The Boon Granted to Upamanyu

Verse 1 (skanda.8.34.1)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवं स भगवान् व्यास मेघमुत्सृज्य देवपः । वृषवाहः समभवद् यथा ते कथितं मया

sanatkumāra uvāca | evaṁ sa bhagavān vyāsa meghamutsṛjya devapaḥ | vṛṣavāhaḥ samabhavad yathā te kathitaṁ mayā

Sanatkumara said: O Vyasa, thus the divine protector of the gods, releasing the cloud, became bull-mounted, as I have told you.

Verse 2 (skanda.8.34.2)

व्यास उवाच । कथं भगवती देवी कृष्णा गौरत्वमागता । कारणं तत्र किं चापि ह्येतदिच्छामि वेदितुम्

vyāsa uvāca | kathaṁ bhagavatī devī kṛṣṇā gauratvamāgatā | kāraṇaṁ tatra kiṁ cāpi hyetadicchāmi veditum

Vyasa said: How did the divine Goddess, who was dark (Krishna), come to attain fairness (Gauri)? What was the reason for it? This I wish to know.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.34.3)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । आसीनौ मन्दरप्रस्थे उमाकामाङ्गनाशनौ । रेमाते प्रमथैस्सार्धं नानारूपधरैस्तदा

sanatkumāra uvāca | āsīnau mandaraprasthe umākāmāṅganāśanau | remāte pramathaissārdhaṁ nānārūpadharaistadā

Sanatkumara said: Seated on the ridge of Mount Mandara, Uma and the foe of Kama sported together with the Pramathas, who assumed many forms.

Verse 4 (skanda.8.34.4)

अथ देवेन तत्रस्था क्रीडता सा कथान्तरे । कृष्णेत्युक्ता भगवती सा चुकोप मनस्विनी

atha devena tatrasthā krīḍatā sā kathāntare | kṛṣṇetyuktā bhagavatī sā cukopa manasvinī

Then, sporting there, in the midst of some talk, the God addressed the divine Lady as 'Krishna' (the dark one); that spirited Goddess grew angry.

Verse 5 (skanda.8.34.5)

कुपितां तां महादेवः परिष्वज्य महाद्युतिः । उवाचा सकृदव्यग्रः सांत्वयन् मधुरं वचः

kupitāṁ tāṁ mahādevaḥ pariṣvajya mahādyutiḥ | uvācā sakṛdavyagraḥ sāṁtvayan madhuraṁ vacaḥ

The most splendid Mahadeva embraced the angered Goddess and, undisturbed, spoke once more, soothing her with sweet words.

Verse 6 (skanda.8.34.6)

देवदेव उवाच । देवि मा क्रोधमनघे कृथा विश्वसृगव्यये । हास्यं प्रकृतमेतन्मे कृष्णेति समुदाहृतम्

devadeva uvāca | devi mā krodhamanaghe kṛthā viśvasṛgavyaye | hāsyaṁ prakṛtametanme kṛṣṇeti samudāhṛtam

The God of gods said: O sinless Goddess, O imperishable creatrix of the universe, be not angry; this word 'Krishna' I spoke merely in jest, as it naturally came to me.

Verse 7 (skanda.8.34.7)

अद्य प्रभृति नानेन वचसाहं शुभानने । वक्ष्यामि त्वां त्यज क्रोधं

adya prabhṛti nānena vacasāhaṁ śubhānane | vakṣyāmi tvāṁ tyaja krodhaṁ

O fair-faced one, from this day I shall never address you by this word again; give up your anger... [the rest of this line is lost in the source]

Verse 8 (skanda.8.34.8)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तमेवंवदिनं देवं श्रुत्वा गिरिवरात्मजा । अगमत् परमां तुष्टिमिदं चोवाच सुस्वरम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | tamevaṁvadinaṁ devaṁ śrutvā girivarātmajā | agamat paramāṁ tuṣṭimidaṁ covāca susvaram

Sanatkumara said: Hearing the God speak thus, the daughter of the mountain-king attained the greatest contentment, and spoke in a sweet voice.

Verse 9 (skanda.8.34.9)

देव्युवाच । त्वं गुरुस्सर्वलोकस्य पूज्यो भर्त्ता ममैव च ।

devyuvāca | tvaṁ gurussarvalokasya pūjyo bharttā mamaiva ca |

The Goddess said: You are the teacher of all the world, worthy of worship, and my own husband as well. [the remainder of this verse, and the whole of the next, are lost -- a folio is damaged in the source manuscript]

Verse 10 (skanda.8.34.10)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । इति तेनेष्टवचसा तुष्टो देव्याः पिनाकधृक् । वरेणच्छंदयामास तयैषोभ्यर्थितो वरः

sanatkumāra uvāca | iti teneṣṭavacasā tuṣṭo devyāḥ pinākadhṛk | vareṇacchaṁdayāmāsa tayaiṣobhyarthito varaḥ

Sanatkumara said: Pleased by this beloved speech, the wielder of the Pinaka sought to gratify her with the boon she had requested.

Verse 11 (skanda.8.34.11)

देव्युवाच । यदा यदा वदसि मां कृष्णेति वदतां वर । तदा तदा मे हृदयं विदीर्यत इव प्रभो

devyuvāca | yadā yadā vadasi māṁ kṛṣṇeti vadatāṁ vara | tadā tadā me hṛdayaṁ vidīryata iva prabho

The Goddess said: O best of speakers, whenever you call me 'Krishna,' then, O Lord, my heart feels as though it is torn asunder.

Verse 12 (skanda.8.34.12)

विज्ञापयामि सर्वेश गौरवर्णमनुत्तमम्

vijñāpayāmi sarveśa gauravarṇamanuttamam

[the opening of this verse, and an entire following verse, are lost in the source] ... O Lord of all, I petition you for an unsurpassed fair, golden hue.

Verse 13 (skanda.8.34.13)

जगद्भर्ता सुरेशान आत्मतुल्यपराक्रमः

jagadbhartā sureśāna ātmatulyaparākramaḥ

[the opening of this verse is lost in the source] ... O lord of the gods, you are the sustainer of the world, of might equal to your own self.

Verse 14 (skanda.8.34.14)

अग्रणीः सर्वदेवानां सर्वदैत्यनिषूदनः ।

agraṇīḥ sarvadevānāṁ sarvadaityaniṣūdanaḥ |

You are the foremost of all the gods, and the destroyer of all the Daityas... [the remainder of this verse is lost in the source]

Verse 15 (skanda.8.34.15)

यदि तुष्टोसि मे देव यदि देयो वरश्च मे । तपश्चरितुमिच्छामि तदनुज्ञातुमर्हसि

yadi tuṣṭosi me deva yadi deyo varaśca me | tapaścaritumicchāmi tadanujñātumarhasi

If you are pleased with me, O God, and if a boon is to be granted me, then I wish to perform austerity; please grant me leave for it.

Verse 16 (skanda.8.34.16)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततो भवः प्रहस्यैनामुवाच तपसा हि किम् । तपसा कांक्षितं यत्तु तदद्यैव ददामि ते

sanatkumāra uvāca | tato bhavaḥ prahasyaināmuvāca tapasā hi kim | tapasā kāṁkṣitaṁ yattu tadadyaiva dadāmi te

Sanatkumara said: Then Bhava, smiling, said to her: 'What need is there of austerity? Whatever you seek through austerity, that I shall give you this very day.'

Verse 17 (skanda.8.34.17)

इत्युक्ता गिरिजा प्राह तप्ते तपसि पुष्कले । त्वमेव दाता भगवन् वरान् मह्यं यथेप्सितान्

ityuktā girijā prāha tapte tapasi puṣkale | tvameva dātā bhagavan varān mahyaṁ yathepsitān

Thus addressed, Girija, though intent on abundant austerity, said: 'O Lord, you alone are the giver of the boons I desire.'

Verse 18 (skanda.8.34.18)

तदा विज्ञापितेनैवं सर्वकार्यार्थदर्शिना । चरणौ च नमस्कृत्य शिवस्यामिततेजसः

tadā vijñāpitenaivaṁ sarvakāryārthadarśinā | caraṇau ca namaskṛtya śivasyāmitatejasaḥ

Then, thus petitioned by the seer of the truth of every matter, and having bowed at the feet of that Shiva of immeasurable splendour.

Verse 19 (skanda.8.34.19)

सा क्षणादागता देवी हिमवन्तं नगोत्तमम् । ददर्श ऋषिमुख्यानामाश्रमैरुपशोभितम्

sā kṣaṇādāgatā devī himavantaṁ nagottamam | dadarśa ṛṣimukhyānāmāśramairupaśobhitam

In an instant that Goddess arrived at the Himalaya, chief of mountains, and beheld it, adorned with the hermitages of the foremost sages.

Verse 20 (skanda.8.34.20)

सरो मानसमासाद्य तथा बिन्दुसरश्च तत् । दिव्यां पाण्डुशिलां चैव गङ्गाप्रभवमेव च

saro mānasamāsādya tathā bindusaraśca tat | divyāṁ pāṇḍuśilāṁ caiva gaṅgāprabhavameva ca

She beheld Lake Manasa, and likewise Lake Bindu, the divine Pandushila rock, and the very source of the Ganga.

Verse 21 (skanda.8.34.21)

ततो महालयं प्राप्य देवदारुवनं तथा । अन्यानि च ततोग्र्याणि वनान्यासाद्य सा सती । तस्योत्तरेण शैलस्य गत्वा चाति मनोहरम्

tato mahālayaṁ prāpya devadāruvanaṁ tathā | anyāni ca tatogryāṇi vanānyāsādya sā satī | tasyottareṇa śailasya gatvā cāti manoharam

Then, having reached the great abode and the deodar forest, that faithful lady, passing through other excellent groves, went to a most enchanting spot to the north of that mountain.

Verse 22 (skanda.8.34.22)

अपश्यच्छिखरं दिव्यमेकमेकान्तमाश्रितम् । चामीकरमयं दिव्यं सवौषधिसमावृतम्

apaśyacchikharaṁ divyamekamekāntamāśritam | cāmīkaramayaṁ divyaṁ savauṣadhisamāvṛtam

She saw a divine peak, standing apart in solitude, made of gold, divine, and covered over with every kind of medicinal herb.

Verse 23 (skanda.8.34.23)

इन्द्रनीलमहानीलनीलोपलतलैः शुभैः । वृक्षैर्मणिमयैश्चित्रैः सर्वतः परिसंवृतम्

indranīlamahānīlanīlopalatalaiḥ śubhaiḥ | vṛkṣairmaṇimayaiścitraiḥ sarvataḥ parisaṁvṛtam

It was set with auspicious slabs of sapphire, great sapphire, and blue stone, and encircled on every side by wondrous trees of jewels.

Verse 24 (skanda.8.34.24)

क्वचिदञ्जनपुञ्जाभं स्फटिकोपलमेव च । क्वचिद्धेमोपलं दिव्यं काचिच्चित्रोपलं पुनः

kvacidañjanapuñjābhaṁ sphaṭikopalameva ca | kvaciddhemopalaṁ divyaṁ kāciccitropalaṁ punaḥ

In one place it was dark as a mass of collyrium, in another set with crystal, in another with divine gold-stone, and in another with many-hued gems.

Verse 25 (skanda.8.34.25)

क्वचिन्मनःशिलाशृङ्गं हरितालोपमं क्वचित् । शालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्च प्रियालाम्रातकैरपि

kvacinmanaḥśilāśṛṅgaṁ haritālopamaṁ kvacit | śālaistālaistamālaiśca priyālāmrātakairapi

In one place its peak was of red arsenic, elsewhere the hue of yellow orpiment; it was clothed with sal, palm, tamala, priyala, and hog-plum trees.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.34.26)

अशोकैश्चम्पकैर्लोध्रैः कदम्बाम्रातिमुक्तकैः । नागपुन्नागतिलकैः सुरभीचन्दनैरपि

aśokaiścampakairlodhraiḥ kadambāmrātimuktakaiḥ | nāgapunnāgatilakaiḥ surabhīcandanairapi

It was covered with ashoka, champaka, lodhra, kadamba, mango, atimuktaka, nagakesara, punnaga, tilaka, and fragrant sandalwood trees.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.34.27)

धातकीकेतकीभिश्च तथैवोद्दालकैरपि । कदलीभिश्च चित्राभिः खर्जूरैः पनसैरपि

dhātakīketakībhiśca tathaivoddālakairapi | kadalībhiśca citrābhiḥ kharjūraiḥ panasairapi

It was covered with dhataki and ketaki flowers, and likewise uddalaka trees, with varied banana trees, date-palms, and jackfruit trees.

Verse 28 (skanda.8.34.28)

बकुलैर्नालिकेरैश्च पद्मषण्डैश्च शोभितम् । कपित्थैः खदिरैश्चैव भव्यैः पारावतैरपि

bakulairnālikeraiśca padmaṣaṇḍaiśca śobhitam | kapitthaiḥ khadiraiścaiva bhavyaiḥ pārāvatairapi

It was adorned with bakula, coconut, and clusters of lotuses; it was set too with wood-apple, khadira, and stately, dove-frequented trees.

Verse 29 (skanda.8.34.29)

मृद्वीकामण्डपैश्चैव तथांकोठैः समावृतम् । सदा पुष्पफलोपेतैश्चारुचामीकरप्रभैः

mṛdvīkāmaṇḍapaiścaiva tathāṁkoṭhaiḥ samāvṛtam | sadā puṣpaphalopetaiścārucāmīkaraprabhaiḥ

It was surrounded by bowers of grapevines and by ankotha trees, ever laden with flowers and fruits of beautiful golden hue.

Verse 30 (skanda.8.34.30)

तथा प्रस्रवणैश्चैव नदीभिश्चोपशोभितम् । पक्षिभिर्मधुरालापैः समन्ताच्चाभिनादितम्

tathā prasravaṇaiścaiva nadībhiścopaśobhitam | pakṣibhirmadhurālāpaiḥ samantāccābhināditam

It was further adorned by cascades and rivers, and resounded on every side with the sweet warbling of birds.

Verse 31 (skanda.8.34.31)

मयूरचातकोपेतं हंसचक्राह्वसंकुलम् । सारसैः खञ्जरीटैश्च हारीतैश्चाभिनादितम्

mayūracātakopetaṁ haṁsacakrāhvasaṁkulam | sārasaiḥ khañjarīṭaiśca hārītaiścābhināditam

There were peacocks and chataka birds; it teemed with swans and ruddy geese, and echoed with the calls of cranes, wagtails, and green pigeons.

Verse 32 (skanda.8.34.32)

जीवं जीवसमाकीर्णं महिषर्क्षसमाकुलम् । सिंहशार्दूलचरितं शरभेभसमाकुलम्

jīvaṁ jīvasamākīrṇaṁ mahiṣarkṣasamākulam | siṁhaśārdūlacaritaṁ śarabhebhasamākulam

It was thronged with jivamjivaka birds, buffaloes and bears; lions and tigers roamed there, and it teemed too with sharabhas and elephants.

Verse 33 (skanda.8.34.33)

मेरुमन्दरसंकाशं सर्वपुण्यफलप्रदम् । रम्यं स्वर्गमिवागम्यं पापानां क्रूरकर्मणाम्

merumandarasaṁkāśaṁ sarvapuṇyaphalapradam | ramyaṁ svargamivāgamyaṁ pāpānāṁ krūrakarmaṇām

It resembled Meru and Mandara, bestowing every meritorious fruit; delightful, it was as inaccessible as heaven itself to sinners of cruel deeds.

Verse 34 (skanda.8.34.34)

श्रिया स्वलंकृतं साक्षादुद्यानमिव सत्कृतम् । तत्र केचिन्मधुफला वृक्षाः सर्वर्तुकामदाः

śriyā svalaṁkṛtaṁ sākṣādudyānamiva satkṛtam | tatra kecinmadhuphalā vṛkṣāḥ sarvartukāmadāḥ

It was itself adorned by Shri, decked as though it were the very garden of paradise; some trees there bore honeyed fruit, granting every desire in every season.

Verse 35 (skanda.8.34.35)

अपरे क्षीरिणो नाम वृक्षास्तत्र मनोरमाः । अपरे सर्वपुष्पाणि फलानि च महीरुहाः

apare kṣīriṇo nāma vṛkṣāstatra manoramāḥ | apare sarvapuṣpāṇi phalāni ca mahīruhāḥ

Other charming trees were known by the name Kshirin; other trees bore every kind of flower and fruit.

Verse 36 (skanda.8.34.36)

पुष्प्यन्ते च फलन्ते च काञ्चनाश्चापरे द्रुमाः । फलन्ति भक्ष्याण्यपरे भोजनानि च सर्वशः

puṣpyante ca phalante ca kāñcanāścāpare drumāḥ | phalanti bhakṣyāṇyapare bhojanāni ca sarvaśaḥ

Other golden trees flowered and fruited continuously; still others yielded, as their fruit, every kind of edible food.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.34.37)

मानुष्याण्यथ दिव्यानि षड्रसानि महाद्रुमाः । वस्त्राण्यन्ये प्रसूयन्ते फलेष्वाभरणानि च

mānuṣyāṇyatha divyāni ṣaḍrasāni mahādrumāḥ | vastrāṇyanye prasūyante phaleṣvābharaṇāni ca

Great trees yielded, both human and divine, all six flavours; other trees produced garments, and ornaments as their fruit.

Verse 38 (skanda.8.34.38)

तथा बहुविधामन्ये शय्यां चाभरणद्रुमाः । अमाक्षिकं मध्वपरे चामृतप्रतिमं नगाः

tathā bahuvidhāmanye śayyāṁ cābharaṇadrumāḥ | amākṣikaṁ madhvapare cāmṛtapratimaṁ nagāḥ

Other trees bore beds and ornaments of many kinds; some yielded honey untouched by bees, and other trees were like nectar itself.

Verse 39 (skanda.8.34.39)

भोगाँश्च विविधानन्ये तथैवाभरणानि च । अन्ये स्त्रीः संप्रसूयन्ते मनुष्याँश्च तथापरे

bhogāṁśca vividhānanye tathaivābharaṇāni ca | anye strīḥ saṁprasūyante manuṣyāṁśca tathāpare

Other trees also produced varied enjoyments and ornaments; some brought forth women, and others likewise brought forth men.

Verse 40 (skanda.8.34.40)

सर्वा मणिमयी भूमिर्दिव्ये तस्मिञ्छिलोच्चये । सुगन्धिः पवनो वाति नात्यर्थं चोष्णशीतलः

sarvā maṇimayī bhūmirdivye tasmiñchiloccaye | sugandhiḥ pavano vāti nātyarthaṁ coṣṇaśītalaḥ

The entire ground of that divine mountain was made of jewels; a fragrant breeze blew there, neither too hot nor too cold.

Verse 41 (skanda.8.34.41)

यावदेव महादेवी तं गिरिं नाभिगच्छति । प्रीत्यर्थं तावदेवासौ देव्या रुद्रेण निर्मितः

yāvadeva mahādevī taṁ giriṁ nābhigacchati | prītyarthaṁ tāvadevāsau devyā rudreṇa nirmitaḥ

It had been fashioned by Rudra solely for the delight of the great Goddess, for the time she would come to that mountain.

Verse 42 (skanda.8.34.42)

तस्यैव च प्रसादेन नासौ गम्यः शिलोच्चयः । सर्वदेवनिकायानां भूतानाञ्चैव सर्वशः

tasyaiva ca prasādena nāsau gamyaḥ śiloccayaḥ | sarvadevanikāyānāṁ bhūtānāñcaiva sarvaśaḥ

By her grace alone was that mountain-peak inaccessible to all the hosts of gods and to all beings whatsoever.

Verse 43 (skanda.8.34.43)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । तस्मिन् गिरिवरे देवी तपस्तेपे सुदुश्चरम् । वार्क्षे दधाना वसने रुचिरे धर्मसाधने

sanatkumāra uvāca | tasmin girivare devī tapastepe suduścaram | vārkṣe dadhānā vasane rucire dharmasādhane

Sanatkumara said: On that excellent mountain, the Goddess, clad in the beautiful bark-garment that aids righteousness, performed austerity most difficult to accomplish.

Verse 44 (skanda.8.34.44)

कदाचित्सा फलाहारा कदाचित्पर्णभोजना । कदाचिदम्बुभक्षाभूत्कदाचिदनिलाशना

kadācitsā phalāhārā kadācitparṇabhojanā | kadācidambubhakṣābhūtkadācidanilāśanā

At times she subsisted on fruit, at times on leaves, at times she took only water, and at times only air as her food.

Verse 45 (skanda.8.34.45)

कदाचिदेकपादेन सूर्यस्याभिमुखी स्थिता । निगृहीतेन्द्रियग्रामा सा बभूव वरानना

kadācidekapādena sūryasyābhimukhī sthitā | nigṛhītendriyagrāmā sā babhūva varānanā

At times she stood on one foot, facing the sun; that fair-faced one held the whole company of her senses in complete restraint.

Verse 46 (skanda.8.34.46)

महादेवनमस्कारा महादेवपरायणा । महादेवप्रिया देवी पुत्रार्थञ्च वरार्थिनी

mahādevanamaskārā mahādevaparāyaṇā | mahādevapriyā devī putrārthañca varārthinī

She was ever bowed to Mahadeva, wholly devoted to Mahadeva, the beloved Goddess of Mahadeva, longing for a boon for the sake of a son.

Verse 47 (skanda.8.34.47)

अजैकपादं रुद्रञ्च डिण्डिमुण्डेश्वरं तथा । कापालिनं भारभूतिं माषाढिञ्चैव सानुगम्

ajaikapādaṁ rudrañca ḍiṇḍimuṇḍeśvaraṁ tathā | kāpālinaṁ bhārabhūtiṁ māṣāḍhiñcaiva sānugam

Ajaikapada, Rudra, Dindimundeshvara, Kapalin, Bharabhuti, and Mashadhi together with his followers.

Verse 48 (skanda.8.34.48)

निकुम्भं गतमन्युं च भूतमोहनमेव च । कालदण्डधरं चैव मृत्युदण्डधरं तथा

nikumbhaṁ gatamanyuṁ ca bhūtamohanameva ca | kāladaṇḍadharaṁ caiva mṛtyudaṇḍadharaṁ tathā

Nikumbha, Gatamanyu, and Bhutamohana, and likewise Kaladandadhara and Mrityudandadhara.

Verse 49 (skanda.8.34.49)

ब्रह्मदण्डधरं चैव घोरचक्रधरं तथा । अन्तरिक्षचरान् घोरान् दिशासु विदिशासु च

brahmadaṇḍadharaṁ caiva ghoracakradharaṁ tathā | antarikṣacarān ghorān diśāsu vidiśāsu ca

Brahmadandadhara and Ghorachakradhara, and the fearsome ranging hosts through all the quarters and intermediate quarters.

Verse 50 (skanda.8.34.50)

एतान् गुह्यान् गणाध्यक्षानदृश्यान् सर्वतोमुखान् । प्रागेव तस्या रक्षार्थं महादेवो नियुक्तवान्

etān guhyān gaṇādhyakṣānadṛśyān sarvatomukhān | prāgeva tasyā rakṣārthaṁ mahādevo niyuktavān

These secret, invisible lords of the hosts, facing every direction, Mahadeva had already appointed beforehand for her protection.

Verse 51 (skanda.8.34.51)

उपरिष्टादधस्ताच्च तं गिरिं ते गणेश्वराः । अदृश्याः सर्वतश्चैव न ररक्षुरमितौजसः

upariṣṭādadhastācca taṁ giriṁ te gaṇeśvarāḥ | adṛśyāḥ sarvataścaiva na rarakṣuramitaujasaḥ

Above and below, those most splendid, invisible lords of the hosts guarded that mountain, surrounding it on every side.

Verse 52 (skanda.8.34.52)

न तस्य गिरिशृंगस्य रक्ष्यमाणस्य तैस्तथा । देवदानवगन्धर्वाः शेकुर्गन्तुमुपान्तिकम्

na tasya giriśṛṁgasya rakṣyamāṇasya taistathā | devadānavagandharvāḥ śekurgantumupāntikam

With that mountain-peak thus guarded by them, not even gods, danavas, or gandharvas were able to approach it.

Verse 53 (skanda.8.34.53)

प्रागेव स्थापितवती यानि चारुशिलातले । भूषणानि नदी तेभ्यो जज्ञे पुण्यजलाश्रया

prāgeva sthāpitavatī yāni cāruśilātale | bhūṣaṇāni nadī tebhyo jajñe puṇyajalāśrayā

From the ornaments she had earlier laid upon the beautiful rock-terrace was born a river bearing sacred waters.

Verse 54 (skanda.8.34.54)

तामलंकारधारेति विश्रुतां पापनाशिनीम् । पश्यन्त्यद्यापि च जनाः सर्वकालजलां शुभाम्

tāmalaṁkāradhāreti viśrutāṁ pāpanāśinīm | paśyantyadyāpi ca janāḥ sarvakālajalāṁ śubhām

People to this day behold that river, famed by the name Alankaradhara, destroyer of sins, auspicious, ever flowing with water.

Verse 55 (skanda.8.34.55)

यस्मिन्नेव दिने देवी सा तथा तिष्ठदद्रिजा । तस्मिन्नेव दिने व्यास शार्दूलोपि जगाम ताम्

yasminneva dine devī sā tathā tiṣṭhadadrijā | tasminneva dine vyāsa śārdūlopi jagāma tām

On that very day when the mountain-king's daughter, the Goddess, was thus established in austerity, O Vyasa, a tiger too came upon her.

Verse 56 (skanda.8.34.56)

महकायमुखो भीमः पिङ्गलामललोचनः । नखदंष्ट्रायुधो भीमस्त्रासनः सर्वदेहिनाम्

mahakāyamukho bhīmaḥ piṅgalāmalalocanaḥ | nakhadaṁṣṭrāyudho bhīmastrāsanaḥ sarvadehinām

It was vast of body and mouth, terrible, its eyes tawny and clear, its claws and fangs its weapons, dreadful and the terror of all embodied beings.

Verse 57 (skanda.8.34.57)

गुहामुखाद् विनिःसृत्य व्यजृम्भत महाबलः ।

guhāmukhād viniḥsṛtya vyajṛmbhata mahābalaḥ |

That mighty one, issuing from the mouth of a cave, began to yawn wide... [the remainder of this verse is lost in the source]

Verse 58 (skanda.8.34.58)

ततः स देवीमालोक्य भक्षार्थमुपचक्रमे । तपसा स्तम्भितस्तस्या ह्येतदेवान्वचिन्तयत्

tataḥ sa devīmālokya bhakṣārthamupacakrame | tapasā stambhitastasyā hyetadevānvacintayat

Then, seeing the Goddess, he made ready to devour her, but, held motionless by her austerity, he thought thus.

Verse 59 (skanda.8.34.59)

नार्येषा दृष्टपूर्वा मे शर्वपार्श्वे सुशोभना । यादृशं तपसश्चास्या वीर्यं मन्ये न मानुषी

nāryeṣā dṛṣṭapūrvā me śarvapārśve suśobhanā | yādṛśaṁ tapasaścāsyā vīryaṁ manye na mānuṣī

I have never before seen such a beautiful woman beside Shiva; judging by the power of her austerity, I do not think her a mortal woman.

Verse 60 (skanda.8.34.60)

अथवा नित्यमेवासौ महेश्वरमनुव्रता । मन्दरे सह देवेन रमते हिमवत्सुता

athavā nityamevāsau maheśvaramanuvratā | mandare saha devena ramate himavatsutā

Or perhaps this is that very daughter of the Himalaya, ever devoted to Maheshvara, who dwells in delight with the God on Mount Mandara.

Verse 61 (skanda.8.34.61)

तपसा किं तदा चास्या यस्या भर्त्ता पिनाकधृक् । तद्रूपिणीयं काप्यन्या तपोनियममास्थिता

tapasā kiṁ tadā cāsyā yasyā bharttā pinākadhṛk | tadrūpiṇīyaṁ kāpyanyā taponiyamamāsthitā

What need has she, whose husband is the wielder of the Pinaka, of austerity? This must then be some other woman, resembling her in form, established in the discipline of penance.

Verse 62 (skanda.8.34.62)

महता तेजसा युक्ता नेयं शक्या मया शुभा । हन्तुं भक्षार्थमद्येह ययाहं स्तम्भितः स्थितः

mahatā tejasā yuktā neyaṁ śakyā mayā śubhā | hantuṁ bhakṣārthamadyeha yayāhaṁ stambhitaḥ sthitaḥ

Endowed with such great splendour, this auspicious woman cannot be slain and devoured by me; that is why I now stand here transfixed.

Verse 63 (skanda.8.34.63)

तस्मादेनामुपासिष्ये यावत् कालस्य पर्ययः । स्वयमेतां मृतां पश्चाद् यथेष्टमबलामहम्

tasmādenāmupāsiṣye yāvat kālasya paryayaḥ | svayametāṁ mṛtāṁ paścād yatheṣṭamabalāmaham

Therefore, until time itself brings a change, I shall attend upon her; and afterward, when she herself has died, this helpless woman, as I please.

Verse 64 (skanda.8.34.64)

भक्षयिष्ये बुभुक्षार्त्तो मुनिः फलमिवाश्रमे । विचिन्त्यैवं स शार्दूलो देव्यादूरे समास्थितः

bhakṣayiṣye bubhukṣārtto muniḥ phalamivāśrame | vicintyaivaṁ sa śārdūlo devyādūre samāsthitaḥ

I shall, driven by hunger, devour her, as a sage in his hermitage eats a fallen fruit -- thinking thus, that tiger settled down at a distance from the Goddess.

Verse 65 (skanda.8.34.65)

स्तब्धदृक् कर्णलाङ्गूल उपविष्टो निरीक्ष्य ताम् । सापि देव्यूर्ध्वदृष्टिन्तं दृष्ट्वा स्थितमसङ्गिनी । अनुग्रहकरीं बुद्धिं चक्रे तस्मिन् सदैव हि

stabdhadṛk karṇalāṅgūla upaviṣṭo nirīkṣya tām | sāpi devyūrdhvadṛṣṭintaṁ dṛṣṭvā sthitamasaṅginī | anugrahakarīṁ buddhiṁ cakre tasmin sadaiva hi

With fixed gaze, ears, and tail, he sat and watched her. The Goddess too, beholding him fixed there with her upward gaze, though herself unattached, ever held toward him a mind inclined to grace.

Verse 66 (skanda.8.34.66)

व्यास उवाच । तपश्चरणसक्तायां देव्यां देवस्त्रिलोचनः । किमकार्षीत् सुरेशान एतदिच्छामि वेदितुम्

vyāsa uvāca | tapaścaraṇasaktāyāṁ devyāṁ devastrilocanaḥ | kimakārṣīt sureśāna etadicchāmi veditum

Vyasa said: Toward that Goddess, absorbed in the practice of austerity, what did the three-eyed God do, O lord of the gods? This I wish to know.

Verse 67 (skanda.8.34.67)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । प्रति भावितायाम् । पुत्रार्थमासक्तमनोरथायां देवोकरोद्यत्तदिदं शृणुष्व

sanatkumāra uvāca | prati bhāvitāyām | putrārthamāsaktamanorathāyāṁ devokarodyattadidaṁ śṛṇuṣva

Sanatkumara said: [the opening of this verse is lost in the source] ...disposed toward [Shiva], her heart set upon the desire for a son -- listen now to what the God then did; this I shall tell you.

Verse 68 (skanda.8.34.68)

देव्यां तपसि सक्तायां भगवान् गोवृषध्वजः । जागामानुग्रहं कर्तुमुपमन्योर्महात्मनः

devyāṁ tapasi saktāyāṁ bhagavān govṛṣadhvajaḥ | jāgāmānugrahaṁ kartumupamanyormahātmanaḥ

While the Goddess was absorbed in austerity, the Lord bearing the bull-banner went there in order to bestow his grace upon the great-souled Upamanyu.

Verse 69 (skanda.8.34.69)

स ऋषिर्मातुलगृहे कदाचित् क्षीरमुत्तमम्

sa ṛṣirmātulagṛhe kadācit kṣīramuttamam

That sage, once in his maternal uncle's house, tasted excellent milk.

Verse 70 (skanda.8.34.70)

होमशेषमति स्वादु पीतवानग्निहोत्रिणः । तत् स्मृत्वा मातरं प्राह देहि मातः पयो मम

homaśeṣamati svādu pītavānagnihotriṇaḥ | tat smṛtvā mātaraṁ prāha dehi mātaḥ payo mama

He drank the sweet remainder of the fire-priest's oblation. Remembering its taste, he said to his mother: 'Mother, give me milk too.'

Verse 71 (skanda.8.34.71)

तस्मै पिष्टं ददौ माता तोयेनालोड्य दुःखिता । क्षीरमित्युपनीतं तद् दृष्टवा पिष्टं तदा मुनिः

tasmai piṣṭaṁ dadau mātā toyenāloḍya duḥkhitā | kṣīramityupanītaṁ tad dṛṣṭavā piṣṭaṁ tadā muniḥ

His grieving mother mixed flour with water and gave it to him. Seeing it brought to him as though it were milk, that sage then recognized the flour.

Verse 72 (skanda.8.34.72)

नैतत् क्षीरमिति प्राह मातरं सा ततोब्रवीत् । वत्स क्षीरं कुतोस्माकं कुतश्चान्नं तपस्विनाम्

naitat kṣīramiti prāha mātaraṁ sā tatobravīt | vatsa kṣīraṁ kutosmākaṁ kutaścānnaṁ tapasvinām

He said: 'This is not milk.' Then his mother said to him: 'Child, where should we ascetics get milk, or even food, from?'

Verse 73 (skanda.8.34.73)

आराधय महादेवं स ते सर्वं प्रदास्यति । इत्युक्तः स तदा मात्रा दुःखशोकपरिप्लुतः

ārādhaya mahādevaṁ sa te sarvaṁ pradāsyati | ityuktaḥ sa tadā mātrā duḥkhaśokapariplutaḥ

'Worship Mahadeva -- he alone will grant you everything.' Thus told by his mother, he was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow.

Verse 74 (skanda.8.34.74)

जगाम शरणं देवं सर्वभावेन शङ्करम् । आदित्याभिमुखो भूत्वा पादेनैकेन संयतः

jagāma śaraṇaṁ devaṁ sarvabhāvena śaṅkaram | ādityābhimukho bhūtvā pādenaikena saṁyataḥ

With his whole being he took refuge in the God Shankara. Facing the sun, disciplined, he stood on a single foot.

Verse 75 (skanda.8.34.75)

मनसाचिन्तयन्नित्यं प्रणतार्तिहरं हरम् । सहस्रमेकं वर्षाणां तस्थौ दिव्यं फलाशनः

manasācintayannityaṁ praṇatārtiharaṁ haram | sahasramekaṁ varṣāṇāṁ tasthau divyaṁ phalāśanaḥ

Ever meditating in his mind on Hara, who removes the suffering of those who bow to him, he stood for a thousand years, eating only divine fruit.

Verse 76 (skanda.8.34.76)

द्वितीयं शीर्णपर्णाशी तृतीयं चाम्बुभोजनः । महादेवपरो भूत्वा चतुर्थं यो जितेन्द्रियः । तस्थौ सहस्रं वर्षाणामनिलाशन एव च

dvitīyaṁ śīrṇaparṇāśī tṛtīyaṁ cāmbubhojanaḥ | mahādevaparo bhūtvā caturthaṁ yo jitendriyaḥ | tasthau sahasraṁ varṣāṇāmanilāśana eva ca

For a second thousand years he lived on withered leaves, for a third on water alone, ever devoted to Mahadeva; and for a fourth, mastering his senses.

Verse 77 (skanda.8.34.77)

यदा चतुर्थं संपूर्णं सहस्रं शरदां मुनेः । तुष्टस्तदा ददौ शर्वः शक्ररूपेण दर्शनम्

yadā caturthaṁ saṁpūrṇaṁ sahasraṁ śaradāṁ muneḥ | tuṣṭastadā dadau śarvaḥ śakrarūpeṇa darśanam

he stood for a thousand years living on air alone. When that sage's fourth thousand years were complete, Sharva, pleased, appeared to him in the form of Indra.

Verse 78 (skanda.8.34.78)

शक्र उवाच । उपमन्यो महाभाग तपस्ते बहु संचितम् । तुष्टोस्मि ते वरं ब्रूहि यद्यदिच्छसि पुत्रक

śakra uvāca | upamanyo mahābhāga tapaste bahu saṁcitam | tuṣṭosmi te varaṁ brūhi yadyadicchasi putraka

Indra said: O most fortunate Upamanyu, you have amassed great austerity. I am pleased with you; O child, ask for whatever boon you desire.

Verse 79 (skanda.8.34.79)

उपमन्युरुवाच । स्वागतं देवराजस्य त्रैलोक्याधिपतेरिह । अद्य निष्कल्मषं मन्ये तपश्चीर्णं मया महत्

upamanyuruvāca | svāgataṁ devarājasya trailokyādhipateriha | adya niṣkalmaṣaṁ manye tapaścīrṇaṁ mayā mahat

Upamanyu said: Welcome here to the king of the gods, lord of the three worlds. Today I deem the great austerity I have performed to be flawless.

Verse 80 (skanda.8.34.80)

योहं त्रैलोक्यदेवेशमिन्द्रं पश्यामि दिक्पतिम् । इदं पाद्यमिदं चार्ध्यमिदमासनविष्टरम्

yohaṁ trailokyadeveśamindraṁ paśyāmi dikpatim | idaṁ pādyamidaṁ cārdhyamidamāsanaviṣṭaram

I, who now behold Indra, God of the three worlds, lord of the quarters -- here is water for the feet, here the offering, here a seat.

Verse 81 (skanda.8.34.81)

अयं च मधुपर्कस्ते गृह्यतां सदसस्पते । किं करोमि तदाख्याहि प्रार्थयस्व महाबल । कृतमेव हि तद्विद्धि यदि स्यात् सुकरं मया

ayaṁ ca madhuparkaste gṛhyatāṁ sadasaspate | kiṁ karomi tadākhyāhi prārthayasva mahābala | kṛtameva hi tadviddhi yadi syāt sukaraṁ mayā

And here is honey-water for you, O lord of the assembly; accept it. Tell me what I should do, O mighty one, command me; whatever is within my power, deem it already done.

Verse 82 (skanda.8.34.82)

शक्र उवाच । भक्तो मे पिता विप्र सखाभूत् परमः पुरा । तेन स्नेहेन दृष्ट्वाहं भवन्तं तपसि स्थितम् । क्लिश्यमानमिहायातो ब्रूहि किन्ते ददान्यहम्

śakra uvāca | bhakto me pitā vipra sakhābhūt paramaḥ purā | tena snehena dṛṣṭvāhaṁ bhavantaṁ tapasi sthitam | kliśyamānamihāyāto brūhi kinte dadānyaham

Indra said: O Brahmin, your father was formerly my devoted friend, most dear to me. Out of that same affection, seeing you established in austerity and suffering hardship, I have come here; tell me, what shall I give you?

Verse 83 (skanda.8.34.83)

उपमन्युरुवाच । देवराज्यमपि त्वत्तो नाहं कांक्षे सुरोत्तम । महादेवमहं भक्तस्तस्मादिच्छाम्यहं वरम्

upamanyuruvāca | devarājyamapi tvatto nāhaṁ kāṁkṣe surottama | mahādevamahaṁ bhaktastasmādicchāmyahaṁ varam

Upamanyu said: O best of gods, I desire not even the kingship of the gods from you. I am a devotee of Mahadeva, and it is from him alone that I seek a boon.

Verse 84 (skanda.8.34.84)

शक्र उवाच । महादेवं न पश्यन्ति सुरापि सदसस्पतिम् । न तं द्रक्ष्यसि विप्रेन्द्र ब्रूहि यत्ते मनोगतम्

śakra uvāca | mahādevaṁ na paśyanti surāpi sadasaspatim | na taṁ drakṣyasi viprendra brūhi yatte manogatam

Indra said: O foremost of Brahmins, even the gods cannot behold Mahadeva, lord of the assembly; you too shall not see him. Tell me what is in your heart.

Verse 85 (skanda.8.34.85)

अहं पितुस्ते स्नेहेन इहायातो महाव्रत । धर्मतो हि सुतो मे त्वं ब्रूहि तस्माद् ददाम्यहम्

ahaṁ pituste snehena ihāyāto mahāvrata | dharmato hi suto me tvaṁ brūhi tasmād dadāmyaham

Out of affection for your father alone, O one of great vows, have I come here. By righteousness you are as my own son; therefore tell me, and I shall give it.

Verse 86 (skanda.8.34.86)

उपमन्युरुवाच । कृतं स्वजनकृत्यं ते पूजितोस्मि त्वया प्रभो । गच्छ नाहमृते रुद्राद् वरं याचेन्यसंभवम्

upamanyuruvāca | kṛtaṁ svajanakṛtyaṁ te pūjitosmi tvayā prabho | gaccha nāhamṛte rudrād varaṁ yācenyasaṁbhavam

Upamanyu said: You have fulfilled your duty as a kinsman, O Lord; I have been honoured by you. Go now; without Rudra I shall ask for no boon that were otherwise impossible.

Verse 87 (skanda.8.34.87)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवमुक्तः स तेजस्वी शक्ररूपी महेश्वरः । उवाच तप्स्यसे पश्चात् किं ते रुद्रः करिष्यति

sanatkumāra uvāca | evamuktaḥ sa tejasvī śakrarūpī maheśvaraḥ | uvāca tapsyase paścāt kiṁ te rudraḥ kariṣyati

Sanatkumara said: Thus addressed, that splendid Maheshvara, in the guise of Indra, said: 'You will go on performing austerity hereafter -- what then will Rudra do for you?'

Verse 88 (skanda.8.34.88)

गच्छामि स्वस्ति ते चास्तु निर्विघ्नस्ते भवत्वयम् । रुद्रं प्रति समारम्भः स्मरेथास्त्वं हि मां विभो

gacchāmi svasti te cāstu nirvighnaste bhavatvayam | rudraṁ prati samārambhaḥ smarethāstvaṁ hi māṁ vibho

I go now; may all be well with you, may this endeavour be free of obstacles for you. When, O mighty one, you undertake this quest concerning Rudra, do remember me.

Verse 89 (skanda.8.34.89)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । गते तस्मिन् तदा हीन्द्रे रुद्रः स्वं रूपमास्थितः । तस्यादर्शयदव्यग्र इदं चोवाच सुस्वरम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | gate tasmin tadā hīndre rudraḥ svaṁ rūpamāsthitaḥ | tasyādarśayadavyagra idaṁ covāca susvaram

Sanatkumara said: When Indra had departed, Rudra, established in his own true form, calmly showed himself to him and spoke in a sweet voice.

Verse 90 (skanda.8.34.90)

रुद्र उवाच । उपमन्यो महाभाग पश्य मां विगतज्वरः । ब्रूहि निश्चित्य मनसा वरं यावद्ददामि ते

rudra uvāca | upamanyo mahābhāga paśya māṁ vigatajvaraḥ | brūhi niścitya manasā varaṁ yāvaddadāmi te

Rudra said: O most fortunate Upamanyu, behold me, freed of all affliction. Resolve in your mind and tell me the boon you desire from me, and I shall grant it.

Verse 91 (skanda.8.34.91)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततः स दृष्ट्वा देवेशं शिरसाभिप्रणम्य च । उवाच प्रणतो वाक्यं मनसा संप्रधारयन्

sanatkumāra uvāca | tataḥ sa dṛṣṭvā deveśaṁ śirasābhipraṇamya ca | uvāca praṇato vākyaṁ manasā saṁpradhārayan

Sanatkumara said: Then, beholding that Lord of gods, bowing his head to him, and, humble, pondering well in his mind, he spoke this word.

Verse 92 (skanda.8.34.92)

भगवन् यदि तुष्टोसि सदा सुरगणार्चित । यद् ब्रवीमि तदीशान मह्यं यच्छ नमोस्तु ते

bhagavan yadi tuṣṭosi sadā suragaṇārcita | yad bravīmi tadīśāna mahyaṁ yaccha namostu te

O Lord, if you, whom the hosts of gods ever worship, are pleased, then, O Ishana, grant me what I now say; salutations to you.

Verse 93 (skanda.8.34.93)

द्रव्यं किंचिदनाश्रित्य मानुषं दिव्यमेव वा । क्षीरोदनं समश्नीयामयाचितमुपस्थितम्

dravyaṁ kiṁcidanāśritya mānuṣaṁ divyameva vā | kṣīrodanaṁ samaśnīyāmayācitamupasthitam

Without depending on anything at all, human or divine, may I partake of milk-rice, present before me unasked.

Verse 94 (skanda.8.34.94)

देवदेव उवाच । अनाश्रित्येह नैवास्ति कस्यचिद् द्विजसत्तम । तृणमप्याश्रयं कृत्वा तस्माद्वद महामुने

devadeva uvāca | anāśrityeha naivāsti kasyacid dvijasattama | tṛṇamapyāśrayaṁ kṛtvā tasmādvada mahāmune

The God of gods said: O best of the twice-born, in this world nothing exists without some support -- not even upon a blade of grass can one rest without depending on it; therefore, O great sage, speak accordingly.

Verse 95 (skanda.8.34.95)

उपमन्युरुवाच । नैवाहमाश्रये किञ्चित् प्रसादाद् भगवँस्तव । तदर्थश्चायमारम्भस्तत् प्रयच्छ यथार्थितम्

upamanyuruvāca | naivāhamāśraye kiñcit prasādād bhagavaṁstava | tadarthaścāyamārambhastat prayaccha yathārthitam

Upamanyu said: O Lord, I depend on nothing at all, save your grace alone. This very endeavour is for that purpose; grant me, then, what has been requested.

Verse 96 (skanda.8.34.96)

देवदेव उवाच । मुने किञ्चिदनाश्रित्य नास्ति क्षीरोदनं तव । इत्युक्त्वा तं महादेवस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत

devadeva uvāca | mune kiñcidanāśritya nāsti kṣīrodanaṁ tava | ityuktvā taṁ mahādevastatraivāntaradhīyata

The God of gods said: O sage, without depending on something, there is no milk-rice for you. Having said this, Mahadeva vanished then and there.

Verse 97 (skanda.8.34.97)

अन्तर्धानं ततो गत्वा जिज्ञासार्थं पिनाकधृक् । ब्रह्मणो रूपमास्थाय भूय एनं ततोब्रवीत्

antardhānaṁ tato gatvā jijñāsārthaṁ pinākadhṛk | brahmaṇo rūpamāsthāya bhūya enaṁ tatobravīt

Having vanished, in order to test him, the wielder of the Pinaka assumed the form of Brahma and, appearing before him once more, spoke thus.

Verse 98 (skanda.8.34.98)

ब्रह्मोवाच । उपमन्यो महाप्राज्ञ सुचीर्णं ते तपः शुभम् । तुष्टोस्मि ते वरं ब्रूहि प्रयच्छामि यथेप्सितम्

brahmovāca | upamanyo mahāprājña sucīrṇaṁ te tapaḥ śubham | tuṣṭosmi te varaṁ brūhi prayacchāmi yathepsitam

Brahma said: O most wise Upamanyu, you have practiced most excellent austerity truly well. I am pleased with you; ask for a boon, and I shall grant it as you desire.

Verse 99 (skanda.8.34.99)

उपमन्युरुवाच । भगवन् सर्वलोकेश नमस्ते सर्वसृक् प्रभो । सुचीर्णं मे तपो देव यत्त्वां पश्यामि लोकप

upamanyuruvāca | bhagavan sarvalokeśa namaste sarvasṛk prabho | sucīrṇaṁ me tapo deva yattvāṁ paśyāmi lokapa

Upamanyu said: O Lord, O ruler of all worlds, O creator of all, O master, salutations to you. O guardian of the world, my austerity is fulfilled, for I now behold you.

Verse 100 (skanda.8.34.100)

महेश्वरमहं भक्तस्तदाशीस्तत्परायणः । तस्माद्वरं वृणे देव त्वत्तो नाहमसंशयम्

maheśvaramahaṁ bhaktastadāśīstatparāyaṇaḥ | tasmādvaraṁ vṛṇe deva tvatto nāhamasaṁśayam

I am a devotee of Maheshvara, intent solely on receiving his blessing. Therefore, O God, without any doubt, I ask no boon from you.

Verse 101 (skanda.8.34.101)

ब्रह्मोवाच । रुद्रस्ते नाददद्विप्र क्षोरौदनमदुर्लभम् । स तेन्यत् कुत एवेह दास्यते वरमुत्तमम्

brahmovāca | rudraste nādadadvipra kṣoraudanamadurlabham | sa tenyat kuta eveha dāsyate varamuttamam

Brahma said: O Brahmin, Rudra did not give you even the rare milk-rice; what else, then, will he give you, that you should hope for an excellent boon from him?

Verse 102 (skanda.8.34.102)

प्राजापत्यं सुरत्वं वाप्यमरत्वमथापि वा । इन्द्रत्वमथ सोमत्वं विष्णुत्वं वा ददानि ते

prājāpatyaṁ suratvaṁ vāpyamaratvamathāpi vā | indratvamatha somatvaṁ viṣṇutvaṁ vā dadāni te

I can give you the status of a Prajapati, or godhood, or even immortality; or the status of Indra, or of Soma, or even of Vishnu.

Verse 103 (skanda.8.34.103)

लोकपालो भवानस्तु सर्वलोकाभिपूजितः । ब्रूहि किन्ते ददान्यद्य विसृजस्व महेश्वरम् । नासौ दाता तवेशानस्तृणमप्येकमल्पकम्

lokapālo bhavānastu sarvalokābhipūjitaḥ | brūhi kinte dadānyadya visṛjasva maheśvaram | nāsau dātā taveśānastṛṇamapyekamalpakam

Become a world-guardian, worshipped by all the worlds. Tell me, what shall I give you today -- give up Maheshvara. That lord will not give you so much as a single blade of grass.

Verse 104 (skanda.8.34.104)

उपमन्युरुवाच । न गृहीतं प्रभो तेन मम किञ्चिन्महात्मना । ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां न स्वामी तस्य कश्चन

upamanyuruvāca | na gṛhītaṁ prabho tena mama kiñcinmahātmanā | īśvaraḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ na svāmī tasya kaścana

Upamanyu said: O Lord, that great-souled one has taken nothing at all from me. He is the master of all beings; no one is his master.

Verse 105 (skanda.8.34.105)

इच्छया कुरुते देवः सर्वकार्याणि कार्यिणाम् । ददाति यदि लाभो मे न ददाति तथापि च

icchayā kurute devaḥ sarvakāryāṇi kāryiṇām | dadāti yadi lābho me na dadāti tathāpi ca

That God performs, by his own will alone, all the deeds of all beings that act. If he gives, it is my gain; and even if he does not give, still it is well.

Verse 106 (skanda.8.34.106)

बहुना किं प्रलप्तेन तेन दत्तमहं वृणे । नरकं वा पशुत्वं वा किं पुनर्यदतोन्यथा

bahunā kiṁ pralaptena tena dattamahaṁ vṛṇe | narakaṁ vā paśutvaṁ vā kiṁ punaryadatonyathā

What use is much idle talk? Whatever he has given, that alone I accept -- be it hell, or the state of a beast; what else, indeed, could it be otherwise?

Verse 107 (skanda.8.34.107)

त्वत्तो नेच्छामि विष्णुत्वं न शक्रत्वं पितामह । गच्छ सर्वसुरेशान मा वृथा क्लेशमाचर

tvatto necchāmi viṣṇutvaṁ na śakratvaṁ pitāmaha | gaccha sarvasureśāna mā vṛthā kleśamācara

O Grandsire, I desire from you neither the status of Vishnu nor of Indra. Go now, O lord of all the gods; do not trouble yourself in vain.

Verse 108 (skanda.8.34.108)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । स एवमुक्तो देवेशस्तेन ब्रह्मर्षिणा तदा । तस्य तत्र पुनर्वाक्यं वरार्थमवदत् प्रभुः

sanatkumāra uvāca | sa evamukto deveśastena brahmarṣiṇā tadā | tasya tatra punarvākyaṁ varārthamavadat prabhuḥ

Sanatkumara said: Thus addressed by that Brahmin sage, that Lord, the God (in the guise of Brahma), spoke to him there once more concerning the boon.

Verse 109 (skanda.8.34.109)

उपमन्युरपीशाने मन आधाय निश्चलम् । तूष्णीं बभूव देवोपि तत्रैवान्तरधीयत

upamanyurapīśāne mana ādhāya niścalam | tūṣṇīṁ babhūva devopi tatraivāntaradhīyata

Upamanyu too, fixing his mind unwaveringly upon the Lord alone, remained silent. Then that God too vanished then and there.

Verse 110 (skanda.8.34.110)

तस्य तां भावनां ज्ञात्वा पिनाकीशस्त्रिलोचनः । स्वमेव रूपमास्थाय दर्शयामास तत्क्षणात्

tasya tāṁ bhāvanāṁ jñātvā pinākīśastrilocanaḥ | svameva rūpamāsthāya darśayāmāsa tatkṣaṇāt

Knowing his true feeling, the three-eyed Lord, wielder of the Pinaka, assumed his own real form and showed himself to him at that very instant.

Verse 111 (skanda.8.34.111)

त्र्यक्षो जटी विशालाक्षः कुण्डली दीप्तलोचनः । ज्वालामालाधरः श्रीमान् भुजगाबद्धमेखलः

tryakṣo jaṭī viśālākṣaḥ kuṇḍalī dīptalocanaḥ | jvālāmālādharaḥ śrīmān bhujagābaddhamekhalaḥ

Three-eyed, matted-locked, wide-eyed, wearing earrings, his eyes ablaze, garlanded with flames, glorious, his girdle bound with serpents.

Verse 112 (skanda.8.34.112)

सर्पयज्ञोपवीती च व्याघ्रचर्माम्बरच्छदः । कृष्णाजिनोत्तरीयश्च कमण्डलुधरस्तथा

sarpayajñopavītī ca vyāghracarmāmbaracchadaḥ | kṛṣṇājinottarīyaśca kamaṇḍaludharastathā

Wearing a serpent for his sacred thread, clad in a tiger-skin garment, a black antelope-hide as his upper cloth, bearing a water-pot.

Verse 113 (skanda.8.34.113)

दण्डी शूली महाहासो गणपैर्बहुभिर्वृतः । उवाच पुत्र पुत्रेति तुष्टोस्मि तपसा तव

daṇḍī śūlī mahāhāso gaṇapairbahubhirvṛtaḥ | uvāca putra putreti tuṣṭosmi tapasā tava

Bearing staff and trident, laughing his mighty laugh, surrounded by many of his hosts. He said: 'My son, my son, I am pleased with your austerity.'

Verse 114 (skanda.8.34.114)

अमरो जरया त्यक्तः सर्वदुःखविवर्जितः । कामरूपधरः श्रीमान् मत्प्रसादाद् भविष्यसि

amaro jarayā tyaktaḥ sarvaduḥkhavivarjitaḥ | kāmarūpadharaḥ śrīmān matprasādād bhaviṣyasi

By my grace you shall become immortal, free from old age, delivered from all sorrows, able to assume any form at will, and glorious.

Verse 115 (skanda.8.34.115)

द्वीपञ्चेमं गृहाण त्वं मया सृष्टं हि कामगम् । क्षीरौदनसमुद्रेण सर्वतः परिवारितम्

dvīpañcemaṁ gṛhāṇa tvaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ hi kāmagam | kṣīraudanasamudreṇa sarvataḥ parivāritam

Accept this island, fashioned by me, which moves at will, surrounded on every side by an ocean of milk-rice.

Verse 116 (skanda.8.34.116)

महायोगबलो भूत्वा सर्वज्ञः प्रियदर्शनः । भुंक्ष्व क्षीरौदनं वत्स बन्धुभिस्सहितः सदा

mahāyogabalo bhūtvā sarvajñaḥ priyadarśanaḥ | bhuṁkṣva kṣīraudanaṁ vatsa bandhubhissahitaḥ sadā

Endowed with great yogic power, all-knowing, pleasing to behold, O child, forever enjoy that milk-rice together with your kinsfolk.

Verse 117 (skanda.8.34.117)

सप्तपूर्वाणि सर्वाणि कुलानि तव तापस । इदं चैव कुलं सर्वमनुगृहणामि सुव्रत

saptapūrvāṇi sarvāṇi kulāni tava tāpasa | idaṁ caiva kulaṁ sarvamanugṛhaṇāmi suvrata

O ascetic, upon your seven preceding lineages, and upon this present lineage as well, O one of good vows, I bestow my grace.

Verse 118 (skanda.8.34.118)

सर्वे भवन्तु विप्रर्षे य इमे तव बान्धवाः । मत्प्रसादान्महासत्वा नित्यं क्षीरौदनाशनाः

sarve bhavantu viprarṣe ya ime tava bāndhavāḥ | matprasādānmahāsatvā nityaṁ kṣīraudanāśanāḥ

O sage among Brahmins, may all your kinsfolk, by my grace, become greatly mighty and ever partake of milk-rice.

Verse 119 (skanda.8.34.119)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । स तु तं वरमादाय प्रणम्य शिरसा भवम् । शिरस्यञ्जलिमाधाय अस्तौषीत् प्रयतात्मवान्

sanatkumāra uvāca | sa tu taṁ varamādāya praṇamya śirasā bhavam | śirasyañjalimādhāya astauṣīt prayatātmavān

Sanatkumara said: Having received that boon, he bowed his head to Bhava, and, placing his joined palms upon his head, with disciplined mind, praised him.

Verse 120 (skanda.8.34.120)

उपमन्युरुवाच । नमः सर्वामरेशाय विश्वेशाय नमो नमः । नमः सर्वार्तिहर्त्रे च नमश्शोकहराय च

upamanyuruvāca | namaḥ sarvāmareśāya viśveśāya namo namaḥ | namaḥ sarvārtihartre ca namaśśokaharāya ca

Upamanyu said: Salutations to the lord of all the gods, salutations again to the Lord of the universe; salutations to the remover of all suffering, and to the remover of grief.

Verse 121 (skanda.8.34.121)

नमः पवनवेगाय नमः पवनरूपिणे । नमः काञ्चनमालाय पद्ममालाय वै नमः

namaḥ pavanavegāya namaḥ pavanarūpiṇe | namaḥ kāñcanamālāya padmamālāya vai namaḥ

Salutations to the one whose speed is like the wind, salutations to the one whose form is the wind; salutations to the one garlanded with gold, salutations to the one garlanded with lotuses.

Verse 122 (skanda.8.34.122)

नमः सुररिपुघ्नाय चण्डवेगाय वै नमः । नमः पितृसुरेशाय मखघ्नाय च वै नमः

namaḥ suraripughnāya caṇḍavegāya vai namaḥ | namaḥ pitṛsureśāya makhaghnāya ca vai namaḥ

Salutations to the destroyer of the gods' enemies, salutations to the one of fierce speed; salutations to the lord of ancestors and gods, and to the destroyer of sacrifice.

Verse 123 (skanda.8.34.123)

स्त्रीरूपाय नमस्तुभ्यं सर्वरूपधराय च । नमः कन्दर्पनाशाय विश्वस्रष्ट्रे नमो नमः

strīrūpāya namastubhyaṁ sarvarūpadharāya ca | namaḥ kandarpanāśāya viśvasraṣṭre namo namaḥ

Salutations to the one who assumes the form of a woman, salutations to the one who assumes every form; salutations to the destroyer of Kama, salutations again to the creator of the universe.

Verse 124 (skanda.8.34.124)

नमो विश्वाय पाशाय नमोचिन्त्याय चैव हि । त्वन्नो गतिश्च श्रेयश्च त्वमेव हृदयं सदा

namo viśvāya pāśāya namocintyāya caiva hi | tvanno gatiśca śreyaśca tvameva hṛdayaṁ sadā

Salutations to the one whose form is the universe, who bears the noose, and salutations to the inconceivable one; you alone are our path and our welfare, you alone are ever our heart.

Verse 125 (skanda.8.34.125)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । ततस्तं मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय समाश्वास्य विसृज्य च । जगाम भगवान् व्यास सुकेशं प्रति स प्रभुः

sanatkumāra uvāca | tatastaṁ mūrdhnyupāghrāya samāśvāsya visṛjya ca | jagāma bhagavān vyāsa sukeśaṁ prati sa prabhuḥ

Sanatkumara said: Then, having smelled his head in blessing, comforted him, and taken leave of him, O Vyasa, that Lord and master went on toward Sukesha.

Verse 126 (skanda.8.34.126)

उपमन्युं ज्वलितानलप्रकाशं शतमन्युं तपसा जिगीषमाणम् । स चकार नतं हरोग्रमन्युं वरदानेन तदा व्यपेतमन्युम्

upamanyuṁ jvalitānalaprakāśaṁ śatamanyuṁ tapasā jigīṣamāṇam | sa cakāra nataṁ harogramanyuṁ varadānena tadā vyapetamanyum

Thus Hara, by granting him the boon, made gentle and free from wrath that Upamanyu -- blazing like kindled fire, fierce in his anger, who by his austerity sought even to surpass Shatamanyu (Indra).