The Coming of Skanda's Birth

Verse 1 (skanda.8.72.1)

व्यास उवाच । भगवन् सर्वयोगज्ञ श्रुतमाख्यानमुत्तमम् । परतः श्रोतुमिच्छामि यद् वृत्तं मुनिसत्तम

vyāsa uvāca | bhagavan sarvayogajña śrutamākhyānamuttamam | parataḥ śrotumicchāmi yad vṛttaṁ munisattama

Vyasa said: O Lord, knower of all yoga, I have heard this excellent tale; O finest of sages, I wish to hear further what happened next.

Verse 2 (skanda.8.72.2)

अपनीय तदा विष्णोः सिंहरूपं वृषध्वजः । किमन्यदकरोद्धीमानेतदिच्छामि वेदितुम्

apanīya tadā viṣṇoḥ siṁharūpaṁ vṛṣadhvajaḥ | kimanyadakaroddhīmānetadicchāmi veditum

After the Bull-bannered One removed Vishnu's lion-form, what else did that wise one do? I wish to know this.

Verse 3 (skanda.8.72.3)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । स्वयोनिं विष्णुमानीय देवदेवो भवस्तदा । मन्दरे सहितो देव्या विचचार महाद्युतिः

sanatkumāra uvāca | svayoniṁ viṣṇumānīya devadevo bhavastadā | mandare sahito devyā vicacāra mahādyutiḥ

Sanatkumara said: Having restored Vishnu to his own true form, the God of gods, Bhava, of great radiance, then wandered about Mandara together with the goddess.

Verse 4 (skanda.8.72.4)

रम्यान् स काननोद्देशान् गिरेः प्रस्रवणानि च । अलञ्चकार देवेशः परिसर्पन् समन्ततः

ramyān sa kānanoddeśān gireḥ prasravaṇāni ca | alañcakāra deveśaḥ parisarpan samantataḥ

Roaming all about, the Lord of gods adorned the lovely forest-tracts and the waterfalls of the mountain.

Verse 5 (skanda.8.72.5)

वनप्रेक्षारतं देवं ज्ञात्वा शङ्करमव्ययम् । शरत्तत्र वसन्तश्च द्वावृतू समुपस्थितौ

vanaprekṣārataṁ devaṁ jñātvā śaṅkaramavyayam | śarattatra vasantaśca dvāvṛtū samupasthitau

Knowing that the unfailing god Shankara delighted in beholding the forest, autumn and spring, both seasons, presented themselves there.

Verse 6 (skanda.8.72.6)

ततो महीरुहाः सर्वे सरांसि च समन्ततः । नानाविधानि पुष्पाणि मुमुचुस्सहसा समम्

tato mahīruhāḥ sarve sarāṁsi ca samantataḥ | nānāvidhāni puṣpāṇi mumucussahasā samam

Then all the trees and, on every side, the lakes, suddenly and together released flowers of many kinds.

Verse 7 (skanda.8.72.7)

कमलोत्पलसंछन्नाः षट्पदव्रातसेविताः । हंससारससंवासा वाप्यस्तत्र मनोहराः

kamalotpalasaṁchannāḥ ṣaṭpadavrātasevitāḥ | haṁsasārasasaṁvāsā vāpyastatra manoharāḥ

There were lovely ponds, covered with lotuses and blue lilies, thronged with swarms of bees, and home to swans and cranes.

Verse 8 (skanda.8.72.8)

गन्धाढ्या जातयः क्षिप्रं बभूवुः सह चम्पकैः । अशोका गन्धपुष्पाश्च तथा चैवातिमुक्तकाः

gandhāḍhyā jātayaḥ kṣipraṁ babhūvuḥ saha campakaiḥ | aśokā gandhapuṣpāśca tathā caivātimuktakāḥ

Fragrant jasmine blossomed swiftly, together with champaka, ashoka trees rich in scented flowers, and atimuktaka creepers as well.

Verse 9 (skanda.8.72.9)

उपतस्थुः समं देवं सर्वगन्धसुखानिलाः । सर्वर्तुकुसुमाकीर्णं दृष्टवा तद्वनमुत्तमम्

upatasthuḥ samaṁ devaṁ sarvagandhasukhānilāḥ | sarvartukusumākīrṇaṁ dṛṣṭavā tadvanamuttamam

Breezes, sweet with every fragrance, came to attend the god together; and, beholding that excellent forest strewn with the flowers of every season,

Verse 10 (skanda.8.72.10)

पुष्पाण्यादाय देवेशः स्वयमेव जगत्पतिः । अलञ्चकार हृष्टात्मा देवीं हिमगिरेः सुताम्

puṣpāṇyādāya deveśaḥ svayameva jagatpatiḥ | alañcakāra hṛṣṭātmā devīṁ himagireḥ sutām

the Lord of gods, the Lord of the world, taking flowers with his own hands, his heart delighted, adorned the goddess, the daughter of the snow-mountain,

Verse 11 (skanda.8.72.11)

नन्दीश्वरञ्च पार्श्वस्थमात्मानञ्च सुरेश्वरः । ततः प्रणम्य देवेशं पार्वती प्रणयादिदम्

nandīśvarañca pārśvasthamātmānañca sureśvaraḥ | tataḥ praṇamya deveśaṁ pārvatī praṇayādidam

and also Nandishvara, who stood at their side, and himself. Then, bowing to the Lord of gods, Parvati, with affection, spoke this word:

Verse 12 (skanda.8.72.12)

वचः प्रोवाच जननी कृत्स्नस्य जगतोव्यया । यथा मे देहजः पुत्रो भविता गोवृषध्वज

vacaḥ provāca jananī kṛtsnasya jagatovyayā | yathā me dehajaḥ putro bhavitā govṛṣadhvaja

-she, the unfailing mother of the entire world, spoke: 'O Bull-bannered One, may I have a son born of my own body,'

Verse 13 (skanda.8.72.13)

त्वद्वीर्यस्त्वत्प्रभावश्च सर्वदेवनमस्कृतः । तथा कुरु महादेव यदि ते प्रियता मयि

tvadvīryastvatprabhāvaśca sarvadevanamaskṛtaḥ | tathā kuru mahādeva yadi te priyatā mayi

'-of your own valour and your own power, honoured by all the gods; do this, O Mahadeva, if you hold affection for me.'

Verse 14 (skanda.8.72.14)

एवमुक्तस्तदा देव्या देवदेवस्त्रिलोचनः । प्रोवाचेदं महातेजा देव्याः प्रियचिकीर्षया

evamuktastadā devyā devadevastrilocanaḥ | provācedaṁ mahātejā devyāḥ priyacikīrṣayā

Thus addressed by the goddess, the three-eyed God of gods, of great radiance, wishing to please her, said this:

Verse 15 (skanda.8.72.15)

एवं भवतु देवेशे विज्ञप्तिं सफलामिमाम् । करिष्यामि तवेशानि पुत्रस्ते स भवेद्यथा

evaṁ bhavatu deveśe vijñaptiṁ saphalāmimām | kariṣyāmi taveśāni putraste sa bhavedyathā

'So be it, O sovereign goddess; I shall make this petition of yours bear fruit. O Ishani, I shall so act that you shall have a son -'

Verse 16 (skanda.8.72.16)

श्रेष्ठः सर्वसुरेशानां महायोगबलान्वितः । कृत्स्नं जगदिदं यस्य वशे स्थास्यति भामिनि

śreṣṭhaḥ sarvasureśānāṁ mahāyogabalānvitaḥ | kṛtsnaṁ jagadidaṁ yasya vaśe sthāsyati bhāmini

'-foremost among all the lords of the gods, endowed with the power of great yoga; O lady, this whole world shall stand under his sway.'

Verse 17 (skanda.8.72.17)

गच्छन्त्या तत् तपः कर्त्तुं वरः पूर्वमपि त्वया । प्रार्थितो ह्येष पुत्रार्थं तेनावश्यं ददामि ते

gacchantyā tat tapaḥ karttuṁ varaḥ pūrvamapi tvayā | prārthito hyeṣa putrārthaṁ tenāvaśyaṁ dadāmi te

'When you once went to perform that austerity, this very boon was requested by you for a son; therefore I now grant it to you without fail.'

Verse 18 (skanda.8.72.18)

एवमुक्त्वा तु तौ देवौ गिरिजाभुवनेश्वरौ । नन्दीशेन तदा सार्धं विचरन्तौ जगद्गुरू

evamuktvā tu tau devau girijābhuvaneśvarau | nandīśena tadā sārdhaṁ vicarantau jagadgurū

Having thus spoken, those two gods, Girija and the Lord of the worlds, the teachers of the universe, wandering together with Nandisha,

Verse 19 (skanda.8.72.19)

सर्वोद्यानानि पश्यन्तौ विन्ध्यमाजग्मतुर्गिरिम् । अथागम्य तु विन्ध्यस्य सौवर्णं शिखरोत्तमम्

sarvodyānāni paśyantau vindhyamājagmaturgirim | athāgamya tu vindhyasya sauvarṇaṁ śikharottamam

-beholding all the gardens, came to Mount Vindhya. Then, arriving at the excellent golden peak of the Vindhya,

Verse 20 (skanda.8.72.20)

दरीकन्दरसंकीर्णं नानानिर्झरसंयुतम् । सतडिन्मेघसंघात घनीकृतशिलोच्चयम्

darīkandarasaṁkīrṇaṁ nānānirjharasaṁyutam | sataḍinmeghasaṁghāta ghanīkṛtaśiloccayam

-thronged with caves and caverns, joined with many waterfalls, its rocky heights thickened by the massing of lightning-lit clouds,

Verse 21 (skanda.8.72.21)

नानावृक्षशिलोपेतं नानाकुसुमसंयुतम् । नानाखगरवामोदं हेमरत्नोज्ज्वलं शुभम्

nānāvṛkṣaśilopetaṁ nānākusumasaṁyutam | nānākhagaravāmodaṁ hemaratnojjvalaṁ śubham

-set with many trees and rocks, filled with many flowers, delightful with the calls of many birds, ablaze with gold and jewels, auspicious,

Verse 22 (skanda.8.72.22)

मानसं तस्य मध्ये तु पुरं सृष्ट्वा महर्द्धिमत् । मणिहेममयं दिव्यं देवासुरविमोहनम्

mānasaṁ tasya madhye tu puraṁ sṛṣṭvā maharddhimat | maṇihemamayaṁ divyaṁ devāsuravimohanam

-in its midst, by mere thought, he created a city of great splendour, divine, made of jewels and gold, bewildering to gods and demons alike.

Verse 23 (skanda.8.72.23)

परमैश्वर्यसंयुक्तौ युतौ विविशतुः पुरम् । नन्दिनञ्च ततो देवी समाज्ञापयदव्यया

paramaiśvaryasaṁyuktau yutau viviśatuḥ puram | nandinañca tato devī samājñāpayadavyayā

Endowed with supreme majesty, the two entered that city; and the unfailing goddess then commanded Nandin:

Verse 24 (skanda.8.72.24)

वत्स नन्दिन् तथा द्वारे तिष्ठेस्त्वं गणपेश्वर । विशेन्नेह वथा कश्चित् सूक्ष्मो वायुरपि स्थितः

vatsa nandin tathā dvāre tiṣṭhestvaṁ gaṇapeśvara | viśenneha vathā kaścit sūkṣmo vāyurapi sthitaḥ

'My child Nandin, O Lord of the Ganas, stand at the door in such a way that no one, not even a subtle breath of wind, may enter here.'

Verse 25 (skanda.8.72.25)

कृत्वा शिरसि तामाज्ञां नन्दीशो गणपाधिपः । अभवद् द्वारमूलस्थः कृत्वा तेजोतिदुस्सहम्

kṛtvā śirasi tāmājñāṁ nandīśo gaṇapādhipaḥ | abhavad dvāramūlasthaḥ kṛtvā tejotidussaham

Nandisha, the lord of the Ganas, taking that command to heart, stood at the base of the door, having assumed an utterly unbearable radiance.

Verse 26 (skanda.8.72.26)

योगयुक्तौ तदा देवौ परां मूर्त्तिं समास्थितौ । कृत्स्नस्य जगतो योनी पार्वतीभुवनेश्वरौ

yogayuktau tadā devau parāṁ mūrttiṁ samāsthitau | kṛtsnasya jagato yonī pārvatībhuvaneśvarau

Then those two gods, engaged in yoga, took on their supreme forms - Parvati and the Lord of the worlds, the very source of the whole universe.

Verse 27 (skanda.8.72.27)

तस्थतुः सुचिरं कालं तनयार्थं महाद्युती । स न शक्यो मया वक्तुं ब्रह्मणा वा महामुने

tasthatuḥ suciraṁ kālaṁ tanayārthaṁ mahādyutī | sa na śakyo mayā vaktuṁ brahmaṇā vā mahāmune

Those two of great radiance remained thus for a very long time, for the sake of a son - a time which cannot be described by me, O great sage, nor even by Brahma.

Verse 28 (skanda.8.72.28)

सुयोगो योभवद् देव्या देवदेवस्य शूलिनः । ब्रह्मणो मद्विधानाञ्च श्रेष्ठोसौ परमेश्वरः

suyogo yobhavad devyā devadevasya śūlinaḥ | brahmaṇo madvidhānāñca śreṣṭhosau parameśvaraḥ

That union of the goddess with the trident-bearing God of gods was such that that Supreme Lord is superior even to Brahma, and to beings such as myself.

Verse 29 (skanda.8.72.29)

अवश्यं त्वागमे वाच्यं यथावृत्तं यथाश्रुतम् । अतो वक्ष्यामि ते व्यास प्रियः शिष्यश्च मे भवान्

avaśyaṁ tvāgame vācyaṁ yathāvṛttaṁ yathāśrutam | ato vakṣyāmi te vyāsa priyaḥ śiṣyaśca me bhavān

Yet it must certainly be told in the scripture, just as it happened and just as it was heard; therefore, O Vyasa, I shall tell you, since you are my beloved disciple.

Verse 30 (skanda.8.72.30)

योगसन्धानमास्थाय तयोरेवं महामुने । अतीतं स्थितयोर्दिव्यं सहस्रं शरदामभूत्

yogasandhānamāsthāya tayorevaṁ mahāmune | atītaṁ sthitayordivyaṁ sahasraṁ śaradāmabhūt

O great sage, thus engaged in the bond of yoga, a thousand divine years passed for those two as they remained so.

Verse 31 (skanda.8.72.31)

ततोभवन्निमित्तानि घोराणि त्रासनानि च । चचाल पृथिवी कृत्स्ना सशैलवनकानना

tatobhavannimittāni ghorāṇi trāsanāni ca | cacāla pṛthivī kṛtsnā saśailavanakānanā

Then terrible, fearsome portents arose; the whole earth trembled, together with its mountains and forest-groves.

Verse 32 (skanda.8.72.32)

नद्यः शोषं तदा जग्मुश्चुक्षुभे सरितां पतिः । तपनो निष्प्रभश्चासीद् ववावुष्णः समीरणः

nadyaḥ śoṣaṁ tadā jagmuścukṣubhe saritāṁ patiḥ | tapano niṣprabhaścāsīd vavāvuṣṇaḥ samīraṇaḥ

Rivers began to dry up; the lord of rivers grew turbulent; the sun lost its lustre; and a hot wind blew.

Verse 33 (skanda.8.72.33)

पेतुरुल्का महाघोरा दिशश्चासन्सुदारुणाः । एवमुत्पातवित्रस्ता शुभहेतोर्वसुन्धरा

peturulkā mahāghorā diśaścāsansudāruṇāḥ | evamutpātavitrastā śubhahetorvasundharā

Great terrible meteors fell, and the quarters became most dreadful. Thus the earth, terrified by these portents, though caused for an auspicious purpose,

Verse 34 (skanda.8.72.34)

जगाम शरणं विष्णुं गत्वा चार्त्तिं न्यवेदयत् । उत्पाता दारुणा देव बभूवुर्बहवो भृशम्

jagāma śaraṇaṁ viṣṇuṁ gatvā cārttiṁ nyavedayat | utpātā dāruṇā deva babhūvurbahavo bhṛśam

-went for refuge to Vishnu, and, going to him, related her distress: 'O god, many terrible portents have arisen exceedingly,'

Verse 35 (skanda.8.72.35)

तेनातीव समुद्विग्ना त्वामद्य शरणं गता । अथ विष्णुः सुरान्सर्वानिदमश्रावयत् प्रभुः

tenātīva samudvignā tvāmadya śaraṇaṁ gatā | atha viṣṇuḥ surānsarvānidamaśrāvayat prabhuḥ

'-by which I am utterly agitated; today I have come to you for refuge.' Then Lord Vishnu made all the gods hear this:

Verse 36 (skanda.8.72.36)

ततो दिवौकसः सर्वे बृहस्पतिपुरोगमाः । एकत्र संगता भूत्वा चक्रुर्बहुविधाः कथाः

tato divaukasaḥ sarve bṛhaspatipurogamāḥ | ekatra saṁgatā bhūtvā cakrurbahuvidhāḥ kathāḥ

Then all the dwellers of heaven, led by Brihaspati, gathering together in one place, held many kinds of discussion.

Verse 37 (skanda.8.72.37)

महाबुद्धिरथाहेदं वाक्यमङ्गिरसः सुतः । श्रीकण्ठो भगवानेष देवदेवस्त्रिलोचनः

mahābuddhirathāhedaṁ vākyamaṅgirasaḥ sutaḥ | śrīkaṇṭho bhagavāneṣa devadevastrilocanaḥ

Then the greatly wise son of Angiras spoke this word: 'This Lord Shrikantha, the three-eyed God of gods,'

Verse 38 (skanda.8.72.38)

युक्तोभूद्धिमवत्पुत्र्या तनयार्थं महाद्युतिः । दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रन्तु योगेन परमेष्ठिनः

yuktobhūddhimavatputryā tanayārthaṁ mahādyutiḥ | divyaṁ varṣasahasrantu yogena parameṣṭhinaḥ

'-of great radiance, has united with the daughter of Himavat for the sake of a son, through the yoga of the Supreme Being, for a thousand divine years.'

Verse 39 (skanda.8.72.39)

अगाद्युक्तस्य पार्वत्या बभूवुर्दारुणास्ततः । उत्पाता जगतस्त्रासाश्चिन्त्यते किमिहापरम्

agādyuktasya pārvatyā babhūvurdāruṇāstataḥ | utpātā jagatastrāsāścintyate kimihāparam

'From him thus united with Parvati, terrible portents and terrors have arisen for the world - what else is to be thought of here?'

Verse 40 (skanda.8.72.40)

गच्छाम सहिताः सर्वे स्तोतुं भक्त्या वृषध्वजम् । यथा च देहजः पुत्रो भवेद् देव्याः सुरेश्वराः

gacchāma sahitāḥ sarve stotuṁ bhaktyā vṛṣadhvajam | yathā ca dehajaḥ putro bhaved devyāḥ sureśvarāḥ

'Let us all go together to praise the Bull-bannered One with devotion; and, O lords of the gods, let us so act that the goddess may have a son of her own body,'

Verse 41 (skanda.8.72.41)

विज्ञापयाम देवेशं तथा शीघ्रमिहामराः । ततो वैवस्वतः प्राह वचः क्रोधाभिनिःसृतम्

vijñāpayāma deveśaṁ tathā śīghramihāmarāḥ | tato vaivasvataḥ prāha vacaḥ krodhābhiniḥsṛtam

'-thus let us, O immortals, quickly petition the Lord of gods here.' Then Vaivasvata spoke a word issuing from anger:

Verse 42 (skanda.8.72.42)

किमर्थं भृशमुद्विग्ना भवन्तस्सर्व एव हि । यद्यसौ देवदेवस्य तनयोस्मासु भक्तिमान्

kimarthaṁ bhṛśamudvignā bhavantassarva eva hi | yadyasau devadevasya tanayosmāsu bhaktimān

'Why are all of you so exceedingly agitated? If this son of the God of gods proves devoted to us,'

Verse 43 (skanda.8.72.43)

उत्पत्स्यति न च द्रोग्धा ततः क्षंस्याम तं सुराः । अथ चेत्कर्कशोस्मासु द्रोग्धा वा स भविष्यति

utpatsyati na ca drogdhā tataḥ kṣaṁsyāma taṁ surāḥ | atha cetkarkaśosmāsu drogdhā vā sa bhaviṣyati

'-and not one who wrongs us when born, then, O gods, we shall bear with him; but if he proves harsh or hostile to us,'

Verse 44 (skanda.8.72.44)

तत एनमहं बद्ध्वा कालपाशेन बालकम् । न चेत्पुरन्दरो वज्रं तस्य क्षेप्स्यति मूर्धनि । द्विधा येन कृतो मूढः प्राणांस्त्यक्ष्यति दुस्त्यजान्

tata enamahaṁ baddhvā kālapāśena bālakam | na cetpurandaro vajraṁ tasya kṣepsyati mūrdhani | dvidhā yena kṛto mūḍhaḥ prāṇāṁstyakṣyati dustyajān

'-then I myself shall bind that child with the noose of Time; and if Indra does not hurl his thunderbolt upon his head, by which, split in two, that fool shall give up his hard-to-abandon life -'

Verse 45 (skanda.8.72.45)

ब्रुवतस्तस्य बह्वेवं क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनः । विष्णुः प्रोवाच धर्मात्मा वचांसि परमार्थवित्

bruvatastasya bahvevaṁ krodhasaṁraktalocanaḥ | viṣṇuḥ provāca dharmātmā vacāṁsi paramārthavit

-while he spoke thus at length, Vishnu, righteous of soul, knower of the highest truth, his eyes red with anger, spoke these words:

Verse 46 (skanda.8.72.46)

अहो त्वया सुविश्रब्धं प्रोच्यते भास्करात्मज । परमार्थमविज्ञाय क्रोधस्य वशवर्तिना

aho tvayā suviśrabdhaṁ procyate bhāskarātmaja | paramārthamavijñāya krodhasya vaśavartinā

'Ah, O son of the sun, how boldly you speak, not knowing the highest truth, ruled by the sway of your anger!'

Verse 47 (skanda.8.72.47)

तनयः किल यः शम्भोर्गिरिजायां भविष्यति । स मूढ इव यः कश्चिद् भविता वशगस्तव

tanayaḥ kila yaḥ śambhorgirijāyāṁ bhaviṣyati | sa mūḍha iva yaḥ kaścid bhavitā vaśagastava

'The son who is to be born of Shambhu through Girija - will he be some fool, that he should be subject to your control?'

Verse 48 (skanda.8.72.48)

किमसौ मानवोन्यो वा जन्म मृत्युसमन्वितः । उत्पत्स्यति रवेः पुत्र येन स्याद्वशगस्तव

kimasau mānavonyo vā janma mṛtyusamanvitaḥ | utpatsyati raveḥ putra yena syādvaśagastava

'Is he then some mortal, or some other being subject to birth and death, O son of the sun, that he should be born subject to your control?'

Verse 49 (skanda.8.72.49)

कालेनापरिपूर्णेन मानवस्यापि भानुज । न त्वं नाशयिता नाम किमु पुत्रस्य शूलिनः

kālenāparipūrṇena mānavasyāpi bhānuja | na tvaṁ nāśayitā nāma kimu putrasya śūlinaḥ

'O son of the sun, even a mortal, if his time is not yet complete, you cannot slay - how much less then the son of the Trident-bearer!'

Verse 50 (skanda.8.72.50)

तेजो भगवतः शम्भोर्यद् भविष्यत्यनुत्तमम् । स कथं वध्यतां यायात् तव शक्रस्य वो विभो

tejo bhagavataḥ śambhoryad bhaviṣyatyanuttamam | sa kathaṁ vadhyatāṁ yāyāt tava śakrasya vo vibho

'That supreme radiance which shall arise as the Lord Shambhu's son - how could he ever be slain, whether by you, by Indra, or by any lord?'

Verse 51 (skanda.8.72.51)

ब्रवीमि वो हितं देवाः क्रियते यदि मद्वचः । प्रयाम सहितास्सर्वे तं प्रसादयितुं हरम्

bravīmi vo hitaṁ devāḥ kriyate yadi madvacaḥ | prayāma sahitāssarve taṁ prasādayituṁ haram

'I speak for your good, O gods, if my word is heeded: let us all go together to propitiate Hara.'

Verse 52 (skanda.8.72.52)

यो नः स्वयंवरे दत्तो वरस्तिष्ठति शङ्करे । तमेव वरयिष्यामो वरमग्र्यं पिनाकिनम्

yo naḥ svayaṁvare datto varastiṣṭhati śaṅkare | tameva varayiṣyāmo varamagryaṁ pinākinam

'That boon which was given to us at his own choosing, which remains with Shankara - that very boon we shall ask of the Pinaka-bearer, foremost of boons,'

Verse 53 (skanda.8.72.53)

यथा न देहजो देव्यास्तनयः संभविष्यति । नास्माकमहितं शम्भुः पुत्रमुत्पादयिष्यति

yathā na dehajo devyāstanayaḥ saṁbhaviṣyati | nāsmākamahitaṁ śambhuḥ putramutpādayiṣyati

'-namely, that a son shall not be born from the goddess's own body; Shambhu shall not beget a son harmful to us.'

Verse 54 (skanda.8.72.54)

वयमेव सुतास्सर्वे शङ्करस्याग्रजा विभोः । न शक्यस्तपसा द्रष्टुं न ज्ञानेन सुरेश्वराः

vayameva sutāssarve śaṅkarasyāgrajā vibhoḥ | na śakyastapasā draṣṭuṁ na jñānena sureśvarāḥ

'We ourselves are all, as it were, the elder-born sons of Lord Shankara. He cannot be seen through austerity, O lords of the gods, nor through knowledge.'

Verse 55 (skanda.8.72.55)

भक्त्या परमया द्रष्टुं शक्यः स्यात्स वृषध्वजः । आगच्छध्वं गमिष्यामो यत्र तिष्ठति शङ्करः

bhaktyā paramayā draṣṭuṁ śakyaḥ syātsa vṛṣadhvajaḥ | āgacchadhvaṁ gamiṣyāmo yatra tiṣṭhati śaṅkaraḥ

'That Bull-bannered One can only be seen through supreme devotion. Come, let us go to where Shankara abides.'

Verse 56 (skanda.8.72.56)

परां भक्तिं समास्थाय यथा पश्येय शङ्करम् । हुतभुक् चैव नो देवस्तत्सकाशं प्रवेक्ष्यति

parāṁ bhaktiṁ samāsthāya yathā paśyeya śaṅkaram | hutabhuk caiva no devastatsakāśaṁ pravekṣyati

'That, with supreme devotion, we may see Shankara. And Agni, the fire-god, shall be the one among us who enters into his presence.'

Verse 57 (skanda.8.72.57)

सर्वेषामेव विज्ञप्त्या सुराणां सुरसत्तमाः । इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य विष्णोरमिततेजसः

sarveṣāmeva vijñaptyā surāṇāṁ surasattamāḥ | iti śrutvā vacastasya viṣṇoramitatejasaḥ

'-by the petition of all the gods, O foremost of gods.' Hearing this word of Vishnu, of boundless radiance,

Verse 58 (skanda.8.72.58)

बृहस्पतिपुरोगास्ते हृष्टात्मानो दिवौकसः । साधुसाध्विति सन्तुष्टा वचांस्यूचुः सुरोत्तमाः

bṛhaspatipurogāste hṛṣṭātmāno divaukasaḥ | sādhusādhviti santuṣṭā vacāṁsyūcuḥ surottamāḥ

those dwellers of heaven, led by Brihaspati, their hearts delighted, those foremost of gods, satisfied, said, 'Well said, well said!'

Verse 59 (skanda.8.72.59)

ततो विष्णुसहायांस्ते गत्वा तच्छृंगमुत्तमम् । ऊचुर्हुताशनं देवं वचः स्तुतिपुरस्सरम्

tato viṣṇusahāyāṁste gatvā tacchṛṁgamuttamam | ūcurhutāśanaṁ devaṁ vacaḥ stutipurassaram

Then they, together with Vishnu, going to that excellent peak, spoke to the god Agni words led by praise:

Verse 60 (skanda.8.72.60)

त्वमग्ने सर्वदेवानां हितकृत्सर्वतोव्ययः । प्रविश्य त्राहि नः सर्वाञ्छङ्कराय निवेदय

tvamagne sarvadevānāṁ hitakṛtsarvatovyayaḥ | praviśya trāhi naḥ sarvāñchaṅkarāya nivedaya

'O Agni, you are the benefactor of all the gods, unfailing in every way; enter in, save all of us, and inform Shankara of our plight.'

Verse 61 (skanda.8.72.61)

तथा कुर्यास्सुरश्रेष्ठ येन निर्गम्य शङ्करः । अस्मान्निरीक्षते देवः प्रह्वान् भक्तिमतः स्थितान्

tathā kuryāssuraśreṣṭha yena nirgamya śaṅkaraḥ | asmānnirīkṣate devaḥ prahvān bhaktimataḥ sthitān

'Do this, O foremost of gods, so that Shankara may come forth and behold us, standing bowed and devoted before him.'

Verse 62 (skanda.8.72.62)

इत्युक्तस्स सुरैस्सर्वैः प्रत्युवाच हुताशनः । अकर्तव्यं हि मे देवा न युष्मान्प्रति विद्यते

ityuktassa suraissarvaiḥ pratyuvāca hutāśanaḥ | akartavyaṁ hi me devā na yuṣmānprati vidyate

Thus addressed by all the gods, Agni replied: 'O gods, there is indeed nothing I would refuse to do for you.'

Verse 63 (skanda.8.72.63)

पार्वत्या सह संयुक्तं देवदेवेश्वरं परम् । न मे शक्तिर्हरं द्रष्टुं भवन्तश्चाकुला भृशम्

pārvatyā saha saṁyuktaṁ devadeveśvaraṁ param | na me śaktirharaṁ draṣṭuṁ bhavantaścākulā bhṛśam

'Yet I have no power to behold the Supreme Lord of gods, united with Parvati - and you all are exceedingly troubled.'

Verse 64 (skanda.8.72.64)

युष्मद्वाक्यमलड्घ्यञ्च कृच्छ्रमेतदतीव मे । प्रवेक्ष्ये दूतवद्देवाः करिष्ये साहसं महत् । इत्युक्त्वा स जगामाशु भवनं तत्कपर्दिनः

yuṣmadvākyamalaḍghyañca kṛcchrametadatīva me | pravekṣye dūtavaddevāḥ kariṣye sāhasaṁ mahat | ityuktvā sa jagāmāśu bhavanaṁ tatkapardinaḥ

'Yet your word cannot be disobeyed, though this is exceedingly difficult for me. I shall enter as a messenger, O gods; I shall undertake this great daring.' Having said this, he swiftly went to the abode of Kapardin.

Verse 65 (skanda.8.72.65)

तत्रापश्यत् स्थितं द्वारे नन्दिनं परमौजसम् । द्वारमाक्रम्य तिष्ठन्तं दीप्तपट्टिशधारिणम्

tatrāpaśyat sthitaṁ dvāre nandinaṁ paramaujasam | dvāramākramya tiṣṭhantaṁ dīptapaṭṭiśadhāriṇam

There he saw Nandin, of supreme majesty, standing at the door, occupying the doorway, bearing a gleaming pattisha-blade.

Verse 66 (skanda.8.72.66)

तं दृष्ट्वा स तदा वह्निः समालोक्य समन्ततः । नास्ति कश्चिदिहोपायः सूक्ष्मजन्तोरपि स्थिते

taṁ dṛṣṭvā sa tadā vahniḥ samālokya samantataḥ | nāsti kaścidihopāyaḥ sūkṣmajantorapi sthite

Seeing him, Agni then, looking about on every side, thought: 'There is no way here at all, even for the subtlest of creatures, while he stands here,'

Verse 67 (skanda.8.72.67)

प्रवेष्टुमिति सञ्चिन्त्य तमेव शरणं ययौ । नन्दिनं हुतभुग् देवस्तुष्टाव च कृताञ्जलिः

praveṣṭumiti sañcintya tameva śaraṇaṁ yayau | nandinaṁ hutabhug devastuṣṭāva ca kṛtāñjaliḥ

-to enter.' Thinking thus, he went for refuge to him alone; and the god Agni, with joined palms, praised Nandin:

Verse 68 (skanda.8.72.68)

नमो गणाधिपतये नमश्चण्डाय शूलिने । नमस्सेनाधिपतये नमः शर्वात्मने सदा

namo gaṇādhipataye namaścaṇḍāya śūline | namassenādhipataye namaḥ śarvātmane sadā

'Salutation to the lord of the Ganas, salutation to Chanda, to the trident-bearer; salutation to the commander of the army, salutation ever to the very self of Sharva,'

Verse 69 (skanda.8.72.69)

हालाहलाय रुद्राय नीलरुद्राय वै नमः । नमस्ते स्वप्नरुद्राय भस्मरुद्राय ते नमः । नमः श्मशानरुद्राय कोटीरुद्राय ते नमः

hālāhalāya rudrāya nīlarudrāya vai namaḥ | namaste svapnarudrāya bhasmarudrāya te namaḥ | namaḥ śmaśānarudrāya koṭīrudrāya te namaḥ

'-salutation to Halahala Rudra, to Nila Rudra; salutation to Svapna Rudra, salutation to Bhasma Rudra; salutation to Shmashana Rudra, salutation to Koti Rudra,'

Verse 70 (skanda.8.72.70)

नमः पिङ्गलरुद्राय रुद्राधिपतये नमः । नमः प्रमथरुद्राय भूतरुद्राय ते नमः

namaḥ piṅgalarudrāya rudrādhipataye namaḥ | namaḥ pramatharudrāya bhūtarudrāya te namaḥ

'-salutation to Pingala Rudra, salutation to the lord of the Rudras; salutation to Pramatha Rudra, salutation to Bhuta Rudra,'

Verse 71 (skanda.8.72.71)

विरूपाक्षाय रुद्राय श्वेतरुद्राय ते नमः । नमस्ते सततं देव नमस्ते सततं शिव

virūpākṣāya rudrāya śvetarudrāya te namaḥ | namaste satataṁ deva namaste satataṁ śiva

'-salutation to Virupaksha Rudra, salutation to Shveta Rudra; salutation to you always, O god, salutation to you always, O Shiva,'

Verse 72 (skanda.8.72.72)

नमस्ते सततं सौम्य नमस्ते भक्तवत्सल । मम भक्तस्य देव त्वं देवानां हितमिच्छतः

namaste satataṁ saumya namaste bhaktavatsala | mama bhaktasya deva tvaṁ devānāṁ hitamicchataḥ

'-salutation to you always, O gentle one, salutation to you, lover of your devotees. O god, to me, your devotee, who desires the good of the gods,'

Verse 73 (skanda.8.72.73)

वरदो भव नन्दीश मा नः क्रोधं कृथाः प्रभो । ततो नन्दीश्वरः प्राह स्तुवन्तमनलं स्थितम्

varado bhava nandīśa mā naḥ krodhaṁ kṛthāḥ prabho | tato nandīśvaraḥ prāha stuvantamanalaṁ sthitam

'-be a boon-giver, O Nandisha; be not angry with us, O Lord.' Then Nandishvara said to Agni, standing there praising him:

Verse 74 (skanda.8.72.74)

प्रीतस्तवानया वह्ने भक्त्याहं सुरसत्तम । ब्रूहि किन्ते प्रियेन्देव करवाणि हुताशन

prītastavānayā vahne bhaktyāhaṁ surasattama | brūhi kinte priyendeva karavāṇi hutāśana

'O Agni, foremost of gods, I am pleased with this devotion of yours; tell me, O fire-god, what would please you, and I shall do it.'

Verse 75 (skanda.8.72.75)

अथ प्रोवाच वह्निस्तं वरदं नन्दिनं स्थितम् । यदि तुष्टोसि मे देव देयो यदि वरश्च मे

atha provāca vahnistaṁ varadaṁ nandinaṁ sthitam | yadi tuṣṭosi me deva deyo yadi varaśca me

Then Agni said to Nandin, standing there ready to grant a boon: 'If you are pleased with me, O god, and if a boon is to be given to me,'

Verse 76 (skanda.8.72.76)

देवकार्येण देवेश प्रवेष्टुं दीयतां मम । भवनं देवदेवस्य वर एषोस्तु मे विभो

devakāryeṇa deveśa praveṣṭuṁ dīyatāṁ mama | bhavanaṁ devadevasya vara eṣostu me vibho

'-then, O Lord of gods, let me be granted entry, for the sake of the gods' business, into the abode of the God of gods; let this be my boon, O Lord.'

Verse 77 (skanda.8.72.77)

तं नन्दी प्रत्युवाचेदं कृच्छ्रं देयो वरो ह्ययम् । न तं शक्ष्यसि देवेशं द्रष्टुं त्वं योगमास्थितम्

taṁ nandī pratyuvācedaṁ kṛcchraṁ deyo varo hyayam | na taṁ śakṣyasi deveśaṁ draṣṭuṁ tvaṁ yogamāsthitam

Nandi replied to him: 'This boon that must be granted is a difficult one; you shall not be able to see that Lord of gods, absorbed in yoga,'

Verse 78 (skanda.8.72.78)

सह देव्या महेशानं स्रष्टारं जगतोव्ययम् । तथाप्येष मया तुभ्यं देय एव वरोनल

saha devyā maheśānaṁ sraṣṭāraṁ jagatovyayam | tathāpyeṣa mayā tubhyaṁ deya eva varonala

'-Mahesha together with the goddess, the unfailing Creator of the world. Yet, O Agni, this boon must still be granted by me to you.'

Verse 79 (skanda.8.72.79)

गच्छ सूक्ष्मतरो भूत्वा दुरालक्ष्यो हुताशन । प्रविश्य निष्क्रम क्षिप्रमविज्ञातागमक्रियः

gaccha sūkṣmataro bhūtvā durālakṣyo hutāśana | praviśya niṣkrama kṣipramavijñātāgamakriyaḥ

'Go, becoming exceedingly subtle, hard to perceive, O fire-god; enter and swiftly withdraw, your coming and going unnoticed.'

Verse 80 (skanda.8.72.80)

स नन्दिनाभ्यनुज्ञातो जातवेदा मुदा युतः । ज्योतिः सूक्ष्मतरो भूत्वा भास्करस्यांशुना सह

sa nandinābhyanujñāto jātavedā mudā yutaḥ | jyotiḥ sūkṣmataro bhūtvā bhāskarasyāṁśunā saha

Given leave by Nandin, Jataveda, filled with joy, becoming a most subtle radiance, together with a ray of the sun,

Verse 81 (skanda.8.72.81)

प्रविश्य भवनं शम्भोर्मणिस्तम्भमथाविशत् । वाह्नेयमणिमध्यस्थं स्तम्भं तं भासयन् मुहुः

praviśya bhavanaṁ śambhormaṇistambhamathāviśat | vāhneyamaṇimadhyasthaṁ stambhaṁ taṁ bhāsayan muhuḥ

entered Shambhu's abode and then entered into a jewelled pillar, repeatedly illuminating that pillar from within its fire-born jewel.

Verse 82 (skanda.8.72.82)

सोपश्यत्तत्र देवेशं देवीञ्च भुवनेश्वरीम् । तुष्टाव मनसा देवौ ततोसौ हव्यवाहनः

sopaśyattatra deveśaṁ devīñca bhuvaneśvarīm | tuṣṭāva manasā devau tatosau havyavāhanaḥ

There he beheld the Lord of gods and the goddess, the Mistress of the worlds; then that carrier of oblations praised the two gods in his mind.

Verse 83 (skanda.8.72.83)

तथा संस्तूयमानश्च प्रीतिं देव्याश्च दर्शयन् । वीक्ष्य स्तभ्भं हरो देवीं वाक्यमेतदभाषत

tathā saṁstūyamānaśca prītiṁ devyāśca darśayan | vīkṣya stabhbhaṁ haro devīṁ vākyametadabhāṣata

Thus being praised, and showing his affection for the goddess, Hara, noticing the pillar, spoke this word to the goddess:

Verse 84 (skanda.8.72.84)

एष स्तम्भमणिर्देवि भ्राजमान इव प्रिये । संस्तौति मां त्वया सार्धं ददान्यस्मै वरं शुभम्

eṣa stambhamaṇirdevi bhrājamāna iva priye | saṁstauti māṁ tvayā sārdhaṁ dadānyasmai varaṁ śubham

'This gem of the pillar, O goddess, my beloved, seems to shine and praises me together with you; let me give this one an auspicious boon.'

Verse 85 (skanda.8.72.85)

देव्युवाच । एवं कुरु महादेव भक्तस्यास्य सुरेश्वर । स्तुवतस्त्वा मया सार्धं प्रयच्छ वरमुत्तमम्

devyuvāca | evaṁ kuru mahādeva bhaktasyāsya sureśvara | stuvatastvā mayā sārdhaṁ prayaccha varamuttamam

The goddess said: 'Do so, O Mahadeva, O Lord of the gods; give an excellent boon to this devotee of yours, who praises you together with me.'

Verse 86 (skanda.8.72.86)

देवदेव उवाच । प्रीतोहं मणिमध्यस्थ भक्त्या ते विनयेन च । ब्रूहि कार्यं यथेष्टं त्वं तत्सर्वं ते भविष्यति

devadeva uvāca | prītohaṁ maṇimadhyastha bhaktyā te vinayena ca | brūhi kāryaṁ yatheṣṭaṁ tvaṁ tatsarvaṁ te bhaviṣyati

The God of gods said: 'O one abiding within the jewel, I am pleased by your devotion and humility. Tell me your desired wish; all of it shall be yours.'

Verse 87 (skanda.8.72.87)

अग्निरुवाच । देवास्त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छन्ति बहिःस्था भुवनेश्वर । भगवँस्ते यथा सर्वे पश्येयुस्त्वां तथा कुरु

agniruvāca | devāstvāṁ draṣṭumicchanti bahiḥsthā bhuvaneśvara | bhagava~ste yathā sarve paśyeyustvāṁ tathā kuru

Agni said: 'The gods, standing outside, wish to see you, O Lord of the worlds. O Lord, so act that all of them may see you.'

Verse 88 (skanda.8.72.88)

देवदेव उवाच । एवमस्तु सुरश्रेष्ठ निर्गत्य त्रिदिवौकसाम् । ददामि दर्शनं वह्ने भवतः प्रियकाम्यया

devadeva uvāca | evamastu suraśreṣṭha nirgatya tridivaukasām | dadāmi darśanaṁ vahne bhavataḥ priyakāmyayā

The God of gods said: 'So be it, O foremost of gods; going forth, I shall grant the dwellers of the three heavens a vision, O Agni, out of desire to please you.'

Verse 89 (skanda.8.72.89)

तथेति समनुज्ञातो वह्निस्तस्माद् विनिर्गतः । देवेभ्यः कार्यमावेद्य तस्थौ योगं समास्थितः

tatheti samanujñāto vahnistasmād vinirgataḥ | devebhyaḥ kāryamāvedya tasthau yogaṁ samāsthitaḥ

Given leave with 'So be it,' Agni went forth from there; and, having reported the matter to the gods, remained there, established in yoga.

Verse 90 (skanda.8.72.90)

अथ निष्क्रम्य भगवान् देवदेवः पिनाकधृक् । जगाम त्वरितं तत्र यत्र देवाः समासते

atha niṣkramya bhagavān devadevaḥ pinākadhṛk | jagāma tvaritaṁ tatra yatra devāḥ samāsate

Then, coming forth, the Lord, the God of gods, the Bearer of the Pinaka, went swiftly to where the gods were gathered.

Verse 91 (skanda.8.72.91)

अथ दृष्टवा महादेवं देवास्सर्वे वृषध्वजम् । प्रणेमुर्मूर्धभिर्हष्टास्तुष्टुवुश्च मुदा युताः

atha dṛṣṭavā mahādevaṁ devāssarve vṛṣadhvajam | praṇemurmūrdhabhirhaṣṭāstuṣṭuvuśca mudā yutāḥ

Then, seeing Mahadeva, the Bull-bannered One, all the gods bowed with their heads, delighted, and praised him, filled with joy:

Verse 92 (skanda.8.72.92)

नमस्सहस्रनेत्राय सहस्रचरणाय च । महतां पतये नित्यं देवानां पतये नमः

namassahasranetrāya sahasracaraṇāya ca | mahatāṁ pataye nityaṁ devānāṁ pataye namaḥ

'Salutation to him of a thousand eyes, and of a thousand feet; salutation ever to the Lord of the great ones, salutation to the Lord of the gods,'

Verse 93 (skanda.8.72.93)

नमः श्मशानरतये व्याघ्रचर्मसुवाससे । ब्रह्मणश्च शिरोहर्त्रे विष्णोर्वै वरदाय च

namaḥ śmaśānarataye vyāghracarmasuvāsase | brahmaṇaśca śirohartre viṣṇorvai varadāya ca

'-salutation to him who delights in the cremation-ground, clad in tiger-skin; to him who took Brahma's head, and to the giver of Vishnu's boon,'

Verse 94 (skanda.8.72.94)

नमो दक्षमखघ्नाय नमस्ते त्र्यम्बकाय च । नमो भूताधिपतये प्रधानमथनाय च

namo dakṣamakhaghnāya namaste tryambakāya ca | namo bhūtādhipataye pradhānamathanāya ca

'-salutation to the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice, salutation to you, three-eyed one; salutation to the lord of the Bhutas, and to the churner of Pradhana,'

Verse 95 (skanda.8.72.95)

पिनाकपाणये नित्यं सर्वयोगात्मयोगिने । नमो नीलशिखण्डाय सपत्नीकाय वै नमः

pinākapāṇaye nityaṁ sarvayogātmayogine | namo nīlaśikhaṇḍāya sapatnīkāya vai namaḥ

'-ever to the Pinaka-wielder, the yogi whose self is all yoga; salutation to him of the blue crest, salutation to him together with his consort,'

Verse 96 (skanda.8.72.96)

नमः कामेष्वसक्ताय कामसक्ताय वै नमः । नमस्सर्वाय शर्वाय दण्डिने जटिने नमः । नमः सर्वात्मभूताय दिश नो यन्मनोगतम्

namaḥ kāmeṣvasaktāya kāmasaktāya vai namaḥ | namassarvāya śarvāya daṇḍine jaṭine namaḥ | namaḥ sarvātmabhūtāya diśa no yanmanogatam

'-salutation to him who is unattached to desires, and yet salutation to him attached to his beloved; salutation to Sarva, all-pervading, wielder of the rod, matted-locked; salutation to him who has become the self of all - grant us what is in our minds.'

Verse 97 (skanda.8.72.97)

एवं संस्तूयमानोथ सर्वैरेव सुरोत्तमैः । प्रत्युवाच महादेवस्तान्सुरान्प्रणतान् स्थितान्

evaṁ saṁstūyamānotha sarvaireva surottamaiḥ | pratyuvāca mahādevastānsurānpraṇatān sthitān

Thus praised by all the foremost gods, Mahadeva replied to those gods standing bowed before him:

Verse 98 (skanda.8.72.98)

परितुष्टोस्मि भो देवा ब्रूत किं प्रददानि वः । पुनः प्रणम्य ते देवाः प्राहुर्वचनमुत्तमम्

parituṣṭosmi bho devā brūta kiṁ pradadāni vaḥ | punaḥ praṇamya te devāḥ prāhurvacanamuttamam

'I am well pleased, O gods; tell me, what shall I grant you?' Bowing again, those gods spoke this excellent word:

Verse 99 (skanda.8.72.99)

यो नस्स्वयंवरे देव वरो दत्तस्त्वया विभो । तं प्रार्थयाम सहितास्तन्नो दातुं त्वमर्हसि

yo nassvayaṁvare deva varo dattastvayā vibho | taṁ prārthayāma sahitāstanno dātuṁ tvamarhasi

'O god, O Lord, the boon that was given to us at your own choosing - that we all together now request; you should grant it to us.'

Verse 100 (skanda.8.72.100)

देव्या य एष पुत्रार्थं योगस्ते भुवनेश्वर । कृतोब्दानि बहूनि स्म तं संहर नमस्तव

devyā ya eṣa putrārthaṁ yogaste bhuvaneśvara | kṛtobdāni bahūni sma taṁ saṁhara namastava

'O Lord of the worlds, this yoga of yours with the goddess, undertaken for a son over many years - withdraw it; salutation to you.'

Verse 101 (skanda.8.72.101)

अशुभानि निमित्तानि दृश्यन्ते सुमहाद्युते । पृथिवी दुःस्थिता देव वयञ्च भृशमाकुलाः

aśubhāni nimittāni dṛśyante sumahādyute | pṛthivī duḥsthitā deva vayañca bhṛśamākulāḥ

'Inauspicious portents are being seen, O greatly radiant one; the earth is distressed, O god, and we too are exceedingly troubled.'

Verse 102 (skanda.8.72.102)

तेनैष न यथा देव्या देहे सञ्जायते सुतः । जायेत च यथा देव तथा नः कर्तुमर्हसि

tenaiṣa na yathā devyā dehe sañjāyate sutaḥ | jāyeta ca yathā deva tathā naḥ kartumarhasi

'Therefore, O god, do such a thing for us that a son may not be born from the goddess's own body, and yet that a son may still be born.'

Verse 103 (skanda.8.72.103)

तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा देवदेवोब्रवीद्वचः । महानेष वरः सर्वैः प्रार्थितः सुरपुङ्गवैः

teṣāṁ tadvacanaṁ śrutvā devadevobravīdvacaḥ | mahāneṣa varaḥ sarvaiḥ prārthitaḥ surapuṅgavaiḥ

Hearing their word, the God of gods spoke this word: 'This is a great boon, requested by all the foremost of the gods;'

Verse 104 (skanda.8.72.104)

तथापि च प्रयच्छामि युष्मत्प्रियचिकीर्षया । महान्तं किन्त्विदं कालं तेजस्सन्धारितं मया

tathāpi ca prayacchāmi yuṣmatpriyacikīrṣayā | mahāntaṁ kintvidaṁ kālaṁ tejassandhāritaṁ mayā

'-yet I grant it, out of desire to please you. But this great radiance, so long held gathered by me,'

Verse 105 (skanda.8.72.105)

अस्य प्रपश्यत स्थानममोघं ह्येतदुत्तमम् । अथैवमुक्ता देवेन ते देवा मुनिसत्तम

asya prapaśyata sthānamamoghaṁ hyetaduttamam | athaivamuktā devena te devā munisattama

'-behold now the excellent, unfailing place for it.' Then, thus addressed by the god, those gods, O finest of sages,

Verse 106 (skanda.8.72.106)

बभूवुस्सहितास्तूष्णीं सुरा ब्रह्मपुरोगमाः । तेषां मध्ये तदा वह्निः प्रोवाच भुवनेश्वरम्

babhūvussahitāstūṣṇīṁ surā brahmapurogamāḥ | teṣāṁ madhye tadā vahniḥ provāca bhuvaneśvaram

-together, with Brahma at their head, fell silent. Then, in their midst, Agni spoke to the Lord of the worlds:

Verse 107 (skanda.8.72.107)

जुहुध्येतत्परन्तेजो मयि देव त्रिलोकप । जुहावाग्नौ ततस्तेजस्तदा स्वीयं परं भवः

juhudhyetatparantejo mayi deva trilokapa | juhāvāgnau tatastejastadā svīyaṁ paraṁ bhavaḥ

'O god, O protector of the three worlds, offer this supreme radiance into me.' Then Bhava offered his own supreme radiance into the fire.

Verse 108 (skanda.8.72.108)

हुत्वा तस्मिन्ततः कृत्स्नं तुष्टोभूत्परमेश्वरः । वरं वृणु हुताश त्वमिति प्रोवाच शङ्करः

hutvā tasmintataḥ kṛtsnaṁ tuṣṭobhūtparameśvaraḥ | varaṁ vṛṇu hutāśa tvamiti provāca śaṅkaraḥ

Having offered all of it into him, the Supreme Lord became satisfied, and Shankara said, 'Choose a boon, O Agni.'

Verse 109 (skanda.8.72.109)

ततो वह्निः प्रणम्येशं वरानभ्यर्थयद् विभुम् । इच्छेयमेतं पुत्रन्ते मम नाम्ना प्रकीर्तितम्

tato vahniḥ praṇamyeśaṁ varānabhyarthayad vibhum | iccheyametaṁ putrante mama nāmnā prakīrtitam

Then Agni, bowing to the Lord, requested boons of that mighty one: 'I desire that this son of yours be proclaimed by my own name,'

Verse 110 (skanda.8.72.110)

शापस्याहमगम्यः स्यां पश्येयं त्वाञ्च नित्यशः । धारयेयं सुखेनैतदुत्सृजेयञ्च शङ्कर

śāpasyāhamagamyaḥ syāṁ paśyeyaṁ tvāñca nityaśaḥ | dhārayeyaṁ sukhenaitadutsṛjeyañca śaṅkara

'-may I be beyond the reach of curses, and may I ever behold you; may I bear this radiance with ease, and release it, O Shankara,'

Verse 111 (skanda.8.72.111)

सर्वभक्षोप्यलेपः स्यां पापन्न च भवेन्मम । मयि देवाश्च यज्ञाश्च प्रतिष्ठां यान्तु शूलधृक्

sarvabhakṣopyalepaḥ syāṁ pāpanna ca bhavenmama | mayi devāśca yajñāśca pratiṣṭhāṁ yāntu śūladhṛk

'-though I consume everything, may I remain unstained, and may no sin attach to me; O Trident-bearer, let the gods and the sacrifices find their foundation in me,'

Verse 112 (skanda.8.72.112)

अहं भूतेश्वरश्च स्यामहं पशुपतिश्च ह । अहं तव तनुः स्याञ्च त्वन्मूर्त्तिस्त्वदुपाश्रयः

ahaṁ bhūteśvaraśca syāmahaṁ paśupatiśca ha | ahaṁ tava tanuḥ syāñca tvanmūrttistvadupāśrayaḥ

'-may I be the Lord of beings, may I be Pashupati; may I become your very body, your own form, your own refuge.'

Verse 113 (skanda.8.72.113)

वरमिच्छामि देवेश दीयमानमिमं त्वया । एवमस्त्विति तत्सर्वं वह्नये प्रददौ विभुः

varamicchāmi deveśa dīyamānamimaṁ tvayā | evamastviti tatsarvaṁ vahnaye pradadau vibhuḥ

'This is the boon I desire, O Lord of gods, to be given by you.' Saying 'So be it,' the mighty Lord granted all of this to Agni.

Verse 114 (skanda.8.72.114)

विसृज्य च ततो देवान् देवदेवो वृषध्वजः । पुनर्विवेश भवनं देवी चैनमभाषत

visṛjya ca tato devān devadevo vṛṣadhvajaḥ | punarviveśa bhavanaṁ devī cainamabhāṣata

Then, dismissing the gods, the God of gods, the Bull-bannered One, re-entered his abode; and the goddess spoke to him:

Verse 115 (skanda.8.72.115)

क्व गत्वा त्वमिहायातः क्षिप्रं त्रिभुवनेश्वर । किन्तद् गुरुतरं कार्यं येन निर्गतवानसि

kva gatvā tvamihāyātaḥ kṣipraṁ tribhuvaneśvara | kintad gurutaraṁ kāryaṁ yena nirgatavānasi

'Where did you go, that you have come back here so quickly, O Lord of the three worlds? What was that grave matter for which you went out?'

Verse 116 (skanda.8.72.116)

ततः प्रोवाच देवेशः पार्वतीं रुषिताननाम् । गतोस्मि त्वरितो देवि देवैर्विज्ञापितः प्रिये

tataḥ provāca deveśaḥ pārvatīṁ ruṣitānanām | gatosmi tvarito devi devairvijñāpitaḥ priye

Then the Lord of gods said to Parvati, her face displeased: 'I went swiftly, O goddess, my beloved, petitioned by the gods,'

Verse 117 (skanda.8.72.117)

बहिःस्थैः पद्मपत्राक्षि भक्तिमद्भिस्सुदुःखितैः । अथोवाच ततो देवी देवं सर्वजगत्पतिम्

bahiḥsthaiḥ padmapatrākṣi bhaktimadbhissuduḥkhitaiḥ | athovāca tato devī devaṁ sarvajagatpatim

'-by those standing outside, O lotus-eyed one, devoted and greatly distressed.' Then the goddess said to the god, the Lord of the whole world:

Verse 118 (skanda.8.72.118)

कथं त्वमागतान्देव बहिःस्थान् त्रिदिवौकसः । ज्ञातवानसि सन्त्रस्तान् केनाख्यातञ्च ते विभो

kathaṁ tvamāgatāndeva bahiḥsthān tridivaukasaḥ | jñātavānasi santrastān kenākhyātañca te vibho

'How, O god, did you come to know that the dwellers of the three heavens had come and stood outside, terrified? And who told you, O Lord?'

Verse 119 (skanda.8.72.119)

देवदेव उवाच । प्रविश्य हुतभुग् देवि मणिस्तम्भं समास्थितः । न्यवेदयत्स्तुवन्मह्यं सर्वान्देवान् बहिःस्थितान्

devadeva uvāca | praviśya hutabhug devi maṇistambhaṁ samāsthitaḥ | nyavedayatstuvanmahyaṁ sarvāndevān bahiḥsthitān

The God of gods said: 'O goddess, Agni entered and took his place within the jewelled pillar; praising me, he informed me of all the gods standing outside.'

Verse 120 (skanda.8.72.120)

तवैवानुज्ञया देवि तस्मै दत्तो वरो मया । ततो भगवती क्रुद्धा नन्दिनं प्राह पार्वती

tavaivānujñayā devi tasmai datto varo mayā | tato bhagavatī kruddhā nandinaṁ prāha pārvatī

'By your own permission, O goddess, I gave him a boon.' Then the blessed Parvati, enraged, said to Nandin:

Verse 121 (skanda.8.72.121)

कथं प्रविष्टस्ते वह्निर्द्वारस्थस्येह दुर्मते । ततस्सास्य भृशं क्रुद्धा श्रवण न्यस्तमुत्पलम्

kathaṁ praviṣṭaste vahnirdvārasthasyeha durmate | tatassāsya bhṛśaṁ kruddhā śravaṇa nyastamutpalam

'How, O foolish one, did Agni enter while you stood at the door here?' Then, greatly enraged with him, she seized the lotus set in her ear,

Verse 122 (skanda.8.72.122)

गृहीत्वा वज्रसंकाशं नन्दीशाय व्यसर्जयत् । द्वादशादित्यसंकाशं प्रज्वलत्तत्तदोत्पलम्

gṛhītvā vajrasaṁkāśaṁ nandīśāya vyasarjayat | dvādaśādityasaṁkāśaṁ prajvalattattadotpalam

-thunderbolt-like, and hurled it at Nandisha; that lotus, blazing then, radiant as twelve suns,

Verse 123 (skanda.8.72.123)

वधार्थं नन्दिनो घोरं प्रससार स्फुटन्निव । हतो नन्दीश्वर इति प्रोच्योत्थाय च शङ्करः

vadhārthaṁ nandino ghoraṁ prasasāra sphuṭanniva | hato nandīśvara iti procyotthāya ca śaṅkaraḥ

-terrible, sped forth to slay Nandi, as though bursting apart. Crying 'Nandishvara is slain!' Shankara rose up,

Verse 124 (skanda.8.72.124)

भद्रं भवोत्पलक्षिप्रमित्युक्त्वा गृह्णदुत्पलम् । अथोमापि ततो देवी प्रत्यापत्तिञ्जगाम ह

bhadraṁ bhavotpalakṣipramityuktvā gṛhṇadutpalam | athomāpi tato devī pratyāpattiñjagāma ha

and, saying 'Be gracious, O lotus, quickly!' seized the lotus. Then the goddess Uma too came to her senses,

Verse 125 (skanda.8.72.125)

अहो बत महत्कष्टं कृतं क्रोधवशान्मया । कथञ्चिन्न हतो नन्दी महागणपनायकः

aho bata mahatkaṣṭaṁ kṛtaṁ krodhavaśānmayā | kathañcinna hato nandī mahāgaṇapanāyakaḥ

-and thought: 'Alas, what a great harm I have done, ruled by anger! Somehow Nandi, that great leader of the Ganas, was not slain.'

Verse 126 (skanda.8.72.126)

तद् गृहीत्वा ततो हस्ताद् देवस्य श्रवणोत्पलम् । चिक्षेप त्वरितं देवी भद्रं भवतु ते सरः

tad gṛhītvā tato hastād devasya śravaṇotpalam | cikṣepa tvaritaṁ devī bhadraṁ bhavatu te saraḥ

Then, taking that ear-lotus from the god's hand, the goddess swiftly cast it away: 'May this become an auspicious lake.'

Verse 127 (skanda.8.72.127)

एवमुक्त्वा ततः क्षिप्तं देव्या तच्छ्रवणोत्पलम् । विन्ध्यपृष्ठे सरस्तत्र बहुपद्मोत्पलं बभौ

evamuktvā tataḥ kṣiptaṁ devyā tacchravaṇotpalam | vindhyapṛṣṭhe sarastatra bahupadmotpalaṁ babhau

Having said this, that ear-lotus, thus cast by the goddess, became a lake there upon the ridge of the Vindhya, resplendent with many lotuses and lilies.

Verse 128 (skanda.8.72.128)

हंससारससंकीर्णं चक्रवाकोपशोभितम् । नाम्ना भद्रोत्पलमिति हेमशृङ्गसमीपतः

haṁsasārasasaṁkīrṇaṁ cakravākopaśobhitam | nāmnā bhadrotpalamiti hemaśṛṅgasamīpataḥ

Thronged with swans and cranes, adorned with chakravaka birds, it became known by the name Bhadrotpala, near the golden peak.

Verse 129 (skanda.8.72.129)

तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते । तत्राक्षयं सदा दानं पितृतर्पणमेव च

tatra snātvā naraḥ kṣipraṁ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate | tatrākṣayaṁ sadā dānaṁ pitṛtarpaṇameva ca

A man who bathes there is swiftly freed from all sins; gifts given there, and tarpana offered to the ancestors, become ever imperishable.

Verse 130 (skanda.8.72.130)

मृतश्चात्र नरो याति नन्दीश्वरसलोकताम् । ततो देवं पुनर्देवी वाक्यमाह गिरेः सुता

mṛtaścātra naro yāti nandīśvarasalokatām | tato devaṁ punardevī vākyamāha gireḥ sutā

A man who dies there attains co-residence in the world of Nandishvara. Then the daughter of the mountain again spoke this word to the god:

Verse 131 (skanda.8.72.131)

किमूचुस्त्वां सुरा देव कीदृशं चार्चयन् वरम् । कथयामास देवेशस्ततो देव्यै बृषध्वजः

kimūcustvāṁ surā deva kīdṛśaṁ cārcayan varam | kathayāmāsa deveśastato devyai bṛṣadhvajaḥ

'O god, what did the gods say to you, and what boon did they request?' Then the Bull-bannered Lord of gods told the goddess:

Verse 132 (skanda.8.72.132)

देवैर्विज्ञापितो देवि निर्गतोहं वरानने । देव्या य एष पुत्रार्थं योगस्ते भुवनेश्वर

devairvijñāpito devi nirgatohaṁ varānane | devyā ya eṣa putrārthaṁ yogaste bhuvaneśvara

'O goddess, O fair-faced one, I went out, petitioned by the gods: "O Lord of the worlds, this union of yours with the goddess, for the sake of a son,"'

Verse 133 (skanda.8.72.133)

अशुभान्यत्र दृश्यन्ते दारुणानि सहस्रशः । सन्त्रस्ता पृथिवी कृत्स्ना वयञ्च भृशमाकुलाः

aśubhānyatra dṛśyante dāruṇāni sahasraśaḥ | santrastā pṛthivī kṛtsnā vayañca bhṛśamākulāḥ

'"-thousands of terrible, inauspicious signs are seen because of it; the whole earth is terrified, and we too are exceedingly troubled,"'

Verse 134 (skanda.8.72.134)

तेनैष न यथा देव्या गर्भे सञ्जायते सुतः । भवेच्च तनयः श्लाघ्यो वर एष प्रदीयताम्

tenaiṣa na yathā devyā garbhe sañjāyate sutaḥ | bhavecca tanayaḥ ślāghyo vara eṣa pradīyatām

'"-therefore let this boon be granted: that a son not be born in the goddess's womb, and yet that a praiseworthy son should come to be."'

Verse 135 (skanda.8.72.135)

ततोग्नौ तदद्भुतं तेजो मया पुत्रार्थमीश्वरि । सुतस्ते भविता श्रीमान् षट्शिरा द्वादशेक्षणः

tatognau tadadbhutaṁ tejo mayā putrārthamīśvari | sutaste bhavitā śrīmān ṣaṭśirā dvādaśekṣaṇaḥ

'So, O sovereign lady, I offered that wondrous radiance into Agni for the sake of a son; your son shall be glorious, six-headed, twelve-eyed,'

Verse 136 (skanda.8.72.136)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा शशाप गिरिजामरान् । यस्मान्मम सुतो देहे नेप्सितं तैर्दुरात्मभिः । स्वासु पत्नीषु तस्मात्ते न प्राप्स्यन्ति सुराः सुतम्

tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā śaśāpa girijāmarān | yasmānmama suto dehe nepsitaṁ tairdurātmabhiḥ | svāsu patnīṣu tasmātte na prāpsyanti surāḥ sutam

Hearing his words, Girija cursed the gods: 'Since a son of mine in my own body was not desired by these evil-souled ones, therefore those gods shall not obtain sons by their own wives.'

Verse 137 (skanda.8.72.137)

पृथिवी चापि संमूढा मच्छापोपहतेन्द्रिया । बहून्पतीन्समासाद्य न पुत्रं प्राप्स्यते क्वचित्

pṛthivī cāpi saṁmūḍhā macchāpopahatendriyā | bahūnpatīnsamāsādya na putraṁ prāpsyate kvacit

'And the earth too, deluded, her faculties struck by my curse, though obtaining many husbands, shall never anywhere obtain a son.'

Verse 138 (skanda.8.72.138)

सनत्कुमार उवाच । विरराम ततो देवी शप्त्वा देवान्सवासवान् । कैटभा नाम नाम्ना च पुण्या नैकवरप्रदा

sanatkumāra uvāca | virarāma tato devī śaptvā devānsavāsavān | kaiṭabhā nāma nāmnā ca puṇyā naikavarapradā

Sanatkumara said: Then, having thus cursed the gods together with Indra, the goddess fell silent - she who is sacred and known by the name Kaitabha, the giver of many boons.

Verse 139 (skanda.8.72.139)

विन्ध्यस्य शिखरे हैमे तत्राभूद् गरिजा शुभा । पुण्यमायतनं तद्धि शिलाञ्च रमणाह्वयाम्

vindhyasya śikhare haime tatrābhūd garijā śubhā | puṇyamāyatanaṁ taddhi śilāñca ramaṇāhvayām

The auspicious daughter of the mountain remained there upon the golden peak of the Vindhya; that is indeed a sacred shrine, and the rock is called Ramana.

Verse 140 (skanda.8.72.140)

योभिगच्छेन्नरो व्यास मृतस्स गणपो भवेत् । अथाजग्मुः सुरास्सर्वे सार्धं तत्र हविर्भुजा

yobhigacchennaro vyāsa mṛtassa gaṇapo bhavet | athājagmuḥ surāssarve sārdhaṁ tatra havirbhujā

O Vyasa, whatever man visits it, dying, becomes a Gana-lord. Then all the gods, together with Agni, came there,

Verse 141 (skanda.8.72.141)

विवर्णाः कश्मलोपेताः सगर्भा लज्जयान्विताः । तान्द्वाःस्थानागतान्नन्दी शङ्कराय न्यवेदयत्

vivarṇāḥ kaśmalopetāḥ sagarbhā lajjayānvitāḥ | tāndvāḥsthānāgatānnandī śaṅkarāya nyavedayat

-pale, afflicted with distress, each now pregnant, filled with shame. Nandi announced to Shankara that they had come and stood at the door.

Verse 142 (skanda.8.72.142)

प्रविश्य समनुज्ञाता देवमूचुर्दिवौकसः । तेजो न शक्नुमः सोढुमिदं त्रिभुवनेश्वर

praviśya samanujñātā devamūcurdivaukasaḥ | tejo na śaknumaḥ soḍhumidaṁ tribhuvaneśvara

Given leave, entering, the dwellers of heaven said to the god: 'O Lord of the three worlds, we cannot bear this radiance.'

Verse 143 (skanda.8.72.143)

त्राहि नः सुरलोकेश यथा स्याम गतज्वराः । अन्धकश्चासुरोत्यर्थं तप्यते दुश्चरं तपः । भयञ्च नस्ततो देव दृश्यते सुमहद्विभो

trāhi naḥ suralokeśa yathā syāma gatajvarāḥ | andhakaścāsurotyarthaṁ tapyate duścaraṁ tapaḥ | bhayañca nastato deva dṛśyate sumahadvibho

'Save us, O Lord of the world of the gods, that we may be freed of this fever. And the Asura Andhaka is performing exceedingly severe austerity; from him too, O Lord, we see very great danger arising.'

Verse 144 (skanda.8.72.144)

९ वाक्यमेतद् विररामे त्यादिपरवर्तिपद्यार्धानन्तरं पठितं क पुस्तके । देवदेव उवाच । मा भीर्भवतु वो देवा हनिष्याम्यहमन्धकम् । युष्मदर्थे पराक्रान्तं हिरण्याक्षसुतं वरम्

9 vākyametad virarāme tyādiparavartipadyārdhānantaraṁ paṭhitaṁ ka pustake | devadeva uvāca | mā bhīrbhavatu vo devā haniṣyāmyahamandhakam | yuṣmadarthe parākrāntaṁ hiraṇyākṣasutaṁ varam

The God of gods said: 'Be not afraid, O gods; I myself shall slay Andhaka, that valorous son of Hiranyaksha, who has grown mighty against you.'

Verse 145 (skanda.8.72.145)

यूयञ्च मेरुमध्यस्थं वनं यात सुविस्तृतम् । नाम्ना शरवणं नाम पुण्यं द्वादशयोजनम्

yūyañca merumadhyasthaṁ vanaṁ yāta suvistṛtam | nāmnā śaravaṇaṁ nāma puṇyaṁ dvādaśayojanam

'And you go to that vast forest in the midst of Meru, named Sharavana, sacred, extending twelve yojanas,'

Verse 146 (skanda.8.72.146)

युष्माकं तत्र संभिद्य कुक्षीन्दैवतपुङ्गवाः । मदीयं तत्परं तेजो निर्गमिष्यति दीप्तिमत्

yuṣmākaṁ tatra saṁbhidya kukṣīndaivatapuṅgavāḥ | madīyaṁ tatparaṁ tejo nirgamiṣyati dīptimat

'-there, O foremost of gods, splitting open your wombs, my own supreme, radiant power shall issue forth.'

Verse 147 (skanda.8.72.147)

सुवर्णत्वं च यास्यन्ति कुक्षयो वः सुरोत्तमाः । ततस्ते तद्वचः श्रुत्वा प्रणम्य शिरसा भवम्

suvarṇatvaṁ ca yāsyanti kukṣayo vaḥ surottamāḥ | tataste tadvacaḥ śrutvā praṇamya śirasā bhavam

'And your wombs, O finest of gods, shall turn to gold.' Then, hearing his word, bowing their heads to Bhava,

Verse 148 (skanda.8.72.148)

श्रीमन्तं मेरुमाजग्मुः शरधानं च तच्छुभम् । यत्र तेषां तदा भित्त्वा कुक्षीन्तेजो निरक्रमीत्

śrīmantaṁ merumājagmuḥ śaradhānaṁ ca tacchubham | yatra teṣāṁ tadā bhittvā kukṣīntejo nirakramīt

-they went to glorious Meru and to that auspicious Sharadhana; there their wombs were split open and the radiance emerged.

Verse 149 (skanda.8.72.149)

युगान्तानलसंकाशं दुर्निरीक्ष्यं सुरासुरैः । मेरुश्चैवाभवत् क्षिप्रं श्रीमानति मनोहरः

yugāntānalasaṁkāśaṁ durnirīkṣyaṁ surāsuraiḥ | meruścaivābhavat kṣipraṁ śrīmānati manoharaḥ

-resembling the fire at the end of an age, unbearable to behold for gods and demons alike; and Meru itself swiftly became glorious and exceedingly enchanting.

Verse 150 (skanda.8.72.150)

सर्वं हिरण्मयं चक्रे तेजो माहेश्वरं परम् । वाति गन्धवहो दिव्यस्सर्वर्तुकुसुमावहः

sarvaṁ hiraṇmayaṁ cakre tejo māheśvaraṁ param | vāti gandhavaho divyassarvartukusumāvahaḥ

That supreme Maheshvara-radiance made everything golden; a divine, fragrance-bearing breeze blew, carrying the flowers of every season.

Verse 151 (skanda.8.72.151)

तेषाञ्च कुक्षिभेदास्ते सुवर्णत्वं परं ययुः । स्वर्गे दुन्दुभयो दिव्या नेदुः स्वयमनाहताः

teṣāñca kukṣibhedāste suvarṇatvaṁ paraṁ yayuḥ | svarge dundubhayo divyā neduḥ svayamanāhatāḥ

Those split wombs of theirs turned to supreme gold; in heaven, divine drums sounded of themselves, unstruck.

Verse 152 (skanda.8.72.152)

पुष्पाणां वृष्टयः पेतुस्सुगन्धीनामनेकशः । नमस्कारैश्च भूतानामदृश्यानामभूत्स्वनः

puṣpāṇāṁ vṛṣṭayaḥ petussugandhīnāmanekaśaḥ | namaskāraiśca bhūtānāmadṛśyānāmabhūtsvanaḥ

Showers of fragrant flowers fell in abundance, and there arose the sound of salutations from unseen beings.

Verse 153 (skanda.8.72.153)

एवमादीनि पश्यन्तः शृण्वन्तश्च सुरोत्तमाः । गत्वा पिनाकिने हृष्टास्सर्वमावेद्य सुव्रत । प्रेषिताः स्थाणुना जग्मुः स्वाँल्लोकान् हृषिताननाः

evamādīni paśyantaḥ śṛṇvantaśca surottamāḥ | gatvā pinākine hṛṣṭāssarvamāvedya suvrata | preṣitāḥ sthāṇunā jagmuḥ svā~llokān hṛṣitānanāḥ

Seeing and hearing such wonders, those foremost gods, going to Pinakin, delighted, reported everything, O one of good vows; and, dismissed by Sthanu, went to their own worlds with joyful faces.

Verse 154 (skanda.8.72.154)

श्रुत्वा देवैरभिहितमिदं प्रीतियुक्तैर्वचोग्र्यं । प्रीता देवी हृदयमहिता पुत्रजन्मप्रवृत्तिम् । ज्ञात्वा तस्थौ विबुधवरदा योगमाता विधात्री । तुष्टिञ्चागाद्धृदि सुरशिरःस्पृष्टपादारविन्दा

śrutvā devairabhihitamidaṁ prītiyuktairvacogryaṁ | prītā devī hṛdayamahitā putrajanmapravṛttim | jñātvā tasthau vibudhavaradā yogamātā vidhātrī | tuṣṭiñcāgāddhṛdi suraśiraḥspṛṣṭapādāravindā

Hearing this excellent word spoken by the gods, filled with affection, the goddess, pleased, her heart honoured, learning of the coming birth of her son, remained there - the bestower of boons upon the wise, the Mother of Yoga, the Ordainer of all - and contentment came into her heart, she whose lotus feet are touched by the heads of the gods.