Skanda Purana 13 (AITM)
Skanda Purana 13 (AITM)
Skanda Purana 13 (AITM)
SKANDA-PURANA
PART ХШ
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CONTENTS
skanda-pur Ana
BOOK V: AVANTYAKHANDA
SECTION П: CATURA^ITI-LINGA-m Xh ATMYA
1. Agastye£vara 1
2. Guhe£vara 6
3. Dhundhe£vara
• •• 10
4. DamamkeSvara
• 13
5. AnadikalpeSvara 16
6. Svarnajvalesvara 19
7. Trivistapesvara 23
8. Kapalesvara 26
9. SvargadvareSvara 30
10 Karkotegvara
* 33
11. Siddhesvara 35
12. Lokapalesvara 37
13. Kame£vara 40
14. Kutumbe£vara
•
44
15. Indradyumnegvara 47
16. I£ane£vara 49
il.
\ ApsareSvara 52
18. Kalakale£vara 54
r
19. NagacandeSvara 57
20. Pratiharegvara 59
2 1 . KukkuteSvara
• 61
22. Karkate£vara
* 66
t 3. M eghanadesvara 68
№. MahalayeSvara 71
5.
i M ukffivara 73
5. SomeSvara 78
i.ъ
г AnarakeSvara 83
l> Jatcivara
• 90
1■ Rame£vara 96
i CyavaneSvara 100
31 Khandegvara
** 104
3 PattaneSvara 107
SkandaPurana
70. Durddhar?e£vara
A
71. Pray&gejvara 2<
72. Candr3dhye£vara i
Contents
73. Karabhe£vara
74. RajasthaleSvara
75. VadaleSvara
76. AruneSvara
77. Puspadante£vara
78., Avimukte£vara
79. Hanumatke£vara
80. Svapne£vara
81. Pingale£vara
82. Kayavarohane£vara
83. Bilve$vara
84. Uttare£vara
Index
PURANA m
Book V: AVANTYAKHANDA
• •
GLORIFICATION OF EIGHTYFOUR
LINGA SHRINES IN AVANTl1
CHAPTER ONE
Agastyesvara2
+ _ +
Uma said:
1. May all the T lrthas and the m eritorious rivers all over
the e a rth , w here S raddha is assiduously offered, be described.
Isvara said:
2. T h e re is Gaiiga re p u te d in all the world. It flows in
th re e pathways (in heaven, earth and Patala). It is resorted to
by Devas, G andharvas a n d sages.
1. This Section deals with the eightyfour temples which existed at the
time o f this Purana in Mahakalavana area. Thus, in a way, it is a com plem ent
to the first Section called Avantya-Kfetramahatmya. H ere the author states the
geographical location of every shrine, the nam e of the &iva-Linga th ereo f and
a legend to explain the nam e, 'history’ and im portance o f that Linga. T he
au th o r modifies a Puranic legend to suit his purpose a n d /o r attributes a new
legend with mythological names, thus giving them a semblance of a real Puranic
story.
As this Section describes the €iva shrines in Mah&kalavana area, some
duplication o f the sacred places m entioned in the previous Section is inevi-
table. H ence we find the repetition of the legends o f Agastyesvara (Ch. 1).
Kulumbesvara (Ch. 14), Apsarab Khanda (Ch. 17), Pisacamocana (Ch. 68), to
m ention a few.
2. The shrine or rath er the LiAga in the shrine is called Agastyesvara as
it redeem ed Sage Agastya, o f the sin o f Brahm apicide accrued to him due to
the destruction o f Danavas by him.
2 Skanda Parana
Umd said:
How was the name Agastyesvara attained by this deity? In
which spot and how did it originate? It behoves you to tell all
this in detail.
Нага said:
22. О blessed goddess, listen to its traditional legend that
quells completely all sins and bestows the desired benefits.
23. Formerly Devas were defeated by Asuras. All their shares
(in sacrifices, etc.) were forfeited and they became desperate.
The Pitrs were disappointed. Then the Devas, having lost all
their powers and prosperity, roamed over the earth, О god
dess.
24. Once, thereafter, those wretched ones saw Agastya, the
brilliant one, a performer of great austerities. The radiant
sage was blazing like the sun.
25. After duly paying respects to that noble-souled Agastya
whom they saw enveloped in an encircling halo, they said thus
to the sage renowned in all the worlds:
26. mO eminent sage, we have been overpowered by the
Danavas in battle. All of us have been pushed down from
heaven. Hence, save us from this grave danger and fear.”
27. On being told thus by the Devas, Agastya became enraged.
4 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER TWO
Guhesvara*
0
CHAPTER THREE
Dhundhesvara1
• • •
*
Sri Rudra said:
1-9. The third Linga, named Dhundhesvara, bestows hap
piness and heavenly pleasures. It destroys all sins of men and
eradicates evils.
О goddess, Dhundha was formerly a Gananayaka (leader of
Siva's attendants) in Kailasa. He was lustful. His conduct was
bad and his organs were overwhelmed with vices.
Once he casually went to the world of Sakra in his whim
sical fancy. There Rambha was dancing, displaying and depict
ing different kinds of emotions. Her glances, gestures of the
hands, etc., were pleasing and splendid. She demonstrated
Sucividdha and'other Karanas, Pataka and other Hastas (vari
ous postures, gestures, etc., of classical dance). The dance was
attended with the proper gestures of the hands in accordance
with the tempo and beating of the time.
The eyes of even Indra along with those of other gods were
fixed on her facial expressions. He became thrilled in his
mind and experienced horripilation. His face beamed with
pleasure.
In the meantime, Dhundha was fascinated, О fair lady, Ъу
her graceful dances. As the inevitable future course of action
would have it, he was overcome by lustul passion. Rambha
who was engrossed in the demonstration on the stage, was hit
by him with a bunch of flowers.
On seeing this unjustified conduct of the Gapa, Sakra cursed
him: “You have interrupted the dance on the stage. Hence,
face the downfall in the mortal world." Thus, О goddess, the
Gana was cursed by Sakra of unlimited brilliance.
Fallen into the mortal world, he lost his sense. His enthu
siasm was blighted. His sense-organs became excited. He found
Dhundha
• • • said:
23-27. О Lord of Devas, О Lord fond of those who seek
refuge in you, if you are pleased, may my devotion towards
your lotus-like feet be ever steady. О Mahesvara, if you are
satisfied, give this boon soon. О Lord Paramesvara, let those
men who visit you be instantly rid of sins on the surface of
the earth.-
* * *
12 Skanda Parana
CHAPTER FOUR
Damarukesvara1
0
1. This LiAga emerged from the earth when Lord &iva sounded his pam aru
(hand drum ) an d .b u rn t down demon Vajra and his army, when the latter
invaded М аЬШ Ы апа, the refuge of the defeated Devas.
14 Skanda Purdna
CHAPTER FIVE
Anadikalpeivara1
0
1. As the паше indicates, this LiAga was there before the creation o f the
universe. It is this LiAga which created or manifested the universe.
V.ii.5.22-31 17
Vi$nu, the Lord of the universe. These alone are the three
Vedas and these alone are the three Naras (Men).
In every Kalpa the deity is spoken as Anadi (beginningless)
by Devas, Pitrs, Ganas and Siddhas. Hence he is Anadikalpesvara.
Mahakalavana exists always.
О lady of wide eyes, this name was obtained (by the deity)
when there arose a dispute between Brahma and Kesava. At
the beginning of the Kalpa, the dispute was as to the cause
of the creation. Each said, M I am the greater one, I am the
greater one.”
Then from the firmament, a divine voice without a body
arose: uThere is a Liriga named Kalpesvara in Mahakalavana.
He who sees its beginning or end shall become the Lord.
There is no doubt about it. No dispute need be indulged in.”
Thereafter, О goddess, Brahma went to the limitless upper
world. On hearing that utterance, Visnu hastened to the nether
worlds. Neither the beginning nor the end was seen either by
Brahma or by Kesava. Both of them were surprised. They
commended each other and stood in front. By means of the
diverse hymns occurring in the Vedas, they began to eulogize:
M There is neither beginning, nor end. No Kalpa is seen here.
Hence from today, in this excellent Mahakalavana, this will
become well-known by the name Anadikalpa.
32-36. Even a man of wicked mind, defiled by the five
0 0
(great) sins, may attain Siva by seeing the deity Siva, named
Anadikalpesvara. May those people always attain welfare to
whom you have granted your vision. Blessed are those in the
mortal world, who have sought refuge in you. By your vision,
О Lord, men obtain that merit or even more than that which
is attained through holy baths in all the Tlrthas.
О Lord, people fall into worldly existence, chaotic due to
pleasure and pain, as long as the Lord, the redeemer from
the ocean of worldly existence, is not seen. When the sins of
the people get dissolved, your vision becomes possible.
37-41. A Brahmana’s slayer, he who imbibes liquor, a thief
or he who lies,on the bed of his preceptor and a man who
associates with them and perpetrates great sinful deeds—these
attain the great region from where there is no return.
О Lord, by worshipping you, one obtains that merit which
>|* obtained by means of a horse-sacrifice or Rajasuya.
V.ii.6.1-9 19
CHAPTER SIX
Svarnajva lesvara
CHAPTER SEVEN
Trivistapesvara1
Sri Mahddeva said:
1-6. О goddess, О daughter of the Mountain, the seventh
deity is Trivi$tapesvara. The heavenly world is obtained merely
by the sight of that deity.
Formerly, О goddess, the celestial sage Narada, free from
impurities, went to Trivistapa (heaven) with the desire of seeing
Indra.
There in the beautiful area of the celestial park, he saw
Indra, the Lord of Devas, seated. The park was (as if) illumi
nated with the Kalpa (wish-yielding) trees. Everywhere gentle
wind pleasing to the touch and fragrant with flowers blew.
The sweet sounds of flutes and lutes echoed. Devas and Gandharvas
moved about the place brightly illuminated with lunar stones,
diamonds, sapphires, lapis lazuli and other jewels. The whole
place appeared auspicious with remarkable features to which
those of Brahmaloka and other worlds cannot be compared
at all. Siddhas, Caranas, Kinnaras and other Devas were joy
ously eulogizing him.
came delighted and they praised Narada. They said: "O highly
intelligent ones, since this story has been narrated by the celestial
sage (we shall believe it). We will not go to Kailasa nor to
Meru which may also be of the same type. We will not go to
Mandara. We will not go to Trivistapa. This alone is the excellent
Amaravati. This is the auspicious Bhogavati. This is the world
of Brahma, the grandfather. Similarly this is the world of
Visnu."
• •
25-31. In the meantime, О fair lady, Trivistapa became
deserted and vacant. On realizing itself to be empty and pondering
over it again and again, it assumed a physical form of its own
and intended to go. “Abandoning me, all the Devas have gone
to Mahakalavana. I too shall go there where these Devas have
gone.** Saying this, it instantly reached the excellent
Mahakalavana. Then it enthusiastically visited the most excel
lent Tlrtha all over the world. It saw the beautiful holy spot
surrounded by the Devas.
At the same time an unembodied voice spoke: “O Trivistapa,
install me here itself after your own name, to the east of
Karkotaka and to the south of Mahamaya.” On being told
thus by the Lord of Devas it rejoiced. With the mind dwelling
on the deity, Trivistapa installed the deity named Trivi$tapesvara
after its own name. After adoring it with splendid flowers, О
lady of excellent countenance, it spoke thus: “From today
onwards, Bhurloka will become renowned by your name. Even
those who perpetrate misdeeds but assiduously see you, will
go to the greatest region adorned with divine ornaments.
32-39. A man of devotion, who worships you on the eighth
or fourteenth lunar day or particularly on the day of the transit
of the sun, will proceed to my vicinity after riding in an excellent
aerial chariot. The chariot embellished with jewels can go
wherever it wants to. It resembles the rising sun.
He will stay there near me. Of what avail are the diverse
kinds of Danas offered? Of what avail are the diverse kinds of
Ysyfias performed? Those who see you devoutly will attain all
those benefits. There is no doubt about this that they will
attain the various desired objectives for the sake of which they
worship you."
After seeing my excellent Linga Tridasas (Devas) said: “Those
blessed ones who worship Lord Isvara installed by the blessed
26 Skanda Purdna ■
CHAPTER EIGHT
Kapalesvara1
ф
1. The story illustrates the efficacy o f this Lihga to redeem the sin of
BrShmana-slaughter. This is repeated elsewhere in SkP.
V.ii.8.8-27 27
The great Linga stationed with the skull in the hand was seen.
Then, О Brahmanas, the skull (got unstuck and) fell into the
ground from my hand. The name was assigned by me (to it)
saying, T his is the deity Kapalesvara Deva.’ О Brahmanas,
may all of you see the Lord named Kapalesvara. Merely by the
sight thereof you all will become free from ignominy.”
Thereafter, the Linga was seen by them. It was covered by
many skulls. By visiting that Linga they became blessed and
contented. Hence this Linga named Kapalesvara has become
famous on the earth. О great goddess, those who worship the
deity named Kapalesvara become men of meritorious deeds
and attain the greatest goal. Even after perpetrating terrible
sins, including that of Brahmana-slaughter, if a man sees that
Linga, those sins get destroyed. This deity, worshipped on the
fourteenth lunar day, destroys all sins committed mentally,
verbally and physically.
46-49. Those who worship it even incidentally, О lady of
excellent countenance, do obtain all their desires whatever
they may be, even if they are inaccessible. He obtains prosper
ity, unparalleled piety, longevity, good health, freedom from
ailments, incomparable riddance (elimination) of enemies and
the like. О my beloved, even the worst of sinners, men en
gaged in ruthless activities, become rid of sins. They will turn
out to be leaders of my Ganas. О my beloved, those who
regularly visit the deity for a year, will see my favourite abode
after casting off their mortal bodies.
Thus, О fair lady, the sin-destroying power of Kapalesvara
Deva has been spoken to you. Now listen to the account of
Svargadvaresvara.
30 Skanda Ригала 9
CHAPTER NINE
Svargadvaresvara}
9
CHAPTER TEN
Karkotesvara1
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Siddheivara1
CHAPTER TWELVE
Lokapalesvara}
0
Sn Нага said:
1-9. О goddess of Devas, know that Lokapalesvara Siva is
the twelfth deity. Merely by visiting him, one is rid of all sins.
Formerly, О fair lady, thousands of groups of Daityas came
out from the chest of Hiranyakasipu. They were excessively
powerful in their exploits. The entire earth consisting of
mountains, parks and forests was pervaded (occupied) by them.
Excellent penance groves and all the Yajnas were destroyed by1
with the five Mudras. All your limbs should be smeared with
the holy ash. Shining tiny bells and anklets should be tied to
the legs. Go thus to the excellent Mahakalavana in the com
pany of Brahma.n Thus, hearing the speech of Kr$na all those
Guardians of Quarters came here, О great goddess, in the
guise of Kapalikas. There, the great Linga, a wonderful mass
of refulgence, was seen and repeatedly eulogized by the Guardians
of Quarters with different kinds of hymns and prayers.
Thereupon, a shooting flame of fire rose up from that Linga.
It burned all the Danavas and reduced them to ash. Realizing
the greatness of the Linga they named it duly: “The great
Linga is highly refulgent and has been duly served by the
Guardians of Quarters. Hence it will become famous all over
the earth by the name Lokapalesvara.” After saying thus all
the Devas protected by the Guardians of Quarters went to
their respective regions. They were joyous as before.
27-35. Those men who visit the deity Siva nam ed
Lokapalesvara become rich with plenty in every birth. Neither
poverty, nor pestilence, nor premature death will befall them.
By visiting him, unparalleled prosperity will result always. The
desire with which the deity is seen, will be realized. After
death he will attain the greatrest goal. By worshipping
Lokapalesvara, О goddess, one gets that benefit which is usually
achieved when a horse-sacrifice is perfectly performed. Even
he who casually visits Lokapalesvara Siva, always rejoices in
Svarga in the company of (or like) the Guardians of Quarters.
Those men who devoutly visit the deity during equinoxes,
Mondays, and particularly on the fourteenth lunar day or the
eighth one in both the Ayanas, will become invincible to enemies
in a battle. On death they go to the inaccessible world of
Sakra in an aerial chariot. In due course gradually they go to
Varunaloka, Kuberaloka and then to Brahmaloka very rarely
attained even by Devas. Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying
power has been recounted to you. Now listen to the mystery
of Kamesvara.
40 Skanda Parana *
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Kamesvara1
0
Brahma said:
6-10. Desirous of creation, I have created Prajapatis (Patri
archs). But, О Kama, they are incapable of creating progeny.
Let them be happy. You are the leader in the creation of
progeny. This universe is under your control. О Kandarpa, at
my bidding, create beings of diverse kinds.
' 1. When the god of Love got burnt by Siva, he propitiated this Siva Liftga.
God Siva blessed and gave him a place near him here.
V.ii.13.11-29 41
Brahma said:
11-18. О highly intelligent one, since your devotion to
me is unparalleled, twelve places are being given to you by
me, viz. women’s side-glances, tresses of hairs, buttocks, the
two breasts, navel, armpit, and lower lip resembling tender
shoots, young maidens and spring season, cooing of the cuckoo,
moonlight and advent of monsoon. For the purpose of love
(making) the powerful months of Madhu and Madhava (are
given). Women are nectarine and blessed. They are the cause
of the stability of worldly existence. They are the storehouses
of conjugal bliss. They have been created for the sake of progeny.
The universe is subjected to control by these excellent women.
Whence can there be steadiness of mind in a man who is
attracted by women? How can there be self-dependence in a
man who has surrendered himself to the influence of women?
Women alone caused the destruction of the former Daityas.
Women alone are the causes of the fright of Indra and other
Devas. If a man gets his sustenance through women, his
discomfiture is enormous. His helplessness is terrible. To a
man whose mind is overwhelmed by women, vulnerability to
threat of dangers is easy.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Kutumbesvara1
Gangd said:
О holy Lord of the universe, I do not have the power to
carry it. It is terrible in form and very difficult to be dealt
with. Undoubtedly it will burn.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Indradyumnesvara'
0
1. King Indradyumna who fell down from Svarga, attained it again perma
nently by propitiating this Lihga. Due to the association of King Indradyuriina,
this Linga came tb be known as Indradyuihnefvara. The story in Mbh, Van a,
199, differs.
48 Skanda Parana
Markandeya said:
На! I shall surely tell you as you aspire after fame. As long
as the fame stands established in the earth, stay along with
Suras. Hence, О knower of Dharma, go quickly to the excel
lent MahaksUavana. 'there is a sin-destroying Linga in the vicinity
of Kalkalesvara Deva on the left side. Propitiate it assiduously.
Merely by adoring it, you will attain excellent fame and the
eternal (stay in) Svarga which is inaccessible even to Suras.
This is a Pur&tyic version. According to Mbh, Vana 199, it was the tes-
м п у o f an old tortoise who remembered him (Indradyuxhna) as a sacrificer,
к-which reinstated him in heaven.
V.ii.15.27—V.ii.16.14 49
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Isdnesvara
Isvara said:
1-7. О Parvati, know that the Linga named isanesvara is
the sixteenth deity. By merely seeing it, men become very
prosperous.
■Formerly, О goddess, all the Suras, the highly esteemed
sages, Yaksas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras were attacked and harassed
by Tuhunda. The entire celestial park known as Nandana came
under his control. He succeeded in taking the great elephant
Airavana and keeping it at his gateway. The Lord of Danavas
took away (the horse) named Uccaissravas. He made attempts
to destroy (ravish) all the celestial women. The pathway to
Svarga became blocked due to his fear, О Satl. Thus divested
of their rights, the Devas had mutual consultation.
At that time Narada, the great sage of excessive refulgence,
who knew the proper time, came there in the course of his
peregrinations. The Devas bowed down to him and duly adored
him. The evil acts done by Tuhunda were recounted to him
as they had occurred.
8-14. By-way of taking counsel with him, they asked the
excellent sage Narada: mO highly intelligent one, tell us. You
50 Skanda Purdna
You are the sole creator and annihilator of all living beings
here.”
25-34. After the propitiation, all of them began to make
obeisance. In the meantime, О goddess, a great column of
fire enveloped with smoke rose up from the middle of the
Liiiga, whereby the Danava Tuhunda, son of Munda, was burnt
along with his armies that surrounded him.
Due to the power of this Lihga Suras regained their respec
tive rights. The delighted Devas named the Lihga also. “We
have ascertained that granting prosperity is the very nature of
this Lihga. Hence the deity will become well-known in all the
three worlds as Isana. If the devotees propitiate the deity named
Isanesvara, they will have renown, prosperity, pleasure and
achievement of powers permanently. They will be always
worshipped by Devas, Gandharvas and groups of celestial damsels
and will go joyously to Svargaloka by means of brilliant aerial
chariots.
There is no doubt about it that the devotees, whether they
are Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas or Sudras, whether they are
women or virgins, will obtain all their cherished desires.
If a man strictly adheres to the observances and ardently
visits the Lord, he will never incur any loss anywhere for a
hundred births thence.
Those who daily see the deity named Isanesvara, О lady of
great renown, shall always be efficient in all their activities.
Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Isanesvaradeva
has been recounted to you. Let the power of Apsaresvara be
heard.
52 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Apsaresvara1
Isvara said:
1-9. Know that Apsaresvara Linga is the seventeenth deity.
Merely by seeing it, people shall obtain everything desired.
The enemy of Vrtra (i.e., Indra) was seated in the park
named Nandana, О goddess. It was equipped with everything
desirable. It was reverberated with the sound of the chorus
songs of Siddhas, Caranas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras. The chirping
sounds of parrots, cuckoos, ruddy geese, Cakoras and ospreys
spread everywhere. The park was a spot comparable to the
divine world; it was an ornament unto Trivistapa (Svarga).
Indra was attended upon by leading Suras; Rambha was
dancing in front of him displaying various Bhavas (emotional
expressions) connected with the dance. Remembering some
thing else, she became absent-minded. Hence she committed
slips. When the tempo and the beating of the time went awry
she was noticed by Vasava. The king of Suras became angry
and cursed her: "Forgetfulness is the habit of mortal beings.
It is never seen amongst celestial ones. Hence become lustreless
and proceed to the world of men.” As a result of Indra’s
anger, that celestial damsel became distressed and fell down
on the earth. Motionless she remained like someone crippled.
She loudly lamented much. In her piteous wail she said: "What
sin have I committed? Pure penance has not been performed?
How is it that the Sura (Indra) is not propitiated?”
All the celestial damsels came in a body there, including
her companions. They came to the place where Rambha lay,
О lady of excellent countenance. The groups of celestial dam
sels too became distressed due to the scorching fire of her
grief.
10-18. “Just as a lotus pond in deep sleep (i.e., before
blossoming) does not shine when the sky is overcast with clouds,
so also Rambha (as if) destroyed by the curse does not shine
at all."
Rambha surrounded by her friends, О lady of excellent
countenance, was seen by the celestial sage Narada. He was
struck with surpise in his mind as to why the celestial damsels
were seen suddenly agitated due to grief and why Rambha was
crying repeatedly.
Approaching them he asked: “O excellent celestial damsels,
why do you appear wretched and pale in the faces? Let every
thing be said clearly." They told him what had happened earlier.
On hearing it, Sage Narada became engrossed in meditation.
He told them the means beneficial to them: “Let all the celestial
damsels with effort go to the excellent Mahakalavana. Ye all
do propitiate the Lord of Devas, the Linga that grants all the
desired things. In an earlier Kalpa, Urvasi at my instance had
worshipped it in front of Prcchadevi. She got Pururavas as her
husband.” On hearing the words of Narada the groups of
Apsaras came to the beautiful Mahakalavana with a desire to
propitiate the Linga. Thereupon Rudra became pleased with
their devotion. He himself granted the boons:
19-24. “O Rambha, you will attain conjugal bliss, and re
gain Svargaloka, О lady of great renown. Certainly you will
become the beloved of Jisnu, О blessed one. Hence go back
to heaven honoured by this group (of celestial damsels).” The
deity was formerly propitiated by Apsaras with a desire to regain
Svarga. Hence the deity became well-known in all the three
worlds as Apsaresvara. Those who devoutly worship Apsaresvara
will become ones who have successfully fulfilled their ambi
tion. О lady of great renown, those who urge others to visit
the deity will never find separation or downfall from their
positions even in their dreams.
Of what avail are Danas? Of what avail are austerities? Of
what avail are Yajnas with plenty of monetary gifts? By touch
ing (the Linga) one obtains successively kingdom» heavenly
pleasures and salvation.
Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Apsaresvara
Deva has been recounted to you. May (the greatness of)
Kalakalesvara be listened to.
54 Skanda Puraria
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kalakalesvara1
Ф Ф
1. This LiAga arose due to a heated quarrel (Kalakala) between £iva and
P&rvatf. Siva recounts this to Pirvati!
V.ii.18.20-29 55
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Ndgarandesvara1
Isvara said:
I- 10. О my beloved, the nineteenth deity is Nagacandesvara
Linga by seeing which one is rid of the sin arising from cross
ing Nirmalya (remnants of the adoration of Siva). I shall extol
in detail the auspicious power of that Linga. О goddess, listen
to it with mental concentration. It is destructive of all sins.
Formerly Devas, Sages, Gandharvas, Caranas and Guhyakas
were seated in the divine assembly Sudharma, discussing aus
picious tales. In the meantime, Indra saw the celestial sage
Narada full of humility and given to celibacy, with a girdle
(around his waist), dressed in hi$ loincloth and deer skin robe.
The staff and the lute embellished him. As the sage of holy
vows approached, О goddess, Indra asked him: “You have seen
the entire region of the three worlds beginning with Bhuh
and Bhuvah, their creation, continuance and annihilation thou
sands of times. Excepting Paramesthin (Brahma), the unmanifest
cause of the universe, the eternal one of the nature of Sat and
Asat, there is none like you in this world and Him you pro
pitiated by means of Yoga, penance and devotion. Hence you
know everything clearly regarding the three worlds. So I wish
to ask. Let me be given a definite reply. What is the most
excellent holy spot on the earth? It should be sacred and
conducive to worldly pleasure and salvation.”
On hearing this, Narada meditated and pondered over it
for a long time. Then he spoke these words:
I I- 23. ttO king of Devas, it is proclaimed that Prayaga is
the meritorious, excellent and leading holy spot. The holy
CHAPTER TWENTY
Pratiharesvara1
Isvara said:
1-8. О goddess, О my beloved one, know that Pratiharesvara
Linga is the twentieth deity. Merely by seeing it one becomes
wealthy here.
Formerly, due to your anger towards Daksa, you had cast
off your life and you were born at the place of Himacala. О
CHAPTER TWENTYONE
Kukkutesvara}
Isvara said:
1-6. Know that the Linga called Kukkutesvara is the twenty-
first deity. Merely by seeing it, birth in the form of a non
human being can be averted.
There was a king named Kausika, who was always seen during 1
CHAPTER TWENTYTWO
Karkatesvara1
■
Vasistha said:
■ •
1. A criminal £udra born as a crab was picked up by a crow. The crab bit
the crow which dropped it. The crab fell near this Siva Lihga and died. Due
to the vicinity of this Siva Lihga, the crab was bom as a great king.
V.ii.22.17-32 67
CHAPTER TWENTYTHREE
Meghanadesvara}
You are the creator and annihilator of the worlds, the immu
table source of origin. You are thus the greatest truth, the
greatest austerity, the greatest and holiest path; О Lord, you
are the greatest Yajna, the greatest Hautra (worthy of being
adored by Н ота), the greatest abode. They call you the greatest
Puru$a.” Thus the Lord of Devas was eulogized by them, О
lady of excellent countenance. Thereupon Krsna asked the
Devas: “O Suras, what can I do unto you?” It was submitted
thus to Hari by the Devas who were afflicted by the drought:
mO Lord, may the means be told so that there shall be con
tentment and nourishment.” After meditating Kesava said:
21-31. “O Devas, ye all do go to the splendid Mahakalavana.
Formerly a Linga that causes shower was installed there by the
clouds. All rain-producing (showering) clouds are in that Linga.
Due to the greatness of that Linga there will be rainfall surely.
О Suras, it is situated to the north-east of Lord Pratiharesvara.”
О Parvatl, on hearing the words of Vasudeva the Devas
came to Mahakalavana where the excellent Linga was present.
Seeing the charming deity they eulogized with great devotion:
M Obeisance to you, О Mahesa. Obeisance to the infinite one,
to the garlanded one. Obeisance to you of the fiery form.
Obeisance to the beautiful one. Obeisance to Yoga, to Veda;
obeisance to you with tawny matted hairs. Obeisance to the
Lord with infinite knowledge as (your) body. Obeisance to the
powerful Lord incarnate. Obeisance to the one of bright,
boisterous laughter. Obeisance to the Lord in the form of
peacock. Obeisance to you, the benefactor. Obeisance to the
Pinaka-wielding one. Obeisance to the destroyer, to the three
eyed one conducive to the welfare (of the world). Obeisance
to you. Obeisance to you, the multiformed one. Obeisance to
you of incomprehensible form. Obeisance to the embodiment
of Yoga. Obeisance to you always. О Sarva, О Lord, the entire
world is lost. Everything is afflicted with drought. Save us who
have sought refuge in you, by means of excellent rain, О Lord
of the chiefs of Devas.”
In the meantime, the clouds of the season with the reful
gence of shining coal rose up from the middle of the Linga
making the firmament reverberate. Clashing and dashing one
another with great speed they showered rain on the earth.
32-41. Everything became lustreless. Nothing was clearly
V.ii.24.1-8 71
seen. The ten quarters shone with thick dense darkness over
spreading them. They were delighted with the greatness of the
Lord of Devas. The Devas attained great happiness. All those
excellent ones appeared as though they imbibed nectar. Thereafter
the clouds disappeared reducing the darkness. Cool breezes
blew. The ten quarters became calm. The brilliant constel
lations of pure lustre circumambulated the Moon. The Planets
ceased to be malefic. The seas became calmed down. By the
power of this Linga great sages became free from grief; Gandharvas
sang sweetly. There was creation once again by the power of
the Linga. They adored it and gave it a name true to its meaning.
The Devas became much pleased on observing the greatness
of this Linga. Its name will be Meghanadesvara.
О my beloved one, the narrative of Meghanadesvara has
been recounted to you. Men all over the earth will become
contented and blessed by its power. By seeing this Linga, there
shall be shower as one desires. One who bathes the Linga is
honoured in Rudraloka for thousands of crores of Kalpas and
hundreds of crores of Kalpas. О Parvati, even there will be
superabundance of shower on the earth, where its (Lihga's)
glory is read and recited.
CHAPTER TWENTYFOUR
Mahdlayesvara1
Isvara said:
1-8. О highly fortunate one, Mahalayesvara is the splendid
twenty-fourth deity. Formerly I was asked by you thus: “O Lord,
this has been heard by me that the three worlds including the
mobile and immobile beings beginning with Brahma and ending
with a blade of grass, were created, upheld and pervaded by
you, by you alone, the pure one, the great omnipresent soul.
The silence-observing, immutable sages were very much pleased
and joyous. О Mahesvara, they call you the cause of the three
worlds. The three worlds beginning with Bhuh and Bhuvah
have been created by you. All that has to be created, that has
already been created and that has been dissolved, extends to
thousands. The creation, sustenance and destruction of Devas,
Danavas, Gandharvas, Sages, Caranas and Serpents have been
witnessed by you time and again. But where do you station
yourself, О Lord, and re-create the universe consisting of the
mobile and immobile beings? You annihilate this sportingly.
It behoves you to mention this: What is this Mahalaya existing
in the form of a planet pertaining to Rudra, wherein the entire
aggregate of the three worlds beginning with Bhiih and Bhuvah
has been held by you?” Now I shall tell you. Listen with at
tention.
9-19. At the end of Pralaya, all the elements beginning
with earth, were held in one place that is Mahalaya in
Mahakalavana. The spot named Mahalaya is excessively de
lightful to me. It is splendid and auspicious. Its excellence
surpasses that of Brahmaloka and other worlds. A Linga iden
tical with the supreme Brahman stands there for ever. It is in
the middle of that Linga that all the mobile and immobile
beings are retained. Brahma and other Devas and Visnu too
are all stationed there. О goddess, everything abides in the
space within the Linga. From that Linga arose the great Atman,
Mahamati (the Cosmic Intellect), Bhutadi (the Principle Mahat),
Ahamkara (the great Ego), Visnu and Saihbhu, О Parvati.
Similarly wisdom, intelligence, fortitude, fame, memory, bash-
fulness and Sarasvati (goddess of speech) sprang from it. It
has hands and feet everywhere; it has eyes, heads and faces
everywhere. It has ears everywhere. It pervades everything in
the world and it stands supreme. From this were born the
Lingas, the five great Bhutas viz. earth, wind, ether, water and
fire. They get dissolved there. Just as earth, water, and firma
m ent so also ^ie four kinds of living organisms viz. Andaja
(‘born of eggs’), the Udbhijja (trees etc. that pierce the ground
and come out), Svedaja (sweat-born ones, worms etc.) and
Jardyuja (viviparous ones). The significant marks of the four
fold birth are seen in this same Linga. Tapas, Karman, Punya,
Vrata, Dana, Rajas, Sattva and Tamos—all these originate from
that Linga. In it abides the true refulgence, the eternal Brah
man. So also the subtle unmanifest cause which is of the na
ture of both Sat and Asat, from which was born Pitamaha
V.ii.24.20—V.ii.25.8 73
CHAPTER TWENTYFIVE
Muktlsvara
Though the hunter told him all these things, the eminent
Brahmana did not reply at all, thinking that that was a Brahmana-
slayer of evil activities.
Though no reply was received that pious hunter stood there
itself. He took his bath immediately and came near the Mukti
Linga. After seeing the eternal Lord in the company of the
Brahmana, he suddenly assumed a divine body and merged
himself into that Linga.
On seeing that miracle, Mukti, the Brahmana thought within
himself, О lady of excellent countenance: 'Salvation has been
attained suddenly by a hunter defiled by sins and devoid of
holy meditation. As for me, I (for one) had performed a great
penance very difficult (for ordinary persons). The great form
(Siva) has not been realized nor is salvation obtained/
After thinking thus with detachment and disgust for worldly
pleasures, the eminent Brahmana took a dip under water and
performed severe penance.
18-28. After some time, О chaste lady, a hungry tiger
came to that river. It attempted to kill him. When the tiger
was about to seize the Brahmana moving about under the
water, he uttered the words ‘Obeisance to Narayana. *
The Mantra was heard by the tiger who instantly cast off his
V.ii.25.29-41 75
CHAPTER TWENTYSIX
Somesvara1
Isvara said:
1-6. Know, О goddess, that the great Somesvara Linga is
the twenty-sixth deity. Merely by seeing it a man becomes free
from dispute.
The glorious one named Atri, a mental son of Brahma,
became Prajapati (Creator and Patriarch), О goddess, in the
Kalpa named Varaha. His son was Soma. Dak$a had twenty-
seven daughters who were well-known as Dak^ayanis. They are
to be known as the wives of Soma (Moon). The most excellent
1. For the glorification of this Linga, two legends about the Moon-god are
modified and amalgamated. Soma got his original glory due to propitiation of
this UAga.
V.ii.26.7-30 79
the leading Devas, the Wielder of the Conch, Discus and Club
immediately remembered Soma. When he did not come even
after being remembered, Janardana became angry. The Lord,
the Primordial Being, spoke to Brahma: M Let the Milk Ocean
be churned by the Devas and the groups of Asuras. As the
great ocean is churned, Candra will reappear. Thereby you
will obtain Amrta (Nectar) and different kinds of jewels also.”
О Parvatl, on hearing those words of Vasudeva, the Devas
as well as Asuras and Danavas began to churn the ocean, the
storehouse of waters, making the Mandara mountain the churning
rod and Vasuki the rope for the rod (for regaining Soma), О
goddess. On account of their great eagerness to preserve their
dignity the Asuras and Danavas caught hold of the head (mouth)
portion of the king of serpents. All the Devas collectively remained
at the tail end. That was because, it was there that Lord Narayana
remained.
He raised the hoods frequently and let them down. When
the ocean was churned, there was a loud report. Many of the
aquatic animals were crushed by the great mountain. Hun
dreds and thousands of them got lost. When the ocean was
churned with the effort of Kesava, О goddess, the gracious-
minded, brilliant and cool-rayed Soma emerged from within.
It is this Vidhu, О lady of renown, upon whom all these, viz,
Devas, human beings, Pitrs, trees and medicinal herbs, de
pend. On seeing him born again Lord Kesava said: “O Candra,
protect these subjects. Be the seniormost one of the universe.”
31-39. Thus Sasin was asked by Vasudeva to protect the
subjects. Formerly Soma who had disappeared, entered a dense
forest. To him Narada quickly narrated everything. On hear
ing the words of the noble-souled, celestial sage, Narada, Soma
who had been afflicted by the curse of Daksa and had van
ished, О goddess, sought refuge in Brahma Parame$thin.
After going there, he mentioned with choked and faltering
voice the details of the curse. Brahma spoke on hearing the
words of the earlier Candra: T h is first son of mine was troubled
much by Sasin. What is to be done by me with the fresh one
born of the ocean? Much strength has been granted to this
Candramas by Vi$nu. Hence I shall go there where Lord Janardana
is nngsent.”
f ;wDn seeing him Brahma spoke to Уади, the slayer of Madhu:
V.ii.26.40-53 81
“It was at your bidding that this Candra was created by me.
But he has been afflicted by the fresh one." On being told thus
by Brahma, О goddess, Vasudeva, the Lord of the universe,
mentioned the same event again and again to Brahma. As for
Brahma, it was for the earlier Candra that he bowed down,
stood with palms joined in reverence and eulogized Visnu, to
whom obeisance is made by all the worlds.
40-44. “Obeisance, О Krsna; obeisance, О Visnu; obei-
sance, О Jisnu; obeisance; obeisance. Obeisance, О Vamana,
О Govinda, obeisance, О Ananta (Infinite one); obeisance, О
Acyuta. Be victorious, О Govinda; of magnanimous virtues. Be
victorious, О Visnu. Be victorious, О Padmanabha. Be victo
rious, О Sarvadya (one who is primordial), О Lord wielding
the mace. Be victorious, О Lord of the universe, О Visvamurti
(the omniformed one).”
On being eulogized thus by Brahma, the creator of the
worlds, О goddess, he looked at Soma who was nearby and
spoke thus: “Go to the excellent Mahakalavana at my behest,
О Soma. There is a highly refulgent Linga to the north of
Mukti Linga. Propitiate it assiduously. It will grant you a physical
body.”
On being told thus repeatedly by Vasudeva and Brahma, О
great goddess, he came to the*excellent Mahakalavana. О lady
of excellent holy vows, after seeing the Linga he eulogized by
means of this prayer:
Candra said:
45-53. Obeisance to the supreme Lord of Devas, to the
three-eyed great Atman, to the Lord with red and tawny eyes
and a coronet of matted hairs; obeisance to the Lord served
by Bhlitas (goblins) and Vetalas (ghosts), to the trident-bear
ing great Lord. Obeisance to the Lord indulging in terrible
boisterous laughter. Obeisance to Sthanu having matted hairs.
Obeisance to one who smashed the teeth of Pusan; to the
slayer of Andhaka. Obeisance to the Lord with the excellent
abode at Kailasa. Obeisance*to you, the Lord of all gods. Obeisance
to the Lord with tresses of hairs raised up hideously; obei
sance, obeisance to Bhairava (the terrible). Obeisance to the
Lord as terrible as the flames of fire; obeisance to the Lord
82 Skanda Purana
Soma said:
54-64. If I am to be blessed, О Lord, if you are pleased
with me, О Mahesvara, with your favour I wish to carry out
my official duty with a physical form, with due splendour, with
refulgence and with beauty.
CHAPTER TWENTYSEVEN
Anarakesvara1
ф
were thrust into their mouths. Thereafter wind was forced into
them. The limbs of those men of evil conduct who plucked
flowers and leaves in the gardens or parks, specially meant for
deities, were also cut.
22-27b. A red-hot iron image of a woman was placed on
the chests of those wicked men by whom other people’s wives
were embraced. They were then struck by fierce servants of
Yama. Women in a similar position were forcibly made to
embrace red-hot iron images of men. After a lapse of some
time, they were hurled into big iron cages (furnaces) blazing
with fire along with men.
The pain of limbs in the hells was hundred times more than
what is experienced in the body in this world.
O ther men were pecked at and eaten by crows, scorpi
ons and vultures. Those who were being burnt and scorched
began to cry in distress, “Oh brothers! Oh fath er!” re
peatedly. They never attained peace. They experienced
unbearable miseries, О Parvatl. Thus they certainly had
the misery of torture.
27c-33. A blessed man named Nimi saw the path of Yama.
It was terrible, impassable and hideous, filled with persons of
sinful activities. It was completely enveloped in darkness. It
appeared like a meadow with tresses of hairs spread every
where like weeds. Flesh and blood constituted a marshy spot
stinking with the odour of the sinners. It was surrounded by
blazing flames of fire. It was infested with crabs and vultures
flying with faces down. Ghosts as huge as the Vindhya moun
tain, with needle-like faces, moved about here and there. Trees
lay scattered all round. Blood and flesh oozed out from arms,
thighs and palms severed down. Bodies with bellies and hands
cut off lay about everywhere. The foul smell of the corpses
made the path unwholesome and devoid of joy. The hell
Asipatravana was also surrounded by these. It was filled with
gravel and sand as well as pieces of rocks and lumps of iron.
He also witnessed the physical torture suffered by the evil
doers.
34-41. Observing such a foul-smelling atmosphere he spoke
to the man (servant of Yama) there to know how far they were
to go along (hat path. “I wish to know this: What is this region?
Does it belong to Devas?" On being asked thus, the messenger
86 Skanda Purdna
*1
of Yama wielding a big staff in his hand and blazing with the
lustre of fire, pointed out the path in front and said, “Come
this way.”
The king requested the servant humbly: “O officer of Yama,
tell me what sin has been committed by me for which this
suffering has to be borne by me who am righteous. I am well-
known by the name Nimi in the family of Janaka. I was born
in the land of Videha. I have been perfect protector of men.
The four castes were ably sustained by me by keeping them
righteous in the same way as by Manu formerly through texts
giving importance to piety. I performed many Yajnas. The
earth was ruled piously. I was never guilty of abandoning the
battlefield. No guest was turned away by me. I evinced no
interest in other m en’s wives, wealth, etc. That being the case,
how is it that I have been put into Naraka that is excessively
awful.”
On being asked thus by Nimi, the servant of Yama bowed
down to him. Though he was cruel he spoke politely.
Nimi said:
73-81. In Naraka thousands of men are tormented. О
Dharma, they are lamenting and wailing saying to me, uSave.”
Hence I will not go away.
Indra said:
It is due to the acts of these evil-doers that they have fallen
into the hell, О king; you have to go to Svarga for your meritorious
deeds.
V.ii.27.82-93 89
Dharma said:
On the fourteenth lunar day in the dark half of the month
of Asvina, О mighty one, the Lord, well-known as Anarakelvara,
the bestower of Svarga, was seen by you in the excellent
Mahakalavana. Hence your merit is something special. There
is no limit to it. О king, enjoy happily the merit acquired by
yourself. Let all these hellish ones suffering the torture due
to their own acts get it reduced (by the endurance of the
results).
Dharma said:
О king, formerly you had visited Anarakelvara. Give unto
these a fraction (one-sixteenth) of the merit resulting there
from. By the power of that merit these will be liberated from
the hell.
The king did accordingly and they were liberated from the
hell.
82-93. Thereupon Dharmaraja in the company of Sakra
spoke to Nimi: “Thus the excellent place (position) has been
attained by you, О Lord of the earth. See these hellish people;
they are liberated from their sinful deeds." Thereupon, a shower
of flowers feU on that king. Hari (Indra) made him get into
the aerial chariot and took him to Svargaloka. All the sinners
who were there, were saved from the tortures. О my beloved,
they went to Svargaloka by the power of that Lord.
90 SJianda Ритйпа
CHAPTER TWENTYEIGHT
Jatesvara}
sidering scrupulously the place, the time, the age, the physical
capacity and the sin committed. This is the Dharma as estab
lished. Now all of you undertake the holy vows after wearing
deerskins. Move about thus for five years. Thereafter you will
become pure.”
On being told thus, those boys adopted the conduct befit
ting deer. They entered the forest and meditated on the eter
nal Brahman without losing composure.
20-28. When a year elapsed King Viradhanva came to that
place where those sons of the sage were moving about in the
guise of deer. At the root of a tree the boys, continuing deer
like activities, remained performing Japa and they were seen
by the king who took them to be deer and hit them with
arrows. Those expounders of Brahman died.
On seeing them dead, realising that they were Brahmanas
with strictly disciplined observances, the king trembled with
fear and went to the hermitage of Devarata.
There, on being asked, the king explained: uO great sage,
I have committed Brahmana-slaughter.” From the beginning
to the end the story about the slaughter was conveyed by him.
Utteily grief-stricken and overwhelmed with misery, he cried
much.
Resembling a divine being, that sage said to the crying excellent
king: M Do not be afraid, О king. I shall remove your sin. The
earth was about to sink down to the nether world named
Sutala and it was lifted up by Visnu, the Lord of Devas, in the
form of a boar. In the same manner, О eminent king, this
Lord Janardana will himself lift you up, now overwhelmed by
the sin of Brahmana-slaughter.”
On being told thus, the king spoke these words due to his
sinful nature: uOf what use is this Brahmana, a wicked soul
devoid of lustre? The base Brahmana is incapable of saving
me himself.”
29-37. After saying thus, the king became angry. His eyes
became red. With the sword itself, he killed him. On seeing
the B rihm ana dead, the king was further defiled by anger.
Further, О goddess, deluded by the mass of sins, he killed a
lEbpila (tawny) milch cow of Galava along with her calf. With
г
nis foolishness, delusion and hastiness, he became distressed
'due to hunger and thirst. His intellect became ruthless and
V.ii.28.38-51 93
his sins heaped up like matted hairs. With the sins thus heaped
up on his head, he roamed about in the dense forest.
Once he was led by his horse very far, deep down into the
forest. The forest was full of tigers, lions and elephants. It was
equally resorted to by the hunter and the hunted, the deer.
The king who was riding alone left the horse beneath a tree
and fearlessly went to sleep on Darbha grass. The hunters who
passed by saw the king asleep without fear. They hastened to
their master and leader, to report this. As ordered by their
master they were about to seize him when a fair white goddess
embellished with ornaments rose up from the king's body
with a discus held (in her hand). The barbarians were caused
by her to fall down. After killing the Dasyus (barbarian rob
bers) the goddess vanished there itself.
38-51. Liberated by her, the king woke up instantly. On
seeing the barbarians killed the king thought: 'I had been
ruthless. See how the terrible series of sins of cow-slaughter
and Brahmana-slaughter were committed by me in this forest!'
After thinking thus and heaving sighs repeatedly, he rode
the same horse and went to the hermitage of Vamadeva. The
king was seen by Sage Vamadeva in that predicament, afflicted
Ш
Vamadeva said:
This is that tiger among men, the king Viradhanva, born
of the lunar race. He has come to a miserable plight. I shall
redeem this king, the most excellent man.
CHAPTER TWENTYNINE
Ramesvara1
CHAPTER THIRTY
Cyavanesvara}
*
CHAPTER THIRTYONE
Khandesvara1
•>
*
Agastya said:
Alas! О king, you are deluded. The ministers are great fools.
Alas! The family priest is also deluded and immature. These
do not understand the intention of mine by whose sight such
kings are born?
Agastya said:
This your queen was a maidservant of a Vaisya named Haridatta
in the city of Vaidisa. You were her husband. As a result of
the incomplete Vrata you became a servant. That Vaisya went
to Mahakala and worshipped Lord Mahesvara duly with splen
did scents, flowers, etc. After worshipping, he returned home
where both of you were the supervisors.
After a^long time the couple died. Due to that merit, your
106 Skanda Parana
CHAPTER THIRTYTWO
Pattanesvara
Isvara said:
1-8. Know that the excellent Pattanesvara Linga is the thirty-
second deity. It is well-known in all the three worlds. It is the
bestower of Siddhis unto men.
Formerly, О goddess, I was sporting about along with you
on Mountain Mandara abounding in beautiful caves, when
once I was asked by you while staying in a secret place, mO
Lord, why have you left off the beautiful Kailasa mountain and
taken up your abode in the desolate Mahakalavana? Kailasa
was as splendid as a slab of pearls, as free from impurities as
a conchshell or the rays of the moon. It used to be reverber
ating with the loud musical notes of Siddhas, Caranas, Gandharvas
and Kinnaras. It was always covered with trees in full bloom.
A grove of plantain trees shone therein. Birds like cuckoos,
Cakravakas (ruddy geese), Cakoras, ospreys made the place
full of their chirping sounds. On the whole, the spot could
very well be compared to a meritorious world, an ornament
unto heaven itself. On the other hand, Mahakalavana is des
olate, overgrown with various kinds of hedges and creepers.
108 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER THIRTYTHREE
Anandesvara
excelled all other living beings and shone immutable like the
Sun. He was impartial to his enemies, sons and friends. He was
conversant with the greatest Dharma. О Daughter of the Mountain,
he married Giribhadra, a lady of excellent complexion. She
was his greatest favourite, dearer to him than his own life. He
had a son named Ananda of good intellect and was engaged
in the pursuit of knowledge. Immediately after the birth when
the child rested in the lap of the king steadily he began to
lisp again and again. The king used to embrace him with great
affection and make him lisp again and again. He had the
power of remembering previous births. Lying in the lap of his
mother, he laughed. The excited mother spoke these words:
8-15. MI am afraid. What is this, dear child? Laughter is
visible in your face. Have you attained premature enlighten
ment? What is the blessed thing that you see?**
On being asked thus, he replied to his m other: “Every
one desires his own personal benefit. A female cat in front
wishes to seize me. Don’t you see? This second one, the spirit
that takes away the newborn young one, has vanished. With
affection for the son, therefore, О dear mother, you too wish
for your own benefit. You make me utter words many times
and embrace me repeatedly. This excitement due to affection
for the newborn son is present in all women. Hence I was
forced to laugh. Listen to the cause thereof. This pet female
cat attached to her own benefit covetously looks at me. Sim
ilarly this second one, the spirit that takes away a newborn
young one and that has vanished, also does so. You wish to
enjoy the benefit derived from me gradually. You do not know
who I am, nor what help I have rendered to you. The asso
ciation with children is also not of very long duration. It has
been only for five or seven days. Still you love me dearly and
embrace me always. You falsely speak to me, ‘O dear one, О
dear child, О fair one.’ ” On hearing these words of her son,
the angry mother said thus:
16-23. “It is not for your return help, dear child, that I
lovingly embrace you. My own benefit that is likely to be derived
from you, has been given up by me.”
After saying this she discarded him and went out of the
lying-in-chamber. Then Jataharini (a spirit taking away new-
jjora ones) carried away the abandoned child.
V.ii.33.24-33 111
Ananda said:
1 am the son of Giribhadra. This is the mother who gave
birth to Caitra. This Caitra is in the house of a Brahmana. He
is consecrated by the Brahmana through Mantras.
Then the preceptor asked: "Who are you? Who is this Caitra
mentioned by you?” Thereupon he narrated the previous details
from the beginning.
The Preceptor said:
О dear child, a grave emergency has arisen. I do not com
prehend anything. My mental faculties whirl due to delusion
and enchantment.
Ananda said:
Where is the occasion for a delusion or fascination? This
is the established thing in the world. Who is whose son, О
Brahmana- Sage? Who is not whose kinsman? Hence, the state
of worldly existence destroys the worldly existence of all living
beings. •Their mind is afflicted with great delusion. How can
there be anything surprising (in this), О preceptor? Jataharini,
112 Skanda Purana
The king, his wife and all the kinsmen began to wonder.
He caused his attachment to him recede. He then brought
Caitra and made him eligible for the kingdom.
34-39. Ananda duly honoured the Brahmana by whom he
(Caitra) was brought up, considering him his own son, and
performed penance in the splendid Mahakalavana. He devoutly
propitiated the excellent Linga to the west of Indresvara Deva.
He performed a very difficult penance. As he performed the
penance, О lady of pure smiles, the deity spoke to him: “O
dear one, why do you perform this severe penance? Tell me.
You shall be the sixth Manu. Go and act accordingly. Enough
of your penance. You will get liberation thereafter.” On being
told thus by the Lord of Devas, the highly intelligent one said:
“So be it.” О goddess, he became Manu of a very great fame,
on a par with Brahma. By worshipping this LiAga he begot
sons. The excellent deity was then named Anandesvara.
40-45. Since the rare Siddhi has been obtained by Ananda,
it became well-known on the earth as Anandesvara. О lady of
large eyes, those who visit Anandesvara, the deity, will be richly
endowed with sons and grandsons. By seeing Anandesvara the
men attain that excellent devotion, and their sins accumulated
in the course of crores of births are dissolved. Instantaneously
the man becomes liberated from births, deaths, old age etc.
when he sees the deity named Anandesvara.
Thus the vision of Anandesvara that bestows salvation on
men, has been recounted by me. Anandesvara Linga is the
excellent deity that bestows Svarga and/Apavarga.(salvation).
О lady of wide eyes, the excellent Linga has been adored here
by Devas. Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Anandesvara
Deva has been recounted to you. Listen to (the story of)
Kanthadesvara.
V.ii.34.1-14 113
CHAPTER THIRTYFOUR
Kanthadesvara1
*
let you be known in the earth, nay, in all the worlds, after my
name.
CHAPTER THIRTYFIVE
Indresvara1
ф
CHAPTER THIRTYSIX
Markandeyesvara
0
CHAPTER THIRTYSEVEN
Ф
Sivesvara
*
CHAPTER THIRTYEIGHT
Kusumesvara
Isvara said:
1-7. О goddess, know that the Linga named Kusumesvara
is the thirty-eighth deity that yields heavenly pleasures and
destroys great sins.
Formerly in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, at the advent of
Varaha Kalpa, О lady of large eyes, I came to the beautiful
Mahakalavana from Kailasa. О Parvati, while I was playing with
the dice with you in that beautiful Mahakalavana, a loud report
was heard. On hearing the unbearable noise, I was asked by
you about it. The origin of the sound was narrated to you, О
goddess: T h ese Ganesas (Chiefs of Ganas) are playing. Gana
Viraka is in the middle. He is profusely adorned with flowers.
He is my greatest favourite. He is being struck with flowers.
He is being honoured ardently with showers of flowers. He is
Viraka, О goddess, who always gives me delight. He is the
owner of many wondrous qualities. He is adored by a hundred
Ganesvaras.” On hearing these words, О lady of excellent
countenance, you too said:
8-14. T h e lotus-like face of a son is not seen without
merits. О Mahesvara, I have great eagerness and ardour for
such a son. When shall I see such a son who bestows delight?”
On hearing your words I repeatedly laughed, О Parvati, and
said: T h is Viraka is given now to you as the son. Let him
alone be your son, the bestowerof delight to your eyes. Viraka
adored with flowers shall become contented and blessed with
you as m other.” On hearing my words Vijaya was sent by you,
“O Vijaya, a son has been given to me by Нага. Bring him
quickly.” Vijaya said to the leader of the Ganas stationed in
the middle of the Ganas: “Come on, Viraka, the Lord has been
made angry by you through your fickle pranks. Why were you
enchanted by the over-attachment to dances (behaving) like
a mad man?” On being told thus, the Gaiiapa bedecked in
flowers became terrified. Following Vijaya, he slowly came to
you. On* seeing Viraka bedecked in flowers but excessively
afraid, he was invited by you, О goddess, with sweet-syllabled
words:
128 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER THIRTYNINE
Akruresvara1
CHAPTER FORTY
Kundesvara
m »
Isvara said:
1-7. Know that the fortieth deity is Kundesvara Linga. Hence
listen to it. Merely by seeing it, attainment of the good goal
is possible.
On Mandara abounding in charming caves, О goddess, I
was respectfully requested by you that you wished to see Viraka:
“Where has my son gone?” I replied: “O lady of wide eyes, he
is in the midst of water in the excellent Mahakalavana. He
performed an excessively severe penance in the company of
sages. The intelligent one is shining like the sun, О lady of
excellent countenance. We shall go there along with the Ganas
to see him.” On hearing my words you urged me saying: “Get
up, О Sariibhu. We shall go. Mount the bull quickly.” As you
suddenly remembered Viraka, your breasts began to exude
milk. О goddess, my bull, the eternal Dharma personified, was
remembered by me. Knowing that I was thinking of him, he
came to me. Then I mounted the bull along with you.
8-19a. Accompanied by different kinds of Ganas, I set out
at great speed along with you supported by the shoulders of
the bull. I was closely embraced by you with your arms with
the bangles producing tinkling sound. When the bull was urged
to move faster, you became afraid. О lady of wide eyes, the
bull was pulled by the leaders of the Ganas. On seeing it
pulled and moving faster, you spoke out in fright: “O Lord,
I am tired now. Further, I have become terrified by this great
speed. Hence, О Lord, I wish to rest on the ridge of the
mountain for a moment. I would rather walk on foot. But this
great mountain is rugged.” On hearing your words, О my
beloved, 1 said: “Very well, О lady having a charming waist,
do take rest for a short while sitting at the foot of the hill.
I shall go ahead quickly and try to find out a path where you
can walk easily. This Kunda, the leader of the Ganas, will stay
near you. He has been placed here by me as your servant
acting in accordance with your behest.” Thereafter, placing
the Ga$a*as guard, О goddess, I climbed on to the ridge of
134 Shanda Parana
9
CHAPTER FORTYONE
Lumpesvara1
1. The story is based to some extent on the Parasurama legend, and not
on the Turkish invasion as presumed by some other scholars. Lumpadhlsa
killed an ascetic called S&maga for not giving his Н о т а Dhenu. The son of
the sage cursed the Mleccha king to become a leper. Narada advised him to
propitiate this LiAga in Mah&k&lavana. The king became “ divine-bodied” at
$ue sight o f the UAga. Hence it came to be known as Luihpefvara.
V.ii.41.21-32 137
CHAPTER FORTYTWO
Gangesvara1
CHAPTER FORTYTHREE
Angaresvara1
0 0
1. Mars is called Angaraka as he was bom from the Limbs (body) of Siva
(v 2). The shrine o f AAgirakefvara is at the confluence o f Khagart* and £ipr&
(v 57).
V.ii.4S. 16-35 143
CHAPTER FORTYFOUR
Uttaresvara
They are the ten Naksatras beginning with Ardra and ending
with Svati."
19-30. On hearing the words of Brahma and Sakra, the
clouds decided accordingly and showered during the sched
uled seasons called after their names. Thus when everything
was setded duly, the clouds confined themselves to the bounds.
Brahmanas became free from feverish excitement and Devas
rejoiced much.
Then later, those rain-bearing clouds were thwarted by cruel
Planets Saturn, Mars, Sun and Ketu. On being afflicted and
frightened, they sought refuge in Indra. With fear they men
tioned everything repeatedly by making obeisance. On hear
ing the words of the clouds, Vasava too was frightened and he
said to them: mO clouds, I am not competent to ward off the
Planets. I am incapable in every respect. Formerly I was ousted
from my realm by these cruel Planets. Once I was re-estab
lished in my office when these Planets became pleased. The
Planets are to be esteemed and honoured by me, since they
are more powerful. This is my opinion that the Planets be
declared as the destroyers of all.” In the meantime, there was
an excessively awful drought on the earth extending over a
hundred years, destroying all living beings. Bereft of water, О
Parvati, the earth was turned out to be a skeleton of bony
fragments resembling a row of white mountain ridges. All the
Devas became afraid once again and sought refuge in Brahma.
Prostrating before him they said: M Save us. We seek refuge in
you. О Pitamaha, the whole universe is afflicted by want of
water and rain. Once again utter annihilation has befallen
untimely as before. The clouds employed by you and Vasava
have been overpowered by the inordinately fierce and cruel
Planets.”
31-41. On hearing the words of the Devas, Brahma, the
grandfather of the worlds, said: “O Devas, I too am afraid of
those superior Planets. I know fully well the great power of
the cruel-minded Planets. You (people) are always afflicted by
the retrograde Saturn. Varuna, the Lord of aquatic beings,
is adversely affected by MaAgala (Mars). Vasava has often been
ousted from his realm by Ketu. Formerly I too was beheaded
when the Sun was in regression. Even severally they are so
powerful. Much more so when they act collectively! Hence let
V.ii.44.42-54 147
CHAPTER FORTYFIVE
Trilocanesvara
0
fear, the vulture with eyes turned red through anger, flew up
into the sky. Then the clever female dove spoke to the male,
her husband, who was very powerful because of the strength
of fortification and who, therefore, wanted to thwart enemies
(thereby):
Paravata said:
О my beloved, why should you worry? О beautiful one,
many indeed are the sky-stalkers (birds). Many birds do live
near holy shrines and the like. О my beloved, many do not
see us staying happily here. If we are to be afraid of all those,
О my beloved, we will not have happiness at all. О splendid
one, leave your anxiety. Divert yourself in my company. I do
not consider this wretch of a vulture as one of any importance.
1. W hen one's two hands are stretched outwards, the distance between the
tip o f the m iddle finger o f one hand and that of the o ther is an Ау&яш.
V.ii.45.54-65 15S
Isvara said:
Listen ye, all the three Naga maidens, attentively. I shall
recount to you the story of the previous birth of his as well
as yours. This Ratnavali was formerly a female dove. That
excellent Vidyadhara was the husband, male dove, of hers.
These two stayed in my palace happily for a long time. The
dust particles clinging to the palace were removed by them
through the wind from their flapping of their wings.
110-120. Above and below, many circumambuladons were
made as they flew in the sky and frisked about in the courtyard
of the temple. They took their bath in the Caturnada Tirtha,
the water whereof they drank also frequendy. These two Kalaravas
(doves, sweet-warblers) joyously produced sweet notes too. You
(i.e. Gauri) were much delighted by these two with steady
minds after seeing the fanciful activities of my devotees. Auspicious
lamps of mine were seen by these two many times. The nectar
like syllables constituting my name were drunk by these. On
account of the power of their being of non-human species,
they did not die in my presence. They died in Jambumarga
that caused the attainment of heaven. Then this female dove
became the daughter of Ratnadipa. Her husband, the male
dove, was born as the son of a Vidyadhara.
This Prabhavat! who is born in this life in the abode of the
king of Nagas is your companion. I shall recount her previous
birth. This Kalavati is the daughter of Trisikha, the Lord of
serpents. Listen to the details of her previous life which I shall
narrate. In the third previous life, they were the daughters of
the great sage Carayana. They were of excellent behaviour
and they loved each other much. Urged by them, their father
Carayana gave them to Narayana, the son of Amujyayana. Before
attaining the prime of youth, he went to a forest for bringing
sacrificial twigs. As adverse fate would have it, he was bitten
by a serpent The names of the tw6 daughters of Carayana
were Bhavani and Gautami. They had to suffer the misery of
widowhood. They were distressed very much.
121-129. Hence a sensible man intending to marry should scru
pulously avoid a girl whose name is after a deity or a river.1
Once, out of delusion these two girls plucked and ate banana
fruits, not offered to them, at the hermitage of a certain sage
of divine features. The daughters of the Brahmana performed
many Vratas, fast etc. (by way of atonement) and died. In their
next birth they became monkeys. As a result of their stealth
of fruits, they had to be born as monkeys. Due to their pres
ervation of modesty, they were born in Avantl. That Brahmana
Narayana who had regularly served his parents but was bitten
by a serpent was reborn as a dove at Kasl. Thus in a previous
birth he had been the husband of these two as well. He will
be the future husband of all of you three.
There was a big Nyagrodha tree at the side of the palace
(Temple). On that tree that was habitable, these two became
monkeys. They sportingly had dips in the Tirtha constituted
by the waters from the body of Vi$nu. When they were thirsty,
they drank water from the same Tirtha. Due to their natural
(congenital) fickleness they made many circumambulations of
the shrine and saw the Linga many times.
130-137. In the vicinity of the Nyagrodha tree, they moved
about as they pleased. They were then bound in a noose by
a wandering mendicant in the guise of a Yogin. They were
then trained by him for begging alms. When their carefree
gamboling and frisking stopped ultimately those two monkeys
died somewhere. Due to the merit of residence in Avantl,
service to th e T hree-eyed L ord, and the (m e rit of)
circumambulation, these were born as daughters of the Nagas.
Now they will obtain the Vidyadhara prince as husband, enjoy
the pleasures of Svarga and attain salvation in Avantl.
If auspicious rites are performed, even so little, by persons,
they will attain salvation as the fruit with my favour. In all the
three worlds, Avantl is always the most excellent city. There
the Otiikara Linga is excellent and more than that certainly
is the Trilocana LiAga here.
Stationed in the LiAga here, I grant worldly pleasures and
salvation. Hence with all efforts the Three-eyed Lord (Trilocana
at Avantl) should be worshipped.
CHAPTER FORTYSIX
Vtresvara 1
1. The story tries to synthesize Vai?navism and $aivism. Young king Amitrajit
was an ardent devotee of VifQu. N&rada reports to him the abduction of
princess Malayagandhini by demon KaAkalaketu. The demon was invincible by
the divine gift of TrifCda. He decided to marTy that Vidy&dhara princess but
as per advice and guidance of N irada Amitrajit reaches in time and takes away
the TrifQla while the demon was asleep. Amitrajit kills Kahkilaketu and marries
the Vldyftdhara princess. Queen Malayagandhini observes the Vrata of Abhitfa
Tftiy& and gets a son called Vira. Vfra propitiated Lord Siva at Avanti and the
LiAga came to be known as VIreivara.
V.ii.46.11-22 161
After saying this, the Danava hit him hard with his brawny
left arm that could smash even rocky boulders. In that fight,
the king endured it and steadied himself. Then quickly he hit
the cruel (demon) in his chest with the trident.
109-119. At that thrust, the mighty demon died instantly.
Weighing (wielding) the trident in his hand he scrutinized the
demon’s face. Even as the mighty-armed king was observing,
he (the demon) cast off his life in a moment. After killing
KaAkalaketu, the firightener of Suras, with his hair standing on
168 Skanda Parana■
Malayagandhini said:
What is it that you ask me, a youthful virgin for whom you
staked your life? I belong to a noble family and I have not
been defiled.
Even as the maiden was saying thus, Sage Narada who habitually
roamed about freely and whose arrival was unexpected, came
there from the heavenly world. On seeing that excellent sage,
they made obeisance and eulogized him. The sage blessed
them and they were united in wedlock duly in accordance with
his earlier promise. After the auspicious rites were over, they
proceeded along the path pointed out by Narada.
Accompanied by Malayagandhini, King Amitrajit went to
Ujjayini where the citizens performed all the rites for their
due reception. By merely seeing this city a man averts the
possibility of falling into hell. That highly intelligent king
entered that city to which Indra and others have no access.
The king entered that victorious city which conquers salvation
(i.e., enables one to attain salvation).
120-124. The Vidyadhara maiden also saw the prosperous
city of Avanti from afar. She was so impressed that she con
demned even Svargaloka and the city in Patala. Oh! In fact,
that lady was not so much delighted after getting Amitrajit as
her husband as she was delighted on seeing Avanti that be
stows great bliss. That lofty-minded lady considered herself as
one who had successfully realized all her desires. Along with
her husband, she attained the greatest pleasure in Ujjayini.
After getting Malayagandhini as his wife, Amitrajit engaged in
love (making) with due deference to Dharma and hence attained
excellent happiness. The beautiful lady said once to her husband
devoted to the adoration of Vi$$u:
V.ii.46.125-141 169
of Vikata the child having the lustre of the crescent moon and
returned home. That goddess Vikata summoned the Yoginis
and said: "Take this child soon to the group of Mothers (Matrgana)
and convey to them the behest, 'Assiduously protect the child.' ”
At the bidding of Vikata, the Yoginis, who usually traversed
through the sky, quickly took the child along the aerial path
to the place where Brahmi and other Mothers were present.
After making due obeisance the group of Yoginis placed the
child having the splendour of the Sun before the Mothers and
told them the message as wished by Vikata.
The Mothers, Brahmani, Vaisnavi, Raudri, Varahi, Narasimhika,
Kaumari, Mahendri, Camunda and Candika saw the beautiful
child sent by Vikata. They at once put to him the question:
“O son, who is your Pramukhyaka (Chief one)?”
153-162. When he did not say anything though asked thus
by the Mothers, they said to the group of Yoginis: “O Yoginis,
this child will become one befitting the kingdom. He is marked
with great features (showing royalty). He must be taken over
back there itself without delay where the great goddess Pancamudra,
the bestower of desires, is present. By serving her, men's Glory
of Salvation cannot be far off. By resorting to that Pitha, this
child of the size of a sixteen-year-old will attain great Siddhi
by the great blessings of Rudra.”
At the instance of the Matrs, the Yoginis quickly took the
child from the Mothers to the vicinity of Pancamudra. Having
returned here from Svargaloka the child reached that great
Pitha and performed severe penance in the meritorious
Mahakalavana. He performed a very austere penance with steady
mind and sense-organs. The Lord of Uma became pleased
with the excessively severe penance of that prince. Sankara
appeared before him in the form of a Linga and said: "I am
pleased, О Prince. Ask for the boon (that you wish to have)."
He saw in front of him the Linga entirely of luminous splendour,
that rose up piercing the seven Patalas, with the intention to
bless. He prostrated on the ground like a log of wood and
eulogized Lord Dhurjati by means of the hymns with Rudra
as the deity (which he could recall) due to the repeated practice
in the previous births. He was extremely pleased and had his
hairs standirt£ up on his body, indicating his delight. He requested
for a boon.
172 Skanda Purina Ш
CHAPTER FORTYSEVEN
Nupuresvara1
Sn Devadeva said:
1-7. Know the Linga named Nupuresvara as the forty-seventh
deity. Merely by seeing this all Siddhis are attained.
Formerly in the Rathantara Kalpa, there was a Gana named
Nupura. He was always devoted to Rudra and was adorned
with five Mudras. Once he had come to Kubera’s assembly in
order to witness a great festivity performed by celestial dam
sels. UrvasI, the best among young damsels, with Raiiibh&,
Tilottama, Mena and others danced there with great delight.
1. This LiAga is called Nupuresvara as a Siva Gana called Nupura, who was
cursed by Kubera, regained his post by propitiating this LiAga.
V.ii.47.8-25 173
CHAPTER FORTYEIGHT
Abhayesvara2
Those who devoutly visit you will become contented and blessed.
There will be no fear or fall in Samsara. He will never be
bereft of wealth, sons and wife. If an unfortunate, unhappy
woman sees it (the Linga), she will undoubtedly become endowed
with conjugal bliss. A virgin will obtain a splendid husband
and a pregnant woman will give birth to a brave son. Men will
obtain all the desires cherishing which they visit you. There
is no doubt about this.” “It will be so." Saying this, О great
goddess, the Linga dismissed those two Devas, Brahma and
Visnu, towards their abodes.
Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Abhayesvara
Deva was recounted to you. Listen to (the story of) Prthukesvara.
CHAPTER FORTYNINE
Prthukesvara1
Isvara said:
1-8. Listen to (the story of) Pfthukesvara Linga, the forty-
ninth Lord of Devas. Merely by seeing it a man becomes an
emperor.
Jn the family of Svayambhuva (Manu), О goddess, there was
a king named Anga. Sudurmukha, the daughter of Mrtyu, was
married to him. A son named Vena was born to him. He was
an atheist and a detractor of Dharma (Piety, Righteousness).
He used to misappropriate assets of shrines and Brahmanas
and kidnap other m en’s wives. On being cursed by Brahmanas,
О goddess, he died instantly.
His thigh was pressed and churned. From it barbarian classes
of people issued forth. They were born of the maternal part
of the body. They were black in complexion like a mass of
1. The object of this Chaptei is to explain the name Pfthukesvara and its
efficacy in absolving King Pfthu of his sin of killing a woman (Prthvi) and
intending to kill a cow. The story of Pfthu in Mhh, S a n ti 59.98-128 does not
m ention his intention of self-immolation for absolving himself from his sin.
Nor does Narada appear there to direct him to Mahakalavana. The P urina
utilises the story of the great ancient King Pfthu for the glorification of this
Linga.
178 Skanda Purana
1. From v 10 below, the reading should be 'dagtfhum* (to burn) and not
i dagdhum ' (to milk).
V.ii.49.19-34 179
CHAPTER FIFTY
Sthavaresvara1
Sn Mahadeva said:
1-7. Listen carefully, О goddess, to (the story of) the fiftieth deity.
By merely seeing him, one can avert the evil effects of Planets.
The wife of Ravi (Sun-god) was named Samjna. She was
daughter of Visvakarman. Samjna could not endure the fiery
brilliance of her husband. So once she created her own image
by means of her power. Chaya, the image, was told thus: “ Stay
respectfully in the vicinity of the Sun. My departure should
not be revealed to Ravi even if you were asked about it.” After
saying thus, Samjna went to the abode of her father.
Thinking the second wife to be Samjna herself, Divaspati
(Sun) begot of her the son named Sanaiscara. At his birth all
the Devas, Asuras and human beings became afraid. Immedi
ately after the birth, he overpowered the three worlds consist
ing of mobile and immobile beings. Indra too was frightened
and he sought refuge in Brahma and recounted to him the
doings of the son of the Sun-god in words choked (with emo
tion). “The Rohini zone was split and stellar sphere was pervaded.
The three worlds were overpowered by the son of Ravi imme
diately after the birth.”
8-14. On hearing the words of Vasava, Brahma, the grand
father of the worlds, quickly summoned Surya and spoke these
words: “ G Bhanu (Sun), let the decorum be maintained. Let
(your) bosom-born son be curbed. He has overpowered the
three worlds Bhuh, Bhuvah etc.”
■ * ■
1. This LiAga protects persons from the evil effects of the Planets &an1 an d
others; in ter a tia , the story of £ani's birth and the havoc caused by him are
described. SthSvara is a name of Saturn (v 24) from which the LiAga got the
designation Sth&vareivara (v S3).
V.ii.50.15-33 181
With your favour, they will attain their desired things even if
difficult to be obtained. I shall give you another spot also,
secret and charming. It will bring about what is desired. It is
meritorious and inaccessible unto Devas and Danavas. The
great Mahakalavana is declared as indestructible even at the
time of Pralaya. Go there, at my bidding. To the west of
Pfthukesvara there is a Linga. It will he known after your
name. Your fame will certainly spread all over the three worlds."
On being told thus, О goddess, Sthavara (Saturn), obeying
my command, went quickly to the splendid and auspicious
Mahakalavana. There itself he saw my Linga and attained the
excellent position. That Linga is well-known in the universe
by the name Sthavaresvara.
34-43. Sani (Saturn) said: "Harassment from me will never
affect those people who devoutly visit the Linga that has been
adored by me and that has become well-known as Sthavaresvara.
On my day (Saturday), if a devotee visits the Linga invariably,
I will undoubtedly suppress all his adversities. I will burn out
(destroy) the torment of other malefic Planets too. Even in
dream he need not be afraid of me. When I am favourably
disposed, neither the Planets, nor Vampires, neither Yaksas
nor Raksasas create any obstacles for him. There is no doubt
about this. On the days of transit of the Sun, on Saturdays,
when there is Vyatipata (an astronomical combination), men
should devoutly visit Sthavaresvara Linga. Their stay in heaven
will be steady and everlasting.
If men regularly visit the deity on Saturdays, they will have
neither sins nor calamities arising from sins. They will never
face poverty or separation from beloved people. To one who
longs for a son, I grant the benefit of a son. I bestow wealth
on a poor man, freedom from fear on one distressed with fear,
heavenly pleasures on one who wishes for it."
After saying thus, Sanaiscara worshipped the Linga once
again. After adoring with splendid flowers, he stationed him
self there alone devoutly.
Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Sthavaresvara
Deva has been recounted to you. Listen to (that of) Sulesvara.
V.ii.51.1-15 183
CHAPTER FIFTYONE
Sulesvara1
Isvara said:
1-7. Know, О goddess, that Sulesvara Lihga is the fifty-first
deity and destroyer of all ailments.
When the first Kalpa began, О lady of excellent counte
nance, there occurred a fierce battle between Devas and Danavas
for the sake of kingdom, where Jambha was the Lord of Daityas
and the Consort of Saci that of Devas. Devas were defeated
and Daityas became victorious. Andhaka came to Mandara and
sent a messenger to me. That evil-minded messenger arro-
gantly told me loudly. “ O Sankara, listen to my words. I have
been directed by Andhaka to tell you: (Give Gaurl unto me
as wife. Let this Mandara be abandoned (by you). If this is
done, you can stay contented. Otherwise you have no other
way.’ ”
I was told so, when I was on the great mountain along with
you. With a face beaming with smile for a moment, I spoke
these words: “ O messenger, go at my bidding and tell Andhaka
immediately: ’Come here; fight with me; defeat me and take
away this lovely lady.’ ’*
8-15. On being told thus, the messenger went away. My
words were repeated by him. Daitya Andhaka came to Mandara
seeking a battle, along with his ministers and with a four-
division army. Thereupon, a fierce, protracted fight ensued
between me and him. The terrible chariot of Andhaka was
broken and shattered all round. Thereupon, О goddess, the
infuriated Andhaka jumped down from the chariot. The pow
erful fellow seized my chariot. Displaying his strength, the
great Daitya fought with me. He was hit with the trident by
me. With the trident deeply thrust within, the great Asura was
held aloft by me in the air. Suspended thus from the trident,
the wicked wretch was whirled by me. There was a profuse
flow of blood from his body. From every drop of the blood
Danavas on a par with him cropped up. Thus, О goddess,
crores of such Daityas came up and I was harassed by them.
0 beautiful lady, I stood still there for a short while thinking,
'What should be done?' The excessively terrifying Durga with
red teeth was created by me and she drank up the blood
flowing profusely. When the blood was thus drunk, О god
dess, no more Danavas rose up. Those who had risen up before
were struck by herself with the same trident. Those leaders of
Danavas, when struck by her, died instantly.
16-26. Pleased in his mind, Andhaka joined his palms in
reverence and spoke to me: "Let my devotion be always di
rected towards you. Rare indeed is your appearance (to devo
tees) which is very difficult to obtain. I have been struck down
by (you), my Master. Who can be more blessed than I? Pierced
through by your trident, I was held suspended in the space.
Despite that I seek refuge in you who create and destroy (the
world) with a mere will, the Lord promoting the functions of
the Kalpa and possessing a thousand faces and heads.
I seek refuge in you, the Lord of the Daughter of the King
of Mountains, having as abode the peak of the Lord of moun
tains, and residing in Mahalaya."
Thus I was eulogized, О beautiful lady, by the Daitya kept
suspended with the trident thrust through (him). Thereupon,
1 became compassionate and made him a Gana.
That excellent Sula (Trident) was joyously told then by me,
О goddess: "Come on, О Sula, the wicked Daitya, Andhaka,
was killed by you in battle. As I am pleased (with you) I grant
you an excellent great place of rest. Without propitiating me
it cannot be attained by Devas, Gandharvas or great sages who
have destroyed their sins." Then the Sula bent down and
spoke to me: "If the holy Lord is pleased, if you have pity for
me, tell me the great place of rest where my mind can get
purified and also wipe off the sin arising from the contact of
the wicked ones and other sins as well."
Thereupon, he (the Sula)- was advised and directed by me
whose mind became compassionate: "The beautiful Mahakalavana
yields the fruit of great merit. A Litiga that enables one to
attain us, which blesses all the worlds, is there to the east of
Pfthukesvara. Propitiate it with effort."
V.ii.51.27-38 185
CHAPTER FIFTYTWO
Omkaresvara1
0
Serpents into the Omkara, within his womb, the holy Lord of
the universe, Omkara, created all the living beings at the end
of the Kalpa, О daughter of the Mountain.
He is unmanifest and eternal. This entire visible world belongs
to him. The great Being is the maker, transformer and anni-
hilator of everything. The Vedas have Omkara at the begin
ning. Yajftas have Omkara at the beginning. Omkara precedes
knowledge; penance begins with Omkara. He should be known
as self-born. He is Brahma, the Lord of the universe. He should
be known as Vayu (Wind). That omniscient one is the creator
of subjects. He created all these: Visvedevas, Sadhyas, Rudras,
Adityas, Asvins, Prajapatis, the seven great sages, Vasus, Apsaras,
Gandharvas, Rak*asas, Daityas, Pisacas, Raksasa groups, different
kinds of spirits and goblins, Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras,
Barbarians and others on the earth, all the quadrupeds (beasts
and animals), mobile beings and whatever is termed as Jiva
(having life). After creating everything, he came near me.
22-29. He bowed down with modesty and spoke these words:
uO Lord, О Mahesvara, with your favour, the creation has
been completed by me. Grant me a grand place so that the
fame may be eternal.” On hearing the words of Omkara, I
said, О lady of excellent countenance: M My divine Mahakalavana
is the most desirable grand place. It is eternal, immutable and
unfading. It is auspicious and conducive to all the wealth.
There your fame will remain permanent undoubtedly. It is
situated on the eastern side of Sulesvara. Originating in the
course of the three Kalpas, it will become well-known after
your name. The name Omkdresvara will spread in the three
worlds.”
On being told so, О goddess, Omkara was delighted in his
mind. He saw the Lihga there and got merged therein. Ever
since then Omkara is included in the Vedas by Brahmanas at
the outset for the sake of merit and auspiciousness. О Parvati,
this is the convention ever since the time when Omkara got
merged. Listen to the inordinate power of the Lihga as being
recounted by me.
30-37. О goddess, the merit from a visit to Omkaresvara
is more than what has been cited as resulting from meritori
ous action- done in the course of thousands of Yugas etc.,
hundreds’^ Vyatipatas and thousands of Ayanas (solar tran
188 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER FIFTYTHREE
Visvesvara1
Isvara saidl:
1. Know the great Visvesvara Linga as the fifty-third fa
mous deity well-known in all the worlds.
2-4. Formerly in Vidarbha, there was a king named Vidiiratha.
He ruled a realm free from thorns (of dissidents and dis
gruntled ones). He had a large Antahpura full of queens numbering
ten thousand. When he went on hunting he killed by mistake
a Tapasa (ascetic) clad in the skin of an antelope and calmly
CHAPTER FIFTWOUR
Kantesvara
9 *
and fire issued from the mouth. Through the Humkara alone
the entire earth became ablaze and fiery. In an instant he
withdrew the fire and wind issued from the mouth.
25-32. О Parvati, everything was created with a Humkara
in an instant. Instantly there was nothing there, neither the
quarters, nor the intervening spaces of the quarters, neither
the stars nor the planets. There was nothing moving there.
The king became struck with wonder and he thought: ‘Where
is the Linga? Where is the sage?* Even as he thought thus,
there was a loud sound. From that sound a city encircled with
a rampart was produced. Suddenly the king saw that city. It
was large and wide, adorned with pure gold, with halls and
mansions duly arranged. It was resorted to by divine beings
who had realized the self. Again there was a loud sound. Therefrom
a pair of women appeared. One of them was clad in white
garments and the other in black. Again there was a sound and
an excellent man issued forth with two heads, six mouths and
twelve feet. When a sound was again made the man became
split into seveir. After showing this everything was retracted by
ЪЛ A
194 Skanda Parana»
CHAPTER FIFTYFIVE
Simhesvara1
Isvara said:
1-9. Know, О beautiful lady, that the fifty-fifth deity is the
Simhesvara Linga that destroys great fear (i.e. of Samsara).
In the present Kalpa, О goddess of blue lotus-like eyes, a
great penance was performed by you to attain me. It was very
severe with keen observance of Vratas. Indeed, the three worlds
were scorched by your terrible penance. Coming to know of
your strenuous penance the Four-faced Lord of Devas approached
you and said to you in auspicious words: mO daughter, what
do you desire to gain? What unobtainable rare thing shall I
grant you? Kindly desist from this painfully tedious penance
at my bidding.”
The pleasing, truthful and beneficial words of the elder one
firmly expressing his intent (varnanirnitavanchitam) were lis
tened to by you. You replied to Brahma, after bowing to him
with humility: uWith a strenuous penance Sankara was ob
tained as husband by me. But Bhava called me 'Dark-complex
ioned one* many tim№ My present penance is to ensure how
I will become golden-complexioned instead of a black one
and be reunited with my husband and how my husband Bhutapati
(Lord of the goblins, Siva) would be favourably disposed towards
me.”
On hearing your words, Lord Brahma, the grandfather of
the worlds, the bestower of boons, who is competent to grant
boons, said: “It will be so. After some time, your desire will
be fulfilled. Your form will become bright with splendour. You
will be (known) by the name Gauri.”
10-18. On hearing the words of Brahma Paramesthin, you
became angry because the desire would be fulfilled after some
time (in future). Due to your anger a lion was produced from
your mouth. He was terrifying and excessively ferocious with
1. A lion was bom out of the wrath of Parvatl while perform ing penance
for fair complexion. She sent the lion to Mahakalavana where he attained a
divine form. Hence Parvati named the LiAga Siihhesa.
V.ii.55.19-30 197
CHAPTER FIFTYSIX
Revantesvara}
CHAPTER FIFTYSEVEN
Ghantesvara1
• *
Isvara said:
1-8. Know that the Ghantesvara Linga is the fifty-seventh
deity. Merely by visiting him one attains everything one desires.
Ал excellent Gana named Ghanta was my favourite. During
the period of Cak$u$a Manu, once, out of curiosity, he pro
ceeded to Brahma’s abode to see Brahma, the immutable one.
On seeing Citrasena, a Gandharva expert in music, coming,
the excellent Gana joyously enquired after his welfare: “I have
to go there itself, to the abode of Рагате$(Ып. I will propi
tiate Brahma, the Lord of the worlds, with my songs." Citrasena,
who was thus addressed, told Ghanfa: "The Lotus-born God
is engaged in secret consultations with Devas." On hearing this
Ghanfa, the Gana, stood surprised. He was stopped by the
gatekeeper. Hence he began to ponder: ’Leaving Lord Isana,
I have come to see Brahma but even entry is not obtained by
anyone and everyone who comes to meet Brahma. Need it be
said that the chance of one’s getting the Lord’s favour is far
off?* Even as he was thinking thus, more than a year passed
off. О goddess, Ghao{a did not get an entry at the gates of
Brahma.
1. GhaQHi a G ipa o f Sva, went to God BrahmS to show his musical pro
ficiency. H e was not adm itted but cursed by Siva to fall on the earth. On the
advice, of NSrada-and other sages, the fallen Ga$a went to Mahftkilavana and
visited a Lihga near Revantesvara. Ghanta was restored to his position thereby.
202 Skanda P urina
(their glory). They will stay there for a very long time. Ghanfesvara
Litiga should not be divulged to anyone and everyone. A man
may be sick, wretched or grief-stricken, О my beloved, but
even if he perceives Lord Ghanfeivara casually he will be taken
by aerial chariots having the lustre of molten gold and the
ability to grant all desires. The man then rejoices amidst
Gandharvas and celestial damsels in Svarga. He will obtain the
cherished desires. He will be entertained by music played on
flutes and lutes. Having slipped down from Svarga, he will be
born in a prosperous family with an abundance of gold and
foodgrains. He will be endowed with all riches and glory of
lordship. He will be a king or someone similar to a king. He
will be the overlord of Jambudvipa.
He who is endowed with great faith and worships the Lord
of Devas attains the greatest position with no cause for further
rebirths. Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of
GhaQtejvara Deva has been recounted to you. Listen to the
story of Prayageia.
204 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER FIFTYEIGHT
Praydgesvara1
Isvara said: t
l-8a. Know that the fifty-eighth deity is the Linga named
Prayagesvara. It is excessively conducive to the attainment of
all desires.
Formerly in the first Kalpa, there was Svayambhuva Manu
whose son Priyavrata was extremely pious. He performed many
Yajnas. After performing many Yajnas at the conclusion of
which he distributed monetary gifts in all the seven conti
nents, О my beloved, he begot Bharata and other sons. He
then went to the extensive holy spot Badari and performed a
great penance. After a long time Narada came there. King
Priyavrata offered him a seat and Arghya and honoured him
duly. After the adoration, he asked Narada: “What miracle
have you seen? Tell me."
Thereupon, the excellent sage began to narrate:
(Narada said:)
In the Sveta Dvipa, О king, a girl was seen by me in a lake.
She was asked (by me): “O girl of wide eyes, why do you stay
in this desolate place? Who are you, О fair one? How do you
do? What is your job here? О splendid girl beautiful in every
limb, tell me what you intend to do here.”
8b-15. On being asked thus, she looked at me and then
recollecting something she stayed silent with eyes closed till
I found myself bereft of (my) excellent knowledge. All the
Vedas and Sastras were forgotten by me. I was dismayed and
worried. I sought refuge in herself, О king, and looking at
her, a divine person in her body was seen by me. In the heart
of that man there was a second man. In his heart in turn
I s v a r a s a i d :
CHAPTER FIFTYNINE
S i d d h e s v a r a 1
Sri M a h d d e v a s a i d :
1. King Afvafiras was a great devotee o f Vifpu. When Kapila, the great
Siddha, and Jaigifavya visited him, he declared Viftyu (and not &iva) as the
suprem e God. Kapila, an Avatira ofV ifpu, showed his original form as VifQu.
Kapila advised him to go to MahSkSlavana and propitiate the Siddhefvara
LiAga. But being a staunch devotee o f V1 9 QU, he m erged in th e Vifgu form
o f the Siddhefvara LiAga.
208 Skanda Purana
■
A s v a s i r a s s a i d :
a lotus coming out from his navel. Rudra issues from Brahma
and that Visnu is the greatest Lord.” On hearing these words
of the king those excellent Siddhas, the great preceptors of
Yoga and experts in making use of Mantras, created a great
Maya (magical illusion). Kapila became a lotus-navelled one
and suddenly through his Yogic power became Prajapati (Brahma)
in the centre of the lotus. Jaigisavya turned into Rudra and
became stationed on his lap. The king witnessed the miracle
and was fascinated by the Yogic feat. Out of dismayed curios
ity, he spoke again with his neck shaking: T h e Lord of the
universe is not like this. This is the jugglery of the Yogins. The
glorious Hari is omniformed and is remembered as omnipres
ent and bestower of everything.”
Then, О Daughter of the Mountain, as soon as the speech
of the king concluded, all over the royal assembly hall crores
and crores of creatures were seen. There were mosquitoes,
bugs, lice, bees, birds, animals, both domesticated and wild,
such as horses, cows, mares, lions, tigers, buffaloes and others
as well. On seeing such a multitude of living beings, the king
became mystified in his mind. When he reflected, ‘what could
this be?' he suddenly realized everything and knew the great
ness of Jaigisavya and the noble-souled Kapila.
With palms joined together in veneration, King Asvasiras
asked the Brdhmai^as devoudy: “What is this, О excellent Siddhas?
210 Skanda P urina
CHAPTER SIXTY
Matahgesvara1
ф
Gardabhi said:
9-16. You are a Candala. Since you are begotten by an intoxicited
barber of a low caste, of a Brahmana woman, therefore your
Brahmanical status is lost.
«
Matanga said:
I have begun to perform this penance because I ardently
wish for a Brahmanical status. You grant me the Brahmanical
status permanently, О Sakra. This is the boon chosen by me.
Sakra said:
26-36. О Matanga, Brahmanical status appears to be in
accessible to you. О dear one, Brahmanical status is very difficult
to be attained by those who are not good and who are habitu
ally sinful. Yogaksema (‘acquisition and preservation of what is
good’) of all living beings lies safe in Brahmana. Having forsaken
it, the Brahmanical status becomes very difficult to be achieved
by those who have not mastered their own selves. Choose
another boon. This boon is very difficult to be attained.
Matanga said:
Why do you inflict pain on me already distressed with grief?
Why do you kill me who am already dead? I really bewail him
who, after attaining Brahmanical status, does not retain it. О
Satakratn (Igdra), if Brahmanahood is very difficult to be attained
by the other three Varnas, how was it attained through penance
214 Skanda Purdna
Indra said:
Formerly a divine; Linga was installed by Brahma in
Mahakalavana. It has a physical form of divine features and
is stationed to the east of Sri Siddhesvara. Merely by visiting
it you will attain the status of Brahmana.
CHAPTER SIXTYONE
Saubhagyesvara}
Isvara said:
l-7a. Know Saubhagyesvara Linga as the sixty-first deity. By
merely visiting it, one attains great fortune and unparalleled
conjugal felicity.
In the first Prakrta Kalpa there was a king named Asvavahana
in the beautiful city of Pragjyotisapura. He was a pious soul
of increasing fame. He was intelligent. He performed many1
1. King Asvavihana exiled his queen Madanamanjari despite her deep love
for him. In the fdrest she learnt from a sage that propitiation of Saubhagyesvara
Linga in Mahak&lavana would restore her to her previous position.
216 Skanda Purina
light the other ladies even though they are unchaste. The wife
is a beloved only to someone. The husband is excessively liked
only by some woman. It is extremely difficult to come across
a married couple blessed with mutual love. This king is my
beloved. I am not the beloved of the king. Only blessed people
have this deep mutual love. If the king does not come into
contact with me today, the unendurable fire of his love will
consume me certainly. This forest which is echoing with the
chirping, cooing sounds of the cuckoo and is considered beautiful,
burns me today because it is bereft of my lover.”
21-23a. Thus the lady overcome by love was lamenting again
and again. She saw there a sage of firm vow. He was conversant
with the events of the three divisions of time. He had a girdle
of sacred grass, antelope-skin, a loin-cloth and a sacred staff.
He was highly fortunate and possessed great spiritual power.
The eminent sage ardently desired for salvation. He had a
lustre on a par with that of fire and he resembled the rising
sun.
23b-24. On seeing him the queen, vexed in mind, got up
suddenly, approached him with humility and bowed to him.
Then she asked him as to what caused the separation from the
king:
25-28. mO holy Sir, I am a most favourite daughter of the
king of Kasi. I am a sister of Satrusena. I am a great pet of
my mother and brother. О great sage, I was given in marriage
to King Asvavahana who is on a par with the god of piety,
Dharma, and equal to Prajapati (Brahma) too. О holy Sir, I
have been in love with that king. But how is it that I am not
loved by that king? By what Karma have I become a wretched
woman, О sage? How will that excellent king, my husband,
become amiable and favourably disposed towards me? How
can I have conjugal felicity? May you kindly tell me exactly.”
29-3la. On hearing her words the sage of firm vow, under
stood the cause of the great ill-luck through his (spiritual)
knowledge and spoke to her: “At the time of the celebration
of the marriage when the king formally grasped your hand
malefic Planets glanced at you. Dear daughter, your husband,
the king, was glanced at by the benefic Planets. Therefore,
although yoir love the king, you are not the beloved of the
king.”
218 Skanda Purana
CHAPTER SIXTYTWO
Rupesvara1
Isvara said:
1. О my beloved, let it be known that the Rupesvara
Linga is the sixty-second deity. Merely by visiting it a man
becomes endowed with a handsome form.
2-8a. О great goddess, in the Padma Kalpa there was a
king named Padma. He was born of the inner core of a lotus
and was extremely brave. That powerful king engaged in pious
rites, ruled the earth having the four oceans as the boundary.
Once that mighty-armed king possessing plenty of vehicles
and army divisions went to a dense forest with hundreds of
horses and elephants surrounding him. The forest abounded
in many kinds of trees like Bilva, Khadira, Kapittha, Arka and
Dhava and terrible animals like lions and other forest-dwelling
beasts. Accompanied by his vehicles and armies, the king hunted
thousands of wild animals. Lured by a deer which he followed,
he entered another forest alone. Though he was very power
ful, he was overwhelmed with hunger and thirst. After reach
ing the extremity of the forest, he passed on to a great forest.
Beyond that, the king saw an excellent hermitage that, being
attractive to the eyes, caused great pleasure to his mind. Trees
in full bloom were growing all round and there was a pleasing
green meadow too.
8b-9. Here he left his ministers and went further in. He
could not see the hermit of excellent vows in the hermitage.
He enquired loudly, “Who is here?” His voice found a ready
echo all over the forest.
10-12a. On hearing that sound, a girl appearing like glory
unto me that your own self has been given unto me.
CHAPTER SIXTYTHREE
Dhanuhsahasraka1
9
CHAPTER SIXTYFOUR
Pasupattsvara1
Isvara said:
1. Do listen to the (greatness of the) Linga named
Pasupatlsvara, the sixty-fourth deity. By merely visiting it one
averts birth in animal womb.
2-9. О great goddess, there was an extremely righteous king
well-known all over the earth as Pasupala. He was engaged in
the protection of animals. Once, with a desire to see the ocean,
he went on a visit to the ocean. There he saw five male beings
stationed conspicuously. There was a woman with loose di
shevelled hairs moving about constantly. Struck with fear, the
Then all the Devas visited the Lord and became liberated
from the state of Pasu. They went to heaven in great delight.
33b-37. Brahma spoke to Pasupati with the mind fully pleased:
“As regards the people who see you, the Lord of Devas, with
great devotion, all the persons in their families, all the Pitrs
who have attained Pasutva (animal status) due to the fruition
of their Karmas, will get liberated. Let the sins committed by
men knowingly or unknowingly, be dissolved by worshipping
that deity. If Pasupati, the liberator of persons from animal
state is not visited by men, they are no better than animals in
the world. Of what avail is their life? By seeing Siva named
Pasupati, the sins incurred during childhood, youth or old
age, get dissolved.
38-44. If men visit you in the month of Pausa, you shall
be the bestower of boons on them, О Lord who always confer
what they desire to have. If in the course of a day in the month
of Pausa, men visit you, О Lord of Devas, undoubtedly they
will attain more than the benefit mentioned as resulting from
the gift of gold to a deserving person made over during a solar
eclipse, especially in Kuruksetra. It shall be everlasting and
undiminished. But by visiting the Lord one day in the month
of Pau$a, the benefit will be greater. There is no doubt about
it." (Narada said:) “After saying this Lord Brahma went to
Brahmaloka, О king, along with sages and wise men. He considered
his duty fulfilled. He was pleased with himself. Hence, О great
king, if you desire the greatest goal, propitiate that Linga that
liberates one from brutish womb. Go to Mahakalavana and
worship the deity to the south of Indresvara.”
On hearing the words of the noble-souled Narada, О my
beloved, Pasupala went to Mahakalavana. By visiting that Lihga
he attained the highest goal.
, Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Pasupatisvara
has been narrated. Listen to (that of) the deity Brahmesvara.
V.ii.65.1-14 231
CHAPTER SIXTYFIVE
Brahmesvara
0
Vi$nu said:
15-25. Let endeavour be made for the destruction of Puloma.
This Daitya has been granted boons. He will defeat me with
his powerful force. Hence hasten to the splendid Mahakalavana.
There itself, to the north of Cyavanesa you will see a great
Lihga that has been in existence for six Kalpas and that is
endowed with Siva-Sakti (the Sakti aspect of Siva). You will get
permanent power due to the greatness of that Lihga. There
is a stream of water that touches the hand of Kundesvara con-
■ •
tinuously. Fetch that water and let this fellow be killed thereby.
Brahma said:
Obeisance to you of divine form; obeisance to you, the
multiformed one. Obeisance to the Lord whose vigour is
unbearable. Obeisance to you, the soul of all universal activi
ties. Obeisance to the Lord with tawny matted hairs. Obei
sance to the Lord bearing the crescent moon. Obeisance to
the golden-coloured one. Obeisance to one who always stays
in forest. I salute you, the Lord of all living beings, the per
manent destroyer of enemies, one with tinkling golden arm-
lets, one who holds aloft the disc of the full moon. I bow to
you, the presiding deity of the Devas, the presiding deity of
the entire universe, the great Lord, who annihilate the mass
of miseries of the worldly existence and whose feet are always
meditated upon by sages. I always salute you, the Lord who
destroy the mass of Daityas and who hold the axe, the trident,
the excellent bow, the sword, the Paftisa and the club.
CHAPTER SIXTYSIX
Jalpesvara1
Isvara said:
1. О my beloved, know Jalpesvara Liiiga as the sixty-sixth
deity. Merely by seeing it great sins become subdued.
2-9. О great goddess, there was a king well-known on the
earth by the name Jalpa. He was always engaged in prattling
and talking. He used to provoke argumentation always through
his prattle. He was very much imaginative and used to reflect
on the ways of the world. He had five mighty sons, with Subahu
as the most prominent among them.
О beautiful lady, the five sons of the king were personified
forms of the five fires as it were. They were Subahu, Satrumardana,
Jaya, Vijaya and Vikranta, the fifth son. All of them were masters
of weaponry and use of missiles.
The sons were installed in separate lands by the father,
Jalpa. They were made rulers of separate realms.
Subahu became the king in the east, Satrumardana in the
south, Jaya the king in the west and Vijaya became the king
in the north. In the middle country the Prince named Vikranta
was appointed in his own place. After making this arrange
ment, he himself went to the forest.
Their hereditary well-wishers became their ministers. The
new kings enjoyed their respective kingdoms. The minister of
Vikranta was one who was solely given to contrivances. In a
secluded spot he said to King Vikranta:
10-18. M He who has this entire earth in his possession is
1. King Jalpa divided his kingdom into five regions and installed each of
his five sons as the king of a region. Vikranta was ill-advised by his minister
to kill his brothers and annex their kingdoms to his own. When the minister
of Vikranta adopted black magic for the destruction, they, in return ordered
their family priests to perform the same rite. They did and the ogresses cre
ated ate up the five sons, the priests, dependents, and the citizens. King Jalpa
blamed himself. He was advised to go to a particular Lihga. Jalpa visited and
propitiated the Lihga and the Lihga came to be known after King Jalpa as
jalpesvara.
V.ii.66.19-28 235
Vikranta said:
This is my enemy that has come. All of us, we five, desire
for the earth. If unsatisfied, how can the several sovereignties
become one. M How will the entire earth be mine?” The eldest
brother is Subahu. The second one is Satrumardana. Then
Jaya and Vijaya. I am the youngest of all.
О Parvati, after saying, “It will become thus,** the Linga took
him within its body even as all the Devas were watching. When
King Jalpa got merged into that Linga, О lady of excellent
countenance, the deity became well-known as Jalpesvara all
over the earth. The deity was mentioned by the Devas as the
bestower of worldly pleasures and salvation. He is remem
bered as the bestower of all desires.
52. Thus the sin-destroying power of Jalpesvara Deva has
been recounted to you, О goddess. Listen to the story of the
deity named Kedaresvara.
CHAPTER SIXTYSEVEN
Kedaresvara}
Isvara said:
1. О beautiful lady, listen to the sixty-seventh deity named
Kedaresvara who destroys sins through his vision.
2-9. Formerly at the time of creation, О goddess, Devas
were covered with snow. All of them were distressed through
chilliness and were bewildered. They sought refuge in Brahma:
mO Lord, О Lord of the universe, all of us are distressed
by the mass of snow of the Himalaya Mountain. О Four-faced
Lord, save us, the terror-struck ones. О Pitamaha, obeisance
to you.”
On hearing the words of the Devas, О my beloved, Brahma
said: “You have been afflicted by the Hima-mountain, the father-
in-law of Sankara. I am not competent enough to protect you.
This is the truth I have admitted. Excepting Mahadeva, О
Devas, there is no other refuge to go to. That Lord alone will
be our refuge. It is at his behest that all the mountains were
created by me formerly. Diverse forms of creation were evolved.
Himalaya also was created by me. This mountain cannot be 1
rendered divine, one full of all the Devas and all the Tirthas.
He became the abode of all hermitages. He was resorted to
by all the immortal ones. After establishing the Lord of the
Mountains, I stood there in the form of the Linga. I became
well-known in all the three worlds by the name Kedaresvara.
О my beloved, water infused with Mantras was created there
by me. The greatness of the Linga and the water (thereof) has
been spoken in diverse ways. If a man devoutly comes here
and perfectly adores me, О lady of excellent countenance, and
if he carries water from here in accordance with the injunc
tions, I will undoubtedly be present within him in the form
of a Linga.
When this was announced, О goddess, Devas, Asuras, Serpents,
Yak§as, Rak§asas, Pisacas, Bhutas, Vetalas, Kinnaras and groups
of Vidyadharas came there with a desire to see me. After drinking
the auspicious water, О my beloved, О beautiful lady, I was
perceived duly by them as one present in the form of a Lihga.
They became like me and stationed themselves in that excellent
mountain. OTady of excellent countenance, they were being
adored by the Siddhas present in Janaloka.
240 Skanda Parana9
down of the head. I too said, “So be it.” Those Devas went to
heaven.
56. Thus the sin-destroying power of Kedaresvara Deva
has been recounted to you. Listen to (the story of) the Linga
named Pisaca.
CHAPTER SIXTYEIGHT
Pisacesvara}
Isvara said:
1. Listen attentively, О goddess, to the story of the Linga
named Pisacesvara, the sixty-eighth deity. It is destructive of
sins through its perception.
2-6. At the beginning in the Kali Age, О goddess, there was
an extremely rich Siidra well-known by the name Soma. He
was an atheist and used to censure the Vedas. He was against
Brahmanas. He was a cruel miser, never ashamed of any thing.
He was guilty of breach of trust and was always engaged in
taking away the wealth of others. He did everything to prevent
others from benefiting through Dharma, Artha and Kama. He
always followed his own will and desire, О goddess. Ultimately
he died after suffering great distress. He became a Pisaca (ghost)
in a desert land, nude, wretched and terrible. He was a de
stroyer of other Pisacas. He would exterminate persons be
longing to his group. Even many more powerful Pisacas were
thrashed by him.
7-11. A learned, eloquent, yet qifiescent man named
Saka(ayana came along that path. He was always engaged in
the study of Vedas. He used to travel in a cart. He resembled
the rising sun in splendour. He had the lustre like that of fire.
О Daughter of the Mountain, while he proceeded ahead look
ing about carefully, he saw that terribly hideous Pisaca who
being overwhelmed with hunger rushed at him in his desire
to gobble him up. But when he saw the Brahmana Sakajayana1
1. This is the story of how a sinner Soma who became a Pisaca, was re
deemed by visiting Pi&cesvara and attained the eternal region.
V.ii.68.12-23 243
even the Pisaca has gone to Svarga. Hence that deity will become
well-known over the earth by the name of Pisacesvara, the
destroyer of all sins. If men see that Linga named Pisacesvara,
all their Pitrs held up in hell will become rid of the state of
Pisaca and go undoubtedly to Svarga.**
By visiting Pisacesvara one obtains that benefit which is the
usual benefit of an Asvamedha Yajna perfectly performed.
52-59. By visiting Pisacesvara, it should be known that,
one obtains more merit than what is proclaimed as the merit
accruing from offering balls of rice at Gaya.
If men perceive the Linga named Pisacesvara on the four
te e n th lu n ar day, Pretatva (ghosthood) and Pisdcatva
(vampirehood) will never occur in their family. If a man (even)
casually visits the Linga named Pisacesvara, he will never be
born of base wombs nor will he ever see hell. By visiting
Pisacesvara he rejoices in the Pitrloka accompanied by all kinsmen
and endowed with all kinds of riches.
By glorifying the Linga one is rid of sins, by seeing it one
goes to Svarga and by touching it one sanctifies all the family
members upto the seventh generation. Immediately after see
ing the Linga named Pisacesvara, a man becomes liberated
from the fetters etc. of the worldly existence. By seeing it the
benefit derived is a crore times more than the benefit of Yajnas,
Tapas and Danas. Infinite is the merit if a devotee visits it on
the fourteenth lunar day in Vaisakha or Karttika.
60. Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of Pisacesvara
Deva is recounted to you. Listen to that of Sangamesvara.
CHAPTER SIXTYNINE
Sangamesvara1
Isvara said:
Д. О Devi Parvati, listen attentively to the (story of the)
■
1. The UAga is situated at the confluence of £ipr& with other two rivulets
and hence is called SaAgamefvara. But the story of King Sub&hu and Queen
VifiUftkfi shows that the god brought about their union in two births and hence
came to be known as the 'union-making god* (Sangamesvara).
V.ii.69.2-16 247
I was carried off by the current of the three rivers and cast
out of water surface. You seized me by the head, О beautiful
lady, and tore me with your claws. О fair one, I was brought
to the presence of Lord Sangamesvara by you. Simultaneously,
0 lady of excellent countenance, you met with your death at
the hands of the fishermen (along with me). I visited thus
Lord Sangamesvara at the time of death. I had a perfect ablution
in the waters of Sipra, Ganga and Nilaganga. Merely by visting
that Lord I was born as a king in the realm of Kalinga, О fair
lady. I was saluted by all the kings. You were born as the
beautiful daughter of Drcjlhadhanvan, the king of Kanclpura,
who was engaged in the holy vows and observances of K$atriyas.
38-51. Both of us attained royal status by visiting that
Linga. I was torn by you with the claws and thrashed by them
with sticks. At midday I remember this sorry incident and
hence my headache. Due to the vision of this deity, I have the
power to recollect previous births of mine. Thus, О fair lady,
1 have recounted what you had earlier asked me. Go hence,
О fair lady, wherever you feel inclined to. I have to remain
here itself. This deity Sangamesvara is to be resorted to."
Thereupon that lady of blemishless limbs, with eyes like a
blue lotus, uttered a shrill piteous cry and spoke to her husband:
“O Lord, I too recollect the activities of the previous birth though
they took place in the course of the life in a non-human womb.
It is on account of the greatness of this Linga that we have
regained human life in the families which are pure and devoid
of impurities. Incomparable glory and prosperity has been at
tained. A kingdom devoid of thorns (enemies) too has been
acquired. You gained a loving wife in me and I have got you,
О king. This deity is well-known in all the three worlds by the
name Sangamesvara (‘god bringing about union'). Due to the
greatness of this deity there will never be our separation as in
the case of Kr$na with Lak$mi and Siva with Parvati.”
After bowing down again, she said once more in her great
excitement due to the Lord of Love: "Even in another birth
of mine here, may Subahu be my husband, О Lord, with your
favour if you are really Sahgamesvara (i.e. Lord bringing about
union).”
Then the king heartily looked at his beloved who was shaken
(afflicted) by the arrows of the god of Love. He appeared to
250 Skanda Purina
drink her with his eyes. He then spoke to the lady of tremu
lous eyes: mO Visalak$i, you have been acquired by me. You
have been endowed with congenital nobility. You are embel
lished with good qualities and splendour. The benefit of my
birth has been attained.”
Thereafter he held the hand of his beloved who was afraid
and whose lips were trembling and entered his Antahpura
saying, “Fortunately I have been bitten by the Serpent of Kandarpa
(god of Love) now.” He thought within his mind that the
worldly existence was insignificant.
52-63. О beautiful lady, he sported about in my city for
a lpng time in the company of that queen. Thus the king got
back his beloved to whom he recounted the (life) story. He
enjoyed the kingdom along with her for an extended period
of great festivities. After realizing that wealth is not perma
nent, he bestowed much wealth on supplicants. On account
of such an unprecedented renunciation, all the three worlds
wondered. After ruling the kingdom for a long time and enjoying
extensive pleasures, the excellent king merged into that Lihga
along with his wife. Hence, О goddess, the deity became well-
known as Sahgamesvara.
If a devotee visits Sahgamesvara Linga with great devotion,
he will never be separated from his sons, brothers, wife and
others. One who regularly visits Sangamesvara Linga obtains
a benefit more than that of a thousand Rajasuya sacrifices. By
visiting Sangamesvara one gets the benefit of the holy bath in
Gahga, Yamuna, Narmada and Candrabhaga. If one visits
Sahgamesvara Lihga in the month of Sravana, he will undoubtedly
get the benefit of the pilgrimage to the shrine of Karttikasvamin.
If one visits Sangamesvara Lihga in the month of Asvayuja
(Asvina), О lady of excellent countenance, it is as good as if
he has performed a thousand Vajapeya sacrifices. If one visits
that Sangamesvara Lihga in the month of Karttika, it is as
good as his performing a thousand Rajasuyas. There is no
doubt (about it). One who visits Sangamesvara during the
period of the four months of rainy season attains my region,
О my beloved, much desired (by all).
Thus the sin-destroying power of Sahgamesvara Deva has
been reco u n ted to you, О goddess. Listen to th at of
Durddhar$esvara.
V.ii.70.1-20 251
CHAPTER SEVENTY
Durddhamsvara
Isvara said:
1. Listen to (the greatness of) the Durddhar$esvara Linga,
the seventieth deity. Merely by seeing it, О goddess, a man is
rid of sins.
2-9. Formerly in the realm of Nepala, there was a king
named Durddhar$a. Meritorious deeds constituted his emblem.
He was renowned, truthful and steadfast in his vows. He had
three wives, all extremely befitting him and extremely charm
ing.
Once during spring season the king was sporting in a park
at the outskirts of a forest. He was so enamoured of the deer
he wanted to pursue that he was carried off by the horse as
speedy as wind and arrived at a forest abounding in beautiful
trees. It consisted of many animals such as lordly elephants,
deer, tigers, lions, Saiiibaras, bears, monkeys, boars, rhinoc
eros etc.
In the forest he saw a large lake full of water as clear as
mirror. Aquatic birds such as swans, Karandavas and Cakravakas
(ruddy geese) and lotuses made it appear splendid. Groves of
plantain trees adorned it. The water thereof had turned red
dish yellow with the saffron (washed) off the breasts of the
bevy of Siddha women taking their bath there.
There itself he saw a girl who appeared like the sylvan deity
i
CHAPTER SEVENTYONE
Praydgesvara}
Isvara said:
1. Know that the seventy-first deity is the Linga named
Prayagesvara and that it is without a second (i.e. matchless)
and destructive of great sins.
2-8. In Vaivasvata Manvantara, in Dvapara Yuga, there was
a glorious king named Santanu in the city of Hastinapura. He
was wonderfully endowed with great power. He was a young
man with adamantine physical frame. He was a master of all
Sastras and an adept in all the arts. He was on a par with Vi§nu
in strength and in brilliance. He was comparable to the Sun.
Once hat mighty king wandered alone near Gahga resorted
to by Siddhas and Caranas. Accompanied by £ large army and 1
1. The story of the marriage of Santanu and GaAgS and her leaving him
when he obstructed her when she was about to throw the eighth child (Bhijma)
into GaAgS is given in Mbh, Adi, Chi. 96-99. Skanda P urina uses the story to
make Ganga come to Prayigesvara at Mah&k&lavana, an episode not known to
Mbh,
256 Shanda Parana
Whose are you? Why do you kill the sons? Do not incur the
great sin of inflicting injury on your own son. О despicable
woman, stop."
Ganga said:
О most excellent one among those blessed with sons, I too
love the son. I will not kill your son. My stay here has come
to an end in accordance with the condition stipulated. I am
Ganga, the daughter of Jahnu, served and attended upon by
great sages. I spent my days with you for the task of Devas.
These are the divine eight Vasus of great power, excessively
awe-inspiring. It was on account of the curse of Vasi$tha that
they were born as human beings. There is no one on the earth
except you who could bring them forth. No mortal woman can
ever be a mother like me. Hence I adopted a human form for
the sake of their conception. Hail unto you! I shall go, О king
of great holy observances. Protect the son.
‘What is this? This Gaiiga, the daughter ofJahnu, the holy one
revered by Devas, the river of triple path, the meritoriously
divine queen of the Ocean 1 Why does she cry in agitation in
her mortal form?’
59-49. After thinking thus, Sage Narada, the son of Brahma,
came near the lamenting Ganga. Stationed in the firmament
itself, he spoke to her loudly: “Obeisance to you, О goddess
Gahga. I am Narada, О highly meritorious and holy one. Why
do you weep? You are well-known as the daughter of Himalaya
Mountain resorted to by Devas and Gandharvas. You have been
held on his head by Siva, the Parame${hin (Supreme Abso
lute).” On hearing the words of Narada and seeing the great
sage seated in an aerial chariot, the celestial river said; “O
Narada, due to delusion, despicable (sinful) deed has been
committed by me. Very great sin has been incurred by me
knowingly. Seven sons were killed by me. As brought about
by fate, my separation from Samudra (Ocean) took place and
I became the wife of a man. Sons were born to me and they
were killed too. Hence I lamented, deeply immersed in the
sea of grief. Tell me, О celestial sage, whereby can I become
meritorious once again?”
On hearing her words, Narada, the excellent sage of pure
soul, who could know the events of the three divisions of time,
spoke to Gariga these words.
Narada said:
О divine one worthy of being revered by the whole uni
verse) Has the sacred condition of the Devas been forgotten?
0 fair lady, it was promised by you for the cause of the lib
eration of the Vasus. Those Vasus have regained their worlds,
with your favour, О lady of excellent vows. О goddess, Santanu
is remembered as Samudra himself, whose incarnation was
caused by you alone.
Narada said:
О worthy one deserving the veneration of the universe, has
the agreement entered into with the Devas been forgotten,
when you say, О goddess bestowing merit, that you are afraid
of the accusations and insinuations? You are asking me about
the greatest spot. Listen, I shall tell you, О lady of excellent
vows. Avanti has been mentioned as the eternal one (place)
lasting for seven Kalpas. There your companion Sipra, the
perpetual favourite of Brahmanas, is always present. On the
banks of the same there is the auspicious Linga to the south
of Durddhar$esvara. It is worthy of adoration of the Devas and
it is resorted to by all the Tirthas. Merely by perceiving it, you
will have your purpose achieved. Hence go, О excessively
meritorious Ganga resorted to by the celestial sages.
CHAPTER SEVENTYTWO
Candradityesvara1
Isvara said:
1. О my beloved, know that the Candradityesvara Lihga
is the seventy-second deity. Merely by seeing it a man shall
become one having done his duties and contented.
2-9. Formerly, О goddess, Suras were defeated in battle by
Sambara. They left the battlefield and fled. They were eager
to save their own lives.
After seeing the Moon swallowed (eclipsed) by Rahu and
realizing that he was highly agitated, Surya (Sun) spoke to his
charioteer, the eldest son of Vinata: “O Aruna, take away the
chariot quickly to a place where there is no battle. Candra and
Surya are well-reputed as stronger than Daityas. But Rahu, the
third one, hideous on account of his curved fangs, is extremely
terrible. It is not known whether the Moon is killed in the
battle or he has fled or is dead. It is not known where Sakra
or Varuna has gone. It is not known where Yama is or what
1. Sarhbara m entioned in RV as the enem yof Indra and said to have been
killed by Pradyumna (in Mbh, A nusdsana 14.2?o;also Sabha 38.22), is stated to
have been burnt down by this Lihga at the request of Candra and Adilya.
H ence the Lihga became known as Candradityesvara.
262 Skanda Parana
Vi$nu said:
24-38. Welcome, О Candra and Surya. Both of you are
worthy of being eulogized. What is the reason for your visit
here? Tell me without excitement or hesitation.
flowers. His limbs were touched with the lustre of crowns (of
those who fell at his feet). He was fanned with white chowries.
He was attended upon by the Daityas and leaders of the Daityas
resuscitated auer death. The mighty one was served by per
sonified forms of Kratus (sacrifices) with bunches of all kinds
of flowers reverberating with the chirping sounds of all kinds
of birds. The glory there was incomparable all over the world.
There the fortune is unrestricted. Where Danava Sambara is
present, there lustre, splendour and beauty are present. Thus
the king of the Daityas rejoices there in the company of his
attendants. He himself has become Indra. Candra and Surya
now are his own subjects.”
39-51. On hearing his words thus, Lord Purusottama re
flected in his mind for some time, О my beloved, and then
spoke thus: mO Candra and Surya, the misdeeds of Sambara
are known to me. He has to enjoy the benefit of his penance
through the granting of the boons by Brahma. The thunder-
bolt was hurled at Sambara formerly by Indra. He was hit in
the chest, yet the Asura did not die. О Candra and Surya, at
my bidding, do go to the excellent Mahakalavana. There you
will attain Siddhi. There the infinite Mahakala Mahesvara is
present in the form of a Linga. In a place to the north of it
there is the auspicious Linga that fulfils desires. Merely by
seeing it, you will have your object achieved. There is no
doubt that the death of Sambara will be brought about by the
mass of its flames. Hence, do go there.”
On being told thus by Vasudeva, О lady of great renown,
Candra and Surya hastened to Mahakalavana experiencing
horripilation. After seeing there Mahadeva, the immutable
mass of refulgence, they worshipped him with splendid flow
ers and praised him with different kinds of hymns. In the
meantime a voice issued forth from the middle of the Linga
and consoled Candra and Surya soon, О daughter of Himalaya:
T h a t Daitya Sambara was slain; those wicked Candra and
Bhaskara (Sun) created by the Daityas went away and remained
in the Patala region. Rahu and Ketu were assigned positions
at the extremity of the Planets with specified conditions. Along
with the Devas, undoubtedly Sakra was reinstated in his post.
All the Guardians of Quarters joyously returned to their re
spective places re-endowed with lustre and valour. You two will
V.ii.72.52-63 265
CHAPTER SEVENTYTHREE
Karabhesvara}
Sn Нага said:
1. О lady of excellent countenance, know the Karabhesa
Linga as the seventy-third deity. Merely by seeing it, birth in
base womb can be averted.
2-9. There was an intelligent king of Ayodhya named VTraketu.
He was full of the nectar of learning, humility, conjugal bliss
and exquisite physical charm. He efficiendy protected his subjects
like his own bosom-born sons. His mind perfectly dwelt on the
knowledge of past and future.
One day, the king went to a dense forest infested with deer,
elephants and lions and crowded with tigers and Sambaras
(species of elks). The destroyer of the warriors of the enemy
killed different kinds of wild animals—deer, buffaloes and
boars in thousands. The entire forest teeming with beasts,
birds and antelopes became fully agitated. The entire forest
was rendered bereft of all beasts of prey by that king. When
beasts of prey could not be seen in that dense forest, the king
pierced a Karabha (a camel) with an arrow bent at the joints.
But, О goddess, though he had been hit, that Karabha took
away the arrow with him quickly. He slipped away even as the
king stood watching. The mighty king rushed after the Karabha
immediately. The flat-footed camel ran down the sloping re
gion, О goddess, many Yojanas in a short while.
10-20. On account of his youthful spirit and the strength
of his heart, the king on his horse pursued him, equipped with
a bow and a sword. The king followed the wild beast crossing1
all the fordable rivers and streams, puddles and forests. The
camel too, О goddess, sometimes came within the reach of the
king but immediately sped away very quickly. Hit, agitated by
many arrows from behind and from the sides, the Karabha now
and then came near him. Picking up speed again, he was seen
at the sides now but soon in front.
Then entering an extremely terrible forest the Karabha quickly
disappeared. The king entered deep into the forest. Proceed
ing further, the king came to a hermitage of sages. Finding
his horse tired, he sat down.
On seeing the king armed with a bow but fatigued and
hungry, the sages approached him and honoured him duly.
Accepting the hospitality offered by them duly, the king enquired
of them whether their penance and pious rites flourished.
Responding to the words of the king suitably, the ascetics and
the sages asked him about the purpose he had in view.
mO gentle Sir, what special pleasure made you come to this
penance grove? О leader of men, you have come on foot with
a sword on your person and holding a bow and arrows. О
bestower of honour, we wish to know this. Whence have you
come? In which family are you born? What is your name? Tell
us, О king.”
21-42. Thereupon the king, the leader of men, told all
those Brahmanas everything truthfully regarding his family
and Gotra:
“O eminent Brahmanas, I am Viraketu born of the Iksvaku
• * •
will surely become a camel with hanging lips and teeth, ugly
and deformed and awful in voice.’
The king pleaded to the Brahmana. He was pleased and
pacified. He spoke thus: 'O king, my words cannot be untrue.
Certainly you will become a Karabha, but later on you will
attain liberation, when you turn out to be a Karabha and become
hit by Viraketu, the king of Ayodhya. After being hit by an
arrow, you will go to the divine Mahakalavana. By seeing the
Linga there you will attain the great region where there is
Lord Mahesvara. That mighty Viraketu born of Ik§vaku race
will attain Emperorship as a result of seeing the Linga.’ On
being told thus, О king, that king became a Karabha. It is he
whom you hit with an arrow bent at the joints. You will see
him seated in the aerial chariot after being liberated by seeing
the LiAga.”
On being told thus by the Brahmana R$abha, the king (Viraketu)
hastened to the auspicious Mahakalavana.
43-52. There he saw the Linga always adored by Devas.
In the meantime, that king heard a voice sweetly uttered by
the Karabha seated in an aerial chariot: “O king, look at me
(seated) in the splendid aerial chariot held aloft. The greatest
goal has been acquired by me by seeing this LiAga. I was hit
by you with an arrow. Then I came into the forest near this
LiAga, Hence you are my great kinsman.” After saying this to
the king in a sweet voice, О goddess, he went to the greatest
region, eternal, immutable and everlasting.
V.ii.73.53-62 269
CHAPTER SEVENTYFOUR
Rajasthalesvara1
0
Brahma said:
О Ripunjaya, understand these words of mine. О dear son,
let the kingdom be protected with a single-pointed mind. Enough
of your penance, О dear one, now. It is too strenuous. О
excellent one among men, you have conquered all the worlds
by means of your Dharma. Now, at my bidding, let the pro
tection of the worlds be carried out, since the use of a being
with his body is the obligations or help rendered to others.
There is no other piety (Dharma) like that. Nothing else can
accomplish the purpose. It is preferable to fall into hell after
rendering help to others. The lordship of the universe cannot
be so (achieved) if there is Apakara (harm done) to living
beings. For the sake of the work of the worlds and due def-
Brahma said:
О excellent one among men, the desire that you have given
expression to, shall be honoured. Those Devas who happen
to be here shall, out of deference to me, obey your command.
They will be under your control. The name shall be Devanatha,
О king of excellent holy vows.
earth which was not fertile. Without being ploughed, the earth
abounded in tasty fruits. The earth became like the world of
Devas shining brilliantly with all desired qualities.
Thus, time passed off and the king went on administering
the kingdom. The Devas became highly infuriated and they
endeavoured for bringing about disorder. They brought many
grievous disasters to the subjects frequently. Then the chas
tiser of Рака (i.e. Indra) caused a protracted drought. When
the common people began to perish (of starvation), the ex
cellent king became a cloud, ascended the sky and brought
about a good downpour. Protected and nourished by him alone,
О lady of great renown, the people became happy. After some
time, once Indra became the Samvarta cloud (i.e. one at the
time of ultimate annihilation) and caused the fall of many
clouds. Thereupon the king assumed the form of wind and
restrained it. Thereafter, fire vanished from the surface of the
earth all over. There was neither Yajna nor Japa, neither Н о т а
nor cooking activity. Then all the people became agitated with
ailments and got into difficulties.
31-42. On seeing it, the king himself became Havyavahana
(Fire). He sustained all the subjects, the Yajnas and the heaven-
dwellers too. In the meantime, О goddess, accompanied by
you, I came here to see my own city. I was surrounded by the
multitudes of Bhutas. Thereupon all these too came: All the
groups of Devas, Kinnaras, great Serpents, Yak$as, Rak$asas
and Gandharvas, Siddhas, Vidyadharas, Uragas (reptiles, ser
pents), Bhutas, Pretas, Pisacas, all the other beings moving in
the sky, the four oceans, the salt sea, the milk-ocean and other
oceans, Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Candrabhaga, Sarasvati,
Carmanvad, Bhimarathi, the holy Godavari river, Vipasa, Gomati,
Dhutapapa, Bahuda, Dnadvati, Para, Vedasmyti, Vetraghni,
Narmada, Siva, Tapi, Payogpi, Nirvindhya— all these came there.
Then Pufkara, Prayaga, Prabhasa, Naimi^a, Pythu Tirthodaka,
Amaralcanfaka, GaAgadvara, Kusavarta, Bilvaka, Nila Parvata,
Var&ha Parvata, Kanakhala T irtha, Bhrgutudga, Sukakya,
idha, K&lifijara, Kedara, Rudrakoyi,Mahalaya, all the holy
i and meritorious shrines, Mem, Mahendra, Malaya, Mandara,
'handhamSHan»; the sages (named) VSlakhilyas, the four Vedas—
fijfese and many others came here along with me.
W 43-54. Thereafter Mem was turned into a level ground by
A
V.ii.74.55-65 27S
Devas stay here. Let Meru remain here. О Lord, let all the
oceans stay in your vicinity.** Thus he said. Then, О lady of
excellent countenance, I replied: M When the king named
Sudyumna comes here along with his wife for the sake of a
son, I shall grant him the desired thing. Then all the four
oceans will be staying fruitfully. Due to his propitiation I shall
give him a splendid son. A man who undertakes pilgrimage
to his place devoutly will undoubtedly attain all the desires.**
King Ripunjaya was made Ganadhisa by me on account of his
devotion.
66. Thus, О goddess, the sin-destroying power of
Rajasthalesvaresa has been recounted to you. Listen to that of
Vadalesvara.
CHAPTER SEVENTYFIVE
Vadalesvara1
Isvara said:
1. О goddess, know that the Linga named Vadalesvara is
the seventy-fifth deity that destroys sins. It is the bestower of
desires on men merely through a visit to it.
2-9. There was a friend of Kubera named Manibhadra, О
goddess. His son named Va4ala was ruthlessly bad-tempered,
powerfully influenced by jealousy. Though handsome, he was
always lustful, ever inebriate and very powerful.
Once he went to a beautiful lotus-pond of Dhanada (Kubera).
It had been specially constructed as a secret spot for amorous
dalliance. It was covered with flowers and embellished with
diamonds and lapis lazulis. Corals and pearls covered it. There
was plenty of shade everywhere and golden lotuses beautified
CHAPTER SEVENTYSIX
Arunesvara 1
Isvara said:
1. О goddess, the LiAga named Arunesvara is the seventy-
sixth deity. Through seeing it dispels sins and bestows cher
ished desires on men.
2-7. Formerly, О goddess, in Devayuga, there were two blessed
daughters of Prajapati. The two sisters were very beautiful and
free from sins. They became wives of Kasyapa. They were Kadr0
and Vinata. The Delighted husband who was on a par with
Prajapati granted them boons. Kasyapa who was extremely
joyous, granted the boons to his righteous wives. On hearing
that he was granting them boons the excellent ladies derived
1. The story of the birth of Arupa, son of VinatS (Mbh, Adi, 16.16.2S) is
adopted to explain why the LiAga in Mah&kfilavana came to be known as
ArupeJvara. Arupa repented after cursing his mother for his deformity, when
N&rada came and took him to Mah&kftlavana near that LiAga. The LiAga
absolved him of his curse and appointed him as the charioteer of the Sun-god.
V.ii.76.8-24 279
CHAPTER SEVENTYSEVEN
Puspadantesvara1
tn Mahddeva said:
1. О goddess, listen to the (story of the) Linga named
Puspadantesvara, the seventy-seventh deity. Merely by seeing
it, one can avert the necessity of staying in a womb.
2-11. Formerly a Brahmana named Sini had no son. He
worried about a son and thought of many penances for that
purpose, such as having air alone as his food, water for food,
being without any food, keeping the arms lifted up, taking in
greens, bulbous roots and fruits as his intake, eating leaf alone,
eating one or two leaves etc. 'Penance like these and others
are for (i.e. lead to) welfare but one of these penances I shall
resort to for the sake of great benefit. But for the sake of
cessation of obstacles, I shall first propitiate Isvara.’
After thinking thus in his mind, he performed the penance
of keeping the arms and feet(?) lifted up. With these two the
purpose will not be difficult to achieve nor will there be any
fault. Therefore, the sage performed such a penance for twelve
years. On seeing his performing the penance and observing
great vows and rites, О goddess, I was requested by you while
on Mandara of many charming caves:
T h is great sage is performing a very severe penance ruth
lessly for the sake of a son. With his brilliance he brightens
the mountain and dries up water reservoirs. Due to his pen
ance very difficult to be performed, the heaven-dwellers have
become agitated. Big VyaUss (pythons or tigers) have become
bewildered; lordly mountains have become distorted; the sages
have sunk into oblivion; and the heaven and earth tremble.
Brahmana Sini who is Ayonija (not born of any womb) desires
1. Pufpadanta was a Gana of Lord Siva. Sage Sini was performing penance
for having a son. Siva asked his Gagas if one would like to go as Nimi's son.
None replied. Pufpadanta explained to Siva the unwillingness of Gagas to go
to wretched Mftyuloka. At this Siva got infuriated and cursed him. Pufpadanta
deeply repented. P&rvati advised him to go to Mahik&lavana, propitiate the
LiAga, which Pufpadanta did and was restored to his position. The LiAga
propitiated by Pufpadanta became well-known after him.
V.ii.77.12-35 283
CHAPTER SEVENTYEIGHT
livara said:
1. О my beloved, know that Avimuktesvara Linga is the
1. The daughter o f King Citrasena of &akala could rem em ber her form er
birth. When the king asked her about her marriage, she behaved like a mad
person. She explained that she was not insane but in her previous birth she
used black magic to control her husband—a sin which was finally eradicated
by a visit to Avimukteivara. The king went to see th at deity along with his
daughter who got merged in that LiAga.
V.ii.78.2-19 287
CHAPTER SEVENTYNINE
Hanu matkesvara1
0
Rama said:
It is due to the might of the arms of this Hanuman, that
1 was able to get back Sita, Laksmana, victory, kingdom, friends
and kinsmen. How could anyone except this great monkey
find out the detailed news of Janaki? Even this friend of mine,
the Lord of the monkeys (i.e. Sugriva), would not have been
able to know the news about Janaki. When the enmity (of the
brothers) started (I wonder) why Vali was not reduced to ash
like grass by this Hanuman with a desire to do something
pleasing to Sugriva? When the Lord of the monkeys was suf
fering torture, why was he neglected? I think Hanuman did
not realize his own strength.
20-30. When Rama said this, the sages spoke these words:
mO most excellent one among the descendants of Raghu, what
you say about Hanuman is true. There is no one equal to him
in strength nor in speed of movement nor in intellect. But
formerly a curse had been pronounced on him by the sages
whose statements never turn false or ineffective. It is due to
this that his own strength was not realized by this powerful
(monkey) at the time when Vali was torturing Sugriva. A wonderful
feat of this noble-souled one during childhood cannot be easily
described. His strength (even then) was great. If you wish to
hear, listen, we shall recount.
V.ii.79.31-41 293
CHAPTER EIGHTY
Svapnesvara1
Isvara said:
1. О my beloved, know Svapnesvara Linga as the eighti
eth deity. Merely by visiting it, one can certainly dispel evil
dreams.
2-8. О goddess, there was a king born of the Ik$vaku race.
He was famous in the world as Kalma$apada. By his reful
gence, he resembled the Sun on the earth. Once he came
*
was conversant with the highest virtue and he had subdued all
the sense-organs. This sage of great penance happened to be
on the way the king was going along. "Move away," said the
king to him. Then, out of delusion, the great king, like a
demon, struck with his whip that excellent sage who did not
keep off from the way. On being struck with the whip the great
sage, the son of Vasistha, became very furious. He angrily
cursed the king: "Since you are injuring a sage like a Rak$asa,
О wretched king, you will become a man-eater from today.
You will be constantly wandering over the earth strongly addicted
to meat."
On being cursed thus, the king instantly sought refuge in
Sakti and requested him to become pleased. Though the
Brahmana-sage was besought by the king, the highly infuri
ated Sakti was not pacified. Thereupon the king ate him up.
9-25. After devouring Sakti, he ate up all the other sons of
Vasistha also suddenly, like a lion devouring puny creatures.
* The two open hands placed side by side and slightly hollowed.
V.ii.80.26-44 297
him went to the hermitage where Vasi$(ha, the holy sage, was
consoling his daughter-in-law Adrsyanti. The distressed Adfsyanti
saw the king, the perpetrator of the cruel act, before her. In
a terrified voice she spoke to Vasiftha these words: “Here comes
the haughty, hideous Rak$asa with a staff held in his hand, like
the god of Death with his fierce staff. О sage, О most excellent
one among all the masters of the Vedas, excepting you no one
on the earth is capable of restraining him. Save me from this
sinner of awful appearance. Certainly this Raksasa has come
here with the intention of devouring us.”
Vasiffha said:
45-55. О daughter, do not be afraid. You have nothing
to fear from the Rak$asa. This is not a Raksasa whom, you
think, there is something to fear from. This is King Kalmasapada
who is accompanied by his ministers. He has come to me in
this forest region.
CHAPTER EIGHTYONE
Pingalesvara1
Isvara said:
1-9. О goddess, listen to the (story of the) four Lingas
installed at four doorways. Merely by visiting the Lingas a man
becomes blessed and contented. You were enquiring of me
out of curiosity, О goddess of excellent countenance: "O Lord,
show me a spot that is exquisitely beautiful. It must be one
resorted to by many Siddhas who desire to return there again.
It should be well-concealed, holy and indestructible even at
the time of Pralaya. It should be divine unlike any other thing
whether a Tlrtha or a penance grove. It should be endowed
with innumerable qualities. It should be splendid causing worldly
pleasures and salvation. It should be a place where there are
golden-peaked palaces, different kinds of mansions, wonder
ful gardens and splendid pathways of different kinds. It should
be a place where the acquisition of the desired benefit is easy.
It should be reverberating with the high-pitched songs of Siddhas,
Caranas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras. It should be a place com
parable to a meritorious Loka. It should be an ornament unto
heaven.** Thus I was requested, О goddess, on Mandara abounding
in charming caves.
I replied with joy: M
Listen to that eternal spot. The beautiful
Mahakalavana is more pleasant than Svarga. It is endowed
with incomparable good qualities. It is splendid conferring
worldly pleasures and salvation. Another blessed place on a
1. $iva installed four LiAgas at the four quarters of this Vana. PiAgalesvara
is to the east. PiAgaU was a beautiful daughter of a learned Br&hmapa. After
his wife’s death, he took his daughter with him and went to a forest to perform
penance. When he died PiAgalS lamented. Dharma assumed the form of an
old BrahmaQa and explained to her that her present calamity was the fruit
of her act in the form er birth in which she was cursed by a Br&hmapa lady
for enticing her son. But her act of making another Br&hmaQa happy caused
her birth in a BrShma^a family. As a way out of her present calamity, Dharma
advised her to visit this LiAga in the eastern part o f MahSkilavana. She went
to that LiAga, propitiated it and got merged in i t Since then the LiAga became
famous as PiAgalefvara.
V.ii.81.10-33 301
par with it has not been seen in all the three worlds.
10-21. It is worthy of being resorted to by Devas, Gandharvas
and Siddhas desirous of salvation. It has been created by me
as a pastime out of eagerness to please you. It is the Tilaka
(auspicious mark on the forehead) of all the Tirthas in the
charming Jambudvipa. The acquisition of the desired benefit
is secured without any effort. It is devoid of old age, sickness
and fear. There is no trace of any ailment there. It is resorted
to by Sakra, Agni, Yama, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu, Soma and Isa
(the Guardians of the Quarters). Even Devas who enjoy the
pleasures of Svarga always yearn for it. Here the benefits derived
are innumerable. The goal (position secured) is everlasting.
Those men who did not resort to that spot have missed a lot
on the earth. It is not possible for Devas, Danavas and human
beings to extol adequately the good points of the holy spot
where I myself am stationed. Whatever inauspicious thing has
been committed in the course of human activity becomes reduced
to ash entirely after going to Mahakalavana. Neither in Kuruksetra
nor in GaAgadvara nor in Tripuskara is that goal possible to
attain which has been ordained unto men in Mahakalavana
forever. Even brutish creatures going and staying in Mahakalavana
and courting death there attain the highest goal. The heap of
sinful acts may be of the size of Meru and Mandara. But when
one goes to Mahakalavana, all that becomes destroyed. О my
beloved, Mahakalavana is called &masana (cremation ground)
too. There Brahma and other Devas with Narayana as their
leader, Yogins, Samkyas, Siddhas, Sanaka and others—all these
propitiate me with great devotion. They are solely devoted to
me. In the holy place, Mahakalavana, I have fixed the same
goal as that of Yoga and Tapas and that of the performers of
Yajftas.
22-33. Stationed there I annihilate the three worlds con
sisting of the mobile and immobile beings. Hence, О goddess,
the splendid holy spot is called Mahakalavana.” On hearing
the diverse good points elaborated thus, О goddess, you became
surprised and felt inclined to go there. Your mind became
highly ardent to visit the holy spot. I arrived at the splendid
Mahakalavana along with you and said: “See, О goddess, the
spot of wondrous splendour described by me. It vies with the
city of the Lord of immortals. It is beautiful and it heightens
302 Skanda Purana
(Dharma said:)
Hence, О lady of excellent complexion, you have met with
this misery even as a girl, on account of the Karma perpe
trated before.
Pingala said:
70-73. О excellent Brahmana, the incident of the previ
ous birth of mine has been narrated by you. Hence clarify
decisively a question I shall put to you. I had committed very
terrible sins in this manner. 1 am a base woman of sinful
conduct. How then was I begotten by a Brahmana, an ex
pounder of Brahman? One Dhvaja (a distillery where liquor
is made) is equal to ten Cakrins (mechanical device to extract
oil) and ten Sunas (broomsticks etc.) equal a Cakrin. A Vesya
(courtesan) is equal to ten Dhvajas. A king is equal to ten
Vesyas. Thus say the men conversant with pious rites, the Brahmanas
of disciplined vows. So how is it that my birth was from an
excellent Brahmana?
Pingala said:
81-87. In the previous birth I was born a courtesan com
mitting sinful deeds. I was defiled and after the wealth of
others. I was devoid of purity and good conduct. Now I have
become miserable due to the separation from my parents. О
Lord, due to the curse I am precluded from marrying. Be
pleased with me, О holy Sir. Tell me who you are. How can
I forestall future birth? How can I have salvation? How will I
attain the excellent goal, be liberated from worldly bondage?
Pingala said:
In which holy spot shall that great salvation be attained? By
visiting which Linga (is it attained)? I wish to know this, О
Dharma. How is this to be obtained quickly?
Dharma said:
There is a well-guarded (secret) holy place, the splendid
Mahakalavana. It is the cause of the salvation of all creatures
always. In that excellent meritorious holy spot, in an area
extending to a Yojana, О daughter, there is the Linga that
yields salvation. It is stationed in the Eastern Direction. Merely
by visiting it, you will obtain salvation, О Pingala.
CHAPTER EIGHTYTWO
Kayavarohanesvara1
Mahddeva said:
1-8. О Parvati, listen also to the origin of Kayavarohana.
Merely by listening to it, a man ceases to be embodied. While
Brahma was desirous of creation at the beginning of Vaivasvata
Manvantara, Daksa, the Prajapati, was born from his right thumb.
The wife of the noble-souled one came forth from the left
thumb. The Lord begot of her fifty daughters. All those were
CHAPTER EIGHTYTHREE
Bilvesvara 1
in Нага said:
1-10. О beautiful lady, listen to the greatness of Bilvesvara.
Merely by listening to it one is liberated from all sins.
In the Adikalpa, О MahadevI, while Brahma was meditating
out of compassion for all the worlds, the Kalpa trees were
born. Among them the Bilva tree is praised as Srivrk$a. Be
neath that tree there was seated a gold-lustred being. He was
seen by Brahma, the creator of the worlds. He was joyously
and heartily eating different kinds of soft fruits as well as
leaves. His fingers were protected with Godha-skin gloves. He
had a bow and arrows. He was adorned with a crown and
earrings. He wore a coat of mail and held a sword. He was
a young man with a broad chest and leonine body. He was full
of enthusiasm. The famous name Bilva was assigned to him by
Brahma. Indra wooed him: “You do become the king on the
earth. Though you are stationed on the earth and I am sta
tioned in Svarga, you can be my dear friend. I shall give you
a garland of victory (Vaijayanti) with never-fading lotuses. By
its power no weapon shall afflict you in war.”
1. Bilva is one of the Kalpa Vfkps and is known as Srivfkfa. Brahma after
meditation found a sublime person under a Bilva tree. He made him a king.
Indra promised to lend his Vajra when "remembered”. Kapila, a learned BrShmaga,
became his fast friend. Once an argument developed out of a pleasant talk
and Bilva struck Kapila with Vajra on the head. Kapila reunited his head hy
his BrahmavidyS. He went to BrahmS and got invincibility against Vajra. Again
Bilva and Kapila became friends and in another quarrel Bilva struck him with
Vajra to no purpose. Kapila refused to be cowed down and say: ”1 am afraid.”
Bilva propitiated Viypu and Kapila defied him. VifQu hurled his discus Sudarsana
which became ineffective due to Siva's blessing. Kapila challenged VtfQu to
fight, took a handful of Kusa grass, charged them with Mantra and hurled it
at Viwu. The Mantra-charged Kusa and Vifpu’s missiles had such a terrific
fight that Brahmk requested Vipnu to stop it. Bilva felt humiliated. He was
advised by Indra to go to this LiAga. While Bilva was propitiating it Kapila came
there. He saw Siva in Bilva’s person. He uttered to the god "Submit”. The king
was delighted. They became friends again. But as this LiAga was propitiated
by $ ita . it became known as Bilvefvara.
V.ii.83.11-21 313
Indra said:
11-21. Let it be so. Welfare unto you. Be king doing what
is beneficial to the subjects. On being remembered, the Vajra
shall come over to your hand. It will not do so otherwise.
Bilva said:
Through Dana kingdom, happiness, pleasures, prosperity,
everlasting heavenly pleasures—all these are obtained, О tiger
among Brahmanas. How is it that you praise Brahman?
Kapila said:
Through Veda Yajnas function; through Veda Is(i (sacrifice)
for the achievement of desired things functions; through Veda
holy rites function. The entire universe has Veda at its root.
Bilva said:
In the world, kings are the most excellent ones. They arc
efficient in the protection of the world. They are comparable
to the Guardians of Quarters in this world. Why do you praise
Brahman?.
314 Skanda Ригала
Kapila said:
Brahman as are reputed as chief ones who can curse or bless.
They are the parents of kings. Why don*t you accept it, О
Bilva?
Bilva said:
There is a Brahmana-sage named Kapila. He cannot be killed
or injured. О Hr?ikesa, he is a friend of mine. He says thus
always: “I am afraid neither of a Deva nor of a Rak$asa, nor
of an Asura, neither of a Pisaca nor of a Yak$a nor of anyone
else.” It behoves you to do something to make him say* to me
“I am afraid.”
On being told thus by Bilva, Lord Puru$ottama said: “It will
be so,” and went to the hermitage of Kapila. The Lord entered
the hermitage. He was highly adored by Kapila. Janardana
spoke thus gently to Kapila: “O holy Sir, О most excellent one
among Brahmapas, О master of the Vedas and Vedahgas, I will
choose a boon now. О leading Brahmana, it behoves you to
grant it (to me). I have been propitiated by Bilva, the leading
kipg; repeatedly. I told him, T am the bestower of boons.' О
great sage, he chose the boon that you should utter, T am
V.ii.83.37-57 315
afraid/ Hence say so to bless him. You are not afraid but, О
holy Sir, say so for my sake.** On being told thus by Vi$nu
sweetly, Kapila said again and again: “O Janardana, I am not
afraid. I will not say, 'I am afraid.* What is said by him will
not be uttered by me.** On hearing the words of Kapila, Janardana
lifted the discus to terrify the Brahmana. He said:
“If you don*ts say, *1 am afraid,* I will strike you with the
discus.”
Kapila said:
37-46. О Vi$nu, why do you wish to give painful strain to
your dear discus? With the favour of the Three-eyed Lord, I
am not an easy target to your discus.
CHAPTER EIGHTYFOUR
UUaretoara1