Rudra-saṃhitā (5): Yuddha-khaṇḍa

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. The excellent story of the householder Śiva, including that of Gaṇeśa, Skanda and others which confers bliss has been heard by us. 2. Now please narrate lovingly the story of how Śiva killed wicked persons playfully. 3. How did the lord burn off three cities ( tripura ) of the Asuras with a single arrow simultaneously? What sort of an arrow was it? 4. Please narrate the story of the moon-crested lord conducive to the happiness of the gods and sages and a play of the magic of Śiva. 5. When he was asked by Vyāsa formerly, the excellent sage Sanatkumāra narrated the story. I will repeat the same. 6. O Vyāsa of great intellect, listen to the story of the moon-crested lord, how the annihilator of the universe burnt the three cities ( tripura ) with a single arrow. 7. O great sage, when the Asura Tāraka was killed by Skanda, the son of Śiva, his three sons performed austerities. 8. The eldest of them was Tārakākṣa, the middle one Vidyunmālī and the youngest Kamalākṣa. All of them were of equal strength. 9. They were self-controlled, well prepared, disciplined, truthful, of steady mind, heroic and inimical to the gods. 10. Eschewing all enjoyments captivating the mind, they went to the cavern of the mountain Meru and performed a wonderful penance. 11. The three sons of Tāraka eschewed all desires in the season of spring. They disdained music, the sound of instruments as well as jubilation and performed penances. 12. In the summer season they mastered sunshine. They lighted fires in all directions. Standing in their midst they performed sacrifice with great devotion for the attainment of success. 13. They lay unconscious in the blazing sunshine. During the rainy season, they fearlessly bore all the showers on their heads. 14-15. In the autumn they controlled their hunger and thirst. All good foodstuffs, steady, wholesome, and viscid, fruits, roots and beverages they distributed among the hungry. They themselves remained like stones. 16. In the early winter they remained on top of the mountain with fortitude, unsupported in any of the four quarters. 17. In the late winter they stayed under water or wore wet dripping silken cloth or allowed themselves to be covered with dew drops. 18. They were not at all vexed or distressed thereby. They gradually increased the severity of their austerities. Thus the three excellent sons of Tāraka performed penance with Brahmā as the object of their worship. 19. Maintaining strict severity in their austerities, the excellent Asuras made their bodies emaciated by their penance. 20. Standing on the bare ground on a single foot, the strong Asuras performed the penance for a hundred years. 21. Taking in only air and enduring excessive heat and distress, the terrible and wicked souls continued the penance for a thousand years. 22. They remained standing on their heads for a thousand years. They remained standing with their arms lifted for hundred years. 23. Thus they bore extreme distress in their tenacious evil intent. They remained alert day and night. 24. O sage, thus many years elapsed even as they performed the penance. I think they had a virtuous dedication of their souls in Brahmā, these sons of Tāraka. 25. Satisfied by their penance, Brahmā the supreme lord of the gods and Asuras, of great glory, appeared in front of them in order to grant them boons. 26. He was accompanied by sages, gods and Asuras. The grandfather of all living beings spoke to them thus, appeasing them. 27. O great Asuras, I am now pleased with your penance. I shall grant you everything. Speak out the boons you wish to have. 28. O enemies of the gods, tell me why you have been performing this penance. I am the bestower of the fruits of all sorts of penance. I am the creator of everything for ever. 29. On hearing his words they bowed to the grandfather, with their palms joined in reverence and spoke to him revealing their mind’s desire slowly. 30. O lord of gods, if you are pleased, if boons are to be given to us, please grant us indestructibility at the hands of everyone, every living being. 31. O lord of the universe, make us steady. Protect us from enemies. Let not old age, sickness and death befall us at any time. 32. We wish to become free from old age and death. In the three worlds we shall subject all others to death. 33. Of what avail are riches, vast earth, excellent cities, other sorts of vast enjoyments or big positions and power? 34. If one is to be swallowed by death in five days, O Brahmā, everything else belonging to him is futile. This is our decisive thought. 35. On hearing the words of those ascetic Asuras, Brahmā replied to them after remembering Śiva, his lord. 36. O Asuras, there cannot be invariable indestructibility. Please desist from asking for it. Seek some other boon whatever you wish. 37. O Asuras, a creature is born, dies and will be born surely. But no one will be free from old age or death in this world. 38. Except Śiva the destroyer of Death, and Viṣṇu all else are mortals. These two are the supervisers of virtue and evil and have manifest and unmanifest forms. 39. If penance is performed for the harassment of the world, it shall be understood as gone. It is only a well-performed penance that can be fruitful. 40. Ponder over this keenly, O faultless ones, desist from seeking immortality. Immortality is impossible for the gods and the Asuras. It is inaccessible. It cannot be warded off. 41. Hence choose a boon whereby you shall do something equal to your own strength. 42. On hearing the words of Brahmā, they thought for a while and then replied to the grandfather of all the worlds. 43. O lord, we have no mansion where we can stay happily although we are valorous and invincible to our enemies. 44. Build and give us three wonderful cities richly endowed with wealth and unassailable even to the gods. 45. O Preceptor of the universe, Lord of the worlds, by your grace we shall move about on the earth occupying these cities. 46. Tārakākṣa then said—“Let Viśvakarmā make a city which cannot be broken even by the gods. Let that golden city be mine”. 47. Kamalākṣa requested for a great silver city. The delighted Vidyunmālī requested for a steel-set magnetic city. 48-50. We will join together during midday at the time of Abhijit when the moon shall be in the constellation Puṣya, when the dark clouds Puṣkara and Āvarta shower in plenty without being visible in the firmament with sporting clouds, at the end of a thousand years. These cities shall never join otherwise. 51-53. O Brahmā, when these cities are joined together, the lord who embodies all the gods sitting in a wonderful chariot containing all necessary adjuncts, may, in his distorted sport, discharge a wonderful single arrow and pierce our cities. Lord Śiva is free from enmity with us. He is worthy of our worship and respect. How can he burn us? This is what we think in our minds. A person like him is difficult to get in the world. 54. On hearing their words, Brahmā, the grandfather and creator of the worlds remembered Śiva and told them “Let it be so.” 55. He ordered Maya —“O Maya, build three cities, one of gold, another of silver and a third one of steel.” 56. After ordering directly like this, Brahmā returned to his abode in heaven even as the sons of Tāraka were watching. 57-58. Then the intelligent Maya built the cities by means of his penance: the golden one for Tārakākṣa, the silver one for Kamalākṣa and the steel one for Vidyunmālī. The three fortlike excellent cities were in order in heaven, sky and on the earth. 59. After building the three cities ( tripura ) for the Asuras, Maya established them there desiring their welfare. 60. Entering the three cities ( tripura ) thus, the sons of Tāraka, of great strength and valour experienced all enjoyments. 61. They had many Kalpa trees there. Elephants and horses were in plenty. There were many palaces set with gems. 62. Aerial chariots shining like the solar sphere, set with Padmarāga stones, moving in all directions looking like moonshine illuminated the cities. 63-64. There were many palaces, divine minarets resembling the summits of the mount Kailāsa. Celestial damsels, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Cāraṇas were also there. There were temples of Rudra. In every house, people performed the rites of Agnihotra. There were excellent brahmins well-versed in sacred texts and devoted to Śiva always. 65-66. The cities were embellished with many trees in the well-laid out gardens and parks as if they had dropped from heaven. There were beautiful tanks, lakes, wells, rivers and huge ponds. They were very beautiful with plenty of fruit-bearing trees. 67. The cities were decorated with camps and tents of various sizes and chariots with beautiful horses. There were herds of elephants in rut too. 68. There were time-indicators, playgrounds and different halls for Vedic studies. 69. There were persons of various types—sinners, virtuous, pious, noble and those of good conduct too. 70. The place was sanctified everywhere by chaste ladies engaged in serving their husbands and averse to evil practices. 71. The cities contained heroic Asuras of great fortune accompanied by their wives, sons and brahmins well versed in the principles and practices of the Vedic and Smārta rites. They were strict adherents to their duties. 72. People had broad chests and bull-like shoulders. Some were of peaceful nature and some of warlike temperament. Some were calm and some furious. Some were hunchbacked, Some were dwarfish. 73. They were protected by Maya. Some had the blue-lily petals. Their hair was curly and dark in hue. Maya had instructed them in the arts of warfare. 74. The cities abounded in people engaged in terrific battles. There were many Asuras whose heroism was sanctified by the worship of Brahmā and Śiva. The Asuras resembled the sun, the Maruts and Mahendra. They were sturdy. 75. Whatever sacred rites are mentioned in Śāstras, Vedas and Purāṇas, as favourites of Śiva, as also the deities, favourites of Śiva, were found there. 76. Thus the Asuras, sons of Tāraka, after acquiring the boons, lived there subservient to Maya, a great devotee of Śiva. 77. Abandoning the other parts in the three worlds they entered the cities and ruled the kingdom following the principles of Śiva. 78. O sage, a long time elapsed even as they were engaged in meritorious activities and living happily ruling over the good kingdom. According to the present version, three Asuras Tāraka, Vidyunmāli and Kamalākṣa performed penances and obtained a boon from Brahmā to build three castles, the one of copper on earth, another of silver in the sky and the third of gold. Brahmā asked the Asura Maya to build these castles for the Asuras which were destroyed by Śiva later on. According to another Version, the Asura Bāṇa received in gift three cities from Śiva, Brahmā and Viṣṇu. The Chedis adopted the name Tripurī for their capital on the banks of the Narmadā. It is now traceable in the insignificant village Tewar, thirteen miles from Jabalpur. The legend of the three cities is as old as the Brāhmaṇa literature. It is said that the Asuras built the city of copper on the earth, of silver in the sky and of gold in the heavenly region: “devāśca vā asurāśca | ubhaye prājāpatyāḥ paspṛdhire | tato' surā eṣu lokeṣu puraścakrire ayasmayīmevāsmin loke rajatāmantarikṣe hariṇīṃ divi ” ŚB. 3.4.4.3

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O son of Brahmā, of great intellect, and most eloquent, please narrate. What happened after that? How did the gods become happy? 2. On hearing the words of Vyāsa of immeasurable intellect, Sanatkumāra spoke after remembering the lotus -like feet of Śiva. 3. Indra and other gods scorched by their brilliance and distressed consulted one another and sought refuge in Brahmā. 4. After bowing to and circumambulating Brahmā, they narrated their grievances to him after awaiting the proper opportunity. 5. O Brahmā, the heaven -dwellers have been subjected to great distress by Maya the virtual ruler of the three cities, accompanied by the sons of Tāraka. 6. Hence, O Brahmā, we are distressed and we seek refuge in you. Please plan out the way of their annihilation whereby we can be happy. 7. Requested thus by the gods, Brahmā, the creator of the worlds laughed and replied to them all who were utterly frightened of Maya. 8. O gods, I tell you, do not be afraid at all of those Asuras. Śiva will hit upon a good way of killing them. 9. The Asuras have flourished due to my favour. They do not deserve destruction at my hands. Their merit is bound to increase in the three cities again. 10. All of you gods including Indra pray to Śiva. If the lord of all is pleased, he will carry out your task. 11. On hearing the words of Brahmā, the distressed gods including Indra went to the place where the bull-bannered god Śiva was staying. 12. Devoutly bowing to Śiva, the lord of the gods, with palms joined in reverence, all of them bent their shoulders and eulogised Śiva, the benefactor of the worlds. 13. Obeisance to the gold -wombed lord, the creator of everything. Obeisance to Thee, the sustainer, the omnipresent and the omnipotent. 14. Obeisance to Thee of destroyer ’s form, the annihilator of living beings. Obeisance to Thee devoid of attributes, and of immeasurable splendour. 15. Obeisance to Thee devoid of states, possessed of splendour and free from aberrations; obeisance to Thee of the soul of Great Elements; obeisance to the unsullied, the great Ātman. 16. Obeisance to Thee, the lord of all beings, the sustainer of great burden, the remover of thirst, to Thee whose form is devoid of enmity, to Thee of excessive splendour. 17. Obeisance to Thee, the destroyer of the great forest in the form of great Asuras, like conflagration. Obeisance to the Trident-bearing lord who acts as the axe for the trees of Asuras. 18. O great lord, obeisance to Thee, the destroyer of great Asuras; obeisance to Thee the lord of Pārvatī, O wielder of all weapons. 19. O lord of Pārvatī, Obeisance to Thee, O great soul, O great lord. Obeisance to Thee, the blue -necked Rudra and of the form of Rudra. 20. Obeisance to Thee, knowable through Vedānta; Obeisance to Thee who art beyond the paths. Obeisance to Thee of the form of attributes, possessing attributes and also devoid of them. 21. O great god, obeisance to Thee the delighter of the three worlds. Obeisance to Pradyumna, Aniruddha and Vāsudeva (these being your manifestations ). Obeisance to Thee. 22. Obeisance to Thee, the lord Saṃkarṣaṇa. Obeisance to Thee the destroyer of Kaṃsa. Obeisance to Thee O Dāmodara, the pounder of Cāṇūra, 180 the partaker of poison. 23. Obeisance to Thee, O lord, Hṛṣīkeśa, Acyuta, Mṛḍa, Śaṅkara, Adhokṣaja, enemy of the Asuras, Gaja and Kāma. Obeisance to you, O partaker of poison. 24. Obeisance to Thee, O lord Nārāyaṇa, devoted to Nārāyaṇa, of the form of Nārāyaṇa, oh! one born of Nārāyaṇa’s body. 25. Obeisance to Thee of all forms, the destroyer of great hells, destroyer of sins. Obeisance to you, O bull-vehicled god. 26. Obeisance to Thee of the form of time, moment etc. Obeisance to Thee who bestows strength on his devotees; obeisance to the multiformed; obeisance to the annihilator of the hosts of Asuras. 27. Obeisance to the lord, conducive to the welfare of brahmins and cows. Obeisance to the thousand-formed, obeisance to Thee of thousand organs. 28. O Śiva, obeisance to Thee of the form of virtue, to the Sattva, to the Ātman of Sattva. Obeisance to thee whose form is knowable through the Vedas. Obeisance to thee, the beloved of the Vedas. 29. Obeisance to Thee whose form is the Veda, obeisance to the reciter of the Vedas. Obeisance to Thee who traversest the path of good conduct and who art approachable through the path of good conduct. 30. Obeisance to Thee the glory- seated; to the Truth - 180. Cāṇūra was a wrestler in Kaṃsa’s service. He was slain by Kṛṣṇa. ful, beloved of truth, to the truth. Obeisance to Thee know-able through the truth. 31. Obeisance to Thee possessed of magic - power, obeisance to the lord of magic; Obeisance to Thee (knowable through the Vedas), to Brahman, to the one born of Brahmā. 32. Obeisance to Thee, O lord, the penance, the bestower of the fruits of penance, obeisance to thee, worthy of eulogy, the eulogy, and to Thee whose mind is pleased with eulogy always. 33. Obeisance to Thee delighted with vedic conduct, to the one fond of praiseworthy conduct; to the one who has fourfold forms and the forms of aquatic and terrestrial beings. 34. O lord, the gods and all others, being excellent, are your excellences. Among the gods you are Indra; among the planets you are the sun. 35. Among the worlds you are Satyaloka. Among the rivers you are the celestial river Gaṅgā. Among the colours you are the white colour. Among the lakes you are the Mānasa lake. 36. Among the mountains you are the Himālaya mountain. Among the cows you are the Kāmadhenu, Among the oceans you are the milk ocean. Among the metals you are gold. 37. Among the four castes you are the brahmin. O Śiva, among men you are the king. Among holy centres of salvation you are Kāśī. Among the sacred rivers you are the supreme sacred river. 38. Among all stones, you are the crystal, O great god, among the flowers you are the lotus; among mountains you are Himavat. 39. Among all activities you are the speech; among poets you are Bhārgava. Among birds you are the eight-legged Śarabha. Among beasts of prey you are the lion. 40. O bull-bannered deity, among rocks you are Śālagrāma; among the forms of worship you are Narmadā Liṅga. 41. Among animals, you are the bull Nandīśvara, O lord Śiva. Among Vedic texts you are in the form of Upaniṣads; Among the sacrificers you are the cool-rayed moon. 42. Among the burning ones, you are the fire, among the devotees of Śiva, you are Viṣṇu, among Purāṇas you are Bharata; among the letters of the alphabet you are the letter Ma 2. 43. Among the Bījamantras you are the Praṇava; among the terrible ones you are poison; among the pervading ones you are the firmament; among the Ātmans you are the supreme Ātman. 44. Among the sense-organs you are the mind; among the charitable gifts you are the gift of freedom from fear; among the sanctifying and life - giving agents you are considered the waters. 45. Among all acquisitions you are the acquisition of sons; among those with velocity you are the wind; among the routine sacred rites you are the Sandhyā worship. 46. Among sacrifices you are the horse - sacrifice. Among the Yugas you are the Kṛta yuga; among the asterisms you are Puṣya; among the Tithis you are Amāvāsyā. 47. Among the seasons you are the spring; among holy occasions you are the Saṃkrama; among grasses you are the Kuśa grass; among gross trees you are the Banyan tree. 48. Among the Yogas you are the Vyatīpāta; among creepers you are the Soma creeper; among intellectual activities you are the virtuous inclination, among intimate ones you are the wife. 49. Among the pure activities of the aspirant, O great lord, you are Prāṇāyāma; among all Jyotirliṅgas you are Viśveśvara. 50. Among all kindred beings you are Dharma. In all stages of life you are Sannyāsa. You are the supreme Liberation in all Vargas. Among Rudras you are Nīlalohita. 51. Among all Ādityas you are Vāsudeva; among the monkeys you are Hanumat; among the sacrifices you are Japayajña; among the weapon -bearers you are Rāma: 52. Among the Gandharvas you are Citraratha; among the Vasus you are certainly the fire; among the months you are the intercalary month; among the holy rites you are the Caturdaśī rite. 53. Among all lordly elephants you are Airāvata 3; among all Siddhas you are Kapila; among all serpents you are Ananta, among all Pitṛs you are Aryaman. 54-55. You are Kāla (Time) among those who calculate; among Asuras you are Bali. O lord of gods, of what avail is a detailed narration? You preside over the entire universe and remain partially stationed within and partially without. 56-57. Eulogising thus the bull-bannered, the tridentbearing lord Śiva with various kinds of divine hymns, the gods replied thus relevant to the context. O sage, all of them including Indra and others were very much distressed. They were very shrewd in managing their selfish interests and so mentioned them to Śiva with stooping shoulders and palms joined in reverence. 58. O lord Śiva, the gods including Indra have been defeated by the Asura accompanied by his brothers. O lord, all the gods have been defeated by the sons of Tāraka. 59. The three worlds have been brought under their sway. The excellent sages and the Siddhas have been destroyed. The entire universe has been exterminated by them. 60. The terrible Asuras take the entire share of the sacrificial benefits to themselves. They have initiated evil activities. They have prevented the sages from performing their virtuous rites. 61. Definitely the sons of Tāraka cannot be killed by any living being. Hence, O Śiva, they perform everything as they please. 62. Let some policy be laid down for the protection of the universe lest the terrible Asuras, the denizens of the three cities, should destroy the world. 63. On hearing these words of Indra and other heaven-dwellers who were expatiating on their distress, Śiva spoke in return.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. A meritorious person is the presiding ruler of the Tripuras now. He who practises meritorious deeds should not be killed by sensible persons. 2. O gods, I know the misery of the gods completely. It is great. Those Asuras are very strong. They cannot be killed by the gods or demons. 3. The sons of Tāraka and Maya are equally meritorious. O sensible ones, they are invincible to all the citizens. 4. How can I knowingly commit malicious deeds to my friends though I am hardy and powerful in battles? Even Brahmā has said that there is a great sin attending on even casual malicious actions. 5. There are ways of atonement and amends for a brahmin slayer, a wine addict, a thief or a person who violates sacred rites. But there is no expiation for ungrateful men. 6. Those Asuras are my devotees. O Gods, how can they be slain by us? Let this aspect be thought over by you who know what is virtue. You must consider this virtuously. 7. They should not be slain as long as they continue their devotion to me. Yet, this reason may very well be intimated to Viṣṇu. 8. O sage, thus when they heard these words Indra and other gods immediately intimated this to Brahmā in the first instance. 9. Then, with Brahmā at their head, the gods including Indra quickly went to Vaikuṇṭha in all glory. 10. On going there and seeing Viṣṇu, the gods bowed to him in agitation, and with their palms joined in reverence they eulogised him with great devotion. 11. They intimated to Viṣṇu the powerful, the reasons for their misery, the earlier ones as well as the later. 12. On hearing the distress of the gods as well as the vows observed by the Tripuras, Viṣṇu spoke as follows. 13. This is true that where the eternal virtue reigns supreme, no misery raises its head like darkness when the sun is seen. 14. On hearing these words the gods became miserable and dejected. They spoke to Viṣṇu with their lotus-like faces depressed. 15. How are we to go about our activities. How can our misery be dispelled? How can we be happy? How are we to remain firm? 16. As long as the Tripuras are alive, how can we observe virtuous activities? All the residents of the three cities give troubles to us. 17. What else can we say to you? Either the annihilation of the Tripuras shall be made or the untimely destruction of the gods shall be proceeded with. 18. After saying this and lamenting frequently, the gods were in a fix and could neither stay nor leave the proximity of Viṣṇu. 19-21. On seeing them in that plight, distressed and humiliated, Viṣṇu thought within himself, “I am the benefactor of the gods. But what can I do in this affair? The sons of Tāraka are the devotees of Śiva.” After thinking like this, he thought upon the Supreme Viṣṇu, the lord of sacrifices, the primordial Puruṣa. 22. Immediately on being thought upon by Viṣṇu all the sacrifices came where Viṣṇu was stationed. 23. With palms joined in reverence they bowed to and eulogised Viṣṇu, the lord of sacrifices and the primordial Puruṣa. 24. The eternal lord Viṣṇu saw the eternal sacrifices and told them looking at the gods too including Indra. 25. In order to destroy the three cities and to bring about prosperity in the three worlds, O gods perform the worship of lord Śiva along with the lord of sacrifices. 26. On hearing the words of Viṣṇu, the intelligent lord of the gods and bowing to him lovingly, the gods eulogised the lord of sacrifices. 27. O sage, eulogising thus, the gods worshipped the Sacrificial Being in accordance with the rules governing the same with the complete rites. 28. Then from the sacrificial pit rose up thousands of Bhūtas of huge size and armed with tridents, spears, iron clubs and other weapons. 29-31. The gods saw thousands of Bhūtasaṅghas armed with tridents and spears and possessing various weapons such as staffs, bows, stones, etc. They had various missiles to strike with. They were in different guises. They resembled the destructive fire and Rudra. They were on a par with the destructive Sun. When they bowed to him and stood waiting in front, Viṣṇu saw them. The glorious lord of sacrifices who carried out the behests of Rudra, spoke to them. 32. Viṣṇu said—“O Bhūtas, listen to my statement. You are all very powerful and have risen up for fulfilling the task of the gods. All of you go immediately to the three cities. 33. Go there, strike at, break and burn the three cities of the Asuras. O Bhūtas, thereafter you can go away as you please for prosperity. 34. On hearing the words of the lord, the hosts of Bhūtas bowed to the lord of the gods and went to the three cities of the Asuras. 35. Immediately after their entry into the cities they were reduced to ashes like moths in the fire. 36. Those who escaped fled out of the cities and came grief-stricken to Viṣṇu. 37. On seeing them and hearing the incidents in detail, lord Viṣṇu pondered over this. 38. On realising that all the gods were distressed and dejected in the mind, he too was extremely grieved. 39. He became much worried at the thought “How can I destroy the three cities of the Asuras, with force and carry out the task of the gods?” 40. The lord who had authoritatively laid down the rules of conduct according to the Vedas, said “There is no doubt in this that the virtuous ones cannot be destroyed by black magic. 41. O good gods, these Asuras and the other residents of the three cities are virtuous. Hence they have become invincible. Not in any other manner. 42. After perpetrating great sins they worship Śiva and so they are freed of all sins even as the leaves of the lotus from water. 43. O gods, thanks to the worship of Śiva, their cherished desires are realised. Different means of enjoyment in the world are brought under their control. 44. Hence these Asuras who are devoted to the phallic worship enjoy different kinds of pleasures and prosperity and salvation hereafter. 45. Then putting obstacles in their activities of virtuous rites, by means of magic art I shall destroy the three cities of the Asuras quickly for accomplishing the task of the Asuras.” 46. After thinking thus, lord Viṣṇu set himself to the task of interfering with the sacred rites of the Asuras. 47. As long as the worship of Śiva is continued and as long as the pure activities are strictly adhered to, there is no question of their ruin at all. 48. Hence such means shall be followed as will make Vedic Dharma disappear thence. Undoubtedly the Asuras will foresake their worship of the phallic emblem of Siva. 49. Deciding thus, Viṣṇu started ridiculing the Vedas for putting up obstacles in the virtuous activities of the Asuras. 50. At the bidding of Śiva, Viṣṇu who was commanded to protect the three worlds, and who renders help to the gods spoke to them. 51. O gods, you go to your own abodes. Undoubtedly I shall carry on the task of the gods to the extent of my intellect. 52. Strenuously I shall make them averse to Śiva. Coming to know that they are devoid of devotion to him he will reduce them to ashes. 53. O sage, accepting his behest with bent head, the gods and Brahmā felt satisfied and with faith in their hearts returned to their abodes. 54. Thereafter Viṣṇu performed deeds conducive to the welfare of the gods. Listen to those excellent deeds destructive of all sins. Article published on 15 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. For causing obstacles in their virtuous activities, Viṣṇu of great brilliance, created a Puruṣa born of himself. 2. He had a shaven head, wore dirty clothes, held a woven wicker vessel in his hand and a roll of cotton in his hand which he shook at every step. 3. His hands tucking at the cloth were weak. His face was pale and weak. In a faltering voice he was muttering “ Dharma, Dharma.” 4. He bowed to Viṣṇu and stood in front of him. He spoke to Viṣṇu with hands joined in reverence. 5. “O laudable, revered one, please tell me what my names are and what my place shall be.” 6. On hearing these auspicious words, Lord Viṣṇu became delighted and spoke these words. 7. O intelligent one, born of me, you are certainly identical with me in form. Know why you have been created. I shall tell you. 8. You are born of me. You can perform my task. You are my own. Certainly you will be worthy of worship always. 9. Let your name be Arihat. You will have other auspicious names too. I shall assign to you a place afterwards. Now hear with reverence what is relevant to the context. 10-11. O you who wield Māyā, ceate a deceptive sacred text of sixteen hundred thousand verses, contrary to Śrutis and Smṛtis wherein Varṇas and Āśramas shall be eschewed. Let that holy text be in Apabhraṃśa lauguage. Let there be emphasis on actions. You shall strain yourself to extend it further. 12. I shall bestow on you the ability to create it. Different kinds of magic arts shall be subservient to you.” 13. On hearing the words of Viṣṇu, the great soul, the Māyā Puruṣa bowed to and replied to Viṣṇu. 14. O lord, command me quickly what I shall do. At your bidding, all activities shall be fruitful. 15. Saying this he recited the main tenet in the deceptive philosophy. “Heaven and hell are functioning here itself.” 16. Remembering the lotus-like feet of Śiva, Viṣṇu told him again. “These Asuras, the residents of the three cities, shall be deluded. 17. O intellegent one, they shall be initiated by you. They shall be taught strenuously. At my bidding you will incur no sin on that account. 18. O ascetic, no doubt, Vedic and Smārta rites flourish and shine there. But these shall certainly be exploded through this Vidyā. 19. O you with shaven head, you shall go there for destroying the residents of the three cities. Revealing the Tamasika rites, destroy the three cities. 20. After that, O great one, you shall go to the desert region and stay there carrying on your own duties and activities till the advent of the Kali age. 21. When the Kali age begins let your Dharma be revealed. You shall then continue to do so by means of disciples and disciples’ disciples. 22. At my bidding your cult shall certainly expand. Depending upon my permission and direction you will attain me as your goal.” 23. At the bidding of the lord Śiva transmitted through the thought process, Viṣṇu, the powerful, commanded him thus and vanished. 24. Then the ascetic of shaven head acting in accordance with Viṣṇu’s behest created four disciples of the like form as himself and taught them the deceptive cult. 25. The four disciples had shaven heads and were of auspicious features. They bowed to Viṣṇu, the great soul and stood waiting. 26. O sage, the delighted Viṣṇu too, who carries out the behests of Śiva spoke to those four disciples. 27. “Just as your preceptor you too will become blessed at my bidding. There is no doubt in this that you will attain good goal. 28. The four disciples with shaven heads followed the heretic cult. They had the wicker vessel in their hands. They covered their mouths with a piece of cloth. 29. They habitually wore dirty clothes. They did not talk much. Delightedly they used to speak “Dharma is the great gain, the true essence” and some similar words. 30. They held a besom broom made of pieces of cloths. They used to walk step by step very slowly because they were afraid of injuring living beings. 31. O sage, with great joy they bowed to the lord and stood in front of him. 32. They were grasped by the hand by Viṣṇu and formally entrusted to the preceptor. Their names too were announced by him particularly and lovingly. 33. “Just as you, these too also belong to me. The initial prefix to their names shall be the word “Pūjya” because they are worthy of respect. 34. Let the names Ṛṣi, Yati, Ācārya, and Upādhyāya also be well known appendages to you all. 35. My names shall also be assumed by you. The auspicious name “Arihat” shall be considered destructive of sins. 36. All activities conducive to the happiness of the worlds shall be performed by you. The goal of those who carry on activities favourable to the worlds shall become excellent.” 37. Then, bowing to Viṣṇu who carried out the wishes of Śiva, the deceptive sage went joyously to the three cities accompanied by his disciples. 38. Urged by Viṣṇu of great magic, that sage of great self-control entered the three cities and created illusion. 39. Stationing himself in a garden at the outskirts of the city, accompanied by his disciples he set his magic in motion. That was powerful enough to fascinate even the expert magicians. 40. O sage, his magic was ineffective in the three cities by virtue of Śiva’s worship. Then the heretic sage became distressed. 41. He mentally remembered and eulogised Viṣṇu many times, with an aching heart. He had been so dispirited and listless. 42. On being remembered by him Viṣṇu mentally thought of Śiva. Receiving his behest by the process of thought forms he remembered Nārada. 43. Immediately after, Nārada approached Viṣṇu. After bowing to him and eulogising him, he stood before Viṣṇu with palms joined in reverence. 44. Viṣṇu, the foremost among the intelligent and who always carried out the tasks of the gods and who was engaged in rendering help to the worlds spoke to Nārada then. 45. “O dear, this is being mentioned to you at the bidding of Śiva. Go to the three cities immediately. The sage has gone there already for deluding the residents of the cities.” 46. On hearing his words, Nārada, the excellent sage went there quickly where the ascetic expert in magic was stationed. 47. Nārada, an expert in magic, at the bidding of the lord, an expert in the art of illusion, entered the three cities along with the deceptive sage, and got himself initiated. 48. Then Nārada approached the lord of the three cities. After the preliminary enquiries about his health and welfare he spoke to the king. 49. A certain sage, very virtuous and excellent master of lores has arrived here. He possesses complete knowledge of the Vedic lore. 50. Many cults have been observed by me but none of them is like his. Seeing the eternal virtue in this cult we have got ourselves initiated into it. 51. O great king, O excellent Asuras, if you have any interest in that cult, you shall get yourself initiated into it. 52. On hearing his words full of significance, the lord of the Asuras was deluded and exclaimed with surprise in his heart. 53. “Since Nārada has been initiated we too shall be initiated.” Resolving thus, the Asura approached the sage. 54. On seeing his features, the Asura was deluded by his magic. After bowing to him be spoke thus. 55. O sage of pure mind, you shall perform my initiation. I shall become your disciple. True. It is undoubtedly true. 56. On hearing the frank words of the ruler of the Asuras the heretic sage, professing to be eternal, spoke emphatically. 57. O excellent Asura, if you are prepared to act according to my behests, I shall initiate you, otherwise not, even if you strive for a number of times. 58. On hearing these words the king was deluded by magic. With palms joined in reverence he immediately replied to the sage. 59. I shall carry out whatever command you are pleased to give. I will not transgress your orders. True. It is certainly true. 60. On hearing the words of the Tripura -ruler, the excellent sage removed the cloth from his mouth and said. 61. “O lord of Asuras, take initiation in this most excellent of all cults. By this initiation you will become contented.” 62. Saying thus, the deceptive sage immediately performed the initiation of the ruler of the Asuras, in accordance with his cult observing all rules. 63. O sage, when the ruler of the Asuras was initiated along with his brothers, the residents of the three cities too got themselves initiated. 64. O sage, the entire Tripuras were filled with the line of disciples of the sage, an expert in great art of illusion.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. When the ruler of the Asuras was initiated after being deluded by the deceptive sage expert in the magic art what did the sage say? What did the ruler of the Asuras do? 2. After offering him initiation, the ascetic Arihan served by his disciples, Nārada and others, spoke to the ruler of the Asuras. 3. O ruler of the Asuras, listen to my statement, pregnant with wisdom. It is the essence of the Vedānta and bears high esoteric importance. 4. The entire universe is eternal. It has no creator nor it is an object of creation. It evolves itself and gets annihilated by itself. 5. There are many bodies from Brahmā down to a blade of grass. They themselves are the gods for them. There is no other God. 6. What we mean by Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Rudra are only the names of embodied beings just like my name Arihan etc. 7. Just as our bodies perish when their time arrives, so also the bodies of all beings from Brahmā to a mosquito perish when their time arrives. 8. When we consider, none of these bodies is superior to any other since in respect of taking food, copulation, sleep and fear these are invariably the same everywhere. 9. Taking in water and foodstuffs to the required quantity, all living beings derive a kindred satisfaction, neither more nor less. 10. After drinking water we are gladly relieved of thirst. Others too are equally relieved. There is no deviation this way or that. 11. There may be a thousand damsels of exquisite beauty and comely features. But only one of them can be used at a time for the sexual intercourse. 12. Let there be hundreds of horses, of different varieties. But for the purpose of riding only one can be used on one occasion. 13. The pleasure that one derives in that sleep on a cushioned couch is the same that one derives by sleeping on the bare ground. 14. Just as we, the embodied beings, are afraid of death so also the bodies from Brahmā to the worm are afraid of death. 15. If we analyse with a keen intellect, all the embodied being are equal. After coming to this conclusion it does not behove anyone to injure anyone else. 16. There is no other virtue equal to the mercy shown to living beings. Hence all men shall strenuously practise acts of mercy to living beings. 17. If a single living being is protected it amounts to the protection of the three worlds. If that is killed it amounts to the killing of all others. Hence it is our duty to protect and abstain from killing others. 18. Non-violence is the greatest virtue. Affliction of others is a great sin. Salvation is defined as non-dependence on others. Eating the food of our choice is heavenly bliss. 19. This has been mentioned by the earlier sages with good justification to be sure. Hence no violence should be indulged in by men who are afraid of hell. 20. There is no sin equal to violence in the three worlds, consisting of the mobile and immobile. A person who afflicts others violently goes to hell. A non- violent man goes to heaven. 21. There are many kinds of charitable gifts. Of what avail are these which give very insignificant results. There is no other gift equal to that of protection. 22. Four types of gifts have been mentioned by the great sages for the welfare of the people here and hereafter as a result of discussions and deliberations of various sacred texts. 23. Protection shall be granted to the frightened, medicine to the sick, learning to the student and food to the hungry. 24. All sorts of charitable gifts recommended by the sages do not merit even a sixteenth part of the gift of protection to a living being. 25. The strength that one derives by the use of gems mantras, and herbs is of inconceivable influence. But it is practised strenuously only for earning money. 26. The hoarding and amassing of vast wealth is useful only for the propitiation of twelve organs of senses. Of what avail is the propitiation of other things? 2 7. The twelve organs of senses are the five organs of activity and the five organs of knowledge together with the mind and intellect. 28. Living beings have heaven and hell here itself and not anywhere else. Happiness is heaven and misery is hell. 29. If the body is cast off in the midst of enjoyment that is the greatest liberation conceived by the philosophers. 30. When pain comes to an end along with its impressions, If ignorance too dies away, it is conceived as the greatest salvation by the philosophers. 31. Supporters and exponents of the Vedas accept this as an authoritative Vedic text that no living being shall be injured. Violence is not justifiable. 32. The Vedic text encouraging slaughter of animals cannot be held authoritative by the learned. To say that violence is allowed in Agniṣṭoma is an erroneous view of the wicked. 33. It is surprising that heaven is sought by cutting off trees, slaughtering animals, making a muddy mess with blood and by burning gingelly seeds and ghee. 34. Narrating his opinions to the leader of the Tripuras, the ascetic addressed the citizens with great zeal. 35. He referred to things which gave credence, being visible, which brought happiness to the body, which are indicated in Buddhistic theology and which are consistent with the Vedic passages. 36. It is said in the Vedas that Bliss is an aspect of the Brahman. That shall be taken as it is. It is false to bring in various alternatives. 37. One shall seek and enjoy happiness as long as the body is hale and hearty, as long as the sense-organs are not impaired and as long as the old age is far off. 38. When there is sickness, impairment of the sense-organs and old age how can one derive happiness? Hence those who seek happiness shall be prepared to give away even the body. 39. The Earth is burdened by those who are not ready to please and satisfy the suppliant. It is not burdened by oceans, mountains and trees. 40. The body is ready to go in a trice, and hoarded things are attended with the risk of dwindling down. Realising this a sensible man shall see to the pleasure of his body. 41. It is mentioned in the Vedas that this body is going to constitute the breakfast for dogs, crows and worms. The body has its ultimate end in being reduced to ashes. 42. It is unnecessary to divide the people into different castes. When all are men who is superior and who is inferior? 43. Old men say that creation began with Brahmā. He begot two sons the famous Dakṣa and Marīci. 44. Kaśyapa, the son of Marīci married thirteen of the sweet-eyed daughters of Dakṣa, they say, in accordance with righteous path. 45. But people of modern times whose intelligence and valour are but a modicum unnecessarily wrangle over the fact whether this is proper or improper. 46. Some of the ancestors thought that the four castes are born of mouth, arms, thighs etc. of Brahmā. But when we consider, this does not fit in properly. 47. How can sons born of the same body or from the same body be of four different castes? 48. Hence the divisions of castes and outcastes do not appear to be sound. Hence no difference between man and man should be entertained. 49. O sage, addressing the lord of the Asuras and the citizens thus, the sage with his disciples spoiled the Vedic rites in a determined manner. 50. He then criticised the womanly virtues of chastity and manly virtues of continence etc. 51. Similarly he attacked and repudiated the divine rites, Śrāddhika rites, sacrificial rites and holy observances and festivals, pilgrimages and anniversaries. 52. Worship of Śiva, propitiation of his phallic form, adoration of Viṣṇu, Sun, Gaṇeśa and other deities in accordance with the sacred texts were repudiated by him. 53. The heretic sage, an expert in wielding magic art, foremost among the deceptive, criticised the ceremonial ablutions and charitable gifts that are made on auspicious occasions. 54. O foremost among brahmins, why shall I dilate upon this topic? Suffice it to say that in the three cities every type of Vedic rites was completely stopped by that deceptive heretic sage. 55. The women of the three cities who were hitherto devotedly attached to their husbands were deluded and misguided and they abandoned their noble inclinations to serve their husbands. 56. The fascinated men practised rites of seduction and winning over and made their artifices fruitful in gaining other men’s wives. 57. The attendant maids in the haremss, the princes, the citizens and the ladies were perfectly enchanted by him. 58. Thus when the citizens became averse to virtuous rites and actions, evil reigned supreme. 59. At the bidding of lord Viṣṇu, his magic art and evil fortune visited the three cities. 60. The glory that they had acquired by the boon of Brahmā, the lord of the gods, went out forsaking them, at the behest of Brahmā. 61. Blessing them with the utter delusion of their intellect, perpetrated by the illusion of Viṣṇu, Nārada became contented. 62. Though Nārada and the heretic sage had been in that guise for long, they were not defiled, thanks to the benediction of lord Śiva. 63. As Śiva willed, O sage, the capacity of the ruler of the Asuras became stunted and thwarted as also of his brothers and Maya.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. When the ruler of the Asuras, his brothers and the citizens were thus deluded, O lord Sanatkumāra, what happened? Please mention everything. 2-3. When the Asuras had become so, when they had abandoned the worship of Śiva, when the virtuous rites of chaste women came to an end and evil conduct came to stay, Viṣṇu was apparently contented. Accompanied by the gods, Viṣṇu went to Kailāsa in order to intimate their activities to Śiva. 4-5. Viṣṇu, the gods, Brahmā and others stood near him and with great concentration they meditated on him. Viṣṇu and Brahmā eulogised the omniscient Śiva with pleasing words. 6. “Obeisance to you, great lord, the great soul, Nārāyaṇa, Rudra and Brahmā, obeisance to you in the form of Brahman.” 7. After eulogising lord Śiva thus and prostrating at length, he repeated the mantra of Dakṣināmūrti Rudra. 8-9. He repeated the mantra fifteen million times standing in water and concentrating his mind on him. Lord Viṣṇu meditated on the great lord Śiva. In the meantime, the gods too eulogised him with devotion. 10. Obeisance to you, the soul of all, obeisance to Śiva the remover of distress, obeisance to the blue -necked Rudra, obeisance to the knowledge -formed Śiva of great mind. 11. You are our ultimate goal for ever. You are the remover of all adversities. O destroyer of the enemies of the gods, you alone are to be respected by us always. 12. You are the beginning. You are the primordial being. You are self-bliss. You are the everlasting lord. You are the lord of the universe, the direct creator of Prakṛti and Puruṣa. 13. You alone are the creator, sustainer and the annihilator of the worlds. Assuming the Guṇas of Rajas, Sattva, and Tamas you are Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva. 14. In this universe, you enable people to cross the ocean of Existence. You are the undecaying lord of all. You are the granter of boons. You are the subject and not the object of speech and contents. 15. You shall be requested for salvation by the Yogins, the formost among those who know the theory of Yoga. You are stationed inside the lotus like heart of the Yogins. 16. The Vedas and the saintly men speak of you as the supreme Brahman. You are a heaped mass of splendour and greater than the greatest. They call you the great principle. 17. What they call the great soul in the universe, O lord, are you yourself, O Śiva soul of all, ruler of the three worlds. 18. Whatever is seen, heard or eulogised, whatever is being realised, O preceptor of the universe, are you alone. They call you minuter than the atom and greater than the greatest. 19. I bow to you everywhere, you who have hands, legs, eyes, heads, mouths, ears and noses everywhere. 20. I bow to you everywhere, you who are omniscient who pervade everything, you who are unveiled as the lord of al, you who are omniformed and odd-eyed. 21. I bow to you everywhere who are the lord of all, who preside over the worlds, who are the excellent Satya and Śiva and who have the refulgence of innumerable suns. 22. I bow to you everywhere, you the lord of the universe devoid of beginning and end, the lord of the twenty six Tattvas and the activiser of everything. 23. I bow to you everywhere you the activiser of the Prakṛti, the great grandfather of everyone, the lord, the body of everyone. 24. The Śrutis and those who know the essence of Śrutis speak of you thus. You are the abode of all, the selfborn and the knower of the essence of Śrutis. 25. The various living beings created by you and to be created in future are invisible to us. The gods, the Asuras, the brahmins, nay, the mobile and immobile beings eulogise you alone. 26. O Śiva, dear to the gods, save us, the gods who have no other go, by killing all the Asuras instantaneously. We are practically destroyed by the Tripuras. 27. O lord Śiva, they are now deluded by your magic. O lord, they have gone astray from the virtuous path through the expedient taught by Viṣṇu. 28. O lord, favourably disposed towards your devotees, those Asuras have resorted to Buddha ’s religion and philosophy, thanks to our good fortune and hence they have eschewed all Vedic sacred rites. 29. You have always been the only one carrying out the task of the gods and the bestower of refuge. We have sought refuge in you. Please do as you desire. 30. After eulogising lord Śiva thus, the distressed gods stood in front of him with palms joined in reverence and kneeling low. 31. Eulogised thus by Indra and others and by the repetition of Japas by Viṣṇu, the delighted lord came there seated on his bull. 32. Getting down from Nandīśa and embracing Viṣṇu, lord Śiva delighted in his mind cast his benign look on all with his hand resting on Nandin. 33. Casting a sympathetic glance on the gods, the delighted Śiva, lord of Pārvatī, spoke to Viṣṇu in a majestic tone. 34. “O lord of gods, all the intentions of the gods have been understood by me now. The power of Viṣṇu’s magic and that of the intelligent Nārada has been known. 35. O most excellent of the gods, there is no doubt in this that I will destroy the three cities of the Asuras if they persist in indulging in evil activities. 36. But the great Asuras are my firm devotees. They shall be killed only by me, for they have been forced to abandon their excellent virtue under false persuasion. 37. Let Viṣṇu or any one else slay them now that they have been made to abandon their Dharma. The Asuras of the three cities have become devoid of devotion to me.” 38. O great sage, on hearing these words of Śiva, all the heaven -dwellers and Viṣṇu became dispirited. 39. On seeing the gods and Viṣṇu sitting cheerless, Brahmā, the creator of the worlds spoke to Śiva with palms joined in reverence. 40. There is no sin in this, since you are the foremost among those who know the Yogic theory; you are the great lord, the great Brahman and the saviour of gods and sages always. 41. It is at your own bidding that they have been deluded. You induced them to be deluded. Although the Asuras have forsaken their duties and your worship, they cannot be killed by others. 42. Hence, O great lord, the saviour of the lives of the gods and the sages, the Mlecchas shall be killed by you for the protection of the good. 43. As it is the duty of a king, you will not be sinning by their destruction. Hence, the good people, brahmins etc shall be saved and the thorns uprooted. 44. Even an ordinary king would do so if he cares to maintain his sway. You have the suzerainty of all the worlds. Hence, tarry not to protect us. 45. Great sages, Indra, sacrifices, Vedas, all the Śāstras, Viṣṇu and even I—all these depend on you, O lord of gods. 46. O lord, you are the emperor of all deities, the lord of all. Viṣṇu and the entire universe constitute your retinue. 47. Viṣṇu is your heir-apparent, O unborn one, I, Brahmā, am your priest and Śukra who carries out your behests is the Royal officer. 48. The other gods too, O lord, are subjects to your control. They continue to perform their own duties. True. It is undoubtedly true. 49. On hearing the words of Brahmā, Śiva, the delighted lord of the gods replied to Brahma. 50. O Brahmā, if I am to be proclaimed the emperor of the gods, I do not have the paraphernalia characteristic of my lordship. 51. I do not have a divine chariot and a divine charioteer. I do not possess bows and arrows which accord victory in a battle. 52. If there had been a chariot I could have sat in it and with bow and arrows I could have killed even powerful Asuras, with a resolute determination. 53. On hearing these words of the lord, the gods including Brahmā, Indra and Viṣṇu were delighted. After bowing to him they spoke to lord Śiva. 54. O lord of the gods, O great god, we shall constitute those paraphernalia—chariot etc. O lord, we are ready for the battle. 55. After saying so jointly after realising Śiva’s wish they, the delighted gods, severally told him so, with palms joined in reverence.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On hearing the words of the gods and others, Śiva accepted the proposal. The lord is worthy of being sought refuge and is also favourably disposed to his devotees. 2. O sage, in the meantime the goddess Pārvatī arrived there with the two sons where Śiva was in conversation with the gods. 3. On seeing Pārvatī come there, Viṣṇu and others were surprised but without agitation they bowed to her in great humility. 4. O sage, they shouted cries of “Victory”. But unable to know the cause of her arrival, they remained silent. 5. On being eulogised by the gods, the goddess Pārvatī full of wonderful enthusiasm spoke lovingly to her lord, an expert in different kinds of sports. 6. “O lord, see the sportive six-faced Kārttikeya, refulgent like the sun our excellent son embellished by excellent ornaments.” 7. Thus addressed by the mother of the worlds with pleasing words, Lord Śiva was never satiated in drinking nectar of the beauty of Skanda ’s face. 8. He recollected the Asuras who had come (to fight and) pounded by his splendrous valour. Embracing and kissing Skanda on the head lord Śiva rejoiced much. 9. Then the mother of the universe stayed there for a while and held conversation with the lord. Afterwards the goddess, an expert in different kinds of sports stood up. 10. Then Śiva of good sports entered his apartment accompanied by Nandin and Pārvatī. He was then saluted by all the gods. 11. O sage, all the gods dispirited and worried stood on either side of the doorway of mansion of Śiva, the intelligent lord of the gods. 12. They began to mutter “What shall we do? Where shall we go? Who will make us happy? Everything has happened with a “but.” We are doomed.” 13. Indra and others looked at one another’s face. They were much agitated. They spoke in faltering words. They cursed their fate. 14. Some gods said “We are sinners.” Others said “We are unfortunate.” Still others said “The great Asuras are very fortunate.” 15. In the meantime on hearing their multifarious voices, Kumbhodara of excessive refulgence beat the gods with a baton. 16. The terrified gods shouting “Hā Hā” fled from there. The sages faltered and fell on the ground. There was excitement and great confusion. 17. Unnerved and languid, Indra crawled on his knees. The celestial sages dropped to the ground. 18. The excessively agitated sages and gods gathered together and approached Brahmā and Viṣṇu of friendly tamperament. 19. The sages Kaśyapa and others said to Viṣṇu who removes the fear of all the worlds “O this is due to our ill luck.” 20. The other brahmins said—“Our task is not completed due to our ill luck.” Still others who were greatly surprised said—“How did this obstacle happen?” 21. O sage, on hearing these words of Kaśyapa and others, Viṣṇu consoled the sages and the gods and spoke thus. 22. O gods, O sages, you listen to my words with attention. Why are you distressed? Eschew your sorrows. 23. O gods ponder over this. This propitiation of the great is not an easy task. It is heard that there is great difficulty at first in propitiating the great. The lord will certainly be pleased after coming to know of your resolute nature. 24. Let this be pondered over well by all of you, how can lord Śiva, the presiding deity of the Gaṇas be made favourable immediately. 25-26. O scholars, the following mantra shall be repeated—Utter the syllable Oṃkāra first, then repeat the word Namaḥ (obeisance). Then say Śivāya (to Śiva). Then repeat “Śubham” twice and “ Kuru ” twice. Afterwards say “Śivāya Namaḥ Om.” 27. If you repeat this mantra a crore times thinking of Śiva, Śiva will carry out the task. 28. O sage, when this was mentioned by Viṣṇu the powerful, the gods began to propitiate Śiva. 29. For the fulfilment of the task of the gods and the sages, Viṣṇu and Brahmā, with minds fixed in Śiva performed the Japa. 30. O excellent sage, they stood there steady and repeated the mantra a crore times uttering the name “Śiva” several times. 31. In the meantime Śiva came into direct view assuming his real form and spoke. 32. O Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, O gods and O sages of auspicious rites, I am delighted by your Japa. Speak out the desired boon. 33. O Śiva, lord of the gods, lord of the universe, if you are pleased, realising that the gods are unnerved, let the Tripuras be destroyed. 34. O lord Śiva, O merciful one, O kinsman of the distressed, save us. We, gods, have always been saved from adversities by you alone. 35. O brahmin, on hearing these words uttered by them including Viṣṇu and Brahmā, lord Śiva laughed to himself and spoke again. 36. Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, O gods, O sages all of you listen to my words with attention considering that the three cities have been already destroyed. 37. Hence make arrangements for the chariot, charioteer, divine bow and excellent arrows as agreed to by you all. Do not delay. 38. O Brahmā, O Viṣṇu, you are the lord of the three worlds, to be sure. Hence provide me with the paraphernalia of an emperor. 39. You too had been entrusted with the tasks of creation and sustenance. You shall make all efforts, considering the destruction of the three cities an act of help to the gods. 40. This mantra is highly meritorious and auspicious. It generates the pleasure of the gods. It yields both worlds by enjoyment and salvation, confers cherished desires and brings about the happiness of the devotees of Śiva. 41. It is conducive to blessedness, fame, longevity to those who seek heaven. Those who are free from desires derive the benefit of salvation. 42. The man who repeats this mantra in purity, hears or narrates this to anyone, shall attain all desires. 43. On hearing these words of Śiva, the great Ātman, the gods derived more pleasure than Viṣṇu and Brahmā. 44. At his bidding, Viśvakarman made a splendid chariot of good features, consisting of all the gods, for the welfare of the people.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Sanatkumāra, of good intellect, O omniscient one, O foremost among the devotees of Śiva, this wonderful story of lord Śiva has been narrated to us. 2. Now please mention the structure of the chariot which consisted of all the gods and which had been made by the intelligent Viśvakarman. 3. On hearing these words of Vyāsa, Sanatkumāra the great sage remembered the lotus-like feet of Śiva and spoke thus. 4. O sage Vyāsa, of great intellect, listen to the description of the structure of the chariot etc which I shall give to the extent of my intellect after remembering the lotus-like feet of Śiva. 5. The divine chariot of lord Śiva consisting of all the worlds was built by Viśvakarman with devoted effort. 6. It was appreciated by all. It was golden in colour and all the elements had gone into its making. The right wheel was the sun and the left wheel was the moon. 7-8. The right wheel had twelve spokes. O great brahmin, the twelve Ādityas presided over them. The left wheel had sixteen spokes. O you of excellent rites, the sixteen spokes of the left side wheel consisted of the sixteen digits of the moon. All the asterism? embellished the left side. 9. The six seasons constituted the rims of the wheels of the chariot, O great Brahmin. The Puṣkara of the chariot was the sky. The inner side of the chariot was Mandara. 10. The rising and the setting mountains constituted the poleshafts. Mahāmeru was the support and the Keśara mountains the sharp sides. 11. The year constituted its velocity. The two Ayanas northern and southern constituted the junctions of the wheels and axles. The Muhūrtas constituted the joints and the Kalās the pins of the yoke. 12. The division of time Kāṣṭhā constituted the nose of the chariot and the Kṣaṇas the axle-shaft. The Nimeṣas constituted the bottom of the carriage and the minutest divisions of time constituted the poles. 13. The firmament constituted the fender of the chariot; Heaven and salvation the flag staffs; Abhṛamu ( Abhramu ?) and Kāmadhenu constituted its harrows at the end of the shafts. 14. The unmanifest principle formed their shaft and cosmic intellect the chariot’s reeds. The cosmic Ego cosmic corners and elements its strength. 15. O excellent sage, the cosmic sense-organs constituted the embellishments of this chariot on all sides. Faith was its movements. 16. The six Vedāṅgas were its ornaments. O great ones of good rites, the Purāṇas, Nyāya, Mīmāṃsā and Dharma Śāstras constituted the side trinkets. 17. The forceful and excellent mantras with their syllables and feet, of all characteristic features and the stages in life constituted the tinkling bells. 18. Ananta embellished with thousand hoods constituted its fittings. and the main and subsidiary quarters, the pedestals of the chariot. 19. The clouds Puṣkara and others constituted the gem-studded banners of glowing colours. The four oceans are remembered as the bullocks of the chariot. 20. Gaṅgā and other rivers shining in excellent female forms and decorated in all ornaments held the Cāmaras in their hands. 21. Taking up their places in the different parts of the chariot, they brightened it up. The seven courses of the wind Āvaha etc. constituted the excellent steps of gold leading the chariot. 22. The Lokāloka mountain formed its side steps. The lake mānasa etc. constituted its brilliant outer and oblique steps. 23. The Varṣa mountains constituted the cords and chains all round the chariot. All the residents of the region Tala constituted the bottem surface of the chariot. 24. Lord Brahmā was the charioteer, the gods were holders of the bridle. Praṇava the Vedic divinity constituted the long whip of Brahma. 25. The syllable A constituted the great umbrella, Mandara the side staff. The lord of mountains became his bow and the lord of serpents the bowstring. 26. Goddess Sarasvatī in the form of the Vedas constituted the bells of the bow. The brilliant Viṣṇu became the arrow and Agni the spear-head. 27. O sage, the four Vedas are said to be his horses. The remaining planets became their embellishments. 28. His army came up from water. The winds were his feathers, wings etc. Vyāsa and other sages were the drivers of the vehicle. 29. O great sage, why should I dilate. I shall succinctly say. Everything in the world found a place in the chariot. 30. At the bidding of Brahmā and Viṣṇu the chariot and its adjuncts were created bythe intelligent Viśvakarman.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Brahmā handed over that divine chariot of various wonderful features to Śiva after yoking the Vedas as the horses. 2. After dedicating the same to Śiva, he requested Śiva the lord of the gods, approved by Viṣṇu and other gods to mount the chariot. 3. The great lord Śiva identifying himself with all the gods got into that chariot that had various scaffoldings attached to it. 4. He was then eulogised by the gods, Gandharvas, serpents, sages, Viṣṇu, Brahmā and the guardians of the quarters. 5-6. Śiva, the granter of boons, surrounded by the groups of damsels, experts in music, shone well. Glancing at the charioteer when he mounted the chariot concocted with everything in the world, the horses constituted by the Vedas fell headlong to the ground. 7. The earth quaked. The mountains became tremulous. Śeṣa, unable to bear his weight, became distressed and soon began to tremble. 8. Lord Viṣṇu assumed the form of a lordly bull and went under the chariot. He lifted it up and steadied it for a short while. 9. But in another instant, unable to bear the weighty splendour of lord Śiva seated in the chariot, the lordly bull had to kneel down and crawl on the ground. 10-12. But the lord touched the bridle and steadied the horses. Then Brahmā seated in the excellent chariot drove the excellent chariot with the velocity of mind and wind, at the bidding of the lord towards the three cities of the valiant Asuras. The cities were then in the sky. Lord Śiva was seated inside. 13. Then lord Śiva looked at the gods and said—“Give me the lordship of the animals. Then I shall kill the Asuras. 14. O excellent gods, the excellent Asuras can be killed only after assigning separate animalhood to the gods and others. Not otherwise.” 15. On hearing these words of the intelligent lord of the gods, they became dispirited growing suspicious of animalhood. 16. On knowing what was passing through their minds, Śiva, the lord of the gods, the consort of Pārvatī sympathised with the gods and laughingly said. 17. “O excellent gods, you will not fall even in your animalhood. Let it be heard, and let the process of release from animalhood be practised. 18. He who performs the divine rite of Pāśupata will be released from animalhood. I promise this to you. Be attentive. 19. O excellent gods, there is no doubt about it that those who perform my Pāśupata rite will become liberated. 20. He who renders service perpetually or for twelve years, becomes relieved of animalhood. 21. Hence O excellent gods, perform this divine rite. You will be released from animalhood. There is no doubt about this.” 22. On hearing these words of lord Śiva, the great soul, Viṣṇu, Brahmā and other gods said. “So be it.” 23. Hence all the gods and Asuras became the animals of the lord. Śiva became the lord of animals. He is the person who unties the nooses of the animals. 24. Then the name Paśupati, that bestows welfare, spread in all the worlds and became renowned. 25. Then the celestial sage, Indra, Brahmā, Viṣṇu and others rejoiced shouting “Victory.” 26. Even in hundreds of years it is impossible to describe adequately the form of the great soul which he assumed then. 27. Śiva the lord of Pārvatī and everyone, the bestower of happiness to all, went ahead to destroy the three cities. 28. Then all the gods, resplendent like the sun, under the lord of the gods and others went on elephants, horses, lions, bulls and chariots to kill Tripuras, leaders of the Asuras. 29. The leading gods as huge as mountains went ahead delighted and well-armed with all sorts of missiles, plough-shares, mortars, iron clubs and uprooted trees as huge as mountains. 30. Then Indra, Brahmā, Viṣṇu and others went ahead of lord Śiva jubilantly shouting cries of victory to Śiva, well-armed with various weapons and shining brilliantly. 31. Sages with matted hair and staffs in the hands rejoiced. Siddhas and Cāraṇas moving about in the sky showered flowers. 32. O great brahmins, all the Gaṇeśvaras went to the three cities. Who can enumerate them fully? I shall mention a few. 33. Bhṛṅgin, the chief of all Gaṇeśas, surrounded by lord of Gaṇas and gods went speedily to destroy the three cities like Mahendra seated in an aerial chariot. 34-39. These were the important ones who were there— Keśa, Vigatavāsa, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallīsavarṇa, Somapa, Sanaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavarcas, Sūryapreṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināman, Sura, Sundara, Praskanda, Kundara, Caṇḍa, Kampana, Atikampana, Indra, Indrajava, Yantṛ, Himakara, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Satijahru, Śatāsya, Raṅka, Karpūrapūtana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Ahaṃkārakāraka, Ajavaktra, Aṣṭavaktra, Hayakāraka and Ardhavaktraka. These and other innumerable lords of Gaṇas who cannot be characterised and classified surrounded Śiva and went ahead. 40. They were capable of burning the entire world including the mobile and immobile beings, within a trice by their very thought. Surrounding Śiva, the great lord, they went ahead. 41. Śiva is capable of burning the entire world. Of what avail are the Gaṇas, gods, chariot, and arrows to Śiva in order to burn the three cities? 42. O Vyāsa, that trident-bearing lord, of wonderful power of causing enjoyment and protection, himself went there with his own Gaṇas and the gods to burn the three cities of the enemies of gods. 43. What the reason was, I shall tell you, O excellent sage. It was to make his glory known to all the worlds, the glory that dispels all sins and dirt. 44. Another reason was to convince the wicked, since there is none to excel him among the gods.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then Śiva, the great lord, seated in the chariot and equipped with everything, got ready to burn the three cities completely, the cities of the enemies of the gods. 2-3. The lord stood in the wonderful posture of Pratyālīḍha for a hundred thousand years. The bow was well strung and kept near the head. The arrow was fixed. The fingers clenched at the bow firmly. The eyes were fixed. 4. Gaṇeśa was stationed on the thumb. During this time the three cities did not come within the target path of the trident-bearing lord. 5. Then from the firmament, the odd-eyed Śiva who was standing there holding the bow and the arrow heard an auspicious voice. 6. “O lord of the master of the universe, you will not kill the Tripuras as long as the lord Gaṇeśa is not adored”. 7. On hearing these words, Śiva the destroyer of Andhaka called Bhadrakālī and worshipped the elephant-faced god Gaṇeśa. 8-9. When Gaṇeśa was worshipped, when he standing ahead was pleased, lord Śiva saw the three cities of the powerful Asuras, sons of Tāraka, joined together. 10. It is said that when the great lord Śiva, the lord of the Gods, the supreme Brahman, worshipped by all is there, it is not proper -to say that he achieved success by another God’s grace. 11. He is independent, the great Brahman, both possessed and devoid of attributes. He is invisible, the supreme soul and unsullied. 12. He is the soul of five divinities. He is worshipped by the five deities. He is the great lord. There is none else worthy of worship. He is the ultimate abode of all. 13. Or, O sage, the activities of Śiva, the lord of the Gods, the granter of boons are but proper inasmuch as they constitute his divine sports. 14. When the great God stood up after woeshipping Śiva, the three cities joined together into one unit. 15. O sage, when the three cities came to a unified whole, a tumultuous shout of joy rose up among the noble Gods and others. 16. Then all the Gods, Siddhas and the sages shouted out “Victory” and eulogised Śiva who has eight cosmic bodies. 17-18. Then Brahmā and Viṣṇu, the lord of the worlds said—“The time for killing the Asuras has arrived, O great God. The three cities of the sons of Tāraka have come into one unified whole. O lord, please perform the task of the Gods. 19. O lord of the gods please discharge the arrow and reduce the three cities to ashes lest they should be separated again.” 20. Then stringing the bow tight and fixing the arrow Pāśupata worthy of worship, he thought of the Tripuras. 21. Then lord Śiva, an expert in excellent divine sports for some reason looked at it with contempt. 22. Śiva is capable of reducing the three cities to ashes in a trice, Still lord Śiva, the goal of the good bides his time. 23. The lord of gods is capable of burning the three worlds by a single glance. O lord, for the flourish of our fame you shall discharge the arrow. 24. On being eulogised by Viṣṇu, Brahmā and other gods, lord Śiva desired to reduce the three cities to ashes with his arrow. 25-26. In the auspicious moment called Abhilāṣa he drew the bow and made a wonderful and unbearable twanging sound. He addressed the great Asuras and proclaimed his own name. Śiva discharged an arrow that had the refulgence of countless suns. 27. The arrow which was constituted by Viṣṇu and whose steel head was fire god blazed forth and burnt the three Asuras who lived in the three cities. It thereby removed their sins. 28. The three cities reduced to ashes fell on the earth girt by the four oceans. 29. Since they had refrained from the worship of Śiva, hundreds of Asuras were burnt by the fire generated by the arrow. They cried “Hā Hā” in distress. 30. Tārakākṣa was burnt along with his two brothers. He remembered his lord Śiva who is favourably disposed to his devotees. 31. Lamenting in diverse ways and looking up to lord Śiva, he mentally appealed to him. 32. “O Śiva, you are known to be pleased with us, if at any future hour you burn us, you will do so along with our kinsfolk. Let it be in accordance with this truth. 33. What is difficult and inaccessible to the gods and Asuras has been secured by us. Let our intellect be purified by our thoughts on you in every birth.” 34. O sage, at the bidding of Śiva, those Asuras were burnt and reduced to ashes by the fire even as they were muttering thus. 35. Other Asuras too, children and old men were completely burnt out, O Vyāsa, at the bidding of Śiva and speedily reduced to ashes. 36. Just as the universe is burnt at the end of a Kalpa so also every thing and every one there, whether woman or man or vehicles, was reduced to ashes by that fire. 37. Some women were forced to leave their husbands necking them and were burnt by the fire. Some were sleeping, some were intoxicated and some were exhausted after their sexual dalliance. All were burnt. 38-39. Some who were partially burnt woke up and rushed here and there. They fell unconscious and fainted. There was not even a minute particle whether mobile or immobile which escaped unscathed by that terrible Tripura fire excepting Maya, the imperishable Viśvakarman of the Asuras. 40. Those who were not opposed to the Gods were saved by Śiva’s brilliance, those who devoutly sought refuge in lord Śiva at the time of adversity. 41. Whether Asuras or other beings those whose collective activities were not destructive were saved; others of contrary activities were burnt in fire. 42. Hence, all possible efforts shall be made by good men to avoid despicable activities whereby people waste away themselves. 43. Let there be no predicament to any as it happened in regard to the residents of the three cities. This is the opinion of all. By chance if it happens, let it. 44. Those who worshipped Śiva along with their family attained Gaṇapati ’s region, thanks to the worship of Siva. The Purāṇas accord different versions of the burning of Tripurī. The present version is a regular legend based on an ancient tradition. There is however another version which describes graphically the devastation, oppression and barbarities practiced by the Gaṇas which remind us of those perpetrated by the Hūṇa -chief Mihirakula in his invasions There is a veiled allusion to this event, for Agni is addressed as a Mleccha ( Matsya p. I88. 51). There is no such anachronism in the ŚP account of Tripuradāha.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O son of Brahmā, of great intellect, O most excellent among the devotees of Śiva, you are blessed. When the three cities were burnt what did the gods do? 2. Where did Maya who was spared go? Where did the ascetics go? Please narrate all, if it relates to Śiva’s story. 3. On hearing the words of Vyāsa, Sanatkumāra the holy son of the creator remembered the feet of Śiva and spoke. 4. Listen O Vyāsa, son of Parāśara, and of great intellect, to the sin-destroying story of the great lord, who follows worldly conventions. 5. When the three cities of Asuras were utterly burnt, the Gods became surprised. 6. The gods including Indra, Viṣṇu and others became silent and bewildered on seeing the excessively brilliant Siva. 7-8. On merely seeing the terrible form of Śiva, dazzling the ten quarters, resembling countless suns in refulgence and on a par with the fire at the hour of dissolution, and also the goddess Pārvatī, the daughter of Himavat, the illustrious gods stood humbly in their fright. 9. On seeing the army of the gods terrified, the excellent sages did not say anything. They stood all round and bowed. 10-11. Then Brahmā too who was excessively afraid on seeing Śiva’s terrible form, was delighted at heart and fervently prayed along with the gods. Viṣṇu who was also afraid prayed to Śiva the lord of the Gods, the slayer of the Tripuras, who was accompanied by his consort Pārvatī, the lord who is subservient to his devotees. 12. “O lord of the gods, O supreme lord, bestower of blessings to the devotees, be pleased, O bestower of wholesome blessings to all the gods. 13. Be pleased, O lord of the worlds, be pleased. O bestower of bliss. Be pleased, O lord Śiva. Be pleased, O supreme lord. 14. Obeisance to you, of the form of Oṃkāra, O great lord who enable the devotees to cross the ocean of existence by your very form. Be pleased, O lord of gods, O destroyer of the Tripuras, O supreme lord. 15. O Śiva, O favourite of your devotees. Obeisance to you, the lord of many names. Obeisance to you, free from attributes, O you who are greater than Prakṛti and Puruṣa. 16. Obeisance to you, free from aberrations, the eternal, the ever satiated, the resplendent, the unsullied, the divine one of three attributes. 17. Obeisance to you, possessed of attributes. Obeisance to you, the lord of heaven. Obeisance to the calm, tridentbearing Śiva. 18. Obeisance to the omniscient, to one who is the refuge of all. Obeisance to you born in a trice. Obeisance to Vāmadeva, Rudra, the Puruṣa, accessible to the good. 19. Obeisance to Aghora, to one easily served. Obeisance to you, subservient to the devotees. Obeisance to īśāna, the most excellent, the bestower of bliss to his devotees. 20. O great lord, save, save us all the frightened gods. By burning the three cities, the gods have been satisfied and contented.” 21. After eulogising thus, the gods severally bowed to him. The delighted gods, Brahmā and others, bowed to lord Śiva. 22. Then Brahmā himself eulogised lord Śiva the destroyer of the Tripuras after bowing to him with stooping shoulders and palms joined in reverence. 23. “O holy lord, lord of the gods, O slayer of the Tripuras, O Śiva, O great lord, let my devotion to you remain eternal. 24. O Śiva, let me always remain your charioteer. O lord of the gods, O supreme lord, be favourable to me always.” 25. After thus eulogising Śiva who is favourably disposed to his devotees, with humility, the liberal hearted Brahmā stopped and stood there with stooping shoulders and palms joined in reverence. 26. Lord Viṣṇu too bowed to lord Śiva. With palms joined in reverence, he eulogised lord Śiva. 27. O overlord of the Gods, O great lord, O merciful one, O kinsman of the distressed. Be pleased, O supreme lord. Be merciful, O favourite of those who bow to you. 28. Obeisance to you devoid of the attributes. Again obeisance to you possessed of attributes. Again obeisance to you of the form of Prakṛti and Puruṣa. 29. Obeisance to you of the form of attributes. Obeisance to the soul of the universe. Obeisance to you who love devotion. Obeisance to Śiva the calm one, the great soul. 30. Obeisance to Sadāśiva. Obeisance to Śiva, the lord of the worlds. Let my devotion to you steadily increase. 31. After saying this, lord Viṣṇu the most excellent of the great devotees of Śiva stopped. Then all the Gods bowed to him and spoke to lord Śiva. The gods said:— 32. O lord of gods, O great god, O Śiva, the merciful. Be pleased O lord of the worlds. Be pleased O supreme lord. 33. Be pleased. You are the creator of every thing. We bow to you joyously. Let our devotion to you be steady and endless. 34. Thus eulogised by Brahmā, Viṣṇu and the Gods, Śiva the benefactor of the worlds, the delighted lord of the gods, replied. 35. O Brahmā, O Viṣṇu, O gods, I am very much pleased with you all. All of you consider carefully and then let me know the boon you desire. 36. On hearing these words mentioned by Śiva, O excellent sage, all the Gods replied delightedly. 31-38. O lord, if you are pleased, if the boon is to be granted by you to us, O lord of the master of gods, after knowing that we the gods are your slaves, then O most excellent deity, be pleased to appear always whenever misery befalls us and destroy the misery. 39. Thus requested simultaneously by Brahmā, Viṣṇu and the gods, Rudra was pleased in his mind and he said “Let it be ever so. 40. I am delighted by these hymns. O gods, I shall confer on those who read, recite and hear these hymns whatever they crave for”. 41. Saying this, the delighted Śiva the remover of the distress of gods, gave them every thing that was highly delightful to all the gods. Article published on 15 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. In the meantime the Asura Maya who was not burnt due to the strength of grace, came there on seeing Śiva delighted. 2. With great delight he bowed to Śiva and other gods. With palms joined in reverence and with stooping shoulders he bowed to Śiva again. 3. Then he got up. Maya the foremost among the Asuras, with his mind full of devotion and voice choked with emotions of love he eulogised facing Śiva. 4. O great lord, lord of the Gods and favourably disposed to your devotees, O Śiva, you are in the form of the wish-yielding Kalpa tree and devoid of special leaning to any side. 5. Obeisance to you O splendour-formed, obeisance to you omniformed; obeisance to you, O sanctified soul; obeisance to you, O holy one. 6. Obeisance to you of variegated forms; to you, the eternal one; obeisance to you who extend beyond all forms. Obeisance to you of divine forms, shapes, and features. 7. Obeisance to the destroyer of the distress of those who bow to you; obeisance to the welfare-hearted; to the creator, sustainer and annihilator of the three worlds. 8. O Śiva, O consort of Pārvatī, obeisance to you who are accessible through devotion of the devotees; obeisance to the compassionate and the bestower of the good fruits of penance. 9. O great lord, fond of eulogy, I know not how to eulogise you. O lord of all, be pleased. Save me who have sought refuge in you.” 10. On hearing this eulogy of Maya, O excellent brahmin, lord Śiva, was delighted and he spoke to Maya eagerly. 11. O Maya, I am delighted. O excellent Asura speak out the boon you wish to have. There is no doubt. I shall grant you what you desire. 12. On hearing the auspicious words of Śiva, Maya the foremost among the Asuras spoke after bowing to the lord with stooping shoulders and palms joined in reverence. 13. “O great lord, lord of the Gods, if you are delighted and if I deserve the grant of a boon please grant me parmanent devotion to you. 14. O supreme lord, grant me comradeship with your devotees for ever, compassion towards the distressed and indifference towards the wicked living beings. 15. O lord Śiva, let there be no demonaic instinct in me at any time. O lord, let me be fearless for ever engrossed in your auspicious worship.” 16. On being thus requested, Śiva the great lord, who is favourably disposed to his devotees and was in a delightful mood replied to Maya. 17. O excellent Asuras you are my devotees and are blessed. You are free from aberrations. All the boons desired by you are granted now. 18. At my bidding, you go to the region Vitala, more beautiful than heaven. Go in the company of your family and kinsmen. 19. You stay there without fear. Be devout always. At my bidding you will never have demonaic instinct. 20. Receiving this behest of Śiva, the great soul with bowing head and paying homage to him and to the gods he went to Vitala. 21. In the meantime those heretics of tonsured heads came there, knelt before Viṣṇu, Brahmā and others and spoke. 22. O gods, where shall we go? What shall we do now? We are ready to carry out your behests. Please command us quickly. 23. O Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, O gods, wicked deeds have been performed by us. We have destroyed the devotion to Śiva of all the Asuras who were great devotees of Śiva. 24. We will have to stay in hell for a countless Kalpas. Certainly there is no redemption for us that have offended devotees of Śiva. 25. But it was in accordance with your desire that this wicked deed was perpetrated. Please tell us the mode of atoning for the same. We have sought refuge in you. 26. On hearing their words Viṣṇu, Brahmā and other gods spoke to the tonsured-heads who stood in front with joined palms. 27. “O tonsured ones, you need not be afraid at all. These excellent activities have taken place at the bidding of Śiva. 28. Since you are the servants of Śiva and have carried out the activities conducive to the welfare of the gods and the sages, no mishap shall ever befall you bringing you to distress. 29. Śiva performs deeds conducive to the welfare of the gods and the sages. He is pleased with those who work for the welfare of the gods and sages. No mishap befalls those who work for the welfare of the gods and sages. 30. From now onwards in the Kali age those who follow this cult will be faced with disastrous results. We tell you the truth. There is no doubt about it. 31. O brave tonsured heads, till the advent of the Kali age, you shall stay incognito in the desert region. That is my behest. 32. When the Kali age begins, you can propagate your cult. In the Kali age deluded fools will follow your cult. 33. Thus bidden by the great gods, O great sage, the tonsured heads bowed to them and went to their allotted abode. 34-35. Then lord Śiva, the great Yogin after burning the residents of the three cities felt contented. He was duly worshipped by Brahmā and others. Then the lord, after completing the task of the gods, vanished from the scene accompanied by his Gaṇas, goddess Pārvatī and the sons. 36. When lord Śiva had vanished with his followers, the fortress too vanished along with the bow, arrows, chariot and other things. 37-38. Then Brahmā, Viṣṇu, the gods, sages, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Nāgas, serpents, celestial damsels and the delighted men went to their abodes praising the glory of Śiva. After reaching their abodes they were highly delighted. 39. Thus the exalted narrative of the moon-crested lord indicative of the annihilation of Tripuras coupled with the great divine sports has been narrated to you. 40. It is conducive to wealth, fame, and longevity. It increases prosperity and possession of food-grains. It yields heavenly pleasure and salvation. What else do you wish to hear? 41. He who reads and hears the exalted narrative will enjoy all pleasures here and attain salvation hereafter.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O holy lord, son of Brahmā, it has been heard by me before that the lord Śiva killed the great Asura Jalandhara. 2. O intelligent one, please narrate the story of the moon-crested lord in detail. Who can be satiated with listening to the spotless glory of the lord? 3. On being requested thus by Vyāsa, the great sage and son of Brahmā of eloquent speech spoke the following significant words without excitement. 4. O sage, once Bṛhaspati and Indra went to Kailāsa with great devotion, to see lord Śiva. 5-6. Coming to know of the arrival of Bṛhaspati and Indra eager to see him, lord Śiva wished to test their knowledge. Accordingly, the lord, the excellent goal of the good, stood blocking their path in the naked form with matted hair and beaming face. 7-9. Bṛhaspati and Indra were walking on gleefully. On their way they saw this wonderful person of huge size. He was quiet and composed and very refulgent with matted hair on his head. He was fair-complexioned with long arms and wide chest. He was terrible to look at. Without realising that the person who stood there blocking their path was Śiva himself, Indra who was proud of his authority said to him. 10. O, who are you? Where have you come from? What is your name? Tell me truly. Is the lord Śiva in his apartment or has he gone anywhere? 11. O sage, on being asked by Indra thus, he did not say anything. Indra asked him again. But the naked person did not say anything. 12. Indra, the supreme lord of the worlds, asked again. The lord the great Yogin who assumes forms variously kept quiet. 13. The naked lord, though asked repeatedly by Indra, did not say anything, for he wanted to test the knowledge of Indra. 14. Then the lord of Gods, proud of the wealth of the three worlds, became enraged. Rebuking the lord with matted hair he spoke these words. 15. “O evil-minded one, though asked you did not reply to me. Hence I am going to kill you with my thunderbolt. Who can save you?” 16. After saying this and looking at him ferociously Indra raised his thunderbolt in order to kill him. 17. On seeing Indra lifting up his thunderbolt, Śiva prevented the fall of the thunderbolt by making his hand benumbed. 18. Then Śiva became furious. His eyes became terrible. He blazed with his burning splendour. 19. Then Indra burnt within himself by the benumbing of his arm like a serpent whose exploits had been curbed by pronouncing magical formulas. 20. On seeing him resplendent, Bṛhaspati realised immediately that he was lord Śiva himself and bowed to him. 21. Then the noble-minded Bṛhaspati joined his palms in reverence. He prostrated before him on the ground and began to eulogise the lord. 22. Obeisance to Śiva, the chief lord of the gods, the supreme soul, the three-eyed, possessed of matted hair. 23. Obeisance to the succouring lord of the distressed, the destroyer of Andhaka and the Tripuras, and identical with Brahmā, the Parameṣṭhin. 24. Obeisance to Śiva of odd eyes, of diverse, deformed and surpassing features, going beyond all forms. 25. Obeisance to the destroyer of sacrifice of Dakṣa, to the bestower of fruits of sacrifice, identical with sacrifice and the initiator of the greatest rites. 26. Obeisance to Śiva the annihilator of Time, of the form of Time, the wearer of black serpents, the great lord and the omnipresent. 27. Obeisance to the destroyer of Brahmā’s head, the one eulogised by Brahmā and the moon. Obeisance to you favourably disposed to Brahmins. Obeisance to you the great soul. 28. You are the fire, the wind, the ether, the waters, the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the solar system. 29. You alone are Viṣṇu, Brahmā, and eulogised by them; you are the great lord, the sages Sanaka etc. You are Nārada the great saint. 30. You alone are the lord of all the worlds, the soul of the universe. You are converging in everything and different from everything; you alone are greater than Prakṛti. 31. With the Rajas attribute you alone create the worlds assuming the name Brahma. You are identical with Viṣṇu in Sattva attribute and you protect the entire universe. 32. With the Tamas attribute you assume the form of Śiva, O great God and you alone devour the universe composed of five elements. 33. With the strength of meditating on you, O creator of the universe, the sun blazes, the moon exudes nectar and the wind blows. 34. O Śiva, with the strength of meditating on you, the clouds shower water. Indra protects the worlds like his sons. 35. With the strength of meditating on you, the clouds, the gods and the great sages carry on their tasks. They are afraid of you. 36. O Śiva, by serving your lotus like feet, the people in the world do not honour the gods and they enjoy the prosperity of the world. 37. By serving your lotus like feet the people attain the supreme goal inaccessible to every one and unattainable even to Yogins. 38. After eulogising Śiva, the benefactor of the worlds thus Bṛhaspati made Indra fall at the feet of Śiva. 39. After making Indra, lord of the gods, fall at his feet with bowed head, Bṛhaspati humbly spoke these words to Śiva with bowed head. 40. O great lord, favourable to the distressed, please raise up Indra fallen at your feet. Please quieten the anger rising from your eyes. 41. O great lord, be pleased. Protect Indra who has sought refuge in you. Let this fire rising from the eye in the forehead be rendered calm. 42. On hearing these words of Bṛhaspati, Śiva, the lord of Gods, the ocean of mercy, spoke in a thundering stentorian voice. 43. O Bṛhaspati, how can I take up the fury that has already come out of my eye? A serpent does not wear again the slough that has been cast off. 44. On hearing these words of Śiva, Bṛhaspati’s mind was agitated with fear and he spoke dejectedly. 45. O holy lord, indeed the devotees should be pitied always. O Śiva, thus please make your name Bhaktavatsala (favourably disposed towards the devotees) true. 46. O lord of gods, you deserve to cast elsewhere the fierce brilliance. O uplifter of all devotees, raise up Indra. 47. On being addressed thus by Bṛhaspati the delighted Śiva, the destroyer of the distress of those who bow to him and the one named Bhaktavatsala replied thus to Bṛhaspati. 48. O dear one, I am delighted by your eulogy. I shall grant you the excellent boon. Henceforth you shall be famous as Enlivener because you have conferred life on Indra. 49. I shall cast off this fire born of my eye in the forehead intended to kill Indra lest it should afflict him. 50. On saying this he held that wonderful brilliance born of the eye in the forehead and cast it off in the briny ocean. 51. Then the lord Rudra of great divine sports vanished from the scene. Bṛhaspati and Indra were relieved of their fright and they became happy. 52. After having the immediate perception of Śiva for which they had come here, Bṛhaspati and Indra became contented and went away to their abodes joyously.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O omniscient Sanatkumāra, son of Brahmā, obeisance be to you. This wonderful story of Śiva, the great soul, has been heard. 2. O sage, when the brilliance born of the eye in the forehead had been cast off into the briny ocean, O dear sir, what happened? Please narrate it quickly. 3. O dear one of great intellect, listen to the extremely wonderful sport of Śiva, on hearing which with faith a devotee attains the goal of Yogins. 4. The brilliance of Śiva born of the eye in the forehead and cast off into the briny sea immediately assumed the form of a boy. 5. At the confluence of the river Gaṅgā and the ocean, the boy of terrific features cried loudly. 6. At the sound of the crying boy, the earth quaked frequently. The heaven and the Satyaloka became deafened at the noise. 7. All the worlds were frightened. The guardians of the quarters became agitated in the mind. 8. O dear holy one, O great brahmin, the entire world including the mobile and immobile quaked at the cries of the boy. 9. Then the distressed gods and the sages immediately sought refuge in Brahmā the grandfather and preceptor of the worlds. 10. After going there, those sages and the gods including Indra bowed to and eulogised Brahmā and spoke these words. 11. “This mysterious sound has arisen. O lord of worlds, O lord of gods, we are frightened. O great Yogin please quell it.” 12. On hearing their words, Brahmā the grandfather of the worlds wished to go there. He was perplexed as to what it was. 13. Then Brahmā descended from Satyaloka to the Earth along with the gods. Then he went to the ocean desirous of knowing what it was. 14. When Brahmā the grandfather of the worlds came there, he saw the boy in the lap of the ocean. 15. On seeing Brahmā coming, the ocean assuming the form of a god bowed to him and placed the boy in his lap. 16. Then the surprised Brahmā spoke these words to the ocean—“O ocean, tell me quickly about the parentage of this boy.” 17. On hearing the words of Brahmā, the ocean was delighted. After bowing to and eulogising him with palms joined in reverence he replied to Prajāpati Brahmā. 18. “O Brahmā, O lord of the worlds, this boy was suddenly seen in the confluence of the river Gaṅgā. I do not know about the origin of this boy. 19. O preceptor of the universe, you perform the postnatal rites for this boy. O creator, let me know your predictions about his future according to his horoscope” 20. Even as the ocean said these words, the son of the ocean caught hold of the neck of Brahmā and shook it several times. 21. In due course tears came out of the eyes of Brahmā, the creator of all the worlds, afflicted by the joggling and jolting. 22. Brahmā somehow extricated himself from the grip of the son of the ocean by means of his hands and spoke to the ocean. 23. “O ocean, listen, I shall narrate the future as predicted from the horoscope, entirely. Be attentive please. 24. Since he was able to make my eyes water let him be famous in the name of Jalandhara. 25-26. He will become a youth now itself. He will become a master of all sacred lores, very valorous, courageous, heroic, invincible and majestic like you. Like Kārttikeya he will be the conqueror of all in battles. He will shine with all sorts of prosperity. 27. This boy will become the emperor of Asuras. He will conquer even Viṣṇu. He will face defeat from no quarter. 28. He cannot be slain by any one except Śiva. He will return to the place from where he sprang up. 29. His wife will be a chaste lady who will increase good fortune. She will be exquisitely beautiful in every limb. She will be an ocean of good conduct and will speak pleasing words. 30. After saying so he called Śukra and performed his coronation. Brahmā then took leave of the ocean and disappeared. 31. Thereafter the ocean with blooming eyes saw the son, took him to his abode joyously. 32. With a joyous heart he nurtured the boy with diverse great means. The boy grew into a beautiful youth of exquisite limbs and wonderful splendour. 33. Then the ocean invited the great Asura Kālanemi and requested him to give his daughter named Vṛndā in marriage to his son. 34. O sage, the heroic Asura Kālanemi, foremost among the Asuras, intelligent and efficient in his activities, welcomed the request of the ocean. 35. He gave his beloved daughter to Jalandhara, the brave son of the ocean, in marriage performing the nuptial rites according to the Brāhma style. 36. O sage, great festivities were held in the marriage. The rivers and Asuras were happy. 37. The ocean too became extremely happy seeing his son united to a bride. In accordance with the rules he made charitable gifts to the brahmins and others. 38. Those Asuras who had been formerly defeated by the gods and had sought shelter in Pātāla came fearlessly to the Earth and resorted to him. 39. Kālanemi and other Asuras were pleased after giving the daughter in marriage to the son of the ocean. In order to defeat the gods they resorted to him. 40. The heroic son of the ocean, Jalandhara, foremost among the Asura warriors, received a very beautiful lady as his wife and he ruled over the kingdom with the support of Śukra.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Once the son of the ocean, the noble-hearted husband of Vṛndā, was seated along with his wife and the Asuras. 2. The brilliant Bhārgava came there joyously illuminating the ten quarters as the embodied brilliance. 3. On seeing the preceptor coming, the Asuras were delighted in their minds and bowed to him. The son of the ocean too respectfully bowed to him. 4. After bestowing his benediction on them, Bhārgava, the storehouse of splendour, sat on a beautiful seat. They too resumed their seats as before. 5. Then the heroic son of the ocean, Jalandhara, saw his Assembly and was delighted to observe that his sway was unmitigated. 6. Seeing the headless Rāhu seated there, the son of the ocean, the emperor of the Asuras, immediately asked Bhārgava. 7. O lord, by whom was this done to Rāhu? By whom was his head cut? Please tell me, O preceptor, everything in detail as it had happened. 8. On hearing the words of the ocean’s son, Bhārgava remembered the lotus -like feet of Śiva and replied exactly as it had happened. 9. O Jalandhara, O great hero, O benefactor of the Asuras, listen to the account. I shall relate everything exactly as it had happened. 10. Once there was a strong hero Bali, the son of Virocana and great-grandson of Hiraṇyakaśipu. He was foremost among the virtuous. 11. The gods including Indra being defeated by him sought refuge in Viṣṇu. Eager to gain their ends they told him all details. 12. O dear, at his bidding, the gods, very clever in deception, made an alliance with the Asuras, to further their own interest. 13. All those gods, the assistants of Viṣṇu churned the ocean eagerly for the gain of nectar, along with the Asuras. 14. The enemies of the Asuras extracted jewels from the ocean. The gods seized the nectar and drank it deceitfully. 15. Then the gods including Indra increased in strength and prowess by the drinking of the nectar and harassed the Asuras with the assistance of Viṣṇu. 16. This Viṣṇu who is always a partisan of Indra, cut off the head of Rahu as he was drinking the nectar along with the gods. 17-18. Thus Bhargava narrated in detail the story of the headless Rahu, of the churning of the ocean pursued by the gods for the gain of nectar, of the removal of the jewels, of the drinking of the Amṛta by the gods and of the harassment to the Asuras. 19. Then on hearing about the churning of his father, the heroic son of the ocean, the valorous Jalandhara became furious and his eyes turned red with anger. 20. Then he called his excellent emissary Ghasmara and told him everything what the wise preceptor had said to him. 21. He then lovingly honoured the clever emissary in various ways, assured him of protection and sent him to Indra as his messenger. 22. Ghasmara, the intelligent emissary of Jalandhara, hastened to heaven where all the gods were present. 23. After going there, the emissary entered the assembly of the gods. With his head kept straight as a token of haughtiness he spoke to lord Indra. 24. Jalandhara, the son of the ocean, is the lord and emperor of all the Asuras. He is excessively heroic and valorous. He has the support and assistance of Bhargava. 25. I am his emissary. I have been sent by him. I have come to you here. My name is Ghasmara but I am not a devourer. 26. He is of exalted intellect. His behest has never been defied. He has defeated all the enemies of Asuras. Please listen to what he says. 27. “O base god, why was my father, the ocean, churned by you with the mountain ? Why were all the jewels of my father taken away? 28. What you have done is not proper. Return all of them to me immediately. Pondering over this, come along with the gods and seek refuge in me. 29. Otherwise, O base god, you will have a great cause to fear. You will run the risk of the annihilation of your kingdom.” 30. On hearing the words of the messenger, Indra, the the lord of the gods, was bewildered. Remembering the previous incidents he was frightened as well as angry. He spoke to him thus. 31. He gave shelter to the mountains who were terribly afraid of me. Others too, some of my enemies, the Asuras, were formerly saved by him. 32 It was due to this that I took away his jewels. Those who oppose me can never remain happy. I am telling you the truth. 33. Formerly the Asura Śaṅkha the son of the ocean was stupid enough to be inimical to me. He was spared by me because he was associated with saintly men. 34. But when his predilection became sinful and he became violent towards saintly men, he was killed in the interior of the ocean by Viṣṇu, my younger brother. 35. Hence O messenger, go immediately and explain to the Asura, son of the ocean, our purpose for churning the ocean.” 36. Dismissed thus by Indra, the intelligent emissary Ghasmara hastened to the place where the heroic Jalandhara was present. 37. All the words thus spoken by Indra were narrated to the king of Asuras by the intelligent emissary. 38. On hearing it, the lips of the Asura throbbed with anger. Desirous of conquering the gods he exerted himself immediately. 39. In that enterprise of the lord of the Asuras, countless Asuras from all the quarters and the nether region took part and helped him. 40. Then the extremely heroic and valorous son of the ocean set forth with countless generals, Śumbha, Niśumbha and others. 41. Very soon, he reached the heaven along with his force. He blew his conch. All the heroic soldiers roared. 42. After going to heaven he stationed himself in Nandana. In the midst of all his forces he roared like a lion. 43. On seeing a vast army surrounding the city, the gods came out of Amarāvatī fully equipped with armour for the battle. 44-45. Then a battle between the armies of the gods and Asuras ensued. They rushed against one another with iron clubs, arrows, maces, axes and spears. They hit one another. Within a short time both the armies began to wade through streams of blood. 46. In that battle, the ground shone like the dusk with clouds scattered all round, for it was strewn with elephants, horses, chariots and foot-soldiers. Some were killed and others were being killed. 47. Bhārgava resuscitated the Asuras killed in the battle with the Vidyā of Amṛtajīvinī and drops of water infused with mantras. 48. The sage Aṅgiras too resuscitated the gods in the battle with the divine herbs frequently brought from the mountain Droṇa. 49. Jalandhara saw the gods restored to life again in the battle. He then spoke angrily to Bhārgava. 50. “The gods have been killed by me. How do they rise up again? The Vidyā of Sañjīvinī has not been heard by me to exist elsewhere.” 51. On hearing these words of the son of the ocean, the delighted Bhārgava, the preceptor, replied to Jalandhara. 52. “Aṅgiras is bringing divine herbs from the mountain Droṇa and enlivening the gods. O dear, know my words to be true. 53. O dear, if you wish for victory listen to my auspicious suggestion. Immediately you shall uproot the mountain Droṇa with your arms and hurl it into the ocean.” 54. Thus addressed by his preceptor Bhārgava, the lord of the Asuras, hastened to the lofty mountain. 55. With his powerful arms, the Asura brought the mountain Droṇa and hurled it immediately into the ocean. There is nothing wonderful and mysterious in regard to the splendour of Śiva. 56. The great hero, the son of the ocean, took a vast army with him, came to the battle ground and began to kill the gods with various weapons. 57. On seeing the gods being killed Bṛhaspati went to the mountain Droṇa. Then he, the object of praise and worship by the gods, did not see the mountain there. 58. On realising that the mountain Droṇa had been removed by the Asuras, Bṛhaspati was terrified. He returned and said dejectedly. 59. “O gods, run away, all of you. There is no trace of the great mountain Droṇa. Certainly it has been destroyed by the Asura, the son of the ocean. 60. Jalandhara is a great Asura. He cannot be conquered since he is born of a part of Śiva. He will pound all the gods. 61. His power has been understood by me as he is self-born. O gods, all of you remember the act of offence to Śiva perpetrated by Indra. 62. On hearing these words uttered by the preceptor of the gods, they abandoned all hopes of victory. They became excessively terrified. 63. All the gods including Indra, struck by the king of the Asuras all round, lost courage and fled in all directions. 64. On seeing the gods routed, the Asura, Jalandhara, the son of the ocean, entered Amarāvatī with sounds of victory from the conches and drums. 65. When the Asura entered the city, Indra and other gods entered the cavern of the golden mountain Meru and remained there. They had been extremely harrassed by the Asuras. 66. O sage, at the same time the Asura appointed Śumbha and other Asuras severally in the places of authority of Indra and others. He then went into the cavern of the golden mountain.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On seeing the Asura coming again, the gods including Indra trembled with fear. They fled together. 2. With Brahmā at the head they went to Vaikuṇṭha. All of them including Prajāpati eulogised Viṣṇu after bowing down to him. 3. O Hṛṣīkeśa of long arms, O lord, O slayer of Madhu, O lord of gods, Obeisance to you, O destroyer of all Asuras. 4. O Viṣṇu, of the form of fish who redeemed the Vedas through king Satyavrata, obeisance to you who sport about in the ocean of Dissolution. 5. Obeisance to you of the form of Tortoise who bore the mountain Mandara of the gods who were attempting to churn the ocean. 6. Obeisance to you O holy lord, of the form of Boar. Obeisance to you who hold the earth, the support of people. Obeisance to Viṣṇu. 7. Obeisance to you, the Dwarf. Obeisance to Viṣṇu the younger brother of Indra, the lord who deceived the king of Asuras in the guise of a Brahmin. 8. Obeisance to Paraśurāma who exterminated the Kṣattriyas, who rendered help to your mother. Obeisance to you who are angry and inimical to the evil beings. 9. Obeisance to Rama who delighted the worlds and who set the limits of decent behaviour. Obeisance to you the destroyer of Rāvaṇa and the lord of Sītā. 10. Obeisance to you of hidden knowledge; to Kṛṣṇa the great Ātman; the sportive paramour of Rādhā; Obeisance to him of diverse divine sports. 11. Obeisance to the preceptor of Yoga; Obeisance to you, O lord of Lakṣmī, of the form of Jaina and Bauddha; to you of hidden body and features and the censurer of the Vedas. 12. Obeisance to you of the form of Kalki; the destroyer of outcastes, Obeisance to him of infinite power and who establishes good virtue. 13. Obeisance to you of the form of Kapila of great soul and who expounded the doctrines of Sāṃkhya and Yoga to Devahūtī; O lord, obeisance to you the preceptor of Sāṃkhya. 14. Obeisance to great yogin and saint who expounds the great wisdom. Obeisance to the creator of the form of knowledge whereby the soul is delighted. 15. Obeisance to you of the form of Vedavyāsa who classified the Vedas and who wrote the Purāṇas for the welfare of the worlds. 16. Obeisance to you who are ready to perform the task of the devotees through incarnations of Fish etc. O lord, obeisance to you of the form of Brahman, the cause of creation, sustenance and annihilation. 17. Obeisance to the destroyer of the distress of your servants; the bestower of auspicious happiness. Obeisance to you wearing yellow robes, having Garuḍa for your vehicle. Obeisance to the performer of all rites. Obeisance to the sole doer. Obeisance to the one worthy of being resorted to. 18. O thunderbolt for the destruction of misery etc. of the gods harassed by the Asuras. Obeisance to you lying on the Serpent-bed. Obeisance to the one who has sun and the moon for his eyes. 19. O lord of Lakṣmī, O ocean of mercy, save us who have sought refuge in you. All the gods have been driven out of heaven by Jalandhara. 20. The sun has been dislodged from his post. Similarly the moon and the fire too have been removed. The Serpent-king has been removed from Pātāla and Dharmarāja has been dispossessed. 21. While men freely move about, the gods do not shine. We have sought refuge in you. Let measures for his annihilation be thought of. 22. On hearing these piteous entreaties of the gods, Viṣṇu the slayer of Madhu, the ocean of mercy, spoke in a thundering voice. 23. “O gods, cast off your fear. I shall come to the battle-ground. I shall show my valour to Jalandhara.” 24. Having said this with distressed mind, Viṣṇu the enemy of the Asuras got up quickly. The god Viṣṇu who is favourably disposed to his devotees immediately mounted his vehicle Garuḍa. 25. On seeing her lord departing along with the gods, Lakṣmī, the daughter of the ocean, spoke with palms joined in reverence and tears welling up in the eyes. 26. “O lord, I am your beloved. If I am always devoted to you, O storehouse of mercy, how does my brother’s death be at your hands. 27-28. Since I have been eulogised by the gods I shall go to the battle ground immediately. I can only show my valour to the Asura Jalandhara. He cannot be slain by me because he is a part of Śiva. Moreover Brahmā has said so. Further, you love him too.” 29. Having said this and seating himself on Garuḍa with the conch, discus, mace and the sword held in his hands, Viṣṇu hastened to the fight along with Indra and other gods. 30. Roaring like a lion and accompanied by the gods who blazed with Viṣṇu’s splendour, he reached the place where Jalandhara was waiting. 31. Then the Daityas afflicted by the gusts of wind set in motion by the wings in the speedy flight of the younger brother of Aruṇa (i.e Garuḍa) were blown here and there like the clouds in the sky tossed about in a stormy whirlwind. 32. Then on seeing the Asuras afflicted by the gusts of wind, Jalandhara rushed against Viṣṇu shouting out cries of bravery angrily. 33. In the meantime the delighted gods equipped with a vast army began to fight with their strength increased by the brilliance of Viṣṇu. 34. Seeing the army of the gods present there ready to fight Jalandhara commanded the invincible Asuras thus. 35. O Excellent Asuras, put up a stiff fight with Indra and other gods who are always cowardly though they have a huge army. 36-37. At my bidding let all these come out with their entire army—the Mauryas numbering a hundred thousand, the Dhūmras in hundreds, the Asuras and the Kālakeyas in crores and the Kālakas, the Daurhṛdas and the Kaṅkas in lakhs. 38. All of you come out readily equipped with many divisions of the army and different kinds of weapons. Be fearless and free from hesitations. 39. O Śumbha, O Niśumbha, destroy in a trice the insignificant gods who feel nervous in the battle field. You are extremely valorous. 40-41. Thus the Asuras clever and efficient in battle, commanded by Jalandhara on the one hand and gods equipped with the four sorts of fighting groups on the other fought one another with maces, arrows, javelins, spears etc. They hit one another with axes and spears. 42. The strong ones hit and struck with different weapons. The heroic gods supported and invigorated by Hṛṣīkeśa roared like lions and discharged sharp arrows. 43. Some fought with arrows of very sharp points; some with pestles and iron clubs and some with axes and spears. 44. Thus the fight between the gods and the Asuras was terrific. It was very fierce frightening the sages and the Siddhas.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then the heroic Asuras hit and struck the gods distressed and terrified, with the spears, axes and clubs. 2. With their bodies cut and pierced by the weapons of the Asuras, the gods including Indra became distressed in mind by fear and they fled from the battle. 3. On seeing the gods fleeing, Viṣṇu hastened to the battle ground seated on his vehicle Garuḍa. 4. By means of his discus Sudarśana he diffused his splendour all round. He shone with the brilliant lotus in his hand and offered fearlessness to his devotees. 5. Holding the conch, sword, mace and the bow, the heroic deity was very furious. He was efficient in the battle using fierce weapons. 6. He produced the twanging sound from his bow and roared aloud. O sage, all the three worlds were filled with its loud sound. 7. The lord Viṣṇu who was highly infuriated cut off the heads of countless Asuras by means of the arrows discharged from his bow. 8. Then the Asuras afflicted by the gusts of wind set in motion by the wings of Garuḍa in his speedy flight were blown to and fro like the clouds in the sky tossed about in a stormy whirlwind. 9. On seeing the Asuras afflicted by the gusts of wind Jalandhara the great Asura became furious and terrified all the gods. 10. Seeing Viṣṇu suppressing and pounding the Asuras, the lips of the heroic Asura throbbed and he rushed at Viṣṇu to fight with him. 11. The king of Asuras shouted and roared terrifying both the gods and the Asuras. On hearing it, the ears became pierced. 12. The entire universe, filled with the terrible shouts of the Asura Jalandhara, quaked. 13. Then a great battle ensued between Viṣṇu and Jalandhara, the ruler of Asuras, both filling up the sky with their arrows. 14. O sage, gods, Asuras, sages and the Siddhas were very much surprised at the terrible mutual clash between the two. 15. Striking with a single arrow, Viṣṇu smote the heart of the Asura. With innumerable arrows he cut off the umbrella, banner, bow and arrows of the demon. 16. Seizing the mace with his hand, the Asura jumped up quickly, hit Garuḍa on his head and felled him to the ground. 17. The infuriated Asura with throbbing lips hit Viṣṇu in his heart with his sharp spear diffusing its splendour. 18. Viṣṇu laughingly split the mace with his sword. The destroyer of Asuras twanged his bow and split him with sharp arrows. 19. Viṣṇu the infuriated destroyer of the Asuras smote the Asura Jalandhara with a very sharp terrifying arrow. 20. On seeing his arrow coming, the powerful Asura cut it off with another arrow and hit Viṣṇu in the chest. 21. The heroic Viṣṇu of long arms split the arrow discharged by the Asura to the size of gingelly seeds and roared. 22. The infuriated great Asura fixed an arrow again to his bow and split the arrow of Viṣṇu. 23. Vāsudeva fixed another arrow to his bow for the destruction of the enemy of the gods angrily and roared like a lion. 24. Biting his lips with anger, Jalandhara the powerful king of Asuras split the bow of Viṣṇu with his arrow. 25. The heroic Asura of fierce valour, terrible to the gods, hit Viṣṇu again with very sharp arrows. 26. With his bow split, the lord Viṣṇu, protector of the worlds, hurled his great mace for the destruction of Jalandhara. 27. That mace resembling a blazing flame when hurled by Viṣṇu moved with unerring aim and dashed against his body. 28. Though hit by it, the great haughty Jalandhara did not move even slightly as though he was hit by a flower-garland. 29. Then the infuriated Jalandhara, invincible in war, terrifying to the Asuras hurled a trident, resembling fire, at Viṣṇu. 30. Immediately Viṣṇu remembered the lotus-like feet of Śiva and cut the trident with his sword Nandaka. 31. When the trident was split, the lord of the Asuras leapt and rushed against Viṣṇu and hit him in the chest with his fist. 32. Without minding the pain in the least, the heroic Viṣṇu hit Jalandhara in the chest with his firm fist. 33. Then both of them equally powerful had a hand to hand fight hitting each other with arms, fists and knees. They filled the earth with reverberating sounds. 34. Fighting with the Asura thus, for a long time, O excellent sage, Viṣṇu was surprised. He felt dejected in the heart. 35. Then he the foremost among the magic-wielders assumed a delightful aspect. He addressed the king of Asuras in a thundering voice. 36. “O excellent Asura, you are blessed. You are invincible in war. Since you are a great lord you are not at all afraid of even great weapons. 37. Many Asuras have been killed by these very same weapons in great battles. The wicked and haughty people have been pierced through their bodies and killed. 38. O great Asura, I am delighted by this fight with you. You are really great. A hero like you has not been seen in the three worlds including the mobile and immobile beings. 39. O lord of Asuras, choose a boon. I am pleased at your valour. I shall give you anything even that which cannot be given, whatever is in your mind. 40. On hearing these words of Viṣṇu, skilled in magic, the intelligent king of the Asuras replied thus. 41. O Brother-in-law, if you are pleased give me this boon. You stay in my house with all your followers, my sister and myself. 42. On hearing these words of the great Asura, lord Viṣṇu, the lord of gods, said distressingly—“So be it.” 43. Then Viṣṇu came to the city called Jalandhara along with his followers, the gods and Lakṣmī. 44. Then the Asura Jalandhara returned to his abode and stayed very delightedly in the company of his sister and Viṣṇu. 45. Thereafter Jalandhara appointed Asuras in the authoritative posts of the gods. Joyously he returned to the Earth. 46. The son of the ocean confiscated whatever gem or jewel the gods, Gandharvas or Siddhas had hoarded. 47. After appointing the powerful Asura, Niśumbha, in the nether-worlds, the powerful ruler of the Asuras brought Śeṣa and others to the Earth. 48. Making gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Serpents, Rākṣasas and human beings, the denizens of his capital, he ruled over the three worlds. 49. After making the gods thus subservient to himself, Jalandhara protected them all virtuously, like his own sons. 50. When he was ruling the kingdom virtuously, none in his realm was sick or miserable or lean and emaciated or indigent.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. When the great Asura was ruling over the Earth virtuously, the gods were reduced to be mere slaves, O great sage. 2. The distressed gods mentally sought refuge in Śiva the benefactor, lord of gods and of everyone. 3. They eulogised the great lord, the bestower of everything and favourably disposed to his devotees, by means of pleasant words. 4. The great lord, the bestower of all desires to his devotees called Nārada and commissioned him with a desire to carry out the task of the gods. 5. Then the celestial sage, the wise devotee of Śiva, the goal of the good, went to the gods in the city of the Asuras at the bidding of Śiva. 6. On seeing the sage Nārada coming, the distressed gods, Indra and others, stood up. 7. After bowing to the sage, Indra and other gods, their anxiety apparently manifest in their faces, offered a seat to Nārada. 8. After bowing to Nārada the great sage who sat comfortably, the distressed gods, Indra and others spoke to him again. 9. O excellent sage, listen to our misery. O merciful one, after listening to it, destroy it quickly. You are powerful and the favourite of Śiva. 10. The gods have been routed by the Asura Jalandhara from their abodes and positions of controlling authority. Hence we are miserable and distressed. 11. The hot-rayed sun and the moon have been ousted from their positions. The fire-god and the god of death and guardians of the quarters have been expelled. 12. The gods have been harassed by that powerful Asura. We who have been subjected to great grief now seek refuge in you. 13. The great Asura Jalandhara who has suppressed the gods and who is very powerful has made Viṣṇu subservient to him in the battle. 14. Becoming subservient because of helplessness occa. sioned by the boon granted to him, Viṣṇu who carried out our tasks has now begun to stay in his palace along with Lakṣmī. 15. O intelligent one, please exert yourself for the destruction of Jalandhara. You have fortunately come to us and you have always been the person who can achieve everything for us. 16. On hearing these words of the gods, the great sage Nārada, the merciful, consoled them and said. 17. O gods, I know that you have been defeated by the king of Asuras, that you are miserable and harassed and have been deposed. 18. There is no doubt in this that I shall carry out your task according to my ability. O gods, since you are in misery I shall be favourable to you.” 19. After saying so and consoling the gods, the excellent sage went to the assembly chamber of Jalandhara to see the favourite Asura. 20. On seeing the excellent sage, the king Jalandhara stood up and offered him a splendid seat with great devotion. 21. After worshipping him duly the surprised king of the Asuras laughed loudly and spoke to the excellent sage. 22. O brahmin, whence do you come from? What did you see here? O sage, what is the aim of your present visit here? 23. On hearing these words of king Jalandhara the delighted great sage Nārada replied to him. 24. O Jalandhara of great intellect, O lord of Dānavas and Daityas, O lord of all the worlds, you are blessed. You alone are the enjoyer of all jewels. 25. O excellent king of Daityas, listen to the purpose for which I have come here. I shall explain it to you. 26. O lord of Daityas, I had been to the summit of Kailāsa casually. It is ten thousand Yojanas wide. It has a grove of Kalpa trees. 27. Hundreds of Kāmadhenus are found there. It is illuminated by Cintāmaṇi gems. It abounds in gold. It is divine and wonderfully brilliant. 28. There I saw Śiva seated along with Pārvatī. He is fair-complexioned and exquisitely handsome. He has three eyes and the moon for his crest. 29. On seeing this wonderfully great thing, a doubt arose in my mind. Can there be anywhere in the three worlds such a splendour as this?” 30. O lord of Daityas then the idea of your prosperity struck into my mind. Now I have come to you to see it personally. 31. On hearing these words of Nārada the lord of Daityas Jalandhara showed all his glory to Nārada. 32. On seeing it, the wise Nārada, eager to realise the interests of the gods, spoke to the king of Daityas, Jalandhara, induced by the lord. 33. O foremost among heroes, you have everything conducive to prosperity. You are the lord of the three worlds. What wonder that you possess this wealth. 34. Big jewels, heaps of gems, elephants and other adjuncts to prosperity flourish in your mansion. Whatever valuable thing there is in the worlds finds a place here. 35. O great hero, the most excellent of all elephants, Airāvata of lndra has been brought by you. The most excellent of all horses, Uccaiḥśravas of the sun has been brought by you. 36. The celestial Kalpa tree has been brought by you; the treasures of Kubera and the aerial chariot of Brahmā yoked to swan have been brought by you. 37. Thus all excellent things available in heaven, earth and nether worlds, O great Daitya, flourish in your mansion in their entirety. 38. O great hero, I am highly delighted on seeing your great affluence consisting of diverse objects—elephant horse etc. 39. But O Jalandhara, your mansion is deficient in the most excellent of all ladies. You deserve to bring that. 40. O Jalandhara, one who possesses all excellent things but does not possess the most excellent of women does not shine. His life is rendered waste. 41. On hearing these words of Nārada the noble soul, the king of Daityas, with his mind excited by passion, spoke as follows— 42. “O celestial sage, O Nārada, obeisance be to you, O holy lord. Where is this most excellent of all ladies? Please tell me now. 43. Wherever it may be in the whole of this universe, if such a lady exists anywhere, I will bring her here. Truth, it is certainly the truth.” 44. Kailāsa is very beautiful and it possesses all sorts of things conducive to prosperity. Śiva lives there assuming the form of a naked Yogin. 45. His wife Pārvatī is exquisitely beautiful in every limb. She is charming and has all the characteristics of a beautiful lady. 46. Such an exquisite beauteous form has never been seen anywhere. It incites the enthusiasm of everybody. It is highly wonderful. It fascinates even the Yogins. It is worthy of being seen. It is conducive to great prosperity. 47. This occurs to my mind, O valiant Jalandhara that there is none more prosperous in the three worlds than Śiva who possesses the most excellent of all ladies. 48. Even the four-faced lord Brahmā, immersed in her ocean of beauty, lost his mental steadiness formerly. Who can be compared to such a beautiful lady? 49. Even Śiva reputed to be free from infatuation has been won over by her womanly sports. Śiva who is independent has been subjugated by her. 50. The prosperity that he enjoys inasmuch as he indulges in dalliance with the most excellent of all ladies has not come to you O lord of Daityas though you are the master of excellent gems and jewels. 51. After saying this, the world-renowned celestial sage, Nārada, pursuing his attempt to help the gods departed from there by the aerial path.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O omniscient Sanatkumāra, what did the king of Daityas do after the departure of Nārada to heaven? Please narrate to me in detail. 2. When Nārada departed to heaven after taking leave of the Daitya, the king of Daityas who had heard of the exquisite beauty of Pārvatī became harassed with pangs of love. 3. The deluded Daitya, Jalandhara, who had lost clear thinking, being swayed by Time (the annihilator) called his messenger Rāhu. 4. The infatuated son of the ocean, Jalandhara, addressed him politely with these words. 5. O Rāhu of great intellect, most excellent of my emissaries, go to the mountain Kailāsa, O accomplisher of all activities. 6. A sage and a Yogin named Śiva lives there. He has matted locks of hair. He is detached. He has controlled his senses. His body is smeared with ashes. 7. O messenger, you shall go there and tell the detached Yogin Śiva with matted locks of hair, fearlessly. 8. ‘O Yogin, ocean of mercy, of what avail is an exquisitely beautiful wife to you who stay in the jungle attended by ghosts, goblins, spirits and other beings? 9. O Yogin, this state of affairs is no good in a world with me as the Ruler. Hence you give up your wife, the most excellent lady, to me, the enjoyer of all excellent things. 10. Know that the whole universe including the mobile and immobile beings is under my suzerainty. All the excellent things of the three worlds have come into my possession. 11. I have forcibly seized the most excellent elephant of Indra, the most excellent horse, Uccaiḥśravas and the celestial tree pārijāta. 12. The wonderfully excellent and the most divine aerial chariot fitted with the swan, belonging to Brahmā is now standing in my court-yard. 13. The divine and excellent treasure Mahāpadma etc. of Kubera is in my custody. The umbrella of Varuṇa stands in my house shedding its golden brilliance. 14. The great garland of never-fading lotuses of fine filaments belonging to my father is as good as mine. The noose of Varuṇa lord of waters is also mine. 15. The excellent Javelin of Mṛtyu has been seized by me with force. The god of fire has surrendered to me two clothes purified in fire. 16. Thus, O great Yogin, all excellent things shine in my possession. Hence O ascetic (wearing matted hair) you too surrender your wife the most excellent of all ladies to me. 17. On hearing his words Rāhu went to Kailāsa and was allowed to enter by Nandin. With surprise and mystery manifest in his eyes, he went to the assembly chamber of Śiva. 18-20. On entering it, he saw Śiva, the lord of the gods, the great lord, quelling darkness with his refulgence, shining with ashes smeared (over his body), adorned with all Royal paraphernalia, of wonderful features, exquisite in every limb and embellished with divine ornaments. The emissary named Rāhu bowed to Śiva. His haughtiness subsided by the brilliance of his body. He went near Śiva. 21. Rāhu was desirous of speaking to him. He sat in front of Śiva. Urged by his gesture Rāhu spoke to the three-eyed god Śiva. 22. I am the messenger of the lord of the three worlds, worthy of being served for ever by Daityas and serpents. I have come here to you on being sent by him. 2 3. The son of the ocean Jalandhara became the lord of all Daityas and now he is the lord of the three worlds. He is the emperor of all. 24. That powerful king of Daityas is like the god of death to the gods. Listen to what he says addressing you the Yogin. 25. O bull-bannered god, listen to the behest of the lord of Daityas who has divine power and who is the master of all excellent things. 26. How can the auspicious daughter of Himavat be a wife unto you who habitually stay in the cremation ground wearing garlands of bones and assuming the form of a naked ascetic. 27. I am the possessor of all excellent things. She is the most excellent of all ladies. She deserves me better than you who live on alms. 28. The three worlds are under my control. I partake of shares in sacrifices. The excellent things of the three worlds are found in my palace. 29. We are the enjoyers of excellent things. You are a mere naked ascetic and a Yogin. Surrender your wife unto me. Subjects shall always keep their king happy. 30. When Rāhu spoke thus, a terrific being resonant like the thunder came out from the space between the eyebrows of the trident-bearing deity. 31. He had a leonine mouth with a moving tongue; his eyes shed fiery flames; his hair stood at its end; his body was dry and rough. He appeared to be the man-lion incarnation of Viṣṇu. 32. He was huge in size. He had long arms. His calves were as stout and huge as the palmyra tree. He was very terrible. He immediately rushed at Rāhu. 33. On seeing him rushing to devour, Rāhu was terrified. He ran out when he was caught by the terrible being. 34. “O great lord, O lord of the gods, save me who have sought refuge in you. You are always worthy of being worshipped by the gods and Asuras. You are the lord endowed with all riches and accomplishments. 35. O great lord, your terrible servant has come here to swallow me, a brahmin. 36. O lord of gods, favourably disposed to your devotees, save me lest he should devour me. Obeisance be to you again and again.” 37. O sage, on hearing the words of the brahmin, the great lord, favourite of the distressed and helpless, spoke to his Gaṇa. 38. “Leave off this brahmin Rāhu, the emissary who has sought refuge. O excellent Gaṇa, those who seek shelter shall be protected, not punished.” 39. Commanded thus by the lord of Pārvatī, of sympathetic temperament, the Gaṇa set Rāhu free, immediately on hearing the word brahmin. 40. After leaving off Rāhu, the gaṇa came near Śiva and pleaded to the great lord in piteous words. 41. O great lord, O lord of the gods, O Śiva the merciful, O deity favourable to the devotees, my prey has been taken away. 42. O lord, I am tormented by hunger. So I am utterly emaciated. O lord of the gods, what shall be eaten by me? Please command me, O lord. 43. On hearing these words of the being, the great lord of wonderful sports, eager to help his own persons, replied. 44. “If you are badly in need of food, if hunger torments you, eat up immediately the flesh of your own hands and feet.” 45. On being commanded thus by Śiva, the being ate up the flesh from his limbs. He was then left only with his head. 46. On seeing that being of terrible activities, left only with his head, the delighted Sadāśiva spoke smilingly. 47. “O great Gaṇa, you are blessed since you carried out my behest to the very letter. O excellent one, I am pleased with this action of yours. 48. You shall hereafter be known by the title Kīrtimukha. You shall be my door-keeper. You shall be one of my great Gaṇas, very heroic and terrible to all wicked persons. 49. You are my favourite. In the course of my worship, you too shall be worshipped always by my devotees. Those who do not worship you cannot be pleasing to me.” 50. With this excellent blessing from Śiva, he became delighted. From that time onwards Kīrtimukha was stationed at the entrance of the lord of the gods. 51. This Gaṇa shall be specially worshipped in the course of the adoration of Śiva. Those who do not worship him at the outset will find their worship in vain.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O omniscient Sanatkumāra, a wonderful story has been narrated by you, wherein the sanctifying sports of Śiva the great lord are included. 2. Now take pity on me and tell me with pleasure. O great sage, when released by that being where did Rāhu go? 3. On hearing the words of Vyāsa of immeasurable intelligence, the great sage, the delighted son of Brahmā, replied. 4. Rāhu had been let off in the land of the outcastes. He too became an outcaste and came to be known in the world as such. 5. Considering that as his second birth he became humble. He became free from haughtiness. He slowly wended his way to the city of Jalandhara. 6. After approaching Jalandhara the lord of Daityas, he explained everything concerning Śiva in detail, O Vyāsa. 7. On hearing it, the powerful son of the ocean, the excellent lord of Daityas, Jalandhara became furious from head to foot. 8. Then the infuriated excellent Daitya commanded the entire army of the Daityas to enter into the fray. 9-10. Let all the Asuras such as Kālanemi and others set out with their entire divisions; Śumbha, Niśumbha and other heroes; the descendants of Koṭivīra, the scions of the family of Kambu. Daurhṛdas, Kalakas, Kālakeyas, Mauryas and Dhaumras—let all these start for the fight. 11. After ordering thus, the lord of the Asuras the valorous son of the ocean set out quickly accompanied by crores of Daityas. 12. Then Śukra and Rāhu with his head severed went ahead of him. In his quick jerky movement, his crown became dislodged and fell on the ground. 13. The sky was entirely enveloped by clouds as in the rainy season. Many ill omens occurred portending great slumber. 14. On seeing his enterprise, the gods including Indra went to Kailāsa, the abode of Śiva without being observed. 15. After going there and seeing Śiva, the gods including Indra, bowed to him with stooping shoulders. They joined their palms in reverence and eulogised. 16. O great lord, lord of the gods, O Śiva the merciful, obeisance be to you. Save us who have sought refuge in you. 17. O lord, we are very much distressed by this harassment. All including Indra are deposed and compelled to stay on the earth. 18. O lord, how is it possible that you do not know this adversity of the gods? Hence in order to protect us please kill him. 19. O lord, Viṣṇu who was assigned by you the task of protection is now unable to protect us. 20. He is also subservient to him and stays in his mansion along with Lakṣmī. All of us gods stay there obeying his behests. 21. O Śiva, we have approached you unobserved by him. That powerful son of the ocean is coming hither to fight with you. 22. O omniscient lord, you shall kill Jalandhara in the battle without delay. Save us who have sought refuge in you. 23. After saying this, the gods including Indra bowed to him and stood humbly glancing at the feet of lord Śiva. 24. On hearing the words of the gods the bull-bannered deity laughed. He called Viṣṇu immediately and spoke these words. 25. O great Viṣṇu, the distressed gods harassed by Jalandhara have sought refuge in me. 26. O Viṣṇu, how is it that Jalandhara was not killed in battle by you? Leaving off your own Vaikuṇṭha you have gone to his mansion? 27. As I wanted to be free and sportful, I had appointed you for the protection of the good and the curbing of the wicked. 28. On hearing the words of lord Śiva, Viṣṇu replied humbly bowing down with palms joined in reverence. 29. He was not killed in war by me because he was born of a part of yours. Moreover he is Lakṣmī’s brother. Please kill him. 30. O lord of the gods, he is very powerful, heroic and indefatigable by all the heaven-dwellers and others too. I am telling you the truth. 31. In fact a war was fought with him by me in the company of the gods. But my strategy was ineffective in regard to this great Dānava. 32. I told him “I am delighted with your valour. Tell me the boon you wish to have”. On hearing these words of mine he chose an excellent boon. 33. “O great Viṣṇu please stay in my mansion subservient to me along with my sister, the gods and myself.” So I went to his mansion. 34. On hearing the words of Viṣṇu, lord Śiva who is favourably disposed to his devotees laughed and said delightedly and sympathetically. 35. O Viṣṇu, foremost among the gods, please listen to my words attentively. I will kill the great Daitya Jalandhara. There is no doubt about this. 36. Go back to your abode fearlessly. Let the gods too go back without fear and hesitation, considering the ruler of the Asuras already killed. 37. On hearing the words of lord Śiva, the lord of Lakṣmī immediately went to his abode without doubts along with the gods. 38. In the meantime, O Vyāsa, that valorous king of the Daityas went along with the well-equipped Asuras to the outskirts of the mountain. 39. Accompanied by a vast army he laid siege to Kailāsa. He stood there like the god of death roaring like a lion. 40. On hearing the tumultuous roar of the Daityas, lord Śiva of great sports, the destroyer of the wicked, became very furious. 41. The great lord of various sports, the enthusiastic Śiva commanded his powerful Gaṇas, Nandin and others, severally. 42. Nandin, Vighneśvara, Kumāra and all other Gaṇas, at the bidding of Śiva hurriedly got ready for the battle. 43. The infuriated and invincible Gaṇas descended from Kailāsa heroically shouting war cries and leaping to fight. 44. Then at the ridges, valleys and sides of Kailāsa, a terrible battle was fought between the leaders of the Pramathas and the Daityas. Weapons clashed with weapons. 45. The whole earth shook resonant with the sounds of great war drums, Mṛdaṅgas and conches that inspired the heroes as well as the sounds of elephants, horses and chariots. 46. The whole atmosphere was filled with javeline, iron clubs, arrows, great pestles, iron rods, pikes etc. as if strewn with pearls. 47. With the dead elephants, horses and foot soldiers, the earth shone in the same way as before when great mountains were scattered, smitten by the thunderbolt of Indra. 48. With the groups of Daityas killed by the Pramathas, and with the Gaṇas killed by the Daityas, the whole ground was filled with suets, flesh and streams of blood. It became so marshy as it became impassable. 49. With the power of Sañjīvanī, Bhārgava resuscitated the forces of the Daityas killed by the Pramathas in the battle again and again. 50. On seeing them, all the Gaṇas were agitated and terrified. They intimated to the lord of the gods what Śukra did. 51. On hearing it, lord Śiva became terribly furious. He became terrific blazing the quarters as it were. 52. A terrible Kṛtyā came out of Rudra ’s mouth. Her calves were as stout as Palmyra trees. Her mouth was huge and deep like mountain caverns. With her breasts she crushed huge trees. 53. O excellent sage, she rushed immediately to the battle ground. The terrible Kṛtyā roamed the battleground devouring the great Asuras. 54. Fearlessly she rushed amid the battle-field where Bhargava was stationed surrounded by the leading Daityas. 55. O sage, she enveloped the whole sky with her terrible brilliance. She split the ground she trod; she stuffed Bhārgava into her vaginal passage and vanished in the sky. 56. On seeing Bhārgava seized, the invincible armies of the Daityas became dejected and faded in their faces. They fled from the battle ground. 57. The army of the Daityas became scattered and split in their terrific fear of the Gaṇas like bundles of grass split and scattered when blown by the wind. 58. On seeing the army of the Daityas thus dispersed and frightened of the Gaṇas, the leaders Śumbha and Niśumbha and Kālanemi became infuriated. 59. All the three powerful Daityas obstructed the army of the Gaṇas showering arrows like the destructive clouds in the rainy season. 60. The volleys of arrows discharged by the Daityas enveloped all the quarters and the atmosphere like huge swarms of locusts. They shook the hosts of Gaṇas. 61. Split by hundreds of arrows, the Gaṇas shed streams of blood. They resembled the red Kiṃśuka flowers of the spring season. They did not know what to do. 62. On seeing their army thus shattered, the infuriated leaders Nandin, Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya hurriedly checked the rushing Daityas.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On seeing the leaders of the Gaṇas, Nandin, Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya, the Dānavas rushed at them for a duel combat. 2. Kālanemi clashed with Nandin; Śumbha fought Gaṇeśa and Niśumbha hesitatingly rushed at Kārttikeya. 3. With five arrows Niśumbha hit the peacock of Kārttikeya in the chest and it fell unconscious. 4. Then the infuriated Kārttikeya discharged five arrows at his chariot and pierced the horses and the charioteer. 5. The invincible hero hit Niśumbha with another sharp arrow quickly and roared. 6. The Asura Niśumbha of great prowess and heroism hit Kārttikeya in the battle with his arrow as he roared. 7. By the time the furious Kārttikeya seized his spear, Niśumbha struck him with it. 8. Thus, O Vyāsa, a great fight between Kārttikeya and Niśumbha ensued as they shouted heroically. 9. Then Nandin hit Kālanemi with seven arrows and pierced his horses, banner, chariot and charioteer. 10. With very sharp shafts discharged from his bow, the infuriated Kālanemi cut the bow of Nandin. 11. Defying the great demon Kālanemi the heroic Nandīśvara hit him in the chest with his spear. 12. With his horses and charioteer killed and himself wounded in the chest, he broke the top of a mountain and hit Nandin. 13. Then Śumbha and Gaṇeśa seated respectively in a chariot and on a mouse fought each other with volleys of arrows. 14. Gaṇeśa hit Śumbha in his chest with an arrow and felled his charioteer with three arrows on the ground. 15. Then the infuriated Śumbha covered Gaṇeśa with a shower of arrows. Hitting the mouse with three arrows he roared like thunder. 16. The mouse pierced by the arrows, shook with acute pain. Gaṇeśa was thrown off (his vehicle ) and he became a foot soldier (as it were). 17. Then Gaṇeśa hit Śumbha in his chest with his axe and felled him to the ground. Thereafter he mounted his mouse again. 18. Lord Gaṇeśa of elephantine face got ready for the fight. He hit him mockingly and angrily as if hitting a great elephant with a goad. 19. Kālanemi and Śumbha simultaneously attacked Gaṇeśa furiously with arrows as ruthless as serpents. 20. On seeing him afflicted, the powerful Vīrabhadra accompanied by a crore goblins rushed in. 21. The Kūṣmāṇḍas, Bhairavas, Vetālas, Yoginīs, Piśācas, Ḍākinīs and Gaṇas came there with him. 22. The Earth, resonant with various kinds of noise, shouts of joy, leonine roars and the sounds of Ḍamarukas, quaked. 23. Then the Bhūtas ran here and there devouring the Dānavas. They jumped up and danced in the battle field and threw the Asura on the ground. 24. In the meantime, O Vyāsa, Nandin and Guha regained their consciousness and got up. They roared in the battlefield again. 25. Nandin and Kārttikeya came hurriedly and struck the Daityas in the battle ground with incessant volleys of arrows. 26. Then the army of the Daityas became agitated and dejected with many Daityas wounded, split, killed, felled to the ground and devoured. 27. Thus Nandin, Kārttikeya the formidable and valorous, Vīrabhadra and the other Gaṇas roared much in the battle. 28. Then those two generals of the son of the ocean, Niśumbha and Śumbha, the great Daitya Kālanemi and the other Asuras were defeated. 29. On seeing the army destroyed, the powerful son of the ocean rushed at the Gaṇas in his chariot of waving and wafting colours. 30. Thereat even the defeated Daityas became jubilant. O Vyāsa, they roared much and got ready for the fray. 31. The victorious Gaṇas of Śiva too roared, led by Nandin, Kārttikeya, Gaṇeśa and Vīrabhadara, O sage. 32. The trumpets of the elephants, the neighing of the horses, the rumbling of the chariots, the sounds of the conches and war- drums and the leonine roars of the armies rose up. 33. The space between heaven and the earth became enveloped by the many arrows discharged by Jalandhara as if by floating masses of mist. 34. Hitting Nandin and Gaṇeśa with five arrows each and Vīrabhadra with twenty he roared like thunder. 35. Kārttikeya the heroic son of Śiva then swiftly hit the Daitya Jalandhara with his spear and roared. 36. With the body pierced through by the spear, the Daitya fell on the ground with eyes rolling. But the powerful Asura swiftly stood up. 37. Then Jalandhara the infuriated leader of the Daityas hit Kārttikeya in his chest with his mace. 38. O Vyāsa, plainly exhibiting the successful efficiency of the Mace secured as a favour from Brahmā Kārttikeya fell on the ground suddenly. 39. Similarly, struck by the mace Nandin too fell on the ground, He was distressed a little although he was a great hero and a destroyer of enemies. 40. Then the infuriated hero Gaṇeśa came there after remembering the lotus like feet of Śiva and split the mace of the Daitya with his axe. 41. Vīrabhadra then hit the Dānava in his chest with three arrows. He cut off the banner, umbrella, bow and the horses of the Daitya with seven arrows. 42. Then the infuriated leader of the Daityas lifted up his terrible Śakti and felled Gaṇeśa. He mounted another chariot then. 43. The powerful leader of the Daityas did not mind Vīrabhadra at all. Angrily he rushed at him. 44. Jalandhara, the heroic king of Daityas, hit Vīrabhadra with a fierce arrow and roared. 45. The infuriated Vīrabhadra split that arrow with a sharp-edged arrow. With another great arrow he hit him too. 46. Then both of them, the most excellent of heroes refulgent like the sun, fought each other with different kinds of weapons and missiles. 47. Vīrabhadra then felled his horses with his arrows. He forcefully cut off him bow and flags too. 48. Then the king of the Daityas leapt up to him with a great iron club. That powerful warrior reached very near Vīrabhadra very quickly. 49. The heroic and powerful son of the ocean hit Vīrabhadra on his head with his great iron club. He then roared. 50. Vīrabhadra, the leader of the Gaṇas, fell on the ground with his head shattered by the iron club and shed much blood. 51. On seeing Vīrabhadra fallen, the terrified Gaṇas abandoned the battle ground shrieking and fled to lord Śiva. 52. On hearing the tumultuous uproar of the Gaṇas, the moon -crested lord asked the excellent Gaṇas, the heroes standing near him. 53. How is this tumultuous uproar among my Gaṇas? O heroes, let this be enquired into. Peace shall be established by me, of course. 54. Even as the lord of the gods was conducting the enquiry, the leaders of the Gaṇas approached the lord. 55. On seeing them dejected, the lord enquired after their health. The Gaṇas then intimated to him everything in detail. 56. On hearing it, lord Śiva, the expert in divine sports assured them of freedom from fear increasing their enthusiasm. Article published on 16 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then the great lord Śiva assuming a terrible form went laughingly to the battle-field and sat on his bull, accompanied by his heroic Gaṇas. 2. On seeing Śiva coming, the Gaṇas who were formerly defeated returned to fight roaring like lions. 3. Other Gaṇas too shouted heroically and jubilantly. Well-equipped with their weapons they killed the Daityas with showers of arrows. 4. On seeing Śiva the terrible, all the Daityas fled for fear from the battle field as the sins on seeing a devotee of Śiva. 5. On seeing the Daityas returning from the battle field, Jalandhara rushed at Śiva discharging thousands of arrows. 6. Thousands of leading Daityas, Niśumbha, Śumbha and others rushed at Śiva, biting their lips. 7. Similarly Kālanemi the hero, Khaḍgaromā, Balāhaka, Ghasmara, Pracaṇḍa and others rushed at Śiva. 8. O sage, the heroes Śumbha and others, covered the Gaṇas of Rudra with arrows and cut their limbs. 9. On seeing his army of Gaṇas enveloped in darkness by the volleys of arrows, Śiva split the net of their arrows and encompassed the sky with his own. 10. He afflicted the Daityas with the gusts of wind raised by the arrows. He felled them to the ground with fierce volleys of arrows. 11. He severed the head of Khaḍgaromā from his body with his axe. He shattered the head of Balāhaka with his club into two pieces. 12. He tied the Daitya Ghasmara with his noose and dashed him on the ground. With his trident, he chopped off the great hero Pracaṇḍa. 13. Some of the Asuras were killed by the bull. Some were struck by the arrows. Like elephants harassed by lions, the Asuras were unable to stay there. 14. Then the great Asura Jalandhara became infuriated and rebuked the Daityas in the battle. The courageous Daitya mocked at Śumbha and others and spoke thus. 15. Of what avail is your boasting about the pedigree of your mother if you flee back on being attacked? To die cowardly while you profess to be heroes is not commendable, nor does it yield heaven. 16. O trivial fellows, if you have faith in war or the essential strength in the heart or if you have no lurking pleasures for sexual indulgence then you come forward and stand before me. 17. Death in battle is preferrable. It yields all cherished desires. It is especially conducive to fame. It has been proclaimed as the bestower of salvation too. 18. The wandering recluse of supreme knowledge and wisdom as well as he who dies fighting face to face, attain the greatest region after breaking through the solar sphere. 19. No sensible man should ever be afraid of death. Death is inevitable notwithstanding all the remedies employed to ward it off. 20. O heroes, death is congenital to any being born. Either today or at the end of a hundred years all living beings are sure to die. 21. Hence, cast off all fear for death. Come and fight in war joyously. In every respect there is certainly a great bliss here and hereafter. 22. Saying this, he tried to encourage his heroes in several ways. But the frightened demons did not regain courage. They fled from the battle in a trice. 23. On seeing his army on the rout, the heroic son of the ocean Jalandhara became very furious. 24. Then the infuriated Jalandhara challenged for a battle in a stentorian voice like the sound of fierce thunderbolt. 25. O ascetic, fight with me now. What is the use of slaying these? Show me what little strength you have. 26. After saying this, Jalandhara the great Daitya hit the bull-bannered Śiva of indefatigable endeavour, with an incessant volley of arrows. 27. Laughingly, lord Śiva split all the arrows of Jalandhara by discharging his own sharp arrows even before his arrows reached him. 28. Then with seven arrows he split the horses, banner, umbrella and the bow of Daitya Jalandhara. O sage, it is not surprising in the case of Śiva. 29. The infuriated Asura the son of the ocean, devoid of a chariot and with bow split up rushed at Śiva lifting his mace vigorously. 30. O Vyāsa, lord Śiva of great sports immediately split asunder the mace hurled by him, by means of his arrows. 31. Yet the highly infuriated great Asura rushed at Śiva with the mailed fist lifted up, with a desire to kill him. 32. By a volley of arrows Jalandhara was hurled back a Krośa by Śiva of indefatigable enterprise. 33. Then, considering Śiva more powerful, Jalandhara the Daitya, created the illusion of Gandharvas that mysteriously fascinated even Śiva. 34. By the power of his Māyā, hosts of Gandharvas and celestial damsels came into view for fascinating Śiva. 35. The Gandharvas and celestial damsels sang and danced. Others played on flutes, mṛdaṅgas and cymbals. 36. On seeing that wonderful feat, Śiva was fascinated by the Gaṇas. He was not conscious of even the garments let down from the hands. 37. On seeing Śiva concentrated in the dance Jalandhara urged by lust immediately went to the place where Gaurī stood. 38-39. He entrusted the powerful Śumbha and Niśumbha with the conduct of war. With his demonaic Māyā he assumed the form of Śiva—with ten brawny arms, five faces, three eyes, and matted hair. He was seated on the great bull. In every respect, O Vyāsa, Jalandhara appeared like Śiva. 40. On seeing Śiva coming, the beloved of Śiva came out from the midst of her female friends within the range of his vision. 41. When the lord of Asuras saw the bauntiful Pārvatī, he let drops of semen fall and his limbs became benumbed. 42. On realising that he was the demon, the terrified Gaurī vanished immediately to the northern shore of the Mānasa lake. 43. Unable to see her who disappeared in a moment like lightning, the Daitya immediately went to the place where lord Śiva stood in order to fight him. 44. Pārvatī remembered lord Viṣṇu mentally. Immediately she saw the lord seated near her. 45. On seeing Viṣṇu bowing to her with palms joined in reverence, Pārvatī the beloved of Śiva, the mother of the universe, spoke delightedly. 46. O Viṣṇu, is it not known to you that the wicked Daitya Jalandhara perpetrated a wonderfully base deed?” 47. On hearing the words of the mother of the universe, the Garuḍa -bannered lord bowed to Pārvatī bending his neck and joining his palms in reverence and spoke. 48. O mother, by your favour that incident is known to me. What you shall be pleased to commend I shall perform with your permission. 49. On hearing the words of Viṣṇu, Pārvatī said again. The mother of the universe desired to teach Viṣṇu the policy based on Dharma. 50. He himself has shown the path. Know that to be the way in the same manner. At my bidding, make the chastity of his wife violated. 51. O Viṣṇu, that great Daitya cannot be killed otherwise. In the earth there is no other virtue equal to chastity. 52. On hearing this command and accepting it with lowered head, Viṣṇu immediately went to the city of Jalandhara for practising deception. Article published on 16 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O omniscient Sanatkumāra, please narrate, O eloquent one, what did Viṣṇu do there? How did she err from her virtue? 2. After going to the city of Jalandhara, Viṣṇu thought of violating the chastity of Vṛndā. 3. The foremost among those who wield illusion, he assumed a wonderful body and stationed himself in a park of the city. He made Vṛndā see a dream. 4. The gentle lady Vṛndā, the wife of Jalandhara, though of pure rites, had a very bad dream at night on account of Viṣṇu’s power of illusion. 5. In the dream as a result of Viṣṇu’s power of illusion she saw the naked form of her husband anointed with oil and seated on a buffalo. 6. He was proceeding in the southern direction. His head had been completely shaved. He was wearing black flowers to decorate himself. He was being served by a number of Asuras. He was completely encompassed by darkness. 7. Later, towards the end of the night she had various bad dreams, such as the whole city was submerged in the sea, all of a sudden, along with herself. 8. Then the lady woke up still thinking of the dream she had had. She saw the rising sun with a hole in the middle and fading repeatedly. 9. On realising that it was a bad portent, the terrified lady began to cry. She did not feel happy at all in the spacious terraces and towers of the palace. 10. With two of her friends she then went to the park in the city. Even there she did not find herself at ease. 11. Then she, the dejected gloomy wife of Jalandhara, wandered from forest to forest. She was not conscious of even herself. 12. The wandering lady saw two demons of terrible leonine faces with shining curved fanglike teeth. 13. Terrified much on seeing them, the lady fled from there and saw an ascetic of calm countenance observing silence and accompanied by his disciple. 14. Putting her tender creeperlike hands round his neck due to fright she gasped out—“O sage, save me. I have sought refuge in you.” 15. Seeing the agitated lady followed by the demons the sage drove them back with a loud bellowing sound of “Hum”. 16. O sage, seeing them routed and terrified by the mere Huṃkāra, the wife of the king of Daityas was struck with a great wonder in her heart. 17. Freed from the fear she bowed down to the great sage with palms joined in reverence and prostrated herself in front of him. Vṛndā then spoke. 18. “O leader of sages, O ocean of mercy, O remover of harassment from others, I have been saved by you from this terrible danger from the wicked demons. 19. You are competent in every respect. You are omniscient. Yet I wish to submit something. Be pleased to hear it. 20. O lord, Jalandhara my husband has gone to fight Śiva. O holy one of good rites, how does he fare in the war? Please tell me.” 21. On hearing her words, the sage feigned a deceptive silence. Fully aware of the means of achieving his selfish ends he looked up sympathetically. 22. In the meantime two lordly monkeys came there and stood bowing down in front of him. At a significant gesture from his eyebrows, the monkeys rose into the sky again. 23. O great sage, within a trice, they came back taking with them his head, body and limbs and stood in front of the sage. 24. On seeing the head, body and limbs of her husband, Vṛndā fell unconscious, extremely pained at the misery of her lord. 25. “O lord, formerly you used to humour me with pleasant chats. How is it that you do not speak to me now, to your pious beloved? 26. How is it that you, by whom all the gods including the Gandharvas and Viṣṇu had been defeated, you who had conquered the three worlds, have now been killed by a poor sage? 27. O excellent Daitya, you did not know the reality of Śiva nor did you pay heed to my words ‘Śiva is Supreme Brahman.’ 28. Having served you I found that it was not due to haughtiness but due to your association with bad men that you did all this.” 29. Saying these and other words of lamentation, his beloved wife strictly adhering to virtue, cried in diverse ways with a pained heart. 30. Then steadying herself a little, and heaving deep sighs of grief she bowed to the excellent sage with palms joined in reverence. 31. “O excellent sage, storehouse of mercy, eager to help others, O gentle sir, take pity on me and resuscitate my lord. 32. O great sage, I know that you are competent to enliven him again. Hence please resuscitate my beloved husband.” 33. After saying this, the chaste wife of the Daitya fell at his feet heaving sighs of grief. 34. This Daitya cannot be enlivened because he has been killed by Śiva in the battle. Those killed in battle by Śiva never return to life. 35. Still, knowing the eternal Dharma that those who seek refuge should be protected, I shall resuscitate him urged by pity. 36. After saying this and restoring him to life, O sage, that sage who was Viṣṇu the foremost among those who wield illusion vanished from the scene. 37. Jalandhara thus revived to life by him stood up. Delighted in mind he embraced Vṛndā and kissed her face. 38. On seeing her husband, Vṛndā too was delighted. She forgot her sorrow. She considered everything a dream. 39. Delighted in the heart and with all the dormant passions kindled up, she sported with him for many days in the middle of that forest. 40. Once at the end of the sexual intercourse she realised that it was Viṣṇu. Vṛndā rebuked him angrily and spoke thus. 41. Fie on this misdeed of Viṣṇu in outraging the modesty of another man’s wife. I have now realised you as the wielder of illusion, appearing in the guise of an ascetic. 42. O Vyāsa, saying thus in great anger she showed her brilliant powers as a staunch chaste lady by cursing Viṣṇu. 43. “O base foe of the Daityas, defiler of other people’s virtue, O wicked one, take this curse from me, greater in force than all persons. 44. The two persons whom you made to appear in front of me shall become Rākṣasas and abduct your wife. 45. You will be distressed on account of separation from your wife roaming about with Śeṣa ‘lord of snakes’ who posed as your disciple here. You will seek the help of monkeys in the forest. 46. After saying this, Vṛndā entered fire though prevented by Viṣṇu who was fascinated by her charms. 47. O sage, then Brahmā and other gods, gathered in the sky accompanied by their wives in order to see the salvation of Vṛndā. 48. Then the great brilliance of the wife of Jalandhara immediately went to Śivaloka even as the gods stood watching. 49. The refulgence of Vṛndā became merged in Pārvatī. There was a great shout of “Victory” in the rows of the gods standing in the sky. 50. O sage, thus the great queen Vṛndā the excellent daughter of Kālanemi attained great salvation, thanks to the power of her chastity. 51. Viṣṇu thought of Vṛndā remorsefully. The smoke and dust from her funeral pyre covered his face. He stood there itself without any peace of mind though urged and consoled by hosts of gods and Siddhas.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O excellent son of Brahmā, O intelligent one, you have narrated a wonderful story. What happened thereafter in the battle? How was the Asura killed? Please narrate. 2. Unable to see Pārvatī, the king of Daityas returned to the battle ground. The groups of deceptive Gandharvas vanished. It was only then that the bull-bannered deity regained awareness of the surroundings. 3. On seeing the illusion vanished, Śiva woke up. Following the way of the world, the annihilator became very furious. 4. Then Śiva was a bit surprised in the mind. He approached Jalandhara angrily in order to fight with him. On seeing Śiva approaching again, the Asura showered him with arrows. 5. Lord Śiva immediately split the cluster of arrows discharged by the powerful Jalandhara by means of his own excellent arrows. This was not surprising for the annihilator of the three worlds. 6. Seeing Śiva exhibiting wonderful feats of valour, Jalandhara created Pārvatī by means of his illusion in order to delude Śiva. 7. Śiva saw Pārvatī tied to the chariot and crying. She was being harrassed by Niśumbha, Śumbha and other Daityas. 8. On seeing that in her plight, Śiva became dispirited and dejected in the mind like an ordinary man pursuing the way of the world. 9. He, an expert in various kinds of sports, remained silent with face drooping down, utterly dejected, exhausted and forgetful of his own prowess. 10. Then Jalandhara hurriedly hit Śiva in his chest, belly and the head with three arrows that went deep down as far as their feathered tail. 11. Then within a trice, lord Śiva, the principle of perfect wisdom, expert in great sports, assumed a terrific form, dreadfully blazing. 12. On seeing his excessively terrible form, the Daityas fled to the ten different quarters. They were unable to stay facing him. 13. O great sage, even Śumbha and Niśumbha who were renowned for their prowess could not stand in the battle ground. 14. The illusion created by Jalandhara had vanished in an instant. In that all out battle there was great hue and cry. 15. On seeing Śumbha and Niśumbha fleeing, the infuriated Śiva rebuked them and cursed as follows. 16. “You are wicked and excessively roguish. You have offended me by harassing Pārvatī. Now "both of you have deserted the battle ground. 17. A person fleeing the battle ground shall not be killed. So I do not kill you. Since you have escaped from a fight with me you would be killed by Pārvatī.” 18. Even as Śiva was saying, Jalandhara, son of the ocean, became very furious with Śiva like the blazing fire. 19. One after the other, he showered many sharp arrows on Śiva in the battle. The whole of the Earth became enveloped in darkness by his arrows. 20. Śiva split the arrows swiftly, the powerful Daitya hit the bull with an iron club. 21. Due to that blow the bull turned away from the battle field. Even when dragged by Śiva it did not stand there. 22. Then the great Śiva put forth an unbearable splendour visible to all in the battle field. O great sage, this is true. 23. Then the infuriated Śiva assuming a terrible form, became as dreadful as the fire of dissolution, all of a sudden. 24. On seeing the Daitya standing in front like the lofty peak of Meru and hearing from others that he could not be killed, he stood ready for it. 25. As desired by Brahmā, the lord protector of the worlds decided to kill Jalandhara, blessing him in the heart of his heart. 26. Becoming excessively angry, the trident bearing deity made a mysteriously terrible wheel in the great waters by means of his big toe indulging in a divine sport. 27. Creating a sharp wheel in the waters of the ocean and remembering that the three worlds had been harassed by Jalandhara, the lord Śiva who had slain Dakṣa, Andhaka Antaka and destroyed the three cities and the sacrifice of Dakṣa and annihilated the three worlds said laughingly. 28. O Jalandhara, if you are powerful enough to lift the wheel created by me with the leg in the great waters, you will be competent to stand and fight with me, not otherwise. 29. On hearing his words the Daitya’s eyes gleamed fiercely with anger. He looked at Śiva as if burning him with his eyes and said:— 30-31. After uplifting the wheel, I shall be killing you with your Gaṇas. Like Garuḍa killing the serpents I shall kill all the people in the world along with the gods. I can destroy the mobile and immobile along with Indra. O lord Śiva, who is there in the three worlds that can escape being pierced by my arrows? 32. Even in my childhood, lord Brahmā had been defeated by my vigour. That powerful Brahmā is in my abode now along with the sages and leading gods. 33. Within a trice, the entire universe of the mobile and immobile has been burnt by me. O Śiva, what can be done by you or by your penance? Even lord Brahmā has been defeated. 34. Indra, Agni, Yama, Kubera, Vāyu, and Varuṇa and others were unable to endure my valour like the serpents unable to bear even the odour of the lord of birds. 35. O Śiva, I have never been obstructed either in the heaven or on the earth. I have gone over all the mountains and crushed all the leading Gaṇas. 36. To remove the itching sensation in my arms I have hit the lofty mountain Mandara, the glorious mountain Nīla and the lustrous mountain Meru. 37. Just for the sport the river Gaṅgā was checked by me on the Himalaya mountain. Even my servants were victorious over the gods, my enemies. 38. I seized the submarine fire and closed its mouth when the entire ocean became one single unit instantaneously. 39. Airāvata and other elephants have been hurled into the ocean. Lord Indra along with his chariot has been thrown by me a hundred Yojanas away. 40. Even Guruḍa (Garuḍa?) has been bound by me along with Viṣṇu by means of the serpent noose. Urvaśī and other women have been imprisoned by me. 41. O Śiva, you do not know me the conqueror of the three worlds, Jalandhara, the great Daitya and the powerful son of the ocean. 42. After saying this to lord Śiva, the son of the ocean did not move nor did he remember the Dānavas killed in the battle. 43. Lord Śiva was slighted and insulted by means of harsh words by the haughty impudent Daitya after slapping each arm by the other forcibly. 44. On hearing the inauspicious words of the Daitya, lord Śiva laughed mockingly and became furious. 45. Śiva held in his hand the wheel Sudarśana which he had made with his toe and got ready to kill him. 46. Lord Śiva hurled the discus Sudarśana which resembled a crore suns and the fire of dissolution. 47. Blazing the heaven and the earth, the discus hit Jalandhara and severed his head with wide gaping eyes. 48. The body of the son of the ocean fell on the ground from the chariot making the earth resonant. The head too fell. There was a great hue and cry. 49. His body fell in two halves like the mountain of collyrium split by the thunderbolt and hurled in the ocean. 50. The whole universe was filled with his terrible blood O great sage, the entire earth became deformed. 51. His entire blood and flesh, at the bidding of Śiva was taken to the hell Mahāraurava and became a big pit of blood there. 52. His splendour that came out of his body merged into Śiva just like the splendour that came out of the body of Vṛndā and merged into Pārvatī. 53. On seeing Jalandhara killed, the gods, the Gandharvas and the serpents became highly delighted and said “Well done, O lord”. 54. The gods, Siddhas and great sages were delighted. Making showers of flowers they sang his glory loudly. 55. The celestial damsels excited by love and joy danced. In the company of Kinnaras they sang in harmonious sweet voice. 56. O sage, the quarters became clear when Vṛndā’s husband was killed. The three winds, gentle to the touch and sanctifying, blew. 57. The moon became cool. The sun blazed brilliantly. The fires blazed quietly. The sky became clear. 58. O sage, thus the entire universe of the three worlds regained their earlier health and normalcy much when the son of the ocean was killed by Śiva of infinite forms.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then Brahmā, other gods and the sages eulogised lord Śiva humbly by means of pleasing words. 2. O great lord, lord of the gods favourably disposed to those who seek refuge, you always bestow happiness upon the saintly men and quell the misery of your devotees. 3. O lord, you exhibit wonderfully good divine sports and are available by devotion. You are incapable of being attained or propitiated by the evil-minded. Be favourable to us always. 4. Even the Veda does not know your greatness in reality. Noble men sing your great glory to the extent of their intellect. 5. Indra and others sing your secret greatness always with pleasure and sanctify their own tongue. 6. O lord of gods, by your favour even a sluggish person realizes Brahman. The Vedas say that you are always attainable by devotion. 7. You are merciful to the distressed. You are all pervasive. You manifest yourself by good devotion. You are free from aberrations. You are the goal of the good. 8. O Lord Śiva, by devotion alone people have attained the power of miracles. They became indifferent to the pleasures they enjoy or the miseries they have to face. 9. O lord, it was by his devotion alone that the founder of the Yadu family, the devotee Dāśārha and his wife Kalāvatī attained great success. 10. O lord of gods, the king Mitrasaha and his beloved queen Madayantī attained great salvation through devotion to you. 11. The daughter of the elder brother of the king of Kekayas named Sauminī attained happiness inaccessible to even great Yogins, by his devotion to you. 12. O lord, by devotion to you the excellent king Vimarṣaṇa enjoyed worldly pleasures for seven births in various ways and ultimately attained the goal of the good. 13. The excellent king Candrasena enjoyed all pleasures, became free from misery and experienced great happiness here and hereafter by devotion to you. 14. Śrīkara, the son of a cowherdess and the disciple of Mahāvīra enjoyed the goal of the good here and great happiness hereafter by his devotion to you. 15. You removed the misery of the king Satyaratha and you conferred good goal on him. You enabled the prince Dharmagupta to cross the ocean of worldly existence and made him happy here. 16. O great lord, mercifully you made the brahmin Śucivrata strictly adhering to devotion to you gain knowledge along with his mother and made him rich too. 17. By his devotion to you the excellent king Citravarman perpetually enjoyed in this world the pleasures inaccessible even to the gods and attained salvation, the goal of the good. 18. The prince Candrāṅgada along with his wife Sīmantinī got rid of all miseries, enjoyed happiness and attained great goal. 19. The brahmin named Mandara who became a base knave indulging in lecherous association with prostitutes, O Śiva, worshipped one of your women devotees and attained salvation along with her. 20. O lord, thanks to the favour of a devotee of yours, the prince Bhadrāyu attained happiness free from pain and achieved great goal along with his mother. 21. O lord Śiva, even wicked sinners eating forbidden foodstuffs and indulging in sexual dalliance with all sorts of women, have been liberated by their service to you. 22. O Śiva, Śambara a devotee of yours, smearing himself with the ashes of the funeral pyre, attained your region along with his wife, thanks to his regular adherence to Bhasma. 23-25. O lord, the son of Bhadrasena and the son of his minister both of virtuous and auspicious rites and regular wearers of Rudrākṣa beads, enjoyed good pleasures here and became liberated, thanks to your grace. The two devotees who had been monkey and a cock in a previous birth became the ornaments of Rudra. O lord, always engaged in uplifting the devotees, the two courtesans Piṅgalā and Mahānandā attained the goal of the good, thanks to their devotion to you. 26. The brahmin girl Śāradā who had become a widow in childhood, was fortunate to regain her lost husband and was blessed with sons, thanks to the power of devotion to you. 27. Binduga, a brahmin only in name, a harlot monger and his wife Cañculā attained great salvation on hearing your glory. 28. O lord Śiva, friend of the distressed, storehouse of mercy, many living beings have attained the goal in this way. 29. O lord Śiva, you are greater than Prakṛti and Puruṣa. You are the Brahman. You are devoid of attributes as well as the support of attributes in the forms of Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Rudra. 30. You are free from aberrations, O lord of all, you perform different activities incessantly. O lord Śiva, we all, Brahmā and others are your slaves. 31. O lord of gods, be pleased. O Śiva, protect us ever. O lord, we are your subjects and we ever seek refuge in you.” 32. After eulogising Brahmā, other gods and the great sages, the gods remained silent with their minds fixed on Śiva’s feet. 33. The great lord Śiva heard the auspicious prayer of the gods, conferred boons on them and then vanished immediately from the scene. 34. Brahmā and other gods were jubilant as the enemies had been killed. Delightfully singing the great glory of Śiva, they left for their own abodes. 35. This great narrative describing the suppression of Jalandhara is a sanctifying story of lord Śiva that destroys all sins. 36. This prayer of the gods is holy and destructive of sins. It bestows happiness on the devotees and is delightful to Śiva. 37. He who reads or teaches the two narratives, enjoys great happiness here and becomes the lord of Gaṇas hereafter.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O son of Brahmā, obeisance be to you. O excellent devotee of Śiva, you are blessed, since you have narrated this highly divine and auspicious story of Siva. 2. O sage, now narrate lovingly the story of Viṣṇu. After enchanting Vṛndā what did he do? Where did he go? 3. O Vyāsa, listen. O intelligent excellent devotee of Śiva, listen to the good story of Viṣṇu mingled with the story of Śiva. 4. When Brahmā and other gods became silent, lord Śiva, favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in him, was delighted and said. 5. O Brahmā, O ye excellent gods, it is for you that Jalandhara has been killed by me although he was a part of myself. Truth. It is the truth that I say. 6. O dear gods, tell me the truth. Have or have not you attained happiness ? It is for you that I indulge in sports though I am always free from all aberrations. 7. Then Brahmā and other gods, with eyes blooming with delight, bowed to Śiva with bent heads and mentioned to him the activities of Viṣṇu. 8. “O great lord, all the gods have been saved by you from the danger of the enemy but another event has happened. What shall we do in that respect? 9. O lord, Vṛndā was fascinated by Viṣṇu. She burnt herself on the pyre and attained the great goal. 10. But Viṣṇu deluded by your illusion is excessively agitated by the beauty of Vṛndā. He has smeared himself with the ashes from her pyre. 11. Although advised and consoled by the Siddhas and sages, and pacified by us with respect, Viṣṇu deluded by your illusion does not come to his former self. 12. O lord Śiva, be pleased. Restore Viṣṇu to his former self. This entire creation born of Prakṛti and consisting of the mobile and immobile beings, is subservient to you”. 13. On hearing these words of the gods, lord Śiva of great sports and free to act as he pleases replied to them as they stood with palms joined in reverence. 14. O Brahmā, O gods, you listen to my words attentively. My illusion deludes all the worlds. It cannot be transgressed. 15. The entire universe including gods and human beings is subservient to it. Viṣṇu too was deluded by that illusion and became a prey to the lustful love. 16. That illusion is given various names: Umā, Mahādevī, the mother of the three deities, the greatest, primordial Mūlaprakṛti and the lovely woman Pārvatī. 17. O gods, seek refuge in that fascinating goddess named illusion, for the removal of Viṣṇu’s delusion. She is the bestower of cherished desires and worthy of being sought refuge in. 18. Sing the eulogy that satisfies my Śakti. If she is delighted, she will carry out your tasks. 19. O Vyāsa, after saying this to the gods, the five- faced lord Śiva vanished suddenly along with his Gaṇas. 20. At the bidding of Śiva, Brahmā and other gods including Indra mentally eulogised to the primordial Prakṛti favourably disposed to her devotees. 21. We bow to the primordial Prakṛti from which emanate the three attributes Sattva, Rajas and Tamas that cause creation, sustenance and annihilation, and by whose desire the universe is evolved and dissolved. 22. May the great illusion save us, the great Prakṛti that presides over the twentythree principles, well enunciated in the universe. We bow to the primordial Prakṛti whose forms and activities are not known to the three worlds. 23. We bow to the primordial Prakṛti favourably disposed to the devotees. Persons endowed with devotion to her are not bedevilled by poverty, delusion and destruction. 24. O great goddess, please carry out our tasks. O Pārvatī, please remove the delusion of Viṣṇu. O goddess Durgā, obeisance be to you. 25-26. O Śivā, when the fight between Jalandhara and Śiva started, for killing Jalandhara, Vṛndā was deluded by Viṣṇu at the bidding of Gaurī. She was made to forsake her virtue and reduced to ashes in the fire. She attained salvation. 27. Jalandhara was slain in the battle by Śiva who took pity on us and who always blesses his devotees. We have been relieved from his fear. 28. It is at his bidding that we all have sought refuge in you. You and Śiva, O goddess, are always engaged in uplifting your devotees. 29. Infatuated by the beauty of Vṛndā, Viṣṇu is staying there itself. He has lost his balance. He is deluded. He has smeared himself with the ashes from her pyre. 30. O great goddess deluded by your illusion, Viṣṇu does not come to his own though advised and consoled by the gods and Siddhas. 31. O great goddess, be merciful. Enlighten Viṣṇu so that he shall return to his region and carry out the task of the gods with a settled mind. 32. Eulogising thus, the gods saw a sphere of refulgence in the sky pervading all the quarters with its flames. 33. O Vyāsa, Brahmā and other gods including Indra heard a celestial voice from the sky bestowing their desire. 34. O gods, it is I who stand in three forms by the variety of the three attributes, Rajas, Sattva and Tamas. The three forms are Gaurī, Lakṣmī, and Sarasvatī. 35. Hence you go to them respectfully at my bidding. If they are pleased they will fulfil your desire. 36. Even as the gods were listening to this speech with eyes gaping with wonder, the refulgence vanished. 37. On hearing the speech, the gods, urged by it bowed respectfully to Gaurī, Lakṣmī and Sarasvatī. 38. Brahmā and other gods eulogised the goddesses with various speeches and bowed their heads. 39. Then the goddesses appeared in front of them, suddenly, O Vyasa, illuminating the quarters with their wonderful brilliance. 40. On seeing them, the gods eulogised them with great devotion and delighted minds. They submitted what they wanted to be carried out. 41. Thus bowed and eulogised, the goddesses who are favourably disposed to the devotees, faced the gods and addressed them eagerly after giving them seeds. 42. “Sow these seeds in the place where Viṣṇu is standing. Then your task will be fulfilled.” 43. O sage, after saying this, the goddesses, the Śaktis of Śiva, Viṣṇu and Brahmā, possessed of the three attributes, vanished. 44. Then Brahmā and other gods including Indra took the seeds and went to the place where Viṣṇu was standing. 45. The gods sowed those seeds in the ground where the pyre of Vṛndā had been lit. O sage, they stayed there thinking these as parts of Śiva’s Śakti. 46. Out of the seeds sown, O great sage, three plants shot up—the Myrobalan, the Jasmine and the holy basil. 47. The Myrobalan is born of the creator’s Śakti, the jasmine of Lakṣmī and holy basil of Gaurī, born of the attributes Tamas, Sattva and Rajas. 48. O sage, on seeing the plants in the forms of ladies Viṣṇu stood up with excitement of infatuation over them. 49. On seeing them he was deluded and his mind became overwhelmed by lust. The two plants—the holy basil and Myrobalan looked at him lovingly. 50. The womanlike plant born out of the seed by the Śakti of Lakṣmī became jealous of him. 51. Hence the plant came to be called Varvarī (a kind of wild basil) and was despised by all. The Dhātrī and the Tulasī are always pleasing to him due to their love and affection. 52. Then Viṣṇu forgot his sorrow. Accompanied by them he went to Vaikuṇṭha fully satisfied. He was bowed to by all the gods. 53. O great brahmin, myrobolan and the holy basil shall be understood as the favourites of gods in the month of Kārttika, especially of Viṣṇu. 54. There too, O great sage, the holy basil is the most blessed and the most excellent. Except Gaṇeśa it delights every deity and bestows all desires. 55. On seeing Viṣṇu settled again in Vaikuṇṭha, Brahmā, Indra and other gods bowed to and eulogised him and then left for their respective abodes. 56. O excellent sage, Viṣṇu too, settled in his own world, freed from delusion and enlightened, became happy remembering Śiva as before. 57. This is the narrative that destroys sins, bestows desires to all men. It increases perfect knowledge and quells all aberrations of base lust. 58. He who reads or teaches this every day, he who hears or narrates this with devotion attains the greatest goal. 59. The intelligent man who reads this most excellent narrative and goes to war will certainly be victorious. There is no doubt about it. 60. This yields the knowledge of Vedas to the brahmins, victory to the Kṣatriyas, wealth to the Vaiśyas and happiness to the Śūdras. 61. O Vyāsa, it confers devotion to Śiva, it destroys the sins of all persons, it bestows the good goal here and hereafter.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O sage, now listen to another story of Śiva lovingly, by listening to which the devotion to Śiva is stabilised. 2. The story narrates how the heroic Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa who harassed the gods was killed by Śiva in the battle by means of his trident. 3. O Vyāsa, listen lovingly to the story of Śiva, divine, holy and destructive of sins. I shall narrate the same because of my affection to you. 4. The sage Kaśyapa son of Marīci and grandson of Brahmā was a virtuous Prajāpati engaged in creation. He possessed great learning. 5. Dakṣa gave him his thirteen daughters in marriage. The descendants of these women are many and they cannot be enumerated easily. 6. The whole universe consisting of gods and others the mobile and immobile is born of them. Who in the three worlds can mention this in detail? 7. Listen to what is relevant to the context wherein the divine sports of Śiva too can be seen. It is conducive to the increase of devotion. I am narrating the same. 8. Among the wives of Kaśyapa the excellent lady Danu was one. She was very beautiful, chaste and tenderly nurtured by her husband with all devotion and love. 9. Many powerful sons were born to that lady Danu. Their names are not mentioned O sage, by the fear of dilation. 10. One of them is Vipracitti who was very powerful and valorous. His virtuous son Dambha of self-control was a great devotee of Viṣṇu. 11-12. No son was born to him. Hence the hero became worried. He made the preceptor Śukra his initiator and learnt the mantra of Kṛṣṇa. He performed a great penance in the holy centre Puṣkara for a hundred thousand years. Seating himself in a stable pose he performed the Japa of Kṛṣṇa mantra for a long time. 13. While be was performing the penance, an unbearable refulgence sprang up blazing from his head and spread everywhere. 14. All the gods, sages and Manus were scorched by that. With Indra ahead they sought refuge in Brahmā. 15. Bowing to Brahmā, the bestower of riches, they eulogised him and narrated to him this event. 16. On hearing that, Brahmā accompanied them to Vaikuṇṭha in order to tell the same to Viṣṇu in its entirety. 17. After going there they stood humbly joining their palms in reverence. After bowing to him they eulogised Viṣṇu the lord of the three worlds, the great saviour. 18. “O lord of gods we do not know how this happened to cause this. Please tell us. By what refulgence have all of us been scorched? 19. O friend of the distressed, you are the protector of the distressed and dispirited servants. Save, O lord of Lakṣmī who are worthy of being sought refuge by us. 20. On hearing these words of Brahmā and other gods, Viṣṇu who is favourably disposed to those who seek refuge, said laughingly and lovingly. 21. “O gods, be calm and unperturbed, do not be afraid. No deluge will take place, this is not the time of dissolution. 22. The Asura Dambha a devotee of mine is performing a penance seeking for a son. I shall bestow a boon and quieten him.” 23. O sage, on being consoled thus, Brahmā and other gods became encouraged and they returned to their respective abodes. 24. In order to grant the boon, Viṣṇu went to Puṣkara where Dambha was performing penance. 25. On reaching there Viṣṇu consoled Dambha who was repeating his name and told him the pleasing words—“Mention the boon you wish to be granted.” 26. On hearing his words and seeing Viṣṇu standing in front, the Danava bowed with great devotion and eulogised him again and again. 27. “O lord of gods, Obeisance be to you, O Lotuseyed one, O lord of Lakṣmī, O lord of the three worlds, please take pity on me. 28. Please give me a powerful and valorous son who will be your devotee, who will be invincible to the gods and who will conquer the three worlds.” 29. On being thus requested by the lord of Dānavas, Viṣṇu granted him the boon. O sage, making him desist from the penance he vanished from the place. 30. When Viṣṇu went away, the lord of Danavas performed obeisance to that direction and returned home, his penance having been fulfilled and his desires realised. 31. Within a short time, his fortunate wife became pregnant. Illuminating the inner apartments of her abode by her brilliance she shone much. 32. O sage, it was Sudāmā a cowherd, one of the leading comrades of Kṛṣṇa who had been cursed by Rādhā, that entered her womb. 33. At the proper time the chaste lady gave birth to a brilliant son. The father invited sages and performed the post-natal rites. 34. O excellent brahmin, when the boy was born there was great jubilation. On an auspicious day the father named him “Śaṅkhacūḍa.” 35. In the abode of his father he grew up like the moon in the bright half. Learning all lores in childhood he became resplendent. 36. With his childish sports he increased the parents’ delight. He became a special favourite of all the members of the family.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. As instructed by Jaigīṣavya, Śaṅkhacūḍa performed a penance in Puṣkara for a long time in order to propitiate Brahmā with devotion. 2. He concentrated his mind, controlled the senses and organs of activities, and muttered the mantra of Brahmā imparted by his preceptor. 3. Lord Brahmā, the preceptor of the worlds, went to Śaṅkhacūḍa who was practising penance at Puṣkara in order to grant him the boon soon. 4. Brahmā said to him: “Tell me the boon you wish to choose.” On seeing Brahmā, the king of Dānavas bowed to him humbly and eulogised him with words of devotion. 5. He requested Brahmā to grant him the power of being invincible to the gods. With a delighted mind, Brahmā said “Be it so.” 6. He gave Śaṅkhacūḍa the divine amulet of Śrīkṛṣṇa the most auspicious of all auspicious things in the universe, that yielded victory everywhere. 7. “You now go to Badari. There you marry Tulasī who is performing penance just at her own will. 8. She is the daughter of Dharmadhvaja.” Brahmā instructed him thus and vanished even as he was watching him. 9. Then Śaṅkhacūḍa whose penance had been fruitful in the holy centre of Puṣkara tied the most auspicious amulet round his neck. 10. At the behest of Brahmā, the Dānava whose desire had been achieved through penance went to Badarikāśrama with delight beaming in his face. 11. The Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa casually visited the place where the daughter of Dharmadhvaja, Tulasī was performing the penance. 12. The smiling beautiful gentle woman fully bedecked in ornaments cast loving glances at the great man. 13. On seeing that charming, tender, beautiful and chaste lady, he stopped near her and spoke to her sweetly. 14. “Who are you, please? Whose daughter? What are you doing? Why do you stay here and observe silence. Consider me as your devoted slave.” 15. On hearing these words she spoke to him lovingly. 16. I am the daughter of Dharmadhvaja. I am performing penance. I stay in this hermitage. Who are you? You can go as you please. 17. The entire class of women is fascinating. It enchants even Brahmā, not to speak of others. It is censurable, poisonous and deceptive. It is illusion and a fetter to the devout and the faithful. 18. Tulasī thus spoke to the passionate Dambha and stopped. On seeing her smiling he began to say. 19. O gentle lady, what you said now is not entirely false. It is partially true also. Now listen to me. 20. You are the foremost among chaste ladies. I am not a lusty person of sinful nature. I think you too are not like that. 21. I come to you now at the behest of Brahmā. O gently lady, I shall take your hand by the Gāndharva rites of marriage. 22. I am Śaṅkhacūḍa, the router of the gods. O gentle lady, don’t you know me? Have I never been heard by you? 23. I am a scion of the family of Danu. I am a Dānava, the son of Dambha. In the previous birth I was the cowherd Sudāmā, a comrade of Kṛṣṇa. 24. Due to the curse of Rādhā I have become a Dānava now. By the favour of Kṛṣṇa I remember events of previous birth. I know everything. 25. After saying thus to her, Śaṅkhacūḍa stopped. Tulasī who was thus addressed truthfully and respectfully by the king of Dānavas, was delighted and she spoke smilingly. 26. I have now been overpowered by you who have Sāttvika thoughts. That man is blessed in the world who is not overwhelmed by a woman. 27. Even though he may be the observer of sacred rites, if he is overpowered by a woman he becomes impure and unclean, so he remains for ever. The manes, gods and human beings censure him. 28-29. A brahmin is purified from impurity arising from births or deaths in the family, after the tenth day. A Kṣatriya in twelve days, a Vaiśya in fifteen days and a Śūdra in a month. This is what the Vedas enjoin. But a henpecked man can never be purified till death. 30. The manes do not receive willingly the balls of rice or holy waters offered by him. Nor do the gods accept his offering of fruits and flowers. 31. Of what avail are words of wisdom, penance, Japas, Homas, worships, learning or charitable gifts to that wretch whose mind is deadened by his thoughts of women? 32. You have been tested by me in order to know your knowledge and power. A woman must test her bridegroom before wooing him. 33. Even as Tulasī was saying so, Brahmā the creator came there and spoke these words. 34. “O Śaṅkhacūḍa, why do you hold discussion with her? Marry her according to the Gāndharva form of marriage. 35. You are jewel among men. And she, the chaste lady, is a jewel among women. The union of an intelligent lady with an intelligent man must necessarily be virtuous. 36. O king, unless forced who will abandon a chance of happiness? He who does so unforced is a brute. There is no doubt about it. 37. O chaste lady, why shall you test such a good and noble husband? He can suppress the gods, Asuras and Dānavas too. 38. O beautiful woman, you may sport with him for long, as you please, in different centres all over the world. 39. In the end, he will attain Śrīkṛṣṇa again in the Goloka. After he is dead, you will attain the four-armed lord in Vaikuṇṭha.” 40. After conferring blessings, Brahmā returned to his abode. The Dānava accepted her by means of the Gāndharva rite. 41. After marrying her he went to his father’s place. In the beautiful apartment he sported with her.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. When Śaṅkhacūḍa returned home duly married, after performing the penance and receiving the boons, Dānavas and others rejoiced. 2. Leaving their world and accompanied by their preceptor, the Asuras assembled and approached the Dānava. 3. They bowed to that resplendent Dānava their lord, humbly and eulogised him with love and respect. They stayed with him alone. 4. On seeing the family preceptor, Śaṅkhacūḍa, son of Dambha bowed to him with devotion and prostrated before him with respect. 5. After conferring his excellent benediction, Śukra, the family preceptor, narrated the tales of the gods and Dānavas. 6. He expatiated on the natural enmity of the two, the invariable defeat of the Asuras, the victory of the gods and the help rendered by Bṛhaspati. 7. With the consent of the Asuras, the preceptor Śukra made him the emperor of Dānavas, Asuras and others with jubilant festivities. 8. The delighted Asuras were highly joyous. They offered him presents lovingly. 9. The son of Dambha, the heroic and valorous Śaṅkhacūḍa shone as the Emperor of Asuras. 10. Taking a vast army of Daityas, Dānavas and Rākṣasas and seated in his chariot, he marched quickly to the city of Indra with the intention to conquer it. 11. The leader of the Dānavas going in the midst of his attendants shone as the moon in the midst of stars or as the sun in the midst of planets. 12. On hearing that Śaṅkhacūḍa was coming, Indra the king of heaven, accompanied by the gods made preparations for a fight. 13. Then a tremendous fight ensued between the Asuras and the gods delighting the heroic and terrifying the cowardly. It caused hairs to stand on end. 14. When the warriors roared in the battle, there was a tumultuous noise. The sound of drums and other instruments encouraged the warriors. 15. The powerful gods fought with the Asuras ferociously and defeated them. They were afraid and fled. 16. On seeing them fleeing, their leader Śaṅkhacūḍa roared like a lion and fought with the gods. 17. With his power and force he distressed the gods. The gods could not endure his dazzling brilliance. They fled. 18. The gods thus vanquished took shelter in the caves of the mountains. They lost their independence. They were subjugated. They lost their lustre like the frozen sea. 19. Thus the son of Dambha, the valorous leader of the Dānavas, conquered all the worlds and took up the powers of the gods. 20. He kept the three worlds under his control. He partook of all the shares in sacrifices. He became Indra and ruled the universe. 21. He carried the tasks of Kubera, Moon, Sun, Fire, Yama and Vāyu, according to his ability. 22-23. The great hero, the powerful Śaṅkhacūḍa became overlord of the gods, Asuras, Dānavas, Rākṣasas, Gandharvas, serpents, Kinnaras, Nāgas and in fact of all the people of the three worlds. 24. Thus Śaṅkhacūḍa enjoyed the kingdom of the worlds for many years. He became a great Emperor. 25. There was no famine, plague or pestilence in his realm. The planets were not inauspicious. There was no worry or sickness among the people. The subjects were happy for ever. 26. Even without being tilled, the earth yielded plenty of plants and vegetation. Many medicinal herbs grew up. Plants remained always fruitful and juicy. 27. The oceans yielded plenty of gems and jewels. Abundant flowers and fruits grew up on the Earth. Rivers flowed with pure crystal clear water. 28. Excepting the gods all living beings were happy and free from distress. The people of four castes and stages of life maintained their respective duties and activities. 29. When he ruled, none was miserable in the three worlds. Only the gods were reduced to misery and that too by their fratricidal jealousy and enmity. 30. Śaṅkhacūḍa was a close friend of Kṛṣṇa, the resident of Goloka. He was powerful, and always engaged in devotion to Kṛṣṇa. 31. O sage, although he was a Danava, his nature was different. He was born as a Danava due to a previous curse. 32. O dear, thereafter, the defeated gods, deprived of their kingdom, consulted among themselves and went to Brahma ’s assembly chamber along with the sages. 33. They saw the creator and bowed to and eulogised him. With distress they explained to him everything in detail. 34. After consoling the gods and the sages, Brahmā accompanied by them went to Vaikuṇṭḥa that yields happiness to the good. 35. Accompanied by the gods, Brahmā saw the lord of Lakṣmī decorated with a crown, earrings and a garland of wild flowers. 36-37. On seeing Viṣṇu bearing Śaṅkha, Cakra, mace and the lotus, the lord with four arms, yellow garments, accompanied by Nandana, Siddhas, Brahmā and other gods bowed to the lord along with the great sages. They eulogised him with palms joined in reverence. 38. “O lord of the universe, lord of the gods, O lord of Vaikuṇṭha, save us who have sought refuge in you, O illustrious Viṣṇu, O elderly one in the three worlds. 39. O lord Viṣṇu, O lord of the three worlds, you alone are the protector of the worlds. O supporter of Lakṣmī, O Govinda, O the vital air of the devotees, Obeisance be to you.” 40. After eulogising thus, all the gods cried in front of Viṣṇu. On hearing it lord Viṣṇu spoke to Brahmā thus. 41. Why have you come to Vaikuṇṭha inaccessible even to Yogins. What distress has befallen you. Tell me just here. 42-43. On hearing the words of Viṣṇu and bowing to him with palms joined in reverence he narrated to him the activities of Śaṅkhacūḍa and the distress suffered by the gods. 44. On hearing that Viṣṇu who knew everything laughed. The lord then told Brahmā the secret of Śaṅkhacūḍa. 45. O lotus-born Brahmā, I know everything about Śaṅkhacūḍa, a great devotee of mine, of great splendour and who had been formerly a cowherd. 46. Hear all the details about him, the old narrative. There is nothing to be suspected. Śiva will necessarily perform what is good. 47-50. His region called Śivaloka is greater than the greatest. It is above everything. Śiva, the supreme Brahman, the great god shines there. He is the presiding deity of Prakṛtī and Puruṣa. He wears three Śaktis. He is both devoid and possessed of attributes. He has the great splendour for his form. O Brahmā, the three deities bringing about creation etc. are born of him. They are Viṣṇu, Brahmā and Śiva endowed with Śāttvika and other attributes. He alone is the supreme soul. He sports there with Pārvatī. He is free from illusion. He is the formulator of the eternal and the non-eternal. 51. The Goloka is near it. Śiva’s cowshed is situated there. Kṛṣṇa having my form stays there at Śiva’s behest. 52. It is to tend his cows and bulls that he has been ordered by him. Deriving happiness from him he too sports there. 53. His wife Rādhā is the mother of the universe. Her form is greater than Prakṛti. It is the fifth sportive form. 54. Many cowherds and cowherdesses born of her live there. They are sportively inclined and follow Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. 55. That very same (Sudāmā, now born as Śaṅkhacūḍa) has been fascinated by her by Śiva’s illusion. Cursed by Rādhā he is born as a Dānava to his distress. 56. Kṛṣṇa has already ordained that the death of Śaṅkhacūḍa will be by Rudra ’s trident. Casting off his body he will become his comrade again. 57. O lord of gods, knowing this you need not have any fear. Let us seek refuge in Śiva. He will do everything conducive to our good. 58. You, I and the gods stand here fearless (due to that only). 59. After saying this and mentally thinking upon Śiva who, the lord of all, is favourably disposed to his devotees Viṣṇu went to Śivaloka accompanied by Brahmā.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1-2. O Vyāsa, starting then itself along with Brahmā, Viṣṇu, the lord of Lakṣmī, went to Śivaloka, highly divine, propless and unearthly. He was glad and his face beamed with pleasure. The region was strewn over with many gems. It was highly brilliant. 3-4. The first entrance was of variegated nature with many Gaṇas standing there. It was resplendent, lofty and and beautiful. After reaching it he saw the gatekeepers seated on gem-set thrones. They had gem-set ornaments and white garments. 5. They had five faces, three eyes and fair handsome bodies. They were trident-bearing heroes shining with Bhasma and Rudrākṣa. 6. Both Brahmā and Viṣṇu bowed to them humbly and told them that they wanted to see the lord. 7. They permitted them to enter. They saw another door very beautiful, variegated and very brilliant. 8. They informed the gatekeeper of their desire to approach the lord. Permitted by them they entered and saw another door. 9. Thus Brahmā entered through fifteen doors and reached the main threshold. He saw Nandin. 10. After bowing to and eulogising Nandin as Brahmā did before, Viṣṇu was permitted by Nandin and he entered joyously. 11. Going in, they saw the grand assembly chamber of Śiva, highly decorated and thronged by his attendants with lustrous bodies. 12. The attendants had similar forms with lord Śiva. They had ten arms, five faces, three eyes and blue necks. They had auspicious lustre and were brilliant. 13. They were bedecked in ornaments set with gems, They wore Rudrākṣas. They had smeared themselves with the ashes. The chamber was square in shape and beautiful like the lunar sphere. 14. Gems, necklaces, diamonds, etc. increased its brilliance. Valuable precious stones were used to stud them. It was brightened by lotus petals. 15. Māṇikya, Padmarāga and other valuable gems were used in the same. It was very wonderful. It was laid according to the desire of Śiva. 16. It had hundreds of steps leading to it, each made of Syamantaka stone; knotted golden threads joined them. Beautiful sprouts of sandal beautified it. 17. Columns of sapphire supported it. It was richly decorated. The wind wafted fragrance everywhere. 18. The chamber was a thousand Yojanas wide. Many servants were in attendance. Viṣṇu the lord of gods saw Śiva seated along with Pārvatī. 19. Śiva was in the midst of his attendants like the moon surrounded by stars. He was seated in a variegated throne set with valuable gems. 20. He had a crown on his head, earrings in his ears. He was embellished with gem necklaces. Ashes were smeared all over his body. He held a toy lotus. 21. He was smilingly watching the song and dance going on in front of him. 22. He was calm and delighted in the mind. He was highly brilliant. He was chewing the fragrant betel leaves offered by the goddess. 23. He was attended upon by Gaṇas with white chowries and eulogised by Siddhas with stooping shoulders with great devotion. 24-25. The great lord Śiva, the progenitor of the three deities, the lord beyond the reach of attributes, who assumes and discords his forms as he pleases and is invariable, who is free from illusion, unborn, the primordial being, the lord of illusion, greater than the greatest and greater than the Prakṛti and Puruṣa. 26. On seeing Śiva of perfect features, Viṣṇu and Brahmā eulogised him together after bowing to him with palms joined in reverence. 27. O lord Śiva, lord of the gods, O supreme Brahman, lord of all. O quiet one that is beyond the three attributes, O lord progenitor of the three deities. 28. We have sought refuge in you. O lord, save us who are distressed. O lord Śiva, we are harassed by Śaṅkhacūḍa and so dejected and well nigh exhausted. Save us. 29. The region that is adjacent to this place is called Goloka, Lord Kṛṣṇa is its presiding deity. 30. One of his leading attendants and comrades, Sudāmā, cursed by Rādhā and led by fate, has become the Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa. 31. O Śiva, the gods divested of all powers ousted and harassed by him roam over the Earth now. 32. Except by you he cannot be killed by any one of the gods. Please kill him and render the worlds happy. 33. You alone are devoid as well as possessed of attributes, truthful, of infinite valour, embedded in the good and greater than Prakṛti and Puruṣa. 34. At creation, O lord, you are Brahmā, the creator through Rajas. O protector of the three worlds, in the activity of protection through Sattva you are Viṣṇu. 35. In dissolution through Tamas you are Rudra the annihilator of the universe. In the state free from the three attributes you are Śiva the fourth one, of the form of brilliance. 36. At your behest, Kṛṣṇa the protector, goes to Goloka. Stationed in the middle of your cowshed he sports day and night. 37. You are the cause of all. You are the lord of all. You are Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva. You are free from aberrations. You are the constant witness. You are the supreme soul, the great Īśvara. 38. You are the redeemer of the distressed and the poor, the protector and the kinsman of the distressed, the lord of the worlds. You are favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in you. 39. O lord of Pārvatī, uplift us. O lord Śiva, be pleased. O lord, we are subservient to you. You do as you please, O lord. 40. After saying this, O Vyāsa, those two deities, Viṣṇu and Brahmā bowed to Śiva and stopped. They joined their palms in reverence and stood humbly. Article published on 18 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On hearing these words of the distressed Viṣṇu and Brahmā, Śiva laughingly spoke in the rumbling tone of the cloud. 2. “O dear Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, cast off your fear from all sides. Certainly something good will result from the activities of Śaṅkhacūḍa. 3. I know all the details of his activities factually as well as those of Sudāmā the cowherd devotee of Kṛṣṇa. 4. At my bidding Viṣṇu has assumed the form of Kṛṣṇa and is stationed in the cowshed in the beautiful Goloka presided over by me. 5. Considering himself independent under a delusion he indulged in many kinds of sportive dalliance like a deluded licentious person. 6. On seeing his excessive delusion as a result of my deceptive art I suppressed their virtuous intellect and made them suffer curse. 7. Having thus performed my sport, I suppressed the illusion. Regaining knowledge they got rid of delusion and became well-intentioned. 8. They came near me in a piteous plight. After bowing to me they eulogised me devoutly and humbly with palms joined in reverence. 9. Overwhelmed by shame they told me all the details. Dejected, they lamented before me saying the words “Save us, O save us.” 10. Then I, becoming delighted, told them these words, Kṛṣṇa, you forget your fear at my behest. 11. I am the protector, always infused with love. Good will befall you. All this has happened at my will. There is no doubt in it. 12. Go to your abode along with Rādhā and your comrade. He will become a Dānava here in Bhārata, certainly. 13-14. At the proper time I shall redeem you from the curse”. What I told thus Śrīkṛṣṇa and Rādhā accepted readily. Śrīkṛṣṇa the intelligent rejoiced and returned to his abode. There they engaged themselves in propitiating me and bidding their time. 15. Realising that everything is subject to my control and his will is not independent, Sudāmā became the lord of Dānavas as a result of the curse of Rādhā. 16. The virtuous demon Śaṅkhacūḍa distresses and harasses the gods always with his might. He is evil-minded to this extent. 17. He has been deluded by my deception and hence he seeks the help of evil ministers. But myself being the chastiser of the wicked you can get rid of his fear quickly”. 18. O sage, by the time Śiva completed this expatiation in front of Viṣṇu and Brahmā, another event happened there. Listen to it. 19. In the meantime Kṛṣṇa came there along with Rādhā and his attendant cowherds in order to propitiate Lord Śiva. 20. Devoutly bowing to the lord, meeting Viṣṇu with respect and honoured by Brahmā with love he stood there awaiting Śiva’s behest. 21. Then he bowed again to Śiva with palms joined in reverence. Realising the principle of śiva and getting rid of his delusion Kṛṣṇa eulogised Śiva. 22. O supreme God, lord of gods, Supreme Brahman and the goal of the good, forgive me my guilt. O supreme god, be pleased. 23. O Śiva, everything originates from you. O supreme lord, everything merges in you. O lord of all, you are everything. O supreme lord, be pleased. 24. You are the greatest splendour. You are the eternal being directly pervading everything. O lord of Gaurī, with you as leader, we are well-guided. 25-26. Considering myself above all, I sported about, under the delusion. I reaped the fruit thereof. He who went astray was cursed. O lord, my leading comrade Sudāmā the cowherd is born as a Dānava. 27. O lord of Pārvatī, uplift us. O supreme lord, be pleased. Please redeem us from the curse. Save us who have sought refuge in you. 28. After saying this, Lord Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Rādhā, stopped. Śiva was delighted thereat, Śiva who is favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in him. 29. “O Kṛṣṇa, O lord of cowherdesses leave off your fear. Be happy. O dear, all this has been brought about by me with blessing in disguise. 30. Good will befall you. Go back to your excellent abode. You shall be cautious and guarded in your position of authority. 31. Sport about as you please after realising me the greater than the greatest. Accompanied by Rādhā and your comrades carry out your task unexasperated and unfluttered. 32. In the excellent Vārāha Kalpa, you shall undergo the effect of the curse along with the young damsel Rādhā and then attain your region. 33. O Kṛṣṇa, your comrade, the most beloved Sudāmā is born of a Dānava now and he harasses the universe. 34. He has become a Dānava, an enemy of the gods, named Śaṅkhacūḍa as a result of the power of Rādhā’s curse. He hates and belongs to the party of Daityas. 35. Divested of their powers, ousted and harassed by him for ever, the demoralized gods including Indra have fled to the ten directions. 36. It is for their sake that Brahmā and Viṣṇu have come here and sought refuge in me. There is no doubt in this that I will relieve them of their distress.” 37. After saying this, he addressed Kṛṣṇa again eagerly after consoling Viṣṇu and Brahmā with words that quelled their agony. 38. “O Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, lovingly listen to my words. O dear ones, go quickly for the pleasure of the gods. Be fearless. 39. Go to Rudra, resident of Kailāsa, who has my excellent and perfect form. He has manifested himself for the task of the gods with a separate form and features. 40. O Viṣṇu, it is for this purpose that the lord assuming my form fully and perfectly stays on the mountain Kailāsa favouring the devotees by being subservient to them. 41. There is no difference in him from us both. He shall be served by you two and all living beings—mobile and immobile as well as the gods and others always. 42. He who differentiates between us falls into hell. In this life too he will attain stress and be devoid of sons and grandsons. 43. After bowing again and again to the lord of Pārvatī who had spoken thus, Kṛṣṇa returned to his abode accompanied by Rādhā. 44. O Vyāsa, Viṣṇu and Brahmā became delighted and relieved of fear. After bowing again and again to Śiva they hastened to Vaikuṇṭha. 45. Having come there and mentioning everything to the gods, Brahmā and Viṣṇu went to Kailāsa taking the gods with them. 46-47. On seeing lord Śiva there, the lord and husband of Pārvatī, who had taken a body for protecting the distressed, the lord of the gods possessed of attributes, they eulogised him as before with devotion and choking words. They joined their palms in reverence humbly and with drooping shoulders. 48. O great god, lord of the gods, O Śiva, the lord of Pārvatī, we seek refuge in you. Please save the terrified gods. 49. Please slay Saṅkhacūḍa the king of Asura and the destroyer of the gods. The gods have been defeated and harassed by him. 50. Like men they are roaming on the earth divested of their powers. Their region the Devaloka has become very dreary to look at due to fear. 51. O uplifter of the distressed, O ocean of mercy, redeem the gods, from this exigency. O great lord, save Indra from fright by killing that ruler of Dānavas. 52. “On hearing the words of the gods, Śiva favourably disposed to his devotees spoke to them laughingly in the rumbling tone of the cloud. 53. O Viṣṇu, O Brahmā, O Gods, return to your own abodes by all means. I shall kill Śaṅkhacūḍa along with his followers and attendants. There is no doubt about it. 54. On hearing the words of lord Śiva sweet as nectar they were excessively delighted considering the Dānava already killed. 55. After bowing to lord Śiva, Viṣṇu went to Vaikuṇṭha and Brahmā to Satyaloka. The god and others went to their own abodes.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then lord Śiva, Death to the wicked, goal of the good, decided in his mind to slay Śaṅkhacūḍa in accordance with the wishes of the gods. 2. He made his friend the lord of Gandharvas his messenger and sent him in a wonderful chariot hurriedly to Śaṅkhacūḍa joyously. 3. At the bidding of lord Śiva, the emissary went to the city of the Asura which was superior to Indra ’s Amarāvatī and Kubera ’s Palace. 4. Reaching there, he saw the excellent abode of śaṅkhacūḍa in the middle; it shone with its twelve entrance doors with gatekeepers in each. 5. Puspadanta ( Puṣpadanta ?) saw the main excellent entrance. Fearlessly he informed the gatekeeper. 6. Passing beyond that door he joyously went in. It was spacious, exquisitely fine and richly decorated. 7. Going in he saw Śaṅkhacūḍa, the ruler of Dānavas, seated on a gem-set throne in the midst of heroic warriors. 8. He was surrounded by leading Dānavas and served by three crores of attendants and guarded by another hundred crores of well armed soldiers moving to and fro. 9. Seeing him, Puṣpadanta was struck with wonder. He gave the message of war as conveyed by Śiva. 10. O great king, O lord, I am the Emissary of Śiva named Puṣpadanta. Please listen to what is mentioned by Śiva himself. I am telling you the same. 11. Now, give back their kingdom to the gods and their authority. If not, fight with me, the greatest of the good warriors. 12. The gods have sought refuge in me, the lord of the gods and the benefactor of the good. I the infuriated will certainly slay you. 13. I am Śiva, the destroyer. I have granted protection to all the gods. I am the holder of the chastising rod for the wicked and favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in me. 14. O lord of Dānavas, consider and let me know one of the two alternatives specifically, whether you will return the kingdom or fight. 15. O lord of Dānavas, what has been stated by Śiva has been conveyed to you. Śiva’s words have never gone in vain. 16. I wish to return to my lord Śiva immediately. After going back what shall I tell Śiva, you clearly let me know. 17. On hearing these words of Puṣpadanta who was the emissary of lord Śiva, the king laughed, then spoke to him. 18. I will never return the kingdom to the god. The earth shall be enjoyed by heroic warriors. O Śiva, I shall fight with you who are a partisan of the gods. 19. The hero who allows another to supercede him is the basest in the world. Hence O Śiva I shall certainly march towards you just now. 20. I reach there in the morning in the course of my victorious campaign. O messenger, go and tell all this to Siva. 21. On hearing these words of Śaṅkhacūḍa, the emissary of Śiva laughed aloud and then spoke haughtily to the lord of the Asuras. 22. O Great king, you cannot face the Gaṇas of Śiva. Then how can you face lord Śiva himself? 23. So return their positions of authority to the gods entirely. Move immediately to Pātāla if you wish to live. 24. O excellent Dānava, do not regard Śiva an ordinary deity. He is indeed the great soul, the lord of the lord of all. 25. Indra and other gods abide by his commands. The Siddhas, the patriarchs, the sages and the serpent lords all follow suit. 26. He is the overlord of Viṣṇu and Brahmā. He is both possessed and devoid of attributes. By a mere twitch of his knitted eyebrow everything is dissolved. 27. Śiva is the perfect form of gods, the cause of the annihilation of the worlds, the goal of the good, the destroyer of the wicked. He is free from aberrations. He is greater than the greatest. 28. He is the overlord of Brahmā. He is lord Śiva even into Viṣṇu. O excellent Dānava, his behest should never be slighted. 29. Of what avail is an unnecessary digression, O great king. Ponder deeply. Know him to be great lord, the great Brahman, the knowledge-formed. 30. Return their kingdoms to the gods as well as their positions of authority. O dear, thus you will fare well. Otherwise, terror will strike you. 31. On hearing this, the valorous king of the Dānavas, deluded by his fate spoke to the emissary of Śiva thus. 32. I shall neither give up kingdom nor the positions of authority, without a fight with him. This is certain. I tell you the truth. 33. The entire universe whether mobile or immobile is subject to the vagaries of time. Everything originates in time and everything merges into time. 34. Go and tell Śiva exactly what I have said to you. Let him do what is proper. Do not talk much. 35. O good sage, Puṣpadanta the emissary of Śiva when thus addressed by the Asura returned to lord Śiva and told him everything duly.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On hearing those words of the emissary, the infuriated emperor of the gods, Śiva spoke to Vīrabhadra and other Gaṇas. 2-3. “O Vīrabhadra, O Nandin, O eight Bhairavas, the frontier guards, let the Gaṇas start along with my sons. at my bidding. Let those strong ones be ready and fully equipped with weapons. Let Bhadrakālī start with her army for the war. I start just now for slaying Śaṅkhacūḍa ”. 4. Having ordered thus, lord Śiva started along with his army. His delighted heroic Gaṇas followed him. 5. In the meantime Kārttikeya and Gaṇeśa, the overall generals of the army, came near Śiva joyously, fully equipped with weapons and ready for war. 6-9. The leading chiefs of the Gaṇas were Vīrabhadra, Nandin, Mahākāla, Subhadraka, Viśālākṣa, Bāṇa, Piṅgalākṣa, Vikampana, Virūpa, Vikṛti, Maṇibhadra, Bāṣkala, Kapila Dīrghadaṃṣṭra, Vikara, Tāmralocana, Kālaṅkara, Balībhadra, Kālajihva, Kuṭīcara, Balonmatta, Raṇaślāghya, Durjaya, Durgama and others. I shall enumerate the number of Gaṇas they had. Listen attentively. 10. Śaṅkhakarṇa the suppressor of enemies went, accompanied by a crore Gaṇas; Kekarākṣa went with ten crores and Vikṛta with eight crores. 11. Viśākha with sixty four crores; Pāriyātrika with nine crores; Sarvāntaka with six crores and the glorious Vikṛtānana too with six crores. 12. The chief of Gaṇas, Jālaka went with twelve crores; the glorious Samada seven and Dundubha with eight crores. 13. Karālākṣa went with five crores; the excellent Sandāraka with six crores; Kunduka and Kuṇḍaka each went with crores of Gaṇas. 14. The leader of Gaṇas, the most excellent of all, Viṣṭambha, went with eight crores Pippala and Sannāda went with a thousand crores. 15. Āveśana went with eight crores; Candratāpana with eight crores; Mahākeśa the chief of Gaṇas with a thousand crores. 16. The heroic Kuṇḍin and the auspicious Parvataka went with twelve crores each; Kāla, Kālaka and Mahākāla with a hundred crores each. 17. Agnika went with a hundred crores, Agnimukha with a crore, Āditya and Ghanāvaha with half a crore. 18. Sannāha and Kumuda went with a hundred crores each; Amogha, Kokila and Sumantraka with a hundred crores each. 19. Kākapāda and Santānaka went with sixty crores each: Mahābala with nine crores and Madhu Piṅgala with five crores. 20. Nīla, Deveśa and Pūrṇabhadra each went with ninety crores; the powerful Caturvaktra with seven crores. 21. With thousands, hundreds and twenties of crores many heroes came there to take part in that festival of War. 22. Vīrabhadra came there with a thousand crores of Bhūtas, three crores of Pramathas and sixty-four crores of Lomajas. 23. Kāṣṭhārūḍha with sixty four crores and Sukeśa and Vṛṣabha too similarly. The honourable Virūpākṣa and Sanātana went with sixty-four crores. 24-26. Tālaketu, Ṣaḍāsya, the valorous Pañcāsya, Samvartaka, Caitra, Laṅkulīśa Svayamprabhu, Lokāntaka, Dīptātman, lord Daityāntaka, lord Bhṛṅgīriṭi, the glorious Devadevapriya, Aśani, Bhānuka, Kaṅkāla, Kālaka, Kāla, Nandin and Sarvāntaka each went with sixty-four crores. 27. These and other leading Gaṇas, powerful and innumerable started lovingly to fight fearlessly with Śaṅkhacūḍa. 28. All of them had thousand arms, matted hair for their crowns, and crescent moon for embellishment. They had blue necks and three eyes. 29. They wore Rudrākṣas as ornaments. They had smeared their bodies with fine Bhasma. They were decorated with necklaces, earrings, bracelets, coronets and other ornaments. 30. They resembled Brahmā, Indra and Viṣṇu. They had the attributes of Aṇimā etc. They were as refulgent as a crore suns. They were efficient in warfare. 31. O sage, some of them were the residents of the earth; some of the Pātāla, some of the sky and some of the seven heavens. 32. O celestial sage, why shall I dilate? All the Śivagaṇas, residents of different regions went to fight with the Dānavas. 33-35. The eight Bhairavas the terrible eleven Rudras, the eight Vasus, the twelve Ādityas, Indra, the fire god, the moon, Viśvakarman, the Aśvins, Kubera, Yama, Nirṛti, Nalakūbara, Vāyu, Varuṇa, Budha, Maṅgala, the other planets and the valorous Kāmadeva went with lord Śiva. 36-37. Ugradaṇḍa, Ugradaṃṣṭra, Koraṭa and Koṭabha too went. The great goddess Bhadrakālī herself with hundred arms was seated in an aerial chariot studded with gems. She was wearing a red cloth and a red garland. She had smeared red unguents over her body. 38. She was dancing, laughing and singing in a sweet voice joyously. She was offering protection to her own people and striking terror to the enemies. 39-44. Her tongue was a yojana long and terrible. She bore conch, discus, mace, lotus, sword, leather shield, bows, arrows, skull of circular shape, a yojana in width and majestic in appearance, a trident that touched the sky, a yojana long spear, iron club, threshing rod, thunderbolt, sword, a thick shield, the miraculous weapons of Viṣṇu, Varuṇa, Vāyu, Nārāyaṇa, Gandharva, Brahmā, Garuḍa, Parjanya, Paśupati, Parvata, and Maheśvara, Nāgapāśa, Jṛṃbhaṇāstra, the Mahāvīra, the Saura, the Kālakāla and the Mahānala weapons, the staff of Yama, the Sammohana, the divine weapon called Samartha. Many such and other divine weapons she held in her hands. 45. She came and stood there with three crores of Yoginīs and three crores of terrible Ḍākinīs. 46. Bhūtas, Pretas, Piśācas, Kūṣmāṇḍas, Brahmarākṣasas, Vetālas, Yakṣas, Kinnaras and Rākṣasas too came there. 47. Skanda was surrounded by these all. He bowed to Śiva and at his bidding stayed near his father to assist him. 48. The fearless, fierce Śiva gathered his armies and went to fight Śaṅkhacūḍa. 49. The great god stationed himself at the foot of a beautiful Banyan tree on the banks of the river Candrabhāgā, for the emancipation of the gods.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O dear son of Brahmā, O sage of great intellect, live long for many years. You have narrated the great story of the mooncrested lord. 2. When Śiva ’s emissary had departed, what did the valorous Dānava, Śaṅkhacūḍa do? Please mention that in detail. 3. When the messenger returned, the valorous Śaṅkhacūḍa went in and told his wife Tulasī all the details. 4. O dear lady, infuriated by the words of Śiva’s messenger I have prepared for a war. Hence I am going to fight. You carry out my directions. 5. After saying this and slighting Śiva, that demon professing to be wise advised his wife in various ways and sported with her with delight. 6. Throughout that night, the couple indulged in sexual dalliance. Uttering coaxing and cajoling words, practising various erotic arts, they immersed themselves in the ocean of happiness. 7. He got up in the Brāhma Muhūrta, and finished his daily routine in the morning. He then performed the offering of charitable gifts. 8-9. He crowned his son as the lord of Dānavas. He entrusted his wife, his kingdom and his riches to the care of his son. When his wife cried and dissuaded him from going to the war he consoled her by various words of appeasement. 10. He called his general and ordered him to be ready for the war. 11. O general, let the heroic warriors start for the war. Let them be ready for action; they have been trained well for the war. 12. Let the heroic Dānavas and Daityas, the armies of the powerful Kaṅkas of eighty-six divisions well-equipped in arms set out fearlessly. 13. Let the fifty families of Asuras, having the heroism and prowess of a crore set out to fight with Śiva, the partisan of the gods. 14. At my bidding, let the hundred armed families of Dhaumras speedily set out to fight with Śiva. 15. At my behest, let the Kālakeyas Mauryas, Dauhṛdas and the Kālakas set out ready for the fight with Śiva. 16. After ordering thus, the powerful lord of Asuras and the Emperor of the Dānavas set out surrounded by thousands of warriors and great armies. 1 7. His general was an expert in the science and technique of warfare. He was the best of charioteers a great hero and skilled in warfare. 18. He had three hundred thousand Akṣauhiṇī armies. He performed the rites of auspicious beginning and came out of the camp. He was terrible to the watching heroes. 19. Mounting on an aerial chariot of exquisite build and inlaid with gems, and making obeisance to the elders and preceptors he set out for the battle. 20-21. In the holy land of Bhārata, to the east of the western ocean and to the west of Malaya mountain, on the banks of river Puṣpabhadrā there is a hermitage of Kapila with an auspicious holy Banyan tree. It is called Siddhāśrama. It is the place where holy men achieve the result of their action, 22. It is to the north of Śrīśaila and to the south of Gaṇḍhamādana. It is five Yojanas in width and a hundred times as much in length. 23. The river Puṣpabhadrā is very beautiful and full of transparent water. It confers merits on everyone in Bhārata, like the river Sarasvatī. 24. It starts from Himālaya, has its confluence with Sarasvatī. It is the beloved of the briny sea and blessess people with good fortune. 25. It enters the western ocean where Gomanta is on its left. Śaṅkhacūḍa went there and saw the army of Śiva.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Stationing himself there, the lord of Dānavas sent a leading Dānava of great knowledge as his emissary to Śiva. 2. The emissary went there and saw the moon-crested lord Śiva, of the refulgence of a crore suns, seated at the root of the Banyan tree. 3. He saw him sitting in a yogic pose, showing the mystic gesture with his eyes, with a smiling face and body as pure as crystal and blazing with transcendent splendour. 4-7. Śiva held the trident and the iron club. He was clad in the hide of the tiger. The emissary saw the three-eyed lord of Pārvatī, the enlivener of the life of the devotees, the quiet Śiva, the dispenser of the fruits of penance, the creator of riches, quick in being propitiated, eager to bless the devotees and beaming with pleasure in his face. He saw the lord of the universe, the seed of the universe, identical with the universe and of universal form, born of all, lord of all, creator of all, the cause of the annihilation of the universe, the cause of causes, the one who enables devotees to cross the ocean of hell, the bestower of knowledge, the seed of knowledge, knowlege-bliss and eternal. 8. On seeing him, the messenger, the leader of Dānavas, descended from his chariot and bowed to him as well as to Kumāra. 9. He saw Bhadrakālī to his left and Kārttikeya standing before him. Kālī, Kārttikeya and Śiva offered him the conventional benediction. 10. This emissary of Śaṅkhacūḍa, had full knowledge of the sacred texts. He joined his palms in reverence and bowing to him spoke the auspicious words. 11. “O lord, I am the emissary of Śaṅkhacūḍa and have come to you. What is it that you desire? Please tell me.” 12. On hearing these words of Śaṅkhacūḍa, lord Śiva became delighted and spoke. 13. O messenger of great intellect, listen to my words conducive to happiness. After pondering over this, without disputation, this shall be mentioned to him. 14. Brahmā is the creator of the worlds and father of Dharma. He knows virtue. Marīci is his son. Kaśyapa is Marīci’s son. 15. Dakṣa gave him his thirteen daughters, with pleasure. Among them the chaste lady Danu increased his fortune to a great extent. 16. Danu gave birth to four sons called Dānavas. They were vigorous and powerful. Vipracitti of great strength and valour was one of them. 17. His son, the virtuous Dambha of great intellect was the ruler of Dānavas. You are his excellent son, a pious soul, and the lord of Dānavas. 18. In previous birth you were a cowherd and an attendant of Kṛṣṇa. Among the cowherds you were virtuous. As a result of Rādhā ’s curse, you are born as Dānava and have become the king of Dānavas. 19. You are casually born as a Dānava. You are really no Dānava. Realising your previous birth you leave off your inimical attitude to the gods. 20. Don’t be malicious towards them. You can enjoy your kingdom zealously. Do not try to expand your kingdom nor spoil it. 21. O Dānava, return their kingdom to the gods. Maintain my affection. Stay in your kingdom happily. Let the gods stay in their region. 22. Do not offend people. Don’t be malicious to the gods. The descendants of Kaśyapa are noble and indulge in pure activities. 23. Whatever sin is there in the world, even including that of slaughter of a brahmin, does not merit even a sixteenth part of the sin accruing from the offence towards kinsmen. 24. These and many such words of advice, auspiciously based on injunctions of Śruti and Smṛti, Śiva said to him enlightening him in an excellent manner. 25. The emissary who had been well instructed by Śaṅkhacūḍa who knew his duties well but who had been deluded by destiny spoke these words humbly. 26. O lord, what has been narrated by you is true. It cannot be otherwise. But let my submission based on certain factual elements be heard. 27. O lord Śiva, verily a great sin has been cited as the result of offence to kinsmen by you now. But does it concern only Asuras and not the gods? Please tell me. 28. If it applies to all alike, I shall consider it and let you know. Please tell me your decision at the outset and clear my doubts. 29. O lord Śiva, why did the discus-bearing lord Viṣṇu sever the heads of Madhu and Kaiṭabha the excellent Daityas in the ocean of dissolution? 30. Your Majesty too, O Śiva, is famous as a partisan of the gods. Why did you fight with the Tripuras and reduce them to ashes? 31. After divesting him of every thing why was Bali packed off to Sutala and other regions ? Did Viṣṇu go to his threshold as his uplifter? 32. Why was Hiraṇyākṣa harassed by the gods along with his brother? Why were Śumbha and other Asuras subjected to fall by the gods? 33. Formerly when the ocean was churned, the nectar was drunk off by the gods. All the strain and stress was ours but the gods reaped the fruit of our endeavour. 34. The entire universe is but an object of sport of Kāla the supreme soul. Whomsoever and whensoever he pleases to bestow the riches he atttains them. 35. The enmity of the gods and the Dānavas is perpetual and sparked off due to some reason or other. By turns, subject to the whims of Kāla they enjoy victory or defeat. 36. Interference on your part in the dispute between the two is futile. This does not behove you, the lord who are equally in touch with both. 37. Your rivalry to us is excessively shameful since you are lord unto the gods as well as to the Asuras. You are the supreme soul. 38. In the event of your victory your fame is not enhanced. In the event of your defeat you suffer a great loss. Let this disadvantage be pondered over. 39. On hearing these words, the three-eyed lord laughed and spoke sweetly to the leading Dānava what seemed proper. 40. We are subservient to our devotees. We are never independent. We carry out their tasks at their wish. We are not the partisans of any one in particular. 41. Formerly the fight of Viṣṇu with the excellent Daityas Madhu and Kaiṭabha in the ocean of dissolution was due to the prior request of Brahmā. 42. For the sake of Prahlāda, at the request of gods, Hiraṇyakaśipu was slain by him acting in the interest of his devotees. 43. Formerly I fought with the Tripuras and reduced them to ashes, only at the request of the gods. It is well known. 44. Formerly Pārvatī, the Mother of all, the goddess of all, fought with Śumbha and others and killed them only at the request of the gods. 45. Even today, the gods have sought refuge in Brahmā. And he along with the gods and the lord Viṣṇu has sought refuge in me. 46. O Emissary, paying heed to the request of Viṣṇu, Brahmā and others, I, though lord of all, have come here in the battle of the gods. 47. Really you are the foremost of the comrades of Kṛṣṇa, the great soul. Those Daityas who had been formerly killed are not on a par with you. 48. What is there excessively shameful in my fight with you, O king? I the lord have been urged humbly to carry out the task of the gods. 49. Go to Śaṅkhacūḍa and tell him what I have said. Let him do what is proper. I shall carry out the taṣk of the gods. 50. On saying this, Śiva the great god, stopped. The emissary stood up and returned to Śaṅkhacñḍa.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. The emissary returned and mentioned the words of Śiva, in detail and truthfully. He conveyed his decision as it was. 2. On hearing that, the valorous Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa accepted lovingly the alternative of a fight. 3. Hurriedly he got into his vehicle along with his ministers. He commanded his army against Śiva. 4. Śiva too hastened to urge his army and the gods. The lord of all was ready himself with his sport. 5. The musical instruments formally announced the beginning of war. There was a great tumult along with the shouts of the heroes. 6. O sage, the mutual fight between the gods and the Dānavas ensued. Both the hosts of the gods and the Dānavas fought righteously. 7. Mahendra fought with Vṛṣaparvan. Bhāskara fought with Vipracitti. 8. Viṣṇu fought a great battle with Dambha, Kala with the Asura Kāla and the firegod fought with Gokarṇa. 9. Kubera fought with Kālakeya and Viśvakarman with Maya. Mṛtyu fought with Bhayaṃkara and Yama with Saṃhāra. 10. Varuṇa fought with Kālambika, the wind god with Cañcala. Mercury with Ghaṭapṛṣṭha and Śanaiścara with Raktākṣa. 11. Jayanta fought with Ratnasāra; the Vasus with the groups of Varcas ’s; the Aśvins with the two Dīptimants and Nalakūbara with Dhūmbra. 12. Dharma fought with Dhurandhara; Maṅgala with Gaṇakākṣa; Vaiśvana with Śobhākara and Manmatha with Pipiṭa. 13-14. The twelve sun gods fought with the Asuras — Gokāmukha, Cūrṇa, Khaḍga, Dhūmra, Samhala, the valorous Viśva and Palāśa. The other gods assisting Śiva fought righteously with the other Asuras. 15. The eleven Mahārudras fought with the eleven terrible Asuras of great power and valour. 16. Mahāmaṇi fought with Ugracaṇḍa and others. The god Moon fought with Rāhu and Jīva fought with Śukra. 17. Nandīśvara and the rest fought with leading Dānavas in the great battle. This is not being explained separately. 18. O sage, then Śiva stayed at the foot of the Banyan tree along with Kālī and his son. The hosts of the two armies fought continuously against each other. 19. Decorated with gemset ornaments, Śaṅkhcūḍa sat on his gemset throne of great beauty attended upon by a crore Dānavas. 20. Then ensued a great war in which both gods and Asuras were crushed. In that great war many divine and miraculous weapons were hurled. 21-22. Maces, long and short swords, Paṭṭiśas, Bhuśuṇḍis, Mudgaras (different kinds of iron clubs), javelins, spears, Parighas, Śaktis, axes, arrows, Tomaras, Śataghnīs, and other weapons shone in the hands of the heroes. 23. Using these weapons, the heroes severed the heads of each other. It was a jubilant occasion for the roaring heroes of the armies. 24. Elephants, horses, chariots and foot soldiers along with their drivers and riders were hit and split up. 25. The arms, thighs, hands, hips, ears and feet were cut off. The banners, arrows, swords, coats of mail and excellent ornaments were slit and split. 26. The earth shone with heads divested of coronets but with earrings retained, strewn about and with thighs resembling trunks of elephants broken off during the tussle. 27. Severed arms with the ornaments and weapons still retained and other limbs too were lying scattered about like honeycombs. 28. The soldiers running in the battle field saw several headless bodies that jumped with many weapons lifted in their hands. 29. With different kinds of miraculous and ordinary weapons and missiles, the heroes of great strength and valour fought one another shouting and leaping. 30. Some heroes killed the soldiers with their arrows fitted with goden tips and roared like water-laden rumbling clouds. 31. One hero fully encompassed another hero as well as his chariot and charioteer, by discharging heaps of arrows like the rainy season covering up the sun under the clouds. 32. Fighters of duel rushed against one another, challenging, thrusting and diving in at the vulnerable points. 33. Everywhere groups of heroes were seen in that terrible war roaring like lions with various weapons displayed in their hands. 34. The heroes in their joy shouted and leapt blowing on their conches of loud sound severally. 35. Thus for a long time the great combat between the gods and Dānavas continued, terrible and tumultuous but delightful to the heroes. 36. Such was the divine sport of the great lord Śiva, the great soul. Everyone including the gods, Asuras and human beings was deluded by it.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Then the gods were defeated by the Dānavas. Their bodies were wounded by weapons and missiles. Terrified, they took to flight. 2. Returning to Śiva, the lord of the universe, they sought refuge in him. In agitated words they cried “O Lord of all, save, O save us.” 3. On seeing the defeat of the gods and others and on hearing their cries of fear, Śiva was greatly infuriated. 4. He glanced at the gods sympathetically and assured them of his protection. With his brilliance he enhanced the strength of his Gaṇas. 5. Commanded by śiva, the great hero Kārttikeya, son of Śiva fought fearlessly with the hosts of Dānavas in the battle. 6. Shouting angrily and roaring like a hero, the lord, the slayer of Tāraka killed a hundred Akṣauhiṇīs in the battle. 7. Clipping off their heads, Kālī with eyes like a red lotus, drank off the blood and devoured the flesh rapidly. 8. She fought in diverse ways terrifying both the gods and the Dānavas. She drank the blood of the Dānavas all round. 9. Seizing ten million elephants and an equal number of men with a single hand she playfully thrust them into her mouth. 10. Many thousands of headless bodies danced in the battle field. There was a great tumult that terrified the cowards. 11. Again Kārttikeya became furiously angry and showered volleys of arrows. He struck crores of leaders of the Asuras within a trice. 12. The Dānavas wounded in their bodies by the numerous arrows of Kārttikeya fled in fright. Those who remained were killed. 13. Vṛṣaparvan, Vipracitti, Daṇḍa, and Vikampana fought with Kārttikeya by turns. 14. Mahāmāri also fought. She was never routed. All of them afflicted by Kārttikeya’s spear were wounded. 15. O sage, Mahāmārī and Skanda won the battle. Big wardrums were sounded in the heaven. Showers of flowers fell down. 16-17. On seeing the wonderfully terrible fight of Kārttikeya that caused wastage in the rank and file of the Dānavas like natural disasters, as well as the harassment and havoc wrought by Mahāmāri, Śaṅkhacūḍa became furious and himself got ready for the battle. 18-19. He got into his excellent aerial chariot that contained different weapons and missiles, that was set in diamond and that encouraged and emboldened the heroes. Śaṅkhacūḍa drew the string of the bow upto his ear and discharged volleys of arrows from his seat in the middle of the chariot. He was accompanied by many heroes. 20. His volley of arrows was terrifying. It could not be withstood. A terrible darkness spread in the battlefield. 21. The gods Nandīśvara and others fled. Only Kārttikeya stayed behind in the battle field. 22. The king of Dānavas showered mountains, serpents, pythons and trees so terrifyingly that it could not be withstood. 23. Oppressed by that shower Kārttikeya, the son of Śiva, looked like the sun enveloped by thick sheets of frost. 24. He exhibited many types of illusions in the manner indicated by Maya. O excellent sage, none of the gods or Gaṇas understood it. 25. At the same time, the powerful Śaṅkhacūḍa of great illusion split his bow with a divine arrow. 26. He split his divine chariot and the horses pulling it. With a divine missile he shattered the peacock too. 27. The Dānava hurled his spear as refulgent as the sun fatally on his chest whereat he fell unconscious by the force of the blow. 28. Regaining consciousness, Kārttikeya the destroyer of heroic enemies, mounted his vehicle of sturdy build, set with gems. 29. Remembering the feat of lord Śiva accompanied by Pārvatī, and taking up weapons and missiles, the sixfaced deity fought terrifically. 30. With his divine missiles, the son of Śiva split the serpents, mountains, trees and rocks, everything furiously. 31. He prevented a conflagration by the missile of cloud. He split the chariot and the bow of Śaṅkhacūḍa playfully. 32. He split his armour, coronet and the vehicles. He roared like a hero and shouted again and again. 33. He hurled his spear refulgent like the sun at the chest of the lord of Dānavas. At the blow he fell unconscious. 34. That powerful Asura got rid of the affliction in a Muhūrta and regained consciousness. With a leonine vigour he got up and roared. 35. He bit Kārttikeya of great strength with his spear. Not making that spear, a gift of Brahmā, futile, Kārttikeya fell on the ground. 36. Taking him on her lap Kālī brought him near Śiva. By his divine sport and perfect wisdom Śiva enlivened him. 37. Śiva gave him infinite strength. As a result of that the valorous Kārttikeya stood up and felt inclined to go to the battlefield. 38. In the meantime the heroic Vīrabhadra of great strength fought with the powerful Śaṅkhacūḍa in the battle. 39. Whatever arrows were discharged by the Dānava in the battle were split playfully by Vīrabhadra by means of his own arrows. 40. The lord of Dānavas discharged hundreds of divine missiles. The valorous Vīrabhadra split all of them by means of his arrows. 41. The valorous Śaṅkhacñḍa became infuriated and hit him on the grounds. 42. Regaining consciouness in a trice the leader of the Gaṇas, Vīrabhadra caught hold of his bow again. 43. In the meantime Kālī went to the battle ground again at the request of Kārttikeya to devour the Dānavas and to protect her own people. 44. Nandīśvara and other heroes, the gods, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas and serpents followed her. 45. Drum-bearers and wine-carriers accompanied them in hundreds. Heroic warriors on either side were active again.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Going to the battle ground, the goddess Kālī roared like a lion. On hearing that the Dānavas fainted. 2. She laughed boisterously again and again boding ill to the Asuras. She drank the distilled grapewine and danced on the battle ground. 3. The manifestations of Durgā viz— Ugradaṃṣṭrā (one with fierce fangs) Ugradaṇḍā (one with fierce baton) and Kotavī (the naked) danced on the battle ground and drank wine. 4. There was great tumult on the side of the Gaṇas and the gods. All the gods and the Gaṇas roared and rejoiced. 5. On seeing Kālī, Śaṅkhacūḍa hastened to the battle ground. The Dānavas were frightened but the king Śaṅkhacūḍa assured them of protection. 6. Kālī hurled fire as fierce as the flame of dissolution which the king put out sportively by means of Vaiṣṇava missiles. 7. Immediately the goddess hurled the Nārāyaṇa missile at him. The missile developed its power on seeing the Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa. 8. On realising it as fierce as the flame of fire of dissolution, the Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa fell flat on the ground and bowed again and again. 9. On seeing the Dānava humbled the missile turned away. Then the goddess hurled the Brahmā missile with due invocation through the mantra. 10. On seeing the missile blazing he bowed and fell on the ground. The leader of the Dānavas thus prevented the Brahmā missile from attacking him. 11. Then the infuriated leader of the Dānavas drew the bow violently and discharged divine missiles at the goddess with due invocation through the mantras. 12. Opening the mouth very wide she swallowed the missiles and roared with a boisterous laugh. The Dānavas were terrified. 13. He then hurled a Śakti, a hundred Yojanas long at Kālī. By means of divine missiles she broke it into a hundred pieces. 14. He hurled the Vaiṣṇava missile on Kālī. She blocked it with the Māheśvara missile. 15. Thus the mutual combat went on for a long time. All the gods and Dānavas stood as mere onlookers. 16. Then the infuriated goddess Kālī, as fierce as the god of death on the battleground, took up angrily the Pāśupata arrow sanctified by mantras. 17. In order to prevent it from being hurled, an unembodied celestial voice said—“0 goddess, do not hurl this missile angrily at Śaṇkhacūḍa.” 18. “O Caṇḍikā, death of this Dānava will not take place even through the never failing Pāsupata missile. Think of some other means for slaying this warrior Śaṅkhacūḍa.” 19. On hearing this, Bhadrakālī did not hurl the missile. Sportively she devoured ten million Dānavas as if in hunger. 20. The terrible goddess rushed at Śaṅkhacūḍa to devour him. The Dānava prevented her by means of the divine missile of Rudra. 21. Then the infuriated leader of the Dānavas hurled a sword, as fierce as the summer sun, with sharp and terrific edge. 22. On seeing the blazing sword approaching, Kālī furiously opened her mouth and swallowed it even as Śaṅkhacūḍa stood watching. 23. The lord of Dānavas hurled many divine missiles but before they reached her she broke them into hundreds of pieces. 24. Again the great goddess rushed at him in order to devour him. But that glorious Dānava, leader of all Siddhas vanished from sight. 25. Thus unable to see him, Kālī who rushed with great velocity crushed his chariot and killed the charioteer with her fist. 26. Then Śaṅkhacūḍa, an expert in using deception returned quickly and forcefully hurled the wheel blazing like the flame of fire of dissolution, at Bhadrakāli. 27. The goddess sportively caught hold of the wheel with her left hand and immediately swallowed it. 28. The goddess then hit him with her fist forcefully and angrily. The king of Dānavas whirled round and fainted for a short while. 29. Immediately the Dānava regained consciousness and got up valorously. He did not fight her with his arms by the thought that she was a woman like his mother. 30. The goddess seized the Dānava, whirled him again and again and tossed him up with great anger and velocity. 31. The valorous Śaṅkhacūḍa fell down after being tossed up very high. He got up and bowed down to Bhadrakālī. 32. Highly delighted thereafter, he got into a beautiful aerial chariot of exquisite workmanship set with gems and did not lose the balance of his mind in the battlefield. 33. Hungrily Kālī drank the blood of the Dānavas. In the meantime an unembodied celestial voice said: 34. O goddess, a hundred thousand haughty leading Dānavas have been left out in the battle still roaring. Devour them quickly. 35. Do not think of slaying the king of Dānavas. O goddess, Śaṅkhacūḍa cannot be killed by you. It is certain. 36-37. On hearing these words from the firmament, Bhadrakālī drank the blood and devoured the flesh of many Dānavas and went near Śiva. She then narrated to him the events of the war in the proper order.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O intelligent one, on hearing the narrative of Kālī what did Śiva say? What did he do? Please narrate to me. I am eager to know it. 2. On hearing the words of Kālī, lord Śiva, the actor of great divine sports, laughed. Śiva consoled her. 3. On hearing the celestial voice, Śiva, an expert in the knowledge of principles, went himself to the battle along with his Gaṇas. 4. He was seated on his great bull and surrounded by Vīrabhadra and others, the Bhairavas and the Kṣetrapālas all equal in valour to him. 5. Assuming a heroic form, lord Śiva entered the battle ground. There Śiva shone well as the embodied form of the annihilator. 6. On seeing Śiva, Śaṅkhacūḍa got down from the aerial chariot, bowed with great devotion and fell flat on the ground. 7. After bowing to him he immediately got into his chariot. He speedily prepared for the fight and seized the bow and the arrows. 8. The fight between Śiva and the Dānava went on for a hundred years and they showered arrows fiercely like clouds pouring down incessantly. 9. The heroic Śaṅkhacūḍa discharged terrible arrows playfully. Śiva split all of them by means of his arrows. 1 0. Mahārudra, the odd-eyed Śiva, the punisher of the wicked and the goal of the good, angrily hit his limbs with various weapons. 11. Taking up his sharp sword and the leather shield the Dānava rushed at the sacred bull of Śiva and hit it on its head. 12. When his bull was hit, Śiva sportively cut off the sword and the shining shield by means of his Kṣurapra. 13. When the shield was split, the Asura hurled his spear. Śiva split it into two with his arrow as it came before him. 14. The infuriated Dānava, Śaṅkhacūḍa hurled a discus. Immediately Śiva smashed it into pieces with his fist. 15. He hurled his club with force at Śiva. Rapidly split by Śiva, the club was reduced to ashes. 16. Then seizing an axe with his hand, the infuriated king of Dānavas, Śaṅkhacūḍa rushed at Śiva. 17. By the volley of his arrows Śiva sportively struck the Asura with axe in his hand. 18. The Dānava quickly regained consciousness and got into his excellent chariot. With divine weapons and arrows he encompassed the whole sky and shone. 19. On seeing him coming on, Śiva sounded his Ḍamaru enthusiastically and twanged the bowstring, the noise whereof was unbearable. 20. The lord filled all the quarters with the sound of his horn. Śiva himself roared then, frightening the Asuras. 21. The lordly bull then bellowed putting the haughty trumpeting elephants to shame. The deep roar filled the sky, the earth and the eight quarters. 22. With his hands the fierce lord Śiva clapped the earth and the sky. All the previous shouts and roars were surpassed by that sound. 23. The Kṣetrapāla produced a boisterous laughing sound boding ill to the Asuras. In that great battle Bhairava too roared. 24. There was a terrific tumult in the midst of that battle. All round amongst the Gaṇas, the shouts of heroes rose up. 25. The Dānavas were frightened by those harsh and terrible sounds. On hearing them the powerful king of Dānavas became very furious. 26. When Śiva shouted “O wicked one, stay by. Stay by”, the gods and the Gaṇas rapidly shouted “victory, Victory”. 27. Then coming again the valorous son of Dambha hurled at Rudra his spear terrible with shooting flames. 28. While it came on, blazing brilliantly like a great conflagration in the battleground, it was immediately suppressed by Kṣeṭrapāla by means of the meteor springing from his mouth. 29. Again the great battle between Śiva and the Dānava was resumed. The heaven and the earth including all mountains, oceans and rivers shook and trembled. 30. Śiva split up the arrows discharged by the son of Dambha by means of hundred and thousands of his fierce arrows. Similarly the arrows of Śiva were split up by the Dānava. 31. Then the infuriated Śiva hit him with his trident. Unable to bear that blow he fell unconscious on the ground. 32. The Asura regained consciousness rapidly. He seized his bow and hit Rudra and all others by means of his arrows. 33. The valorous Saṅkhacūḍa assumed ten thousand arms by means of magic and rapidly enveloped Śiva by means of ten thousand discuses. 34. Then Śiva, the infuriated consort of Durgā, the destroyer of all insurmountable distress split the discuses rapidly by means of his excellent arrows. 35. Then the Dānava seized his mace and accompanied by a huge army rushed at Śiva with the intention to kill him. 36. The infuriated Śiva, the destroyer of the pride of the wicked split the mace of the Dānava rushing headlong by means of a sharp-edged sword. 37. When the mace was split, the Dānava became very furious. The brilliant Dānava took up a spear that blazed unbearable to the enemies. 38. By means of his trident śiva hit the comely king of Dānavas rapidly in the chest even as he approached with the spear in his hand. 39. From the chest of Śaṅkhacūḍa pierced by the trident, a valorous huge being came out and said “Stand by, Stand by”. 40. Laughing noisily Śiva severed the terrible head of the being that was coming out, by means of a sword. He fell on the ground. 41. Then spreading her mouth wide open Kālī furiously devoured innumerable Asuras whose heads were crushed by her fierce fangs. 42. The excited and infuriated Kṣetrapāla devoured many other Daityas. Some were killed struck down by Bhairava’s missiles. Others were wounded. 43. Vīrabhadra furiously destroyed many other heroes. Nandīśvara killed many other demons. 44. Thus the other Gaṇas, readily prepared and furiously heroic, destroyed many Daityas, Asuras and suppressors of the gods. 45. Thus a major portion of his army was destroyed there. Many other soldiers, cowardly and terrified, fled. Article published on 19 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. On seeing the important and major portion of his army killed, including heroes as dear to him as his life, the Dānava became very furious. 2. He spoke to Śiva. “I am here standing ready. Be steady in the battle. What is it to me, if these are killed? Fight me standing face to face”. 3. O sage, after saying this and resolving resolutely the king of Dānavas stood ready facing Śiva. 4. The Dānava hurled divine missiles at him and showered arrows like the cloud pouring rain. 5. He exhibited various kinds of deceptive measures invisible and inscrutable to all the excellent gods and Gaṇas and terrifying as well. 6. On seeing that, Śiva sportively discharged thereat the excessively divine Māheśvara missiles that destroy all illusions. 7. All the illusions, were quelled rapidly by its brilliance. Though they were divine missiles they became divested of their brilliance. 8. Then in the battle, the powerful lord Śiva suddenly seized his trident which could not be withstood even by brilliant persons, in order to slay him. 9. In order to prevent him then, an unembodied celestial voice said—“O Śiva, do not hurl the trident now. Please listen to this request. 10. O Śiva, by all means, you are competent to destroy the entire universe in a trice. What doubt then in regard to a single Dānava Śaṅkhacūḍa ? 11. Still, the limit imposed by the Vedas should not be disregarded by you, the lord. O great god, listen to that. Make it truthful and fruitful. 12-13. O lord Śiva, it has been mentioned by Brahmā, that, as long as he wears the armour of Viṣṇu and as long as his wife maintains the marital fidelity, Śaṅkhacūḍa has neither death nor old age. Please make those words truthful.’ 14. On hearing this celestial voice, Śiva said “So be it”. Viṣṇu came there at the wish of Śiva. Śiva, who is the goal of the good, commanded him. 15. Then, in the guise of an old brahmin, Viṣṇu, the foremost of those who wield magic, approached Śaṅkhacūḍa and told him. 16-17. “O lord of Dānavas, give me the alms for which I have come to you. I shall not say openly what I wish to have from you who are favourably disposed to the distressed. I shall tell you when you have promised me first. 18. With face and eyes indicating pleasure the king replied affirmatively. Then the deceptive Viṣṇu in the form of a brahmin said—“I am the suppliant for your armour.” 19. On hearing that, the lord of Dānavas, a well wisher of the brahmins and of truthful word handed over the divine armour, his vital breath, to the brahmin. 20. Viṣṇu thus snatched off his armour by means of deception. Then in the guise of Śaṅkhacūḍa Viṣṇu approached Tulasī. 21. Lord Viṣṇu, an expert in wielding magic went there and deposited his semen in her vaginal passage for the protection of gods. 22. In the meantime the lord of Dānavas approached Śiva without the armour. He took up his trident that blazed to slay Śaṅkhacūḍa. 23. That trident, named Vijaya, of Śiva, the great Ātman, shone illuminating heaven and earth. 24. It was as refulgent as a crore midday suns and as fierce as the shooting flame of fire at the time of dissolution. It could neither be prevented nor withstood. It was never ineffective in destroying enemies. 25. It had a fierce halo all round. It was the best of all weapons and missiles. It was unbearable to gods and Asuras. It was terrible to all. 26. In order to annihilate the whole cosmos sportively all brilliance had converged into it. 27. It was a thousand Dhanus in length and a hundred Hastas in width. It was in the form of individual as well as universal soul. It was eternal and uncreated. 28. That trident whirling round over the head of Śaṅkhacūḍa for a while fell on the head of the Dānava at the behest of Śiva and reduced him to ashes. 29. O brahmin, then it rapidly returned to Śiva and having finished its work went away by the aerial path with the speed of the mind. 30. The Dundubhis were sounded in the heaven. Gandharvas and Kinnaras sang. The sages and the gods eulogised and the celestial damsels danced. 31. A continuous shower of flowers fell over Śiva. Viṣṇu, Brahmā, Indra, other gods and sages praised him. 32. Saṅkhacūḍa the king of Dānavas was released from his curse by the favour of Śiva. He regained his original form. 33. All the conches in the world are formed of the bones of Śaṅkhacūḍa. Except for Śiva, the holy water from the conch is sacred for every one. 34. O great sage, particularly to Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī the water from the conch is pleasant. To all persons connected with Viṣṇu it is so but not to Siva. 35. After slaying him thus, Śiva went to Śivaloka seated on his bull, joyously, accompanied by Pārvatī, Kārttikeya and the Gaṇas. 36. Viṣṇu went to Vaikuṇṭha. Kṛṣṇa became complacent. The gods went to their abodes with great delight. 37. The universe regained normalcy. The whole earth was freed of obstacles. The sky was pure. The whole world became auspicious. 38. Thus I have narrated to you the delightful story of lord Śiva that removes all misery, yields wealth and fulfils cherished desires. 39. It is conducive to prosperity and longevity. It prevents all obstacles. It yields worldly pleasure and salvation. It confers the fruits of all cherished desires. 40-41. The intelligent man who hears or narrates the story of the moon-crested lord, or reads or teaches it shall undoubtedly derive wealth, grains, progeny, happiness, all desires and particularly devotion to Śiva. 42. This narrative is unequalled. It destroys all torments. It generates great knowledge. It increases devotion to Śiva. 43. The brahmin listener attains brahminical splendour; the Kṣatriya becomes a conqueror; the Vaiśya rich and the Śūdra the most excellent of men. Article published on 19 October, 2018

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. How did the lord Nārāyaṇa manage to deposit his semen in the vaginal passage of Tulasī ? Please narrate the same. 2. Nārāyaṇa is the person who carries on the task of the gods. He is the goal of the good. It was in the guise of Śaṅkhacūḍa that he indulged in sexual dalliance with his wife. 3. Listen to the story of Viṣṇu that causes delight, the story of Viṣṇu who acts at the behest of Śiva and Pārvatī, the mother of the worlds. 4-5. On hearing the aerial voice in the course of the war and urged by lord Śiva, Viṣṇu carried off the excellent armour of Śaṅkhacūḍa assuming the guise of a brahmin, rapidly, by having recourse to his Māyā. He then assumed the guise of Śaṅkhacūḍa and went to Tulasī’s palace. 6. Very near the entrance to Tulasī’s palace he caused the drum Dundubhi to be beaten and cries of victory to be raised. He thus made the beautiful woman wake up. 7. On hearing it that chaste lady was highly delighted. Eagerly she peeped through the window into the high way. 8. Knowing that her husband had returned she observed all auspicious rites and offered monetary gifts to the brahmins. She then beautified herself. 9. After decending from the chariot, Viṣṇu who assumed the guise of Śaṅkhacūḍa by deceptive art for the sake of carrying out the task of the gods went to the apartment of the queen. 10. On seeing her husband come before her she became delighted. She washed his feet, bowed to him and cried. 11. She made him sit on the gemset throne of great beauty. She handed him the auspicious betel leaf rendered fragrant with camphor. 12. āIt is today that my life has become fruitful since I see my beloved lover who had gone to fight back in the abode again”. 13. Saying so glancing at him with ogling eyes and smiling face she sweetly asked him about the events at the battlefield. 14-18. “O lord, how did you fare in the battle with Śiva who renders help to the gods? You had gone to fight Śiva who is the foremost of the gods, who is the annihilator of innumerable universes, whose behests are strictly adhered to and carried out by Viṣṇu, Brahmā and other gods always, who is the progenitor of the three deities, who is the soul of three attributes, who being devoid of attributes puts on the form of attributes at the request and wish of the devotees; who makes Viṣṇu and Brahmā work, who asrumed the form of Śiva the resident of Kailāsa at the request of Kubera, who is the lord of Gaṇas, the supreme Brahman, the goal of the good; in a single moment according to whose calculation a crore cosmic worlds undergo destruction; and in whose minutest time many Viṣṇus, Brahmās and others pass away. It is with such a Śiva that you had gone to fight. 19. You have happily returned after defeating him, the great lord. How did you win? Please mention that to me.” 20. On hearing these words of Tulasī, Viṣṇu, the lord of Lakṣmī who had assumed the guise of Śaṅkhacūḍa, laughed and spoke sweet words to her. 21. “When I, fond of war, reached the battle ground there was a great tumult. A great battle ensued. 22. There ensued the battle between the gods and the Dānavas both desiring victory. The daityas were defeated by the gods who were proud of their strength. 23. Then I fought with the powerful gods. The gods defeated by me sought refuge in Śiva. 24. In order to help them Śiva came to fight. Proud of strength I fought with him for a long time. 25. My dear wife, we fought continuously for a year. O lovely woman, all the Asuras were destroyed. 26. Brahmā made us come to a peace. At the bidding of Brahmā the powers of authority were re-assigned to the gods. 27. I have returned home. Śiva has returned to Śivaloka. Every one has resumed health and normalcy. The torment has receded.” 28. After saying this the lord of the worlds lay down on his bed. Then out of joy Viṣṇu indulged in sexual intercourse. 29. That lady began to suspect on observing a change in her happiness, endearment and attraction and asked him “who are you? 30. Who are you? Tell me quickly. I have been enjoyed by you deceptively. My modesty has been outraged. Hence I am going to curse you.” 31. On hearing the words of Tulasī, Viṣṇu became afraid of the curse. O Brahmin, sportively he re-assumed his own real beautiful form. 32. On seeing the characteristic signs she guessed that it was Viṣṇu. Infuriated by the violation of her chastity she said. 33. “O Viṣṇu, you are ruthless. Your mind is likea rock. Since my chastity has been outraged my husband is doomed. 34. O wicked one, being ruthless you are like a rock. Hence due to my curse you will become a rock. 35. Those who call you ocean of mercy are erring. There is no doubt. How was a devotee killed for another man’s sake, even without any offence?” 36. After saying this, the chaste beloved of Śaṅkhacūḍa, Tulasī lamented again and again in the excess of her grief. 37. On seeing her crying, Viṣṇu remembered lord Śaṅkara, Parameśvara, by whom the universe is deluded. 38. Then Śaṅkara, favourably disposed to his devotees appeared in front of them. He was bowed to and eulogised humbly by Viṣṇu. 39. On seeing Viṣṇu distressed and the beloved lady lamenting, Śiva kind to the poor tactfully enlightened both of them. 40. “O Tulasī, do not cry. Every one reaps the fruit of his actions. In the world that is an ocean of actions and rites there is no external entity that bestows happiness and sorrow. 41. Listen to what is relevant to the context to get rid of misery. Let Viṣṇu of good intentions too, listen. I shall mention what is beneficent to both and conducive to happiness. 42. O gentle lady, penance had been performed by you. The fruit thereof has been attained now. How can it be otherwise? 43. Cast off this body. Take up a divine body and indulgence in dalliance with Viṣṇu for ever. Be equal unto Lakṣhmī. 44. The body that you caste off shall become a river in Bharata. That will be a sacred river famous as Gaṇḍakī. 45. O great lady, as a boon granted by me, Tulasī (holy basil) will be the most important constituent of the materials of worship of the gods some time. 46. In heaven, earth and the nether worlds you will become the Tulasī plant more excellent than flowers. 47. As the presiding deity of the plant you shall assume a divine form and shall for ever sport in secret with Viṣṇu. 48. The presiding deity of the river in Bharata, the consort of the briny sea and highly meritorious, shall be a part of Viṣṇu. 49. As a result of your curse, Hari shall assume the form of a rock on the banks of the river Gaṇḍakī and shall preside on the same in Bharata. 50. Crores of terrible sharp-toothed germs shall penetrate and erode the rock and carve rings on it. 51. Those pieces shall be known as Śālagrāma rocks and will be meritorious. Differentiated by the rings they shall be known as Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa etc. 52. O Viṣṇu, Śālagrāma stone shall signify your contact with Tulasī. Similar in appearance they shall increase merit. 53. O gentle lady, If anyone plucks the leaves of Tulasī lying on Śālagrāma he will be separated from his wife in the next birth. 54. If any one plucks Tulasī leaves without using conch he will become a widower and a chronic patient for seven births. 55. He who keeps Śālagrāma, Tulasī and Śaṅkha in one place shall become wise and a favourite of Viṣṇu. 56. You have been the beloved of Śaṅkhacūḍa for the period of a Manvantara. Your separation from Śaṅkhacūḍa is really painful to you. 57. After saying so, Śiva narrated the greatness of Śālagrāma stone and Tulasī, that is highly meritorious. 58. After delighting Viṣṇu and Tulasī, Śiva the benefactor of the good vanished from there and went to his abode. 59. On hearing the words of Śiva, Tulasī was delighted. She cast off that bo:ly and assumed a divine form. 60. The lord of Lakṣmī went to Vaikuṇṭha with her. Immediately the river Gaṇḍakī took its origin from her cast off body. 61. On its banks Viṣṇu became a mountain conferring merit on men. O sage, germs make different kinds of holes therein. 62. The pieces that fall into the water are highly meritorious. Those that remain on the dry land are known as Piṅgalas. They are harmful. 63. Thus I have narrated everything in accordance with your enquiry. The story of Śiva is meritorious and bestows all cherished desires on men. 64. This narrative has been made in detail intermingled with the greatness of Viṣṇu. It confers worldly pleasures and salvation. What is it that you wish to hear further?

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. I am not satiated by hearing the story of the mooon-crested lord Śiva including the annihilation of Śaṅkhacūḍa from you even as people are not satiated by drinking nectar. 2. Please narrate another story of that great soul, lord Śiva who indulges in divine sports delightful to the devotees, by resorting to magic practices. 3. On hearing the story of the annihilation of Śaṅkhacūḍa Vyāsa the son of Satyavatī enquired of the excellent sage, son of Brahmā, the very same matter. 4. Sanatkumāra narrated to Vyāsa—the son of Satyavatī—the auspicious and admirable story of lord Śiva. 5. O Vyāsa, listen to the auspicious story of lord Śiva in relation to Andhaka how the latter attained the leadership of Gaṇas from Śiva, the great soul. 6. O great sage, it was after a great fight with the gods and by propitiating lord Śiva again and again with Sāttvika devotion that he attained the leadership. 7. It is wonderful indeed, the greatness of Śiva is wonderful. Śiva protects those who seek refuge in him. He is favourably disposed to his devotees. He indulges in different kinds of sports. 8. On hearing about the greatness of the bull-bannered lord, the sage, son of Gandhavatī bowed to the great sage, son of Brahmā, with devotion and spoke these meaningful words. 9. O holy one, O lord of sages, who is this Andhaka? In which warrior family on the earth was this powerful great Andhaka born? What was his parentage? What is his importance? 10. O son of Brahmā, please let me know all this entirely along with its mystic secrets. You have learnt this well from Kārttikeya of immeasurable enlightenment, the son of lord Śiva. 11. How did he obtain the leadership of the Gaṇas from Śiva of great splendour? Really that Andhaka was blessed since he became the lord of the Gaṇas. 12. On hearing the words that son of Brahmā spoke to Vyāsa the father of Śuka who desired to hear about the wonderful sports of lord Śiva which give prosperity to the hearer. 13. Formerly Śiva, the Emperor of the gods, kind to his devotees came to Kāśī from Kailāsa accompanied by Pārvatī, the daughter of the mountain and his Gaṇas because he was desirous of sporting there. 14. He built his capital there. He appointed the hero Bhairava as its protector. Then he performed many sports, pleasing to the people, in the company of Pārvatī the daughter of the mountain. 15. Once he went to the mountain Mandara to see its excellent grandeur. He sported much in the company of Śiva and the various principal heroic Gaṇas. 16. While sporting on the eastern ridges of the Mandara mountain, Pārvatī sportively and playfully closed the eyes of Śiva of fierce exploit. 17. She closed the eyes with her lotus-like hands which had the lustre of coral and golden lotus. When Śiva’s eyes were closed, a great darkness spread immediately. 18. By this contact with lord Śiva the rapturous rutting juice exuded from her hands became hot by the fire of the eye on his forehead and flowed out in copious drops. 19. Conception took place and a terrible inhuman being manifested itself. It was furious, ungrateful, blind, deformed, and black in colour. It had matted locks of hair and fine hair all over the body. 20. It sang, cried, laughed, danced, put out its tongue like a serpent and thundered fiercely. When this curious creature arose, Śiva smilingly spoke to Pārvatī. 21. “You did it yourself by closing my eyes. O my beloved, why are you afraid of it now? On hearing these words of Śiva, Pārvatī smilingly took off her hands from the eyes. 22. When light spread everywhere the blind being appeared even more terrible. On seeing such a being, Pārvatī asked her lord Śiva. 23. O lord, what is this ugly hideous being that is born in front of us. Please tell me the truth. Why was it created? By whom? Whose child is it? 24. On hearing these words of his beloved, the sportively inclined mother of the three worlds and the cause of creation of the blind creatures, lord Śiva himself indulging in sports smilingly said:— 25. O Pārvatī of mysterious activities, listen. When my eyes were closed by you, this being of wonderfully fierce might was born of my sweat. He shall be named Andhaka. 26. You are the cause of his creation though not in the natural way. He shall be guarded by the Gaṇas lovingly as well as by you along with your friends. His well being rests with you. O noble lady, pondering over this intelligently you shall do every thing. 27. On hearing the words of her lord, Pārvatī was very compassionate. Accompanied by her friends, she made arrangements for his safety in diverse ways and means as if he were her own son. 28. At that time, the Asura Hiraṇyākṣa desired to obtain a son at the pressure of his wife who was envious at the sight of many sons of her husband’s elder brother. Accordingly he set out in the season of late winter. 29. He resorted to forest and performed penance for obtaining son. In order to see lord Śiva he performed a rigorous penance conquering the passions of anger etc. and remaining insensible to external sensation as does a log of wood. 30. The trident-bearing lord was pleased at his penance. O great brahmin he went there in order to grant him the boon. After reaching that spot, lord Śiva, the bull-bannered lord, spoke to the leading Daitya. 31. “O lord of Daityas, do not curb your senses so much. Why have you taken up this sacred rite? Speak out what you desire. I am Śiva, the granter of desires. I shall grant whatever you desire.” 32. On hearing the pleasing words of lord Śiva, the Daitya Hiraṇyākṣa was delighted. He joined his palms in reverence and humbly bowed his head. Eulogising and bowing in various ways he spoke to lord Siva. 33. O moon-crested lord, I have no powerful son befitting the race of Daityas. It is for this purpose that I have resorted to penance. O lord of gods, give me a powerful son. 34. My brother has five sons of infinite valour, Prahlāda being the eldest. I don’t have any son. My family is likely to be extinct. Who will inherit my kingdom after me? 35. He alone merits to be the son who enjoys either the inherited kingdom of his father or the kingdom of another taken by force. That father alone can call himself possessed of a son with such a son. 36. An abode in heaven is enjoined only for those who have sons as mentioned by the learned and the virtuous. All living beings are active in that respect. 37. A person whose family is extinct cannot have higher regions. It is for obtaining the son that people worship the deities. 38. On hearing these words of the king, the kind-hearted Śiva was satisfied and spoke thus—“O ruler of Daityas, there may not be a son born of your semen. But I shall grant you a son. 39. My son Andhaka has a prowess equal to yours. He cannot be defeated by any. You choose him as your son. Cast off your distress and accept him as your son.” 40. After saying this, the delighted lord gave the son to Hiraṇyākṣa. Śiva, the great soul, the primordial lord of Bhūtas, the destroyer of Tripuras, the fierce god went away, accompanied by Pārvatī. 41. After getting a son from Śiva that Daitya circumambulated Śiva and worshipped him with many hymns. Joyously the noble Asura returned to kingdom. 42. Having obtained a son from Śiva, the demon of great and fierce valour conquered all the gods and took the earth to Pātāla. 43. Then the gods, sages and the Siddhas propitiated Viṣṇu of infinite vigour in the form of a Boar that constituted all sacrifices and all beings and was terrific in form. 44-46. He split the earth by beating and striking with his snout and entered Pātāla. He powdered hundreds of Daityas with his nose and the formidable curved fangs. He smashed the armies of the Asuras by kicking with his legs dazzling like lightning. He had a wonderfully fierce refulgence. With his Sudarśana dazzling like a crore of suns he chopped off the burning head of Hiraṇyākṣa and reduced the wicked Daityas to ashes. He was then delighted to crown his son Andhaka as the king of Daityas. 47. He returned to his abode. He lifted up the earth from the Pātāla by means of his fangs. He sustained the Earth as before. 48. Eulogised by the gods, the delighted sages, and Brahmā, lord Viṣṇu of huge body who had assumed the form of a Boar finished the task and returned to his abode. 49. When Hiraṇyākṣa the king of Asuras was killed by Viṣṇu assuming the form of a Boar, the gods, sages and other living beings became happy.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Santakumāra of great intellect, when that Asura was killed what did his elder brother, the great Asura, do? 2. O great sage, I am eager to hear this. O son of Brahmā, please narrate the same. Obeisance be to you. 3. On hearing these words of Vyāsa, that great sage, Sanatkumāra spoke after remembering the lotus like feet of Śiva. 4. When his brother was thus killed by Viṣṇu in the form of a Boar, O Vyāsa, Hiraṇyakaśipu was distressed with grief and excited by anger. 5. Always fond of enmity with Viṣṇu that he was, he instigated heroic Asuras, fond of havoc, to work havoc among the people. 6. Receiving the command of their lord with bowed heads, the Asura fond of havoc worked havoc among the gods and the people. 7. Thus when the universe was utterly disturbed by the evil-minded Asuras, the gods abandoned heaven and roamed on the Earth unobserved. 8. After performing the obsequies and water oblations to his departed brother, the distressed Hiraṇyakaśipu consoled his wife and others. 9. Then the emperor of the Daityas desired to make himself invincible, undying, unageing, unrivalled and sole ruler. 10. He performed a severe penance in the ravine of the Mandara mountain. Keeping his arms lifted up he fixed his eyes on the sky. He stood on the Earth on his big toes alone. 11. When he was perfoming penance, the gods accompanied by their forces defeated the Daityas and regained their lost seats. 12. The smoking fire of penance springing from his head, spreading all round scorched the worlds all round, above and below. 13. The gods scorched by that, abandoned heaven and went to Brahmā’s region. With their faces turned pale and deformed by his penance they informed the creator of every thing. 14. O Vyāsa, thus informed by the gods, the self-born Brahmā went to the hermitage of the Daitya accompanied by Bhṛgu, Dakṣa and others. 15. The Asura who had already scorched the worlds saw that the lotus-born deity had arrived. In order to grant him the boon Dhātṛ the grandfather of the worlds said—“Choose a boon.” On hearing the sweet words of the creator, the Asura of undismayed intellect spoke thus. 16-17. “O creator, O lord of subjects, never may I have the fear of death from weapons, missiles, thunderbolts, dry trees, mountains, water, fire and onslaught of enemies—gods, Daityas, sages, Siddhas or in fact from any living being created by you. Why should I expatiate on it? Let there be no death for me in heaven, on earth, in the day time, at night, from above or below, O lord of subjects!” 18. On hearing these words of the Asura, the merciful lotus-born deity bowed to Viṣṇu mentally and spoke—“O lord of Daityas, I am delighted. Attain everything. 19. Stop your penance which has already run on to ninety-six thousand years. You have realised your desires entirely. Stand up. Rule over the kingdom of the Dānavas.” On hearing these words, the Asura was pleased and beaming in his face. 20. He was coronated by Brahmā the great grandfather of the worlds. He became inclined to destroy the three worlds. The highly elated Asuras disturbed all righteous activities and defeated all the gods in battle. 21. Then the terrified Indra and other gods harassed by him got the permission of Brahmā and went to the milk ocean where Viṣṇu was lying. 22. Considering him the bestower of happiness, they propitiated and eulogised Viṣṇu with various hymns. When he was pleased they told him their woeful tale. 23-24. On learning their misery in entirety, Viṣṇu, the delighted lord of Lakṣmī granted them boons. Getting up from his couch, Viṣṇu consoled the gods and the sages by means of different words befitting himself. The lord as refulgent as the fire said—“O leading gods, I shall kill the Daitya with force. Return to your own abodes fully assured, all of you”. 25. O great sage, on hearing the words of Viṣṇu, Indra and other leading gods, fully assured and satisfied, went to their abodes thinking that the younger brother Hiraṇyākṣa was already killed. 26-27. The noble soul Viṣṇu assumed the form partly of lion and partly of man. His head was matted and full of manes. Sharp fangs were his weapons. The claws were keen and pointed. The snout was finely shaped. The mouth was wide open. The body was terrible and refulgent like a crore of suns, blazing and powerful like the fire at the time of dissolution. He was identical with the universe. More words need not be used to describe him. When the sun was about to set, the lord went to the city of the Asuras. 28. The Man-lion fought with the powerful Daityas. He killed many of them. He held them up and whirled. Exhibiting wonderful prowess he smashed and crushed the various Asuras. 29. On seeing that omniformed lion, the son of the lord of Daityas, Prahlāda, said to the king, his father. “Is it the universe-formed lord who has come as the majestic lion? 30. The infinite lord in the form of Man-lion has come within your city. Desist from fight and seek refuge in him. I see the terrible form of the lion. 31. Since there is none to fight him in all the three worlds, it is better that you submit to him and continue to be the ruler.” On hearing the words of his son, the wicked Asura said “O son, why are you so afraid?” 32. Thus addressing his son, the king of the Daityas ordered the heroes among the Daityas—“O ye heroes, catch hold of this lion of hideous brows and eyes.” 33. At his behest the leading Daityas who desired to catch the lion approached him but they were burnt in a trice like the moths in the blazing fire attracted by its colour. 34. When the Daityas were burnt the king himself fought with the lion with all kinds of weapons, missiles, spears swords, nooses, goads, fire and the like. 35. O Vyāsa, a day according to the calculation of Brahma passed by even as they fought with weapons in their hands, roaring heroically and furiously at each other. 36. Then suddenly the Daitya assumed many arms holding weapons. He looked angrily at the fighting man-lion and pounced upon him in a rush. 37. Then after a terrific battle fought by all sorts of weapons and missiles they were exhausted. Then the great Daitya himself seized up a spear and rushed at the man-lion. 38. He was seized by the lord of beasts with hands as powerful as mountains. He was placed on the knee, torn and scratched in the chest by the claws piercing every vulnerable joint in the body. 39. His heart lacerated by his claws was filled with blood. He lay dead like a log of wood, his limbs being reduced to powder. 40. When he was killed, the heroic Viṣṇu was pleased. He beckoned to Prahlāda who bowed to him. He crowned him king and then left for his abode that could not even be imagined. 41. Then the gods were delighted. They bowed to lord Viṣṇu who had finished their task and who deserved worship, O Brahmin. Thereafter Brahmā and others returned to their abodes. 42. Thus incidentally, I have narrated to you the story of Andhaka ’s birth from Rudra, the death of Hiraṇyākṣa at the hands of the Boar, the annihilation of his brother Hiraṇyakaśipu by the Man-lion and the coronation of Prahlāda. 43. O foremost of brahmins, now listen to the prowess of Andhaka secured from the creator, his fight with Śiva and his acquisition afterwards of the leadership of the Gaṇas.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. Once Andhaka, the son of Hiraṇyākṣa, was addressed jokingly by his haughty cousins in the course of their sports and games—“O blind fellow, what will you do with kingdom? 2. Hiraṇyākṣa was a fool who adopted you as son who are bereft of eyesight, fond of quarrel, ugly and hideous, after propitiating Śiva by means of severe penances. 3. You cannot lay claim to the kingdom. Can a person other than the son of a king ever aspire for the kingdom? You yourself can ponder over it. At the most we can give you some share.” 4. On hearing their words Andhaka was distressed. He thought over the matter intelligently. He then appeased his cousins with various words. In the night he went to a desolate forest. 5. For ten thousand years he performed a severe penance, repeating mantras. He stood on one leg, observed fast and lifted up his arms continuously. In short, he performed a penance that no god or Asura could do. 6. Every day he cut a piece of flesh and consigned it to the sacred blazing fire along with his blood repeating the mantras all along. This he continued for a year. 7. In the end only the bones and the nerves were left. The entire blood was exhausted. When there remained no flesh to offer he desired to offer his whole body into the fire. 8. Then he was seen by the heaven-dwellers, all of whom became frightened and bewildered. Then Brahmā the creator was immediately propitiated and eulogised by the gods. 9. Brahmā stopped him and said—“O Dānava, choose a boon. Whatever is inaccessible in the universe, if you desire it, you can have it.” 10. On hearing the words of Brahmā, the Daitya piteously bowed to him and said—“May Prahlāda and others who have cruelly usurped my share in the kingdom be my slaves. 11. I am now blind but let me be endowed with divine vision. Let Indra and others pay me tax and tribute. Let no death come to me from gods, Daityas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, serpents or human beings. 12. Nor shall I meet with death from Nārāyaṇa, the enemy of leading Daityas, or from the omniscient and omniformed Śiva”. On hearing these words of the demon, Brahmā became suspicious. He told him:— 13. “O leader of Daityas, whatever you ask shall take place. But accept some cause of death because none who is born or who will be born can escape the jaws of death. 14. Good men like you should rather avoid too long a life”. On hearing these pleading words from Brahmā, the Daitya said again. 15. “The most excellent of the ladies in the world for all time whether of mature, middle or young age shall be like a mother unto me. 16. She may be the rarest in the world, unapproachable to all men, bodily, mentally or verbally. O self-born lord, should I covet her, let destruction befall me instantaneously depriving me of the position of the ruler”. 17. On hearing these words, Brahmā was surprised. He remembered the lotus like feet of Śiva. After receiving the directive from him, he spoke to Andhaka. 18. “O leader of Daityas, whatever you desire shall necessarily be realised. O king of Daityas, stand up. Realise your ambition. But always fight with heroic persons.” 19. O great sage, after listening to these words of the creator, and immediately bowing to him with devotion, the son of Hiraṇyākṣa who had but sinews and bones left spoke to the lord. 20. “O lord, how can I enter the hosts of the enemy with this body and fight? Make me who am merely a skeleton with sinews left endowed with flesh. Touch me now with your holy hand.” 21. On hearing his words Brahmā touched his body with his hand and returned to his abode accompanied by the great gods and worshipped by the sages and Siddhas. 22. The moment he was touched, he became full bodied and strong. With eyes regaining sight he became beautiful and stout. Thus he entered his city. 23. Considering him blessed with the boon, on his arrival Prahlāda and other leading Dānavas surrendered the entire kingdom to him and became his slaves. 24. Then Andhaka went to the heaven to conquer it accompanied by his army and attendants. After defeating the gods in battle he made Indra pay him tribute. 25. He conquered the Nāgas, Suparṇas, Rākṣasas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, human beings, and became the lord of mountains, trees and quadrupeds such as lions etc. by his force. 26-27. He made the universe including the mobile and immobile beings subservient to him. He acquired thousands of women beautiful in appearance amiable and faithful. He was accompanied by beautiful women of the nether regions and of Earth and heaven. He indulged with them in sexual dalliance on the beautiful banks of the rivers, mountains and other places. 28. Sporting about in their midst joyously, he drank divine and superhuman beverages left over by them and became highly elated. 29. He enjoyed among other excellent things, divine juices, fruits, fragrant flowers, fine conveyances very pleasant to drive in and excellent mansions erected by Maya. 30. Thus indulging in sports he passed ten thousand years beautified and rendered pleasant and mysteriously wonderful by means of flowers, incenses, unguents and dietary stuffs. 31. He did not know what would be auspicious and beneficent to him in the other world. He was deluded, blinded by pride and spoiled by his association with the wicked. 32. The haughty fellow attacked leading scholars by using fallacious arguments. Posing as a great soul he roamed about with his Daitya friends destroying Vedic rites. 33. Proud of his affluence he slighted the Vedas, gods and preceptors. He continued to indulge in sports, thereby reducing his longevity in a few days. 34. Then many crores of years passed by. Once, roaming about on the Earth with his army, he joyously went to the Mandara mountain. 35. The haughty demon roamed there along with his armies admiring its golden splendour. Having gone there ostensibly for some sport and pastime he finally resolved to stay there as destiny would have it. 36. He built a wonderful stable and auspicious city on the ridges of the Mandara and forced people to settle there gradually. 37. His three ministers Duryodhana, Vaidhaśa and Hasti once saw a beautiful woman in an excellent spot on the mountain. 38. They hastened to their lord joyously and lovingly told him what they had seen there. 39. O lord of Daityas, in a mountain cavern we have seen a certain sage. His eyes are closed in meditation. He is handsome. The crescent moon adorns his head. He is wearing an elephant hide round his hips. 40. Serpents twine round his body. A necklace of skulls adorns his neck. His hair is matted. He holds a trident in his hand. He has arrows and quiver. He is a great archer. He displays a rosary. 41. He wields a sword. He holds a trident and a staff. This fair-complexioned four-armed sage of matted hair has smeared ashes over his body. His splendour is dazzling and his dress and features are wonderful. 42. Not far from him, another person was seen. He has simian features, very terrible in face and demeanour. Equipped with weapons his hands are rough and brawny. He is the guard on duty. There is a white bull, too old but firm and steady. 43. A woman of very auspicious features, young and beautiful was seen at the side of that sage. She is a gem under the sun. 44. She is richly bedecked in corals, pearls, jewels gold gems and is dressed neatly. Her necklaces are fine and auspicious. He who has seen her can alone be called a man of sight. Of what awaits the sight of anything else? 45. O lord of Daityas, enjoyer of good jewels, that divine lady, wife and the beloved of that meritorious sage, is worthy of being seen and fetched here. 46. On hearing their words, the Daitya became lustful. He shook with excitement. Immediately he sent Duryodhana and others to the sage. 47. O great sage, those excellent ministers well versed in statesmanship approached the inscrutable sage of exalted rites. After bowing they conveyed to him the behest of the Daitya. 48. “Andhaka the noble soul, son of Hiraṇyākṣa, the king of Daityas, the emperor of the three worlds, is camping here now at the instance of Brahmā and is sportively inclined. 49. O great sage, we are his ministers possessed of great prowess. We have come to you at his behest. Listen with attention to what he says. 50. Whose son are you? O great sage, O intelligent one, why are you stationed here in a carefree manner? Whose wife is this young beautiful lady? O great sage, this auspicious lady be given to the lord of Daityas. 51. Where this body of yours smeared with ashes, bedecked with necklaces of skulls and hideous in appearance! Why do you keep the quiver, the bow, the arrows, the sword, the missile Bhuśuṇḍi, the trident, the thunderbolt and the iron club? 52. Where this sacred Gaṅgā, this crescent moon, the matted hair, these pieces of bones from the corpse, the serpent with poisonous breath and protruding mouth, and where the close embrace of the lady of plump bosom! 53. Riding on a bull is despicable. No man on earth has seen such a thing. Bowing and kneeling is a virtue in some places. Why is this diet contrary to the way of the world? 54. Surrender your wife unto me peacefully. O foolish fellow, why do you perform your penance in the company of a lady? It is improper and it does not behove you. I am the lord of jewels in the three worlds (It may suit me). 55. Leave off your weapons, at my behest and carry on your penance. If my order is transgressed you will have to pay dearly with this very body”. 56. Lord Śiva following the worldly convention considered Andhaka a leader of wicked men. On hearing the words of the emissaries he spoke smilingly. 57. If I am Śiva what do you gain from me? Why do you utter false things. O lord of Daityas, listen to my prowess. It is improper on your part to speak like this. 58. I do not remember any father of mine. Ignorant and hideous that I am, I do not know my mother. In a cavern I am performing this severe Pāśupata rite, the like of which none has yet performed. 59. This is well known that I have no root. I cannot get rid of all these things. This wife of mine is young and beautiful. She bears everything patiently. She is the achievement of one that has gone everywhere. 60. O Rākṣasa, whatever appeals to you at present you can take”. After saying this, Śiva who wore the garb of an ascetic stopped, and stood quiet. 61. On hearing his profound words, the Dānavas bowed to him and returned to their leader Andhaka who had taken a bow to destroy the three worlds. 62. The ministers of unafflicted disposition bowed to their haughty king and shouted cries of victory narrating everything that Śiva had smilingly told him. Then they commented as follows. 63. Where (on earth) is a Niśācara seen to be fickle in heroism and courage? Where is a Dānava miserable and powerless? Where does a ruthless, ungrateful and sinful Dānava become afraid of death? 64. O king, you are the emperor of all the Daityas. You have been mockingly disparaged by the sage, a pitiable penance-monger. Indeed he considers the three worlds insignificant by his poor understanding. He has Vīraka as his bodyguard whom he thinks to be very strong. 65. “Where am I? Where are the terrible weapons? Where is the fight that terrifies even Death? Where is this Vīraka of Simian facial features? Where is this Niśācara (night-stalker) senile and rickety in limbs? 66. Where is this hideous man? Where is this unfortunate wretch? Where is your strength? Where are the spreading creeping plants? If you are mighty, attempt to fight with him. Come, do something. 67. Here we have weapons equal to thunderbolt fierce and capable of destroying people like you. Where is your body as tender as lotus? Pondering over this do as you please.” 68. O gentle lord of Dānavas, these and similar words were uttered by that sage. O king, he says all this because he is proud and conceited. Is it not proper then to fight with him? 69. If you are going to be enlightened by these words of no substance uttered by that sage and conveyed by us, you will think and act accordingly. 70. On hearing these words crooked and piercing yet professing to be true and beneficial the dull-witted (Dānava) blazed furiously like fire sprinkled with clarified butter. 71. Proud of the boons granted to him he seized a sword. He emulated the fierce gust of wind. He got ready to go there smitten by the arrows of the cupid though fate was adverse to him.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1-3. Andhaka, the great Daitya king, deluded and smitten by Kāma ’s arrows drank wine and started from his palace. He walked like an elephant in rut. His eyes were roving. He was accompanied by many of his soldiers. He was fierce and walked majestically like heroes. He saw the cavern guarded by Vīraka, standing at the entrance. He exhibited the characteristic reactions of a moth approaching a lamp and glancing at it eagerly and lovingly. Already the burning fire of passion had scorched him and therefore afflicting hits from Vīraka had no effect on him. 4. He was attacked with stones, trees, thunderbolts, water, fire and serpents. He was threatened with weapons and missiles. He was afflicted by Vīraka repeatedly but ineffectively and asked. “Who are you? Why have you come here?” 5. On hearing his words, Andhaka made no reply but began to fight Vīraka when surprisingly and unbelievably he was defeated by Vīraka in the battle. 6. When his sword was shattered to pieces he fled from the battlefield divested of his conceited pride. His throat was parched with hunger and thirst. He was aggrieved. 7. Prahlāda and other important Daityas then fought with Vīraka. Though they were terrible themselves they were defeated by hundreds of weapons. Finally their minds were held in check by the goad of shame. 8. Virocana, Bali, Bāṇa, Sahasrabāhu, Bhaji, Kujambha, Śambara, Vṛtra and others of great valour, fought there. 9. These were defeated by the Gaṇa Vīraka in the course of the battle and split into two. At the end of the fight when many Dānavas were killed, the Gaṇas of Siddhas shouted “Victory.” 10-11. When packs of Jackals began to dance in the midst of the putrefying suets, fat and flesh, when beasts of prey, ghosts and spirits began to roam in the terrible slough of slushy blood, when the Daityas were smashed thus, the trident-bearing lord consoled Pārvatī and said. “O beloved, formerly I had performed the great Vrata called Mahāpāśupata. 12. The strength that I derived therefrom is exhausted whence this fall of the immortals at the hands of the mortals. O goddess, merit has declined due to the physical contact with you. 13. I will create a wonderfully divine and terrible forest and going there I shall perform still more severe vrata whereby, O beautiful lady, you shall be free from fear and sorrow.” 14. After saying this, the noble soul went to a holy and terrible forest. He proclaimed loudly his intention and performed penance highly illuminated. 15. Śiva performed penance for a thousand years the like of which could not be performed by the gods or Asuras. Pārvatī stayed behind in Mandara mountain awaiting for the return of the lord. 16. The chaste lady, endowed with good conduct remained alone in that cavern. She was terrified and distressed. Of course she was guarded by her son Vīraka. 17. Then the Daitya whose mental steadiness had been shattered by the arrows of Kāma, became bold and haughty due to the boons that had been granted to him. He came to the cavern accompanied by his soldiers. 18. Forsaking food, drink and sleep, the infuriated Daitya accompanied by his army fought with Vīraka a very wonderful battle for five hundred, five days and nights. 19-21. Various weapons were used by the Daityas—Swords, javelins, slings, maces, sharp missiles, arrows with crescent-shaped tips, arrows with prolonged iron pikes, tortoise-shaped heads with blazing steel pointed hooks, sharp spear, axes, iron clubs of diverse sorts, iron balls, rocks, branches of trees and various divine missiles. Vīraka was attacked with these weapons and he fainted at the entrance to the cavern. His body was pierced by the sharp weapons hurled by the Daityas. The various weapons barred the entrance to the cave. 22-23. Vīraka was covered by the weapons and could not be extricated. The goddess Pārvatī was afraid at the sight. From within the cave she remembered Brahmā and Viṣṇu. 24. Thus remembered by the goddess, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Indra and others assumed female forms and came there. 25. Sages of great dignity, Siddhas, Nāgas and Guhyakas became women and entered the cavern where Pārvatī was staying. 26-27. Since it was not customary to enter the harem of kings they assumed female form of wonderful features and entered the cavern of Pārvatī for heroic activities. 28. Thundering sounds of clouds, as at the end of a Kalpa, were produced by these thousands of women. Drums were beaten and conches were blown. 29. Meanwhile Vīraka of wonderfully fierce valour regained his consciousness and stood up. He seized the weapons of the warriors and hit the Daityas with them. 30. Brāhmī stood opposed to the Daityas with the staff in her hand. Gaurī became very furious. Nārāyaṇī held conch, mace, sword, discus and bow in her hands. 31. Biḍaujasī set out holding the thunderbolt and the handle of the ploughshare in her hand. Her complexion was golden. The sky constituted her forelocks. In her fierce velocity thousands of streams of current were let loose. 32. The goddess of thousand eyes, fought steadily in war, undaunted and invincible with hundreds of Daityas. The goddess of fire was of none too gentle face and Yāmyā was fierce with staff in her lifted hands. 33. Nairṛti held a fierce bow and a sharp sword in her lifted hands. The female form of Varuṇa set out for fight with noose in her hands. 34. The female form of fierce storm took up hunger for her physical body and held goad in her hand. The female form of Kubera held a mace in her hand, blazing like the fire at the end of a Kalpa. 35. The female form of the lord of Yakṣas was sharpfaced and hideous. The female form of Nāga was terrible with claws for her weapons. These and hundreds of other goddesses set out for the battle ground. 36. On seeing this limitless vast army, the Daityas were bewildered, pale in the face, excited and dismayed frightened and dejected in the heart. 37. All these celestial damsels, the chief of whom was Brahmāśakti and the general Vīraka of terrible valour pacified the mind of Pārvatī, the daughter of the lord of mountains and assured her. 38. The important ones among the Daityas and others who possessed strength derived from the boons granted to them, thought, in their minds, of their death or retreat and fought an unprecedented great battle with the ladies. 39. Making Vīraka of terrible valour and wonderful intellect, her general, Pārvatī fought a wonderful battle in the company of her friends and allies. 40. Thinking upon Viṣṇu and looking towards the southern direction the Daitya king, the heroic son of Hiraṇyākṣa, quickly made a fierce array of soldiers with Gila at the head. 41. He made the frontal array terrific by the force of regular service. By the time this was done, the infuriated lord came there. Clad in hides he had the lustre of a thousand fiery suns at the end of a Kalpa. 42. On seeing lord Śiva arrived after the lapse of a thousand years, the delighted women in the company of Vīraka fought a very great battle. 43-44. Pārvatī bowed her head to Śiva. She exhibited great valour to her lord. The delighted Pārvatī fought a terrific battle. Śiva embraced her and then entered the cavern. The numerous women that had gathered were dismissed. Pārvatī honoured Vīraka by hundreds of gifts and appointed him as the keeper of the gate. 45. Then the Asura chief, very clever in statesmanship, unable to see either Pārvatī or Śiva sent his emissary Vighasa immediately to Śiva. 46. He was one whose limbs were shattered by the weapons hurled by the gods and the Gaṇas. He entered the cavern, bowed to Śiva and spoke these words haughtily. 47. “I have been sent by him and so I have entered this cavern. You have nothing to do with a woman. Surrender this young and beautiful lady. 48. Usually you are an ascetic. Carry on that. Thinking “Should a sage be offended?” I have observed forbearance within my tender mind. But O sage, you are not a real ascetic but only my enemy. 49. You are extremely inimical to the Daityas. Show your might in fighting with me. O wicked ascetic, I shall send you to Yama ’s abode befitting the nether worlds.” 50. On hearing these words conveyed by the emissary, the great three-eyed lord, the goal of the good, the destroyer of the pride of the wicked, the wearer of skull-garlands spoke furiously burning with grief. 51. Manifestly your words are fierce. Hence hasten. Fight with me if you have the might. 52. Of what avail are the wives and riches, be they ever so beautiful, to a feeble man in the world? Let the haughty Daityas proud of their strength come. I have already thought of this and acted accordingly. 53. How can a feeble man maintain even his physical body? Let them do whatever they are ordained to do. I shall also do whatever I have to do. There is no doubt in this.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] l-2. The king of Daityas, skilled in interpreting what he hinted at, seized his mace and hastened along with his army to the entrance of the cavern. The terrible demon Gila who could not be overwhelmed even by the foremost among the gods, was placed ahead. After reaching the cavern of the lord Śiva, the Daitya attacked with his weapons as refulgent as thunderbolt. The others showered weapons on Vīraka and yet others on Pārvatī, the daughter of the mountain. 3-8. Some smashed the beautiful entrance, some destroyed the flowers, leaves, fruits and roots, the hearty water sheds and the garden paths. A few stirred up joyously the sunny peaks of the mountain. Then Śiva collected his army. The infuriated trident-bearing deity called them together, the terrible living beings, the gods with their armies including Viṣṇu and others. Immediately after being called, the gods came to Śiva and stood near him with palms joined in reverence. They came with chariots, elephants, horses, bulls, cows, camels, mules, excellent birds, lions, bhūtas, tigers, deer, boars, Sārasa birds, fishes, crocodiles, other living beings, scattered flies, serpents rending cremation grounds along with ghosts and spirits, divine chariots, lakes, rivers and mountains. 9. When the gods had taken adequate rest along with their vehicles, the trident-bearing lord Śiva sent them to the battle ground with the steady and chief resolve on victory. 10. They fought with the army of the lord of Daityas including Gila terribly and unrestrainedly as if the end of Yugas had come but they were all devoured in the battlefield angrily. 11. In a trice all of them including Brahmā, Indra, Viṣṇu, the sun and the moon were swallowed by Vighasa. When the armies were devoured, only Vīraka was left behind. 12. Leaving off the battle front Vīraka entered the cavern, bowed to Śiva. The eloquent but distressed Vīraka then acquainted the destroyer of Kāma with all the details. 13. O lord, your army has been devoured by the Daitya Vighasa. Viṣṇu, the preceptor and elder to the three worlds and the destroyer of Daityas, has been devoured. The moon and the sun, Brahmā and Indra, the bestowers of boons, have been devoured. All these, Yama, Varuṇa, Vāyu and Kubera have been devoured. 14. I, the humble one, alone am left behind. What is it that I have to do now? The lord of Daityas along with the Daityas is invincible and hence rejoiced. 15. Viṣṇu the lord who became invincible after tearing off Hiraṇyakaśipu the son of Kaśyapa with his claws, had the speed of wind and a terrifying demeanour. He opened his mouth wide and began to blow of the three worlds although the lord was subservient to the good. 16. When the matter stood thus, he was cursed by the seven sages, the virtual lords of the worlds—“You will be crushed by the Daityas for a long time.” 17-18. Then they were requested by Viṣṇu through loving words conducive to his benefit—“O great sages, when will I get rid of this terrible curse?” Thereupon the infuriated sages said—“At the time of war you will be hit with fists and struck with terrible arrows. When swallowed by Vighasa with wide open mouth, you shall stabilise yourself in the Badarī forest in the holy residence of Śiva, the cavern and shall then be freed from sins.” Thereafter in accordance with the curse of the sages he roams everyday in the battle ground, very hungry and swallows the Daityas and becomes delighted. 19-20. By using the science of reviving the dead to life and chanting verses of hymns, Śukra revives the Daityas killed by the gods, with full vigour and joy and cures them of their hundreds of wounds. It would rather be better to give upour (?) lives at the battle than yield. You, the witness of everything, have been chosen by us as the guide in the accomplishment of our task. 21. On hearing this from his excellent son, the lord of Pramathas, the lord of the three worlds meditated for a long time. He performed an incomparable miracle by chanting Sāman songs. 306 He laughed assuming a body as resplendent as the sun and thereby dispelled the darkness. 22-24. When the light spread, the sage Vīraka fought again with the Daityas of deformed features. He who was created by the excellent sage after swallowing powdered rock and who had fought the battle and even conquered the Pura Asura previously was immediately swallowed by the Daitya together with Nandin who carried sharp arrows, spear and swords, who was the chief of warriors and hundreds of excellent sages, the great receptacle of lores, possessed of mental and physical restraint and great courage. On seeing this, lord Śiva got on to his bull and faced the Daitya Vighasa. Repeating the divine Mantra that compels the disgorging of what is swallowed, he stood there keeping the bow in readiness and the arrows as powerful as thunderbolts. 25. Then the sage Vīraka came out of the mouth of Vighasa accompanied by Viṣṇu and his army. The lotus born Brahmā, Indra—the enemy of Bala, the moon and the sun were also disgorged. Thus disgorged the delighted army fought a great battle again. 26. Thus the army of the Daityas was conquered. But Śukra revived the Daityas slain in the battle by the virtue of his science. The preceptor of Dānavas was then bound like an animal and brought by the Gaṇas before lord Śiva, the destroyer of Tripuras, who swallowed him. 27-28. When Śukra was no more, the entire residence 306. A particular kind of Sacred verse intended to be sung is called Sāmaveda. of the Dānavas was shattered and destroyed. Everything was suppressed by the gods. When the battle ground was strewn with plenty of Bhūtas who eagerly devoured mouthfuls of the corpses of the Daityas, with headless trunks dancing holding sharp arrows and spears in their hands, with intoxicated Vetālas, with birds of firm claws and beaks and with wolves their jaws filled with dead bodies, the founder of the family Hiraṇyakaśipu fought the battle for a long time and was defeated by Viṣṇu, Śiva and Indra. 29. When the exhausted army entered the nether worlds, nooks and corners in hills and seas, Andhaka the foremost of the Daityas who in his height of fury had harassed the gods and who could split the universe was divested of his haughtiness by Viṣṇu by terrible blows from his mace. 30. Since he had secured boons he did not leave the battle ground although his body had been afflicted much by the lord of the gods by terrible blows and hits. Then by means of weapons and missiles, trees, mountains and waters he defeated the gods. Then he challenged the lord of Pramathas roaring loudly. 31. Fighting steadily by means of various weapons that fell on the battle ground, they were exhausted. Then the Asura inflicted pain on Pārvatī and Śiva by means of uprooted trees, serpents, thunderbolts and other weapons and by indulging in deceptive practices. 32. In order to conquer Śiva, the Daitya of as great strength and intelligence as the destroyer of Tripuras, created another juggler, a cheat. The Daitya whose madness had helplessly been aggravated by hundreds of boons, could not be killed by the gods, though his body had been shattered by plenty of weapons and missiles. 33. Many Andhakas originating from the exudations of his body, with hideous faces resembling his, pervaded the surface of the earth. He was terribly pierced with the Trident by Śiva, the enemy of the Tripuras, the lord of Bhūtas whose body blazed like fire at the end of a Kalpa. 34. When fresh army cropped up from the army slain by Śiva from the hot drops of blood and cut pieces of flesh from the wounds of those killed, Viṣṇu called away the lord of Pramathas and intelligently assumed a fierce form of a hideous woman employing his Yogic knowledge. 35. It had a very terrible and hard aspect characterised by several arms. Angrily the lord Viṣṇu projected from the wings of the army and stood ahead of the Gaṇas. 36. The goddess stood high in the battle field covering up the entire ground by her pair of feet. She was eulogised by the gods. Induced by the lord, the hungry female form devoured the army, drank the hot blood of the Daityas and made the battle ground marshy. 37. Then, only the chief of the Daityas was left. Still he fought on with Śiva, heating terribly with his palms, knees, legs, nails, face, arms and head. Although his blood had been sucked dry he remembered the traditional heroism of his race. 38. Afterwards he was quietened by the lord of Pramathas. His heart was pierced. He was staked to the trident. He was held aloft in the sky like a long pole. Half of his body, the lower one, was dried up by the rays of the sun. The other half was drenched by clouds attended with gusts of wind and heavy downpour. His body was subjected to all sorts of torture. 39. Shattered and scattered like flakes of snow in the rays of the sun, his limbs were torn asunder. Yet the foremost of the Daityas did not die. He eulogised Śiva. The delighted Śiva, ocean of great mercy, joyously gave him the position of the chieftain of his Gaṇas. 40. The lords of the worlds worshipped the lord of Pramathas, at the end of war, with different hymns pleasing and significant. Viṣṇu, Brahmā and others too eulogised him with stooping shoulders. They were delighted and happy and shouted cries of victory. 41. Śiva spent the time rejoicingly in the mountain cavern in their company. Honouring the great and excellent mountains by the bestowal of gifts he dismissed a few of his Aṃśas (parts). Regaining the delighted daughter of the lord of mountains and the sinless son from the terrible jaw of Vighasa, he sported.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1-2. This has been succinctly heard by me that in the great terrible battle that caused horripilation, Śukra the wise lord of the Daityas was swallowed by Śiva, the enemy of the Tripuras. Please narrate in detail what that great Yogin, stationed in the stomach of the trident-bearing lord Śiva did. 3-4. How was it that the gastric fire of Śiva, that terrible fire of dissolution at the end of Kalpa did not burn Śukra? How did the intelligent Śukra of bright refulgence, come out of the stomach of Śiva. How long and in what manner did Śukra propitiate him? 5. How did he obtain that great knowledge that suppresses death? O dear one, what is that knowledge which prevents death. 6. O sage, how did Andhaka get the position of the chieftain of Gaṇas after being released from the trident of Śiva, the lord of the gods, indulging in divine sports. 7. O highly intelligent one, please be merciful. Mention all these sweet sports entirely to me who listen with attention. 8. On hearing these words of Vyāsa of immeasurable refulgence, Sanatkumāra remembered the lotus-like feet of Śiva and said. 9. O Vyāsa of great intellect, listen to the nectar-like sport of Śiva. You are the foremost of devotees of Śiva and you delight me. 10-11. When the battle began between Śiva and Andhaka, the leaders who had formed their armies in the unpiercing arrays of thunderbolt and the mountain, the powerful Daityas became victorious at first but O sage, by the power of Śiva, the Pramathas became victorious afterwards. 12. On hearing that the Asura Andhaka was dejected. He began to think “How can I be victorious?” 13. Going away from the battle ground the heroic and intelligent Andhaka went immediately to Śukra, unattended by anyone else. 14. Getting down from his chariot, he bowed to his preceptor. He was foremost among the politicians, pondered well and spoke with palms joined in reverence. 15. O holy lord, after resorting to you we feel the respect due to a preceptor towards you. We are never vanquished. We are always victorious. 16. Due to our power we consider all the gods and their followers including Śiva and Viṣṇu as insignificant as the useless blades of grass. 17. Due to your blessings, the gods are afraid of us as the elephants of the lions and the serpents of Garuḍas. 18. By smashing the entire host of the Pramathas, by your grace, the Daityas and the Dānavas have entered the impenetrable thunderbolt Vyūha. 19. O Bhārgava, by seeking refuge in you we roam about unhesitatingly in the battle ground, like the cows grazing in the field fearlessly. 20. But now the Asuras are harassed by the heroic enemy. They are killed. Save, save us O, Brahmin, who have sought refuge in you. 21. See Huṇḍa and others, leading lieutenants of mine who have been slain or who have fallen. They have been attacked by Pramathas of terrible valour who can destroy even death. 22. Formerly you did a great penance drinking the smoke of husks or eating bits of grain for a thousand years and secured a great lore. Now the opportunity has arrived to put it to a practical use. 23. O Bhārgava, let all the Pramathas see the fruit of your lore as you will kindly resuscitate the Asuras by that lore. 24. On hearing the words of Andhaka, the perplexed Bhārgava began to reflect sadly. 25. “What shall I do? What will benefit me? Any living being has various activities to be performed. It may seem improper to me. 26. This Vidyā has been derived from Śiva and I am going to use it on the heroes suppressed by the heroic Pramathas, the followers of Śiva. 27. It is my duty to protect those who seek refuge in me.” After thinking like this, the proposal of Andhaka was accepted by Śukra. 28. Smiling slightly and thinking upon the lotus like feet of Śiva with a peaceful mind, Bhārgava spoke to the ruler of Dānavas. 29. O dear, what has been mentioned by you is entirely true. I have acquired this lore just for the welfare of the Dānavas. 30. Drinking the unbearable smoke of husks or eating bits of grains for a thousand years, this lore has been acquired from Śiva. It is pleasing and beneficent to you my kinsmen. 31. With this lore, I shall revive the Daityas destroyed in the battle by the Pramathas just like the cloud that revives scorched plants. 32. Within a Muhūrta you will see these Daityas as if waking from sleep, healed from wounds, devoid of pain and very healthy. 33. After saying this to Andhaka, Śukra repeated the mantra once for each of the Daityas after thinking upon lord Śiva. 34. As soon as the mantra was repeated, the Daityas and Dānavas rose up simultaneously as if from sleep, with the weapons lifted in their hands. 35. They rose up like the merit of men who give water to the thirsty during the fight or like charity given to brahmins at the time of distress in the spirit of faith. 36. On seeing Huṇḍa and other Asuras revived to life, the Asuras shouted loudly like clouds laden with water. 37. Roaring with awful sounds the fearless valorous Asuras got ready to fight with Pramathas. 38. On seeing the Daityas and Dānavas resuscitated to life by Śukra, Nandin and other Pramathas, very haughty and invincible were surprised. 39. After pondering intelligently they consulted one another—“This activity shall be mentioned to Śiva the lord of gods”. 40. When the sacrifice of war was going on like that, kindling the surprise of the leading Pramathas, Nandin, the son of Śilāda who was infuriated on seeing the work of Bhārgava approached lord Śiva. 41-42. After saying “Be victorious” to Śiva, the cause of victory and golden-complexioned, Nandin said—“O lord, the warlike activities of leading Gaṇas, which are difficult even for the gods including Indra, to perform, have been rendered futile by Bhārgava. O lord, after repeating the lore that revives the dead to life, one for each, all the dead enemies have been playfully resuscitated. 43. The great Asuras, viz., Tuhuṇḍa, Huṇḍa, Kumbha, Jambha, Vipāka, Pāka and others have returned from Yama ’s abode. They are routing the Pramathas and are roaming about. 44. O lord Śiva, how can we be victorious if he were to revive to life all the Daityas killed by us, again and again? How can there be peace to the leading Gaṇas? 45. On being thus addressed by the leading Pramatha, Nandin, the lord of leading Pramathas laughingly spoke to Nandin, the chief of all lords of Gaṇas. 46. O Nandin, go very quickly and seize that great brahmin from the midst of the Daityas and bring him here like a vulture bringing the bird quail. 47. Thus commanded by the bull-bannered deity Nandin bellowed like a bull and roared like a lion. Moving fast through the army he reached the place where the bright scion of the family of Bhārgavas was sitting. 48. Harassing and exciting the Daityas, Nandin snatched off Śukra well guarded by all the Daityas who had in their hands, nooses, swords trees, boulders and mountains, like the mythological animal Sarabha snatching off an elephant. 49. The demons followed him roaring like lions to get him released even as his cloth became loose, his ornaments fell off and his tuft of hair got untied as he was caught tightly by the strong Nandin. 50. The leading Dānavas showered on Nandiśvara, thunderbolts, spears, swords, axes, staffs, discus and other missiles like clouds making a fierce downpour. 51. When the combat between the Asuras and gods deepened, the chief of Gaṇas burnt hundreds of the weapons of the enemy by the fire originating from his mouth and reached Śiva taking Bhārgava with him. 52. “O lord, here is Bhārgava”, saying this he handed him over to Śiva immediately. The lord of gods caught hold of Bhārgava like a present offered by a devotee. 53. Without saying anything, the protector of the Bhūtas, thrust Bhārgava into his mouth like a fruit. The Asuras shouted loudly “Alas! Alas.”

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Great sage, when Bhārgava was swallowed by Rudra what did the heroic Dānavas headed by Andhaka, do? Please narrate. 2. When Bhārgava was swallowed by the lord of Pārvatī the Daityas gave up hopes of victory, like lordly elephants bereft of trunks or cows and bulls devoid of horns. 3. They were as futile as headless trunks, as brahmins who have forsaken the study of the Vedas, as the living beings who have given up efforts and as the efforts of those who are not favoured by good fortune. 4. They were lustreless and ineffectual like women devoid of husbands, like the arrows devoid of feather, like longevity devoid of meritorious actions and like learning in the Vedas without the observance of sacred rites. 5. They were as powerless as innumerable activities rendered fruitless without the support of wealth, or as Kṣatriyas devoid of heroism or as the assemblage of virtue without truth. 6. When Bhārgava was taken away by Nandin and swallowed by Śiva as he had swallowed poison, the Daityas became grief-stricken and their pride and jubilation for battle became curbed. 7. On seeing Tuhuṇḍa, Huṇḍa and other Daityas, devoid of enthusiasm, the courageous and valorous Andhaka replied. 8. By seizing Bhārgava forcibly from our midst we have been duped by Nandin. Our bodies have been rendered lifeless. 9. With the taking away of Bhārgava from us, our courage, valour, achievement, fame, strength, splendour and exploit have been simultaneously taken away. 10. Fie upon us by whom the sole and excellent preceptor of the family worthy of the respect of the whole race, the virtual protector of all of us and very efficient, has not been saved at the time of adversity. 11. Hence do not waste time. Fight with the enemy, the heroic Pramathas, after remembering the lotus-like feet of the preceptor. 12. After remembering the beneficent lotus-like feet of the preceptor, I shall slay all the Pramathas along with Nandin. 13. After killing these along with the gods including Indra I shall obtain the release of Bhārgava like the Yogin who releases the soul from the bondage of action. 14. Bhārgava too is a lordly Yogin. If he himself comes out of Śiva’s body, the rest of us are saved. 15. On hearing the words of Andhaka, the powerful Dānavas, fearlessly roaring like the rumbling clouds, spoke after resolving to do what was then to be thought of. 16. If we are destined to live, the Pramathas cannot overwhelm us. If it is otherwise what avails running from the battle ground leaving our master behind. 17. Those who leave their masters and run away professing to be honoured and desiring to be rich will surely fall into hell Andhatāmisra. 18. After sullying their fame with the darkness of ignominy they will forfeit their pleasure both here and hereafter. They will be slain in the battle. 19. Of what avail are charitable gifts, austerities and dips in holy waters if one takes bath in the holy tract of the battlefield that removes the dirt of re-birth? 20. After saying these words and deciding in accordance with them, those Daityas and Dānavas pounded the Pramathas in the battle. They sounded the war-drums. 21-22. By means of arrows, swords, thunderbolts, hard rocks, Bhuśuṇḍis, Bhindipālas and other missiles, spears, javelins, axes, skull-headed clubs, tridents, maces, staffs and other weapons they bit one another and wrought a great havoc. 23. There was a great noise everywhere, produced by the drawn bows, flying arrows, the missiles, Bhuśuṇḍis, Bhindipālas and leonine roars. 24. There was great tumult caused by the war drums, trumpets, the trumpeting sounds of elephants and the neighing sounds of the horses. 25. The vast space between heaven and earth was filled with loud reports causing horripilations to the courageous as well as the cowardly. 26-27. The thirsty armies on either side fainted with their ears bursting by the loud sounds of elephants and horses, with the flagstaff and banners broken and torn, with their weapons exhausted, vomitting diverse kinds of blood and bereft of horses, elephants and chariots. 28. O sage, the heroic Nandin and other Pramathas slew all Asuras and won the victory. 29. On seeing his army being shattered here and there Andhaka rushed at the Gaṇas driving in his chariot. 30. Like the mountains hit with the thunderbolt by Indra, the Pramathas perished. Like the clouds devoid of water they sank low. 31. Glancing at the in-coming or out-going Pramathas, far off or at close quarters, Andhaka hit them severally with as many arrows as the hair on their bodies. 32-33. On seeing the army shattered and smashed by the powerful Andhaka, Skanda, Vināyaka, Nandin, Somanandin and other heroic and powerful Pramathas, and Śiva’s personal Gaṇas became furious and fought in diverse ways and very valorously. 34-35. By Vināyaka, Skanda, Nandin, Somanandin, Vīraka, Naigameya, the powerful Vaiśākha and other terrible Gaṇas, Andhaka was rendered blind as they showered tridents, spears and arrows incessantly. 36-37. Then a great tumult arose in the midst of the armies of Pramathas and Asuras. At that great noise, Bhārgava who was within the belly of Śiva began to wander seeking an outlet like the unaboded wind. In Śiva’s body he observed seven worlds including Pātāla. 38. He saw the diverse worlds of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Indra, Āditya and celestial damsels as well as the battle between the Pramathas and Asuras. 39. Wandering round and round in the belly of Śiva for a hundred years he failed to see any outlet as a wicked person fails to see a vulnerable point in a good person. 40-41. Taking recourse to the Yoga of Śiva he repeated the following mantra and assumed the form of Śiva’s semen. He thus emerged out of the belly of Śiva through his penis. Thereafter he bowed to Śiva and was accepted as a son by Pārvatī. He was made a lord of the Gaṇas. 42. On seeing Bhārgava come out of the path of the semen, lord Śiva, the storehouse of mercy, laughed and said. 43. O son of Bhṛgu, since you came out of my penis in the form of the semen you will be called Śukra henceforth. I accept you as my son. You may go if you please. 44. Thus advised by the lord, Śukra who had the refulgence of the sun, bowed to Śiva again and eulogised him with palms joined in reverence. 45. You are of infinite feet, of infinite forms and of infinite heads, the destroyer and the auspicious. You are of infinite arms. How can I euīogise you of such form adequately? You are worthy of eulogy and of the bowing of our heads. 46. You are the eight-formed, the infinite-formed, the bestower of the desires of all gods and Asuras. You are the wicked and the undesirable. How can I adequately eulogise you of such a nature? 47. After eulogising Śiva thus and bowing to him again, Śukra took leave of Śiva and entered the army of the Dānavas as the moon does the cluster of clouds. 48. Thus I have narrated to you how Bhārgava was swallowed by Śiva. Now listen to the mantra which was repeated by Bhārgava from within the belly of Śiva.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] Om obeisance to you, the lord of the gods, the one bowed to by the gods and Asuras, the great lord of the beings past and future, the one of green and tawny-coloured eyes, the strength, the intellect-formed, the one having the tiger hide as his covering cloth, the one springing from the flint sticks of sacred fire, the lord of the three worlds, Īśvara, Hara, the bay-eyed, the cause of the dissolution of the Yugas, the fire, the lord of Gaṇas, the protector of the worlds, the one of great arms, of great hands, the trident-bearing, of great fangs, the Kāla, Maheśvara, the imperishable, the Time-formed, the blue-necked, the one of huge belly, the presiding deity of Gaṇas, the soul of all, the purifier of all, the all-pervading, the destroyer of the death, the one observing sacred rites on the Pāriyātra mountain, the Brahmacarin, the one knowable through Vedānta, the one reaching the limits of austerities, Paśupati, the bodiless, the one armed with trident, the bull-bannered, Hari, the one with matted hair, the tufted, the staff-bearing, the one of great fame, the lord of Bhūtas, the dweller in a mountain-cave, the one beating time to Vīṇā and Paṇava, the deathless, the comely, the one like the early morning sun, the dweller in the cremation ground, the lord consort of Pārvatī, the suppressor of enemies, the one who felled the eyes of Bhaga, the one who broke the tooth of Pūṣan, the one who cuts the cruel ones, the one armed with noose, the hour of dissolution, the meteor-mouthed, the fire-bannered, the sage, the blazing, the lord of subjects, the leader, the father, the fourth one, the most excellent one in the world, Vāmadeva, the chivalrous in speech, the Bhikṣu of the left wing, the Bhikṣu-formed, the one with matted hair, the complicated, the one who benumbed the hand of Indra, the one who benumbed the Vasus, the sacrifice, the performer of sacrifice, Kāla, the intelligent, the bee, the moving one, the one originating from the hedges of the trees, the one adored by the name Vājasana by the people of all stages of life, the creator of the universe, the sustainer of the universe, the eternal Puruṣa, the stable one, the presiding deity of Dharma, the one of three-fold paths, the conceiver of all living beings, the three-eyed, the multi-formed, the one as refulgent as ten thousand suns, the lord, the one sounding all musical instruments, the one who releases from all hindrances, the binding one, the supporter of all, the most excellent of all virtuous ones, the Puṣpadanta, the part, the face, the destroyer of all, the golden-eared, the deity at the door, the terrible, the one of terrible exploit, Om, Obeisance, Obeisance. 1. It is by repeating this mantra that Śukra came out of the belly of Śiva through the penis, like the powerful semen. 2. He was accepted as son by Pārvatī and made unaging and undying by Śiva, the lord of the universe, as glorious as himself and second to him. 3. Śukra the sage, the storehouse of the Vedas, was reborn of lord Śiva when three thousand years elapsed on the earth 4. He saw Andhaka the lord of Dānavas, staked to the trident, performing a penance courageously and meditating on the supreme lord. He was completely dried up. 5-18. He was meditating on the hundred and eight forms of the great Ātman as follows:—the great god, of misformed eyes, the moon-crested, the nectarlike, the permanent, the stable, the blue-necked, the trident-bearing, the bull-eyed, the great unknowable, the Puruṣa, the bestower of all desires, the enemy of Kāma, the destroyer of Kāma, assuming forms at his will, wearing matted hair, the hideous, the Giriśa, the terrible, long-lipped, the red-robed, the Yogin, the destroyer of Kāla, the destroyer of Tripuras, the bearer of skull, the performer of secret rites, the one of secret formulas, the grave, the conceivable, the support of Aṇimā and other qualities, the bestower of riches to the three worlds, the heroic, the destroyer of the heroes, the terrible, the awful, the fleshy, the clever, the consumer of great flesh, the mad, the awful, the great Īśvara, the router of the three worlds, the miserly, the hunter, the destroyer of sacrifice, the one with Kārttikeya, the highly elated, clad in elephant’s hide, covered with hide, the agitated, wearing serpents as ornaments, the lender of support, the spirit, the heroic, worshipped by Śākinī, the Aghora (the gentle), the destroyer of terrible Daityas, sounding awfully, the vegetation-formed, smearing ashes on the body, with matted hair, the pure, served by hundreds of Bheruṇḍas, the lord of Bhūtas, the ruler of Bhūtas, the refuge of the five elements, the sky-sojourning, the furious, the ruthless, the fierce, the lord of Caṇḍī, the beloved of Caṇḍikā, the fearful, the lofty, the Garutmān (the winged one), the permanent, the partaker of spirituous liquor, the serpent-formed, the extremely terrible, the death, deathless, death of death, of great army, residing in the forest of the cremation ground, the attached, the unattached, blind with passion, adored by hundreds of passionless devotees, possessed of the Sattva, Rajas, Tamas attributes, as also of the Dharma, and Adharma, younger brother of Indra, the truth, the untruth, the existent, the non-existent, the uncaused, the lord with half-female form, the sun, as refulgent as crores and hundreds of suns, the sacrifice, the lord of sacrifice, Rudra, Īśāna, the bestower of boons and Śiva. The Dānava Andhaka meditating on these hundred and eight forms of the supreme soul became free from that great fear. 19. He was drenched with the divine shower of nectar by lord Śiva who was perfectly satisfied. He was brought from the top of the trident and released. 20. He spoke to the Asura Andhaka, the great Daitya. The great lord forgave what the demon had done before. 21. O lord of Daityas, I am pleased by your restraints and observances, your valour and courage. O you of good rites, choose a boon. 22. Propitiated by you I grant the boons. Free from sins you deserve a boon, O excellent Daitya. 23. For the merits you have acquired by retaining your life for three thousand years you shall attain happiness. 24. On hearing this, Andhaka joined his palms in reverence. He knelt on the ground and spoke to the lord consort of Pārvatī trembling with awe. 25-26. O lord, what you had been told by me before was done with the words choked by excess of pleasure. You the greater than the greatest were addressed as an ordinary poor person. What had been done by me in the battlefield due to delusion was the most despicable in the world. It was because I did not realise you then. O lord, please do not keep that in mind. 27. O great lord, the wicked thing I committed towards Pārvatī was due to my base lust. It may kindly be forgiven. I am the most miserable and unhappy. 28. A miserable person shall be pitied. If he be in a pitiable plight, he shall be all the more treated kindly. I am miserable but always devoted to you. 29. I am miserable and devoted. I have sought refuge in you. I shall be saved. I have joined my palms in reverence. 30. May this goddess, the mother of the universe, be pleased with me. Let her leave off her anger entirely and glance at me delightedly. 31. O moon-crested lord, where is her anger and where am I a pitiable Daitya? O crescent-crested lord, O Śiva, O supreme lord, I cannot bear it. 32. Where are you, the most liberal? Where am I the wretched, rendered helpless by passion, fury and faults by old age and death? 33. Let not your son Vīraka, a powerful fighter and warrior, be angry on seeing me the miserable creature. 34. Let me see Pārvatī always as mother with reverence due to elders, O lord who are as white as snow, necklace, moon, conch and the Kunda flower. 35. Let me be always devoted to you both. Let me be free from enmity towards the gods. Let me be calm in heart and think of Yogic ways. Let me thus stay with your Gaṇas. 36. Let me not remember again the adverse qualities of the Dānavas, thanks to your mercy, O lord. Please grant me this excellent boon. 37. After saying this, the lord of the Daityas became quiet meditating on the three-eyed lord and seeing Pārvatī as mother. 38. Then glanced at by Śiva, with delighted eyes, he remembered the entire story of his previous wonderful birth. 39. When he remembered the incident his ambition was fulfilled. Bowing to his mother and father—Śiva and Pārvatī—he became contented. 40. He was kissed and sniffed on the head by Pārvatī and Śiva. From the crescent-crested lord Śiva he secured everything he desired. 41. Thus I have narrated to you everything connected with the early story of Andhaka and his acquisition of the lordship of Gaṇas by lord Śiva’s grace, yielding the greatest happiness. 42. The mantra of Mṛtyuñjaya that bestows immortality has also been mentioned to you. It yields the fruits of cherished desire. It should be strenuously read and recited.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Vyāsa, listen how the lore of warding off death was gained by the sage Bhārgava from Śiva who is called the conqueror of Death. 2. At first this scion of the family of Bhṛgu went to the city of Vārānasī and performed penance for a long time meditating on lord Viśveśvara. 3. There itself he fixed a phallic emblem of Śiva, the great Ātman. O Vedavyāsa, in front of it, he dug a very beautiful well. 4. Assiduously he performed the ablutions of the lord of the gods for a hundred thousand times with Pañcāmṛta using a Droṇa measure each time. Fragrant unguents he also used with them for the ablutions. 5. He offered sandal-paste and Yakṣakardama to the lord of the gods, thousands of times. Gladly he smeared fragrant unguents on the phallic image. 6-11. With care and devotion he offered flowers and leaves in the course of his worship— Rāja Campaka, Dhattūra, Karavīra, Kuśeśaya, Mālatī Karṇikāra, Kadamba, Bakula, Utpala, Mallikā, Śatapatrī, Sindhuvāra, Kiṃśuka, Bandhūka, Punnāga, Nāgakesara, Keśara, Navamallī, Cibilaka, Kunda, Mucukunda, Mandāra, Bilva leaves, Droṇa, Maruvaka, Vṛka, Granthiparṇa, Damanaka, the beautiful mango sprouts, Tulasī leaves, Devagandhārī leaves, Bṛhatpatrī leaves, Darbha grass, Nandyāvartas, Agastyas, Śāla, Devadāru, Kāñcanāra, Kuravaka, Dūrvā grass, Kuruṇṭaka, and lotus petals of various auspicious kinds. 12. He eulogised Śiva with various hymns and repeated a thousand names. He sang songs of Śiva’s glory. He danced and made offerings. 13. Śukra worshipped lord Śiva in various ways for five thousand years. 14. When he did not see the lord, the least inclined to grant the boon, he took up still more unbearable and terrible observances and restraints. 15-16. He washed off the dirt of fickleness from his mind by the waters of pure conceptions many times as well as from the sense-organs. After purifying the gem of the mind, he offered the same to the trident-bearing lord. He drank the smoke of powdered husks or bits of grains or balls of iron-ash for a thousand years. 17. On seeing him performing the terrible penance thus by keeping the mind steady, lord Śiva was delighted. 18. Coming out of the phallic image, lord Śiva the consort of Dākṣāyaṇī appeared before him with a brighter refulgence than that of a thousand suns and said. 19. “O great sage, O son of Bhṛgu, O fortunate saint, by your perpetual penance I have been delighted. 20. O Bhārgava, choose anything that you wish as your boon. I shall lovingly bestow on you all your desires. There is nothing that cannot be granted to you.” 21 On hearing these pleasing words of Śiva, Bhārgava was very much delighted. He was immersed in the ocean of happiness. 22. The brahmin bowed to Śiva with his eyes blooming like a lotus with pleasure and his body excited with horripilation by the surging waves of joy. 23. With the palms raised and joined on the head in reverence and repeating “Victory, Victory”, the delighted sage eulogised the eight-formed Śiva with the blooming eyes. 24. O lord of the universe, Obeisance to you. O jewel of heaven, you shine brilliantly in the firmament for the benefit of the three worlds. With these lustrous rays you subdue all darkness and the desires of the Asuras. 25. O eye of the world, you shine in heaven, on the earth and in the sky, brilliantly lit by your excessive refulgence. You have driven away darkness. You are filled by the nectar of the moon. Obeisance to you. 26. You are the wind, the goal in the holy path. You are worthy of being adored. O enlivener of the worlds, who can live here without you? O all-pervasive, benumber of storms, nourisher of creatures, delighter of the race of serpents, obeisance to you. 27. O sole purifier of the universe, O protector of those who bow to you, O wielder of the power of fire, you are the fire, bestowing calmness at every step. Obeisance to you. 28. O water-formed one, O great Īśa, the whole universe is holy. Really you make it variegated. O lord of the universe, this universe is free from dirt by diving into the water. Hence I bow to you. 29. O sky-formed one, because you give space within and without, that this universe evolves and expands; O merciful one, it always breathes in you and naturally merges in you Hence I bow to you. 30. O earth-formed one, O lord, you support and hold the universe. O lord of the universe, who else can be the enemy of darkness? You of this nature destroy my darkness. O you having serpents for ornaments, you are beyond all that deserve eulogy. Hence I bow to you. You are greater than the greatest. 31. O soul-formed one, O Śiva, this universe of the mobiles and immobiles is pervaded by these series of your forms. O eight-formed lord, having the form of the immanent soul, I always bow to you. 32. O kinsman of those devoid of kinsmen, O you of the form of universe, equipped with the eight forms, you make all expand. O lord, you make all objects available to those who bow to you. Hence I bow to you. 33. Eulogising the eight formed Śiva by reciting the eight verses, Bhārgava touched the ground with his head and bowed again and again. 34-35. When he was eulogised by Bhārgava of great brilliance, the great god stood up and lifted the brahmin from the ground where he was bowing to him. Holding him up, the lord spoke in a rumbling voice like that of the cloud but gentle in effect, illuminating the quarters with the moonlight-brilliance of his teeth. 36-38. O excellent brahmin, O Bhārgava, O dear, you are my faithful devotee. By your severe penance in this life, by the merit of installing my phallic image, and the adoration of it, by the offerings made with concentrated devotion, your unshaken purity and holy conduct in this Avimuktakṣetra, I see you as my other two sons. There is nothing which cannot be given to you. 39. With this body you shall enter the cavity of my belly and you will be born as my son through my excellent organ—the penis. 40. I am giving you now the boon inaccessible to even my attendants and which I have kept away even from Viṣṇu and Brahmā usually. 41-42. O pure one, O pure sage, I am giving unto you the lore in the form of Mantra, which is called Mṛtasañjīvanī. It is pure and it has been formulated by me alone through the power of the penance. You have the capacity to receive that lore. 43. Whoever he may be if you were to repeat this mantra in respect of anyone he will truly return to life. This lore is the most excellent one. 44. Your brilliant stellar lustre will excel the sun and fire. You will become the foremost of the planets. 45. If any man or woman were to proceed on a journey in your direction, their work will perish by your glance. 46. O you of good rites, all virtuous actions like marriage etc. when performed while you rise shall be beneficent to those people. 47. All the Nandā tithis are auspicious by your conjunction. Your devotees will be prolific in progeny and profuse in the production of semen. 48. The phallic image installed by you is called Śukreśa. Those who worship it shall achieve success. 49-50. Those who perform Vratas for every night throughout the year and offer water oblations in the Śukra well on your day and worship Śukresa shall derive these fruits. They will have semen unfailing and profuse in secretion. They will have sons. 51. They will have the good fortune of manliness. There is no doubt. Those people will have good learning and enjoy happiness. 52. After granting him boons, the lord vanished in the phallic image. The delighted Bhārgava too returned to his abode. 53. Thus O Vyāsa, I have narrated how the Mṛtyuñjaya lore was acquired by Śukra through power of penance. What else do you wish to hear?

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1-2. O omniscient Sanatkumāra, a wonderfully excellent story has been narrated with love and blessings by you. It is full of Śiva ’s benediction. I wish to know more of the story of the moon-crested lord wherein he gave the Asura Bāṇa the position of the chieftain of his Gaṇas. 3. O Vyāsa, listen with reverence to the story of Śiva, the great Ātman wherein it is explained how he bestowed the chieftainship of his Gaṇas on the Asura Bāṇa. 4. Here is the good story of Śiva, the great lord. Here too is the story of Śiva’s fight with Kṛṣṇa when the former blessed Bāṇa. 5. Listen from me the most befitting and the highly meritorious legend of the sports of Śiva. It is pleasing to the mind and to the ears. 6. Marīci, the sage of great intellect, was the mentally created eldest son of Brahmā. He was a Prajāpati too. 7. His son Kaśyapa was a noble soul. He was the most excellent of all sages. He made the creation flourish well. He was devoted to his father and to Brahmā. 8. O Vyāsa, thirteen daughters of Dakṣa were his wives. They were of good conduct and very faithful to their husband, the sage Kaśyapa. 9. The eldest of the wives was Diti. The Daityas were her sons. The gods and others including the mobile and immobile beings were born to others. 10. The eldest Diti had the heroic sons Hiraṇyakaśipu the elder and Hiraṇyākṣa the younger. 11. Hiraṇyakaśipu had four sons. They were in order Hrāda, Anuhrāda, Saṃhrāda and Prahlāda. 12. Prahlāda was a great devotee of Viṣṇu. He had full control of his sense-organs. The Daityas were unable to destroy him. 13. His son Virocana was the most excellent of donors. He gave even his head to Indra who requested for the same in the guise of a brahmin. 14. His son was Bali who was a favourite of Śiva and a liberal donor. The earth was given by him to Viṣṇu who assumed the form of a dwarf. 15. His son Bāṇa became a devotee of Śiva. He was highly respected and intelligent. He was truthful and a liberal donor making thousands of charitable gifts. 16. Staying in the Śoṇita town he ruled over the three worlds after defeating several rulers forcefully. 17. As a result of the grace of Śiva, the gods became the virtual servants of Bāṇa, the devotee of Śiva. 18-19. They were distressed by his enmity although he practised high virtues. In accompaniment of the instrumental music played by his thousand arms, by means of the Tāṇḍava dance he propitiated Śiva. 20. Śiva favourably disposed to his devotees was highly delighted and satisfied by his dance and he glanced at him with sympathetic eyes. 21. The lord of the worlds, worthy of being sought refuge in, the bestower of the desires of the devotees asked the great demon, the son of Bali, to choose a boon he liked. 22. The great Daitya Bāṇa, son of Bali, the foremost among the devotees and highly intelligent, bowed to lord Śiva with devotion and eulogised him. 23-24. O great god, lord of the gods, favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in you, O great Śiva, if you are pleased with me, be my guardian for ever. Be present with me as the lord of my city along with your sons and Gaṇas. O lord, be delightful to me in every respect. 25-26. Bāṇa son of Bali, deluded by Śiva’s deception, did not request anything else from lord Śiva who would have bestowed even salvation if asked though he is hard to please. Śiva, who is favourably disposed to his devotees, granted boons to him and stayed there lovingly along with his sons and his Gaṇas. 27. Once Śiva performed divine sports in Śoṇita, the beautiful city of Bāṇa, in the company of the gods and Asuras, on the banks of a river. 28. The Gandharvas and the celestial damsels danced and laughed. The sages performed Japas, bowed to, worshipped and eulogised him. 29. The Pramathas jumped and shouted; the sages performed sacrifices. The groups of Siddhas came and saw the divine sport of Śiva. 30. Mlecchas, adversaries and evil-intentioned wranglers perished. The mothers (Brāhmi etc.) sat facing him. The terrifying imps perished. 31. The worldly faults of those who had the good conception of devotion to Śiva were forgotten. 32. The sages and the Siddhas leapt and bounced on seeing the activities of the women. The seasons displayed their power and nourished it. 33. Gentle winds blew wafting the grey pollen dust. The flocks of birds eager after honey chirped on the trees. 34. The cuckoo cooed sweetly in the forests and parks, generating love, on the branches heavily laden with flowers. 35. Then being glanced at by Kāma who was not vanquished, the crescent-crested lord Śiva highly indulgent in sports spoke to Nandin. 36. Go quickly from this forest and tell the dark-complexioned Pārvatī everything and bring her here from Kailāsa after she has bedecked herself. 37. “So be it” answered the secret messenger of Śiva who started on journey. Reaching there, with palms joined in reverence he bowed to Pārvatī and said. 38. “O goddess, the great lord of the gods wishes to see you, his beloved, well-dressed. It is at his bidding that I say this”. 39. O excellent sage, then, at his importunity, Pārvatī, devoted to her husband, began to bedeck herself ardently. 40. “I am coming. You return and so inform the lord at my bidding”. The Nandin approached Śiva with the velocity of mind. 41. Śiva who was extremely agitated told Nandin again. “Dear, go again and fetch Pārvatī from there”. 42. “Yes, sir”, said he. He went to Pārvatī of sweet appearance and said: “Your lord wishes to see you beautifully and gorgeously dressed. 43. O goddess, Śiva is eagerly waiting for various sports. O daughter of the mountain, please go since the lord is distressed with passion”. 44-46. All the celestial damsels told one another—“Since lord Śiva is very eager to see Pārvatī being passionate, the lady whom this enemy of Kāma may woo will certainly be the queen of celestial damsels. She may sport with lord Śiva in the form of Pārvatī accompanied by the Gaṇas of Kāma. Kāma is indeed victorious over his foe. 47. If any lady, save Pārvatī, is able to touch Śiva, let her go there unhesitatingly and fascinate him. 48. The daughter of Kumbhāṇḍa. Citralekhā said—“I desire to attract Śiva in the form of Pārvatī. 49. Just as Viṣṇu, by taking recourse to his yogic powers assumed the form of Enchantress ( Mohinī )”. 50. On seeing the change of form of Urvaśī, Ghṛtācī adopted the form of Kālī and Viśvācī that of Caṇḍikā. 51. Rambhā assumed the form of Sāvitrī, Menakā that of Gāyatrī; Sahajanyā that of Jayā and Puñjikasthalī that of Vijayā. 52. The unnamed celestial damsels assumed the forms of unnamed mothers with effort by employing their art. 53. On seeing their forms, the daughter of Kumbhāṇḍa, taking recourse to the Vaiṣṇava and her own Yoga, knew everything and emulated the same. 54. Ūṣā, daughter of the Asura Bāṇa efficient in divine Yoga, assumed the wonderfully auspicious and divine form of Pārvatī. 55. Her feet were of excellent lustre. They shone like the great red lotus. They had all the divine characteristics bestowing every desired object. 56. Knowing that she wanted to indulge in love-sport with Śiva, the omniscient and omnipresent Pārvatī spoke. 57-59. O friend Ūṣā, chaste and honourable lady since you have adopted my form out of passion, so you will have the monthly course in the appropriate time in the Kārttika month. On the twelfth day in the bright half of Vaiśākha, you will undertake a fast. During the night while you are asleep in the harem, a man will come there and enjoy you. He has been made your husband by the gods. You will sport with him. 60. This is because you have been devoted to Viṣṇu ever since childhood without sinking into lethargy. She then mumbled to herself. “Let it be so” and was very bashful. 61. Then the goddess Pārvatī bedecked herself zealously and went to Śiva. She then sported with him. 62. O sage, at the end of the dalliance Lord Śiva vanished from the place accompanied by his wife, the Gaṇas and the gods.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] l. Listen to another story of Śiva the great soul which bestows the highest pleasure and wherein his endearment to his devotees can be seen. 2-3. Formerly the Asura Bāṇa had pleased Śiva by performing the Tāṇḍava dance. By adverse fate he became haughty. On realising that Śiva, the lover of Pārvatī, was delighted in mind, the Asura Bāṇa joined his palms in reverence, bent his shoulders and spoke. 4. O great god, lord of the gods and crest-jewel of all the gods, I am very strong, thanks to your favour. 5. A thousand hands have been given to me by you. They are only a burden to me, since except you I do not find any match to oppose me having an equal strength. 6. O bull-bannered lord, what can I do with these thousand mountain-like hands without a fight. 7. When my hands itch for war I desire to fight the elephants of the quarters. By hitting the cities and mountains I reduced them to powder. Being frightened they fled away. 8. Yama has been made a combatant with me and the great fire-god too, similarly. Varuṇa has been made a cowherd looking after my cows. 9. Kubera has been made the in-charge of couches, Nirṛti a chaperon. Indra has been defeated and forced to pay tribute. 10-11. Please suggest a fight unto me wherein my hands may fall shattered by the weapons hurled by the enemy or cause him to fall in thousand pieces. O lord Śiva, please fulfil this desire of mine. 12. Becoming furious on hearing that, Śiva laughed boisterously and in a wonderful manner; Śiva the remover of the distress of devotees became very angry and said. 13. Fie upon you, O haughty base Daitya, such a talk as this does not behove the son of Bali and a devotee. 14. Very soon, you will meet a terrible challenge to your bluff by fighting a great battle against person equal to me in strength. The battle will be sudden. 15. Therein your mountain-like hands will be cut off by weapons and missiles. They will fall off like reeds or stumps of plantain trees. 16-18. “O wicked soul, when this flagstaff of yours, with the emblem of a peacock with a human head, which is installed in your armoury, falls without being blown off by a gust of wind, you can decide within your mind that a terrible battle is at hand. Go to that terrible war accompanied by all your generals. Now return to your abode where Śiva is present. 19. O wicked one, you will see the great evil portents.” After saying this, the lord who is favourably disposed to the devotees and is the dispeller of pride stopped. 20. After hearing that, Bāṇa worshiped Śiva with palms joined in reverence in the form of buds and bowed to lord Śiva. He then went to his abode. 21. On being asked, the delighted Asura mentioned everything to Kumbhāṇḍa in the manner it had happened. The Asura Bāṇa awaited the particular conjunction of circumstances eagerly. 22. Once, by chance he saw the flagstaff broken and fallen. On seeing it, he was delighted and he set out for war. 23-24. He called together his entire army. He was accompanied by his eight lieutenants. He performed the sacrifice for success in war. He surveyed the wine prepared for use in the course of war. He observed the auspicious signs in the quarters and set off. He, the son of Bali, the heroic warrior capable of fighting with ten thousand persons, was very enthusiastic. 25-26. He thought within himself—“Who can be that warrior fond of battle, a master of the art of using weapons and missiles who will cut off my thousand hands like reeds or whom I shall cut into hundred pieces?” 27-28. In the meantime, in the month of Vaiśākha after her monthly course, the daughter of Bāṇa had her auspicious bath and auspicious rites after worshipping lord Śiva. At night she lay asleep in the well-guarded harem. It was then that Kāma entered the place with lord Śiva. 29-30. She was seized by Kṛṣṇa ’s grandson sent by Pārvatī of divine Māyā. She began to cry helplessly. He enjoyed her forcibly. Within a moment he was carried to Dvārakā by Pārvatī’s attendants by means of their divine Yogic power. 31. Rubbed and squeezed thus, she got up crying. She mumbled various words to her female attendants. She even decided to give up her life. 32. O Vyāsa, she was then reminded by her friend of the fault she had committed previously. She then came to realise the entire incident that had occurred formerly. 33. O sage, Ūṣā, daughter of Bāṇa, spoke sweetly to Citralekhā, daughter of Kumbhāṇḍa. 34. “Dear friend, if he is the person ordained as my husband by Pārvatī, how can I obtain him duly? 35. In what family is he born who has fascinated my mind thus?” On hearing the words of Ūṣā, the friend told her then. 36. “O gentle lady, how shall I bring that man who was seen by you in the dream and whom I do not know.” 37. Thus said by her, the daughter of the Daitya blinded by passion was ready to end her life. She was saved thus by her friend on the first day. 38. O excellent sage, again that daughter of Kumbhāṇḍa, Citralekhā, of great intellect spoke to Ūṣā the daughter of Bāṇa. 39. I can dispel your grief if such a man could be anywhere in the three worlds. I shall bring him who has captivated your mind. Please mention the details of his features. 40. After saying this, she painted all the gods on a canvas together with the Daityas, Dānavas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Nāgas, Yakṣas and others. 41. Similarly she painted men, the Vṛṣṇis among them, the heroic Ānakadundubhi, Balarāma, Kṛṣṇa and Pradyumna the excellent among men. 42. On seeing Aniruddha the son of Pradyumna painted, she became bashful. Ūṣā’s heart was filled with delight. She stood with downcast face. 43. “O, this is the thief who has stolen my heart. This is the man whom I secured in the night. 44. By his very contact I became fascinated. I wish to know about him. O beautiful woman, mention everything to me. 45. In whose family is he born? What is his name? On being thus asked by her, the lady, expert in yogic practice, mentioned the name of the family. 46. O excellent sage, on hearing about his family, tḥe eager and passionate daughter of Bāṇa said. 47-48. O my friend, ascertain some means lovingly so that I shall regain my beloved husband in a trice. Without him, my friend, I am not at all eager to live even for a moment. Please bring him here strenuously. O my friend, make me happy. 49. On being thus requested by the daughter of Bāṇa, O excellent sage, the daughter of the minister was surprised and began to think seriously. 50. Then taking leave of her friend, and knowing him to be the grandson of Kṛṣṇa, Citralekhā got ready to go to Dvārakā with the velocity of the mind. 51-53. When the third day after the fourteenth day in the dark half of the month of Jyeṣṭha elapsed, a Muhūrta before the dawn, she reached the city of Dvārakā within a moment by the aerial path because she was a Yoginī. Then in the park of the harem the son of Pradyumna was seen by her playing with women and drinking wine. He was dark-complexioned but beautiful in every limb, smiling and in the prime of youth. 54-55. When he lay on the cot she encompassed him with the shroud of darkness by employing her Tāmasa Yoga. Thereafter she carried the cot on her head and within a moment reached the city of śoṇita where the daughter of Bāṇa eagerly awaited her. 56. Passionate that she was, she made various mad pranks displaying her emotions. On seeing that he was actually brought she became frightened too. 57. When they began their sexual dalliance in that fresh contact in the well-guarded harem, it became known to all in a moment. 58-59. The man with a divine body who carried on illegitimate affairs with a virgin was found out by the persons appointed at the doorway to the harem with cane-sticks in their old and emaciated hands, by means of gestures and inferences. They understood that he was a young man, very comely in features, daring and fond of battle. 60. On seeing him, the heroic men who guarded the harem went and told Bāṇa, son of Bali, everything. 61. O lord, no one knows how this was done. Indra has entered your harem in secret and forcibly. He has outraged the modesty of your daughter by seizing her himself. 62. O lord of Dānavas, of great arms, see, see him here. Do whatever is proper. We are not at fault. 63. O excellent sage, on hearing their words, on hearing of the defilement of his daughter, the lord of Dānavas of great strength, became surprised.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. The infuriated Asura Bāṇa went there and saw Aniruddha who was in the fresh years of youth and who seemed to have been born especially for divine sports. 2. The infuriated Bāṇa, very efficient in war, was a bit surprised on seeing him and wondered why he had done like that and therefore said mockingly. 3. “Oh this man is really handsome, bold and daring. Who can this unfortunate deluded person be? His death is imminent. 4. O angry ones, with terrible weapons immediately kill the fellow who has outraged the traditional purity of my family and defiled my dear daughter. 5. O heroic ones, bind the terrible fellow of evil conduct. Put him in a frightful prison for a long time”. 6. After saying this, the Asura Bāṇa thought within himself intelligently. “It is not known who this fearless fellow is. Certainly he is a man of terrible exploit”. Thinking thus Bāṇa hesitated to act. 7. Then gradually the evil-minded Daitya ordered ten thousand men from his army for slaying him. 8. Commanded by him those heroic terrible fellows encircled the harem saying. “Cut him, pierce him”. 9-10. On seeing the army of the enemy, Aniruddha the scion of the Yādava family, roared. He seized the big iron club from the harem-gate and came out of the apartment like the god of death armed with thunderbolt. With that iron club he killed the servants and returned to the harem. 11. O excellent sage, thus Aniruddha strengthened by Śiva ’s splendour, with eyes turned red by anger, killed all the ten thousand men of the army. 12-14. With the sword captured in the course of the battle he killed ten thousands of horses and charioteers of the lord of Daityas. When a hundred thousand soldiers had been killed, the Asura Bāṇa furiously entered the fray taking with him Kumbhāṇḍa, expert in war. He then challenged Aniruddha for a duel in the course of that war—Aniruddha the highly intelligent son of Pradyumna, of refulgent body and protected by Śiva’s brilliance. 15. Aniruddha then seized a spear blazing like the fire of death, for killing him and hit him with that. 16. Bāṇa was hit with the spear even as he was seated in a chariot. In a trice the heroic demon vanished along with his horse. 17. When he vanished, Aniruddha, the unvanquished son of Pradyumna, stood steady like a mountain observing all the quarters. 18. Remaining invisible, that Dānava Bāṇa, practising deceptive fight, hit him again and again with thousands of weapons. 19. That powerful son of Bali, the heroic devotee of Śiva, the Asura Bāṇa deceitfully bound him with Serpent-nooses. 20. After binding him and putting him in a cage he stopped the battle. The infuriated Bāṇa then spoke to the very powerful son of the charioteer. 21. O son of the charioteer, cut off the head of this wicked fellow who has defiled my family. 22. After chopping off the limbs, give them to the Rākṣasas. Or let the beasts of prey swallow his flesh and blood. 23. Or kill this sinner and put him in a grassy well. O son of the charioteer, what more shall I say? By all means he must be slain. 24. On hearing his words, the Asura Kumbhāṇḍa, the most excellent of the ministers and righteous in thought, spoke to Bāṇa. 25. O lord, this is not a proper thing to do. Please consider. I think by killing him we will be killing ourselves. 26. O lord, he seems to be equal to Viṣṇu in exploits. His strength has been increased by the brilliance of the moon-crested lord, your favourite. 27. Moreover, in daring he is equal to the moon-crested lord; though he is reduced to this plight he maintains his manliness. 28. It is by the grace of Śiva that he, the grandson of Kṛṣṇa, considers us insignificant as the blades of grass. Although he is bitten by serpents cruelly he is still very strong. 29. After saying thus to Bāṇa, the Dānava, the most excellent among statesmen, spoke to Aniruddha. 30. “O hero, who are you? Whose son are you? Tell us the truth. O meanest of men, of evil conduct, by whom have you been brought here? 31. Repeat piteously ‘I am vanquished’. Eulogise the heroic lord of the Daityas. Join your palms in reverence and bow to him. 32. If you do like this, you may get release. Otherwise this captivity and tortures will continue”. On hearing this Aniruddha replied. 33. O friend of the basest of Daityas, O you that sustain yourself with the balls of rice offered in the hands, O demon of evil conduct, you do not know the laws of adversaries. 34. I think that for the valorous person humble supplications and running away from the battlefield are worse than death. These are adverse and painful to him like a dart. 35. For a Kṣatriya, death while fighting face to face with the enemy is commendable rather than joining the palms in reverence like a man in humble condition professing to be valorous. 36. These and many other heroic words he uttered, on hearing which Bāṇa was surprised and angry too. 37. Then a celestial voice was heard for the pacification of Bāṇa which all the heroes, Aniruddha and the minister, stood listening to. 38. “O Bāṇa, O great hero, you shall not be angry. “O devotee of Śiva, O intelligent one, you are the son of Bali. Ponder over this. 39. Śiva, the lord of all, the supreme lord, is the witness of all activities. This entire universe including the mobile and immobile beings is subservient to him. 40. He alone is the creator, maintainer and the destroyer of the worlds, always taking up the attributes of Rajas, Sattva and Tamas in the form of Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva. 41. The lord is omnipresent. He is the inducer, greater than all. He is free from aberrations, unchanging, eternal, the lord of illusion and devoid of attributes. 42. Even a weak person becomes strong, thanks to his will, O excellent son of Bali. O intelligent one, realise this in your mind, be normal and complacent. 43. The lord who quells pride, who is an expert in various sports and who is favourably disposed to his devotees will destroy your arrogance.” 44. O great sage, having spoken thus, the celestial voice stopped. On hearing these words the Asura Bāṇa did not kill Aniruddha. 45. Then he went to his harem and drank excellent beverages. His intellect was adversely affected, he forgot those words and began to sport. 46. Aniruddha was bound by serpentine bodies emitting poison powerfully. His passion for his beloved had not been satiated fully. He remembered Durgā then. 47. O goddess, you are worthy of being resorted to. I have been bound by serpents. O goddess bestowing fame, O goddess of fierce fury, come and save me. 48. O great goddess, devotee of Śiva, O cause of creation, sustenance and dissolution, there is no other saviour except you. O Śivā, save me. 49. Propitiated by him, Kālī, lustrous like the split collyrium, arrived there in the dark night of the fourteenth day in the dark half of the month Jyeṣṭha. 50-51. With the heavy blows of her fists she broke the cage. She reduced the serpentine arrows to ashes. She released Aniruddha and let him enter the harem and then vanished from the scene. 52. O great sage, thus, thanks to the grace of the goddess—the Energy of Śiva, Aniruddha got rid of the difficulty, became free from pain and obtained happiness. 53. Securing success by means of Śiva’s Energy, Aniruddha the son of Pradyumna gained access to his beloved, the daughter of Bāṇa and rejoiced. 54. In the company of his beloved—the daughter of Bāṇa, he carried on dalliance and was happy drinking the beverages till his eyes became red.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O excellent sage, when Aniruddha the grandson of Kṛṣṇa was abducted by the daughter of Kumbhāṇḍa what did Kṛṣṇa do? Please narrate it to me. 2. O excellent sage, on hearing the woeful cries of his women when Aniruddha had gone off suddenly, Kṛṣṇa too became vexed. 3. The four months of the rainy season thus went by when his relatives and Viṣṇu could not see Aniruddha and so they bewailed. 4. On hearing from Nārada about the imprisonment and activities of Aniruddha the Vṛṣṇis, followers of Kṛṣṇa, became dejected. 5. On hearing everything, Kṛṣṇa immediately called Garuḍa and went to the city of Śoṇita eagerly for fighting. 6. Pradyumna, Yuyudhāna, Sāmba, Sāraṇa, Nanda, Upananda, Bhadra and others following Rāma and Kṛṣṇa went there. 7. They were accompanied by twelve Akṣauhiṇīs. They, the chief of Sātvatas laid a siege all round the city of Bāṇa. 8. On seeing the parks, fortresses, ceilings and minarets of the city thus broken, Bāṇa became infuriated and set forth with an equal number of armies. 9. In order to help Bāṇa, lord Rudra accompanied by his son and the Pramathas rode on the bull Nandin and arrived there to fight. 10. A tumultuous fight, wonderfully causing horripilation ensued between Kṛṣṇa and his followers on the one hand and the supporters of Bāṇa, Rudra etc. on the other. 11. The fight was between Kṛṣṇa and Śiva; Pradyumna and Kārttikeya; Kumbhāṇḍaka and Kūpakarṇa, Bala and Saṃyuga. 12. Sāmba fought with Bāṇa’s son; Sātyaki with Bāṇa; Garuḍa with Nandin and groups of one side fought with the groups of the other. 13. Brahmā and other gods, sages, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Gandharvas and celestial damsels came there in aerial chariots to witness the affray. 14. O best of brahmins, a terrible fight ensued between the members of the Yadu family with the groups of Pramathas ending with “ Revatīs ”. 15. Kṛṣṇa, his brother Rāma and the intelligent Pradyumna, fought an unequalled fight with the Pramathas. 16-17. The fight continued with Agni, Yama, Varuṇa, Vimukha, Tripāda, Jvara and Kārttikeya and groups of Pramathas with the Vṛṣṇis. It was terrible and frightful causing horripilation. 18. There was fight with the shameless women too, several groups of terrifying Koṭarīs at every step, not far from one another. 19. Kṛṣṇa routed the Bhūtas, Pramathas and Guhyakas, the followers of Śiva with sharp-pointed arrows discharged from his bow. 20. The heroes Pradyumna and others jubilant over the war destroyed the armies of the enemies and fought terribly. 21. On seeing his army being scattered, Śiva became highly infuriated and roared terribly. 22. On hearing that, Śiva’s Gaṇas too shouted and fought. They suppressed the opponents with their strength increased by Śiva’s brilliance. 23. Kṛṣṇa discharged separate types of missiles from his bow towards the trident-bearing lord Śiva who without showing any dismay quelled them directly. 24. They discharged Brahmā-missile in counter to Brahmā missile; the mountain-missile to the wind-missile; the cloud-missile to the fire-missile and Śiva-missile to the Nārāyaṇa missile. 25. Defeated by the opponents, the army of Kṛṣṇa fled, O Vyāsa; it could not face the full refulgence of Śiva. 26. O sage, when his army was routed, lord Kṛṣṇa, the scorcher of enemies, discharged terrible fever missile named ‘cold’. 27. O sage, when the army of Kṛṣṇa was routed, the cold fever missile of Kṛṣṇa rushed at Rudra blazing the ten quarters. 28. On seeing that coming, lord Śiva discharged his own fever missile. The two fever missiles fought each other. 29. Oppressed by the fever missile of lord Śiva, the fever missile of Śiva cried aloud. Unable to secure succour elsewhere, it eulogised the bull-bannered lord. 30. The delighted lord Śiva, favourably disposed to those who seek refuge, eulogised by Viṣṇu’s fever missile, spoke to the cold fever missile of Viṣṇu. 31. “O cold fever, I am delighted. Leave off your fear from my fever. There is no fear from fever to him who remembers this anecdote. 32. Thus advised, the fever missile of Viṣṇu went away after bowing to Śiva. On seeing that activity, Kṛṣṇa was surprised and dismayed. 33. When attacked by the arrows of Pradyumna, the infuriated Kārttikeya, the slayer of Daityas, hit Pradyumna with his spear. 34. When hit by Kārttikeya’s spear, Pradyumna, though very strong, shed blood from his limbs and fled from the battle ground. 35. Hit with various missiles by Kumbhāṇḍa and Kūpakarṇa, Balabhadra though strong did not stay there. He fled from the battle-field. 36. Garuḍa, took up a thousand bodies and drank up the water from the great sea. He then began to work havoc by showering the sea-waters through Āvarta clouds. 37. Then the infuriated bull, the powerful vehicle of lord Śiva, hit him with great force by means of his horns. 38. When his limbs were shattered by the blows of his horns, Garuḍa was dismayed. He forsook Viṣṇu and fled from the battle ground immediately. 39. When the situation was like this, lord Kṛṣṇa, dismayed by Śiva’s refulgence spoke to the charioteer suddenly. 40. O charioteer, listen to my words. Drive the chariot immediately to lord Śiva so that I shall speak to him. 41. Thus commanded by Viṣṇu, the charioteer Dāruka, the foremost of persons of good qualities, drove the chariot immediately to lord Śiva. 42. Lord Kṛṣṇa resorted to Śiva, favourably disposed to his devotees, bowed to him with devotion with palms joined in reverence and submitted as follows. 43. O lord Śiva, lord of the gods, favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in you, I bow to you the great lord, the soul of all and of infinite power. 44. I bow to you, the cause of the origin, sustenance and dissolution of the universe, the sole form of perfect knowledge, the symbol of Brahman, the highly quiescent, the supreme lord. 45-46. The time, the divinity, the activity, the individual soul, the nature, the solid objects, the vital airs, the soul, the groups of created beings, the series of seeds and sprouts everything is your illusion, O lord of the universe. I resort to you the cause of those things, the great lord. 47. By the different forms assumed by you sportively, you, the lord of the worlds, support the gods and others and destroy those who go astray. 48. You are the Brahman, the great light that is hidden in the Śabda Brahman which the purified souls see like the sole firmament. 49. You are the primordial Puruṣa without a second. You are the fourth being, the vision of the soul. You appear as undergoing change though you are the lord, the cause without another cause unto you. 50. O lord, for the manifestation of all the attributes, you appear different through your illusion, O supreme lord. 51. O lord, just as the unconcealed sun illuminates many of his reflections by his brilliance, so you too do, being the great illuminating light. 52. O great one, O self-illuminated lord Śiva, you brighten the attributes by means of the attribute itself, though you are not encompassed by the attribute. 53. People whose intellects are deluded by your illusion become attached to sons, wives, abodes etc. and sink and float in the ocean of sin. 54. After deriving this divinely bestowed human habitation, if a person does not control his sense-organs and respect your feet he is to be pitied. He deceives his own self. 55. O lord, it is at your bidding that I have come here to cut off the hands of Bāṇa. This haughty Bāṇa was cursed by you who are the destroyer of haughtiness. 56. O lord, please return from the battle-ground. Let not your curse go in vain. O lord, command me to cut off the hands of Bāṇa. 57. O great sage, on hearing these words of lord Kṛṣṇa, Śiva the supreme lord who was propitiated by Kṛṣṇa’s eulogy, replied:— 58. O dear, what you say is true; the lord of the Daityas has been cursed by me. It is at my bidding that you have come here to cut off the hands of Bāṇa. 59. O lord of Lakṣmī, what can I do? O Viṣnu, I am subservient to my devotees always. How can there be the chopping of Bāṇa’s arms while I am watching? 60. Hence at my bidding make me benumbed by means of your Jṛṃbhaṇa missile. Thereafter you can do as you please and be happy. 61. O great sage, thus urged by Śiva, lord Kṛṣṇa was surprised. He returned to the battlefield and rejoiced. 62. O Vyāsa, Viṣnu an expert in the use of various missiles fixed the Jṛmbhaṇa missile to the bow and discharged it at Śiva. 63. After enchanting Śiva, and making him benumbed by means of the Jṛmbhaṇa missile, Viṣṇu slew the army of Bāṇa by means of swords, daggers and clubs.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O dear sage, Sanatkumāra, O omniscient son of Brahmā, obeisance be to you. A wonderful story has been narrated to me by you. 2. When Śiva was made to yawn and lie flat by Viṣṇu through the Jṛmbhaṇa missile, in the course of the war and when the army of Bāṇa was slain, what did Bāṇa do? Please narrate. 3. On hearing these words of Vyāsa of immeasurable refulgence, the great sage, the delighted son of Brahmā, replied. 4. O Vyāsa of great intellect, listen to the highly wonderful story of Kṛṣṇa and Śiva who indulge in sports in accordance with the worldly conventions. 5. When Śiva sportively lay flat on the ground along with his sons and Gaṇas, Bāṇa the king of Daityas came out to fight with Kṛṣṇa. 6. With the horses mobilised by Kumbhāṇḍa, and holding various weapons and missiles, the powerful son of Bali performed an incomparable fight. 7. On seeing his army destroyed, the lord of the Daityas became infuriated. The powerful son of Bali fought an incomparable battle. 8. Lord Kṛṣṇa the great hero with additional strength derived from Śiva roared loudly in the battlefield considering Bāṇa as insignificant as a blade of grass. 9. O great sage, he made the twanging sound on his wonderful bow called Śārṅga and frightened what little remained of Bāṇa’s army. 10. The intervening space between heaven and Earth was filled with the great sound originating from the twang on his bow. 11. Drawing the string of his bow upto the ear, the infuriated Viṣṇu discharged sharp arrows, as furious as serpents, on Bāṇa. 12. On seeing the arrows coming, Bāṇa the son of Bali, split them even before they reached him, by means of arrows discharged from his bow. 13. Lord Bāṇa, suppressor of enemies roared again. The Vṛṣṇis thinking of Kṛṣṇa were afraid and dejected. 14. Thinking upon the lotus-like feet of Śiva, the haughty son of Bali discharged his arrows at Krṣṇa the most valorous. 15. Thinking upon the lotus-like feet of Śiva, the powerful destroyer of Asuras, Kṛṣṇa split them before they reached him by means of his own arrows. 16. Rāma and other Vṛṣṇis, the powerful ones agitated by anger, slew their respective opponents. 17. Thus the tumultuous fight between the two strong armies went on for a long time aggravating the wonder of the spectators. 18. In the meantime the infuriated king of birds suppressed the army of Bāṇa striking all with his wings. 19. Seeing his army routed and himself oppressed, Bāṇa, the powerful lord of Daityas, son of Bali, foremost among Śiva’s devotees, was infuriated. 20. Thinking upon the lotus-like feet of Śiva, the thousand-armed Bāṇa displayed his valour unbearable to his enemies. 21. The destroyer of heroes discharged simultaneously an unlimited number of arrows on Garuḍa, Kṛṣṇa and Yadus separately. 22. O sage, he hit Garuḍa with an arrow, Kṛṣṇa with another, Bala with a third. The powerful hero hit others too. 23. Then Kṛṣṇa the great lord, of great valour, of the form of Viṣṇu, the destroyer of demons, became angry and roared in the course of the battle. 24. Thinking upon Śiva he hit Bāṇa and his terrible army simultaneously with the good arrows discharged with force from his bow. 25. Viṣṇu split his bow and umbrella as well as other things. Without being excited he killed and felled his horses by means of his arrows. 26. Bāṇa the great hero roared furiously. He hit Kṛṣṇa with his iron club and Kṛṣṇa fell on the ground. 27. O celestial sage, Kṛṣṇa got up immediately and fought with Bāṇa, the great devotee of Śiva. It was to keep up the worldly sport that he fought thus. 28. A great battle went on for a long time between Kṛṣṇa who was Viṣṇu or Śiva himself and that strong Asura who was the most excellent devotee of Śiva. 29. O great sage, the powerful Kṛṣṇa fought for a long time with Bāṇa. Deriving strength at the instance of Śiva he became furious. 30. At the bidding of Śiva, lord Kṛṣṇa, the destroyer of heroic enemies, chopped off several arms of Bāṇa by means of Sudarśana. 31. Only his four beautiful arms were left. Thanks to the grace of Śiva, the demon too was freed from pain. 32. Forgetting himself, Kṛṣṇa who assumed a great prowess, attempted to cut off the head of Bāṇa. Then Śiva got up. 33. O lord, son of Devakī, O Viṣṇu, what was ordained by me formerly has been accomplished by you who always follow my dictates. 34. Do not cut off the head of Bāṇa. Withdraw your weapon Sudarśana. At my bidding the discus shall always be rendered ineffective with regard to my people. 35. O Viṣṇu, this unfailing discus and victory in battle were formerly bestowed on you by me. Hence you withdraw from the battleground. 36. O lord of Lakṣmī, you did not hurl this discus at Dadhīca, Rāvaṇa, Tāraka, Tripuras and others without my consent. 37. You are a great Yogin, the supreme soul and the exciter of men. Hence you ponder over this yourself. You are engaged in the welfare of all living beings. 38. I have granted him a boon that he will not fear death. These words of mine shall remain true for ever. I am pleased with you. 39. O Viṣṇu, sometime back he became haughty enough to say “Give me battle” while he scratched his arms and forgot his goal. 40. Then I cursed him—“Ere long, the person will arrive and cut off your arms. You shall be cured of your haughtiness”. 41. ( Turning to Baṇa ) At my bidding Viṣṇu has cut off your arms. Now withdraw from the battlefield. Go back to your abode along with the married couple. 42. Saying this and uniting them in friendship, lord Śiva returned to his abode along with his sons and Gaṇas. 43. On hearing the words of Śiva, Kṛṣṇa withdrew Sudarśana. With his body unwounded, the victorious Kṛṣṇa entered into the harem. 44. He consoled Aniruddha and his wife. He accepted the jewels given in plenty by Bāṇa. 45. They took Ūṣā’s friend Citralekhā the great Yoginī also with them. Kṛṣṇa who accomplished his task at the bidding of Śiva was immensely pleased. 46. After mentally bowing to Śiva, Viṣṇu took leave of Bāṇa and returned to his city along with his followers. 47. On the way he conquered Varuṇa who had opposed him in various ways. After reaching Dvārakā he celebrated the event jubilantly. 48. After reaching Dvārakā he dismissed Garuḍa. Seeing his friends and joking with them he roamed about as he pleased.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O great sage, when Kṛṣṇa left for Dvārakā along with Aniruddha and his wife, what did Bāṇa do? Please narrate the same to me. 2. When Kṛṣṇa left for Dvārakā with Aniruddha and his wife, Bāṇa was distressed thinking on his previous ignorance. 3. Then Nandin, a gaṇa of Śiva, spoke to the grief-stricken Daitya Bāṇa whose limbs were smeared with blood and who repented repeatedly. 4. O Bāṇa, devotee of Śiva, do not repent. Śiva is compassionate towards his devotees. Hence he is called Bhaktavatsala (i.e. favourably disposed to the devotees). 5. O foremost among devotees, whatever has happened, has happened at his will. Consider this and remember Śiva again and again. 6. Fixing your mind in the primordial being, Śiva who is compassionate towards the devotees, you celebrate his festival again and again. 7. At the suggestion of Nandin, Bāṇa who had been like Rāhu unto his enemies immediately went to Śiva’s temple with lofty mind and great courage. 8. After going there he bowed to the lord and lamented in great agitation. Bāṇa who had been divested of his haughtiness became overwhelmed with love and devotion. 9-10. He eulogised him with various hymns, He bowed to the lord in the course of his worship. With proper steps and gestures of hands he performed the Tāṇḍava dance assuming various poses and postures—Pratyālīdha, Sthānaka, Ālīḍha being the chief among them. 11-14. He produced thousands of gestures through his mouth. He knit and bent his brows and shook his head in various ways. He kept thousands of attendants in rows. He showed various gestures gradually. Much of his blood was shed on the ground. By all these means be propitiated the trident-bearing moon-crested lord. Bāṇāsura the great devotee of Śiva forgot himself and his activities in the course of his worship. Śiva who is fond of dance and music and is favourably disposed to his devotees spoke to Bāṇa. 15. “Dear Bāṇa, son of Bali, I am delighted by your dance. O lord of Daityas, you choose the boon whatever be in your mind”. 16-20. O sage, on hearing the words of śiva, Bāṇa the lord of Daityas asked for the healing of wounds, the skill in duels, everlasting position of Gaṇahood, the kingship for Uṣā’s (Ūṣā’s?) son at the city of Śoṇita, absence of enmity with the gods and Viṣṇu in particular, absence of rebirth as a Daitya defiled by the attributes Rajas and Tamas, special devotion to Śiva without any aberration for ever, friendship with the devotees of Śiva and kindness to all living beings. After requesting for these boons, the son of Bali, the great Asura joined his palms in reverence and eulogised Śiva with tears of love in his eyes. 21. O great lord, lord of the gods, favourably disposed to those who seek refuge in you, O great lord, I bow to you, O kinsman of the distressed, O storehouse of mercy. 22. O Śiva, O ocean of sympathy, you have taken pity on me. O lord, being delighted with me you have removed my arrogance. 23. You are Brahman, the great soul, the all-pervading lord. _ Your body is the whole cosmos. You are Ugra, Īśa, Virāṭ, the great, accompanied by everything. 24. O lord, your navel is the sky, mouth is the fire, semen is the water, ear the quarters, head the heaven, foot the earth and mind the moon. 25. Your eye is the sun, the stomach the ocean, the arm Indra, and the intellect Brahmā. Your excretion is Prajāpati and your heart is Dharma. 26. O lord, your hairs are the herbs and plants, your tresses the clouds, your eyes the three attributes. You are the Puruṣa, the soul of all. 27. They call Brāhmaṇa your mouth, Kṣatriya your arms, Vaiśya your thighs and Śūdra your feet. 28. O lord Śiva, you alone deserve to be adored by all living beings. A person worshipping you certainly derives liberation. 29. O lord, the man who forsakes you, the favourite Ātman, for the adverse objects of sense, swallows poison forsaking nectar. 30. Viṣṇu, Brahmā, the gods and the sages of pure mind, in every respect resort to you, the favourite lord. 31. After saying this, the Asura Bāṇa, son of Bali stopped with all the limbs blooming with love and bowed to lord Śiva. 32. On hearing the request of his devotee Bāṇa, lord Śiva said “You will get everything” and vanished there itself. 33. Then through the grace of Śiva, Bāṇa attained the immortality of the eternal time and becoming one of the attendants of Śiva he rejoiced much. 34. Thus I have narrated by means of words pleasing to the ears, the excellent story of the trident-bearing lord Śiva, who is the preceptor of the preceptors and who sports about always in the middle of the worlds. His story includes his activities in relation to Bāṇa.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Vyāsa, listen with great devotion to the story of moon-crested lord, how he killed Gajāsura, the lord of Dānavas, by means of his trident. 2. Formerly when the Asura Mahiṣa was killed in battle by the goddess for the welfare of the gods, they became very happy. 3-4. O great sage, his son the great hero Gajāsura could not forget the slaying of his father by the goddess at the request of the gods and hence remembered that enmity. He therefore went to the forest for undertaking penance. Interestingly he performed penance meditating on Brahma. 5. “I shall not be killed by men or women overwhelmed by lust.” Thinking thus in his mind he directed his attention to austerities. 6. He performed a severe penance in a valley on the Himālaya mountain. He kept his arms lifted. He fixed his eyes at the sky. He stood on the ground on the two big toes. 7. With plenty of matted tresses of hair the benevolent Gajāsura, the son of Mahiṣa shone with his refulgence like the sun at the time of dissolution. 8. The fire in the form of penance originating from his head filled with smoke spread all round to the worlds above, below and on the sides scorching them. 9. The rivers and the seas were agitated by the fire originating from his head. The stars fell along with the planets. The ten quarters blazed. 10. The gods scorched by the fire left heaven and went to Brahma’s world along with Indra and submitted to him. The earth quaked. 11. O Brahmā, we are agitated on being scorched by the penance of Gajāsura. We are unable to stay in heaven. Hence we seek refuge in you. 12. Make it subside and find out a merciful remedy to enliven others. Otherwise the worlds will perish. Truth. It is the truth that we speak. 13. Thus informed by the gods including Indra and others the selfborn deity Brahmā went to the hermitage of the excellent Daitya along with Bhṛgu, Dakṣa and others. 14. On seeing him scorching the heaven and the worlds by his penance, the surprised creator laughed and said. 15. “O lord of Daityas, stand up, stand up. O son of Mahiṣa, you have achieved perfection in penance. O dear one, I, the granter of boons, have come. Choose your boon as you wish.” 16. Getting up in a hurry, the son of Mahiṣa, the lord of Daityas glanced at the lord and praised him lovingly with choking words. 17-18. O lord, O lord of the gods, if you are going to grant me a boon let me be immune from death by men or women overwhelmed by lust. Let me be very powerful, valorous and invincible to the gods, the guardians of the worlds and others for ever. Let me enjoy all prosperities. 19. Thus requested by the Dānava, Brahmā who was delighted by his penance granted him the rare boon. 20. Securing the boons thus, the Daitya Gajāsura the son of Mahiṣa, returned to his abode with a happy mind. 21-22. The great Asura conquered all the quarters, the three worlds, the gods, Asuras, human beings, kings, Gandharvas, Garuḍa, serpents and others. He made them subservient to him. He became the conqueror of the universe. He usurped the places of the guardians of the worlds and took away their glory. 23. He occupied heaven possessing the glory of the celestial garden and the palace of lord Indra built by Viśvakarman. 24. The powerful Daitya of a lofty mind who reigned as the sole ruler after conquering all the worlds sported in the palace of lord Indra. The gods and others who were overwhelmed by his power worshipped the pair of his feet. He exercised a stern and fierce authority. 25. Thus conquering the quarters and reigning as the supreme overlord he enjoyed pleasures to the maximum extent. Since he had not conquered his senses he was never satiated in his enjoyment of pleasures. 26. He was haughty, puffed up with prosperity. He slighted and transgressed the injunctions of the sacred scriptures. After the lapse of some time he became evil-minded. 27. The Dānava, the suppressor of the gods, the son of Mahiṣāsura harassed the excellent brahmins and the sages on the earth very much. 28. The wicked Daitya harassed the gods, the human beings, and all the Pramathas. He tortured all righteous people particularly recollecting the previous enmity. 29. O dear, once this Dānava of great strength, Gajāsura came to the capital city of Śiva. 30. O sage, when the lord of Asuras came there, there was a great tumult among the residents of Ānandavana, They shouted “Protect, Protect.” 31-32. When this son of Mahiṣāsura haughty of his valour entered the city suppressing the Pramathas, Indra and other gods previously vanquished by him sought refuge in Śiva. After bowing to him they eulogised him with a great respect. 33. They mentioned to him the arrival of the Dānava at Kāśī, the height of distress of the people there, especially of the rulers. 34. O great gods, O lord of gods, the Asura has gone to your city. He is inflicting pain on your people. O storehouse of benignity, please slay him. 35. Wherever he sets foot on the earth he shakes the ground there by his great weight. 36. By his great velocity trees fall down with roots and branches. Hit by his brawny arms, big mountains are reduced to powder. 37. The clouds leave the sky hit by his head. Still they do not lose their blueness due to the contact with his hair. 38. When he breathes out, the mighty oceans surge up with their billows. Even the rivers are filled with waves as though with whales. 39. His height is nine thousand Yojanas. The girth of this Asura who wields Māyā is also of that proportion. 40. The tawny colour and the tremulousness of his eyes is not borne even by the lightning. Thus he has come there all of a sudden. 41. Whichever quarter he approaches, the Dānava is unbearably oppressive. “I am not to be killed by men or women overwhelmed by lust” he shouts. 42. O lord of the gods, we have thus mentioned humbly the activities of that Dānava. Please protect your devotees, O lord, desirous of protecting Kāśī. 43. Thus requested by the goss, Śiva desirous of protecting the devotees came there quickly with the desire of slaying him. 44. On seeing that Śiva, favourably disposed to his devotees, had come roaring with the trident in his hand, Gajāsura too roared. 45. A wonderfully terrible and great battle was fought between them roaring heroically and hitting with various weapons and missiles. 46. The brilliant Gajāsura of great strength and valour pierced śiva, the slayer of the Dānavas, with sharp arrows. 47. O sage, Śiva who assumed a terrible body, split with his terrible arrows, the arrows of the Daitya to small pieces like gingelly seeds, even before they reached him. 48. Then the infuriated Gajāsura rushed at the lord Śiva roaring loudly with a sword in hand “You are slain now by me.” 49. Then the lord armed with the trident, realising that the leading Daitya who was rushing at him could not be killed by anything else or any one else, hit him with his trident. 50. When the trident pierced through his body, the Daitya Gajāsura thought that he was raised up like an umbrella. He then sang the glory of Śiva. 51. O great lord, lord of the gods, I am in every respect your devotee. O trident-bearing lord, I know you as the lord of heaven and destroyer of Kāma. 52. O enemy of Andhaka, O great lord, O slayer of Tripuras, O omnipresent, my death at your hands is conducive to my great glory. 53. I desire to submit something. O merciful lord, please listen to it. O conqueror of death, I am speaking the truth, not a lie. Please ponder. 54. You are the only person deserving the worship of the worlds. You stand high above the universe. Everyone should consider a death like this conducive to glory in due course. words, lord Śiva, the storehouse replied to Gajāsura, the son of 55. On hearing his of mercy, laughed and Mahiṣa. 56. O Gajāsura, O excellent Dānava, O depository of great valour, O well-intentioned one, I am delighted. Choose the boon favourable to you. 57. On hearing the words of lord Śiva, the granter of boons, the lord of Dānavas, the delighted Gajāsura replied. 58. O nude one, if you are delighted, O lord Śiva, wear this hide of mine sanctified by the fire of your trident. 59. It is of your size, it is gentle to the touch, it has been kept as a stake in the battlefield, it is worth seeing, it is of divine nature and it is always pleasing. 60. Let it ever emit an agreeable smell, let it be soft for ever, let it be ever free from dirt, let it be your best ornament always. 61. O lord, even after being scorched by the flames of the fire of penance for a long time, this hide was not burnt, hence it is the storehouse of holy fragrance. 62. O nude one, if my hide is not meritorious how did it get into contact with your limbs in the battlefield? 63. O Śiva, if you are satisfied, please grant me another boon. Beginning from today let your name be Kṛttivāsas (one clad in elephant-hide). 64. On hearing his words, Śiva who is favourably disposed to his devotees, was pleased and replied to Gajāsura, the son of Mahiṣa “Let it be so”. 65. Lord Śiva, the favourite of his devotees, becoming delighted spoke again to the Dānava Gajāsura whose mind had been purified by devotion. 66. “In this holy place, a means to the achievement of liberation, let your meritorious body become phallic image yielding liberation to all. 67. It will be the foremost of all phallic images yielding salvation, destroying great sins and named “Kṛttivāseśvara”. 68. After saying this Śiva, the lord of the gods, accepted the hide of Gajāsura and wore it. 69. O great sage, there was a great jubilation on that day. All the people staying at Kāśī and the Pramathas were delighted. 70. Viṣṇu, Brahmā and other gods were delighted in their minds. With palms joined in reverence they bowed to lord Śiva and eulogised him. 71. When Gajāsura the lord of the Dānavas, and the son of Mahiṣa was killed, the gods returned to their original place and the universe attained normalcy. 72. Thus I have narrated to you the story of Śiva which shows his affection to his devotees, which is conducive to the attainment of heaven, fame and longevity and which increases wealth and food-grains. 73. He who listens to this with devotion, or narrates this observing pure rites, enjoys great happiness and attains salvation, the greatest bliss hereafter.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Vyāsa, listen. I shall narrate the story of the moon-crested lord Śiva how he slew the Daitya Dundubhinirhrāda. 2. When the Daitya Hiraṇyākṣa, son ofDiti, of great strength was killed by Viṣṇu, Diti remained griefstricken for a long time. 3. The wicked Daitya named Dundubhinirhrāda, the uncle of Prahlāda, the oppressor of the gods, consoled the dejected mother with the words. 4. After consoling Diti, the king of Daityas, an expert in using Māyā began to think of the ways and means of conquering the gods easily. 5. “The great Asura Hiraṇyākṣa along with his brother has been killed through Viṣṇu by the gods, the enemies of Daityas, employing deceitful means. 6. What is the strength of the gods? What is their diet? What is their support? How can the gods be easily vanquished by me?” Thinking like this he tried to find out the ways and means. 7. Thinking deeply in diverse ways the Daitya came to the conclusion that the brāhmaṇas were the cause of the trouble. 8. The Daitya Dundubhinirhrāda, the most wicked enemy of the gods, ran after the brahmins to kill them. 9. Since the gods maintain themselves on sacrifices, sacrifices are born of the Vedas and the Vedas are the custody of the brāhmaṇas, so the brāhmaṇas constitute the strength of the gods. 10. Certainly the gods including Indra are supported by the brāhmaṇas. The gods gain their strength from the brāhmaṇas. There is no doubt about this. 11. If the brāhmaṇas are destroyed the Vedas will perish. If they are destroyed the gods will also perish. 12-13. If the sacrifices are destroyed, the gods will lose their food. They will grow weaker and be easily conquered. When the gods are conquered I shall become the sole honourable lord of the three worlds. I shall then confiscate the everlasting riches of the gods. 14. I shall enjoy happiness in my kingdom freed of thorns.” After thinking like this the wicked Daitya thought again. 15. “Where are these brāhmaṇas in plenty—the brāhmaṇas strengthened by the splendour of the Brahman, well versed in the study of the Vedas and possessing the strength of penance? 16. It is Vārāṇasī indeed that is the place of many brāhmaṇas. I shall finish that first and then go to other holy centres. 17. In holy centres or hermitages wherever these brāhmaṇas live they shall be devoured by me.” 18. After thinking thus in accordance with the nature of his race, Dundubhinirhrāda went to Kāśī and he, the wicked wielder of Māyas, killed the brāhmaṇas. 19. When the excellent brāhmaṇas went to the forest to fetch sacrificial twigs and the Darbha grass, the wicked Dānava used to eat them there. 20. After that he used to lie hidden so that nobody could detect him. In the forest he used to roam about like a forest-dweller and in the waters he used to take the form of an aquatic animal. 21-22. He was invisible in form. He wielded the art of deception. He could not be seen even by the gods. During the day he stood in the midst of sages engaged in meditation but observing the ingress and egress of persons in the hut. But at night he took the form of a tiger and ate many of them. 23. He used to eat unhesitatingly never leaving even a bone behind. Thus many brāhmaṇas were annihilated by him in this way. 24. Once on the Śivarātri day a certain devotee performed the worship of Śiva, the lord of the gods and was engaged in meditation in his own hut. 25. The lord of Daityas Dundubhinirhrāda, proud of his strength, assumed the form of a tiger and wanted to seize him. 26. As the devotee was in meditation with a mind concentrated on Śiva and as he had fixed the Astramantra, the Daitya could not attack him. 27. Śiva, the omnipresent lord, knew his evil intention and decided to slay the Daitya. 28. While the Daitya in the form of the tiger was about to snatch the devotee, Śiva appeared before him. The three-eyed lord Śiva is very keen in intellect in saving the devotees, nay in protecting the universe. 29. On seeing Śiva coming out of the phallic image worshipped by the devotee, the Daitya in the form of a tiger increased in size like a big mountain. 30. The Dānava glanced with a contemptuous look at Śiva but the lord caught him and pressed him under his armpit. 31. The five-faced lord favourably disposd to his devotees hit the tiger on its head with his fist harder than thunderbolt. 32. By the blow of the fist and the pressure at the armpit the tiger groaned aloud in great distress filling heaven and earth with the sound and died. 33. Agitated in their minds by the loud sound, the ascetics came there in the night itself following the track of the sound. 34. On seeing the lord there with the lord of the beasts in his armpit they bowed to him. They eulogised him with the words of “Victory, Victory.” 35. We are saved, O, we are saved from this terrible obstacle. O lord, please bless us. O preceptor of the universe stay here alone. 36. O great lord, in this self-same form in the name of the lord of the tiger offer protection. Let this place remain sacred always. 37. Save us the dwellers in this holy centre from other mishaps too. O lord of Pārvatī, leaving the wicked ones offer fearlessness to your devotees. 38. On hearing the words of the devotees, the moon-crested lord who is favourably disposed to the devotees said affirmatively and told the devotees again. 39. “If any one sees me here in this form with faith, I will undoubtedly remove his torments and mishaps. 40. After hearing this story of mine and after remembering my phallic image in the heart if a man enters the battlefield he will certainly win. 41. In the meantime the gods came there along with Indra shouting slogans of victory jubilantly.” 42. After bowing to Śiva with love, the gods joined their palms in reverence, drooped their shoulders and eulogised lord Śiva who is favourably disposed to his devotees. 43. O lord Śiva, lord of the gods, remover of the distress of your devotees, be victorious. We the gods have been saved by killing this demon. 44. O fond of devotees, you shall protect them always. O lord of the gods, wicked men shall be slain by you, O lord of all. 45. On hearing these words of the gods, lord Śiva became delighted. After saying ‘yes’ he merged into the phallic image. 46. The gods, thus surprised returned to their respective abodes and rejoiced. The brahmins too in great delight returned the way they came. 47-48. He who reads this sacred narrative about the origin of the lord of the tiger, hears, narrates or teaches this shall obtain all desires. After death he will attain salvation becoming free of all miseries. 49. This narrative is incomparable as it contains the nectar-like words of the divine sports of Śiva. It is conducive to the attainment of heaven, fame and longevity. It increases sons and grandsons. 50. It yields great devotion and bliss. It is auspicious and increases the pleasure of Śiva. It yields supreme know ledge. It is beautiful and removes all aberrations.

[ Sanskrit text for this chapter is available ] 1. O Vyāsa, listen with pleasure to the story of the great lord how he killed through his beloved a Daitya whom he indicated by a sign. 2. Formerly there were two great Daityas — Vidala and Utpala. They were great heroes, puffed up by the boon from Brahmā that they could not be slain by a man. 3. O Brahmin, the gods had been defeated in the battle by the two Daityas who by the strength of their arms considered the people of the three worlds as insignificant as the blade of grass. 4. Defeated by them, the gods sought refuge in Brahmā. After bowing to him duly they submitted to him respectfully. 5-6. On hearing their account Brahmā said. “They will surely be slain by the goddess. Be bold. Remember Śiva and Pārvatī respectfully. Śiva is auspicious, benevolent favourably disposed to his devotees. The supreme god will bring about welfare ere long.” 7. After saying this, Brahmā kept quiet remembering Śiva. The gods too returned to their respective abodes rejoicingly. 8. Then at the behest of Śiva, the celestial sage Nārada went to the abode of the Daityas and sang the glory of the beauty of Pārvatī. 9. On hearing his words the two Daityas were deluded by deception. Afflicted by the god of lust they desired to abduct the goddess. 10. They thought to themselves where and when they would obtain Pārvatī at the rise of their good fortune. 11-12. Once Śiva was engaged in sports. Pārvatī too was playing with a ball along with her friends in the presence of Śiva. 13. At times she looked up. At times she displayed the lightness of limbs. At times when she took deep breaths, bees hovered round her enticed by the fragrance. At times the bees made her eyes agitated. 14. Flowers from her tresses fell on the ground in front of her. Her cheeks were perspiring. Drops of sweat dripping from the paintings on her cheek brightened up. 15. The lustre of her body spread all round through the partings of her gown. By exerting her too much in beating the ball her red hand became redder than the red lotus. 16-17. When the ball bounced, her eyes too followed it making the brows to dance thereby. As the goddess mother of the universe was playing, she was seen by the Daityas who were going by the aerial path. They were, as it were, held in the lap by the imminent death. 18. They were the Daityas Vidala and Uptala who had become haughty by the boon of Brahmā and by the might of their arms thought the people of the three worlds as insignificant as the blades of grass. 19. Desirous of abducting the goddess as they were tormented by the god of lust, they descended from the sky quickly after adapting the Śāmbarī magic skill. 20. The two wicked ones of fickle mind approached Pārvatī in the guise of Śiva’s attendants. 21. By the excessive tremulousness of their eyes they were in a trice recognized by Śiva, the chastiser of and contemptuous towards the wicked. 22. The lord shot a significant glance at Pārvatī the destroyer of miseries denoting that they were Daityas and not Gaṇas. They could assume any form. 23. O dear, she understood the sign of the eyes of her lord Śiva, the great lord who indulges in fancies. 24. Realising the significant glance, the goddess, the sharer of half the body of Śiva hit both of them simultaneously with the ball. 25. The powerful wicked Daityas hit by the ball whirled and whirled and fell on the ground. 26-27. After making the two Daityas fall like two ripe fruits from the palmyra tree when shaken by the wind, or like the two peaks of a great mountain struck by the thunderbolt, as they had attempted to do an evil action, the ball changed itself into the phallic image. 28. That phallic image came to be known as Kandukeśvara. It is very near Jyeṣṭheśvara. It removes all the wicked things. 29. At the same time, knowing the manifestation of Śiva, Viṣṇu. Brahmā, other gods and the sages came there. 30. Then all the gods received boons from Śiva and at his bidding returned to their respective abodes delightedly. So were the residents of Kāśī blessed with the boons. 31. On seeing Śiva with Pārvatī they bowed to him with palms joined in reverence and eulogised him with devotion and pleasing words. 32. O Vyāsa, Śiva and Pārvatī too, went delightedly to their abode. The lord favourably disposed to his devotees, an expert in divine sports, had already had his game. 33. The Kandukeśvara phallic image at Kāśī destroys the wicked, yields worldly pleasures and salvation. Upon the good it bestows desires always. 34. Where is the cause of fear to him who hears this incomparable narrative with joy, narrates or reads it? 35. He enjoys pleasures of various kinds and of excellent nature. Hereafter he attains the divine goal inaccessible even to the gods. 36. O dear, I have thus narrated to you the wonderful story of Śiva and Pārvatī. It indicates their favouritism to the devotees. It bestows welfare to the good. 37. After narrating the story of the moon-crested lord, my excellent son, Sanatkumāra took leave of Vyāsa. Duly honoured by him he then went to Kāśī by the aerial path. 38. Thus the section called “ Yuddha ” has been narrated to you, O excellent sage. In the Compendium called Rudra, it bestows all cherished desires. 39. Thus the whole of Rudrasaṃhitā has been explained by me. It is pleasing to Śiva always. It yields enjoyment here and liberation hereafter. 40. The man who reads this Saṃhitā that wards off harassment from enemies shall attain all desires. Thereafter he shall attain liberation. 41. Thus Brahmā’s son Nārada heard from his father the great glory of Śiva. Śatanāmā too was satisfied and became a follower of Śiva. 42. I have completely narrated the conversation between Brahmā and Nārada. Śiva is the most important of all deities. What else do you wish to hear about him?