[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) › 4.12 # Skandapurana 4.12 English (machine translation) 4.12 - **Language:** English ### [4.12.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.1) Śivaśarman said: ### [4.12.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.2) "Tell in order of the worlds beginning with that of Nirṛti, O best of men, ### [4.12.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.3) whose locks are grayed with pollen from the lotus feet of the Supreme Being!" ### [4.12.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.4) The two attendants said: ### [4.12.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.5) "Listen, O fortunate one, to the city beyond Saṃyaminī; ### [4.12.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.6) it belongs to Nirṛti, regent of the direction, and is inhabited by holy beings and ogres. ### [4.12.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.7) In it dwell rākṣasas who never harm others; ### [4.12.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.8) they are ogres by birth alone, but holy folk by conduct. ### [4.12.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.9) Treading the path of revelation taught by tradition, even among those born in lower castes, ### [4.12.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.10) they never accept food or drink not prescribed by tradition. ### [4.12.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.11) turned away from another's wife, another's wealth, and malice toward others, ### [4.12.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.12) even though born in a degraded caste, pursuing merit; ### [4.12.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.13) who maintain themselves with wealth gained through devotion to the twice-born, ### [4.12.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.14) and whose limbs are always humbly drawn in when conversing with the twice-born and the like; ### [4.12.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.15) who, when summoned, speak in the presence of the twice-born with their mouths covered by cloth, ### [4.12.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.16) saying: "Hail! Long life, O lord! O master! O lord!"— ### [4.12.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.17) always dedicated to ritual ablution at sacred fords, always devoted to God, ### [4.12.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.18) always bowing before the twice-born after announcing their own names; ### [4.12.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.19) self-control, charity, compassion, patience, purity, restraint of the senses, ### [4.12.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.20) non-stealing, truth, and non-violence are the causes of righteousness for all. ### [4.12.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.21) Wherever they are born, those who are always intent upon obligatory duties, ### [4.12.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.22) endowed with all enjoyments, dwell here in the best of cities. ### [4.12.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.23) Even barbarians who die at good sacred fords, not having killed themselves, ### [4.12.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.24) excluding Kāśī, having attained nirvāṇa, end up as enjoyers here. ### [4.12.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.25) Those people who take their own lives enter blinding darkness; ### [4.12.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.26) having suffered a thousand hells, they become village pigs. ### [4.12.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.27) Therefore, suicide should never be committed by a wise person; ### [4.12.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.28) for suicides there is no good fortune, neither in this world nor in the next. ### [4.12.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.29) Some teachers of ultimate truth speak of death at will ### [4.12.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.30) at Prayāga, the king of all sacred fords, which grants every desire. ### [4.12.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.31) Even those outcasts who follow the law of compassion ### [4.12.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.32) and are devoted to helping others dwell here as the best of good people. ### [4.12.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.33) We shall declare the nature of this guardian of the quarter; listen a moment: ### [4.12.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.34) Formerly, in the middle of the Vindhya forest, there was a chief of people living in an encampment, ### [4.12.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.35) a fierce chieftain of a tribal village, famed as Piṅgākṣa. ### [4.12.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.36) He was a warrior on the bank of the Nirvindhyā, turned away from cruel deeds; ### [4.12.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.37) even stationed afar, he would slay those who attacked wayfarers, ### [4.12.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.38) and with effort he destroyed tigers and other harmful creatures. ### [4.12.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.39) He lived by the hunter's way of life, yet even then he was full of compassion: ### [4.12.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.40) he did not kill trusting birds or deer, nor those asleep, nor those mating, ### [4.12.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.41) nor those thirsty for water, nor the young, nor those showing signs of pregnancy; ### [4.12.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.42) he who knew righteousness, turning away from the \[cruel\] duty of his birth, did not slay them. ### [4.12.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.43) To travelers exhausted by toil, he gave rest; ### [4.12.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.44) he removed the hunger of the famished, and gave sandals to the unshod. ### [4.12.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.45) He distributed very soft deer-skins to the naked; ### [4.12.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.46) he escorted travelers along the road in the wilderness and the forest. ### [4.12.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.47) He did not seek to take wealth from them, and he gave them safety, \[saying:\] ### [4.12.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.48) "Until the Vindhya forest \[is crossed\], my name should be uttered to ward off the fear of evil men." ### [4.12.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.49) He constantly looked upon all pilgrims as his own son; ### [4.12.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.50) and at every sacred ford they truly blessed him. ### [4.12.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.51) While Piṅgākṣa was thus stationed, that forest acted like a city; ### [4.12.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.52) when he was on the road, no one with fear obstructed travelers. ### [4.12.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.53) Once, by his paternal uncle who lived in a nearby village, ### [4.12.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.54) a caravan of pilgrims with a great sound was heard, laden with goods. ### [4.12.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.55) A greedy hunter, coveting their wealth, mean-spirited, set out to kill them; ### [4.12.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.56) having gone ahead very secretly, he blocked the road. ### [4.12.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.57) At that time, Piṅgākṣa, with all his attendants, had gone on a hunt; ### [4.12.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.58) in that forest, he dwelt at night near their path. ### [4.12.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.59) The desires of men who harm the lives of others can never succeed; ### [4.12.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.60) this entire universe is skillfully protected by the Lord of the Universe. ### [4.12.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.61) Therefore, a human being should never contemplate undesirable things, ### [4.12.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.62) since only that which is ordained by destiny will happen; \[wicked intention brings\] only taint. ### [4.12.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.63) Therefore, one who desires his own happiness should not dwell on the desirable or the undesirable; ### [4.12.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.64) if one contemplates, then only the means to liberation should be contemplated, and nothing else. ### [4.12.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.65) Then, when the night had dawned, a great tumult arose: ### [4.12.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.66) "Strike! Strike down! Strip them bare quickly, O warriors!" ### [4.12.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.67) "Do not kill! Protect \[us\], O warriors! We are pilgrims! ### [4.12.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.68) Plunder without effort, and take whatever we have! ### [4.12.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.69) We are helpless travelers, devoted to the Lord of the Universe! ### [4.12.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.70) Protected are they—not far off, may another traveler provide protection!" ### [4.12.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.71) "Relying upon Piṅgākṣa, we have no fear on this road; ### [4.12.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.72) we always come and go, but he is far away from this forest." // 35 ### [4.12.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.73) Then, having heard what was said by the pilgrim, the warrior Piṅgākṣa, ### [4.12.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.74) calling out from afar, "Fear not! Fear not!", arrived. // 36 ### [4.12.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.75) Drawn by the cords of his own karma, the Bhilla, who was dear to pilgrims, ### [4.12.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.76) arrived there in an instant, as if \[drawn by\] the close of his lifespan. // 37 ### [4.12.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.77) "Who is this, who is this evil-doer who, while I, Piṅgākṣa, am alive, ### [4.12.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.78) wishes to rob the travellers, who are as dear to me as the liṅga of my own life?" // 38 ### [4.12.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.79) Hearing this utterance of his, Tārākṣa, his paternal uncle, ### [4.12.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.80) out of greed for wealth, sinful \[as he was\], plotted sin against Piṅgākṣa: // 39 ### [4.12.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.81) "Discarding the duty of the clan, this disgraced member of the family behaves \[thus\]. ### [4.12.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.82) I will without doubt slay him today, as I have long intended." // 40 ### [4.12.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.83) Having reflected thus, that evil-minded one angrily commanded his servants: ### [4.12.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.84) "First slay him, and after that, these pilgrims!" // 41 ### [4.12.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.85) Then all those evil-doers fought with that single \[warrior\]; ### [4.12.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.86) and somehow he brought them near to his own dwelling. // 42 ### [4.12.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.87) "My bow and arrow are shattered indeed, and my armour is pierced by arrows; ### [4.12.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.88) I would slay them if I were the master \[of my body and weapons\]." // 43 ### [4.12.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.89) Lamenting thus, he gave up his life for the sake of others; ### [4.12.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.90) and those pilgrims reached his village, their fear departed. // 44 ### [4.12.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.91) Whatever one's state of mind may be at the time of death, the destiny corresponds to it; ### [4.12.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.92) therefore, he attained the status of a guardian of the quarter, as the lord of the southwest (nairṛteśvara) in the southwest (nirṛti). // 45 ### [4.12.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.93) Thus his true nature has been declared to you by us two. ### [4.12.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.94) To the north of this is this wondrous world of Varuṇa. // 46 ### [4.12.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.95) Makers of wells, step-wells, and ponds with pure wealth ### [4.12.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.96) are honoured here in this world of Varuṇa, radiant as Varuṇa. // 47 ### [4.12.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.97) Those who give water in a waterless place, dispelling the distress of others, ### [4.12.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.98) and who give variegated umbrellas and water-pots to supplicants; // 48 ### [4.12.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.99) those who set up water-booths provided with various utensils, ### [4.12.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.100) and also give pots for merit filled with fragrant water; // 49 ### [4.12.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.101) those who water the sacred fig tree, planters of trees along the path, ### [4.12.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.102) makers of rest houses, who dispel the weariness and burning heat of the fatigued; // 50 ### [4.12.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.103) those who dispel the heat of summer, and also fashioned from peacock feathers and the like, ### [4.12.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.104) distribute variegated fans of palm-leaf at the onset of summer; // 51 ### [4.12.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.105) those who carefully bestow refreshing drinks, delicious, fragrant, and cool, ### [4.12.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.106) during the summer seasons, for \[their\] satisfaction; // 52 ### [4.12.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.107) those who, having dedicated fields of sugarcane, give them to brahmins, ### [4.12.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.108) and also various kinds of numerous sugarcane preparations; // 53 ### [4.12.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.109) givers of dairy products, and likewise givers of cows and she-buffaloes, ### [4.12.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.110) makers of water-shower pavilions, and creators of shade pavilions; // 54 ### [4.12.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.111) those who donate water-dripping vessels with many streams in temples, ### [4.12.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.112) or who abolish taxes at a sacred ford, or who sweep the path to a sacred ford; // 55 ### [4.12.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.113) those who grant fearlessness with raised hands to the terrified— ### [4.12.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.114) they dwell fearless and shine in the world of Varuṇa. // 56 ### [4.12.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.115) Those virtuous ones who release from bonds those bound by the neck with nooses by evil-doers, ### [4.12.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.116) dwell free from any fear in this world of the noose-handed \[Varuṇa\]. // 57 ### [4.12.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.117) Those who carry travellers across rivers and the like by means of boats and other means, ### [4.12.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.118) carry them across the ocean of sorrow; there they become citizens \[of that world\], O twice-born. // 58 ### [4.12.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.119) Those who build bathing-stairs of stone and other materials on holy rivers and the like, ### [4.12.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.120) for the sake of the ease and comfort of those seeking water, those men enjoy pleasures there. // 59 ### [4.12.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.121) Those virtuous persons who satisfy the thirsty with cool water, ### [4.12.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.122) they indeed enjoy an uninterrupted stream of happiness here in the world of Varuṇa. // 60 ### [4.12.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.123) This Pracetas is the sole lord of all reservoirs of water, ### [4.12.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.124) the master of aquatic creatures, and the witness to all deeds. // 61 ### [4.12.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.125) Hear the origin of this lord, the high-souled Varuṇa: ### [4.12.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.126) There was an immeasurable-souled sage of the progenitor Kardama, // 62 ### [4.12.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.127) his son known as Śuciṣmān, adorned with modest conduct, ### [4.12.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.128) beneficent, endowed with virtues such as steadfastness, gentleness, and courage. // 63 ### [4.12.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.129) He went to the Acchoda lake with \[other\] boys to bathe; ### [4.12.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.130) and as he was absorbed in water sports, a crocodile seized him. // 64 ### [4.12.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.131) Then, when that sage's son had been carried off, announcing the disaster, ### [4.12.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.132) those children came together and told it before his father. ### [4.12.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.133) Seated in worship of Hara, his mind unwavering in absorption, ### [4.12.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.134) even upon hearing of the boy's misfortune, his mind did not waver from Hara. ### [4.12.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.135) All the more intensely he meditated upon the omniscient, three-eyed Lord, ### [4.12.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.136) seeing in the presence of Śambhu the fourteen worlds, ### [4.12.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.137) the manifold creatures that have come to be within the cosmic egg, ### [4.12.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.138) the moon, sun, constellations, stars, mountains, rivers, and trees, ### [4.12.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.139) oceans, islands, forests, and lakes, ### [4.12.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.140) the various hosts of gods, and many cities of the celestials, ### [4.12.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.141) step-wells, wells, ponds, canals, and numerous lotus pools. ### [4.12.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.142) In a certain lake, \[he saw\] devoted to water-sports, ### [4.12.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.143) many sons of sages, by plunging and surfacing, ### [4.12.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.144) by spraying streams of water discharged with their hand-pumps, ### [4.12.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.145) making the regions of the sky resound with the sound of water struck by hands— ### [4.12.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.146) many boys thus engrossed in aquatic play. ### [4.12.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.147) Among them, Kardama, remaining in deep absorption, then saw ### [4.12.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.148) his own child, exceedingly distraught, being dragged away by a porpoise. ### [4.12.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.149) Then, by a certain goddess of the waters, from that cruel aquatic beast, ### [4.12.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.150) he saw him forcibly taken and delivered to the ocean. ### [4.12.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.151) Having rebuked the lord of rivers, a certain figure bearing the form of Rudra, ### [4.12.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.152) trident in hand, his face flushed red with wrath, said: ### [4.12.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.153) "Why, O lord of waters, was the boy of a devotee of Śiva, ### [4.12.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.154) \[the child\] of the wise and glorious Prajāpati Kardama, ### [4.12.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.155) detained by you for long, unaware of the power of Śiva?" ### [4.12.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.156) Terrified with fear upon hearing his words, that ocean, ### [4.12.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.157) having adorned the boy with jewels and having bound that porpoise, ### [4.12.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.158) brought him and surrendered him near Śambhu's lotus feet. ### [4.12.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.159) Bowing down, he addressed Him: "I have not sinned, O omnipresent Lord, ### [4.12.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.160) Lord of the universe, protector of the helpless, destroyer of distress for your devotees, ### [4.12.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.161) O Śambhu, wish-fulfilling tree for devotees! By this wicked water-beast, ### [4.12.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.162) and not by me, O Lord, was this child of your devotee brought here." ### [4.12.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.163) Then, knowing the thought in Śambhu's mind, that attendant (gaṇa), ### [4.12.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.164) having bound that water-beast with a cord, delivered it into the boy's hand. ### [4.12.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.165) "Take this child of your own!" as the attendant said by the command of Śaṃkara, ### [4.12.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.166) "Go to your own abode, child!"—that Kardama, ### [4.12.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.167) the noble-minded one, hearing all this at the time of deep absorption, ### [4.12.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.168) opened his eyes as soon as he released his contemplation, ### [4.12.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.169) and as he looked around, he saw the child right before him, ### [4.12.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.170) holding the porpoise, with adorned ear-ornaments at his side, ### [4.12.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.171) the ends of his sidelocks wet with water, the corners of his eyes reddened, ### [4.12.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.172) his skin slightly dry and irritated, his mind filled with agitation. ### [4.12.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.173) Embracing him as he offered his salutation, smelling his lotus face, ### [4.12.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.174) he thought of him as born anew, gazing at him again and again. ### [4.12.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.175) Indeed, five hundred years passed for Kardama ### [4.12.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.176) remaining in contemplation while worshipping Śambhu then. ### [4.12.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.177) Yet Kardama perceived that span of time as having lasted only a moment, ### [4.12.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.178) for Time has no power in the presence of Mahākāla. ### [4.12.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.179) Then, having asked his father's permission and bowing down to him, the son ### [4.12.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.180) went swiftly to the glorious city of Vārāṇasī for the sake of austerity. ### [4.12.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.181) There, having performed fierce austerity and having installed a liṅga of Śambhu, ### [4.12.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.182) he remained motionless as a stone for five thousand years. ### [4.12.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.183) Then Mahādeva, pleased by his austerity, manifested Himself ### [4.12.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.184) and said: "O son of Kardama, speak! What supreme boon shall I grant?" ### [4.12.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.185) The son of Kardama said: ### [4.12.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.186) "If, O Lord, You are pleased, You who are compassionate to devotees, ### [4.12.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.187) grant me lordship over all waters and over aquatic creatures as well!" ### [4.12.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.188) Having heard this, the great Lord, the master who grants whatever is desired, ### [4.12.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.189) consecrated him there in the supreme status of Varuṇa, ### [4.12.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.190) \[lord\] of jewels born of the ocean, of the oceans, and of the rivers. ### [4.12.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.191) and of lakes, ponds, and the flowing waters of stepwells, ### [4.12.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.192) and of all reservoirs of water, as well as of the western quarter, ### [4.12.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.193) be the sovereign ruler, noose in hand, beloved of all the gods! ### [4.12.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.194) I grant another boon as well, which will bring welfare to all: ### [4.12.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.195) This liṅga installed by you shall be named after you; ### [4.12.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.196) renowned as Varuṇeśa in Vārāṇasī, it will bestow great attainments. ### [4.12.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.197) Situated in the south-western direction from the Maṇikarṇeśa liṅga, ### [4.12.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.198) when worshipped, it continually destroys all dullness of men. ### [4.12.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.199) Those who are devotees of Varuṇeśa have no fear of water anywhere, ### [4.12.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12.200) no fear of affliction, nor do they ever suffer an untimely death. _First 200 of 209 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.12.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.12) · Pramāṇa