The Glory of Goshpada Tirtha (the Legend of Vena and Prithu)

Verse 1 (skanda.7.336.1)

ईश्वर उवाच। ततो गच्छेन्महादेवि गोष्पदं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। यत्र श्राद्धं नरः कृत्वा गयासप्तगुणं फलम्। लभते नात्र संदेहो यदि श्रद्धा दृढा भवेत्

īśvara uvāca| tato gacchenmahādevi goṣpadaṁ tīrthamuttamam| yatra śrāddhaṁ naraḥ kṛtvā gayāsaptaguṇaṁ phalam| labhate nātra saṁdeho yadi śraddhā dṛḍhā bhavet

Ishvara said: Then, O great Goddess, one should go to the excellent tirtha of Goshpada, where a man who performs shraddha obtains merit seven times that of Gaya — there is no doubt of this, if his faith is firm.

Verse 2 (skanda.7.336.2)

यत्र श्राद्धं पृथुः कृत्वा पितरं पापयोनितः। उद्दधार महादेवि वेनंनाम महाप्रभुम्

yatra śrāddhaṁ pṛthuḥ kṛtvā pitaraṁ pāpayonitaḥ| uddadhāra mahādevi venaṁnāma mahāprabhum

Where, having performed shraddha, Prithu delivered his father, the great lord named Vena, from a sinful state of birth, O great Goddess.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.336.3)

देव्युवाच। कस्मिन्स्थाने स्थितं तीर्थमुत्पत्तिस्तस्य कीदृशी। कथं स वेनराजो वा उद्धृतः पापयोनितः

devyuvāca| kasminsthāne sthitaṁ tīrthamutpattistasya kīdṛśī| kathaṁ sa venarājo vā uddhṛtaḥ pāpayonitaḥ

The Goddess said: In what place is that tirtha situated, and what is its origin? And how was King Vena delivered from a sinful state of birth?

Verse 4 (skanda.7.336.4)

गयासप्तगुणं पुण्यं कथं तत्र प्रजायते। श्राद्धस्य किं विधानं तु के मंत्रास्तत्र के द्विजाः। एतन्मे कौतुकं देव यथावद्वक्तुमर्हसि

gayāsaptaguṇaṁ puṇyaṁ kathaṁ tatra prajāyate| śrāddhasya kiṁ vidhānaṁ tu ke maṁtrāstatra ke dvijāḥ| etanme kautukaṁ deva yathāvadvaktumarhasi

How does merit seven times that of Gaya arise there? What is the rule for shraddha, and what mantras and what brahmins are used there? O god, please satisfy this curiosity of mine fully and truly.

Verse 5 (skanda.7.336.5)

ईश्वर उवाच। इदं रहस्यं देवेशि यत्त्वया परिपृच्छितम्। अप्रकाश्यमिदं तीर्थमस्मिन्पापयुगे प्रिये

īśvara uvāca| idaṁ rahasyaṁ deveśi yattvayā paripṛcchitam| aprakāśyamidaṁ tīrthamasminpāpayuge priye

Ishvara said: O Deveshi, what you have asked is a secret; this tirtha is not to be openly revealed in this sinful age, O beloved.

Verse 6 (skanda.7.336.6)

तथापि संप्रवक्ष्यामि तव स्नेहात्सुरेश्वरि। न पापिन इदं ब्रूयान्नैव तर्करताय वै

tathāpi saṁpravakṣyāmi tava snehātsureśvari| na pāpina idaṁ brūyānnaiva tarkaratāya vai

Yet, O sovereign of the gods, out of love for you I shall tell it. This should not be told to a sinner, nor to one given to mere disputation.

Verse 7 (skanda.7.336.7)

न नास्तिकाय देवेशि न सुवर्णेतराय च। अस्ति देवि महासिद्धा पुण्या न्यंकुमती नदी

na nāstikāya deveśi na suvarṇetarāya ca| asti devi mahāsiddhā puṇyā nyaṁkumatī nadī

Nor to an unbeliever, O Deveshi, nor to one lacking in purity. O Devi, there is the greatly accomplished, sacred river Nyankumati.

Verse 8 (skanda.7.336.8)

मर्यादार्थं मयाऽऽनीता क्षेत्रस्यास्य महेश्वरि। संस्थिता पापशमनी पर्णादित्याच्च दक्षिणे

maryādārthaṁ mayā''nītā kṣetrasyāsya maheśvari| saṁsthitā pāpaśamanī parṇādityācca dakṣiṇe

Brought by me, O Maheshvari, to mark the boundary of this field, that sin-allaying river stands to the south of Parnaditya.

Verse 9 (skanda.7.336.9)

नारायणगृहात्सौम्ये नातिदूरे व्यवस्थिता। तस्या मध्ये महादेवि तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्

nārāyaṇagṛhātsaumye nātidūre vyavasthitā| tasyā madhye mahādevi tīrthaṁ trailokyaviśrutam

It is situated not far to the north of Narayana-griha; in the midst of it, O great Goddess, is a tirtha renowned in the three worlds.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.336.10)

गोष्पदं नाम विख्यातं कोटिपापहरं नृणाम्। गोष्पदस्य समीपे तु नातिदूरे व्यवस्थितः

goṣpadaṁ nāma vikhyātaṁ koṭipāpaharaṁ nṛṇām| goṣpadasya samīpe tu nātidūre vyavasthitaḥ

Renowned by the name Goshpada, it removes a crore sins of men. Near Goshpada, not far off, dwells —

Verse 11 (skanda.7.336.11)

अनन्तो नाम नागेन्द्रः स्वयंभूतो धरातले। तस्य तीर्थस्य रक्षार्थं विष्णुना सन्नियोजितः

ananto nāma nāgendraḥ svayaṁbhūto dharātale| tasya tīrthasya rakṣārthaṁ viṣṇunā sanniyojitaḥ

the lord of serpents named Ananta, self-manifested on the earth, appointed by Vishnu for the protection of that tirtha.

Verse 12 (skanda.7.336.12)

कांक्षंति पितरः पुत्रान्नरकादतिभीरवः। गंता यो गोष्पदे पुत्रः स नस्त्राता भविष्यति। गोष्पदे च सुतं दृष्ट्वा पितॄणामुत्सवो भवेत्

kāṁkṣaṁti pitaraḥ putrānnarakādatibhīravaḥ| gaṁtā yo goṣpade putraḥ sa nastrātā bhaviṣyati| goṣpade ca sutaṁ dṛṣṭvā pitṝṇāmutsavo bhavet

The ancestors, greatly fearful of hell, long for sons: 'Whatever son goes to Goshpada shall be our saviour.' Seeing a son at Goshpada, the ancestors rejoice.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.336.13)

पद्भ्यामपि जलं स्पृष्ट्वा अस्मभ्यं किं न दास्यति। अपि स्यात्स कुलेऽस्माकं यो नो दद्याज्जलांजलिम्। प्रभासक्षेत्रमासाद्य गोष्पदे तीर्थ उत्तमे

padbhyāmapi jalaṁ spṛṣṭvā asmabhyaṁ kiṁ na dāsyati| api syātsa kule'smākaṁ yo no dadyājjalāṁjalim| prabhāsakṣetramāsādya goṣpade tīrtha uttame

'What would he not give us, even by touching water with his feet? Would that there were one in our family who, reaching the field of Prabhasa, would offer us a handful of water at the excellent tirtha of Goshpada.'

Verse 14 (skanda.7.336.14)

अपि स्यात्स कुलेऽस्माकं खड्गमांसेन यः सकृत्। श्राद्धं कुर्यात्प्रयत्नेन कालशाकेन वा पुनः

api syātsa kule'smākaṁ khaḍgamāṁsena yaḥ sakṛt| śrāddhaṁ kuryātprayatnena kālaśākena vā punaḥ

'Would that there were one in our family who would once, with effort, perform shraddha with rhinoceros-flesh, or again with the kalashaka herb.'

Verse 15 (skanda.7.336.15)

अपि स्यात्स कुलेऽस्माकं गोष्पदे दत्तदीपकः। आकल्पकालिका दीप्तिस्तेनाऽस्माकं भविष्यति

api syātsa kule'smākaṁ goṣpade dattadīpakaḥ| ākalpakālikā dīptistenā'smākaṁ bhaviṣyati

'Would that there were one in our family who would offer a lamp at Goshpada; by that we would gain a radiance lasting until the end of the kalpa.'

Verse 16 (skanda.7.336.16)

गोष्पदे चान्नशता यः पितरस्तेन पुत्रिणः। दिनमेकमपि स्थित्वा पुनात्यासप्तमं कुलम्

goṣpade cānnaśatā yaḥ pitarastena putriṇaḥ| dinamekamapi sthitvā punātyāsaptamaṁ kulam

He who, at Goshpada, satisfies the ancestors with a hundred food-offerings makes them blessed with a son; staying even a single day there, he purifies the family for seven generations.

Verse 17 (skanda.7.336.17)

पिण्डं दद्याच्च पित्रादेरात्मनोऽपि स्वयं नरः। पिण्याकेंगुदकेनापि तेन मुच्येद्वरानने

piṇḍaṁ dadyācca pitrāderātmano'pi svayaṁ naraḥ| piṇyākeṁgudakenāpi tena mucyedvarānane

A man should offer the pinda himself, both to his father and other ancestors and for himself; even with oil-cake and ingudi fruit he is thereby freed, O fair-faced one.

Verse 18 (skanda.7.336.18)

ब्रह्मज्ञानेन किं योगैर्गोग्रहे मरणेन किम्। किं कुरुक्षेत्रवासेन गोष्पदे यदि गच्छति

brahmajñānena kiṁ yogairgograhe maraṇena kim| kiṁ kurukṣetravāsena goṣpade yadi gacchati

If one goes to Goshpada, what need is there of brahma-knowledge, of yoga practices, of dying during a solar eclipse, or even of dwelling at Kurukshetra?

Verse 19 (skanda.7.336.19)

सकृत्तीर्थाभिगमनं सकृत्पिण्डप्रपातनम्। दुर्ल्लभं किं पुनर्नित्यमस्मिंस्तीर्थे व्यवस्थितम्

sakṛttīrthābhigamanaṁ sakṛtpiṇḍaprapātanam| durllabhaṁ kiṁ punarnityamasmiṁstīrthe vyavasthitam

Even a single visit to this tirtha, a single offering of the pinda, is hard to attain — how much more so a permanent dwelling in this tirtha!

Verse 20 (skanda.7.336.20)

अर्द्धकोशं तु तत्तीर्थं तदर्द्धार्द्धं तु दुर्ल्लभम्। तन्मध्ये श्राद्धकृत्पुण्यं गयासप्तगुणं लभेत्

arddhakośaṁ tu tattīrthaṁ tadarddhārddhaṁ tu durllabham| tanmadhye śrāddhakṛtpuṇyaṁ gayāsaptaguṇaṁ labhet

That tirtha extends half a kosha, and even half of that half is hard to attain; one who performs shraddha within it obtains merit seven times that of Gaya.

Verse 21 (skanda.7.336.21)

श्राद्धकृद्गोष्पदे यस्तु पितॄणामनृणो हि सः। पदमध्ये विशेषेण कुलानां शतमुद्धरेत्

śrāddhakṛdgoṣpade yastu pitṝṇāmanṛṇo hi saḥ| padamadhye viśeṣeṇa kulānāṁ śatamuddharet

He who performs shraddha at Goshpada is freed from his debt to the ancestors; especially within the footprint-mark, he redeems a hundred lineages.

Verse 22 (skanda.7.336.22)

गृहाच्चलितमात्रस्य गोष्पदे गमनं प्रति। स्वर्गारोहणसोपानं पितॄणां तु पदेपदे

gṛhāccalitamātrasya goṣpade gamanaṁ prati| svargārohaṇasopānaṁ pitṝṇāṁ tu padepade

From the very moment he sets out from home toward Goshpada, at every single step, a stairway to heaven is raised for his ancestors.

Verse 23 (skanda.7.336.23)

पायसेनैव मधुना सक्तुना पिष्टकेन च। चरुणा तंदुलाद्यैर्वा पिंडदानं विधीयते

pāyasenaiva madhunā saktunā piṣṭakena ca| caruṇā taṁdulādyairvā piṁḍadānaṁ vidhīyate

The pinda-offering is prescribed to be made with rice-pudding, honey, roasted grain-flour, flour-cakes, oblation-rice, or plain rice and the like.

Verse 24 (skanda.7.336.24)

गोप्रचारे तु यः पिण्डाञ्छमीपत्रप्रमाणतः। कन्दमूलफलाद्यैर्वा दत्त्वा स्वर्गं नयेत्पितॄन्

gopracāre tu yaḥ piṇḍāñchamīpatrapramāṇataḥ| kandamūlaphalādyairvā dattvā svargaṁ nayetpitṝn

He who, at the cow-pasture, offers pindas the size of a shami leaf, or made from roots, tubers and fruits, thereby leads his ancestors to heaven.

Verse 25 (skanda.7.336.25)

गोष्पदे पिण्डदानेन यत्फलं लभते नरः। न तच्छक्यं मया वक्तुं कल्पकोटिशतैरपि

goṣpade piṇḍadānena yatphalaṁ labhate naraḥ| na tacchakyaṁ mayā vaktuṁ kalpakoṭiśatairapi

The fruit that a man obtains by offering the pinda at Goshpada cannot be told by me even in a hundred crore kalpas.

Verse 26 (skanda.7.336.26)

अथातः संप्रवक्ष्यामि सम्यग्यात्राविधिं शुभम्। यात्राविधानं च तथा सम्यक्छ्रद्धान्विता शृणु

athātaḥ saṁpravakṣyāmi samyagyātrāvidhiṁ śubham| yātrāvidhānaṁ ca tathā samyakchraddhānvitā śṛṇu

Now, after this, I shall fully tell you the auspicious rule of pilgrimage; and likewise the procedure for it — listen well, filled with faith.

Verse 27 (skanda.7.336.27)

यदि तीर्थं नरो गच्छेद्गयाश्राद्धफलेप्सया। तथाविधविधानेन यात्रा कुर्याद्विचक्षणः

yadi tīrthaṁ naro gacchedgayāśrāddhaphalepsayā| tathāvidhavidhānena yātrā kuryādvicakṣaṇaḥ

If a man goes to this tirtha desiring the fruit of shraddha at Gaya, the discerning one should undertake the pilgrimage by that same procedure.

Verse 28 (skanda.7.336.28)

ब्रह्मचारी शुचिर्भूत्वा हस्तपादेषु संयतः। श्रद्धावानास्तिको भावी गच्छेत्तीर्थं ततः सुधीः

brahmacārī śucirbhūtvā hastapādeṣu saṁyataḥ| śraddhāvānāstiko bhāvī gacchettīrthaṁ tataḥ sudhīḥ

Having become celibate and pure, restrained in hand and foot, filled with faith and a believing disposition, the wise man should then go to the tirtha.

Verse 29 (skanda.7.336.29)

न नास्तिकस्य संसर्गं तस्मिंस्तीर्थे नरश्चरेत्। सर्वोपस्करसंयुक्तः श्राद्धार्हद्रव्यसंयुतः। गच्छेत्तीर्थं साधुसंगी गयां मनसि मानयन्

na nāstikasya saṁsargaṁ tasmiṁstīrthe naraścaret| sarvopaskarasaṁyuktaḥ śrāddhārhadravyasaṁyutaḥ| gacchettīrthaṁ sādhusaṁgī gayāṁ manasi mānayan

A man should not move about in that tirtha in the company of an unbeliever. Equipped with all necessities and materials fit for shraddha, in the company of the good, honouring Gaya in his mind, he should go to the tirtha.

Verse 30 (skanda.7.336.30)

एवं यस्तु द्विजो गच्छेत्प्रतिग्रहविवर्जितः। पदेपदेऽश्वमेधस्य फलं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयम्

evaṁ yastu dvijo gacchetpratigrahavivarjitaḥ| padepade'śvamedhasya phalaṁ prāpnotyasaṁśayam

The twice-born who thus goes, free from accepting gifts, obtains at every step, without doubt, the fruit of the Ashvamedha sacrifice.

Verse 31 (skanda.7.336.31)

तत्र स्नात्वा न्यंकुमत्यां सिद्धये पितृमुक्तये। स्नात्वाथ तर्प्पणं कुर्याद्देवादीनां यथाविधि

tatra snātvā nyaṁkumatyāṁ siddhaye pitṛmuktaye| snātvātha tarppaṇaṁ kuryāddevādīnāṁ yathāvidhi

Having bathed there in the Nyankumati, for success and for the liberation of his ancestors, and having bathed, he should then perform tarpana for the gods and others, according to rule.

Verse 32 (skanda.7.336.32)

ब्रह्मादिस्तंबपर्यंता देवर्षिमनुमानवाः। तृप्यन्तु पितरः सर्वे मातृमातामहादयः

brahmādistaṁbaparyaṁtā devarṣimanumānavāḥ| tṛpyantu pitaraḥ sarve mātṛmātāmahādayaḥ

From Brahma down to the blade of grass, gods, sages, Manus and mankind — may all be satisfied; may all the ancestors, the mother's lineage, the maternal grandfather and the rest, be satisfied.

Verse 33 (skanda.7.336.33)

एवं संतर्प्य विधिना कृत्वा होमादिकं नरः। श्राद्धं सपिण्डकं कुर्यात्स्वतंत्रोक्तविधानतः

evaṁ saṁtarpya vidhinā kṛtvā homādikaṁ naraḥ| śrāddhaṁ sapiṇḍakaṁ kuryātsvataṁtroktavidhānataḥ

Having thus duly performed the tarpana, and having performed the homa and the rest, a man should perform the shraddha together with the pinda-offering, according to the rule stated in the authoritative texts.

Verse 34 (skanda.7.336.34)

आमन्त्र्य ब्राह्मणांस्तत्र शास्त्रजान्दोषवर्जितान्। एवं कृतोपचारस्तु इमं मन्त्रमुदीरयेत्

āmantrya brāhmaṇāṁstatra śāstrajāndoṣavarjitān| evaṁ kṛtopacārastu imaṁ mantramudīrayet

Having invited brahmins there, learned in the scriptures and free of blemish, and having thus performed the rites of hospitality, he should recite this mantra:

Verse 35 (skanda.7.336.35)

कव्यवाडनलः सोमो यमश्चैवार्यमा तथा। अग्निष्वात्ता बर्हिषदः सोमपाः पितृदेवताः। आगच्छन्तु महाभागा युष्माभी रक्षिताः त्विह

kavyavāḍanalaḥ somo yamaścaivāryamā tathā| agniṣvāttā barhiṣadaḥ somapāḥ pitṛdevatāḥ| āgacchantu mahābhāgā yuṣmābhī rakṣitāḥ tviha

May the fire that carries the offerings, Soma, Yama and Aryaman, and the Agnishvattas, Barhishads and Somapas — the ancestor-deities, O illustrious ones — come here, protected here by you.

Verse 36 (skanda.7.336.36)

मदीयाः पितरो ये च कुले जाताः सनाभयः। तेषां पिण्डप्रदाताऽहमागतोऽस्मिन्पितामहाः

madīyāḥ pitaro ye ca kule jātāḥ sanābhayaḥ| teṣāṁ piṇḍapradātā'hamāgato'sminpitāmahāḥ

Whoever are my ancestors, born of my own lineage and kin, O forefathers, I have come here as the giver of the pinda to them.

Verse 37 (skanda.7.336.37)

एवमुक्त्वा महादेवि इमं मन्त्रमुदीरयेत्

evamuktvā mahādevi imaṁ mantramudīrayet

Having said this, O great Goddess, he should recite this mantra:

Verse 38 (skanda.7.336.38)

पिता पितामहश्चैव तथैव प्रपितामहः। माता पितामही चैव तथैव प्रपितामही

pitā pitāmahaścaiva tathaiva prapitāmahaḥ| mātā pitāmahī caiva tathaiva prapitāmahī

Father, grandfather, and likewise great-grandfather; mother, grandmother, and likewise great-grandmother.

Verse 39 (skanda.7.336.39)

मातामहः प्रमाता च तथा वृद्धप्रमातृकः। तेषां पिंडो मया दत्तो ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठताम्

mātāmahaḥ pramātā ca tathā vṛddhapramātṛkaḥ| teṣāṁ piṁḍo mayā datto hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatām

Maternal grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, and likewise the elder great-great-grandfather — may the pinda given by me to them stand imperishable.

Verse 40 (skanda.7.336.40)

ॐ नमो भानवे भर्त्रेऽब्जभौमसोमरूपिणे। एवं नत्वाऽर्चयित्वा तु इमां स्तुतिमथो पठेत्

oṁ namo bhānave bhartre'bjabhaumasomarūpiṇe| evaṁ natvā'rcayitvā tu imāṁ stutimatho paṭhet

'Om, salutation to the sustaining Sun, of the form of the lotus, the glowing coal and the moon.' Having thus bowed and worshipped, he should then recite this hymn of praise.

Verse 41 (skanda.7.336.41)

तत्र गोष्पदसामीप्ये चरुणा सुशृतेन च। पितॄणामनाथानां च मंत्रैः पिंडांश्च निर्वपेत्

tatra goṣpadasāmīpye caruṇā suśṛtena ca| pitṝṇāmanāthānāṁ ca maṁtraiḥ piṁḍāṁśca nirvapet

There, near Goshpada, with well-cooked oblation-rice, he should offer pindas with mantras for the ancestors and for the destitute dead.

Verse 42 (skanda.7.336.42)

अस्मत्कुले मृता ये च गतिर्येषां न विद्यते। रौरवे चांधतामिस्रे कालसूत्रे च ये गताः। तेषामुद्धरणार्थाय इमं पिंडं ददाम्यहम्

asmatkule mṛtā ye ca gatiryeṣāṁ na vidyate| raurave cāṁdhatāmisre kālasūtre ca ye gatāḥ| teṣāmuddharaṇārthāya imaṁ piṁḍaṁ dadāmyaham

'Whoever has died in our family and has attained no destination, whoever has gone to the hells of Raurava, Andhatamisra and Kalasutra — for their deliverance I give this pinda.'

Verse 43 (skanda.7.336.43)

अनेकयातनासंस्थाः प्रेतलोकेषु ये गताः। तेषामुद्धरणार्थाय इमं पिंडं ददाम्यहम्

anekayātanāsaṁsthāḥ pretalokeṣu ye gatāḥ| teṣāmuddharaṇārthāya imaṁ piṁḍaṁ dadāmyaham

'Whoever has gone to the realms of the departed, subject to manifold torments — for their deliverance I give this pinda.'

Verse 44 (skanda.7.336.44)

पशुयोनिगता ये च ये च कीटसरीसृपाः। अथवा वृक्षयोनिस्थास्तेभ्यः पिंडं ददाम्यहम्

paśuyonigatā ye ca ye ca kīṭasarīsṛpāḥ| athavā vṛkṣayonisthāstebhyaḥ piṁḍaṁ dadāmyaham

'Whoever has gone into the animal state, whoever are insects and reptiles, or stand in the state of trees — to them I give this pinda.'

Verse 45 (skanda.7.336.45)

असंख्या यातनासंस्था ये नीता यमशासकैः। तेषामुद्धरणार्थाय इमं पिंडं ददाम्यहम्

asaṁkhyā yātanāsaṁsthā ye nītā yamaśāsakaiḥ| teṣāmuddharaṇārthāya imaṁ piṁḍaṁ dadāmyaham

'Whoever, subject to countless torments, has been led away by the officers of Yama — for their deliverance I give this pinda.'

Verse 46 (skanda.7.336.46)

येऽबांधवा बांधवा ये येऽन्यजन्मनि बांधवाः। ते सर्वे तृप्तिमायांतु पिंडेनानेन सर्वदा

ye'bāṁdhavā bāṁdhavā ye ye'nyajanmani bāṁdhavāḥ| te sarve tṛptimāyāṁtu piṁḍenānena sarvadā

'Whoever are not kin, whoever are kin, and whoever were kin in other births — may all of them ever attain satisfaction through this pinda.'

Verse 47 (skanda.7.336.47)

ये केचित्प्रेतरूपेण वर्त्तंते पितरो मम। ते सर्वे तृप्तिमायांतु पिंडेनानेन सर्वदा

ye kecitpretarūpeṇa varttaṁte pitaro mama| te sarve tṛptimāyāṁtu piṁḍenānena sarvadā

'Whatever ancestors of mine remain in the form of departed spirits — may all of them ever attain satisfaction through this pinda.'

Verse 48 (skanda.7.336.48)

दिव्यांतरिक्षभूमिस्थपितरो बांधवादयः। मृताश्चासंस्कृता ये च तेषां पिंडोस्तु मुक्तये

divyāṁtarikṣabhūmisthapitaro bāṁdhavādayaḥ| mṛtāścāsaṁskṛtā ye ca teṣāṁ piṁḍostu muktaye

Ancestors and kinsmen dwelling in heaven, in the intermediate space, and on earth, and those who died without the proper rites — for their liberation let this pinda be.

Verse 49 (skanda.7.336.49)

पितृवंशे मृता ये च मातृवंशे तथैव च। गुरुश्वशुरबंधूनां ये चान्ये बांधवा मृताः

pitṛvaṁśe mṛtā ye ca mātṛvaṁśe tathaiva ca| guruśvaśurabaṁdhūnāṁ ye cānye bāṁdhavā mṛtāḥ

Whoever has died in the paternal lineage, and likewise in the maternal lineage, and whatever other kinsmen of one's teacher, father-in-law and relatives have died,

Verse 50 (skanda.7.336.50)

ये मे कुले लुप्तपिंडाः पुत्रदारविवर्जिताः। क्रियालोपगता ये च जात्यंधाः पंगवस्तथा

ye me kule luptapiṁḍāḥ putradāravivarjitāḥ| kriyālopagatā ye ca jātyaṁdhāḥ paṁgavastathā

whoever in my family have lost their pinda-offerings, who are without son or wife, who have lapsed from the proper rites, who were born blind or lame —

Verse 51 (skanda.7.336.51)

विरूपा आमगर्भा येऽज्ञाता ज्ञाताः कुले मम। तेषां पिंडो मया दत्तो ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठताम्

virūpā āmagarbhā ye'jñātā jñātāḥ kule mama| teṣāṁ piṁḍo mayā datto hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatām

whoever were deformed, whoever perished still in the womb, whether known or unknown in my family — may this pinda given by me to them stand imperishable.

Verse 52 (skanda.7.336.52)

प्रेतत्वात्पितरो मुक्ता भवंतु मम शाश्वतम्। यत्किंचिन्मधुसमिश्रं गोक्षीरं घृतपायसम्

pretatvātpitaro muktā bhavaṁtu mama śāśvatam| yatkiṁcinmadhusamiśraṁ gokṣīraṁ ghṛtapāyasam

May my ancestors be freed forever from the state of departed spirits. Whatever honey-mixed cow's milk, ghee and rice-pudding there is —

Verse 53 (skanda.7.336.53)

अक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठेत्तत्त्वस्मिंस्तीर्थे तु गोष्पदे। स्वाध्यायं श्रावयेत्तत्र पुराणान्यखिलान्यपि

akṣayyamupatiṣṭhettattvasmiṁstīrthe tu goṣpade| svādhyāyaṁ śrāvayettatra purāṇānyakhilānyapi

may that stand imperishable in this tirtha of Goshpada. There one should also have recited the Vedic study and all of the Puranas.

Verse 54 (skanda.7.336.54)

ब्रह्मविष्ण्वर्करुद्राणां स्तवानि विविधानि च। ऐंद्राणि सोमसूक्तानि पावमानीश्च शक्तितः

brahmaviṣṇvarkarudrāṇāṁ stavāni vividhāni ca| aiṁdrāṇi somasūktāni pāvamānīśca śaktitaḥ

Various hymns of Brahma, Vishnu, Surya and Rudra, the Indra hymns, the Soma hymns, and the Pavamani hymns — according to one's ability.

Verse 55 (skanda.7.336.55)

बृहद्रथंतरं तद्वज्ज्येष्ठसाम सरौरवम्। तथैव शांतिकाध्यायं मधुब्राह्मणमेव च

bṛhadrathaṁtaraṁ tadvajjyeṣṭhasāma sarauravam| tathaiva śāṁtikādhyāyaṁ madhubrāhmaṇameva ca

The Brihat and Rathantara Samans, likewise the Jyeshtha-saman and the Raurava, and also the chapter of Shanti and the Madhu-brahmana.

Verse 56 (skanda.7.336.56)

मंडलं ब्राह्मणं तत्र प्रीतकारि च यत्पुनः। विप्राणामात्मनश्चैव तत्सर्वं समुदीरयेत्

maṁḍalaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ tatra prītakāri ca yatpunaḥ| viprāṇāmātmanaścaiva tatsarvaṁ samudīrayet

The Mandala-brahmana there, and whatever else pleases the brahmins and oneself, all of that should be recited.

Verse 57 (skanda.7.336.57)

एवं न्यंकुमतीमध्ये गोष्पदे तीर्थ उत्तमे। दत्त्वा पिंडांश्च विधिवत्पुनर्मंत्रमिमं पठेत्

evaṁ nyaṁkumatīmadhye goṣpade tīrtha uttame| dattvā piṁḍāṁśca vidhivatpunarmaṁtramimaṁ paṭhet

Thus, in the midst of the Nyankumati, at the excellent tirtha of Goshpada, having duly offered the pindas, he should then recite this mantra:

Verse 58 (skanda.7.336.58)

साक्षिणः संतु मे देवा ब्रह्माद्या ऋषिपुंगवाः। मयेदं तीर्थमासाद्य पितॄणां निष्कृतिः कृता

sākṣiṇaḥ saṁtu me devā brahmādyā ṛṣipuṁgavāḥ| mayedaṁ tīrthamāsādya pitṝṇāṁ niṣkṛtiḥ kṛtā

'Let the gods, Brahma and the rest, and the foremost sages, be my witnesses; having reached this tirtha, I have accomplished the deliverance of my ancestors.'

Verse 59 (skanda.7.336.59)

आगतोऽस्मि इदं तीर्थं पितृकार्ये सुरोत्तमाः। भवंतु साक्षिणः सर्वे मुक्तश्चाहमृणत्रयात्

āgato'smi idaṁ tīrthaṁ pitṛkārye surottamāḥ| bhavaṁtu sākṣiṇaḥ sarve muktaścāhamṛṇatrayāt

'I have come to this tirtha, O best of gods, for the sake of my ancestors' rites; let all of you be witnesses — I am freed from the three debts.'

Verse 60 (skanda.7.336.60)

एवं प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य गोष्पदं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। विप्रेभ्यो दक्षिणां दत्त्वा नद्यां पिंडान्विसर्जयेत्

evaṁ pradakṣiṇīkṛtya goṣpadaṁ tīrthamuttamam| viprebhyo dakṣiṇāṁ dattvā nadyāṁ piṁḍānvisarjayet

Having thus circumambulated the excellent tirtha of Goshpada, and given a fee to the brahmins, he should then release the pindas into the river.

Verse 61 (skanda.7.336.61)

गोदानं तत्र देयं तु तद्वत्कृष्णाजिनं प्रिये। अष्टकासु च वृद्धौ च गयायां मृतवासरे

godānaṁ tatra deyaṁ tu tadvatkṛṣṇājinaṁ priye| aṣṭakāsu ca vṛddhau ca gayāyāṁ mṛtavāsare

A cow should be given there, and likewise a black antelope skin, O beloved — on the ashtaka days, at a vriddhi-shraddha, at Gaya, and on the day of a death.

Verse 62 (skanda.7.336.62)

अत्र मातुः पृथक्छ्राद्धमन्यत्र पतिना सह। वृद्धिश्राद्धे तु मात्रादि गयायां पितृपूर्वकम्

atra mātuḥ pṛthakchrāddhamanyatra patinā saha| vṛddhiśrāddhe tu mātrādi gayāyāṁ pitṛpūrvakam

Here the mother's shraddha is performed separately, not together with the father's — elsewhere it is done together with the husband's. At a vriddhi-shraddha the mother and others come first; at Gaya, the ancestors come first.

Verse 63 (skanda.7.336.63)

गयावदत्रैव पुनः श्राद्धं कार्यं नरोत्तमैः। तस्माद्गुप्तगया प्रोक्ता इयं सा विष्णुना स्वयम्

gayāvadatraiva punaḥ śrāddhaṁ kāryaṁ narottamaiḥ| tasmādguptagayā proktā iyaṁ sā viṣṇunā svayam

Best of men should again perform shraddha here just as at Gaya; therefore this has itself been called Gupta-Gaya (the hidden Gaya) by Vishnu.

Verse 64 (skanda.7.336.64)

गंधदानेन गंधाप्तिः सौभाग्यं पुष्पदानतः। धूपदानेन राज्याप्तिर्दीप्तिर्दीपप्रदानतः

gaṁdhadānena gaṁdhāptiḥ saubhāgyaṁ puṣpadānataḥ| dhūpadānena rājyāptirdīptirdīpapradānataḥ

From the gift of fragrance comes the attainment of fragrance, from the gift of flowers comes good fortune; from the gift of incense comes the attainment of kingship, from the gift of a lamp comes radiance.

Verse 65 (skanda.7.336.65)

ध्वजदानात्पापहानिर्यात्राकृद्ब्रह्मलोकभाक्। श्राद्धपिंडप्रदो लोके विष्णुर्नेष्यति वै पितॄन्

dhvajadānātpāpahāniryātrākṛdbrahmalokabhāk| śrāddhapiṁḍaprado loke viṣṇurneṣyati vai pitṝn

From the gift of a banner comes the destruction of sin, and the pilgrim becomes a sharer of Brahma's world. Vishnu himself leads the ancestors of the one who offers the shraddha-pinda in the world.

Verse 66 (skanda.7.336.66)

एकं यो भोजयेत्तत्र ब्राह्मणं शंसितव्रतम्। गोप्रचारे महातीर्थे कोटिर्भवति भोजिता

ekaṁ yo bhojayettatra brāhmaṇaṁ śaṁsitavratam| gopracāre mahātīrthe koṭirbhavati bhojitā

Whoever feeds a single brahmin of praiseworthy vows there, at the cow-pasture's great tirtha, it becomes as if a crore had been fed.

Verse 67 (skanda.7.336.67)

इति संक्षेपतः प्रोक्तस्तत्र श्राद्धविधिस्तव। अथ ते कथयिष्यामि इतिहासं पुरातनम्

iti saṁkṣepataḥ proktastatra śrāddhavidhistava| atha te kathayiṣyāmi itihāsaṁ purātanam

Thus the rule of shraddha there has been told to you in brief. Now I shall tell you the ancient legend.

Verse 68 (skanda.7.336.68)

वेनस्य राज्ञश्चरितं पृथोश्चैव महात्मनः। यथा तत्राभवन्मुक्तिस्तस्य चांडालयोनितः। तत्सर्वं शृणु देवेशि सम्यक्छ्रद्धासमान्विता

venasya rājñaścaritaṁ pṛthoścaiva mahātmanaḥ| yathā tatrābhavanmuktistasya cāṁḍālayonitaḥ| tatsarvaṁ śṛṇu deveśi samyakchraddhāsamānvitā

The story of King Vena and the great-souled Prithu, and how his liberation from a chandala-like birth came about there — hear all of that fully, O Deveshi, with faith.

Verse 69 (skanda.7.336.69)

पिशुनाय न पापाय नाशिष्यायाहिताय च। कथनीयमिदं पुण्यं नाव्रताय कथंचन

piśunāya na pāpāya nāśiṣyāyāhitāya ca| kathanīyamidaṁ puṇyaṁ nāvratāya kathaṁcana

This sacred account should not be told to a slanderer, to a sinner, to one who is not a disciple, or to one who is malevolent; nor in any way to one without vows.

Verse 70 (skanda.7.336.70)

स्वर्ग्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं धन्यं वेदेन संमितम्। रहस्यमृषिभिः प्रोक्तं शृणुयाद्योऽनसूयकः

svargyaṁ yaśasyamāyuṣyaṁ dhanyaṁ vedena saṁmitam| rahasyamṛṣibhiḥ proktaṁ śṛṇuyādyo'nasūyakaḥ

It is conducive to heaven, to fame, to long life, and blessed, held equal to the Veda — a secret spoken by the sages; whoever, free of envy, hears it, benefits.

Verse 71 (skanda.7.336.71)

यश्चैनं श्रावयेन्मर्त्यः पृथोर्वैन्यस्य संभवम्। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो नमस्कृत्वा न स शोचेत्कृताऽकृते

yaścainaṁ śrāvayenmartyaḥ pṛthorvainyasya saṁbhavam| brāhmaṇebhyo namaskṛtvā na sa śocetkṛtā'kṛte

Whatever mortal recites to others this account of the birth of Prithu, son of Vena, having paid homage to brahmins, need never grieve over what he has done or left undone.

Verse 72 (skanda.7.336.72)

गोप्ता धर्मस्य राजाऽसौ बभौ चात्रिसमप्रभः। अत्रिवंशसमुत्पन्नो ह्यंगो नाम प्रजापतिः

goptā dharmasya rājā'sau babhau cātrisamaprabhaḥ| atrivaṁśasamutpanno hyaṁgo nāma prajāpatiḥ

A guardian of dharma, that king shone with a splendour equal to Atri's; there arose in the lineage of Atri a Prajapati named Anga.

Verse 73 (skanda.7.336.73)

तस्य पुत्रोऽभवेद्वेनो नात्यर्थं धार्मिकस्तथा। जातो मृत्युसुतायां वै सुनीथायां प्रजापतिः

tasya putro'bhavedveno nātyarthaṁ dhārmikastathā| jāto mṛtyusutāyāṁ vai sunīthāyāṁ prajāpatiḥ

His son was Vena, who was not very righteous; he, the Prajapati, was born of Sunitha, the daughter of Death.

Verse 74 (skanda.7.336.74)

समातामहदोषेण तेन कालात्मकाननः। स धर्मं पृष्ठतः कृत्वा पापबुद्धिरजायत

samātāmahadoṣeṇa tena kālātmakānanaḥ| sa dharmaṁ pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā pāpabuddhirajāyata

Because of the fault inherited from his maternal grandfather, his face bore the nature of Death itself; turning his back on dharma, he became evil-minded.

Verse 75 (skanda.7.336.75)

स्थितिमुत्थापयामास धर्मोपेतां सनातनीम्। वेदशास्त्राण्यतिक्रम्य ह्यधर्मनिरतोऽभवत्

sthitimutthāpayāmāsa dharmopetāṁ sanātanīm| vedaśāstrāṇyatikramya hyadharmanirato'bhavat

He overturned the eternal order founded upon dharma; transgressing the Vedas and the scriptures, he became devoted to unrighteousness.

Verse 76 (skanda.7.336.76)

निःस्वाध्यायवषट्काराः प्रजास्तस्मिन्प्रशासति। डिंडिमं घोषयामास स राजा विषये स्वके

niḥsvādhyāyavaṣaṭkārāḥ prajāstasminpraśāsati| ḍiṁḍimaṁ ghoṣayāmāsa sa rājā viṣaye svake

Under his rule, the people ceased Vedic study and the sacrificial cry of 'vashat'; that king had a drum sounded throughout his realm, proclaiming —

Verse 77 (skanda.7.336.77)

न दातव्यं न यष्टव्यं मयि राज्यं प्रशासति। आसीत्प्रतिज्ञा क्रूरेयं विनाशे प्रत्युपस्थिते

na dātavyaṁ na yaṣṭavyaṁ mayi rājyaṁ praśāsati| āsītpratijñā krūreyaṁ vināśe pratyupasthite

'While I rule the kingdom, no gift is to be given, no sacrifice is to be performed.' Such was the cruel decree he made, as his own ruin drew near.

Verse 78 (skanda.7.336.78)

अहमीड्यश्च पूज्यश्च सर्वयज्ञैर्द्विजोत्तमैः। मयि यज्ञा विधातव्या मयि होतव्यमित्यपि

ahamīḍyaśca pūjyaśca sarvayajñairdvijottamaiḥ| mayi yajñā vidhātavyā mayi hotavyamityapi

'I alone am to be praised and worshipped by the best of the twice-born, with every sacrifice; sacrifices should be performed unto me, and oblations offered into me alone.'

Verse 79 (skanda.7.336.79)

तमतिक्रांतमर्यादं प्रजापीडनतत्परम्। ऊचुर्महर्षयः क्रुद्धा मरीचिप्रमुखास्तदा

tamatikrāṁtamaryādaṁ prajāpīḍanatatparam| ūcurmaharṣayaḥ kruddhā marīcipramukhāstadā

To him, who had transgressed all bounds and was intent on oppressing the people, the great sages, led by Marichi, then said in anger:

Verse 80 (skanda.7.336.80)

माऽधर्मं वेन कार्षीस्त्वं नैष धर्मः सनातनः। अत्रेर्वंशे प्रसूतोऽसि प्रजापतिरसंशयम्

mā'dharmaṁ vena kārṣīstvaṁ naiṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ| atrervaṁśe prasūto'si prajāpatirasaṁśayam

'O Vena, do not commit unrighteousness — this is not the eternal dharma. You are, without doubt, a Prajapati born in the lineage of Atri.'

Verse 81 (skanda.7.336.81)

पालयिष्ये प्रजाश्चेति पूर्वं ते समयः कृतः। तांस्तथावादिनः सर्वान्ब्रह्मर्षीनब्रवीत्तदा

pālayiṣye prajāśceti pūrvaṁ te samayaḥ kṛtaḥ| tāṁstathāvādinaḥ sarvānbrahmarṣīnabravīttadā

'I shall protect the people' — such was the vow you made before.' To all those brahmarshis who spoke thus, he then said:

Verse 82 (skanda.7.336.82)

वेनः प्रहस्य दुर्बुद्धिरिदं वचनकोविदः। स्रष्टा धर्मस्य कश्चान्यः श्रोतव्यं कस्य वा मया

venaḥ prahasya durbuddhiridaṁ vacanakovidaḥ| sraṣṭā dharmasya kaścānyaḥ śrotavyaṁ kasya vā mayā

Vena, evil-minded but skilled in speech, laughed and said: 'Who else is the creator of dharma? Whose word have I to heed?'

Verse 83 (skanda.7.336.83)

वीर्यश्रुततपःसत्यैर्मयान्यः कः समो भुवि। मदात्मानो न नूनं मां यूयं जानीथ तत्त्वतः

vīryaśrutatapaḥsatyairmayānyaḥ kaḥ samo bhuvi| madātmāno na nūnaṁ māṁ yūyaṁ jānītha tattvataḥ

'In valour, sacred learning, austerity and truth, who else on earth is equal to me? Truly you do not know me as I really am, being yourselves possessed of your own pride.'

Verse 84 (skanda.7.336.84)

प्रभवं सर्वलोकानां धर्माणां च विशेषतः। इत्थं देहेन पृथिवीं भावेन यजनेन च

prabhavaṁ sarvalokānāṁ dharmāṇāṁ ca viśeṣataḥ| itthaṁ dehena pṛthivīṁ bhāvena yajanena ca

'I am the very source of all worlds and especially of the dharmas. Thus, by my body, by my will, and by sacrifice, I —'

Verse 85 (skanda.7.336.85)

सृजेयं च ग्रसेयं च नात्र कार्या विचारणा। यदा न शक्यते स्तंभान्मत्तश्चैव विमोहितः

sṛjeyaṁ ca graseyaṁ ca nātra kāryā vicāraṇā| yadā na śakyate staṁbhānmattaścaiva vimohitaḥ

'— create and also devour; there is nothing to deliberate here.' When it proved impossible to dissuade King Vena, who was deluded by pride and arrogance,

Verse 86 (skanda.7.336.86)

अनुनेतुं नृपो वेनस्तत्र क्रुद्धा महर्षयः। आथर्वणेन मंत्रेण हत्वा तं ते महाबलम्

anunetuṁ nṛpo venastatra kruddhā maharṣayaḥ| ātharvaṇena maṁtreṇa hatvā taṁ te mahābalam

the great sages, enraged there, slew that mighty king by means of an Atharvan mantra.

Verse 87 (skanda.7.336.87)

ततोऽस्य वामबाहुं ते ममंथुर्भृशकोपिताः। तस्माच्च मथ्यमानाद्वै जज्ञे पूर्वमिति श्रुतिः

tato'sya vāmabāhuṁ te mamaṁthurbhṛśakopitāḥ| tasmācca mathyamānādvai jajñe pūrvamiti śrutiḥ

Then, greatly enraged, they churned his left arm; from that churning, it is heard, there was first born —

Verse 88 (skanda.7.336.88)

ह्रस्वोऽतिमात्रः पुरुषः कृष्णश्चापि तदा प्रिये। स भीतः प्राञ्जलिश्चैव तस्थिवान्संमुखे प्रिये

hrasvo'timātraḥ puruṣaḥ kṛṣṇaścāpi tadā priye| sa bhītaḥ prāñjaliścaiva tasthivānsaṁmukhe priye

an extremely short, dark man, O beloved; he, frightened, stood before them with joined palms, O beloved.

Verse 89 (skanda.7.336.89)

तमात्तं विह्वलं दृष्ट्वा निषीदेत्यब्रुवन्किल। निषादो वंशकर्ता वै तेनाभूत्पृथुविक्रमः

tamāttaṁ vihvalaṁ dṛṣṭvā niṣīdetyabruvankila| niṣādo vaṁśakartā vai tenābhūtpṛthuvikramaḥ

Seeing him thus bewildered, they said 'Sit down (nishida)!' By that he became the Nishada, the founder of a lineage, of vast prowess.

Verse 90 (skanda.7.336.90)

धीवरानसृजच्चापि वेनपापसमुद्भवान्। ये चान्ये विन्ध्यनिलयास्तथा वै तुंबराः खसाः

dhīvarānasṛjaccāpi venapāpasamudbhavān| ye cānye vindhyanilayāstathā vai tuṁbarāḥ khasāḥ

He also brought forth the fisherman tribes, born of Vena's sin, and other tribes as well — the dwellers of the Vindhya, the Tumburas, the Khasas,

Verse 91 (skanda.7.336.91)

अधर्मे रुचयश्चापि वर्द्धिता वेनपापजाः। पुनर्महर्षयस्तेऽथ पाणिं वेनस्य दक्षिणम्

adharme rucayaścāpi varddhitā venapāpajāḥ| punarmaharṣayaste'tha pāṇiṁ venasya dakṣiṇam

races given to unrighteousness, sprung from Vena's sin, all multiplied. Then those great sages again took Vena's right hand —

Verse 92 (skanda.7.336.92)

अरणीमिव संरब्धा ममंथुर्जातमन्यवः। पृथुस्तस्मात्समुत्पन्नः कराज्ज्वलनसंनिभः

araṇīmiva saṁrabdhā mamaṁthurjātamanyavaḥ| pṛthustasmātsamutpannaḥ karājjvalanasaṁnibhaḥ

and, filled with anger, churned it as one churns fire-sticks; from it, from that hand, Prithu arose, blazing like fire.

Verse 93 (skanda.7.336.93)

पृथोः करतलाच्चापि यस्माज्जातस्ततः पृथुः। दीप्यमानश्च वपुषा साक्षादग्निरिव ज्वलन्

pṛthoḥ karatalāccāpi yasmājjātastataḥ pṛthuḥ| dīpyamānaśca vapuṣā sākṣādagniriva jvalan

Because he was born from the palm (prithu) of the hand, he was thereby named Prithu; radiant in body, blazing like fire itself,

Verse 94 (skanda.7.336.94)

धनुराजगवं गृह्य शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान्। खङ्गं च रक्षन्रक्षार्थं कवचं च महाप्रभम्

dhanurājagavaṁ gṛhya śarāṁścāśīviṣopamān| khaṅgaṁ ca rakṣanrakṣārthaṁ kavacaṁ ca mahāprabham

holding the bow Ajagava and arrows like venomous serpents, and a sword, and wearing a mighty, radiant armour for protection.

Verse 95 (skanda.7.336.95)

तस्मिञ्जातेऽथ भूतानि संप्रहृष्टानि सर्वशः। संबभूवुर्महादेवि वेनश्च त्रिदिवं गतः

tasmiñjāte'tha bhūtāni saṁprahṛṣṭāni sarvaśaḥ| saṁbabhūvurmahādevi venaśca tridivaṁ gataḥ

When he was born, all beings became exceedingly delighted in every way, O great Goddess, and Vena himself went to the third heaven.

Verse 96 (skanda.7.336.96)

ततो नद्यः समुद्राश्च रत्नान्यादाय सर्वशः। अभिषेकाय ते सर्वे राजानमुपतस्थिरे

tato nadyaḥ samudrāśca ratnānyādāya sarvaśaḥ| abhiṣekāya te sarve rājānamupatasthire

Then the rivers and the oceans, bringing every kind of jewel, all presented themselves before that king for his consecration.

Verse 97 (skanda.7.336.97)

पितामहश्च भगवानृषिभिश्च सहामरैः। स्थावराणि च भूतानि जंगमानि च सर्वशः

pitāmahaśca bhagavānṛṣibhiśca sahāmaraiḥ| sthāvarāṇi ca bhūtāni jaṁgamāni ca sarvaśaḥ

The Grandsire Lord Brahma too, together with the sages and the immortals, and all beings, both moving and unmoving —

Verse 98 (skanda.7.336.98)

समागम्य तदा वैन्यमभ्यषिंचन्नराधिपम्। सोऽभिषिक्तो महातेजा देवैरंगिरसादिभिः

samāgamya tadā vainyamabhyaṣiṁcannarādhipam| so'bhiṣikto mahātejā devairaṁgirasādibhiḥ

all gathered together and consecrated that king, the son of Vena; he, of great splendour, was consecrated by the gods, Angiras and the rest.

Verse 99 (skanda.7.336.99)

अधिराज्ये महाभागः पृथुर्वैन्यः प्रतापवान्। पित्रा न रंजिताश्चास्य प्रजा वैन्येन रंजिताः

adhirājye mahābhāgaḥ pṛthurvainyaḥ pratāpavān| pitrā na raṁjitāścāsya prajā vainyena raṁjitāḥ

The greatly fortunate and mighty Prithu, son of Vena, became sovereign over the kingdom; the people, who had not been pleased by his father, were pleased by the son of Vena.

Verse 100 (skanda.7.336.100)

ततो राजेति नामास्य अनुरागादजायत। आपः स्तस्तंभिरे चास्य समुद्रमभियास्यतः

tato rājeti nāmāsya anurāgādajāyata| āpaḥ stastaṁbhire cāsya samudramabhiyāsyataḥ

Then, from the people's devotion, his name 'Raja' (king, one who pleases) arose; even the waters stood still for him as he advanced toward the ocean.

Verse 101 (skanda.7.336.101)

पर्वताश्चापि शीर्यंते ध्वजसंगोऽपि नाऽभवत्। अकृष्टपच्या पृथिवी सिध्यंत्यन्नानि चिंतया। सर्वकामदुघा गावः पुटकेपुटके मधु

parvatāścāpi śīryaṁte dhvajasaṁgo'pi nā'bhavat| akṛṣṭapacyā pṛthivī sidhyaṁtyannāni ciṁtayā| sarvakāmadughā gāvaḥ puṭakepuṭake madhu

Even mountains crumbled before him, and no banner ever caught or tangled; the earth yielded crops without being ploughed, foods were accomplished by mere thought; cows granted every desire, and honey filled every vessel.

Verse 102 (skanda.7.336.102)

तस्मिन्नेव तदा काले पुनर्जज्ञेऽथ मागधः। सामगेषु च गायत्सु स्रुग्भांडाद्वैश्वदेविकात्

tasminneva tadā kāle punarjajñe'tha māgadhaḥ| sāmageṣu ca gāyatsu srugbhāṁḍādvaiśvadevikāt

At that same time, the Magadha too was born again — from the ladle-vessel of the offering, from the Vaishvadeva oblation, while the Samagas sang the Saman chants.

Verse 103 (skanda.7.336.103)

सामगेषु समुत्पन्नस्तस्मान्मगध उच्यते। ऐंद्रेण हविषा चापि हविः पृक्तं बृहस्पतिः

sāmageṣu samutpannastasmānmagadha ucyate| aiṁdreṇa haviṣā cāpi haviḥ pṛktaṁ bṛhaspatiḥ

Having arisen amid the Saman chants, he is called Magadha. And Brihaspati, the oblation being mixed with the Indra-oblation —

Verse 104 (skanda.7.336.104)

यदा जुहाव चेंद्राय ततस्ततो व्यजायत। प्रमादस्तत्र संजज्ञे प्रायश्चित्तं च कर्मसु

yadā juhāva ceṁdrāya tatastato vyajāyata| pramādastatra saṁjajñe prāyaścittaṁ ca karmasu

— when he offered that into the fire for Indra, then he was born from it. An error occurred there, and expiation became necessary in the rites.

Verse 105 (skanda.7.336.105)

शेषहव्येन यत्पृक्तमभिभूतं गुरोर्हविः। अधरोत्तरस्वारेण जज्ञे तद्वर्णवैकृतम्

śeṣahavyena yatpṛktamabhibhūtaṁ gurorhaviḥ| adharottarasvāreṇa jajñe tadvarṇavaikṛtam

Mixed with the remaining oblation, the teacher's offering was overpowered; from that flaw of a wrongly raised or lowered accent, a being of mixed caste was born.

Verse 106 (skanda.7.336.106)

यज्ञस्तस्यां समभवद्ब्राह्मण्यां क्षत्रयोनितः। ततः पूर्वेण साधर्म्यात्तुल्यधर्माः प्रकीर्त्तिताः

yajñastasyāṁ samabhavadbrāhmaṇyāṁ kṣatrayonitaḥ| tataḥ pūrveṇa sādharmyāttulyadharmāḥ prakīrttitāḥ

He (this being) arose from a kshatriya source in that brahmin woman — thus was Yajna (ancestor of the Suta caste) born. Because of the shared character with the earlier one (Magadha), they are declared to have an equal status.

Verse 107 (skanda.7.336.107)

मध्यमो ह्येष तत्त्वस्य धर्मः क्षत्रोपजीवनम्। रथनागाश्वचरितं जघन्यं च चिकित्सितम्

madhyamo hyeṣa tattvasya dharmaḥ kṣatropajīvanam| rathanāgāśvacaritaṁ jaghanyaṁ ca cikitsitam

Living by service to kshatriyas is, in truth, their middling occupation; tending chariots, elephants and horses, and the practice of medicine, is their lowest.

Verse 108 (skanda.7.336.108)

पृथोः कथार्थं तौ तत्र समाहूतौ महर्षिभिः। तावूचुर्मुनयः सर्वे स्तूयतामिति पार्थिवः

pṛthoḥ kathārthaṁ tau tatra samāhūtau maharṣibhiḥ| tāvūcurmunayaḥ sarve stūyatāmiti pārthivaḥ

For the sake of Prithu's story, those two were summoned there by the great sages. All the sages said to them: 'Let this king be praised.'

Verse 109 (skanda.7.336.109)

कर्मभिश्चानुरूपो हि यतोयं पृथिवीपतिः। तानूचतुस्तदा सर्वानृषींश्च सूतमागधौ

karmabhiścānurūpo hi yatoyaṁ pṛthivīpatiḥ| tānūcatustadā sarvānṛṣīṁśca sūtamāgadhau

'for by his deeds this lord of the earth is worthy of it.' Then the Suta and the Magadha said to all those sages:

Verse 110 (skanda.7.336.110)

आवां देवानृषींश्चैव प्रीणयाव स्वकर्मभिः। न चास्य विद्वो वै कर्म न तथा लक्षणं यश

āvāṁ devānṛṣīṁścaiva prīṇayāva svakarmabhiḥ| na cāsya vidvo vai karma na tathā lakṣaṇaṁ yaśa

'We two please the gods and the sages by our own respective duties; but we do not know this king's deeds, nor his marks, nor his fame.'

Verse 111 (skanda.7.336.111)

स्तोत्रं येनास्य संकुर्वो राज्ञस्तेजस्विनो द्विजाः। ऋषिभिस्तौ नियुक्तौ तु भविष्यैः स्तूयतामिति

stotraṁ yenāsya saṁkurvo rājñastejasvino dvijāḥ| ṛṣibhistau niyuktau tu bhaviṣyaiḥ stūyatāmiti

'— that we might compose a hymn for this radiant king, O twice-born ones.' The sages then charged those two: 'Let him be praised for the deeds he is yet to perform.'

Verse 112 (skanda.7.336.112)

यानि कर्माणि कृतवान्पृथुः पश्चान्महाबलः। तानि गीतानि बद्धानि स्तुवद्भिः सूतमागधैः

yāni karmāṇi kṛtavānpṛthuḥ paścānmahābalaḥ| tāni gītāni baddhāni stuvadbhiḥ sūtamāgadhaiḥ

Whatever deeds the mighty Prithu performed thereafter, those the praising Sutas and Magadhas composed and sang as songs.

Verse 113 (skanda.7.336.113)

ततः श्रुतार्थः सुप्रीतः पृथुः प्रादात्प्रजेश्वरः। अनूपदेशं सूताय मागधान्मागधाय च

tataḥ śrutārthaḥ suprītaḥ pṛthuḥ prādātprajeśvaraḥ| anūpadeśaṁ sūtāya māgadhānmāgadhāya ca

Then, having heard their meaning and greatly pleased, Prithu, lord of the people, gave the Anupa territory to the Suta, and the land of Magadha to the Magadha.

Verse 114 (skanda.7.336.114)

तदादि पृथिवीपालाः स्तूयन्ते सूतमागधैः। आशीर्वादैः प्रशंस्यंते सूतमागधबंदिभिः

tadādi pṛthivīpālāḥ stūyante sūtamāgadhaiḥ| āśīrvādaiḥ praśaṁsyaṁte sūtamāgadhabaṁdibhiḥ

From that time onward, rulers of the earth are praised by Sutas and Magadhas; they are extolled with blessings by Sutas, Magadhas, and court bards.

Verse 115 (skanda.7.336.115)

तं दृष्ट्वा परमं प्रीताः प्रजा ऊचुर्महर्षयः। एष वो वृत्तिदो वैन्यो विहितोऽथ नराधिपः

taṁ dṛṣṭvā paramaṁ prītāḥ prajā ūcurmaharṣayaḥ| eṣa vo vṛttido vainyo vihito'tha narādhipaḥ

Seeing him, the people, exceedingly pleased, were told by the great sages: 'This son of Vena has been appointed as your sovereign, the giver of your livelihood.'

Verse 116 (skanda.7.336.116)

ततो वैन्यं महाभागं प्रजाः समभिदुद्रुवुः। त्वं नो वृत्तिविधातेति महर्षिवचनात्तथा

tato vainyaṁ mahābhāgaṁ prajāḥ samabhidudruvuḥ| tvaṁ no vṛttividhāteti maharṣivacanāttathā

Then, in accordance with the great sages' word, the people ran toward the greatly fortunate son of Vena, saying: 'You are our provider of livelihood.'

Verse 117 (skanda.7.336.117)

सोऽभीहितः प्रजाभिस्तु प्रजाहितचिकीर्षया। धनुर्गृहीत्वा बाणांश्च वसुधामार्दयद्बली

so'bhīhitaḥ prajābhistu prajāhitacikīrṣayā| dhanurgṛhītvā bāṇāṁśca vasudhāmārdayadbalī

Thus entreated by the people, and desiring their welfare, the mighty king took up his bow and arrows and pressed hard upon the earth.

Verse 118 (skanda.7.336.118)

ततो वैन्यभयत्रस्ता गौर्भूत्वा प्राद्रवन्मही। तां धेनुं पृथुरादाय द्रवन्तीमन्वधावत

tato vainyabhayatrastā gaurbhūtvā prādravanmahī| tāṁ dhenuṁ pṛthurādāya dravantīmanvadhāvata

Then the earth, terrified by fear of the son of Vena, took the form of a cow and fled; Prithu pursued that fleeing cow.

Verse 119 (skanda.7.336.119)

सा लोकान्ब्रह्मलोकादीन्गत्वा वैन्यभयात्तदा। ददर्श चाग्रतो वैन्यं कार्मुकोद्यतपाणिनम्

sā lokānbrahmalokādīngatvā vainyabhayāttadā| dadarśa cāgrato vainyaṁ kārmukodyatapāṇinam

Fleeing from Vena's son in fear, she went to the worlds beginning with Brahma-loka, but there too she saw before her that same son of Vena, bow raised in hand,

Verse 120 (skanda.7.336.120)

ज्वलद्भिर्विशिखैस्तीक्ष्णैर्दीप्ततेजःसमन्वितैः। महायोगं महात्मानं दुर्द्धर्षममरैरपि

jvaladbhirviśikhaistīkṣṇairdīptatejaḥsamanvitaiḥ| mahāyogaṁ mahātmānaṁ durddharṣamamarairapi

equipped with sharp, blazing, glowing arrows — a great yogi, a great soul, unassailable even by the immortals.

Verse 121 (skanda.7.336.121)

अलभंती तु सा त्राणं वैन्यमेवाभ्यपद्यत। कृतांजलिपुटा देवी पूज्या लोकैस्त्रिभिस्सदा

alabhaṁtī tu sā trāṇaṁ vainyamevābhyapadyata| kṛtāṁjalipuṭā devī pūjyā lokaistribhissadā

Finding no refuge anywhere, she took recourse to the son of Vena himself; that goddess, ever worshipped by the three worlds, with joined palms,

Verse 122 (skanda.7.336.122)

उवाच चैनं नाधर्म्यं स्त्रीवधं परिपश्यसि। कथं धारयिता चासि प्रजा राजन्मया विना

uvāca cainaṁ nādharmyaṁ strīvadhaṁ paripaśyasi| kathaṁ dhārayitā cāsi prajā rājanmayā vinā

said to him: 'Do you not see that killing a woman is unrighteous? How, O king, will you sustain the people without me?'

Verse 123 (skanda.7.336.123)

मयि लोकाः स्थिता राजन्मयेदं धार्यते जगत्। मदृते तु विनश्येयुः प्रजाः पार्थिव विद्धि तत्

mayi lokāḥ sthitā rājanmayedaṁ dhāryate jagat| madṛte tu vinaśyeyuḥ prajāḥ pārthiva viddhi tat

'The worlds rest upon me, O king; by me this universe is sustained. Without me the people would perish — know this, O lord of the earth.'

Verse 124 (skanda.7.336.124)

स मां नार्हसि हंतुं वै श्रेयश्चेत्त्वं चिकीर्षसि। प्रजानां पृथिवीपाल शृणुष्वेदं वचो मम

sa māṁ nārhasi haṁtuṁ vai śreyaścettvaṁ cikīrṣasi| prajānāṁ pṛthivīpāla śṛṇuṣvedaṁ vaco mama

'If you desire the welfare of the people, you ought not to slay me. O lord of the earth, hear these words of mine.'

Verse 125 (skanda.7.336.125)

उपायतः समारब्धाः सर्वे सिध्यंत्युपक्रमाः। हत्वा मां त्वं न शक्तो वै प्रजाः पालयितुं नृप

upāyataḥ samārabdhāḥ sarve sidhyaṁtyupakramāḥ| hatvā māṁ tvaṁ na śakto vai prajāḥ pālayituṁ nṛpa

'All undertakings begun with proper means succeed. Having slain me, O king, you will not be able to sustain the people.'

Verse 126 (skanda.7.336.126)

अनुकूला भविष्यामि त्यज कोपं महाद्युते। अवध्याश्च स्त्रियः प्राहुस्तिर्यग्योनिगता अपि

anukūlā bhaviṣyāmi tyaja kopaṁ mahādyute| avadhyāśca striyaḥ prāhustiryagyonigatā api

'I shall become favourable to you — abandon your anger, O radiant one. Even females born in animal wombs are declared to be inviolable.'

Verse 127 (skanda.7.336.127)

एकस्मिन्निधनं प्राप्ते पापिष्ठे क्रूरकर्मणि। बहूनां भवति क्षेमस्तत्र पुण्यप्रदो वधः। सत्येवं पृथिवीपाल धर्म्मं मा त्यक्तुमर्हसि

ekasminnidhanaṁ prāpte pāpiṣṭhe krūrakarmaṇi| bahūnāṁ bhavati kṣemastatra puṇyaprado vadhaḥ| satyevaṁ pṛthivīpāla dharmmaṁ mā tyaktumarhasi

'When one exceedingly sinful and cruel being's death brings welfare to many, killing becomes meritorious even there. But that is not true here, O lord of the earth — you ought not to abandon dharma.'

Verse 128 (skanda.7.336.128)

एवंविधं तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा राजा महाबलः। क्रोधं निगृह्य धर्मात्मा वसुधामिदमब्रवीत्

evaṁvidhaṁ tu tadvākyaṁ śrutvā rājā mahābalaḥ| krodhaṁ nigṛhya dharmātmā vasudhāmidamabravīt

Hearing such words, the mighty and righteous king, restraining his anger, said this to the earth:

Verse 129 (skanda.7.336.129)

एकस्यार्थे च यो हन्यादात्मनो वा परस्य वा। एकं वापि बहून्वापि कामतश्चास्ति पातकम्

ekasyārthe ca yo hanyādātmano vā parasya vā| ekaṁ vāpi bahūnvāpi kāmataścāsti pātakam

'Whoever, for the sake of one's own interest or another's, willfully kills one being, or many, incurs sin thereby.'

Verse 130 (skanda.7.336.130)

यस्मिंस्तु निधनं प्राप्ता एधन्ते बहवः सुखम्। तस्मिन्हते च भूयो हि पातकं नास्ति तस्य वै

yasmiṁstu nidhanaṁ prāptā edhante bahavaḥ sukham| tasminhate ca bhūyo hi pātakaṁ nāsti tasya vai

'But when the death of one being causes many to flourish in happiness, in killing that one there is indeed no sin thereafter for the slayer.'

Verse 131 (skanda.7.336.131)

सोऽहं प्रजानिमित्तं त्वां हनिष्यामि वसुन्धरे। यदि मे वचनं नाद्य करिष्यसि जगद्धितम्

so'haṁ prajānimittaṁ tvāṁ haniṣyāmi vasundhare| yadi me vacanaṁ nādya kariṣyasi jagaddhitam

'Therefore, O earth, for the sake of the people I shall slay you, if today you do not carry out my word for the welfare of the world.'

Verse 132 (skanda.7.336.132)

त्वां निहत्याद्य बाणेन मच्छासनपराङ्मुखीम्। आत्मानं पृथुकृत्वेह प्रजा धारयितास्म्यहम्

tvāṁ nihatyādya bāṇena macchāsanaparāṅmukhīm| ātmānaṁ pṛthukṛtveha prajā dhārayitāsmyaham

'Having slain you today with an arrow, you who turn away from my command, I myself, having made myself vast (prithu), shall sustain the people here.'

Verse 133 (skanda.7.336.133)

सा त्वं वचनमास्थाय मम धर्मभृतांवरे। सञ्जीवय प्रजा नित्यं शक्ता ह्यसि न संशयः

sā tvaṁ vacanamāsthāya mama dharmabhṛtāṁvare| sañjīvaya prajā nityaṁ śaktā hyasi na saṁśayaḥ

'Therefore, O best among the upholders of dharma, heed my word and ever sustain the life of the people; you are indeed capable of this, without doubt.'

Verse 134 (skanda.7.336.134)

दुहितृत्वं हि मे गच्छ एवमेतन्महच्छरम्। नियच्छे त्वद्वधार्थं च प्रयुक्तं घोरदर्शनम्। प्रत्युवाच ततो वैन्यमेवमुक्ता महासती

duhitṛtvaṁ hi me gaccha evametanmahaccharam| niyacche tvadvadhārthaṁ ca prayuktaṁ ghoradarśanam| pratyuvāca tato vainyamevamuktā mahāsatī

'So become my daughter.' Having said this, he withheld that great, terrible-looking arrow he had aimed to slay her. Thus addressed, the great and virtuous earth replied to the son of Vena:

Verse 135 (skanda.7.336.135)

सर्वमेतदहं राजन्विधास्यामि न संशयः। वत्सं तु मम संयुक्ष्व क्षरेयं येन वत्सला

sarvametadahaṁ rājanvidhāsyāmi na saṁśayaḥ| vatsaṁ tu mama saṁyukṣva kṣareyaṁ yena vatsalā

'All of this I shall certainly accomplish, O king, without doubt. But provide me with a calf, so that, moved by affection, I may let flow my milk.'

Verse 136 (skanda.7.336.136)

समां च कुरु सर्वत्र मां त्वं सर्वभृतां वर। यथा विस्यन्दमानाहं क्षीरं सर्वत्र भावये

samāṁ ca kuru sarvatra māṁ tvaṁ sarvabhṛtāṁ vara| yathā visyandamānāhaṁ kṣīraṁ sarvatra bhāvaye

'And make me level everywhere, O best of all sustainers of beings, so that, streaming forth, I may produce milk in every place.'

Verse 137 (skanda.7.336.137)

ईश्वर उवाच। तत उत्सारयामास शिलाजालानि सर्वशः। धनुष्कोट्या ततो वैन्यस्तेन शैला विवर्द्धिताः

īśvara uvāca| tata utsārayāmāsa śilājālāni sarvaśaḥ| dhanuṣkoṭyā tato vainyastena śailā vivarddhitāḥ

Ishvara said: Then the son of Vena, with the tip of his bow, cleared away the masses of rock on every side; by that, the mountains were increased in size.

Verse 138 (skanda.7.336.138)

मन्वंतरेष्वतीतेषु चैवमासीद्वसुन्धरा। स्वभावेनाभवत्तस्याः समानि विषमाणि च

manvaṁtareṣvatīteṣu caivamāsīdvasundharā| svabhāvenābhavattasyāḥ samāni viṣamāṇi ca

In the past manvantaras, the earth had been just so; by her own nature both her level and uneven portions had come to be.

Verse 139 (skanda.7.336.139)

न हि पूर्वनिसर्गे वै विषमं पृथिवीतलम्। प्रविभागः पुराणां च ग्रामाणां चाथ विद्यते

na hi pūrvanisarge vai viṣamaṁ pṛthivītalam| pravibhāgaḥ purāṇāṁ ca grāmāṇāṁ cātha vidyate

In the original creation the surface of the earth was not uneven; nor did any division into towns and villages exist then.

Verse 140 (skanda.7.336.140)

न सस्यानि न गोरक्षं न कृषिर्न वणिक्पथः

na sasyāni na gorakṣaṁ na kṛṣirna vaṇikpathaḥ

There were no crops, no cow-herding, no agriculture, no path of commerce.

Verse 141 (skanda.7.336.141)

चाक्षुषस्यांतरे पूर्वमासीदेतत्पुरा किल। वैवस्वतेऽन्तरे चास्मिन्सर्वस्यैतस्य संभवः। समत्वं यत्रयत्रासीद्भूमेः कस्मिंश्चिदेव हि

cākṣuṣasyāṁtare pūrvamāsīdetatpurā kila| vaivasvate'ntare cāsminsarvasyaitasya saṁbhavaḥ| samatvaṁ yatrayatrāsīdbhūmeḥ kasmiṁścideva hi

Formerly, before the Chakshusha Manvantara, it was indeed so, it is said. In this present Vaivasvata Manvantara, the origin of all this occurred — wherever some part of the earth happened to be level,

Verse 142 (skanda.7.336.142)

तत्रतत्र प्रजास्ता वै निवसन्ति स्म सर्वदा। आहारः फलमूलं तु प्रजानामभवत्किल

tatratatra prajāstā vai nivasanti sma sarvadā| āhāraḥ phalamūlaṁ tu prajānāmabhavatkila

there, in each such place, the people would always dwell; the food of the people was fruit and roots alone, it is said.

Verse 143 (skanda.7.336.143)

कृच्छ्रेणैव तदा तासामित्येवमनुशुश्रुम। वैन्यात्प्रभृतिलोकेऽस्मिन्सर्वस्यैतस्य संभवः

kṛcchreṇaiva tadā tāsāmityevamanuśuśruma| vainyātprabhṛtiloke'sminsarvasyaitasya saṁbhavaḥ

Their life then was one of great hardship, thus we have heard. From the time of the son of Vena onward, the origin of all this in this world took place.

Verse 144 (skanda.7.336.144)

संकल्पयित्वा वत्सं तु चाक्षुषं मनुमीश्वरम्। पृथुर्दुदोह सस्यानि स्वहस्ते पृथिवीं ततः

saṁkalpayitvā vatsaṁ tu cākṣuṣaṁ manumīśvaram| pṛthurdudoha sasyāni svahaste pṛthivīṁ tataḥ

Having resolved upon Chakshusha Manu as the calf, Prithu then milked the earth of her crops, with his own hand as the vessel.

Verse 145 (skanda.7.336.145)

सस्यानि तेन दुग्धा वै वेन्येनेयं वसुन्धरा। मनुं वै चाक्षुषं कृत्वा वत्सं पात्रे च भूमये

sasyāni tena dugdhā vai venyeneyaṁ vasundharā| manuṁ vai cākṣuṣaṁ kṛtvā vatsaṁ pātre ca bhūmaye

Thus this earth was milked of her crops by the son of Vena — having made Chakshusha Manu the calf, and the earth's own surface (or his own palm) the vessel.

Verse 146 (skanda.7.336.146)

तेनान्नेन तदा ता वै वर्त्तयन्ते सदा प्रजाः। ऋषिभिः श्रूयते चापि पुनर्दुग्धा वसुन्धरा

tenānnena tadā tā vai varttayante sadā prajāḥ| ṛṣibhiḥ śrūyate cāpi punardugdhā vasundharā

By that food the people have ever since sustained themselves. It is also heard that the earth was again milked, this time by the sages.

Verse 147 (skanda.7.336.147)

वत्सः सोमस्ततस्तेषां दोग्धा चापि बृहस्पतिः। पात्रमासन्हि च्छन्दांसि गायत्र्यादीनि सर्वशः

vatsaḥ somastatasteṣāṁ dogdhā cāpi bṛhaspatiḥ| pātramāsanhi cchandāṁsi gāyatryādīni sarvaśaḥ

For them, Soma became the calf and Brihaspati the milker; and all the Vedic metres, beginning with Gayatri, became the vessel.

Verse 148 (skanda.7.336.148)

क्षीरमासीत्तदा तेषां तपो ब्रह्म च शाश्वतम्। पुनस्ततो देवगणैः पुरंदरपुरोगमैः

kṣīramāsīttadā teṣāṁ tapo brahma ca śāśvatam| punastato devagaṇaiḥ puraṁdarapurogamaiḥ

For them, austerity and the eternal Veda were the milk drawn forth. Then again, the hosts of gods, led by Indra —

Verse 149 (skanda.7.336.149)

सौवर्णं पात्रमादाय दुग्धेयं श्रूयते मही। वत्सस्तु मघवा चासीद्दोग्धा च सविताऽभवत्

sauvarṇaṁ pātramādāya dugdheyaṁ śrūyate mahī| vatsastu maghavā cāsīddogdhā ca savitā'bhavat

— taking a golden vessel, milked this earth, so it is heard; Indra himself became the calf, and Savitri (the Sun) became the milker.

Verse 150 (skanda.7.336.150)

क्षीरमूर्जामधु प्रोक्तं वर्तंते तेन देवताः। पितृभिः श्रूयते चापि पुनर्दुग्धा वसुन्धरा

kṣīramūrjāmadhu proktaṁ vartaṁte tena devatāḥ| pitṛbhiḥ śrūyate cāpi punardugdhā vasundharā

That milk is called strength and sweetness, by which the gods sustain themselves. It is also heard that the earth was again milked, this time by the ancestors.

Verse 151 (skanda.7.336.151)

राजतं पात्रमादाय स्वधा त्वक्षय्यतृप्तये। वैवस्वतो यमस्त्वासीत्तेषां वत्सः प्रतापवान्

rājataṁ pātramādāya svadhā tvakṣayyatṛptaye| vaivasvato yamastvāsītteṣāṁ vatsaḥ pratāpavān

Taking a silver vessel, they obtained the imperishable satisfaction called svadha; their mighty calf was Yama, son of Vivasvat.

Verse 152 (skanda.7.336.152)

अंतकश्चाभवद्दोग्धा पितृणां भगवान्प्रभुः। असुरैः श्रूयते चापि पुनर्दुग्धा वसुन्धरा

aṁtakaścābhavaddogdhā pitṛṇāṁ bhagavānprabhuḥ| asuraiḥ śrūyate cāpi punardugdhā vasundharā

The Lord Antaka (the ender, Yama in another aspect) became the milker for the ancestors. It is also heard that the earth was again milked, this time by the asuras.

Verse 153 (skanda.7.336.153)

आयसं पात्रमादाय बलमाधाय सर्वशः। विरोचनस्तु प्राह्लादिस्तेषां वत्सः प्रतापवान्

āyasaṁ pātramādāya balamādhāya sarvaśaḥ| virocanastu prāhlādisteṣāṁ vatsaḥ pratāpavān

Taking an iron vessel, and gathering strength in every way, Virochana, son of Prahlada, became their mighty calf.

Verse 154 (skanda.7.336.154)

ऋत्विग्द्विमूर्द्धा दैत्यानां दोग्धा तु दितिनन्दनः। मायाक्षीरं दुदोहासौ दैत्यानां तृप्तिकारकम्

ṛtvigdvimūrddhā daityānāṁ dogdhā tu ditinandanaḥ| māyākṣīraṁ dudohāsau daityānāṁ tṛptikārakam

Dvimurdha, the priest of the daityas and a son of Diti, became the milker; he milked out the illusion-milk (maya) that satisfies the daityas.

Verse 155 (skanda.7.336.155)

तेनैते माययाऽद्यापि सर्वे मायाविदोऽसुराः। वर्त्तयंति महावीर्यास्तदेतेषां परं बलम्

tenaite māyayā'dyāpi sarve māyāvido'surāḥ| varttayaṁti mahāvīryāstadeteṣāṁ paraṁ balam

By that, even to this day, all the asuras, versed in illusion and of great might, sustain themselves through maya; that alone is their supreme strength.

Verse 156 (skanda.7.336.156)

नागैश्च श्रूयते दुग्धा वत्सं कृत्वा तु तक्षकम्। अलाबुपात्रमादाय विषं क्षीरं तदा महत्

nāgaiśca śrūyate dugdhā vatsaṁ kṛtvā tu takṣakam| alābupātramādāya viṣaṁ kṣīraṁ tadā mahat

It is also heard that the Nagas milked the earth, making Takshaka the calf, and taking a gourd-vessel, drew forth that great milk which was venom.

Verse 157 (skanda.7.336.157)

तेषां वै वासुकिर्दोग्धा काद्रवेयो महायशाः। नागानां वै महादेवि सर्पाणां चैव सर्वशः

teṣāṁ vai vāsukirdogdhā kādraveyo mahāyaśāḥ| nāgānāṁ vai mahādevi sarpāṇāṁ caiva sarvaśaḥ

Vasuki, the greatly renowned son of Kadru, became the milker for them, O great Goddess, for all the Nagas and serpents alike.

Verse 158 (skanda.7.336.158)

तेन वै वर्त्तयन्त्युग्रा महाकाया विषोल्बणाः। तदाहारास्तदाचारास्तद्वीर्यास्तदपाश्रयाः

tena vai varttayantyugrā mahākāyā viṣolbaṇāḥ| tadāhārāstadācārāstadvīryāstadapāśrayāḥ

By that, those fierce, huge-bodied, intensely venomous serpents sustain themselves; that is their food, their conduct, their power, and their refuge.

Verse 159 (skanda.7.336.159)

आमपात्रे पुनर्दुग्धा त्वंतर्द्धानमियं मही। वत्सं वैश्रवणं कृत्वा यक्षपुण्यजनैस्तथा

āmapātre punardugdhā tvaṁtarddhānamiyaṁ mahī| vatsaṁ vaiśravaṇaṁ kṛtvā yakṣapuṇyajanaistathā

Into an unbaked clay vessel, the power of invisibility was milked from this earth — by the Yakshas and the Punyajanas, making Vaishravana (Kubera) the calf, the earth was milked again.

Verse 160 (skanda.7.336.160)

दोग्धा रजतनागस्तु चिन्तामणिचरस्तु यः। यक्षाधिपो महातेजा वशी ज्ञानी महातपाः

dogdhā rajatanāgastu cintāmaṇicarastu yaḥ| yakṣādhipo mahātejā vaśī jñānī mahātapāḥ

The milker was Rajatanaga, who moves about with the wish-fulfilling jewel — the greatly radiant lord of the Yakshas, self-controlled, wise, and of great austerity.

Verse 161 (skanda.7.336.161)

तेन ते वर्त्तयंतीति यक्षा वसुभिरूर्जितैः। राक्षसैश्च पिशाचैश्च पुनर्दुग्धा वसुन्धरा

tena te varttayaṁtīti yakṣā vasubhirūrjitaiḥ| rākṣasaiśca piśācaiśca punardugdhā vasundharā

By that, it is said, the Yakshas sustain themselves with abundant riches. The earth was again milked, this time by the Rakshasas and Pishachas.

Verse 162 (skanda.7.336.162)

ब्रह्मोपेन्द्रस्तु दोग्धा वै तेषामासीत्कुबेरतः। वत्सः सुमाली बलवान्क्षीरं रुधिरमेव च

brahmopendrastu dogdhā vai teṣāmāsītkuberataḥ| vatsaḥ sumālī balavānkṣīraṁ rudhirameva ca

Their milker was Brahmopendra, apart from Kubera; the mighty Sumali became the calf, and the milk drawn was blood itself.

Verse 163 (skanda.7.336.163)

कपालपात्रे निर्दुग्धा त्वंतर्द्धानं तु राक्षसैः। तेन क्षीरेण रक्षांसि वर्त्तयन्तीह सर्वशः

kapālapātre nirdugdhā tvaṁtarddhānaṁ tu rākṣasaiḥ| tena kṣīreṇa rakṣāṁsi varttayantīha sarvaśaḥ

Into a skull-vessel, the Rakshasas milked out the power of invisibility; by that milk the Rakshasas sustain themselves here in every way.

Verse 164 (skanda.7.336.164)

पद्मपत्रेषु वै दुग्धा गंधर्वाप्सरसां गणैः। वत्सं चैत्ररथं कृत्वा शुचिगन्धान्मही तदा

padmapatreṣu vai dugdhā gaṁdharvāpsarasāṁ gaṇaiḥ| vatsaṁ caitrarathaṁ kṛtvā śucigandhānmahī tadā

Into lotus-leaves, by the hosts of Gandharvas and Apsarases, making Chaitraratha the calf, the earth was then milked of pure fragrances.

Verse 165 (skanda.7.336.165)

तेषां वत्सो रुचिस्त्वासीद्दोग्धा पुत्रो मुनेः शुभः। शैलैस्तु श्रूयते देवि पुनर्दुग्धा वसुंधरा

teṣāṁ vatso rucistvāsīddogdhā putro muneḥ śubhaḥ| śailaistu śrūyate devi punardugdhā vasuṁdharā

Their calf was Ruchi, and their milker was the auspicious son of a certain sage. O Devi, it is also heard that the earth was again milked, this time by the mountains.

Verse 166 (skanda.7.336.166)

तदौषधीर्मूर्तिमती रत्नानि विविधानि च। वत्सस्तु हिमवांस्तेषां दोग्धा मेरुर्महागिरिः

tadauṣadhīrmūrtimatī ratnāni vividhāni ca| vatsastu himavāṁsteṣāṁ dogdhā merurmahāgiriḥ

Then herbs took embodied form, and various jewels arose; their calf was the Himalaya, and their milker was the great mountain Meru.

Verse 167 (skanda.7.336.167)

पात्रं शिलामयं ह्यासीत्तेन शैलाः प्रतिष्ठिताः। श्रूयते वृक्षवीरुद्भिः पुनर्दुग्धा वसुन्धरा

pātraṁ śilāmayaṁ hyāsīttena śailāḥ pratiṣṭhitāḥ| śrūyate vṛkṣavīrudbhiḥ punardugdhā vasundharā

The vessel was made of rock; by that the mountains became firmly established. It is also heard that the earth was again milked, this time by the trees and creepers.

Verse 168 (skanda.7.336.168)

पालाशं पात्रमादाय च्छिन्नदग्धप्ररोहणम्। दोग्धा तु पुष्पितः शालः प्लक्षो वत्सो यशस्विनि। सर्वकामदुघा दोग्धा पृथिवी भूतभाविनी

pālāśaṁ pātramādāya cchinnadagdhaprarohaṇam| dogdhā tu puṣpitaḥ śālaḥ plakṣo vatso yaśasvini| sarvakāmadughā dogdhā pṛthivī bhūtabhāvinī

Taking a leaf-vessel of the palasha tree, the power of sprouting again after being cut or burnt was milked forth; the milker was the flowering shala tree, and the calf the plaksha (fig tree), O renowned one. Thus the earth, source of all beings, was milked as the granter of every desire.

Verse 169 (skanda.7.336.169)

सैषा धात्री विधात्री च धरणी च वसुन्धरा। दुग्धा हितार्थं लोकानां पृथुना इति नः श्रुतम्

saiṣā dhātrī vidhātrī ca dharaṇī ca vasundharā| dugdhā hitārthaṁ lokānāṁ pṛthunā iti naḥ śrutam

She is indeed this Dhatri, Vidhatri, Dharani and Vasundhara (all names of the earth); she was milked by Prithu for the welfare of the worlds, thus we have heard.

Verse 170 (skanda.7.336.170)

चराचरस्य लोकस्य प्रतिष्ठा योनिरेव च। आसीदियं समुद्रांता मेदिनीति परिश्रुता

carācarasya lokasya pratiṣṭhā yonireva ca| āsīdiyaṁ samudrāṁtā medinīti pariśrutā

She was the very foundation and source of the moving and unmoving world; this earth, bounded by the ocean, became renowned by the name Medini.

Verse 171 (skanda.7.336.171)

मधुकैटभयोः पूर्वं मेदोमांसपरिप्लुता। वसुन्धारयते यस्माद्वसुधा तेन कीर्तिता

madhukaiṭabhayoḥ pūrvaṁ medomāṁsapariplutā| vasundhārayate yasmādvasudhā tena kīrtitā

Formerly she was flooded with the fat and flesh of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha (hence 'Medini'). And because she bears wealth (vasu), she is celebrated by the name Vasudha.

Verse 172 (skanda.7.336.172)

ततोऽभ्युपगमाद्राज्ञः पृथोर्वैन्यस्य धीमतः। दुहितृत्वमनुप्राप्ता पृथिवीत्युच्यते ततः

tato'bhyupagamādrājñaḥ pṛthorvainyasya dhīmataḥ| duhitṛtvamanuprāptā pṛthivītyucyate tataḥ

Then, from her submission to the wise King Prithu, son of Vena, she attained the state of his daughter, and thence she is called Prithvi.

Verse 173 (skanda.7.336.173)

प्रथिता प्रविभक्ता च शोभिता च वसुन्धरा। दुग्धा हि यत्नतो राज्ञा पत्तनाकरमालिनी

prathitā pravibhaktā ca śobhitā ca vasundharā| dugdhā hi yatnato rājñā pattanākaramālinī

The earth was spread out (prathita), divided, and adorned; she was, through the king's effort, milked and made resplendent with a garland of towns and mines.

Verse 174 (skanda.7.336.174)

एवं प्रभावो राजासीद्वैन्यः स नृपसत्तमः। ततः स रंजयामास धर्मेण पृथिवीं तदा

evaṁ prabhāvo rājāsīdvainyaḥ sa nṛpasattamaḥ| tataḥ sa raṁjayāmāsa dharmeṇa pṛthivīṁ tadā

Such was the power of that king, the son of Vena, best among rulers; he then made the earth flourish and rejoice through dharma.

Verse 175 (skanda.7.336.175)

ततो राजेति शब्दोऽथ पृथिव्यां रंजनादभूत्। स राज्यं प्राप्य वैन्यस्तु चिंतयामास पार्थिवः

tato rājeti śabdo'tha pṛthivyāṁ raṁjanādabhūt| sa rājyaṁ prāpya vainyastu ciṁtayāmāsa pārthivaḥ

Thence, from that act of gladdening (ranjana) the earth, the word 'raja' (king) arose. Having obtained the kingdom, that son of Vena, the sovereign, began to reflect:

Verse 176 (skanda.7.336.176)

पिता मम ह्यधर्मिष्ठो यज्ञाद्युच्छित्तिकारकः। कस्मिन्स्थाने गतश्चासौ ज्ञेयं स्थानं कथं मया

pitā mama hyadharmiṣṭho yajñādyucchittikārakaḥ| kasminsthāne gataścāsau jñeyaṁ sthānaṁ kathaṁ mayā

'My father was exceedingly unrighteous, one who caused the destruction of sacrifices and the like. To what place has he gone? How am I to know his fate?'

Verse 177 (skanda.7.336.177)

कथं तस्य क्रिया कार्या हतस्य ब्राह्मणैः किल। कथं गतिर्भवेत्तस्य यज्ञदानक्रियाबलात्

kathaṁ tasya kriyā kāryā hatasya brāhmaṇaiḥ kila| kathaṁ gatirbhavettasya yajñadānakriyābalāt

'What rites should be performed for him, slain as he was by the brahmins? How might his soul attain a good destination, through the power of sacrifice and the rite of giving?'

Verse 178 (skanda.7.336.178)

इत्येव चिंतया तस्य नारदोभ्याजगाम ह। तस्यैवमासनं दत्त्वा प्रणिपत्य च पृष्टवान्

ityeva ciṁtayā tasya nāradobhyājagāma ha| tasyaivamāsanaṁ dattvā praṇipatya ca pṛṣṭavān

While he was thus absorbed in such thought, Narada arrived there; having offered him a seat and bowed before him, the king asked:

Verse 179 (skanda.7.336.179)

भगवन्सर्वलोकस्य जानासि त्वं शुभाशुभम्। पिता मम दुराचारो देवब्राह्मणनिंदकः

bhagavansarvalokasya jānāsi tvaṁ śubhāśubham| pitā mama durācāro devabrāhmaṇaniṁdakaḥ

'O Lord, you know the good and evil of all the worlds. My father was of evil conduct, a slanderer of gods and brahmins.'

Verse 180 (skanda.7.336.180)

स्वकर्मणा हतो विप्रैः परलोकमवाप्तवान्। कस्मिंस्थाने गतस्तातः श्वभ्रं वा स्वर्गमेव च

svakarmaṇā hato vipraiḥ paralokamavāptavān| kasmiṁsthāne gatastātaḥ śvabhraṁ vā svargameva ca

'Slain by the brahmins for his own deeds, he has attained the other world. To what place has my father gone — to hell, or indeed to heaven?'

Verse 181 (skanda.7.336.181)

ततोऽब्रवीन्नारदस्तु ज्ञात्वा दिव्येन चक्षुषा। शृणु राजन्महाबाहो यत्र तिष्ठति ते पिता

tato'bravīnnāradastu jñātvā divyena cakṣuṣā| śṛṇu rājanmahābāho yatra tiṣṭhati te pitā

Then Narada, having perceived it with his divine eye, said: 'Listen, O mighty-armed king, to where your father now dwells.'

Verse 182 (skanda.7.336.182)

अत्र देशो मरुर्नाम जलवृक्षविवर्जितः। तत्र देशे महारौद्रे जनकस्ते नरोत्तम

atra deśo marurnāma jalavṛkṣavivarjitaḥ| tatra deśe mahāraudre janakaste narottama

'There is a region called Maru, devoid of water and trees. In that most dreadful region, O best of men, your father —'

Verse 183 (skanda.7.336.183)

म्लेच्छमध्ये समुत्पन्नो यक्ष्मी कुष्ठसमन्वितः। उच्छिष्टभोजी म्लेच्छानां कृमिभिः संयुतो व्रणैः

mlecchamadhye samutpanno yakṣmī kuṣṭhasamanvitaḥ| ucchiṣṭabhojī mlecchānāṁ kṛmibhiḥ saṁyuto vraṇaiḥ

— has been born among the mleccha barbarians, afflicted with consumption and leprosy, eating the leftovers of the mlecchas, covered with worms and sores.

Verse 184 (skanda.7.336.184)

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य नारदस्य महात्मनः। हाहाकारं ततः कृत्वा मूर्छितो निपपात ह

tacchrutvā vacanaṁ tasya nāradasya mahātmanaḥ| hāhākāraṁ tataḥ kṛtvā mūrchito nipapāta ha

Hearing this word of the great-souled Narada, he cried out in anguish and fell to the ground, senseless.

Verse 185 (skanda.7.336.185)

चिंतयामास दुःखार्तः कथं कार्यं मया भवेत्। इत्येवं चिंतयानस्य मतिर्जाता महात्मनः। पुत्रः स कथ्यते लोके पितरं त्रायते तु यः

ciṁtayāmāsa duḥkhārtaḥ kathaṁ kāryaṁ mayā bhavet| ityevaṁ ciṁtayānasya matirjātā mahātmanaḥ| putraḥ sa kathyate loke pitaraṁ trāyate tu yaḥ

Afflicted with grief, he pondered: 'What should I do?' As that great soul thought thus, this understanding arose in him: 'He alone is called a son in this world who delivers his father.'

Verse 186 (skanda.7.336.186)

स कथं तु मया तातः पापान्मुक्तो भविष्यति। एवं संचिंत्य स ततो नारदं पर्यपृच्छत

sa kathaṁ tu mayā tātaḥ pāpānmukto bhaviṣyati| evaṁ saṁciṁtya sa tato nāradaṁ paryapṛcchata

'How then shall my father be freed by me from his sins?' Having reflected thus, he then questioned Narada:

Verse 187 (skanda.7.336.187)

भगवन्कथितं सर्वं पितुर्मम विचेष्टितम्। केन तस्य भवेन्मुक्तिः कर्मणा द्विजसत्तम। व्रतैर्दानैस्तपोभिर्वा तीर्थानां यात्रया वद

bhagavankathitaṁ sarvaṁ piturmama viceṣṭitam| kena tasya bhavenmuktiḥ karmaṇā dvijasattama| vratairdānaistapobhirvā tīrthānāṁ yātrayā vada

'O Lord, you have told all of my father's plight. By what deed, O best of the twice-born, might his liberation come about — by vows, by gifts, by austerities, or by pilgrimage to tirthas? Tell me.'

Verse 188 (skanda.7.336.188)

नारद उवाच। गच्छ राजन्प्रधानानि तीर्थानि मनुजेश्वर। पितरं तेषु चानीय तस्माद्राजन्मरुस्थलात्

nārada uvāca| gaccha rājanpradhānāni tīrthāni manujeśvara| pitaraṁ teṣu cānīya tasmādrājanmarusthalāt

Narada said: Go, O king, O lord of men, to the principal tirthas, and having brought your father from that desert land there, O king,

Verse 189 (skanda.7.336.189)

यत्र देवाः सप्रभावास्तीर्थानि विमलानि च। तत्र गच्छ महाराज तीर्थयात्रां कुरु प्रभो

yatra devāḥ saprabhāvāstīrthāni vimalāni ca| tatra gaccha mahārāja tīrthayātrāṁ kuru prabho

go to where the gods dwell in their power, and where the tirthas are pure; there go, O great king; undertake the pilgrimage, O lord.

Verse 190 (skanda.7.336.190)

एवं ह्यवितथं विद्धि मोक्षस्ते भविता पितुः। तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं राजा नारदस्य महात्मनः। सचिवे भारमाधाय स्वराजस्य जगाम ह

evaṁ hyavitathaṁ viddhi mokṣaste bhavitā pituḥ| tacchrutvā vacanaṁ rājā nāradasya mahātmanaḥ| sacive bhāramādhāya svarājasya jagāma ha

'Know this to be true beyond doubt — your father's liberation shall come about.' Hearing this word of the great-souled Narada, the king, entrusting the burden of his kingdom to his minister, set forth.

Verse 191 (skanda.7.336.191)

स गत्वा मरुभूमिं तु म्लेच्छमध्ये ददर्श ह। कुष्ठरोगेण महता क्षयेण च समावृतम्

sa gatvā marubhūmiṁ tu mlecchamadhye dadarśa ha| kuṣṭharogeṇa mahatā kṣayeṇa ca samāvṛtam

Having gone to the desert land, he saw, among the mlecchas, his father, afflicted with a severe leprosy and consumption.

Verse 192 (skanda.7.336.192)

गव्यूतिमात्रं तत्रैव शून्यं मानुषवर्जितम्। एवं दृष्ट्वा स राजा तु संतप्तो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

gavyūtimātraṁ tatraiva śūnyaṁ mānuṣavarjitam| evaṁ dṛṣṭvā sa rājā tu saṁtapto vākyamabravīt

There, for the space of a gavyuti, the land was empty and void of any other people. Seeing this, the king, deeply distressed, spoke these words:

Verse 193 (skanda.7.336.193)

हे म्लेच्छ रोगिपुरुषं स्वगृहं च नयाम्यहम्। तत्राहमेनं निरुजं करोमि यदि मन्यथ

he mleccha rogipuruṣaṁ svagṛhaṁ ca nayāmyaham| tatrāhamenaṁ nirujaṁ karomi yadi manyatha

'O mlecchas, if you consent, I shall take this sick man to my own home and, there, cure him of his affliction.'

Verse 194 (skanda.7.336.194)

ज्ञात्वेति सर्वे ते म्लेच्छाः पुरुषं तं दयापरम्। ऊचुः प्रणतसर्वांगाः शीघ्र नय जगत्पते। अस्मद्भाग्यवशान्नाथ त्वमेवात्र समागतः

jñātveti sarve te mlecchāḥ puruṣaṁ taṁ dayāparam| ūcuḥ praṇatasarvāṁgāḥ śīghra naya jagatpate| asmadbhāgyavaśānnātha tvamevātra samāgataḥ

Hearing this, all those mlecchas, bowing with their whole bodies before that compassionate man, said: 'O lord of the world, take him away quickly; only by our good fortune, O protector, have you come here.'

Verse 195 (skanda.7.336.195)

दुर्गंधोपहता लोकास्त्वया नाथ सुखीकृताः। तत आनाय्य पुरुषाञ्छिबिकावाहनोचितान्

durgaṁdhopahatā lokāstvayā nātha sukhīkṛtāḥ| tata ānāyya puruṣāñchibikāvāhanocitān

'We, oppressed by his stench, have been made happy by you, O protector.' Then he summoned men suited to bear a palanquin.

Verse 196 (skanda.7.336.196)

ततः श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तस्य राज्ञो दयावहम्। प्रापुस्तीर्थान्यनेकानि केदारादीनि कोटिशः

tataḥ śrutvā tu vacanaṁ tasya rājño dayāvaham| prāpustīrthānyanekāni kedārādīni koṭiśaḥ

Then, upon hearing the compassionate king's word, they reached many tirthas — Kedara and countless others, by the crore.

Verse 197 (skanda.7.336.197)

यत्रयत्र स गच्छेत वैन्यो वेनेन संयुतः। तत्र तत्रैव तीर्थानामाक्रंदः श्रूयते महान्

yatrayatra sa gaccheta vainyo venena saṁyutaḥ| tatra tatraiva tīrthānāmākraṁdaḥ śrūyate mahān

Wherever the son of Vena went, accompanied by Vena, there and then a great cry of distress would be heard from the tirthas.

Verse 198 (skanda.7.336.198)

हा दैव रिपुरायाति अस्माकं नाशहेतवे। अधुना क्व गमिष्याम इति चिंता पुनःपुनः

hā daiva ripurāyāti asmākaṁ nāśahetave| adhunā kva gamiṣyāma iti ciṁtā punaḥpunaḥ

'Alas, fate! Our enemy comes to bring our ruin! Where shall we now go?' — such anxious thoughts arose again and again.

Verse 199 (skanda.7.336.199)

दर्शनेनापि तस्यैव हाहाकारं विधाय वै। पलायंते च तीर्थानि देवा नश्यंति तत्क्षणात्

darśanenāpi tasyaiva hāhākāraṁ vidhāya vai| palāyaṁte ca tīrthāni devā naśyaṁti tatkṣaṇāt

At the mere sight of him (Vena), crying out in anguish, the tirthas would flee, and the gods would vanish that very instant.

Verse 200 (skanda.7.336.200)

एवं वर्षत्रयं राजा तीर्थयात्रां चकार वै। न तस्य मुक्तिर्ददृशे ततः शोकमगात्परम्

evaṁ varṣatrayaṁ rājā tīrthayātrāṁ cakāra vai| na tasya muktirdadṛśe tataḥ śokamagātparam

Thus the king performed the pilgrimage for three years, but no liberation for his father appeared; then he fell into the deepest grief.

Verse 201 (skanda.7.336.201)

ततस्तु प्रेरिता भृत्याः कुरुक्षेत्रे महाप्रभे। यदि वापि पुनस्तत्र पापमुक्तिर्भवेत्ततः

tatastu preritā bhṛtyāḥ kurukṣetre mahāprabhe| yadi vāpi punastatra pāpamuktirbhavettataḥ

Then the servants were directed toward the greatly radiant Kurukshetra, thinking perhaps there liberation from his sin might yet occur.

Verse 202 (skanda.7.336.202)

गृहीत्वा शिबिकां स्कन्धे कुरुक्षेत्रे गताः प्रिये। तत्र नीत्वा स्थाणुतीर्थमवतार्य च ते गताः

gṛhītvā śibikāṁ skandhe kurukṣetre gatāḥ priye| tatra nītvā sthāṇutīrthamavatārya ca te gatāḥ

Bearing the palanquin on their shoulders, they went to Kurukshetra, O beloved; having carried him there to the Sthanu tirtha, they set him down and went further.

Verse 203 (skanda.7.336.203)

ततः स राजा मध्याह्ने चिकीर्षुः स्नानमादरात्। तस्यैव तु पितुस्तत्र तथा दानानि षोडश

tataḥ sa rājā madhyāhne cikīrṣuḥ snānamādarāt| tasyaiva tu pitustatra tathā dānāni ṣoḍaśa

Then that king, at midday, wishing respectfully to bathe, intended there, for his very father, to give the sixteen kinds of gifts as well.

Verse 204 (skanda.7.336.204)

ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्तथा दित्सुः श्रद्धावान्भावतत्परः। ततो वायुश्चांतरिक्ष इदं वचनमब्रवीत्

brāhmaṇebhyastathā ditsuḥ śraddhāvānbhāvatatparaḥ| tato vāyuścāṁtarikṣa idaṁ vacanamabravīt

Full of faith and earnest devotion, he wished to give gifts to the brahmins. Then the Wind, from the sky, spoke these words:

Verse 205 (skanda.7.336.205)

मा तात साहसं कुर्यास्तीर्थं रक्ष प्रयत्नतः। अयं पापेन घोरेण समंतात्परिवेष्टितः

mā tāta sāhasaṁ kuryāstīrthaṁ rakṣa prayatnataḥ| ayaṁ pāpena ghoreṇa samaṁtātpariveṣṭitaḥ

'O son, do not act rashly; guard this tirtha with effort. This one is surrounded on every side by terrible sin.'

Verse 206 (skanda.7.336.206)

वेदनिन्दासमाचारो ब्रह्महत्याशतैर्युतः। सोऽयं पापो दुराचारस्तीर्थं नाशं नयिष्यति

vedanindāsamācāro brahmahatyāśatairyutaḥ| so'yaṁ pāpo durācārastīrthaṁ nāśaṁ nayiṣyati

'Given to conduct that reviles the Vedas, laden with sins equal to hundreds of brahmin-killings, this evil, depraved one will bring ruin upon the tirtha.'

Verse 207 (skanda.7.336.207)

मा तीर्थं नाशय विभो महदेनो भविष्यति। एतद्वायोर्वचः श्रुत्वा दुःखेन महतार्दितः। उवाच शोकसंतप्तः पितुर्दुःखेन दुःखितः

mā tīrthaṁ nāśaya vibho mahadeno bhaviṣyati| etadvāyorvacaḥ śrutvā duḥkhena mahatārditaḥ| uvāca śokasaṁtaptaḥ piturduḥkhena duḥkhitaḥ

'Do not destroy the tirtha, O lord, or great sin shall follow.' Hearing this word of the Wind, afflicted with great grief, tormented by sorrow and grieving for his father's suffering, he said:

Verse 208 (skanda.7.336.208)

हा दैवेति च चुक्रोश ऊर्द्ध्वबाहुः पुनःपुनः। एष घोरेण पापेन अतीव परिवेष्टितः

hā daiveti ca cukrośa ūrddhvabāhuḥ punaḥpunaḥ| eṣa ghoreṇa pāpena atīva pariveṣṭitaḥ

He cried out again and again, arms raised, 'Alas, fate!' — 'This one is utterly enveloped in terrible sin.'

Verse 209 (skanda.7.336.209)

यदनेनापि तीर्थेन शुद्धः कर्त्तुं न शक्यते। प्रायश्चित्तं करिष्येऽहं पितुरर्थे न संशयः

yadanenāpi tīrthena śuddhaḥ karttuṁ na śakyate| prāyaścittaṁ kariṣye'haṁ piturarthe na saṁśayaḥ

'Since even this tirtha cannot purify him, I shall myself perform expiation for my father's sake, without doubt.'

Verse 210 (skanda.7.336.210)

एवं तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा दयां कृत्वा महीयसीम्। अन्तरिक्षभवां वाचं खेचराः पुनरब्रुवन्

evaṁ tasya vacaḥ śrutvā dayāṁ kṛtvā mahīyasīm| antarikṣabhavāṁ vācaṁ khecarāḥ punarabruvan

Hearing his words, and moved by great compassion, the sky-dwelling gods again spoke this voice from the heavens:

Verse 211 (skanda.7.336.211)

भोभो राजन्नृपश्रेष्ठ त्यक्त्वा शोकं वचः शृणु। येन ते जनकस्यास्य भवेत्पापक्षयो महान्

bhobho rājannṛpaśreṣṭha tyaktvā śokaṁ vacaḥ śṛṇu| yena te janakasyāsya bhavetpāpakṣayo mahān

'O king, O best of rulers, cast off your grief and hear this word, by which the great destruction of your father's sin might come about.'

Verse 212 (skanda.7.336.212)

अस्ति क्षेत्रं महासिद्धं प्रभासमिति विश्रुतम्। सर्वपापप्रशमनं महापातकनाशनम्

asti kṣetraṁ mahāsiddhaṁ prabhāsamiti viśrutam| sarvapāpapraśamanaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam

'There is a greatly accomplished field renowned as Prabhasa, which pacifies all sins and destroys the greatest of transgressions.'

Verse 213 (skanda.7.336.213)

ब्रह्मतत्त्वं हरितत्त्वं रुद्रतत्त्वं तृतीयकम्। तस्मिन्नेव महाक्षेत्रे प्रभासे शंकरप्रिये

brahmatattvaṁ haritattvaṁ rudratattvaṁ tṛtīyakam| tasminneva mahākṣetre prabhāse śaṁkarapriye

'The essence of Brahma, the essence of Hari, and thirdly the essence of Rudra — all these are present in that very great field of Prabhasa, dear to Shankara.'

Verse 214 (skanda.7.336.214)

शाक्तेयं यदि वा चांद्रं सौरं सारस्वतं तथा। आग्नेयं वारुणं चापि स्मृतं क्षेत्रमनुत्तमम्

śākteyaṁ yadi vā cāṁdraṁ sauraṁ sārasvataṁ tathā| āgneyaṁ vāruṇaṁ cāpi smṛtaṁ kṣetramanuttamam

'It is remembered as the Shakta field, and also the Chandra, the Saura, the Sarasvata, and likewise the Agneya and Varuna field — this unsurpassed field bears all these characters.'

Verse 215 (skanda.7.336.215)

ब्रह्माण्डे यानि तीर्थानि पुरा क्षेत्राणि यानि तु। प्रभासमागमिष्यन्ति संप्राप्ते तु कलौ युगे

brahmāṇḍe yāni tīrthāni purā kṣetrāṇi yāni tu| prabhāsamāgamiṣyanti saṁprāpte tu kalau yuge

Whatever tirthas exist in the universe, and whatever fields there are, all of them, when the Kali age arrives, will come to reside in Prabhasa.

Verse 216 (skanda.7.336.216)

अष्टौ कोटिसहस्राणि अष्टौ कोटिशतानि च। क्षेत्रं रक्षंति तत्रस्थाः प्रभासं शांकरा गणाः

aṣṭau koṭisahasrāṇi aṣṭau koṭiśatāni ca| kṣetraṁ rakṣaṁti tatrasthāḥ prabhāsaṁ śāṁkarā gaṇāḥ

Eight thousand crore and eight hundred crore hosts of Shankara's attendants, stationed there, protect the field of Prabhasa.

Verse 217 (skanda.7.336.217)

इयं सरस्वती पुण्या सर्वत्रैव हि विद्यते। पञ्चस्रोताः प्रभासे तु दुष्प्राप्या त्रिदशैरपि

iyaṁ sarasvatī puṇyā sarvatraiva hi vidyate| pañcasrotāḥ prabhāse tu duṣprāpyā tridaśairapi

This sacred Sarasvati exists indeed everywhere; but at Prabhasa she flows in five streams, hard to attain even for the gods.

Verse 218 (skanda.7.336.218)

तस्या यत्पञ्चमं स्रोतो न्यंकुमत्यास्तटानि च। तस्य मध्ये स्थितं तीर्थं गोष्पदेति च विश्रुतम्

tasyā yatpañcamaṁ sroto nyaṁkumatyāstaṭāni ca| tasya madhye sthitaṁ tīrthaṁ goṣpadeti ca viśrutam

Her fifth stream is the one whose banks are the Nyankumati; in the midst of it stands the tirtha renowned as Goshpada.

Verse 219 (skanda.7.336.219)

तत्र प्रेतशिला मध्ये प्रेतानां मुक्तिदायिका। यत्र प्रेताः पुरा मुक्ता अष्टाविंशतिकोटयः

tatra pretaśilā madhye pretānāṁ muktidāyikā| yatra pretāḥ purā muktā aṣṭāviṁśatikoṭayaḥ

There, in the midst of the Pretashila (the rock of the departed spirits), is that which grants liberation to the departed; there, of old, twenty-eight crore departed spirits attained liberation.

Verse 220 (skanda.7.336.220)

पापिनां मुक्तिदं तीर्थमाद्या रुद्रगया स्मृता। तदस्मिन्गोष्पदंनाम कलौ ख्यातं धरातले

pāpināṁ muktidaṁ tīrthamādyā rudragayā smṛtā| tadasmingoṣpadaṁnāma kalau khyātaṁ dharātale

This tirtha, which grants liberation to sinners, is remembered as the original Rudra-gaya; that very place, in this Kali age, is renowned on earth by the name Goshpada.

Verse 221 (skanda.7.336.221)

यदा क्षीरोदमथनान्निःसृता लोकमातरः। तदा देवैः समेतास्तु आगतास्तीर्थसन्निधौ

yadā kṣīrodamathanānniḥsṛtā lokamātaraḥ| tadā devaiḥ sametāstu āgatāstīrthasannidhau

When the mothers of the world (the divine cows) emerged from the churning of the Ocean of Milk, they came, together with the gods, near this tirtha.

Verse 222 (skanda.7.336.222)

पदं तत्र निमग्नं च नन्दायाश्च शिलातले। शिलां खुरांकितां दृष्ट्वा जानुदेशांकितां तथा

padaṁ tatra nimagnaṁ ca nandāyāśca śilātale| śilāṁ khurāṁkitāṁ dṛṣṭvā jānudeśāṁkitāṁ tathā

There, the hoof-print of Nanda (a divine cow) sank into the rock; seeing that rock marked with a hoof-print, and likewise marked at the place of the knee,

Verse 223 (skanda.7.336.223)

विस्मिताः सर्वदेवा वै पप्रच्छुर्गां च नन्दिनीम्। किमेतद्दृश्यते देवि पदं प्रेतशिलातले। कथं तु खेदः सञ्जातश्चास्माकं स्खलनं कथम्

vismitāḥ sarvadevā vai papracchurgāṁ ca nandinīm| kimetaddṛśyate devi padaṁ pretaśilātale| kathaṁ tu khedaḥ sañjātaścāsmākaṁ skhalanaṁ katham

all the gods, astonished, asked the cow Nandini: 'O Devi, what is this footprint seen on the Pretashila rock? How did this weariness or slip of ours come about?'

Verse 224 (skanda.7.336.224)

नन्दिन्युवाच। इदं मम पदं देवाः शिलासंस्थं विराजते। गगनांगणभूमिस्थं चन्द्रबिंबमिवापरम्

nandinyuvāca| idaṁ mama padaṁ devāḥ śilāsaṁsthaṁ virājate| gaganāṁgaṇabhūmisthaṁ candrabiṁbamivāparam

Nandini said: O gods, this footprint resting on the rock is my own; it shines as if it were another orb of the moon, set in the courtyard of the sky.

Verse 225 (skanda.7.336.225)

अद्यप्रभृति भो देवास्त्रैलोक्ये सचराचरे। गोष्पदंनाम विख्यातं लोके ख्यातिं गमिष्यति

adyaprabhṛti bho devāstrailokye sacarācare| goṣpadaṁnāma vikhyātaṁ loke khyātiṁ gamiṣyati

From this day forth, O gods, throughout the three worlds with all that moves and does not move, it shall become renowned by the name Goshpada and attain fame in the world.

Verse 226 (skanda.7.336.226)

अत्रागत्य नरो यस्तु स्नानं श्राद्धं करिष्यति। गयासप्तगुणंतस्य फलं देवा भविष्यति

atrāgatya naro yastu snānaṁ śrāddhaṁ kariṣyati| gayāsaptaguṇaṁtasya phalaṁ devā bhaviṣyati

Whatever man comes here and performs bathing and shraddha, O gods, shall obtain merit seven times that of Gaya.

Verse 227 (skanda.7.336.227)

न वारो न च नक्षत्रं न कालस्तत्र कारणम्। यदैव दृश्यते तीर्थं तदा पर्वसहस्रकम्

na vāro na ca nakṣatraṁ na kālastatra kāraṇam| yadaiva dṛśyate tīrthaṁ tadā parvasahasrakam

Neither the day of the week, nor the lunar mansion, nor any particular time is the determining cause there; whenever the tirtha is beheld, that itself is as good as a thousand sacred occasions.

Verse 228 (skanda.7.336.228)

अथवा पर्वकांक्षा चेत्तानि मे शृणु पार्वति। अयने विषुवे युग्मे सामान्ये चार्कसंक्रमे

athavā parvakāṁkṣā cettāni me śṛṇu pārvati| ayane viṣuve yugme sāmānye cārkasaṁkrame

Or, if particular occasions are desired, hear them from me, O Parvati — at the solstices, at the equinoxes, at the paired occasions, at an ordinary solar transit,

Verse 229 (skanda.7.336.229)

अमावास्याष्टकायां च कृष्णपक्षे विशेषतः। आर्द्रामघारोहिणीषु द्रव्यब्राह्मणसंगमे

amāvāsyāṣṭakāyāṁ ca kṛṣṇapakṣe viśeṣataḥ| ārdrāmaghārohiṇīṣu dravyabrāhmaṇasaṁgame

at the new moon, at the Ashtaka, especially in the dark fortnight, under the Ardra, Magha, or Rohini lunar mansions, and at the meeting of fitting materials and brahmins,

Verse 230 (skanda.7.336.230)

गजच्छाया व्यतीपाते वैधृते धृतचामरे। वैशाखस्य तृतीयायां नवम्यां कार्तिकस्य तु

gajacchāyā vyatīpāte vaidhṛte dhṛtacāmare| vaiśākhasya tṛtīyāyāṁ navamyāṁ kārtikasya tu

at the Gajachhaya conjunction, at Vyatipata, at Vaidhriti, at the Dhritachamara conjunction; on the third of Vaishakha and the ninth of Kartika,

Verse 231 (skanda.7.336.231)

पञ्चदश्यां च माघस्य नभस्ये च त्रयोदशीम्। युगादयः स्मृता ह्येतास्तस्मिन्काले च वा पुनः

pañcadaśyāṁ ca māghasya nabhasye ca trayodaśīm| yugādayaḥ smṛtā hyetāstasminkāle ca vā punaḥ

on the fifteenth of Magha and the thirteenth of the month of Nabhasya (Bhadrapada) — these are remembered as the Yugadi days, or again at that very time,

Verse 232 (skanda.7.336.232)

मन्वन्तरादौ कार्यं च तत्र श्राद्धं विजानता। आश्वयुक्छुक्लनवमी द्वादशी कार्तिके तथा

manvantarādau kāryaṁ ca tatra śrāddhaṁ vijānatā| āśvayukchuklanavamī dvādaśī kārtike tathā

and at the beginning of a Manvantara, the knowing one should perform shraddha there; on the bright ninth of Ashvin and the twelfth of Kartika likewise,

Verse 233 (skanda.7.336.233)

तृतीया चैत्रमासस्य तथा भाद्रपदस्य च। फाल्गुनस्य त्वमावास्या पौषस्यैकादशी तथा

tṛtīyā caitramāsasya tathā bhādrapadasya ca| phālgunasya tvamāvāsyā pauṣasyaikādaśī tathā

the third of Chaitra and likewise of Bhadrapada; the new moon of Phalguna, and likewise the eleventh of Pausha,

Verse 234 (skanda.7.336.234)

आषाढस्यापि दशमी माघमासस्य सप्तमी। श्रावणस्याष्टमी कृष्णा तथाऽऽषाढी च पूर्णिमा

āṣāḍhasyāpi daśamī māghamāsasya saptamī| śrāvaṇasyāṣṭamī kṛṣṇā tathā''ṣāḍhī ca pūrṇimā

the tenth of Ashadha and the seventh of Magha; the dark eighth of Shravana, and likewise the full moon of Ashadha.

Verse 235 (skanda.7.336.235)

कार्तिकी फाल्गुनी चैव ज्यैष्ठी पञ्चदशी तथा। मन्वन्तरादयश्चैता दत्तस्या क्षयकारिकाः

kārtikī phālgunī caiva jyaiṣṭhī pañcadaśī tathā| manvantarādayaścaitā dattasyā kṣayakārikāḥ

The full moons of Kartika, Phalguna, and likewise Jyeshtha — these, the Manvantara-beginning days and the rest, make whatever is given imperishable.

Verse 236 (skanda.7.336.236)

वैशाखस्य तृतीयायां कृष्णायां फाल्गुनस्य च। पञ्चमी चैत्रमासस्य तस्यैवांत्या तथा परा

vaiśākhasya tṛtīyāyāṁ kṛṣṇāyāṁ phālgunasya ca| pañcamī caitramāsasya tasyaivāṁtyā tathā parā

The third of Vaishakha, the dark (third) of Phalguna, the fifth of the month of Chaitra, and its own last day (the new moon), and another besides —

Verse 237 (skanda.7.336.237)

शुक्ला त्रयोदशी माघे कार्तिकस्य तु सप्तमी। नवमी मार्गशीर्षस्य सप्तैताः कल्पकादिमाः

śuklā trayodaśī māghe kārtikasya tu saptamī| navamī mārgaśīrṣasya saptaitāḥ kalpakādimāḥ

the bright thirteenth of Magha, the seventh of Kartika, and the ninth of Margashirsha — these seven are the days marking the beginnings of kalpas.

Verse 238 (skanda.7.336.238)

कल्पतृप्तिर्भवेच्छ्राद्धे कल्पादौ तु कृते पुरा। इत्येवमुक्त्वा सा नन्दा देवानां प्रतिनन्दिनी। अन्तर्द्धानं जगामाशु दीपो वातहतो यथा

kalpatṛptirbhavecchrāddhe kalpādau tu kṛte purā| ityevamuktvā sā nandā devānāṁ pratinandinī| antarddhānaṁ jagāmāśu dīpo vātahato yathā

Performing shraddha at the beginning of a kalpa brings satisfaction lasting the whole kalpa — thus it was said of old. Having said this, that Nanda, delighter of the gods, swiftly vanished, like a lamp blown out by the wind.

Verse 239 (skanda.7.336.239)

इतीदं कौतुकं दृष्ट्वा सर्वे देवाः सवासवाः। ब्रह्मर्षयो देवर्षयः श्लोकं पौराणिकं जगुः

itīdaṁ kautukaṁ dṛṣṭvā sarve devāḥ savāsavāḥ| brahmarṣayo devarṣayaḥ ślokaṁ paurāṇikaṁ jaguḥ

Beholding this wonder, all the gods together with Indra, the brahmarshis and the devarshis, sang this traditional verse:

Verse 240 (skanda.7.336.240)

अहो तीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं नन्दायास्तपसो बलम्। सकृच्छ्राद्धेन दत्तेन गयासप्तगुणं फलम्

aho tīrthasya māhātmyaṁ nandāyāstapaso balam| sakṛcchrāddhena dattena gayāsaptaguṇaṁ phalam

'How wondrous is the greatness of this tirtha, the power of Nanda's austerity — by a single shraddha offered here, merit seven times that of Gaya is obtained.'

Verse 241 (skanda.7.336.241)

एवमुक्त्वा ततो देवाश्चक्रुः श्राद्धादिकां क्रियाम्। यथोक्तं फलमापुस्ते नंदिन्या पूर्वभाषितम्

evamuktvā tato devāścakruḥ śrāddhādikāṁ kriyām| yathoktaṁ phalamāpuste naṁdinyā pūrvabhāṣitam

Having said this, the gods then performed the rite of shraddha and the rest, and obtained the fruit exactly as previously declared by Nandini.

Verse 242 (skanda.7.336.242)

इत्थं त्वमपि राजेन्द्र गच्छ शीघ्रं हि गोष्पदम्। तत्र श्राद्धादिकं कृत्वा लप्स्यसे फलमीप्सितम्

itthaṁ tvamapi rājendra gaccha śīghraṁ hi goṣpadam| tatra śrāddhādikaṁ kṛtvā lapsyase phalamīpsitam

'Thus you too, O lord of kings, go quickly to Goshpada; having performed shraddha and the rest there, you shall obtain the fruit you desire.'

Verse 243 (skanda.7.336.243)

अयं ते जनको राजन्पापिनां प्रवरः स्मृतः। नान्यैस्तीर्थशतैः शक्यः प्रोद्धर्तुं गोष्पदं विना

ayaṁ te janako rājanpāpināṁ pravaraḥ smṛtaḥ| nānyaistīrthaśataiḥ śakyaḥ proddhartuṁ goṣpadaṁ vinā

'This father of yours, O king, is reckoned foremost among sinners; without Goshpada, he cannot be redeemed even by a hundred other tirthas.'

Verse 244 (skanda.7.336.244)

तस्माद्व्रज महाराज मा कार्षीस्त्वं विलंबनम्। एवं श्रुत्वा तदा राजा प्रभासं क्षेत्रमागतः

tasmādvraja mahārāja mā kārṣīstvaṁ vilaṁbanam| evaṁ śrutvā tadā rājā prabhāsaṁ kṣetramāgataḥ

'Therefore go, O great king, without delay.' Hearing this, the king then came to the field of Prabhasa.

Verse 245 (skanda.7.336.245)

तत्र स्थानस्थितान्विप्रांस्तीर्थमाहात्म्यकोविदान्। अग्रेकृत्य महाराजो ययौ न्यंकुमतीं नदीम्

tatra sthānasthitānviprāṁstīrthamāhātmyakovidān| agrekṛtya mahārājo yayau nyaṁkumatīṁ nadīm

Placing at the fore the brahmins settled there, learned in the greatness of the tirtha, the great king proceeded to the river Nyankumati.

Verse 246 (skanda.7.336.246)

तैः राज्ञो दर्शितं तीर्थं पदं प्रेतशिलास्थितम्। तद्दृष्ट्वा विमलं तीर्थं विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनः। चक्रे कुण्डानि वेदीश्च मण्डपान्यज्ञसिद्धये

taiḥ rājño darśitaṁ tīrthaṁ padaṁ pretaśilāsthitam| taddṛṣṭvā vimalaṁ tīrthaṁ vismayotphullalocanaḥ| cakre kuṇḍāni vedīśca maṇḍapānyajñasiddhaye

They showed the king the tirtha, the footprint on the Pretashila rock. Beholding that pure tirtha, his eyes wide with wonder, he had fire-pits, altars and pavilions constructed for the accomplishment of the sacrifice.

Verse 247 (skanda.7.336.247)

ततो यज्ञः समारब्धो विधिवद्भूरिदक्षिणः। प्रत्यक्षं पितरस्तस्य बभूवुर्ज्वलनप्रभाः

tato yajñaḥ samārabdho vidhivadbhūridakṣiṇaḥ| pratyakṣaṁ pitarastasya babhūvurjvalanaprabhāḥ

Then a sacrifice, with abundant fees, was duly begun; his ancestors then appeared visibly before him, radiant as flame.

Verse 248 (skanda.7.336.248)

ततः श्रद्धां समास्थाय श्राद्धैर्यज्ञैर्महोदयम्। ते चाब्रुवन्वचस्तुष्टाः पितरो राजसत्तमम्

tataḥ śraddhāṁ samāsthāya śrāddhairyajñairmahodayam| te cābruvanvacastuṣṭāḥ pitaro rājasattamam

Then, having taken up great faith, through shraddhas and sacrifices the great uplifting occurred; and the satisfied ancestors spoke this word to that best of kings:

Verse 249 (skanda.7.336.249)

धन्योऽसि राजन्पुण्योऽसि वयं धन्यतरास्त्वया। यदत्र तीर्थे श्राद्धेन उद्धृता भवता वयम्

dhanyo'si rājanpuṇyo'si vayaṁ dhanyatarāstvayā| yadatra tīrthe śrāddhena uddhṛtā bhavatā vayam

'You are blessed, O king, you are meritorious; we are made even more blessed by you, since you have delivered us through shraddha at this tirtha.'

Verse 250 (skanda.7.336.250)

एवमुक्त्वा ततः सर्वे वेनेन पितरः सह। विमानवरसंस्थाश्च जग्मुस्ते त्रिदिवालयम्

evamuktvā tataḥ sarve venena pitaraḥ saha| vimānavarasaṁsthāśca jagmuste tridivālayam

Having said this, all the ancestors, together with Vena, mounted upon excellent celestial chariots and departed for the abode of the gods.

Verse 251 (skanda.7.336.251)

गच्छन्नुवाच वेनस्तं राजानं पृथुवक्षसम्। राजञ्जन्मानि चत्वारि अभूवं चान्यजन्मनि

gacchannuvāca venastaṁ rājānaṁ pṛthuvakṣasam| rājañjanmāni catvāri abhūvaṁ cānyajanmani

As he departed, Vena said to that broad-chested king: 'O king, in other births I underwent four births.'

Verse 252 (skanda.7.336.252)

कुष्ठी पापो दुराचारश्चांडालोच्छिष्टभुक्तथा। सोऽहं पापविनिर्मुक्तो गच्छामि त्रिदिवालयम्

kuṣṭhī pāpo durācāraścāṁḍālocchiṣṭabhuktathā| so'haṁ pāpavinirmukto gacchāmi tridivālayam

'A leper, a sinner, of evil conduct, and even one who ate the leavings of a chandala — that same I, now wholly freed from sin, go to the abode of the gods.'

Verse 253 (skanda.7.336.253)

तद्गच्छ त्वं महाभाग राज्यं भुंक्ष्व चिराय च। कृतं ते सकलं कार्यं पुत्रेण क्रियते च यत्

tadgaccha tvaṁ mahābhāga rājyaṁ bhuṁkṣva cirāya ca| kṛtaṁ te sakalaṁ kāryaṁ putreṇa kriyate ca yat

'Therefore go, O greatly fortunate one, and enjoy your kingdom for a long time. Your entire duty is fulfilled — you have done what a son ought to do.'

Verse 254 (skanda.7.336.254)

एवं श्रुत्वा तदा राजा मुमुदे ज्ञातिसंयुतः। ब्राह्मणान्हर्षयामास दानैर्भूकांचनादिभिः

evaṁ śrutvā tadā rājā mumude jñātisaṁyutaḥ| brāhmaṇānharṣayāmāsa dānairbhūkāṁcanādibhiḥ

Hearing this, the king, together with his kinsfolk, rejoiced greatly; he delighted the brahmins with gifts of land, gold and the like.

Verse 255 (skanda.7.336.255)

न तदस्ति जगत्यस्मिंस्तत्र यन्न ददौ नृपः। दृष्ट्वा प्रभावं तीर्थस्य प्रत्यक्षं पितृदर्शनम्

na tadasti jagatyasmiṁstatra yanna dadau nṛpaḥ| dṛṣṭvā prabhāvaṁ tīrthasya pratyakṣaṁ pitṛdarśanam

There was nothing in this world that the king did not give there, having witnessed the tirtha's power and the direct sight of his ancestors.

Verse 256 (skanda.7.336.256)

एवं राजा स कृत्वा तु स्वकीयं स्थानमाययौ। भुक्त्वा भूमिं तु सकलां प्रेत्य स्वर्गं समाप्तवान्

evaṁ rājā sa kṛtvā tu svakīyaṁ sthānamāyayau| bhuktvā bhūmiṁ tu sakalāṁ pretya svargaṁ samāptavān

Having done all this, the king then returned to his own realm; having enjoyed the whole earth, he attained heaven after death.

Verse 257 (skanda.7.336.257)

एवं प्रभावं तत्क्षेत्रं प्रभासं पापनाशनम्। यस्मिन्नायांति तीर्थानि देवास्तिष्ठंति कोटिशः

evaṁ prabhāvaṁ tatkṣetraṁ prabhāsaṁ pāpanāśanam| yasminnāyāṁti tīrthāni devāstiṣṭhaṁti koṭiśaḥ

Such is the power of that field of Prabhasa, the destroyer of sin, into which all the tirthas come, and where the gods dwell by the crore.

Verse 258 (skanda.7.336.258)

प्रभासं क्षेत्रमासाद्य योन्यत्तीर्थं हि मार्गते। स करस्थं समुत्सृज्य कूर्परेण समालिहेत्

prabhāsaṁ kṣetramāsādya yonyattīrthaṁ hi mārgate| sa karasthaṁ samutsṛjya kūrpareṇa samālihet

Whoever, having reached the field of Prabhasa, then seeks out another tirtha, is like one who discards what is already in hand to lick it instead with his elbow.

Verse 259 (skanda.7.336.259)

अब्रुवन्पितरश्चैनां गाथां पौराणिकीं प्रिये। गयां गंतुं न शक्नोति यदि पुत्रः कथंचन। तदा यत्नेन गंतव्यं गोष्पदं तीर्थमुत्तमम्

abruvanpitaraścaināṁ gāthāṁ paurāṇikīṁ priye| gayāṁ gaṁtuṁ na śaknoti yadi putraḥ kathaṁcana| tadā yatnena gaṁtavyaṁ goṣpadaṁ tīrthamuttamam

The ancestors spoke this traditional verse, O beloved: 'If a son is in any way unable to go to Gaya, then he should make every effort to go to the excellent tirtha of Goshpada.'

Verse 260 (skanda.7.336.260)

कन्दैर्मूलैः फलैर्वापि पिण्याकेंगुदकेन वा। अपि नः स कुले भूयाद्योऽत्र श्राद्धं प्रदास्यति

kandairmūlaiḥ phalairvāpi piṇyākeṁgudakena vā| api naḥ sa kule bhūyādyo'tra śrāddhaṁ pradāsyati

'Would that there were one in our family who would offer shraddha here, even with roots, tubers, fruits, oil-cake, or ingudi.'

Verse 261 (skanda.7.336.261)

तत्र स्नात्वा प्रयत्नेन ब्राह्मणान्वेदवित्तमान्। आमंत्र्य विधिवच्छ्राद्धे भोजयित्वा प्रयत्नतः। पिंडदानं तु कर्त्तव्यं पितृणां तृप्तिमिच्छताम्

tatra snātvā prayatnena brāhmaṇānvedavittamān| āmaṁtrya vidhivacchrāddhe bhojayitvā prayatnataḥ| piṁḍadānaṁ tu karttavyaṁ pitṛṇāṁ tṛptimicchatām

Having bathed there, and diligently invited brahmins learned in the Veda, and dutifully feasted them at the shraddha, one who desires the ancestors' satisfaction should certainly perform the pinda-offering.

Verse 262 (skanda.7.336.262)

न तिथिर्न च नक्षत्रं पर्व मासादिकं न हि। सर्वदा तत्र गंतव्यं श्रद्धायुक्तेन चेतसा

na tithirna ca nakṣatraṁ parva māsādikaṁ na hi| sarvadā tatra gaṁtavyaṁ śraddhāyuktena cetasā

There is no restriction there of lunar day, lunar mansion, sacred occasion, or month; one should go there always, with a heart full of faith.

Verse 263 (skanda.7.336.263)

न कालनियमस्तत्र प्रमाणं दर्शनं यतः। तत्राक्षयतृतीयायां दुर्ल्लभं गमनं प्रिये

na kālaniyamastatra pramāṇaṁ darśanaṁ yataḥ| tatrākṣayatṛtīyāyāṁ durllabhaṁ gamanaṁ priye

There is no rule of time there, for the mere sight of it is proof enough; but going there on Akshaya Tritiya is especially rare and precious, O beloved.

Verse 264 (skanda.7.336.264)

कार्त्तिक्यां माघसप्तम्यां पद्मके वाऽथ पर्वणि

kārttikyāṁ māghasaptamyāṁ padmake vā'tha parvaṇi

On the full moon of Kartika, on the seventh of Magha, or on the Padmaka conjunction, or on any other sacred occasion.

Verse 265 (skanda.7.336.265)

हिरण्यदानं गोदानं वस्त्रं रूप्यं घृतं तिलाः। दातव्यास्तत्र युक्तेन पितॄणां तृप्तिमिच्छता

hiraṇyadānaṁ godānaṁ vastraṁ rūpyaṁ ghṛtaṁ tilāḥ| dātavyāstatra yuktena pitṝṇāṁ tṛptimicchatā

Gold, a cow, cloth, silver, ghee and sesame seeds — these should be given there by the disciplined man who desires the satisfaction of his ancestors.

Verse 266 (skanda.7.336.266)

एवं ते कथितं देवि तीर्थगुह्यं महोदयम्। न कथ्यं दुष्टबुद्धीनां पापिनां क्रूरचेतसाम्

evaṁ te kathitaṁ devi tīrthaguhyaṁ mahodayam| na kathyaṁ duṣṭabuddhīnāṁ pāpināṁ krūracetasām

Thus, O Devi, the great and secret glory of this tirtha has been told to you. It should not be told to those of evil mind, to sinners, or to the cruel-hearted.

Verse 267 (skanda.7.336.267)

श्रद्धायुक्ताय दातव्यं पितृभक्तिरताय च। श्राद्धकाले विशेषेण पठेद्भक्त्या पुराणवित्

śraddhāyuktāya dātavyaṁ pitṛbhaktiratāya ca| śrāddhakāle viśeṣeṇa paṭhedbhaktyā purāṇavit

It should be given only to one endowed with faith and devoted to his ancestors. One learned in the Puranas should, especially at the time of shraddha, recite it with devotion.

Verse 268 (skanda.7.336.268)

पितॄणां जायते तृप्तिस्तेन द्वादशवार्षिकी। श्रोतव्यं प्रयतैर्नित्यं नरैर्नरकभीरुभिः। पठितव्यं सदा भक्त्या विप्राणां भुंजतां पुरः

pitṝṇāṁ jāyate tṛptistena dvādaśavārṣikī| śrotavyaṁ prayatairnityaṁ narairnarakabhīrubhiḥ| paṭhitavyaṁ sadā bhaktyā viprāṇāṁ bhuṁjatāṁ puraḥ

By that, the ancestors' satisfaction lasts twelve years. It should always be heard by self-controlled men who fear hell, and should always be recited with devotion before brahmins as they dine.

Verse 269 (skanda.7.336.269)

पानीयमप्यत्र तिलैर्विमिश्रं दद्यात्पितृभ्यः प्रयतो मनुष्यः। श्राद्धं कृतं तेन समासहस्रं रहस्यमेतत्पितरो वदंति

pānīyamapyatra tilairvimiśraṁ dadyātpitṛbhyaḥ prayato manuṣyaḥ| śrāddhaṁ kṛtaṁ tena samāsahasraṁ rahasyametatpitaro vadaṁti

Let the self-controlled man offer here to the ancestors even water mixed with sesame seeds; by that, it is as though shraddha had been performed for a thousand years — this secret the ancestors themselves declare.

Verse 270 (skanda.7.336.270)

इदं रहस्यं यशसो निधानमिदं पितॄणामतिवल्लभं च। इदं च वेदेष्वमृताय नित्यमिदं महापापहरं च पुंसाम्

idaṁ rahasyaṁ yaśaso nidhānamidaṁ pitṝṇāmativallabhaṁ ca| idaṁ ca vedeṣvamṛtāya nityamidaṁ mahāpāpaharaṁ ca puṁsām

This secret is a treasury of fame, and is exceedingly dear to the ancestors; it is declared in the Vedas to be forever like nectar, and it removes the greatest sins of men.