The Three Brothers and Brahmadhanva's Curse

Verse 1 (skanda.8.57.1)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । चत्वारस्ते तु शास्तारः खगाः स्वच्छन्दतः पुनः । यायावरस्यः विप्रस्य सुता जाता महात्मनः

sanatkumāra uvāca| | catvāraste tu śāstāraḥ khagāḥ svacchandataḥ punaḥ | yāyāvarasyaḥ viprasya sutā jātā mahātmanaḥ

Sanatkumara said: Those four disciplined birds, then, of their own accord, were born again as sons of a wandering, great-souled brahmin.

Verse 2 (skanda.8.57.2)

तेषु जातेषु विप्रोसावक्लेशेन महातपाः । वृत्तिं समानयामास तेषां भाग्यपुरःसरः

teṣu jāteṣu viprosāvakleśena mahātapāḥ | vṛttiṁ samānayāmāsa teṣāṁ bhāgyapuraḥsaraḥ

When they were born, that brahmin of great austerity, without hardship, provided for their livelihood, their good fortune leading the way.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.57.3)

चीर्णवेदव्रतास्ते तु वेदान्साङ्गानधीत्य च । योगमेव न्यषेवन्त तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणाः

cīrṇavedavratāste tu vedānsāṅgānadhītya ca | yogameva nyaṣevanta tanniṣṭhāstatparāyaṇāḥ

Having fulfilled the Vedic vows, and having studied the Vedas with their auxiliary branches, they devoted themselves solely to yoga, steadfast and wholly given to it.

Verse 4 (skanda.8.57.4)

इतरेपि त्रयो व्यास कर्मणा स्वेन चोदिताः

itarepi trayo vyāsa karmaṇā svena coditāḥ

The other three, O Vyasa, impelled by their own karma...

Verse 5 (skanda.8.57.5)

प्रत्यपद्यन्त तज्जन्म यत् पुरा तै र्विचिन्तितम्

pratyapadyanta tajjanma yat purā tai rvicintitam

—attained that very birth which they had earlier desired.

Verse 6 (skanda.8.57.6)

प्रथमो ह्यणुहाज्जज्ञे ब्रह्मदत्त इति स्मृतः । एकोणुहस्य पुत्रोभूद् द्वितीयस्तत्पुरोधसः

prathamo hyaṇuhājjajñe brahmadatta iti smṛtaḥ | ekoṇuhasya putrobhūd dvitīyastatpurodhasaḥ

The first was born from Anuha, known by the name Brahmadatta; one became the son of Anuha, the second the son of his chief priest...

Verse 7 (skanda.8.57.7)

तृतीयः सचिवस्याथ त्रयस्ते जन्म तद् गताः । त्रयोग्नय इवासंस्ते लोकास्त्रय इवाथवा । अवर्द्धन्त महात्मान स्त्रयस्ते सागरा इव

tṛtīyaḥ sacivasyātha trayaste janma tad gatāḥ | trayognaya ivāsaṁste lokāstraya ivāthavā | avarddhanta mahātmāna strayaste sāgarā iva

—and the third became the son of his minister; those three attained that same birth. They were like the three sacred fires, or like the three worlds; those great souls grew, like three oceans.

Verse 8 (skanda.8.57.8)

तेषामवाप्तविद्यानां योग्यानां च स्वकर्मणि

teṣāmavāptavidyānāṁ yogyānāṁ ca svakarmaṇi

Once they had attained their learning, and had become fit for their own respective duties...

Verse 9 (skanda.8.57.9)

पितरः स्वानि कर्माणि प्रददुर्हृष्टमानसाः

pitaraḥ svāni karmāṇi pradadurhṛṣṭamānasāḥ

—their fathers, with joyful hearts, handed over their own offices to them.

Verse 10 (skanda.8.57.10)

अणुहः प्रददौ राज्यं ब्रह्मदत्ताय पुष्कलम् । कीर्तिमत्या च सहितस्ततो वनमगाच्य सः

aṇuhaḥ pradadau rājyaṁ brahmadattāya puṣkalam | kīrtimatyā ca sahitastato vanamagācya saḥ

Anuha gave the abundant kingdom over to Brahmadatta, and then, together with Kirtimati, went off to the forest.

Verse 11 (skanda.8.57.11)

पुरोधा धृतरातस्तु पुत्रं स्वे कर्मणि प्रभुः । स्थापयित्वा जगामाथ पंचालं शंसितव्रतः

purodhā dhṛtarātastu putraṁ sve karmaṇi prabhuḥ | sthāpayitvā jagāmātha paṁcālaṁ śaṁsitavrataḥ

The chief priest, Dhritarata, mighty, having established his son Panchala in his own office, then departed himself, his vows well kept.

Verse 12 (skanda.8.57.12)

सचिवोपि सुधन्वा तु ब्रह्मधन्वानमच्युतम्

sacivopi sudhanvā tu brahmadhanvānamacyutam

The minister Sudhanva, too, established his steadfast son Brahmadhanva...

Verse 13 (skanda.8.57.13)

पुत्रं स्वे कर्मणि स्थाप्य जगाम सह भार्यया

putraṁ sve karmaṇi sthāpya jagāma saha bhāryayā

—having established his son in his own office, went off together with his wife.

Verse 14 (skanda.8.57.14)

गतेषु तेषु स्वाँल्लोकान् ब्रह्मदत्तः प्रतापवान् । पञ्चालब्रह्मधन्वभ्यां सह राज्यं चकार ह

gateṣu teṣu svā~llokān brahmadattaḥ pratāpavān | pañcālabrahmadhanvabhyāṁ saha rājyaṁ cakāra ha

When they had departed to their own retreats, the mighty Brahmadatta ruled the kingdom together with Panchala and Brahmadhanva.

Verse 15 (skanda.8.57.15)

प्रशासतस्तथा राज्यं यजतो भुञ्जतश्च ह

praśāsatastathā rājyaṁ yajato bhuñjataśca ha

Thus, while ruling the kingdom, offering sacrifices, and enjoying its fruits...

Verse 16 (skanda.8.57.16)

जग्मुः सुखेन बहुलाः समाः सुकृतिनस्तदा

jagmuḥ sukhena bahulāḥ samāḥ sukṛtinastadā

—many years passed happily for those virtuous men.

Verse 17 (skanda.8.57.17)

अथ कालेन महता सभार्यः ससुहृज्जनः । तस्थौ स वेश्मनि सुखं कुबेर इव पुष्पके

atha kālena mahatā sabhāryaḥ sasuhṛjjanaḥ | tasthau sa veśmani sukhaṁ kubera iva puṣpake

Then, after a long time, together with his wife and his friends, he dwelt happily in his palace, like Kubera in his Pushpaka chariot.

Verse 18 (skanda.8.57.18)

ततः सर्वरुतज्ञाता पिपीलं कामकारणात्

tataḥ sarvarutajñātā pipīlaṁ kāmakāraṇāt

Then he, who understood the cries of every creature, chanced to notice an ant...

Verse 19 (skanda.8.57.19)

पिपीलिकायाञ्चाटूनि कुर्वाणं सोन्वपश्यत

pipīlikāyāñcāṭūni kurvāṇaṁ sonvapaśyata

—he observed one ant making flattering advances toward another.

Verse 20 (skanda.8.57.20)

स तु ज्ञानाद् विनिश्चिन्त्य कृमियोनावपीदृशम् । विवृतं शब्दवच्चैव हासमुत्सृजतानघ

sa tu jñānād viniścintya kṛmiyonāvapīdṛśam | vivṛtaṁ śabdavaccaiva hāsamutsṛjatānagha

Understanding, through his knowledge, that even in the womb of an insect such courtship occurs, expressed openly in speech, O sinless one, he burst out laughing.

Verse 21 (skanda.8.57.21)

तत्तस्य हसितं दृष्ट्वा पत्नी नीलोत्पलेक्षणा

tattasya hasitaṁ dṛṣṭvā patnī nīlotpalekṣaṇā

Seeing him laugh, his wife, whose eyes were like blue lotuses...

Verse 22 (skanda.8.57.22)

चुकोप किमिदं मेद्य विकृतं लक्षितं त्वया

cukopa kimidaṁ medya vikṛtaṁ lakṣitaṁ tvayā

—grew angry: What strange thing have you seen in me today?

Verse 23 (skanda.8.57.23)

तां स राजा समाविग्नः प्रियां प्राणैर्गरीयसीम् । प्रसादयन्न चैवास्य प्रसीदत शुभानना

tāṁ sa rājā samāvignaḥ priyāṁ prāṇairgarīyasīm | prasādayanna caivāsya prasīdata śubhānanā

The troubled king tried to appease her, his beloved, dearer to him than his own life; yet that fair-faced one would not be pacified.

Verse 24 (skanda.8.57.24)

सा यदा बहु तथ्यञ्च उच्यमाना न तुष्यति । तदा तस्याः प्रसादार्थे स विष्णुं संप्रसादयत्

sā yadā bahu tathyañca ucyamānā na tuṣyati | tadā tasyāḥ prasādārthe sa viṣṇuṁ saṁprasādayat

When, though told much that was true, she remained unsatisfied, then, in order to please her, he sought to propitiate Vishnu.

Verse 25 (skanda.8.57.25)

देवं सालवनं गत्वा पञ्चालेन सहैव सः । ब्रह्मधन्वपुरोवाहो रथेन महता महान्

devaṁ sālavanaṁ gatvā pañcālena sahaiva saḥ | brahmadhanvapurovāho rathena mahatā mahān

Going to the god, to the Sala grove, together with Panchala, with Brahmadhanva leading the way, that great one went in a great chariot.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.57.26)

तत्रासौ सप्तमे त्वह्नि विष्णुनाभिविसर्जितः । जगाम नरशार्दूलः काम्पिल्यं स्वं पुरोत्तमम्

tatrāsau saptame tvahni viṣṇunābhivisarjitaḥ | jagāma naraśārdūlaḥ kāmpilyaṁ svaṁ purottamam

There, on the seventh day, dismissed by Vishnu, that tiger among men returned to Kampilya, his splendid capital.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.57.27)

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु चत्वारो ब्राह्मणाः शुभाः । योगेन महता युक्ता इदमूचुः परस्परम्

etasminneva kāle tu catvāro brāhmaṇāḥ śubhāḥ | yogena mahatā yuktā idamūcuḥ parasparam

At this same time, those four blessed brahmins, joined with great yoga, said this to one another:

Verse 28 (skanda.8.57.28)

वयं कृतार्थाः किं कार्यमिह तिष्ठाम मानुषे । गच्छाम ब्रह्मयोनिं स्वां मुच्यामोस्मान्महाभयात्

vayaṁ kṛtārthāḥ kiṁ kāryamiha tiṣṭhāma mānuṣe | gacchāma brahmayoniṁ svāṁ mucyāmosmānmahābhayāt

We have achieved our purpose; what need have we to remain here among men? Let us go to our own source in Brahma; let us free ourselves from this great fear.

Verse 29 (skanda.8.57.29)

अवसीदन्ति ते चैव त्रयोस्माकं सहव्रताः । बोधयामेह ताँश्चैव यथा नेयुः पराभवम्

avasīdanti te caiva trayosmākaṁ sahavratāḥ | bodhayāmeha tā~ścaiva yathā neyuḥ parābhavam

And those three companions of our vow are still sinking further into worldly life; let us go and awaken them, so they do not come to ruin.

Verse 30 (skanda.8.57.30)

ततस्ते पितरं सर्वे प्रणम्योचुर्द्विजातयः । वयं योगेश्वरास्तात सिद्धा वै स्वेन कर्मणा

tataste pitaraṁ sarve praṇamyocurdvijātayaḥ | vayaṁ yogeśvarāstāta siddhā vai svena karmaṇā

Then all those twice-born, bowing to their father, said: O father, we are masters of yoga, accomplished through our own efforts.

Verse 31 (skanda.8.57.31)

आपृच्छामो गमिष्यामः स्वां योनिं ब्रह्मनिर्मिताम् । त्यक्त्वेमान् मानुषान् देहान्न विसर्जय नमस्तव

āpṛcchāmo gamiṣyāmaḥ svāṁ yoniṁ brahmanirmitām | tyaktvemān mānuṣān dehānna visarjaya namastava

We ask your leave; we shall go to our own source, made by Brahma, casting off these human bodies. Do not hold us back — homage to you.

Verse 32 (skanda.8.57.32)

पित्रोवाच पुत्रानिच्छन्ति पितरस्तारयिष्यन्ति नो भयात् । भयं तच्चैहिकं पुत्राः परत्र च दुरासदम्

pitrovāca putrānicchanti pitarastārayiṣyanti no bhayāt | bhayaṁ taccaihikaṁ putrāḥ paratra ca durāsadam

The father said: Fathers desire sons so that they may deliver them from fear; that fear, my sons, belongs to this world, and, hard to overcome, to the next as well.

Verse 33 (skanda.8.57.33)

ते यूयमृणसंयुक्ता अमुक्त्वा स्वं निबन्धनम् । कथं गच्छथ भद्रं वो नाधर्मं परिपश्यथ

te yūyamṛṇasaṁyuktā amuktvā svaṁ nibandhanam | kathaṁ gacchatha bhadraṁ vo nādharmaṁ paripaśyatha

You are still bound by debt, without having yet discharged your obligation — how then can you go? Blessings upon you — do you not see the wrong in this?

Verse 34 (skanda.8.57.34)

सुता ऊचुः। । वयं योगेश्वरास्तात लोकाँस्तुभ्यमनामयान्

sutā ūcuḥ| | vayaṁ yogeśvarāstāta lokā~stubhyamanāmayān

The sons said: We are masters of yoga, father; we shall grant you worlds free from all affliction...

Verse 35 (skanda.8.57.35)

प्रयच्छामो न संदेहो यत्र गत्वा न शोचसि

prayacchāmo na saṁdeho yatra gatvā na śocasi

...we shall grant you, without doubt, worlds where, once you go there, you shall never grieve.

Verse 36 (skanda.8.57.36)

अस्माभिस्त्वं कथं पुत्रैर्ब्रह्मत्वं नाप्नुयाः पितः । इहापि लोके द्रव्यं ते विधास्यामस्तथा शृणु

asmābhistvaṁ kathaṁ putrairbrahmatvaṁ nāpnuyāḥ pitaḥ | ihāpi loke dravyaṁ te vidhāsyāmastathā śṛṇu

How, through us your own sons, would you fail to attain the state of Brahman, father? Even in this world, too, we shall provide for your wealth — hear how.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.57.37)

इदं त्वं पत्रमादाय ब्रह्मदत्तस्य दर्शय । स वाचयन्नेव नृपो वृत्तिं ते संविधास्यति

idaṁ tvaṁ patramādāya brahmadattasya darśaya | sa vācayanneva nṛpo vṛttiṁ te saṁvidhāsyati

Take this letter and show it to Brahmadatta; the king, the moment he reads it, will provide for your livelihood.

Verse 38 (skanda.8.57.38)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । प्रभावज्ञस्ततस्तेषां पिता स मुनिपुङ्गव

sanatkumāra uvāca| | prabhāvajñastatasteṣāṁ pitā sa munipuṅgava

Sanatkumara said: Then their father, O foremost of sages, knowing their spiritual power...

Verse 39 (skanda.8.57.39)

मेने तद्वै तथा सर्वमनुमेने च तत्पुनः

mene tadvai tathā sarvamanumene ca tatpunaḥ

—accepted all this as true, and once more granted his consent.

Verse 40 (skanda.8.57.40)

अथासनानि बद्ध्वा ते युक्ता जग्मुस्तपोधनाः

athāsanāni baddhvā te yuktā jagmustapodhanāḥ

Then, assuming their yogic postures, those rich in austerity, disciplined, departed from their bodies.

Verse 41 (skanda.8.57.41)

ज्योतिर्भूतानपश्यच्च पिता तेषामतिद्युतिः

jyotirbhūtānapaśyacca pitā teṣāmatidyutiḥ

Their father, himself exceedingly radiant, beheld them become pure light.

Verse 42 (skanda.8.57.42)

स तु लेखं समादाय पुत्रान्स्वानभिचिन्तयन्

sa tu lekhaṁ samādāya putrānsvānabhicintayan

He then, taking up the letter, thinking of his own sons...

Verse 43 (skanda.8.57.43)

काम्पिल्यमगमत्तूर्णं दिदृक्षुर्नृपसत्तमम्

kāmpilyamagamattūrṇaṁ didṛkṣurnṛpasattamam

—went swiftly to Kampilya, wishing to see that excellent king.

Verse 44 (skanda.8.57.44)

स च राजा सालवना दागतः प्राविशत् पुरम् । ब्राह्मणो दूरत श्चास्य तं लेखं समदर्शयत

sa ca rājā sālavanā dāgataḥ prāviśat puram | brāhmaṇo dūrata ścāsya taṁ lekhaṁ samadarśayata

And that king, coming from the Sala grove, was entering the city; the brahmin, from a distance, held up that letter for him to see.

Verse 45 (skanda.8.57.45)

निमित्तानि च संलक्ष्य शुभानि स नराधिपः । लेखमानयतेत्युक्त्वा धारयामास तं रथम्

nimittāni ca saṁlakṣya śubhāni sa narādhipaḥ | lekhamānayatetyuktvā dhārayāmāsa taṁ ratham

Noting the auspicious omens, that lord of men said, Bring me the letter, and halted his chariot.

Verse 46 (skanda.8.57.46)

स पुरद्वारसंस्थस्तु रथेन महता तदा । ब्रह्मधन्व धृतच्छत्रः पञ्चाला वीजिताननः

sa puradvārasaṁsthastu rathena mahatā tadā | brahmadhanva dhṛtacchatraḥ pañcālā vījitānanaḥ

He then stood at the city gate, in his great chariot, with Brahmadhanva holding the royal parasol, and Panchala fanning his face...

Verse 47 (skanda.8.57.47)

गृहीत्वा लेखमव्यग्रमवाचयत तं तदा । श्लोकद्वयं चाप्यभवत्तस्मिँल्लेखे शुभप्रदम्

gṛhītvā lekhamavyagramavācayata taṁ tadā | ślokadvayaṁ cāpyabhavattasmi~llekhe śubhapradam

—took the letter calmly and had it read aloud; and in that letter were two auspicious verses.

Verse 48 (skanda.8.57.48)

ये ते गुरुकृताच्छापाद् गोवधेनावपीडिताः । पितृभक्त्या कृतज्ञाना जाताः सर्वे शुभोदयाः

ye te gurukṛtācchāpād govadhenāvapīḍitāḥ | pitṛbhaktyā kṛtajñānā jātāḥ sarve śubhodayāḥ

Those who, afflicted by their guru's curse for the killing of the cow, through devotion to their father and through gratitude, all rose to good fortune...

Verse 49 (skanda.8.57.49)

सप्तव्याधा दशार्णेषु मृगाः कालञ्जरे गिरौ । चक्रवाकाः शरद्वीपे हंसाः सरसि मानसे

saptavyādhā daśārṇeṣu mṛgāḥ kālañjare girau | cakravākāḥ śaradvīpe haṁsāḥ sarasi mānase

—as seven hunters in Dasharna, as deer on Mount Kalanjara, as chakravakas on Sharadvipa, as swans on Lake Manasa...

Verse 50 (skanda.8.57.50)

तेपि जाताः कुरुक्षेत्रे ब्राह्मणा वेदपारगाः । प्रस्थिता दीर्घमध्वानं यूयं किमवसीदथ

tepi jātāḥ kurukṣetre brāhmaṇā vedapāragāḥ | prasthitā dīrghamadhvānaṁ yūyaṁ kimavasīdatha

—they were also born in Kurukshetra as brahmins learned in the Vedas, having traveled so long a road; why then do you three still lag behind?

Verse 51 (skanda.8.57.51)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । श्लोकद्वयं तथा श्रुत्वा त्रयस्ते विषपीतवत् । मोहं तदा तु संप्राप्य लब्धसंज्ञा विशन्पुरम्

sanatkumāra uvāca| | ślokadvayaṁ tathā śrutvā trayaste viṣapītavat | mohaṁ tadā tu saṁprāpya labdhasaṁjñā viśanpuram

Sanatkumara said: Hearing those two verses, the three of them fell into a swoon, as if they had drunk poison; then, regaining their senses, they entered the city.

Verse 52 (skanda.8.57.52)

ते प्रविश्य पुरञ्चैव वेश्म चैवाप्यतन्द्रिताः । इति चेति च संचिन्त्य वनाय दधिरे मनः

te praviśya purañcaiva veśma caivāpyatandritāḥ | iti ceti ca saṁcintya vanāya dadhire manaḥ

Entering the city and their palace, alert now, pondering this and that, they set their minds upon the forest.

Verse 53 (skanda.8.57.53)

सा च पत्नी महाभागा अभिगम्य नराधिपम् । इदमाह मुदा युक्ता राजानं ससुहृज्जनम्

sā ca patnī mahābhāgā abhigamya narādhipam | idamāha mudā yuktā rājānaṁ sasuhṛjjanam

And that most fortunate wife, approaching the king, spoke this, filled with joy, to the king together with his friends:

Verse 54 (skanda.8.57.54)

भवान् योगेश्वरो भूत्वा सक्तो भोगेषु सर्वशः । प्रबोधार्थं ततोहन्ते क्रोधमाहारयन्तदा

bhavān yogeśvaro bhūtvā sakto bhogeṣu sarvaśaḥ | prabodhārthaṁ tatohante krodhamāhārayantadā

You, though a lord of yoga, had become wholly attached to worldly pleasures; therefore, to awaken you, I put on that anger toward you.

Verse 55 (skanda.8.57.55)

जानामि त्वां रुतज्ञञ्च जानामि त्वां खगन्तथा । अतोहं जानती राजन् प्रतिबोधार्थमुद्यता

jānāmi tvāṁ rutajñañca jānāmi tvāṁ khagantathā | atohaṁ jānatī rājan pratibodhārthamudyatā

I know that you understand the speech of creatures, and I know that you were once a bird. Therefore, knowing this, O king, I set myself to rouse you.

Verse 56 (skanda.8.57.56)

तस्माद्विप्रमिमञ्चैव तेषां पितरमव्ययम् । धनेन योजयस्वाद्य पुत्रं राज्येभिषिच्य च

tasmādvipramimañcaiva teṣāṁ pitaramavyayam | dhanena yojayasvādya putraṁ rājyebhiṣicya ca

Therefore, this very day, provide wealth for this brahmin, the imperishable father of those sons, and, having anointed your own son to the throne...

Verse 57 (skanda.8.57.57)

श्वो गच्छाव वनं राजन मा कालं प्रतिपालय । राजा तत्कृत्यमखिलं कृत्वा पत्न्या सहव्रतः

śvo gacchāva vanaṁ rājana mā kālaṁ pratipālaya | rājā tatkṛtyamakhilaṁ kṛtvā patnyā sahavrataḥ

—tomorrow let us go to the forest, O king; do not delay. The king, having accomplished all that was needed, together with his wife, sharing her vow...

Verse 58 (skanda.8.57.58)

जगाम वनमुद्दिश्य योगेन च दिवं ययौ । पंचालोपि गते तस्मिन् तपः कृत्वा सुदुश्चरम्

jagāma vanamuddiśya yogena ca divaṁ yayau | paṁcālopi gate tasmin tapaḥ kṛtvā suduścaram

—set out for the forest, and by yoga ascended to heaven. When he had gone, Panchala too, having performed a most arduous austerity...

Verse 59 (skanda.8.57.59)

चकार पारणं चैव यक्षत्वं चाप्यवाप ह । ब्रह्मधन्वा च कालेन सुमहात्मा दृढव्रतः

cakāra pāraṇaṁ caiva yakṣatvaṁ cāpyavāpa ha | brahmadhanvā ca kālena sumahātmā dṛḍhavrataḥ

—broke his fast and thereby attained the status of a Yaksha. And Brahmadhanva, that great-souled one of firm vows, in time...

Verse 60 (skanda.8.57.60)

हिमवत्तनयां देवीं तपसा समपश्यत

himavattanayāṁ devīṁ tapasā samapaśyata

—beheld, through his austerity, the Goddess, daughter of Himavat.

Verse 61 (skanda.8.57.61)

वरदां तां तदा दृष्टवा ब्रह्मधन्वाब्रवीच्छुभाम्

varadāṁ tāṁ tadā dṛṣṭavā brahmadhanvābravīcchubhām

Seeing her, the boon-giver, Brahmadhanva then spoke to that auspicious one:

Verse 62 (skanda.8.57.62)

इच्छामि कामरूपित्वं त्वद्भक्तिं चैव नित्यदा । कृच्छ्रं महच्च प्राप्तस्य त्वयैवोद्धरणं ततः

icchāmi kāmarūpitvaṁ tvadbhaktiṁ caiva nityadā | kṛcchraṁ mahacca prāptasya tvayaivoddharaṇaṁ tataḥ

I desire the power to assume any form at will, and devotion to you always; and, should great trouble ever come upon me, deliverance by you alone.

Verse 63 (skanda.8.57.63)

एवमस्त्विति सा चोक्त्वा जगामेष्टां गतिं तदा । बह्मधन्वापि मत्तोभून्मदनेन दुरात्मवान्

evamastviti sā coktvā jagāmeṣṭāṁ gatiṁ tadā | bahmadhanvāpi mattobhūnmadanena durātmavān

So be it, she said, and then departed to her chosen abode. But Brahmadhanva too, evil-souled, grew intoxicated by lust.

Verse 64 (skanda.8.57.64)

स भूत्वा धार्मिकः पूर्वमधर्मेणाभिपीडितः

sa bhūtvā dhārmikaḥ pūrvamadharmeṇābhipīḍitaḥ

He, though once righteous, now became overcome with unrighteousness.

Verse 65 (skanda.8.57.65)

अभिमेने स कन्याश्च ऋषीपत्नीश्च सर्वशः

abhimene sa kanyāśca ṛṣīpatnīśca sarvaśaḥ

—he set his desire upon maidens and upon the wives of sages, on all of them.

Verse 66 (skanda.8.57.66)

भर्तृरूपेण गत्वा च कामेन स विमोहितः । न च कश्चिद्विजानाति तथा वर्तन्तमन्तशः

bhartṛrūpeṇa gatvā ca kāmena sa vimohitaḥ | na ca kaścidvijānāti tathā vartantamantaśaḥ

Deluded by lust, he would go to them assuming the form of their husbands, and no one at all could detect him acting in this way, until the very end.

Verse 67 (skanda.8.57.67)

अथ हाल इति ख्यातो मृगचारी महातपाः । तस्य पत्नी सुधर्माभून्नाम्ना रूपवती दृढम्

atha hāla iti khyāto mṛgacārī mahātapāḥ | tasya patnī sudharmābhūnnāmnā rūpavatī dṛḍham

Now, the one known as Hala, the deer-wandering ascetic of great austerity — his wife was named Sudharma, beautiful, and of firm resolve.

Verse 68 (skanda.8.57.68)

कथयन्ति हि तां देवाः सिद्धाश्च सह चारणैः । असमा रूपतोन्याभिस्त्रिषु लोकेषु भामिनी

kathayanti hi tāṁ devāḥ siddhāśca saha cāraṇaiḥ | asamā rūpatonyābhistriṣu lokeṣu bhāminī

The gods, and the Siddhas together with the Charanas, say of her that, in beauty, this lovely woman has no equal in all three worlds.

Verse 69 (skanda.8.57.69)

न च तस्य सभार्यस्य अन्तरं स बुबोध ह । कस्मिन् काले भवेत्तस्या विरहः पतिना सह

na ca tasya sabhāryasya antaraṁ sa bubodha ha | kasmin kāle bhavettasyā virahaḥ patinā saha

He could find no opening while her husband was with her; he watched for the moment when she might be apart from him.

Verse 70 (skanda.8.57.70)

स ब्रह्मधन्वा तां श्रुत्वा तथा रूपवतीं सतीम् । पत्यास्या विरहाकांक्षी व्याघ्ररूपं चकार ह

sa brahmadhanvā tāṁ śrutvā tathā rūpavatīṁ satīm | patyāsyā virahākāṁkṣī vyāghrarūpaṁ cakāra ha

That Brahmadhanva, having heard of her, so beautiful and virtuous, and desiring her separation from her husband, assumed the form of a tiger.

Verse 71 (skanda.8.57.71)

कृत्वा च सुमहद्रूपं विकृतं भैरवं तदा । अत्रसयत् मृगान् व्यास दर्शनेन सुबालिशः

kṛtvā ca sumahadrūpaṁ vikṛtaṁ bhairavaṁ tadā | atrasayat mṛgān vyāsa darśanena subāliśaḥ

Having taken on a huge, monstrous, terrifying form, O Vyasa, that utterly foolish one frightened the deer with the very sight of him.

Verse 72 (skanda.8.57.72)

तद् व्याघ्रभयसंत्रस्तमृगयूथं तदा विभो । मनोनिलजवव्यग्रमदृश्यं संप्रपद्यत

tad vyāghrabhayasaṁtrastamṛgayūthaṁ tadā vibho | manonilajavavyagramadṛśyaṁ saṁprapadyata

That herd of deer, terrified by fear of the tiger, O lord, scattered out of sight, swift as thought and wind.

Verse 73 (skanda.8.57.73)

मृगैः सह च हालोपि जीवितैषी तदा गतः । सुधर्मा ब्राह्मणी सापि भयाद् व्याघ्रस्य भामिनी

mṛgaiḥ saha ca hālopi jīvitaiṣī tadā gataḥ | sudharmā brāhmaṇī sāpi bhayād vyāghrasya bhāminī

Hala too, seeking to save his life, fled together with the deer. That brahmin lady Sudharma, that lovely woman, likewise, out of fear of the tiger...

Verse 74 (skanda.8.57.74)

स्त्रीस्वभावाच्च पतिता नान्वगच्छन्मृगव्रजम् । एकाकिनीञ्च तां दृष्टवा ब्रह्मधन्वा दुरात्मवान्

strīsvabhāvācca patitā nānvagacchanmṛgavrajam | ekākinīñca tāṁ dṛṣṭavā brahmadhanvā durātmavān

—by her woman's nature, fell behind, and could not keep pace with the herd of deer. Seeing her alone, that evil-souled Brahmadhanva...

Verse 75 (skanda.8.57.75)

व्याघ्ररूपं समुत्सृज्य तामिदं प्रत्यभाषत । मृदुना सान्त्वयुक्तेन वचसा भयपीडिताम्

vyāghrarūpaṁ samutsṛjya tāmidaṁ pratyabhāṣata | mṛdunā sāntvayuktena vacasā bhayapīḍitām

—casting off his tiger form, spoke this to her, terrified as she was, in gentle, soothing words:

Verse 76 (skanda.8.57.76)

मा भीर्भवतु ते भद्रे पतिस्तेहं सुमध्यमे । मृगराजो गतोसौ च समाश्वस मम प्रिये

mā bhīrbhavatu te bhadre patistehaṁ sumadhyame | mṛgarājo gatosau ca samāśvasa mama priye

Do not be afraid, blessed one; it is I, your own husband, O slender one. That lion has gone away now; be at ease, my dear.

Verse 77 (skanda.8.57.77)

तं समाश्वस्य सापश्यत् पतिरूपं महायशा । हृदा चाचिन्तयद् दृष्टो मयासौ तैर्मृगैः सह

taṁ samāśvasya sāpaśyat patirūpaṁ mahāyaśā | hṛdā cācintayad dṛṣṭo mayāsau tairmṛgaiḥ saha

Reassured, that most glorious woman looked upon him in her husband's form; and in her heart she thought: I only just saw him going off with the deer.

Verse 78 (skanda.8.57.78)

जीवितैषी पलायन् वै कुतोयं पुनरागतः । देवेन्द्रो मा दुराचारः सदा धर्षत्यतन्द्रितः

jīvitaiṣī palāyan vai kutoyaṁ punarāgataḥ | devendro mā durācāraḥ sadā dharṣatyatandritaḥ

—fleeing to save his life; how has he come back so soon? Could this be that ever-vigilant, wicked Indra, who is forever violating women?

Verse 79 (skanda.8.57.79)

सोयं कामयितुं प्राप्तः किन्न स्यादन्तरैषिवान् । तस्माद् द्रक्ष्याम्यहं सम्यग् दुष्टं दिव्येन चक्षुषा

soyaṁ kāmayituṁ prāptaḥ kinna syādantaraiṣivān | tasmād drakṣyāmyahaṁ samyag duṣṭaṁ divyena cakṣuṣā

Has this one come seeking an opportunity to seduce me? Then I shall look upon this wicked one clearly, with my divine sight.

Verse 80 (skanda.8.57.80)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । एतस्मिन्नन्तरे सोथ ब्रह्मधन्वा करेग्रहीत् । तामिदं चोचिवान् हष्टः किं त्वं चिन्तयसे हृदा

sanatkumāra uvāca| | etasminnantare sotha brahmadhanvā karegrahīt | tāmidaṁ cocivān haṣṭaḥ kiṁ tvaṁ cintayase hṛdā

Sanatkumara said: Meanwhile, that Brahmadhanva seized her by the hand, and, delighted, said to her: What are you pondering in your heart?

Verse 81 (skanda.8.57.81)

न मामालिङ्गसेद्य त्वं मृत्योरास्याद्विनिर्गतम्

na māmāliṅgasedya tvaṁ mṛtyorāsyādvinirgatam

Today you do not embrace me, though I have just escaped from the very jaws of death.

Verse 82 (skanda.8.57.82)

ननु तेहं प्रियो भर्ता मा क्रुधो वरवर्णिनि

nanu tehaṁ priyo bhartā mā krudho varavarṇini

Am I not your beloved husband? Do not be angry, O lovely one.

Verse 83 (skanda.8.57.83)

ततस्तां स तदा दौष्ट्यात् कपोले समजिघ्रत । परिष्वज्य च दुष्टात्मा गात्रैर्गात्राण्यपीडयत्

tatastāṁ sa tadā dauṣṭyāt kapole samajighrata | pariṣvajya ca duṣṭātmā gātrairgātrāṇyapīḍayat

Then, out of wickedness, he sniffed at her cheek; and, that evil-souled one, embracing her, pressed his limbs against hers.

Verse 84 (skanda.8.57.84)

नीवीं व्यस्रं सयच्चैव अधरं चापिबद् बलात् । बुबुधे सा च तं दुष्टं कर्मणा तेन शोभना

nīvīṁ vyasraṁ sayaccaiva adharaṁ cāpibad balāt | bubudhe sā ca taṁ duṣṭaṁ karmaṇā tena śobhanā

He loosened the knot of her garment, and forcibly kissed her lower lip. And by that very act, that lovely woman recognized him for the wicked one he was.

Verse 85 (skanda.8.57.85)

सुधर्मोवाच न त्वं मम पतिर्मूढ शक्रस्त्वं नात्र संशयः । न भूयो मदनस्यास्मि विषयोहं सुदुर्मते

sudharmovāca na tvaṁ mama patirmūḍha śakrastvaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ | na bhūyo madanasyāsmi viṣayohaṁ sudurmate

Sudharma said: You are not my husband, you fool — you are Indra, without a doubt. I shall no longer be an object of your lust, O evil-minded one.

Verse 86 (skanda.8.57.86)

स तयाप्येवमुक्तस्तु अवधूतश्च सर्वशः । पपात धरणीपृष्ठे स्वं च रूपं प्रपद्यत

sa tayāpyevamuktastu avadhūtaśca sarvaśaḥ | papāta dharaṇīpṛṣṭhe svaṁ ca rūpaṁ prapadyata

Thus addressed by her, and wholly rebuffed, he fell to the ground, and reverted to his own true form.

Verse 87 (skanda.8.57.87)

ततः सा क्रोधताम्राक्षी धक्ष्यमाणेव चक्षुषा । निरीक्ष्य वदनं सुभ्रूरिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

tataḥ sā krodhatāmrākṣī dhakṣyamāṇeva cakṣuṣā | nirīkṣya vadanaṁ subhrūridaṁ vacanamabravīt

Then she, her eyes red with fury, as if about to burn him with her gaze, that fair-browed one, looked at his face and spoke this word:

Verse 88 (skanda.8.57.88)

ऋषिपत्न्यस्त्वया बह्व्यो व्यंसिताः दुष्टचेतसा

ṛṣipatnyastvayā bahvyo vyaṁsitāḥ duṣṭacetasā

Many a sage's wife has been violated by you, O evil-minded one.

Verse 89 (skanda.8.57.89)

न मादृशी त्वया काचिदन्या ह्यसादिता पुरा

na mādṛśī tvayā kācidanyā hyasāditā purā

But no woman like me has ever before defeated you.

Verse 90 (skanda.8.57.90)

इदानीं कर्मणस्तस्य पूर्वमाचरितस्य ते

idānīṁ karmaṇastasya pūrvamācaritasya te

Now, for that deed of yours committed before...

Verse 91 (skanda.8.57.91)

फलं प्राप्तमिदं पश्य मत्सकाशाद् दुरासदम्

phalaṁ prāptamidaṁ paśya matsakāśād durāsadam

—behold this fruit that has come to you from me, hard indeed to bear.

Verse 92 (skanda.8.57.92)

यदेव रूपं कृत्वा त्वं मृगानत्रासयो बलात् । विचरिष्यसि तेनैव रूपेण बहुलाः समाः

yadeva rūpaṁ kṛtvā tvaṁ mṛgānatrāsayo balāt | vicariṣyasi tenaiva rūpeṇa bahulāḥ samāḥ

That very form in which you forcibly terrified the deer — in that same form you shall wander for many years to come.

Verse 93 (skanda.8.57.93)

अशक्तश्चापि हन्तुं त्वं भविता मानुषं क्वचित् । षष्ठे च काले संप्राप्ते मृगं भक्ष्यमवाप्स्यसि

aśaktaścāpi hantuṁ tvaṁ bhavitā mānuṣaṁ kvacit | ṣaṣṭhe ca kāle saṁprāpte mṛgaṁ bhakṣyamavāpsyasi

And you shall never be able to kill a human being; and only when the sixth period arrives shall you obtain a deer to eat.

Verse 94 (skanda.8.57.94)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । अभिव्याहृत्य तं क्रूरं शुभाचारा मनस्विनी । जगाम तान्मृगाँस्त्वेव ततः पतिमपश्यत

sanatkumāra uvāca| | abhivyāhṛtya taṁ krūraṁ śubhācārā manasvinī | jagāma tānmṛgā~stveva tataḥ patimapaśyata

Sanatkumara said: Having thus pronounced this upon that cruel one, that wise, virtuous woman went toward the deer, and there she saw her husband.

Verse 95 (skanda.8.57.95)

सोपि दुःखेन सन्तप्तो मन्वानस्तां हतेति च । विलपन्नेव तां दृष्टवा परिष्वज्येदमब्रवीत्

sopi duḥkhena santapto manvānastāṁ hateti ca | vilapanneva tāṁ dṛṣṭavā pariṣvajyedamabravīt

He too, tormented with grief, thinking her dead, was lamenting; seeing her, he embraced her and said this:

Verse 96 (skanda.8.57.96)

दिष्ट्या त्वमसि संप्राप्ता मृत्योरास्याद्विनिःसृता । कच्चिन्न तेन दृष्टासि मृगराजेन शोभने

diṣṭyā tvamasi saṁprāptā mṛtyorāsyādviniḥsṛtā | kaccinna tena dṛṣṭāsi mṛgarājena śobhane

By great fortune you have returned, escaped from the very jaws of death. I hope, O lovely one, that lion did not see you?

Verse 97 (skanda.8.57.97)

सुधर्मोवाच नासौ मृगेन्द्रो दुर्बुद्धिः कोप्यसौ कामरूपवान् । मदर्थं समनुप्राप्तो मया दग्धः पतङ्गवत्

sudharmovāca nāsau mṛgendro durbuddhiḥ kopyasau kāmarūpavān | madarthaṁ samanuprāpto mayā dagdhaḥ pataṅgavat

Sudharma said: That was no lion — it was some evil-minded shape-changer, who had come there for my sake; but I burned him, like a moth.

Verse 98 (skanda.8.57.98)

स शापान्मम दुष्टात्मा शार्दूलप्रकृतिं गतः । राजेव शक्तिशापेन सौदासो राक्षसीं तनुम्

sa śāpānmama duṣṭātmā śārdūlaprakṛtiṁ gataḥ | rājeva śaktiśāpena saudāso rākṣasīṁ tanum

By my curse, that evil-souled one has been reduced to the very nature of a tiger, as King Saudasa, by Shakti's curse, took on the body of a rakshasa.

Verse 99 (skanda.8.57.99)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा हालो धर्मार्थतत्त्ववित् । दिव्येन चक्षुषापश्यद् ब्रह्मधन्वानमव्ययम्

sanatkumāra uvāca| | tasyāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā hālo dharmārthatattvavit | divyena cakṣuṣāpaśyad brahmadhanvānamavyayam

Sanatkumara said: Hearing her words, Hala, knower of the truths of dharma and worldly affairs, beheld, with his divine sight, the imperishable Brahmadhanva.

Verse 100 (skanda.8.57.100)

तामुवाच सतीं भार्यामिदं स करुणात्मकः । कृतं दुष्टं त्वयात्रेयि सद्भिः कर्म विगर्हितम्

tāmuvāca satīṁ bhāryāmidaṁ sa karuṇātmakaḥ | kṛtaṁ duṣṭaṁ tvayātreyi sadbhiḥ karma vigarhitam

He, compassionate of heart, said this to his virtuous wife: You have committed a wicked deed, O daughter of Atri, one condemned by the good.

Verse 101 (skanda.8.57.101)

महतस्तपसस्तेद्य क्षयोयं सुमहान् कृतः । न दुष्यन्ति स्त्रियः साध्वि नद्यो यद्वद् विगाहनैः

mahatastapasastedya kṣayoyaṁ sumahān kṛtaḥ | na duṣyanti striyaḥ sādhvi nadyo yadvad vigāhanaiḥ

Today you have brought about a very great loss to your austerity. Women, O virtuous one, are not defiled, just as rivers are not defiled by those who bathe in them.

Verse 102 (skanda.8.57.102)

न चैव शक्यं धर्मेण संगुप्तां त्वां प्रमर्दितुम्

na caiva śakyaṁ dharmeṇa saṁguptāṁ tvāṁ pramarditum

And indeed, you, well-protected by dharma, could not truly have been violated.

Verse 103 (skanda.8.57.103)

यथा विषेण संछन्नमन्नं भोक्तुं हि मानवैः

yathā viṣeṇa saṁchannamannaṁ bhoktuṁ hi mānavaiḥ

—just as men cannot eat food that is laced with poison...

Verse 104 (skanda.8.57.104)

अत्र ते वर्त्तयिष्यामि पुरावृत्तं महातपे । यत् पतिव्रतया पूर्वं कृतं दीप्तेन तेजसा

atra te varttayiṣyāmi purāvṛttaṁ mahātape | yat pativratayā pūrvaṁ kṛtaṁ dīptena tejasā

Here I shall relate to you, O you of great austerity, an ancient event — that which a devoted wife once accomplished through her own blazing spiritual power.

Verse 105 (skanda.8.57.105)

आसीद् भलन्दनो नाम ऋषिः परमधार्मिकः । विद्वाँश्चैव दयावाँश्च पृथिवीवद् व्यवस्थितः

āsīd bhalandano nāma ṛṣiḥ paramadhārmikaḥ | vidvā~ścaiva dayāvā~śca pṛthivīvad vyavasthitaḥ

There was a sage named Bhalandana, most righteous, learned and compassionate, steadfast as the earth.

Verse 106 (skanda.8.57.106)

ऋग्नाम्नी तस्य भार्याभूद् वासिष्ठी पुण्यलक्षणा । रूपेणाप्रतिमा साध्वी न तस्याः स्त्रीः समा क्वचित्

ṛgnāmnī tasya bhāryābhūd vāsiṣṭhī puṇyalakṣaṇā | rūpeṇāpratimā sādhvī na tasyāḥ strīḥ samā kvacit

His wife, of the Vasishtha lineage, named Rig, bore auspicious marks; virtuous, and incomparable in beauty — no woman anywhere was her equal.

Verse 107 (skanda.8.57.107)

पतिव्रता महाभागा सर्वधर्मविदुत्तमा । तस्याः पतिमृते नान्यद्दैवतं भुवि विद्यते

pativratā mahābhāgā sarvadharmaviduttamā | tasyāḥ patimṛte nānyaddaivataṁ bhuvi vidyate

—devoted to her husband, most blessed, foremost among those learned in every dharma; for her, apart from her husband, there was no other deity on earth.

Verse 108 (skanda.8.57.108)

अपश्यत कदाचिद्वै देवास्तौ कमलेक्षणाम् । तस्या रूपगुणोन्मत्ता लेभुर्न धृतिमेकशः

apaśyata kadācidvai devāstau kamalekṣaṇām | tasyā rūpaguṇonmattā lebhurna dhṛtimekaśaḥ

Once, certain gods beheld that lotus-eyed woman; maddened by her beauty and her virtues, not one of them could find any composure.

Verse 109 (skanda.8.57.109)

न शक्यते च सा प्राप्तुं न दूतीभिर्न कर्मणा

na śakyate ca sā prāptuṁ na dūtībhirna karmaṇā

Yet she could not be won, neither through go-betweens nor by any device.

Verse 110 (skanda.8.57.110)

न दानेन न संमानै र्न बलेन न सेवया

na dānena na saṁmānai rna balena na sevayā

—not by gifts, not by honors, not by force, not by devoted service.

Verse 111 (skanda.8.57.111)

वह्निस्तामग्न्यगारस्थां प्रविष्टामग्रहीच्छुभाम्

vahnistāmagnyagārasthāṁ praviṣṭāmagrahīcchubhām

Agni seized that auspicious woman as she stood, having entered the fire-chamber.

Verse 112 (skanda.8.57.112)

न चापि साहमस्मीति न च नास्मीत्यथाब्रवीत्

na cāpi sāhamasmīti na ca nāsmītyathābravīt

And she said neither I am yours nor I am not.

Verse 113 (skanda.8.57.113)

न क्रोधो नापि दर्पोस्या न मानो न च मत्सरः

na krodho nāpi darposyā na māno na ca matsaraḥ

There was in her neither anger, nor pride, nor conceit, nor jealousy.

Verse 114 (skanda.8.57.114)

तस्याः प्रियमभून्नान्यत् पतिमेवान्वचिन्तयत्

tasyāḥ priyamabhūnnānyat patimevānvacintayat

Nothing else was dear to her; she thought only of her husband.

Verse 115 (skanda.8.57.115)

विभावसुरपि व्यक्तमियं मामिच्छतीति ह । अभ्युपेत्य न दुष्टेति भावेन सुरसत्तमः

vibhāvasurapi vyaktamiyaṁ māmicchatīti ha | abhyupetya na duṣṭeti bhāvena surasattamaḥ

Vibhavasu too, thinking, She truly desires me, approached her; yet that foremost of gods, perceiving from her demeanor that she remained uncorrupted...

Verse 116 (skanda.8.57.116)

अथ हित्वा स्वकं देहमदेहः समपद्यत । एवं वै भास्करो वायुर्वरुणश्चन्द्र एव च

atha hitvā svakaṁ dehamadehaḥ samapadyata | evaṁ vai bhāskaro vāyurvaruṇaścandra eva ca

—then, giving up his own body, became bodiless. So too did the Sun, the Wind, Varuna, and the Moon.

Verse 117 (skanda.8.57.117)

सर्वे विदेहाः संवृत्तास्ततस्तां संप्रसादयन् । सापि तान्नावदत् किञ्चित् पुरुषानघशंकया

sarve videhāḥ saṁvṛttāstatastāṁ saṁprasādayan | sāpi tānnāvadat kiñcit puruṣānaghaśaṁkayā

All of them became bodiless, and then sought to appease her; but she, wary of these men though sinless herself, said nothing to them at all.

Verse 118 (skanda.8.57.118)

भर्तुश्चाकथयत् सर्वं स तानिदमुवाच ह । इयं पत्नी महाभागा मम सर्वाङ्गसुन्दरी

bhartuścākathayat sarvaṁ sa tānidamuvāca ha | iyaṁ patnī mahābhāgā mama sarvāṅgasundarī

She told her husband everything; he then spoke this to them: This is my most fortunate wife, lovely in every limb.

Verse 119 (skanda.8.57.119)

नेयं कुप्यति युष्माकं जाने ह्यस्या व्रतं शुभम् । मत्तोपि वो भयं नास्ति नाहं कुप्ये कथञ्चन

neyaṁ kupyati yuṣmākaṁ jāne hyasyā vrataṁ śubham | mattopi vo bhayaṁ nāsti nāhaṁ kupye kathañcana

She bears you no anger — I know her auspicious vow. And you need have no fear from me either; I am not in the least angry.

Verse 120 (skanda.8.57.120)

मत्प्रसादाद्विदेहापि देहवन्तो भविष्यथ । ततस्ते देहवन्तो वै तुष्टुवुस्तं भलन्दनम्

matprasādādvidehāpi dehavanto bhaviṣyatha | tataste dehavanto vai tuṣṭuvustaṁ bhalandanam

By my grace, though bodiless now, you shall regain your bodies. Then, their bodies restored, they praised that Bhalandana.

Verse 121 (skanda.8.57.121)

ऊचुर्वरं वृणीष्वाद्य तुष्टाः स्मस्तव सर्वथा । सोवाच रजसा नार्यः शुद्ध्यन्तु मदनुग्रहात्

ūcurvaraṁ vṛṇīṣvādya tuṣṭāḥ smastava sarvathā | sovāca rajasā nāryaḥ śuddhyantu madanugrahāt

They said: Choose a boon today; we are wholly pleased with you. He said: By my grace, let women be purified through their monthly courses.

Verse 122 (skanda.8.57.122)

कर्मणा च विमुच्यन्तां व्यवहार्या भवन्तु च । सर्वशौचा भवेयुश्च अदुष्टाः सर्वकर्मसु

karmaṇā ca vimucyantāṁ vyavahāryā bhavantu ca | sarvaśaucā bhaveyuśca aduṣṭāḥ sarvakarmasu

—and let them thereby be freed from fault, and fit for worldly dealings; let them become wholly pure, undefiled in all their acts.

Verse 123 (skanda.8.57.123)

हाल उवाच। । ततस्ते तं नमस्कृत्य सभार्यं ब्रह्मवादिनम् । जग्मुर्देवाः प्रशंसन्तः सर्वे वह्निपुरोगमाः

hāla uvāca| | tataste taṁ namaskṛtya sabhāryaṁ brahmavādinam | jagmurdevāḥ praśaṁsantaḥ sarve vahnipurogamāḥ

Hala said: Then, bowing before that expounder of Brahman, together with his wife, all the gods, led by Agni, departed, singing his praises.

Verse 124 (skanda.8.57.124)

एवं त्वमपि धर्मज्ञे नित्यं पतिमनुव्रता । कस्त्वां समर्थो देवोपि स्प्रष्टुमन्ये कुतो जनाः

evaṁ tvamapi dharmajñe nityaṁ patimanuvratā | kastvāṁ samartho devopi spraṣṭumanye kuto janāḥ

In just the same way, you too, O knower of dharma, ever devoted to your husband — what god, let alone any lesser being, could be capable of touching you?

Verse 125 (skanda.8.57.125)

तीर्थभूताः स्त्रियश्चापि न दुष्यन्ति कथञ्चन । मद्रूपं कृतवान् यस्मात्तस्माच्छापं न चार्हति

tīrthabhūtāḥ striyaścāpi na duṣyanti kathañcana | madrūpaṁ kṛtavān yasmāttasmācchāpaṁ na cārhati

Women who are pure as sacred fords are not defiled in any way. And since he took on my own form, he does not deserve a curse from me.

Verse 126 (skanda.8.57.126)

तस्मात्करिष्ये तस्याहमदृष्टस्यापि शोभने

tasmātkariṣye tasyāhamadṛṣṭasyāpi śobhane

Therefore, O lovely one, even though I did not myself witness it, I shall do this for him.

Verse 127 (skanda.8.57.127)

अनुग्रहं धर्मयुक्तं येन श्रेयो ह्यवाप्स्यति

anugrahaṁ dharmayuktaṁ yena śreyo hyavāpsyati

—an act of grace, in keeping with dharma, by which he shall attain his own good.

Verse 128 (skanda.8.57.128)

व्याघ्रस्यापि प्रिये तस्य स्मृतिर्नित्यं भविष्यति । सर्वकार्येषु धर्मेषु धर्मेण च चरिष्यति

vyāghrasyāpi priye tasya smṛtirnityaṁ bhaviṣyati | sarvakāryeṣu dharmeṣu dharmeṇa ca cariṣyati

—O beloved, even in his tiger form, his memory shall remain intact forever; and in all his acts and duties he shall conduct himself righteously.

Verse 129 (skanda.8.57.129)

यतोस्य कामरूपित्वं येन मत्तः सदा ह्यभूत् । तत एव पुनः श्रेयः प्राप्स्यते मदनुग्रहात्

yatosya kāmarūpitvaṁ yena mattaḥ sadā hyabhūt | tata eva punaḥ śreyaḥ prāpsyate madanugrahāt

Since it was through me that he came to possess this power of assuming any form at will, it is through that same power that he shall again attain his good fortune, by my grace.

Verse 130 (skanda.8.57.130)

सनत्कुमार उवाच। । स एष व्यास दुष्टात्मा विश्वामित्राश्रमे रतः । अग्रारण्ये सदा ह्यासीद्देव्या गणापतिः कृतः

sanatkumāra uvāca| | sa eṣa vyāsa duṣṭātmā viśvāmitrāśrame rataḥ | agrāraṇye sadā hyāsīddevyā gaṇāpatiḥ kṛtaḥ

Sanatkumara said: That evil-souled one, O Vyasa, dwelling within Vishvamitra's hermitage, remained ever in the forest of Agra; the Goddess made him a leader of the ganas.

Verse 131 (skanda.8.57.131)

य इदं तस्य माहात्म्यं धारयेच्छ्रावयीत वा । सततं ब्राह्मणं व्यास योगैश्वर्यमवाप्नुयात्

ya idaṁ tasya māhātmyaṁ dhārayecchrāvayīta vā | satataṁ brāhmaṇaṁ vyāsa yogaiśvaryamavāpnuyāt

Whoever holds fast to this account of his greatness, or recites it to a brahmin, O Vyasa, shall attain the lordship of yoga.

Verse 132 (skanda.8.57.132)

योगेश्वरत्वं कांक्षद्भिरेतदध्येयमन्तशः । जन्मान्तरं समासाद्य प्राप्नुवन्ति न संशयः

yogeśvaratvaṁ kāṁkṣadbhiretadadhyeyamantaśaḥ | janmāntaraṁ samāsādya prāpnuvanti na saṁśayaḥ

This should be studied through to its end by those who desire lordship of yoga; upon obtaining another birth, they attain it — without doubt.

Verse 133 (skanda.8.57.133)

शृणुयाच्च इमं सततं प्रयतः शुचिरेकमना मनुजः

śṛṇuyācca imaṁ satataṁ prayataḥ śucirekamanā manujaḥ

And the man who, disciplined, pure, and single-minded, ever hears this...

Verse 134 (skanda.8.57.134)

प्रियवत्स हि शक्रसमानवपुः सुकृतेन कृतेन पुमान्

priyavatsa hi śakrasamānavapuḥ sukṛtena kṛtena pumān

—that man, dear child, through the merit thus performed, becomes one whose form equals that of Indra.