09.045
Library: Names of the illustrious mothers; Army of Skanda; Skanda kills the demon Lord Tāraka; Significance of the holy place named Aujasa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaishampayana spoke:
शृणु मातृगणान्राजन्कुमारानुचरानिमान्। कीर्त्यमानान्मया वीर सपत्नगणसूदनान् ॥९-४५-१॥
"Listen, O king, to these groups of mothers and followers of the princes, who are being praised by me, O hero, as the destroyers of the groups of enemies."
यशस्विनीनां मातॄणां शृणु नामानि भारत। याभिर्व्याप्तास्त्रयो लोकाः कल्याणीभिश्चराचराः ॥९-४५-२॥
O Bharata, listen to the names of the illustrious mothers, by whose auspiciousness the three worlds, both animate and inanimate, are pervaded.
प्रभावती विशालाक्षी पलिता गोनसी तथा। श्रीमती बहुला चैव तथैव बहुपुत्रिका ॥९-४५-३॥
Prabhavati, Vishalakshi, Palita, Gonasi, Shrimati, Bahula, and Bahuputrika are mentioned, each with their unique attributes.
अप्सुजाता च गोपाली बृहदम्बालिका तथा। जयावती मालतिका ध्रुवरत्ना भयङ्करी ॥९-४५-४॥
The one born in water, protector of cows, and great mother, also known as victorious, jasmine, constant jewel, and terrifying.
वसुदामा सुदामा च विशोका नन्दिनी तथा। एकचूडा महाचूडा चक्रनेमिश्च भारत ॥९-४५-५॥
Vasudama, Sudama, Vishoka, and Nandini, as well as Ekachuda, Mahachuda, and Chakranemi, were all present, O Bharata.
उत्तेजनी जयत्सेना कमलाक्ष्यथ शोभना। शत्रुञ्जया तथा चैव क्रोधना शलभी खरी ॥९-४५-६॥
The exciting and victorious army, with lotus-eyed beauty, is a conqueror of enemies. It is also indeed angry, like a locust and a donkey.
माधवी शुभवक्त्रा च तीर्थनेमिश्च भारत। गीतप्रिया च कल्याणी कद्रुला चामिताशना ॥९-४५-७॥
Madhavi, who is auspicious-faced, along with Tirthanemi and Bharata, is a lover of songs and auspicious. Kadru, who is an insatiable eater, is also mentioned.
मेघस्वना भोगवती सुभ्रूश्च कनकावती। अलाताक्षी वीर्यवती विद्युज्जिह्वा च भारत ॥९-४५-८॥
O Bharata, these are the descriptions of the divine beings: one who has the sound of clouds, possesses enjoyment, has beautiful eyebrows, is golden, has fiery eyes, possesses strength, and has a lightning tongue.
पद्मावती सुनक्षत्रा कन्दरा बहुयोजना। सन्तानिका च कौरव्य कमला च महाबला ॥९-४५-९॥
Padmavati, Sunakshatra, and a vast cave. Santanika and Kauravya, along with Kamala, are all of great strength.
सुदामा बहुदामा च सुप्रभा च यशस्विनी। नृत्यप्रिया च राजेन्द्र शतोलूखलमेखला ॥९-४५-१०॥
Sudama, Bahudama, Suprabha, Yashasvini, and Nrityapriya, O king, were adorned with a hundred mortar girdles.
शतघण्टा शतानन्दा भगनन्दा च भामिनी। वपुष्मती चन्द्रशीता भद्रकाली च भारत ॥९-४५-११॥
The radiant lady with a hundred bells and joys, delight of fortune, beautiful form, moon-cool, and auspicious Kali, O Bharata.
सङ्कारिका निष्कुटिका भ्रमा चत्वरवासिनी। सुमङ्गला स्वस्तिमती वृद्धिकामा जयप्रिया ॥९-४५-१२॥
The verse describes various attributes of a woman: she causes confusion, resides in secluded and public places, embodies delusion, is auspicious and prosperous, desires growth, and is beloved of victory.
धनदा सुप्रसादा च भवदा च जलेश्वरी। एडी भेडी समेडी च वेतालजननी तथा ॥ कण्डूतिः कालिका चैव देवमित्रा च भारत ॥९-४५-१३॥
The bestower of wealth, who is very gracious and the giver of existence, is also the goddess of water. Edi, Bhedi, and Samedi are the mothers of spirits. Additionally, there is itching, Kali, and indeed, Devamitra, the friend of the gods, along with Bharata.
लम्बसी केतकी चैव चित्रसेना तथा बला। कुक्कुटिका शङ्खनिका तथा जर्जरिका नृप ॥९-४५-१४॥
Lambasi, Ketaki, Citrasena, Bala, Kukkutika, Shankhanika, and Jarjarika were present, O king.
कुण्डारिका कोकलिका कण्डरा च शतोदरी। उत्क्राथिनी जरेणा च महावेगा च कङ्कणा ॥९-४५-१५॥
Kuṇḍārikā, Kokalikā, Kaṇḍarā, and Śatodarī. Utkrāthinī, Jareṇā, Mahāvegā, and Kaṅkaṇā are mentioned.
मनोजवा कण्टकिनी प्रघसा पूतना तथा। खशया चुर्व्युटिर्वामा क्रोशनाथ तडित्प्रभा ॥९-४५-१६॥
The swift one like the mind, thorny and voracious, is also a demoness; a destroyer and devourer, left-handed, lord of cries, with a splendor like lightning.
मण्डोदरी च तुण्डा च कोटरा मेघवासिनी। सुभगा लम्बिनी लम्बा वसुचूडा विकत्थनी ॥९-४५-१७॥
Mandodari, Tunda, Kotara, Meghavasini, Subhaga, Lambini, Lamba, Vasuchuda, and Vikatthani are mentioned.
ऊर्ध्ववेणीधरा चैव पिङ्गाक्षी लोहमेखला। पृथुवक्त्रा मधुरिका मधुकुम्भा तथैव च ॥९-४५-१८॥
She has an upward braid, reddish-brown eyes, an iron girdle, a broad face, and is sweet and honey pot-like.
पक्षालिका मन्थनिका जरायुर्जर्जरानना। ख्याता दहदहा चैव तथा धमधमा नृप ॥९-४५-१९॥
O king, the winged one, known for churning, with a membrane and a worn-out face, is famous for burning and resounding.
खण्डखण्डा च राजेन्द्र पूषणा मणिकुण्डला। अमोचा चैव कौरव्य तथा लम्बपयोधरा ॥९-४५-२०॥
O King, the one with jeweled earrings, nourishing and unfailing, descendant of Kuru, also with long breasts, is broken into pieces.
वेणुवीणाधरा चैव पिङ्गाक्षी लोहमेखला। शशोलूकमुखी कृष्णा खरजङ्घा महाजवा ॥९-४५-२१॥
She bears a flute and lute, has tawny eyes and an iron girdle. Her face resembles that of a hare and an owl, she is dark, has donkey-like thighs, and is very swift.
शिशुमारमुखी श्वेता लोहिताक्षी विभीषणा। जटालिका कामचरी दीर्घजिह्वा बलोत्कटा ॥९-४५-२२॥
The creature is described as having the face of a crocodile, being white in color, with red eyes, terrifying in appearance, having matted hair, wandering freely, possessing a long tongue, and being extremely powerful.
कालेडिका वामनिका मुकुटा चैव भारत। लोहिताक्षी महाकाया हरिपिण्डी च भूमिप ॥९-४५-२३॥
Kāleḍikā, Vāmanikā, and the crown indeed, O Bharata. The red-eyed, great-bodied Haripiṇḍī and the king are mentioned here.
एकाक्षरा सुकुसुमा कृष्णकर्णी च भारत। क्षुरकर्णी चतुष्कर्णी कर्णप्रावरणा तथा ॥९-४५-२४॥
O Bhārata, there are those with one syllable, beautifully flowered, black ears, razor ears, four ears, and covered ears.
चतुष्पथनिकेता च गोकर्णी महिषानना। खरकर्णी महाकर्णी भेरीस्वनमहास्वना ॥९-४५-२५॥
The one who dwells at crossroads, with ears like a cow and a donkey, a face like a buffalo, and a great sound like a drum.
शङ्खकुम्भस्वना चैव भङ्गदा च महाबला। गणा च सुगणा चैव तथाभीत्यथ कामदा ॥९-४५-२६॥
The conch and pot sounded mightily, breaking and mighty. Troops and good troops, thus fearless, then granting desires.
चतुष्पथरता चैव भूतितीर्थान्यगोचरा। पशुदा वित्तदा चैव सुखदा च महायशाः ॥ पयोदा गोमहिषदा सुविषाणा च भारत ॥९-४५-२७॥
The one who finds joy in crossroads and sacred places of prosperity, beyond ordinary perception, is a giver of cattle, wealth, happiness, and great fame. Also, a provider of water, cows, and buffaloes, well-equipped with horns, O Bharata.
प्रतिष्ठा सुप्रतिष्ठा च रोचमाना सुरोचना। गोकर्णी च सुकर्णी च ससिरा स्थेरिका तथा ॥ एकचक्रा मेघरवा मेघमाला विरोचना ॥९-४५-२८॥
The established and well-established ones, shining and bright, with cow's ears and good ears, armed with arrows, firm and steadfast; one-wheeled, sounding like clouds, with a garland of clouds, illuminating.
एताश्चान्याश्च बहवो मातरो भरतर्षभ। कार्त्तिकेयानुयायिन्यो नानारूपाः सहस्रशः ॥९-४५-२९॥
These and many other mothers, O best of the Bharatas, follow Kārtikeya in various forms, numbering in thousands.
दीर्घनख्यो दीर्घदन्त्यो दीर्घतुण्ड्यश्च भारत। सरला मधुराश्चैव यौवनस्थाः स्वलङ्कृताः ॥९-४५-३०॥
O Bharata, they are long-nailed, long-toothed, and long-snouted, simple and sweet, indeed in the prime of their youth and well-adorned.
माहात्म्येन च संयुक्ताः कामरूपधरास्तथा। निर्मांसगात्र्यः श्वेताश्च तथा काञ्चनसंनिभाः ॥९-४५-३१॥
They are endowed with greatness, capable of assuming any form they desire, having bodies without flesh, appearing white and golden-hued.
कृष्णमेघनिभाश्चान्या धूम्राश्च भरतर्षभ। अरुणाभा महाभागा दीर्घकेश्यः सिताम्बराः ॥९-४५-३२॥
O best of Bharatas, there are others who are dark as rain clouds, some are grey, some have a reddish glow, they are fortunate, with long hair, and dressed in white.
ऊर्ध्ववेणीधराश्चैव पिङ्गाक्ष्यो लम्बमेखलाः। लम्बोदर्यो लम्बकर्णास्तथा लम्बपयोधराः ॥९-४५-३३॥
The women described here have high braids, tawny eyes, hanging girdles, bellies, ears, and breasts, emphasizing their distinctive and exaggerated features.
ताम्राक्ष्यस्ताम्रवर्णाश्च हर्यक्ष्यश्च तथापराः। वरदाः कामचारिण्यो नित्यप्रमुदितास्तथा ॥९-४५-३४॥
They are copper-eyed, copper-colored, and green-eyed, and others like them; they grant boons, move freely, and are always joyful.
याम्यो रौद्र्यस्तथा सौम्याः कौबेर्योऽथ महाबलाः। वारुण्योऽथ च माहेन्द्र्यस्तथाग्नेय्यः परन्तप ॥९-४५-३५॥
O scorcher of foes, there are mighty beings associated with Yama, Rudra, Soma, Kubera, Varuna, Indra, and Agni.
वायव्यश्चाथ कौमार्यो ब्राह्म्यश्च भरतर्षभ। रूपेणाप्सरसां तुल्या जवे वायुसमास्तथा ॥९-४५-३६॥
O best of the Bharatas, then the wives of the northwest, Kumara, and Brahma, who are equal in beauty to the Apsaras and in speed to the wind, appeared.
परपुष्टोपमा वाक्ये तथर्द्ध्या धनदोपमाः। शक्रवीर्योपमाश्चैव दीप्त्या वह्निसमास्तथा ॥९-४५-३७॥
In their nourishment, they are like others; in speech and prosperity, they resemble Kubera; in strength, they are akin to Indra; and in brilliance, they are like fire.
वृक्षचत्वरवासिन्यश्चतुष्पथनिकेतनाः। गुहाश्मशानवासिन्यः शैलप्रस्रवणालयाः ॥९-४५-३८॥
The women who dwell in trees, crossroads, caves, cremation grounds, and mountain springs.
नानाभरणधारिण्यो नानामाल्याम्बरास्तथा। नानाविचित्रवेषाश्च नानाभाषास्तथैव च ॥९-४५-३९॥
They wore various ornaments, garlands, and clothes, and had colorful attires and spoke different languages.
एते चान्ये च बहवो गणाः शत्रुभयङ्कराः। अनुजग्मुर्महात्मानं त्रिदशेन्द्रस्य संमते ॥९-४५-४०॥
These and many other fearsome troops, terrifying to the enemy, followed the great soul, in agreement with the lord of the thirty gods.
ततः शक्त्यस्त्रमददद्भगवान्पाकशासनः। गुहाय राजशार्दूल विनाशाय सुरद्विषाम् ॥९-४५-४१॥
Then, the divine Indra bestowed the mighty weapon upon Guha, the tiger among kings, to destroy the enemies of the gods.
महास्वनां महाघण्टां द्योतमानां सितप्रभाम्। तरुणादित्यवर्णां च पताकां भरतर्षभ ॥९-४५-४२॥
O best of the Bharatas, there was a flag that was great-sounding with large bells, shining with a white lustre, and colored like the young sun.
ददौ पशुपतिस्तस्मै सर्वभूतमहाचमूम्। उग्रां नानाप्रहरणां तपोवीर्यबलान्विताम् ॥९-४५-४३॥
The Lord of all creatures, Paśupati, bestowed upon him a formidable army composed of all beings, equipped with diverse weapons and endowed with the strength and power derived from austerity.
विष्णुर्ददौ वैजयन्तीं मालां बलविवर्धिनीम्। उमा ददौ चारजसी वाससी सूर्यसप्रभे ॥९-४५-४४॥
Vishnu bestowed the Vaijayanti garland, known for enhancing strength, while Uma presented garments of fine cloth that shone like the sun.
गङ्गा कमण्डलुं दिव्यममृतोद्भवमुत्तमम्। ददौ प्रीत्या कुमाराय दण्डं चैव बृहस्पतिः ॥९-४५-४५॥
Ganga, with affection, gave the divine water pot, born of nectar and excellent, to the prince, and Brihaspati indeed gave the staff.
गरुडो दयितं पुत्रं मयूरं चित्रबर्हिणम्। अरुणस्ताम्रचूडं च प्रददौ चरणायुधम् ॥९-४५-४६॥
Garuda gave his beloved son, the peacock with colorful feathers, and Aruna, who had a copper crest, a weapon for the feet.
पाशं तु वरुणो राजा बलवीर्यसमन्वितम्। कृष्णाजिनं तथा ब्रह्मा ब्रह्मण्याय ददौ प्रभुः ॥ समरेषु जयं चैव प्रददौ लोकभावनः ॥९-४५-४७॥
Varuna, the mighty king, gave the noose endowed with strength and heroism. Brahma, the lord, also presented the black antelope skin to the pious. The benefactor of the world granted victory in battles.
सेनापत्यमनुप्राप्य स्कन्दो देवगणस्य ह। शुशुभे ज्वलितोऽर्चिष्मान्द्वितीय इव पावकः ॥ ततः पारिषदैश्चैव मातृभिश्च समन्वितः ॥९-४५-४८॥
Skanda, having assumed the leadership of the assembly of gods, shone brightly like a blazing fire. Then he was accompanied by his attendants and the divine mothers.
सा सेना नैरृती भीमा सघण्टोच्छ्रितकेतना। सभेरीशङ्खमुरजा सायुधा सपताकिनी ॥९-४५-४९॥
The terrifying army of the demons, adorned with bells and raised banners, equipped with drums, conches, and murajas, was fully armed and decorated with flags.
शारदी द्यौरिवाभाति ज्योतिर्भिरुपशोभिता ॥९-४५-४९॥
The sky shines like it does in autumn, beautifully adorned with lights.
ततो देवनिकायास्ते भूतसेनागणास्तथा। वादयामासुरव्यग्रा भेरीशङ्खांश्च पुष्कलान् ॥९-४५-५०॥
Then, the hosts of ghostly armies from the divine assembly eagerly began to play their drums and conches in abundance.
पटहाञ्झर्झरांश्चैव कृकचान्गोविषाणिकान्। आडम्बरान्गोमुखांश्च डिण्डिमांश्च महास्वनान् ॥९-४५-५१॥
"Drums, cymbals, saws, horns, kettledrums, trumpets, and drums resounded with great sounds."
तुष्टुवुस्ते कुमारं च सर्वे देवाः सवासवाः। जगुश्च देवगन्धर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः ॥९-४५-५२॥
All the gods, along with Indra, praised the prince. The divine Gandharvas sang, and the Apsaras danced joyfully.
ततः प्रीतो महासेनस्त्रिदशेभ्यो वरं ददौ। रिपून्हन्तास्मि समरे ये वो वधचिकीर्षवः ॥९-४५-५३॥
Pleased with the gods, Mahasena granted them a boon, promising to destroy their enemies in battle who intended to harm them.
प्रतिगृह्य वरं देवास्तस्माद्विबुधसत्तमात्। प्रीतात्मानो महात्मानो मेनिरे निहतान्रिपून् ॥९-४५-५४॥
The gods, having received the boon from the best of the wise, felt content and believed that their enemies were defeated.
सर्वेषां भूतसङ्घानां हर्षान्नादः समुत्थितः। अपूरयत लोकांस्त्रीन्वरे दत्ते महात्मना ॥९-४५-५५॥
A joyous sound arose from all the assemblies of beings, filling the three worlds as the great soul granted the boon.
स निर्ययौ महासेनो महत्या सेनया वृतः। वधाय युधि दैत्यानां रक्षार्थं च दिवौकसाम् ॥९-४५-५६॥
Mahasena set out with a mighty army to slay the demons in battle and to protect the celestial beings.
व्यवसायो जयो धर्मः सिद्धिर्लक्ष्मीर्धृतिः स्मृतिः। महासेनस्य सैन्यानामग्रे जग्मुर्नराधिप ॥९-४५-५७॥
O king, effort, victory, righteousness, success, prosperity, steadfastness, and memory led the armies of Mahasena.
स तया भीमया देवः शूलमुद्गरहस्तया। गदामुसलनाराचशक्तितोमरहस्तया ॥ दृप्तसिंहनिनादिन्या विनद्य प्रययौ गुहः ॥९-४५-५८॥
Guha, the god, accompanied by the terrifying goddess holding a trident and mace, and equipped with a club, pestle, iron arrow, spear, and javelin, departed with a roar like a proud lion.
तं दृष्ट्वा सर्वदैतेया राक्षसा दानवास्तथा। व्यद्रवन्त दिशः सर्वा भयोद्विग्नाः समन्ततः ॥ अभ्यद्रवन्त देवास्तान्विविधायुधपाणयः ॥९-४५-५९॥
Upon seeing him, all the Daityas, Rakshasas, and Danavas, struck with fear, fled in every direction. The gods, armed with various weapons, attacked them.
दृष्ट्वा च स ततः क्रुद्धः स्कन्दस्तेजोबलान्वितः। शक्त्यस्त्रं भगवान्भीमं पुनः पुनरवासृजत् ॥ आदधच्चात्मनस्तेजो हविषेद्ध इवानलः ॥९-४५-६०॥
Upon seeing this, Skanda, filled with energy and strength, became angry and repeatedly released the terrible weapon of power. He absorbed his own energy like fire consuming an offering.
अभ्यस्यमाने शक्त्यस्त्रे स्कन्देनामिततेजसा। उल्काज्वाला महाराज पपात वसुधातले ॥९-४५-६१॥
As Skanda, the one with immeasurable splendor, practiced the powerful weapon, a meteor's flame descended upon the earth, O great king.
संह्रादयन्तश्च तथा निर्घाताश्चापतन्क्षितौ। यथान्तकालसमये सुघोराः स्युस्तथा नृप ॥९-४५-६२॥
O king, causing great noise, thunderbolts fell on the earth, appearing as very terrible as they would be at the time of the end.
क्षिप्ता ह्येका तथा शक्तिः सुघोरानलसूनुना। ततः कोट्यो विनिष्पेतुः शक्तीनां भरतर्षभ ॥९-४५-६३॥
A single spear was hurled by the terrifying son of fire, and then, O best of the Bharatas, millions of spears appeared.
स शक्त्यस्त्रेण सङ्ग्रामे जघान भगवान्प्रभुः। दैत्येन्द्रं तारकं नाम महाबलपराक्रमम् ॥ वृतं दैत्यायुतैर्वीरैर्बलिभिर्दशभिर्नृप ॥९-४५-६४॥
In the battle, the divine lord used the weapon Śakti to kill the demon lord named Tāraka, who was of great strength and valor, and was surrounded by tens of thousands of demon warriors, heroes, and strong fighters, O king.
महिषं चाष्टभिः पद्मैर्वृतं सङ्ख्ये निजघ्निवान्। त्रिपादं चायुतशतैर्जघान दशभिर्वृतम् ॥९-४५-६५॥
In the battle, he killed the buffalo surrounded by eight lotuses and slayed the three-footed creature surrounded by hundreds of thousands with ten.
ह्रदोदरं निखर्वैश्च वृतं दशभिरीश्वरः। जघानानुचरैः सार्धं विविधायुधपाणिभिः ॥९-४५-६६॥
The lord, surrounded by millions, along with his followers, killed using various weapons in their hands.
तत्राकुर्वन्त विपुलं नादं वध्यत्सु शत्रुषु। कुमारानुचरा राजन्पूरयन्तो दिशो दश ॥९-४५-६७॥
There, the followers of the princes made a loud noise as the enemies were being killed, filling all ten directions, O king.
शक्त्यस्त्रस्य तु राजेन्द्र ततोऽर्चिर्भिः समन्ततः। दग्धाः सहस्रशो दैत्या नादैः स्कन्दस्य चापरे ॥९-४५-६८॥
O King of kings, the weapon of power then emitted flames all around, burning thousands of demons with the sounds of Skanda and others.
पताकयावधूताश्च हताः केचित्सुरद्विषः। केचिद्घण्टारवत्रस्ता निपेतुर्वसुधातले ॥ केचित्प्रहरणैश्छिन्ना विनिपेतुर्गतासवः ॥९-४५-६९॥
Some enemies of the gods were killed by the shaking of the flag; some were terrified by the sound of the bell and fell to the ground; others were cut down by weapons and fell lifeless.
एवं सुरद्विषोऽनेकान्बलवानाततायिनः। जघान समरे वीरः कार्त्तिकेयो महाबलः ॥९-४५-७०॥
Thus, the mighty hero Kārttikeya defeated numerous powerful enemies of the gods in battle.
बाणो नामाथ दैतेयो बलेः पुत्रो महाबलः। क्रौञ्चं पर्वतमासाद्य देवसङ्घानबाधत ॥९-४५-७१॥
Bāṇa, the very powerful demon and son of Bali, reached the Krauncha mountain and disturbed the groups of gods.
तमभ्ययान्महासेनः सुरशत्रुमुदारधीः। स कार्त्तिकेयस्य भयात्क्रौञ्चं शरणमेयिवान् ॥९-४५-७२॥
Mahasena, known for his noble mind, approached the enemy of the gods. Fearing Kartikeya, he sought refuge in Krauncha.
ततः क्रौञ्चं महामन्युः क्रौञ्चनादनिनादितम्। शक्त्या बिभेद भगवान्कार्त्तिकेयोऽग्निदत्तया ॥९-४५-७३॥
Then, in his great anger, the divine Kartikeya pierced the Krauncha bird with his spear, which was a gift from Agni, causing it to resound with its cry.
सशालस्कन्धसरलं त्रस्तवानरवारणम्। पुलिनत्रस्तविहगं विनिष्पतितपन्नगम् ॥९-४५-७४॥
The scene was filled with trees having straight branches, where frightened monkeys and elephants roamed. On the riverbank, birds were startled, and serpents emerged from their hiding.
गोलाङ्गूलर्क्षसङ्घैश्च द्रवद्भिरनुनादितम्। कुरङ्गगतिनिर्घोषमुद्भ्रान्तसृमराचितम् ॥९-४५-७५॥
The forest echoed with the sounds of running monkeys and bears, and was filled with the noise of agitated deer and antelopes moving swiftly.
विनिष्पतद्भिः शरभैः सिंहैश्च सहसा द्रुतैः। शोच्यामपि दशां प्राप्तो रराजैव स पर्वतः ॥९-४५-७६॥
Even when the mountain was in a pitiful state, it shone brightly as beasts and lions leaped suddenly and swiftly upon it.
विद्याधराः समुत्पेतुस्तस्य शृङ्गनिवासिनः। किंनराश्च समुद्विग्नाः शक्तिपातरवोद्धताः ॥९-४५-७७॥
The celestial beings residing on the peaks rose up, and the Kinnaras were also disturbed by the sound of the descending force.
ततो दैत्या विनिष्पेतुः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः। प्रदीप्तात्पर्वतश्रेष्ठाद्विचित्राभरणस्रजः ॥९-४५-७८॥
Then, from the blazing best of mountains, demons emerged in hundreds and thousands, adorned with various ornaments and garlands.
तान्निजघ्नुरतिक्रम्य कुमारानुचरा मृधे। बिभेद शक्त्या क्रौञ्चं च पावकिः परवीरहा ॥९-४५-७९॥
The prince's followers, having overcome them, killed in battle; the son of Pavaka, a destroyer of enemy heroes, pierced Krauncha with his spear.
बहुधा चैकधा चैव कृत्वात्मानं महात्मना। शक्तिः क्षिप्ता रणे तस्य पाणिमेति पुनः पुनः ॥९-४५-८०॥
The great soul, having manifested himself in many forms and in one, repeatedly sends forth his power in battle, which returns to his hand again and again.
एवम्प्रभावो भगवानतो भूयश्च पावकिः। क्रौञ्चस्तेन विनिर्भिन्नो दैत्याश्च शतशो हताः ॥९-४५-८१॥
Thus, the divine is powerful, and therefore, like fire, he pierced the Krauncha mountain and killed hundreds of demons.
ततः स भगवान्देवो निहत्य विबुधद्विषः। सभाज्यमानो विबुधैः परं हर्षमवाप ह ॥९-४५-८२॥
Then the blessed Lord, having defeated the enemies of the gods, was praised by the gods and attained supreme joy.
ततो दुन्दुभयो राजन्नेदुः शङ्खाश्च भारत। मुमुचुर्देवयोषाश्च पुष्पवर्षमनुत्तमम् ॥९-४५-८३॥
Then, O King, the drums and conches resounded, and the divine maidens showered an unparalleled rain of flowers, O descendant of Bharata.
दिव्यगन्धमुपादाय ववौ पुण्यश्च मारुतः। गन्धर्वास्तुष्टुवुश्चैनं यज्वानश्च महर्षयः ॥९-४५-८४॥
The auspicious wind carried the divine fragrance, and the Gandharvas, along with the sacrificers and great sages, praised him.
केचिदेनं व्यवस्यन्ति पितामहसुतं प्रभुम्। सनत्कुमारं सर्वेषां ब्रह्मयोनिं तमग्रजम् ॥९-४५-८५॥
Some consider him to be the lord, the son of the grandfather, Sanatkumara, the source of Brahma, and the elder of all.
केचिन्महेश्वरसुतं केचित्पुत्रं विभावसोः। उमायाः कृत्तिकानां च गङ्गायाश्च वदन्त्युत ॥९-४५-८६॥
Some describe him as the son of Maheshvara, others as the son of Agni. He is also said to be born of Uma, the Krittikas, and Ganga.
एकधा च द्विधा चैव चतुर्धा च महाबलम्। योगिनामीश्वरं देवं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥९-४५-८७॥
The great strength of the yogis, the lord god, manifests in one way, two ways, and indeed in four ways, hundreds and then thousands of times.
एतत्ते कथितं राजन्कार्त्तिकेयाभिषेचनम्। शृणु चैव सरस्वत्यास्तीर्थवंशस्य पुण्यताम् ॥९-४५-८८॥
This narrative of Kartikeya's consecration has been told to you, O king. Now, listen to the sacredness of the lineage of Saraswati's pilgrimage.
बभूव तीर्थप्रवरं हतेषु सुरशत्रुषु। कुमारेण महाराज त्रिविष्टपमिवापरम् ॥९-४५-८९॥
O great king, when the enemies of the gods were slain by the prince, it became the best of holy places, like another heavenly abode.
ऐश्वर्याणि च तत्रस्थो ददावीशः पृथक्पृथक्। तदा नैरृतमुख्येभ्यस्त्रैलोक्ये पावकात्मजः ॥९-४५-९०॥
The lord, present there, distributed wealth separately to each of the chief demons across the three worlds, then the son of the fire god acted.
एवं स भगवांस्तस्मिंस्तीर्थे दैत्यकुलान्तकः। अभिषिक्तो महाराज देवसेनापतिः सुरैः ॥९-४५-९१॥
Thus, the blessed one, known as the destroyer of demon clans, was anointed by the gods in that sacred place as the great king and commander of the divine army.
औजसं नाम तत्तीर्थं यत्र पूर्वमपां पतिः। अभिषिक्तः सुरगणैर्वरुणो भरतर्षभ ॥९-४५-९२॥
The holy place named Aujasa is where, in ancient times, Varuna, the lord of waters, was anointed by the assembly of gods, O esteemed descendant of Bharata.
तस्मिंस्तीर्थवरे स्नात्वा स्कन्दं चाभ्यर्च्य लाङ्गली। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ रुक्मं वासांस्याभरणानि च ॥९-४५-९३॥
In that sacred place, after bathing and worshipping Skanda, Balarama offered gold, clothes, and jewels to the Brahmins.
उषित्वा रजनीं तत्र माधवः परवीरहा। पूज्य तीर्थवरं तच्च स्पृष्ट्वा तोयं च लाङ्गली ॥ हृष्टः प्रीतमनाश्चैव ह्यभवन्माधवोत्तमः ॥९-४५-९४॥
Madhava, the supreme and joyful plough-wielder, having spent the night there, worshipped the best of pilgrimage sites and touched the water, becoming pleased in mind.
एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि। यथाभिषिक्तो भगवान्स्कन्दो देवैः समागतैः ॥९-४५-९५॥
This is all that has been explained to you, as you have asked me, just as the blessed Skanda was anointed by the gods who had assembled.
