Skandapurana 6.3.56

6.3.56.p1

adhyāya 56

6.3.56.1

uttānapāda uvāca -
anyacca śrotumicchāmi kena gaṅgāvatāritā .
rudraśīrṣe sthitā devī puṇyā kathamihāgatā .. 56.1 ..

Uttānapāda said: / I wish to hear something else: by whom was Gaṅgā brought down? / How did the holy goddess, dwelling on the head of Rudra, come here?

6.3.56.2

puṇyā devāśilā nāma tasyā māhātmyamuttamam .
etadākhyāhi me sarvaṃ prasanno yadi śaṅkara .. 56.2 ..

The sacred stone named Devaśilā, and its excellent māhātmya— / tell me all this, if you are pleased, O Śaṅkara.

6.3.56.3

īśvara uvāca -
śṛṇuṣvaikamanā bhūtvā yathā gaṅgāvatāritā .
devaiḥ sarvairmahābhāgā sarvalokahitāya vai .. 56.3 ..

Īśvara said: / Listen with single-minded attention to how the highly fortunate Gaṅgā was brought down / by all the gods for the welfare of all the worlds.

6.3.56.4

asti vindhyo nago nāma yāmyāśāyāṃ mahīpate .
gīrvāṇāstu gatāḥ sarve tasya mūrdhni nareśvara .. 56.4 ..

There is a mountain named Vindhya in the southern direction, O king. / All the gods went to its summit, O ruler of men.

6.3.56.5

tatra cāhvānitā gaṅgā brahmādyairakhilaiḥ suraiḥ .
abhyarcyeśaṃ jagannāthaṃ devadevaṃ jagadgurum .. 56.5 ..

There Gaṅgā was invoked by all the gods headed by Brahmā, / after worshiping the Lord, the Lord of the universe, the god of gods, the teacher of the universe,

6.3.56.6

jaṭāmadhyasthitāṃ gaṅgāṃ mocayasveti bhūtale .
bhāsvantī sā tato muktā rudreṇa śirasā bhuvi .. 56.6 ..

[saying,] "Release Gaṅgā, who resides within your matted hair, onto the surface of the earth." / Then that radiant one was released by Rudra from his head to the earth.

6.3.56.7

tatra sthāne mahāpuṇyā devairutpāditā svayam .
tato devanadī jātā sā hitāya nṛṇāṃ bhuvi .. 56.7 ..

At that place, the highly sacred [river] was brought forth by the gods themselves. / Then she became the river of the gods for the welfare of men on earth.

6.3.56.8

vasanti ye taṭe tasyāḥ snānaṃ kurvanti bhaktitaḥ .
pibanti ca jalaṃ nityaṃ na te yānti yamālayam .. 56.8 ..

Those who live on her bank, take their bath with devotion, / and constantly drink her water, do not go to the abode of Yama.

6.3.56.9

yatra sā patitā kuṇḍe śūlabhede narādhipa .
devanadyāḥ pratīcyāṃ tu tatra prācī sarasvatī .. 56.9 ..

Where she fell into the pool at Śūlabheda, O king, / to the west of that divine river is the eastward-flowing Sarasvatī.

6.3.56.10

yāmyāyāṃ śūlabhedasya tatra tīrthamanuttamam .
tatra devaśilā puṇyā svayaṃ devena nirmitā .. 56.10 ..

To the south of Śūlabheda is an unsurpassed sacred ford. / There is the holy Devaśilā, fashioned by the god himself.

6.3.56.11

tatra snātvā tu yo bhaktyā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ .
pitarastasya tṛpyanti yāvadābhūtasamplavam .. 56.11 ..

Whoever, having bathed there with devotion, offers libations to the ancestors and gods, / his ancestors are satisfied until the dissolution of all beings.

6.3.56.12

tatra snātvā tu yo bhaktyā brāhmaṇān bhojayennṛpa .
svalpānnenāpi dattena tasya cānto na vidyate .. 56.12 ..

Whoever, having bathed there with devotion, feeds brahmins, O king, / even with a little food given, there is no end to its [merit].

6.3.56.13

uttānapāda uvāca -
kāni dānāni dattāni śastāni dharaṇītale .
yāni dattvā naro bhaktyā mucyate sarvapātakaiḥ .. 56.13 ..

Uttānapāda said: / What gifts given on the surface of the earth are commended, / by giving which a man is freed from all sins with devotion?

6.3.56.14

devaśilāyā māhātmyaṃ snānadānādijaṃ phalam .
vratopavāsaniyamairyatprāpyaṃ tadvadasva me .. 56.14 ..

Tell me the māhātmya of Devaśilā, the fruit arising from bath, gift, and other rites, / and what is to be attained by vows, fasts, and observances.

6.3.56.15

īśvara uvāca -
āsītpurā mahāvīryaścedinātho mahābalaḥ .
vīrasena iti khyāto maṇḍalādhipatirnṛpa .. 56.15 ..

Īśvara said: / In ancient times there was a ruler of Cedi of great valor and great strength, / known as Vīrasena, a ruler of a realm, O king.

6.3.56.16

rāṣṭre tasya ripurnāsti na vyādhirna ca taskarāḥ .
na cādharmo'bhavattatra dharma eva hi sarvadā .. 56.16 ..

In his kingdom there was no enemy, no disease, and no thieves; / there was no unrighteousness there, but only righteousness at all times.

6.3.56.17

sadā mudānvito rājā sabhāryo bahuputrakaḥ .
ekāsīdduhitā tasya surūpā girijā yathā .. 56.17 ..

The king was always filled with joy, accompanied by his wife, having many sons. / He had one daughter, beautiful like Girijā.

6.3.56.18

iṣṭā sā pitṛmātṛbhyāṃ bandhuvargajanasya ca .
kṛtaṃ vaivāhikaṃ karma kāle prāpte yathāvidhi .. 56.18 ..

She was dear to her parents and to the circle of relatives; / when the proper time arrived, her marriage ceremony was performed according to rule.

6.3.56.19

anantaraṃ cedipatirdvādaśābdamakhe sthitaḥ .
tatastasyāstu yo bhartā sa mṛtyuvaśamāgataḥ .. 56.19 ..

Thereafter, the lord of Cedi engaged in a twelve-year sacrifice. / Then her husband fell into the power of death.

6.3.56.20

vidhavāṃ tāṃ sutāṃ dṛṣṭvā rājā śokasamanvitaḥ .
uvāca vacanaṃ tatra svabhāryāṃ duḥkhapīḍitām .. 56.20 ..

Seeing that daughter widowed, the king, filled with grief, / spoke these words to his wife, who was afflicted with sorrow:

6.3.56.21

priye duḥkhamidaṃ jātaṃ yāvajjīvaṃ suduḥsaham .
naiṣā rakṣayituṃ śakyā rūpayauvanagarvitā .. 56.21 ..

"My dear, this sorrow that has arisen will be very hard to endure for as long as we live.
Proud of her beauty and youth, she cannot be protected.

6.3.56.22

dūṣayeta kulaṃ kvāpi kathaṃ rakṣyā hi bālikā .
nopāyo vidyate kvāpi bhānumatyāśca rakṣaṇe .
parasparaṃ vivadatoḥ śrutvā tatkanyakābravīt .. 56.22 ..

She might bring disgrace upon the family somewhere; how indeed can a young girl be guarded?
There is no means anywhere to protect Bhānumatī."
As they were disputing with each other, hearing that, the maiden spoke:

6.3.56.23

bhānumatyuvāca -
na lajjāmi tavāgre'haṃ jalpantī tāta karhicit .
satyaṃ notpadyate doṣo madarthe te narādhipa .. 56.23 ..

Bhānumatī said:
"I do not feel ashamed, father, speaking before you at any time.
In truth, no fault will arise on my account for you, O ruler of men.

6.3.56.24

adyaprabhṛtyahaṃ tāta dhārayiṣye na mūrdhajān .
sthūlavastrapaṭārddhaṃ tu dhārayiṣyāmi te gṛhe .. 56.24 ..

From today onward, father, I will not keep hair on my head.
And in your house I will wear only half a piece of coarse cloth.

6.3.56.25

kariṣyāmi vratānyāśu purāṇavihitāni ca .
ātmānaṃ śoṣayiṣyāmi toṣayiṣye janārdanam .. 56.25 ..

I will immediately undertake religious observances prescribed in the Purāṇas.
I will emaciate myself, and I will please Janārdana.

6.3.56.26

mamaiṣā vartate buddhiryadi tvaṃ tāta manyase .
bhānumatyā vacaḥ śrutvā rājā saṃharṣito'bhavat .. 56.26 ..

This is my resolve, if you approve, O father."
Hearing Bhānumatī's words, the king became delighted.

6.3.56.27

tīrthayātrāṃ samuddiśya kośaṃ dattvā supuṣkalam .
visṛjya puruṣānvṛddhān kṛtvā tasyāḥ surakṣaṇe .. 56.27 ..

Having assigned a pilgrimage to sacred fords, he gave her an abundant treasury.
Having dispatched elderly men, arranging for her good protection,

6.3.56.28

puruṣān sāyudhāṃścāpi brāhmaṇānsapurohitān .
dāsīdāsānpadātīṃśca cāsyāḥ saṃrakṣaṇakṣamān .. 56.28 ..

And men bearing weapons, brahmins along with royal priests,
Female and male servants, and foot soldiers capable of protecting her,

6.3.56.29

tataḥ piturmatenaiva gaṅgātīraṃ gatā satī .
avagāhya taṭe dve tu gaṅgāyāḥ sa narādhipa .. 56.29 ..

Then, by her father's consent, that virtuous woman went to the bank of the Gaṅgā.
Having bathed on both banks of the Gaṅgā, O ruler of men,

6.3.56.30

nityaṃ sampūjya sadviprāngandhamālyādibhūṣaṇaiḥ .
dvādaśābdāni sā tīre gaṅgāyāḥ samavasthitā .. 56.30 ..

Always worshipping noble brahmins with perfumes, garlands, and ornaments,
She resided on the bank of the Gaṅgā for twelve years.

6.3.56.31

tyaktvā gaṅgāṃ tadā rājñī gatā kāṣṭhāṃ tu dakṣiṇām .
prāptā sā sacivaiḥ sārddhaṃ yatra revā mahānadī .. 56.31 ..

Then, having left the Gaṅgā, the princess went toward the southern quarter.
Together with the ministers she arrived where the great river Revā is.

6.3.56.32

samāḥ pañca sthitā tatra oṅkāre'marakaṇṭake .
udagyāmyeṣu tīrtheṣu tīrthāttīrthaṃ jagāma sā .. 56.32 ..

She stayed there for five years at Oṅkāra and Amarakaṇṭaka.
She went from sacred ford to sacred ford among the northern and southern sacred fords.

6.3.56.33

snātvā snātvā pūjya viprān bhaktipūrvamatandritā .
vāruṇīṃ sā diśaṃ gatvā devanadyāśca saṅgame .. 56.33 ..

Bathing repeatedly, worshipping brahmins with devotion, never indolent,
Having gone toward the western quarter, to the confluence of the divine river,

6.3.56.34

dadarśa cāśramaṃ puṇyaṃ munisaṅghaiḥ samākulam .
dṛṣṭvā munisamūhaṃ sā praṇipatyedamabravīt .. 56.34 ..

She saw a holy hermitage crowded with hosts of sages.
Seeing the multitude of sages, she bowed down and said this:

6.3.56.35

māhātmyamasya tīrthasya nāma caivāsya kīdṛśam .
kathayantu mahābhāgāḥ prasādaḥ kriyatāṃ mama .. 56.35 ..

"What is the māhātmya of this sacred ford, and what is its name?
May your honors tell me; let favor be shown to me."

6.3.56.36

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ .
cakratīrthaṃ tu vikhyātaṃ cakraṃ dattaṃ purā hareḥ .
maheśvareṇa tuṣṭena devadevena śūlinā .. 56.36 ..

The seers said:
"It is renowned as Cakratīrtha; formerly the discus was given to Hari
By Maheśvara, the god of gods who holds the trident, when he was pleased.

6.3.56.37

atra tīrthe tu yaḥ snātvā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ .
anivartikā gatistasya jāyate nātra saṃśayaḥ .. 56.37 ..

Whoever bathes in this sacred ford and satisfies the ancestors and the deities,
His state becomes one from which there is no return; there is no doubt about this.

6.3.56.38

dvitīye'hni tato gacchecchūlabhede tapasvini .
pūrvoktena vidhānena snānaṃ kuryādyathāvidhi .. 56.38 ..

On the second day, one should then go to Śūlabheda, O woman of austerities.
According to the rite mentioned before, one should perform ritual ablution as prescribed.

6.3.56.39

janmatrayakṛtaiḥ pāpairmucyate nātra saṃśayaḥ .
jalena tilamātreṇa pradadyādañjalitrayam .. 56.39 ..

He is freed from the sins committed in three lifetimes; there is no doubt about this.
With water containing merely sesame seeds, one should offer three handfuls of water.

6.3.56.40

tṛpyanti pitarastasya dvādaśābdānyasaṃśayam .
yaḥ śrāddhaṃ kurute bhaktyā śrotriyairbrāhmaṇairnṛpa .. 56.40 ..

His ancestors are satisfied for twelve years, without a doubt.
Whoever performs a śrāddha with devotion by means of brahmins learned in the Vedas, O king,

6.3.56.41

vārddhuṣyādyāstu varjyante pitḥṇāṃ dattamakṣayam .
apare'hṇi tato gacchetpuṇyāṃ devaśilāṃ śubhām .. 56.41 ..

Usurers and the like being excluded, that which is given to the ancestors becomes imperishable.
On the next day, one should then go to the holy, auspicious Devaśilā.

6.3.56.42

vīkṣyate jāhnavī puṇyā devairutpāditā purā .
snātvā tatra jalaṃ dadyāttilamiśraṃ narādhipa .. 56.42 ..

There is seen the holy Jāhnavī, brought forth by the gods in ancient times.
Having bathed there, one should offer water mixed with sesame seeds, O ruler of men.

6.3.56.43

sakṛtpiṇḍapradānena mucyate brahmahatyayā .
ekādaśyāmupoṣitvā pakṣayorubhayorapi .. 56.43 ..

By offering a funerary ball of rice just once, one is freed from the murder of a brahmin.
Fasting on the eleventh lunar day in both fortnights,

6.3.56.44

kṣapājāgaraṇaṃ kuryātpaṭhetpaurāṇikīṃ kathām .
viṣṇupūjāṃ prakurvīta puṣpadhūpanivedanaiḥ .. 56.44 ..

One should keep a night vigil and recite a narrative from the Purāṇas.
One should perform worship of Viṣṇu with offerings of flowers and incense.

6.3.56.45

prabhāte bhojayedviprān dānaṃ dadyātsaśaktitaḥ .
caturthe'hni tato gacchedyatra prācī sarasvatī .. 56.45 ..

At dawn one should feed brahmins and give gifts according to one's ability.
On the fourth day, one should then go to where the eastward-flowing Sarasvatī is,

6.3.56.46

brahmadehādviniṣkrāntā pāvanārthaṃ śarīriṇām .
tatra snātvā naro bhaktyā tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ .. 56.46 ..

Which emerged from the body of Brahmā for the purification of embodied beings.
Having bathed there with devotion, a man should satisfy the ancestors and deities.

6.3.56.47

śrāddhaṃ kṛtvā yathānyāyamanindyān bhojayeddvijān .
pitarastasya tṛpyanti dvādaśābdānyasaṃśayam .. 56.47 ..

Having performed a śrāddha according to rule, he should feed irreproachable brahmins.
His ancestors are satisfied for twelve years, without a doubt.

6.3.56.48

sarvadevamayaṃ sthānaṃ sarvatīrthamayaṃ tathā .
devakoṭisamākīrṇaṃ koṭiliṅgottamottamam .. 56.48 ..

The place is composed of all the gods, and likewise composed of all the sacred fords;
It is crowded with ten million deities, the highest of the high with ten million liṅgas.

6.3.56.49

trirātraṃ kurute yo'tra śuciḥ snātvā jitendriyaḥ .
pakṣaṃ māsaṃ ca ṣaṇmāsamabdamekaṃ kadācana .. 56.49 ..

Whoever, pure, having bathed and restrained his senses, spends three nights here,
Or a fortnight, a month, six months, or at any time a year,

6.3.56.50

na tasya sambhavo martye tasya vāso bhaveddivi .
niyamastho vimucyeta trijanmajanitādaghāt .. 56.50 ..

For him there is no rebirth among mortals; his dwelling will be in heaven.
Remaining firm in religious observances, he is freed from the sin born of three lifetimes.

6.3.56.51

vinā puṃsā tu yā nārī dvādaśābdaṃ śucivratā .
tiṣṭhate sākṣayaṃ kālaṃ rudraloke mahīyate .. 56.51 ..

Moreover, whatever woman, remaining without a husband, observing pure vows,
Stays for twelve years, she is honored in the world of Rudra for an endless time."

6.3.56.52

munīnāṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā mudā paramayā yayau .
tato'vagāhya tattīrthamaharniśamatandritā .. 56.52 ..

Hearing the words of the sages, she departed with supreme joy.
Then, having plunged into that sacred ford day and night without indolence,

6.3.56.53

dṛṣṭvā tīrthaprabhāvaṃ tu punarvacanamabravīt .
śrūyatāṃ vacanaṃ me'dya brāhmaṇāḥ sapurohitāḥ .. 56.53 ..

Having seen the power of the sacred ford, she again spoke these words:
"May my words be heard today, O brahmins along with the royal priests!

6.3.56.54

na tyajāmīdṛśaṃ sthānaṃ yāvajjīvamaharniśam .
matpituśca tathā mātuḥ kathayadhvamidaṃ vacaḥ .. 56.54 ..

I will not abandon such a place day and night for as long as I live.
Tell this word to my father and likewise to my mother:

6.3.56.55

tvatkanyā śūlabhedasthā niyatā vratacāriṇī .
evamuktvā sthitā sā tu tatra bhānumatī nṛpaḥ .. 56.55 ..

'Your daughter resides at Śūlabheda, restrained and practicing vows.'"
Having spoken thus, Bhānumatī remained there, O king.

6.3.56.56

ekāntaropavāsasthā śanairmāsopavāsitā .
devaśilāsthitā nityaṃ dadhyau sā cakrapāṇinam .. 56.56 ..

Practicing alternate-day fasting, and gradually fasting for a month,
Residing constantly at Devaśilā, she meditated on the wielder of the discus.

6.3.56.57

aharniśaṃ daheddhūpaṃ candanaṃ ca sadīpakam .
pādaśaucaṃ svayaṃ kṛtvā svayaṃ bhojayate dvijān .
dvādaśābdāni sā rājñī suvratā tatra saṃsthitā .. 56.57 ..

Day and night she burned incense and sandalwood accompanied by lamps.
Washing their feet herself, she personally fed the brahmins.
Observing good vows, that princess stayed there for twelve years.

6.3.56.58

īśvara uvāca -
anyaddevaśilāyāstu māhātmyaṃ śṛṇu bhūpate .
kathayāmi mahābāho setihāsaṃ purātanam .. 56.58 ..

Īśvara said:
"Hear another māhātmya of Devaśilā, O lord of the earth.
I shall recount it, O mighty-armed one, along with an ancient historical account.

6.3.56.59

kaścidvanecaro vyādhaḥ śabaraḥ saha bhāryayā .
durbhikṣapīḍitastatra āmiṣārthaṃ vanaṃ gataḥ .. 56.59 ..

A certain hunter living in the forest, a Śabara, along with his wife,
Afflicted there by famine, went into the forest in search of meat.

6.3.56.60

nāpaśyatpakṣiṇastatra na mṛgānna phalāni ca .
sarastato dadarśātha padminīkhaṇḍamaṇḍitam .. 56.60 ..

He did not see birds there, nor beasts, nor fruits.
Then he saw a lake adorned with a grove of lotuses.

6.3.56.61

dṛṣṭvā sarovaraṃ tatra śabarī vākyamabravīt .
kumudāni gṛhāṇa tvaṃ divyānyāhārasiddhaye .. 56.61 ..

Seeing the lake there, the Śabara woman spoke these words:
'Take the divine white lotuses for the sake of obtaining food.

6.3.56.62

devasya pūjanārthaṃ tu śūlabhedasya yatnataḥ .
vikrayo bhavitā tatra dharmaśīlo jano yataḥ .. 56.62 ..

For the worship of the deity of Śūlabheda with diligent care,
A sale will take place there, since the people are righteous.'

6.3.56.63

bhāryāyā vacanaṃ śrutvā jagrāha kumudāni saḥ .
uttīrṇastu taṭe yāvaddṛṣṭvā śrīvṛkṣamagrataḥ .. 56.63 ..

Hearing his wife's words, he took the white lotuses. / But having stepped out onto the bank, seeing a bilva tree before him,

6.3.56.64

śrīphalāni gṛhītvā tu supakvāni viśeṣataḥ .
śūlabhedaṃ sa samprāpto dadarśa subahūñjanān .. 56.64 ..

taking especially well-ripened bilva fruits, / he reached Śūlabheda and saw very many people.

6.3.56.65

caitramāse site pakṣe ekādaśyāṃ narādhipa .
tasminnahani nāśnīyurbālā vṛddhāstathā striyaḥ .. 56.65 ..

In the month of Caitra, in the bright fortnight, on the eleventh day, O king! / On that day, children, the elderly, and likewise women would not eat.

6.3.56.66

maṇḍapaṃ dadṛśe tatra kṛtaṃ devaśilopari .
vastraiḥ saṃveṣṭitaṃ divyaṃ sraṅmālyairupaśobhitam .. 56.66 ..

He saw a pavilion constructed there upon the divine rock, / wrapped with garments, divine, adorned with wreaths and garlands.

6.3.56.67

ṛṣayaścāgatāstatra ye cāśramanivāsinaḥ .
sopavāsāḥ saniyamāḥ sarve sāgniparigrahāḥ .. 56.67 ..

And seers arrived there, those who dwelt in hermitages, / fasting, observing vows, all maintaining their sacred fires.

6.3.56.68

devanadyāstaṭe ramye munisaṅghaiḥ samākule .
āgacchadbhirnṛpaśreṣṭha mārgastatra na labhyate .. 56.68 ..

On the delightful bank of the river of the gods, crowded with hosts of sages / arriving, O best of kings, no path could be found there.

6.3.56.69

dṛṣṭvā janapadaṃ tatra tāṃ bhāryāṃ śabaro'bravīt .
gaccha pṛcchasva kimapi kimadya snānakāraṇam .. 56.69 ..

Seeing the multitude there, the Śabara said to his wife: / 'Go, ask something: what is the reason for the ritual ablution today?

6.3.56.70

parvāṇi yāni śrūyante kiṃsvitsūryendusamplavaḥ .
ayanaṃ kiṃ bhavedadya kiṃ vākṣayatṛtīyakā .. 56.70 ..

Of the sacred occasions that are heard of, could it be an eclipse of the sun or moon? / Could it be a solstice today, or perhaps Akṣayatṛtīyā?'

6.3.56.71

tataḥ svabharturvacanācchabarī prasthitā tadā .
papraccha nārīṃ dṛṣṭvāgre dattvāgre kamale śubhe .. 56.71 ..

Then, at her husband's word, the Śabarī set out at that time. / Seeing a woman ahead, having offered two auspicious lotuses in front, she asked:

6.3.56.72

tithiradyaiva kā proktā kiṃ parva kathayasva me .
kimayaṃ snāti loko'yaṃ kiṃ vā snānasya kāraṇam .. 56.72 ..

'What lunar day is declared today? Tell me, what is the sacred occasion? / Why are these people bathing, or what is the reason for the ritual ablution?'

6.3.56.73

nāryuvāca -
adya caikādaśī puṇyā sarvapāpakṣayaṃkarī .
upoṣitā sakṛdyena nākaprāptiṃ karoti sā .. 56.73 ..

The woman said: / 'Today is the auspicious Ekādaśī, which destroys all sin; / fasted on even once, it brings attainment of heaven.'

6.3.56.74

tasyāstadvacanaṃ śrutvā śabarī śābarāya vai .
kathayāmāsa cāvyagrā strīvākyaṃ nṛpasattama .. 56.74 ..

Hearing her words, the Śabarī, calm and composed, / related the woman's words to the Śabara, O best of kings:

6.3.56.75

adya tvekādaśī puṇyā bālavṛddhairupoṣitā .
madanaikādaśī nāma sarvapāpakṣayaṃkarī .. 56.75 ..

'Today is indeed the holy Ekādaśī, fasted on by young and old, / named Madanaikādaśī, which destroys all sin.

6.3.56.76

niyatā śrūyate tatra rājaputrī suśobhanā .
vratasthā niyatāhārā nāmnā bhānumatī satī .. 56.76 ..

Observing vows there, it is heard, is a most beautiful princess, / standing in vows, restrained in food, the virtuous woman named Bhānumatī.

6.3.56.77

naitayā sadṛśī kācittriṣu lokeṣu viśrutā .
dṛśyate sā varārohā hyavatīrṇā mahītale .. 56.77 ..

None equal to her is renowned in the three worlds; / that woman of beautiful hips is seen as if descended to the earth.'

6.3.56.78

bhāryāyā vacanaṃ śrutvā śabarastāṃ jagāda ha .
kamalāni yathālābhaṃ dattvā bhuṅkṣva hi satvaram .. 56.78 ..

Hearing his wife's words, the Śabara said to her: / 'Having given the lotuses as obtained, eat quickly indeed.

6.3.56.79

mamaiṣā vartate buddhirna bhoktavyaṃ mayā dhruvam .
na mayopārjitaṃ bhadre pāpabuddhyā śubhaṃ kvacit .. 56.79 ..

This is my resolve: I certainly must not eat. / Auspicious one, with a sinful mind, no merit was ever acquired by me.'

6.3.56.80

śabaryuvāca -
na pūrvaṃ tu mayā bhuktaṃ kasmiṃścaiva tu vāsare .
bhuktaśeṣaṃ mayā bhuktaṃ yāvatkālaṃ smarāmyaham .. 56.80 ..

The Śabarī said: / 'Never before have I eaten first on any day whatsoever; / I have eaten what remained of your meal, for as long as I can remember.'

6.3.56.81

bhāryāyā niścayaṃ jñātvā snānaṃ kartuṃ jagāma ha .
ardhottarīyavastreṇa snānaṃ kṛtvā tu bhaktitaḥ .. 56.81 ..

Knowing his wife's resolve, he went to perform ritual ablution. / Having performed ritual ablution with half an upper garment, with devotion,

6.3.56.82

sarvān devānnamaskṛtya gato devaśilāṃ prati .
tasthau sa śaṅkamāno'pi namaskṛtya janārdanam .. 56.82 ..

bowing to all the gods, he went towards the divine rock; / he stood, though hesitating, having bowed to Janārdana.

6.3.56.83

yasyāstu kumude datte tayā rājñyai niveditam .
taddṛṣṭvā padmayugalaṃ tāṃ dāsīṃ sābravīttadā .. 56.83 ..

The woman to whom the two white lotuses had been given reported it to the queen. / Seeing that pair of lotuses, she then said to that maidservant:

6.3.56.84

kutra padmadvayaṃ labdhaṃ kathyatāmagrato mama .
śīghraṃ tatraiva gatvā ca padmānānaya cāparān .. 56.84 ..

'Tell me in front of me: where was this pair of lotuses obtained? / Having gone there quickly, bring other lotuses as well.

6.3.56.85

dhānyena vasunā vāpi kamalāni samānaya .
bhānumatyā vacaḥ śrutvā gatā sā śabaraṃ prati .. 56.85 ..

Bring the lotuses either with grain or with wealth.' / Hearing Bhānumatī's word, she went to the Śabara:

6.3.56.86

śrīphalāni ca puṣpāṇi bahūnyanyāni dehi me .. 56.86 ..

'Give me bilva fruits and many other flowers.'

6.3.56.87

śabaryuvāca -
śrīphalāni sapuṣpāṇi dāsyāmi ca viśeṣataḥ .
na lobho na spṛhā me'sti gatvā rājñīṃ nivedaya .. 56.87 ..

The Śabarī said: / 'I shall give the bilva fruits along with flowers in particular; / I have no greed, nor desire. Go, report to the queen.'

6.3.56.88

tayā ca satvaraṃ gatvā yathāvṛttaṃ niveditam .
śabaryuktaṃ purastasyāḥ savistaraparaṃ vacaḥ .. 56.88 ..

And going quickly, she reported the event as it happened, / the words spoken by the Śabarī, in full detail before her.

6.3.56.89

tasyāstu vacanaṃ śrutvā rājñī tatra svayaṃ gatā .
uvāca śabarīṃ prītyā dehi padmāni mūlyataḥ .. 56.89 ..

Hearing her words, the queen went there in person. / She said to the Śabarī with affection: 'Give the lotuses for a price.'

6.3.56.90

śabaryuvāca -
na mūlyaṃ kāmaye devi phalapuṣpasamudbhavam .
śrīphalāni ca puṣpāṇi yatheṣṭaṃ mama gṛhyatām .. 56.90 ..

The Śabarī said: / 'O queen, I desire no price arising from fruits and flowers; / take my bilva fruits and flowers as you please.

6.3.56.91

arcāṃ kuru yathānyāyaṃ vāsudeve jagatpatau .. 56.91 ..

Perform worship according to rule to Vāsudeva, the Lord of the world.'

6.3.56.92

rājñyuvāca -
vinā mūlyaṃ na gṛhṇāmi kamalāni tavādhunā .
dhānyasya khārikāmekāṃ dadāmi pratigṛhyatām .. 56.92 ..

The queen said: / 'I will not take your lotuses now without a price; / I give one khārī of grain, let it be accepted!

6.3.56.93

daśa viṃśatyatha triṃśaccatvāriṃśadathāpi vā .
gṛhāṇa vā khāriśataṃ durbhikṣāṃ bodhimuttara .. 56.93 ..

Ten, twenty, or thirty, or even forty; / or take a hundred khārīs, [as provision against] famine, O noble-minded one!

6.3.56.94

vasu ratnaṃ suvarṇaṃ ca anyatte yadabhīpsitam .
tatsarvaṃ sampradāsyāmi kamalārthe na saṃśayaḥ .. 56.94 ..

Wealth, jewels, and gold, and whatever else is desired by you, / all that I will give for the sake of the lotuses, without a doubt.'

6.3.56.95

śabaryuvāca -
nāhāraṃ cintayāmyadya muktvā devaṃ varānane .
devakāryaṃ vinā bhadre nānyā buddhiḥ pravartate .. 56.95 ..

The Śabarī said: / 'O fair-faced one, I do not think of food today, apart from God. / Except for the service of God, O gentle lady, no other thought arises.'

6.3.56.96

rājñyuvāca -
na tvayānnaṃ parityājyaṃ sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam .
tasmātsarvaprayatnena mamānnaṃ pratigṛhyatām .. 56.96 ..

The queen said: / 'Food must not be abandoned by you; everything is established in food. / Therefore, by every effort, let my food be accepted!

6.3.56.97

tapasvino mahābhāgā ye cāraṇyanivāsinaḥ .
gṛhasthadvāri te sarve yācante'nnamatandritāḥ .. 56.97 ..

The illustrious ascetics and those who dwell in the forest, / all of them unweariedly beg for food at the householder's door.'

6.3.56.98

śabaryuvāca -
niṣedhaśca kṛtaḥ pūrvaṃ sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam .
satyena tapate sūryaḥ satyena jvalate'nalaḥ .. 56.98 ..

The Śabarī said: / 'A refusal was already made; everything is established in truth. / By truth the sun gives heat; by truth fire burns.

6.3.56.99

satyena tiṣṭhatyudadhirvāyuḥ satyena vāti hi .
satyena pacyate sasyaṃ gāvaḥ kṣīraṃ sravanti ca .. 56.99 ..

By truth the ocean remains; the wind blows indeed by truth. / By truth crops ripen, and cows yield milk.

6.3.56.100

satyādhāramidaṃ sarvaṃ jagatsthāvarajaṅgamam .
tasmātsarvaprayatnena satyaṃ satyena pālayet .. 56.100 ..

All this world, unmoving and moving, is supported by truth. / Therefore, by every effort, one should protect truth with truth.

6.3.56.101

devakāryaṃ tu me muktvā nānyā buddhiḥ pravartate .
gṛhāṇa rājñi puṣpāṇi kuru pūjāṃ gadābhṛtaḥ .. 56.101 ..

Apart from the service of God, no other thought arises in me. / O queen, take the flowers, perform the worship of the Bearer of the Mace.

6.3.56.102

śrūyate dvijavākyaistu na doṣo vidyate kvacit .
kuśāḥ śākaṃ payo matsyā gandhāḥ puṣpākṣatā dadhi .
māṃsaṃ śayyāsanaṃ dhānāḥ pratyākhyeyā na vāri ca .. 56.102 ..

Indeed, from the words of brahmins it is heard that there is no fault anywhere: / Kuśa grass, vegetables, milk, fish, perfumes, flowers, unbroken rice, curds, / meat, a bed, a seat, roasted grain, and water are not to be refused.'

6.3.56.103

rājñyuvāca -
ārāmopahṛtaṃ puṣpamāraṇyaṃ puṣpameva ca .
krītaṃ pratigrahe labdhaṃ puṣpamevaṃ caturvidham .. 56.103 ..

The queen said: / 'Flower brought from a garden, and flower from the forest, / bought, and obtained as an acceptance of gifts—thus is flower of four kinds.

6.3.56.104

uttamaṃ puṣpamāraṇyaṃ gṛhītaṃ svayameva ca .
madhyamaṃ phalamārāme tvadhamaṃ krītameva ca .
pratigraheṇa yallabdhaṃ niṣphalaṃ tadvidurbudhāḥ .. 56.104 ..

A wild flower gathered by oneself is highest; / fruit in a garden is middling, but bought is base; / what is obtained through acceptance of gifts, the wise know that as fruitless.'

6.3.56.105

purohita uvāca -
gṛhāṇa rājñi puṣpāṇi kuru pūjāṃ gadābhṛtaḥ .
upakāraḥ prakartavyo vyapadeśena karhicit .. 56.105 ..

The priest said: / “Accept the flowers, O Queen, and perform the worship of the mace-bearer [Viṣṇu]. / A favor should be done, even under a pretext, at times.”

6.3.56.106

īśvara uvāca -
śrīphalāni sapadmāni dattāni śabareṇa tu .
gṛhītvā tāni rājñī sā pūjāṃ cakre suśobhanām .. 56.106 ..

Īśvara said: / The bilva fruits and lotuses were given by the Śabara. / Taking them, the queen performed a most splendid worship.

6.3.56.107

kṣapājāgaraṇaṃ cakre śrutvā paurāṇikīṃ kathām .
śabarastu tato bhāryāmidaṃ vacanamabravīt .. 56.107 ..

She kept a night vigil, having listened to a Purāṇic narrative. / Then the Śabara spoke these words to his wife:

6.3.56.108

dīpārthaṃ gṛhyatāṃ sneho yathālābhena sundari .
kṛtvā dīpaṃ tatastau tu kṛtvā pūjāṃ hareḥ śubhām .. 56.108 ..

“Let oil be taken for the lamp as it is obtained, O beautiful one.” / Then, having prepared the lamp and offered an auspicious worship to Hari,

6.3.56.109

cakraturjāgaraṃ rātrau dhyāyanto dharaṇīdharam .
tataḥ prabhātasamaye dṛṣṭvā snānotsukaṃ janam .. 56.109 ..

the two kept vigil in the night, meditating upon the bearer of the earth [Viṣṇu]. / Then, at dawn, seeing the people eager for ritual ablution:

6.3.56.110

snāti vai śūlabhede tu devanadyāṃ tathāpare .
sarasvatyāṃ narāḥ kecinmārkaṇḍasya hrade'pare .. 56.110 ..

some bathed indeed at Śūlabheda, others in the river of the gods, / some men in the Sarasvatī, and others in the pool of Mārkaṇḍa.

6.3.56.111

cakratīrthaṃ gatāścakruḥ snānaṃ kecidvidhānataḥ .
śucayaste janāḥ sarve snātvā devāśilopari .. 56.111 ..

Having gone to Cakratīrtha, some performed their ritual ablution according to rule. / All those people, purified after bathing, upon the Devāśilā

6.3.56.112

śrāddhaṃ cakruḥ prayatnena śraddhayā pūtacetasā .
tāndṛṣṭvā śabaro bilvaiḥ piṇḍāṃścakre prayatnataḥ .. 56.112 ..

diligently performed the śrāddha with faith and a purified heart. / Seeing them, the Śabara diligently made funeral cakes from bilva fruits.

6.3.56.113

bhānumatyā tathā bhartuḥ piṇḍanirvapaṇaṃ kṛtam .
anindyā bhojitā viprā dambhavārddhuṣyavarjitāḥ .. 56.113 ..

Likewise, the offering of funeral cakes was performed by Bhānumatī for her husband. / Irreproachable brahmins, free from deceit and usury, were fed

6.3.56.114

haviṣyānnaistathā dadhnā śarkarāmadhusarpiṣā .
pāyasena tu gavyena kṛtānnena viśeṣataḥ .. 56.114 ..

with sacrificial food, curds, sugar, honey, and clarified butter, / and especially with milk-rice prepared from cow's milk and cooked dishes.

6.3.56.115

bhojayitvā tathā rājñī dadau dānaṃ yathāvidhi .
pādukopānahau chatraṃ śayyāṃ govṛṣameva ca .. 56.115 ..

Having thus fed them, the queen gave gifts according to the precept: / wooden sandals and shoes, an umbrella, a bed, and a bull,

6.3.56.116

vividhāni ca dānāni hemaratnadhanāni ca .
cakratīrthe mahārāja kapilāṃ yaḥ prayacchati .
pṛthvī tena bhaveddattā saśailavanakānanā .. 56.116 ..

and various gifts of gold, jewels, and wealth. / O Great King, he who gives a tawny cow at Cakratīrtha / has given the entire earth along with its mountains and forests.

6.3.56.117

uttānapāda uvāca -
yāni yāni ca dattāni śastāni jagatīpateḥ .
tāni sarvāṇi deveśa kathayasva prasādataḥ .. 56.117 ..

Uttānapāda said: / “Whatever gifts given to the lord of the world are commended, / tell me all those, O Lord of gods, out of your grace.”

6.3.56.118

īśvara uvāca -
tilapradaḥ prajāmiṣṭāṃ dīpadaścakṣuruttamam .
bhūmidaḥ svargamāpnoti dīrghamāyurhiraṇyadaḥ .. 56.118 ..

Īśvara said: / “The giver of sesame seeds obtains desired offspring; the giver of a lamp, excellent vision; / the giver of land attains heaven; the giver of gold, a long life.

6.3.56.119

gṛhado rogarahito rūpyado rūpavān bhavet .
vāsodaścandrasālokyamarkasāyujyamaśvadaḥ .. 56.119 ..

The giver of a house becomes free from illness; the giver of silver becomes handsome; / the giver of clothes attains the world of the Moon; the giver of a horse, union with the Sun.

6.3.56.120

vṛṣadastu śriyaṃ puṣṭāṃ godātā ca triviṣṭapam .
yānaśayyāprado bhāryāmaiśvaryamabhayapradaḥ .. 56.120 ..

The giver of a bull obtains abundant prosperity; the giver of a cow, the third heaven; / the giver of a conveyance and a bed, a wife; the giver of freedom from fear, sovereignty.

6.3.56.121

dhānyadaḥ śāśvataṃ saukhyaṃ brahmado brahma śāśvatam .
vāryannapṛthivīvāsastilakāñcanasarpiṣām .. 56.121 ..

The giver of grain attains eternal happiness; the giver of the Veda, eternal Brahman. / Among gifts of water, food, earth, clothing, sesame, gold, and clarified butter,

6.3.56.122

sarveṣāmeva dānānāṃ brahmadānaṃ viśiṣyate .
yena yena hi bhāvena yadyaddānaṃ prayacchati .. 56.122 ..

the gift of the Veda excels all gifts. / With whatever intention a person offers whatever gift,

6.3.56.123

tena tena sa bhāvena prāpnoti pratipūjitam .
dṛṣṭvā dānāni sarvāṇi rājñī dattāni yāni ca .. 56.123 ..

with that very intention he receives it honored in return.” / Having seen all the gifts that were given by the queen,

6.3.56.124

uvāca śabaro bhāryāṃ yattacchṛṇu nareśvara .
purāṇaṃ paṭhitaṃ bhadre brāhmaṇairvedapāragaiḥ .. 56.124 ..

the Śabara spoke to his wife; hear that, O ruler of men: / “The Purāṇa was recited, O auspicious one, by brahmins who have mastered the Vedas,

6.3.56.125

śrutaṃ ca tanmayā sarvaṃ dānadharmaphalaṃ śubham .
pūrvajanmārjitaṃ pāpaṃ snānadānavratādibhiḥ .. 56.125 ..

and all that auspicious fruit of the virtue of giving was heard by me. / Sin accumulated in past lives, through ritual ablutions, gifts, vows, and the like [is destroyed];

6.3.56.126

śarīraṃ dustyajaṃ muktvā labhate gatimuttamām .
saṃsārasāgarādbhītaḥ satyaṃ bhadre vadāmi te .. 56.126 ..

abandoning this hard-to-relinquish body, one attains the supreme state. / Afraid of the ocean of worldly existence, I speak the truth to you, O auspicious one:

6.3.56.127

anekāni ca pāpāni kṛtāni bahuśo mayā .
ghātitā jantavo bhadre nirdagdhāḥ parvatāḥ sadā .. 56.127 ..

many sins have been committed by me repeatedly; / living creatures were killed, O blessed one, and mountains were continually burned.

6.3.56.128

tena pāpena dagdho'haṃ dāridryaṃ na nivartate .
tīrthāvagāhanaṃ pūrvaṃ pāpena na kṛtaṃ mayā .. 56.128 ..

Burned by that sin, my poverty does not cease. / Immersion in sacred fords was not performed by me previously, because of my sin.

6.3.56.129

tenāhaṃ duḥkhito bhadre dāridryamanivartikam .
māturgṛhaṃ prayāhi tvaṃ tyaja snehaṃ mamopari .
nagaśṛṅgaṃ samāruhya moktumicchāmyahaṃ tanum .. 56.129 ..

Therefore am I afflicted, O auspicious one, by relentless poverty. / Go to your mother's house; give up your affection for me. / Having climbed a mountain peak, I wish to cast off my body.”

6.3.56.130

śabaryuvāca -
mātrā pitrā na me kāryaṃ nāpi svajanabāndhavaiḥ .
yā gatistava jīveśa sā mamāpi bhaviṣyati .. 56.130 ..

The Śabarī said: / “I have no use for mother, nor for father, nor for kinsmen and relatives. / Whatever is your destination, O lord of my life, that shall be mine as well.

6.3.56.131

na strīṇāmīdṛśo dharmo vinā bhartrā svajīvitam .
śrūyante bahavo doṣā dharmaśāstreṣvanekadhā .. 56.131 ..

For women, there is no such duty as living their own life without a husband. / Many faults are heard in various ways in the treatises on dharma.

6.3.56.132

pāraṇaṃ kuru bhojendra vrataṃ yena na naśyati .
yatte'bhivāñchitaṃ kiṃcidviṣṇave kartumarhasi .. 56.132 ..

Break your fast, O king among Bhojas, so that your vow may not be lost. / Whatever small thing is desired by you, you ought to do it for Viṣṇu.”

6.3.56.133

bhāryāyā vacanaṃ śrutvā mumude śabarastataḥ .
gṛhītvā śrīphalaṃ śīghraṃ homaṃ kṛtvā yathāvidhi .. 56.133 ..

Hearing the words of his wife, the Śabara then rejoiced. / Quickly taking a bilva fruit, performing the fire sacrifice according to rule,

6.3.56.134

sarvadevānnamaskṛtya bhukto'pi ca tayā saha .
caitryāṃ tu viṣuvaṃ jñātvā tasthau tatra dinatrayam .. 56.134 ..

and bowing down to all the gods, he also ate together with her. / Knowing the equinox to fall on the full moon of Caitra, he stayed there for three days.

6.3.56.134_2

.. iti śrīskānde mahāpurāṇa ekāśītisāhasryāṃ saṃhitāyāṃ pañcama āvantyakhaṇḍe vyādhavākyopadeśakathanapūrvakadānādiphalavarṇanaṃ nāma ṣaṭpañcāśattamo'dhyāyaḥ ..

Thus ends the fifty-sixth chapter, named 'The Description of the Fruits of Giving and Other Virtues Preceded by the Recounting of the Hunter's Speech', in the fifth section, the Āvantyakhaṇḍa, in the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, a compendium of eighty-one thousand verses.