The Descent of Ganga

Verse 1 (skanda.8.127.1)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । स गत्वा तं तदोद्देशं महागजनिषेवितम् । अपश्यद् भस्मभूतांस्तान्मुनिञ्च ज्वलनप्रभम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | sa gatvā taṁ tadoddeśaṁ mahāgajaniṣevitam | apaśyad bhasmabhūtāṁstānmuniñca jvalanaprabham

Sanatkumara said: Having gone to that place, frequented by great elephants, he saw those forefathers turned to ashes, and the sage blazing like fire.

Verse 2 (skanda.8.127.2)

ततस्तं स तदा वाग्भिः स्तवयुक्ताभिरन्तिके । प्रणम्याक्षामयत् सर्वं पूर्वैर्यद् दुष्कृतं कृतम्

tatastaṁ sa tadā vāgbhiḥ stavayuktābhirantike | praṇamyākṣāmayat sarvaṁ pūrvairyad duṣkṛtaṁ kṛtam

Then, drawing near, with words of praise he bowed and begged forgiveness for whatever wrong had been done by his forefathers.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.127.3)

कपिल उवाच । राजन्निहाहमेकान्ते युक्तस्तिष्ठामि विज्वरः । तैरर्दितोस्मि सहसा वायुं वक्त्रादवासृजम्

kapila uvāca | rājannihāhamekānte yuktastiṣṭhāmi vijvaraḥ | tairarditosmi sahasā vāyuṁ vaktrādavāsṛjam

Kapila said: 'O king, I dwell here in solitude, composed, free of affliction. Oppressed by them, I suddenly released the breath from my mouth.'

Verse 4 (skanda.8.127.4)

दशवर्षशतानि स्म संरुद्धः सोनिलो मया । विमुक्तः सहसा सर्वाँस्तान् ददाह पितॄँस्तव

daśavarṣaśatāni sma saṁruddhaḥ sonilo mayā | vimuktaḥ sahasā sarvā~stān dadāha pitṝ~stava

'That breath, restrained by me for a thousand years, when suddenly released, burnt up all those forefathers of yours.'

Verse 5 (skanda.8.127.5)

न बुद्धिपूर्वं ते दग्धा मया राजन् रुषापि वा । हतास्ते कालपक्वेन फलेनैव यथा खगाः

na buddhipūrvaṁ te dagdhā mayā rājan ruṣāpi vā | hatāste kālapakvena phalenaiva yathā khagāḥ

'They were not burnt by me deliberately, O king, nor even from anger; they were slain by the fruit ripened by time itself, like birds falling from a tree.'

Verse 6 (skanda.8.127.6)

अश्वोयं मम पार्श्वस्थः केनापि विदितात्मना । हृतस्तेषां विनाशाय मा क्रुधो नीयतां हयः

aśvoyaṁ mama pārśvasthaḥ kenāpi viditātmanā | hṛtasteṣāṁ vināśāya mā krudho nīyatāṁ hayaḥ

'This horse standing at my side was brought here by someone who knew what he was doing, for their destruction. Be not angry — take the horse.'

Verse 7 (skanda.8.127.7)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्य त्वनुमते व्यास अंशुमान् स नराधिपः । पानीयमुपचक्राम तेषां दातुं महामनाः

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasya tvanumate vyāsa aṁśumān sa narādhipaḥ | pānīyamupacakrāma teṣāṁ dātuṁ mahāmanāḥ

Sanatkumara said: O Vyasa, with his permission, that great-souled prince Amshuman prepared to offer water to them.

Verse 8 (skanda.8.127.8)

वैनतेय उवाच । वैनतेयस्तमाहेदं स्वस्रीयाणां ममोदकम् । न दातव्यं महाबाहो नैतत्तेषां गमिष्यति

vainateya uvāca | vainateyastamāhedaṁ svasrīyāṇāṁ mamodakam | na dātavyaṁ mahābāho naitatteṣāṁ gamiṣyati

Vainateya said: Vainateya (Garuda) said to him: 'Water for the sons of my sister is not to be given by me, O mighty-armed one; this will not reach them.'

Verse 9 (skanda.8.127.9)

अंशुमानुवाच । कथं मे पितरस्ते वै लोकान् दिव्यानवाप्नुयुः । एतदिच्छामि कथितं त्वया कश्यपन्दन

aṁśumānuvāca | kathaṁ me pitaraste vai lokān divyānavāpnuyuḥ | etadicchāmi kathitaṁ tvayā kaśyapandana

Amshuman said: 'How then may these forefathers of mine attain the heavenly worlds? This I wish you to tell me, O son of Kashyapa.'

Verse 10 (skanda.8.127.10)

वैनतेय उवाच । देवलोके सरित् पुण्या गङ्गानामाशुभापहा । तदम्भोमिस्तवास्थीनि बन्धूनामिह सर्वशः

vainateya uvāca | devaloke sarit puṇyā gaṅgānāmāśubhāpahā | tadambhomistavāsthīni bandhūnāmiha sarvaśaḥ

Vainateya said: 'In the world of the gods there is a sacred river named Ganga, remover of evil; with her waters, the bones of your kinsmen here, in every way —'

Verse 11 (skanda.8.127.11)

संस्पृष्टानि यदा राजन् तदैते मोक्षमाप्नुयुः । अशुभाद्राजशार्दूल अन्यथा किं जलेन ते

saṁspṛṣṭāni yadā rājan tadaite mokṣamāpnuyuḥ | aśubhādrājaśārdūla anyathā kiṁ jalena te

'— when touched, O king, then they shall attain freedom from evil, O tiger among kings; otherwise, what use is ordinary water to them?'

Verse 12 (skanda.8.127.12)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततः सोश्वं समादाय निवृत्तो व्यास भूपतिः । पितामहाय प्रददौ तमश्वं सुकृतात्मवान्

sanatkumāra uvāca | tataḥ sośvaṁ samādāya nivṛtto vyāsa bhūpatiḥ | pitāmahāya pradadau tamaśvaṁ sukṛtātmavān

Sanatkumara said: O Vyasa, then that righteous-souled prince, having taken the horse and returned, gave that horse to his grandfather.

Verse 13 (skanda.8.127.13)

सोपि राजा तदा प्राप्य हयमेधं महामनाः । समुद्रनाशने बुद्धिं चक्रे सुतवधार्दितः

sopi rājā tadā prāpya hayamedhaṁ mahāmanāḥ | samudranāśane buddhiṁ cakre sutavadhārditaḥ

That great-souled king too, having then completed the horse-sacrifice, afflicted by the death of his sons, set his mind on the destruction of the ocean.

Verse 14 (skanda.8.127.14)

अथ तं सरितां भर्त्ता प्रणम्याभिप्रसाद्य च । जगाम पुत्रतां तस्य इदं चोवाच तं तदा

atha taṁ saritāṁ bharttā praṇamyābhiprasādya ca | jagāma putratāṁ tasya idaṁ covāca taṁ tadā

Then the lord of rivers, bowing and pacifying him, accepted the state of being his son, and said this to him then.

Verse 15 (skanda.8.127.15)

राजंस्त्वद्वंशजेनाहं कर्तव्यः किल सुप्रभः । यथापूरं महाबाहो पूर्णो गङ्गाम्भसा नृप

rājaṁstvadvaṁśajenāhaṁ kartavyaḥ kila suprabhaḥ | yathāpūraṁ mahābāho pūrṇo gaṅgāmbhasā nṛpa

'O king, by a descendant of your line I am indeed to be made resplendent — O mighty-armed king, filled to the brim with the waters of the Ganga.'

Verse 16 (skanda.8.127.16)

मा क्रुधस्तव पुत्रोहं यशस्कृदमितप्रभ । रत्नानि च प्रदास्यामि शममेहि मम प्रभो

mā krudhastava putrohaṁ yaśaskṛdamitaprabha | ratnāni ca pradāsyāmi śamamehi mama prabho

'Be not angry — I am your son, O one of measureless splendor, bringer of fame; and I shall give you jewels; come to peace with me, my lord.'

Verse 17 (skanda.8.127.17)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । शान्तः क्रोधस्ततस्तस्य समुद्रं प्रति भूपतेः । विष्णुश्चास्मै तदा तुष्टः प्रददावीप्सितान् वरान्

sanatkumāra uvāca | śāntaḥ krodhastatastasya samudraṁ prati bhūpateḥ | viṣṇuścāsmai tadā tuṣṭaḥ pradadāvīpsitān varān

Sanatkumara said: Then the king's anger toward the Ocean was pacified; and Vishnu too, pleased with him then, granted him the boons he desired.

Verse 18 (skanda.8.127.18)

हयमेधशतं साग्रं स्वर्गे वासं तथाक्षयम् । वंशस्य चाक्षयं नित्यं यशश्चाग्र्यं तथाक्षयम्

hayamedhaśataṁ sāgraṁ svarge vāsaṁ tathākṣayam | vaṁśasya cākṣayaṁ nityaṁ yaśaścāgryaṁ tathākṣayam

A hundred horse-sacrifices and more, an imperishable dwelling in heaven, the imperishable eternal continuance of his lineage, and imperishable, foremost fame.

Verse 19 (skanda.8.127.19)

वयस्यत्वं तथा चैव परां धर्मे च संस्थितिम् । एतान्वरान् स लब्ध्वा तु भुक्त्वा राज्यमकण्टकम्

vayasyatvaṁ tathā caiva parāṁ dharme ca saṁsthitim | etānvarān sa labdhvā tu bhuktvā rājyamakaṇṭakam

And friendship [with Vishnu], and supreme steadfastness in dharma. Having obtained these boons and enjoyed his kingdom free of thorns,

Verse 20 (skanda.8.127.20)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । जगाम वनमेवाथ तपस्तप्त्वा ततो दिवम् । ततोंशुमान् बभौ राजा धार्मिकः सत्यसंगरः

sanatkumāra uvāca | jagāma vanamevātha tapastaptvā tato divam | tatoṁśumān babhau rājā dhārmikaḥ satyasaṁgaraḥ

Sanatkumara said: he went to the forest, and, having performed austerity there, went to heaven. Then king Amshuman, righteous and true to his word, shone forth.

Verse 21 (skanda.8.127.21)

पुत्रं राज्येभिषिच्यैव गङ्गावतरणाशया । तपस्तप्त्वा दिवं यातो महाबलपराक्रमः

putraṁ rājyebhiṣicyaiva gaṅgāvataraṇāśayā | tapastaptvā divaṁ yāto mahābalaparākramaḥ

Having consecrated his son to the kingdom, with the hope of bringing down the Ganga, having performed austerity, that man of great strength and valor went to heaven.

Verse 22 (skanda.8.127.22)

ततो दिलीपः पुत्रोस्य महात्मा देवराडिव । कृत्वा राज्यं ययौ व्यास वनमेव महाबलः

tato dilīpaḥ putrosya mahātmā devarāḍiva | kṛtvā rājyaṁ yayau vyāsa vanameva mahābalaḥ

Then his son Dilipa, great-souled, like the king of gods, O Vyasa, having ruled the kingdom, that mighty one too went to the forest.

Verse 23 (skanda.8.127.23)

तत्र गङ्गार्थमुद्युक्तस्तपस्तप्त्वा दिवं गतः । अनवाप्यैव तं काममस्य पुत्रोभवत् पुनः

tatra gaṅgārthamudyuktastapastaptvā divaṁ gataḥ | anavāpyaiva taṁ kāmamasya putrobhavat punaḥ

There, striving for the sake of the Ganga, having performed austerity, he went to heaven without attaining that desire; then a son was born to him again.

Verse 24 (skanda.8.127.24)

राजा भगीरथो नाम जम्बूद्वीपपतिः शुभः । धार्मिकः सत्यवाक् शूरो धर्मो विग्रहवानिव

rājā bhagīratho nāma jambūdvīpapatiḥ śubhaḥ | dhārmikaḥ satyavāk śūro dharmo vigrahavāniva

A king named Bhagiratha, auspicious lord of Jambudvipa, righteous, truthful, brave, like Dharma itself embodied.

Verse 25 (skanda.8.127.25)

तस्य जन्मप्रभृत्येव हृदये मुनिसत्तम । स्थितं गङ्गावतरणं कथं कुर्यामिति प्रभो

tasya janmaprabhṛtyeva hṛdaye munisattama | sthitaṁ gaṅgāvataraṇaṁ kathaṁ kuryāmiti prabho

O best of sages, from his very birth this remained fixed in his heart: 'How may I bring about the descent of the Ganga, O Lord?'

Verse 26 (skanda.8.127.26)

अथ कालेन महता कृत्वा सर्वक्रियां नृपः । तपस्तताप सुमहद्येनातुष्यज्जगत्प्रभुः

atha kālena mahatā kṛtvā sarvakriyāṁ nṛpaḥ | tapastatāpa sumahadyenātuṣyajjagatprabhuḥ

Then, after a great time, the king, having performed all his duties, undertook a very great austerity, by which the Lord of the world became pleased.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.127.27)

ब्रह्मा स्वयमथाभ्येत्य तमुवाच यतव्रतम् । ब्रूहि किन्ते प्रयच्छानि वरान् वृणु नरधिप

brahmā svayamathābhyetya tamuvāca yatavratam | brūhi kinte prayacchāni varān vṛṇu naradhipa

Brahma himself then came and said to him, that one of controlled vows: 'Tell me, what shall I give you? Choose your boons, O lord of men.'

Verse 28 (skanda.8.127.28)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततस्स राजा तं दृष्ट्वा प्रणम्य हृषिताननः । उवाच धर्मस्याक्षय्यं स्वर्गे वासं तथाक्षयम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | tatassa rājā taṁ dṛṣṭvā praṇamya hṛṣitānanaḥ | uvāca dharmasyākṣayyaṁ svarge vāsaṁ tathākṣayam

Sanatkumara said: Then that king, seeing him, bowing, his face delighted, said: 'Imperishable dharma, and imperishable dwelling in heaven,'

Verse 29 (skanda.8.127.29)

वंशस्य चाक्षयं सम्यक् पुत्राणां च शतं वरम् । शूराणां धार्मिकाणाञ्च समरेष्वनिवर्तिताम्

vaṁśasya cākṣayaṁ samyak putrāṇāṁ ca śataṁ varam | śūrāṇāṁ dhārmikāṇāñca samareṣvanivartitām

'and the full imperishable continuance of the lineage, and a hundred excellent sons, brave and righteous, never turning back in battles,'

Verse 30 (skanda.8.127.30)

जयञ्च युद्धे सततं लोके कीर्त्तिं तथाक्षयाम् । गङ्गायास्सरितश्चापि अवतारमनुत्तमम्

jayañca yuddhe satataṁ loke kīrttiṁ tathākṣayām | gaṅgāyāssaritaścāpi avatāramanuttamam

'and constant victory in battle, and imperishable fame in the world, and also the supreme descent of the river Ganga,'

Verse 31 (skanda.8.127.31)

भागीरथीति च यथा लोके ख्याततमा भवेत् । एतदिच्छामि देवेश यदि त्वं मन्यसे विभो

bhāgīrathīti ca yathā loke khyātatamā bhavet | etadicchāmi deveśa yadi tvaṁ manyase vibho

'and that she may become known in the world by the celebrated name Bhagirathi. This I desire, O Lord of gods, if you deem it fit, O mighty one.'

Verse 32 (skanda.8.127.32)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवमुक्तस्य भगवान् सर्वमेतदशेषतः । प्रादात्तस्मै स्वयं स्रष्टा इदं चोवाच तं नृपम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | evamuktasya bhagavān sarvametadaśeṣataḥ | prādāttasmai svayaṁ sraṣṭā idaṁ covāca taṁ nṛpam

Sanatkumara said: To him who spoke thus, the Blessed Creator himself granted all of this in full, and said this to that king.

Verse 33 (skanda.8.127.33)

गङ्गा त्वं राजशार्दूल स्वर्गान्नेष्यसि भूतलम् । तां पतन्तीं दिवः कश्चिच्छक्तो धारयितुं नहि । ऋते लोकगुरोर्देवात् त्र्यम्बकाच्छूलपाणिनः

gaṅgā tvaṁ rājaśārdūla svargānneṣyasi bhūtalam | tāṁ patantīṁ divaḥ kaścicchakto dhārayituṁ nahi | ṛte lokagurordevāt tryambakācchūlapāṇinaḥ

'You, O tiger among kings, shall bring the Ganga down from heaven to earth. But none is able to bear her as she falls from the sky, except the world-teacher, the trident-bearing god Tryambaka.'

Verse 34 (skanda.8.127.34)

तस्मात्त्वं देवदेवेशमाराधय यतव्रतः । स धारयिष्यते व्यक्तं वरदानेन ते विभुः

tasmāttvaṁ devadeveśamārādhaya yatavrataḥ | sa dhārayiṣyate vyaktaṁ varadānena te vibhuḥ

'Therefore, self-restrained, propitiate the God of gods; that mighty one shall surely bear her, in granting you this boon.'

Verse 35 (skanda.8.127.35)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवमुक्तस्तु राजेन्द्रो वायुभक्षोनिमेषणः । निरूच्छवासोभवत् तत्र हिमवच्छिखरे शुभे

sanatkumāra uvāca | evamuktastu rājendro vāyubhakṣonimeṣaṇaḥ | nirūcchavāsobhavat tatra himavacchikhare śubhe

Sanatkumara said: Thus addressed, that lord of kings, living on air, unblinking, became breathless there on the auspicious peak of the Himalaya.

Verse 36 (skanda.8.127.36)

तस्य वर्षसहस्रेण तत्परस्य तदाशिषः । तुतोष भगवान्देवः कपर्दी नीललोहितः

tasya varṣasahasreṇa tatparasya tadāśiṣaḥ | tutoṣa bhagavāndevaḥ kapardī nīlalohitaḥ

After a thousand years, of him intent thereon and desirous of that boon, the Blessed god Kapardin, blue-red, became pleased.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.127.37)

वरदोस्मीति चाप्युक्त्वा इत्युवाच पुनः प्रभुः । दिव्यं चक्षुः प्रयच्छामि पश्य मां राजसत्तम

varadosmīti cāpyuktvā ityuvāca punaḥ prabhuḥ | divyaṁ cakṣuḥ prayacchāmi paśya māṁ rājasattama

Having said 'I am the giver of boons,' the Lord spoke again: 'I grant you a divine eye — behold me, O best of kings.'

Verse 38 (skanda.8.127.38)

स तं दृष्ट्वा महेष्वासं त्रिदृष्टिं देवमीश्वरम् । उवाच सरितं देव धारयस्व वरं वृणे

sa taṁ dṛṣṭvā maheṣvāsaṁ tridṛṣṭiṁ devamīśvaram | uvāca saritaṁ deva dhārayasva varaṁ vṛṇe

Seeing him, that great archer, three-eyed god and lord, he said: 'O god, bear the river — this boon I choose.'

Verse 39 (skanda.8.127.39)

गङ्गां त्रिपथगां दिव्यां यदि मे तुष्यसेव्यय । मम कामो महादेव मृतान् पूर्वपितामहान्

gaṅgāṁ tripathagāṁ divyāṁ yadi me tuṣyasevyaya | mama kāmo mahādeva mṛtān pūrvapitāmahān

'The divine Ganga, who moves in three paths — if you are pleased with me, O imperishable one — my desire, O Mahadeva, is for my dead ancestors:'

Verse 40 (skanda.8.127.40)

स्वर्गं नयेयं निरयात्तारयित्वाथ तान् शुभान् । तेषामर्थे महादेव प्रयासोयं मया कृतः । प्रसादात्तव ते स्वर्गं गच्छेयुर्गङ्गयाप्लुताः

svargaṁ nayeyaṁ nirayāttārayitvātha tān śubhān | teṣāmarthe mahādeva prayāsoyaṁ mayā kṛtaḥ | prasādāttava te svargaṁ gaccheyurgaṅgayāplutāḥ

'— that I may deliver those blessed ones from hell and lead them to heaven. For their sake, O Mahadeva, this effort has been made by me; by your grace may they go to heaven, bathed by the Ganga.'

Verse 41 (skanda.8.127.41)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा भगवान् गोवृषध्वजः । उवाच राजशार्दूलं सुतुष्टेनान्तनात्मना

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā bhagavān govṛṣadhvajaḥ | uvāca rājaśārdūlaṁ sutuṣṭenāntanātmanā

Sanatkumara said: Hearing his words, the Blessed bull-bannered one spoke to that tiger among kings with a heart well satisfied.

Verse 42 (skanda.8.127.42)

देवदेव उवाच । भगीरथ तथा तत्ते भविष्यति न संशयः । मत्प्रसादाच्च गङ्गा ते दुहिता सा भविष्यति

devadeva uvāca | bhagīratha tathā tatte bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ | matprasādācca gaṅgā te duhitā sā bhaviṣyati

The God of gods said: 'O Bhagiratha, so shall it be for you, without doubt; and by my grace the Ganga shall become your daughter.'

Verse 43 (skanda.8.127.43)

धारयिष्ये त्वदर्थे च तां पतन्तीं त्रिविष्टपात् । विस्मापनाय लोकानां हितार्थञ्च नृपोत्तम

dhārayiṣye tvadarthe ca tāṁ patantīṁ triviṣṭapāt | vismāpanāya lokānāṁ hitārthañca nṛpottama

'For your sake I shall bear her as she falls from heaven, to the astonishment of the worlds and for their welfare, O best of kings.'

Verse 44 (skanda.8.127.44)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा गङ्गा सा सरितां वरा । उवाच को धारयिता मम वेगं सुरोत्तमः

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā gaṅgā sā saritāṁ varā | uvāca ko dhārayitā mama vegaṁ surottamaḥ

Sanatkumara said: Hearing his words, that Ganga, best of rivers, said: 'Which best of gods can bear my force?'

Verse 45 (skanda.8.127.45)

अहं तं सहसैवाद्य गृहीत्वाशु सुदुःसहा । गमिष्यामि न सन्देह पातालं सुदुरासदम्

ahaṁ taṁ sahasaivādya gṛhītvāśu suduḥsahā | gamiṣyāmi na sandeha pātālaṁ sudurāsadam

'I, most unbearable, shall today at once swiftly seize him and carry him down, without doubt, to the most inaccessible Patala.'

Verse 46 (skanda.8.127.46)

स्वयंभूर्यद्यसौ ब्रह्मा शक्रो वापि सुरेश्वरः । विष्णुर्वाप्यदितेः पुत्रो नयाम्येव न संशयः

svayaṁbhūryadyasau brahmā śakro vāpi sureśvaraḥ | viṣṇurvāpyaditeḥ putro nayāmyeva na saṁśayaḥ

'Whether it be the Self-existent Brahma, or Shakra, lord of gods, or Vishnu, son of Aditi, I shall carry him off, without doubt.'

Verse 47 (skanda.8.127.47)

अद्य पश्यन्तु मे लोका महद्वेगं दुरासदम् । पतन्त्या भुवि दुर्धर्षमेवं सा सरिदब्रवीत्

adya paśyantu me lokā mahadvegaṁ durāsadam | patantyā bhuvi durdharṣamevaṁ sā saridabravīt

'Today let the worlds behold my great, irresistible, unassailable force as I fall to earth' — thus spoke that river.

Verse 48 (skanda.8.127.48)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सावलेपं च शंकरः । चकार निग्रहीतुं तां संकल्पं सरितां वराम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasyāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā sāvalepaṁ ca śaṁkaraḥ | cakāra nigrahītuṁ tāṁ saṁkalpaṁ saritāṁ varām

Sanatkumara said: Hearing her arrogant words, Shankara resolved to restrain that best of rivers.

Verse 49 (skanda.8.127.49)

तस्य संकल्पमात्रेण देवान् वै ज्वर आविशत् । मम्लुर्माल्यानि सर्वेषामुत्पाताश्चैव जज्ञिरे

tasya saṁkalpamātreṇa devān vai jvara āviśat | mamlurmālyāni sarveṣāmutpātāścaiva jajñire

By the mere resolve of his mind, a fever entered the gods; the garlands of all withered, and portents arose.

Verse 50 (skanda.8.127.50)

विपर्ययोभूल्लोकानां विमानानि च पेतिरे । असुराश्च बलोन्मत्ता दृश्यन्तेतिमहाबलाः । आह्वयन्तो दितेः पुत्रान् ज्वलनादित्यवर्चसः

viparyayobhūllokānāṁ vimānāni ca petire | asurāśca balonmattā dṛśyantetimahābalāḥ | āhvayanto diteḥ putrān jvalanādityavarcasaḥ

The worlds fell into disorder, and celestial cars fell; and the Asuras, intoxicated with strength, appeared exceedingly mighty, summoning the sons of Diti, radiant as blazing suns.

Verse 51 (skanda.8.127.51)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । वैकृतं तदथालक्ष्य देवा ऊचुः शतक्रतुम् । विपर्ययोयं नाकस्माच्छीघ्रं विज्ञायतां प्रभो

sanatkumāra uvāca | vaikṛtaṁ tadathālakṣya devā ūcuḥ śatakratum | viparyayoyaṁ nākasmācchīghraṁ vijñāyatāṁ prabho

Sanatkumara said: Then, noticing that disorder, the gods said to Shatakratu: 'This disturbance is not without cause; let it be swiftly investigated, my lord.'

Verse 52 (skanda.8.127.52)

समोहश्चाभवत्तस्य देवस्य ऋषिभिः सह । तस्मिन् काले समागम्य ब्रह्मा तानवबोधयत्

samohaścābhavattasya devasya ṛṣibhiḥ saha | tasmin kāle samāgamya brahmā tānavabodhayat

And that god too became bewildered, together with the sages; at that time Brahma, having come, enlightened them.

Verse 53 (skanda.8.127.53)

ब्रह्मोवाच । मा विषण्णावतिष्ठध्वं यूयं सर्वे दिवौकसः । यद् ब्रबीमि निबोधध्वं कालो मा वोऽतिगादयम्

brahmovāca | mā viṣaṇṇāvatiṣṭhadhvaṁ yūyaṁ sarve divaukasaḥ | yad brabīmi nibodhadhvaṁ kālo mā vo'tigādayam

Brahma said: 'Do not remain despondent, all you gods; understand what I say — let not this moment pass you by.'

Verse 54 (skanda.8.127.54)

एष देवो महेष्वासः कपर्दी मेघवाहनः । गङ्गां नाशयितुं बुद्धिमकरोद्भीमविक्रमः

eṣa devo maheṣvāsaḥ kapardī meghavāhanaḥ | gaṅgāṁ nāśayituṁ buddhimakarodbhīmavikramaḥ

'This god, the great archer Kapardin, of terrible valor, borne on a cloud, has resolved to destroy the Ganga.'

Verse 55 (skanda.8.127.55)

तेनैवं मनसा देवाश्चिन्तिते लोकनाशने । विपर्ययो यथा न स्यात् तथा कुरुत मा चिरम्

tenaivaṁ manasā devāścintite lokanāśane | viparyayo yathā na syāt tathā kuruta mā ciram

'Since he has thus resolved in his mind on the destruction of the world, act, O gods, without delay, so that this disorder may cease.'

Verse 56 (skanda.8.127.56)

मया सह इतो गत्वा ऋषिभिः सह संगताः । आपद्भावेन देवेशं शरणं यात शङ्करम्

mayā saha ito gatvā ṛṣibhiḥ saha saṁgatāḥ | āpadbhāvena deveśaṁ śaraṇaṁ yāta śaṅkaram

'Go from here with me, joined together with the sages, and in this crisis go for refuge to Shankara, the Lord of gods.'

Verse 57 (skanda.8.127.57)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ते सहैव तदा देवा ब्रह्मणा पद्मयोनिना । जग्मुर्हिमवतः कूटं सर्वरत्नविभूषितम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | te sahaiva tadā devā brahmaṇā padmayoninā | jagmurhimavataḥ kūṭaṁ sarvaratnavibhūṣitam

Sanatkumara said: Those gods then, together with the lotus-born Brahma, went to the peak of the Himalaya, adorned with every jewel.

Verse 58 (skanda.8.127.58)

नाम्ना हिरण्मयं नाम यत्र हैरण्वती नदी । अपश्यन्त च तं देवास्तपोभक्त्या सुरेश्वरम्

nāmnā hiraṇmayaṁ nāma yatra hairaṇvatī nadī | apaśyanta ca taṁ devāstapobhaktyā sureśvaram

Named Hiranmaya, where the Hairanvati river flows; and there the gods saw that Lord of gods, absorbed in austerity and devotion.

Verse 59 (skanda.8.127.59)

ते तं क्रुद्धमिवालक्ष्य युगान्तानलसप्रभम् । दुर्निरीक्ष्यं तदा व्यास देवीं शरणमागताः

te taṁ kruddhamivālakṣya yugāntānalasaprabham | durnirīkṣyaṁ tadā vyāsa devīṁ śaraṇamāgatāḥ

Beholding him as if enraged, radiant as the fire of the world's end, hard to look upon, they then, O Vyasa, went for refuge to the Goddess.

Verse 60 (skanda.8.127.60)

देवा ऊचुः । सदेवतानां लोकानां जनन्यसि विभावरि । अतोसि भस्त्रा रुद्राणि यच्छ नोभयदं पदम्

devā ūcuḥ | sadevatānāṁ lokānāṁ jananyasi vibhāvari | atosi bhastrā rudrāṇi yaccha nobhayadaṁ padam

The gods said: 'You are the mother of the worlds and their gods, O radiant one; therefore you are the source of the Rudras — grant us a fearless refuge.'

Verse 61 (skanda.8.127.61)

शरणागता वयं मातः पुत्रास्तव वयं शुभे । रक्ष नो देवदेवेशे एतदिच्छामहे वयम्

śaraṇāgatā vayaṁ mātaḥ putrāstava vayaṁ śubhe | rakṣa no devadeveśe etadicchāmahe vayam

'We have come for refuge, O mother; we are your sons, O auspicious one. Protect us, O queen of the God of gods; this is what we desire.'

Verse 62 (skanda.8.127.62)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा भीतानां शरणैषिणाम् । देवानामभयं देवी ददौ वरमनुत्तमम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | teṣāṁ tadvacanaṁ śrutvā bhītānāṁ śaraṇaiṣiṇām | devānāmabhayaṁ devī dadau varamanuttamam

Sanatkumara said: Hearing the words of those frightened gods seeking refuge, the Goddess granted them the supreme boon of fearlessness.

Verse 63 (skanda.8.127.63)

ततस्तं देवदेवेशं भगवन्तं पिनाकिनम् । प्रणम्य शिरसोवाच भीतवत्साचलात्मजा

tatastaṁ devadeveśaṁ bhagavantaṁ pinākinam | praṇamya śirasovāca bhītavatsācalātmajā

Then, bowing her head to that Blessed trident-bearer, the God of gods, the mountain's daughter, as if fearful, spoke.

Verse 64 (skanda.8.127.64)

तां भीतां प्रणतां देवः पादयोर्गतमूर्धजाम् । उत्थापयामास तदा पाणिनाब्जदलत्विषा

tāṁ bhītāṁ praṇatāṁ devaḥ pādayorgatamūrdhajām | utthāpayāmāsa tadā pāṇinābjadalatviṣā

That frightened, bowing goddess, her hair fallen at his feet, the god then raised up with his lotus-petal-hued hand.

Verse 65 (skanda.8.127.65)

उवाच च तदा साध्वीं भीतासि हिमवत्सुते । किमर्थं किञ्च ते सुभ्रु भयं ब्रूहि शुभानने

uvāca ca tadā sādhvīṁ bhītāsi himavatsute | kimarthaṁ kiñca te subhru bhayaṁ brūhi śubhānane

And he said to that virtuous one: 'You are frightened, O daughter of Himavat; why, and what is your fear, O fair-browed one? Tell me, O auspicious-faced one.'

Verse 66 (skanda.8.127.66)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । उवाच तं तदा व्यास भीतवत् हिमवत्सुता । दृढं भीतास्मि ते देव रूपं दृष्ट्वातिभास्वरम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | uvāca taṁ tadā vyāsa bhītavat himavatsutā | dṛḍhaṁ bhītāsmi te deva rūpaṁ dṛṣṭvātibhāsvaram

Sanatkumara said: O Vyasa, then the daughter of Himavat, as if fearful, said to him: 'I am greatly afraid, O god, having seen your extremely blazing form.'

Verse 67 (skanda.8.127.67)

संवर्त्तकानलप्रख्यं दुर्निरीक्ष्यं सुरैरपि । लोका विषण्णा देवेश देवाश्च ऋषिभिस्सह

saṁvarttakānalaprakhyaṁ durnirīkṣyaṁ surairapi | lokā viṣaṇṇā deveśa devāśca ṛṣibhissaha

'It is like the fire of dissolution, hard to look upon even for the gods; the worlds are distressed, O Lord of gods, and the gods together with the sages too.'

Verse 68 (skanda.8.127.68)

उपासते भीतभीताः सर्व एते सुरेश्वराः । भीताहं ते महादेव मत्तोधिकमिमे सुराः

upāsate bhītabhītāḥ sarva ete sureśvarāḥ | bhītāhaṁ te mahādeva mattodhikamime surāḥ

'All these lords of gods sit in attendance, utterly terrified; I am afraid, O Mahadeva — but these gods are even more so than I.'

Verse 69 (skanda.8.127.69)

मां चैव शरणं प्राप्तास्तेषां त्वमभयं दिश । त्वं कर्ता सर्वलोकानां देवानामृषिभिस्सह । मा विनाशय तान् कृत्वा याचे त्वां शिरसा नता

māṁ caiva śaraṇaṁ prāptāsteṣāṁ tvamabhayaṁ diśa | tvaṁ kartā sarvalokānāṁ devānāmṛṣibhissaha | mā vināśaya tān kṛtvā yāce tvāṁ śirasā natā

'And they have come to me for refuge; grant them fearlessness. You are the maker of all worlds, of the gods together with the sages; having made them, do not destroy them — I beg you, bowing my head.'

Verse 70 (skanda.8.127.70)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा देवान्दृष्ट्वा च यज्ञहा । उवाच न भयं वोस्ति मत्तस्त्रिदशसत्तमाः

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasyāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā devāndṛṣṭvā ca yajñahā | uvāca na bhayaṁ vosti mattastridaśasattamāḥ

Sanatkumara said: Hearing her words, and seeing the gods, Yajnaha said: 'You have nothing to fear from me, O best of the gods.'

Verse 71 (skanda.8.127.71)

इयन्तु स्त्रीस्वभावेन हिमवत्तनये सरित् । मयि दुष्टं मनः कृत्वा पतिष्यति ममोपरि

iyantu strīsvabhāvena himavattanaye sarit | mayi duṣṭaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā patiṣyati mamopari

'This river, however, O daughter of Himavat, by feminine nature, having formed an ill intent toward me, is about to fall upon me.'

Verse 72 (skanda.8.127.72)

तामहं सन्निरोत्स्यामि पतन्तीं सरितं दिवः । यूयमप्यालयान् स्वान्स्वान् विश्रब्धा व्रजतानघाः

tāmahaṁ sannirotsyāmi patantīṁ saritaṁ divaḥ | yūyamapyālayān svānsvān viśrabdhā vrajatānaghāḥ

'I shall restrain her as she falls, that river from heaven; you too, O sinless ones, go confidently to your own abodes.'

Verse 73 (skanda.8.127.73)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततस्ते तद्वचः श्रुत्वा प्रणता विबुधोत्तमाः । ऊचुः प्राञ्जलयो भूत्वा वाचा ते लज्जमानया

sanatkumāra uvāca | tataste tadvacaḥ śrutvā praṇatā vibudhottamāḥ | ūcuḥ prāñjalayo bhūtvā vācā te lajjamānayā

Sanatkumara said: Then, hearing that speech, those best gods, bowed, with joined palms, spoke with a voice tinged with shame.

Verse 74 (skanda.8.127.74)

देवा ऊचुः । एषा लोकहितार्थाय त्वया सृष्टा सरिद्वरा । चपलाः सरितश्चैव स्त्रीस्वभावश्च तादृशः

devā ūcuḥ | eṣā lokahitārthāya tvayā sṛṣṭā saridvarā | capalāḥ saritaścaiva strīsvabhāvaśca tādṛśaḥ

The gods said: 'This best of rivers was created by you for the world's welfare. Rivers are indeed fickle, and such is the nature of women.'

Verse 75 (skanda.8.127.75)

सैषा तेन स्वभावेन अस्माकं चाभिसंश्रयात् । गर्वं महान्तमास्थाय कत्थते ह्यकुतोभया

saiṣā tena svabhāvena asmākaṁ cābhisaṁśrayāt | garvaṁ mahāntamāsthāya katthate hyakutobhayā

'She, by that nature, and also because of our having taken refuge with her, has assumed great pride and boasts, fearing nothing.'

Verse 76 (skanda.8.127.76)

गर्वोयं च यतस्तस्या येन सा कत्थते नदी । तन्नः शृणुष्व देवेश मा क्रुधो भीमविक्रम

garvoyaṁ ca yatastasyā yena sā katthate nadī | tannaḥ śṛṇuṣva deveśa mā krudho bhīmavikrama

'And the reason for this pride of hers, by which that river boasts — hear this from us, O Lord of gods; be not angry, O one of terrible valor.'

Verse 77 (skanda.8.127.77)

कार्यार्थं प्रार्थ्यमानो हि सर्वो भवति गर्वितः । लोके तनुरपि स्वामिन् किमुतेयं सरिद्वरा

kāryārthaṁ prārthyamāno hi sarvo bhavati garvitaḥ | loke tanurapi svāmin kimuteyaṁ saridvarā

'For whoever is entreated for the sake of some purpose becomes proud in the world, even one of feeble body, O lord — how much more this best of rivers!'

Verse 78 (skanda.8.127.78)

सैषा सरिन्महादेव धारणायेप्सिता त्वया । सर्वश्रेष्ठेन देवेन गर्विता कत्थते ततः

saiṣā sarinmahādeva dhāraṇāyepsitā tvayā | sarvaśreṣṭhena devena garvitā katthate tataḥ

'That river, O Mahadeva, being desired by you, the best of all gods, for the bearing of her descent, has therefore become proud and boasts.'

Verse 79 (skanda.8.127.79)

त्वया दैवतनाथेन धारितेयं सरिद्वरा । पुण्या भवित्री लोकेस्मिन् सर्वकिल्विषनाशनी

tvayā daivatanāthena dhāriteyaṁ saridvarā | puṇyā bhavitrī lokesmin sarvakilviṣanāśanī

'Borne by you, lord of the gods, this best of rivers shall become sacred in this world, destroying all sin.'

Verse 80 (skanda.8.127.80)

यः कश्चित् पातिनीमेनां सरितं देवताधिप । शक्तो धारयितुं देवो न तु श्रेयो भवेत्ततः

yaḥ kaścit pātinīmenāṁ saritaṁ devatādhipa | śakto dhārayituṁ devo na tu śreyo bhavettataḥ

'Whoever else, O chief of gods, however capable of bearing this falling river, no good would come of it thereby.'

Verse 81 (skanda.8.127.81)

तस्मात्त्वं याचितो देवै राज्ञा चानेन कालहन् । धारयस्व नदीमेनां शिवो भूत्वा सुरोत्तम

tasmāttvaṁ yācito devai rājñā cānena kālahan | dhārayasva nadīmenāṁ śivo bhūtvā surottama

'Therefore, entreated by the gods and by this king, O Kalahan, bear this river, becoming auspicious, O best of gods.'

Verse 82 (skanda.8.127.82)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवं स भगवान् देवैस्तथ्यं बह्वविरोधि च । उक्तः सब्रह्मकैर्देवः सनारायणलोकपैः

sanatkumāra uvāca | evaṁ sa bhagavān devaistathyaṁ bahvavirodhi ca | uktaḥ sabrahmakairdevaḥ sanārāyaṇalokapaiḥ

Sanatkumara said: Thus that Blessed god was addressed by the gods, with much true and non-contradictory speech, together with Brahma, Narayana, and the world-guardians.

Verse 83 (skanda.8.127.83)

राज्ञो वरप्रदानं च तदवेक्ष्य पुनः पुनः । उवाच देवान्देवेश इदं गम्भीरशब्दवत्

rājño varapradānaṁ ca tadavekṣya punaḥ punaḥ | uvāca devāndeveśa idaṁ gambhīraśabdavat

Considering again and again his own granting of the boon to the king, the God of gods spoke this to the gods in a deep voice.

Verse 84 (skanda.8.127.84)

एतं राजानमुद्दिश्य क्षुधापर्याकुलेन्द्रियम् । भवतां चैव मान्यानां वचनाद्देवसत्तमाः

etaṁ rājānamuddiśya kṣudhāparyākulendriyam | bhavatāṁ caiva mānyānāṁ vacanāddevasattamāḥ

'With regard to this king, whose senses are afflicted with longing for the boon, and at the word of you, O best of gods, worthy of honor,'

Verse 85 (skanda.8.127.85)

न नाशयिष्ये सरितमिदं तु शृणुतानघाः । यद् ब्रवीमि महासत्वा गर्वस्यास्य विनाशनम्

na nāśayiṣye saritamidaṁ tu śṛṇutānaghāḥ | yad bravīmi mahāsatvā garvasyāsya vināśanam

'I shall not destroy the river — but hear this, O sinless, mighty ones, what I say: the destruction of her pride.'

Verse 86 (skanda.8.127.86)

पर्वतेन्द्रोस्य गर्वस्य विघातो भविता महान् । अनु जह्नुश्च धर्मात्मा गर्वं नाशयिता पुनः

parvatendrosya garvasya vighāto bhavitā mahān | anu jahnuśca dharmātmā garvaṁ nāśayitā punaḥ

'A great blow to her pride shall come from the lord of mountains; and the righteous-souled Jahnu too shall again destroy her pride.'

Verse 87 (skanda.8.127.87)

मच्छापोपहता चेयं दुराचारा महानदी । पतिं मानुषमासाद्य पुत्रान् सप्त निहंस्यति

macchāpopahatā ceyaṁ durācārā mahānadī | patiṁ mānuṣamāsādya putrān sapta nihaṁsyati

'And struck by my curse, this ill-behaved great river, having taken a human husband, shall slay seven sons.'

Verse 88 (skanda.8.127.88)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवमुक्त्वा ततः शर्वो देवान् दैवतसत्तमः । उवाच ब्रूत किं वोन्यद् ददान्यद्य यथेप्सितम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | evamuktvā tataḥ śarvo devān daivatasattamaḥ | uvāca brūta kiṁ vonyad dadānyadya yathepsitam

Sanatkumara said: Having said this, Sharva, best of gods, then said to the gods: 'Speak — what else shall I give you today, as you desire?'

Verse 89 (skanda.8.127.89)

देवा ऊचुः । भगवन् स्थानमिच्छामो देवस्य सुमहर्द्धिमत् । समन्तपञ्चकं क्षेत्रं सदाविरहितं त्वया

devā ūcuḥ | bhagavan sthānamicchāmo devasya sumaharddhimat | samantapañcakaṁ kṣetraṁ sadāvirahitaṁ tvayā

The gods said: 'O Lord, we desire that most splendid place of the god — the field of Samantapanchaka, ever unbereft of you.'

Verse 90 (skanda.8.127.90)

भस्त्रेत्युक्ता यदस्माभिहिमवत्तनयाव्यया । पदं चाभयमिच्छन्ति तस्माद् भस्त्रापदं स्मृतम्

bhastretyuktā yadasmābhihimavattanayāvyayā | padaṁ cābhayamicchanti tasmād bhastrāpadaṁ smṛtam

'Since we called the imperishable daughter of Himavat Bhastra and desired a fearless place, therefore it shall be remembered as Bhastrapada.'

Verse 91 (skanda.8.127.91)

योत्रागच्छेन्नियमवानर्चयेद् वृषभध्वजम् । सोश्वमेधफलं प्राप्य रुद्रलोकमवाप्नुयात्

yotrāgacchenniyamavānarcayed vṛṣabhadhvajam | sośvamedhaphalaṁ prāpya rudralokamavāpnuyāt

'Whoever comes here observing discipline and worships the bull-bannered one, he, obtaining the fruit of the ashvamedha, attains Rudra's world.'

Verse 92 (skanda.8.127.92)

अहोरात्रोपवासेन चरुं यश्च निवेदयेत् । स नन्दीश्वरतुल्यस्ते भविता देवसत्तम

ahorātropavāsena caruṁ yaśca nivedayet | sa nandīśvaratulyaste bhavitā devasattama

'And whoever, fasting a day and night, offers the oblation, he shall become equal to Nandishvara, O best of gods.'

Verse 93 (skanda.8.127.93)

प्राणान् यश्चात्र देवेश त्यजेत् सनियमो नरः । अथवानियमाद्देव यदृच्छामरणेन तु

prāṇān yaścātra deveśa tyajet saniyamo naraḥ | athavāniyamāddeva yadṛcchāmaraṇena tu

'And whoever, O Lord of gods, gives up his life here, whether a man of discipline, or one who dies here by chance, without discipline,'

Verse 94 (skanda.8.127.94)

सोपि भूत्वा गणैस्तुल्यः स्थास्यत्याभूत संप्लवम् । युक्तो दिव्येन वपुषा तवानुचरतां गतः

sopi bhūtvā gaṇaistulyaḥ sthāsyatyābhūta saṁplavam | yukto divyena vapuṣā tavānucaratāṁ gataḥ

'he too, becoming equal to your gaṇas, endowed with a divine body, having entered your retinue, shall remain until the next dissolution.'

Verse 95 (skanda.8.127.95)

नमो भस्त्रेश्वरायेति यश्च कृत्वा सदा शुचिः । उत्तिष्ठेद्वा स्वपेद्वापि शक्रलोके स मोदते

namo bhastreśvarāyeti yaśca kṛtvā sadā śuciḥ | uttiṣṭhedvā svapedvāpi śakraloke sa modate

'And whoever, ever pure, having said Salutation to Bhastreshvara, whether rising or sleeping, rejoices in Indra's world.'

Verse 96 (skanda.8.127.96)

इदं महद् दिव्यमनन्तलाभं पठेत् सदा यो द्विजदेवसंसदि । महानुभावो गणपो महाजवो भवेत् स दिव्यस्तव देव संश्रयात्

idaṁ mahad divyamanantalābhaṁ paṭhet sadā yo dvijadevasaṁsadi | mahānubhāvo gaṇapo mahājavo bhavet sa divyastava deva saṁśrayāt

'Whoever always recites this great, divine account of endless benefit in an assembly of brahmins and gods becomes illustrious, a lord of gaṇas, of great swiftness, divine, O god, through refuge in you.'