[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) › 4.20 # Skandapurana 4.20 English (machine translation) 4.20 - **Language:** English ### [4.20.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.1) The two gaṇas said: ### [4.20.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.2) Having departed from that forest, O twice-born, the son of Uttānapāda ### [4.20.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.3) reached the delightful, great Madhuvana on the bank of the Yamunā, ### [4.20.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.4) the primal, holy place of the Lord Harimedhas; ### [4.20.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.5) even a sinful creature, having reached it, surely becomes sinless. ### [4.20.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.6) Repeating \[the name of\] the supreme, untainted Brahman called Vāsudeva, ### [4.20.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.7) with eyes motionless in meditation, he saw the universe filled with him. ### [4.20.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.8) Hari was in all directions; Hari was in the rays of the sun; ### [4.20.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.9) Hari went through the forest in the forms of jackals, deer, lions, and the like. ### [4.20.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.10) In the water, the Lord Hari was present in the form of frogs, turtles, and so on; ### [4.20.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.11) Hari was in the stables of kings in the form of horses and the like. ### [4.20.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.12) He has infinite form in Pātāla, and in the sky he is named Ananta; ### [4.20.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.13) though one, he has attained infinitude through endless variations of form. ### [4.20.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.14) He who always dwells among the gods, and who indeed is the dwelling place of the gods, ### [4.20.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.15) he is Vāsudeva, because he shines everywhere through his pervasive presence. ### [4.20.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.16) Where this root viṣḷ, meaning 'pervasion', attains its full meaning, ### [4.20.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.17) those \[qualities\] are indeed in the name and true nature of Viṣṇu, whose character is to pervade all. ### [4.20.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.18) And because he governs all the sense faculties, the Supreme Lord ### [4.20.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.19) is renowned as Hṛṣīkeśa, he who is situated everywhere. ### [4.20.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.20) Since his devotees never fall away even when the great dissolution occurs, ### [4.20.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.21) he alone in the entire universe is the infallible, omnipresent, imperishable one. ### [4.20.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.22) He who maintained this moving and unmoving universe by his mere play, ### [4.20.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.23) by the abundance of his nature as its sustainer, is here the all-nourishing Viśvambhara. ### [4.20.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.24) His two eyes looked at nothing except the abode of Viṣṇu; ### [4.20.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.25) the lotus-eyed one was to be beheld, none other by his vow, hence \[he looked nowhere else\]. ### [4.20.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.26) His two ears also became receptive to no other words ### [4.20.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.27) than 'Mukunda, Govinda, Dāmodara, Four-armed One!' ### [4.20.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.28) Except for the worship of Govinda's feet and actions pleasing to him, ### [4.20.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.29) his two hands, marked with conch and discus, performed no other work. ### [4.20.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.30) His mind contemplated the pair of feet of Hari, which are free from duality; ### [4.20.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.31) abandoning all other contemplation, it indeed attained unshakeable stillness. ### [4.20.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.32) His feet, having taken refuge in Viṣṇu, never wandered anywhere else ### [4.20.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.33) outside the courtyard of Nārāyaṇa as he performed vast austerity. ### [4.20.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.34) His speech was employed as an authority in describing the qualities of Govinda, ### [4.20.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.35) while he remained sitting silently, performing austerity of great essence. ### [4.20.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.36) Relishing the sweet nectar of the name of the beloved of Kamalā \[Lakṣmī\], ### [4.20.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.37) his tongue had no desire for any other taste. ### [4.20.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.38) Delighted by the lotus-fragrance of glorious Mukuṃda’s pair of feet, ### [4.20.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.39) his unhasty nose smelled no other scent. ### [4.20.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.40) Touching the two feet of the enemy of Madhu, the sense of touch ### [4.20.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.41) of that king’s son attained the joy of all tactile sensations. ### [4.20.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.42) Reaching Damodara, the supreme reality and the foundation of sensory objects like sound, ### [4.20.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.43) Dhruva’s senses were then fulfilled. ### [4.20.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.44) All the radiances of the moon, the sun, fire, and the stars ### [4.20.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.45) were eclipsed upon the rising of the sun of his austerity, which illuminated the three worlds. ### [4.20.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.46) Indra, Candra, Agni, Varuṇa, Samīraṇa \[Vāyu\], the lord of wealth \[Kubera\], ### [4.20.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.47) Yama, and the chief of the Nairṛtas became anxious about their own positions. ### [4.20.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.48) So too the other dwellers of heaven who ride in aerial chariots, headed by the Vasus, ### [4.20.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.49) were terrified of Dhruva, their anxieties increasing on account of their offices. ### [4.20.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.50) Wherever Dhruva planted his foot upon the surface of the earth, ### [4.20.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.51) there indeed the earth bent down, oppressed by his weight. ### [4.20.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.52) Ah, even the waters in contact with his limbs abandoned their sluggishness ### [4.20.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.53) and, flavorful and standing in place, flashed elsewhere out of fear of him! ### [4.20.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.54) Whatever radiances were scattered all around, endowed with the qualities of perfection, ### [4.20.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.55) all of them became guests to his eyes by the power of his austerity. ### [4.20.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.56) Ah, the touch of its own quality was constantly brought within range of his skin ### [4.20.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.57) by the wind, even though it stood in distant regions! ### [4.20.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.58) Even space, possessing the quality of sound, with an intention to worship Dhruva, ### [4.20.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.59) made the entire collection of sounds take refuge in his ear. ### [4.20.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.60) Worshiped daily even by the five elements, ### [4.20.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.61) he, whose mind was offered to Govinda, regarded only austerity as supreme. ### [4.20.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.62) Through meditation on the one whose chest is illuminated by the Kaustubha jewel and who wears yellow silk garments, ### [4.20.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.63) the prince beheld the universe as filled with light. ### [4.20.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.64) Indra was seized by an immense worry out of fear of his austerity: ### [4.20.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.65) “If he desires my position, Dhruva will certainly take it away. ### [4.20.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.66) The host of apsarases is able to restrain the restraints of self-controlled ascetics; ### [4.20.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.67) but that prevails over a youth. What can I do here regarding a child? ### [4.20.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.68) Desire and anger are my two helpers ### [4.20.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.69) in destroying the austerity of ascetics; they cannot prevail over this child Dhruva. ### [4.20.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.70) Indeed, only one means will prevail for me over the child: ### [4.20.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.71) I will send here a horde of spirits of terrifying form to frighten him. ### [4.20.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.72) Frightened by the spirits because of his childhood, he will certainly abandon his austerity.” ### [4.20.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.73) Having so resolved, Indra dispatched a horde of spirits. ### [4.20.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.74) One, whose whole body had the form of a bear, with a neck long like a camel’s ### [4.20.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.75) and with frightful teeth, rushed at the boy. ### [4.20.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.76) Another, tiger-faced, opening his hideous mouth, ### [4.20.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.77) with a body as tall as an elephant, approached roaring repeatedly. ### [4.20.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.78) Another, with hideous fangs, devouring raw flesh in haste, ### [4.20.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.79) rushed toward him in fury, seeming to threaten him upon seeing him. ### [4.20.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.80) Tearing high banks with the very sharp tips of his horns ### [4.20.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.81) and breaking the ground with his hooftips, a great bull roared at him. ### [4.20.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.82) Another, having become a serpent terrifying with the expansion of its hood ### [4.20.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.83) and its excessively darting double tongue, hissed near him, covered in blackness. ### [4.20.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.84) Another, shaped like a buffalo, hurling mountains from the tips of his horns, ### [4.20.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.85) striking the earth with his tail and snorting, reached him swiftly. ### [4.20.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.86) Another, having two thighs resembling date palm trees ### [4.20.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.87) scorched by a forest fire, a ghost with an open mouth, terrified him. ### [4.20.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.88) Another, brushing the clouds with the hairs on his head, tall and with a sunken belly, ### [4.20.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.89) with deep-set, tawny eyes, terrified him. ### [4.20.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.90) Holding a sword in his hand, with a broken mouth, holding a skull in his left hand, ### [4.20.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.91) emitting a fierce battle roar, another rushed at the child. ### [4.20.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.92) Taking a huge sāl tree, shouting with shrill cries, ### [4.20.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.93) someone approached him from all sides like Death wielding a staff. // 46 ### [4.20.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.94) Bearing a vast tiger-like maw, an abode of gathering darkness, ### [4.20.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.95) fashioned like the cavern of the god of death, someone rushed towards him. // 47 ### [4.20.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.96) Assuming the form of an owl, with most dreadful hootings ### [4.20.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.97) that caused the heart to tremble, someone terrified Dhruva. // 48 ### [4.20.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.98) A certain yakṣiṇī, bringing the crying child of someone, ### [4.20.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.99) drank blood from its belly and devoured its bones like lotus stalks. // 49 ### [4.20.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.100) “I am thirsty today, and I will drink your blood, O Dhruva, ### [4.20.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.101) just as that of this boy!” so she said while crunching the bones. // 50 ### [4.20.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.102) Having brought grass and wood and scattered them all around, ### [4.20.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.103) a woman kindled a forest fire magnified by a gale. // 51 ### [4.20.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.104) Assuming the form of a vetālī, shattering trees and mountains, ### [4.20.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.105) a woman blocked the path of the sky, making him tremble violently. // 52 ### [4.20.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.106) Another, in the form of Sunīti, beholding him from afar, ### [4.20.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.107) wept, exceedingly afflicted with grief, beating her breast again and again, // 53 ### [4.20.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.108) and uttered flattering words wrought with great illusion, ### [4.20.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.109) exhibiting an exceedingly intense maternal affection filled with compassion: // 54 ### [4.20.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.110) “Alas, my child, death seeks to slay me, who have no refuge but you! ### [4.20.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.111) Save me, save me, whose life is departing, O you who are affectionate to those seeking refuge! // 55 ### [4.20.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.112) From village to village, city to city, road to road, forest to forest, ### [4.20.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.113) hermitage to hermitage, mountain to mountain, I wander exhausted, desperate to see you. // 56 ### [4.20.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.114) From the time, O child, that you set forth for austerity, ### [4.20.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.115) starting from that very day, I have set out in search of you. // 57 ### [4.20.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.116) Just as you were pained, O child, by those harsh words of your co-wife \[mother\], ### [4.20.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.117) so too am I deeply burned by the fire of those words. // 58 ### [4.20.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.118) I do not sleep, I do not wake, I do not eat, nor do I drink; ### [4.20.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.119) I meditate on you alone, like an ascetic woman separated \[from her beloved\]. // 59 ### [4.20.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.120) With eyes impoverished of sleep, not even in a dream do I, ### [4.20.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.121) unfortunate as I am, behold your joyful face that brings me delight in every way. // 60 ### [4.20.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.122) Though the moon, the substitute for your face, has risen, it has not been looked upon ### [4.20.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.123) by me, distressed and wishing to abandon my torment. // 61 ### [4.20.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.124) Even the cuckoo, sounding a sweet note resembling your conversation, ### [4.20.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.125) has not been heard by me, whose ears are strewn with disheveled hair. // 62 ### [4.20.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.126) Pleasant like the touch of your limbs, not even the breeze ### [4.20.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.127) has been embraced anywhere by me, scorched by grief, resting exceedingly. // 63 ### [4.20.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.128) What lands, what rivers, and what mountains, O Dhruva, ### [4.20.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.129) have not been crossed on foot for your sake by me, a king's wife? // 64 ### [4.20.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.130) Seeing all this to be impermanent, I have been blinded; ### [4.20.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.131) protect me, your nurse and mother, O son, by becoming a blind person's staff for me! // 65 ### [4.20.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.132) Where are these tender limbs of yours, and where is this austerity? ### [4.20.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.133) It is harsh, to be accomplished by mature men with hardy limbs, O best of men! // 66 ### [4.20.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.134) What is to be attained by you, sinless child, through this austerity ### [4.20.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.135) that is greater than being the son of the ruler of the earth? Tell me that now! // 67 ### [4.20.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.136) At this age, O boy, you should be playing constantly ### [4.20.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.137) with children's toys together with other youngsters of the same age. // 68 ### [4.20.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.138) Then, having attained the age of youth, constantly intent on contemplation, ### [4.20.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.139) you should become one who has mastered all the branches of knowledge. // 69 ### [4.20.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.140) Then, having attained skillful youth, fulfilling the objects of the senses, ### [4.20.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.141) you will enjoy many pleasures: women, garlands, sandalwood paste, and the like. // 70 ### [4.20.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.142) Having then fathered many virtuous sons devoted to righteousness, ### [4.20.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.143) having transferred your royal fortune to them, then perform austerity! // 71 ### [4.20.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.144) Why this exertion in austerity just now in childhood? ### [4.20.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.145) When will the fire of dried cow-dung on the great toe reach the crown of the head? // 72 ### [4.20.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.146) Austerity should be performed by someone defeated by enemies, robbed of honor, ### [4.20.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.147) or fallen from fortune; which of these are you? // 73 ### [4.20.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.148) Hearing this speech, ‘Austerity should be performed by one robbed of honor,’ Dhruva, ### [4.20.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.149) sighing a long, hot sigh, again meditated upon Hari in his heart. // 74 ### [4.20.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.150) Without replying to his mother, and abandoning all fear of beings, ### [4.20.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.151) Dhruva once again became intent on meditating upon Acyuta. // 75 ### [4.20.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.152) And that host of spirits, adorned with many terrifying ornaments, ### [4.20.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.153) displaying terror, saw around him the Sudarśana discus, ### [4.20.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.154) flashing with intense radiance all around, resembling a solar halo, ### [4.20.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.155) and created by Adhokṣaja to protect him from evil spirits. ### [4.20.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.156) Beholding that Sudarśana discus flashing, ### [4.20.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.157) terrific, filled with garlands of flames, protecting Dhruva on all sides, ### [4.20.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.158) and \[Dhruva\] whose heart was utterly unshaken, his mind surrendered to Govinda, ### [4.20.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.159) rising up like a sprout of austerity that had broken through the earth, ### [4.20.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.160) that host, conversely filled with fear, bowed down to Dhruva, ### [4.20.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.161) who was steadfast in his resolve, and departed just as they had come, their purpose thwarted. ### [4.20.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.162) Just as a bank of roaring clouds gathered agitatedly in the sky ### [4.20.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.163) becomes scattered in vain upon meeting the slightest gust of wind, \[so did they\]. ### [4.20.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.164) Then all the gods, frightened, together with Indra, ### [4.20.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.165) took counsel and swiftly went to Brahmā for refuge, O twice-born. ### [4.20.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.166) Having bowed down and praised the Grandfather, ### [4.20.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.167) and seeing an opportunity to speak when asked the reason for their coming, ### [4.20.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.168) The gods said: ### [4.20.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.169) “O Creator, by the radiant son of Uttānapāda ### [4.20.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.170) who is practicing austerities, all the dwellers of the three worlds are tormented. ### [4.20.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.171) O Father, we do not clearly know Dhruva's desire: ### [4.20.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.172) whose position among us does that boy of great austerity wish to seize?” ### [4.20.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.173) Thus addressed by the gods, the Four-Faced One smiled, ### [4.20.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.174) and then replied to all of them whose minds were frightened of Dhruva: ### [4.20.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.175) Brahmā said: ### [4.20.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.176) “O gods, you must not fear Dhruva, who seeks a permanent abode; ### [4.20.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.177) go, all of you, free from anxiety: he does not desire your position. ### [4.20.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.178) No one, anywhere, need ever fear that devotee of the Lord; ### [4.20.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.179) certainly those who are devotees of Viṣṇu never afflict others. ### [4.20.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.180) Having worshipped Viṣṇu, the Lord of gods, and obtained his own desire from him, ### [4.20.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.181) he will indeed make stable the positions of all of you as well.” ### [4.20.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.182) Having heard this speech uttered by Brahmā, the gods ### [4.20.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.183) bowed down and, greatly delighted, returned to their respective abodes. ### [4.20.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.184) Then the lord Nārāyaṇa, seeing that steadfast-minded boy ### [4.20.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.185) who had no other refuge, went on his chariot drawn by Garuḍa and spoke: ### [4.20.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.186) Glorious Viṣṇu said: ### [4.20.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.187) “I am pleased, O fortunate one of noble vows; choose a boon! ### [4.20.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.188) Desist from this austerity, O boy; you have been exhausted for a long time.” ### [4.20.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.189) Having heard that nectar of speech, opening both his eyes, ### [4.20.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.190) he beheld an expanse of radiance like sapphire gems, ### [4.20.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.191) as if heaven and earth were a lake blossoming all around ### [4.20.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.192) with clusters of freshly blooming blue lotuses, ### [4.20.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.193) and as if the whole universe were surveyed by the streams of glances of the goddess Lakṣmī; ### [4.20.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.194) Dhruva then saw that space between heaven and earth. ### [4.20.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.195) Resplendent like a streak of lightning in the midst of a rising bank of clouds, ### [4.20.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.196) Kṛṣṇa, clad in yellow garments, was received by him as a guest to his eyes. ### [4.20.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.197) As if the sky were a touchstone marked with a line of gold from Meru, ### [4.20.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.198) even so was the one whose vehicle is Garuḍa beheld then by Dhruva. ### [4.20.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.199) Just as the deep-blue sky is adorned by the moon, ### [4.20.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20.200) even so he saw Hari then, adorned with yellow garments. _First 200 of 212 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.20.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.20) · Pramāṇa