03.221
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markaṇḍeya said;
यदाभिषिक्तो भगवान्सेनापत्येन पावकिः। तदा सम्प्रस्थितः श्रीमान्हृष्टो भद्रवटं हरः ॥ रथेनादित्यवर्णेन पार्वत्या सहितः प्रभुः ॥०३-२२१-१॥
When the venerable son of Pāvaka was consecrated as commander, then the joyous and prosperous Hara went to Bhadravaṭa in a chariot shining like the sun, accompanied by Pārvatī, the lord. (03-221-1)
सहस्रं तस्य सिंहानां तस्मिन्युक्तं रथोत्तमे। उत्पपात दिवं शुभ्रं कालेनाभिप्रचोदितः ॥०३-२२१-२॥
A thousand lions yoked to his excellent chariot in that moment rose up to the bright sky, driven by time. (03-221-2)
ते पिबन्त इवाकाशं त्रासयन्तश्चराचरान्। सिंहा नभस्यगच्छन्त नदन्तश्चारुकेसराः ॥०३-२२१-३॥
They seem to drink the sky, frightening all creatures, both moving and motionless. The lions in the sky move, roaring, beautiful in their manes. (03-221-3)
तस्मिन्रथे पशुपतिः स्थितो भात्युमया सह। विद्युता सहितः सूर्यः सेन्द्रचापे घने यथा ॥०३-२२१-४॥
Just as the sun, accompanied by lightning and the rainbow, shines in a cloud, so does Paśupati (Śiva), standing in that chariot, shine together with Umā. (03-221-4)
अग्रतस्तस्य भगवान्धनेशो गुह्यकैः सह। आस्थाय रुचिरं याति पुष्पकं नरवाहनः ॥०३-२२१-५॥
Before him, the venerable Kubera, lord of wealth, together with the Guhyakas, mounted the beautiful Pushpaka and proceeded—the carrier of men. (03-221-5)
ऐरावतं समास्थाय शक्रश्चापि सुरैः सह। पृष्ठतोऽनुययौ यान्तं वरदं वृषभध्वजम् ॥०३-२२१-६॥
Śakra, having mounted Airāvata, along with the gods, followed the boon-giver and bull-bannered one from behind as he was going. (03-221-6)
जम्भकैर्यक्षरक्षोभिः स्रग्विभिः समलङ्कृतः। यात्यमोघो महायक्षो दक्षिणं पक्षमास्थितः ॥०३-२२१-७॥
Adorned with Jambhakas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and garlanded beings, the unfailing great Yakṣa takes his place on the southern side. (03-221-7)
तस्य दक्षिणतो देवा मरुतश्चित्रयोधिनः। गच्छन्ति वसुभिः सार्धं रुद्रैश्च सह सङ्गताः ॥०३-२२१-८॥
To his south, the gods and the Maruts of wondrous warriors, together with the Vasus and accompanied by the Rudras, proceed as one. (03-221-8)
यमश्च मृत्युना सार्धं सर्वतः परिवारितः। घोरैर्व्याधिशतैर्याति घोररूपवपुस्तथा ॥०३-२२१-९॥
Yama, surrounded on all sides by death and by hundreds of terrible diseases, proceeds thus in a terrible form. (03-221-9)
यमस्य पृष्ठतश्चैव घोरस्त्रिशिखरः शितः। विजयो नाम रुद्रस्य याति शूलः स्वलङ्कृतः ॥०३-२२१-१०॥
A well-ornamented, sharp, and terrible three-pointed spear named Vijaya of Rudra comes from the rear of Yama. (03-221-10)
तमुग्रपाशो वरुणो भगवान्सलिलेश्वरः। परिवार्य शनैर्याति यादोभिर्विविधैर्वृतः ॥०३-२२१-११॥
Varuṇa, the revered and mighty-bonded lord of the waters, having surrounded him, proceeds slowly, accompanied by various kinds of aquatic beings. (03-221-11)
पृष्ठतो विजयस्यापि याति रुद्रस्य पट्टिशः। गदामुसलशक्त्याद्यैर्वृतः प्रहरणोत्तमैः ॥०३-२२१-१२॥
Behind Vijaya, the lance of Rudra goes, surrounded by splendid weapons like maces, clubs, spears, and others. (03-221-12)
पट्टिशं त्वन्वगाद्राजंश्छत्रं रौद्रं महाप्रभम्। कमण्डलुश्चाप्यनु तं महर्षिगणसंवृतः ॥०३-२२१-१३॥
Then, O king, the spear followed; the terrible and radiant umbrella and also the water pot, after him, accompanied by groups of great sages. (03-221-13)
तस्य दक्षिणतो भाति दण्डो गच्छञ्श्रिया वृतः। भृग्वङ्गिरोभिः सहितो देवैश्चाप्यभिपूजितः ॥०३-२२१-१४॥
On his southern side shines Daṇḍa, traversing, enveloped in splendour, accompanied by Bhṛgu, Aṅgiras, and also honoured by the gods. (03-221-14)
एषां तु पृष्ठतो रुद्रो विमले स्यन्दने स्थितः। याति संहर्षयन्सर्वांस्तेजसा त्रिदिवौकसः ॥०३-२२१-१५॥
But behind these, Rudra, standing on a pure chariot, goes, gladdening all the inhabitants of heaven by his splendor. (03-221-15)
ऋषयश्चैव देवाश्च गन्धर्वा भुजगास्तथा। नद्यो नदा द्रुमाश्चैव तथैवाप्सरसां गणाः ॥०३-२२१-१६॥
Seers, gods, gandharvas, serpents, rivers (both feminine and masculine), trees, and likewise groups of apsarases (celestial nymphs). (03-221-16)
नक्षत्राणि ग्रहाश्चैव देवानां शिशवश्च ये। स्त्रियश्च विविधाकारा यान्ति रुद्रस्य पृष्ठतः ॥ सृजन्त्यः पुष्पवर्षाणि चारुरूपा वराङ्गनाः ॥०३-२२१-१७॥
Stars, planets, and also the children of the gods, as well as women of various forms, go behind Rudra; excellent women of lovely form create showers of flowers. (03-221-17)
पर्जन्यश्चाप्यनुययौ नमस्कृत्य पिनाकिनम्। छत्रं तु पाण्डुरं सोमस्तस्य मूर्धन्यधारयत् ॥ चामरे चापि वायुश्च गृहीत्वाग्निश्च विष्ठितौ ॥०३-२२१-१८॥
Parjanya also followed, having bowed to Pinākin (Śiva). Soma held a white umbrella over his head. The Wind and Agni, having taken up fly-whisks, stood in attendance. (03-221-18)
शक्रश्च पृष्ठतस्तस्य याति राजञ्श्रिया वृतः। सह राजर्षिभिः सर्वैः स्तुवानो वृषकेतनम् ॥०३-२२१-१९॥
Indra, enveloped in splendor, proceeds behind him, O King, together with all the royal sages, praising the bull-bannered one. (03-221-19)
गौरी विद्याथ गान्धारी केशिनी मित्रसाह्वया। सावित्र्या सह सर्वास्ताः पार्वत्या यान्ति पृष्ठतः ॥०३-२२१-२०॥
Gaurī, Vidyā, Gandhārī, Keśinī, Mitrasāhvayā, and all the others together with Sāvitrī, proceed behind Pārvatī. (03-221-20)
तत्र विद्यागणाः सर्वे ये केचित्कविभिः कृताः। यस्य कुर्वन्ति वचनं सेन्द्रा देवाश्चमूमुखे ॥०३-२२१-२१॥
There, all the groups of sciences whatsoever composed by poets—whose words even the gods with Indra heed in the front of the host—(are present). (03-221-21)
स गृहीत्वा पताकां तु यात्यग्रे राक्षसो ग्रहः। व्यापृतस्तु श्मशाने यो नित्यं रुद्रस्य वै सखा ॥ पिङ्गलो नाम यक्षेन्द्रो लोकस्यानन्ददायकः ॥०३-२२१-२२॥
Having taken the banner, he goes ahead like a rākṣasa-graha; he who is always engaged in the cremation ground and is indeed a friend of Rudra. He is called Piṅgala, the lord of the yakṣas, the giver of delight to the world. (03-221-22)
एभिः स सहितस्तत्र ययौ देवो यथासुखम्। अग्रतः पृष्ठतश्चैव न हि तस्य गतिर्ध्रुवा ॥०३-२२१-२३॥
He, together with these, went there as he pleased. In front, and behind as well, for indeed his movement was not fixed. (03-221-23)
रुद्रं सत्कर्मभिर्मर्त्याः पूजयन्तीह दैवतम्। शिवमित्येव यं प्राहुरीशं रुद्रं पिनाकिनम् ॥ भावैस्तु विविधाकारैः पूजयन्ति महेश्वरम् ॥०३-२२१-२४॥
Here, mortals worship Rudra, the deity, through virtuous acts. The one whom they indeed call Śiva, the Lord, Rudra, the wielder of the Pināka bow. But by various feelings and forms, they worship Maheśvara. (03-221-24)
देवसेनापतिस्त्वेवं देवसेनाभिरावृतः। अनुगच्छति देवेशं ब्रह्मण्यः कृत्तिकासुतः ॥०३-२२१-२५॥
Thus the chief of the army of the gods, surrounded by the goddesses' army, devoted to brahman—the son of the Kṛttikās—follows the lord of the gods. (03-221-25)
अथाब्रवीन्महासेनं महादेवो बृहद्वचः। सप्तमं मारुतस्कन्धं रक्ष नित्यमतन्द्रितः ॥०३-२२१-२६॥
Then Mahādeva spoke these weighty words to Mahāsena: "Protect constantly the seventh division of the Maruts without negligence." (03-221-26)
स्कन्द उवाच॥
Skanda said.
सप्तमं मारुतस्कन्धं पालयिष्याम्यहं प्रभो। यदन्यदपि मे कार्यं देव तद्वद माचिरम् ॥०३-२२१-२७॥
O Lord, I shall protect the seventh troop of the Maruts. If there is any other task for me, O god, tell that without delay. (03-221-27)
रुद्र उवाच॥
Rudra said;
कार्येष्वहं त्वया पुत्र संद्रष्टव्यः सदैव हि। दर्शनान्मम भक्त्या च श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यसि ॥०३-२२१-२८॥
O son, in all your activities, you should always indeed see me. Through seeing me and with devotion, you will attain the supreme highest good. (03-221-28)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
इत्युक्त्वा विससर्जैनं परिष्वज्य महेष्वरः। विसर्जिते ततः स्कन्दे बभूवौत्पातिकं महत् ॥ सहसैव महाराज देवान्सर्वान्प्रमोहयत् ॥०३-२२१-२९॥
After thus speaking and embracing him, Maheśvara sent Skanda forth. When Skanda was released, a great ominous event occurred that suddenly bewildered all the gods, O great king. (03-221-29)
जज्वाल खं सनक्षत्रं प्रमूढं भुवनं भृशम्। चचाल व्यनदच्चोर्वी तमोभूतं जगत्प्रभो ॥०३-२२१-३०॥
The starry sky blazed intensely, the world became greatly bewildered. The earth trembled and roared, engulfed in darkness, O lord of the world. (03-221-30)
ततस्तद्दारुणं दृष्ट्वा क्षुभितः शङ्करस्तदा। उमा चैव महाभागा देवाश्च समहर्षयः ॥०३-२२१-३१॥
Then, seeing that terrible thing, Śaṅkara was agitated at that time; Umā, the most fortunate, and the gods were also greatly amazed. (03-221-31)
ततस्तेषु प्रमूढेषु पर्वताम्बुदसंनिभम्। नानाप्रहरणं घोरमदृश्यत महद्बलम् ॥०३-२२१-३२॥
Then, while they were confounded, a great and terrible army, resembling mountains and clouds and equipped with various weapons, was seen. (03-221-32)
तद्धि घोरमसङ्ख्येयं गर्जच्च विविधा गिरः। अभ्यद्रवद्रणे देवान्भगवन्तं च शङ्करम् ॥०३-२२१-३३॥
That terrible and innumerable tumult, with roaring and various voices, rushed in battle against the gods and the venerable Śaṅkara. (03-221-33)
तैर्विसृष्टान्यनीकेषु बाणजालान्यनेकशः। पर्वताश्च शतघ्न्यश्च प्रासाश्च परिघा गदाः ॥०३-२२१-३४॥
By them, in the armies, many volleys of arrows, mountains, hundred-slaying maces, spears, iron clubs, and maces were hurled. (03-221-34)
निपतद्भिश्च तैर्घोरैर्देवानीकं महायुधैः। क्षणेन व्यद्रवत्सर्वं विमुखं चाप्यदृश्यत ॥०३-२२१-३५॥
Struck by those terrible beings wielding mighty weapons, the army of the gods was seen to scatter in a moment, with all turning away. (03-221-35)
निकृत्तयोधनागाश्वं कृत्तायुधमहारथम्। दानवैरर्दितं सैन्यं देवानां विमुखं बभौ ॥०३-२२१-३६॥
The army of the gods, its warriors, elephants, and horses slain, its weapons and chariots destroyed, tormented by the Dānavas, appeared routed. (03-221-36)
असुरैर्वध्यमानं तत्पावकैरिव काननम्। अपतद्दग्धभूयिष्ठं महाद्रुमवनं यथा ॥०३-२२१-३७॥
As that was being slain by the Asuras, it fell, mostly burnt, like a great forest of trees consumed by fire. (03-221-37)
ते विभिन्नशिरोदेहाः प्रच्यवन्ते दिवौकसः। न नाथमध्यगच्छन्त वध्यमाना महारणे ॥०३-२२१-३८॥
Those celestial beings, with their heads and bodies sundered, fell down—not reaching their protector, as they were being slain in the great battle. (03-221-38)
अथ तद्विद्रुतं सैन्यं दृष्ट्वा देवः पुरंदरः। आश्वासयन्नुवाचेदं बलवद्दानवार्दितम् ॥०३-२२१-३९॥
Then, having seen the army routed, the god Purandara (Indra), encouraging them, spoke these words to the strong army oppressed by the Dānavas. (03-221-39)
भयं त्यजत भद्रं वः शूराः शस्त्राणि गृह्णत। कुरुध्वं विक्रमे बुद्धिं मा वः काचिद्व्यथा भवेत् ॥०३-२२१-४०॥
Abandon fear; for your welfare, O heroes, take up your weapons. Set your mind on valor; let not any distress arise for you. (03-221-40)
जयतैनान्सुदुर्वृत्तान्दानवान्घोरदर्शनान्। अभिद्रवत भद्रं वो मया सह महासुरान् ॥०३-२२१-४१॥
Conquer these very ill-behaved, terrible-looking dānava demons. Attack, and may auspiciousness be with you. Together with me, (attack) the great asuras. (03-221-41)
शक्रस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा समाश्वस्ता दिवौकसः। दानवान्प्रत्ययुध्यन्त शक्रं कृत्वा व्यपाश्रयम् ॥०३-२२१-४२॥
Having heard the words of Śakra, the dwellers of heaven became reassured. Making Śakra their refuge, they fought against the Dānavas. (03-221-42)
ततस्ते त्रिदशाः सर्वे मरुतश्च महाबलाः। प्रत्युद्ययुर्महावेगाः साध्याश्च वसुभिः सह ॥०३-२२१-४३॥
Then all the gods, and the mighty Maruts, along with the Sādhyas and the Vasus, swiftly approached together. (03-221-43)
तैर्विसृष्टान्यनीकेषु क्रुद्धैः शस्त्राणि संयुगे। शराश्च दैत्यकायेषु पिबन्ति स्मासृगुल्बणम् ॥०३-२२१-४४॥
Weapons released by the enraged in the armies during battle, and the arrows, drank abundant blood in the bodies of the daityas. (03-221-44)
तेषां देहान्विनिर्भिद्य शरास्ते निशितास्तदा। निष्पतन्तो अदृश्यन्त नगेभ्य इव पन्नगाः ॥०३-२२१-४५॥
Then those sharp arrows, having pierced through their bodies, were seen emerging like serpents from the mountains. (03-221-45)
तानि दैत्यशरीराणि निर्भिन्नानि स्म सायकैः। अपतन्भूतले राजंश्छिन्नाभ्राणीव सर्वशः ॥०३-२२१-४६॥
O king, those bodies of the daityas, pierced through by arrows, all fell to the ground like severed clouds. (03-221-46)
ततस्तद्दानवं सैन्यं सर्वैर्देवगणैर्युधि। त्रासितं विविधैर्बाणैः कृतं चैव पराङ्मुखम् ॥०३-२२१-४७॥
Then that army of the demons was terrified by all the groups of gods in battle and, being struck by various arrows, was made to turn and flee. (03-221-47)
अथोत्क्रुष्टं तदा हृष्टैः सर्वैर्देवैरुदायुधैः। संहतानि च तूर्याणि तदा सर्वाण्यनेकशः ॥०३-२२१-४८॥
Then, at that moment, all the rejoicing gods with uplifted weapons shouted, and all the musical instruments resounded together in many ways. (03-221-48)
एवमन्योन्यसंयुक्तं युद्धमासीत्सुदारुणम्। देवानां दानवानां च मांसशोणितकर्दमम् ॥०३-२२१-४९॥
Thus, a most terrible battle joined between one another took place, muddy with the flesh and blood of gods and asuras. (03-221-49)
अनयो देवलोकस्य सहसैव व्यदृश्यत। तथा हि दानवा घोरा विनिघ्नन्ति दिवौकसः ॥०३-२२१-५०॥
Through these two, the realm of the gods was at once seen; thus, indeed, the terrible Dānavas are slaying the gods. (03-221-50)
ततस्तूर्यप्रणादाश्च भेरीणां च महास्वनाः। बभूवुर्दानवेन्द्राणां सिंहनादाश्च दारुणाः ॥०३-२२१-५१॥
Then there arose trumpet blasts and great drum sounds, and the terrible lion-roars of the lords of the Dānavas. (03-221-51)
अथ दैत्यबलाद्घोरान्निष्पपात महाबलः। दानवो महिषो नाम प्रगृह्य विपुलं गिरिम् ॥०३-२२१-५२॥
Then, from the power of the Daityas, the mighty demon named Mahiṣa, having seized a huge mountain, descended in a terrible manner. (03-221-52)
ते तं घनैरिवादित्यं दृष्ट्वा सम्परिवारितम्। समुद्यतगिरिं राजन्व्यद्रवन्त दिवौकसः ॥०३-२२१-५३॥
O king, the dwellers of heaven, having seen him, like the sun completely surrounded by clouds, with an uplifted mountain, fled. (03-221-53)
अथाभिद्रुत्य महिषो देवांश्चिक्षेप तं गिरिम्। पतता तेन गिरिणा देवसैन्यस्य पार्थिव ॥ भीमरूपेण निहतमयुतं प्रापतद्भुवि ॥०३-२२१-५४॥
Then, O king, the buffalo demon, having rushed forward, hurled a mountain at the gods; by that falling mountain, ten thousand of the gods’ army, in a dreadful form, fell slain to the ground. (03-221-54)
अथ तैर्दानवैः सार्धं महिषस्त्रासयन्सुरान्। अभ्यद्रवद्रणे तूर्णं सिंहः क्षुद्रमृगानिव ॥०३-२२१-५५॥
Then Mahisha, joined by those Dānavas, frightened the Devas and quickly charged at them in battle like a lion upon small animals. (03-221-55)
तमापतन्तं महिषं दृष्ट्वा सेन्द्रा दिवौकसः। व्यद्रवन्त रणे भीता विशीर्णायुधकेतनाः ॥०३-२२१-५६॥
The gods together with Indra, seeing the buffalo (Mahisha) approaching, fled in fear in the battle, their weapons and standards broken. (3-221-56)
ततः स महिषः क्रुद्धस्तूर्णं रुद्ररथं ययौ। अभिद्रुत्य च जग्राह रुद्रस्य रथकूबरम् ॥०३-२२१-५७॥
Then the enraged buffalo swiftly approached Rudra's chariot, rushed at it, and seized the pole of Rudra's chariot. (03-221-57)
यदा रुद्ररथं क्रुद्धो महिषः सहसा गतः। रेसतू रोदसी गाढं मुमुहुश्च महर्षयः ॥०३-२२१-५८॥
When the enraged buffalo demon suddenly rushed towards Rudra's chariot, heaven and earth were greatly shaken, and the great sages were stupefied. (03-221-58)
व्यनदंश्च महाकाया दैत्या जलधरोपमाः। आसीच्च निश्चितं तेषां जितमस्माभिरित्युत ॥०३-२२१-५९॥
The great-bodied Daityas, roaring like clouds, were certainly convinced, "We have won." (03-221-59)
तथाभूते तु भगवान्नावधीन्महिषं रणे। सस्मार च तदा स्कन्दं मृत्युं तस्य दुरात्मनः ॥०३-२२१-६०॥
When this had occurred, the revered one did not kill the buffalo-demon in battle, but then he remembered Skanda, who would be the death of that wicked-souled one. (03-221-60)
महिषोऽपि रथं दृष्ट्वा रौद्रं रुद्रस्य नानदत्। देवान्सन्त्रासयंश्चापि दैत्यांश्चापि प्रहर्षयन् ॥०३-२२१-६१॥
Mahisha, upon seeing Rudra’s dreadful chariot, let out a roar, frightening the gods and delighting the Daityas as well. (03-221-61)
ततस्तस्मिन्भये घोरे देवानां समुपस्थिते। आजगाम महासेनः क्रोधात्सूर्य इव ज्वलन् ॥०३-२२१-६२॥
Then, when that terrible fear had arisen among the gods, Mahāsena arrived, blazing with anger like the sun. (03-221-62)
लोहिताम्बरसंवीतो लोहितस्रग्विभूषणः। लोहितास्यो महाबाहुर्हिरण्यकवचः प्रभुः ॥०३-२२१-६३॥
The lord, clad in red garments, adorned with red garlands, with a red mouth, mighty-armed, and golden armor. (03-221-63)
रथमादित्यसङ्काशमास्थितः कनकप्रभम्। तं दृष्ट्वा दैत्यसेना सा व्यद्रवत्सहसा रणे ॥०३-२२१-६४॥
Beholding him stationed on a chariot shining like the sun, radiant with gold, that host of demons suddenly fled on the battlefield. (03-221-64)
स चापि तां प्रज्वलितां महिषस्य विदारिणीम्। मुमोच शक्तिं राजेन्द्र महासेनो महाबलः ॥०३-२२१-६५॥
He, Mahāsena of great strength, O lord of kings, released that blazing spear which tears apart the buffalo. (03-221-65)
सा मुक्ताभ्यहनच्छक्तिर्महिषस्य शिरो महत्। पपात भिन्ने शिरसि महिषस्त्यक्तजीवितः ॥०३-२२१-६६॥
She released her spear and struck the great head of the buffalo. With its head broken, the buffalo, its life gone, fell. (03-221-66)
क्षिप्ताक्षिप्ता तु सा शक्तिर्हत्वा शत्रून्सहस्रशः। स्कन्दहस्तमनुप्राप्ता दृश्यते देवदानवैः ॥०३-२२१-६७॥
But that spear, whether thrown or unthrown, after slaying thousands of enemies, having reached Skanda’s hand, is seen by gods and dānavas. (03-221-67)
प्रायः शरैर्विनिहता महासेनेन धीमता। शेषा दैत्यगणा घोरा भीतास्त्रस्ता दुरासदैः ॥ स्कन्दस्य पार्षदैर्हत्वा भक्षिताः शतसङ्घशः ॥०३-२२१-६८॥
Mostly, the Daityas were slain by the wise Mahāsena with arrows; the remaining terrible Daitya hosts, terrified and fearful of those hard to approach, were killed and eaten in groups of hundreds by the attendants of Skanda. (03-221-68)
दानवान्भक्षयन्तस्ते प्रपिबन्तश्च शोणितम्। क्षणान्निर्दानवं सर्वमकार्षुर्भृशहर्षिताः ॥०३-२२१-६९॥
They, greatly delighted, devoured the demons and drank the blood, and in an instant they made everything free of demons. (03-221-69)
तमांसीव यथा सूर्यो वृक्षानग्निर्घनान्खगः। तथा स्कन्दोऽजयच्छत्रून्स्वेन वीर्येण कीर्तिमान् ॥०३-२२५-७०॥
Just as the Sun removes darkness, fire consumes trees, and the Sun disperses clouds, so Skanda, famed for his strength, conquered his enemies by his own might. (03-221-70)
सम्पूज्यमानस्त्रिदशैरभिवाद्य महेश्वरम्। शुशुभे कृत्तिकापुत्रः प्रकीर्णांशुरिवांशुमान् ॥०३-२२१-७१॥
Having been worshipped by the gods and having bowed to Maheśvara, the son of Kṛttikā (Kārttikeya) shone with scattered rays like the Sun. (03-221-71)
नष्टशत्रुर्यदा स्कन्दः प्रयातश्च महेश्वरम्। अथाब्रवीन्महासेनं परिष्वज्य पुरंदरः ॥०३-२२१-७२॥
When Skanda, with his enemies destroyed, went to Maheśvara, then Purandara, having embraced Mahāsena, spoke: (03-221-72)
ब्रह्मदत्तवरः स्कन्द त्वयायं महिषो हतः। देवास्तृणमया यस्य बभूवुर्जयतां वर ॥ सोऽयं त्वया महाबाहो शमितो देवकण्टकः ॥०३-२२१-७३॥
O Skanda, the buffalo-demon, blessed by Brahmā and who turned the gods into grass, was slain by you. You, O mighty-armed, have subdued this thorn of the gods. (03-221-73)
शतं महिषतुल्यानां दानवानां त्वया रणे। निहतं देवशत्रूणां यैर्वयं पूर्वतापिताः ॥०३-२२१-७४॥
You have slain in battle a hundred demons equal to buffaloes—enemies of the gods—by whom we had formerly been tormented. (03-221-74)
तावकैर्भक्षिताश्चान्ये दानवाः शतसङ्घशः। अजेयस्त्वं रणेऽरीणामुमापतिरिव प्रभुः ॥०३-२२१-७५॥
Hundreds of other Dānavas have been devoured by your followers; you are as invincible among enemies in battle as Umāpati (Lord Śiva) himself. (03-221-75)
एतत्ते प्रथमं देव ख्यातं कर्म भविष्यति। त्रिषु लोकेषु कीर्तिश्च तवाक्षय्या भविष्यति ॥ वशगाश्च भविष्यन्ति सुरास्तव सुरात्मज ॥०३-२२१-७६॥
O god, this act will be your first renowned deed. In the three worlds, your fame too will be imperishable. And the gods, O son of a god, will be under your control. (03-221-76)
महासेनेत्येवमुक्त्वा निवृत्तः सह दैवतैः। अनुज्ञातो भगवता त्र्यम्बकेन शचीपतिः ॥०३-२२१-७७॥
After thus speaking 'Mahāsena,' Śacī's lord (Indra), permitted by the blessed Tryambaka (Śiva), departed together with the gods. (03-221-77)
गतो भद्रवटं रुद्रो निवृत्ताश्च दिवौकसः। उक्ताश्च देवा रुद्रेण स्कन्दं पश्यत मामिव ॥०३-२२१-७८॥
Rudra has gone to Bhadravaṭa, and the gods have returned to heaven; Rudra also addressed the gods, saying, "Behold Skanda, as you behold me." (03-221-78)
स हत्वा दानवगणान्पूज्यमानो महर्षिभिः। एकाह्नैवाजयत्सर्वं त्रैलोक्यं वह्निनन्दनः ॥०३-२२१-७९॥
Having slain the hosts of Dānavas and honored by the great sages, the son of Agni conquered all the three worlds in a single day. (03-221-79)
स्कन्दस्य य इदं जन्म पठते सुसमाहितः। स पुष्टिमिह सम्प्राप्य स्कन्दसालोक्यतामियात् ॥०३-२२१-८०॥
Whoever recites this account of Skanda's birth with great concentration, after gaining prosperity here, attains to residence in the same realm as Skanda. (03-221-80)
