The Glory of Chandika (Origin of the Chandika Hermitage)

Verse 1 (skanda.7.420.1)

॥ ययातिरुवाच ॥ चंडिकाया द्विजश्रेष्ठ कथं तत्राश्रमोऽभवत् । कस्मिन्काले फलं तेन किं दृष्टेन भवेन्नृणाम्

yayātiruvāca | caṇḍikāyā dvijaśreṣṭha kathaṁ tatrāśramo'bhavat | kasminkāle phalaṁ tena kiṁ dṛṣṭena bhavennṛṇām

Yayati said: O best of brahmins, how did Chandika's hermitage come to be there? At what time? And what fruit accrues to men from seeing it?

Verse 2 (skanda.7.420.2)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ शृणु राजन्प्रवक्ष्यामि कथां पापप्रणाशिनीम् । यां श्रुत्वा मानवः सम्यक्सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

pulastya uvāca | śṛṇu rājanpravakṣyāmi kathāṁ pāpapraṇāśinīm | yāṁ śrutvā mānavaḥ samyaksarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

Pulastya said: Listen, O king, I shall tell a sin-destroying tale, hearing which a man is duly freed from all sins.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.420.3)

पुरा देवयुगे राजन्महिषोनाम दानवः । पितामहवराद्दृप्तः सर्वदेवभयंकरः

purā devayuge rājanmahiṣonāma dānavaḥ | pitāmahavarāddṛptaḥ sarvadevabhayaṁkaraḥ

Of old, O king, in the age of the gods, there was a demon named Mahisha, made proud by a boon of the grandfather Brahma, a terror to all the gods.

Verse 4 (skanda.7.420.4)

तेन शक्रादयो देवा जिताः संख्ये सहस्रशः । भयात्तस्य दिवं हित्वा गतास्ते वै यथादिशम्

tena śakrādayo devā jitāḥ saṁkhye sahasraśaḥ | bhayāttasya divaṁ hitvā gatāste vai yathādiśam

By him Indra and the other gods were defeated in battle a thousand times over; out of fear of him they abandoned heaven and fled in every direction.

Verse 5 (skanda.7.420.5)

त्रैलोक्यं स वशे कृत्वा स्वयमिन्द्रो बभूव ह

trailokyaṁ sa vaśe kṛtvā svayamindro babhūva ha

Bringing the three worlds under his control, he himself became Indra.

Verse 6 (skanda.7.420.6)

आदित्या वसवो रुद्रा नासत्यौ मरुतां गणाः । कृतास्तेन तथा दैत्या यथार्हं बलवत्तराः

ādityā vasavo rudrā nāsatyau marutāṁ gaṇāḥ | kṛtāstena tathā daityā yathārhaṁ balavattarāḥ

The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, the two Nasatyas, and the hosts of Maruts — these he replaced, each according to rank, with mightier demons.

Verse 7 (skanda.7.420.7)

वह्निर्भयं समापन्नस्त्यक्त्वा देवगणांस्तदा । दानवेभ्यो हविर्भागं देवेभ्यो न प्रयच्छति

vahnirbhayaṁ samāpannastyaktvā devagaṇāṁstadā | dānavebhyo havirbhāgaṁ devebhyo na prayacchati

Fire, overcome with fear, then abandoned the gods and began giving the share of oblations to the demons, not to the gods.

Verse 8 (skanda.7.420.8)

उद्द्योतं कुरुते सूर्यो यादृक्तस्याभिसंमतः । यज्ञभागं विनाऽप्येष भयात्पार्थिवसत्तम

uddyotaṁ kurute sūryo yādṛktasyābhisaṁmataḥ | yajñabhāgaṁ vinā'pyeṣa bhayātpārthivasattama

O best of kings, the sun too gave light exactly as pleased him, even without receiving his sacrificial share, out of fear.

Verse 9 (skanda.7.420.9)

लोकपालास्तथा सर्वे तस्य कर्म प्रचक्रिरे । दासवत्पार्थिवश्रेष्ठ यज्ञभागं विनाकृताः

lokapālāstathā sarve tasya karma pracakrire | dāsavatpārthivaśreṣṭha yajñabhāgaṁ vinākṛtāḥ

Likewise all the guardians of the world, O best of kings, deprived of their sacrificial share, performed his bidding like slaves.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.420.10)

कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य सर्वे देवाः समेत्य तु । पप्रच्छुर्विनयोपेता विप्रश्रेष्ठं बृहस्पतिम्

kasyacittvatha kālasya sarve devāḥ sametya tu | papracchurvinayopetā vipraśreṣṭhaṁ bṛhaspatim

After some time, all the gods, gathering together with humility, questioned the best of brahmins, Brihaspati.

Verse 11 (skanda.7.420.11)

भगवान्किं वयं कुर्मः कुत्र यामो निराश्रयाः । तस्माद्ब्रूहि क्षयोपायं महिषस्य दुरात्मनः

bhagavānkiṁ vayaṁ kurmaḥ kutra yāmo nirāśrayāḥ | tasmādbrūhi kṣayopāyaṁ mahiṣasya durātmanaḥ

"O lord, what shall we do? Bereft of refuge, where shall we go? Therefore tell us the means of destroying the evil-minded Mahisha."

Verse 12 (skanda.7.420.12)

एवमुक्तो गुरुर्देवैर्ध्यात्वा कालं चिरं नृप । ततस्तांस्त्रिदशान्प्राह जीवयन्निव भूपतेः

evamukto gururdevairdhyātvā kālaṁ ciraṁ nṛpa | tatastāṁstridaśānprāha jīvayanniva bhūpateḥ

O king, thus addressed by the gods, the guru meditated for a long time; then he spoke to those gods, as though restoring them to life.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.420.13)

॥ बृहस्पतिरुवाच ॥ ब्रह्मलब्धवरो दैत्यः पौरुषे च व्यवस्थितः । अवध्यः सर्वदेवानां मुक्त्वेकां योषितं सुराः । व्रजध्वं सहितास्तस्मादर्बुदं पर्वतोत्तमम्

bṛhaspatiruvāca | brahmalabdhavaro daityaḥ pauruṣe ca vyavasthitaḥ | avadhyaḥ sarvadevānāṁ muktvekāṁ yoṣitaṁ surāḥ | vrajadhvaṁ sahitāstasmādarbudaṁ parvatottamam

Brihaspati said: "This demon, having obtained a boon from Brahma, stands secure in his manly might; save by one woman, he is unslayable by all the gods. Therefore, O gods, go together to the most excellent Mount Arbuda."

Verse 14 (skanda.7.420.14)

तपोऽर्थं तत्र संसिद्धिर्जायतामचिराद्धि वः । शक्तिरूपां परां देवीं चंडिकां कामरूपिणीम्

tapo'rthaṁ tatra saṁsiddhirjāyatāmacirāddhi vaḥ | śaktirūpāṁ parāṁ devīṁ caṇḍikāṁ kāmarūpiṇīm

"May your austerity there swiftly bear fruit. The supreme goddess in the form of Shakti, Chandika, who assumes forms at will —"

Verse 15 (skanda.7.420.15)

आराधयध्वमेकांते यया व्याप्तमिदं जगत् । सा तुष्टा वै वधार्थं तु महिषस्य दुरात्मनः

ārādhayadhvamekānte yayā vyāptamidaṁ jagat | sā tuṣṭā vai vadhārthaṁ tu mahiṣasya durātmanaḥ

"— worship her in solitude, she by whom this whole universe is pervaded. Being pleased, she will indeed, for the sake of slaying the evil Mahisha —"

Verse 16 (skanda.7.420.16)

करिष्यति समुद्योगमवतारसमुद्भवम् । तस्या हस्तेन सोऽवश्यं वधं प्राप्स्यति दुर्मतिः

kariṣyati samudyogamavatārasamudbhavam | tasyā hastena so'vaśyaṁ vadhaṁ prāpsyati durmatiḥ

"— undertake her effort, arising as an incarnation. That evil-minded one shall certainly meet death at her hands."

Verse 17 (skanda.7.420.17)

अहं वः कीर्तयिष्यामि शक्तियं मंत्रमुत्तमम् । पूजाविधानसंयुक्तं भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं शुभम्

ahaṁ vaḥ kīrtayiṣyāmi śāktyaṁ mantramuttamam | pūjāvidhānasaṁyuktaṁ bhuktimuktipradaṁ śubham

"I shall proclaim to you the supreme Shakti mantra, joined with the rite of worship, auspicious, and bestowing both enjoyment and liberation."

Verse 18 (skanda.7.420.18)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ एवमुक्ताः सुराः सर्वे हर्षेण महतान्विताः । तेनैव सहिता राजन्गताः पर्वतमर्बुदम्

pulastya uvāca | evamuktāḥ surāḥ sarve harṣeṇa mahatānvitāḥ | tenaiva sahitā rājangatāḥ parvatamarbudam

Pulastya said: Thus addressed, all the gods, filled with great joy, went, O king, together with him to Mount Arbuda.

Verse 19 (skanda.7.420.19)

तत्र स्नाताञ्छुचीन्सर्वान्दीक्षयामास गीष्पतिः । शाक्तयैः परमैर्मंत्रैः सद्यःसिद्धिकरैर्नृप

tatra snātāñchucīnsarvāndīkṣayāmāsa gīṣpatiḥ | śāktayaiḥ paramairmantraiḥ sadyaḥsiddhikarairnṛpa

There, O king, the lord of speech initiated all of them, purified by bathing, with the supreme Shakti mantras that bring instant accomplishment.

Verse 20 (skanda.7.420.20)

सार्धयामत्रयं तत्र परिवारसमन्विताः । बलिपूजोपहारैश्च गंधं माल्यानुलेपनैः

sārdhayāmatrayaṁ tatra parivārasamanvitāḥ | balipūjopahāraiśca gandhaṁ mālyānulepanaiḥ

There, together with their attendants, they carried out the discipline of worship, with offerings of bali, homage, gifts, fragrant paste, garlands, and unguents.

Verse 21 (skanda.7.420.21)

मंत्रेण विविधेनैव चारुस्तोत्रेण भक्तितः । प्रार्थयंतस्तथा नित्यं दीपज्योतिः समाहिताः

mantreṇa vividhenaiva cārustotreṇa bhaktitaḥ | prārthayantastathā nityaṁ dīpajyotiḥ samāhitāḥ

With various mantras and a beautiful hymn of praise, devotedly entreating, they remained ever composed before the light of the lamp.

Verse 22 (skanda.7.420.22)

निर्ममा निरहंकारा गुरुभक्तिपरायणाः । अंगन्याससमायुक्ताः समदर्शित्वमागताः

nirmamā nirahaṁkārā gurubhaktiparāyaṇāḥ | aṅganyāsasamāyuktāḥ samadarśitvamāgatāḥ

Free from possessiveness and pride, devoted to their guru, engaged in the placing of the mantra upon their limbs, they attained equanimity of vision.

Verse 23 (skanda.7.420.23)

एवं संतिष्ठमानानां तेषां पार्थिवसत्तम । सप्त मासा व्यतिक्रांतास्ततस्तुष्टा सुरेश्वरी

evaṁ saṁtiṣṭhamānānāṁ teṣāṁ pārthivasattama | sapta māsā vyatikrāntāstatastuṣṭā sureśvarī

O best of kings, as they thus remained, seven months passed; then the goddess of the gods was pleased.

Verse 24 (skanda.7.420.24)

दीपज्योतिःसमावेशात्तेषां गात्रेषु पार्थिव । मंत्रेण परिपूतानां परं तेजो व्यवर्धत

dīpajyotiḥsamāveśāttteṣāṁ gātreṣu pārthiva | mantreṇa paripūtānāṁ paraṁ tejo vyavardhata

O king, through the entering of the lamp's light, in the limbs of those purified by the mantra, a supreme splendour began to grow.

Verse 25 (skanda.7.420.25)

द्वादशार्कप्रभा जाताः षण्मासाभ्यंतरेण ते । अथ तांस्तेजसा युक्ताञ्ज्ञात्वा जीवो महीपते

dvādaśārkaprabhā jātāḥ ṣaṇmāsābhyantareṇa te | atha tāṁstejasā yuktāñjñātvā jīvo mahīpate

Within six months they became radiant as twelve suns. Then, O king, knowing them to be endowed with such splendour, Brihaspati —

Verse 26 (skanda.7.420.26)

मंडलं रचयामास सर्वसिद्धिप्रदायकम् । उपवेश्य ततः सर्वान्समस्तांस्त्रिदशालयान्

maṇḍalaṁ racayāmāsa sarvasiddhipradāyakam | upaveśya tataḥ sarvānsamastāṁstridaśālayān

— constructed a ritual diagram that grants every accomplishment, and then, seating all the gods there together —

Verse 27 (skanda.7.420.27)

तेषां शरीरगं तेजः शाक्तयैर्मंत्रसत्तमैः । आकृष्य न्यसयामास मंडले तत्र पार्थिव

teṣāṁ śarīragaṁ tejaḥ śāktayairmantrasattamaiḥ | ākṛṣya nyasayāmāsa maṇḍale tatra pārthiva

O king, by the most excellent Shakti mantras, he drew forth the splendour dwelling in their bodies and deposited it there in the diagram.

Verse 28 (skanda.7.420.28)

ततस्तेजोमयी कन्या तत्र जाता स्वरूपिणी । शक्तिरूपा महाकाया दिव्यलक्षणलक्षिता

tatastejomayī kanyā tatra jātā svarūpiṇī | śaktirūpā mahākāyā divyalakṣaṇalakṣitā

Then, self-manifest, a maiden made of splendour appeared there — in the form of Shakti, of vast form, marked with divine signs.

Verse 29 (skanda.7.420.29)

इंद्रस्तस्यै ददौ वज्रं स्वपाशं च जलेश्वरः । शक्तिं च भगवानग्निः सिंहयानं धनाधिपः

indrastasyai dadau vajraṁ svapāśaṁ ca jaleśvaraḥ | śaktiṁ ca bhagavānagniḥ siṁhayānaṁ dhanādhipaḥ

Indra gave her the thunderbolt, and the lord of waters his noose; the Lord Agni gave the Shakti-weapon, and the lord of wealth the lion mount.

Verse 30 (skanda.7.420.30)

अन्ये चैव गणाः सर्वे निजशस्त्राणि हर्षिताः । तस्यै ददुर्नृपश्रेष्ठ स्तुतिं चक्रुः समाहिताः

anye caiva gaṇāḥ sarve nijaśastrāṇi harṣitāḥ | tasyai dadurnṛpaśreṣṭha stutiṁ cakruḥ samāhitāḥ

O best of kings, all the other divine hosts too, rejoicing, gave her their own weapons, and, with composed minds, offered her praise.

Verse 31 (skanda.7.420.31)

॥ देवा ऊचुः ॥ नमस्ते देवदेवेशि नमस्ते कांचनप्रभे । नमस्ते पद्मपत्राक्षि नमस्ते जगदम्बिके

devā ūcuḥ | namaste devadeveśi namaste kāñcanaprabhe | namaste padmapatrākṣi namaste jagadambike

The gods said: Salutations to you, O empress of the gods of gods! Salutations to you, of golden radiance! Salutations to you, lotus-eyed one! Salutations to you, O mother of the world!

Verse 32 (skanda.7.420.32)

नमस्ते विश्वरूपे च नमस्ते विश्वसंस्तुते । त्वं मतिस्त्वं धृतिः कांतिस्त्वं सुधा त्वं विभावरी

namaste viśvarūpe ca namaste viśvasaṁstute | tvaṁ matistvaṁ dhṛtiḥ kāntistvaṁ sudhā tvaṁ vibhāvarī

Salutations to you, O universal form! Salutations to you, praised by the universe! You are intellect, you are steadfastness, you are radiance, you are ambrosia, you are the night.

Verse 33 (skanda.7.420.33)

क्षमा ऋद्धिः प्रभा स्वाहा सावित्री कमला सती । त्वं गौरी त्वं महामाया चामुण्डा त्वं सरस्वती

kṣamā ṛddhiḥ prabhā svāhā sāvitrī kamalā satī | tvaṁ gaurī tvaṁ mahāmāyā cāmuṇḍā tvaṁ sarasvatī

You are forbearance, prosperity, radiance, Svaha, Savitri, Kamala, Sati. You are Gauri, you are Mahamaya, Chamunda, you are Sarasvati.

Verse 34 (skanda.7.420.34)

भैरवी भीषणाकारा चंडमुंडासिधारिणी । भूतप्रिया महाकाया घटाली विक्रमोत्कटा

bhairavī bhīṣaṇākārā caṇḍamuṇḍāsidhāriṇī | bhūtapriyā mahākāyā ghaṭālī vikramotkaṭā

You are Bhairavi, of fearsome form, bearing the sword that slew Chanda and Munda. Beloved of the elemental spirits, of vast form, Ghatali, of fierce valour.

Verse 35 (skanda.7.420.35)

मद्यमांसप्रिया नित्यं भक्तत्राणपरायणा । त्वया व्याप्तमिदं सर्वं त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्

madyamāṁsapriyā nityaṁ bhaktatrāṇaparāyaṇā | tvayā vyāptamidaṁ sarvaṁ trailokyaṁ sacarācaram

You are fond of wine and meat offerings, ever devoted to protecting your devotees. This entire threefold world, moving and unmoving, is pervaded by you.

Verse 36 (skanda.7.420.36)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ एवं स्तुता सुरैः सर्वैस्ततो देवी प्रहर्षिता । तानब्रवीद्वरं सर्वा गृह्णंतु मम देवताः

pulastya uvāca | evaṁ stutā suraiḥ sarvaistato devī praharṣitā | tānabravīdvaraṁ sarvā gṛhṇantu mama devatāḥ

Pulastya said: Thus praised by all the gods, the goddess was greatly delighted and said to them: "O gods, let all of you receive a boon from me."

Verse 37 (skanda.7.420.37)

॥ देवा ऊचुः ॥ दानवो महिषो नाम पितामहवरान्वितः । अवध्यः सर्वभूतानां देवानां च तथा कृतः

devā ūcuḥ | dānavo mahiṣo nāma pitāmahavarānvitaḥ | avadhyaḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ devānāṁ ca tathā kṛtaḥ

The gods said: "The demon named Mahisha, endowed with a boon from the grandfather, has thus been made unslayable by all beings and by the gods as well."

Verse 38 (skanda.7.420.38)

मुक्त्वैकां योषितं देवि तस्मात्त्वं विनिपातय

muktvaikāṁ yoṣitaṁ devi tasmāttvaṁ vinipātaya

"Save by one woman, O Goddess, he cannot be slain — therefore do you strike him down."

Verse 39 (skanda.7.420.39)

॥ देव्युवाच ॥ गच्छध्वं त्रिदशाः सर्वे स्वानि स्थानानि निर्वृताः

devyuvāca | gacchadhvaṁ tridaśāḥ sarve svāni sthānāni nirvṛtāḥ

The Goddess said: "Go, all you gods, at ease, to your own abodes."

Verse 40 (skanda.7.420.40)

अहं तं सूदयिष्यामि समये पर्युपस्थिते । एवमुक्ता गताः सर्वे देवाः स्थानानि हर्षिताः

ahaṁ taṁ sūdayiṣyāmi samaye paryupasthite | evamuktā gatāḥ sarve devāḥ sthānāni harṣitāḥ

"I shall slay him when the proper time arrives." Thus addressed, all the gods, rejoicing, went to their own abodes.

Verse 41 (skanda.7.420.41)

देवी तत्रैव संहृष्टा स्थिता पर्वतरोधसि । कस्यचित्त्वथकालस्य नारदो भगवान्मुनिः

devī tatraiva saṁhṛṣṭā sthitā parvatarodhasi | kasyacittvathakālasya nārado bhagavānmuniḥ

The Goddess, delighted, remained right there on the mountain slope. After some time, the divine sage Narada —

Verse 42 (skanda.7.420.42)

तत्र देवीं च संदृष्ट्वा तीर्थयात्रापरायणः । त्रिविष्टपमनुप्राप्तो महिषो यत्र तिष्ठति

tatra devīṁ ca saṁdṛṣṭvā tīrthayātrāparāyaṇaḥ | triviṣṭapamanuprāpto mahiṣo yatra tiṣṭhati

— having seen the Goddess there, and devoted to pilgrimage, arrived at that heaven where Mahisha dwelt.

Verse 43 (skanda.7.420.43)

तत्र दृष्ट्वा मुनिं प्राप्तं प्रणम्य महिषासुरः । विनयेन समायुक्तो ह्यभ्युत्थानमथाकरोत्

tatra dṛṣṭvā muniṁ prāptaṁ praṇamya mahiṣāsuraḥ | vinayena samāyukto hyabhyutthānamathākarot

Seeing the sage arrive there, Mahishasura bowed to him and, filled with humility, rose respectfully to greet him.

Verse 44 (skanda.7.420.44)

ततस्तं पूजयामास मधुपर्कार्घविष्टरैः । सुखासीनं सुविश्रांतं ज्ञात्वा वाक्यमुवाच ह

tatastaṁ pūjayāmāsa madhuparkārghaviṣṭaraiḥ | sukhāsīnaṁ suviśrāntaṁ jñātvā vākyamuvāca ha

Then he honoured him with the guest-offering of madhuparka, water, and a seat; and knowing him to be comfortably seated and rested, he spoke these words.

Verse 45 (skanda.7.420.45)

कुतो भवानितः प्राप्तः किमर्थं मुनिसत्तम । अमी पुत्रास्तथा राज्यं कलत्राणि धनानि च

kuto bhavānitaḥ prāptaḥ kimarthaṁ munisattama | amī putrāstathā rājyaṁ kalatrāṇi dhanāni ca

"O best of sages, from where have you come here, and for what purpose? Here are my sons, my kingdom, my wives, and my wealth."

Verse 46 (skanda.7.420.46)

अहं भृत्यसमायुक्तः किमनेन द्विजोत्तम । सर्वं तेऽहं प्रदास्यामि ब्रूहि येन प्रयोजनम्

ahaṁ bhṛtyasamāyuktaḥ kimanena dvijottama | sarvaṁ te'haṁ pradāsyāmi brūhi yena prayojanam

"O best of brahmins, what use is it that I am attended by servants? I shall give you everything; tell me whatever purpose you have."

Verse 47 (skanda.7.420.47)

॥ नारद उवाच ॥ अभिनंदामि ते सर्वमेतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते । निःस्पृहा हि वयं नित्यं मुनिधर्मं समाश्रिताः

nārada uvāca | abhinandāmi te sarvametattvayyupapadyate | niḥspṛhā hi vayaṁ nityaṁ munidharmaṁ samāśritāḥ

Narada said: "I commend all this that befits you well. But we, ever devoted to the sage's discipline, are free of worldly craving."

Verse 48 (skanda.7.420.48)

कौतूहलादिह प्राप्तश्चिरात्ते दर्शनं गतः । मर्त्त्यलोकात्समायातो यास्यामि ब्रह्मणः पदम्

kautūhalādiha prāptaścirātte darśanaṁ gataḥ | marttyalokātsamāyāto yāsyāmi brahmaṇaḥ padam

"Out of curiosity I have come here, after a long time visiting you. I have come from the world of mortals; I shall now go to the abode of Brahma."

Verse 49 (skanda.7.420.49)

॥ महिषासुर उवाच ॥ क्वचिद्दृष्टं त्वया किञ्चिदाश्चर्यं भूतले मुने । दैवं वा मानुषं वापि दानवा लंभिता विभो

mahiṣāsura uvāca | kvacid dṛṣṭaṁ tvayā kiñcidāścaryaṁ bhūtale mune | daivaṁ vā mānuṣaṁ vāpi dānavā lambhitā vibho

Mahishasura said: "O sage, have you seen anywhere on earth any wonder — whether divine or human, O lord, or found among the demons?"

Verse 50 (skanda.7.420.50)

॥ नारद उवाच ॥ अत्याश्चर्यं मया दृष्टं दानवेन्द्र धरातले । यत्र दृष्टं क्वचित्पूर्वं त्रैलोक्ये सचराचरे

nārada uvāca | atyāścaryaṁ mayā dṛṣṭaṁ dānavendra dharātale | yatra dṛṣṭaṁ kvacitpūrvaṁ trailokye sacarācare

Narada said: "O lord of demons, I have seen a most astonishing thing on earth — such as was never before seen anywhere in the three moving and unmoving worlds."

Verse 51 (skanda.7.420.51)

अस्त्यर्बुद इति ख्यातः पर्वतो धरणीतले । सर्वर्तुपुष्पितैर्वृक्षैः शोभितः स्वर्गसन्निभः

astyarbuda iti khyātaḥ parvato dharaṇītale | sarvartupuṣpitairvṛkṣaiḥ śobhitaḥ svargasannibhaḥ

"There is a mountain on earth known as Arbuda, adorned with trees blossoming in every season, resembling heaven."

Verse 52 (skanda.7.420.52)

बकुलैश्चंपकैश्चाम्रैरशोकैः कर्णिकारकैः । शालैस्तालैश्च खर्जूरैर्वटैर्भल्लातकैर्धवैः

bakulaiścampakaiścāmrairaśokaiḥ karṇikārakaiḥ | śālaistālaiśca kharjūrairvaṭairbhallātakairdhavaiḥ

"With bakula, champaka, mango, ashoka, and karnikara trees; with sala, tala, date-palm, banyan, bhallataka and dhava trees —"

Verse 53 (skanda.7.420.53)

सरलैः पनसैर्वृक्षैस्तिंदुकैः करवीरकैः । मंदारैः पारिजातैश्च मलयैश्चंदनैस्तथा

saralaiḥ panasairvṛkṣaistindukaiḥ karavīrakaiḥ | mandāraiḥ pārijātaiśca malayaiścandanaistathā

"— with sarala, jackfruit trees, tinduka, and karavira; with mandara and parijata, and with the sandal-trees of Malaya —"

Verse 54 (skanda.7.420.54)

पुष्पजातिविशेषैश्च सुगंधैरप्यनेककैः । खाद्यैः सर्वेस्तथा लेह्यैश्चोष्यैः फलवरैर्वृतः

puṣpajātiviśeṣaiśca sugandhairapyanekakaiḥ | khādyaiḥ sarvestathā lehyaiścoṣyaiḥ phalavarairvṛtaḥ

"— and with countless species of fragrant flowers; surrounded by every kind of food to be eaten, licked, or sucked, and excellent fruits."

Verse 55 (skanda.7.420.55)

न स वृक्षो न सा वल्ली नौषधी सा धरातले । न तत्र याऽसुरज्येष्ठ पर्वते वीक्षिता मया

na sa vṛkṣo na sā vallī naauṣadhī sā dharātale | na tatra yā'surajyeṣṭha parvate vīkṣitā mayā

"O foremost of demons, there is no tree, no creeper, no herb on earth which I did not see there on that mountain."

Verse 56 (skanda.7.420.56)

पक्षिणो मधुरारावाश्चकोरशिखिचातकाः । कोकिला धार्तराष्ट्राश्च भ्रमराः श्वेतपत्रकाः

pakṣiṇo madhurārāvāścakoraśikhicātakāḥ | kokilā dhārtarāṣṭrāśca bhramarāḥ śvetapatrakāḥ

"Sweet-voiced birds — chakoras, peacocks, chatakas, cuckoos, wild geese, bees, and white-winged birds —"

Verse 57 (skanda.7.420.57)

येषां शब्दं समाकर्ण्य मुनयोऽपि समाहिताः । क्षोभं यांति त्रिकालज्ञाः कंदर्पशरपीडिताः

yeṣāṁ śabdaṁ samākarṇya munayo'pi samāhitāḥ | kṣobhaṁ yānti trikālajñāḥ kandarpaśarapīḍitāḥ

"— hearing whose calls, even composed sages, knowers of the three times, are stirred, pierced by the arrows of Kama."

Verse 58 (skanda.7.420.58)

निर्झराणि सुरम्याणि नद्यश्च विमलोदकाः । पद्मिनीखंडसंयुक्ता ह्रदाः शतसहस्रशः

nirjharāṇi suramyāṇi nadyaśca vimalodakāḥ | padminīkhaṇḍasaṁyuktā hradāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ

"Most charming waterfalls, and rivers of pure water; lakes joined with clusters of lotus-beds, by the hundreds of thousands."

Verse 59 (skanda.7.420.59)

पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षा मध्यक्षामाः शुचिस्मिताः । विवेकिनो नरास्तत्र शास्त्रव्रतसमन्विताः

padmapatraviśālākṣā madhyakṣāmāḥ śucismitāḥ | vivekino narāstatra śāstravratasamanvitāḥ

"Women there have eyes as wide as lotus petals, slender waists, and pure smiles; and the men there are discerning, devoted to scriptural vows."

Verse 60 (skanda.7.420.60)

किं चात्र बहुनोक्तेन यत्किंचित्तत्र पर्वते । स्वेदजांडजसंज्ञेया उद्भिज्जाश्च जरायुजाः । सर्वलोकोत्तरास्तत्र दृश्यंते पर्वतोत्तमे

kiṁ cātra bahunoktena yatkiñcittatra parvate | svedajāṇḍajasaṁjñeyā udbhijjāśca jarāyujāḥ | sarvalokottarāstatra dṛśyante parvatottame

"What more need be said of it — whatever exists on that mountain, whether born of sweat, born of eggs, sprouted from the earth, or born of a womb, all are seen there, on that supreme mountain, to surpass those of every other world."

Verse 61 (skanda.7.420.61)

दशयोजनविस्तारो द्वाभ्यां संहितपर्वतः । उच्चैः पंच च स श्रीमान्मर्त्ये स्वर्गो व्यजायत

daśayojanavistāro dvābhyāṁ saṁhitaparvataḥ | uccaiḥ pañca ca sa śrīmānmartye svargo vyajāyata

"That splendorous mountain, ten yojanas in breadth and joined with two ranges, five yojanas high, has come to be heaven itself upon earth."

Verse 62 (skanda.7.420.62)

तत्राऽहं कौतुकाविष्ट इतश्चेतश्च वीक्षयन् । सर्वाश्चर्यमयीं नारीमपश्यं लोकसुंदरीम्

tatrā'haṁ kautukāviṣṭa itaścetaśca vīkṣayan | sarvāścaryamayīṁ nārīmapaśyaṁ lokasundarīm

"There, filled with curiosity, looking here and there, I saw a woman, wondrous in every way, the most beautiful in the world."

Verse 63 (skanda.7.420.63)

न देवी नापि गंधर्वी नासुरी न च मानुषी । तादृग्रूपा मया दृष्टा न श्रुता च वरांगना

na devī nāpi gandharvī nāsurī na ca mānuṣī | tādṛgrūpā mayā dṛṣṭā na śrutā ca varāṅganā

"Neither a goddess, nor a gandharva woman, nor a demoness, nor a human woman — I have never seen, nor even heard of, such a beautiful woman of that form."

Verse 64 (skanda.7.420.64)

रतिः प्रीतिरुमा लक्ष्मीः सावित्री च सरस्वती । तस्या रूपस्य लेशेन नैतास्तुल्याः स्त्रियोऽखिलाः

ratiḥ prītirumā lakṣmīḥ sāvitrī ca sarasvatī | tasyā rūpasya leśena naitāstulyāḥ striyo'khilāḥ

"Rati, Priti, Uma, Lakshmi, Savitri, and Sarasvati — none of these women are equal to even a fraction of her beauty."

Verse 65 (skanda.7.420.65)

अहं दृष्ट्वा तथा रूपां नारीं कामेन पीडितः । तदा दानवशार्दूल वैक्लव्यं परमं गतः

ahaṁ dṛṣṭvā tathā rūpāṁ nārīṁ kāmena pīḍitaḥ | tadā dānavaśārdūla vaiklavyaṁ paramaṁ gataḥ

"Seeing such a form of a woman, O tiger among demons, I was pierced by desire and fell then into utmost confusion."

Verse 66 (skanda.7.420.66)

ततो धैर्यमवष्टभ्य मया मनसि चिंतितम् । न करिष्ये समालापं तया सह च कर्हिचित्

tato dhairyamavaṣṭabhya mayā manasi cintitam | na kariṣye samālāpaṁ tayā saha ca karhicit

"Then, taking hold of my composure, I resolved in my mind: 'I shall never engage in conversation with her.'"

Verse 67 (skanda.7.420.67)

यस्या दर्शनमात्रेण कामो मे हृदि वर्द्धितः । तस्याः संभाषणेनेव किं भविष्यति मे पुनः

yasyā darśanamātreṇa kāmo me hṛdi varddhitaḥ | tasyāḥ saṁbhāṣaṇeneva kiṁ bhaviṣyati me punaḥ

"'By the mere sight of her, desire has grown in my heart; what then would become of me were I to converse with her?'"

Verse 68 (skanda.7.420.68)

चिरकालं तपस्तप्तं ब्रह्मचर्येण वै मया । नाशं यास्यति तत्सर्वं विषयैर्निर्जितस्य च । तस्माद्गच्छामि चान्यत्र यावन्न विकृतिर्भवेत्

cirakālaṁ tapastaptaṁ brahmacaryeṇa vai mayā | nāśaṁ yāsyati tatsarvaṁ viṣayairnirjitasya ca | tasmādgacchāmi cānyatra yāvanna vikṛtirbhavet

"'The long austerity I have performed through celibacy would all come to ruin, once conquered by sense-objects. Therefore let me go elsewhere, before any disturbance arises.'"

Verse 69 (skanda.7.420.69)

नारीनाम तपोविघ्नं पूर्वं सृष्टं स्वयंभुवा । अर्गला स्वर्गमार्गस्य सोपानं नरकस्य च

nārīnāma tapovighnaṁ pūrvaṁ sṛṣṭaṁ svayaṁbhuvā | argalā svargamārgasya sopānaṁ narakasya ca

"'Woman was, of old, created by the Self-born as an obstacle to austerity — a bar upon the path to heaven, and a stairway to hell.'"

Verse 70 (skanda.7.420.70)

तावद्धैर्यं तपः सत्यं तावत्स्थैर्यं कुलत्रपा । यावत्पश्यति नो नारीमैकांते च विशेषतः

tāvaddhairyaṁ tapaḥ satyaṁ tāvatsthairyaṁ kulatrapā | yāvatpaśyati no nārīmaikānte ca viśeṣataḥ

"'Firmness, truth in austerity, steadiness, and the honour of one's lineage last only so long as a man does not see a woman, especially not alone.'"

Verse 71 (skanda.7.420.71)

एतत्संचिंत्य बहुधा निमील्य नयने ततः । अप्रजल्प्य वरारोहां तामहं चात्र संस्थितः

etatsaṁcintya bahudhā nimīlya nayane tataḥ | aprajalpya varārohāṁ tāmahaṁ cātra saṁsthitaḥ

Having pondered this over and over, closing my eyes, and without speaking to that lovely woman, I remained standing right there.

Verse 72 (skanda.7.420.72)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ नारदस्य वचः श्रुत्वा महिषः कामपीडितः । श्रवणादपि राजेंद्र पुनः पप्रच्छ तं मुनिम्

pulastya uvāca | nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā mahiṣaḥ kāmapīḍitaḥ | śravaṇādapi rājendra punaḥ papraccha taṁ munim

Pulastya said: Hearing Narada's words, Mahisha, pierced by desire merely from hearing of her, O lord of kings, again questioned the sage.

Verse 73 (skanda.7.420.73)

॥ महिषासुर उवाच ॥ काऽसौ ब्राह्मणशार्दूल तादृग्रूपा वरांगना । यस्याः संदर्शनादेव भवानेव स्मरान्वितः

mahiṣāsura uvāca | kā'sau brāhmaṇaśārdūla tādṛgrūpā varāṅganā | yasyāḥ saṁdarśanādeva bhavāneva smarānvitaḥ

Mahishasura said: "Who is she, O tiger among brahmins, that beauty of such a form, by the mere sight of whom even you were overcome by desire?"

Verse 74 (skanda.7.420.74)

देवी वा मानुषी वापि यक्षिणी पन्नगी मुने । कुमारी वा सकांता वा ब्रूहि सर्वं सविस्तरम्

devī vā mānuṣī vāpi yakṣiṇī pannagī mune | kumārī vā sakāntā vā brūhi sarvaṁ savistaram

"Is she a goddess, or a human woman, a yakshini, or a serpent-woman, O sage? A maiden, or one with a husband? Tell me everything in detail."

Verse 75 (skanda.7.420.75)

॥ नारद उवाच ॥ न सा पृष्टा मया किंचिन्न जानामि तदन्वयम् । एतन्मे वर्त्तते वित्ते सा कुमारी यशस्विनी

nārada uvāca | na sā pṛṣṭā mayā kiñcinna jānāmi tadanvayam | etanme varttate vitte sā kumārī yaśasvinī

Narada said: "I did not question her at all; I do not know her lineage. This much I know — she is a renowned maiden."

Verse 76 (skanda.7.420.76)

अक्षमालाधरा बाला कमंडलुसमन्विता । तपस्तेपे गिरौ तत्र हेतुना केनचिच्छुभा

akṣamālādharā bālā kamaṇḍalusamanvitā | tapastepe girau tatra hetunā kenacicchubhā

"A young girl bearing a rosary and a water-pot, auspicious, she was performing austerity on that mountain for some reason."

Verse 77 (skanda.7.420.77)

सोऽहं यास्यामि दैत्येश ब्रह्मलोकं सनातनम् । नोत्सहे तत्कथां कर्तुं कामबाणभयातुरः

so'haṁ yāsyāmi daityeśa brahmalokaṁ sanātanam | notsahe tatkathāṁ kartuṁ kāmabāṇabhayāturaḥ

"O lord of demons, I shall now go to the eternal world of Brahma; I have no wish to speak further of her, afraid of Kama's arrow."

Verse 78 (skanda.7.420.78)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ एवमुक्त्वा ततो राजन्ब्रह्मलोकं गतो मुनिः । महिषोऽपि स्मराविष्टश्चरं तस्याः समादिशत्

pulastya uvāca | evamuktvā tato rājanbrahmalokaṁ gato muniḥ | mahiṣo'pi smarāviṣṭaścaraṁ tasyāḥ samādiśat

Pulastya said: Having said this, O king, the sage went to the world of Brahma; Mahisha too, overcome by desire, dispatched a spy concerning her.

Verse 79 (skanda.7.420.79)

गत्वा भवान्द्रुतं तत्र दृष्ट्वा तां च वरांगनाम् । किमर्थं सा तपस्तेपे को वै तस्याः परिग्रहः

gatvā bhavāndrutaṁ tatra dṛṣṭvā tāṁ ca varāṅganām | kimarthaṁ sā tapastepe ko vai tasyāḥ parigrahaḥ

"Go there quickly and, having seen that lovely woman, find out why she performs austerity, and who indeed is her family."

Verse 80 (skanda.7.420.80)

अथाऽसौ महिषादेशाद्दूतो गत्वार्बुदाचलम् । दृष्ट्वा तां पद्मगर्भाभां ज्ञात्वा सर्व विचेष्टितम्

athā'sau mahiṣādeśāddūto gatvārbudācalam | dṛṣṭvā tāṁ padmagarbhābhāṁ jñātvā sarva viceṣṭitam

Then, by Mahisha's order, the messenger went to Mount Arbuda; having seen her, radiant as the centre of a lotus, and having learned all about her conduct —

Verse 81 (skanda.7.420.81)

तस्मै निवेदयामास महिषाय सविस्मयः । दृष्टा दैत्यवर स्त्री च सर्वलक्षणलक्षिता

tasmai nivedayāmāsa mahiṣāya savismayaḥ | dṛṣṭā daityavara strī ca sarvalakṣaṇalakṣitā

— filled with wonder, he reported to Mahisha: "O best of demons, I have seen a woman marked with every auspicious sign."

Verse 82 (skanda.7.420.82)

देवतेजोभवा कन्या साऽद्यापि वरवर्णिनी । त्वद्वधार्थं तपस्तेपे कौमारव्रतमाश्रिता

devatejobhavā kanyā sā'dyāpi varavarṇinī | tvadvadhārthaṁ tapastepe kaumāravratamāśritā

"That maiden, born of the gods' combined splendour, most beautiful, still observing her maiden vow, performs austerity for the sake of your destruction."

Verse 83 (skanda.7.420.83)

एवं तत्र भवंती स्म पृष्टाः सर्वे तपस्विनः । सत्यमेतन्महाभाग कुरुष्व यदनंतरम्

evaṁ tatra bhavantī sma pṛṣṭāḥ sarve tapasvinaḥ | satyametanmahābhāga kuruṣva yadanantaram

"Thus, when all the ascetics dwelling there were questioned, this is what was confirmed to be true. O great one, now do what is next fitting."

Verse 84 (skanda.7.420.84)

तस्या रूपं वयः कांतिर्वर्णितुं नैव शक्यते । नालापं कुरुते बाला सा केनापि समं विभौ

tasyā rūpaṁ vayaḥ kāntirvarṇituṁ naiva śakyate | nālāpaṁ kurute bālā sā kenāpi samaṁ vibhau

"Her beauty, youth, and radiance cannot be described, O lord. That girl converses with no one at all."

Verse 85 (skanda.7.420.85)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा महिषो वाक्यं भूयः कामनिपीडितः । दूतं संप्रेषयामास दानवं च विचक्षणम्

pulastya uvāca | tacchrutvā mahiṣo vākyaṁ bhūyaḥ kāmanipīḍitaḥ | dūtaṁ saṁpreṣayāmāsa dānavaṁ ca vicakṣaṇam

Pulastya said: Hearing this word, Mahisha, further afflicted by desire, sent forth as messenger a shrewd demon named Vichakshana.

Verse 86 (skanda.7.420.86)

विचक्षण द्रुतं गत्वा मदर्थे तां तपस्विनीम् । सामभेदप्रदानेन दंडेनापि समानय

vicakṣaṇa drutaṁ gatvā madarthe tāṁ tapasvinīm | sāmabhedapradānena daṇḍenāpi samānaya

"O Vichakshana, go swiftly and, for my sake, bring that ascetic woman here — through conciliation, division, gifts, or even force."

Verse 87 (skanda.7.420.87)

अथाऽसौ प्रययौ शीघ्रं प्रणिपत्य विचक्षणः । अर्बुदे पर्वतश्रेष्ठे यत्र सा परमेश्वरी । प्रणम्य विनयोपेतो वाक्यमेतदुवाच ताम्

athā'sau prayayau śīghraṁ praṇipatya vicakṣaṇaḥ | arbude parvataśreṣṭhe yatra sā parameśvarī | praṇamya vinayopeto vākyametaduvāca tām

Then Vichakshana, bowing, set out swiftly to the supreme Mount Arbuda where that supreme goddess dwelt; bowing to her with humility, he spoke these words to her.

Verse 88 (skanda.7.420.88)

महिषो नाम विख्यातस्त्रैलोक्याधिपतिर्बली । दनुवंशसमुद्भूतः कामरूपसमन्वितः

mahiṣo nāma vikhyātastrailokyādhipatirbalī | danuvaṁśasamudbhūtaḥ kāmarūpasamanvitaḥ

"There is one renowned by the name Mahisha, mighty lord of the three worlds, born of the lineage of Danu, endowed with the power to assume any form at will."

Verse 89 (skanda.7.420.89)

स त्वां वांछति कल्याणि धर्मपत्नीं स्वधर्मतः । तस्माद्वरय भद्रं ते सर्वकामप्रदं पतिम्

sa tvāṁ vāñchati kalyāṇi dharmapatnīṁ svadharmataḥ | tasmādvaraya bhadraṁ te sarvakāmapradaṁ patim

"He desires you, O auspicious one, as his lawful wife according to dharma. Therefore choose him — blessings on you — as a husband who grants every desire."

Verse 90 (skanda.7.420.90)

यदि स्यात्तव कांतोऽसौ त्वं च तस्य तथा प्रिया । तत्कृतार्थं द्वयोरेव यौवनं नात्र संशयः

yadi syāttava kānto'sau tvaṁ ca tasya tathā priyā | tatkṛtārthaṁ dvayoreva yauvanaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ

"If he becomes your beloved, and you likewise his darling, then the youth of you both shall be fulfilled — of this there is no doubt."

Verse 91 (skanda.7.420.91)

एवमुक्ता ततस्तेन देवी वचनमब्रवीत् । किञ्चित्कोपसमायुक्ता मुहुः प्रस्फुरिताधरा

evamuktā tatastena devī vacanamabravīt | kiñcitkopasamāyuktā muhuḥ prasphuritādharā

Thus addressed by him, the Goddess spoke these words, somewhat filled with anger, her lips quivering again and again.

Verse 92 (skanda.7.420.92)

॥ देव्युवाच ॥ अवध्यः सर्वथा दूतः सर्वत्र परिकीर्तितः । अवस्थासु ततो न त्वं सहसा भस्मसात्कृतः

devyuvāca | avadhyaḥ sarvathā dūtaḥ sarvatra parikīrtitaḥ | avasthāsu tato na tvaṁ sahasā bhasmasātkṛtaḥ

The Goddess said: "A messenger is everywhere declared to be inviolable under all circumstances; that is why you have not instantly been turned to ashes."

Verse 93 (skanda.7.420.93)

गत्वा ब्रूहि दुराचारं महिषं दानवाधमम् । नाहं शक्या त्वया पाप लब्धुं नान्येन केनचित्

gatvā brūhi durācāraṁ mahiṣaṁ dānavādhamam | nāhaṁ śakyā tvayā pāpa labdhuṁ nānyena kenacit

"Go and tell that ill-behaved Mahisha, lowest of demons: 'I cannot be won, O sinner, by you, nor by anyone else.'"

Verse 94 (skanda.7.420.94)

वधार्थं ते समुद्योग एष सर्वो मया कृतः । तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा महिषं स पुनर्ययौ

vadhārthaṁ te samudyoga eṣa sarvo mayā kṛtaḥ | tasyāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā mahiṣaṁ sa punaryayau

"'This whole endeavour of mine has been undertaken for your destruction.'" Having heard her words, he went back again to Mahisha.

Verse 95 (skanda.7.420.95)

भयेन महताविष्टस्तस्या रूपेण विस्मितः । सर्वं निवेदयामास महिषाय विचेष्टितम् । तस्याश्चैव तथाऽऽलापानस्पृहत्वं च कृत्स्नशः

bhayena mahatāviṣṭastasyā rūpeṇa vismitaḥ | sarvaṁ nivedayāmāsa mahiṣāya viceṣṭitam | tasyāścaiva tathā'lāpānaspṛhatvaṁ ca kṛtsnaśaḥ

Overcome by great fear, and astonished by her beauty, he reported to Mahisha everything — her actions, her words, and her complete indifference.

Verse 96 (skanda.7.420.96)

तच्छुत्वा महिषो राजन्कामबाणप्रपीडितः । सेनापतिं समाहूय वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह

tacchrutvā mahiṣo rājankāmabāṇaprapīḍitaḥ | senāpatiṁ samāhūya vākyametaduvāca ha

Hearing this, O king, Mahisha, sorely afflicted by Kama's arrow, summoned his commander-in-chief and spoke these words.

Verse 97 (skanda.7.420.97)

अर्बुदे पर्वते सेनां कल्पयस्व सुदुर्धराम् । हस्त्यश्वकल्पितां भीमां रथपत्तिसमाकुलाम्

arbude parvate senāṁ kalpayasva sudurdharām | hastyaśvakalpitāṁ bhīmāṁ rathapattisamākulām

"Prepare an invincible army for Mount Arbuda, terrible, made ready with elephants and horses, thronged with chariots and infantry."

Verse 98 (skanda.7.420.98)

ततोऽसौ कल्पयामास चतुरंगां वरूथिनीम् । पताकाच्छत्रशबलां वादित्रारावभूषिताम्

tato'sau kalpayāmāsa caturaṅgāṁ varūthinīm | patākācchatraśabalāṁ vāditrārāvabhūṣitām

Then he prepared a fourfold army, variegated with banners and parasols, adorned with the sound of musical instruments.

Verse 99 (skanda.7.420.99)

ततो द्विपाश्च संनद्धा दृश्यंतेऽधिष्ठिता भटैः । इतश्चेतश्च धावन्तः सपक्षाः पर्वता इव

tato dvipāśca sannaddhā dṛśyante'dhiṣṭhitā bhaṭaiḥ | itaścetaśca dhāvantaḥ sapakṣāḥ parvatā iva

Then armoured elephants, mounted by warriors, were seen running here and there, like winged mountains.

Verse 100 (skanda.7.420.100)

अश्वाश्चैवाप्यकल्माषा वायुवेगाः सुवर्चसः । अंगत्राणसमायुक्ताः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

aśvāścaivāpyakalmāṣā vāyuvegāḥ suvarcasaḥ | aṅgatrāṇasamāyuktāḥ śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ

And horses too, without blemish, swift as the wind, radiant, armoured — by the hundreds and thousands —

Verse 101 (skanda.7.420.101)

विमानप्रतिमाकारा रथास्तेन प्रकल्पिताः । किंकिणीजालसद्घंटापताकाभिरलंकृताः

vimānapratimākārā rathāstena prakalpitāḥ | kiṅkiṇījālasadghaṇṭāpatākābhiralaṅkṛtāḥ

Chariots resembling celestial cars were made ready by him, adorned with networks of tinkling bells, fine bells, and banners.

Verse 102 (skanda.7.420.102)

पत्तयश्च महाकाया महेष्वासा महाबलाः । असिचर्मधराश्चान्ये प्रासपट्टिशपाणयः

pattayaśca mahākāyā maheṣvāsā mahābalāḥ | asicarmadharāścānye prāsapaṭṭiśapāṇayaḥ

And foot-soldiers of huge frames, great archers of great strength; others bearing sword and shield, with spears and pattisha-blades in hand.

Verse 103 (skanda.7.420.103)

लक्षमेकं मतंगानां रथानां त्रिगुणं ततः । अश्वा दशगुणा राजन्नसंख्याताः पदातयः

lakṣamekaṁ mataṅgānāṁ rathānāṁ triguṇaṁ tataḥ | aśvā daśaguṇā rājannasaṁkhyātāḥ padātayaḥ

One hundred thousand elephants, three times that number of chariots; ten times as many horses, O king, and countless foot-soldiers.

Verse 104 (skanda.7.420.104)

ततश्चार्बुदमासाद्य वेष्टयित्वा स दूरतः । संमितैः सचिवैः सार्धं तदंतिकमुपाद्रवत्

tataścārbudamāsādya veṣṭayitvā sa dūrataḥ | saṁmitaiḥ sacivaiḥ sārdhaṁ tadantikamupādravat

Then, having reached Arbuda and surrounded it from a distance, he rushed toward it together with his trusted ministers.

Verse 105 (skanda.7.420.105)

ध्यानस्थां वीक्ष्य तां देवीं कन्दर्पशरपीडितः । ततोऽब्रवीत्स तां वाक्यं विनयेन समन्वितः

dhyānasthāṁ vīkṣya tāṁ devīṁ kandarpaśarapīḍitaḥ | tato'bravītsa tāṁ vākyaṁ vinayena samanvitaḥ

Seeing that goddess seated in meditation, pierced by Kama's arrow, he then spoke these words to her, feigning humility.

Verse 106 (skanda.7.420.106)

श्रुत्वा तवेदृशं रूपमहं प्राप्तो वरानने । गांधर्वेण विवाहेन तस्माद्वरय मां द्रुतम्

śrutvā tavedṛśaṁ rūpamahaṁ prāpto varānane | gāndharveṇa vivāhena tasmādvaraya māṁ drutam

"Hearing of your form such as this, O fair-faced one, I have come. Therefore choose me quickly, by the gandharva form of marriage."

Verse 107 (skanda.7.420.107)

षष्टिभार्यासहस्राणि मम संति शुचिस्मिते । कृत्वा मां दर्पितं कांतं तासां त्वं स्वामिनी भव

ṣaṣṭibhāryāsahasrāṇi mama santi śucismite | kṛtvā māṁ darpitaṁ kāntaṁ tāsāṁ tvaṁ svāminī bhava

"O pure-smiling one, I have sixty thousand wives; making me your proud beloved, become their mistress."

Verse 108 (skanda.7.420.108)

अनर्हं ते तपो बाले भुंक्ष्व भोगान्यथेप्सितान् । त्रैलोक्यस्वामिनी भूत्वा मया सार्धमहर्निशम्

anarhaṁ te tapo bāle bhuṅkṣva bhogānyathepsitān | trailokyasvāminī bhūtvā mayā sārdhamaharniśam

"O girl, austerity does not befit you; enjoy pleasures as you please. Becoming mistress of the three worlds, remain with me day and night."

Verse 109 (skanda.7.420.109)

एवमुक्ताऽपि सा तेन नोत्तरं प्रत्यभाषत । ततः कामसमाविष्टस्तदंतिकमुपाययौ

evamuktā'pi sā tena nottaraṁ pratyabhāṣata | tataḥ kāmasamāviṣṭastadantikamupāyayau

Though addressed by him thus, she gave no reply in answer. Then, overcome with desire, he approached close to her.

Verse 110 (skanda.7.420.110)

ततस्तं लोलुपं दृष्ट्वा सा देवी कोपसंयुता । अस्मरद्वाहनं सिंहं समायातः स साऽऽरुहत्

tatastaṁ lolupaṁ dṛṣṭvā sā devī kopasaṁyutā | asmaradvāhanaṁ siṁhaṁ samāyātaḥ sa sārūhat

Then, seeing him lustful, that goddess, filled with anger, remembered her lion mount; it came, and she mounted it.

Verse 111 (skanda.7.420.111)

अब्रवीत्परुषं वाक्यं गच्छगच्छेति चासकृत् । नो चेत्त्वां च वधिष्यामि स्थानेऽस्मिन्दानवाधम

abravītparuṣaṁ vākyaṁ gacchagaccheti cāsakṛt | no cettvāṁ ca vadhiṣyāmi sthāne'smindānavādhama

She spoke harsh words, saying again and again, "Go away, go away! Otherwise, O lowest of demons, I shall kill you right on this spot."

Verse 112 (skanda.7.420.112)

अथाऽसौ सचिवैः सार्द्धं समंतात्पर्यवेष्टयत् । प्रग्रहार्थं तु तां देवीं कामबाणप्रपीडितः

athā'sau sacivaiḥ sārddhaṁ samantātparyaveṣṭayat | pragrahārthaṁ tu tāṁ devīṁ kāmabāṇaprapīḍitaḥ

Then he, pierced by Kama's arrow, together with his ministers, surrounded that goddess on all sides in order to seize her.

Verse 113 (skanda.7.420.113)

ततो जहास सा देवी सशब्दं परमेश्वरी । तस्मादहर्निशं सार्द्धं निष्क्रांता पुरुषा घनाः

tato jahāsa sā devī saśabdaṁ parameśvarī | tasmādaharniśaṁ sārddhaṁ niṣkrāntā puruṣā ghanāḥ

Then that supreme goddess laughed loudly; from that laughter emerged dense throngs of men, her attendants day and night.

Verse 114 (skanda.7.420.114)

सुसन्नद्धाः सशस्त्राश्च रोषेण महताऽन्विताः । ततस्तानब्रवीद्देवी पापोऽयं वध्यतामिति

susannaddhāḥ saśastrāśca roṣeṇa mahatā'nvitāḥ | tatastānabravīddevī pāpo'yaṁ vadhyatāmiti

Fully armoured and armed, filled with great fury — then the Goddess said to them, "This sinner should be slain."

Verse 115 (skanda.7.420.115)

ततस्ते सहिताः सर्वे महिषं समुपाद्रवन् । तिष्ठतिष्ठेति जल्पन्तो मुंचन्तोऽस्त्रणि भूरिशः

tataste sahitāḥ sarve mahiṣaṁ samupādravan | tiṣṭhatiṣṭheti jalpanto muñcanto'strāṇi bhūriśaḥ

Then all of them together rushed upon Mahisha, shouting "Stand, stand!" and releasing weapons in great numbers.

Verse 116 (skanda.7.420.116)

ततः समभवद्युद्धं गणानां दानवैः सह । ततस्ते सचिवाः सर्वे वैवस्वतगृहं गताः

tataḥ samabhavadyuddhaṁ gaṇānāṁ dānavaiḥ saha | tataste sacivāḥ sarve vaivasvatagṛhaṁ gatāḥ

Then battle broke out between the Goddess's hosts and the demons; then all those demon ministers went to the abode of Vaivasvata.

Verse 117 (skanda.7.420.117)

अथाऽसौ महिषो रुष्टः सचिवैर्विंनिपातितैः । स्वसैन्यमानयामास तस्मिन्पर्वतरोधसि

athā'sau mahiṣo ruṣṭaḥ sacivairviṁnipātitaiḥ | svasainyamānayāmāsa tasminparvatarodhasi

Then Mahisha, enraged at his ministers being felled, brought his own army onto that mountain slope.

Verse 118 (skanda.7.420.118)

रथप्रवरमारुह्य सारथिं समभाषत । नय मां सारथे तूर्णं यत्र साऽऽस्ते व्यवस्थिता

rathapravaramāruhya sārathiṁ samabhāṣata | naya māṁ sārathe tūrṇaṁ yatra sā'ste vyavasthitā

Mounting his excellent chariot, he said to his charioteer: "Take me swiftly, O charioteer, to where she stands."

Verse 119 (skanda.7.420.119)

हत्वैनामद्य यास्यामि पारं रोषस्य दुस्तरम् । एवमुक्तस्ततो राजन्प्रेरयामास सारथिः

hatvaināmadya yāsyāmi pāraṁ roṣasya dustaram | evamuktastato rājanprerayāmāsa sārathiḥ

"Having slain her today, I shall reach the far, impassable shore of my fury." Thus addressed, O king, the charioteer drove on.

Verse 120 (skanda.7.420.120)

रथं तेनैव मार्गेण यत्र सा तिष्ठते ध्रुवम् । एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु तत्रोत्पाताः सुदारुणाः

rathaṁ tenaiva mārgeṇa yatra sā tiṣṭhate dhruvam | etasminneva kāle tu tatrotpātāḥ sudāruṇāḥ

He drove the chariot by that same road where she surely stood. At that very moment, terrible portents occurred there.

Verse 121 (skanda.7.420.121)

बहवस्तेन मार्गेण येनासौ प्रस्थितो नृप । सम्मुखः प्रववौ वातो रूक्षः कर्करसंयुतः

bahavastena mārgeṇa yenāsau prasthito nṛpa | sammukhaḥ pravavau vāto rūkṣaḥ karkarasaṁyutaḥ

O king, on that road by which he set out, many portents occurred; a harsh wind, laden with grit, blew against him.

Verse 122 (skanda.7.420.122)

पपात महती चोल्का निहत्य रविमंडलम् । अपसव्यं मृगाश्चक्रुस्तस्य मार्गे नृपोत्तम

papāta mahatī colkā nihatya ravimaṇḍalam | apasavyaṁ mṛgāścakrustasya mārge nṛpottama

A great meteor fell, striking the disc of the sun; O best of kings, deer circled inauspiciously across his path.

Verse 123 (skanda.7.420.123)

उपविष्टास्तथा वांता बहुमूत्रं प्रसुस्रुवुः । रथध्वजे समाविष्टो गृध्रः शब्दमथाकरोत्

upaviṣṭāstathā vāntā bahumūtraṁ prasusruvuḥ | rathadhvaje samāviṣṭo gṛdhraḥ śabdamathākarot

Seated animals vomited and discharged much urine; a vulture, perched upon the chariot's banner, uttered its cry.

Verse 124 (skanda.7.420.124)

स तान्सर्वाननादृत्य महोत्पातान्सुदारुणान् । प्रययौ सम्मुखस्तस्या देव्याः कोपपरायणः

sa tānsarvānanādṛtya mahotpātānsudāruṇān | prayayau sammukhastasyā devyāḥ kopaparāyaṇaḥ

Disregarding all those great and terrible portents, he, given over to fury, advanced to face the goddess.

Verse 125 (skanda.7.420.125)

विमुंचंश्च शरान्नादांस्तिष्ठतिष्ठेति च ब्रुवन् । न कश्चिद्दृश्यते तत्र तेषां मध्ये नृपोत्तम

vimuñcaṁśca śarānnādāṁstiṣṭhatiṣṭheti ca bruvan | na kaścid dṛśyate tatra teṣāṁ madhye nṛpottama

Releasing arrows and battle-cries, shouting "Stand, stand!" — O best of kings, no one could be clearly seen there amid them.

Verse 126 (skanda.7.420.126)

महिषं रोषसंयुक्तं यो वारयति संगरे । तेन हत्वा गणगणान्कृतं रुधिरकर्दमम्

mahiṣaṁ roṣasaṁyuktaṁ yo vārayati saṁgare | tena hatvā gaṇagaṇānkṛtaṁ rudhirakardamam

Whoever tried to check the fury-filled Mahisha in that battle, him he slew; he turned the hosts of the Goddess's attendants into a mire of blood.

Verse 127 (skanda.7.420.127)

ततो देवी समासाद्य प्रोक्ता गर्वेण पार्थिव । न त्वया संगरो भीरु नूनं कर्तुं ममोचितः

tato devī samāsādya proktā garveṇa pārthiva | na tvayā saṁgaro bhīru nūnaṁ kartuṁ mamocitaḥ

Then, O king, approaching the Goddess, he spoke with arrogance: "It is surely not fitting for me to do battle with you, O timid one."

Verse 128 (skanda.7.420.128)

न च बालिशि मे वीर्यं न सौभाग्यं न वा धनम् । न करोषि हि तेन त्वं मम वाक्यं कथञ्चन

na ca bāliśi me vīryaṁ na saubhāgyaṁ na vā dhanam | na karoṣi hi tena tvaṁ mama vākyaṁ kathañcana

"You do not, O foolish one, recognize my valour, nor my fortune, nor my wealth; that is why you do not by any means accept my word."

Verse 129 (skanda.7.420.129)

नूनं तत्त्वेन जानामि अवलिप्तासि भामिनि । कुरुष्वाद्यापि मे वाक्यं भार्या भव मम प्रिया

nūnaṁ tattvena jānāmi avaliptāsi bhāmini | kuruṣvādyāpi me vākyaṁ bhāryā bhava mama priyā

"I know for certain, O lady, that you are conceited. Even now, do as I say; become my dear wife."

Verse 130 (skanda.7.420.130)

स्त्रियं त्वां नोत्सहे हंतुं पौरुषे च व्यवस्थितः । असकृन्निर्जितः संख्ये मया शक्रः सुरैः सह

striyaṁ tvāṁ notsahe hantuṁ pauruṣe ca vyavasthitaḥ | asakṛnnirjitaḥ saṁkhye mayā śakraḥ suraiḥ saha

"Being firm in manliness, I am not willing to kill you, a woman. Many times has Indra, together with the gods, been defeated by me in battle."

Verse 131 (skanda.7.420.131)

त्रैलोक्ये नास्ति मत्तुल्यः पुमान्कश्चिच्च बालिशि । एवमुक्ता ततो देवी कोपेन महताऽन्विता

trailokye nāsti mattulyaḥ pumānkaścicca bāliśi | evamuktā tato devī kopena mahatā'nvitā

"In the three worlds there is no man equal to me, O foolish girl." Thus addressed, the Goddess was then filled with great anger.

Verse 132 (skanda.7.420.132)

प्रगृह्य सशरं चापं वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह । नालापो युज्यते पाप कर्तुं सह मम त्वया

pragṛhya saśaraṁ cāpaṁ vākyametaduvāca ha | nālāpo yujyate pāpa kartuṁ saha mama tvayā

Seizing her bow with its arrow, she spoke these words: "It is not fitting, O sinner, for me to converse with you."

Verse 133 (skanda.7.420.133)

कुमार्याः कामयुक्तेन तथापि शृणु मे वचः । न त्वया निर्जितः शक्रः स्ववीर्येण रणाजिरे

kumāryāḥ kāmayuktena tathāpi śṛṇu me vacaḥ | na tvayā nirjitaḥ śakraḥ svavīryeṇa raṇājire

"Yet, to one filled with lust for a maiden, hear my words: Indra was not defeated by you through your own valour on the battlefield."

Verse 134 (skanda.7.420.134)

पितामह वरं देवा मन्यंते दानवाधम । गौरवात्तस्य तेन त्वमात्मानं मन्यसेऽधिकम्

pitāmaha varaṁ devā manyante dānavādhama | gauravāttasya tena tvamātmānaṁ manyase'dhikam

"O basest of demons, the gods honour the boon of the grandfather; out of respect for that, you consider yourself superior."

Verse 135 (skanda.7.420.135)

मुक्त्वैकां कामिनीं पाप त्वं कृतः पद्मयोनिना । अवध्यः सर्वसत्त्वानां पुंसः जातौ धरातले

muktvaikāṁ kāminīṁ pāpa tvaṁ kṛtaḥ padmayoninā | avadhyaḥ sarvasattvānāṁ puṁsaḥ jātau dharātale

"Save by one woman, O sinner, you were made by the lotus-born Brahma unslayable by all beings of the male sex on earth."

Verse 136 (skanda.7.420.136)

पितामहवरः सोऽत्र जयशीलोऽसि दानव । यदि ते पौरुषं चास्ति तच्छीघ्रं संप्रदर्शय

pitāmahavaraḥ so'tra jayaśīlo'si dānava | yadi te pauruṣaṁ cāsti tacchīghraṁ saṁpradarśaya

"That boon of the grandfather is the reason you are victorious here, O demon. If you have any manly valour, display it now, quickly."

Verse 137 (skanda.7.420.137)

एषा त्वामिषुभिस्तीक्ष्णैर्नयामि यमसादनम् । एवमुक्त्वा ततो देवी शरानष्टौ मुमोच ह

eṣā tvāmiṣubhistīkṣṇairnayāmi yamasādanam | evamuktvā tato devī śarānaṣṭau mumoca ha

"With these sharp arrows I now send you to the abode of Yama." Having said this, the Goddess then released eight arrows.

Verse 138 (skanda.7.420.138)

चतुर्भिश्चतुरो वाहाननयद्यमसादनम् । सारथेश्च शिरः कायाच्छरेणैकेन चाक्षिपत्

caturbhiścaturo vāhānanayadyamasādanam | sāratheśca śiraḥ kāyācchareṇaikena cākṣipat

With four she sent the four horses to the abode of Yama; and with one arrow she cast off the charioteer's head from his body.

Verse 139 (skanda.7.420.139)

ध्वजं चिच्छेद चैकेन ततोऽन्येन हृदि क्षतः । स गात्रविद्धो व्यथितो ध्वजयष्टिं समाश्रितः

dhvajaṁ cicceda caikena tato'nyena hṛdi kṣataḥ | sa gātraviddho vyathito dhvajayaṣṭiṁ samāśritaḥ

With one she cut down the banner, and with another he was wounded in the heart; struck in his limbs and distressed, he clung to the banner-pole.

Verse 140 (skanda.7.420.140)

मूर्छया सहितो राजन्किंचित्कालमधोमुखः । ततः स चेतनो भूत्वा मुमोच निशिताञ्छरान्

mūrcchayā sahito rājankiñcitkālamadhomukhaḥ | tataḥ sa cetano bhūtvā mumoca niśitāñcharān

O king, overcome with faintness, he hung his head down for a while; then, regaining consciousness, he released sharp arrows.

Verse 141 (skanda.7.420.141)

देवी सखीसमायुक्ता सर्वदेशेष्वताडयत् । ततः क्षुरप्रबाणेन धनुस्तस्य द्विधाऽकरोत्

devī sakhīsamāyuktā sarvadeśeṣvatāḍayat | tataḥ kṣurapravāṇena dhanustasya dvidhā'karot

The Goddess, accompanied by her companions, struck him on every part of his body; then with a crescent-headed arrow she broke his bow in two.

Verse 142 (skanda.7.420.142)

छिन्नधन्वा ततो दैत्यश्चर्मखङ्गसमन्वितः । विद्राव्य सहसा देवीं तिष्ठतिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत्

chinnadhanvā tato daityaścarmakhaṅgasamanvitaḥ | vidrāvya sahasā devīṁ tiṣṭhatiṣṭheti cābravīt

The demon, his bow now cut, took up sword and shield; suddenly rushing at the Goddess, he cried, "Stand, stand!"

Verse 143 (skanda.7.420.143)

तस्य चापततस्तूर्णं खड्गं द्वाभ्यां ह्यकृन्तयत् । शराभ्यामर्धबाणेन प्रहस्य प्रासमेव च

tasya cāpatatastūrṇaṁ khaḍgaṁ dvābhyāṁ hyakṛntayat | śarābhyāmardhabāṇena prahasya prāsameva ca

As he rushed swiftly upon her, with two arrows she cut down his sword, and, laughing, with a half-arrow she cut his spear as well.

Verse 144 (skanda.7.420.144)

विशस्त्रो विरथो राजन्स तदा दानवाधमः । ततोऽस्मरच्छरान्भूप शस्त्राणि विविधानि च

viśastro viratho rājansa tadā dānavādhamaḥ | tato'smaracchrānbhūpa śastrāṇi vividhāni ca

O king, that lowest of demons was then weaponless and chariotless; then, O lord of earth, he called to mind arrows and various weapons.

Verse 145 (skanda.7.420.145)

ब्रह्मास्त्रं मनसि ध्यायंस्तृणं तस्यै मुमोच सः । मुक्तेनास्त्रेण तस्मिंस्तु धूमवर्तिर्व्यजायत

brahmāstraṁ manasi dhyāyaṁstṛṇaṁ tasyai mumoca saḥ | muktenāstreṇa tasmiṁstu dhūmavartirvyajāyata

Meditating on the Brahma-weapon in his mind, he released a blade of grass at her. From that released weapon a whirl of smoke arose.

Verse 146 (skanda.7.420.146)

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु स ब्रह्मास्ते दिवौकसः । परं भयमनुप्राप्ता दृष्ट्वा तस्य पराक्रमम्

etasminneva kāle tu sa brahmāste divaukasaḥ | paraṁ bhayamanuprāptā dṛṣṭvā tasya parākramam

At that very moment, seeing that display of the Brahma-weapon and his prowess, the celestial dwellers fell into utmost fear.

Verse 147 (skanda.7.420.147)

ततो देवी क्षणं ध्यात्वा तदस्त्रं पार्थिवोत्तम । ब्रह्मास्त्रेणाहनत्तूर्णं ततो व्यर्थं व्यजायत

tato devī kṣaṇaṁ dhyātvā tadastraṁ pārthivottama | brahmāstreṇāhanattūrṇaṁ tato vyarthaṁ vyajāyata

Then the Goddess, meditating for a moment, O best of kings, swiftly struck down that weapon with a Brahma-weapon of her own; it thereupon became void.

Verse 148 (skanda.7.420.148)

ब्रह्मास्त्रे विफले जाते ह्याग्नेयं दानवोत्तमः । प्रेषयामास तां क्रुद्धो ह्यहनद्वारुणेन सा

brahmāstre viphale jāte hyāgneyaṁ dānavottamaḥ | preṣayāmāsa tāṁ kruddho hyahanadvāruṇena sā

When the Brahma-weapon proved fruitless, that foremost of demons, enraged, hurled the fire-weapon at her; she countered it with the water-weapon.

Verse 149 (skanda.7.420.149)

एवं नानाप्रकाराणि तेन मुक्तानि सा तदा । अस्त्राणि विफलान्येव चक्रे देवी सहस्रशः

evaṁ nānāprakārāṇi tena muktāni sā tadā | astrāṇi viphalānyeva cakre devī sahasraśaḥ

Thus, whatever manifold weapons he released, the Goddess then rendered them all utterly void, by the thousands.

Verse 150 (skanda.7.420.150)

एवं निःशेषितास्त्रोऽसौ दानवो बलवत्तरः । चकार परमां मायां दिव्यैरस्त्रैः सुरेश्वरी

evaṁ niḥśeṣitāstro'sau dānavo balavattaraḥ | cakāra paramāṁ māyāṁ divyairastraiḥ sureśvarī

Thus, that exceedingly mighty demon, his weapons exhausted, wrought a supreme illusion; the goddess of the gods met it with divine weapons.

Verse 151 (skanda.7.420.151)

व्यक्षिपच्च महाकायं महिषं पर्वताकृतिम् । दीर्घतीक्ष्णविषाणाभ्यां युक्तमंजनसंनिभम्

vyakṣipacca mahākāyaṁ mahiṣaṁ parvatākṛtim | dīrghatīkṣṇaviṣāṇābhyāṁ yuktamañjanasaṁnibham

He conjured up an illusion of a huge-bodied buffalo, mountain-like in shape, dark as collyrium, fitted with two long, sharp horns.

Verse 152 (skanda.7.420.152)

सिंहस्कंधं च सा देवी ततस्तमध्यरोहत । खड्गेन तीक्ष्णेन शिरो देवी तस्य न्यकृंतत

siṁhaskandhaṁ ca sā devī tatastamadhyarohata | khaḍgena tīkṣṇena śiro devī tasya nyakṛntata

Then the Goddess, mounted upon her lion, rose against its shoulder, and with a sharp sword the Goddess cut off its head.

Verse 153 (skanda.7.420.153)

शूलेन भेदयामास पृष्ठदेशे सुरेश्वरी । ततः कलेवरात्तस्मान्निश्चक्राम महान्पुमान्

śūlena bhedayāmāsa pṛṣṭhadeśe sureśvarī | tataḥ kalevarāttasmānniścakrāma mahānpumān

The goddess of the gods pierced its back with her trident. Then from that carcass a great man emerged forth.

Verse 154 (skanda.7.420.154)

चर्मखड्गधरो रौद्रस्तिष्ठतिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत् । तमप्येवं गृहीत्वा तत्केशपाशे सुरेश्वरी

carmakhaḍgadharo raudrastiṣṭhatiṣṭheti cābravīt | tamapyevaṁ gṛhītvā tatkeśapāśe sureśvarī

Bearing sword and shield, fearsome, he cried, "Stand, stand!" But the goddess of the gods seized him too, by his mass of hair.

Verse 155 (skanda.7.420.155)

निस्त्रिंशेनाहनत्प्रोच्चैः स च प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत । दानवः पार्थिवश्रेष्ठ पार्श्वे सिंहविदारिते

nistriṁśenāhanatproccaiḥ sa ca prāṇairvyayujyata | dānavaḥ pārthivaśreṣṭha pārśve siṁhavidārite

She struck him hard with her sword, and he was parted from his life-breath, O best of kings, that demon, his side torn open by the lion.

Verse 156 (skanda.7.420.156)

ततो जघान भूयोऽपि दानवान्सा रुषान्विता । हतशेषाश्च ये दैत्या निर्भिद्य धरणीतलम्

tato jaghāna bhūyo'pi dānavānsā ruṣānvitā | hataśeṣāśca ye daityā nirbhidya dharaṇītalam

Then, filled with rage, she slew the demons yet again; and whatever demons remained after the slaughter, splitting open the earth —

Verse 157 (skanda.7.420.157)

प्रविष्टा भयसंत्रस्ताः पातालं जीवितैषिणः । ततो देव गणाः सर्वे वसवो मरुतोऽश्विनौ

praviṣṭā bhayasaṁtrastāḥ pātālaṁ jīvitaiṣiṇaḥ | tato deva gaṇāḥ sarve vasavo maruto'śvinau

— terrified with fear and desiring life, entered the netherworld. Then all the hosts of gods — the Vasus, the Maruts, the two Ashvins —

Verse 158 (skanda.7.420.158)

विश्वेदेवास्तथा साध्या रुद्रा गुह्यककिन्नराः । आदित्याः शक्रसंयुक्ताः समेत्य परमेश्वरीम्

viśvedevāstathā sādhyā rudrā guhyakakinnarāḥ | ādityāḥ śakrasaṁyuktāḥ sametya parameśvarīm

— the Vishvedevas, the Sadhyas, the Rudras, the Guhyakas and Kinnaras, the Adityas, together with Indra, gathered before the supreme Goddess.

Verse 159 (skanda.7.420.159)

समंताद्दिव्यपुष्पैश्च तां देवीं समवाकिरन् । स्तुवंतो विविधैः स्तोत्रैर्नमंतो भक्तितत्पराः

samantāddivyapuṣpaiśca tāṁ devīṁ samavākiran | stuvanto vividhaiḥ stotrairnamanto bhaktitatparāḥ

They showered that goddess on all sides with divine flowers, praising her with various hymns, bowing, devoted with faith.

Verse 160 (skanda.7.420.160)

युक्तं कृतं महेशानि यद्धतः पापकृत्तमः । त्रैलोक्यं सकलं ध्वस्तं पापेनानेन सुंदरि

yuktaṁ kṛtaṁ maheśāni yaddhataḥ pāpakṛttamaḥ | trailokyaṁ sakalaṁ dhvastaṁ pāpenānena sundari

"Fitting is what you have done, O great goddess, in slaying that worst of sinners. This whole three-worlds had been ruined by this sinner, O beautiful one."

Verse 161 (skanda.7.420.161)

त्वया दत्तं पुना राज्यं वासवस्य त्रिविष्टपे । तस्माद्वरय भद्रं ते वरं यन्मनसीप्सितम् । सर्वे देवाः प्रसन्नास्ते प्रदास्यंति न संशयः

tvayā dattaṁ punā rājyaṁ vāsavasya triviṣṭape | tasmādvaraya bhadraṁ te varaṁ yanmanasīpsitam | sarve devāḥ prasannāste pradāsyanti na saṁśayaḥ

"By you, the kingdom of heaven has again been given to Vasava. Therefore choose — blessings on you — whatever boon is desired in your heart; all the gods, well pleased, shall grant it, without doubt."

Verse 162 (skanda.7.420.162)

॥ देव्युवाच ॥ यदि देवाः प्रसन्ना मे यदि देयो वरो मम । आश्रमोऽत्रैव मे पुण्यो जायतां ख्यातिसंयुतः

devyuvāca | yadi devāḥ prasannā me yadi deyo varo mama | āśramo'traiva me puṇyo jāyatāṁ khyātisaṁyutaḥ

The Goddess said: "If the gods are pleased with me, if a boon is to be given to me — let a sacred, renowned hermitage of mine come to be right here."

Verse 163 (skanda.7.420.163)

अस्मिंश्चाहं सदा देवाः स्थास्यामि वरपर्वते

asmiṁścāhaṁ sadā devāḥ sthāsyāmi varaparvate

"And, O gods, I shall dwell forever on this excellent mountain."

Verse 164 (skanda.7.420.164)

रूपेणानेन देवेशि ये त्वां द्रक्ष्यंति मानवाः । आश्रमेऽत्र महापुण्ये ते यास्यंति परां गतिम्

rūpeṇānena deveśi ye tvāṁ drakṣyanti mānavāḥ | āśrame'tra mahāpuṇye te yāsyanti parāṁ gatim

"O queen of gods, those men who shall see you in this form, in this most sacred hermitage, shall attain the supreme state."

Verse 165 (skanda.7.420.165)

ब्रह्मज्ञानसमायुक्तास्ते भविष्यंति मानवाः

brahmajñānasamāyuktāste bhaviṣyanti mānavāḥ

"Those men shall become endowed with the knowledge of Brahman."

Verse 166 (skanda.7.420.166)

यस्माच्चंडं कृतं कर्म त्वया दानवसूदनात् । तस्मात्त्वं चंडिकानाम लोके ख्यातिं गमिष्यसि

yasmāccaṇḍaṁ kṛtaṁ karma tvayā dānavasūdanāt | tasmāttvaṁ caṇḍikānāma loke khyātiṁ gamiṣyasi

"Since a fierce deed was done by you in slaying the demon, therefore you shall attain fame in the world by the name Chandika."

Verse 167 (skanda.7.420.167)

तव नाम्ना तथा ख्यात आश्रमोऽयं भविष्यति

tava nāmnā tathā khyāta āśramo'yaṁ bhaviṣyati

"And by your name this hermitage shall become known."

Verse 168 (skanda.7.420.168)

येऽत्र कृष्ण चतुर्द्दश्यामाश्विने मासि शोभने । पिंडदानं करिष्यंति स्नानं कृत्वा समाहिताः

ye'tra kṛṣṇa caturddaśyāmāśvine māsi śobhane | piṇḍadānaṁ kariṣyanti snānaṁ kṛtvā samāhitāḥ

"Those who, in the auspicious month of Ashvina, on the fourteenth of the dark fortnight, having bathed, with composed minds, shall perform the pinda-offering here —"

Verse 169 (skanda.7.420.169)

गयाश्राद्धफलं कृत्यं तेषां देवि भविष्यति । त्वद्दर्शनात्तथा मुक्तिः पातकस्य भविष्यति

gayāśrāddhaphalaṁ kṛtyaṁ teṣāṁ devi bhaviṣyati | tvaddarśanāttathā muktiḥ pātakasya bhaviṣyati

"— O Goddess, for them the fruit of the shraddha performed at Gaya shall accrue; and likewise, through your sight, liberation from sin shall come."

Verse 170 (skanda.7.420.170)

॥ कृष्ण उवाच ॥ एकरात्रिं भविष्यंति येऽत्र श्रद्धासमन्विताः । उपवासपरास्तेषां पापं यास्यति संक्षयम्

kṛṣṇa uvāca | ekarātriṁ bhaviṣyanti ye'tra śraddhāsamanvitāḥ | upavāsaparāsteṣāṁ pāpaṁ yāsyati saṁkṣayam

Krishna said: "Those who, full of faith, shall spend one night here, given to fasting — their sin shall come to utter destruction."

Verse 171 (skanda.7.420.171)

पुत्रहीनश्च यो मर्त्यो नारी वापि समाहिता । तन्मनाः पिंडदानं वै तथा स्नानं करिष्यति । अपुत्रो लभते शीघ्रं सुपुत्रं नात्र संशयः

putrahīnaśca yo martyo nārī vāpi samāhitā | tanmanāḥ piṇḍadānaṁ vai tathā snānaṁ kariṣyati | aputro labhate śīghraṁ suputraṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ

"And whatever man, or likewise woman, without a son, with mind fixed upon this, shall perform the pinda-offering and bathing here — the childless one shall swiftly obtain a good son, without doubt."

Verse 172 (skanda.7.420.172)

॥ इन्द्र उवाच ॥ भ्रष्टराज्यो नृपो योऽत्र स्नानं दानं करिष्यति । सर्वशत्रुक्षयस्तस्य राज्यावाप्तिर्भविष्यति

indra uvāca | bhraṣṭarājyo nṛpo yo'tra snānaṁ dānaṁ kariṣyati | sarvaśatrukṣayastasya rājyāvāptirbhaviṣyati

Indra said: "Whatever king, deprived of his kingdom, shall bathe and give gifts here — for him shall be the destruction of all enemies, and the regaining of his kingdom."

Verse 173 (skanda.7.420.173)

॥ अग्निरुवाच ॥ अत्रागत्य शुचिः श्राद्धं यः करिष्यति मानवः । आत्मवित्तानुसारेण तस्य यज्ञफलं भवेत्

agniruvāca | atrāgatya śuciḥ śrāddhaṁ yaḥ kariṣyati mānavaḥ | ātmavittānusāreṇa tasya yajñaphalaṁ bhavet

Agni said: "Whatever man, coming here purified, shall perform the shraddha, according to his own means — for him shall be the fruit of a sacrifice."

Verse 174 (skanda.7.420.174)

॥ यम उवाच ॥ अत्र स्नात्वा तिलान्यस्तु ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यति । अल्पमृत्युभयं तस्य न कदाचिद्भविष्यति

yama uvāca | atra snātvā tilānyastu brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyati | alpamṛtyubhayaṁ tasya na kadācidbhaviṣyati

Yama said: "Whoever, having bathed here, shall give sesame seeds to brahmins — the fear of untimely death shall never come to him."

Verse 175 (skanda.7.420.175)

॥ राक्षसा ऊचुः ॥ पिंडदानं नरा येऽत्र करिष्यंति तवाऽऽश्रमे । प्रेतोत्थं न भयं तस्य देवि क्वापि भविष्यति

rākṣasā ūcuḥ | piṇḍadānaṁ narā ye'tra kariṣyanti tavāśrame | pretotthaṁ na bhayaṁ tasya devi kvāpi bhaviṣyati

The rakshasas said: "O Goddess, those men who shall perform the pinda-offering here in your hermitage — for them, fear arising from ghosts shall never exist anywhere."

Verse 176 (skanda.7.420.176)

॥ वरुण उवाच ॥ स्नानार्थं ब्राह्मणेंद्राणां योऽत्र तोयं प्रदास्यति । विमलस्तु सदा भावि इह लोके परत्र च

varuṇa uvāca | snānārthaṁ brāhmaṇendrāṇāṁ yo'tra toyaṁ pradāsyati | vimalastu sadā bhāvi iha loke paratra ca

Varuna said: "Whoever shall give water here for the bathing of the foremost brahmins — he shall ever be pure, in this world and the next."

Verse 177 (skanda.7.420.177)

॥ वायुरुवाच ॥ विलेपनानि शुभ्राणि सुगंधानि विशेषतः । योत्र दास्यति विप्रेभ्यो नीरोगः स भविष्यति

vāyuruvāca | vilepanāni śubhrāṇi sugandhāni viśeṣataḥ | yotra dāsyati viprebhyo nīrogaḥ sa bhaviṣyati

Vayu said: "He who shall give pure, especially fragrant unguents to brahmins here shall become free of disease."

Verse 178 (skanda.7.420.178)

॥ धनद उवाच ॥ योऽत्र वित्तं यथाशक्त्या ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यति । न भविष्यति लोके स वित्तहीनः कथंचन

dhanada uvāca | yo'tra vittaṁ yathāśaktyā brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyati | na bhaviṣyati loke sa vittahīnaḥ kathaṁcana

Dhanada said: "He who shall give wealth to brahmins here, according to his ability, shall by no means ever become poor in this world."

Verse 179 (skanda.7.420.179)

॥ ईश्वर उवाच ॥ योऽत्र व्रतपरो भूत्वा चातुर्मास्यं वसिष्यति । इह लोके परे चैव तस्य भावि सदा सुखम्

īśvara uvāca | yo'tra vrataparo bhūtvā cāturmāsyaṁ vasiṣyati | iha loke pare caiva tasya bhāvi sadā sukham

Ishvara said: "He who, devoted to religious vows, shall reside here through the four months of chaturmasya — for him there shall be happiness always, in this world and the next."

Verse 180 (skanda.7.420.180)

॥ वसव ऊचुः ॥ त्रिरात्रं यो नरः सम्यगुपवासं करिष्यति । आजन्ममरणात्पापान्मुक्तः स च भविष्यति

vasava ūcuḥ | trirātraṁ yo naraḥ samyagupavāsaṁ kariṣyati | ājanmamaraṇātpāpānmuktaḥ sa ca bhaviṣyati

The Vasus said: "Whatever man shall duly observe a three-night fast — he shall become freed from the sins committed from birth to death."

Verse 181 (skanda.7.420.181)

॥ आदित्य उवाच ॥ अत्राश्रमपदे पुण्ये ये नरा भक्तिसंयुताः । छत्रोपानत्प्रदातारस्तेषां लोकाः सनातनाः

āditya uvāca | atrāśramapade puṇye ye narā bhaktisaṁyutāḥ | chatropānatpradātārasteṣāṁ lokāḥ sanātanāḥ

Aditya said: "Those devoted men who, in this sacred hermitage, give an umbrella and sandals — for them there are eternal worlds."

Verse 182 (skanda.7.420.182)

॥ अश्विनावूचतुः ॥ मिष्टान्नं श्रद्धयोपेतो ब्राह्मणाय प्रदास्यति । योऽत्र तस्य परा प्रीतिर्भविष्यत्यविनाशिनी

aśvināvūcatuḥ | miṣṭānnaṁ śraddhayopeto brāhmaṇāya pradāsyati | yo'tra tasya parā prītirbhaviṣyatyavināśinī

The two Ashvins said: "He who, filled with faith, shall give sweet food to a brahmin here — for him there shall be supreme, imperishable delight."

Verse 183 (skanda.7.420.183)

॥ तीर्थान्यूचुः ॥ अद्यप्रभृति सर्वेषां तीर्थानामिह संस्थितिः । भविष्यति विशेषेण ह्याश्रमे लोकविश्रुते

tīrthānyūcuḥ | adyaprabhṛti sarveṣāṁ tīrthānāmiha saṁsthitiḥ | bhaviṣyati viśeṣeṇa hyāśrame lokaviśrute

The sacred fords said: "From this day forward, the presence of all sacred fords shall especially abide here, in this world-renowned hermitage."

Verse 184 (skanda.7.420.184)

कृष्णपक्षे चतुर्द्दश्यामाश्विने मासि भक्तितः । उपवासपरो भूत्वा योऽत्र स्नानं करिष्यति । सर्वेषामेव तीर्थानां स फलं हि लभिष्यति

kṛṣṇapakṣe caturddaśyāmāśvine māsi bhaktitaḥ | upavāsaparo bhūtvā yo'tra snānaṁ kariṣyati | sarveṣāmeva tīrthānāṁ sa phalaṁ hi labhiṣyati

"He who, in the month of Ashvina, on the fourteenth of the dark fortnight, devotedly given to fasting, shall bathe here — he shall indeed obtain the fruit of all the sacred fords."

Verse 185 (skanda.7.420.185)

॥ गंधर्वा ऊचुः ॥ गीतवाद्यानि यश्चात्र प्रकरिष्यति मानवः । सप्तजन्मांतराण्येव रूपवान्स भविष्यति

gandharvā ūcuḥ | gītavādyāni yaścātra prakariṣyati mānavaḥ | saptajanmāntarāṇyeva rūpavānsa bhaviṣyati

The Gandharvas said: "Whatever man shall perform song and music here shall become handsome for seven successive births."

Verse 186 (skanda.7.420.186)

॥ ऋषय ऊचुः ॥ आश्रमेऽस्मिंस्त्रिरात्रं य उपवासं करिष्यति । चांद्रायणसहस्रस्य फलं तस्य भविष्यति

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | āśrame'sminstrirātraṁ ya upavāsaṁ kariṣyati | cāndrāyaṇasahasrasya phalaṁ tasya bhaviṣyati

The sages said: "He who shall observe a three-night fast in this hermitage shall obtain the fruit of a thousand chandrayana observances."

Verse 187 (skanda.7.420.187)

॥ पुलस्त्य उवाच ॥ एवं सर्वे वरान्दत्त्वा देव्यै देवा नृपोत्तम । तदाज्ञया दिवं जग्मुर्देवी तत्रैव संस्थिता

pulastya uvāca | evaṁ sarve varāndattvā devyai devā nṛpottama | tadājñayā divaṁ jagmurdevī tatraiva saṁsthitā

Pulastya said: Thus, O best of kings, having granted these boons to the Goddess, all the gods, at her command, went to heaven; the Goddess remained there itself.

Verse 188 (skanda.7.420.188)

अथ मर्त्त्या दिवं जग्मुर्दृष्ट्वा देवीं तदाश्रमे । अनायासेन संपूर्णास्ततो मर्त्यैस्त्रिविष्टपः

atha marttyā divaṁ jagmurdṛṣṭvā devīṁ tadāśrame | anāyāsena saṁpūrṇāstato martyaistriviṣṭapaḥ

Then mortals, having seen the Goddess in that hermitage, went to heaven without effort; heaven thus became filled with mortals.

Verse 189 (skanda.7.420.189)

अग्निष्टोमादिकाः सर्वाः क्रिया नष्टा धरातले । धर्मक्रियास्तथा चान्या मुक्त्वा देव्याः प्रपूजनम्

agniṣṭomādikāḥ sarvāḥ kriyā naṣṭā dharātale | dharmakriyāstathā cānyā muktvā devyāḥ prapūjanam

All rites such as the Agnishtoma sacrifice ceased on earth, and so did other religious observances — except for the worship of the Goddess.

Verse 190 (skanda.7.420.190)

ततो भीतः सहस्राक्षः संमंत्र्य गुरुणा सह । आह्वयामास वेगेन कामं क्रोधं भयं मदम्

tato bhītaḥ sahasrākṣaḥ saṁmantrya guruṇā saha | āhvayāmāsa vegena kāmaṁ krodhaṁ bhayaṁ madam

Then Indra, alarmed, having consulted with his guru, swiftly summoned Kama, Krodha, Bhaya, and Mada.

Verse 191 (skanda.7.420.191)

व्यामोहं गृहपुत्रोत्थं तृष्णामायासमन्वितम् । गत्वा यूयं द्रुतं मर्त्ये स्थातुकामान्नरान्स्त्रियः

vyāmohaṁ gṛhaputrotthaṁ tṛṣṇāmāyāsamanvitam | gatvā yūyaṁ drutaṁ martye sthātukāmānnarānstriyaḥ

— and also delusion arising from home and children, and thirst joined with distress: "Go swiftly to earth, to the men and women wishing to remain devoted there —"

Verse 192 (skanda.7.420.192)

चंडिकायतने पुण्ये सेवध्वं हि ममाज्ञया । विशेषेणाश्विने मासि कृष्णपक्षेंऽत्यवासरे

caṇḍikāyatane puṇye sevadhvaṁ hi mamājñayā | viśeṣeṇāśvine māsi kṛṣṇapakṣe'ntyavāsare

"— at the sacred shrine of Chandika, by my command, work upon them, especially in the month of Ashvina, on the last day of the dark fortnight."

Verse 193 (skanda.7.420.193)

एवमुक्तास्ततः सर्वे कामाद्यास्ते द्रुतं ययुः । मर्त्यलोके महाराज रक्षां चक्रुश्च सर्वशः

evamuktāstataḥ sarve kāmādyāste drutaṁ yayuḥ | martyaloke mahārāja rakṣāṁ cakruśca sarvaśaḥ

Thus addressed, all those personified Kama and the rest went swiftly; O great king, in the world of mortals they exercised their influence in every way.

Verse 194 (skanda.7.420.194)

एवं ज्ञात्वा द्रुतं गच्छ तत्र पार्थिवसत्तम । यदीच्छसि परं श्रेय इह लोके परत्र च

evaṁ jñātvā drutaṁ gaccha tatra pārthivasattama | yadīcchasi paraṁ śreya iha loke paratra ca

Knowing this, go there swiftly, O best of kings, if you desire the highest good, in this world and the next.

Verse 195 (skanda.7.420.195)

यो याति चंडिकां द्रष्टुमबुर्दं प्रति पार्थिव । नृत्यंति पितरस्तस्य गर्जंति च पितामहाः

yo yāti caṇḍikāṁ draṣṭumaburdaṁ prati pārthiva | nṛtyanti pitarastasya garjanti ca pitāmahāḥ

O king, whoever goes toward Arbuda to see Chandika — his forefathers dance, and his ancestors roar with joy.

Verse 196 (skanda.7.420.196)

तारयिष्यति नः सर्वान्स पुत्रो य इहाश्रमे । चंडिकायाः प्रगत्वाऽथ कुर्याच्छ्राद्धं समाहितः

tārayiṣyati naḥ sarvānsa putro ya ihāśrame | caṇḍikāyāḥ pragatvā'tha kuryācchrāddhaṁ samāhitaḥ

They say: "That son who, having gone to Chandika's hermitage, performs shraddha there with a composed mind, shall deliver all of us."

Verse 197 (skanda.7.420.197)

एकया लभ्यते राज्यं स्वर्गश्चैव द्वितीयया । तृतीयया भवेन्मोक्षो यात्रया तत्र पार्थिव

ekayā labhyate rājyaṁ svargaścaiva dvitīyayā | tṛtīyayā bhavenmokṣo yātrayā tatra pārthiva

O king, by one pilgrimage there a kingdom is obtained, by a second, heaven; by a third, liberation.

Verse 198 (skanda.7.420.198)

तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन यात्रां तत्र समाचरेत् । अर्बुदे पर्वतश्रेष्ठे सर्वतीर्थमये शुभे

tasmātsarvaprayatnena yātrāṁ tatra samācaret | arbude parvataśreṣṭhe sarvatīrthamaye śubhe

Therefore one should, with all effort, undertake the pilgrimage there, to auspicious Mount Arbuda, foremost of mountains, composed of all sacred fords.

Verse 199 (skanda.7.420.199)

तत्र श्लोकः पुरा गीतो नारदेन महर्षिणा । स्नात्वा तत्राश्रमे पुण्ये बहुविप्र समागमे

tatra ślokaḥ purā gīto nāradena maharṣiṇā | snātvā tatrāśrame puṇye bahuvipra samāgame

On this matter a verse was formerly sung by the great sage Narada: "Having bathed there, in that sacred hermitage, in an assembly of many brahmins —"

Verse 200 (skanda.7.420.200)

पुनंत्येवान्यतीर्थानि स्नानदानैरसंशयम् । अर्बुदालोकनादेव विपाप्मा तत्र जायते

punantyevānyatīrthāni snānadānairasaṁśayam | arbudālokanādeva vipāpmā tatra jāyate

"— one purifies, without doubt, even other sacred fords through bathing and giving here; merely by the sight of Arbuda one becomes free of sin."

Verse 201 (skanda.7.420.201)

यः शृणोति सदाख्यानमेतच्छ्रद्धासमन्वितः । स प्राप्नोति नरश्रेष्ठ कामान्मनसि वांछितान्

yaḥ śṛṇoti sadākhyānametacchraddhāsamanvitaḥ | sa prāpnoti naraśreṣṭha kāmānmanasi vāñchitān

O best of men, whoever, full of faith, always listens to this narrative attains the desires wished for in his mind.

Verse 202 (skanda.7.420.202)

यस्यैतत्तिष्ठते गेहे लिखितं पुस्तकं नृप । तस्यापि वांछिताः कामाः संपद्यते दिनेदिने

yasyaitattiṣṭhate gehe likhitaṁ pustakaṁ nṛpa | tasyāpi vāñchitāḥ kāmāḥ saṁpadyate dinedine

O king, he in whose house this written book remains, for him too, day by day, his desired wishes are fulfilled.

Verse 203 (skanda.7.420.203)

पठति श्रद्धयोपेतो यो वा भूमिपते नरः । सोऽपि यात्राफलं राजँल्लभते पुरुषोत्तमः

paṭhati śraddhayopeto yo vā bhūmipate naraḥ | so'pi yātrāphalaṁ rājalllabhate puruṣottamaḥ

O lord of the earth, whatever man, filled with faith, recites this — he too, O king, that most excellent of men, obtains the fruit of the pilgrimage.