥ pañca strītrayaṁ tāvatīśca gāḥ| andhakāreṁdhanāgniśca tadgṛhe vasatistava

In whatever house there are five men, three women, and as many cows, and where fire is kindled in darkness — that house is your dwelling.

Verse 37 (skanda.7.167.37)

भूतैः प्रेतैः पिशाचैश्च यत्स्थानं समधिष्ठितम्। एकावि चाष्टबालेयं त्रिगवं पञ्चमाहिषम्। षडश्वं सप्तमातंगं तद्गृहे वसतिस्तव

bhūtaiḥ pretaiḥ piśācaiśca yatsthānaṁ samadhiṣṭhitam| ekāvi cāṣṭabāleyaṁ trigavaṁ pañcamāhiṣam| ṣaḍaśvaṁ saptamātaṁgaṁ tadgṛhe vasatistava

Wherever a place is inhabited by spirits, ghosts, and demons; where there is one sheep, eight calves, three cattle, five buffaloes, six horses, and seven elephants — that house is your dwelling.

Verse 38 (skanda.7.167.38)

उद्दालकान्नपिटकं तद्वत्स्थाल्यादिभाजनम्। यत्र तत्रैव क्षिप्तं च तव तच्च प्रतिश्रयम्

uddālakānnapiṭakaṁ tadvatsthālyādibhājanam| yatra tatraiva kṣiptaṁ ca tava tacca pratiśrayam

Where the grain-basket and vessels such as cooking-pots lie flung about here and there — that too is your resting place.

Verse 39 (skanda.7.167.39)

मुशलोलूखले स्त्रीणामास्या तद्वदुदुंबरे। भाषणं कटुकं चैव तत्र देवि स्थितिस्तव

muśalolūkhale strīṇāmāsyā tadvadudumbare| bhāṣaṇaṁ kaṭukaṁ caiva tatra devi sthitistava

O Goddess, where the pestle and mortar are kept, where women's mouths are like the fig-tree (impure), and where harsh speech occurs — there is your abode.

Verse 40 (skanda.7.167.40)

खाद्यन्ते यत्र धान्यानि पक्वापक्वानि वेश्मनि। तद्वच्छाखाश्च तत्र त्वं भूतैः सह चरिष्यसि

khādyante yatra dhānyāni pakvāpakvāni veśmani| tadvacchākhāśca tatra tvaṁ bhūtaiḥ saha cariṣyasi

Where cooked and half-cooked grains are eaten in a house, and in its outlying quarters as well, there you shall roam together with the spirits.

Verse 41 (skanda.7.167.41)

स्थालीपिधाने यत्राग्निं ददते विकला नराः। गृहे तत्र दुरिष्टानामशेषाणां समाश्रयः

sthālīpidhāne yatrāgniṁ dadate vikalā narāḥ| gṛhe tatra duriṣṭānāmaśeṣāṇāṁ samāśrayaḥ

Wherever careless people place fire upon the lid of a cooking-vessel, that house becomes the shared refuge of all ill-boding forces.

Verse 42 (skanda.7.167.42)

मानुष्यास्थि गृहे यत्र अहोरात्रे व्यवस्थितम्। तत्रायं भूतनिवहो यथेष्टं विचरिष्यति

mānuṣyāsthi gṛhe yatra ahorātre vyavasthitam| tatrāyaṁ bhūtanivaho yatheṣṭaṁ vicariṣyati

Wherever a human bone lies about a house day and night, there this host of spirits shall roam as it pleases.

Verse 43 (skanda.7.167.43)

सर्वस्मादधिकं ये न प्रवदन्ति पिनाकिनम्। साधारणं वदंत्येनं तत्र भूतैः समाविश

sarvasmādadhikaṁ ye na pravadanti pinākinam| sādhāraṇaṁ vadaṁtyenaṁ tatra bhūtaiḥ samāviśa

Those who do not proclaim the wielder of the Pinaka bow as supreme over all, but speak of him as merely ordinary — there you, together with your spirits, should enter.

Verse 44 (skanda.7.167.44)

कन्या च यत्र वै वल्ली रोहीनाम जटी गृहे। अगस्त्य पादपो वापि बंधुजीवो गृहेषु वै

kanyā ca yatra vai vallī rohīnāma jaṭī gṛhe| agastya pādapo vāpi baṁdhujīvo gṛheṣu vai

Where there is the Kanyavalli creeper, the matted-root plant called Rohi, the Agastya tree, or the Bandhujiva plant in the house —

Verse 45 (skanda.7.167.45)

करवीरो विशेषेण नंद्यावर्तस्तथैव च। मल्लिका वा गृहे येषां भूतयोग्यं गृहं हि तत्

karavīro viśeṣeṇa nandyāvartastathaiva ca| mallikā vā gṛhe yeṣāṁ bhūtayogyaṁ gṛhaṁ hi tat

— especially the oleander, the Nandyavarta, or jasmine growing in one's house — that house is fit for the spirits.

Verse 46 (skanda.7.167.46)

तालं तमालं भल्लातं तिंतिणीखंडमेव वा। बकुलं कदलीखंडं कदंबः खदिरोऽपि वा

tālaṁ tamālaṁ bhallātaṁ tiṁtiṇīkhaṁḍameva vā| bakulaṁ kadalīkhaṁḍaṁ kadaṁbaḥ khadiro'pi vā

The palmyra, the tamala, the marking-nut tree, a grove of tamarind, the bakula, a plantain-grove, the kadamba, or the khadira —

Verse 47 (skanda.7.167.47)

न्यग्रोधो हि गृहे येषामश्वत्थं चूत एव वा। उदुंबरश्च पनसः सर्वभूत प्रियं हि तत्

nyagrodho hi gṛhe yeṣāmaśvatthaṁ cūta eva vā| udumbaraśca panasaḥ sarvabhūta priyaṁ hi tat

— whoever has the banyan, the sacred fig, the mango, the fig-tree, or the jackfruit in their house, that dwelling is dear to all spirits.

Verse 48 (skanda.7.167.48)

यत्र काकगृहं वै स्यादारामे वा गृहेऽपि वा। भिक्षुबिंबं च वै यत्र गृहे दक्षिणके तथा

yatra kākagṛhaṁ vai syādārāme vā gṛhe'pi vā| bhikṣubiṁbaṁ ca vai yatra gṛhe dakṣiṇake tathā

Where there is a crow's nest in the garden or in the house, or where a mendicant's image stands in the southern part of a dwelling —

Verse 49 (skanda.7.167.49)

बिंबमूर्ध्वं च यत्रस्थं तत्र भूतनिवेशनम्

biṁbamūrdhvaṁ ca yatrasthaṁ tatra bhūtaniveśanam

— wherever an image is set up too high, there is the dwelling of spirits.

Verse 50 (skanda.7.167.50)

लिंगार्चनं न यत्रैव यत्र नास्ति जपादिकम्। यत्र भक्तिविहीना वै भूतानां तान्गृहान्वदेत्

liṅgārcanaṁ na yatraiva yatra nāsti japādikam| yatra bhaktivihīnā vai bhūtānāṁ tāngṛhānvadet

Wherever there is no worship of the linga, wherever there is no recitation and the like, and wherever devotion is absent — such houses should be declared the abode of spirits.

Verse 51 (skanda.7.167.51)

मलिनास्यास्तु ये मर्त्या मलिनांबर धारिणः। मलदंता गृहस्था ये गृहं तेषां समाविश

malināsyāstu ye martyā malināṁbara dhāriṇaḥ| maladaṁtā gṛhasthā ye gṛhaṁ teṣāṁ samāviśa

Those mortals of unwashed face, clad in soiled garments, whose teeth remain grimy — into the homes of such householders, enter.

Verse 52 (skanda.7.167.52)

अगम्यनिरता ये तु मैथुने व्यभिचारतः। संध्यायां मैथुनं यांति गृहं तेषां समाविश

agamyaniratā ye tu maithune vyabhicārataḥ| saṁdhyāyāṁ maithunaṁ yāṁti gṛhaṁ teṣāṁ samāviśa

Those devoted to forbidden unions through infidelity, and those who engage in intercourse at the twilight hour — enter their homes.

Verse 53 (skanda.7.167.53)

बहुना किं प्रलापेन नित्यकर्मबहिष्कृताः। रुद्रभक्तिविहीना ये गृहं तेषां समाविश

bahunā kiṁ pralāpena nityakarmabahiṣkṛtāḥ| rudrabhaktivihīnā ye gṛhaṁ teṣāṁ samāviśa

What use is there in much telling? Those bereft of daily observances, those devoid of devotion to Rudra — enter their homes.

Verse 54 (skanda.7.167.54)

अदत्त्वा भुंजते योऽन्नं बंधुभ्योऽन्नं तथोदकम्। सपिण्डान्सोदकांश्चैव तत्कालात्तान्नरान्भज

adattvā bhuṁjate yo'nnaṁ baṁdhubhyo'nnaṁ tathodakam| sapiṁḍānsodakāṁścaiva tatkālāttānnarānbhaja

Those who eat food without first giving food and water to their kin — to relatives bound by common offerings and libations — from that very moment, take up residence with such men.

Verse 55 (skanda.7.167.55)

यत्र भार्या च भर्ता च परस्परविरोधिनौ। सह भूतैर्गृहं तस्य विश त्वं भयवर्ज्जिता

yatra bhāryā ca bhartā ca parasparavirodhinau| saha bhūtairgṛhaṁ tasya viśa tvaṁ bhayavarjitā

Where wife and husband live in mutual conflict, into that house you, together with your spirits, should enter without fear.

Verse 56 (skanda.7.167.56)

वासुदेवे रतिर्नास्ति यत्र नास्ति सदा हरिः। जपहोमादिकं नास्ति भस्म नास्ति गृहे नृणाम्

vāsudeve ratirnāsti yatra nāsti sadā hariḥ| japahomādikaṁ nāsti bhasma nāsti gṛhe nṛṇām

Where men take no delight in Vasudeva, where Hari is never remembered, where there is no recitation or oblation, and where there is no sacred ash in the house —

Verse 57 (skanda.7.167.57)

पर्वस्वप्यर्चनं नास्ति चतुर्दश्यां विशेषतः

parvasvapyarcanaṁ nāsti caturdaśyāṁ viśeṣataḥ

— where there is no worship even on holy days, especially on the fourteenth lunar day —

Verse 58 (skanda.7.167.58)

कृष्णाष्टम्यां च ये मर्त्याः संध्यायां भस्मवर्जिताः। पंचदश्यां महादेवं न यजंति च यत्र वै

kṛṣṇāṣṭamyāṁ ca ye martyāḥ saṁdhyāyāṁ bhasmavarjitāḥ| paṁcadaśyāṁ mahādevaṁ na yajaṁti ca yatra vai

— those mortals who, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, remain at twilight without the sacred ash, and where Mahadeva is not worshipped on the full moon day —

Verse 59 (skanda.7.167.59)

पौरजानपदैर्यत्र प्राक्प्रसिद्धा महोत्सवाः। क्रियते पूर्ववन्नैव तद्गृहं वसतिस्तव

paurajānapadairyatra prākprasiddhā mahotsavāḥ| kriyate pūrvavannaiva tadgṛhaṁ vasatistava

— and where the great festivals once renowned among the citizens and countryfolk are no longer celebrated as before — that house is your dwelling.

Verse 60 (skanda.7.167.60)

वेदघोषो न यत्रास्ति गुरुपूजादिकं न च। पितृकर्मविहीनं च तद्भूतस्य गृहं स्मृतम्

vedaghoṣo na yatrāsti gurupūjādikaṁ na ca| pitṛkarmavihīnaṁ ca tadbhūtasya gṛhaṁ smṛtam

Where there is no chanting of the Vedas, no worship of the guru and the like, and which is devoid of rites for the ancestors — that house is declared to be the home of spirits.

Verse 61 (skanda.7.167.61)

रात्रौरात्रौ गृहे यस्मिन्कलहो जायते मिथः। बालानां प्रेक्षमाणानां यत्र वृद्धश्च पूर्वतः। भक्षयेत्तत्र वै हृष्टा भूतैः सह समाविश

rātraurātrau gṛhe yasminkalaho jāyate mithaḥ| bālānāṁ prekṣamāṇānāṁ yatra vṛddhaśca pūrvataḥ| bhakṣayettatra vai hṛṣṭā bhūtaiḥ saha samāviśa

In whatever house quarrels break out with one another night after night, and where an elder eats first while the children look on hungrily — there, rejoicing, enter together with your spirits.

Verse 62 (skanda.7.167.62)

कस्मिन्मासे दिने चापि भवित्री लोकपूजिता। इत्युक्तोऽहं तया देवि तामवोचं पुनः प्रिये

kasminmāse dine cāpi bhavitrī lokapūjitā| ityukto'haṁ tayā devi tāmavocaṁ punaḥ priye

'In which month, on which day shall you be worshipped by the world?' — thus questioned by her, O Goddess, I then, O beloved, said to her —

Verse 63 (skanda.7.167.63)

अमा या माधवे मासि तस्मिन्या च चतुर्दशी। तस्यां महोत्सवस्तत्र भविता ते चिरंतनः

amā yā mādhave māsi tasminyā ca caturdaśī| tasyāṁ mahotsavastatra bhavitā te ciraṁtanaḥ

'— on that new-moon day of the month of Madhava (Vaishakha), and on the fourteenth day before it, your everlasting great festival shall be held there.'

Verse 64 (skanda.7.167.64)

याः स्त्रियस्तां च यक्ष्यंति तस्मिन्काले महोत्सवे। बलिभिः पुष्पधूपैश्च मा तासां त्वं गृहे विश

yāḥ striyastāṁ ca yakṣyaṁti tasminkāle mahotsave| balibhiḥ puṣpadhūpaiśca mā tāsāṁ tvaṁ gṛhe viśa

'Whatever women worship you at the time of that great festival with offerings, flowers, and incense — into their houses you shall not enter.'

Verse 65 (skanda.7.167.65)

नारायण हृषीकेश पुण्डरीकाक्ष माधव। अच्युतानंत गोविंद वासुदेव जनार्दन

nārāyaṇa hṛṣīkeśa puṇḍarīkākṣa mādhava| acyutānaṁta goviṁda vāsudeva janārdana

'O Narayana, Hrishikesha, Pundarikaksha, Madhava, Achyuta, Ananta, Govinda, Vasudeva, Janardana —'

Verse 66 (skanda.7.167.66)

नृसिंह वामनाचिंत्य केशवेति च ये जनाः। रुद्र रुद्रेति रुद्रेति शिवाय च नमोनमः

nṛsiṁha vāmanāciṁtya keśaveti ca ye janāḥ| rudra rudreti rudreti śivāya ca namonamaḥ

'Nrisimha, Vamana, Achintya, Keshava' — thus, and 'Rudra, Rudra, Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Shiva' — whatever people so proclaim —

Verse 67 (skanda.7.167.67)

वक्ष्यंति सततं हृष्टास्तेषां धनगृहादिषु। आरामे चैव गोष्ठे च मा विशेथाः कथंचन

vakṣyaṁti satataṁ hṛṣṭāsteṣāṁ dhanagṛhādiṣu| ārāme caiva goṣṭhe ca mā viśethāḥ kathaṁcana

— whoever declares these names constantly and joyfully, into their wealth, their homes, their gardens, and their cattle-sheds, you shall not enter in any way.

Verse 68 (skanda.7.167.68)

देशाचाराञ्ज्ञा तिधर्माञ्जपं होमं च मंगलम्। दैवतेज्यां विधानेन शौचं कुर्वंति ये जनाः। लोकापवादभीता ये पुमांसस्तेषु मा विश

deśācārāñjñā tidharmāñjapaṁ homaṁ ca maṁgalam| daivatejyāṁ vidhānena śaucaṁ kurvaṁti ye janāḥ| lokāpavādabhītā ye pumāṁsasteṣu mā viśa

Those men who, knowing local custom and their own caste-duty, perform recitation, oblation, and auspicious rites, worship the gods duly, observe purity, and are wary of public censure — into such men do not enter.

Verse 69 (skanda.7.167.69)

देव्युवाच। कदा पूजा प्रकर्तव्या भूतमातुः सुखार्थिभिः। पुरुषैर्देवदेवेश एतन्मे वक्तुमर्हसि

devyuvāca| kadā pūjā prakartavyā bhūtamātuḥ sukhārthibhiḥ| puruṣairdevadeveśa etanme vaktumarhasi

The Goddess said: O lord of the gods, when should men who desire happiness perform worship of the Mother of Spirits? Pray tell me this.

Verse 70 (skanda.7.167.70)

ईश्वर उवाच। सर्वत्रैषा भगवती बालानां हितकारिणी। नामभेदैः कालभेदैः क्रियाभेदैश्च पूज्यते

īśvara uvāca| sarvatraiṣā bhagavatī bālānāṁ hitakāriṇī| nāmabhedaiḥ kālabhedaiḥ kriyābhedaiśca pūjyate

Ishvara said: This goddess is everywhere the benefactress of children; she is worshipped under different names, at different times, and through different rites.

Verse 71 (skanda.7.167.71)

प्रतिपत्प्रभृति वैशाखे यावच्चतुर्दशीतिथिः। तावत्पूजा प्रकर्तव्या प्रेरणीप्रेक्षणीयकैः

pratipatprabhṛti vaiśākhe yāvaccaturdaśītithiḥ| tāvatpūjā prakartavyā preraṇīprekṣaṇīyakaiḥ

From the first lunar day through the fourteenth in the month of Vaishakha, her worship should be performed, accompanied by rousing dramatic performances.

Verse 72 (skanda.7.167.72)

भग्नामपि गतां चैनां जरत्तरुतले स्थिताम्। सेचयिष्यंति ये भक्त्या जलसंपूर्णगंडुकैः

bhagnāmapi gatāṁ caināṁ jaratarutale sthitām| secayiṣyaṁti ye bhaktyā jalasaṁpūrṇagaṁḍukaiḥ

Whoever, with devotion, sprinkles her image — set beneath an aged tree, even if it be broken — with water-filled vessels,

Verse 73 (skanda.7.167.73)

ग्रीवासूत्रकसिन्दूरैः पुष्पैर्धूपैस्तथार्चयेत्। तत्र सिद्धवटः पूज्यः शाखां चास्य विनिक्षिपेत्

grīvāsūtrakasindūraiḥ puṣpairdhūpaistathārcayet| tatra siddhavaṭaḥ pūjyaḥ śākhāṁ cāsya vinikṣipet

—and worships her with a thread around the neck, vermilion, flowers, and incense — there the Siddha-Vata (miracle banyan) too is to be worshipped, and a branch of it should be laid upon the image.

Verse 74 (skanda.7.167.74)

पूजितां तां नरैर्यत्नादवलोक्य शुभेप्सुभिः। भोजयेत्क्षिप्रासंयावकृशरापूपपायसैः

pūjitāṁ tāṁ narairyatnādavalokya śubhepsubhiḥ| bhojayetkṣiprāsaṁyāvakṛśarāpūpapāyasaiḥ

Men desiring well-being, having with diligence worshipped and beheld her, should offer her food — quick-cooked dishes, the Samyava sweet, savory rice-porridge, cakes, and milk-pudding.

Verse 75 (skanda.7.167.75)

एवं विधिं यः कुरुते पुरुषो भक्तिभावतः। स पुत्रपशुवृद्धिं च शरीरारोग्यमाप्नुयात्

evaṁ vidhiṁ yaḥ kurute puruṣo bhaktibhāvataḥ| sa putrapaśuvṛddhiṁ ca śarīrārogyamāpnuyāt

Whatever man performs this rite with devotion obtains the increase of sons and cattle, and bodily health.

Verse 76 (skanda.7.167.76)

न शाकिन्यो गृहे तस्य न पिशाचा न राक्षसाः। पीडां कुर्वन्ति शिशवो यान्ति वृद्धिमनामयाम्

na śākinyo gṛhe tasya na piśācā na rākṣasāḥ| pīḍāṁ kurvaṁti śiśavo yāṁti vṛddhimanāmayām

In his house neither witches, nor demons, nor fiends cause any affliction; his children attain growth free from illness.

Verse 77 (skanda.7.167.77)

अथ देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि प्रतिपत्प्रभृति क्रमात्। यथोत्सवो नरैः कार्यः प्रेरणीप्रेक्षणीयकैः

atha devi pravakṣyāmi pratipatprabhṛti kramāt| yathotsavo naraiḥ kāryaḥ preraṇīprekṣaṇīyakaiḥ

Now, O Goddess, I shall tell you, in order from the first lunar day, how men should conduct the festival with its rousing dramatic performances.

Verse 78 (skanda.7.167.78)

विकर्मफलनिर्द्देशैः पाखंडानां विटंबनैः। प्रदर्श्यते हास्यपरैर्नरैरद्भुतचेष्टितैः

vikarmaphalanirddeśaiḥ pākhaṁḍānāṁ viṭaṁbanaiḥ| pradarśyate hāsyaparairnarairadbhutaceṣṭitaiḥ

By pointing out the fruits of wrongful deeds, by mocking hypocrites and frauds, it is enacted by humor-loving men through astonishing antics.

Verse 79 (skanda.7.167.79)

पञ्चम्यां तु विशेषेण रात्रौ कोलाहलः शुभे। जागरं तत्र कुर्वीत देवीं पूज्य प्रयत्नतः

pañcamyāṁ tu viśeṣeṇa rātrau kolāhalaḥ śubhe| jāgaraṁ tatra kurvīta devīṁ pūjya prayatnataḥ

Especially on the auspicious night of the fifth day, there should be tumult and uproar; there, having diligently worshipped the Goddess, one should keep a night vigil.

Verse 80 (skanda.7.167.80)

विश्वस्य धनलोभेन स्वाध्यायो निहतः पतिः। आरोप्यमाणं शूलाग्रमेनं पश्यत भो जनाः

viśvasya dhanalobhena svādhyāyo nihataḥ patiḥ| āropyamāṇaṁ śūlāgramenaṁ paśyata bho janāḥ

(In the mock-drama, a performer cries out:) 'Betraying everyone's trust out of greed for wealth, this man has destroyed his own study of scripture — behold, O people, he is being impaled upon the point of a stake!'

Verse 81 (skanda.7.167.81)

दृष्टो भवद्भिर्दुष्टः स परदारावमर्शकः। छित्त्वा हस्तौ च खड्गेन खरारूढस्तु गच्छति

dṛṣṭo bhavadbhirduṣṭaḥ sa paradārāvamarśakaḥ| chittvā hastau ca khaḍgena kharārūḍhastu gacchati

'You have all seen that wicked man who dared to touch another's wife; his two hands cut off with a sword, he is now paraded off, mounted upon a donkey.'

Verse 82 (skanda.7.167.82)

शीर्णश्चैवासिपत्रेण अस्याभरणभूषितः। सुखासन समारूढः सुकृती यात्यसौ सुखम्

śīrṇaścaivāsipatreṇa asyābharaṇabhūṣitaḥ| sukhāsana samārūḍhaḥ sukṛtī yātyasau sukham

'This other one, though torn by leaves sharp as swords, yet adorned with ornaments, this meritorious man rides in a comfortable seat, proceeding happily.'

Verse 83 (skanda.7.167.83)

हे जनाः किं न पश्यध्वं स्वामिद्रोहकरं परम्। करपत्रैर्विदार्यंतमुच्छलच्छोणितान्तरम्

he janāḥ kiṁ na paśyadhvaṁ svāmidrohakaraṁ param| karapatrairvidāryaṁtamucchalacchoṇitāntaram

'O people, do you not see this supreme betrayer of his master, being sawn apart with saws, blood gushing forth from within?'

Verse 84 (skanda.7.167.84)

चौरः किलायं संप्राप्तः सर्वोद्वेगकरः परः। दंडप्रहाराभिहतो नीयते दंडपाशकैः

cauraḥ kilāyaṁ saṁprāptaḥ sarvodvegakaraḥ paraḥ| daṇḍaprahārābhihato nīyate daṇḍapāśakaiḥ

'Here is a thief who has been caught, a great cause of terror to everyone; struck by blows of the rod, he is led away by the guards bearing staves and nooses.'

Verse 85 (skanda.7.167.85)

प्रेक्षकैश्चेष्टितः शश्वदारटन्विविधैः स्वरैः। संयम्य नीयते हन्तुं लज्जितोऽधोमुखो जनाः

prekṣakaiśceṣṭitaḥ śaśvadāraṭanvividhaiḥ svaraiḥ| saṁyamya nīyate hantuṁ lajjito'dhomukho janāḥ

Prodded ceaselessly by the onlookers, he cries out in various tones; bound, he is led off to be slain, his face hung low in shame — behold, O people!

Verse 86 (skanda.7.167.86)

सितकेशं सितश्मश्रुं सितांबरधरध्वजम्। विटंकाद्यैश्च चेटीभिर्हन्यमानं न पश्यथि

sitakeśaṁ sitaśmaśruṁ sitāṁbaradharadhvajam| viṭaṁkādyaiśca ceṭībhirhanyamānaṁ na paśyathi

'Do you not see him, white-haired, white-bearded, wearing white banner-cloth, being struck by serving-women with sticks and the like?'

Verse 87 (skanda.7.167.87)

गृहान्निष्क्राम्य मां रंडां गृहं नीत्वाऽकरोद्रतिम्। कस्मादसौ न कुरुते मूढो भरणपोषणम्

gṛhānniṣkrāmya māṁ raṁḍāṁ gṛhaṁ nītvā'karodratim| kasmādasau na kurute mūḍho bharaṇapoṣaṇam

(A female character declares:) 'Leaving his own house, he brought me, a widow, home and took his pleasure with me — why then does this fool not support and maintain me?'

Verse 88 (skanda.7.167.88)

भैरवाभरणो नेता सदा घूर्णितलोचनः। प्रवृत्ततंद्रवन्मूढो वध्यश्चासावितस्ततः

bhairavābharaṇo netā sadā ghūrṇitalocanaḥ| pravṛttataṁdravanmūḍho vadhyaścāsāvitastataḥ

That lead performer, decked in Bhairava's fearsome ornaments, his eyes always rolling, moving as if dazed and stupefied, is paraded here and there as condemned to death.

Verse 89 (skanda.7.167.89)

निर्वेदेकोऽस्य हृदये धनक्षेत्रादिसंभवः। गृहीतं यदनेनाद्य बालेनापि महाव्रतम्। रक्ताक्षं काककृष्णांगं सत्वरं किं न पश्यथि

nirvedeko'sya hṛdaye dhanakṣetrādisaṁbhavaḥ| gṛhītaṁ yadanenādya bālenāpi mahāvratam| raktākṣaṁ kākakṛṣṇāṁgaṁ satvaraṁ kiṁ na paśyathi

In his heart is disgust born of wealth, land, and the like, since even as a child he has today taken up a great vow — this red-eyed, crow-black-bodied one — do you not see him quickly?

Verse 90 (skanda.7.167.90)

तरुकोटरगान्बद्ध्वा अन्याञ्छृंखलया तथा। शरौघैः काष्ठकैश्चैव बहुभिः शकलीकृतान्

tarukoṭaragānbaddhvā anyāñchṛṁkhalayā tathā| śaraughaiḥ kāṣṭhakaiścaiva bahubhiḥ śakalīkṛtān

Some bound within the hollows of trees, others chained with fetters, and many hacked to pieces with volleys of arrows and staves —

Verse 91 (skanda.7.167.91)

विमुक्तहक्काहुंकारान्सुप्रहारान्निरीक्षत

vimuktahakkāhuṁkārānsuprahārānnirīkṣata

— behold these outbursts of shouts and jeers, and the fierce blows being dealt.

Verse 92 (skanda.7.167.92)

इमां कृष्णार्धवदनां ग्रहीष्यसि दुरात्मिकाम्। विमुक्तकेशां नृत्यन्तीं पश्यध्वं योगिनीमिव

imāṁ kṛṣṇārdhavadanāṁ grahīṣyasi durātmikām| vimuktakeśāṁ nṛtyantīṁ paśyadhvaṁ yoginīmiva

'Will you seize this wicked one with the half-black face? Behold her, dancing with hair unbound, as though she were some sorceress.'

Verse 93 (skanda.7.167.93)

गम्भीर नूपुरध्वानप्रवृद्धोद्धततांडवा। उन्मत्तनेत्रचरणा यात्येषा डिम्भमण्डली

gambhīra nūpuradhvānapravṛddhoddhatatāṇḍavā| unmattanetracaraṇā yātyeṣā ḍimbhamaṇḍalī

With the deep sound of anklets, breaking into ever wilder, frenzied dancing, eyes and feet moving as if intoxicated, this troop of youngsters goes forth.

Verse 94 (skanda.7.167.94)

कटीतटस्थपिटिकोल्लसत्कंबलधारिणी। अटते नटती ह्युर्वी परितश्च गृहाद्गृहम्

kaṭītaṭasthapiṭikollasatkaṁbaladhāriṇī| aṭate naṭatī hyurvī paritaśca gṛhādgṛham

With a basket fastened at her waist, wearing a splendid blanket-shawl, she wanders about, performing her act, from house to house across the land.

Verse 95 (skanda.7.167.95)

इत्येवमादिभिर्नित्यं प्रेरणीप्रेक्षणीयकैः। प्रेरयेत्तान्महानित्थं पुत्रभ्रातृसुहृद्वृतः

ityevamādibhirnityaṁ preraṇīprekṣaṇīyakaiḥ| prerayettānmahānitthaṁ putrabhrātṛsuhṛdvṛtaḥ

By such rousing performances as these, daily, the great man, surrounded by sons, brothers, and friends, should stir them on in this way.

Verse 96 (skanda.7.167.96)

एकादश्यां नवम्यां वा दीपं प्रज्वाल्य कुण्डकम्। मुखबिंबानि तत्रैव लेपदारुकृतानि वै

ekādaśyāṁ navamyāṁ vā dīpaṁ prajvālya kuṇḍakam| mukhabiṁbāni tatraiva lepadārukṛtāni vai

On the eleventh or ninth lunar day, having lit a lamp in a pit, one should there fashion face-masks made of clay or wood.

Verse 97 (skanda.7.167.97)

विचित्राणि महार्हाणि रौद्रशान्तानि कारयेत्। मातृणां चण्डिकादीनां राक्षसानां तथैव च

vicitrāṇi mahārhāṇi raudraśāntāni kārayet| mātṛṇāṁ caṇḍikādīnāṁ rākṣasānāṁ tathaiva ca

One should have made varied, precious masks, both fierce and serene, of the Mother-goddesses, of Chandika and the like, and of demons too —

Verse 98 (skanda.7.167.98)

भूतप्रेतपिशाचानां शाकिनीनां तथैव च। मुखानि कारयेत्तत्र हावभावकृतानि च

bhūtapretapiśācānāṁ śākinīnāṁ tathaiva ca| mukhāni kārayettatra hāvabhāvakṛtāni ca

— and likewise the masks of spirits, ghosts, demons, and witches, fashioned with expressive gestures and moods.

Verse 99 (skanda.7.167.99)

रक्षिभिर्बहुभिर्गुप्तं तिर्यग्ध्वनिपुरःसरम्। अमावास्यां महादेवि क्षिपेत्पूजाक्रमैर्नरः

rakṣibhirbahubhirguptaṁ tiryagdhvanipuraḥsaram| amāvāsyāṁ mahādevi kṣipetpūjākramairnaraḥ

O great Goddess, guarded secretly by many protectors, preceded by strange calls, on the new-moon day the man should immerse these, along with the rites of worship.

Verse 100 (skanda.7.167.100)

ततः प्रदोषसमये यत्र देवी जनैर्वृता। तत्र गच्छेन्महारावैः फेत्कारा कुलकीर्तनैः

tataḥ pradoṣasamaye yatra devī janairvṛtā| tatra gacchenmahārāvaiḥ phetkārā kulakīrtanaiḥ

Then, at the evening twilight, where the Goddess is surrounded by people, one should proceed there with great clamor, with fearsome howling cries, and with the recitation of one's family lineage.

Verse 101 (skanda.7.167.101)

वीरचर्याविधानेन नगरे भ्रामयेन्निशि। वीरचर्या स कथितो दीपः सर्वार्थसाधकः

vīracaryāvidhānena nagare bhrāmayenniśi| vīracaryā sa kathito dīpaḥ sarvārthasādhakaḥ

According to the rite called Vircharya ('the hero's circuit'), it should be carried through the town by night; this lamp is called the Vircharya, the accomplisher of every aim.

Verse 102 (skanda.7.167.102)

नित्यं निष्क्रामयेद्दीपं याव त्पञ्चदशी तिथिः। पञ्चदश्यां प्रकुर्वीत भूतमातुर्महोत्सवम्। तस्य गृहेश्वरं यावद्गृहे विघ्नं न जायते

nityaṁ niṣkrāmayeddīpaṁ yāva tpañcadaśī tithiḥ| pañcadaśyāṁ prakurvīta bhūtamāturmahotsavam| tasya gṛheśvaraṁ yāvadgṛhe vighnaṁ na jāyate

Daily, up to the full-moon day, the lamp should be carried out; on the full-moon day one should hold the great festival of the Mother of Spirits; as long as this is done, no obstacle arises in the house of that householder.

Verse 103 (skanda.7.167.103)

अथ कालान्तरेऽतीते भूतमातुः शरीरतः। जाताः प्रस्वेदबिन्दुभ्यः पिशाचाः पञ्चकोटयः

atha kālāntare'tīte bhūtamātuḥ śarīrataḥ| jātāḥ prasvedabindubhyaḥ piśācāḥ pañcakoṭayaḥ

Then, after a further span of time had passed, from the body of the Mother of Spirits, from her drops of sweat, fifty million demons were born.

Verse 104 (skanda.7.167.104)

सर्वे ते क्रूरवदना जिह्वाज्वालाकृशोदराः। पाणिपात्राः पिशाचास्ते निसृष्टबलिभोजनाः

sarve te krūravadanā jihvājvālākṛśodarāḥ| pāṇipātrāḥ piśācāste nisṛṣṭabalibhojanāḥ

All of them were cruel-faced, their tongues like flames, their bellies lean; those demons, with their own hands as bowls, fed upon the offerings left as oblations.

Verse 105 (skanda.7.167.105)

धमनीसंतताः शुष्काः श्मश्रुलाश्चर्मवाससः। उलूखलैराभरणैः शूर्पच्छत्रासनांबराः

dhamanīsaṁtatāḥ śuṣkāḥ śmaśrulāścarmavāsasaḥ| ulūkhalairābharaṇaiḥ śūrpacchatrāsanāṁbarāḥ

Their veins standing out, their bodies withered, bearded, clad in hide; their ornaments were like mortars, and winnowing-fans served them as parasol, seat, and garment.

Verse 106 (skanda.7.167.106)

नक्तं ज्वलितकेशाढ्या अंगारानुद्गिरंति वै। अंगारकाः पिशाचास्ते मातृमार्गानुसारिणः

naktaṁ jvalitakeśāḍhyā aṁgārānudgiraṁti vai| aṁgārakāḥ piśācāste mātṛmārgānusāriṇaḥ

By night their hair blazes, and they belch forth glowing embers; these are the demons called Angarakas, who follow the path of the Mother-goddesses.

Verse 107 (skanda.7.167.107)

आकर्णदारितास्याश्च लंबभ्रूस्थूलनासिकाः। बलाढ्यास्ते पिशाचा वै सूतिकागृहवासिनः

ākarṇadāritāsyāśca laṁbabhrūsthūlanāsikāḥ| balāḍhyāste piśācā vai sūtikāgṛhavāsinaḥ

Their mouths split up to their ears, their brows drooping, their noses thick — those powerful demons dwell in birthing-chambers.

Verse 108 (skanda.7.167.108)

पृष्ठतः पाणिपादाश्च पृष्ठगा वातरंहसा। विषादनाः पिशाचास्ते संग्रामे पिशिताशनाः

pṛṣṭhataḥ pāṇipādāśca pṛṣṭhagā vātaraṁhasā| viṣādanāḥ piśācāste saṁgrāme piśitāśanāḥ

Their hands and feet turned backward, they trail behind with the speed of the wind; these are the poison-feeding demons, who devour flesh upon the field of battle.

Verse 109 (skanda.7.167.109)

एवंविधान्पिशाचांस्तु दृष्ट्वा दीनानुकम्पया। तेभ्योऽहमवदं किञ्चित्कारुण्यादल्पचेतसाम्

evaṁvidhānpiśācāṁstu dṛṣṭvā dīnānukampayā| tebhyo'hamavadaṁ kiñcitkāruṇyādalpacetasām

Seeing demons of this kind, moved by compassion for their wretchedness, out of pity for those of feeble understanding, I said something to them —

Verse 110 (skanda.7.167.110)

अन्तर्धानं प्रजादेहे कामरूपित्वमेव च। उभयोः संध्ययोश्चारं स्थानान्याजीवितं तथा

antardhānaṁ prajādehe kāmarūpitvameva ca| ubhayoḥ saṁdhyayoścāraṁ sthānānyājīvitaṁ tathā

'— I gave them the power to become invisible within human bodies, the power to take any form at will, freedom to roam at both twilights, and places for their livelihood —'

Verse 111 (skanda.7.167.111)

गृहाणि यानि नग्नानि शून्यान्यायतनानि च। विध्वस्तानि च यानि स्यू रचनारोषितानि च

gṛhāṇi yāni nagnāni śūnyānyāyatanāni ca| vidhvastāni ca yāni syū racanāroṣitāni ca

'— houses that stand bare, empty, deserted, or dilapidated, or of disordered construction —'

Verse 112 (skanda.7.167.112)

राजमार्गोपरथ्याश्च चत्वराणि त्रिकाणि च। द्वाराण्यट्टालकांश्चैव निर्गमान्संक्रमांस्तथा

rājamārgoparathyāśca catvarāṇi trikāṇi ca| dvārāṇyaṭṭālakāṁścaiva nirgamānsaṁkramāṁstathā

'— royal highways and lanes, squares and crossroads, gateways, watchtowers, exits, and bridges —'

Verse 113 (skanda.7.167.113)

पथो नदीश्च तीर्थानि चैत्यवृक्षान्महापथान्। स्थानानि तु पिशाचानां निवासायाददां प्रिये

patho nadīśca tīrthāni caityavṛkṣānmahāpathān| sthānāni tu piśācānāṁ nivāsāyādadāṁ priye

'— roads, rivers, sacred fords, sacred trees, and great highways — O beloved, these places I gave to the demons for their dwelling.'

Verse 114 (skanda.7.167.114)

अधार्मिका जनास्तेषामा जीवो विहितः पुरा। वर्णाश्रमाचारहीनाः कारुशिल्पिजनास्तथा

adhārmikā janāsteṣāmā jīvo vihitaḥ purā| varṇāśramācārahīnāḥ kāruśilpijanāstathā

For their sustenance, unrighteous people were appointed of old, along with those devoid of the discipline of caste and stage of life, and artisans and craftsmen too,

Verse 115 (skanda.7.167.115)

अनुतापाश्च साधूनां चौरा विश्वासघातिनः। एतैरन्यैश्च बहुभिरन्यायोपार्जितैर्धनैः

anutāpāśca sādhūnāṁ caurā viśvāsaghātinaḥ| etairanyaiśca bahubhiranyāyopārjitairdhanaiḥ

Those who slander holy men, thieves, and betrayers of trust — by these and by many others who have amassed wealth unjustly,

Verse 116 (skanda.7.167.116)

आरभ्यते क्रिया यास्तु पिशाचास्तत्र देवताः। मधुमासदिने दध्ना तिलचूर्णसुरासवैः

ārabhyate kriyā yāstu piśācāstatra devatāḥ| madhumāsadine dadhnā tilacūrṇasurāsavaiḥ

— whatever rites are undertaken with such wealth, the demons themselves are the presiding deities there; on a day in the month of Madhu (Chaitra), with curds, sesame-powder, and spirituous liquor,

Verse 117 (skanda.7.167.117)

पूपैर्हारिद्रकृशरैस्तिलैरिक्षुगुडौदनैः। कृष्णानि चैव वासांसि धूम्राः सुमनसस्तथा

pūpairhāridrakṛśaraistilairikṣuguḍaudanaiḥ| kṛṣṇāni caiva vāsāṁsi dhūmrāḥ sumanasastathā

— with cakes, turmeric-tinged rice-porridge, sesame, sugarcane, jaggery-rice, with black garments, and with smoke-grey flowers —

Verse 118 (skanda.7.167.118)

सर्वभूतपिशाचानां कृता देवी मया शुभा। एवंविधा भूतमाता सर्वभूतगणैर्वृता

sarvabhūtapiśācānāṁ kṛtā devī mayā śubhā| evaṁvidhā bhūtamātā sarvabhūtagaṇairvṛtā

— I made her the auspicious goddess of all spirits and demons; thus is the Mother of Spirits, surrounded by every host of spirit-beings.

Verse 119 (skanda.7.167.119)

प्रभासे संस्थिता देवी समुद्रादुत्तरेण तु। य एतां वेद वै देव्या उत्पत्तिं पापनाशिनीम्

prabhāse saṁsthitā devī samudrāduttareṇa tu| ya etāṁ veda vai devyā utpattiṁ pāpanāśinīm

That goddess resides in Prabhasa, to the north of the ocean; whoever knows this sin-destroying account of the goddess's origin,

Verse 120 (skanda.7.167.120)

कुत्सिता संतति स्तस्य न भवेच्च कदाचन। भूतप्रेतपिशाचानां न दोषैः परिभूयते

kutsitā saṁtati stasya na bhavecca kadācana| bhūtapretapiśācānāṁ na doṣaiḥ paribhūyate

— his offspring shall never be despised, and he is never overcome by the afflictions of spirits, ghosts, and demons.

Verse 121 (skanda.7.167.121)

सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः सर्वसौभाग्यसंयुतः। सर्वान्कामानवाप्नोति नारीहृदयनंदनः

sarvapāpavinirmuktaḥ sarvasaubhāgyasaṁyutaḥ| sarvānkāmānavāpnoti nārīhṛdayanaṁdanaḥ

Freed from all sin, endowed with every good fortune, he obtains all his desires, and becomes one who gladdens the hearts of women.

Verse 122 (skanda.7.167.122)

ये मानयंति निजहासकलैर्विलासैः संसेवया अभयदा भवभूतमाताम्। ते भ्रातृभृत्यसुतबंधुजनैर्युताश्च सर्वोपसर्ग रहिताः सुखिनो भवन्ति

ye mānayaṁti nijahāsakalairvilāsaiḥ saṁsevayā abhayadā bhavabhūtamātām| te bhrātṛbhṛtyasutabaṁdhujanairyutāśca sarvopasarga rahitāḥ sukhino bhavanti

Those who honor Bhava's fear-dispelling Mother of Spirits with their own arts of laughter, festivity, and devoted service, become surrounded by brothers, servants, sons, and kinsfolk, and, freed from every affliction, live happily.