The Taking of the Ashoka Tree as Son

Verse 1 (skanda.8.162.1)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । आमन्त्रितेषु विप्रेषु नारायणपदत्रये । नन्दिन्यथ निवृत्ते च गणयूथपयूथपे

sanatkumāra uvāca | āmantriteṣu vipreṣu nārāyaṇapadatraye | nandinyatha nivṛtte ca gaṇayūthapayūthape

Sanatkumara said: When the brahmins throughout Narayana's three strides had been invited, and Nandi, chief even over the chiefs of the ganas, had returned -

Verse 2 (skanda.8.162.2)

भगवान् क्रतुकामघ्नः पूष्णो दन्तनिपातनः । माली मौली बली कालः काले वचनमव्रवीत्

bhagavān kratukāmaghnaḥ pūṣṇo dantanipātanaḥ | mālī maulī balī kālaḥ kāle vacanamavravīt

- the blessed lord, who once crushed Daksha's pride in sacrifice, who broke Pusha's teeth, garlanded, crowned, mighty, himself Time incarnate, spoke at the proper hour.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.162.3)

अम्बिके जगतः सर्वे ब्राह्मणा ब्राह्मणः समाः । आमन्त्रिता वरारोहे कुरु यत्ते मनोगतम्

ambike jagataḥ sarve brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaḥ samāḥ | āmantritā varārohe kuru yatte manogatam

'O Ambika, all the brahmins of the world, equal to Brahma himself, have now been invited. O fair one, now do as your heart desires.'

Verse 4 (skanda.8.162.4)

स यत्राशोकतरुकः पुत्रकस्ते भविष्यति । तत्र सज्जीकरोप्यन्नमन्नदः पिङ्गलः प्रिये

sa yatrāśokatarukaḥ putrakaste bhaviṣyati | tatra sajjīkaropyannamannadaḥ piṅgalaḥ priye

'O beloved, where that ashoka tree is to become your son, there the food-giver Pingala is even now preparing the provisions.'

Verse 5 (skanda.8.162.5)

श्वः प्रभाते यथा देवि नन्दिना सह नन्दिनि । यामोशोकतरोः पार्श्वं तथा कुरु गिरीन्द्रजे

śvaḥ prabhāte yathā devi nandinā saha nandini | yāmośokataroḥ pārśvaṁ tathā kuru girīndraje

'O Goddess, O joyous one, O daughter of the mountain-lord, arrange it so that tomorrow at dawn we may go, with Nandi, to the side of the ashoka tree.'

Verse 6 (skanda.8.162.6)

साकाशजलपातालं जगज्जननि तत्र हि । पिण्डीकृतं त्वद्धितार्थे भविष्यति गिरेः सुते

sākāśajalapātālaṁ jagajjanani tatra hi | piṇḍīkṛtaṁ tvaddhitārthe bhaviṣyati gireḥ sute

'O mother of the world, O daughter of the mountain, there sky, water, and the netherworld shall come together as one, gathered for your welfare.'

Verse 7 (skanda.8.162.7)

अनेन चामन्त्रयता नन्दिना वै द्विजोत्तमान् । क्रान्तं त्रिविक्रमाक्रान्तं नारायणपदत्रयम्

anena cāmantrayatā nandinā vai dvijottamān | krāntaṁ trivikramākrāntaṁ nārāyaṇapadatrayam

'By thus inviting the foremost brahmins, Nandi has traversed even Narayana's three strides, once measured out by Trivikrama.'

Verse 8 (skanda.8.162.8)

सोहमस्य वरारोहे वरेण्ये वरदायिनि । वरं दास्यामि वरदे यदि ते रुचितं प्रिये

sohamasya varārohe vareṇye varadāyini | varaṁ dāsyāmi varade yadi te rucitaṁ priye

'O fair one, O adorable one, O bestower of boons, O beloved, if it pleases you, I too shall grant this tree a boon.'

Verse 9 (skanda.8.162.9)

अथ देवी दिवोनाथं डिण्डिमुण्डेश्वरं हरम् । अवदद्वरदं कान्तं कान्तं चन्द्रार्धभूषणम्

atha devī divonāthaṁ ḍiṇḍimuṇḍeśvaraṁ haram | avadadvaradaṁ kāntaṁ kāntaṁ candrārdhabhūṣaṇam

Then the Goddess spoke to Hara, lord of heaven, granter of boons, her beloved husband, adorned with the crescent moon.

Verse 10 (skanda.8.162.10)

अयन्नन्दीश्वरो देव आवयोः परमो हितः । वरकोटीसहस्राणि त्वत्तोर्हति न संशयः

ayannandīśvaro deva āvayoḥ paramo hitaḥ | varakoṭīsahasrāṇi tvattorhati na saṁśayaḥ

'O god, this Nandishvara is the supreme well-wisher of us both; without doubt he deserves millions upon thousands of boons from you.'

Verse 11 (skanda.8.162.11)

वरदो ह्यसि लोकानां लोकानामपि चेश्वरः । यदि तुष्टोसि शैलादेर्दिशस्व प्रवरं वरम्

varado hyasi lokānāṁ lokānāmapi ceśvaraḥ | yadi tuṣṭosi śailāderdiśasva pravaraṁ varam

'You are the giver of boons to the worlds, and lord of the worlds as well. If you are pleased, grant an excellent boon to the son of Shilada.'

Verse 12 (skanda.8.162.12)

कृत्तिवासास्ततो देवो मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय नन्दिनम् । उवाच प्रमथेशानं व्रियतामीप्सितो वरः

kṛttivāsāstato devo mūrdhnyupāghrāya nandinam | uvāca pramatheśānaṁ vriyatāmīpsito varaḥ

Then the hide-clad god, smelling Nandi's head, said to that lord of the pramathas: 'Choose the boon you desire.'

Verse 13 (skanda.8.162.13)

ततः कपीन्द्रवदनः सुरेशसदृशद्युतिः । प्रणम्य शिरसा प्राह नन्दी शङ्करवल्लभः

tataḥ kapīndravadanaḥ sureśasadṛśadyutiḥ | praṇamya śirasā prāha nandī śaṅkaravallabhaḥ

Then Nandi, ape-faced, radiant as the lord of the gods, beloved of Shankara, bowing his head, spoke.

Verse 14 (skanda.8.162.14)

प्रभावात्तव देवेश वरदास्म्यजरामरः । भोगवान् पूजितः पूज्यैर्देवदानवकिन्नरैः

prabhāvāttava deveśa varadāsmyajarāmaraḥ | bhogavān pūjitaḥ pūjyairdevadānavakinnaraiḥ

'O lord of gods, by your grace alone I am a giver of boons, undying and unageing, endowed with every enjoyment, honoured even by the worshipful gods, danavas, and kinnaras.'

Verse 15 (skanda.8.162.15)

किं मे वरेण योहं ते वरकोटिप्रपूजितौ । पश्यामि चरणौ शर्व साम्बस्य प्रमथार्चितौ

kiṁ me vareṇa yohaṁ te varakoṭiprapūjitau | paśyāmi caraṇau śarva sāmbasya pramathārcitau

'O Sharva, what need have I of a boon, when I already behold, worshipped as I am beyond a myriad boons, the two feet of you and Amba, revered by the pramathas?'

Verse 16 (skanda.8.162.16)

वरेण तु ममानेन गोपते यदि तुष्यसि । नित्या भवतु मे भक्तिस्त्वयि साम्बे महेश्वर

vareṇa tu mamānena gopate yadi tuṣyasi | nityā bhavatu me bhaktistvayi sāmbe maheśvara

'O lord of cattle, O Maheshvara, if you are pleased by this request of mine, let this be my boon: that my devotion to you and Amba remain forever steadfast.'

Verse 17 (skanda.8.162.17)

शिष्टानां मद्विशिष्टानां गणानां गणपाधिपः । त्वया कृतो देववर किमतोन्यत् करिष्यसि

śiṣṭānāṁ madviśiṣṭānāṁ gaṇānāṁ gaṇapādhipaḥ | tvayā kṛto devavara kimatonyat kariṣyasi

'O best of gods, you have already made me lord over ganas more excellent even than myself - what more than this could you do?'

Verse 18 (skanda.8.162.18)

इत्येवं नन्दिनं देवो भाषमाणं तदा नतम् । प्रीत्यापश्यद् विरूपाक्षः शशाङ्ककृतशेखरः

ityevaṁ nandinaṁ devo bhāṣamāṇaṁ tadā natam | prītyāpaśyad virūpākṣaḥ śaśāṅkakṛtaśekharaḥ

As Nandi spoke thus, bowing, the odd-eyed god, crowned with the crescent moon, looked upon him with affection.

Verse 19 (skanda.8.162.19)

ततोत्पलनिकाशेन करेण भगवान् हरः । प्रमृज्य प्राह हर्षेण हर्षयन् नन्दिनं भृशम्

tatotpalanikāśena kareṇa bhagavān haraḥ | pramṛjya prāha harṣeṇa harṣayan nandinaṁ bhṛśam

Then the blessed Hara, stroking him with his lotus-like hand, spoke with joy, greatly delighting Nandi.

Verse 20 (skanda.8.162.20)

भक्तिमानसि मे नन्दिन् सदारं सगणाश्रयम् । तां च भक्तिं पुरस्कृत्य पार्श्वस्थोसि मया कृतः

bhaktimānasi me nandin sadāraṁ sagaṇāśrayam | tāṁ ca bhaktiṁ puraskṛtya pārśvasthosi mayā kṛtaḥ

'O Nandi, you are devoted to me and my consort and to my hosts. It is on the strength of that very devotion that I have made you my constant companion.'

Verse 21 (skanda.8.162.21)

सत्याद्धर्मात्तपोदानाद् गोभ्यो वेदेभ्य एव च । एभ्यो मे त्वं प्रियतरः सर्वेभ्यो गणपेश्वर

satyāddharmāttapodānād gobhyo vedebhya eva ca | ebhyo me tvaṁ priyataraḥ sarvebhyo gaṇapeśvara

'O lord of the ganas, you are dearer to me than truth, than righteousness, than austerity, than charity, than cows, and even than the Vedas themselves.'

Verse 22 (skanda.8.162.22)

प्रभाते यश्च ते नाम कीर्तयिष्यति लोकप । सोश्वमेधस्य च फलं सम्यगिष्टस्य लप्स्यते

prabhāte yaśca te nāma kīrtayiṣyati lokapa | sośvamedhasya ca phalaṁ samyagiṣṭasya lapsyate

'O guardian of the world, whoever glorifies your name at dawn shall obtain the fruit of a horse-sacrifice duly and completely performed.'

Verse 23 (skanda.8.162.23)

यश्च त्वां द्वेष्टि विद्विष्टः स मे धर्मरतोपि हि । यस्य त्वं दयितोसौ मे दयितस्तु भवेत् सदा

yaśca tvāṁ dveṣṭi vidviṣṭaḥ sa me dharmaratopi hi | yasya tvaṁ dayitosau me dayitastu bhavet sadā

'Whoever hates you, even if devoted to dharma, becomes hateful to me; and whoever holds you dear shall ever be dear to me as well.'

Verse 24 (skanda.8.162.24)

नमो नन्दीश्वरायेति प्रोच्य यः स्वप्स्यते नरः । तस्य कुष्माण्डराजेभ्यो न भविष्यति वै भयम्

namo nandīśvarāyeti procya yaḥ svapsyate naraḥ | tasya kuṣmāṇḍarājebhyo na bhaviṣyati vai bhayam

'Whatever man goes to sleep saying, "Homage to Nandishvara," shall have no fear from the lord-demons of the kushmandas.'

Verse 25 (skanda.8.162.25)

इत्येवं ब्रुवतस्तस्य नन्दीश्वरगुणस्तवम् । ब्रह्मणस्तनुरत्युग्रा सन्ध्या समभिवर्तत

ityevaṁ bruvatastasya nandīśvaraguṇastavam | brahmaṇastanuratyugrā sandhyā samabhivartata

As he thus praised Nandishvara's virtues, there came upon him Sandhya, the fierce embodied form of Brahma's own being.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.162.26)

सन्ध्याकालन्तु कालज्ञः कालः कालनिहा हरः । उपोढं वीक्ष्य नृत्तस्य देवः कालममन्यत

sandhyākālantu kālajñaḥ kālaḥ kālanihā haraḥ | upoḍhaṁ vīkṣya nṛttasya devaḥ kālamamanyata

The knower of time, Time himself, Hara who destroys even Time, seeing the hour of twilight draw near, took it as the moment for his dance.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.162.27)

उपस्पृश्य ततः सोद्भिरपां स्रष्टा त्रिलोकपः । अन्वास्त भगवानि सन्ध्यां लोकसंस्थां नु पालयन्

upaspṛśya tataḥ sodbhirapāṁ sraṣṭā trilokapaḥ | anvāsta bhagavāni sandhyāṁ lokasaṁsthāṁ nu pālayan

Having sipped water in ritual purification, the blessed lord of the three worlds, creator of the waters, sat in worship of Sandhya, upholding the order of the worlds.

Verse 28 (skanda.8.162.28)

प्रसारितकरो देवो न्यस्तजानुकमण्डलः । प्रसरितकरो व्योम्नि दिवाकर इवाभवत्

prasāritakaro devo nyastajānukamaṇḍalaḥ | prasaritakaro vyomni divākara ivābhavat

His hands outstretched, his water-pot set upon his knee, the god appeared like the sun spreading its rays across the sky.

Verse 29 (skanda.8.162.29)

जप्त्वा तु परमं जप्यं त्रिवेदरससंभवम् । भवः प्रनृत्त्यच्चतुरश्चतुरं चतुरानन

japtvā tu paramaṁ japyaṁ trivedarasasaṁbhavam | bhavaḥ pranṛttyaccaturaścaturaṁ caturānana

Having recited the supreme mantra born of the essence of the three Vedas, Bhava began to dance with consummate skill, O four-faced one.

Verse 30 (skanda.8.162.30)

भर्त्तारं वीक्ष्य नृत्यन्तं विषक्तकरपल्लवम् । सहधर्मचरी देवी भर्त्तारं सान्वनृत्यत

bharttāraṁ vīkṣya nṛtyantaṁ viṣaktakarapallavam | sahadharmacarī devī bharttāraṁ sānvanṛtyata

Seeing her husband dancing, his hands swaying like young leaves, his life-companion the Goddess danced along with him.

Verse 31 (skanda.8.162.31)

दम्पती वीक्ष्य नृत्यन्तौ साट्टहासं गणाग्रणीः । प्रानृत्यत ततो नन्दी देवयोः प्रीतिमावहन्

dampatī vīkṣya nṛtyantau sāṭṭahāsaṁ gaṇāgraṇīḥ | prānṛtyata tato nandī devayoḥ prītimāvahan

Seeing that divine couple dancing with laughter ringing out, Nandi, foremost among the ganas, danced too, bringing joy to both of them.

Verse 32 (skanda.8.162.32)

देवमम्बाञ्च नृत्यन्तौ नन्दिनञ्च समीक्ष्य तु । प्रमथा नीलमेघाभाः प्रनृत्तास्तूर्यनिस्वनैः

devamambāñca nṛtyantau nandinañca samīkṣya tu | pramathā nīlameghābhāḥ pranṛttāstūryanisvanaiḥ

Seeing the god, Amba, and Nandi dancing, the pramathas, dark as blue clouds, danced too, to the sound of instruments.

Verse 33 (skanda.8.162.33)

ततो भेर्यो झर्झराश्च किखिरानकमण्डुकाः । आडम्बरा डिण्डिमाश्च शंखाश्चैव प्रसस्वनुः

tato bheryo jharjharāśca kikhirānakamaṇḍukāḥ | āḍambarā ḍiṇḍimāśca śaṁkhāścaiva prasasvanuḥ

Then kettledrums, jharjhara drums, tinkling bells, anaka and mridanga drums, adambara drums, dindima drums, and conches all resounded.

Verse 34 (skanda.8.162.34)

मुहुर्मुहुः साधयते नृत्तं चतुरमम्बिका । नन्दी विसृजते हासं प्रमथा नेदुरुल्बणाः

muhurmuhuḥ sādhayate nṛttaṁ caturamambikā | nandī visṛjate hāsaṁ pramathā nedurulbaṇāḥ

Ambika again and again performed her graceful dance, Nandi burst out laughing, and the pramathas roared tremendously.

Verse 35 (skanda.8.162.35)

तत्तूर्यवरशब्दाढ्यं शिवाशनिरवाकुलम् । सन्ध्यामुखं बभौ रौद्रं वडवामुखसन्निभम्

tattūryavaraśabdāḍhyaṁ śivāśaniravākulam | sandhyāmukhaṁ babhau raudraṁ vaḍavāmukhasannibham

Rich with the sound of those fine instruments, filled with the cries of jackals and the roar of thunder, that face of twilight glowed terrible, like the mouth of the submarine fire.

Verse 36 (skanda.8.162.36)

ननृतुर्जहसुश्चान्ये जजपुश्च तथापरे । जगुश्चान्येतिमधुरं गन्धर्वा इव पार्षदाः

nanṛturjahasuścānye jajapuśca tathāpare | jaguścānyetimadhuraṁ gandharvā iva pārṣadāḥ

Some danced, others laughed, others still murmured prayers, and others among the attendants sang most sweetly, like gandharvas.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.162.37)

ततोम्बरतलापीडे पूर्णविम्बेतिनिर्मले । मृगाङ्के ह्युदिते चन्द्रे चन्द्रावयवभूषणः

tatombaratalāpīḍe pūrṇavimbetinirmale | mṛgāṅke hyudite candre candrāvayavabhūṣaṇaḥ

Then, when the deer-marked moon rose, a full and spotless orb, jewel of the vault of heaven, Shiva, himself adorned with a fragment of the moon -

Verse 38 (skanda.8.162.38)

समाप्य नियमं देवः साम्बनन्दीशपार्षदः । विररामोत्सवात्तस्मात् पार्वतीं चेदमब्रवीत्

samāpya niyamaṁ devaḥ sāmbanandīśapārṣadaḥ | virarāmotsavāttasmāt pārvatīṁ cedamabravīt

- along with Uma and his attendants headed by Nandi, having completed his observance, ceased from that celebration, and said this to Parvati.

Verse 39 (skanda.8.162.39)

उषित्वा शर्वरीमेतां शर्वर्यमितविक्रमे । अशोकतरुकं पुत्रं ततः श्वस्त्वं ग्रहीष्यसि

uṣitvā śarvarīmetāṁ śarvaryamitavikrame | aśokatarukaṁ putraṁ tataḥ śvastvaṁ grahīṣyasi

'O Sharvari of boundless might, having passed this night in observance, you shall take the ashoka tree as your son tomorrow.'

Verse 40 (skanda.8.162.40)

धारेयी सा सदर्भायां धरायां धारणीधरा । सुष्वाप देववचनादेकां रात्रिं यतव्रता

dhāreyī sā sadarbhāyāṁ dharāyāṁ dhāraṇīdharā | suṣvāpa devavacanādekāṁ rātriṁ yatavratā

The Goddess, who herself upholds the earth, lay down for that one night upon the bare ground spread with kusha grass, keeping her vow at the god's word.

Verse 41 (skanda.8.162.41)

ततः शतसहस्रांशावुदितेर्केर्कभावनः । उमामाह प्रयामेति यत्राशोकः सुतः स ते

tataḥ śatasahasrāṁśāvuditerkerkabhāvanaḥ | umāmāha prayāmeti yatrāśokaḥ sutaḥ sa te

Then, when the hundred-thousand-rayed sun had risen, Shiva, sun-like in his own splendour, said to Uma: 'Let us go, to where the ashoka shall be your son.'

Verse 42 (skanda.8.162.42)

ततो भगवती धन्या धनदा धनदार्चिता । भवमाह प्रयामेति सिञ्जमानविभूषणा

tato bhagavatī dhanyā dhanadā dhanadārcitā | bhavamāha prayāmeti siñjamānavibhūṣaṇā

Then the blessed, fortunate, wealth-giving Goddess, honoured even by Kubera, her ornaments tinkling, said to Bhava: 'Let us go.'

Verse 43 (skanda.8.162.43)

पादचारेण भगवान् पादपं पादपालयः । तमशोकतरु प्राप सनन्दी साम्बिको हरः

pādacāreṇa bhagavān pādapaṁ pādapālayaḥ | tamaśokataru prāpa sanandī sāmbiko haraḥ

Walking on foot, the blessed lord, protector of trees, Hara, together with Uma and Nandi, arrived at that ashoka tree.

Verse 44 (skanda.8.162.44)

स तत्र पिङ्गलं यक्षं पिङ्गलानलसन्निभम् । साधयानं ददर्शान्नमन्नदं प्रमथैः सह

sa tatra piṅgalaṁ yakṣaṁ piṅgalānalasannibham | sādhayānaṁ dadarśānnamannadaṁ pramathaiḥ saha

There he saw the yaksha Pingala, radiant as tawny fire, that food-giver, arranging provisions together with the pramathas.

Verse 45 (skanda.8.162.45)

अथात्र भक्ष्यभोज्यस्य चोष्यलेह्यस्य च प्रभुः । सोपश्यत् पर्वतप्रख्यान् राशीन् राशिविदां वरः

athātra bhakṣyabhojyasya coṣyalehyasya ca prabhuḥ | sopaśyat parvataprakhyān rāśīn rāśividāṁ varaḥ

Then there the lord, foremost among knowers of quantities, saw mountain-like heaps of things to eat, to drink, to suck, and to lick.

Verse 46 (skanda.8.162.46)

स साधितं ततो दृष्ट्वा यक्षेणान्नं पिनाकधृक् । प्रहर्षमतुलं लेभे साम्बिकः सह नन्दिना

sa sādhitaṁ tato dṛṣṭvā yakṣeṇānnaṁ pinākadhṛk | praharṣamatulaṁ lebhe sāmbikaḥ saha nandinā

Seeing the provisions thus prepared by the yaksha, the bow-bearing Shiva, together with Uma and Nandi, felt boundless delight.

Verse 47 (skanda.8.162.47)

ततः पितामहो देवः सह देवाप्सरोरगैः । तत्रागान्मुदितो भूत्वा यत्र साम्बोम्बिकापतिः

tataḥ pitāmaho devaḥ saha devāpsaroragaiḥ | tatrāgānmudito bhūtvā yatra sāmbombikāpatiḥ

Then the Grandsire too, together with gods, apsarases, and serpents, came joyfully to that place where Uma's lord stood with Amba.

Verse 48 (skanda.8.162.48)

ते प्रणम्य महादेवं देवास्तेनाभिपूजिताः । परिवार्य तदाशोकमिदमूचुर्हराग्रतः

te praṇamya mahādevaṁ devāstenābhipūjitāḥ | parivārya tadāśokamidamūcurharāgrataḥ

Bowing to Mahadeva, and honoured by him in turn, the gods, gathering around the ashoka tree, spoke thus before Hara.

Verse 49 (skanda.8.162.49)

अद्यप्रभृति वृक्षोयं सर्वतः सुखसंयुतः । दक्षशापतमोन्मुक्तो भविष्यति दिवौकसः

adyaprabhṛti vṛkṣoyaṁ sarvataḥ sukhasaṁyutaḥ | dakṣaśāpatamonmukto bhaviṣyati divaukasaḥ

'From this day forth, this tree, joined with happiness in every way, freed from the darkness of Daksha's curse, shall become like a dweller of heaven.'

Verse 50 (skanda.8.162.50)

अमरो जरया त्यक्तः सर्वदुःखविवर्जितः । सर्वाभरणपुष्पाढ्यः सर्वगन्धरसान्वितः

amaro jarayā tyaktaḥ sarvaduḥkhavivarjitaḥ | sarvābharaṇapuṣpāḍhyaḥ sarvagandharasānvitaḥ

'It shall be immortal, free from old age, released from every sorrow, rich with every ornament and blossom, endowed with every fragrance and savour.'

Verse 51 (skanda.8.162.51)

सर्वकामप्रदश्चैव इच्छापुष्पफलस्तथा । भविष्यति न सन्देहो देव्याश्च सुदृढं प्रियः

sarvakāmapradaścaiva icchāpuṣpaphalastathā | bhaviṣyati na sandeho devyāśca sudṛḍhaṁ priyaḥ

'It shall grant every desire, bear flowers and fruit at will, and without doubt shall be, most steadfastly, dear to the Goddess.'

Verse 52 (skanda.8.162.52)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततो गिरीन्द्रतनयां गिरीशः प्रणतार्तिहा । पश्यान्नपर्वतानेतानिति प्रोवाच कामदः

sanatkumāra uvāca | tato girīndratanayāṁ girīśaḥ praṇatārtihā | paśyānnaparvatānetāniti provāca kāmadaḥ

Sanatkumara said: Then Girisha, remover of the suffering of those who bow to him, granter of desires, said to the mountain's daughter: 'Behold these mountains of food.'

Verse 53 (skanda.8.162.53)

सा वीक्ष्य भक्ष्यभोज्यस्य उच्छ्रयान् पर्वतोपमान् । दृढं तुतोष देवेशा पिङ्गलस्य गुहारणिः

sā vīkṣya bhakṣyabhojyasya ucchrayān parvatopamān | dṛḍhaṁ tutoṣa deveśā piṅgalasya guhāraṇiḥ

Seeing those mountain-like heaps of food and drink, that Goddess of gods, patroness of cave-dwelling Pingala, was greatly pleased.

Verse 54 (skanda.8.162.54)

सुमालिनं यक्षवरं पिङ्गलं पर्वतात्मजा । युयोज वरदानेन तामाह च महेश्वरः

sumālinaṁ yakṣavaraṁ piṅgalaṁ parvatātmajā | yuyoja varadānena tāmāha ca maheśvaraḥ

The mountain's daughter conferred a boon upon the excellent yakshas Sumali and Pingala, and Maheshvara said to her.

Verse 55 (skanda.8.162.55)

देवि सर्वमिदं सज्जं भक्ष्यं भोज्यं तवोत्तमम् । यत्ते मनीषितं कार्यं तत्कुरुष्व किमास्यते

devi sarvamidaṁ sajjaṁ bhakṣyaṁ bhojyaṁ tavottamam | yatte manīṣitaṁ kāryaṁ tatkuruṣva kimāsyate

'O Goddess, all this excellent food and drink is now ready. Whatever task is in your heart, perform it - why do you delay?'

Verse 56 (skanda.8.162.56)

ततः सातिप्रमुदिता दिव्याम्बरनिवासिनी । मनोजवमनुज्ञाप्य शङ्करं भुवनेश्वरम्

tataḥ sātipramuditā divyāmbaranivāsinī | manojavamanujñāpya śaṅkaraṁ bhuvaneśvaram

Then, greatly delighted, that goddess clad in celestial raiment, having taken leave of Shankara, lord of the worlds, swift as thought -

Verse 57 (skanda.8.162.57)

दैत्यशोकप्रदा देवी तमशोकं विभावरी । अलञ्चकार सस्नेहा अलङ्कारैः पृथग्विधैः

daityaśokapradā devī tamaśokaṁ vibhāvarī | alañcakāra sasnehā alaṅkāraiḥ pṛthagvidhaiḥ

- that Goddess, sorrow to the daityas, radiant as night, lovingly adorned that ashoka tree with ornaments of every kind.

Verse 58 (skanda.8.162.58)

आतपत्रं च तस्याग्रे मुक्तादामावभासितम् । उच्छ्रयामास गिरिजा मयूराङ्गरुहैः सह

ātapatraṁ ca tasyāgre muktādāmāvabhāsitam | ucchrayāmāsa girijā mayūrāṅgaruhaiḥ saha

Girija also raised over it a parasol, radiant with a garland of pearls, adorned with peacock feathers.

Verse 59 (skanda.8.162.59)

नानावर्णेन चाप्यस्य चन्दनेन सुगन्धिना । आमूलादकरोद्देवी वरपङ्काङ्कितां तनुम्

nānāvarṇena cāpyasya candanena sugandhinā | āmūlādakaroddevī varapaṅkāṅkitāṁ tanum

With fragrant sandal-paste of many hues, the Goddess anointed its whole trunk, from the very root, with fine, fragrant paste.

Verse 60 (skanda.8.162.60)

जाम्बूनदमयश्चापि पट्टैर्मणिविराजितैः । सर्वतो भूषयामास अशोकतरुकं प्रियम्

jāmbūnadamayaścāpi paṭṭairmaṇivirājitaiḥ | sarvato bhūṣayāmāsa aśokatarukaṁ priyam

With bands of gold, resplendent with gems, she adorned that beloved ashoka tree on every side.

Verse 61 (skanda.8.162.61)

तस्य शाखाप्रशाखासु मुक्तादामानि पार्वती । आबबन्ध स तैर्भाति नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमाः

tasya śākhāpraśākhāsu muktādāmāni pārvatī | ābabandha sa tairbhāti nakṣatrairiva candramāḥ

Parvati fastened strings of pearls upon its branches and twigs; with them it shone, as the moon shines amid the stars.

Verse 62 (skanda.8.162.62)

अथ वासोयुगैः श्वेतैस्तमशोकं गुहारणिः । वासयामास लोकानां जननी पुत्रलालसा

atha vāsoyugaiḥ śvetaistamaśokaṁ guhāraṇiḥ | vāsayāmāsa lokānāṁ jananī putralālasā

Then, longing for her son, the mother of the worlds, patroness of the cave-dweller, wrapped that ashoka tree in a pair of white garments.

Verse 63 (skanda.8.162.63)

श्रीवेष्टकं नमेरुञ्च गुग्गुलं घृतमेव च । समवेतं ततो धूपं ददौ देववरप्रदा

śrīveṣṭakaṁ nameruñca guggulaṁ ghṛtameva ca | samavetaṁ tato dhūpaṁ dadau devavarapradā

Combining shrivestaka resin, nameru, guggulu, and clarified butter, the boon-granting Goddess offered him incense.

Verse 64 (skanda.8.162.64)

ततः शंखनिनादेन देवतूर्यरवेण च । बलिं बलवतो भार्या चकार चरती तपः

tataḥ śaṁkhaninādena devatūryaraveṇa ca | baliṁ balavato bhāryā cakāra caratī tapaḥ

Then, amid the sound of conches and divine instruments, the consort of the mighty one, still keeping her observance, offered the ritual oblation.

Verse 65 (skanda.8.162.65)

तथार्चयन्त्यास्तं वृक्षं चन्द्रहारामृतप्रभम् । स्तनाभ्यामस्रवत् क्षीरं पुत्रस्नेहाभिसंगमात्

tathārcayantyāstaṁ vṛkṣaṁ candrahārāmṛtaprabham | stanābhyāmasravat kṣīraṁ putrasnehābhisaṁgamāt

As she thus worshipped that tree, gleaming nectar-bright as a garland of moons, milk began to flow from her breasts, out of the meeting of maternal love.

Verse 66 (skanda.8.162.66)

उमया सोर्चितो वृक्षः अशोको वनदीपकः । अतीव शुशुभे तत्र वसन्त इव रूपवान्

umayā sorcito vṛkṣaḥ aśoko vanadīpakaḥ | atīva śuśubhe tatra vasanta iva rūpavān

Thus worshipped by Uma, that ashoka tree, lamp of the forest, shone forth exceedingly there, as though beautiful Spring itself had taken form.

Verse 67 (skanda.8.162.67)

नन्दिनाथ समानीतान् ब्राह्मणान् ब्रह्मणः समान् । वाचयामास पुण्याहं दत्त्वा तेषां यथेप्सितम्

nandinātha samānītān brāhmaṇān brahmaṇaḥ samān | vācayāmāsa puṇyāhaṁ dattvā teṣāṁ yathepsitam

Then, having given the brahmins brought by Nandi, equal to Brahma, whatever they desired, she had them recite the auspicious formula.

Verse 68 (skanda.8.162.68)

ततः पुण्याहघोषान्ते आशीर्वादस्य चोभयोः । अनुमान्य पतिं देवी ऋषीँस्तानब्रवीत्तु सा

tataḥ puṇyāhaghoṣānte āśīrvādasya cobhayoḥ | anumānya patiṁ devī ṛṣī~stānabravīttu sā

Then, when the auspicious proclamation and the blessing of both had concluded, the Goddess, having obtained her husband's consent, spoke to those sages.

Verse 69 (skanda.8.162.69)

अपुत्रा भगवन्तोहमशोकतरुकं सुतम् । इममद्य ग्रहीष्यामि समनुज्ञातुमर्हथ

aputrā bhagavantohamaśokatarukaṁ sutam | imamadya grahīṣyāmi samanujñātumarhatha

'O venerable ones, I am childless; today I shall take this ashoka tree as my son - be pleased to grant me your consent.'

Verse 70 (skanda.8.162.70)

इत्येवं ब्रुवतीं देवीं पार्वतीं पुत्रलालसाम् । सममूचुर्द्विजाः सर्वे इष्टतो गृह्यतामिति

ityevaṁ bruvatīṁ devīṁ pārvatīṁ putralālasām | samamūcurdvijāḥ sarve iṣṭato gṛhyatāmiti

As the Goddess Parvati, longing for a son, spoke thus, all the brahmins said together: 'Take him, as you desire.'

Verse 71 (skanda.8.162.71)

ततः शंखरवो दिव्यः सर्वतूर्यरवान्वितः । प्रबभौ पूरयन् सर्वं नारायणपदत्रयम्

tataḥ śaṁkharavo divyaḥ sarvatūryaravānvitaḥ | prababhau pūrayan sarvaṁ nārāyaṇapadatrayam

Then a divine conch-blast, mingled with the sound of every instrument, rang out, filling all of Narayana's three strides.

Verse 72 (skanda.8.162.72)

वेदानुच्चारयन् विप्रा नृत्यन्त्यप्सरसां गणाः । नेदुश्च प्रमथास्सर्वे सगन्धर्वमहोरगाः

vedānuccārayan viprā nṛtyantyapsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ | neduśca pramathāssarve sagandharvamahoragāḥ

The brahmins began chanting the Vedas, the hosts of apsarases danced, and all the pramathas, together with gandharvas and great serpents, roared aloud.

Verse 73 (skanda.8.162.73)

ऋतवः षट् च संहृष्टाः स्वैः स्वैः कुसुमसंचयैः । अलञ्चक्रुरशोकञ्च तच्च दैवतमण्डलम्

ṛtavaḥ ṣaṭ ca saṁhṛṣṭāḥ svaiḥ svaiḥ kusumasaṁcayaiḥ | alañcakruraśokañca tacca daivatamaṇḍalam

The six seasons, delighted, adorned the ashoka tree and the entire assembly of gods each with its own gathered blossoms.

Verse 74 (skanda.8.162.74)

तत्प्रवादितगान्धर्वं प्रनृत्ताप्सरसां गणम् । पश्यन्ति हृषिता देवा अशोकतरुकोत्सवम्

tatpravāditagāndharvaṁ pranṛttāpsarasāṁ gaṇam | paśyanti hṛṣitā devā aśokatarukotsavam

The gods, delighted, looked on at that festival of the ashoka tree, resounding with gandharva music, thronged with dancing apsarases.

Verse 75 (skanda.8.162.75)

वादयन् कच्छपीं वीणां वीणावादयतां वरः । नारदो नृत्यते हर्षाद् वातनुन्न इवानलः

vādayan kacchapīṁ vīṇāṁ vīṇāvādayatāṁ varaḥ | nārado nṛtyate harṣād vātanunna ivānalaḥ

Playing his tortoise-shell lute, Narada, foremost among lute-players, danced with joy, like a flame driven and dancing in the wind.

Verse 76 (skanda.8.162.76)

तपोधनैश्च धनिनो देवैश्च धनदार्चिता । पूज्यमाना बभौ तत्र रवेरिव यथा प्रभा

tapodhanaiśca dhanino devaiśca dhanadārcitā | pūjyamānā babhau tatra raveriva yathā prabhā

Honoured by ascetics, by the wealthy, by the gods, and by Kubera, the Goddess shone there, like the sun's own radiance.

Verse 77 (skanda.8.162.77)

समाप्य नियमं साथ गृहीत्वाशोकपुत्रकम् । गिरीन्द्रतनया भाति धरा इव जलोक्षिता

samāpya niyamaṁ sātha gṛhītvāśokaputrakam | girīndratanayā bhāti dharā iva jalokṣitā

Having completed her observance and taken the ashoka as her son, the mountain-lord's daughter shone, like the earth freshly watered by rain.

Verse 78 (skanda.8.162.78)

अथ नन्दीश्वरादिष्टाः प्रमथास्ते सहस्रशः । अददन् स्वासनान्याशु विप्राणां विप्रवत्सलाः

atha nandīśvarādiṣṭāḥ pramathāste sahasraśaḥ | adadan svāsanānyāśu viprāṇāṁ vipravatsalāḥ

Then, at Nandishvara's command, those thousands of pramathas, devoted to the brahmins, swiftly gave out seats to the brahmins.

Verse 79 (skanda.8.162.79)

स्वर्णानां राजतानां च स्फटिकानां प्रभावताम् । प्रमथैः कीर्यमाणाना मासनानामभूत् स्वनः

svarṇānāṁ rājatānāṁ ca sphaṭikānāṁ prabhāvatām | pramathaiḥ kīryamāṇānā māsanānāmabhūt svanaḥ

As the pramathas spread out seats of gold, silver, and gleaming crystal, a great noise arose from them.

Verse 80 (skanda.8.162.80)

मेरोः शिखरवर्षाणां महती कुशजैरिव । तथासनान्युद्वहतां प्रमथानां बभौ रवः

meroḥ śikharavarṣāṇāṁ mahatī kuśajairiva | tathāsanānyudvahatāṁ pramathānāṁ babhau ravaḥ

As great a sound as though the peaks of Meru were raining down arose from the pramathas as they carried those seats.

Verse 81 (skanda.8.162.81)

वर्षान्नमृष्टाकामानां मेघानां स्तनतामिव । स्कन्धस्थैश्च करस्थैश्च उत्तमांगस्थितैरपि

varṣānnamṛṣṭākāmānāṁ meghānāṁ stanatāmiva | skandhasthaiśca karasthaiśca uttamāṁgasthitairapi

As though it were the rumble of full clouds ready to rain down grain - as the seats were carried upon shoulders, in hands, and even upon heads -

Verse 82 (skanda.8.162.82)

आसनैः प्रमथा रेजुः सार्काग्नय इवाचलाः । आनयन्त्यपरे तूर्णमपरे धारयन्त्युत

āsanaiḥ pramathā rejuḥ sārkāgnaya ivācalāḥ | ānayantyapare tūrṇamapare dhārayantyuta

the pramathas, bearing those seats, shone like mountains crowned with sun and fire; some brought them swiftly, others held them steady.

Verse 83 (skanda.8.162.83)

प्रमथास्ते हृष्टरूपा ह्यासनानि महासनाः । एकैकयोजनशतं विस्तृतायोजनान्तरम्

pramathāste hṛṣṭarūpā hyāsanāni mahāsanāḥ | ekaikayojanaśataṁ vistṛtāyojanāntaram

Those joyful pramathas set out great seats, each a hundred yojanas broad, spaced a yojana apart.

Verse 84 (skanda.8.162.84)

असंसक्तासना पंक्तिर्निर्मिता विश्वकर्मणा । मन्दरस्य शुभे पृष्ठे विप्रपंक्त्यो विनिःसृताः

asaṁsaktāsanā paṁktirnirmitā viśvakarmaṇā | mandarasya śubhe pṛṣṭhe viprapaṁktyo viniḥsṛtāḥ

A row of unattached seats, wrought by Vishvakarma, was laid out along the auspicious back of Mount Mandara, in rows for the brahmins.

Verse 85 (skanda.8.162.85)

तपनैर्निर्गतैः सर्वैः समामेघास्वसेचतान् । स्नाते पथ इव दृष्टवा रेजुरासनभूषणाः

tapanairnirgataiḥ sarvaiḥ samāmeghāsvasecatān | snāte patha iva dṛṣṭavā rejurāsanabhūṣaṇāḥ

Bathed evenly by all the rays streaming from the sun, seen as though a freshly washed path, those seats, richly adorned, shone forth.

Verse 86 (skanda.8.162.86)

सहस्रपंक्तयस्तास्तु मंदरे विस्तृते गिरौ । द्विजातीननुलिप्ताँस्तु यक्षजम्बालमिश्रकान्

sahasrapaṁktayastāstu maṁdare vistṛte girau | dvijātīnanuliptā~stu yakṣajambālamiśrakān

In thousands of rows across the vast Mount Mandara those seats lay, anointed for the twice-born, mingled with fragrant yaksha-pastes.

Verse 87 (skanda.8.162.87)

सशेखरान् सस्रग्दामाननुहूय समोद्यतान् । मंदारैस्तु ससंतानैः पारिभद्रैस्तथैव च

saśekharān sasragdāmānanuhūya samodyatān | maṁdāraistu sasaṁtānaiḥ pāribhadraistathaiva ca

Crowned with garlands and wreaths, respectfully summoned, standing ready alike, decked with the blossoms of mandara, santana, and paribhadra trees -

Verse 88 (skanda.8.162.88)

अनिलैः सांगनादाश्च रेजुर्देवा इव द्विजाः । सुश्लक्ष्णैश्च सुगन्धैश्च गन्धचूर्णैः सपिञ्जरैः

anilaiḥ sāṁganādāśca rejurdevā iva dvijāḥ | suślakṣṇaiśca sugandhaiśca gandhacūrṇaiḥ sapiñjaraiḥ

- rustling in the breezes, those brahmins shone like gods themselves. With very fine, fragrant, golden-hued perfumed powders -

Verse 89 (skanda.8.162.89)

अवकीर्णास्ततो देवैर्भूमिदेवाः समंततः । दिव्यचन्दनपङ्काङ्का दिव्यचूर्णावचूर्णिताः

avakīrṇāstato devairbhūmidevāḥ samaṁtataḥ | divyacandanapaṅkāṅkā divyacūrṇāvacūrṇitāḥ

- the earthly gods, the brahmins, were scattered over by the gods on every side; marked with divine sandal-paste, powdered with divine perfumes -

Verse 90 (skanda.8.162.90)

ब्राह्मणा रेजुरेकस्था एकस्था इव पावकाः । दिव्यं धूपं चारयित्वा सर्वशश्च ह

brāhmaṇā rejurekasthā ekasthā iva pāvakāḥ | divyaṁ dhūpaṁ cārayitvā sarvaśaśca ha

- the brahmins, each seated apart, shone like so many separate sacred fires. Having spread divine incense everywhere -

Verse 91 (skanda.8.162.91)

ततः स्फटिकसंकाशं पद्मरेणुरिवार्जिताः । हस्तशौचं मुहूर्तेन दत्तं शंकरकिंकरैः

tataḥ sphaṭikasaṁkāśaṁ padmareṇurivārjitāḥ | hastaśaucaṁ muhūrtena dattaṁ śaṁkarakiṁkaraiḥ

- clear as crystal, purified as lotus-pollen, water for washing the hands was at once given by Shankara's servants.

Verse 92 (skanda.8.162.92)

बद्धकक्षास्ततः शूरा बद्धकक्षा इव द्विपाः । परिवेष्टुमुपक्रान्ताः प्रमथा ब्राह्मणर्षभान्

baddhakakṣāstataḥ śūrā baddhakakṣā iva dvipāḥ | pariveṣṭumupakrāntāḥ pramathā brāhmaṇarṣabhān

Then those heroic pramathas, girded up like tethered elephants, set about serving the foremost brahmins their food.

Verse 93 (skanda.8.162.93)

भाजनान्यथ स्वर्णानि राजतस्फाटिकानि च । मुहूर्तेन द्विजातीनां ददुर्देवा विनीतवत्

bhājanānyatha svarṇāni rājatasphāṭikāni ca | muhūrtena dvijātīnāṁ dadurdevā vinītavat

Vessels of gold, silver, and crystal the gods, in humble service, gave to the brahmins in but a moment.

Verse 94 (skanda.8.162.94)

हृत्वा हृत्वा बभूरेखं दंडे वारि समंडलम् । भक्ष्यभोज्यान्नपानानि ददुः सम्यक् समन्ततः

hṛtvā hṛtvā babhūrekhaṁ daṁḍe vāri samaṁḍalam | bhakṣyabhojyānnapānāni daduḥ samyak samantataḥ

Fetching again and again, filling their vessels round with water, they served food to eat and to enjoy, grain and drink, thoroughly on every side.

Verse 95 (skanda.8.162.95)

अर्थवद्यो हरिपुरासराटपुरकान्यपि । नेत्रस्थं हृदयस्थं च मुखस्थं हस्तसूचितम्

arthavadyo haripurāsarāṭapurakānyapi | netrasthaṁ hṛdayasthaṁ ca mukhasthaṁ hastasūcitam

This verse survives in the source in an extremely obscure and uncertain form, and its meaning cannot be established with confidence. It suggests that things indicated by eye, by heart, by mouth, and by gesture of hand were offered as well.

Verse 96 (skanda.8.162.96)

ब्राह्मणानां विदुश्चैव ददुश्च प्रमथाधिपाः । भृङ्गारैः काञ्चनैः केचित् पानीयं गुणवर्धनम्

brāhmaṇānāṁ viduścaiva daduśca pramathādhipāḥ | bhṛṅgāraiḥ kāñcanaiḥ kecit pānīyaṁ guṇavardhanam

The chiefs of the pramathas, understanding the brahmins' wishes, gave to them accordingly; some served health-giving water from golden pitchers.

Verse 97 (skanda.8.162.97)

दिशंतोपि चरंत्येते पानीयमितिवादिनः । अपरे चन्द्ररश्म्याभैश्चामरैः सत्सुगन्धिभिः

diśaṁtopi caraṁtyete pānīyamitivādinaḥ | apare candraraśmyābhaiścāmaraiḥ satsugandhibhiḥ

'Take water,' they said as they moved about, and others, with fragrant chowries white as moonbeams -

Verse 98 (skanda.8.162.98)

आबीजुर्ब्राह्मणान् हृष्टाः प्रमथाः तपसोनिलः । दिव्या देवस्त्रियश्चैव लोकत्रयनिवासिनः

ābījurbrāhmaṇān hṛṣṭāḥ pramathāḥ tapasonilaḥ | divyā devastriyaścaiva lokatrayanivāsinaḥ

- delighted pramathas fanned the brahmins with cooling air, gentle as merit itself; the divine women of the gods too, dwelling throughout the three worlds -

Verse 99 (skanda.8.162.99)

एकैकं ब्राह्मणांस्तत्र सेवन्ते वासवं यथा । अप्सरोवारसंघाश्च सर्वालंकारभूषिताः

ekaikaṁ brāhmaṇāṁstatra sevante vāsavaṁ yathā | apsarovārasaṁghāśca sarvālaṁkārabhūṣitāḥ

- attended each single brahmin there as if attending Indra himself; and the throngs of apsarases too, adorned with every ornament -

Verse 100 (skanda.8.162.100)

ननृतुर्देवचेतांसि मुष्णन्त्यः सर्वतोदिशम् । विश्वावसुर्नारदश्च तुम्बुरुः पर्वतस्तथा

nanṛturdevacetāṁsi muṣṇantyaḥ sarvatodiśam | viśvāvasurnāradaśca tumburuḥ parvatastathā

- danced, stealing the minds of the gods on every side. Vishvavasu, Narada, Tumburu, Parvata -

Verse 101 (skanda.8.162.101)

कुस्तुम्बुरुः शालिशिराः पर्जन्यो गण्डमण्डकः । चित्राङ्गदश्चित्रसेनश्चित्रश्चित्ररथस्तथा

kustumburuḥ śāliśirāḥ parjanyo gaṇḍamaṇḍakaḥ | citrāṅgadaścitrasenaścitraścitrarathastathā

Kustumburu, Shalishira, Parjanya, Gandamandaka, Chitrangada, Chitrasena, Chitra, and Chitraratha -

Verse 102 (skanda.8.162.102)

एते दैवतगन्धर्वा रक्तातोद्या हरप्रियाः । दिव्यतानेषु गायन्ति गेयं मन्मथदीपनम्

ete daivatagandharvā raktātodyā harapriyāḥ | divyatāneṣu gāyanti geyaṁ manmathadīpanam

- these divine gandharvas, their instruments in tune, beloved of Hara, sang in celestial melody a song that kindled the flame of love.

Verse 103 (skanda.8.162.103)

नमेरुर्गुग्गुलून्मिश्रो घृतधारावसेचितः । धूपः सञ्चार्यते तत्र प्रतीहारीभिरुत्तमः

namerurguggulūnmiśro ghṛtadhārāvasecitaḥ | dhūpaḥ sañcāryate tatra pratīhārībhiruttamaḥ

There an excellent incense, blended of nameru and guggulu, drenched in a stream of clarified butter, was carried about by the gate-keeping maidens.

Verse 104 (skanda.8.162.104)

यदर्थमेष भ्रमति नारायणपदत्रये । पूज्यमानः सुरैः सेन्द्रैः श्लोको धूपत्रयाङ्कनः

yadarthameṣa bhramati nārāyaṇapadatraye | pūjyamānaḥ suraiḥ sendraiḥ śloko dhūpatrayāṅkanaḥ

For that purpose this incense, honoured by the gods with Indra, marked with the three-fold sign of incense, wanders through Narayana's three strides -

Verse 105 (skanda.8.162.105)

गुग्गुलोश्च नमेरोश्च आज्यधूपस्य चैव ह । तृप्तिं न देवा गच्छन्ति प्रियाणामिव दर्शनात्

guggulośca namerośca ājyadhūpasya caiva ha | tṛptiṁ na devā gacchanti priyāṇāmiva darśanāt

- the gods never grow sated of the fragrance of guggulu, nameru, and ghee-incense, just as one never tires of the sight of loved ones.

Verse 106 (skanda.8.162.106)

त्रयाणामेव धूपानां जहुर्न पवना गतिम् । गुग्गुलोश्च नमेरोश्च आज्यधूपस्य चैव ह

trayāṇāmeva dhūpānāṁ jahurna pavanā gatim | guggulośca namerośca ājyadhūpasya caiva ha

The winds themselves would not let go of the trail of those three incenses - guggulu, nameru, and ghee-incense. From this point the source is damaged in several places.

Verse 107 (skanda.8.162.107)

तं दृष्टवा चन्द्रमौलिस्तु तरुकोत्सवमीश्वरः । पार्वतीहर्षदो हर्षं पुपोषानुत्तमं मुहुः

taṁ dṛṣṭavā candramaulistu tarukotsavamīśvaraḥ | pārvatīharṣado harṣaṁ pupoṣānuttamaṁ muhuḥ

Beholding that festival of the tree, the crescent-crowned Lord, giver of joy to Parvati, nurtured his own unsurpassed delight again and again.

Verse 108 (skanda.8.162.108)

हृष्यमाणे पशुपतौ मुहुर्व्रतपतौ हरे । चराचरं पशुपतौ त्रैलोक्यं हर्षणायते

hṛṣyamāṇe paśupatau muhurvratapatau hare | carācaraṁ paśupatau trailokyaṁ harṣaṇāyate

As Pashupati, lord of vows, Hara, rejoiced again and again, the whole triple world of moving and unmoving things came alive with joy in that lord of creatures.

Verse 109 (skanda.8.162.109)

प्रनृत्ताप्सरसोवारं दिव्यधूपाधिवासितम् । ऋतुभिः कुसुमैः कीर्णं तत्सदो गगनायते

pranṛttāpsarasovāraṁ divyadhūpādhivāsitam | ṛtubhiḥ kusumaiḥ kīrṇaṁ tatsado gaganāyate

Filled with dancing apsarases, perfumed with divine incense, strewn with the flowers of every season, that assembly-ground seemed to become the very sky.

Verse 110 (skanda.8.162.110)

ततः शाल्योदनं तूर्णं तेन तेमृतकल्पेन सर्व एव द्विजोत्तमाः । भक्ष्यभोज्यान्नपानेन ततृपुर्लोकपूजिताः

tataḥ śālyodanaṁ tūrṇaṁ tena temṛtakalpena sarva eva dvijottamāḥ | bhakṣyabhojyānnapānena tatṛpurlokapūjitāḥ

Then rice cooked with fine grain was swiftly served - one line of this verse is lost in the source - and with that nectar-like food, with things to eat and drink, all those foremost twice-born, honoured by the world, were satisfied.

Verse 111 (skanda.8.162.111)

ततः श्रुतिसुखः पुण्यो राक्षसासुरवेजनः । पुण्याहशब्दः प्रकृतो विप्रैस्त्रैलोक्यपूरणः

tataḥ śrutisukhaḥ puṇyo rākṣasāsuravejanaḥ | puṇyāhaśabdaḥ prakṛto vipraistrailokyapūraṇaḥ

Then, pleasing to the ear, meritorious, terrifying to rakshasas and asuras, filling the three worlds, the auspicious proclamation was uttered by the brahmins.

Verse 112 (skanda.8.162.112)

ततः साम्बमशोकं तं सहरं सह नन्दिना । कुसुमाक्षतसंयुक्तमाशीर्भिरभिनन्द्य च

tataḥ sāmbamaśokaṁ taṁ saharaṁ saha nandinā | kusumākṣatasaṁyuktamāśīrbhirabhinandya ca

Then, blessing with auspicious wishes that ashoka tree, strewn with flowers and unbroken rice, together with Uma, Hara, and Nandi -

Verse 113 (skanda.8.162.113)

महान्तः सुस्वनाः सर्वे ब्रह्मसूत्रजटाधराः । प्रणमन्तो विरूपाक्षं ययुर्विप्रा यथागतम्

mahāntaḥ susvanāḥ sarve brahmasūtrajaṭādharāḥ | praṇamanto virūpākṣaṁ yayurviprā yathāgatam

- all those great, sweet-voiced brahmins, wearing the sacred thread and matted locks, bowing to odd-eyed Shiva, departed as they had come.

Verse 114 (skanda.8.162.114)

सुराश्च पूजिता दानैर्वाक्प्रदानैश्च शूलिना । यथागतं गताः सर्वे परिवार्य शतक्रतुम्

surāśca pūjitā dānairvākpradānaiśca śūlinā | yathāgataṁ gatāḥ sarve parivārya śatakratum

The gods too, honoured by the trident-bearer with gifts and gracious words, all departed as they had come, gathering around Indra.

Verse 115 (skanda.8.162.115)

गणाश्च गणपालेन पूजिताः सगणाधिपाः । यथावासं ययुः सर्वे हर्षादुद्धूतवाससः

gaṇāśca gaṇapālena pūjitāḥ sagaṇādhipāḥ | yathāvāsaṁ yayuḥ sarve harṣāduddhūtavāsasaḥ

The ganas too, with their leaders, honoured by the protector of the ganas, all went to their own dwellings, their garments fluttering with joy.

Verse 116 (skanda.8.162.116)

अहो देव्या हि सौभाग्यमहोस्या वल्लभो हरः । अहो देवस्य देव्यर्थं संभ्रमो लक्षितो हि नः

aho devyā hi saubhāgyamahosyā vallabho haraḥ | aho devasya devyarthaṁ saṁbhramo lakṣito hi naḥ

'Ah, what fortune this Goddess has, that Hara himself is her beloved! Ah, we have seen too the god's own eagerness for the Goddess.'

Verse 117 (skanda.8.162.117)

या नैवं दयिता भर्त्तुर्यथेशस्य गिरेः सुता । कथं सा सुभगा नाम स्त्रीत्वं चापि बिभर्त्ति किम्

yā naivaṁ dayitā bhartturyatheśasya gireḥ sutā | kathaṁ sā subhagā nāma strītvaṁ cāpi bibhartti kim

'The woman who is not so beloved of her husband as the mountain's daughter is to Ishvara - how can she be called fortunate, and what use is her very womanhood?'

Verse 118 (skanda.8.162.118)

गिरिपुत्र्या कृतं मन्ये तपः परमभास्वरम् । तपसाभिजितो यस्या वरदो वृषभध्वजः

giriputryā kṛtaṁ manye tapaḥ paramabhāsvaram | tapasābhijito yasyā varado vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ

'I believe the mountain's daughter has performed austerity of supreme brilliance, by which even the boon-granting, bull-bannered Shiva has been won over.'

Verse 119 (skanda.8.162.119)

अहो स्त्रीणां बलं सूक्ष्मं देवैरपि सुदुर्जयम् । येन रुद्रसमा ईशाः स्त्रीणां वश्यत्वमागताः

aho strīṇāṁ balaṁ sūkṣmaṁ devairapi sudurjayam | yena rudrasamā īśāḥ strīṇāṁ vaśyatvamāgatāḥ

'Ah, how subtle is the power of women, unconquerable even for the gods, by which lords equal to Rudra himself have come under women's sway!'

Verse 120 (skanda.8.162.120)

अन्ये तानब्रुवँस्तत्र महात्मानो गणाधिपाः । देव एवैष रूपेण भार्या भूत्वावतिष्ठते

anye tānabruva~statra mahātmāno gaṇādhipāḥ | deva evaiṣa rūpeṇa bhāryā bhūtvāvatiṣṭhate

Other great-souled lords of the ganas said to them there: 'This is the god himself, in that very form, standing there as if the wife.'

Verse 121 (skanda.8.162.121)

मावमन्यत देवीं तां योगात् किं नावबुध्यथ । इत्येवं जल्पमानास्ते अन्योन्येन गणोत्तमाः

māvamanyata devīṁ tāṁ yogāt kiṁ nāvabudhyatha | ityevaṁ jalpamānāste anyonyena gaṇottamāḥ

'Do not disparage that Goddess - do you not understand this through the mystery of yoga?' Thus conversing among themselves, those foremost ganas -

Verse 122 (skanda.8.162.122)

जग्मुः स्वभवनान्येव दीप्यमाना यथाग्नयः । देवोपि नन्दिना सार्धं सोम्बया चाभिरूपया

jagmuḥ svabhavanānyeva dīpyamānā yathāgnayaḥ | devopi nandinā sārdhaṁ sombayā cābhirūpayā

- blazing like fires, went back to their own dwellings. The god too, together with Nandi and the beautiful Amba -

Verse 123 (skanda.8.162.123)

अशोकतरुकस्याध उपविष्टोम्बिकार्चितः । ततः प्रणम्य वरदं सोमा सोमविभूषणम्

aśokatarukasyādha upaviṣṭombikārcitaḥ | tataḥ praṇamya varadaṁ somā somavibhūṣaṇam

- sat beneath the ashoka tree, honoured by Ambika. Then Uma, bowing to the boon-granting, moon-adorned lord -

Verse 124 (skanda.8.162.124)

उवाच वचसां योनिर्भूतसंघपतिं पतिम् । सुनिर्वृतास्मि संवृत्ता त्रिपुरान्धकसूदन

uvāca vacasāṁ yonirbhūtasaṁghapatiṁ patim | sunirvṛtāsmi saṁvṛttā tripurāndhakasūdana

- the source of all speech spoke to her husband, lord of the hosts of bhutas: 'O slayer of the triple city and of Andhaka, I am now utterly content.'

Verse 125 (skanda.8.162.125)

यन्मयाशोकतरुकः पुत्रः प्रकृतकः कृतः । समस्तव्यस्तमखिलं त्रैलोक्यं लोकभावन

yanmayāśokatarukaḥ putraḥ prakṛtakaḥ kṛtaḥ | samastavyastamakhilaṁ trailokyaṁ lokabhāvana

'- because I have made the ashoka tree my made-son. O creator of the worlds, the entire triple world, both as a whole and in its every part -'

Verse 126 (skanda.8.162.126)

समागतं त्वत्प्रभावात् मम पुत्रतरूत्सवे । नूनं मे सुकृतं देव तपः परमभास्वरम्

samāgataṁ tvatprabhāvāt mama putratarūtsave | nūnaṁ me sukṛtaṁ deva tapaḥ paramabhāsvaram

'- has gathered, by your power, for the festival of my tree-son. Surely, O god, my merit and my most radiant austerity have borne fruit -'

Verse 127 (skanda.8.162.127)

लब्धोसि यन्मया देव सर्वभूतपतिः पतिः । देवैर्यच्चापि मुषितमिष्टपुत्रफलं पुरा

labdhosi yanmayā deva sarvabhūtapatiḥ patiḥ | devairyaccāpi muṣitamiṣṭaputraphalaṁ purā

'- in that I, O god, have obtained you, lord of all beings, as my own husband. And whatever fruit of a longed-for son was once withheld from me by the gods -'

Verse 128 (skanda.8.162.128)

तन्मे सर्वं व्यपगतं प्राप्याशोकतरुं सुतम् । मत्तो धन्यतरा देव नास्त्यन्या त्रिदिवेऽङ्गना

tanme sarvaṁ vyapagataṁ prāpyāśokataruṁ sutam | matto dhanyatarā deva nāstyanyā tridive'ṅganā

'- all that has now been dispelled, having gained the ashoka tree as my son. O god, there is no woman in heaven more blessed than I -'

Verse 129 (skanda.8.162.129)

पतिर्व्रतपतिर्वीर यस्या मे त्वं महेश्वर । भवं भवानी प्रीत्यैवमुक्त्वा मुक्तावलीधरा । पपात पद्भ्यां देवस्य नेत्रास्रापूरितेक्षणा

patirvratapatirvīra yasyā me tvaṁ maheśvara | bhavaṁ bhavānī prītyaivamuktvā muktāvalīdharā | papāta padbhyāṁ devasya netrāsrāpūritekṣaṇā

'- I, O heroic Maheshvara, whose very husband is the lord of vows himself.' Having thus spoken to Bhava with affection, Bhavani, wearing her string of pearls, her eyes brimming with tears, fell at the god's feet.

Verse 130 (skanda.8.162.130)

तामुत्थाप्य गिरीशस्तु परिष्वज्य च पीडितम् । निवेश्य ऊरुभ्यां सस्नेहमिदमब्रवीत्

tāmutthāpya girīśastu pariṣvajya ca pīḍitam | niveśya ūrubhyāṁ sasnehamidamabravīt

Girisha raised her up, embraced her tenderly, seated her upon his own two thighs, and lovingly said this. A portion of this verse is lost in the source.

Verse 131 (skanda.8.162.131)

देवी सती च साध्वी च सहधर्मचरी च मे । ब्रह्मण्या च शरण्या च त्वं मे नित्यं प्रिया प्रिये

devī satī ca sādhvī ca sahadharmacarī ca me | brahmaṇyā ca śaraṇyā ca tvaṁ me nityaṁ priyā priye

'O beloved, you are my Goddess, my chaste and virtuous one, my life-companion, friend of the sacred, worthy of giving refuge - you are ever dear to me.'

Verse 132 (skanda.8.162.132)

अकार्यमपि कार्यं हि अतो देवि मया तव । किं पुनर्यद्यशोन्मिश्रमीदृशं धर्मसंयुतम्

akāryamapi kāryaṁ hi ato devi mayā tava | kiṁ punaryadyaśonmiśramīdṛśaṁ dharmasaṁyutam

'O Goddess, for your sake even the unfitting becomes fitting for me; how much more, then, a deed such as this, joined with glory and steeped in righteousness!'

Verse 133 (skanda.8.162.133)

तर्पिता ब्राह्मणा देवि देवाश्च सगणास्त्वया । गृहीतः पुत्रकश्चायं त्वयाशोकतरुः प्रिये

tarpitā brāhmaṇā devi devāśca sagaṇāstvayā | gṛhītaḥ putrakaścāyaṁ tvayāśokataruḥ priye

'O Goddess, you have satisfied the brahmins and the gods together with their hosts, and, beloved, you have taken this ashoka tree as your son as well.'

Verse 134 (skanda.8.162.134)

एहि देवि गृहान् याम संपूर्णस्ते मनोरथः । भूयः सुतं तं द्रक्ष्यामः स्तबकैः समलंकृतम्

ehi devi gṛhān yāma saṁpūrṇaste manorathaḥ | bhūyaḥ sutaṁ taṁ drakṣyāmaḥ stabakaiḥ samalaṁkṛtam

'Come, O Goddess, let us go home; your heart's desire is fulfilled. We shall behold that son again, adorned with clusters of blossom.'

Verse 135 (skanda.8.162.135)

इत्युक्ता पतिना साध्वी हर्षपूर्णमुखेक्षणा । प्राहेदं वचनं तत्र हरितं हरिणेक्षणा

ityuktā patinā sādhvī harṣapūrṇamukhekṣaṇā | prāhedaṁ vacanaṁ tatra haritaṁ hariṇekṣaṇā

Thus addressed by her husband, that virtuous, deer-eyed Goddess, her face and eyes filled with joy, spoke these words there to Harita, the green guardian.

Verse 136 (skanda.8.162.136)

हरिणाक्ष स्थितमिह अमुं पुत्र सुपुत्रकम् । गोपायस्व हरे यत्नाद् गजाश्वाच्चाण्डजाण्डपात्

hariṇākṣa sthitamiha amuṁ putra suputrakam | gopāyasva hare yatnād gajāśvāccāṇḍajāṇḍapāt

'O deer-eyed one, O Harita, carefully guard this fine son of mine, stationed here, from elephants, horses, and birds.'

Verse 137 (skanda.8.162.137)

यदि वापि भवेदेष स्तबकैः समलंकृतः । अशोकपुत्रको मह्यं तदा मां द्रष्टुमर्हसि

yadi vāpi bhavedeṣa stabakaiḥ samalaṁkṛtaḥ | aśokaputrako mahyaṁ tadā māṁ draṣṭumarhasi

'And when this ashoka-son becomes adorned with clusters of blossom, you should then come and let me see him.'

Verse 138 (skanda.8.162.138)

इति संदिश्य हरितमुद्भ्रान्तहरिणेक्षणा । सापाङ्गचक्षुर्विक्षेपं कृत्वोमा पतिना सह । विवेश सदनं देवी प्रभेवादित्यमण्डलम्

iti saṁdiśya haritamudbhrāntahariṇekṣaṇā | sāpāṅgacakṣurvikṣepaṁ kṛtvomā patinā saha | viveśa sadanaṁ devī prabhevādityamaṇḍalam

Having thus instructed Harita, the Goddess Uma, her deer-like eyes darting, casting a sidelong glance, entered her dwelling together with her husband, as radiance enters the orb of the sun.

Verse 139 (skanda.8.162.139)

इति पशुपतिना सहैव देवी सुतमुपगृह्य तरुं ह्यशोकपोतम् । प्रमुदितगणमध्यगा विवेश स्वभवनमेव तदा प्रहृष्टचित्ता

iti paśupatinā sahaiva devī sutamupagṛhya taruṁ hyaśokapotam | pramuditagaṇamadhyagā viveśa svabhavanameva tadā prahṛṣṭacittā

Thus, together with Pashupati, the Goddess, having taken that young ashoka sapling as her son, passing through the midst of her rejoicing hosts, entered her own dwelling then, her heart filled with the deepest delight.