[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) › 4.19 # Skandapurana 4.19 English (machine translation) 4.19 - **Language:** English ### [4.19.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.1) Śivaśarman said: ### [4.19.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.2) “Standing on one foot, who is this revolving, O best of beings, ### [4.19.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.3) the tips of whose hands are busy with many cords, and whose eyes are roving? // 1 ### [4.19.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.4) Resembling a pillar of the pavilion of the three worlds, enveloped in splendours, ### [4.19.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.5) as though weighing the matchless mass of luminaries on a balance; // 2 ### [4.19.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.6) like a master builder measuring the expanse of the sky; ### [4.19.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.7) or Trivikrama's upright leg-post standing tall in the courtyard of the sky; // 3 ### [4.19.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.8) or bearing the form of the central sacrificial post in the lake of the heavens? ### [4.19.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.9) Who is he? Speak of him to me, O divine ones, out of your supreme grace!” // 4 ### [4.19.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.10) Hearing these words of their friend, the two traveling in the aerial chariot, ### [4.19.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.11) the two attendants, out of affection related to him the fixed story of Dhruva: // 5 ### [4.19.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.12) The two attendants said: ### [4.19.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.13) “Manu Svāyambhuva had a son named Uttānacaraṇa. ### [4.19.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.14) To that lord of the earth, O brahmin, two sons were born: // 6 ### [4.19.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.15) the elder, Uttama, by Suruci, and the other, Dhruva, by Sunīti. ### [4.19.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.16) Once, while the king was seated in the midst of the royal assembly, // 7 ### [4.19.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.17) the decorated child, devoted to humility, ### [4.19.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.18) Dhruva, was sent by Sunīti together with the foster-mothers' sons to attend upon the king. // 8 ### [4.19.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.19) Having gone, he bowed down to King Uttānacaraṇa, ### [4.19.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.20) and seeing Uttama seated in his father's lap, // 9 ### [4.19.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.21) out of childish fickleness, towards the king seated upon his elevated throne, ### [4.19.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.22) the son of Sunīti, Dhruva, then desired to climb up. // 10 ### [4.19.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.23) Seeing him wishing to climb up, Suruci said to Dhruva: ### [4.19.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.24) ‘O son of an unfavoured wife, why do you wish to climb into the lap of the lord of the earth? // 11 ### [4.19.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.25) Owing to your childish and foolish mind, O you who were born from the womb of an unfortunate woman, ### [4.19.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.26) no virtuous deed was performed by you to sit upon this throne! // 12 ### [4.19.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.27) If there were virtuous merit, why did you go into the womb of an unfavoured wife? ### [4.19.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.28) By this very inference, recognise your own lack of merit! // 13 ### [4.19.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.29) Even though born a prince, you did not adorn my womb. ### [4.19.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.30) Look at this unexcelled Uttama, born of an auspicious womb, // 14 ### [4.19.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.31) magnified with honour on the lap of the king of the earth! ### [4.19.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.32) If you have a desire to climb this lofty throne, // 15 ### [4.19.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.33) why, forsaking the womb of Suruci of bright splendour, did you dwell \[in Sunīti's\]?’ ### [4.19.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.34) Thus rebuked by her in the middle of the royal court, the boy, // 16 ### [4.19.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.35) swallowing the tears that were falling, said nothing out of fortitude. ### [4.19.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.36) Nor did that king say anything, whether proper or improper, // 17 ### [4.19.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.37) restrained by the queen due to the weight of her good fortune. ### [4.19.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.38) Wiping his eyes before the assembly and wiping away his grief with childlike actions, // 18 ### [4.19.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.39) the child bowed down to the king and went to his own abode. ### [4.19.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.40) Then Sunīti, beholding the boy who was an abode of proper conduct, // 19 ### [4.19.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.41) knew immediately from the appearance of his face that Dhruva had been insulted. ### [4.19.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.42) Approaching the child and kissing his head once, // 20 ### [4.19.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.43) she embraced him soothingly as he appeared somewhat withered. ### [4.19.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.44) Then, seeing Sunīti residing alone in the inner apartments, // 21 ### [4.19.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.45) sighing deeply again and again, he wept before his mother. ### [4.19.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.46) Consoling him with tearful eyes and wiping his face // 22 ### [4.19.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.47) with the soft edge of her fine cloth and with her gentle hand, ### [4.19.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.48) the mother asked her son: ‘Tell me the cause of your weeping. ### [4.19.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.49) While the king was present, by whom were you insulted, child?’ // 23 ### [4.19.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.50) Rinsing his mouth and taking betel, ### [4.19.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.51) Dhruva, questioned by his mother with gentle restraint, said to her: // 24 ### [4.19.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.52) ‘I ask you, mother; tell me truly before me: ### [4.19.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.53) even though the status of wife is equal, how is that Suruci the beloved? // 25 ### [4.19.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.54) Why, mother, are you not beloved to the king of the earth? ### [4.19.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.55) How has Uttama, the son of Suruci, attained the state of being supreme? // 26 ### [4.19.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.56) Even though our status as princes is equal, why am I not supreme? ### [4.19.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.57) Why are you unfortunate, and how is Suruci blessed with a good womb?’ // 27 ### [4.19.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.58) How is the king's throne fit for Uttama, and how is it not for me? ### [4.19.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.59) How is my merit trifling, and how is Uttama's supreme?" ### [4.19.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.60) Hearing this speech of that prudent child, Sunīti, ### [4.19.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.61) sighing slightly, slowly, in order to calm the child's anger, ### [4.19.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.62) began to speak words naturally sweet. ### [4.19.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.63) Casting aside hostility toward her co-wife, best among those knowing statecraft, ### [4.19.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.64) Sunīti said: ### [4.19.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.65) "O child of great intellect, with a pure inner self ### [4.19.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.66) I explain everything to you; do not set your mind on insult. ### [4.19.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.67) Whatever she said is entirely true and not otherwise. ### [4.19.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.68) She is the king's queen with offspring, dearest among queens. ### [4.19.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.69) O child, by the merit that was accumulated by her in another birth, ### [4.19.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.70) from that accumulation of merit, the king takes great delight in Suruci. ### [4.19.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.71) Those like me, unfortunate ones, remain among ordinary women; ### [4.19.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.72) for them there is only the designation of being the king's wives, not his affection. ### [4.19.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.73) By heaps of great merit, Uttama dwelt in the belly of that excellent, ### [4.19.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.74) meritorious woman, and so he is worthy of the royal lion-throne. ### [4.19.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.75) A parasol shining like the moon, two auspicious fly-whisks, ### [4.19.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.76) likewise a high, splendid throne, and rutting elephants, ### [4.19.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.77) swift steeds, a life free from mental anguish and disease, ### [4.19.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.78) an auspicious kingdom free of rivals, abundant worship of Hari and Hara, ### [4.19.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.79) vast knowledge of the arts, unrivaled erudition, ### [4.19.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.80) victory over the six internal enemies, a mind naturally sattvic, ### [4.19.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.81) a gaze full of compassion, speech sweetly spoken, ### [4.19.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.82) absence of indolence in duties, and reverence toward elders, ### [4.19.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.83) purity everywhere, my child, continual service to others, ### [4.19.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.84) a vigorous disposition of mind, speech always free of weakness, ### [4.19.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.85) learning in the assembly, boldness in the courtyard of battle, ### [4.19.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.86) straightforwardness among kinsmen, firmness in buying and selling, ### [4.19.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.87) gentleness in dealing with women, and tenderness toward subjects, ### [4.19.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.88) constant reverence before brahmins, living by the conduct of the aged, ### [4.19.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.89) dwelling on the bank of the Bhāgīrathī, or death at a sacred ford or in battle, ### [4.19.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.90) never turning away from petitioners, and especially not from adversaries, ### [4.19.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.91) enjoyment together with attendants, the dawn of each day never devoid of gifts, ### [4.19.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.92) constant devotion to learning, constant service to one's parents, ### [4.19.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.93) continual accumulation of fame, continual accumulation of righteousness, ### [4.19.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.94) attainment of heaven and final liberation, and good character as an eternal ornament, ### [4.19.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.95) continual association with the good, friendship with the friends of one's father, ### [4.19.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.96) an eager longing always to listen to the Itihāsas and Purāṇas, ### [4.19.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.97) supreme fortitude even in adversity, steadiness in the arrival of prosperity, ### [4.19.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.98) gravity in elegant speech, and generosity toward worthy recipients— ### [4.19.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.99) with only emaciation in the body through austerities, observances, and restraints— ### [4.19.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.100) with these fruits fulfilling desires, the trees of austerity surely bear fruit. ### [4.19.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.101) Therefore, O wise one, because of our meager austerity, ### [4.19.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.102) both you and I, despite having attained the king's proximity, are not vessels of royal fortune. ### [4.19.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.103) Therefore, one's own past actions are the supreme cause of honor and dishonor. ### [4.19.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.104) Even the Creator cannot wipe away the action wrought by oneself. ### [4.19.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.105) Do not grieve, therefore, my son; destiny delivers what has been willed. ### [4.19.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.106) Having heard that great, highly prudent speech of Sunīti, ### [4.19.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.107) the son of Sunīti, Dhruva, began to speak words in reply. ### [4.19.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.108) Dhruva said: ### [4.19.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.109) "O mother Sunīti, listen to my untroubled words. ### [4.19.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.110) Do not despise me, O ascetic lady, thinking me to be a child. ### [4.19.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.111) If I am born in the lineage of Manu, which is exceedingly pure, ### [4.19.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.112) the son of Uttānapāda and born from your womb, ### [4.19.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.113) and if indeed austerity alone, O mother, is the cause of all fortunes, ### [4.19.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.114) then know that state, unattainable by others, to have already been attained. ### [4.19.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.115) Render me just one assistance, O mother, without hesitation: ### [4.19.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.116) merely granting your permission, and greet me with blessings." ### [4.19.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.117) She, too, knowing that the child born of her womb possessed great prowess, ### [4.19.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.118) resplendent with an immense surge of resolve, she spoke to him: // 56 ### [4.19.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.119) “I am not capable of granting permission to you, my infant son who lies on his back, ### [4.19.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.120) who are barely eight or nine years of age; and yet, I shall speak. // 57 ### [4.19.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.121) Since my great heart has been pierced by the lance-like words of my co-wife, ### [4.19.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.122) your torrents of tears do not cease; what am I to do? // 58 ### [4.19.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.123) I think they are flowing ceaselessly by this path, child, ### [4.19.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.124) and verily wish to become rivers whose waters go against the current. // 59 ### [4.19.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.125) I have you as my only son, dear child; my very life has you as its sole support; ### [4.19.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.126) you are my slender body’s staff, and my eyes are ever fixed upon your face. // 60 ### [4.19.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.127) Through how many hardships were you obtained, after praying to chosen deities! ### [4.19.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.128) At the rising of the moon of your face, my child, the ocean of milk that is my mind, // 61 ### [4.19.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.129) filling my breasts with the milk of bliss, overflows its bounds. ### [4.19.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.130) Cooled by the abundant joy born of contact with your limbs, // 62 ### [4.19.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.131) I sleep comfortably on a soft couch, wrapping myself in a garment of horripilation. ### [4.19.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.132) Having sipped water and accepted betel, // 63 ### [4.19.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.133) \[your mouth\] made to swell by the ocean of milk from the cavity of your lips— ### [4.19.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.134) even drinking in that nectar, O moon-faced one, I am not satiated! // 64 ### [4.19.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.135) Whenever your soothing chatter entered the path of my hearing, ### [4.19.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.136) the torment caused by the words of my co-wife—even that trembling—instantly subsided. // 65 ### [4.19.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.137) When, darling, you slept for long, I would ponder: ### [4.19.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.138) ‘When will he be rid of sleep, like a lotus at sunrise?’ // 66 ### [4.19.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.139) When, child, you returned home after playing children’s games, ### [4.19.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.140) then my breasts would be poised, as it were, to offer an invaluable guest-offering. // 67 ### [4.19.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.141) Whenever you stepped out of the palace, your foot marked with the sign of a lotus ### [4.19.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.142) was then the support of your life-breaths that sought to depart. // 68 ### [4.19.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.143) Whenever, son, you went outside just three or four steps, ### [4.19.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.144) each time my breath became a guest in my throat. // 69 ### [4.19.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.145) Wondrous it is, son, that the bird of my mind is in haste to depart, ### [4.19.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.146) as if a cloud of nectar, when you linger outside for long! // 70 ### [4.19.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.147) Now let my cruel life-breaths remain on the edge of the forest of my throat, ### [4.19.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.148) performing austerities, deeply tormented, as you depart for austerities.” // 71 ### [4.19.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.149) Having thus received permission, Dhruva placed his head ### [4.19.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.150) for a moment upon his mother’s lotus feet, moistening them with the clay of his crown, and departed. // 72 ### [4.19.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.151) She too, having strung it with the thread of fortitude, ### [4.19.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.152) offered a garland born of the blue lotuses of her eyes as a parting gift to Dhruva, Sunīti did. // 73 ### [4.19.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.153) Then his mother sent after him, to protect his path, ### [4.19.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.154) hundreds upon hundreds of her own blessings, whose advance could not be checked by foes. // 74 ### [4.19.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.155) Departing from his palace, the boy, who possessed no childish valor, ### [4.19.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.156) entered the forest, his path shown by a favorable breeze. // 75 ### [4.19.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.157) Under the pretext of the tree branches stretching their tips in the breeze, ### [4.19.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.158) he entered the forest as though summoned with love by the forest. // 76 ### [4.19.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.159) Having his mother as his only deity, familiar only with the royal road, ### [4.19.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.160) the prince did not know the forest path, and meditated for a moment. // 77 ### [4.19.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.161) As Dhruva opened his eyes and looked forward, ### [4.19.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.162) he saw in the forest the Seven Seers, whose movement was unexpected. // 78 ### [4.19.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.163) To the ignorant and the helpless, destiny becomes an ally: ### [4.19.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.164) in the dense wilderness, in battle, or at home, destiny alone is indeed the cause. // 79 ### [4.19.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.165) Where is the young royal child, and where is that impenetrable forest? ### [4.19.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.166) Homage to you, O Destiny, who forcibly bring everything under your own sway! // 80 ### [4.19.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.167) Where and for whom whatever is destined to occur, whether good or ill, ### [4.19.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.168) drawing him there, the rope of destiny indeed brings it to pass for him. // 81 ### [4.19.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.169) A mortal plans one way through the power of his intellect, ### [4.19.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.170) yet through divine Destiny, Fate arranges it otherwise. // 82 ### [4.19.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.171) Neither youth nor variety nor diverse efforts fulfill a purpose; ### [4.19.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.172) neither strength nor endeavor is the cause for men—deeds done in a past life are. // 83 ### [4.19.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.173) Then, seeing the Seven Seers, who surpassed the sun in brilliance, ### [4.19.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.174) brought near as if drawn by the cords of destiny, he rejoiced. // 84 ### [4.19.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.175) Their noble foreheads were marked with sectarian lines, their fingers held kuśa grass, ### [4.19.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.176) they were seated upon black-antelope skins and adorned with sacred threads, // 85 ### [4.19.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.177) their hands held rosaries, and their eyes were slightly closed. ### [4.19.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.178) covered with well-washed, fine reddish garments, ### [4.19.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.179) illustrious \[sages\] gathered unexpectedly like the seven oceans, ### [4.19.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.180) wondrously, as if desiring to deliver the people submerged in misfortune. ### [4.19.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.181) Approaching, humble, with folded hands, ### [4.19.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.182) Dhruva, having bowed down, made a request in charming words: ### [4.19.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.183) Dhruva said: ### [4.19.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.184) "Know me, best of sages, as born from the womb of Sunīti, ### [4.19.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.185) Dhruva, son of Uttānapāda, whose mind is filled with dejection, ### [4.19.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.186) who has arrived in this forest made protected by your feet, ### [4.19.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.187) generally ignorant of everything, yet whose mind dwells on great prosperity." ### [4.19.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.188) Seeing that vigorous boy of naturally charming appearance, ### [4.19.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.189) a priceless ornament to the eyes, speaking softly and deeply, ### [4.19.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.190) they made the child sit near them and, exceedingly astonished, said: ### [4.19.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.191) "Ah, large-eyed boy, prince of the great king! ### [4.19.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.192) Even after reflecting, we do not understand; tell \[us\] the cause of your dejection. ### [4.19.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.193) Today you have no concern for wealth; where was there an insult in your mother's house? ### [4.19.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.194) Your bodily health is sound; what indeed could be the cause of your dejection? ### [4.19.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.195) Dispassion arises in men whose desires are unfulfilled. ### [4.19.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.196) How is it that you, a prince of the king who rules the seven continents, \[feel\] thus? ### [4.19.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.197) In this world of diverse natures, the inner thought ### [4.19.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.198) of a youth, an old man, or a child cannot indeed be easily understood." ### [4.19.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.199) Hearing their words, filled with natural affection, ### [4.19.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19.200) that child of lofty ambition then began to speak. Dhruva said: _First 200 of 267 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.19.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.19) · Pramāṇa