The Splitting of Krauncha and the Origin of the Mothers

Verse 1 (skanda.8.171.1)

व्यास उवाच । श्रुतं मयैतद् भगवन् दहनं त्रिपुरस्य तु । विचित्रार्थं यथावृत्तं क एवमभिधास्यति

vyāsa uvāca | śrutaṁ mayaitad bhagavan dahanaṁ tripurasya tu | vicitrārthaṁ yathāvṛttaṁ ka evamabhidhāsyati

Vyasa said: I have heard this, O Lord, the burning of Tripura - wondrous in meaning, just as it happened. Who could recount it thus?

Verse 2 (skanda.8.171.2)

कस्मात् क्रुद्धो नगेन्द्रं तं क्रौञ्चं दारितवान् गुहः । पक्षान् सर्वगिरीन्द्राणां कस्माच्चिच्छेद वासवः

kasmāt kruddho nagendraṁ taṁ krauñcaṁ dāritavān guhaḥ | pakṣān sarvagirīndrāṇāṁ kasmācciccheda vāsavaḥ

Why did Guha, enraged, split apart that lord of mountains, Krauncha? And why did Vasava sever the wings of all the mountain-lords?

Verse 3 (skanda.8.171.3)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । शृणु व्यास महाबुद्धे यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि । कुमारेण यथा भिन्नो मैनाकिः क्रौञ्चपर्वतः

sanatkumāra uvāca | śṛṇu vyāsa mahābuddhe yanmāṁ tvaṁ paripṛcchasi | kumāreṇa yathā bhinno mainākiḥ krauñcaparvataḥ

Sanatkumara said: Listen, Vyasa of great intellect, to what you ask me - how the Krauncha mountain, Mainaka's son, was split by Kumara.

Verse 4 (skanda.8.171.4)

गिरिराजमथाभ्येत्य मेरुं सर्वसुरालयम् । अपश्यद्वासवः स्कन्दं संघातं तेजसामिव

girirājamathābhyetya meruṁ sarvasurālayam | apaśyadvāsavaḥ skandaṁ saṁghātaṁ tejasāmiva

Then Vasava, having come to the king of mountains, Meru, abode of all the gods, beheld Skanda, as it were a mass of radiances.

Verse 5 (skanda.8.171.5)

शरस्तम्बवने दृष्ट्वा कुमारमनलप्रभम् । सुरराज्यमदाविष्टः शक्रः पप्रच्छ षण्मुखम्

śarastambavane dṛṣṭvā kumāramanalaprabham | surarājyamadāviṣṭaḥ śakraḥ papraccha ṣaṇmukham

Seeing the prince, fire-bright, in the forest of reed-thickets, Shakra, intoxicated with the pride of divine sovereignty, questioned the six-faced one:

Verse 6 (skanda.8.171.6)

कस्त्वं दिव्यवपुर्बाल मेरुपर्वतमाश्रितः । न मां पूजयसे दृष्ट्वा देवराजमिहागतम्

kastvaṁ divyavapurbāla meruparvatamāśritaḥ | na māṁ pūjayase dṛṣṭvā devarājamihāgatam

"Who are you, child of divine form, dwelling upon Mount Meru? Seeing the king of gods arrived here, you do not honor me."

Verse 7 (skanda.8.171.7)

तमेवं वादिनं शक्रं प्राह शूलधरात्मजः । ब्रह्माद्या मां विजानन्ति सिद्धा वेदविदश्च ये

tamevaṁ vādinaṁ śakraṁ prāha śūladharātmajaḥ | brahmādyā māṁ vijānanti siddhā vedavidaśca ye

To Shakra thus speaking, the son of the trident-bearer said: "Brahma and the others know me, and the siddhas and the knowers of the Veda.

Verse 8 (skanda.8.171.8)

तपसा लब्धराज्येन न चिरादस्तमेष्यता । किं त्वया जानता शक्र कार्यं किं पूजितेन वा

tapasā labdharājyena na cirādastameṣyatā | kiṁ tvayā jānatā śakra kāryaṁ kiṁ pūjitena vā

By penance you have won your kingdom; before long it too shall set. What use, Shakra, is there in knowing or honoring me?"

Verse 9 (skanda.8.171.9)

अथोवाच पुनः शक्रस्तं देवमनलात्मजम् । मत्तः परतरो नास्ति मुक्त्वा शर्वपितामहौ

athovāca punaḥ śakrastaṁ devamanalātmajam | mattaḥ parataro nāsti muktvā śarvapitāmahau

Then Shakra again said to that god, son of fire: "There is none greater than I, save Sharva and the Grandfather.

Verse 10 (skanda.8.171.10)

कथमेवमवोचस्त्वं विबुधाधिपमागतम् । यदि मत्तस्त्वमात्मानं महान्तं मन्यसेनघ

kathamevamavocastvaṁ vibudhādhipamāgatam | yadi mattastvamātmānaṁ mahāntaṁ manyasenagha

How could you speak thus to the lord of the wise, come here - if you consider yourself, sinless one, greater than me?"

Verse 11 (skanda.8.171.11)

मैनाकतनयो ह्येष क्रौञ्चसिद्धनिषेवितः । सुविस्तीर्णो महाशैलो नैकनिर्झरनिस्रवः

mainākatanayo hyeṣa krauñcasiddhaniṣevitaḥ | suvistīrṇo mahāśailo naikanirjharanisravaḥ

"This is the son of Mainaka, frequented by Krauncha's siddhas, a vast, great mountain, streaming with countless waterfalls.

Verse 12 (skanda.8.171.12)

एह्येहि त्वं मया सार्धं कुरु शीघ्र प्रदक्षिणम् । य एनमावयोरेकः पूर्वमेव क्रमिष्यति

ehyehi tvaṁ mayā sārdhaṁ kuru śīghra pradakṣiṇam | ya enamāvayorekaḥ pūrvameva kramiṣyati

Come, come, together with me, quickly circumambulate it; whichever of us two shall first complete the circuit -

Verse 13 (skanda.8.171.13)

प्रभावात्तेजसा चैव स महान्नौ भविष्यति । बाढमित्येवमुक्त्वाथ कुमारः षण्मुखस्तदा । प

prabhāvāttejasā caiva sa mahānnau bhaviṣyati | bāḍhamityevamuktvātha kumāraḥ ṣaṇmukhastadā | pa

by that very glory and splendor, he shall become the greater of us." "So be it," having said this, then Kumara, the six-faced one,

Verse 14 (skanda.8.171.14)

शक्रेण सह संगत्य मयूरवरमास्थितः । महेन्द्रस्याग्रतो गच्छन् चक्रे क्रौञ्चं प्रदक्षिणम्

śakreṇa saha saṁgatya mayūravaramāsthitaḥ | mahendrasyāgrato gacchan cakre krauñcaṁ pradakṣiṇam

joining with Shakra, mounted his excellent peacock; going ahead of Mahendra, he made the circumambulation of Krauncha.

Verse 15 (skanda.8.171.15)

अथ बुद्ध्वा महेन्द्रस्तु न्यूनमात्मानमानलात् । कुमारमभिसन्धित्सुर्मनसैव प्रदक्षिणम्

atha buddhvā mahendrastu nyūnamātmānamānalāt | kumāramabhisandhitsurmanasaiva pradakṣiṇam

Then Mahendra, realizing himself inferior to the fire-born one, wishing to outwit Kumara, having made the circumambulation merely in mind,

Verse 16 (skanda.8.171.16)

कृत्वा सुनिर्वृतस्तस्थौ उपविष्टः शिलातले । जवेनाथ कुमारस्तं क्रौञ्चं कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम्

kṛtvā sunirvṛtastasthau upaviṣṭaḥ śilātale | javenātha kumārastaṁ krauñcaṁ kṛtvā pradakṣiṇam

sat down contentedly upon a rock-ledge. Then Kumara, swiftly having circumambulated that Krauncha,

Verse 17 (skanda.8.171.17)

प्रोवाचेन्द्रं तदा दृष्ट्वा जेताहमिति सत्वरः । अहमेव हि जेतेति शक्रस्तमवदद् गुहम्

provācendraṁ tadā dṛṣṭvā jetāhamiti satvaraḥ | ahameva hi jeteti śakrastamavadad guham

seeing Indra there, said hastily, "I am the victor!" "I alone am the victor," Shakra said to Guha.

Verse 18 (skanda.8.171.18)

असकृद् ब्रुवतोरेवं तयोः शक्रकुमारयोः । क्रौञ्चोभ्येत्य वचः प्राह किमेतदिति भूचरः

asakṛd bruvatorevaṁ tayoḥ śakrakumārayoḥ | krauñcobhyetya vacaḥ prāha kimetaditi bhūcaraḥ

As the two of them, Shakra and Kumara, repeatedly spoke thus, Krauncha, approaching, an earth-dweller, spoke this word: "What is this?"

Verse 19 (skanda.8.171.19)

ततः शक्र उवाचेदं कुमारं वचनं तदा । एष एवावयोः क्रौञ्चो जयसाक्षी महाबलः

tataḥ śakra uvācedaṁ kumāraṁ vacanaṁ tadā | eṣa evāvayoḥ krauñco jayasākṣī mahābalaḥ

Then Shakra said this word to Kumara: "This very Krauncha, mighty, is witness to our victory between us two.

Verse 20 (skanda.8.171.20)

नानृतं वक्ष्यति ह्येष पौत्रो हिमगिरेर्वरः । पृच्छ्यतां शक्र को दोष इत्याह ज्वलनात्मजः

nānṛtaṁ vakṣyati hyeṣa pautro himagirervaraḥ | pṛcchyatāṁ śakra ko doṣa ityāha jvalanātmajaḥ

He will not speak falsehood, this excellent grandson of the Himalaya." "Let Shakra be asked what fault there could be," said the fire-born one.

Verse 21 (skanda.8.171.21)

तं शक्रः सादरं प्राह केन त्वमचलाग्रतः । कृतप्रदक्षिणो ब्रूहि प्रमाणं हि त्वमावयोः

taṁ śakraḥ sādaraṁ prāha kena tvamacalāgrataḥ | kṛtapradakṣiṇo brūhi pramāṇaṁ hi tvamāvayoḥ

Shakra then said to him with respect: "By whom, before the mountain, was the circumambulation completed? Tell us; you are our authority."

Verse 22 (skanda.8.171.22)

ततः क्रौञ्चो विमूढात्मा संचिन्त्य सुचिरं नगः । अयं शचीपतिश्चक्रे मामिहाग्रे प्रदक्षिणम्

tataḥ krauñco vimūḍhātmā saṁcintya suciraṁ nagaḥ | ayaṁ śacīpatiścakre māmihāgre pradakṣiṇam

Then Krauncha, his mind bewildered, that mountain, pondering long, said: "This husband of Shachi made the circuit around me first here."

Verse 23 (skanda.8.171.23)

र्यं प्रहसन् देवानित्युवाच नगाधिपः । अथैवं ब्रुवतस्तस्य सत्यहीनं तदा गिरेः

ryaṁ prahasan devānityuvāca nagādhipaḥ | athaivaṁ bruvatastasya satyahīnaṁ tadā gireḥ

[a portion of the text is lost here] ...laughing, he said this to the gods, said the lord of mountains. As he thus spoke this falsehood, then, of the mountain,

Verse 24 (skanda.8.171.24)

पपात शिखरं तूर्णं कुलिशेन यथा हतम् । तत्रासन् यानि भूतानि सुराद्यानि गिरीश्वरे । तानि संत्यज्य शीघ्र तं प्रययुः सर्वतो दिशम्

papāta śikharaṁ tūrṇaṁ kuliśena yathā hatam | tatrāsan yāni bhūtāni surādyāni girīśvare | tāni saṁtyajya śīghra taṁ prayayuḥ sarvato diśam

its peak fell instantly, as if struck by a thunderbolt. Whatever beings were there upon that lord of mountains, gods and the rest, they all quickly abandoned it and fled in every direction.

Verse 25 (skanda.8.171.25)

जहृषे वासवश्चापि मनसा पूजयन् गिरिम् । ततश्चुक्रोध रुद्रात्मा गिरेः क्रौञ्चस्य षण्मुखः

jahṛṣe vāsavaścāpi manasā pūjayan girim | tataścukrodha rudrātmā gireḥ krauñcasya ṣaṇmukhaḥ

Vasava too rejoiced, honoring the mountain in his heart. Then the six-faced one, of Rudra's own essence, grew furious at the mountain Krauncha.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.171.26)

गुहं द्रष्टुं संक्रुद्धं वासवस्तदा । एकस्थे तेजसी पूर्णे वह्निभास्करयोरिव

guhaṁ draṣṭuṁ saṁkruddhaṁ vāsavastadā | ekasthe tejasī pūrṇe vahnibhāskarayoriva

[a portion of the text is lost here] ...to see Guha, enraged, Vasava then - the two of them, their splendor joined as one, full, like that of fire and the sun.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.171.27)

अथ शक्तिं समुत्क्षिप्य यमानलसमप्रभाम् । चिक्षेप भगवान् स्कन्दः क्रुद्धः क्रौञ्चजिघांसया

atha śaktiṁ samutkṣipya yamānalasamaprabhām | cikṣepa bhagavān skandaḥ kruddhaḥ krauñcajighāṁsayā

Then, raising up his spear, blazing like Yama's own fire, the blessed Skanda, enraged, hurled it, intent on slaying Krauncha.

Verse 28 (skanda.8.171.28)

सा पपात गिरेर्मूर्ध्नि शक्तिः क्रौञ्चस्य सत्वरम् । क्षीणायुषो यथा पुंसो मृत्युपाश

sā papāta girermūrdhni śaktiḥ krauñcasya satvaram | kṣīṇāyuṣo yathā puṁso mṛtyupāśa

That spear fell swiftly upon the summit of the mountain Krauncha, [a portion of the text is lost here] like the noose of death upon a man whose life is spent.

Verse 29 (skanda.8.171.29)

स तया भिन्नमर्मा तु शक्त्या क्रौञ्चो नगोत्तमः । सर्वतश्छिन्नसर्वाङ्गः स्रवद्रुधिरनिर्झरः

sa tayā bhinnamarmā tu śaktyā krauñco nagottamaḥ | sarvataśchinnasarvāṅgaḥ sravadrudhiranirjharaḥ

He, his vitals pierced by that spear, that Krauncha, best of mountains, his whole body cut open on every side, streams of blood flowing,

Verse 30 (skanda.8.171.30)

मूर्त्तिमानपतद् भूमौ संज्ञाप्राणविवर्जितः । पतिं विनिहतं दृष्ट्वा पत्न्यस्तस्य सुदुःखिताः

mūrttimānapatad bhūmau saṁjñāprāṇavivarjitaḥ | patiṁ vinihataṁ dṛṣṭvā patnyastasya suduḥkhitāḥ

fell to the ground in bodily form, bereft of consciousness and breath. Seeing their husband slain, his wives, in deepest sorrow,

Verse 31 (skanda.8.171.31)

विलपन्त्यस्तदा दीनं पेतुः क्रौञ्चाचलोपरि । मेरुर्हिमाचलो विन्ध्यः कैलासो गन्धमादनः

vilapantyastadā dīnaṁ petuḥ krauñcācalopari | merurhimācalo vindhyaḥ kailāso gandhamādanaḥ

lamenting piteously then, fell upon the Krauncha mountain. Meru, the snow-mountain, Vindhya, Kailasa, Gandhamadana,

Verse 32 (skanda.8.171.32)

पारियात्रश्च सह्यश्च निषधोदयवामनाः । क्रौञ्चस्य जनकश्चापि मैनाकः पर्वतोत्तमः

pāriyātraśca sahyaśca niṣadhodayavāmanāḥ | krauñcasya janakaścāpi mainākaḥ parvatottamaḥ

Pariyatra, and Sahya, Nishadha, Udaya, and Vamana too, and Krauncha's own father, Mainaka, best of mountains,

Verse 33 (skanda.8.171.33)

सर्वे पर्वतराजान आजग्मुः शोकपीडिताः । परिवार्य गिरिं क्रौञ्चं रुरुदुर्दुःखिता भृशम्

sarve parvatarājāna ājagmuḥ śokapīḍitāḥ | parivārya giriṁ krauñcaṁ rurudurduḥkhitā bhṛśam

all the mountain-kings, stricken with grief, came, and surrounding the mountain Krauncha, wept most sorrowfully.

Verse 34 (skanda.8.171.34)

भ्रातृपुत्र हतं ज्ञात्वा देवदेवी गिरीन्द्रजा । शर्वेण सहिता क्रौञ्चमाजगाम महाव्रता

bhrātṛputra hataṁ jñātvā devadevī girīndrajā | śarveṇa sahitā krauñcamājagāma mahāvratā

Learning that her brother's son was slain, the goddess of gods, daughter of the mountain-king, of great vows, came together with Sharva to Krauncha.

Verse 35 (skanda.8.171.35)

कुमारेण हतं दृष्ट्वा क्रौञ्चं बान्धवमात्मनः । पीडिताभूत्तदा देवी दृष्ट्वा पितरमर्दितम्

kumāreṇa hataṁ dṛṣṭvā krauñcaṁ bāndhavamātmanaḥ | pīḍitābhūttadā devī dṛṣṭvā pitaramarditam

Seeing Krauncha, her own kinsman, slain by Kumara, the Goddess was then stricken with grief, seeing her father afflicted,

Verse 36 (skanda.8.171.36)

हिमवन्तं महाशैलं वधात् पौत्रस्य दुःखितम् । शुशोच गिरिजा दृष्ट्वा मुहुर्वीक्ष्य सुरेश्वरम्

himavantaṁ mahāśailaṁ vadhāt pautrasya duḥkhitam | śuśoca girijā dṛṣṭvā muhurvīkṣya sureśvaram

and Girija grieved, seeing the great mountain Himavat sorrowful at the death of his grandson, and gazed again and again upon the lord of gods.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.171.37)

भगवन्तमथायातं देव्या सह पिनाकिनम् । शोकेनापि सुसन्तप्ता नमश्चक्रुर्महाबलाः

bhagavantamathāyātaṁ devyā saha pinākinam | śokenāpi susantaptā namaścakrurmahābalāḥ

Then, as the Lord, the trident-bearer, arrived together with the Goddess, they, though tormented with grief, the mighty ones, made obeisance.

Verse 38 (skanda.8.171.38)

अथ प्रणम्य देवेशं हिमवानचलोत्तमः । व्यज्ञापयत दीनात्मा दुःखशोकपरिप्लुतः

atha praṇamya deveśaṁ himavānacalottamaḥ | vyajñāpayata dīnātmā duḥkhaśokapariplutaḥ

Then, bowing to the lord of gods, Himavat, best of mountains, his soul dejected, overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, made this plea:

Verse 39 (skanda.8.171.39)

शक्रेणानेन भगवन्नात्मानं बहुमन्यता । निधनं नायितः पौत्रो ममायं क्रौञ्चपर्वतः

śakreṇānena bhagavannātmānaṁ bahumanyatā | nidhanaṁ nāyitaḥ pautro mamāyaṁ krauñcaparvataḥ

"By this Shakra's excessive pride in himself, O Lord, my grandson, this mountain Krauncha, has been brought to his death.

Verse 40 (skanda.8.171.40)

स्पर्धा कास्य कुमारेण तव देव सुतेन हि । नान्तरं वेद यो दर्पात् कुमारस्यात्मनश्च ह

spardhā kāsya kumāreṇa tava deva sutena hi | nāntaraṁ veda yo darpāt kumārasyātmanaśca ha

What rivalry could there be between him and Kumara, your son, O god - one who, from pride, knows no difference between himself and Kumara?

Verse 41 (skanda.8.171.41)

स्पर्धां कृत्वा कुमारेण हते पौत्रे ममाधुना । निर्वृतो गतदर्पोयं सुखं तिष्ठतु वासवः

spardhāṁ kṛtvā kumāreṇa hate pautre mamādhunā | nirvṛto gatadarpoyaṁ sukhaṁ tiṣṭhatu vāsavaḥ

Having engaged in rivalry with Kumara, my grandson now being slain, may Vasava, his pride gone, remain content and at ease.

Verse 42 (skanda.8.171.42)

हते पौत्रे महादेव निमग्नः शोकसागरे । न जीवितुमहं शक्तो यास्ये पौत्रगतिं त्वहम्

hate pautre mahādeva nimagnaḥ śokasāgare | na jīvitumahaṁ śakto yāsye pautragatiṁ tvaham

With my grandson slain, O Mahadeva, I am sunk in an ocean of grief; I am not able to live; I shall go to my grandson's fate."

Verse 43 (skanda.8.171.43)

एवं विलपतस्तस्य मेरुविन्ध्यपुरोगमाः । विनेदुर्दुःखसंतप्ता बान्धवाभावपीडिताः

evaṁ vilapatastasya meruvindhyapurogamāḥ | vinedurduḥkhasaṁtaptā bāndhavābhāvapīḍitāḥ

As he thus lamented, Meru, Vindhya, and the other mountains cried out, consumed with sorrow, afflicted by the loss of their kinsman.

Verse 44 (skanda.8.171.44)

पितरं दुःखितं दृष्ट्वा तथान्यान् बान्धवान् गिरीन् । अभवच्छोकसन्तप्ता गिरिजापि जगद्धरा

pitaraṁ duḥkhitaṁ dṛṣṭvā tathānyān bāndhavān girīn | abhavacchokasantaptā girijāpi jagaddharā

Seeing her father grieving, and likewise the other kinsman-mountains, Girija too, sustainer of the world, became consumed with sorrow.

Verse 45 (skanda.8.171.45)

अथ तान् दुःखितान् दृष्ट्वा सर्वान् गोवृषवाहनः । मा कार्ष्ट शोकमित्युक्त्वा तनयं प्राह षण्मुखम्

atha tān duḥkhitān dṛṣṭvā sarvān govṛṣavāhanaḥ | mā kārṣṭa śokamityuktvā tanayaṁ prāha ṣaṇmukham

Then, seeing them all grieving, the one whose mount is the bull said, "Do not grieve," and spoke to his son, the six-faced one:

Verse 46 (skanda.8.171.46)

महान्तस्त्वद्विधाः पुत्र सापराधेपि बान्धवे । नाशुभं कुर्वते कस्मात् क्रौञ्चं निहतवानसि

mahāntastvadvidhāḥ putra sāparādhepi bāndhave | nāśubhaṁ kurvate kasmāt krauñcaṁ nihatavānasi

"Great ones such as you, my son, do not do ill even to a kinsman at fault - why then have you slain Krauncha?

Verse 47 (skanda.8.171.47)

भ्रातृसूनुर्भवन्मातुरेष क्रौञ्चो महागिरिः । कथं भ्रातरमेनं स्वं हतवानसि षण्मुख

bhrātṛsūnurbhavanmātureṣa krauñco mahāgiriḥ | kathaṁ bhrātaramenaṁ svaṁ hatavānasi ṣaṇmukha

This great mountain Krauncha is your mother's brother's son; how, O six-faced one, have you slain this, your own kinsman?

Verse 48 (skanda.8.171.48)

सदृशं कर्म नैतत्ते मन्मयस्य सुतस्य ते । ब्रूहि वा साम्प्रतं कर्म किमत्र बहु मन्यसे

sadṛśaṁ karma naitatte manmayasya sutasya te | brūhi vā sāmprataṁ karma kimatra bahu manyase

This deed is not fitting for you, my son; tell me now - what great purpose do you see in this deed?"

Verse 49 (skanda.8.171.49)

तमेवं वादिनं देवं षण्मुखः पितरं तदा । इदं प्रोवाच सव्रीडं वचनं परमाद्भुतम्

tamevaṁ vādinaṁ devaṁ ṣaṇmukhaḥ pitaraṁ tadā | idaṁ provāca savrīḍaṁ vacanaṁ paramādbhutam

To the god, his father, thus speaking, the six-faced one then said this most wondrous word, abashed:

Verse 50 (skanda.8.171.50)

शक्रस्यापनयाद्देव क्रौञ्च एष हतो मया । असन्मन्त्रितवान् यस्माद् विज्ञप्तिमपरां शृणु

śakrasyāpanayāddeva krauñca eṣa hato mayā | asanmantritavān yasmād vijñaptimaparāṁ śṛṇu

"By Shakra's own misconduct, O Lord, was this Krauncha slain by me, since he counseled falsehood; hear my further petition -

Verse 51 (skanda.8.171.51)

त्वत्प्रसादादहं क्रौञ्चं जीवयामि नगोत्तमम् । दुष्करं नहि मे चिञ्चित् तव देव सुतस्य हि

tvatprasādādahaṁ krauñcaṁ jīvayāmi nagottamam | duṣkaraṁ nahi me ciñcit tava deva sutasya hi

by your grace I shall restore this Krauncha, best of mountains, to life; nothing is difficult for me, O god, being your own son."

Verse 52 (skanda.8.171.52)

उत्तिष्ठेति ततः क्रौञ्चं भ्रातरं प्राह षण्मुखः । स बिभ्रत् पूर्ववद्देहं क्रौञ्चो नगपतिः क्षणात्

uttiṣṭheti tataḥ krauñcaṁ bhrātaraṁ prāha ṣaṇmukhaḥ | sa bibhrat pūrvavaddehaṁ krauñco nagapatiḥ kṣaṇāt

"Arise," the six-faced one then said to his brother Krauncha; bearing his form as before, that lord of mountains, Krauncha, in an instant,

Verse 53 (skanda.8.171.53)

उत्तस्थौ नीरुजो व्यास आश्चर्यं तदभूत्तदा । जीवितेनाचलेनैवं षण्मुखो वह्निसप्रभः

uttasthau nīrujo vyāsa āścaryaṁ tadabhūttadā | jīvitenācalenaivaṁ ṣaṇmukho vahnisaprabhaḥ

rose up, free of hurt, O Vyasa; a wonder it was then - the mountain restored to life. Thus the six-faced one, radiant as fire,

Verse 54 (skanda.8.171.54)

स्मरन् रुद्रादधिक्षेपं कोपसंरक्तलोचनः । समक्षं सर्वदेवानां शक्रस्य च महाबलः

smaran rudrādadhikṣepaṁ kopasaṁraktalocanaḥ | samakṣaṁ sarvadevānāṁ śakrasya ca mahābalaḥ

remembering Rudra's own reproach, his eyes reddened with rage, before all the gods and mighty Shakra,

Verse 55 (skanda.8.171.55)

वायुविष्णुयमानां च ब्रह्मणश्च महात्मनः । देवदेवं प्रणम्येशं पितरं ह्युमया सह

vāyuviṣṇuyamānāṁ ca brahmaṇaśca mahātmanaḥ | devadevaṁ praṇamyeśaṁ pitaraṁ hyumayā saha

and Vayu, Vishnu, Yama, and great-souled Brahma, having bowed to the god of gods, Ishvara, his father, together with Uma,

Verse 56 (skanda.8.171.56)

बभाषे वचनं देवः कुमारवररूपधृक् । शक्रेणानेन देवेन्द्रा मत्समक्षं प्रभाषितम्

babhāṣe vacanaṁ devaḥ kumāravararūpadhṛk | śakreṇānena devendrā matsamakṣaṁ prabhāṣitam

that god, bearing the finest form of a prince, spoke this word: "By this Shakra, O lords of gods, it was declared before me,

Verse 57 (skanda.8.171.57)

महांस्त्वत्तोहमित्येव तत्र मां मन्युराविशत् । तन्मयैषा महाशक्तिर्निखाता वसुधातले

mahāṁstvattohamityeva tatra māṁ manyurāviśat | tanmayaiṣā mahāśaktirnikhātā vasudhātale

'I am greater than you' - at that, wrath entered me. Therefore this great spear of mine I have planted in the earth's surface.

Verse 58 (skanda.8.171.58)

उद्धर्त्तुं योमरः शक्तो मुक्त्वा देवं पिनाकिनम् । उत्पाटयतु स ह्येतां महान्मत्तस्ततो हि सः

uddharttuṁ yomaraḥ śakto muktvā devaṁ pinākinam | utpāṭayatu sa hyetāṁ mahānmattastato hi saḥ

Whichever immortal is able to uproot it, save the god, the trident-bearer, let him pull it out; he is then greater than I."

Verse 59 (skanda.8.171.59)

एवमुक्त्वा ततो देवो बालार्कसदृशप्रभः । तूष्णीं बभूव हृष्टात्मा तस्थौ च पितृपार्श्वतः

evamuktvā tato devo bālārkasadṛśaprabhaḥ | tūṣṇīṁ babhūva hṛṣṭātmā tasthau ca pitṛpārśvataḥ

Having said this, then the god, radiant as the newly-risen sun, fell silent, his heart delighted, and stood beside his father.

Verse 60 (skanda.8.171.60)

अथेन्द्रो देवतामध्ये राज्यदर्पान्वितोमरः । उत्पाटयितुमुत्सेहे तां शक्तिं वसुधां गताम्

athendro devatāmadhye rājyadarpānvitomaraḥ | utpāṭayitumutsehe tāṁ śaktiṁ vasudhāṁ gatām

Then Indra, amid the gods, intoxicated with the pride of sovereignty, an immortal, endeavored to uproot that spear planted in the earth,

Verse 61 (skanda.8.171.61)

न च चालयितुं शक्तो यत्नादपि सुराधिपः । अथ लज्जान्वितोत्यर्थं तस्माद्देशादपाक्रमत्

na ca cālayituṁ śakto yatnādapi surādhipaḥ | atha lajjānvitotyarthaṁ tasmāddeśādapākramat

but was unable to move it, even with effort, the lord of the gods; then, overcome with shame, he withdrew from that place.

Verse 62 (skanda.8.171.62)

ततोन्ये दैवतश्रेष्ठा ये यमानिलपुरस्सराः । मतिं चक्रुः समुद्धर्तुं यत्नं शक्त्याश्च दंशिताः

tatonye daivataśreṣṭhā ye yamānilapurassarāḥ | matiṁ cakruḥ samuddhartuṁ yatnaṁ śaktyāśca daṁśitāḥ

Then the other foremost deities, led by Yama and Vayu, resolved to uproot it, and made effort, girded for the task,

Verse 63 (skanda.8.171.63)

न च चालयितुं शेकुस्तां शक्तिममरोत्तमाः । ततो विष्णुरमेयात्मा देवान् दृष्ट्वा हतौजसः

na ca cālayituṁ śekustāṁ śaktimamarottamāḥ | tato viṣṇurameyātmā devān dṛṣṭvā hataujasaḥ

but those best of immortals were not able to move that spear. Then Vishnu, of immeasurable soul, seeing the gods deprived of their vigor,

Verse 64 (skanda.8.171.64)

शक्तिमुद्धर्तुमुत्सेहे समक्षं त्रिदिवौकसाम् । तेनासौ चाल्यमानापि यस्माच्छक्तिर्धरातले

śaktimuddhartumutsehe samakṣaṁ tridivaukasām | tenāsau cālyamānāpi yasmācchaktirdharātale

endeavored to uproot the spear before the assembled dwellers of heaven; and though moved by him, that spear, upon the earth's surface,

Verse 65 (skanda.8.171.65)

न चचाल महावीर्या स्कन्दतेजोबलान्विता । ततो विष्णुरमेयात्मा ज्ञात्वा तत्त्वार्थमादृतः

na cacāla mahāvīryā skandatejobalānvitā | tato viṣṇurameyātmā jñātvā tattvārthamādṛtaḥ

of great valor, endowed with the power of Skanda's own splendor, did not budge. Then Vishnu, of immeasurable soul, understanding the truth of the matter, with reverence,

Verse 66 (skanda.8.171.66)

कुमारं पूजयन् भक्त्या शक्त्युत्क्षेपान्न्यवर्तत । अथ सर्वेमरा व्यास विष्णुश्च सुरसत्तमः

kumāraṁ pūjayan bhaktyā śaktyutkṣepānnyavartata | atha sarvemarā vyāsa viṣṇuśca surasattamaḥ

worshipping Kumara with devotion, desisted from the attempt to uproot the spear. Then, O Vyasa, all the immortals, and Vishnu, best of gods,

Verse 67 (skanda.8.171.67)

संस्तुत्य षड्मुख देवमिदमाहुर्महौजसः । देवानां महादेवसुतःप्रभुः

saṁstutya ṣaḍmukha devamidamāhurmahaujasaḥ | devānāṁ mahādevasutaḥprabhuḥ

having praised the six-faced god, of great might, said this: [a portion of the text is lost here] ...of the gods, the mighty son of Mahadeva,

Verse 68 (skanda.8.171.68)

नाथः पालयिता स्रष्टा आर्तिघ्नः प्रवरो महान् । त्वया नाथेन देवेश वयं सर्वे सुनिर्वृताः

nāthaḥ pālayitā sraṣṭā ārtighnaḥ pravaro mahān | tvayā nāthena deveśa vayaṁ sarve sunirvṛtāḥ

the lord, protector, creator, destroyer of affliction, foremost and great - by you as our lord, O lord of gods, we are all made content.

Verse 69 (skanda.8.171.69)

तिष्ठामः सहिताः सर्वे त्वमस्मान् पाहि सर्वतः । शक्रव्यतिक्रमं चैव बालिश्यान्मोहकारितम्

tiṣṭhāmaḥ sahitāḥ sarve tvamasmān pāhi sarvataḥ | śakravyatikramaṁ caiva bāliśyānmohakāritam

We all stand together; protect us from every side. Shakra's transgression, born of folly and delusion -

Verse 70 (skanda.8.171.70)

प्रणयाद्याचितोस्माभिः क्षन्तुमर्हसि सर्वदा । एवं स भगवान् सर्वैः कुमारः संस्तुतोमरैः

praṇayādyācitosmābhiḥ kṣantumarhasi sarvadā | evaṁ sa bhagavān sarvaiḥ kumāraḥ saṁstutomaraiḥ

we, out of affection, beg you to forgive it always." Thus that blessed Kumara, praised by all the immortals,

Verse 71 (skanda.8.171.71)

क्रोधं तत्याज शक्रे तु तुतोष च दिवौकसाम् । ततस्ते गिरयः सर्वे देवी च हिमवत्सुता

krodhaṁ tatyāja śakre tu tutoṣa ca divaukasām | tataste girayaḥ sarve devī ca himavatsutā

gave up his wrath toward Shakra, and was pleased with the dwellers of heaven. Then all those mountains, and the goddess, Himavat's daughter,

Verse 72 (skanda.8.171.72)

देवराजस्तथा शक्रो हृष्टा गुहमपूजयन् । भगवानपि संतुष्टस्तनयाय वरान् ददौ

devarājastathā śakro hṛṣṭā guhamapūjayan | bhagavānapi saṁtuṣṭastanayāya varān dadau

and the king of gods, Shakra too, delighted, honored Guha; and the Lord too, well pleased, granted boons to his son.

Verse 73 (skanda.8.171.73)

ययौ चापि गिरेः शृङ्गं दिव्यं हिमवतः शुभम् । सार्धं गुहेन देव्या च मातॄणां गणनायकः

yayau cāpi gireḥ śṛṅgaṁ divyaṁ himavataḥ śubham | sārdhaṁ guhena devyā ca mātṝṇāṁ gaṇanāyakaḥ

And the lord of the ganas went to the divine, auspicious peak of the Himalaya, together with Guha, the Goddess, and the Mothers.

Verse 74 (skanda.8.171.74)

क्रौञ्चेन सहिताश्चापि मेरुविन्ध्यादयोचलाः । शक्रश्च सुरराट् देवः स्वानि सद्मानि भेजिरे

krauñcena sahitāścāpi meruvindhyādayocalāḥ | śakraśca surarāṭ devaḥ svāni sadmāni bhejire

And, together with Krauncha, Meru, Vindhya, and the other mountains, and Shakra, the king of gods, all took up their own abodes.

Verse 75 (skanda.8.171.75)

एवमेतद्यथा क्रौञ्चः क्रौञ्चसारसवासिनः । गुहेन दारितः शक्त्या पश्चाच्चैव कृतोमरः

evametadyathā krauñcaḥ krauñcasārasavāsinaḥ | guhena dāritaḥ śaktyā paścāccaiva kṛtomaraḥ

Thus it happened that Krauncha, dwelling among the Krauncha and Sarasa birds, was split by Guha with his spear, and afterward restored to life;

Verse 76 (skanda.8.171.76)

दृश्यते चापि तत् क्रौञ्चे क्षतं शक्त्याचलोत्तमे । नैकदैवतसंवासं यदभूद्विस्तृतं महत्

dṛśyate cāpi tat krauñce kṣataṁ śaktyācalottame | naikadaivatasaṁvāsaṁ yadabhūdvistṛtaṁ mahat

and even now that wound is visible upon Krauncha, best of mountains, made by the spear, which became a vast dwelling-place of many deities.

Verse 77 (skanda.8.171.77)

एतत्ते कथितं सर्वं क्रौञ्चदारणमद्भुतम् । य इमं शृणुयान्मर्त्त्यः सर्वपापैः स मुच्यते

etatte kathitaṁ sarvaṁ krauñcadāraṇamadbhutam | ya imaṁ śṛṇuyānmarttyaḥ sarvapāpaiḥ sa mucyate

This wondrous splitting of Krauncha has been told you in full; whatever mortal hears this is freed from all sins.

Verse 78 (skanda.8.171.78)

व्यास उवाच । भगवन् परमेशानो मातॄणां नायकः कथम् । का एता मातरश्चापि शंसैतत् पृच्छतो मम

vyāsa uvāca | bhagavan parameśāno mātṝṇāṁ nāyakaḥ katham | kā etā mātaraścāpi śaṁsaitat pṛcchato mama

Vyasa said: O Lord, how is the Supreme Ishvara the leader of the Mothers? Who are these Mothers? Tell this to me who ask.

Verse 79 (skanda.8.171.79)

कथं मातृगणा जाताः किन्निमित्तमथापि च । किंवीर्या किंप्रभावाश्च संभूतास्ते गणाः प्रभो

kathaṁ mātṛgaṇā jātāḥ kinnimittamathāpi ca | kiṁvīryā kiṁprabhāvāśca saṁbhūtāste gaṇāḥ prabho

How were the mother-hosts born, and for what reason? Of what valor and what power were those hosts, when they came into being, O Lord?

Verse 80 (skanda.8.171.80)

कश्चासामाश्रयो येन वर्तन्ते तद्गणाः शुभाः । केन मृष्टाः स्वयं वापि एतदिच्छामि वेदितुम्

kaścāsāmāśrayo yena vartante tadgaṇāḥ śubhāḥ | kena mṛṣṭāḥ svayaṁ vāpi etadicchāmi veditum

What is their support, by which those auspicious hosts continue to exist? By whom are they honored, or of themselves - this I wish to know.

Verse 81 (skanda.8.171.81)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । अत्र ते वर्त्तयिष्यामि मातॄणामुद्भवं शुभम् । पुरा हि भगवान् ब्रह्मा सृष्ट्वेमा विविधाः प्रजाः

sanatkumāra uvāca | atra te varttayiṣyāmi mātṝṇāmudbhavaṁ śubham | purā hi bhagavān brahmā sṛṣṭvemā vividhāḥ prajāḥ

Sanatkumara said: Here I shall relate to you the auspicious origin of the Mothers. Of old, the blessed Brahma, having created these manifold creatures,

Verse 82 (skanda.8.171.82)

अवेक्षमाणः कालेय चचार विबुधेश्वरः । स कदाचित् प्रजाध्यक्षः संध्याकाल उपागते

avekṣamāṇaḥ kāleya cacāra vibudheśvaraḥ | sa kadācit prajādhyakṣaḥ saṁdhyākāla upāgate

wandered, watching over time, that lord of the wise. Once, that overseer of creatures, at the approach of the twilight hour,

Verse 83 (skanda.8.171.83)

देशं रम्यं समासाद्य तीरे पूर्वमहोदधेः । रम्ये चकार संध्यां हि वर्षकोटिमतन्द्रितः

deśaṁ ramyaṁ samāsādya tīre pūrvamahodadheḥ | ramye cakāra saṁdhyāṁ hi varṣakoṭimatandritaḥ

having reached a delightful region on the shore of the eastern ocean, performed, tireless, the twilight rite for a crore of years, in that delightful place.

Verse 84 (skanda.8.171.84)

कृतसंध्यस्ततो देवः कमलासनसंस्थितः । चिन्तयामास रम्योयं देशो दृष्टिमनोहरः

kṛtasaṁdhyastato devaḥ kamalāsanasaṁsthitaḥ | cintayāmāsa ramyoyaṁ deśo dṛṣṭimanoharaḥ

Having performed the twilight rite, that god, seated upon his lotus-seat, thought: "This region is delightful, pleasing to the eye -

Verse 85 (skanda.8.171.85)

करोम्यत्र पुरं रम्यं सर्वकामसमन्वितम् । इति संचिन्त्य स व्यास भगवान् सर्वसृक् प्रभुः

karomyatra puraṁ ramyaṁ sarvakāmasamanvitam | iti saṁcintya sa vyāsa bhagavān sarvasṛk prabhuḥ

I shall make here a delightful city, endowed with every desired thing." Thinking thus, O Vyasa, that Lord, creator of all,

Verse 86 (skanda.8.171.86)

तस्मिन् रम्ये प्रदेशे तु चक्रे पुरमनुत्तमम् । लोहितासितसौवर्णैः प्रस्तरैश्चामितप्रभम्

tasmin ramye pradeśe tu cakre puramanuttamam | lohitāsitasauvarṇaiḥ prastaraiścāmitaprabham

in that delightful region made an unsurpassed city, of measureless splendor, with stones of red, black, and gold,

Verse 87 (skanda.8.171.87)

अट्टाट्टहासकैश्चैव खातकैश्च समन्वितम् । शृङ्गाटकचतुष्केण चतुष्पादमिव स्थितम्

aṭṭāṭṭahāsakaiścaiva khātakaiśca samanvitam | śṛṅgāṭakacatuṣkeṇa catuṣpādamiva sthitam

furnished with towers and turrets and moats, standing four-square with its cross-roads, like a thing on four feet,

Verse 88 (skanda.8.171.88)

वप्रखातकसंयुक्तैर्गृहैश्चापि महाधनैः । मध्ये मन्दाकिनी वापी सरिद्दिव्या मनोहरा

vaprakhātakasaṁyuktairgṛhaiścāpi mahādhanaiḥ | madhye mandākinī vāpī sariddivyā manoharā

joined with ramparts and moats and with wealthy dwellings; in its midst, a divine, charming river-lake named Mandakini,

Verse 89 (skanda.8.171.89)

नलिनीवनसंछन्ना प्रहृष्टखगनादिता । तत् सृष्ट्वा तु पुरं ब्रह्मा सौवर्णं मणिभूषितम्

nalinīvanasaṁchannā prahṛṣṭakhaganāditā | tat sṛṣṭvā tu puraṁ brahmā sauvarṇaṁ maṇibhūṣitam

covered with groves of lotuses, resounding with the cries of delighted birds. Having created that city, Brahma, golden, adorned with jewels,

Verse 90 (skanda.8.171.90)

प्रोवाच वचनं व्यास परमाद्भुतमर्थवत् । रम्ये पुरवरे येस्मिन् वत्स्यन्ति सुकृताशिनः

provāca vacanaṁ vyāsa paramādbhutamarthavat | ramye puravare yesmin vatsyanti sukṛtāśinaḥ

spoke a word, O Vyasa, most wondrous and full of meaning: "In this delightful, excellent city, those who dwell, enjoying the fruit of good deeds,

Verse 91 (skanda.8.171.91)

अवध्यास्ते जराहीनास्तेजोबलसमन्विताः । भविष्यन्ति महाभागा मत्प्रसादान्न संशयः

avadhyāste jarāhīnāstejobalasamanvitāḥ | bhaviṣyanti mahābhāgā matprasādānna saṁśayaḥ

shall be invincible, free from old age, endowed with splendor and strength; they shall become most fortunate, by my grace, without doubt."

Verse 92 (skanda.8.171.92)

ततः स भगवान्देव उवाच पुनरेव ह । अस्मिन सदैव कामानामिष्टानां सुरसत्तमः । । देवो वर्षति कोटिं वै तेनास्मिन् सुखिनो जनाः

tataḥ sa bhagavāndeva uvāca punareva ha | asmina sadaiva kāmānāmiṣṭānāṁ surasattamaḥ | | devo varṣati koṭiṁ vai tenāsmin sukhino janāḥ

Then that blessed god spoke again: "In this place, forever, of all desired wishes, this best of gods shall rain down a crore-fold, and thereby the people here shall be happy."

Verse 93 (skanda.8.171.93)

एवं स भगवानुक्त्वा ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः । अगच्छत् स्वसभां दिव्यां नैकसिद्धनिषेविताम्

evaṁ sa bhagavānuktvā brahmā lokapitāmahaḥ | agacchat svasabhāṁ divyāṁ naikasiddhaniṣevitām

Having thus spoken, that blessed Brahma, grandfather of the worlds, went to his divine assembly-hall, frequented by many siddhas.

Verse 94 (skanda.8.171.94)

तस्मिन् गते ततो व्यास असुरैर्दैत्यभाषितैः । अधिष्ठितं पुरं तद्वै सर्वैर्ब्राह्मणकंटकैः

tasmin gate tato vyāsa asurairdaityabhāṣitaiḥ | adhiṣṭhitaṁ puraṁ tadvai sarvairbrāhmaṇakaṁṭakaiḥ

When he had gone, O Vyasa, that city was then occupied by asuras, speaking as daityas, all of them thorns to brahmins,

Verse 95 (skanda.8.171.95)

येषां पतिरसुक्रोधः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः । ब्रह्महा यज्ञहा विप्र देवान्तकसुरान्तकः

yeṣāṁ patirasukrodhaḥ sarvaśastrabhṛtāṁ varaḥ | brahmahā yajñahā vipra devāntakasurāntakaḥ

whose lord was of wicked wrath, foremost among all weapon-bearers, a slayer of brahmins, a destroyer of sacrifices, a hater of brahmins, an ender of gods and of asuras alike -

Verse 96 (skanda.8.171.96)

सिंहनादो भीमनादो मद इत्येवमादयः । अथ दैत्याः समागम्य हैमकुण्डपुरस्सराः । तस्मिन्पुरवरे स्थित्वा पीडां चक्रुरनेकशः

siṁhanādo bhīmanādo mada ityevamādayaḥ | atha daityāḥ samāgamya haimakuṇḍapurassarāḥ | tasminpuravare sthitvā pīḍāṁ cakruranekaśaḥ

Simhanada, Bhimanada, Mada, and others of that kind; then the daityas, gathering together, led by Haimakunda, having taken up residence in that excellent city, inflicted torment in many ways.

Verse 97 (skanda.8.171.97)

द्वेष्टारो जगतस्ते हि जघ्नुर्विप्रान् सहस्रशः । यज्ञहोमादिकाश्छिन्नाः क्रियास्तैरसुराधमैः

dveṣṭāro jagataste hi jaghnurviprān sahasraśaḥ | yajñahomādikāśchinnāḥ kriyāstairasurādhamaiḥ

Haters of the world, they slew brahmins by the thousand; sacrifices, oblations, and other rites were cut off by those vilest of asuras.

Verse 98 (skanda.8.171.98)

तानेवंकारिणो ज्ञात्वा सर्व एव दिवौकसः । ब्रह्मलोकमथाभ्येत्य सर्वमश्रावयन् विभोः

tānevaṁkāriṇo jñātvā sarva eva divaukasaḥ | brahmalokamathābhyetya sarvamaśrāvayan vibhoḥ

Knowing them to be doing such things, all the dwellers of heaven went to the world of Brahma and reported it all to the Lord.

Verse 99 (skanda.8.171.99)

वचो दिवौकसां श्रुत्वा ज्ञात्वा दैत्यविचेष्टितम् । नैतच्छक्यं मयेत्युक्त्वा ब्रह्मा सार्धं सुरोत्तमैः

vaco divaukasāṁ śrutvā jñātvā daityaviceṣṭitam | naitacchakyaṁ mayetyuktvā brahmā sārdhaṁ surottamaiḥ

Hearing the word of the celestials, and understanding the doings of the daityas, saying, "This is not something I can do," Brahma, together with the best of gods,

Verse 100 (skanda.8.171.100)

आजगाम भवं द्रष्टुं रम्यं हिमगिरेर्वनम् । यत्र गौरी तपस्तेपे भर्तुं देहार्धधारिणी

ājagāma bhavaṁ draṣṭuṁ ramyaṁ himagirervanam | yatra gaurī tapastepe bhartuṁ dehārdhadhāriṇī

came to see Bhava, in the delightful forest of the Himalaya, where Gauri, bearing half of her husband's body, performed austerity.

Verse 101 (skanda.8.171.101)

प्रविष्टास्तत्र ते देवा ब्रह्माद्याः सर्व एव हि । स्त्रिय एवाभवन् तूर्णं पार्वत्यास्तपसो बलात्

praviṣṭāstatra te devā brahmādyāḥ sarva eva hi | striya evābhavan tūrṇaṁ pārvatyāstapaso balāt

Those gods, Brahma and the rest, all of them, having entered there, at once became women, by the force of Parvati's austerity.

Verse 102 (skanda.8.171.102)

ततस्तान् देवदेवेशः स्त्रीभूतान् हि सुरोत्तमान् । किमर्थमागता यूयमिति पप्रच्छ शूलधृक्

tatastān devadeveśaḥ strībhūtān hi surottamān | kimarthamāgatā yūyamiti papraccha śūladhṛk

Then the god of gods, the trident-bearer, asked those foremost gods, now become women: "For what purpose have you come?"

Verse 103 (skanda.8.171.103)

ततस्ते सहिताः सर्वे पूर्वं दैत्यविमर्दनम् । निवेद्य शम्भवे पश्चात् कृच्छ्रं स्त्रीभावमात्मनः

tataste sahitāḥ sarve pūrvaṁ daityavimardanam | nivedya śambhave paścāt kṛcchraṁ strībhāvamātmanaḥ

Then all of them together, having first reported to Shambhu the destruction wrought by the daityas, and then their own distressing condition as women,

Verse 104 (skanda.8.171.104)

यथैवं पुरुषाः पूर्व भवाम इति तेब्रुवन् । तानुवाचाथ देवेशः सुरान् स्त्रीभावमागतान

yathaivaṁ puruṣāḥ pūrva bhavāma iti tebruvan | tānuvācātha deveśaḥ surān strībhāvamāgatāna

said: "How may we become men as before?" Then the lord of gods said this to the gods who had become women:

Verse 105 (skanda.8.171.105)

यात यूयं सुराः सर्वे स्त्रियो भूत्वासुरान्तिकम् । स्त्रीणामेव हि ते वध्या दानवा बलदर्पिताः

yāta yūyaṁ surāḥ sarve striyo bhūtvāsurāntikam | strīṇāmeva hi te vadhyā dānavā baladarpitāḥ

"Go, all you gods, becoming women, to the presence of the asuras; for those danavas, drunk with strength, may only be slain by women.

Verse 106 (skanda.8.171.106)

तनूर्मूर्त्तिमतीः कृत्वा परतो मातरः शुभाः । यै य एव यथा पूर्वं भविष्यथ सुरोत्तमाः

tanūrmūrttimatīḥ kṛtvā parato mātaraḥ śubhāḥ | yai ya eva yathā pūrvaṁ bhaviṣyatha surottamāḥ

Having made bodily forms thereafter, O auspicious Mothers, each of you, as before, you will become, O excellent gods."

Verse 107 (skanda.8.171.107)

अथ भूयः प्रणम्येशं देवता इदमब्रुवन् । आत्मनोपि तनुं देव कुरु मूर्त्तिमतीं स्त्रियम्

atha bhūyaḥ praṇamyeśaṁ devatā idamabruvan | ātmanopi tanuṁ deva kuru mūrttimatīṁ striyam

Then again, bowing to the Lord, the deities said this: "Make for yourself too, O god, a bodily, female form,

Verse 108 (skanda.8.171.108)

यया सार्धं बलाद् दैत्यान् हंस्यामः परमेश्वर । ततो देवोसृजद्देवीं रूद्राणीं मातरं शुभाम्

yayā sārdhaṁ balād daityān haṁsyāmaḥ parameśvara | tato devosṛjaddevīṁ rūdrāṇīṁ mātaraṁ śubhām

with whom, together, we may by force slay the daityas, O Supreme Lord." Then the god created the auspicious goddess-mother Rudrani,

Verse 109 (skanda.8.171.109)

विकृतं रूपमास्थाय द्वितीयामपि मातरम् । नाम्ना तु बहुमांसान्तां जगत्संहाररूपिणीम्

vikṛtaṁ rūpamāsthāya dvitīyāmapi mātaram | nāmnā tu bahumāṁsāntāṁ jagatsaṁhārarūpiṇīm

and, assuming a monstrous form, a second Mother too, named Bahumamsa, embodying the destruction of the world.

Verse 110 (skanda.8.171.110)

नियोगाद् देवदेवस्य ततो विष्णुरपि प्रभुः । मातरावसृजद् द्वे तु वाराहीं वैष्णवीमपि । अभूत् पितामहाद् ब्राह्मी शर्वाणी शङ्करादपि

niyogād devadevasya tato viṣṇurapi prabhuḥ | mātarāvasṛjad dve tu vārāhīṁ vaiṣṇavīmapi | abhūt pitāmahād brāhmī śarvāṇī śaṅkarādapi

By the command of the god of gods, then Vishnu too, the Lord, created two Mothers, Varahi and Vaishnavi; from the Grandfather came Brahmi, and from Shankara, Sharvani.

Verse 111 (skanda.8.171.111)

कौमारी षड्मुखाच्चापि विष्णोरपि च वैष्णवी । वाराही माधवाद् देवी माहेन्द्री च पुरन्दरात्

kaumārī ṣaḍmukhāccāpi viṣṇorapi ca vaiṣṇavī | vārāhī mādhavād devī māhendrī ca purandarāt

Kaumari too from the Six-Faced One, and Vaishnavi from Vishnu; the goddess Varahi from Madhava, and Mahendri from Purandara.

Verse 112 (skanda.8.171.112)

सर्वतेजोमयो देवी मातॄणां प्रवरा शुभा । बहुमांसा महाविद्या बभूव वृषभध्वजात्

sarvatejomayo devī mātṝṇāṁ pravarā śubhā | bahumāṁsā mahāvidyā babhūva vṛṣabhadhvajāt

Full of all splendor, the goddess, foremost and auspicious among the Mothers, Bahumamsa, the great knowledge-power, arose from the bull-bannered one.

Verse 113 (skanda.8.171.113)

सर्वासां देवतानां च देहेभ्यो मातरः शुभाः । स्वरूपबलधारिण्यो निर्जग्मुर्दैत्यनाशनाः । रो

sarvāsāṁ devatānāṁ ca dehebhyo mātaraḥ śubhāḥ | svarūpabaladhāriṇyo nirjagmurdaityanāśanāḥ | ro

From the bodies of all the deities, auspicious Mothers, bearing their own forms and strength, came forth, destroyers of daityas -

Verse 114 (skanda.8.171.114)

वायव्या वारुणी याम्या कौबेरी च महाबलाः । महाकाली तथाग्नेयी अन्याश्चैव सहस्रशः

vāyavyā vāruṇī yāmyā kauberī ca mahābalāḥ | mahākālī tathāgneyī anyāścaiva sahasraśaḥ

Vayavi, Varuni, Yami, and Kauberi, of great might, Mahakali, and Agneyi too, and thousands of others besides.

Verse 115 (skanda.8.171.115)

ता गत्वा तत्पुरं रम्यं दैत्यान् भीमपराक्रमान् । जघ्नुर्बहुविधं देव्यो घोरनादैर्विभीषणैः

tā gatvā tatpuraṁ ramyaṁ daityān bhīmaparākramān | jaghnurbahuvidhaṁ devyo ghoranādairvibhīṣaṇaiḥ

They, going to that delightful city, slew, in many ways, with terrible and dreadful cries, those daityas of fearsome valor,

Verse 116 (skanda.8.171.116)

दैत्यहीनं च तच्चक्रुः पुराग्र्यं हेमभूषितम् । अथ दैत्यैर्हतैस्सवैर्देवदेव उमापतिः

daityahīnaṁ ca taccakruḥ purāgryaṁ hemabhūṣitam | atha daityairhataissavairdevadeva umāpatiḥ

and made that foremost, gold-adorned city free of daityas. Then, all the daityas slain, the god of gods, Uma's Lord,

Verse 117 (skanda.8.171.117)

आजगाम प्रदेशं तं मातॄणां वरदित्सया । तान् दृष्टवा निहतान्सर्वान् दैत्यानमरविद्विषः

ājagāma pradeśaṁ taṁ mātṝṇāṁ varaditsayā | tān dṛṣṭavā nihatānsarvān daityānamaravidviṣaḥ

came to that place, wishing to grant boons to the Mothers; seeing all those foes of the immortals, the daityas, slain,

Verse 118 (skanda.8.171.118)

परितुष्टस्तदा तासां वरान्प्रादाद् वृषध्वजः । जगतो मातरो यूयं मातृभूता भविष्यथः

parituṣṭastadā tāsāṁ varānprādād vṛṣadhvajaḥ | jagato mātaro yūyaṁ mātṛbhūtā bhaviṣyathaḥ

the bull-bannered one, well pleased, granted boons to them: "You shall be the Mothers of the world, having become as mothers.

Verse 119 (skanda.8.171.119)

युष्माकं ये भविष्यन्ति भक्ताः पुरुषपुंगवाः । स्त्रियौ वापि महाभागा न तान् हिंसन्ति हिंसकाः

yuṣmākaṁ ye bhaviṣyanti bhaktāḥ puruṣapuṁgavāḥ | striyau vāpi mahābhāgā na tān hiṁsanti hiṁsakāḥ

Whoever among your devotees shall be foremost men, or women too, of great fortune, no harmful ones shall harm them.

Verse 120 (skanda.8.171.120)

मृता मम गणाश्चापि भविष्यन्त्यजरामराः । भवतीनामिदं स्थानं कोटीवर्षमिति श्रुतम्

mṛtā mama gaṇāścāpi bhaviṣyantyajarāmarāḥ | bhavatīnāmidaṁ sthānaṁ koṭīvarṣamiti śrutam

My ganas too, when dead, shall become ageless and immortal. This place of yours, known as Kotivarsha,

Verse 121 (skanda.8.171.121)

भविष्यति जगत्ख्यातं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम् । अहं हेतुर्हि युष्माकं यस्मात् सृष्टा मयैव च

bhaviṣyati jagatkhyātaṁ sarvapāpapramocanam | ahaṁ heturhi yuṣmākaṁ yasmāt sṛṣṭā mayaiva ca

shall become famed throughout the world, a releaser from all sins. I am the cause of you all, since I myself have created you;

Verse 122 (skanda.8.171.122)

हेतुकेश्वरनाम्नाहं स्थास्याम्यत्र वरप्रदः । युष्माभिः सह वत्स्यामि नायकत्वं व्यवस्थितः

hetukeśvaranāmnāhaṁ sthāsyāmyatra varapradaḥ | yuṣmābhiḥ saha vatsyāmi nāyakatvaṁ vyavasthitaḥ

under the name Hetukeshvara, I shall abide here, a giver of boons. I shall dwell together with you, established as your leader.

Verse 123 (skanda.8.171.123)

यस्तु युष्मान्मया सार्धं विधिवत् पूजयिष्यति । सर्वपापविमुक्तात्मा स परां गतिमाप्स्यति

yastu yuṣmānmayā sārdhaṁ vidhivat pūjayiṣyati | sarvapāpavimuktātmā sa parāṁ gatimāpsyati

Whoever shall worship you, together with me, according to rule, his soul freed from all sin, shall attain the supreme state.

Verse 124 (skanda.8.171.124)

दानवा निहता यस्माच्छूलेन बहुमांसया । शूलकुण्डमिदं नाम्ना ख्यातं तीर्थं भविष्यति

dānavā nihatā yasmācchūlena bahumāṁsayā | śūlakuṇḍamidaṁ nāmnā khyātaṁ tīrthaṁ bhaviṣyati

Because the danavas were slain by the spear here, by Bahumamsa, this shall become a famed tirtha, named Shulakunda.

Verse 125 (skanda.8.171.125)

इह शूलोदकं पीत्वा बहुमांसां प्रणम्य च । अधृष्यः सर्वहिंस्राणां भविष्यति नरोत्तमः

iha śūlodakaṁ pītvā bahumāṁsāṁ praṇamya ca | adhṛṣyaḥ sarvahiṁsrāṇāṁ bhaviṣyati narottamaḥ

Here, drinking the water of the spear-pool, and bowing to Bahumamsa, an excellent man shall become unassailable by all who would harm him.

Verse 126 (skanda.8.171.126)

प्रतिकूलेति विख्याता रम्या मन्दाकिनी नदी । रुधिरौघवती सेह भवतीनां भविष्यति

pratikūleti vikhyātā ramyā mandākinī nadī | rudhiraughavatī seha bhavatīnāṁ bhaviṣyati

The river here, delightful, named Mandakini, known as 'the Contrary One,' shall become, for you, filled with a flood of blood.

Verse 127 (skanda.8.171.127)

अहं ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्च ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः । मातृतन्त्राणि दिव्यानि मातृयज्ञविधिं परम्

ahaṁ brahmā ca viṣṇuśca ṛṣayaśca tapodhanāḥ | mātṛtantrāṇi divyāni mātṛyajñavidhiṁ param

I, Brahma, Vishnu, and the sages rich in austerity, shall compose the divine Mother-tantras and the supreme rite of Mother-worship,

Verse 128 (skanda.8.171.128)

पुण्यानि प्रकरिष्यामो यजनं यैरवाप्स्यथ । ब्राह्मं स्वायंभुवं चैव कौमारं यामलं तथा

puṇyāni prakariṣyāmo yajanaṁ yairavāpsyatha | brāhmaṁ svāyaṁbhuvaṁ caiva kaumāraṁ yāmalaṁ tathā

holy, by which worship you shall be reached - the Brahma-tantra, the Svayambhuva, the Kaumara, the Yamala too,

Verse 129 (skanda.8.171.129)

सारस्वतं स गान्धारमैशानं नन्दियामलम् । तन्त्राण्येतानि युष्माकं तथान्यानि सहस्रशः

sārasvataṁ sa gāndhāramaiśānaṁ nandiyāmalam | tantrāṇyetāni yuṣmākaṁ tathānyāni sahasraśaḥ

the Sarasvata, the Gandhara, the Aishana, the Nandiyamala - these tantras, yours, and thousands of others besides.

Verse 130 (skanda.8.171.130)

भविष्यन्ति नरा यैस्तु युष्मान् यक्ष्यन्ति भक्तितः । नराणां यजमानानां वरान् यूयं प्रदास्यथ

bhaviṣyanti narā yaistu yuṣmān yakṣyanti bhaktitaḥ | narāṇāṁ yajamānānāṁ varān yūyaṁ pradāsyatha

Men shall come to exist who, through devotion, shall worship you by them; to worshipping men, you shall grant boons.

Verse 131 (skanda.8.171.131)

दिव्यसिद्धिप्रदा देव्यो दिव्ययोगा भविष्यथ । याश्च नार्यः सदा युष्मान् यक्ष्यन्ते सरहस्यतः

divyasiddhipradā devyo divyayogā bhaviṣyatha | yāśca nāryaḥ sadā yuṣmān yakṣyante sarahasyataḥ

You shall become goddesses granting divine accomplishment, of divine yoga; and the women who shall ever worship you in secret rites -

Verse 132 (skanda.8.171.132)

योगेश्वर्यो भविष्यन्ति रामा दिव्यपराक्रमाः । छगलः कुम्भकर्णश्च मदीयौ गणनायकौ

yogeśvaryo bhaviṣyanti rāmā divyaparākramāḥ | chagalaḥ kumbhakarṇaśca madīyau gaṇanāyakau

shall become mistresses of yoga, beauties of divine valor. Chagala and Kumbhakarna, my two gana-lords,

Verse 133 (skanda.8.171.133)

युष्माकं द्वारपालत्वे स्थास्यतस्तौ ममाज्ञया । कोटीवर्षमिदं स्थानं मातॄणां प्रियमुत्तमम्

yuṣmākaṁ dvārapālatve sthāsyatastau mamājñayā | koṭīvarṣamidaṁ sthānaṁ mātṝṇāṁ priyamuttamam

shall stand as gatekeepers for you, by my command. This place, Kotivarsha, dear and supreme to the Mothers,

Verse 134 (skanda.8.171.134)

श्मशानं प्रवरं दिव्यं भविष्यति सुखप्रदम् । वरानेवं हि ताँल्लब्ध्वा मातरो लोकमातरः

śmaśānaṁ pravaraṁ divyaṁ bhaviṣyati sukhapradam | varānevaṁ hi tā~llabdhvā mātaro lokamātaraḥ

shall become an excellent, divine cremation-ground, giver of happiness." Having thus obtained these boons, the Mothers, mothers of the world,

Verse 135 (skanda.8.171.135)

भक्त्या प्रणम्य देवेशं मुमुदुर्भृशमर्द्दिताः । ततःप्रभृति ताः सर्वाः सहिताः शशिमौलिना

bhaktyā praṇamya deveśaṁ mumudurbhṛśamardditāḥ | tataḥprabhṛti tāḥ sarvāḥ sahitāḥ śaśimaulinā

though sorely afflicted, bowing to the god of gods with devotion, rejoiced greatly. From then on, all of them, together with the moon-crested one,

Verse 136 (skanda.8.171.136)

कोटीवर्षे वसन्ति स्म सर्वलोकाभयप्रदाः । एवं स भगवान् देवो मातॄणां गणनायकः । अभवच्छङ्करो व्यास यन्मां त्वं पृष्टवानसि

koṭīvarṣe vasanti sma sarvalokābhayapradāḥ | evaṁ sa bhagavān devo mātṝṇāṁ gaṇanāyakaḥ | abhavacchaṅkaro vyāsa yanmāṁ tvaṁ pṛṣṭavānasi

dwelt in Kotivarsha, granting freedom from fear to all the worlds. Thus that blessed god, the leader of the Mothers, became Shankara, O Vyasa, concerning what you have asked me.

Verse 137 (skanda.8.171.137)

उत्पत्तिमेतां जगतीश्वरीणां ब्रह्मेन्द्रशक्रानिलवन्दितानाम् । पठेन्मनुष्यः शृणुयाच्च नित्यं यः स्वर्गलोकं स मृतो लभेत

utpattimetāṁ jagatīśvarīṇāṁ brahmendraśakrānilavanditānām | paṭhenmanuṣyaḥ śṛṇuyācca nityaṁ yaḥ svargalokaṁ sa mṛto labheta

Whatever man recites, or ever hears, this origin of these mistresses of the world, honored by Brahma, Indra, Shakra, and Vayu, attains, upon death, the world of heaven.