[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) › 4.13 # Skandapurana 4.13 English (machine translation) 4.13 - **Language:** English ### [4.13.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.1) The two attendants said: ### [4.13.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.2) "Behold this holy city of Vāyu, named Gandhavatī, ### [4.13.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.3) situated to the north of Varuṇa's realm, O twice-born treasure of great fortune! ### [4.13.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.4) In this realm, the guardian of the quarter named Prabhañjana, the life-breath of the world, ### [4.13.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.5) worshipped venerable Mahādeva and attained the status of a guardian of the quarters. ### [4.13.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.6) Formerly, a son of Kaśyapa renowned as Pūtātman ### [4.13.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.7) performed extensive austerities in the capital of Dhūrjaṭi. ### [4.13.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.8) In Vārāṇasī, that greatly fortunate one, for a hundred million years, ### [4.13.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.9) after establishing the great, purifying liṅga named Pavaneśvara, ### [4.13.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.10) by merely beholding which a person becomes pure of soul, ### [4.13.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.11) and, having cast off the slough of sins, may dwell in the sacred city. ### [4.13.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.12) Then, pleased by his fierce austerity, Śiva, the bestower of the fruits of austerities, ### [4.13.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.13) Maheśvara, whose form is light, manifested from that liṅga. ### [4.13.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.14) And gracious in spirit, an ocean of nectar-like compassion, he said: ### [4.13.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.15) 'Arise, arise, O Pūtātman! Choose a boon, O one of noble vows! ### [4.13.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.16) Through this fierce austerity and the worship of this liṅga, ### [4.13.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.17) there is nothing in the three worlds, with its moving and unmoving beings, that cannot be granted to you, O Pūtātman.' ### [4.13.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.18) Pūtātman said: ### [4.13.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.19) "O God of gods, Mahādeva, granter of fearlessness to the gods, ### [4.13.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.20) bestower of the ranks of all deities beginning with Brahmā, Nārāyaṇa, and Indra! ### [4.13.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.21) The Vedas do not comprehend what your nature is, O Lord; ### [4.13.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.22) proclaiming 'not this, not this', they have taken a hundred paths. ### [4.13.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.23) You are not accessible to the speech of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, or the Lord of Speech; ### [4.13.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.24) how could one like me be able to praise the Lord of Pramathas, O Lord? ### [4.13.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.25) Yet devotion forcibly impels me to the act of praise, O Lord; ### [4.13.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.26) what shall I do, O Lord of the world, when my senses are not under my control? ### [4.13.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.27) You are the universe; indeed, there is no difference, since you alone are omnipresent. ### [4.13.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.28) You are the praised, the praiser, and the praise; you possess attributes and are beyond attributes. ### [4.13.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.29) Before creation, you alone existed, devoid of form and name; ### [4.13.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.30) even yogins do not comprehend your essence in absolute truth. ### [4.13.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.31) When, being alone, you could not take delight, O Lord acting at your own will, ### [4.13.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.32) then that desire arose in you, which became your power to be served. ### [4.13.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.33) You, who are one, assumed duality through the distinction of Śiva and Śakti; ### [4.13.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.34) you are the Lord whose form is knowledge, while your will has the nature of Śakti. ### [4.13.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.35) By both of you, Śiva and Śakti, through your own sport, ### [4.13.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.36) the power of action was produced, and from that, this entire world. ### [4.13.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.37) You are the power of knowledge, O Lord, while Umā is traditionally called the power of will; ### [4.13.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.38) this universe is the power of action; therefore, you are the cause of it. ### [4.13.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.39) Your right half is Brahmā, and your left half is Viṣṇu; ### [4.13.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.40) the moon, the sun, and fire are your eyes, and your breath is the three Vedas. ### [4.13.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.41) The oceans arose from your sweat; the wind is your sense of hearing; ### [4.13.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.42) the ten quarters are your arms, and brahmins are said to be your mouth. ### [4.13.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.43) The best of kings are your arms, the vaiśyas arose from your thighs, ### [4.13.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.44) The śūdra came from your feet, O Īśāna, and the clouds are your hair, O Lord. (21) ### [4.13.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.45) In the form of Puruṣa and Prakṛti, you created the cosmic egg in the beginning; ### [4.13.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.46) Within the cosmic egg is this entire universe of the moving and unmoving. (22) ### [4.13.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.47) Therefore, I consider nothing separate from you, O you whose nature is the world! ### [4.13.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.48) All beings exist in you, and you consist of all beings. (23) ### [4.13.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.49) Homage to you, homage to you, homage to you, reverence again and again! ### [4.13.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.50) This alone is my boon, O Lord: may my mind remain steady in you. (24) ### [4.13.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.51) When that purified soul had spoken thus, the Lord, the ruler of gods, ### [4.13.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.52) Imparted to him his own form and bestowed the status of a guardian of the quarters: (25) ### [4.13.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.53) ‘Omnipresent through my form, teaching all truths, ### [4.13.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.54) You indeed shall become the form of the lifespan of all. (26) ### [4.13.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.55) Those men who behold this divine liṅga of yours here ### [4.13.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.56) Shall be enriched with all pleasures and share in the bliss of your realm. (27) ### [4.13.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.57) A man who once in his life worships the Pavamāneśvara liṅga ### [4.13.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.58) According to the prescribed rule, with fragrant ceremonial baths and the like, (28) ### [4.13.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.59) With sweet-smelling sandalwood and flowers, is glorified in my realm. ### [4.13.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.60) To the west of Jyeṣṭheśa and to the north of the Vāyukuṇḍa, (29) ### [4.13.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.61) By worshipping the Pavamāna \[liṅga\], one is immediately purified.’ ### [4.13.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.62) Having granted these boons, the god dissolved into that liṅga. (30) ### [4.13.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.63) The two gaṇas said: ### [4.13.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.64) Thus the nature of the city Gandhavatī has been described to you. ### [4.13.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.65) To its east lies this glorious Alakāpurī of Kubera. (31) ### [4.13.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.66) Through the discipline of devotion, its master obtained the friendship of Śambhu; ### [4.13.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.67) By worshipping Hara, he became the giver and enjoyer of treasures headed by the Padma. (32) ### [4.13.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.68) Śivaśarman said: ### [4.13.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.69) Who was he? Whose son was he? And what kind of devotion did he have toward Sadāśiva, ### [4.13.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.70) Through which he attained friendship with Dhūrjaṭi, the god of gods? (33) ### [4.13.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.71) To hear this, my mind has come within the range of hearing, ### [4.13.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.72) Sluggish in its belly, made plump by tasting the nectar of your words. (34) ### [4.13.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.73) The two gaṇas said: ### [4.13.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.74) O Śivaśarman of great wisdom, lord of completely purified senses, ### [4.13.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.75) Whose great stains born of all previous births have been washed away by good sacred fords! (35) ### [4.13.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.76) To you, a friend endowed with affection, nothing is unmentionable; ### [4.13.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.77) Conversation with good men leads to the increase of all welfare. (36) ### [4.13.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.78) In the city of Kāmpilya there lived one born in a family of Somayājins, ### [4.13.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.79) An initiated priest named Yajñadatta, skilled in the science of sacrifice, (37) ### [4.13.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.80) Proficient in the Vedas, Vedāṅgas, the meaning of the Vedas, and the conduct enjoined by the Vedas, ### [4.13.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.81) Respected by the king, possessing great wealth, generous, a vessel of fame, (38) ### [4.13.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.82) Devoted to the service of the sacred fire, and dedicated to Vedic study. ### [4.13.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.83) His son was Guṇanidhi, whose appearance was like the disc of the moon. (39) ### [4.13.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.84) Having undergone the sacred thread investiture, he then acquired extensive learning. ### [4.13.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.85) Then, unknown to his father, he became devoted to the practice of gambling. (40) ### [4.13.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.86) Repeatedly taking money from his mother, ### [4.13.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.87) He gave it to gamblers and formed friendships with them. (41) ### [4.13.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.88) He abandoned the conduct of a brahmin and turned away from the twilight rites and ritual ablution, ### [4.13.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.89) A reviler of the Vedas and śāstras, a reviler of the gods and brahmins. (42) ### [4.13.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.90) Lacking the conduct taught in the smṛtis, he engaged in the amusements of song and musical instruments, ### [4.13.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.91) Bound in unbroken affection with actors, heretics, and rogues. (43) ### [4.13.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.92) Even when urged by his mother, he would not go near his father. ### [4.13.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.93) Occupied with other household tasks, the initiated priest to his wife (44) ### [4.13.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.94) Whenever he asked her: ‘O lady, our son Guṇanidhi ### [4.13.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.95) Is not seen by me in the house. Where does he go? What is he doing?’ (45) ### [4.13.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.96) Then every time she would say: ‘Just now he has gone outside. ### [4.13.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.97) Having bathed and worshipped the gods for this long time, (46) ### [4.13.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.98) And having studied, he went out with two or three friends for the sake of study.’ ### [4.13.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.99) Thinking ‘he is an only son,’ his mother deceived the initiated priest. (47) ### [4.13.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.100) The initiated priest knew nothing of that conduct or that behavior of his. ### [4.13.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.101) And having performed his hair-clipping rite in his sixteenth year, (48) ### [4.13.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.102) He had his marriage performed in accordance with the rule taught in the domestic manuals. ### [4.13.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.103) Every day his mother gently instructed her son Guṇanidhi; ### [4.13.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.104) her heart melting with affection, \[she said:\] 'Your father is exceedingly irascible. ### [4.13.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.105) If he comes to know your conduct, he will beat both you and me. ### [4.13.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.106) I always conceal your wicked behavior before your father. ### [4.13.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.107) Your father is honored by the world for his virtuous conduct, not indeed for riches. ### [4.13.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.108) True learning and the company of the virtuous are the wealth of brahmins, my son. ### [4.13.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.109) True scholars versed in the Vedas, proficient in recitation, initiated for rituals, and sacrificers with soma— ### [4.13.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.110) thus your ancestors attained renown in this world. ### [4.13.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.111) Abandon the company of the wicked and take delight in the association of the good; ### [4.13.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.112) apply your noble mind to good learning and practice the proper conduct of a brahmin. ### [4.13.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.113) Suited to you in beauty, in age, in family, and in character, ### [4.13.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.114) —you are nineteen years old, and she is sixteen— ### [4.13.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.115) is your wife, O Guṇanidhi, chaste and sweet of speech. ### [4.13.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.116) Cherish her, who is of good conduct, and be devoted to your parents. ### [4.13.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.117) Even your father-in-law is respected everywhere for his virtues and character; ### [4.13.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.118) do you not feel shame before him? Abandon your wickedness, child! ### [4.13.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.119) Your maternal uncles are peerless, my son, in learning, conduct, lineage, and other merits; ### [4.13.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.120) do you not fear even them? You are pure on both sides of your family! ### [4.13.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.121) Look at these sons of brahmins living in the neighboring houses, ### [4.13.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.122) and look at these disciples of your father in our own house, behaving with modesty! ### [4.13.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.123) When even the king hears of your misbehavior, my son, ### [4.13.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.124) he will lose faith in your father and terminate his livelihood. ### [4.13.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.125) People still say even now: "This is merely the foolish play of a child"; ### [4.13.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.126) hereafter they will laugh, saying: "Fitting indeed for an initiated sacrificer!" ### [4.13.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.127) All will surely reproach both you, a brahmin, and me as well, ### [4.13.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.128) saying with harsh words: "A son takes after the character of his mother. ### [4.13.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.129) Can a father who has drunk the soma and walked the path of the Śruti and Smṛti be wicked? ### [4.13.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.130) Maheśvara is my witness that my mind is absorbed in his feet; ### [4.13.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.131) even after taking the ritual bath after menses, I have never looked upon the face of a wicked man in this world. ### [4.13.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.132) Alas, powerful is that fate through which you were born!"' ### [4.13.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.133) Though being admonished in this way every moment by his mother, exceedingly insolent, ### [4.13.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.134) he did not abandon his nature, because he was obtuse and addicted to vice. ### [4.13.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.135) Hunting, drinking wine, slander, courtesans, theft, gambling, ### [4.13.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.136) and adultery—by these vices, who here has not been ruined? ### [4.13.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.137) Whatever that base-minded fellow saw in the house, taking each and every thing, ### [4.13.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.138) he would hand it over to gamblers: base metals, garments, and the like. ### [4.13.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.139) Taking from his sleeping mother's hand his father's ring, ### [4.13.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.140) which was studded with the nine gems, on one occasion he handed it over into the hand of a gambler. ### [4.13.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.141) Once, as he was returning from the royal palace, his own signet ring ### [4.13.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.142) was recognized by the initiated sacrificer by chance in the hand of a gambler. ### [4.13.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.143) The initiated sacrificer said to him: 'From where did you get this ring?' ### [4.13.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.144) Questioned repeatedly by him with persistence, \[the gambler\] replied: 'What? ### [4.13.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.145) Why do you loudly reproach me, O brahmin? Was this obtained by me through theft? ### [4.13.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.146) This ring was given to me by your own son! ### [4.13.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.147) Indeed, yesterday the garment of my mother was brought by him after being won \[by us\]. ### [4.13.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.148) Not only this ring has been surrendered to me; ### [4.13.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.149) vast wealth has been given by him to other gamblers: ### [4.13.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.150) gems, base metals, fine silk cloths, water-pitchers and the like, ### [4.13.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.151) and varied vessels made of bell-metal and copper. ### [4.13.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.152) Stripping them of clothes every day, the gamblers tie them up. ### [4.13.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.153) There is no gambler on the face of the earth equal to him! ### [4.13.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.154) How is it that until today, O brahmin, the crest-jewel of gamblers, ### [4.13.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.155) your son, expert in indiscipline and injustice, was not known to you?' ### [4.13.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.156) Hearing this, with his neck bent very low under the weight of shame, ### [4.13.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.157) covering his head with his cloth, he entered his own dwelling. ### [4.13.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.158) Approaching his wife, that great devotee of her husband, he said to her then: ### [4.13.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.159) 'Wife of the initiated sacrificer, where are you? Where is your son Guṇanidhi? ### [4.13.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.160) Or let him be, what use is he? Where is that auspicious ring of mine, ### [4.13.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.161) studded with the nine gems, which was taken from my finger by you at the time of anointing the body? ### [4.13.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.162) Bring it quickly and give it to me!' ### [4.13.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.163) Hearing his words, the dīkṣita's wife became frightened ### [4.13.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.164) and said, "Perform your midday rites now. ### [4.13.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.165) I am busy preparing offerings and the like for the worship of the deity; ### [4.13.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.166) O lover of guests, the proper time for guests will pass. ### [4.13.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.167) Just now, being busy with the preparation of cooked food, ### [4.13.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.168) I placed it somewhere in a vessel and forgot; I do not know where it is." ### [4.13.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.169) The dīkṣita said: ### [4.13.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.170) "O mother of a virtuous son, you who always speak the truth! ### [4.13.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.171) Whenever I ask you, 'Where has our son gone?' ### [4.13.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.172) then and there you say, 'Lord, he has just gone out ### [4.13.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.173) together with two or three friends to study after recitation.' ### [4.13.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.174) Where is your madder-dyed garment, wife, which was presented by me ### [4.13.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.175) and hung on the clothes-stand? Speak the truth, cast off fear! ### [4.13.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.176) Even that gem-adorned water jug is no longer seen now. ### [4.13.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.177) Where too is that silken sash presented by the king? ### [4.13.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.178) Where is that bell-metal vessel of the South? Where is that copper pot from Gauḍa? ### [4.13.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.179) Where is that pleasant pleasure-couch made of ivory? ### [4.13.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.180) Where is that lamp of moonstone from the mountain country, ### [4.13.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.181) a carved figure with busy hands raised aloft? ### [4.13.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.182) What is the use of saying much, O woman of noble birth? I am angry with you in vain. ### [4.13.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.183) I shall eat only when I have taken another wife. ### [4.13.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.184) I am childless on account of that wicked boy, that defiler of the lineage. ### [4.13.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.185) Arise, bring darbha grass and water; I will offer a handful of sesamum seeds to him. ### [4.13.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.186) For men, childlessness is better than a bad son who degrades the lineage. ### [4.13.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.187) One should abandon a single person for the sake of a lineage; this is the eternal maxim." ### [4.13.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.188) Having bathed and performed his daily rites on that very day, ### [4.13.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.189) the dīkṣita found the daughter of a learned brahmin and took her hand \[in marriage\]. ### [4.13.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.190) Hearing that news and reproaching his own past conduct, ### [4.13.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.191) the dīkṣita's son chose a certain direction and departed. ### [4.13.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.192) He fell into great anxiety: "Where shall I go? What shall I do? ### [4.13.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.193) I have not studied learning, nor do I have any wealth. ### [4.13.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.194) In a foreign land, a man with wealth or good learning prospers in happiness; ### [4.13.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.195) wealth carries fear from thieves, \[but\] one endowed with learning has no fear anywhere. ### [4.13.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.196) Where is birth in a family of sacrificial priests, and where is such vice of mine? ### [4.13.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.197) Ah, how powerful is destiny, which fastens onto future actions! ### [4.13.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.198) I do not know how to beg; nowhere do I have an acquaintance; ### [4.13.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.199) nor do I have any wealth with me. What refuge can there be here? ### [4.13.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13.200) Always when the sun arose, my mother would give me sweet food; _First 200 of 346 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.13.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.13) · Pramāṇa