03.218
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
उपविष्टं ततः स्कन्दं हिरण्यकवचस्रजम्। हिरण्यचूडमुकुटं हिरण्याक्षं महाप्रभम् ॥०३-२१८-१॥
Then Skanda was seen seated, adorned with golden armor and garland, crowned with a golden diadem, possessing golden eyes, and having great brilliance. (03-218-1)
लोहिताम्बरसंवीतं तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रं मनोरमम्। सर्वलक्षणसम्पन्नं त्रैलोक्यस्यापि सुप्रियम् ॥०३-२१८-२॥
Clothed in red garments, possessing sharp fangs and beauty, endowed with every mark of excellence, he is dearly beloved even to the three worlds. (03-218-2)
ततस्तं वरदं शूरं युवानं मृष्टकुण्डलम्। अभजत्पद्मरूपा श्रीः स्वयमेव शरीरिणी ॥०३-२१८-३॥
Then, Śrī herself, embodied and in the form of a lotus, embraced that heroic young bestower of boons with polished earrings. (03-218-3)
श्रिया जुष्टः पृथुयशाः स कुमारवरस्तदा। निषण्णो दृश्यते भूतैः पौर्णमास्यां यथा शशी ॥०३-२१८-४॥
At that time, the excellent prince, endowed with splendour and great fame, seated there, was seen by all beings like the moon on a full-moon night. (03-218-4)
अपूजयन्महात्मानो ब्राह्मणास्तं महाबलम्। इदमाहुस्तदा चैव स्कन्दं तत्र महर्षयः ॥०३-२१८-५॥
The great-souled brāhmaṇas did not honor that greatly powerful one. Then, the great sages there spoke this about Skanda. (03-218-5)
हिरण्यवर्ण भद्रं ते लोकानां शङ्करो भव। त्वया षड्रात्रजातेन सर्वे लोका वशीकृताः ॥०३-२१८-६॥
O golden-hued one, may auspiciousness be yours; be the auspicious one of the worlds. By you, born after six nights, all the worlds have been subdued. (03-218-6)
अभयं च पुनर्दत्तं त्वयैवैषां सुरोत्तम। तस्मादिन्द्रो भवानस्तु त्रैलोक्यस्याभयङ्करः ॥०३-२१८-७॥
Fearlessness has again been granted to these by you alone, O best of the gods; therefore, may you, Indra, be the giver of fearlessness to the three worlds. (03-218-7)
स्कन्द उवाच॥
Skanda said.
किमिन्द्रः सर्वलोकानां करोतीह तपोधनाः। कथं देवगणांश्चैव पाति नित्यं सुरेश्वरः ॥०३-२१८-८॥
O ascetics, what does Indra do for all the worlds here? And how does the lord of the gods always protect the hosts of the gods? (03-218-8)
ऋषय ऊचुः॥
The sages said;
इन्द्रो दिशति भूतानां बलं तेजः प्रजाः सुखम्। तुष्टः प्रयच्छति तथा सर्वान्दायान्सुरेश्वरः ॥०३-२१८-९॥
Indra bestows strength, splendor, offspring, and happiness upon beings; when pleased, the lord of the gods grants all gifts in this way. (03-218-9)
दुर्वृत्तानां संहरति वृत्तस्थानां प्रयच्छति। अनुशास्ति च भूतानि कार्येषु बलसूदनः ॥०३-२१८-१०॥
Bala-sūdana removes the wicked, bestows upon the righteous, and instructs all beings in their duties. (03-218-10)
असूर्ये च भवेत्सूर्यस्तथाचन्द्रे च चन्द्रमाः। भवत्यग्निश्च वायुश्च पृथिव्यापश्च कारणैः ॥०३-२१८-११॥
When there is no sun, the sun may appear; similarly, in the absence of the moon, the moon arises. Fire, wind, earth, and waters manifest due to their respective causes. (03-218-11)
एतदिन्द्रेण कर्तव्यमिन्द्रे हि विपुलं बलम्। त्वं च वीर बलश्रेष्ठस्तस्मादिन्द्रो भवस्व नः ॥०३-२१८-१२॥
This task must be done by Indra, for Indra indeed possesses great strength. You too, O hero, are the greatest in strength; therefore, become Indra for us. (03-218-12)
शक्र उवाच॥
Indra said.
भवस्वेन्द्रो महाबाहो सर्वेषां नः सुखावहः। अभिषिच्यस्व चैवाद्य प्राप्तरूपोऽसि सत्तम ॥०३-२१८-१३॥
O mighty-armed one, become our Indra, the bringer of happiness to us all. Today, consecrate yourself, for you have attained the position, O best one. (03-218-13)
स्कन्द उवाच॥
Skanda said;
शाधि त्वमेव त्रैलोक्यमव्यग्रो विजये रतः। अहं ते किङ्करः शक्र न ममेन्द्रत्वमीप्सितम् ॥०३-२१८-१४॥
You alone should rule the three worlds, undisturbed and intent on victory. I am your servant, O Indra; the status of Indra is not desired by me. (03-218-14)
शक्र उवाच॥
Indra said;
बलं तवाद्भुतं वीर त्वं देवानामरीञ्जहि। अवज्ञास्यन्ति मां लोका वीर्येण तव विस्मिताः ॥०३-२१८-१५॥
Your strength is wonderful, hero; you, destroyer of the gods’ enemies, conquer them. The worlds, astonished by your prowess, will disregard me. (03-218-15)
इन्द्रत्वेऽपि स्थितं वीर बलहीनं पराजितम्। आवयोश्च मिथो भेदे प्रयतिष्यन्त्यतन्द्रिताः ॥०३-२१८-१६॥
Even a hero, though possessing the status of Indra, if deprived of strength and defeated, will be overcome. In causing division between the two of us, the tireless (ones) will strive. (03-218-16)
भेदिते च त्वयि विभो लोको द्वैधमुपेष्यति। द्विधाभूतेषु लोकेषु निश्चितेष्वावयोस्तथा ॥०३-२१८-१७॥
And when you are divided, O Lord, the world will become dual. Thus, in those worlds that have split, this division will be set between us. (03-218-17)
विग्रहः सम्प्रवर्तेत भूतभेदान्महाबल ॥०३-२१८-१७॥
O mighty one, conflict may arise due to differences among beings. (03-218-17)
तत्र त्वं मां रणे तात यथाश्रद्धं विजेष्यसि। तस्मादिन्द्रो भवानद्य भविता मा विचारय ॥०३-२१८-१८॥
There, dear one, you will conquer me in battle as your faith allows. Therefore, today you will be Indra—do not doubt. (03-218-18)
स्कन्द उवाच॥
Skanda said.
त्वमेव राजा भद्रं ते त्रैलोक्यस्य ममैव च। करोमि किं च ते शक्र शासनं तद्ब्रवीहि मे ॥०३-२१८-१९॥
You alone are the king; may there be auspiciousness to you, of the three worlds and of myself as well. What shall I do for you, Śakra? That command, tell to me. (03-218-19)
शक्र उवाच॥
Indra said.
यदि सत्यमिदं वाक्यं निश्चयाद्भाषितं त्वया। यदि वा शासनं स्कन्द कर्तुमिच्छसि मे शृणु ॥०३-२१८-२०॥
If this statement has been spoken by you with certainty and is true; or if, Skanda, you wish to carry out my command, then listen to me. (03-218-20)
अभिषिच्यस्व देवानां सेनापत्ये महाबल। अहमिन्द्रो भविष्यामि तव वाक्यान्महाबल ॥०३-२१८-२१॥
O mighty one, anoint yourself as the general of the gods. By your word, I shall become Indra, O mighty one. (03-218-21)
स्कन्द उवाच॥
Skanda said;
दानवानां विनाशाय देवानामर्थसिद्धये। गोब्राह्मणस्य त्राणार्थं सेनापत्येऽभिषिञ्च माम् ॥०३-२१८-२२॥
Anoint me as general for the destruction of the Dānavas, the accomplishment of the gods' purpose, and for the protection of cows and Brāhmaṇas. (03-218-22)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
सोऽभिषिक्तो मघवता सर्वैर्देवगणैः सह। अतीव शुशुभे तत्र पूज्यमानो महर्षिभिः ॥०३-२१८-२३॥
Consecrated by Indra along with all the assemblies of gods, he shone greatly there, honored by the great sages. (03-218-23)
तस्य तत्काञ्चनं छत्रं ध्रियमाणं व्यरोचत। यथैव सुसमिद्धस्य पावकस्यात्ममण्डलम् ॥०३-२१८-२४॥
That golden parasol of his, held above, shone brilliantly, just like the radiant disk of a well-kindled fire. (03-218-24)
विश्वकर्मकृता चास्य दिव्या माला हिरण्मयी। आबद्धा त्रिपुरघ्नेन स्वयमेव यशस्विना ॥०३-२१८-२५॥
A divine garland of gold, made by Viśvakarman, was bound upon him by the glorious Tripuraghna himself. (03-218-25)
आगम्य मनुजव्याघ्र सह देव्या परन्तप। अर्चयामास सुप्रीतो भगवान्गोवृषध्वजः ॥०३-२१८-२६॥
O tiger among men, after approaching together with the goddess, the well-pleased Lord Śiva, whose banner bears a bull, worshipped. (03-218-26)
रुद्रमग्निं द्विजाः प्राहू रुद्रसूनुस्ततस्तु सः। रुद्रेण शुक्रमुत्सृष्टं तच्छ्वेतः पर्वतोऽभवत् ॥ पावकस्येन्द्रियं श्वेते कृत्तिकाभिः कृतं नगे ॥०३-२१८-२७॥
The twice-born invoked Agni as Rudra; then, the son of Rudra, by Rudra's released seed, became the white mountain. The essence of Pāvaka was established on the Śveta mountain by the Kṛttikās. (03-218-27)
पूज्यमानं तु रुद्रेण दृष्ट्वा सर्वे दिवौकसः। रुद्रसूनुं ततः प्राहुर्गुहं गुणवतां वरम् ॥०३-२१८-२८॥
But when they saw Guha, the son of Rudra, being honored by Rudra, all the gods then addressed Guha, the best among the virtuous. (03-218-28)
अनुप्रविश्य रुद्रेण वह्निं जातो ह्ययं शिशुः। तत्र जातस्ततः स्कन्दो रुद्रसूनुस्ततोऽभवत् ॥०३-२१८-२९॥
Having entered the Fire by Rudra, this child was indeed born there. There, from that birth, Skanda, the son of Rudra, was thus born. (03-218-29)
रुद्रस्य वह्नेः स्वाहायाः षण्णां स्त्रीणां च तेजसा। जातः स्कन्दः सुरश्रेष्ठो रुद्रसूनुस्ततोऽभवत् ॥०३-२१८-३०॥
Skanda, the best among gods, was born by the energy of Rudra, Agni, Svāhā, and six women; thus, he became the son of Rudra. (03-218-30)
अरजे वाससी रक्ते वसानः पावकात्मजः। भाति दीप्तवपुः श्रीमान्रक्ताभ्राभ्यामिवांशुमान् ॥०३-२१८-३१॥
Hanuman, son of Pāvaka, clad in clean red garments, shines forth with brilliant splendour, radiant like the sun between two red clouds. (03-218-31)
कुक्कुटश्चाग्निना दत्तस्तस्य केतुरलङ्कृतः। रथे समुच्छ्रितो भाति कालाग्निरिव लोहितः ॥०३-२१८-३२॥
The rooster, placed together with fire as his adorned banner, shines elevated on the chariot, red like the fire of time (destruction). (03-218-32)
विवेश कवचं चास्य शरीरं सहजं ततः। युध्यमानस्य देवस्य प्रादुर्भवति तत्सदा ॥०३-२१८-३३॥
He entered both the armor and then his body, which is natural; and for the fighting god, that always appears. (03-218-33)
शक्तिर्वर्म बलं तेजः कान्तत्वं सत्यमक्षतिः। ब्रह्मण्यत्वमसंमोहो भक्तानां परिरक्षणम् ॥०३-२१८-३४॥
Power, armor, strength, radiance, charm, truth, inviolability, devotion to the sacred, clarity of mind, and the protection of devotees. (03-218-34)
निकृन्तनं च शत्रूणां लोकानां चाभिरक्षणम्। स्कन्देन सह जातानि सर्वाण्येव जनाधिप ॥०३-२१८-३५॥
O king, both the destruction of enemies and the protection of the worlds—all of these indeed have come into being together with Skanda. (03-218-35)
एवं देवगणैः सर्वैः सोऽभिषिक्तः स्वलङ्कृतः। बभौ प्रतीतः सुमनाः परिपूर्णेन्दुदर्शनः ॥०३-२१८-३६॥
Thus, having been anointed and well adorned by all the groups of gods, he radiated with a cheerful mind, appearing like the full moon. (03-218-36)
इष्टैः स्वाध्यायघोषैश्च देवतूर्यरवैरपि। देवगन्धर्वगीतैश्च सर्वैरप्सरसां गणैः ॥०३-२१८-३७॥
By offerings, recitations of sacred texts, celestial musical instruments, songs by gods and Gandharvas, and by all the groups of Apsarases. (03-218-37)
एतैश्चान्यैश्च विविधैर्हृष्टतुष्टैरलङ्कृतैः। क्रीडन्निव तदा देवैरभिषिक्तः स पावकिः ॥०३-२१८-३८॥
He, Pāvaki, then as if sporting, was anointed by the gods and adorned by these and other various joyful and contented (beings). (03-218-38)
अभिषिक्तं महासेनमपश्यन्त दिवौकसः। विनिहत्य तमः सूर्यं यथेहाभ्युदितं तथा ॥०३-२१८-३९॥
The dwellers of heaven saw the anointed Mahāsena, just as here (we see) the sun risen after having destroyed darkness. (03-218-39)
अथैनमभ्ययुः सर्वा देवसेनाः सहस्रशः। अस्माकं त्वं पतिरिति ब्रुवाणाः सर्वतोदिशम् ॥०३-२१८-४०॥
Then, all the divine armies, by the thousands, approached him from every direction, saying, “You are our lord.” (03-218-40)
ताः समासाद्य भगवान्सर्वभूतगणैर्वृतः। अर्चितश्च स्तुतश्चैव सान्त्वयामास ता अपि ॥०३-२१८-४१॥
The blessed one, surrounded by hosts of all beings, having approached those women, and being worshipped and praised, also consoled them. (03-218-41)
शतक्रतुश्चाभिषिच्य स्कन्दं सेनापतिं तदा। सस्मार तां देवसेनां या सा तेन विमोक्षिता ॥०३-२१८-४२॥
Indra, having then anointed Skanda as commander of the army, remembered Devasena—she who was released by him. (03-218-42)
अयं तस्याः पतिर्नूनं विहितो ब्रह्मणा स्वयम्। इति चिन्त्यानयामास देवसेनां स्वलङ्कृताम् ॥०३-२१८-४३॥
Thinking, 'This is certainly the husband appointed for her by Brahmā himself,' he led the well-adorned Devasenā. (03-218-43)
स्कन्दं चोवाच बलभिदियं कन्या सुरोत्तम। अजाते त्वयि निर्दिष्टा तव पत्नी स्वयम्भुवा ॥०३-२१८-४४॥
Balabhit (Indra) said to Skanda: "O best of the gods, this girl was appointed as your wife by Svayambhū (Brahmā) when you were not yet born." (03-218-44)
तस्मात्त्वमस्या विधिवत्पाणिं मन्त्रपुरस्कृतम्। गृहाण दक्षिणं देव्याः पाणिना पद्मवर्चसम् ॥०३-२१८-४५॥
Therefore, you should, according to ritual and with mantras, take the hand of the lady—her right hand, radiant as a lotus—with your own hand. (03-218-45)
एवमुक्तः स जग्राह तस्याः पाणिं यथाविधि। बृहस्पतिर्मन्त्रविधिं जजाप च जुहाव च ॥०३-२१८-४६॥
Thus addressed, he took her hand according to the prescribed rites. Bṛhaspati performed the mantra procedure, reciting and offering oblations. (03-218-46)
एवं स्कन्दस्य महिषीं देवसेनां विदुर्बुधाः। षष्ठीं यां ब्राह्मणाः प्राहुर्लक्ष्मीमाशां सुखप्रदाम् ॥ सिनीवालीं कुहूं चैव सद्वृत्तिमपराजिताम् ॥०३-२१८-४७॥
Thus, the wise recognize Devasena, the queen of Skanda. Brāhmaṇas call her Ṣaṣṭhī, Lakṣmī, Āśā (Hope), the bestower of happiness, Sinīvālī, Kuhū, one of good conduct, and the unconquered one. (03-218-47)
यदा स्कन्दः पतिर्लब्धः शाश्वतो देवसेनया। तदा तमाश्रयल्लक्ष्मीः स्वयं देवी शरीरिणी ॥०३-२१८-४८॥
When Skanda became the eternal husband of Devasena, then goddness Lakṣmī herself, in embodied form, resorted to him. (03-218-48)
श्रीजुष्टः पञ्चमीं स्कन्दस्तस्माच्छ्रीपञ्चमी स्मृता। षष्ठ्यां कृतार्थोऽभूद्यस्मात्तस्मात्षष्ठी महातिथिः ॥०३-२१८-४९॥
Since Skanda was honored by auspiciousness on the fifth day, that day is called Śrī Pañcamī. Because he achieved his purpose on the sixth day, that sixth day is regarded as a great sacred day. (03-218-49)
