The Glory of the Monday Vow

Verse 1 (skanda.7.24.1)

देव्युवाच। कस्मिन्काले जगन्नाथ तत्र लिंगं प्रतिष्ठितम्। कथमाराधनं चक्रे कृतार्थो रोहिणीपतिः

devyuvāca| kasminkāle jagannātha tatra liṁgaṁ pratiṣṭhitam| kathamārādhanaṁ cakre kṛtārtho rohiṇīpatiḥ

The Goddess said: O Lord of the world, at what time was the Linga installed there? How did the fulfilled Lord of Rohini perform his worship?

Verse 2 (skanda.7.24.2)

ईश्वर उवाच। त्रेतायुगे च दशमे मनोर्वैवस्वतस्य हि। संजातो रोहिणीनाथो युक्तो दुर्वाससा प्रिये

īśvara uvāca| tretāyuge ca daśame manorvaivasvatasya hi| saṁjāto rohiṇīnātho yukto durvāsasā priye

Ishvara said: In the tenth Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manu indeed, the Lord of Rohini was born, joined with Durvasa, O beloved.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.24.3)

तस्मिन्काले तदा तत्र गते वर्षसहस्रके। ततः कृत्वा तपश्चायं प्रत्यक्षीकृतशंकरः

tasminkāle tadā tatra gate varṣasahasrake| tataḥ kṛtvā tapaścāyaṁ pratyakṣīkṛtaśaṁkaraḥ

At that time, when a thousand years had passed there, having then performed austerity, he made Shankara manifest before him.

Verse 4 (skanda.7.24.4)

लिंगं प्रतिष्ठयामास ब्रह्मणा लोककर्तॄणा। पुनर्वर्षसहस्रं तु पूजयामास शंकरम्

liṁgaṁ pratiṣṭhayāmāsa brahmaṇā lokakartṝṇā| punarvarṣasahasraṁ tu pūjayāmāsa śaṁkaram

The Linga was installed by Brahma, the maker of the worlds; and again, for a thousand years, he worshipped Shankara.

Verse 5 (skanda.7.24.5)

ततः संपूज्य विधिना निजकार्यार्थसिद्धये। स्तुतिं चक्रे निशानाथः प्रत्यक्षीकृतशंकरः

tataḥ saṁpūjya vidhinā nijakāryārthasiddhaye| stutiṁ cakre niśānāthaḥ pratyakṣīkṛtaśaṁkaraḥ

Then, having duly worshipped, for the fulfillment of his own purpose, the Lord of Night, having made Shankara manifest, offered praise:

Verse 6 (skanda.7.24.6)

चंद्र उवाच। नास्ति शर्वसमो देवो नास्ति शर्वसमा गतिः। नास्ति शर्वसमो देवो नास्ति शर्वसमा गतिः

caṁdra uvāca| nāsti śarvasamo devo nāsti śarvasamā gatiḥ| nāsti śarvasamo devo nāsti śarvasamā gatiḥ

Chandra said: There is no god equal to Sharva, there is no refuge equal to Sharva; there is no god equal to Sharva, there is no refuge equal to Sharva.

Verse 7 (skanda.7.24.7)

यं पठंति सदा सांख्याश्चितयंति च योगिनः। परं प्रधानं पुरुषं तस्मै ज्ञेयात्मने नमः

yaṁ paṭhaṁti sadā sāṁkhyāścitayaṁti ca yoginaḥ| paraṁ pradhānaṁ puruṣaṁ tasmai jñeyātmane namaḥ

He whom the followers of Sankhya ever recite, and whom the yogis contemplate — the supreme Pradhana, the Purusha — homage to him, whose nature is the object of knowledge.

Verse 8 (skanda.7.24.8)

उत्पत्तौ च विनाशे च कारणं यं विदुर्बुधाः। देवासुरमनुष्याणां तस्मै ज्ञानात्मने नमः

utpattau ca vināśe ca kāraṇaṁ yaṁ vidurbudhāḥ| devāsuramanuṣyāṇāṁ tasmai jñānātmane namaḥ

He whom the wise know as the cause of the origin and destruction of gods, demons, and men — homage to him, whose nature is knowledge.

Verse 9 (skanda.7.24.9)

यमव्ययमनाद्यंतं यं नित्यं शाश्वतं ध्रुवम्। निष्कलं परमं ब्रह्म तस्मै योगात्मने नमः

yamavyayamanādyaṁtaṁ yaṁ nityaṁ śāśvataṁ dhruvam| niṣkalaṁ paramaṁ brahma tasmai yogātmane namaḥ

He who is imperishable, without beginning or end, eternal, everlasting, fixed, partless, the supreme Brahman — homage to him, whose nature is yoga.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.24.10)

यः पवित्रं पवित्राणामादिदेवो महेश्वरः। पुनाति दर्शनादेव तस्मै तीर्थात्मने नमः

yaḥ pavitraṁ pavitrāṇāmādidevo maheśvaraḥ| punāti darśanādeva tasmai tīrthātmane namaḥ

He who is the purifier of the pure, the primal God, Maheshvara, who purifies by the very sight of him — homage to him, whose nature is the sacred ford.

Verse 11 (skanda.7.24.11)

यतः प्रवर्त्तते सर्वं यस्मिन्सर्वं विलीयते। पालयेद्यो जगत्सर्वं तस्मै सर्वात्मने नमः

yataḥ pravarttate sarvaṁ yasminsarvaṁ vilīyate| pālayedyo jagatsarvaṁ tasmai sarvātmane namaḥ

He from whom everything proceeds, in whom everything dissolves, who protects the whole world — homage to him, whose nature is all.

Verse 12 (skanda.7.24.12)

अनिष्टोमादिभिर्यज्ञैर्यं यजंति द्विजातयः। संपूर्णदक्षिणैरेव तस्मै यज्ञात्मने नमः

aniṣṭomādibhiryajñairyaṁ yajaṁti dvijātayaḥ| saṁpūrṇadakṣiṇaireva tasmai yajñātmane namaḥ

He whom the twice-born worship with the Agnishtoma and other sacrifices, with sacrificial fees fully given — homage to him, whose nature is sacrifice.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.24.13)

ईश्वर उवाच। एवं स संस्तुते यावद्दिवारात्रौ निशाकरः। अब्रवीद्भगवान्प्रीतः प्रहसन्निव शंकरः

īśvara uvāca| evaṁ sa saṁstute yāvaddivārātrau niśākaraḥ| abravīdbhagavānprītaḥ prahasanniva śaṁkaraḥ

Ishvara said: As the Night-Maker thus praised him throughout day and night, the blessed Shankara, pleased, as if smiling, spoke:

Verse 14 (skanda.7.24.14)

शंकर उवाच। परितुष्टोऽस्मि ते वत्स स्तोत्रेणानेन शीतगो। वरं वरय भद्रं ते भूयो यत्ते मनोगतम्

śaṁkara uvāca| parituṣṭo'smi te vatsa stotreṇānena śītago| varaṁ varaya bhadraṁ te bhūyo yatte manogatam

Shankara said: I am well pleased with you, O child, O cool-rayed one, by this hymn of praise; choose a boon, may it be well with you — whatever more is in your heart.

Verse 15 (skanda.7.24.15)

चंद्र उवाच। यदि देयो वरोऽस्माकं यदि तुष्टोऽसि मे प्रभो। सांनिध्यं कुरु देवेश लिंगेऽस्मिन्सर्वदा विभो

caṁdra uvāca| yadi deyo varo'smākaṁ yadi tuṣṭo'si me prabho| sāṁnidhyaṁ kuru deveśa liṁge'sminsarvadā vibho

Chandra said: If a boon is to be given to me, if you are pleased with me, O Lord, then, O Lord of gods, O Mighty One, be ever present in this Linga.

Verse 16 (skanda.7.24.16)

ये त्वां पश्यंति चात्रस्थं भक्त्या परमया युताः। तेषां तु परमा सिद्धिस्त्वत्प्रसादात्सुरेश्वर

ye tvāṁ paśyaṁti cātrasthaṁ bhaktyā paramayā yutāḥ| teṣāṁ tu paramā siddhistvatprasādātsureśvara

Those who behold you present here, endowed with supreme devotion — for them, O Lord of gods, may there be supreme accomplishment, through your grace.

Verse 17 (skanda.7.24.17)

शंभुरुवाच। अग्रे तु मम सांनिध्यमस्मिँल्लिंगे महाप्रभो। विशेषतोऽधुना चंद्र तव भक्त्या निरंतरम्

śaṁbhuruvāca| agre tu mama sāṁnidhyamasmĩlliṁge mahāprabho| viśeṣato'dhunā caṁdra tava bhaktyā niraṁtaram

Shambhu said: My presence has indeed always been in this Linga of great splendor; but now, O Moon, especially and continually, on account of your devotion —

Verse 18 (skanda.7.24.18)

स्थातव्यमद्यप्रभृति क्षेत्रेऽस्मिन्नुमया सह। यस्मात्त्वया प्रभा लब्धा क्षेत्रेऽस्मिन्मत्प्रसादतः। तस्मात्प्रभासमित्येवं नामास्य प्रभविष्यति

sthātavyamadyaprabhṛti kṣetre'sminnumayā saha| yasmāttvayā prabhā labdhā kṣetre'sminmatprasādataḥ| tasmātprabhāsamityevaṁ nāmāsya prabhaviṣyati

— from this day I shall abide in this field, together with Uma. Since radiance was regained by you in this field, by my grace, therefore the name of this place shall become "Prabhasa."

Verse 19 (skanda.7.24.19)

यस्मात्प्रतिष्ठितं लिंगं त्वया सोम शुभं मम। सोमनाथेति मे नाम तस्मात्ख्यातिं गमिष्यति

yasmātpratiṣṭhitaṁ liṁgaṁ tvayā soma śubhaṁ mama| somanātheti me nāma tasmātkhyātiṁ gamiṣyati

And since this auspicious Linga of mine was installed by you, O Soma, my name "Somanatha" shall thereby become renowned.

Verse 20 (skanda.7.24.20)

यन्ममाग्रेतनं नामख्यातं ब्रह्मावसानिकम्। सोमनाथेति च पुनस्तदेव प्रचरिष्यति। द्रक्ष्यंति हि नरा ये मामत्रस्थं भक्तितत्पराः

yanmamāgretanaṁ nāmakhyātaṁ brahmāvasānikam| somanātheti ca punastadeva pracariṣyati| drakṣyaṁti hi narā ye māmatrasthaṁ bhaktitatparāḥ

That earlier name of mine, renowned, lasting until the end of a Brahma's life, "Somanatha" — that very name shall become current again. For those men who behold me present here, devoted to me —

Verse 21 (skanda.7.24.21)

शृणु तेषां फलं वत्स भविष्यति निशाकर। न तेषां जायते व्याधिर्न दारिद्र्यं न दुर्गतिः। न चेष्टेन वियोगश्च मम चंद्र प्रभावतः

śṛṇu teṣāṁ phalaṁ vatsa bhaviṣyati niśākara| na teṣāṁ jāyate vyādhirna dāridryaṁ na durgatiḥ| na ceṣṭena viyogaśca mama caṁdra prabhāvataḥ

— hear, O child, O Night-Maker, what fruit shall be theirs: no disease shall befall them, nor poverty, nor misfortune; nor, through my power, O Moon, shall there be separation from what is beloved.

Verse 22 (skanda.7.24.22)

यात्रां कुर्वंति ये भक्त्या मम दर्शनकांक्षिणः। पदे पदेश्वमेधस्य तेषां फलमुदाहृतम्

yātrāṁ kurvaṁti ye bhaktyā mama darśanakāṁkṣiṇaḥ| pade padeśvamedhasya teṣāṁ phalamudāhṛtam

For those who undertake pilgrimage with devotion, desiring my sight — at every step, the fruit of an Ashvamedha is declared to be theirs.

Verse 23 (skanda.7.24.23)

किं कृतैर्बहुभिर्यज्ञैरुपवासैर्निशाकर। सकृत्पश्यंति मां येऽत्र ते सर्वे लेभिरे फलम्

kiṁ kṛtairbahubhiryajñairupavāsairniśākara| sakṛtpaśyaṁti māṁ ye'tra te sarve lebhire phalam

What need is there, O Night-Maker, for many sacrifices and fasts performed? Those who behold me here even once — all of them have obtained the fruit.

Verse 24 (skanda.7.24.24)

एकमासोपवासं तु कुरुते भक्तितत्परः। यावद्वर्षसहस्रं तु एकः पश्यंति मामिह

ekamāsopavāsaṁ tu kurute bhaktitatparaḥ| yāvadvarṣasahasraṁ tu ekaḥ paśyaṁti māmiha

One who, devoted, observes a month-long fast, and one who, for a thousand years performs austerity, and one who beholds me here even once —

Verse 25 (skanda.7.24.25)

द्वाभ्यामपि फलं तुल्यं नास्ति काचिद्विचारणा

dvābhyāmapi phalaṁ tulyaṁ nāsti kācidvicāraṇā

— for both of them the fruit is equal; there is no doubt about this at all.

Verse 26 (skanda.7.24.26)

एको भवेद्ब्रह्मचारी यावज्जीवं निशाकर। सकृत्पश्यति मामत्र समं ताभ्यां फलं स्मृतम्

eko bhavedbrahmacārī yāvajjīvaṁ niśākara| sakṛtpaśyati māmatra samaṁ tābhyāṁ phalaṁ smṛtam

One who remains a celibate student for his whole life, O Night-Maker, and one who beholds me here even once — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 27 (skanda.7.24.27)

एको दानानि सर्वाणि प्रयच्छति द्विजातये। एकः पश्यति मामत्र समं ताभ्यां फलं स्मृतम्

eko dānāni sarvāṇi prayacchati dvijātaye| ekaḥ paśyati māmatra samaṁ tābhyāṁ phalaṁ smṛtam

One who gives all manner of gifts to a twice-born, and one who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 28 (skanda.7.24.28)

एको व्रतानि सर्वाणि कुरुते मृगलांछन। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र समं ताभ्यां फलं स्मृतम्

eko vratāni sarvāṇi kurute mṛgalāṁchana| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra samaṁ tābhyāṁ phalaṁ smṛtam

One who performs all manner of vows, O deer-marked one, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 29 (skanda.7.24.29)

एकस्तीर्थानि कुरुते जपजाप्यानि भूरिशः। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्

ekastīrthāni kurute japajāpyāni bhūriśaḥ| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam

One who visits all the sacred fords, and performs abundant recitations of mantras, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 30 (skanda.7.24.30)

एको ज्ञानादियोगेन मुमुक्षुर्जायते ध्रुवम्। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्

eko jñānādiyogena mumukṣurjāyate dhruvam| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam

One who, through the yoga of knowledge and the like, surely becomes a seeker of liberation, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 31 (skanda.7.24.31)

एकस्तु भृगुपातेन याति मृत्युं निशाकर। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र समं ताभ्यां फलं स्मृतम्

ekastu bhṛgupātena yāti mṛtyuṁ niśākara| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra samaṁ tābhyāṁ phalaṁ smṛtam

One, O Night-Maker, who goes to death by casting himself from a cliff, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 32 (skanda.7.24.32)

एकः स्नाति सदा माघं प्रयागे नरसत्तमः। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्। एकः पिण्डप्रदानं च पितृतीर्थे समाचरेत्। अन्यः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्

ekaḥ snāti sadā māghaṁ prayāge narasattamaḥ| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam| ekaḥ piṇḍapradānaṁ ca pitṛtīrthe samācaret| anyaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam

One, the best of men, who always bathes throughout the month of Magha at Prayaga, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal. One who performs the offering of Pindas at a sacred ford of the ancestors, and another who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 33 (skanda.7.24.33)

गोसहस्रप्रदो ह्येको ब्राह्मणे वेदपारगे। एकः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्

gosahasraprado hyeko brāhmaṇe vedapārage| ekaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam

One who gives a thousand cows to a brahmin versed in the Veda, and one who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 34 (skanda.7.24.34)

पञ्चाग्निं साधयेदेको ग्रीष्मकाले सुदारुणे। एकः पश्यति मामत्र फलं ताभ्यां समं स्मृतम्

pañcāgniṁ sādhayedeko grīṣmakāle sudāruṇe| ekaḥ paśyati māmatra phalaṁ tābhyāṁ samaṁ smṛtam

One who practices the five-fires austerity in the most dreadful summer season, and one who beholds me here — for both, the fruit is remembered as equal.

Verse 35 (skanda.7.24.35)

स्नातः सोमग्रहे चन्द्र सोमवारे च भक्तितः। यो मां पश्यति सर्वेषामेतेषां लभते फलम्

snātaḥ somagrahe candra somavāre ca bhaktitaḥ| yo māṁ paśyati sarveṣāmeteṣāṁ labhate phalam

Having bathed at a lunar eclipse, O Moon, or on a Monday, with devotion — whoever beholds me thus obtains the fruit of all these merits.

Verse 36 (skanda.7.24.36)

सरस्वती समुद्रश्च सोमः सोमग्रहस्तथा। दर्शनं सोमनाथस्य सकाराः पञ्च दुर्ल्लभाः

sarasvatī samudraśca somaḥ somagrahastathā| darśanaṁ somanāthasya sakārāḥ pañca durllabhāḥ

Sarasvati, and the ocean, Soma, and likewise a lunar eclipse, and the sight of Somanatha — these five, all beginning with the syllable "sa," are hard to obtain.

Verse 37 (skanda.7.24.37)

नैरंतर्येण षण्मासान्विधिना यः प्रपूजयेत्। पुण्यं तदेव सफलं लभते विषुवार्चनात्

nairaṁtaryeṇa ṣaṇmāsānvidhinā yaḥ prapūjayet| puṇyaṁ tadeva saphalaṁ labhate viṣuvārcanāt

Whoever worships duly, without interruption, for six months — that very merit, made fruitful, he obtains through worship at the equinox.

Verse 38 (skanda.7.24.38)

एतदेव तु विज्ञेयं ग्रहणे चोत्तरायणे। संक्रांतिदिनच्छिद्रेषु षडशीतिमुखेषु च

etadeva tu vijñeyaṁ grahaṇe cottarāyaṇe| saṁkrāṁtidinacchidreṣu ṣaḍaśītimukheṣu ca

This same should be known regarding an eclipse, and the northern solstice, and on the days of solar transits and their intervening periods, and at the eighty-six entrances into the zodiac signs.

Verse 39 (skanda.7.24.39)

मासैश्चतुर्भिर्यत्पुण्यं विधिनाऽऽपूज्य शंकरम्। कार्त्तिक्यां स लभेत्पुण्यं चैत्र्यां तद्द्विगुणं स्मृतम्। पुण्यमेतत्तु फाल्गुन्यामाषाढ्यामेवमेव तु

māsaiścaturbhiryatpuṇyaṁ vidhinā''pūjya śaṁkaram| kārttikyāṁ sa labhetpuṇyaṁ caitryāṁ taddviguṇaṁ smṛtam| puṇyametattu phālgunyāmāṣāḍhyāmevameva tu

Whatever merit is gained by duly worshipping Shankara for four months — that merit one obtains on the Kartika full moon; on the Chaitra full moon, it is remembered as twice that; the same merit again on the Phalguna and Ashadha full moons.

Verse 40 (skanda.7.24.40)

एको दद्याद्गवां लक्षं दोग्ध्रीणां वेदपारगे। एको ममार्चयेल्लिंगं तस्य पुण्यं ततोऽधिकम्

eko dadyādgavāṁ lakṣaṁ dogdhrīṇāṁ vedapārage| eko mamārcayelliṁgaṁ tasya puṇyaṁ tato'dhikam

One who gives a lakh of milking cows to one versed in the Veda, and one who worships my Linga — the merit of the latter is greater than that.

Verse 41 (skanda.7.24.41)

मासेमासे च योऽश्नीयाद्यावज्जीवं सुरेश्वरि। यश्चार्च्चयेत्सकृल्लिंगं सममेतन्न संशयः

māsemāse ca yo'śnīyādyāvajjīvaṁ sureśvari| yaścārccayetsakṛlliṁgaṁ samametanna saṁśayaḥ

And, O Queen of the gods, whoever eats ascetically, once in every month, for his whole life, and whoever worships the Linga even once — this is equal, without doubt.

Verse 42 (skanda.7.24.42)

तपःशीलगुणोपेते पात्रे वेदस्य पारगे। सुवर्णकोटिं यद्दत्त्वा तत्फलं कुसुमेन तु

tapaḥśīlaguṇopete pātre vedasya pārage| suvarṇakoṭiṁ yaddattvā tatphalaṁ kusumena tu

That fruit which comes from giving a crore of gold pieces to a worthy recipient endowed with austerity, character, and virtue, one versed in the Veda — that same fruit is obtained merely by offering a flower.

Verse 43 (skanda.7.24.43)

अर्कपुष्पेऽपि चैकस्मिञ्छिवाय विनिवेदिते। दश दत्त्वा सुवर्णानि यत्फलं तदवाप्नुयात्

arkapuṣpe'pi caikasmiñchivāya vinivedite| daśa dattvā suvarṇāni yatphalaṁ tadavāpnuyāt

And by offering even a single Arka flower to Shiva, one obtains that same fruit which comes from giving ten pieces of gold.

Verse 44 (skanda.7.24.44)

अर्कपुष्पसहस्रेभ्यः करवीरं विशिष्यते। करवीर सहस्रेभ्यो द्रोणपुष्पं विशिष्यते

arkapuṣpasahasrebhyaḥ karavīraṁ viśiṣyate| karavīra sahasrebhyo droṇapuṣpaṁ viśiṣyate

A single Karavira flower excels a thousand Arka flowers; a single Drona flower excels a thousand Karavira flowers;

Verse 45 (skanda.7.24.45)

द्रोणपुष्पसहस्रेभ्यो ह्यपामार्गं विशिष्यते। अपामार्गसहस्रेभ्यः कुशपुष्पं विशिष्यते। कुशपुष्प सहस्रेभ्यः शमीपुष्पं विशिष्यते

droṇapuṣpasahasrebhyo hyapāmārgaṁ viśiṣyate| apāmārgasahasrebhyaḥ kuśapuṣpaṁ viśiṣyate| kuśapuṣpa sahasrebhyaḥ śamīpuṣpaṁ viśiṣyate

a single Apamarga flower excels a thousand Drona flowers; a single Kusha flower excels a thousand Apamarga flowers; a single Shami flower excels a thousand Kusha flowers;

Verse 46 (skanda.7.24.46)

शमीपुष्पं बृहत्याश्च कुसुमं तुल्यमुच्यते। करवीरसमा ज्ञेया जातीविजयपाटलाः

śamīpuṣpaṁ bṛhatyāśca kusumaṁ tulyamucyate| karavīrasamā jñeyā jātīvijayapāṭalāḥ

the Shami flower and the flower of the Brihati plant are said to be equal; the Jati, Vijaya, and Patala flowers are to be known as equal to the Karavira.

Verse 47 (skanda.7.24.47)

श्वेतमंदार कुसुमं सितंपद्मसमं भवेत्। नागचंपकपुन्नागधत्तूरकुसुमं स्मृतम्

śvetamaṁdāra kusumaṁ sitaṁpadmasamaṁ bhavet| nāgacaṁpakapunnāgadhattūrakusumaṁ smṛtam

The white Mandara flower is equal to the white lotus; the Naga, Champaka, Punnaga, and Dhattura flowers are so remembered.

Verse 48 (skanda.7.24.48)

केतकीजातिमुक्तं च कन्दयूथीमदन्तिकाः। शिरीषसर्जजंबूककुसुमानि विवर्ज्जयेत्

ketakījātimuktaṁ ca kandayūthīmadantikāḥ| śirīṣasarjajaṁbūkakusumāni vivarjjayet

The flowers of Ketaki, Jati, Mukta, Kanda, Yuthi, and Madantika are auspicious; but the flowers of Shirisha, Sarja, and Jambuka one should avoid.

Verse 49 (skanda.7.24.49)

आकुलीकुसुमं पत्रं करंजेन्द्रसमुद्भवम्। बिभीतकानि पुष्पाणि कुसुमानि विवर्ज्जयेत्

ākulīkusumaṁ patraṁ karaṁjendrasamudbhavam| bibhītakāni puṣpāṇi kusumāni vivarjjayet

The flower and leaf of Akuli, and those born of the great Karanja, and the flowers of Bibhitaka — these flowers one should avoid.

Verse 50 (skanda.7.24.50)

कनकानि कदंबानि रात्रौ देयानि शंकरे। देवशेषाणि पुष्पाणि दिवा रात्रौ च मल्लिका

kanakāni kadaṁbāni rātrau deyāni śaṁkare| devaśeṣāṇi puṣpāṇi divā rātrau ca mallikā

Kanaka and Kadamba flowers are to be offered to Shankara at night; the flowers left over from the previous offering, and the Mallika flower, may be used both by day and by night.

Verse 51 (skanda.7.24.51)

प्रहरं तिष्ठते मल्ली करवीरमहर्निशम्। कीटकेशापविद्धानि रात्रौ पर्युषितानि च

praharaṁ tiṣṭhate mallī karavīramaharniśam| kīṭakeśāpaviddhāni rātrau paryuṣitāni ca

The Mallika flower remains fresh for one watch; the Karavira, day and night; flowers pierced by insects or hair, and those left overnight —

Verse 52 (skanda.7.24.52)

स्वयं पतितपुष्पाणि त्यजेदुपहतानि च। तुलसी शतपत्रं च गन्धारी दमनस्तथा

svayaṁ patitapuṣpāṇi tyajedupahatāni ca| tulasī śatapatraṁ ca gandhārī damanastathā

— and flowers that have fallen of themselves, and those that are damaged, should be discarded. Tulasi, the hundred-petalled lotus, Gandhari, and Damana —

Verse 53 (skanda.7.24.53)

सर्वासां पत्रजातीनां श्रेष्ठो मरुबकः स्मृतः। एतैः पुष्पविशेषैस्तु पूज्यः सोमेश्वरः सदा

sarvāsāṁ patrajātīnāṁ śreṣṭho marubakaḥ smṛtaḥ| etaiḥ puṣpaviśeṣaistu pūjyaḥ someśvaraḥ sadā

— of all the kinds of leaves, Marubaka is remembered as the best. With these particular flowers, Someshvara is to be worshipped always.

Verse 54 (skanda.7.24.54)

यात्रायाः फलमाप्नोति स्वर्गलोके महीयते। एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं तत्रैवान्तरधीयत

yātrāyāḥ phalamāpnoti svargaloke mahīyate| etāvaduktvā vacanaṁ tatraivāntaradhīyata

Thereby one obtains the fruit of pilgrimage, and is exalted in the heavenly world. Having spoken these words, he vanished right there.

Verse 55 (skanda.7.24.55)

चन्द्रमा यक्ष्मणा मुक्तः स्वस्थाननिरतोऽभवत्। आहूय विश्वकर्माणं प्रासादं पर्यकल्पयत्। शुद्धस्फटिकसंकाशं गोक्षीरधवलोज्ज्वलम्

candramā yakṣmaṇā muktaḥ svasthānanirato'bhavat| āhūya viśvakarmāṇaṁ prāsādaṁ paryakalpayat| śuddhasphaṭikasaṁkāśaṁ gokṣīradhavalojjvalam

The Moon, freed of consumption, became devoted to his own abode; summoning Vishvakarma, he had a temple built, resembling pure crystal, radiantly white as cow's milk.

Verse 56 (skanda.7.24.56)

प्रासादं मेरुनामानं हेमप्राकारतोरणम्। चतुर्दशान्ये परितः प्रासादाः परिकल्पिताः। तेषां नामानि वक्ष्यामि प्रत्येकं तानि मे शृणु

prāsādaṁ merunāmānaṁ hemaprākāratoraṇam| caturdaśānye paritaḥ prāsādāḥ parikalpitāḥ| teṣāṁ nāmāni vakṣyāmi pratyekaṁ tāni me śṛṇu

The temple, named "Meru," had a golden rampart and archway; fourteen other temples were arranged around it. I shall tell their names; hear each of them from me.

Verse 57 (skanda.7.24.57)

केसरी सर्वतोभद्रो नदनो नन्दिशालकः। नन्दीशो मन्दरश्चैव श्रीवृक्षो ह्यमृतोद्भवः

kesarī sarvatobhadro nadano nandiśālakaḥ| nandīśo mandaraścaiva śrīvṛkṣo hyamṛtodbhavaḥ

Kesari, Sarvatobhadra, Nadana, Nandishalaka; Nandisha, and Mandara, Shrivriksha, and Amritodbhava,

Verse 58 (skanda.7.24.58)

हिमवान्हेमकूटश्च कैलासः पृथिवीजयः। इन्द्रनीलो महानीलो भूधरो रत्नकूटकः

himavānhemakūṭaśca kailāsaḥ pṛthivījayaḥ| indranīlo mahānīlo bhūdharo ratnakūṭakaḥ

Himavan, and Hemakuta, Kailasa, Prithivijaya, Indranila, Mahanila, Bhudhara, Ratnakutaka,

Verse 59 (skanda.7.24.59)

वैडूर्यः पद्मरागश्च वज्रको मुकुटोज्ज्वलः। ऐरावतो राजहंसो गरुडो वृषभस्तथा

vaiḍūryaḥ padmarāgaśca vajrako mukuṭojjvalaḥ| airāvato rājahaṁso garuḍo vṛṣabhastathā

Vaidurya, and Padmaraga, Vajraka, Mukutojjvala; Airavata, Rajahamsa, Garuda, and Vrishabha likewise —

Verse 60 (skanda.7.24.60)

मेरुः प्रासादराजा च देवानामालयो हि सः। आदौ पञ्चाण्डको ज्ञेयः केसरीनामतः स्थितः

meruḥ prāsādarājā ca devānāmālayo hi saḥ| ādau pañcāṇḍako jñeyaḥ kesarīnāmataḥ sthitaḥ

— Meru, the king of temples, is indeed the abode of the gods. At the very start, the temple named Kesari should be known to be five-storied.

Verse 61 (skanda.7.24.61)

चतुर्थांशा च तद्वृद्धिर्यावन्मेरुः प्रकीर्तितः

caturthāṁśā ca tadvṛddhiryāvanmeruḥ prakīrtitaḥ

And its increase is by a fourth-part each time, up until the one declared to be Meru.

Verse 62 (skanda.7.24.62)

एवं पृथक्कारयित्वा प्रासादांश्च चतुर्दश। ब्रह्मादीनां देवतानां समीपस्थानवासिनाम्

evaṁ pṛthakkārayitvā prāsādāṁśca caturdaśa| brahmādīnāṁ devatānāṁ samīpasthānavāsinām

Thus, having had built separately these fourteen temples, for the deities beginning with Brahma who dwell in the nearby places,

Verse 63 (skanda.7.24.63)

दश चान्यान्भूधरादीन्वृषभान्तान्वरानने। आदौ कपर्द्दिनं कृत्वा प्रासादान्पर्यकल्पयत्

daśa cānyānbhūdharādīnvṛṣabhāntānvarānane| ādau kaparddinaṁ kṛtvā prāsādānparyakalpayat

— and ten others, from Bhudhara to Vrishabha, O fair-faced one — placing the Kapardin first, he arranged all the temples.

Verse 64 (skanda.7.24.64)

मेरुः प्रासादराजो वै स तु सोमेश्वरे कृतः। त्रेतायुगे तु दशमे मनोवैर्वस्वतस्य च

meruḥ prāsādarājo vai sa tu someśvare kṛtaḥ| tretāyuge tu daśame manovairvasvatasya ca

Meru, the king of temples, was made for Someshvara himself. In the tenth Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manu —

Verse 65 (skanda.7.24.65)

कारयित्वा मंडपांश्च प्रतिष्ठाप्य यथाविधि। नदानां तु शतं कृत्वा वापीकूप सहस्रकम्

kārayitvā maṁḍapāṁśca pratiṣṭhāpya yathāvidhi| nadānāṁ tu śataṁ kṛtvā vāpīkūpa sahasrakam

— having had pavilions built, and having installed the Linga according to rule, and having made a hundred rivers, and a thousand step-wells and wells,

Verse 66 (skanda.7.24.66)

गृहाणां तु सहस्राणि दीनानाथाश्रयाणि च। कारयित्वा विधानेन विप्रेभ्यः प्रददौ पृथक्

gṛhāṇāṁ tu sahasrāṇi dīnānāthāśrayāṇi ca| kārayitvā vidhānena viprebhyaḥ pradadau pṛthak

and having had thousands of houses built, as refuges for the poor and destitute, he duly gave them separately to the brahmins.

Verse 67 (skanda.7.24.67)

निवेश्य नगरं सोमः श्रीसोमेश्वरसन्निधौ। स्वकर्मणां प्रचारार्थमथाभ्यर्थयत द्विजान्

niveśya nagaraṁ somaḥ śrīsomeśvarasannidhau| svakarmaṇāṁ pracārārthamathābhyarthayata dvijān

Having established a city near glorious Someshvara, Soma then entreated the twice-born for the continuance of their own duties there:

Verse 68 (skanda.7.24.68)

सोमोऽस्मि भवतां राजा प्रसादात्परमेष्ठिनः। तथापि विनयेनैव भक्त्या विज्ञापयामि वः

somo'smi bhavatāṁ rājā prasādātparameṣṭhinaḥ| tathāpi vinayenaiva bhaktyā vijñāpayāmi vaḥ

"I am Soma, your king, by the grace of the Supreme Being; yet still, with humility and devotion, I make this request to you.

Verse 69 (skanda.7.24.69)

धनं हिरण्यरत्नादि धान्यं व्रीहियवादिकम्। गोमहिष्यादिपशवो वस्त्राणि विविधानि च

dhanaṁ hiraṇyaratnādi dhānyaṁ vrīhiyavādikam| gomahiṣyādipaśavo vastrāṇi vividhāni ca

Wealth, gold, jewels and the like; grain, rice, barley and the like; cattle, buffaloes and other animals; and various garments;

Verse 70 (skanda.7.24.70)

कदलीनालिकेराणि तांबूलीपूगमालिनः। मनोऽभिरामचरमा आरामाः परितः स्थिताः

kadalīnālikerāṇi tāṁbūlīpūgamālinaḥ| mano'bhirāmacaramā ārāmāḥ paritaḥ sthitāḥ

plantains and coconuts, betel-vines and areca groves, delightful gardens with their fine boundaries, are all situated around this place.

Verse 71 (skanda.7.24.71)

जंबूद्वीपाधिपाः सर्वे भवतामत्रवासि नाम्। आदेशं च करिष्यंति शिरस्याधाय शोभनम्

jaṁbūdvīpādhipāḥ sarve bhavatāmatravāsi nām| ādeśaṁ ca kariṣyaṁti śirasyādhāya śobhanam

All the lords of Jambudvipa will, for the sake of your dwelling here, receive your command, bearing it gracefully upon their heads.

Verse 72 (skanda.7.24.72)

द्वीपांतरादागतैश्च कर्पूरागुरुचंदनैः। अन्यैश्च विविधैर्द्रव्यैः संपूर्णा भवतां गृहाः

dvīpāṁtarādāgataiśca karpūrāgurucaṁdanaiḥ| anyaiśca vividhairdravyaiḥ saṁpūrṇā bhavatāṁ gṛhāḥ

Your houses shall be filled with camphor, aloe-wood, and sandalwood, brought from other continents, and with other various goods.

Verse 73 (skanda.7.24.73)

पण्यानां शतसंख्यानां व्यवहारनिदर्शिनः। ब्रह्मोत्तराणि तन्वंति वणिजो लाभकांक्षिणः

paṇyānāṁ śatasaṁkhyānāṁ vyavahāranidarśinaḥ| brahmottarāṇi tanvaṁti vaṇijo lābhakāṁkṣiṇaḥ

Merchants, expert in the trade of hundreds of kinds of goods, desiring profit, will extend gifts to the brahmins.

Verse 74 (skanda.7.24.74)

भवत्सु भृत्यभावेन वर्त्तमाना हितैषिणः। ते चान्ये च तथा पौरा नावसीदंति कर्हिचित्

bhavatsu bhṛtyabhāvena varttamānā hitaiṣiṇaḥ| te cānye ca tathā paurā nāvasīdaṁti karhicit

These, and other citizens as well, remaining in the disposition of servants toward you, wishing you well, shall never fall into distress.

Verse 75 (skanda.7.24.75)

एवं संपूर्णविभवैर्भवद्भिः श्रेयसे मम। क्रतुक्रिया वितन्यंतां विधिवद्भूरिदक्षिणाः

evaṁ saṁpūrṇavibhavairbhavadbhiḥ śreyase mama| kratukriyā vitanyaṁtāṁ vidhivadbhūridakṣiṇāḥ

Thus, with these complete resources, let sacrificial rites, with abundant fees, be duly extended by you, for my welfare.

Verse 76 (skanda.7.24.76)

ब्रह्मादीनि च सर्वाणि प्रवर्तंतामहर्निशम्। दीनांधकृपणादीनां क्रियतामार्तिनाशनम्

brahmādīni ca sarvāṇi pravartaṁtāmaharniśam| dīnāṁdhakṛpaṇādīnāṁ kriyatāmārtināśanam

Let all the rites beginning with Brahma worship proceed day and night; let the relief of the suffering — the poor, the blind, the destitute, and the rest — be performed.

Verse 77 (skanda.7.24.77)

अभ्यागतानामौचित्यादातिथ्यं च विधीयताम्। तीर्थयात्राप्रसंगेन समेतानां महात्मनाम्

abhyāgatānāmaucityādātithyaṁ ca vidhīyatām| tīrthayātrāprasaṁgena sametānāṁ mahātmanām

And let hospitality be duly rendered, with propriety, to visitors — to great souls who have gathered here in the course of their pilgrimage.

Verse 78 (skanda.7.24.78)

ब्रह्मर्षीणामाश्रमेषु दीयतामाश्रयाः सदा। मयात्र स्थापितं लिंगं सर्वकालं दृढव्रताः

brahmarṣīṇāmāśrameṣu dīyatāmāśrayāḥ sadā| mayātra sthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ sarvakālaṁ dṛḍhavratāḥ

Let shelter always be given at the hermitages of the Brahmarshis. The Linga has been installed here by me for all time — O you of firm vows —

Verse 79 (skanda.7.24.79)

पवित्रैरुपचारैश्च पूजयंतु द्विजोत्तमाः। अष्टौ प्रमाणपुरुषाः पौराणां कार्यदर्शिनः

pavitrairupacāraiśca pūjayaṁtu dvijottamāḥ| aṣṭau pramāṇapuruṣāḥ paurāṇāṁ kāryadarśinaḥ

— let the best of the twice-born worship it with pure offerings. Let eight men of authority, overseers of the citizens' affairs,

Verse 80 (skanda.7.24.80)

व्यवहारानवेक्षध्वं स्मृत्याचारविशारदाः। व्यवस्थां मत्कृतामेतां भवंतोऽत्र द्विजोत्तमाः

vyavahārānavekṣadhvaṁ smṛtyācāraviśāradāḥ| vyavasthāṁ matkṛtāmetāṁ bhavaṁto'tra dvijottamāḥ

— you, best of the twice-born, skilled in the Smriti and in custom, oversee the transactions; may you uphold here this ordinance made by me,

Verse 81 (skanda.7.24.81)

धारयंतु महात्मानो दिग्गजा इव मेदिनीम्। एवं प्रभुत्वमास्थाय स्थानेऽस्मिञ्छिवशालिनि

dhārayaṁtu mahātmāno diggajā iva medinīm| evaṁ prabhutvamāsthāya sthāne'smiñchivaśālini

— O great souls, as the elephants of the quarters uphold the earth." Having thus established his authority in this place, graced by Shiva —

Verse 82 (skanda.7.24.82)

श्रुतिस्मृतिपुराणोक्तान्धर्मानाचरत द्विजाः। निशम्य सोमस्य वचो विनीतमिति ते द्विजाः

śrutismṛtipurāṇoktāndharmānācarata dvijāḥ| niśamya somasya vaco vinītamiti te dvijāḥ

"O brahmins, practice the duties declared in the Shruti, Smriti, and Puranas." Hearing Soma's speech, those brahmins, humbly —

Verse 83 (skanda.7.24.83)

उवाच कौशिकस्तेषु गोत्राणां प्रथमो द्विजः। साधूपदिष्टमस्माकं द्विजराजेन सर्वथा

uvāca kauśikasteṣu gotrāṇāṁ prathamo dvijaḥ| sādhūpadiṣṭamasmākaṁ dvijarājena sarvathā

— Kaushika, foremost of the twice-born among those lineages, spoke among them: "Well indeed has our king of the twice-born instructed us in every way.

Verse 84 (skanda.7.24.84)

सर्वमेतत्करिष्यामः किंतु किंचिन्निशामय। नियोगतः पूजयतां शिवनिर्माल्यसेविनाम्

sarvametatkariṣyāmaḥ kiṁtu kiṁcinniśāmaya| niyogataḥ pūjayatāṁ śivanirmālyasevinām

All this we shall do; but hear one small thing. For those who, by temple appointment, worship and partake of Shiva's leftover offerings —

Verse 85 (skanda.7.24.85)

पातित्यं जायतेऽस्माकं श्रुतिस्मृतिविगर्हितम्। श्रुतिस्मृती हि रुद्रस्य यस्मादाज्ञाद्वयं महत्

pātityaṁ jāyate'smākaṁ śrutismṛtivigarhitam| śrutismṛtī hi rudrasya yasmādājñādvayaṁ mahat

— a fall from our status would result, condemned by Shruti and Smriti. For the Shruti and Smriti are themselves Rudra's own two great commandments;

Verse 86 (skanda.7.24.86)

कस्तदुल्लंघयेन्मूढः प्राणैः कंठग तैरपि

kastadullaṁghayenmūḍhaḥ prāṇaiḥ kaṁṭhaga tairapi

what fool would transgress them, even with his very life at his throat?

Verse 87 (skanda.7.24.87)

अष्टमूर्तेः पुनर्मूर्त्तावग्नौ देवमुखे मखान्। कुर्वाणाः श्रुतिमार्गेण प्रीणयामोऽखिलं जगत्

aṣṭamūrteḥ punarmūrttāvagnau devamukhe makhān| kurvāṇāḥ śrutimārgeṇa prīṇayāmo'khilaṁ jagat

Rather, performing sacrifices in the fire — that form among the Eight Forms of Shiva which is the mouth of the gods — following the path of the Shruti, we gladden the entire world.

Verse 88 (skanda.7.24.88)

जगद्भगवतो रूपं व्यक्तमेत त्पुरद्विषः। मिथो विभिन्नमित्येतदभिन्नं पुनरीश्वरात्

jagadbhagavato rūpaṁ vyaktameta tpuradviṣaḥ| mitho vibhinnamityetadabhinnaṁ punarīśvarāt

This visible world is itself the form of the Blessed One, the enemy of Tripura; though seemingly distinct from one another, it is again not different from the Lord.

Verse 89 (skanda.7.24.89)

अग्नौ प्रास्ताहुतिः सम्यगादित्यमुपतिष्ठते। आदित्याज्जायते वृष्टिर्वृष्टेरन्नं ततः प्रजाः

agnau prāstāhutiḥ samyagādityamupatiṣṭhate| ādityājjāyate vṛṣṭirvṛṣṭerannaṁ tataḥ prajāḥ

An oblation duly cast into the fire reaches the sun; from the sun comes rain, from rain, food, and from that, creatures.

Verse 90 (skanda.7.24.90)

श्रुतिस्मृतिपुराणादिसदभ्यासप्रसंगिनाम्। तत्तदर्थेषु पुण्यार्थं प्रवृत्ताखिलकर्मणाम्

śrutismṛtipurāṇādisadabhyāsaprasaṁginām| tattadartheṣu puṇyārthaṁ pravṛttākhilakarmaṇām

For those engaged in the good practice of the Shruti, Smriti, Puranas, and the rest, whose every action is directed, for the sake of merit, toward those various prescribed ends —

Verse 91 (skanda.7.24.91)

अस्माकमवकाशोऽपि विरलो लिंग पूजने। रुद्रजाप्यैर्महायज्ञैर्यजानाश्चैवमीश्वरम्

asmākamavakāśo'pi viralo liṁga pūjane| rudrajāpyairmahāyajñairyajānāścaivamīśvaram

— for us, there is scarcely any occasion left for worshipping the Linga personally, since we are thus worshipping Ishvara through the recitation of Rudra hymns and through great sacrifices.

Verse 92 (skanda.7.24.92)

यथाक्षणं यथाकालं लिंगं वेदमुपास्महे। यत्तु तेऽभिमतं सोम श्रीसोमेश्वरपूजनम्। तच्च संपादयिष्यामः सविशेषं महामते

yathākṣaṇaṁ yathākālaṁ liṁgaṁ vedamupāsmahe| yattu te'bhimataṁ soma śrīsomeśvarapūjanam| tacca saṁpādayiṣyāmaḥ saviśeṣaṁ mahāmate

As time and occasion allow, we do worship the Linga, following the Veda. But that worship of glorious Someshvara which is desired by you, O Soma, that too we shall accomplish, with special care, O great-minded one.

Verse 93 (skanda.7.24.93)

येन त्वदीप्सितं सिध्येत्तमुपायं निशामय। गौरीशंकरसंवादं श्रुत्वा भगवतो मुखात्

yena tvadīpsitaṁ sidhyettamupāyaṁ niśāmaya| gaurīśaṁkarasaṁvādaṁ śrutvā bhagavato mukhāt

Hear the means by which your wish shall be fulfilled — we speak having heard the dialogue of Gauri and Shankara from the Blessed One's own mouth.

Verse 94 (skanda.7.24.94)

नारदः प्राह नः पूर्वं कथयामस्तमेव ते। ब्रह्मदेवद्विषः पूर्वं शतशो दैत्यदानवाः। तपोभिरुग्रैर्विविधैः शंकरं प्रतिपेदिरे

nāradaḥ prāha naḥ pūrvaṁ kathayāmastameva te| brahmadevadviṣaḥ pūrvaṁ śataśo daityadānavāḥ| tapobhirugrairvividhaiḥ śaṁkaraṁ pratipedire

Narada told us this formerly; we now tell it to you just as it was. Formerly, hundreds of Daityas and Danavas, haters of Brahman and the gods, attained Shankara through various fierce austerities.

Verse 95 (skanda.7.24.95)

तेषामत्युग्रतपसामनन्यासक्तचेतसाम्। प्रसादमीश्वरश्चक्रे कारुण्यामृतसागरः

teṣāmatyugratapasāmananyāsaktacetasām| prasādamīśvaraścakre kāruṇyāmṛtasāgaraḥ

To them, whose austerity was exceedingly fierce, whose minds were fixed on nothing else, Ishvara, the ocean of the nectar of compassion, showed grace.

Verse 96 (skanda.7.24.96)

स हि त्रिभुवनस्वामी देवदेवो महेश्वरः। अपेक्षते वरं दातुं भक्तिमेवानपायिनीम्

sa hi tribhuvanasvāmī devadevo maheśvaraḥ| apekṣate varaṁ dātuṁ bhaktimevānapāyinīm

For he, the Lord of the three worlds, the God of gods, Maheshvara, requires nothing but unwavering devotion, in order to grant a boon.

Verse 97 (skanda.7.24.97)

ददौ स भुवनैश्वर्य्यप्रायानभिमतान्वरान्। तेषां भक्त्यैव संतुष्टो देवब्रह्मद्विषामपि

dadau sa bhuvanaiśvaryyaprāyānabhimatānvarān| teṣāṁ bhaktyaiva saṁtuṣṭo devabrahmadviṣāmapi

He gave to them boons largely amounting to lordship over the worlds, as they desired — pleased with them, even the haters of the gods and Brahman, by devotion alone.

Verse 98 (skanda.7.24.98)

ब्रह्मणा विष्णुना चापि यस्यांतो नाधिगम्यते। तस्यातर्क्यप्रभावस्य को नु वेदाशयं प्रभोः

brahmaṇā viṣṇunā cāpi yasyāṁto nādhigamyate| tasyātarkyaprabhāvasya ko nu vedāśayaṁ prabhoḥ

His end is not reached even by Brahma or Vishnu; who indeed could know the inner intent of that Lord, whose power is beyond all reasoning?

Verse 99 (skanda.7.24.99)

दुर्वृत्तेभ्योऽपि दैत्येभ्यस्तपोभिर्वरदायिनम्। पप्रच्छ स्वच्छ्हृदया पार्वती परमेश्वरम्

durvṛttebhyo'pi daityebhyastapobhirvaradāyinam| papraccha svacchhṛdayā pārvatī parameśvaram

Pure of heart, Parvati asked the Supreme Lord, who grants boons through austerity even to demons of evil conduct:

Verse 100 (skanda.7.24.100)

पार्वत्युवाच। भगवन्प्रसादं ते प्राप्य धृष्यंतो भुवनत्रयम्। उपद्रवंतींद्रमुखान्देवान्संक्षोभयंति च

pārvatyuvāca| bhagavanprasādaṁ te prāpya dhṛṣyaṁto bhuvanatrayam| upadravaṁtīṁdramukhāndevānsaṁkṣobhayaṁti ca

Parvati said: O Lord, having obtained your grace, these arrogant ones oppress the three worlds, and torment and agitate the gods headed by Indra —

Verse 101 (skanda.7.24.101)

वरं ददासि किं तेषां तादृशानां दुरात्मनाम्। जगतः स्वस्तये येषां न मनागपि चेष्टितम्

varaṁ dadāsi kiṁ teṣāṁ tādṛśānāṁ durātmanām| jagataḥ svastaye yeṣāṁ na manāgapi ceṣṭitam

— why do you give a boon to such evil-souled beings, whose conduct is not even in the slightest for the world's welfare?

Verse 102 (skanda.7.24.102)

त्वया दत्तवरानेतान्दिव्यान्भोगोपभोगिनः। अवधीर्य तवैश्वर्यं कथं विष्णुर्निहंति च

tvayā dattavarānetāndivyānbhogopabhoginaḥ| avadhīrya tavaiśvaryaṁ kathaṁ viṣṇurnihaṁti ca

These, given divine boons by you, enjoying their divine pleasures — how is it that Vishnu, disregarding your sovereignty, then destroys them?

Verse 103 (skanda.7.24.103)

हतानां च पुनस्तेषां का गतिः स्याद्वद प्रभो

hatānāṁ ca punasteṣāṁ kā gatiḥ syādvada prabho

And what becomes of them again, once slain? Tell me, O Lord.

Verse 104 (skanda.7.24.104)

ईश्वर उवाच। सात्त्विका राजसाश्चैव तामसाश्चेति वै त्रिधा। भवंति लोकास्तेष्वेते तमःप्राया दुरासदाः

īśvara uvāca| sāttvikā rājasāścaiva tāmasāśceti vai tridhā| bhavaṁti lokāsteṣvete tamaḥprāyā durāsadāḥ

Ishvara said: Beings are indeed of three kinds — sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. Among these, they are mostly tamasic, hard to approach.

Verse 105 (skanda.7.24.105)

सुरैः सह स्पर्धमानास्तपोभिरपि तामसैः। मां भजंते मुहुर्मोहाज्जगदुत्सादनोद्यताः

suraiḥ saha spardhamānāstapobhirapi tāmasaiḥ| māṁ bhajaṁte muhurmohājjagadutsādanodyatāḥ

Contending with the gods even by tamasic austerities, they worship me repeatedly, out of delusion, while intent on the destruction of the world.

Verse 106 (skanda.7.24.106)

वरं ददामि यत्तेषां भक्तिस्तत्र तु कारणम्। अहं हि भक्त्या सुग्राह्यो नात्र कार्या विचारणा

varaṁ dadāmi yatteṣāṁ bhaktistatra tu kāraṇam| ahaṁ hi bhaktyā sugrāhyo nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

That I give them a boon — devotion is the cause of that; for I am easily won by devotion; no other consideration need be made here.

Verse 107 (skanda.7.24.107)

तपोनुरूपानासाद्य वरांस्ते पापकारिणः। विष्णुना यन्निहन्यते तच्च देवि निबोध मे

taponurūpānāsādya varāṁste pāpakāriṇaḥ| viṣṇunā yannihanyate tacca devi nibodha me

Having obtained boons suited to their austerity, those evildoers — that they are then slain by Vishnu, learn this from me, O Goddess:

Verse 108 (skanda.7.24.108)

अहं हरिश्च यद्भिन्नौ गुणभागोऽत्र कारणम्। परमार्थादभिन्नौ च रहस्यं परमं ह्यदः

ahaṁ hariśca yadbhinnau guṇabhāgo'tra kāraṇam| paramārthādabhinnau ca rahasyaṁ paramaṁ hyadaḥ

that I and Hari appear distinct — the differentiation of qualities is the cause of this; but in ultimate truth we are not different — this indeed is the supreme secret.

Verse 109 (skanda.7.24.109)

आराध्याराधकादिश्च भेदः सामान्य एव नौ। तथा ह्यहमिमां गंगां विष्णोः पादाग्रनिःसृताम्

ārādhyārādhakādiśca bhedaḥ sāmānya eva nau| tathā hyahamimāṁ gaṁgāṁ viṣṇoḥ pādāgraniḥsṛtām

The distinction of worshipped and worshipper, and the like, between us, is merely a conventional one. Thus indeed I bear, upon my head, out of devotion, the Ganga that flows forth from the tip of Vishnu's foot —

Verse 110 (skanda.7.24.110)

वहामि शिरसा भक्त्या त्वदीक्षाशंकितोऽपि सन्। अपि विष्णुस्त्रिभुवनं परित्रातुं व्यवस्थया

vahāmi śirasā bhaktyā tvadīkṣāśaṁkito'pi san| api viṣṇustribhuvanaṁ paritrātuṁ vyavasthayā

— even though, at your very sight, I am playfully wary of you. And Vishnu too, in order to protect the three worlds, in due order —

Verse 111 (skanda.7.24.111)

मामुपास्य चिरं लेभे चक्रं दुष्टनिबर्हणम्। त्वां च तस्य महामायामप्रमेयात्मनो हरेः

māmupāsya ciraṁ lebhe cakraṁ duṣṭanibarhaṇam| tvāṁ ca tasya mahāmāyāmaprameyātmano hareḥ

— having long worshipped me, obtained his discus that destroys the wicked. And you, the great Maya of that immeasurable Hari,

Verse 112 (skanda.7.24.112)

आराधयामि तद्भक्त्या त्रिजगजन्मकारणम्। शिरस्याधाय चान्यां मे शक्तिरूपां तथा हरिः

ārādhayāmi tadbhaktyā trijagajanmakāraṇam| śirasyādhāya cānyāṁ me śaktirūpāṁ tathā hariḥ

I worship with devotion, as the cause of the birth of the three worlds; and Hari likewise bears upon his head that other form of my own Shakti.

Verse 113 (skanda.7.24.113)

अजोऽपि जन्मान्यासाद्य लोकरक्षां करोति वै। हंतुं हिरण्यकशिपुं नरसिंहवपुश्च सः

ajo'pi janmānyāsādya lokarakṣāṁ karoti vai| haṁtuṁ hiraṇyakaśipuṁ narasiṁhavapuśca saḥ

Though unborn, taking on various births, he indeed protects the worlds; to slay Hiranyakashipu, he took the form of Narasimha —

Verse 114 (skanda.7.24.114)

जगज्जिघांसुः शमितो मया शरभ रूपिणा। मां च बाणपरित्राणे त्रिशूलोद्यमकारिणम्

jagajjighāṁsuḥ śamito mayā śarabha rūpiṇā| māṁ ca bāṇaparitrāṇe triśūlodyamakāriṇam

— that Narasimha, bent on destroying the world, was pacified by me, in the form of Sharabha. And Vishnu also honors me, who, for the protection of Bana, raised my trident —

Verse 115 (skanda.7.24.115)

मानुष्येऽप्यवतारेऽसौ स्तंभयित्वा स लीलया। प्रभावं महिमानं च वर्द्धयन्मामकं हरिः। वरिवस्यति मां नित्यमंतरात्मापि मे विभुः

mānuṣye'pyavatāre'sau staṁbhayitvā sa līlayā| prabhāvaṁ mahimānaṁ ca varddhayanmāmakaṁ hariḥ| varivasyati māṁ nityamaṁtarātmāpi me vibhuḥ

— even in his human incarnations, he, Hari, having playfully restrained his own power, ever increasing my glory and greatness, worships me continually; that Mighty One is indeed my own inner self.

Verse 116 (skanda.7.24.116)

अथाहं परमात्मानमेनमाद्यंतवर्जितम्। ध्यानयोगैः समाधौ च भावयामि निरंतरम्

athāhaṁ paramātmānamenamādyaṁtavarjitam| dhyānayogaiḥ samādhau ca bhāvayāmi niraṁtaram

And I too, through the yoga of meditation and in deep absorption, contemplate continually this same Supreme Self, who is without beginning or end.

Verse 117 (skanda.7.24.117)

तदेवं नावयोर्भेदो विद्यते पारमार्थिकः। भेदं च तारतम्यं च मूढा एव वितन्वते

tadevaṁ nāvayorbhedo vidyate pāramārthikaḥ| bhedaṁ ca tāratamyaṁ ca mūḍhā eva vitanvate

Thus, in truth, there is no ultimate difference between us two; it is only fools who construct difference and gradation between us.

Verse 118 (skanda.7.24.118)

वैष्णवं रूपमास्थाय दुर्वृत्तान्हन्मि तानहम्। गतिं च तेषामधुना महेश्वरि निशामय

vaiṣṇavaṁ rūpamāsthāya durvṛttānhanmi tānaham| gatiṁ ca teṣāmadhunā maheśvari niśāmaya

Assuming a Vaishnava form, I myself slay those evildoers. Now hear, O great Goddess, what becomes of them.

Verse 119 (skanda.7.24.119)

मयि भक्त्यवसाने तु हरेः संदर्शनेन च। क्रोधदर्पाभिभूतत्वान्न मुक्तिं प्राप्नुवंति ते

mayi bhaktyavasāne tu hareḥ saṁdarśanena ca| krodhadarpābhibhūtatvānna muktiṁ prāpnuvaṁti te

At the culmination of their devotion to me, through the very sight of Hari, they, being overcome by anger and pride, do not attain liberation —

Verse 120 (skanda.7.24.120)

आवयोस्तु प्रभावेन ते पुनर्द्धौतकल्मषाः। ब्रह्मर्षीणां कुले जन्म संप्राप्ता मुक्तिहेतुकम्

āvayostu prabhāvena te punarddhautakalmaṣāḥ| brahmarṣīṇāṁ kule janma saṁprāptā muktihetukam

— but through the power of us both, they, their impurity washed away, obtain birth again in the families of Brahmarshis, which is the cause of eventual liberation.

Verse 121 (skanda.7.24.121)

ब्रह्मचारिव्रता दूर्ध्वं योगं पाशुपतं श्रिताः। प्राचीनकर्मसंस्कारात्ते पुनर्मामुपासते

brahmacārivratā dūrdhvaṁ yogaṁ pāśupataṁ śritāḥ| prācīnakarmasaṁskārātte punarmāmupāsate

Observing the vow of celibacy thereafter, resorting to the Pashupata yoga, through the residual impression of their former deeds, they again worship me.

Verse 122 (skanda.7.24.122)

भक्तियोगेन चास्थाय व्रतं पाशुपतादिकम्। श्मशानवासिनो नग्ना अपरे चैकवाससः

bhaktiyogena cāsthāya vrataṁ pāśupatādikam| śmaśānavāsino nagnā apare caikavāsasaḥ

Having undertaken, through devotional discipline, the Pashupata and other vows, dwelling in cremation grounds, some naked and others clad in a single garment,

Verse 123 (skanda.7.24.123)

भिक्षाभुजो भूतिभृतो मल्लिंगान्यर्च्चयंति ते। तथा मदेकाग्रधियो मद्ध्यानैकदृढव्रताः

bhikṣābhujo bhūtibhṛto malliṁgānyarccayaṁti te| tathā madekāgradhiyo maddhyānaikadṛḍhavratāḥ

living on alms, smeared with ashes, they worship my Linga forms; with minds fixed one-pointedly on me, firm in the single vow of meditation upon me.

Verse 124 (skanda.7.24.124)

ये त्वामपि नमस्यंति जगतां मम चेश्वरीम्। देहावसानयोगेन मुक्तिं तेषां ददाम्यहम्

ye tvāmapi namasyaṁti jagatāṁ mama ceśvarīm| dehāvasānayogena muktiṁ teṣāṁ dadāmyaham

Those who also revere you, the Mistress of the worlds and of me — to them I grant liberation, through the yoga attained at the end of the body.

Verse 125 (skanda.7.24.125)

सारूप्यसालोक्यमयीं मय्यावेशितचेतसाम्। सायुज्यमुक्तये नायं योगः पाशुपतो यतः। स्मृत्याचारेण मुनिभिः स सद्भिस्तेन गर्हितः

sārūpyasālokyamayīṁ mayyāveśitacetasām| sāyujyamuktaye nāyaṁ yogaḥ pāśupato yataḥ| smṛtyācāreṇa munibhiḥ sa sadbhistena garhitaḥ

For those whose minds are absorbed in me, this yoga is a means to the liberation of Sarupya and Salokya — but not to Sayujya, since this Pashupata discipline is, in the practice laid down by the Smritis, condemned by the good sages for that purpose.

Verse 126 (skanda.7.24.126)

द्विजा ऊचुः। तीर्थयात्राप्रसंगेन तानि होपगतान्द्विजान्। स्वमानमुपनेष्यामो भक्त्यावर्ज्जितमानसान्

dvijā ūcuḥ| tīrthayātrāprasaṁgena tāni hopagatāndvijān| svamānamupaneṣyāmo bhaktyāvarjjitamānasān

The brahmins said: Those twice-born who come here in the course of pilgrimage — we shall bring to them our own honor and homage, our minds won over by their devotion.

Verse 127 (skanda.7.24.127)

शुचिभिक्षान्नकौपीनकमण्डल्वादिसत्कृताः। अनन्यकार्य्याः सततमिहागत्य तपस्विनः

śucibhikṣānnakaupīnakamaṇḍalvādisatkṛtāḥ| ananyakāryyāḥ satatamihāgatya tapasvinaḥ

Those ascetics, purified by living on alms-food, wearing only a loin-cloth, equipped with a water-pot and the like, having no other business, coming here continually,

Verse 128 (skanda.7.24.128)

भवत्प्रदत्तैर्विविधैरुपहारैरतंद्रिताः। तत्त्वतस्तत्त्वसंख्यास्ते शिवधर्मैकतत्पराः

bhavatpradattairvividhairupahārairataṁdritāḥ| tattvatastattvasaṁkhyāste śivadharmaikatatparāḥ

tireless, with the various offerings given by you, in truth conversant with the true reckoning, devoted solely to the duty of Shiva —

Verse 129 (skanda.7.24.129)

श्रीसोमेश्वरमभ्यर्च्य तव श्रेयोऽभिवर्द्धकाः। मुक्तिमंते गमिष्यंति देवस्यातिसुदुर्ल्लभाम्

śrīsomeśvaramabhyarcya tava śreyo'bhivarddhakāḥ| muktimaṁte gamiṣyaṁti devasyātisudurllabhām

— worshipping glorious Someshvara, increasing your welfare, shall in the end attain that most difficult-to-obtain liberation of the God.

Verse 130 (skanda.7.24.130)

ततोऽन्येऽथ ततोऽप्यन्ये ततश्चान्ये तपोधना। परीक्षितास्तु तेऽस्माभिर्भवितारो निशापते

tato'nye'tha tato'pyanye tataścānye tapodhanā| parīkṣitāstu te'smābhirbhavitāro niśāpate

And others after them, and yet others after those, and still others, O ascetic rich in austerity — these shall come to be, examined by us, O Lord of Night.

Verse 131 (skanda.7.24.131)

द्विजा ऊचुः। इत्याह भगवान्देव्या पृष्टः स च त्रिलोचनः। तत्रैव नारदः सर्वं संवादं शिवयेरितम्

dvijā ūcuḥ| ityāha bhagavāndevyā pṛṣṭaḥ sa ca trilocanaḥ| tatraiva nāradaḥ sarvaṁ saṁvādaṁ śivayeritam

The brahmins said: Thus spoke the Blessed Three-Eyed One, when questioned by the Goddess; and right there, Narada heard the entire dialogue spoken by Shiva.

Verse 132 (skanda.7.24.132)

श्रुत्वा नः कथयामास कथां गोष्ठीषु पृच्छताम्। तव चास्माभिरधुना सर्वमेतदुदीरितम्

śrutvā naḥ kathayāmāsa kathāṁ goṣṭhīṣu pṛcchatām| tava cāsmābhiradhunā sarvametadudīritam

Having heard it, he told us this story in our gatherings, when we asked; and this same has now been recounted by us to you.

Verse 133 (skanda.7.24.133)

एवमुक्तस्तु तैः प्रीतः सोमः स्वभवनं ययौ। तदाज्ञया च तत्सर्वं यथोक्तं तेऽपि कुर्वते

evamuktastu taiḥ prītaḥ somaḥ svabhavanaṁ yayau| tadājñayā ca tatsarvaṁ yathoktaṁ te'pi kurvate

Thus addressed, Soma, pleased, went to his own abode; and by his command, they too did everything just as had been said.

Verse 134 (skanda.7.24.134)

देव्युवाच। एवं प्रभावो देवेशः सोमेशः पापनाशनः। केनोपायेन तुष्येत व्रतेन नियमेन वा

devyuvāca| evaṁ prabhāvo deveśaḥ someśaḥ pāpanāśanaḥ| kenopāyena tuṣyeta vratena niyamena vā

The Goddess said: The Lord of gods, Someshvara, destroyer of sin, has such power — by what means, by what vow or observance, is he pleased?

Verse 135 (skanda.7.24.135)

ईश्वर उवाच। कथयामि स्फुटं धर्म्मं मानुषाणां हिताय वै। स येन तुष्यते देवः शृणु त्वं सुरसुन्दरि

īśvara uvāca| kathayāmi sphuṭaṁ dharmmaṁ mānuṣāṇāṁ hitāya vai| sa yena tuṣyate devaḥ śṛṇu tvaṁ surasundari

Ishvara said: I shall declare clearly this duty, for the benefit of mankind; hear, O beautiful one among the gods, by what means that God is pleased.

Verse 136 (skanda.7.24.136)

नित्योपवासनक्तानि व्रतानि विविधानि च। तीर्थे दानानि सर्वाणि पात्रे दत्तान्यशेषतः

nityopavāsanaktāni vratāni vividhāni ca| tīrthe dānāni sarvāṇi pātre dattānyaśeṣataḥ

Perpetual fasting, the "nakta" observance, and various other vows; all manner of gifts given, without remainder, to a worthy recipient, at a sacred ford —

Verse 137 (skanda.7.24.137)

तपश्च तप्तं तेनैव स्नातं तेनैव पुष्करे। केदारे तु जलं तेन गत्वा पीतं तु निश्चितम्

tapaśca taptaṁ tenaiva snātaṁ tenaiva puṣkare| kedāre tu jalaṁ tena gatvā pītaṁ tu niścitam

— austerity performed, bathing performed, at Pushkara itself; and having gone to Kedara, the water there drunk, certainly —

Verse 138 (skanda.7.24.138)

तेन दृष्टं वरारोहे ज्योतिर्लिंगं महाप्रभम्। सोमवारव्रतं दिव्यं येन चीर्णं तु संश्रये

tena dṛṣṭaṁ varārohe jyotirliṁgaṁ mahāprabham| somavāravrataṁ divyaṁ yena cīrṇaṁ tu saṁśraye

— and the great, radiant Jyotirlinga beheld, O fair-hipped one — by him who has observed the divine Somavara-vrata, all these merits have been obtained.

Verse 139 (skanda.7.24.139)

किमन्यैर्बहुभिर्दानैर्दत्तैः पात्रेषु सुन्दरि

kimanyairbahubhirdānairdattaiḥ pātreṣu sundari

What need, O beautiful one, of many other gifts given to worthy recipients?

Verse 140 (skanda.7.24.140)

पूजितं येन भावेन सोमवारदिनाष्ट कम्। तेन सर्वं कृतं देवि चीर्णं तत्र महाव्रतम्

pūjitaṁ yena bhāvena somavāradināṣṭa kam| tena sarvaṁ kṛtaṁ devi cīrṇaṁ tatra mahāvratam

By whoever has, with true feeling, worshipped on eight Mondays — by him, O Goddess, everything has been done, that great vow has there been fully observed.

Verse 141 (skanda.7.24.141)

इतिहासमिमं पूर्वं कथयामि तव प्रिये। यथावृत्तं महादेवि सोमवारव्रतं प्रति

itihāsamimaṁ pūrvaṁ kathayāmi tava priye| yathāvṛttaṁ mahādevi somavāravrataṁ prati

I shall now tell you, O beloved, an ancient story of what once occurred, O great Goddess, regarding the Somavara-vrata:

Verse 142 (skanda.7.24.142)

ईश्वर उवाच। कैलासस्य महेशानि उत्तरे च व्यवस्थिता। निषधोपरि विस्तीर्णा पुरी नाम स्वयंप्रभा

īśvara uvāca| kailāsasya maheśāni uttare ca vyavasthitā| niṣadhopari vistīrṇā purī nāma svayaṁprabhā

Ishvara said: O great Queen, to the north of Kailasa, situated above Mount Nishadha, extended a self-luminous city named Svayamprabha.

Verse 143 (skanda.7.24.143)

नानारत्नसुशोभाढ्या नानागन्धर्वसंकुला। सर्वावयवसंपूर्णा शक्रस्येवामरावती

nānāratnasuśobhāḍhyā nānāgandharvasaṁkulā| sarvāvayavasaṁpūrṇā śakrasyevāmarāvatī

Richly adorned with various jewels, thronged with various Gandharvas, complete in every part, like Indra's own Amaravati.

Verse 144 (skanda.7.24.144)

घनवाहननामा च गन्धर्वस्तत्र तिष्ठति। भुंक्ते तत्र महाभोगान्देवैरपि सुदुर्लभान्

ghanavāhananāmā ca gandharvastatra tiṣṭhati| bhuṁkte tatra mahābhogāndevairapi sudurlabhān

There dwelt a Gandharva named Ghanavahana; there he enjoyed great pleasures, hard to obtain even for the gods.

Verse 145 (skanda.7.24.145)

नवयौवनसंयुक्ता भार्या तस्य मनोहरा। प्रौढवाक्या सुशीला च पीनोन्नतपयोधरा

navayauvanasaṁyuktā bhāryā tasya manoharā| prauḍhavākyā suśīlā ca pīnonnatapayodharā

His wife, endowed with fresh youth, was enchanting, of mature speech, of good character, with full and raised breasts.

Verse 146 (skanda.7.24.146)

तया सार्द्धं तु सम्भोगान्भुंक्ते गंधर्वनायकः। उत्पन्ना तस्य कालेन पुत्री पुत्राष्टकोपरि

tayā sārddhaṁ tu sambhogānbhuṁkte gaṁdharvanāyakaḥ| utpannā tasya kālena putrī putrāṣṭakopari

Together with her, the lord of Gandharvas enjoyed conjugal pleasures; in time, a daughter was born to him, after he already had eight sons.

Verse 147 (skanda.7.24.147)

सर्वावयवसंपन्ना सर्वविज्ञानवेदिनी। गंधर्वसेना विख्याता नाम्ना सा परमेश्वरि

sarvāvayavasaṁpannā sarvavijñānavedinī| gaṁdharvasenā vikhyātā nāmnā sā parameśvari

Perfect in every limb, knowing every art, she became renowned, O supreme Goddess, by the name Gandharvasena.

Verse 148 (skanda.7.24.148)

कन्यानां तु सहस्रेषु प्रवरा रूपशालिनी। कौतूहलेन सा पित्रा प्रोक्ता क्रीडस्व भामिनि

kanyānāṁ tu sahasreṣu pravarā rūpaśālinī| kautūhalena sā pitrā proktā krīḍasva bhāmini

Foremost among thousands of maidens in her possession of beauty, she was told, out of fond indulgence, by her father: "Play, O radiant one —

Verse 149 (skanda.7.24.149)

उद्याने रमणीयेऽत्र नानाद्रुमलताकुले। वृक्षैरनेकैः संकीर्णे फलपुष्पसमन्विते

udyāne ramaṇīye'tra nānādrumalatākule| vṛkṣairanekaiḥ saṁkīrṇe phalapuṣpasamanvite

— in this lovely garden here, thronged with various trees and creepers, crowded with many trees, abounding in fruit and flowers."

Verse 150 (skanda.7.24.150)

एवं सा रमते नित्यं कन्यापरिवृता सदा। एवं दृष्ट्वा क्रीडमाना माता भर्तारमब्रवीत्

evaṁ sā ramate nityaṁ kanyāparivṛtā sadā| evaṁ dṛṣṭvā krīḍamānā mātā bhartāramabravīt

Thus she played there always, ever surrounded by maidens. Seeing her thus at play, her mother said to her husband:

Verse 151 (skanda.7.24.151)

जीवितं निष्फलं स्वामिन्मम ते सह बांधवैः। यस्येदृशी गृहे कन्या तिष्ठते भर्तृवर्ज्जिता

jīvitaṁ niṣphalaṁ svāminmama te saha bāṁdhavaiḥ| yasyedṛśī gṛhe kanyā tiṣṭhate bhartṛvarjjitā

"O my lord, my life, and yours together with our kinsmen, is fruitless — for that person in whose house such a daughter remains, without a husband, has lived in vain."

Verse 152 (skanda.7.24.152)

इत्युक्तः स तु गंधर्वो भार्यां वचनमब्रवीत्। अन्वेषयामि भर्त्तारं पुत्र्यर्थे तु मनोहरम्

ityuktaḥ sa tu gaṁdharvo bhāryāṁ vacanamabravīt| anveṣayāmi bharttāraṁ putryarthe tu manoharam

Thus addressed, that Gandharva said to his wife: "I shall seek out a charming husband for our daughter's sake."

Verse 153 (skanda.7.24.153)

इत्युक्त्वाऽऽह्वापयामास पुत्रीं तां घनवाहनः। आहूता पितृमातृभ्यां त्वरिताऽऽगत्य सुन्दरि

ityuktvā''hvāpayāmāsa putrīṁ tāṁ ghanavāhanaḥ| āhūtā pitṛmātṛbhyāṁ tvaritā''gatya sundari

Having said this, Ghanavahana had that daughter of his summoned; called by her father and mother, the beautiful one came quickly,

Verse 154 (skanda.7.24.154)

अनुक्रमेण सर्वेषां पतिता पादयोः शुभा। आदेशं देहि मे तात कि नु कार्यं मयाऽऽधुना

anukrameṇa sarveṣāṁ patitā pādayoḥ śubhā| ādeśaṁ dehi me tāta ki nu kāryaṁ mayā''dhunā

and that auspicious one fell, in due order, at the feet of all present. "Give me your command, father — what indeed is to be done by me now?"

Verse 155 (skanda.7.24.155)

उक्तं च घनवाहेन हर्षितेन वचस्ततः। हे पुत्रि तव यः कश्चिद्वरः संप्रति रोचते। दिव्यं द्रक्ष्ये त्वत्सदृशं गंधर्वाणां शिरोमणिम्

uktaṁ ca ghanavāhena harṣitena vacastataḥ| he putri tava yaḥ kaścidvaraḥ saṁprati rocate| divyaṁ drakṣye tvatsadṛśaṁ gaṁdharvāṇāṁ śiromaṇim

Then Ghanavahana, delighted, spoke this word: "O daughter, whatever groom now pleases you — I shall find for you a divine one, a crown-jewel among the Gandharvas, equal to yourself."

Verse 156 (skanda.7.24.156)

इत्युक्ता क्रोधताम्राक्षी पितरं वाक्यमब्रवीत्। मम रूपस्य कोट्यंशे किं कोप्यस्ति जगत्त्रये। तच्छ्रुत्वा चाद्भुतं वाक्यं पिता माता च मोहितौ

ityuktā krodhatāmrākṣī pitaraṁ vākyamabravīt| mama rūpasya koṭyaṁśe kiṁ kopyasti jagattraye| tacchrutvā cādbhutaṁ vākyaṁ pitā mātā ca mohitau

Thus addressed, she, her eyes reddened with anger, said this word to her father: "Is there anyone at all, in the three worlds, equal to even a crore-th part of my beauty?" Hearing this astonishing speech, her father and mother were bewildered,

Verse 157 (skanda.7.24.157)

सर्वे विषादमापन्ना बांधवाश्च परे जनाः। अशोभनमिदं वाक्यं कन्यया यत्प्रभाषितम्। इत्युक्त्वा तु गताः सर्वे जननीजनबांधवाः

sarve viṣādamāpannā bāṁdhavāśca pare janāḥ| aśobhanamidaṁ vākyaṁ kanyayā yatprabhāṣitam| ityuktvā tu gatāḥ sarve jananījanabāṁdhavāḥ

and all — her kinsmen, and other people — fell into dismay. "Unbecoming is this speech spoken by the maiden," they said, and having said this, her mother, the other people, and her kinsmen all departed.

Verse 158 (skanda.7.24.158)

सा तत्रैव महोद्याने रमते सखिसंयुता। हिंडोलके समारूढा वसंते मासि भामिनि

sā tatraiva mahodyāne ramate sakhisaṁyutā| hiṁḍolake samārūḍhā vasaṁte māsi bhāmini

She, that radiant one, continued to play there in that great garden, with her companions, mounted upon a swing, in the season of spring.

Verse 159 (skanda.7.24.159)

तावद्दिव्यविमानस्थः शिखण्डी गणनायकः। गच्छन्खे ददृशे कन्यां रूपौदार्य्यसमाकुलाम्

tāvaddivyavimānasthaḥ śikhaṇḍī gaṇanāyakaḥ| gacchankhe dadṛśe kanyāṁ rūpaudāryyasamākulām

Just then, Shikhandin, the leader of the ganas, seated in his divine aerial chariot, passing through the sky, saw the maiden, endowed with beauty and grace,

Verse 160 (skanda.7.24.160)

गीतवाद्येन नृत्येन रमतीं दुदुभिस्वनैः। स माध्याह्निकसंध्यायामवतीर्य विमानतः

gītavādyena nṛtyena ramatīṁ dudubhisvanaiḥ| sa mādhyāhnikasaṁdhyāyāmavatīrya vimānataḥ

sporting to the sound of song, instrumental music, and dance, with the resounding of drums. At the midday hour, he descended from his chariot,

Verse 161 (skanda.7.24.161)

क्रीडमानोऽप्सरोभिस्तु तत्रोद्याने स्थितस्ततः। शुश्राव वाक्यं कन्याया गंधर्वदुहितुस्तदा

krīḍamāno'psarobhistu tatrodyāne sthitastataḥ| śuśrāva vākyaṁ kanyāyā gaṁdharvaduhitustadā

and, sporting there in the garden together with the Apsarases, he heard there the word of the maiden, the Gandharva's daughter:

Verse 162 (skanda.7.24.162)

न कोऽपि सदृशो लोके मम रूपेण दृश्यते। देवो वा दानवो वापि कोट्यंशे मम रूपतः

na ko'pi sadṛśo loke mama rūpeṇa dṛśyate| devo vā dānavo vāpi koṭyaṁśe mama rūpataḥ

"No one in the world is seen equal to me in beauty — neither god nor demon — even to a crore-th part of my beauty."

Verse 163 (skanda.7.24.163)

इति वाक्यं ततः श्रुत्वा गणः क्रोधसमन्वितः। शशाप तां सुचार्वंगीं साहंकारां गणेश्वरः

iti vākyaṁ tataḥ śrutvā gaṇaḥ krodhasamanvitaḥ| śaśāpa tāṁ sucārvaṁgīṁ sāhaṁkārāṁ gaṇeśvaraḥ

Hearing this speech, that leader of the ganas, filled with anger, cursed her, that lovely-limbed but arrogant one, the lord of the ganas declaring:

Verse 164 (skanda.7.24.164)

गण उवाच। मां दृष्ट्वा यद्विशालाक्षि रूपसौभाग्यगर्विता। समाक्षिपसि गंधर्वान्देवाद्यांश्चैव गर्विता

gaṇa uvāca| māṁ dṛṣṭvā yadviśālākṣi rūpasaubhāgyagarvitā| samākṣipasi gaṁdharvāndevādyāṁścaiva garvitā

The Gana said: "Since, O wide-eyed one, without even seeing me, proud of your beauty and fortune, you disparage, in your arrogance, the Gandharvas, the gods, and all others —

Verse 165 (skanda.7.24.165)

तस्मात्ते गर्वसंयुक्ते कुष्ठमंगे भविष्यति। श्रुत्वा शापं ततः कन्या भयभीता तपस्विनी

tasmātte garvasaṁyukte kuṣṭhamaṁge bhaviṣyati| śrutvā śāpaṁ tataḥ kanyā bhayabhītā tapasvinī

— therefore, O one full of pride, leprosy shall come upon your body." Hearing the curse, the maiden, now wretched, became terrified,

Verse 166 (skanda.7.24.166)

साष्टांगं प्रणिपत्याथानुग्रहार्थमयाचत। भगवन्मम दीनायाः शापस्यानुग्रहं प्रभो। प्रयच्छ त्वं महा भाग नैवं कर्त्री पुनः क्वचित्

sāṣṭāṁgaṁ praṇipatyāthānugrahārthamayācata| bhagavanmama dīnāyāḥ śāpasyānugrahaṁ prabho| prayaccha tvaṁ mahā bhāga naivaṁ kartrī punaḥ kvacit

and, prostrating herself with all eight limbs, she begged for mercy: "O Blessed One, grant me, wretched as I am, grace regarding this curse, O Lord; O most fortunate one, I shall never again act thus."

Verse 167 (skanda.7.24.167)

इत्युक्तस्तव कारुण्याच्छिखण्डी गणनायकः। अनुग्रहं ददौ तस्या गंधर्वदुहितुस्तदा

ityuktastava kāruṇyācchikhaṇḍī gaṇanāyakaḥ| anugrahaṁ dadau tasyā gaṁdharvaduhitustadā

Thus addressed, Shikhandin, the leader of the ganas, out of compassion, then granted mercy to that Gandharva's daughter:

Verse 168 (skanda.7.24.168)

शिखण्ड्युवाच। जातिरूपेण संयुक्तो विद्याहंकारसंपदा। यो येन गर्वितः प्राणी स तं प्राप्य विनश्यति

śikhaṇḍyuvāca| jātirūpeṇa saṁyukto vidyāhaṁkārasaṁpadā| yo yena garvitaḥ prāṇī sa taṁ prāpya vinaśyati

Shikhandin said: "Whatever being is made proud by birth, or beauty, or learning, or wealth — that being, encountering that very thing, perishes.

Verse 169 (skanda.7.24.169)

तस्माद्गर्वो नैव कार्यो गर्वस्यैतत्फलं स्मृतम्। शृणुष्वानुग्रहं बाले श्रुत्वा चैवावधारय

tasmādgarvo naiva kāryo garvasyaitatphalaṁ smṛtam| śṛṇuṣvānugrahaṁ bāle śrutvā caivāvadhāraya

Therefore pride should never be indulged; this is remembered as the fruit of pride. Hear now the grace I grant, O girl, and having heard it, retain it well.

Verse 170 (skanda.7.24.170)

हिमवद्वनमध्यस्थो गोशृंग ऋषिपुंगवः। करिष्यत्युपकारं स एवमुक्त्वा गतः प्रिये

himavadvanamadhyastho gośṛṁga ṛṣipuṁgavaḥ| kariṣyatyupakāraṁ sa evamuktvā gataḥ priye

The foremost of sages, Goshringa, dwelling in the midst of the Himalayan forest, will render you help." Having said this, he departed, O beloved.

Verse 171 (skanda.7.24.171)

तावत्संध्या समायाता तत्क्षणाद्भुवनांतरे

tāvatsaṁdhyā samāyātā tatkṣaṇādbhuvanāṁtare

Just then twilight arrived, that very moment, in that other world.

Verse 172 (skanda.7.24.172)

ततो गंधर्व्वतनया भग्नोत्साहा नतानना। परित्यज्य वनं रम्यमागता पितुरंतिके

tato gaṁdharvvatanayā bhagnotsāhā natānanā| parityajya vanaṁ ramyamāgatā pituraṁtike

Thereupon the Gandharva's daughter, her spirit broken, her face downcast, left that lovely garden and came to her father's presence.

Verse 173 (skanda.7.24.173)

कथयामास तत्सर्वं कारणं कुष्ठसंभवम्। तच्छ्रुत्वा शोकसंतप्तौ पितरौ विगतप्रभौ

kathayāmāsa tatsarvaṁ kāraṇaṁ kuṣṭhasaṁbhavam| tacchrutvā śokasaṁtaptau pitarau vigataprabhau

She told him the whole cause of the leprosy's arising. Hearing this, her parents, tormented with grief, lost their own radiance,

Verse 174 (skanda.7.24.174)

हिमवंतं गिरिं प्राप्तौ त्वरितौ सुतया सह। गोशृंगस्य ऋषेस्तत्र ददृशाते तथाश्रमम्

himavaṁtaṁ giriṁ prāptau tvaritau sutayā saha| gośṛṁgasya ṛṣestatra dadṛśāte tathāśramam

and, hastening, reached Mount Himavat together with their daughter; there they beheld the hermitage of the sage Goshringa.

Verse 175 (skanda.7.24.175)

तत्र मध्यस्थितं दृष्ट्वा गोशृंगमृषिपुंगवम्। प्रणम्य दण्डवद्भूमौ स्तुत्वा स्तोत्रैरनेकधा

tatra madhyasthitaṁ dṛṣṭvā gośṛṁgamṛṣipuṁgavam| praṇamya daṇḍavadbhūmau stutvā stotrairanekadhā

Seeing there, seated in the midst, Goshringa, foremost of sages, they bowed to the ground like staves, and praised him with many hymns.

Verse 176 (skanda.7.24.176)

उपविष्टोग्रतस्तस्य प्रणिपत्य पुनःपुनः। प्रोवाच वचनं तत्र पूर्ववृत्तं यथाऽभवत्

upaviṣṭogratastasya praṇipatya punaḥpunaḥ| provāca vacanaṁ tatra pūrvavṛttaṁ yathā'bhavat

Sitting before him, bowing again and again, the Gandharva then told him there the whole matter, just as it had happened.

Verse 177 (skanda.7.24.177)

कथिते चैव वृत्तांते पुनः पप्रच्छ कारणम्। पृष्टे तु कारणे तत्र गंधर्वः प्रोक्तवांस्तदा

kathite caiva vṛttāṁte punaḥ papraccha kāraṇam| pṛṣṭe tu kāraṇe tatra gaṁdharvaḥ proktavāṁstadā

When the account had been told, the sage asked further about the cause; and when asked the cause, the Gandharva then spoke:

Verse 178 (skanda.7.24.178)

गंधर्व उवाच। दुहितुर्मे शरीरं तु व्याधिकुष्ठेनपीडितम्। येनोपशमनं याति तत्त्वं कर्त्तुमिहार्हसि

gaṁdharva uvāca| duhiturme śarīraṁ tu vyādhikuṣṭhenapīḍitam| yenopaśamanaṁ yāti tattvaṁ karttumihārhasi

The Gandharva said: My daughter's body is afflicted with the disease of leprosy; you are fit to bring about, here, that by which it may be relieved.

Verse 179 (skanda.7.24.179)

प्रसादं कुरु विप्रर्षे मम दीनस्य सांप्रतम्। यथा कुष्ठं शमं याति मम पुत्र्यास्तु कारणम्

prasādaṁ kuru viprarṣe mama dīnasya sāṁpratam| yathā kuṣṭhaṁ śamaṁ yāti mama putryāstu kāraṇam

Show grace now, O sage among brahmins, to me who am so wretched; grant the means by which my daughter's leprosy may be pacified.

Verse 180 (skanda.7.24.180)

गोशृंग उवाच। भारते तु महातेजास्तिष्ठत्युदधिसन्निधौ। देवः सोमेश्वरोनाम सर्वदेवनमस्कृतः

gośṛṁga uvāca| bhārate tu mahātejāstiṣṭhatyudadhisannidhau| devaḥ someśvaronāma sarvadevanamaskṛtaḥ

Goshringa said: In Bharata, near the ocean, there abides a God of great splendor, named Someshvara, worshipped by all the gods.

Verse 181 (skanda.7.24.181)

क्षणं कृत्वा हि संपूज्य एकाहारेण मानवैः। सर्वव्याधिविनाशाय सर्वकार्यार्थसिद्धये

kṣaṇaṁ kṛtvā hi saṁpūjya ekāhāreṇa mānavaiḥ| sarvavyādhivināśāya sarvakāryārthasiddhaye

Taking a vow, worshipping him, eating only one meal a day — by men, for the destruction of all disease, and for the fulfillment of all their aims —

Verse 182 (skanda.7.24.182)

सोमवारव्रतेनेशं समाराधय शंकरम्। एवं कृते व्याधिनाशस्तव पुत्र्या भविष्यति

somavāravrateneśaṁ samārādhaya śaṁkaram| evaṁ kṛte vyādhināśastava putryā bhaviṣyati

— propitiate the Lord Shankara through the Somavara-vrata; if this is done, the destruction of the disease shall come upon your daughter.

Verse 183 (skanda.7.24.183)

ईश्वर उवाच। इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा महर्षेर्भावितात्मनः। तत्र गंतुं मनश्चक्रे सोमेशाराधनं प्रति

īśvara uvāca| iti tadvacanaṁ śrutvā maharṣerbhāvitātmanaḥ| tatra gaṁtuṁ manaścakre someśārādhanaṁ prati

Ishvara said: Hearing these words of the great sage, of purified mind, the Gandharva resolved in his heart to go there, for the worship of Someshvara.