[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Purāṇas](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana) › [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda) › [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt) › 14 # Skandapurana 14 English (machine translation) 14 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [14.0](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0) — 64 parts - [14.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1) — 38 parts - [14.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2) — 57 parts - [14.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3) — 48 parts - [14.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.4) — 25 parts - [14.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.5) — 29 parts - [14.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.6) — 18 parts - [14.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.7) — 28 parts - [14.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.8) — 15 parts - [14.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.9) — 62 parts - [14.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.10) — 61 parts - [14.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.11) — 23 parts - [14.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.12) — 40 parts - [14.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.13) — 68 parts - [14.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.14) — 15 parts - [14.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.15) — 16 parts - [14.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.16) — 33 parts - [14.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.17) — 15 parts - [14.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.18) — 17 parts - [14.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.19) — 14 parts - [14.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.20) — 29 parts - [14.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.21) — 15 parts - [14.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.22) — 87 parts - [14.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.23) — 20 parts - [14.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.24) — 23 parts - [14.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.25) — 21 parts - [14.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.26) — 18 parts - [14.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.27) — 4 parts - [14.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.28) — 12 parts - [14.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.29) — 112 parts - [14.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.30) — 48 parts - [14.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.31) — 36 parts - [14.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.32) — 50 parts - [14.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.33) — 14 parts - [14.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.34) — 57 parts - [14.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.35) — 55 parts - [14.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.36) — 204 parts - [14.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.37) — 29 parts - [14.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.38) — 42 parts - [14.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.39) — 68 parts - [14.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.40) — 26 parts - [14.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.41) — 44 parts - [14.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.42) — 4 parts - [14.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.43) — 4 parts - [14.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.44) — 3 parts - [14.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.45) — 3 parts - [14.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.46) — 2 parts - [14.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.47) — 13 parts - [14.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.48) — 42 parts - [14.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.49) — 17 parts - [14.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.50) — 9 parts - [14.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.51) — 19 parts - [14.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.52) — 38 parts - [14.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.53) — 21 parts - [14.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.54) — 11 parts - [14.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.55) — 4 parts - [14.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.56) — 3 parts - [14.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.57) — 7 parts - [14.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.58) — 3 parts - [14.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.59) — 8 parts - [14.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.60) — 15 parts - [14.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.61) — 4 parts - [14.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.62) — 11 parts - [14.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.63) — 11 parts - [14.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.64) — 66 parts ### [14.0.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p1) Chapter 1: The beginning of the description of the māhātmya of Mount Arbuda; therein, first, the going of Vasiṣṭha to Mount Arbuda; having performed austerity there, the cow reared for the sake of the sacrifice, having gone to graze on grass and the like in the forest, falling into a chasm; because the cow did not return in the evening, Vasiṣṭha experiencing worry; then Vasiṣṭha, having approached near the chasm and heard the lowing sound of his own cow, performing meditation on Sarasvatī for the sake of her coming out; through that meditation, Sarasvatī filling the chasm with her own water and causing the cow's emergence; taking that cow, Vasiṣṭha going to his own hermitage; then Vasiṣṭha going to Himavat to fill that chasm, telling the length and breadth of the chasm to Himavat, and the telling of the origin of the chasm by the word of Himavat; the beginning of the description of the account of the cavern situated near Vasiṣṭha's hermitage. ### [14.0.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p2) Chapter 2: Gautama's pupil Uttaṅka, urged by the guru's wife to bring the earrings of Madayantī, wife of Saudāsa, in order to give the fee to the guru, going toward Saudāsa's house; there seeing Saudāsa with a tiger's face who had come to eat his body, making a promise to him to surrender himself; then the acquisition of the earrings from his wife; the release of Saudāsa from the curse; then Gautama's pupil, having gone taking the two earrings, their being stolen by Takṣaka when placed midway on the path; then the going to Pātāla behind Takṣaka in order to bring them back; at that very time, the creation of a pit there; the description of the deeds of Gautama's pupil Uttaṅka. ### [14.0.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p3) Chapter 3: The filling of the chasm by the mountain Nandivardhana brought by the serpent Arbuda at the command of Vasiṣṭha by the word of Himavat; the description of the māhātmya of Mount Arbuda. ### [14.0.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p4) Chapter 4: There, on the mountain named Nandivardhana brought by Arbuda, Vasiṣṭha performing austerity for the sake of Śiva's residence; Vasiṣṭha offering praise to Śiva; then, by the grace of Śiva, the installation of a liṅga by Vasiṣṭha under the name Acaleśvara; Śiva's dwelling with the Mandākinī; the description of the māhātmya of Acaleśvara. ### [14.0.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p5) Chapter 5: In the description of the māhātmya of the Nāgatīrtha on Mount Arbuda, in the dialogue of Yayāti and Pulastya, the description of Gautamī's going to the Nāgatīrtha for a ritual ablution; of her who had set out to bathe there, because her heart was agitated by the desire for a son, the conceiving of a child merely by bathing; then, of her who wished out of shame to enter the funeral pyre, the turning back from death upon hearing a voice from the sky; the description of the māhātmya of the Nāgatīrtha. ### [14.0.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p6) Chapter 6: The description of the māhātmya of Vasiṣṭha's hermitage. ### [14.0.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p7) Chapter 7: The description of the power of Acaleśvara. ### [14.0.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p8) Chapter 8: The description of the māhātmya of Bhadrakarṇahrada and Trinetra. ### [14.0.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p9) Chapter 9: In the description of the māhātmya of Kedāra, the statement by Vasiṣṭha to Ajāpāla: 'In a previous birth, having attained the status of a Śūdra, by your worship of Kedāreśvara with lotuses, your attainment of the rank of kingship has occurred in this birth'; the description of the māhātmya of Kedāreśvara. ### [14.0.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p10) Chapter 10: The description of the duration of the yugas and the like; the examination of virtue and non-virtue in the four yugas; the description of the arrival of all sacred fords due to the power of the Kali yuga. / Chapter 11: The description of the māhātmya of Koṭīśvara. ### [14.0.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p11) Chapter 12: The attainment of a beautiful form by the apsaras named Vapuḥ by performing a ritual ablution at the Rūpatīrtha; the description of the māhātmya of Rūpatīrtha. ### [14.0.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p12) Chapter 13: In the description of the māhātmya of Hṛṣīkeśa, the installation of the image of Hari by the royal seer Ambarīṣa having performed austerity; the description of the māhātmya of Hṛṣīkeśa. ### [14.0.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p13) Chapter 14: By the perfected being named Viśvāvasu, having worshipped Śiva, the installation of a liṅga by the grace of Śiva; the description of the māhātmya of the Siddheśvara liṅga. ### [14.0.p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p14) Chapter 15: Seeing the Daityas defeated by the gods, Śukrācārya, the preceptor of the Daityas, with anxiety in order to gain victory for the Daityas, propitiated the God, received a boon, and caused the Daityas to be victorious, and the installation of a liṅga there named Śukreśvara; description of the māhātmya of the Śukreśvara liṅga. ### [14.0.p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p15) Chapter 16: By performing a bath, a certain woman named Maṇikarṇikā attained a beautiful form, and therefore the narration of the renown of the pool by the name of Maṇikarṇikā; description of the māhātmya of Maṇikarṇikeśvara. ### [14.0.p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p16) Chapter 17: A certain brahmin who had become lame, having propitiated Śiva, got rid of his lameness and established a sacred ford in his own name; description of the māhātmya of the Paṅgutīrtha. ### [14.0.p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p17) Chapter 18: The seizing by an alligator of Citrāṅgada, a great committer of sin, when he entered the water afflicted by thirst; then the throwing into hell of the sinner Citrāṅgada by Yama's messengers; the attainment of comfort by the beings residing there by the throwing of Citrāṅgada into hell; then, seeing the wonder, Yama looked with the eye of knowledge and, reflecting in his mind, 'Because of his taking a bath in my sacred ford and attaining death right there, he is not one to share in the suffering of the world of hell,' liberated him from hell; then the departure of Citrāṅgada to heaven in an aerial chariot surrounded by a host of apsarases; description of the māhātmya of the Yamatīrtha. ### [14.0.p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p18) Chapter 19: Description of the māhātmya of the Vārāhatīrtha. ### [14.0.p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p19) Chapter 20: Dakṣa giving a curse causing consumption to Candra on seeing his unequal conduct towards his own daughters; then Candra performing austerity, and by that austerity the cure of his disease of consumption; the installation of a liṅga by Candra under the name Candraprabhāsa; description of the māhātmya of the Candraprabhāsatīrtha and liṅga. ### [14.0.p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p20) Chapter 21: Description of the māhātmya of the Piṇḍodakatīrtha. ### [14.0.p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p21) Chapter 22: The gods, defeated by the Dānava named Kaliṅga, having worshipped the Goddess, gained heaven through the Goddess's grace; having placed a mountain peak upon the body of Kaliṅga, the Goddess established her abode upon that summit; the gods offering praise to the goddess Śrīmātā; description of the māhātmya of Śrīmātā. ### [14.0.p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p22) Chapter 23: Now, the māhātmya of Śuklatīrtha; there, the naming of that sacred ford as Śuklatīrtha because of clothes thrown into indigo by a washerman becoming white; description of the māhātmya of the Śuklatīrtha. ### [14.0.p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p23) Chapter 24: Having slain the Daitya Niśumbha, because the Goddess stayed there on Mount Arbuda, her establishment by the gods under the name Kātyāyanī; description of the māhātmya of Kātyāyanī. ### [14.0.p24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p24) Chapter 25: Description of the māhātmya of the Piṇḍārakatīrtha. ### [14.0.p25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p25) Chapter 26: Description of the māhātmya of the Kanakhalatīrtha. ### [14.0.p26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p26) Chapter 27: Description of the efficacy of the Cakratīrtha. ### [14.0.p27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p27) Chapter 28: Description of the efficacy of the Manuṣyatīrtha. ### [14.0.p28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p28) Chapter 29: King Suprabha, addicted to hunting, striking with an arrow a doe suckling her young; then the doe cursing the king, saying, 'You shall become a fierce tiger'; at that very moment the king becoming a tiger; the coming into that very forest of a certain cow named Kapilā who had strayed from the cow-herd; description of the dialogue between the tiger and Kapilā; then Kapilā, having made an oath before the tiger, went to her own place, the cow-pen, suckled her young with milk, narrated the forest event to her calf, saw the calf's insistence on going to the forest, dissuaded the calf, went to her female friends, told everything, and though dissuaded by her friends from going near the tiger, disregarded her friends' words and returned near the tiger; seeing the truthfulness of the cow, the tiger, with a heart blossoming with wonder, granted life to the cow; Suprabha was freed from the curse; the renown of that very place by the name Kapilātīrtha; description of the māhātmya of the Kapilātīrtha. ### [14.0.p29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p29) Chapter 30: Description of the māhātmya of the Agnitīrtha. / Chapter 31: Indrasena going to a foreign country to destroy his enemies and take their wealth; then, because of the messenger telling Indrasena's wife from Indrasena's mouth that 'Indrasena is dead,' the death of Indrasena's wife; Indrasena's going to all the sacred fords situated in Prabhāsa, such as Somatīrtha, to destroy the sin of killing a woman; because of the non-elimination of sin upon going there, Indrasena's liberation from sin precisely through taking a bath in the Raktānubandha sacred ford is described; description of the māhātmya of the Raktānubandhatīrtha. ### [14.0.p30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p30) Chapter 32: Taking the cosmetic paste derived from cleansing powder, Pārvatī fashioned a boy; considering, 'This boy is headless for lack of paste,' Pārvatī joined the head of a certain rutting elephant with that trunk; then Śiva named him Mahāvināyaka; narration of the pacification rite of Mahāvināyaka; description of the māhātmya of Mahāvināyaka. ### [14.0.p31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p31) Chapter 33: Description of the māhātmya of Pārtheśvara. ### [14.0.p32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p32) Chapter 34: Description of the origin of a single liṅga without beginning or end in the midst of Brahmā and Viṣṇu, who were quarrelling and fighting with each other out of a desire for greatness; then, an incorporeal voice causing their fight to stop, stating the wager: 'He who sees the end of the liṅga shall be the greater'; there, because Brahmā falsely related in Śiva's presence the incident of seeing the upper limit of the liṅga, Śiva gave Brahmā a curse causing him to be unworthy of worship; likewise, the giving of a curse also to the Ketaka flower who had come forward to give false witness for Brahmā; then Śaṃkara granting a boon to Viṣṇu; description of the māhātmya of the Kṛṣṇatīrtha. ### [14.0.p33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p33) Chapter 35: Description of the account of the origin of Māmuhrada. ### [14.0.p34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p34) Chapter 36: The slaying of Mahiṣāsura by the Goddess, who was pleased by the worship performed by the gods afflicted by Mahiṣāsura; the description of the account of the establishment right there by the gods under the name Caṇḍikāśrama; description of the māhātmya of Caṇḍikāśrama. ### [14.0.p35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p35) Chapter 37: Description of the māhātmya of the Nāgodbhavatīrtha. ### [14.0.p36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p36) Chapter 38: Description of the māhātmya of the origin of the Śivagaṅgā pool. ### [14.0.p37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p37) Chapter 39: Description of the māhātmya of the gift of roasted barley flour preceded by the description of the māhātmya of the Śivaliṅgamāheśvara. ### [14.0.p38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p38) Chapter 40: The description of Rati's lamentation due to Śaṃkara's burning of Kāma; upon hearing that grief made by Rati, the description of Kāma's revival endowed with bodilessness through a voice from the sky; the installation of the liṅga by Kāma together with Rati; and the description of the māhātmya of Kāmeśvara. ### [14.0.p39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p39) Chapter 41: The description of the story of the origin of the hermitage-site of Mārkaṇḍeya, preceded by the illustration of the tale of Mārkaṇḍa's birth and other events. ### [14.0.p40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p40) Chapter 42: Description of the māhātmya of Uddālakeśvara. ### [14.0.p41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p41) Chapter 43: Description of the māhātmya of Siddheśvara. ### [14.0.p42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p42) Chapter 44: Description of the efficacy of Gajatīrtha. ### [14.0.p43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p43) Chapter 45: Description of the origin and māhātmya of Śrī Devakhāta. ### [14.0.p44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p44) Chapter 46: Description of the māhātmya of Vyāsatīrtha. ### [14.0.p45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p45) Chapter 47: Description of the māhātmya of Gautamāśramatīrtha. ### [14.0.p46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p46) Chapter 48: Description of the māhātmya of Kulasaṃtāraṇatīrtha, preceded by the description of the tale of King Indumatyaprastuta. ### [14.0.p47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p47) Chapter 49: Description of the māhātmya of Paraśurāmatīrtha. ### [14.0.p48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p48) Chapter 50: Description of the efficacy of Koṭitīrtha. ### [14.0.p49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p49) Chapter 51: Description of the māhātmya of Candrodbhedatīrtha. ### [14.0.p50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p50) Chapter 52: Description of the māhātmya of the peak of Īśānī. ### [14.0.p51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p51) Chapter 53: Description of the origin and māhātmya of Brahmapada. ### [14.0.p52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p52) Chapter 54: Description of the māhātmya of Tripuṣkara. ### [14.0.p53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p53) Chapter 55: Description of the māhātmya of Rudrahrada. ### [14.0.p54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p54) Chapter 56: Description of the māhātmya of Guheśvara. ### [14.0.p55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p55) Chapter 57: Description of the māhātmya of Aviyuktakṣetra. ### [14.0.p56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p56) Chapter 58: Description of the māhātmya of Umāmaheśvaratīrtha. ### [14.0.p57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p57) Chapter 59: Description of the efficacy of Mahaujasatīrtha. ### [14.0.p58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p58) Chapter 60: Description of the efficacy of Jambutīrtha. ### [14.0.p59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p59) Chapter 61: Description of the māhātmya of Gaṅgādharatīrtha. ### [14.0.p60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p60) Chapter 62: Description of the māhātmya of Kaṭeśvara and Gaṅgeśvara. ### [14.0.p61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p61) Chapter 63: Description of the fruit of hearing the māhātmya of Arbudakhaṇḍa. ### [14.0.p62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p62) Table of contents of the Arbudakhaṇḍa. ### [14.0.p63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p63) Note on Arbuda. ### [14.0.p64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.0.p64) Note on the serpent. ### [14.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.65) Shortest: Arbuda, the son of Kadrū. ### [14.1.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.p1) Obeisance to the blessed Gaṇeśa. ### [14.1.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.p2) Now begins the third section, the Arbudakhaṇḍa. ### [14.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.1) Vyāsa said: Om, reverence to the infinite, subtle Creator, attainable through knowledge, / to the pure, universal-formed Śambhu, god of gods. ### [14.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.2) The seers said: The expansion of the lineages of the Moon and the Sun has been related by you, / along with all the Manvantaras and the manifold creation. ### [14.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.3) Now we wish to hear the supreme māhātmya of sacred fords: / which sacred fords on this earth are meritorious, O wise one? ### [14.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.4) Sūta said: There are various sacred fords in this world, of which there is no \[finite\] count; / formerly their number was counted as thirty-five million. ### [14.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.5) Sacred fields, rivers, mountains, and streams / have attained supreme greatness by the power of the seers' austerity. ### [14.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.6) Among them, the one named Arbuda destroys all sins, is sinless, / and remains untouched by the defect of Kali due to the power of Vasiṣṭha. ### [14.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.7) Just as all sacred fords purify through ritual ablution, giving gifts, and the like, / Arbuda destroys all sins of men merely by being seen. ### [14.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.8) The seers said: Of what size is Arbuda, in what region is it situated, / and how has it become celebrated upon the earth through the māhātmya of Vasiṣṭha? ### [14.1.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.9) What principal sacred fords are there on Mount Arbuda? / Tell us everything in detail, for great indeed is our curiosity. ### [14.1.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.10) Sūta said: And I shall relate the sin-destroying story, / O best of the twice-born, and the māhātmya of Arbuda just as it was heard. ### [14.1.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.11) There was a divine seer named Vasiṣṭha, born from the Grandfather \[Brahmā\]; / he formerly came to the earth and performed very severe austerity. ### [14.1.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.12) Restrained, eating regulated food, devoted to the welfare of all beings, / he dwelt in the open air during the rains, and stayed in water in winter; ### [14.1.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.13) He practiced the five fires in summer, devoted to silent recitation and oblations. / Then after some time, his milch-cow— / the auspicious, wish-yielding cow well-known as Nandinī— ### [14.1.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.14) Once wandering upon the surface of the earth in search of grass, / fell into a terrible, bottomless chasm shrouded in darkness. ### [14.1.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.15) At that very time, the lord of sharp rays \[the Sun\] / set, O best of sages, and Nandinī had not returned. ### [14.1.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.16) With her milk, morning and evening every day, that twice-born sage, / having mastered his vows, would offer oblations into the well-kindled fire. ### [14.1.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.17) Then, anxious out of fear of \[incurring\] expiation, / the brahmin searched in that forest, through even and uneven ground. ### [14.1.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.18) Arriving at that chasm, he heard a lowing sound. / The best of sages said to her, “How did you fall, auspicious one? ### [14.1.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.19) Distressed about the fire sacrifice, I came out to look for you.” / She said, “O brahmin seer, grazing in desire for grass, ### [14.1.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.20) I fell in here, O lord; save me from this intolerable distress!” / Hearing that speech of hers, that sage entered into meditation. ### [14.1.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.21) He fixed his mind on the Sarasvatī, the river that purifies the three worlds; / contemplated with the mind by that sage, she, at that very moment there, ### [14.1.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.22) Filled that chasm all around with spotless waters; / then, when the chasm was completely filled, Nandinī emerged. ### [14.1.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.23) Rejoicing, she went towards the hermitage together with the sage. ### [14.1.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.24) Seeing that interior of the chasm deep \[and perilous\], the great sage, / being wise, thought about completely filling the chasm. ### [14.1.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.25) As he reflected, O brahmins, this thought arose: / “Only by bringing a mountain and placing it \[here\] can this chasm be filled; / therefore, I shall go quickly to Himavat, the best of mountains. ### [14.1.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.26) That mountain-king himself will send a mountain here, / so that by that noble one this chasm may be filled.” ### [14.1.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.27) Then that sage went to Himavat, the best of mountains; / seeing Vasiṣṭha coming, Himavat, joyful in mind, / honored him with water for hospitality, water for the feet, and other rites, and said this: ### [14.1.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.28) “Welcome to you, O best of sages! Today my life is fruitful, / since you, who are worthy of worship by all the gods, have arrived at my home. ### [14.1.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.29) State your business, O best of sages! Even my own life / I will surely give to you; give me a command.” ### [14.1.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.30) Vasiṣṭha said: Near my hermitage there is a very dreadful, / bottomless chasm; Nandinī, the excellent cow, fell into it. ### [14.1.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.31) With effort she was pulled out from it; out of fear of her falling again, / I have come to your presence; no other lord of the earth is fit \[for this\]. ### [14.1.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.32) Therefore, send some excellent mountain, a mountain-bearer, there, / by which that chasm may be filled; send such a one quickly.” ### [14.1.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.33) Himavat said: What are the dimensions of the chasm, O sage? Tell me its breadth and length; / after considering, I will send some mountain of that measure. ### [14.1.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.34) Vasiṣṭha said: It is two thousand \[yojanas\] in length and three thousand in width; / below, there is no limit to it, O best of mountains. ### [14.1.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.35) Himavat said: How was a great hole formed of such dimensions? / A curiosity has arisen concerning it; tell me everything in detail. ### [14.1.35\_3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.1.35_3) Thus ends the first chapter, named 'Description of the Origin of the Account of the Hole Situated Near Vasiṣṭha's Hermitage', in the third Arbuda Section of the seventh Prabhāsa Section in the Skanda Mahāpurāṇa containing eighty-one thousand verses. ### [14.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.1) Vasiṣṭha said: / “Formerly there was a sage named Gautama, of great austerity. / His beloved, lawful, and renowned wife was Ahilyā. ### [14.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.2) That sage then instructed hundreds of disciples. / When they were accomplished in sacred learning and study, he dismissed them to their homes. ### [14.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.3) There was also another disciple of his, devoted to service of the guru; / intelligent, named Uttaṅka, he dwelt in his abode. ### [14.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.4) He did not dismiss him, even though overwhelmed by old age; / and Uttaṅka, because of being an exemplary disciple, did not even notice his graying head. ### [14.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.5) Though he had mastered all knowledge and was equipped to perform his duties, / once, with the passing of time, he went outside for firewood. ### [14.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.6) Gathering a large quantity, he returned to the excellent hermitage. / Then he threw that bundle of firewood down upon the ground. ### [14.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.7) Then he saw a single white braid of matted hair caught in the firewood. / Seeing that, he was stricken with grief and thought miserably: ### [14.2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.8) ‘Fie, fie! My life is ruined! For what purpose have I been occupied with work? / Senseless as I am, I have not even taken a wife! ### [14.2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.9) There will be an end to my lineage through the negligence of my foolish mind!’ / Then Uttaṅka, being distressed, was seen by the wife of the guru. ### [14.2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.10) His grief was promptly reported to Gautama. / Gautama, saying ‘So be it,’ spoke to him with gentle words: ### [14.2.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.11) ‘Child, go home, and duly perform the agnihotra and other rites / together with a wife, without a doubt.’ ### [14.2.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.12) Having been spoken to thus by his guru, he replied to the guru: / ‘Ask for your sacrificial gift, master, and I will surely give it!’ ### [14.2.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.13) Gautama said: / ‘Great service has always been done by you, my child; / by that alone my fullness is achieved, of this there is no doubt.’ ### [14.2.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.14) Uttaṅka said: / ‘Something must be accepted by you, master, so that I may find satisfaction. / By your favor, best of sages, I have mastered all knowledge.’ ### [14.2.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.15) Gautama said: / ‘Nothing is to be accepted by me, son; I am satisfied with your service. / I desire no wealth from you; go happily to your home.’ ### [14.2.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.16) Having been addressed thus by his guru, he also spoke to the mother: / ‘Something must be received \[from me\], Mother; let satisfaction be granted to me!’ ### [14.2.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.17) The guru's wife said: / ‘Go to Saudāsa, son; quickly carry out my order. / His beloved, lawful, and renowned wife is Madayantī. ### [14.2.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.18) Bring quickly the two earrings of Madayantī, my dear boy; / otherwise I will pronounce a curse, if you have not returned by the fifth day.’ ### [14.2.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.19) Addressed thus by the guru's wife, he immediately departed. / He reached Saudāsa's house and saw that he had the face of a tiger. ### [14.2.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.20) Seeing him, he then said to the brahmin who had approached to be eaten: / ‘I shall certainly devour you, O brahmin; there is no doubt about this.’ ### [14.2.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.21) Uttaṅka said: / ‘Devour me by all means, but hear one thing, O lord of men: / give me the two earrings, friend; having given them to my guru, / I will return. Devour me then, when my task is done.’ ### [14.2.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.22) Saudāsa said: / ‘Go to the fortress-abode where my beloved resides. / Approaching her with effort, O twice-born, out of fear for your life, ### [14.2.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.23) let her be asked in my name; she will give you the two earrings. / And you must not act contrary to what is true, O best of the twice-born.’ ### [14.2.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.24) Vasiṣṭha said: / Having gone into the presence of Madayantī, the best of the twice-born said: / ‘Give me the two earrings, O queen; Saudāsa has commanded you.’ ### [14.2.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.25) Madayantī said: / ‘I still have doubt, O brahmin, best of the twice-born, regarding the earrings. / Bring a token of recognition from the king and show it \[to me\], O twice-born!’ ### [14.2.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.26) He went swiftly to the king and asked for a token of recognition. ### [14.2.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.27) Saudāsa said: / ‘Without whom there is no good state, and who surely lead to a wretched state— / go and speak my words thus to that virtuous lady, O best of the twice-born; / then she will certainly give the two gem-studded earrings.’ ### [14.2.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.28) Vasiṣṭha said: / Taking the token of recognition, he went and reported it to her. ### [14.2.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.29) Then she gave them to him: ‘Take my two earrings, O twice-born.’ / She said, ‘Taking great care, let them be carried away, O best of the twice-born. ### [14.2.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.30) Takṣaka constantly desires these two earrings, O twice-born.’ / Agreeing with ‘So be it,’ his eyes wide with wonder, / he returned to the king out of curiosity and spoke these words: ### [14.2.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.31) ‘By means of the token of recognition, O king, the two radiant earrings have been obtained by me; / but the meaning of the words was not understood, and therefore I have come back.’ ### [14.2.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.32) Out of curiosity, tell me, O king, how it truly stands in your own case: / Without whom is there no good realm, and who leads one into misfortune? ### [14.2.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.33) Saudāsa said: / When gratified, O brahmin, the twice-born grant a good realm; / when displeased, they grant misfortune at once, just as befell me long ago. ### [14.2.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.34) This curse of mine from the great-souled Vasiṣṭha was to last only until now. / By him it was said: ‘When someone shall set forth a question to you, ### [14.2.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.35) then you shall be freed from your transgression, without a doubt.’ / By your favor, indeed, I am freed from the curse, O best of brahmins, / and have attained the sāttvika abode. Go, O brahmin, homage to you! ### [14.2.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.36) Vasiṣṭha said: / Released by him, Uttaṅka quickly set out upon the path. / As he went, overcome with intense hunger, he saw bilva fruits. ### [14.2.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.37) Then, having tied the two earrings in a black antelope skin and placed them on the ground, / that sage, afflicted with hunger and desiring fruit, climbed \[the tree\]. ### [14.2.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.38) At that very moment, Takṣaka, the best of serpents, / took the two earrings and swiftly went facing the south. ### [14.2.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.39) Then Uttaṅka, having eaten the fruit and descended to the surface of the earth, / searched everywhere, filled with great haste. ### [14.2.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.40) Having seen him coming near and facing him, the best of serpents / entered a dread chasm enveloped in darkness. ### [14.2.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.41) Uttaṅka also reached the chasm, and entering it, filled with darkness, / he took a wooden staff and, furious, began to dig. ### [14.2.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.42) Seeing him so distressed, suffering on account of his guru's business, / Indra placed the thunderbolt at the end of the staff. ### [14.2.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.43) Then he swiftly tore open the surface of the earth, / and, wandering about for the sake of the earrings, entered Pātāla. ### [14.2.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.44) There he saw an entirely white horse endowed with fine qualities. / He was told by it: ‘Touch my anus; then your purpose will be achieved.’ ### [14.2.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.45) He quickly did so, and from it smoke arose; / through it, O mountain, Pātāla was everywhere filled with fire. ### [14.2.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.46) Then all the serpents, bewildered, came running; / placing Takṣaka at their head, they arrived with the earrings. / Giving them to Uttaṅka and bowing down, they went home. ### [14.2.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.47) Vasiṣṭha said: / Then the horse spoke to him: ‘I am Agni, O best of brahmins, / who was propitiated by you previously at the instruction of your teacher. ### [14.2.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.48) Knowing that you had arrived distressed, I have come here out of deep compassion. / By all means, O venerable one, quickly mount my back. ### [14.2.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.49) I will take you to where your guru, the abode of all virtues, dwells.’ / Having mounted its back, he departed toward the hermitage. ### [14.2.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.50) In that very moment he reached the dwelling of Gautama. / At that very time, Ahilyā, having adorned herself ### [14.2.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.51) and bathed, approached her husband and spoke these words, virtuous woman: / ‘Uttaṅka has not arrived today; I will surely cast a curse \[on him\]! ### [14.2.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.52) For he has been seen by me to be lax in his duties toward his guru.’ / But as her words ended, Uttaṅka came into view. ### [14.2.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.53) With a serene face, delighted, possessing the two earrings, / having bowed down to her with devotion, he presented the earrings. ### [14.2.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.54) Seeing them, that virtuous woman immediately placed them on her two ears. / Then she swiftly dismissed Uttaṅka to his own home. ### [14.2.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.55) Vasiṣṭha said: / Thus that chasm was created on account of Takṣaka and Uttaṅka, / about which I constantly worry regarding the filling of the pit for the cow's sake. ### [14.2.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.56) Therefore, fill it quickly; no other is capable of this task. / Quickly perform my business, O best of mountains, without a doubt. ### [14.2.56\_1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.2.56_1) Thus ends the second chapter, entitled ‘The Description of the Deeds of Gautama's Disciple Uttaṅka, in the Account of the Origin of the Chasm,’ in the Arbuda Section of the third Prabhāsa Section, in the Great Purāṇa of Śrī Skanda, in the collection of eighty-one thousand verses. ### [14.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.1) Sūta said: / Having heard the word of the great-souled Vasiṣṭha, Himācala / reflected on that task of filling the chasm. ### [14.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.2) Having reflected for a long time, the best of mountains said this to the ṛṣi: / ‘Tell me, what means is there for mountains to go there? ### [14.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.3) For Indra cut off the wings of all \[mountains\] long ago. / Therefore, O best of sages, see the determination of this task.’ ### [14.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.4) Vasiṣṭha said: / There is a means, O great mountain, to convey mountains there: / this famous son of yours, Nandivardhana, is there. ### [14.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.5) He has an exceedingly dear friend known as Arbuda, / a serpent, the best of living beings, who moves through the sky and is mighty. ### [14.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.6) Possessing upward flight, he will quickly carry \[him\] in a moment, without a doubt. / Knowing that he is effortless in all tasks, I have come. ### [14.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.7) Let an order be given to him; you ought not to cause sorrow. / If you are truly devoted, send him there quickly. ### [14.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.8) Sūta said: / Hearing the words of Vasiṣṭha, Himavat, who loves his sons, / was overcome with great grief, and the mountain thought: ### [14.3.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.9) ‘Our son Maināka has entered the ocean out of fear; / and now Vasiṣṭha has come to take away the eldest by all means. / What is our duty now? How will welfare arise? ### [14.3.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.10) On this side is the fierce fear of a curse; on that side is the sorrow born of \[losing\] a son. / Better that separation from a son should occur, not a curse born of a twice-born.’ ### [14.3.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.11) Having thus made a decision, he said to Nandivardhana: / ‘Go, my son, at my word, toward the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha. ### [14.3.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.12) A dread chasm is there; fill it quickly, / taking the serpent Arbuda, your friend, the best of living beings.’ ### [14.3.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.13) Nandivardhana said: / ‘O lord, that region is very wretched, devoid of fruits and roots, / full of palāśa, khadira, dhava, and śālmali trees.’ ### [14.3.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.14) with extremely cruel human-beasts and various Bhils. / No rivers flow there, and wicked are the people dwelling there. / I am not fit, O best of mountains, to go there under any circumstances." ### [14.3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.15) Then Vasiṣṭha spoke to the terrified Nandivardhana: / "You must not have any fear on account of the wickedness in that country. ### [14.3.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.16) My abode will always be there upon your head, / as will sacred fords, rivers, deities, and sacred shrines. ### [14.3.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.17) Trees of various forms, endowed with leaves, flowers, and fruits, / and auspicious beasts and birds will always be there. ### [14.3.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.18) I myself will bring Maheśvara for your sake; / then all the gods, along with Indra, will indeed dwell there." ### [14.3.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.19) Sūta said: / Having heard the words of Vasiṣṭha, Nandivardhana rejoiced, / approached the serpent Arbuda, and spoke these words: ### [14.3.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.20) "Let us two go there today, may all be well with you, O humble friend! / I consider this deed, arising for the sake of the twice-born, \[to be done\] right now." ### [14.3.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.21) Arbuda said: / "I will come there out of love for you, O son of the mountain! / And I will reside right there together with you, without a doubt. ### [14.3.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.22) However, my brother, hear the request which I will make out of affection; / out of affection it should not be disregarded, if I am dear to you. ### [14.3.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.23) May \[the place\] attain renown by my name; I choose nothing else." / Then he too, having promised, mounted upon him, / and, bowing to both his parents, set out with the sage. ### [14.3.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.24) Filled with divine, auspicious trees, crowded with rivers and waterfalls, / accompanied by melodious birds, endowed with gentle beasts, ### [14.3.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.25) the best of mountains, completely \[filling it\] up to the rim of its nose, / was set down into the chasm right there by Arbuda, upon the word of the sage. ### [14.3.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.26) When it was released into that chasm by the noble-minded Arbuda, / and the terrible \[chasm\] was completely filled, the best of sages was delighted. ### [14.3.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.27) He said to the serpent Arbuda: "Choose a boon, O one of noble vows! / I am well-pleased with you, O serpent, on account of this deed, auspicious one!" ### [14.3.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.28) Arbuda said: / "This alone is a boon for us, that you are pleased, O great sage! / If it must certainly be given, then listen, O best of the twice-born: ### [14.3.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.29) Let whatever spring of clear water is on this peak / attain renown everywhere on the face of the earth as Nāgatīrtha. ### [14.3.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.30) I shall dwell right here always, O sage, out of love for my friend. / Having bathed there, may a human go to heaven by your grace. ### [14.3.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.31) Even a barren woman who merely performs a ritual ablution, / let her become endowed with a son, O brahmin, and possessing happiness and good fortune." ### [14.3.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.32) Vasiṣṭha said: / "A barren woman who merely performs a ritual ablution in this full water, / she too shall obtain a son endowed with all auspicious marks. ### [14.3.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.33) And on the bright fifth day of Śrāvaṇa, if she worships with fruits, / even a woman of a hundred years will become possessed of sons. ### [14.3.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.34) Those who perform a ritual ablution here at this sacred ford with devotion, / they will go to the supreme abode, free from old age and death. ### [14.3.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.35) And those who, attentive, perform a ancestral rite here on the fifth day / in the month of Śrāvaṇa, will attain the fruit of the sacred ford." ### [14.3.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.36) Sūta said: / Having thus granted him a boon, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha / approached Nandivardhana and spoke these words: ### [14.3.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.37) "Choose a boon, child; I am pleased with you, sinless one. / Out of \[your\] humility and affection, I will grant whatever is extremely difficult to obtain." ### [14.3.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.38) Nandivardhana said: / "Let your word spoken previously be true, O best of sages; / let your presence certainly remain here forever. ### [14.3.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.39) And let it be so that I attain renown on the face of the earth as Arbuda; / by your grace, may this be, which rests in my heart." ### [14.3.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14.3.40) Sūta said: / Saying to him, "So be it," the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, / impelled by his word, made his hermitage there. _First 200 of 2,085 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.14.0.p1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.14) · Pramāṇa