Sarasvati's Account and the Words to Vadavanala

Verse 1 (skanda.7.33.1)

देव्युवाच। पितुर्वधामर्षसुजात मन्युना यद्यत्कृतं कर्म पुरा महर्षिणा। दधीचिपुत्रेण सुरप्रसाधिना सर्वं श्रुतं तद्धि मया समाधिना

devyuvāca| piturvadhāmarṣasujāta manyunā yadyatkṛtaṁ karma purā maharṣiṇā| dadhīciputreṇa suraprasādhinā sarvaṁ śrutaṁ taddhi mayā samādhinā

The Goddess said: Whatever deed was formerly done by that great sage, the son of Dadhichi and chastiser of the gods, out of the wrath born from his inability to bear his father's slaying — all of that I have indeed learned through meditation.

Verse 2 (skanda.7.33.2)

पुनःपुनर्वै विबुधैः समानं यद्वृत्तमासीत्किमपि प्रधानम्। कार्यं हि तत्सर्वमनुक्रमेण विज्ञातुमिच्छामि कुतूहलेन

punaḥpunarvai vibudhaiḥ samānaṁ yadvṛttamāsītkimapi pradhānam| kāryaṁ hi tatsarvamanukrameṇa vijñātumicchāmi kutūhalena

Whatever principal event occurred again and again in dealings with the gods — I wish, out of curiosity, to know all of that in due order.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.33.3)

ईश्वर उवाच। उक्तो यदासौ विबुधैः समस्तैरापः पुरा त्वं भुवि भक्षयस्व। यतोऽमराणां प्रथमं हि जाता आपोऽग्रजाः सर्वसुरासुरेभ्यः

īśvara uvāca| ukto yadāsau vibudhaiḥ samastairāpaḥ purā tvaṁ bhuvi bhakṣayasva| yato'marāṇāṁ prathamaṁ hi jātā āpo'grajāḥ sarvasurāsurebhyaḥ

Ishvara said: When that one was told by all the gods, 'Consume the waters situated on the earth' — for among the immortals, water was the very first thing born, even before all gods and demons—

Verse 4 (skanda.7.33.4)

तेनैवमुक्तस्तु महात्मना तदा प्रदर्शयध्वं मम ता यतः स्थिताः। पीत्वा सुराः सर्वमहं पुरस्तात्कृत्यं करिष्ये सुरभक्षणं हि

tenaivamuktastu mahātmanā tadā pradarśayadhvaṁ mama tā yataḥ sthitāḥ| pītvā surāḥ sarvamahaṁ purastātkṛtyaṁ kariṣye surabhakṣaṇaṁ hi

—thus addressed, that great-souled one replied: 'Show me where those waters are situated. Having drunk them all first, O gods, I shall accomplish that deed, and then devour the gods.'

Verse 5 (skanda.7.33.5)

तत्रापि नेतुं यदि मां समर्था यत्रासते वारिचयाः समेताः। अतोऽन्यथा नाहमलीकवादी प्राणे प्रयाते मुनिवाक्यकारी

tatrāpi netuṁ yadi māṁ samarthā yatrāsate vāricayāḥ sametāḥ| ato'nyathā nāhamalīkavādī prāṇe prayāte munivākyakārī

'If someone is able to lead me there, to where all the masses of water reside—apart from that, I am not one who speaks falsely; even at the cost of life, I am one who keeps the sage's word.'

Verse 6 (skanda.7.33.6)

आहोक्ते पुंडरीकाक्ष और्वं हि वाडवं तदा। त्वां प्रापयिष्ये यत्रापः केन यानेन वाडव

āhokte puṁḍarīkākṣa aurvaṁ hi vāḍavaṁ tadā| tvāṁ prāpayiṣye yatrāpaḥ kena yānena vāḍava

When this was said, the lotus-eyed one (Vishnu) then spoke to Aurva, the vadava-fire: 'I shall bring you to where the waters are. By what vehicle, O Vadava?'

Verse 7 (skanda.7.33.7)

वाडव उवाच। नाहं हयादिभिर्यानैर्गंतुं तत्र समुत्सहे। कुमारीकरसंपर्कमेकं मुक्त्वा मतं हि मे

vāḍava uvāca| nāhaṁ hayādibhiryānairgaṁtuṁ tatra samutsahe| kumārīkarasaṁparkamekaṁ muktvā mataṁ hi me

Vadava said: 'I am not willing to go there by horse or other such vehicles. Except for the touch of a maiden's hand, no other means is acceptable to me.'

Verse 8 (skanda.7.33.8)

विष्णुरुवाच। एतत्ते सुलभं यानं तां कन्यामानयाम्यहम्। या त्वां नेतुं समर्था स्यादपां स्थानं सुनिश्चितम्

viṣṇuruvāca| etatte sulabhaṁ yānaṁ tāṁ kanyāmānayāmyaham| yā tvāṁ netuṁ samarthā syādapāṁ sthānaṁ suniścitam

Vishnu said: 'This vehicle is easily obtained for you. I shall bring that maiden who will be capable of leading you, without fail, to the abode of the waters.'

Verse 9 (skanda.7.33.9)

ईश्वर उवाच। सुरभीशापसंतप्ता प्रागुपात्तदशाफला। सरस्वती यानभूता तस्य सा विष्णुना कृता

īśvara uvāca| surabhīśāpasaṁtaptā prāgupāttadaśāphalā| sarasvatī yānabhūtā tasya sā viṣṇunā kṛtā

Ishvara said: Sarasvati, tormented by the curse of Surabhi, who had earlier received the fruit of that condition, was made by Vishnu into his (Vadava's) vehicle.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.33.10)

ततोऽब्रवीद्विभुर्गंगां पार्श्वतः समुपस्थिताम्। एनं वह्निं महाभागे वेगान्नय महोदधिम्। नान्या शक्ता समानेतुं त्वां विना लोकपावनि

tato'bravīdvibhurgaṁgāṁ pārśvataḥ samupasthitām| enaṁ vahniṁ mahābhāge vegānnaya mahodadhim| nānyā śaktā samānetuṁ tvāṁ vinā lokapāvani

Then the Lord said to Ganga, who stood nearby: 'O greatly fortunate one, swiftly carry this fire to the great ocean. O purifier of the worlds, no other besides you is capable of bringing it there.'

Verse 11 (skanda.7.33.11)

गङ्गोवाच। नास्ति मे भगवञ्छक्ति रौर्वं वोढुं जगत्पते। रौद्ररूपी महानेष दहत्येवानलो भृशम्

gaṅgovāca| nāsti me bhagavañchakti raurvaṁ voḍhuṁ jagatpate| raudrarūpī mahāneṣa dahatyevānalo bhṛśam

Ganga said: 'O Lord, O Master of the world, I have no power to bear this Aurva-fire. This great fire, terrible in form, burns exceedingly fiercely.'

Verse 12 (skanda.7.33.12)

ततस्तु यमुनां प्राह सिन्धुं तस्या ह्यनन्तरम्। अन्या नदीश्च विविधाः पृथक्पृथगुदारधीः

tatastu yamunāṁ prāha sindhuṁ tasyā hyanantaram| anyā nadīśca vividhāḥ pṛthakpṛthagudāradhīḥ

Then he spoke to Yamuna, and after her to Sindhu, and then separately to various other rivers of noble disposition.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.33.13)

अशक्तास्ताः समानेतुं पृष्टाश्च सुरसत्तमैः। ततः सरस्वतीं प्राह देवदेवो जनार्द्दनः। त्वमेव व्रज कल्याणि प्रतीच्यां लवणोदधौ

aśaktāstāḥ samānetuṁ pṛṣṭāśca surasattamaiḥ| tataḥ sarasvatīṁ prāha devadevo janārddanaḥ| tvameva vraja kalyāṇi pratīcyāṁ lavaṇodadhau

When asked by the best of gods, they too proved unable to carry it. Then Janardana, God of gods, said to Sarasvati: 'You alone, O auspicious one, go to the salt ocean in the west.'

Verse 14 (skanda.7.33.14)

एवं कृते सुराः सर्वे भविष्यन्ति भयोज्झिताः। अन्यथा वाडवेनैते दह्यंते स्वेन तेजसा

evaṁ kṛte surāḥ sarve bhaviṣyanti bhayojjhitāḥ| anyathā vāḍavenaite dahyaṁte svena tejasā

'If this is done, all the gods will be freed from fear; otherwise these gods will be burned by the Vadava through its own fiery energy.'

Verse 15 (skanda.7.33.15)

तस्मात्त्वं रक्ष विबुधाने तस्मात्तुमुलाद्भयात्। मातेव भव सुश्रोणि सुराणामभयप्रदा

tasmāttvaṁ rakṣa vibudhāne tasmāttumulādbhayāt| māteva bhava suśroṇi surāṇāmabhayapradā

'Therefore, protect the hosts of gods from this tumultuous fear. O beautiful one, become like a mother, granting fearlessness to the gods.'

Verse 16 (skanda.7.33.16)

एवमुक्ता हि सा तेन विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना। आह नाहं स्वतन्त्रास्मि पिता मे ध्रियते चिरात्

evamuktā hi sā tena viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā| āha nāhaṁ svatantrāsmi pitā me dhriyate cirāt

Thus addressed by the mighty Vishnu, she said: 'I am not independent; my father has long held authority over me.'

Verse 17 (skanda.7.33.17)

तस्याहं कारिणी नित्यं कुमारी च धृतव्रता। कालत्रयेप्यस्वतन्त्रा श्रूयते विबुधैः सुता

tasyāhaṁ kāriṇī nityaṁ kumārī ca dhṛtavratā| kālatrayepyasvatantrā śrūyate vibudhaiḥ sutā

'I am ever his obedient instrument, a maiden of firm vow. In all three times, a daughter is declared by the learned to be without independence.'

Verse 18 (skanda.7.33.18)

पित्रादेशं विना नाहं पदमेकमपि क्वचित्। गच्छामि तस्मात्कोऽप्यन्य उपायश्चिंत्यतां हरे

pitrādeśaṁ vinā nāhaṁ padamekamapi kvacit| gacchāmi tasmātko'pyanya upāyaściṁtyatāṁ hare

'Without my father's command, I do not take even a single step anywhere. Therefore, O Hari, let some other means be devised.'

Verse 19 (skanda.7.33.19)

तत्स्वरूपं विदित्वैवं समभ्येत्य पितामहम्। तमब्रवीद्वासुदेवो देवकार्यमिदं कुरु

tatsvarūpaṁ viditvaivaṁ samabhyetya pitāmaham| tamabravīdvāsudevo devakāryamidaṁ kuru

Understanding this situation, having approached the Grandsire Brahma, Vasudeva said to him: 'Accomplish this task on behalf of the gods yourself.'

Verse 20 (skanda.7.33.20)

नान्यथा शक्यते नेतुं वाडवोऽग्निर्महाबलः। अदृष्टदोषां मुक्त्वेमां कुमारीं तनयां तव

nānyathā śakyate netuṁ vāḍavo'gnirmahābalaḥ| adṛṣṭadoṣāṁ muktvemāṁ kumārīṁ tanayāṁ tava

'The mighty vadava-fire cannot be led there by any other means, except by this blameless maiden — your daughter.'

Verse 21 (skanda.7.33.21)

तच्छ्रुत्वा विष्णुना प्रोक्तं कुमारीं तनयां तदा। शिरस्याधाय सस्नेहमुवाच प्रपितामहः

tacchrutvā viṣṇunā proktaṁ kumārīṁ tanayāṁ tadā| śirasyādhāya sasnehamuvāca prapitāmahaḥ

Having heard this word of Vishnu, the great Grandsire, placing his hand affectionately upon his maiden daughter's head, said to her—

Verse 22 (skanda.7.33.22)

याहि देवि सुरान्सर्वान्रक्ष त्वं भयमागतान्। विनिक्षिप त्वं नीत्वैनं वाडवं लवणांभसि। पितुर्वाक्यं हि सा श्रुत्वा प्रोवाच श्रुतिलक्षणा

yāhi devi surānsarvānrakṣa tvaṁ bhayamāgatān| vinikṣipa tvaṁ nītvainaṁ vāḍavaṁ lavaṇāṁbhasi| piturvākyaṁ hi sā śrutvā provāca śrutilakṣaṇā

—'O Goddess, go and protect all the gods who have come in fear. Take this Vadava and cast it into the salt water.' Having heard her father's word, Sarasvati, versed in sacred learning, said—

Verse 23 (skanda.7.33.23)

सरस्वत्युवाच। एषास्मि प्रस्थिता तात तव वाक्या दसंशयम्। रौद्रोऽयं वाडवो वह्निस्तनुं मे भक्षयिष्यति

sarasvatyuvāca| eṣāsmi prasthitā tāta tava vākyā dasaṁśayam| raudro'yaṁ vāḍavo vahnistanuṁ me bhakṣayiṣyati

Sarasvati said: 'O father, I set out, without doubt, at your word. But this terrible vadava-fire will consume my body—'

Verse 24 (skanda.7.33.24)

प्राप्तं कलियुगं रौद्रं सांप्रतं पृथिवीतले। लोकः पापसमाचारः स्पर्शयिष्यति मां प्रभो

prāptaṁ kaliyugaṁ raudraṁ sāṁprataṁ pṛthivītale| lokaḥ pāpasamācāraḥ sparśayiṣyati māṁ prabho

'—moreover, O Lord, the terrible Kali age has now arrived on the earth; people of sinful conduct will touch me.'

Verse 25 (skanda.7.33.25)

ततो दुःखतरं किं स्याद्यत्पापैः सह संगमः

tato duḥkhataraṁ kiṁ syādyatpāpaiḥ saha saṁgamaḥ

'What could be more painful than union with sinners?'

Verse 26 (skanda.7.33.26)

ब्रह्मोवाच। यदि पापजनाकीर्णं न वांछसि धरातलम्। पातालतलसंस्था त्वं नय वह्निं महोदधौ

brahmovāca| yadi pāpajanākīrṇaṁ na vāṁchasi dharātalam| pātālatalasaṁsthā tvaṁ naya vahniṁ mahodadhau

Brahma said: 'If you do not wish to touch the earth's surface, crowded with sinful people, then, remaining in the depths of Patala, carry this fire to the great ocean.'

Verse 27 (skanda.7.33.27)

यदातिश्रमसंयुक्ता वह्निना दह्यसे भृशम्। तदा विभिद्य वसुधां प्रत्यक्षा भव पुत्रिके

yadātiśramasaṁyuktā vahninā dahyase bhṛśam| tadā vibhidya vasudhāṁ pratyakṣā bhava putrike

'When, overcome with great exhaustion, you are fiercely burned by the fire, then, my daughter, break through the earth and become visible.'

Verse 28 (skanda.7.33.28)

कृत्वा वक्त्रं विशालाक्षि प्राची भव सुमध्यमे। ततो यास्यंति तीर्थानि त्वां श्रांतां चारुहासिनीम्

kṛtvā vaktraṁ viśālākṣi prācī bhava sumadhyame| tato yāsyaṁti tīrthāni tvāṁ śrāṁtāṁ cāruhāsinīm

'O wide-eyed, slender-waisted one, turn your face eastward and become the Prachi. Then, weary and sweetly smiling, the tirthas will come to you of their own accord.'

Verse 29 (skanda.7.33.29)

तानि सर्वाणि चागत्य साहाय्यं ते वरानने। करिष्यंति त्रयस्त्रिंशत्कोट्यो वै मम शासनात्

tāni sarvāṇi cāgatya sāhāyyaṁ te varānane| kariṣyaṁti trayastriṁśatkoṭyo vai mama śāsanāt

'O fair-faced one, all of them will come and, by my command, render you assistance — the thirty-three crores.'

Verse 30 (skanda.7.33.30)

गच्छ पुत्रि न संतापस्त्वया कार्यः कथंचन। अरिष्टं व्रज पंथानं मा सन्तु परिपंथिनः

gaccha putri na saṁtāpastvayā kāryaḥ kathaṁcana| ariṣṭaṁ vraja paṁthānaṁ mā santu paripaṁthinaḥ

'Go, my daughter; you need not suffer any distress. Travel an auspicious road; may there be no obstacles in your path.'

Verse 31 (skanda.7.33.31)

ईश्वर उवाच। एवमुक्ता तदा तेन ब्रह्मणाथ सरस्वती। त्यक्त्वा भयं हृष्टमनाः प्रयातुं समुपस्थिता

īśvara uvāca| evamuktā tadā tena brahmaṇātha sarasvatī| tyaktvā bhayaṁ hṛṣṭamanāḥ prayātuṁ samupasthitā

Ishvara said: Thus addressed by Brahma, Sarasvati, having abandoned her fear, prepared to set out with a joyful mind.

Verse 32 (skanda.7.33.32)

तस्याः प्रयाणसमये शंखदुंदुभिनिःस्वनैः। मंगलानां च निर्घोषैर्जगदापूरितं शुभैः

tasyāḥ prayāṇasamaye śaṁkhaduṁdubhiniḥsvanaiḥ| maṁgalānāṁ ca nirghoṣairjagadāpūritaṁ śubhaiḥ

At the moment of her departure, the whole world was filled with the sounds of conches and kettle-drums, and with auspicious mangala-sounds.

Verse 33 (skanda.7.33.33)

सितांबरधरा देवी सितचंदनगुंठिता। शारदांबुदसंकाशा तारहारविभूषिता

sitāṁbaradharā devī sitacaṁdanaguṁṭhitā| śāradāṁbudasaṁkāśā tārahāravibhūṣitā

The goddess, clad in white garments, anointed with white sandal-paste, resembling an autumn cloud, adorned with a pearl necklace—

Verse 34 (skanda.7.33.34)

संपूर्णचंद्रवदना पद्मपत्रायतेक्षणा। कीर्तिर्यथा महेंद्रस्य पूरयन्ती दिशो दश

saṁpūrṇacaṁdravadanā padmapatrāyatekṣaṇā| kīrtiryathā maheṁdrasya pūrayantī diśo daśa

—her face like the full moon, her eyes as wide as lotus petals, filling the ten directions like the fame of great Indra—

Verse 35 (skanda.7.33.35)

स्वतेजसा द्योतयंती सर्वमाभासयज्जगत्। अनुव्रजंती गंगा वै तयोक्ता वरवर्णिनि

svatejasā dyotayaṁtī sarvamābhāsayajjagat| anuvrajaṁtī gaṁgā vai tayoktā varavarṇini

—illumining with her own splendor, lighting up the entire world, accompanied by Ganga, she was addressed by her, O fair-complexioned one—

Verse 36 (skanda.7.33.36)

द्रक्ष्यामि त्वां पुनरहं कुत्र वै वसतीं सखि। एवमुक्ता तया गंगा प्रोवाच स्निग्धया गिरा

drakṣyāmi tvāṁ punarahaṁ kutra vai vasatīṁ sakhi| evamuktā tayā gaṁgā provāca snigdhayā girā

—'Where, O friend, dwelling where, shall I see you again?' Thus addressed, Ganga replied to her in an affectionate voice—

Verse 37 (skanda.7.33.37)

यदैव वीक्षसे प्राचीदिशि प्राप्स्यसि मां तदा। सुरैः परिवृता सर्वैस्तत्राहं तव सुवृते

yadaiva vīkṣase prācīdiśi prāpsyasi māṁ tadā| suraiḥ parivṛtā sarvaistatrāhaṁ tava suvṛte

—'Whenever you look toward the eastern direction, there you will find me. O one of good vows, there I shall be, surrounded by all the gods.'

Verse 38 (skanda.7.33.38)

दर्शनं संप्रदास्यामि त्यज शोकं शुचिस्मिते। तामापृच्छ्य ततो गंगां पुनर्दर्शनमस्तु ते

darśanaṁ saṁpradāsyāmi tyaja śokaṁ śucismite| tāmāpṛcchya tato gaṁgāṁ punardarśanamastu te

—'I shall grant you my presence; abandon sorrow, O pure-smiling one.' Then, having taken leave of Ganga with the words 'may we meet again'—

Verse 39 (skanda.7.33.39)

गच्छ स्वमालयं भद्रे स्मर्त्तव्याऽहं त्वयाऽनघे। यमुनापि तथा चैवं गायत्री सुमनोरमा

gaccha svamālayaṁ bhadre smarttavyā'haṁ tvayā'naghe| yamunāpi tathā caivaṁ gāyatrī sumanoramā

—'Go now to your own abode, O gracious one; may you remember me, O sinless one.' Likewise she took leave of Yamuna, and of the exceedingly lovely Gayatri—

Verse 40 (skanda.7.33.40)

सावित्रीसहिताः सर्वाः सख्यः संप्रेषितास्तदा। ततो विसृज्य तां देवी नदी भूत्वा सरस्वती

sāvitrīsahitāḥ sarvāḥ sakhyaḥ saṁpreṣitāstadā| tato visṛjya tāṁ devī nadī bhūtvā sarasvatī

—together with Savitri, all her companions were then sent off. Then, having taken leave of them, becoming a river, the goddess Sarasvati—

Verse 41 (skanda.7.33.41)

हिमवंतं गिरिं प्राप्य प्लक्षात्तत्र विनिर्गता। अवतीर्णा धरापृष्ठे मत्स्यकच्छपसंकुला

himavaṁtaṁ giriṁ prāpya plakṣāttatra vinirgatā| avatīrṇā dharāpṛṣṭhe matsyakacchapasaṁkulā

—having reached Mount Himavat, issued forth there from the Plaksha tree, and descended upon the surface of the earth, teeming with fish and tortoises.

Verse 42 (skanda.7.33.42)

ग्राहडिंडिमसंपूर्णा तिमिनक्रगणैर्युता। हसंती च महादेवी फेनौघैः सर्वतो दिशम्

grāhaḍiṁḍimasaṁpūrṇā timinakragaṇairyutā| hasaṁtī ca mahādevī phenaughaiḥ sarvato diśam

Full of the drum-like sound of crocodiles, accompanied by shoals of whales and alligators, that great goddess, as if laughing with masses of foam, spread in every direction—

Verse 43 (skanda.7.33.43)

पुण्यतो यवहा देवीस्तूयमाना द्विजातिभिः। वाडवं वह्निमादाय हयवेगेन निःसृता

puṇyato yavahā devīstūyamānā dvijātibhiḥ| vāḍavaṁ vahnimādāya hayavegena niḥsṛtā

—bearing a flood of merit, praised by the twice-born, she went forth with the speed of a horse, carrying the vadava-fire.

Verse 44 (skanda.7.33.44)

भित्त्वा वेगाद्धरापृष्ठं प्रविष्टाथ महीतलम्। यदायदाभवच्छ्रांता दह्यते वाडवाग्निना। तदातदा मर्त्यलोके याति प्रत्यक्षतां नदी

bhittvā vegāddharāpṛṣṭhaṁ praviṣṭātha mahītalam| yadāyadābhavacchrāṁtā dahyate vāḍavāgninā| tadātadā martyaloke yāti pratyakṣatāṁ nadī

Breaking through the earth's surface with speed, she entered into the ground. Whenever she became exhausted from being burned by the vadava-fire, at that time the river became visible in the mortal world.

Verse 45 (skanda.7.33.45)

ततस्तु जायते प्राची संतप्ता वाडवेन तु। ततो वै यानि तीर्थानि कीर्त्तितानि पुरातनैः

tatastu jāyate prācī saṁtaptā vāḍavena tu| tato vai yāni tīrthāni kīrttitāni purātanaiḥ

Thus, tormented by the vadava-fire, she became the Prachi (eastward-flowing river). Then, whatever tirthas had been proclaimed by the ancients—

Verse 46 (skanda.7.33.46)

दिव्यांतरिक्षभौमानि सांनिध्यं यांति भामिनि। ततश्चाश्वासिता तैः सा सरस्वती पुनर्नदी। पातालतलमा साद्य जगाम मकरालयम्

divyāṁtarikṣabhaumāni sāṁnidhyaṁ yāṁti bhāmini| tataścāśvāsitā taiḥ sā sarasvatī punarnadī| pātālatalamā sādya jagāma makarālayam

—celestial, atmospheric, and terrestrial, O beautiful one, all came into her presence. Then, comforted by them, Sarasvati, once more as a river, reaching the depths of Patala, went toward the ocean's abode.

Verse 47 (skanda.7.33.47)

खदिरामोदमासाद्य तत्र सा वीक्ष्य सागरम्। गंतुं प्रवृत्ता तं वह्निमादाय सुरसुंदरि

khadirāmodamāsādya tatra sā vīkṣya sāgaram| gaṁtuṁ pravṛttā taṁ vahnimādāya surasuṁdari

Having reached the fragrant place of Khadira, and beholding the ocean there, O beautiful one among the gods, she set out to proceed further, carrying that fire.

Verse 48 (skanda.7.33.48)

निरूढभारमात्मानं देवादेशाद्विचिंत्य सा। प्रहृष्टा सुमनास्तस्मात्प्रवृत्ता दक्षिणामुखी

nirūḍhabhāramātmānaṁ devādeśādviciṁtya sā| prahṛṣṭā sumanāstasmātpravṛttā dakṣiṇāmukhī

Reflecting that, by the gods' command, she had discharged her burden, she, joyful and glad-hearted, set out from there, facing southward.

Verse 49 (skanda.7.33.49)

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु ऋषयो वेदपारगाः। चत्वारश्च महादेवि प्रभासं क्षेत्रमाश्रिताः

etasminneva kāle tu ṛṣayo vedapāragāḥ| catvāraśca mahādevi prabhāsaṁ kṣetramāśritāḥ

O Mahadevi, at this very time, four sages, masters of the Vedas, had taken refuge in the Prabhasa-kshetra.

Verse 50 (skanda.7.33.50)

हरिणश्चाथ वज्रश्च न्यंकुः कपिल एव च। तपस्तप्यंति तत्रस्थाः स्वाध्यायासक्तमानसाः

hariṇaścātha vajraśca nyaṁkuḥ kapila eva ca| tapastapyaṁti tatrasthāḥ svādhyāyāsaktamānasāḥ

Harina, Vajra, Nyanku, and Kapila — dwelling there, their minds fixed on scriptural study, were performing austerities.

Verse 51 (skanda.7.33.51)

पृथक्पृथक्समाहूताः स्नानार्थं तैः सरस्वती। सागरः सम्मुखस्तस्याः सहसा सम्मुपस्थितः

pṛthakpṛthaksamāhūtāḥ snānārthaṁ taiḥ sarasvatī| sāgaraḥ sammukhastasyāḥ sahasā sammupasthitaḥ

Each of them invoked Sarasvati separately for the purpose of bathing. At that moment the Ocean suddenly appeared before her, face to face.

Verse 52 (skanda.7.33.52)

ततः सा चिन्तयामास कथं मे सुकृतं भवेत्। शापभीता च सा साध्वी पंचस्रोतास्तदाऽभवत्

tataḥ sā cintayāmāsa kathaṁ me sukṛtaṁ bhavet| śāpabhītā ca sā sādhvī paṁcasrotāstadā'bhavat

Then she thought: 'How may this turn out well for me?' Fearing a curse, that virtuous one then became five-streamed.

Verse 53 (skanda.7.33.53)

एकैकं तोषयामास तमृषिं वरवर्णिनि। ततोऽस्याः पंच नामानि जातानि पृथिवीतले

ekaikaṁ toṣayāmāsa tamṛṣiṁ varavarṇini| tato'syāḥ paṁca nāmāni jātāni pṛthivītale

O fair-complexioned one, she satisfied each of those sages, one by one. From then on, five names of hers came to be known on earth.

Verse 54 (skanda.7.33.54)

हरिणी वज्रिणी न्यंकुः कपिला च सरस्वती। पानावगाहनान्नृणां पंचस्रोताः सरस्वती

hariṇī vajriṇī nyaṁkuḥ kapilā ca sarasvatī| pānāvagāhanānnṛṇāṁ paṁcasrotāḥ sarasvatī

Harini, Vajrini, Nyanku, Kapila, and Sarasvati — through men's drinking and bathing, Sarasvati became the five-streamed one.

Verse 55 (skanda.7.33.55)

ब्रह्महत्या सुरापानं स्तेयं गुर्वंगनागमः। एषां संयोगजं चान्यन्नराणां पंचमं हि यत्

brahmahatyā surāpānaṁ steyaṁ gurvaṁganāgamaḥ| eṣāṁ saṁyogajaṁ cānyannarāṇāṁ paṁcamaṁ hi yat

The killing of a brahmin, drinking liquor, theft, and violation of the teacher's bed — and that fifth sin among men which arises from association with these four—

Verse 56 (skanda.7.33.56)

एतत्पंचविधं पुंसां पंचधाऽवस्थिता सती। नाशयेत्पातकं घोरं सखीभिः सहिता नदी

etatpaṁcavidhaṁ puṁsāṁ paṁcadhā'vasthitā satī| nāśayetpātakaṁ ghoraṁ sakhībhiḥ sahitā nadī

—these fivefold sins, that virtuous river, existing in five forms together with her companions, destroys these terrible transgressions.

Verse 57 (skanda.7.33.57)

ब्रह्महत्यां महाघोरां प्रतिलोमा सरस्वती। पानावगाहनान्नृणां नाशयत्यखिलं हि सा

brahmahatyāṁ mahāghorāṁ pratilomā sarasvatī| pānāvagāhanānnṛṇāṁ nāśayatyakhilaṁ hi sā

The Pratiloma form of Sarasvati completely destroys the exceedingly terrible sin of brahmin-killing in men, through drinking and bathing in her.

Verse 58 (skanda.7.33.58)

प्रमादान्मदिरापानदोषेणोपहतात्मनाम्। तद्व्यपोहाय कपिला द्विजानां वहते नदी

pramādānmadirāpānadoṣeṇopahatātmanām| tadvyapohāya kapilā dvijānāṁ vahate nadī

To remove the sin of those whose souls have been harmed by the fault of drinking liquor through negligence, the river Kapila flows for the twice-born.

Verse 59 (skanda.7.33.59)

उपवासाज्जपाद्धोमात्स्नानात्पानाद्द्विजन्मनाम्। सप्ताहान्नाशयेत्पापं तत्तद्भावेन चेतसा

upavāsājjapāddhomātsnānātpānāddvijanmanām| saptāhānnāśayetpāpaṁ tattadbhāvena cetasā

Through fasting, mantra-recitation, fire-oblation, bathing, and drinking, over seven days, the twice-born, fixing their minds in the corresponding devotional state, destroy their sin.

Verse 60 (skanda.7.33.60)

स्वयं तेऽपि विशुध्यंति यथोक्तविधिकारिणः। न्यंकुं नदीं समासाद्य महतः पातकात्कृतात्

svayaṁ te'pi viśudhyaṁti yathoktavidhikāriṇaḥ| nyaṁkuṁ nadīṁ samāsādya mahataḥ pātakātkṛtāt

Those who perform the rite as prescribed become purified even of a great sin committed, by resorting to the river Nyanku.

Verse 61 (skanda.7.33.61)

स्नानोपासनपानेन वज्रिणी गुरुतल्पगम्। नाशयत्यखिलं पुंसां पापं भूरिभयंकरम्

snānopāsanapānena vajriṇī gurutalpagam| nāśayatyakhilaṁ puṁsāṁ pāpaṁ bhūribhayaṁkaram

Through bathing, worship, and drinking, the river Vajrini completely destroys the greatly terrifying sin of violating the teacher's bed.

Verse 62 (skanda.7.33.62)

संयोगजस्य पापस्य हरणाद्धरिणी स्मृता। नदी पुण्यजलोपेता सप्ताहमवगाहनात्

saṁyogajasya pāpasya haraṇāddhariṇī smṛtā| nadī puṇyajalopetā saptāhamavagāhanāt

For removing the sin arising from wrongful association, she is called Harini — that river, endowed with sacred water, removes it through seven days of bathing.

Verse 63 (skanda.7.33.63)

एवमेतानि पापानि सर्वाणि सुरसुंदरि। नदी नाशयते तथ्यं पंचस्रोता सरस्वती

evametāni pāpāni sarvāṇi surasuṁdari| nadī nāśayate tathyaṁ paṁcasrotā sarasvatī

O beautiful one among the gods, thus the five-streamed river Sarasvati truly destroys all these sins.

Verse 64 (skanda.7.33.64)

ततोऽपश्यत्पुनश्चारु सा देवी पथि संस्थितम्। पर्वतं सागरस्यांते रोद्धुं मार्गमिव स्थितम्

tato'paśyatpunaścāru sā devī pathi saṁsthitam| parvataṁ sāgarasyāṁte roddhuṁ mārgamiva sthitam

Then that goddess again saw a beautiful mountain standing in her path, near the ocean's end, as if positioned to block the way.

Verse 65 (skanda.7.33.65)

ब्रह्माण्डमानदण्डोऽयं पुरतो गिरिसत्तमः। व्रजन्त्याः सुरकार्येण मम विघ्नकरः स्थितः

brahmāṇḍamānadaṇḍo'yaṁ purato girisattamaḥ| vrajantyāḥ surakāryeṇa mama vighnakaraḥ sthitaḥ

'This best of mountains, like the measuring-rod of the cosmic egg, stands before me, becoming an obstacle to my going on this errand for the gods.'

Verse 66 (skanda.7.33.66)

उच्चैस्तरं महाशैलमवलोक्य सरस्वती। अथ वेगेन रुद्धेन गिरिणा विस्मिता सती

uccaistaraṁ mahāśailamavalokya sarasvatī| atha vegena ruddhena giriṇā vismitā satī

Beholding that exceedingly lofty great mountain, and her flow now obstructed by it, the virtuous Sarasvati became astonished.

Verse 67 (skanda.7.33.67)

एवं संचिन्तयेद्यावन्मनसा तन्म हाद्भुतम्। तावन्मंगलशब्देन प्रतिबुद्धः कृतस्मरः

evaṁ saṁcintayedyāvanmanasā tanma hādbhutam| tāvanmaṁgalaśabdena pratibuddhaḥ kṛtasmaraḥ

While she was thus pondering this great wonder in her mind, just then, roused by an auspicious sound, Kritasmara—

Verse 68 (skanda.7.33.68)

गिरिशृंगद्वंद्वचरं ददर्श पुरुषं च सा। तामाह देवीं स नगो मार्गो नास्तीह सुव्रते

giriśṛṁgadvaṁdvacaraṁ dadarśa puruṣaṁ ca sā| tāmāha devīṁ sa nago mārgo nāstīha suvrate

—she saw a man moving between the two peaks of the mountain. That mountain said to the goddess: 'There is no path here, O one of good vows—'

Verse 69 (skanda.7.33.69)

अन्यत्र क्वापि गच्छ त्वं यत्र तेऽभिमतं शुभे। आहैवमुक्ते सा देवी नरं नगशिरःस्थितम्

anyatra kvāpi gaccha tvaṁ yatra te'bhimataṁ śubhe| āhaivamukte sā devī naraṁ nagaśiraḥsthitam

'—go elsewhere, wherever you please, O auspicious one.' Thus addressed, the goddess spoke to that man standing on the mountain's summit—

Verse 70 (skanda.7.33.70)

देवादेशात्समायाता न निरोध्या गिरे त्वया। एवमुक्ते गिरिः प्राह तां देवीं सुमनोरमाम्

devādeśātsamāyātā na nirodhyā gire tvayā| evamukte giriḥ prāha tāṁ devīṁ sumanoramām

—'I have come by the command of the gods; O mountain, you must not obstruct me.' Thus addressed, the mountain spoke to that exceedingly lovely goddess—

Verse 71 (skanda.7.33.71)

पर्वतोऽहं त्वया भद्रे किं न ज्ञातः कृतस्मरः। त्वत्स्पर्शनान्न दोषोस्ति कुमारी त्वं यतोऽनघे

parvato'haṁ tvayā bhadre kiṁ na jñātaḥ kṛtasmaraḥ| tvatsparśanānna doṣosti kumārī tvaṁ yato'naghe

—'O gracious one, do you not know me? I am the mountain Kritasmara. There is no fault in touching you, since you are a maiden, O sinless one—'

Verse 72 (skanda.7.33.72)

अतस्त्वां वरये देवि भार्या मे भव सुव्रते

atastvāṁ varaye devi bhāryā me bhava suvrate

'—therefore I choose you, O Goddess; O one of good vows, become my wife.'

Verse 73 (skanda.7.33.73)

सरस्वत्युवाच। पिता मे ध्रियते यस्मात्तेन नाहं स्वयंवरा। तव भार्या भविष्यामि मार्गं यच्छ ममाधुना

sarasvatyuvāca| pitā me dhriyate yasmāttena nāhaṁ svayaṁvarā| tava bhāryā bhaviṣyāmi mārgaṁ yaccha mamādhunā

Sarasvati said: 'My father holds authority over me, therefore I am not free to choose my own husband. I shall become your wife, if it so pleases him; for now, grant me passage.'

Verse 74 (skanda.7.33.74)

एवमुक्तो गिरिः प्राह अनिच्छंतीं महाबलात्। उद्वाहयिष्ये त्वां भद्रे कस्त्राता स्ति तवाधुना

evamukto giriḥ prāha anicchaṁtīṁ mahābalāt| udvāhayiṣye tvāṁ bhadre kastrātā sti tavādhunā

Thus addressed, the mountain said forcefully to her, unwilling as she was: 'O gracious one, I shall marry you now; who is your protector at this moment?'

Verse 75 (skanda.7.33.75)

सा तं मनोभवाक्रान्तं मत्वा दिव्येन चक्षुषा। आह नास्ति मम त्राता त्वामेव शरणं गता

sā taṁ manobhavākrāntaṁ matvā divyena cakṣuṣā| āha nāsti mama trātā tvāmeva śaraṇaṁ gatā

Perceiving with her divine sight that he was overcome by desire, she said: 'I have no protector; I have taken refuge in you alone—'

Verse 76 (skanda.7.33.76)

त्वयोद्वाह्या यद्य वश्यमहमेवं महाबल। अस्नातां नोद्वह विभो स्नानं कर्त्तुं च देहि मे

tvayodvāhyā yadya vaśyamahamevaṁ mahābala| asnātāṁ nodvaha vibho snānaṁ karttuṁ ca dehi me

'—if, being under your power, I am indeed to be married by you, O mighty one, then do not marry me unbathed; grant me the chance to bathe first.'

Verse 77 (skanda.7.33.77)

तामुवाच ततः शैलः स्वसंपदभिमानवान्। सौख्यदं पश्य सुभगे मयि संपूर्णवैभवम्

tāmuvāca tataḥ śailaḥ svasaṁpadabhimānavān| saukhyadaṁ paśya subhage mayi saṁpūrṇavaibhavam

Then the mountain, proud of his own splendor, said to her: 'O fortunate one, behold the complete magnificence in me, which grants joy—'

Verse 78 (skanda.7.33.78)

द्वंद्वानि यत्र गायंति किंनराणां मनोरमम्। श्रूयते च सुनिध्वानं तंत्रीवाद्यमथापरम्

dvaṁdvāni yatra gāyaṁti kiṁnarāṇāṁ manoramam| śrūyate ca sunidhvānaṁ taṁtrīvādyamathāparam

'—where pairs of Kinnaras sing sweetly, and the delightful resonance of stringed instruments and other music can be heard—'

Verse 79 (skanda.7.33.79)

तत्र तालास्तमालाश्च पिप्पलाः पनसास्तथा। सदैव फलपुष्पाश्चा दृश्यंते सुमनोरमाः

tatra tālāstamālāśca pippalāḥ panasāstathā| sadaiva phalapuṣpāścā dṛśyaṁte sumanoramāḥ

'—there, palm, tamala, pipal, and jackfruit trees, always laden with fruit and flowers, appear exceedingly beautiful—'

Verse 80 (skanda.7.33.80)

कुटजैः कोविदारैश्च कदंबैः कुरबैस्तथा। मत्तालिकुलघुष्टैश्च भूधरो भाति सर्वतः

kuṭajaiḥ kovidāraiśca kadaṁbaiḥ kurabaistathā| mattālikulaghuṣṭaiśca bhūdharo bhāti sarvataḥ

'—with kutaja, kovidara, kadamba, and kuraba trees, and resounding with swarms of intoxicated bees, this mountain shines on every side—'

Verse 81 (skanda.7.33.81)

हरांगरागवद्भाति क्वचित्कुटजकुड्मलैः। क्वचित्तु कर्णिकारैश्च विष्णोर्वासःसमप्रभः

harāṁgarāgavadbhāti kvacitkuṭajakuḍmalaiḥ| kvacittu karṇikāraiśca viṣṇorvāsaḥsamaprabhaḥ

'—somewhere it shines like Hara's body-unguent through kutaja buds; elsewhere, with karnikara blossoms, it gleams like Vishnu's garment—'

Verse 82 (skanda.7.33.82)

तमालदलसंछन्नः क्वचिद्वैवस्वतद्युतिः। क्वचिद्धातुविलिप्तांगो गणाध्यक्षवपुर्नगः

tamāladalasaṁchannaḥ kvacidvaivasvatadyutiḥ| kvaciddhātuviliptāṁgo gaṇādhyakṣavapurnagaḥ

'—somewhere, covered with tamala leaves, it has the radiance of Vaivasvata (Yama); elsewhere, its slopes smeared with mineral ores, it resembles the form of Ganadhyaksha—'

Verse 83 (skanda.7.33.83)

चतुर्मुख इवाभाति हरितालवपुः क्वचित्। क्वचित्सप्तच्छदैर्विष्णोर्वपुषा भात्ययं गिरिः

caturmukha ivābhāti haritālavapuḥ kvacit| kvacitsaptacchadairviṣṇorvapuṣā bhātyayaṁ giriḥ

'—somewhere, with the color of yellow orpiment, it shines like the Four-faced one; elsewhere, with saptaparni trees, this mountain shines like Vishnu's form—'

Verse 84 (skanda.7.33.84)

क्वचित्कात्यायनीप्रख्यः प्रियंगुसुसमाकुलः। क्वचित्केसरसंयुक्तैरनलाभो विभात्यसौ

kvacitkātyāyanīprakhyaḥ priyaṁgususamākulaḥ| kvacitkesarasaṁyuktairanalābho vibhātyasau

'—somewhere, thick with priyangu blossoms, it resembles Katyayani; elsewhere, adorned with kesara flowers, it gleams like fire—'

Verse 85 (skanda.7.33.85)

वृत्तैः सपुलकैः स्निग्धैः स्त्रीणामिव पयोधरैः। दुष्प्राप्यैरल्पपुण्यानां क्वचिदाभाति बिल्वकैः

vṛttaiḥ sapulakaiḥ snigdhaiḥ strīṇāmiva payodharaiḥ| duṣprāpyairalpapuṇyānāṁ kvacidābhāti bilvakaiḥ

'—somewhere it shines with round, thorn-studded, glossy bilva-fruits resembling women's breasts, hard to obtain for those of little merit—'

Verse 86 (skanda.7.33.86)

सिंहैर्व्याघ्रैर्मृगैर्नागैर्वराहैर्वानरैस्तथा। क्वचित्क्वचिदसौ भाति परस्परमनुव्रतैः

siṁhairvyāghrairmṛgairnāgairvarāhairvānaraistathā| kvacitkvacidasau bhāti parasparamanuvrataiḥ

'—here and there this mountain shines with lions, tigers, deer, elephants, boars, and monkeys, all living together in mutual harmony—'

Verse 87 (skanda.7.33.87)

शूलिकोद्भिन्नमाकाशमिव कुर्वद्भिरुच्चकैः। एवमुक्ते प्रत्युवाच शारदा तं नगोत्तमम्

śūlikodbhinnamākāśamiva kurvadbhiruccakaiḥ| evamukte pratyuvāca śāradā taṁ nagottamam

'—and its lofty peaks seem to pierce the very sky like tridents.' When this was said, Sharada (Sarasvati) replied to that best of mountains—

Verse 88 (skanda.7.33.88)

यदि मां त्वं परिणये रुदंतीमेकिकां तथा। गृहाण वाडवं हस्ते यावत्स्नानं करोम्यहम्

yadi māṁ tvaṁ pariṇaye rudaṁtīmekikāṁ tathā| gṛhāṇa vāḍavaṁ haste yāvatsnānaṁ karomyaham

—'If you would marry me, weeping and alone as I am, then take this vadava-fire in your hand meanwhile, while I go to bathe.'

Verse 89 (skanda.7.33.89)

एवमुक्ते स जग्राह त नगेद्रोऽपवर्जिम्। कृतस्मरस्तत्संस्पर्शात्क्षणाद्भस्मत्वमागतः

evamukte sa jagrāha ta nagedro'pavarjim| kṛtasmarastatsaṁsparśātkṣaṇādbhasmatvamāgataḥ

When this was said, that lord of mountains, Kritasmara, took hold of it without hesitation. By its very touch, he was reduced to ashes in an instant.

Verse 90 (skanda.7.33.90)

ततः प्रभृति ते तस्य पाषाणा मृदुतां गताः। गृहदेवकुलार्थाय गृह्यंते शिल्पिभिः सह

tataḥ prabhṛti te tasya pāṣāṇā mṛdutāṁ gatāḥ| gṛhadevakulārthāya gṛhyaṁte śilpibhiḥ saha

From then on, his stones became soft; they are taken by sculptors for building houses and temples.

Verse 91 (skanda.7.33.91)

दग्ध्वा कृतस्मरं देवी पुनरादाय वाडवम्। समुद्रस्य समीपे सा स्थिता हृष्टतनूरुहा

dagdhvā kṛtasmaraṁ devī punarādāya vāḍavam| samudrasya samīpe sā sthitā hṛṣṭatanūruhā

Having burned Kritasmara to ashes, the goddess, taking up the vadava-fire once more, stood near the ocean, the hairs of her body thrilling with joy.

Verse 92 (skanda.7.33.92)

तत्रस्था सा महादेवी तमाह वडवानलम्। पश्य वाडव गर्जन्तं सागरं पुरतः स्थितम्

tatrasthā sā mahādevī tamāha vaḍavānalam| paśya vāḍava garjantaṁ sāgaraṁ purataḥ sthitam

Standing there, the great goddess said to that submarine fire: 'Behold, O Vadava, the roaring ocean standing before you.'

Verse 93 (skanda.7.33.93)

गर्जंतं सोऽपि तं दृष्ट्वा प्रसर्पंतं च वीचिभिः। तामाह किमिदं भद्रे भीतो मे लवणोदधिः

garjaṁtaṁ so'pi taṁ dṛṣṭvā prasarpaṁtaṁ ca vīcibhiḥ| tāmāha kimidaṁ bhadre bhīto me lavaṇodadhiḥ

Seeing it roaring and creeping forward with its waves, he too said to her: 'What is this, O gracious one? Is the salt ocean afraid of me?'

Verse 94 (skanda.7.33.94)

प्रहस्योवाच सा बाला को न भीतस्तवानल। भक्ष्यस्ते विहितो यस्मात्तव देवैर्महाबल

prahasyovāca sā bālā ko na bhītastavānala| bhakṣyaste vihito yasmāttava devairmahābala

Laughing, the maiden said: 'Who is not afraid of you, O fire? O mighty one, the gods have ordained that this shall be your food.'

Verse 95 (skanda.7.33.95)

स तस्यास्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा संप्रहृष्टस्तु पावकः। दास्यामि ते वरं भद्रे यथेष्टं प्रार्थयस्व नः

sa tasyāstadvacaḥ śrutvā saṁprahṛṣṭastu pāvakaḥ| dāsyāmi te varaṁ bhadre yatheṣṭaṁ prārthayasva naḥ

Having heard her words, the fire, greatly delighted, said: 'O gracious one, I shall grant you a boon; ask of us whatever you desire.'

Verse 96 (skanda.7.33.96)

तेनैवमुक्ता सा देवी वाडवेनाग्निना तदा। सस्मार कारणात्मानं विष्णुं कमललोचनम्

tenaivamuktā sā devī vāḍavenāgninā tadā| sasmāra kāraṇātmānaṁ viṣṇuṁ kamalalocanam

Thus addressed by the vadava-fire, the goddess called to mind the lotus-eyed Vishnu, the primal cause of all being.

Verse 97 (skanda.7.33.97)

दृष्टोसावात्महृत्संस्थस्तया देवो जनार्द्दनः। स्मृतमात्रः सरस्वत्या परस्त्रिभुवनेश्वरः

dṛṣṭosāvātmahṛtsaṁsthastayā devo janārddanaḥ| smṛtamātraḥ sarasvatyā parastribhuvaneśvaraḥ

Merely by being remembered, the God of gods, Janardana, supreme Lord of the three worlds, was seen by Sarasvati, present within her own heart.

Verse 98 (skanda.7.33.98)

मनोदृष्ट्या विलोक्याह सा तमंतःस्थमच्युतम्। वाडवो यच्छति वरमहं तं प्रार्थयामि किम्

manodṛṣṭyā vilokyāha sā tamaṁtaḥsthamacyutam| vāḍavo yacchati varamahaṁ taṁ prārthayāmi kim

Beholding Achyuta, present within, with the eye of her mind, she said: 'The Vadava is offering a boon; what shall I ask of him?'

Verse 99 (skanda.7.33.99)

ततस्तेन हृदिस्थेन प्रोक्ता देवी सरस्वती। प्रार्थनीयो वरो भद्रे सूचीवक्त्रत्वमादरात्

tatastena hṛdisthena proktā devī sarasvatī| prārthanīyo varo bhadre sūcīvaktratvamādarāt

Then, he who dwelt in her heart said to the goddess Sarasvati: 'O gracious one, the boon worthy of being requested, with due care, is that he become needle-mouthed.'

Verse 100 (skanda.7.33.100)

ततस्त्वभिहितो देव्या यदि मे त्वं वरप्रदः। ततः सूचीमुखो भूत्वा त्वं पिबापो महाबल

tatastvabhihito devyā yadi me tvaṁ varapradaḥ| tataḥ sūcīmukho bhūtvā tvaṁ pibāpo mahābala

Then the goddess said: 'If you are indeed a boon-giver to me, then, O mighty one, become needle-mouthed and drink the water.'

Verse 101 (skanda.7.33.101)

एवमुक्तेन तत्तेन सूचीवेधसमं कृतम्। घटिकापूरणं यद्वत्पपौ तद्वदनं जलम्

evamuktena tattena sūcīvedhasamaṁ kṛtam| ghaṭikāpūraṇaṁ yadvatpapau tadvadanaṁ jalam

When this was said, he made his mouth like the point of a needle; just as a water-pot is filled drop by drop, so he drank the water through that mouth.

Verse 102 (skanda.7.33.102)

एवं स वाडवो वह्निः सुराणां भक्षणोद्यतः। वंचितो विष्णुना याति मेधामाधाय यत्नतः

evaṁ sa vāḍavo vahniḥ surāṇāṁ bhakṣaṇodyataḥ| vaṁcito viṣṇunā yāti medhāmādhāya yatnataḥ

Thus that vadava-fire, who had been intent upon devouring the gods, was outwitted by Vishnu; he proceeds, having with effort adopted that measure.

Verse 103 (skanda.7.33.103)

सर्गमेतं नरः पुण्यं वाच्यमानं शृणोति यः। स विष्णु लोकमासाद्य तेनैव सह मोदते

sargametaṁ naraḥ puṇyaṁ vācyamānaṁ śṛṇoti yaḥ| sa viṣṇu lokamāsādya tenaiva saha modate

Whatever man hears this meritorious account being recited attains the world of Vishnu and rejoices there together with him.