The Victory of Shumbha and Nishumbha

Verse 1 (skanda.8.62.1)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । अथ निर्जित्य दैत्येन्द्रौ दिवं विक्रमशालिनौ । जग्मतुः सहितौ दैत्यैर्विन्ध्यं तुङ्गशिलोच्चयम्

sanatkumāra uvāca | atha nirjitya daityendrau divaṁ vikramaśālinau | jagmatuḥ sahitau daityairvindhyaṁ tuṅgaśiloccayam

Sanatkumara said: Then, having conquered heaven, the two valorous demon-lords went together with the demons to the Vindhya, that towering mass of rock.

Verse 2 (skanda.8.62.2)

संपूज्य विधिवद्दैत्यान् प्रस्थाप्य भ्रातरौ तदा । रेमाते विन्ध्यपादेषु फुल्लपादपसानुषु

saṁpūjya vidhivaddaityān prasthāpya bhrātarau tadā | remāte vindhyapādeṣu phullapādapasānuṣu

Having duly honoured the demons and dismissed them, the two brothers then sported on the slopes of the Vindhya, amid ridges bright with blossoming trees.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.62.3)

दैत्याभ्यामथ विज्ञाय ब्रह्मा सुरपराभवम् । विचिन्त्यैकमनाः सम्यग् वधोपायं तयोस्तदा

daityābhyāmatha vijñāya brahmā suraparābhavam | vicintyaikamanāḥ samyag vadhopāyaṁ tayostadā

Then Brahma, learning of the gods' defeat at the hands of the two demons, with single-minded concentration pondered well upon a means to destroy them.

Verse 4 (skanda.8.62.4)

तिलं तिलं समादाय रत्नेभ्यश्चारुदर्शनाम् । ससर्ज कमनीयाङ्गीमङ्गनां वल्गुनिस्वनाम्

tilaṁ tilaṁ samādāya ratnebhyaścārudarśanām | sasarja kamanīyāṅgīmaṅganāṁ valgunisvanām

Taking a tiny particle from each precious jewel, he created a beautiful woman of lovely form and sweet voice.

Verse 5 (skanda.8.62.5)

तिलोत्तमेति तस्याश्च नाम चक्रे पितामहः । दिव्यानामपि सा स्त्रीणामुपमेव तदा बभौ

tilottameti tasyāśca nāma cakre pitāmahaḥ | divyānāmapi sā strīṇāmupameva tadā babhau

The Grandsire gave her the name Tilottama; she then appeared as though she were the very standard of beauty even among celestial women.

Verse 6 (skanda.8.62.6)

अतिसंपूर्णवक्त्रां तामतींदीवरलोचनाम् । अतिहंसस्वनालापामतिमत्तेभगामिनीम्

atisaṁpūrṇavaktrāṁ tāmatīṁdīvaralocanām | atihaṁsasvanālāpāmatimattebhagāminīm

Her face was utterly full and lovely, her eyes like blue lotuses, her speech sweet as the swan's cry, and her gait like that of a rutting elephant.

Verse 7 (skanda.8.62.7)

लक्ष्मीर्निरीक्ष्य सव्रीडा पङ्कजेनावृणोन्मुखम् । वपुर्भिश्चैव चार्वङ्ग्यास्त्रेपुरुद्यानदेवताः

lakṣmīrnirīkṣya savrīḍā paṅkajenāvṛṇonmukham | vapurbhiścaiva cārvaṅgyāstrepurudyānadevatāḥ

Seeing her, Lakshmi in embarrassment covered her own face with a lotus; and the garden-goddesses of the triple city felt shamed by that lovely-limbed one's beauty.

Verse 8 (skanda.8.62.8)

तामुत्पाद्य ततो धाता पाकशासनमब्रवीत् । शम्भुना मदनः पूर्वं निर्दग्धो लोचनाग्निना

tāmutpādya tato dhātā pākaśāsanamabravīt | śambhunā madanaḥ pūrvaṁ nirdagdho locanāgninā

Having created her, the Creator then said to Indra: 'Long ago Kama was burnt to ashes by Shambhu's eye-fire.'

Verse 9 (skanda.8.62.9)

तस्य प्रोद्भूतये याम सर्वे पार्श्व पिनाकिनः । तमाराध्य ततः कुर्म्मो यथा स्यान्मदनः पुनः

tasya prodbhūtaye yāma sarve pārśva pinākinaḥ | tamārādhya tataḥ kurmmo yathā syānmadanaḥ punaḥ

'Let us all go to Pinakin's side for his revival; having propitiated him, let us so act that Kama may live again.'

Verse 10 (skanda.8.62.10)

अथ ते ब्रह्मणा सार्धं तया चासुरविद्विषः । जग्मुर्विन्ध्यगिरेः शृङ्गं यत्रास्ते भगवान् हरः

atha te brahmaṇā sārdhaṁ tayā cāsuravidviṣaḥ | jagmurvindhyagireḥ śṛṅgaṁ yatrāste bhagavān haraḥ

Then, together with Brahma and that foe of the Asuras, they went to the peak of the Vindhya mountain where the Blessed Lord Hara dwells.

Verse 11 (skanda.8.62.11)

तत्र शर्वमपश्यन्तो दध्युस्ते सुरसत्तमाः । गृणन्तः प्रणवं सर्वे शिवसन्यस्तचेतसः

tatra śarvamapaśyanto dadhyuste surasattamāḥ | gṛṇantaḥ praṇavaṁ sarve śivasanyastacetasaḥ

There, not seeing Shiva, the foremost of the gods meditated, all of them chanting the sacred syllable Om, their minds fixed upon Shiva.

Verse 12 (skanda.8.62.12)

अथ लिङ्गं समुत्तस्थौ तेषां मध्ये दिवौकसाम् । सुसंहतं सुसंश्लिष्टं समूहस्तेजसामिव

atha liṅgaṁ samuttasthau teṣāṁ madhye divaukasām | susaṁhataṁ susaṁśliṣṭaṁ samūhastejasāmiva

Then a linga rose up in their midst, compact and tightly bound together, like a concentrated mass of radiance.

Verse 13 (skanda.8.62.13)

उच्चचार तदा तस्मादुच्चैर्वाग् विशदाक्षरा । निर्दग्धोयं मया पापस्तपस्विजनकण्टकः

uccacāra tadā tasmāduccairvāg viśadākṣarā | nirdagdhoyaṁ mayā pāpastapasvijanakaṇṭakaḥ

From it then arose a loud voice with clear syllables: 'This sinner, the thorn in the side of ascetics, has been burnt by me.'

Verse 14 (skanda.8.62.14)

युष्मदर्थे विमोक्ष्यामि कार्यं वोयं करिष्यति । करोतु परितश्चेयं मां प्रदक्षिणमङ्गना

yuṣmadarthe vimokṣyāmi kāryaṁ voyaṁ kariṣyati | karotu paritaśceyaṁ māṁ pradakṣiṇamaṅganā

'For your sake I shall release him; this woman shall accomplish your purpose - let her circumambulate me all around.'

Verse 15 (skanda.8.62.15)

एवमुक्ता महेशेन सा चकार प्रदक्षिणाम् । सन्निधायाञ्जलिं मूर्ध्नि रक्तेन्दीवरकोमलम्

evamuktā maheśena sā cakāra pradakṣiṇām | sannidhāyāñjaliṁ mūrdhni raktendīvarakomalam

Thus addressed by Mahesha, she circumambulated him, holding to her head an añjali soft as a red lotus.

Verse 16 (skanda.8.62.16)

नेमे मूर्तिं तदा पूर्वां निस्ससार ततो मुखम् । त्र्यक्षं प्रसन्नबिम्बोष्ठममितद्युति कान्तिमत्

neme mūrtiṁ tadā pūrvāṁ nissasāra tato mukham | tryakṣaṁ prasannabimboṣṭhamamitadyuti kāntimat

She then bowed to the eastern face; from it there issued forth a three-eyed countenance, its lips like a serene bimba-fruit, of boundless radiance and beauty.

Verse 17 (skanda.8.62.17)

अथ तेजो विनिःसृत्य वदनेन्दोः पिनाकिनः । तां विवेशाङ्गनामाशु शरद्भास्करभास्वरम्

atha tejo viniḥsṛtya vadanendoḥ pinākinaḥ | tāṁ viveśāṅganāmāśu śaradbhāskarabhāsvaram

Then radiance, brilliant as the autumn sun, issued forth from Pinakin's moon-like face and swiftly entered that woman.

Verse 18 (skanda.8.62.18)

अथ सा दक्षिणां मूर्त्तिं प्रणेमे चारुदर्शना । निर्जगाम तदा दीप्तं मुखं सुरगुरोस्ततः

atha sā dakṣiṇāṁ mūrttiṁ praṇeme cārudarśanā | nirjagāma tadā dīptaṁ mukhaṁ suragurostataḥ

Then that lovely one bowed to the southern face; from it there emerged the blazing countenance in the form of the Teacher of the gods.

Verse 19 (skanda.8.62.19)

वारिभारालसाम्भोदरुचिमद् भीमनिस्वनम् । करालदशशनोद्भासि दीप्तरक्तान्तलोचनम्

vāribhārālasāmbhodarucimad bhīmanisvanam | karāladaśaśanodbhāsi dīptaraktāntalocanam

That face was radiant as a rain-heavy cloud, terrible in voice, gleaming with fearsome teeth, its eyes blazing red at the corners.

Verse 20 (skanda.8.62.20)

अत्यादित्यं ततस्तेजो मुखान्निःसृत्य दक्षिणात् । दृश्यमानं सुरैस्सर्वैर्विवेश प्रमदोत्तमाम्

atyādityaṁ tatastejo mukhānniḥsṛtya dakṣiṇāt | dṛśyamānaṁ suraissarvairviveśa pramadottamām

Then radiance surpassing the sun, visible to all the gods, issued from that southern face and entered the excellent woman.

Verse 21 (skanda.8.62.21)

प्रणेमे सा ततस्तस्य पश्चिमां मूर्त्तिमञ्जसा

praṇeme sā tatastasya paścimāṁ mūrttimañjasā

Then she bowed straightway to his western face.

Verse 22 (skanda.8.62.22)

निश्चक्राम ततस्तस्या मुखं त्र्यक्षमनुत्तमम्

niścakrāma tatastasyā mukhaṁ tryakṣamanuttamam

From it there then issued a supreme three-eyed face.

Verse 23 (skanda.8.62.23)

ततस्तेजो विनिःसृत्य मुखेन्दोर्मदनद्विषः । दीप्यमानं विवेशाशु तामेव प्रमदोत्तमाम्

tatastejo viniḥsṛtya mukhendormadanadviṣaḥ | dīpyamānaṁ viveśāśu tāmeva pramadottamām

Then blazing radiance issued from the moon-face of the Foe of Kama and swiftly entered that same excellent woman.

Verse 24 (skanda.8.62.24)

उत्तरां मूतिमागत्य प्रणेमे सा कृताञ्जलिः । तस्या मुखं सुसंपूर्णं सुप्रसन्नं विनिर्ययौ

uttarāṁ mūtimāgatya praṇeme sā kṛtāñjaliḥ | tasyā mukhaṁ susaṁpūrṇaṁ suprasannaṁ viniryayau

Coming to the northern face, she bowed with joined palms; from it there issued a fully perfect and utterly serene face.

Verse 25 (skanda.8.62.25)

तस्मात्तेजो विनिःसृत्य सूर्यदीप्तानलप्रभम् । विवेश प्रमदामाशु तामेव वरवर्णिनीम्

tasmāttejo viniḥsṛtya sūryadīptānalaprabham | viveśa pramadāmāśu tāmeva varavarṇinīm

From it, radiance bright as sun-kindled fire issued forth and swiftly entered that same fair-complexioned woman.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.62.26)

मुखानि देवदेवस्य सुराणामर्थसिद्धये । चत्वारि निर्ययुर्दिक्षु न तस्या रूपविस्मयात्

mukhāni devadevasya surāṇāmarthasiddhaye | catvāri niryayurdikṣu na tasyā rūpavismayāt

Thus, for the fulfilment of the gods' purpose, four faces of the God of gods issued forth into the directions - not merely out of wonder at her beauty.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.62.27)

आत्मसंस्थं पुरा तेजो दग्ध्वा यन्मदनं कृतम् । अनुजग्राह देवेशस्तेन तां प्रमदोत्तमाम्

ātmasaṁsthaṁ purā tejo dagdhvā yanmadanaṁ kṛtam | anujagrāha deveśastena tāṁ pramadottamām

With that same fire which, abiding within himself, had once burnt Kama to ashes, the Lord of gods now graced that excellent woman.

Verse 28 (skanda.8.62.28)

अब्रवीच्च सुरान् सर्वाँस्तत्रेदं वचनं शिवः । यस्मादियं मां युष्मांश्च मण्डलेन प्रदक्षिणम्

abravīcca surān sarvā~statredaṁ vacanaṁ śivaḥ | yasmādiyaṁ māṁ yuṣmāṁśca maṇḍalena pradakṣiṇam

And Shiva then spoke this word to all the gods there: 'Since this woman has circled both me and you all around in a circuit,'

Verse 29 (skanda.8.62.29)

चक्रे सर्वान् सुरश्रेष्ठाः स्थानं तस्मादिदं मम । भविष्यति गिरौ विन्ध्ये मण्डलेश्वरसंज्ञितम्

cakre sarvān suraśreṣṭhāḥ sthānaṁ tasmādidaṁ mama | bhaviṣyati girau vindhye maṇḍaleśvarasaṁjñitam

'-therefore, O foremost of gods, this place of mine on Mount Vindhya shall be known by the name Mandaleshvara.'

Verse 30 (skanda.8.62.30)

मंडलेश्वरमेतच्च यः करोति प्रदाक्षिणम् । प्रदक्षिणीकृता तेन सप्तद्वीपा मही भवेत् । सान्निध्यं सर्वदा ह्यस्मिन् करिष्यामि वरप्रदः

maṁḍaleśvarametacca yaḥ karoti pradākṣiṇam | pradakṣiṇīkṛtā tena saptadvīpā mahī bhavet | sānnidhyaṁ sarvadā hyasmin kariṣyāmi varapradaḥ

'Whoever circumambulates this Mandaleshvara shall thereby have circumambulated the seven-continented earth; and I, the bestower of boons, shall grant my abiding presence here forever.'

Verse 31 (skanda.8.62.31)

मण्डलेश्वरमीशानं दृष्टवा तु प्रयतो नरः । अश्वमेधफलं प्राप्य मम लोकमवाप्स्यति

maṇḍaleśvaramīśānaṁ dṛṣṭavā tu prayato naraḥ | aśvamedhaphalaṁ prāpya mama lokamavāpsyati

'A disciplined man who beholds Ishana as Mandaleshvara shall obtain the fruit of the Ashvamedha sacrifice and attain my world.'

Verse 32 (skanda.8.62.32)

नैकसिद्धसमाकीर्णं किन्नरोरगसेवितम् । युष्माभिः सर्वदा युक्तं भविष्यति मम प्रियम्

naikasiddhasamākīrṇaṁ kinnaroragasevitam | yuṣmābhiḥ sarvadā yuktaṁ bhaviṣyati mama priyam

'This place, thronged with countless siddhas, served by kinnaras and serpents, ever frequented by you gods, shall be dear to me.'

Verse 33 (skanda.8.62.33)

एषा तिलोत्तमा चैव यदर्थं सुरसत्तमाः । सृष्टा युष्माभिरव्यग्रा तद्वः कार्यं करिष्यति

eṣā tilottamā caiva yadarthaṁ surasattamāḥ | sṛṣṭā yuṣmābhiravyagrā tadvaḥ kāryaṁ kariṣyati

'And this Tilottama, for whose purpose she was created by you, O foremost of gods - untroubled, she shall accomplish that task of yours.'

Verse 34 (skanda.8.62.34)

एतामवेक्ष्य तौ दैत्यौ मोहितौ मदनार्दितौ । अन्योन्यं यास्यतो नाशमेषा चैव भविष्यति

etāmavekṣya tau daityau mohitau madanārditau | anyonyaṁ yāsyato nāśameṣā caiva bhaviṣyati

'Beholding her, those two demons, deluded and tormented by desire, shall go to mutual destruction - and this shall come to pass.'

Verse 35 (skanda.8.62.35)

अजरा चामरा चैव सर्वाप्सरवरा शुभा । पूज्या चेह सदा स्थाने वन्द्या चैव भविष्यति

ajarā cāmarā caiva sarvāpsaravarā śubhā | pūjyā ceha sadā sthāne vandyā caiva bhaviṣyati

'And she shall be ageless and immortal, the finest and most auspicious of all Apsarases, and shall ever be worshipped and revered in this place.'

Verse 36 (skanda.8.62.36)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । एवमुक्ते महेशेन सुराः सुप्रीतचेतसः । तां स्त्रियं प्रेषयामासुर्वधार्थं दैत्ययोस्तदा

sanatkumāra uvāca | evamukte maheśena surāḥ suprītacetasaḥ | tāṁ striyaṁ preṣayāmāsurvadhārthaṁ daityayostadā

Sanatkumara said: When Mahesha had spoken thus, the gods, their hearts greatly pleased, sent that woman forth to bring about the death of the two demons.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.62.37)

सहायान् प्रददौ चास्यै ब्रह्मा कमलवाहनः । क्रोधं दर्पमृतूत्सर्वान् मात्सर्यं मदमेव चः

sahāyān pradadau cāsyai brahmā kamalavāhanaḥ | krodhaṁ darpamṛtūtsarvān mātsaryaṁ madameva caḥ

Brahma, borne on the lotus, gave her as companions Anger, Pride, all the Seasons, Envy, and Intoxication.

Verse 38 (skanda.8.62.38)

कालं मृत्युं च मोहञ्च विषादञ्चामितद्युतिः । अथ संप्रेषयित्वा तु देवतास्तां तिलोत्तमाम्

kālaṁ mṛtyuṁ ca mohañca viṣādañcāmitadyutiḥ | atha saṁpreṣayitvā tu devatāstāṁ tilottamām

That boundlessly radiant one gave her also Time, Death, Delusion, and Despair. Then, having thus sent Tilottama forth,

Verse 39 (skanda.8.62.39)

आत्मानं पिण्डयामासुर्देवास्ते सर्व एव हि । कः कः कतम आयात इहाद्येति सुरर्षभाः

ātmānaṁ piṇḍayāmāsurdevāste sarva eva hi | kaḥ kaḥ katama āyāta ihādyeti surarṣabhāḥ

all those gods gathered themselves together into a single mass, asking one another, 'Who is this, and who has come here today?' - so spoke the bulls among gods.

Verse 40 (skanda.8.62.40)

ततो मध्ये स्थितं नत्वा भूयस्ते परमेश्वरम् । पिण्ड्यमानेषु देवेषु यस्मान्मध्ये समास्थितः

tato madhye sthitaṁ natvā bhūyaste parameśvaram | piṇḍyamāneṣu deveṣu yasmānmadhye samāsthitaḥ

Then, bowing again to the Supreme Lord who stood in their midst - since, when the gods gathered into a mass, he stood in the very centre -

Verse 41 (skanda.8.62.41)

पिण्डारेश्वर इत्येव तत्रासावभवत्ततः । पिण्डारेश्वरमीशानं दृष्ट्वा भक्त्या तु मानवः

piṇḍāreśvara ityeva tatrāsāvabhavattataḥ | piṇḍāreśvaramīśānaṁ dṛṣṭvā bhaktyā tu mānavaḥ

he thereby became known there as Pindareshvara. A man who beholds Ishana as Pindareshvara with devotion

Verse 42 (skanda.8.62.42)

सर्वाशुभविनिर्मुक्तो देहभेदे गणो भवेत् । पृथिव्यां यानि लिङ्गानि चतुर्मुखायतनानि च

sarvāśubhavinirmukto dehabhede gaṇo bhavet | pṛthivyāṁ yāni liṅgāni caturmukhāyatanāni ca

becomes freed from all inauspiciousness and, at the parting of the body, becomes a Gana. Whatever lingas and four-faced shrines exist on earth,

Verse 43 (skanda.8.62.43)

तानि सर्वाणि दृश्यानि इदं दृष्ट्वा भवन्ति हि । ततस्ता देवताः सर्वाः कृत्वा कार्यमतन्द्रिताः

tāni sarvāṇi dṛśyāni idaṁ dṛṣṭvā bhavanti hi | tatastā devatāḥ sarvāḥ kṛtvā kāryamatandritāḥ

all of them, in effect, are seen once this shrine has been seen. Then all those gods, their task accomplished, untiring,

Verse 44 (skanda.8.62.44)

प्रणम्य परमेशानं स्वानि सद्मानि भेजिरे । सापि चारुमुखापाङ्गी पीनोन्नतपयोधरा

praṇamya parameśānaṁ svāni sadmāni bhejire | sāpi cārumukhāpāṅgī pīnonnatapayodharā

bowed to the Supreme Lord and returned to their own abodes. She too, with lovely face and glancing eyes, her breasts full and high,

Verse 45 (skanda.8.62.45)

आक्षिपन्तीव चेतांसि सुराणां विभ्रमैस्तदा । प्रतस्थे दक्षिणामाशामासाते यत्र दानवौ

ākṣipantīva cetāṁsi surāṇāṁ vibhramaistadā | pratasthe dakṣiṇāmāśāmāsāte yatra dānavau

as though drawing away the hearts of the gods with her charms, then set out toward the southern quarter, where the two demons were staying.

Verse 46 (skanda.8.62.46)

विन्ध्यपादेषु रम्येषु विहगोद्गीतसानुषु । भ्रमन्तावथ दैत्येन्द्रौ स्थितां ददृशतुस्तु ताम्

vindhyapādeṣu ramyeṣu vihagodgītasānuṣu | bhramantāvatha daityendrau sthitāṁ dadṛśatustu tām

There, on the lovely slopes of the Vindhya, its ridges echoing with birdsong, the two demon-lords, as they wandered, saw her standing.

Verse 47 (skanda.8.62.47)

अशोकशाखामुत्फुल्लामालम्ब्योन्मत्तषट्पदाम् । वसानामंशुकं चित्रमाबद्ध मणिमेखलाम्

aśokaśākhāmutphullāmālambyonmattaṣaṭpadām | vasānāmaṁśukaṁ citramābaddha maṇimekhalām

She was leaning on a fully-blossomed Ashoka branch swarming with intoxicated bees, wearing a colourful garment and a jewelled girdle,

Verse 48 (skanda.8.62.48)

गायन्तीं मधुरं रक्तं समं कलमनाकुलम् । तारमन्द्रातितारैश्च स्वरैः सम्यगलंकृतम्

gāyantīṁ madhuraṁ raktaṁ samaṁ kalamanākulam | tāramandrātitāraiśca svaraiḥ samyagalaṁkṛtam

singing sweetly and passionately, evenly, softly and undisturbed, her song well-adorned with high, low and very high notes.

Verse 49 (skanda.8.62.49)

साक्षादिव तपःसिद्धिं श्रियं मूर्त्तिमतीमिव । प्राप्तामिव रतिं साक्षात् कान्तिं चान्द्रमसीमिव

sākṣādiva tapaḥsiddhiṁ śriyaṁ mūrttimatīmiva | prāptāmiva ratiṁ sākṣāt kāntiṁ cāndramasīmiva

She seemed like the very embodiment of the perfection of austerity, like Shri herself in bodily form, like Rati incarnate, like the very radiance of the moon.

Verse 50 (skanda.8.62.50)

ममैवेयं ममैवेय मिति तौ दानवोत्तमौ । अभिसृत्य तु तौ देवीं पाण्योर्जगृहतुः समम्

mamaiveyaṁ mamaiveya miti tau dānavottamau | abhisṛtya tu tau devīṁ pāṇyorjagṛhatuḥ samam

'She is mine, she is mine!' - so each said; and those two foremost demons, rushing up to the goddess-like woman, seized her by the hands together.

Verse 51 (skanda.8.62.51)

अथ दर्पमदक्रोधमात्सर्याविष्टचेतसौ । तौ चुक्रुधतुरत्यर्थमन्योन्यस्यासुरोत्तमौ

atha darpamadakrodhamātsaryāviṣṭacetasau | tau cukrudhaturatyarthamanyonyasyāsurottamau

Then, their minds possessed by pride, intoxication, anger and envy, those two foremost Asuras grew exceedingly enraged with one another.

Verse 52 (skanda.8.62.52)

तयोर्गदेन्तकः कालो मृत्युश्चाविविशुर्द्रुतम् । प्रगृह्याथ गदे क्रुद्धावन्योन्यमभिजघ्नतुः

tayorgadentakaḥ kālo mṛtyuścāviviśurdrutam | pragṛhyātha gade kruddhāvanyonyamabhijaghnatuḥ

Antaka, Kala and Mrityu swiftly entered into their maces; then, seizing their maces in fury, the two struck at each other.

Verse 53 (skanda.8.62.53)

अथैकैकेन तौ तत्र प्रहारेणाभिताडितौ । विषण्णौ भिन्नसर्वाङ्गौ शिवशापविमोहितौ

athaikaikena tau tatra prahāreṇābhitāḍitau | viṣaṇṇau bhinnasarvāṅgau śivaśāpavimohitau

Struck there by a single blow each, the two, deluded by Shiva's curse, grew faint and disheartened, their whole bodies shattered.

Verse 54 (skanda.8.62.54)

विसंज्ञौ पतितौ भूमौ छिन्नमूलाविव द्रुमौ । अथ निर्ययतुस्तत्र कामोपहतचेतसौ

visaṁjñau patitau bhūmau chinnamūlāviva drumau | atha niryayatustatra kāmopahatacetasau

Senseless, they fell to the ground like trees felled at the root. Then, from those two whose minds had been struck down by desire,

Verse 55 (skanda.8.62.55)

आत्मानौ सह शुक्रेण तयोर्दानवमुख्ययोः । तौ तदा निर्गतौ तत्र तयोर्जीवौ दुरात्मनोः

ātmānau saha śukreṇa tayordānavamukhyayoḥ | tau tadā nirgatau tatra tayorjīvau durātmanoḥ

the two selves of those foremost demons, together with their vital seed, and the two life-breaths of those evil-souled ones, then issued forth there.

Verse 56 (skanda.8.62.56)

बलिनौ चारुसर्वाङ्गौ बालावाशु बभूवतुः । एकस्तत्राब्रवीद्बालः शुंभोहं द्विषतामिति

balinau cārusarvāṅgau bālāvāśu babhūvatuḥ | ekastatrābravīdbālaḥ śuṁbhohaṁ dviṣatāmiti

They swiftly became two mighty infants, every limb beautiful. There one child said, 'I am Shumbha, to my foes.'

Verse 57 (skanda.8.62.57)

निशुंभोप्यहमन्यस्तु बालस्तत्रावदत्तदा । अथ विन्ध्यः समासाद्य बालौ तावमितद्युती

niśuṁbhopyahamanyastu bālastatrāvadattadā | atha vindhyaḥ samāsādya bālau tāvamitadyutī

'And I am the other, Nishumbha,' said the other child then. Then Vindhya, approaching those two children of boundless radiance,

Verse 58 (skanda.8.62.58)

आदिदेशात्मनः पत्नीं पाहि त्वं बालकाविति । ववृधातेथ तौ तत्र दानवेन्द्रसुतावुभौ

ādideśātmanaḥ patnīṁ pāhi tvaṁ bālakāviti | vavṛdhātetha tau tatra dānavendrasutāvubhau

instructed his own wife, 'Protect these two children.' Then those two sons of the demon-lord grew up there,

Verse 59 (skanda.8.62.59)

कृष्णपक्षक्षये यद्वद् युगपच्छशिसागरौ । बुद्ध्वा तौ च तदा जन्म दानवाभ्यामरिन्दमौ

kṛṣṇapakṣakṣaye yadvad yugapacchaśisāgarau | buddhvā tau ca tadā janma dānavābhyāmarindamau

just as the moon and the ocean wax together as the dark fortnight wanes. And those two foe-subduers, learning of their true birth from the demons,

Verse 60 (skanda.8.62.60)

तपश्चेरतुरत्युग्रं पर्णाम्बुपवनाशनौ । तपसाराधितस्ताभ्यां तत्रागत्याब्रवीत्प्रभुः

tapaśceraturatyugraṁ parṇāmbupavanāśanau | tapasārādhitastābhyāṁ tatrāgatyābravītprabhuḥ

practised most severe austerity, living on leaves, water and air alone. Propitiated by their austerity, the Lord came there and said:

Verse 61 (skanda.8.62.61)

तुष्टास्मि युवयोः पुत्रौ वरं किं ५ वा ददान्यहम् । वव्राते तौ वरं वीरावजय्या वध्यतां सदा

tuṣṭāsmi yuvayoḥ putrau varaṁ kiṁ 5 vā dadānyaham | vavrāte tau varaṁ vīrāvajayyā vadhyatāṁ sadā

'I am pleased with you, my sons; what boon shall I grant you?' Those two heroes asked for the boon that they be ever unconquerable and unslayable.

Verse 62 (skanda.8.62.62)

प्रार्थनां तां तयोः श्रुत्वा प्रत्युवाच पितामहः । अवश्यं पुत्रयोरेष्यं मरणं येनकेनचित्

prārthanāṁ tāṁ tayoḥ śrutvā pratyuvāca pitāmahaḥ | avaśyaṁ putrayoreṣyaṁ maraṇaṁ yenakenacit

Hearing their request, the Grandsire replied: 'Death must inevitably come to you, my sons, by some means or other.'

Verse 63 (skanda.8.62.63)

सुरेभ्योन्यत्र दैत्येन्द्रावमरत्वं न विद्यते । इत्युक्तवन्तं ब्रह्माणं वव्राते दानवौ वरम्

surebhyonyatra daityendrāvamaratvaṁ na vidyate | ityuktavantaṁ brahmāṇaṁ vavrāte dānavau varam

'Other than by the gods, O demon-lords, no immortality is possible.' To Brahma, having spoken thus, the two demons then asked for a further boon:

Verse 64 (skanda.8.62.64)

उभावपि सुनिश्चित्य संप्रहृष्टतनूरुहौ । जगन्मातुश्च या कन्या विना तस्याः पितामह

ubhāvapi suniścitya saṁprahṛṣṭatanūruhau | jaganmātuśca yā kanyā vinā tasyāḥ pitāmaha

Both, having firmly resolved, their bodies thrilling with joy, said: 'O Grandsire, except by that Maiden who is the Mother of the world,'

Verse 65 (skanda.8.62.65)

मा भूतामावयोर्देव सदा मृत्युपराजयौ । एवमस्त्विति तौ प्रोच्य दैत्येन्द्रतनयावुभौ

mā bhūtāmāvayordeva sadā mṛtyuparājayau | evamastviti tau procya daityendratanayāvubhau

'-let there never be, O Lord, death or defeat for either of us.' Saying 'So be it' to those two sons of the demon-lord,

Verse 66 (skanda.8.62.66)

विश्वस्य जगतः स्रष्टा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत । अथ तौ तपसस्तीव्राद्विरम्य कृतमङ्गलौ

viśvasya jagataḥ sraṣṭā tatraivāntaradhīyata | atha tau tapasastīvrādviramya kṛtamaṅgalau

the Creator of the whole universe vanished there itself. Then the two, having ceased from their severe austerity and performed auspicious rites,

Verse 67 (skanda.8.62.67)

मौलिनौ बद्धकवचौ हाराङ्गदविभूषितौ । हरिचन्दनदिग्धाङ्गौ पीतकौशेयवाससौ

maulinau baddhakavacau hārāṅgadavibhūṣitau | haricandanadigdhāṅgau pītakauśeyavāsasau

crowned, their armour fastened on, adorned with necklaces and armlets, their bodies smeared with sandal, clad in yellow silken garments,

Verse 68 (skanda.8.62.68)

विन्ध्यप्रस्थेषु रम्येषु चेरतुर्दानवोत्तमौ । पितामहाद् वरप्राप्तिं श्रुत्वा शुंभनिशुंभयोः

vindhyaprastheṣu ramyeṣu ceraturdānavottamau | pitāmahād varaprāptiṁ śrutvā śuṁbhaniśuṁbhayoḥ

those two foremost demons wandered on the lovely plateaus of the Vindhya. Hearing that Shumbha and Nishumbha had obtained a boon from the Grandsire,

Verse 69 (skanda.8.62.69)

आजग्मुर्दानवा हृष्टाः पातालतलवासिनः । शंभुर्मयो घनः केशिर्नरको नमुचिर्द्रुमः

ājagmurdānavā hṛṣṭāḥ pātālatalavāsinaḥ | śaṁbhurmayo ghanaḥ keśirnarako namucirdrumaḥ

the demons dwelling in the depths of Patala came joyfully - Shambhu, Maya, Ghana, Keshin, Naraka, Namuchi, Druma,

Verse 70 (skanda.8.62.70)

अन्ये च कोटिशो दृप्ता हतशेषाः सुरद्विषः । विन्ध्यप्रस्थे निषेदुस्ते समेताः सर्वदानवाः

anye ca koṭiśo dṛptā hataśeṣāḥ suradviṣaḥ | vindhyaprasthe niṣeduste sametāḥ sarvadānavāḥ

and other proud enemies of the gods, survivors of earlier battles, by the millions. All those demons gathered and settled on the Vindhya plateau.

Verse 71 (skanda.8.62.71)

नानाद्रुमलतागुल्मविकीर्णकुसुमोत्करे । धन्विनो बद्धनिस्त्रिंशाश्चित्राभरणभूषिताः

nānādrumalatāgulmavikīrṇakusumotkare | dhanvino baddhanistriṁśāścitrābharaṇabhūṣitāḥ

In that place strewn with heaps of flowers from many trees, creepers and shrubs, bowmen with swords bound at their sides, adorned with colourful ornaments,

Verse 72 (skanda.8.62.72)

सेन्द्रचापास्तडित्वन्तो नभसीव बलाहकाः । अथोवाच मयस्तत्र दानवो दानवोत्तमौ

sendracāpāstaḍitvanto nabhasīva balāhakāḥ | athovāca mayastatra dānavo dānavottamau

shone like rainbow-crowned, lightning-lit clouds in the sky. Then the demon Maya spoke there to the two foremost demons:

Verse 73 (skanda.8.62.73)

पितृभ्यां युवयोर्भुक्तं त्रैलोक्यमखिलं पुरा । युवाभ्यामधुना दैत्यो कस्मान्नादीयते पुनः

pitṛbhyāṁ yuvayorbhuktaṁ trailokyamakhilaṁ purā | yuvābhyāmadhunā daityo kasmānnādīyate punaḥ

'The three worlds entire were once enjoyed by your fathers. Why, O demons, is it not now seized once more by you two?'

Verse 74 (skanda.8.62.74)

समेतानमरान् सर्वान्निर्जित्य रणमूर्धनि । ये सहाया हि वां पित्रो र्बभूवुः सुरविद्विषः

sametānamarān sarvānnirjitya raṇamūrdhani | ye sahāyā hi vāṁ pitro rbabhūvuḥ suravidviṣaḥ

'Having conquered all the assembled immortals at the height of battle - those very enemies of the gods who were your fathers' allies,'

Verse 75 (skanda.8.62.75)

त एवामी बलोन्मत्ताः सहाया युवयोर्युधि । इत्युक्तवति दैत्येन्द्रे मये शुम्भो महासुरः

ta evāmī balonmattāḥ sahāyā yuvayoryudhi | ityuktavati daityendre maye śumbho mahāsuraḥ

'-these same ones, mighty and battle-crazed, are your allies in war too.' When the demon-lord Maya had spoken thus, the great Asura Shumbha,

Verse 76 (skanda.8.62.76)

निशुम्भस्य मुखं प्रेक्ष्य वाक्यमित्थं तदाब्रवीत् । भूर्लोकमखिलं दैत्या युष्माभिः सह सांप्रतम्

niśumbhasya mukhaṁ prekṣya vākyamitthaṁ tadābravīt | bhūrlokamakhilaṁ daityā yuṣmābhiḥ saha sāṁpratam

looking at Nishumbha's face, then spoke thus: 'O demons, together with you all, we shall now'

Verse 77 (skanda.8.62.77)

संविभज्य सुरान्सर्वाञ्जेष्यामो रणमूर्धनि । जम्बूद्वीपं स्वयं सोथ जग्राहासुरसत्तमः

saṁvibhajya surānsarvāñjeṣyāmo raṇamūrdhani | jambūdvīpaṁ svayaṁ sotha jagrāhāsurasattamaḥ

'-conquer all the gods at the height of battle and divide the earth among ourselves.' Then that foremost Asura himself took Jambudvipa for his own,

Verse 78 (skanda.8.62.78)

शाकद्वीपं निशुम्भाय ददौ भ्रात्रे कनीयसे । शाल्मलिद्वीपगोमेदौ दानवेभ्यो ददौ प्रभुः

śākadvīpaṁ niśumbhāya dadau bhrātre kanīyase | śālmalidvīpagomedau dānavebhyo dadau prabhuḥ

and gave Shakadvipa to his younger brother Nishumbha. The lord gave Shalmalidvipa and Gomeda to the other demons,

Verse 79 (skanda.8.62.79)

क्रौञ्चद्वीपकुशद्वीपौ दैत्येभ्यः प्रददौ च सः । दैत्येन्द्रः पुष्करद्वीपं भार्गवाय न्यवेदयत्

krauñcadvīpakuśadvīpau daityebhyaḥ pradadau ca saḥ | daityendraḥ puṣkaradvīpaṁ bhārgavāya nyavedayat

and he gave Krauncadvipa and Kushadvipa to the demons. The demon-lord assigned Pushkaradvipa to Bhargava, Shukra.

Verse 80 (skanda.8.62.80)

एवं प्रतिविभज्याशु भूर्लोकमखिलं तदा । इज्याञ्जलिनमस्कारान् यज्ञान् सर्वाश्च सत्क्रियाः

evaṁ prativibhajyāśu bhūrlokamakhilaṁ tadā | ijyāñjalinamaskārān yajñān sarvāśca satkriyāḥ

Having thus swiftly divided the whole earth among themselves, they then seized all worship, añjalis, salutations, sacrifices and all sacred rites,

Verse 81 (skanda.8.62.81)

आच्छिद्य दैवतेभ्यस्ते जगृहुर्दैत्यदानवाः । बभूवाथ ततो यज्ञः कश्यपस्य महात्मनः

ācchidya daivatebhyaste jagṛhurdaityadānavāḥ | babhūvātha tato yajñaḥ kaśyapasya mahātmanaḥ

wresting them by force from the gods, the Daityas and Danavas took them for themselves. Then there took place a sacrifice of the great soul Kashyapa.

Verse 82 (skanda.8.62.82)

आगत्य तं तदा यज्ञं ममृदुः सुरशत्रवः । आधिपत्यं हि नः कृत्स्ने भूर्लोके कश्यपाधुना

āgatya taṁ tadā yajñaṁ mamṛduḥ suraśatravaḥ | ādhipatyaṁ hi naḥ kṛtsne bhūrloke kaśyapādhunā

Coming to that sacrifice, the enemies of the gods trampled it down: 'O Kashyapa, sovereignty over the whole earth is now ours;'

Verse 83 (skanda.8.62.83)

सर्वावस्थासु यज्ञेस्मिन्नस्मान् त्वं यष्टुमर्हसि । एवमुक्तस्ततो दैत्यैर्मारीचः कश्यपस्तदा

sarvāvasthāsu yajñesminnasmān tvaṁ yaṣṭumarhasi | evamuktastato daityairmārīcaḥ kaśyapastadā

'-in every rite of this sacrifice you must worship us.' Thus addressed by the demons, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, then

Verse 84 (skanda.8.62.84)

गम्भीरमर्थवद्वाक्यमुवाचेत्थं स्मयन्निव । त्रैलोक्यमात्मनः कृत्वा जित्वा सर्वामरान् रणे

gambhīramarthavadvākyamuvācetthaṁ smayanniva | trailokyamātmanaḥ kṛtvā jitvā sarvāmarān raṇe

smiling faintly, spoke this grave and meaningful word: 'Having conquered all the immortals in battle and made the three worlds your own,'

Verse 85 (skanda.8.62.85)

यज्ञभागाँस्ततो दैत्याः सर्वानादातुमर्हथ । एवमुक्तास्तदा तेन दैत्यदानवसत्तमाः

yajñabhāgā~stato daityāḥ sarvānādātumarhatha | evamuktāstadā tena daityadānavasattamāḥ

'-then, O demons, you shall be entitled to take all the sacrificial portions.' Thus addressed by him, the foremost of the Daityas and Danavas,

Verse 86 (skanda.8.62.86)

बलं सर्वं समादाय कृत्वा साङग्रामिकीः क्रियाः । प्रशस्तेषु कृताचारा मुहूर्त्त र्क्षदिनेषु ते

balaṁ sarvaṁ samādāya kṛtvā sāṅagrāmikīḥ kriyāḥ | praśasteṣu kṛtācārā muhūrtta rkṣadineṣu te

gathering their whole army and performing the rites of war, having observed the proper customs at an auspicious hour, constellation and day,

Verse 87 (skanda.8.62.87)

रथैर्नागैस्तुरङ्गैश्च निर्ययुर्दैत्यदानवाः । पृष्ठतः पुरतः सम्यक् पार्श्वयोरुभयोरपि

rathairnāgaisturaṅgaiśca niryayurdaityadānavāḥ | pṛṣṭhataḥ purataḥ samyak pārśvayorubhayorapi

the Daityas and Danavas set out on chariots, elephants and horses, well arrayed in the rear, in front, and on both flanks.

Verse 88 (skanda.8.62.88)

विधाय रक्षो संयत्ता ययुर्देवान् जिगीषवः । तेषामागमनं ज्ञात्वा द्विषतां पाकशासनः

vidhāya rakṣo saṁyattā yayurdevān jigīṣavaḥ | teṣāmāgamanaṁ jñātvā dviṣatāṁ pākaśāsanaḥ

Having arranged their defence and fully prepared, they marched, desiring to conquer the gods. Learning of the approach of those foes, Indra,

Verse 89 (skanda.8.62.89)

संहतानां सुसंयत्तो युद्ध्वा नाकं जिगीषताम् । विधिं विधाय स्वपुरे समस्तं दौर्गकर्मिकम्

saṁhatānāṁ susaṁyatto yuddhvā nākaṁ jigīṣatām | vidhiṁ vidhāya svapure samastaṁ daurgakarmikam

well-prepared to fight those massed foes who sought to conquer heaven, having arranged in his own city every measure of fortification,

Verse 90 (skanda.8.62.90)

पुण्येषु तिथिनक्षत्र मुहूर्त्त करणेषु सः । मुनीन् विधिवदभ्यर्च्य नमस्कृत्वा पिनाकिने

puṇyeṣu tithinakṣatra muhūrtta karaṇeṣu saḥ | munīn vidhivadabhyarcya namaskṛtvā pinākine

on auspicious tithis, constellations, muhurtas and karanas, having duly worshipped the sages and bowed to Pinakin,

Verse 91 (skanda.8.62.91)

सार्धं सुरगणैः सर्वेर्निर्ययौ कृतमङ्गलः । हिमवच्छिखराकारं चतुर्दन्तमनेकपम्

sārdhaṁ suragaṇaiḥ sarverniryayau kṛtamaṅgalaḥ | himavacchikharākāraṁ caturdantamanekapam

having performed auspicious rites, he set out together with all the hosts of gods, mounting a great elephant shaped like the peak of the Himalaya, with four tusks,

Verse 92 (skanda.8.62.92)

आरुह्यैरावतं शश्वन्मदतोयौघवर्षिणम् । महताहैमदण्डेन रत्नांशुपरिवेषिणा

āruhyairāvataṁ śaśvanmadatoyaughavarṣiṇam | mahatāhaimadaṇḍena ratnāṁśupariveṣiṇā

Airavata, ceaselessly raining streams of rut-fluid, shaded by a great golden-staffed umbrella ringed with the light of jewels,

Verse 93 (skanda.8.62.93)

उच्छ्रितेनातपत्रेण ध्रियमाणेन भास्वता । वीज्यमानः शरच्चन्द्रकिरणोत्करनिर्मलैः

ucchritenātapatreṇa dhriyamāṇena bhāsvatā | vījyamānaḥ śaraccandrakiraṇotkaranirmalaiḥ

a raised, radiant umbrella held aloft over him, while he was fanned with fly-whisks pure as the mass of autumn moonbeams,

Verse 94 (skanda.8.62.94)

चामरै रत्नदण्डांशुसमूहखचितोदरैः । आशीर्भिर्जयशब्दैश्च मुनिभिः परिवर्द्धितः

cāmarai ratnadaṇḍāṁśusamūhakhacitodaraiḥ | āśīrbhirjayaśabdaiśca munibhiḥ parivarddhitaḥ

their handles studded with a mass of jewel-rays; extolled by sages with blessings and cries of victory,

Verse 95 (skanda.8.62.95)

अभितः स्तूयमानश्च सूतमागधबन्दिभिः । अथावकाशे विस्तीर्णे समे पादपवर्जिते

abhitaḥ stūyamānaśca sūtamāgadhabandibhiḥ | athāvakāśe vistīrṇe same pādapavarjite

and praised on every side by bards, panegyrists and heralds - then, in a vast, level, tree-free open space,

Verse 96 (skanda.8.62.96)

रचयामास देवानां पद्मव्यूहं बृहस्पतिः । मरुद्भिः सहितं कृत्वा कणिकायां शतक्रतुम्र

racayāmāsa devānāṁ padmavyūhaṁ bṛhaspatiḥ | marudbhiḥ sahitaṁ kṛtvā kaṇikāyāṁ śatakratumra

Brihaspati arrayed the gods in a lotus-formation, placing Indra together with the Maruts at its pericarp,

Verse 97 (skanda.8.62.97)

पत्रेषु च वसून् रुद्रानादित्याँश्च न्यवेशयत् । केशरेषु यमं कालं कुबेरवरुणावपि

patreṣu ca vasūn rudrānādityā~śca nyaveśayat | keśareṣu yamaṁ kālaṁ kuberavaruṇāvapi

and placed the Vasus, Rudras and Adityas on its petals, and Yama, Kala, Kubera and Varuna on its filaments.

Verse 98 (skanda.8.62.98)

अनन्तं सहितं नागैर्नाले गुरुरकल्पयत् । देवानन्यान् समेताँश्च रक्षोगन्धर्वसेनया

anantaṁ sahitaṁ nāgairnāle gururakalpayat | devānanyān sametā~śca rakṣogandharvasenayā

The Guru placed Ananta, together with the serpents, on the stalk, and the other assembled gods along with the army of Rakshasas and Gandharvas

Verse 99 (skanda.8.62.99)

पुनः सरः स पद्मस्य परितः पर्यकल्पयत् । अथ दानवतूर्याणां शब्दं श्रुत्वा दिवौकसः

punaḥ saraḥ sa padmasya paritaḥ paryakalpayat | atha dānavatūryāṇāṁ śabdaṁ śrutvā divaukasaḥ

he arranged again as the lake surrounding that lotus. Then, hearing the sound of the demons' war-trumpets, the dwellers of heaven

Verse 100 (skanda.8.62.100)

आजघ्नुर्मुदिता भेरीर्नेदुर्नादाँश्च संघशः । विमिश्रान् तूर्यशब्देन श्रुत्वा नादान् दिवौकसाम्

ājaghnurmuditā bherīrnedurnādā~śca saṁghaśaḥ | vimiśrān tūryaśabdena śrutvā nādān divaukasām

joyfully struck their war-drums and raised a tumult of massed sounds. Hearing those sounds of the gods mingled with the blare of trumpets,

Verse 101 (skanda.8.62.101)

संयत्ताः सुतरां चक्रुः प्रयत्नं दानवेश्वराः । अथ ते दानवा दृष्ट्वा पद्मव्यूहं दिवौकसाम्

saṁyattāḥ sutarāṁ cakruḥ prayatnaṁ dānaveśvarāḥ | atha te dānavā dṛṣṭvā padmavyūhaṁ divaukasām

the lords of the demons, fully prepared, redoubled their effort still further. Then those demons, on seeing the gods' lotus-formation,

Verse 102 (skanda.8.62.102)

पप्रच्छुर्भार्गवं तत्र तद्भेदममितौजसः । स पृष्टो दानवश्रेष्ठैर्व्यूहभेदमनाकुलः

papracchurbhārgavaṁ tatra tadbhedamamitaujasaḥ | sa pṛṣṭo dānavaśreṣṭhairvyūhabhedamanākulaḥ

asked Bhargava there, boundless in energy, how to break it. Asked by the foremost demons, he, unperturbed, explained how the formation might be broken.

Verse 103 (skanda.8.62.103)

विचिन्त्य भार्गवो धीमानीत्थमाहासुराँस्तदा । विकीर्णाः परितः सर्वे तुषारनिकरा इव

vicintya bhārgavo dhīmānītthamāhāsurā~stadā | vikīrṇāḥ paritaḥ sarve tuṣāranikarā iva

The wise Bhargava, having reflected, then spoke thus to the Asuras: 'Scattered all about, like masses of frost,'

Verse 104 (skanda.8.62.104)

पद्मव्यूहं सुरेन्द्राणां हत सम्यक् सुरद्विषः । एवमुक्तास्ततो दैत्या भार्गवेण महात्मना

padmavyūhaṁ surendrāṇāṁ hata samyak suradviṣaḥ | evamuktāstato daityā bhārgaveṇa mahātmanā

'-strike well, O foes of the gods, at the lotus-formation of the lords of the gods!' Thus addressed by the great-souled Bhargava, the Daityas then

Verse 105 (skanda.8.62.105)

सिंहनादं विनद्याशु परितस्तेभिसंपतन् । ततो युद्धं समभवद् देवदानवसैन्ययोः

siṁhanādaṁ vinadyāśu paritastebhisaṁpatan | tato yuddhaṁ samabhavad devadānavasainyayoḥ

roaring a lion-roar, swiftly fell upon them from all sides. Then a battle broke out between the armies of the gods and demons,

Verse 106 (skanda.8.62.106)

आयुधैर्विविधैस्तीक्ष्णैः परस्परमभिध्नतोः । सादिनः सादिभिः सार्धं नागा नागै रथा रथैः

āyudhairvividhaistīkṣṇaiḥ parasparamabhidhnatoḥ | sādinaḥ sādibhiḥ sārdhaṁ nāgā nāgai rathā rathaiḥ

striking one another with various sharp weapons - horsemen against horsemen, elephants against elephants, chariots against chariots,

Verse 107 (skanda.8.62.107)

पत्तयः पत्तिभिर्दृप्तैर्दृप्ता युयुधिरे युधि । केचिद्विभिन्ना नाराचैश्छिन्नाः केचित् परश्वधैः

pattayaḥ pattibhirdṛptairdṛptā yuyudhire yudhi | kecidvibhinnā nārācaiśchinnāḥ kecit paraśvadhaiḥ

and proud foot-soldiers fought proudly against foot-soldiers. Some were pierced by iron arrows, some cut down by axes,

Verse 108 (skanda.8.62.108)

निपेतुर्व्यसवो यौधाः सेनयोरुभयोरपि । छिन्धि भिन्धि सहेदानीं तिष्ठ मूढ क्व गच्छसि

nipeturvyasavo yaudhāḥ senayorubhayorapi | chindhi bhindhi sahedānīṁ tiṣṭha mūḍha kva gacchasi

and warriors of both armies fell lifeless. 'Cut! Pierce! Hold now! Stand, fool - where are you fleeing?' -

Verse 109 (skanda.8.62.109)

इति वाचः सुमुत्तस्थुर्युधि योधैरुदीरिताः । वसारुधिरसंसिक्तं तनुत्रावरणाचितम्

iti vācaḥ sumuttasthuryudhi yodhairudīritāḥ | vasārudhirasaṁsiktaṁ tanutrāvaraṇācitam

such words rose up on the battlefield, uttered by the warriors. That battlefield became drenched with fat and blood, strewn with armour and shields,

Verse 110 (skanda.8.62.110)

हतनागाश्वकललं तद्बभूव रणाजिरम् । अथ तैर्दानवैस्तत्र पीड्यमाना दिवौकसः

hatanāgāśvakalalaṁ tadbabhūva raṇājiram | atha tairdānavaistatra pīḍyamānā divaukasaḥ

and confused with slain elephants and horses. Then the dwellers of heaven, hard-pressed there by the demons,

Verse 111 (skanda.8.62.111)

सव्रणा हतभूयिष्ठाः शक्रमेवाभिशिश्रियुः । अनन्तं नागमुख्याश्च कुबेरं यक्षराक्षसाः

savraṇā hatabhūyiṣṭhāḥ śakramevābhiśiśriyuḥ | anantaṁ nāgamukhyāśca kuberaṁ yakṣarākṣasāḥ

wounded and mostly slain, took refuge with Indra himself; the chief serpents with Ananta, and the Yakshas and Rakshasas with Kubera.

Verse 112 (skanda.8.62.112)

भिन्ने व्यूहेय देवानां प्रहृष्टा दैत्यदानवाः । सिंहनादान् विनद्योच्चै स्तूर्याण्याहत्य भूयशः

bhinne vyūheya devānāṁ prahṛṣṭā daityadānavāḥ | siṁhanādān vinadyoccai stūryāṇyāhatya bhūyaśaḥ

With the gods' formation now broken, the Daityas and Danavas, greatly delighted, roaring loud lion-roars and striking their trumpets again and again,

Verse 113 (skanda.8.62.113)

अभ्यद्रवन्तः संयत्ताः समरे पाकशासनम् । अथोत्थाप्य गजं शक्रो वज्रेण शतपर्वणा

abhyadravantaḥ saṁyattāḥ samare pākaśāsanam | athotthāpya gajaṁ śakro vajreṇa śataparvaṇā

charged, fully prepared, against Indra in battle. Then Indra, urging on his elephant, with his hundred-jointed thunderbolt,

Verse 114 (skanda.8.62.114)

चूर्णयामास संक्रुद्धो वेत्यदानववाहिनीम् । ददाह दानवामाकं परितः पाकशासनः

cūrṇayāmāsa saṁkruddho vetyadānavavāhinīm | dadāha dānavāmākaṁ paritaḥ pākaśāsanaḥ

in fury pulverised and drove back the demon host. Indra burnt the demon army all around,

Verse 115 (skanda.8.62.115)

निदाघसमये दीप्तः शुष्ककक्षमिवानलः । अथ शुम्भः समभेत्य समरे शक्रमब्रवीत्

nidāghasamaye dīptaḥ śuṣkakakṣamivānalaḥ | atha śumbhaḥ samabhetya samare śakramabravīt

like a fire blazing in the dry grass of summer. Then Shumbha, advancing, said to Indra in battle:

Verse 116 (skanda.8.62.116)

दृष्टोस्यद्य मया शक्र न जीवन् प्रतियास्यसि । अथागत्य तदा ब्रह्मा प्राहेत्थं सुरसत्तमान्

dṛṣṭosyadya mayā śakra na jīvan pratiyāsyasi | athāgatya tadā brahmā prāhetthaṁ surasattamān

'You are seen by me today, O Shakra - you shall not return alive.' Then Brahma, coming there, spoke thus to the foremost of the gods:

Verse 117 (skanda.8.62.117)

न योद्धव्यं सुरा दैत्यैरवध्या वः सुरद्विषः । न योद्धव्यं न योद्धव्यं सुरा दैत्यैर्महाबलैः

na yoddhavyaṁ surā daityairavadhyā vaḥ suradviṣaḥ | na yoddhavyaṁ na yoddhavyaṁ surā daityairmahābalaiḥ

'You must not fight the Daityas, O gods - these enemies of the gods are unslayable by you. You must not fight, you must not fight the mighty Daityas, O gods!'

Verse 118 (skanda.8.62.118)

पूर्वलब्धवरा ह्येते अवध्याश्च सुरद्विषः । अन्तर्दधुस्ततस्तस्य वाक्यं श्रुत्वा दिवौकसः । विहाय समरं सर्वे क्षिप्रं सबलवाहनाः

pūrvalabdhavarā hyete avadhyāśca suradviṣaḥ | antardadhustatastasya vākyaṁ śrutvā divaukasaḥ | vihāya samaraṁ sarve kṣipraṁ sabalavāhanāḥ

'For these enemies of the gods have already obtained a boon and are unslayable.' Hearing his words, the dwellers of heaven then vanished, all of them swiftly abandoning the battle with their forces and mounts.

Verse 119 (skanda.8.62.119)

अथ दैत्याः सुसंहृष्टास्तूर्याण्याहत्य भूयशः । नेदुरुच्चैर्वचश्चेदमूचुः समरशालिनः

atha daityāḥ susaṁhṛṣṭāstūryāṇyāhatya bhūyaśaḥ | neduruccairvacaścedamūcuḥ samaraśālinaḥ

Then the Daityas, greatly delighted, striking their trumpets again and again, roared aloud, and those excellent in battle spoke these words:

Verse 120 (skanda.8.62.120)

तुरगखुरपुटान्तक्षुण्णरेण्वन्धकारे । द्विरदरथनिनादत्रस्तपादातवृन्दे । विगतभयविषादः संयुगे शुंभसिंहो । जयति सुरविजेता वारिवाहोरुनादः

turagakhurapuṭāntakṣuṇṇareṇvandhakāre | dviradarathaninādatrastapādātavṛnde | vigatabhayaviṣādaḥ saṁyuge śuṁbhasiṁho | jayati suravijetā vārivāhorunādaḥ

'In battle, amid the darkness of dust ground up by the hooves of horses, amid crowds of foot-soldiers fleeing in fear at the din of elephants and chariots, victorious is Shumbha, the lion, free from fear and despair, conqueror of the gods, his mighty roar like that of a rain-cloud!'

Verse 121 (skanda.8.62.121)

तदनु जयति दीर्घपीनथुबाहुः पृथुरुचिरोन्नतसंहतोरुवक्षाः । मृगपतिगमनोम्बुवाहनादः समरवरे विजयी निशुंभसिंहः

tadanu jayati dīrghapīnathubāhuḥ pṛthurucironnatasaṁhatoruvakṣāḥ | mṛgapatigamanombuvāhanādaḥ samaravare vijayī niśuṁbhasiṁhaḥ

'And after him, victorious in the finest of battles is that lion Nishumbha, his arms long and full, his chest broad, lovely, high and firm, his gait like a lion's, his roar like a raincloud's!'