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# Skandapurana 4.39

English (machine translation) 4.39

- **Language:** English

### [4.39.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.1)

Skanda said:

### [4.39.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.2)

“Listen, O highly fortunate Agastya, to the narrative that destroys sin,

### [4.39.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.3)

Which is the cause of supreme beatitude and fortune, based on Avimukta.

### [4.39.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.4)

That which is celebrated as the Supreme Brahman, devoid of the world of manifold forms, devoid of empirical selfhood,

### [4.39.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.5)

Free from conceptual differentiation, formless, unmanifest, yet having the gross and the subtle—

### [4.39.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.6)

Oh, that very \[Brahman\], although omnipresent, stands filling this sacred field!

### [4.39.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.7)

Is He not capable elsewhere of liberating living beings from worldly existence?

### [4.39.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.8)

Hear why worldly existence (Bhava) firmly liberates \[one\] precisely here:

### [4.39.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.9)

Elsewhere, Śiva might liberate \[someone\] by great devotion to yoga, by great disinterested gifts,

### [4.39.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.10)

Or by very great austerities;

### [4.39.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.11)

Neither intense application to yoga, nor great gifts,

### [4.39.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.12)

Nor very protracted austerities does Śiva require for liberation in Kāśī.

### [4.39.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.13)

That which does not separate one from Kāśī, even in the midst of great adversity,

### [4.39.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.14)

This itself is the great yoga; every other practice here is secondary.

### [4.39.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.15)

With regular observance, whatever flower, leaf, fruit, or water

### [4.39.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.16)

Is offered to Viśveśa with a pure mind—that indeed is a great gift here.

### [4.39.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.17)

And whatever moment one sits steadily in the Pavilion of Liberation (Muktimaṇḍapikā),

### [4.39.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.18)

Having bathed in the pure nectar of the Gaṅgā—this is the highest austerity here.

### [4.39.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.19)

Whatever alms are given with honor to a mendicant in Kāśī—

### [4.39.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.20)

The gift of one's weight in gold (tulāpuruṣa) does not equal a sixteenth part of it.

### [4.39.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.21)

When one closes the eyes for a moment, meditating on Viśveśa in the heart...

### [4.39.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.22)

On the southern side of the god, this is the supreme great yoga.

### [4.39.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.23)

This itself is the most severe austerity: that having restrained

### [4.39.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.24)

the restlessness of the senses, one stays in Kāśī, disregarding hunger, heat, and the like.

### [4.39.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.25)

Whatever fruit is attained elsewhere month after month by the cāndrāyaṇa vow,

### [4.39.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.26)

that is attained here merely by eating at night on the fourteenth day.

### [4.39.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.27)

Whatever fruit is earned elsewhere by fasting for a month,

### [4.39.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.28)

that is undoubtedly attained in Kāśī by a single fast observed with faith.

### [4.39.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.29)

Whatever great fruit is spoken of elsewhere from the four-month vow,

### [4.39.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.30)

that is undoubtedly attained in Kāśī by fasting on the eleventh day.

### [4.39.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.31)

Whatever fruit one obtains elsewhere by abstaining from food for six months,

### [4.39.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.32)

that is surely obtained in Kāśī by fasting on Śivarātri.

### [4.39.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.33)

Whatever one keeping vows would obtain elsewhere by fasting for a year,

### [4.39.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.34)

that entire fruit is obtained in Kāśī in three nights, O sage.

### [4.39.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.35)

Whatever fruit is gained elsewhere month after month by drinking water from the tip of kuśa grass,

### [4.39.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.36)

that is gained in Kāśī by a single handful of water from the north-flowing river.

### [4.39.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.37)

The majesty of Kāśī is endless; who is capable of describing it?

### [4.39.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.38)

Where, in the ear of a creature desiring death, the auspicious whispering occurs,

### [4.39.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.39)

Śambhu utters something into the ear of a dying creature,

### [4.39.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.40)

an imperishable syllable which upon hearing, even a dead one attains immortality.

### [4.39.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.41)

Constantly remembering the city of the enemy of Smara just like you, Śaṃkara

### [4.39.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.42)

grieved, having gone to Mount Mandara, longing repeatedly to regain it.

### [4.39.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.43)

Agastya said:

### [4.39.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.44)

By the gods, clever in accomplishing their own purpose and very cruel,

### [4.39.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.45)

I was made to abandon the city of Kāśī, O Master! Why did Hara, the Lord, abandon it?

### [4.39.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.46)

Was the god of gods, bearer of the Pināka, dependent on others like me?

### [4.39.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.47)

Why did he abandon Kāśī, a heap of jewels of liberation?

### [4.39.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.48)

Skanda said:

### [4.39.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.49)

O son born of Mitra and Varuṇa, I shall tell this story,

### [4.39.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.50)

and how Sthāṇu abandoned Kāśī due to the entreaty of Brahmā.

### [4.39.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.51)

Just as you were entreated by the gods for the sake of helping others, O sage,

### [4.39.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.52)

so was Rudra, clever in self-protection, entreated by Druhiṇa.

### [4.39.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.53)

Agastya said:

### [4.39.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.54)

How was that Lord Rudra, an ocean of compassion,

### [4.39.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.55)

entreated by Druhiṇa, and for what purpose? Tell me that, O Six-faced One.

### [4.39.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.56)

Skanda said:

### [4.39.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.57)

In the past, during the Pādma Kalpa, in the Svāyambhuva Manvantara,

### [4.39.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.58)

there was a drought, O brahmin, that shook all living beings.

### [4.39.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.59)

Afflicted by that drought lasting sixty years, all living beings—

### [4.39.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.60)

some on the shores of the ocean, some in mountain valleys,

### [4.39.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.61)

and in deep lowlands—lived like ascetics.

### [4.39.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.62)

The earth became a dense forest, devoid of villages and towns.

### [4.39.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.63)

Carnivorous beasts alone inhabited all cities and towns;

### [4.39.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.64)

trees touching the clouds grew everywhere across the globe.

### [4.39.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.65)

Thieves were plundered here and there by great thieves;

### [4.39.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.66)

living beings subsisted on a diet of flesh, preserving their lives.

### [4.39.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.67)

When anarchy arose and the world was filled with calamity,

### [4.39.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.68)

the effort of the Creator in creation then became fruitless.

### [4.39.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.69)

The source of the universe felt great anxiety over the destruction of his subjects.

### [4.39.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.70)

As the subjects were dying out, rituals such as sacrifices dwindled;

### [4.39.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.71)

and with their decline, all the enjoyers of sacrifice became emaciated.

### [4.39.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.72)

Then, while contemplating, the Creator saw the best of royal sages

### [4.39.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.73)

performing austerity with steady senses in the great field of Avimukta,

### [4.39.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.74)

a hero born of Manu's lineage, like the duties of the warrior caste personified,

### [4.39.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.75)

the king renowned as Ripuñjaya, conqueror of enemies' cities.

### [4.39.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.76)

Then Brahmā approached him with great respect

### [4.39.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.77)

and spoke these words: “O King Ripuñjaya of great intellect,

### [4.39.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.78)

protect the earth, O king, along with its oceans, mountains, and forests.

### [4.39.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.79)

The king of nāgas will give you a nāga maiden as wife;

### [4.39.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.80)

Vāsuki will bestow \[his daughter\] named Anaṅgamohinī, adorned with good character.

### [4.39.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.81)

Even the gods from heaven will give gems and flowers.”

### [4.39.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.82)

delighted with the protection of the subjects every moment, O great king.

### [4.39.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.83)

Therefore you shall obtain the famous name ‘Divodāsa’.

### [4.39.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.84)

And by my power, O king, let divine capability belong to you.”

### [4.39.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.85)

Having heard the word of the Supreme Lord \[Brahmā\], that best of kings then,

### [4.39.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.86)

having praised the Creator manifoldly, indeed spoke this word:

### [4.39.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.87)

The king said:

### [4.39.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.88)

“O Grandfather, O great in wisdom! On the earth teeming with people,

### [4.39.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.89)

how are there no other kings? How is it stated by you that I \[alone rule\]?”

### [4.39.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.90)

Brahmā said:

### [4.39.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.91)

“When you are ruling, the rain-god will send down rain;

### [4.39.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.92)

when a king is intent on sin, however, the rain-god does not rain again.”

### [4.39.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.93)

The king said:

### [4.39.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.94)

“O Grandfather, most venerable, capable of creating the three worlds!

### [4.39.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.95)

‘A great favor!’ Saying this, I take your command upon my head.

### [4.39.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.96)

I desire to make a certain request; if you will do it for my sake,

### [4.39.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.97)

then I shall rule the earth without a rival.”

### [4.39.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.98)

Brahmā said:

### [4.39.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.99)

“Speak it without delay, O king! Consider it already done.

### [4.39.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.100)

Whatever is in your heart, O mighty-armed one, nothing is to be withheld from you.”

### [4.39.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.101)

The king said:

### [4.39.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.102)

“If I am the lord of the earth, O Grandfather of all the worlds,

### [4.39.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.103)

then let the gods, heaven-dwellers, stay in heaven and not on earth.

### [4.39.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.104)

When the gods abide in heaven and I abide on the surface of the earth,

### [4.39.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.105)

through a rival-free kingdom the subjects will attain happiness.”

### [4.39.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.106)

Addressed with ‘So be it!’ by the Creator of the universe, King Divodāsa

### [4.39.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.107)

had the drum beaten \[proclaiming\]: ‘Let the gods depart to heaven!

### [4.39.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.108)

Let the snakes not come here; let men be at ease from now on.

### [4.39.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.109)

While I govern the earth, let the gods be at ease.’”

### [4.39.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.110)

In the meantime, Brahmā, having bowed down to the Lord of the Universe,

### [4.39.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.111)

just as he desired to make an entreaty, the Lord said to the Creator:

### [4.39.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.112)

“O Lord of the worlds, come! The mountain named Mandara,

### [4.39.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.113)

having arrived here from Kuśadvīpa, is performing difficult austerity.

### [4.39.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.114)

Let us go to grant him a boon, for he has been practicing austerity for a long time.”

### [4.39.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.115)

Having spoken thus, the Lord of Pārvatī, preceded by Nandin and Bhṛṅgin,

### [4.39.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.116)

mounted the bull and went to where Mandara was standing.

### [4.39.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.117)

And with a gracious mind, the God of gods, who bears a bull on his banner, said:

### [4.39.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.118)

“Arise, arise! May good fortune be yours! Ask a boon, O best of mountains!”

### [4.39.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.119)

Then hearing Maheśāna, the God of gods, the three-eyed one,

### [4.39.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.120)

the mountain, having bowed down repeatedly on the ground, addressed this request:

### [4.39.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.121)

“O Śambhu, who assumest forms in play! O sole ocean of compassion for the surrendered!

### [4.39.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.122)

Although omniscient, how is it that you do not know my desire?

### [4.39.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.123)

O protector of those who seek refuge! O knower of all events!

### [4.39.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.124)

O joy of the hearts of all! O Śarva, omnipresent, creator of all!

### [4.39.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.125)

If a boon is to be given to me, who am stony-natured by birth,

### [4.39.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.126)

a petitioner most pitiable, O destroyer of the distress of the surrendered,

### [4.39.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.127)

then indeed I desire equality with the Avimuktakṣetra.

### [4.39.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.128)

O Lord, having made your abode upon my crest today along with Umā and with your retinue,

### [4.39.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.129)

let Kuśadvīpa depart \[with you\]—this is my boon.”

### [4.39.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.130)

While Śambhu, the giver of everything to all, reflected for a moment,

### [4.39.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.131)

Brahmā, perceiving an opportunity, made an entreaty to Śambhu.

### [4.39.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.132)

Stepping forward after bowing down, with his two hands folded upon his head:

### [4.39.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.133)

Brahmā said:

### [4.39.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.134)

“O Lord of the Universe, O Lord of the worlds, by you, the Master, I was appointed,

### [4.39.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.135)

having your favor granted, O omnipresent Lord, to perform the fourfold creation.

### [4.39.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.136)

With effort that creation was brought forth by me with your permission;

### [4.39.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.137)

there, through a drought of sixty years, the subjects on the earth were destroyed.

### [4.39.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.138)

And there was great anarchy; the world fell into a miserable state.

### [4.39.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.139)

Then a royal seer named Ripuñjaya, born of Manu's lineage—

### [4.39.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.140)

that royal seer was consecrated as king by me in order to protect the subjects.

### [4.39.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.141)

He too, possessing great prowess and great austerity, made a stipulation:

### [4.39.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.142)

"If, by your command, all heaven-dwellers will remain in heaven,

### [4.39.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.143)

and the Nāgas likewise in the world of the Nāgas, then I will rule."

### [4.39.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.144)

And I said, "So be it"; let that be made authoritative.

### [4.39.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.145)

A boon has been granted to Mandara; thus it should be, O treasure of compassion!

### [4.39.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.146)

May this wish also be fulfilled, for the king to protect the subjects.

### [4.39.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.147)

His rule lasts for two of my nāḍīs, as does that of Indra.

### [4.39.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.148)

Where is the reckoning of mortals here, who blink in half a twinkling of an eye?

### [4.39.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.149)

Thinking Mandara with its lovely caves to be pure, the god too,

### [4.39.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.150)

respecting the dignity of Brahmā, Hara consented accordingly.

### [4.39.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.151)

Just as Kāśī in Jambudvīpa always bestows the state of nirvāṇa,

### [4.39.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.152)

so that Mandara became an island for a long period of time.

### [4.39.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.153)

And as the god wished to go to Mandara of wondrous caves,

### [4.39.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.154)

a liṅga made of his own form, unknown even to Brahmā,

### [4.39.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.155)

was established, to bestow all perfections upon its establishers,

### [4.39.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.156)

to grant the highest ultimate felicity to distressed creatures,

### [4.39.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.157)

and to guard the sacred field of all who dwell here.

### [4.39.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.158)

Though he went to Mount Mandara, this sacred field was not abandoned by the wielder of Pināka

### [4.39.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.159)

in the form of the liṅga; therefore it is remembered as Avimukta.

### [4.39.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.160)

Formerly, this sacred field was celebrated by the name Nandavana;

### [4.39.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.161)

from that time forth, its name became renowned on earth as Avimukta.

### [4.39.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.162)

The name Avimukta belonged to both: the sacred field and the liṅga.

### [4.39.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.163)

Having attained both of these, one will not partake of a womb again.

### [4.39.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.164)

Having seen the Avimukteśvara liṅga in the Avimukta sacred field,

### [4.39.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.165)

one is indeed liberated from all bondage of karma.

### [4.39.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.166)

All beings worship Viśveśa; Viśveśa, the creator of all, worships

### [4.39.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.167)

the Avimukteśvara liṅga, which bestows liberation on earth.

### [4.39.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.168)

Formerly, no liṅga had been established anywhere by anyone;

### [4.39.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.169)

no one even knew of what shape a liṅga might be.

### [4.39.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.170)

Having seen the form of Avimukta, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and others,

### [4.39.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.171)

along with the seers headed by Vasiṣṭha, established liṅgas.

### [4.39.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.172)

This great Avimukteśvara is declared to be the primordial liṅga;

### [4.39.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.173)

thereafter, other liṅgas arose here on the circle of the earth.

### [4.39.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.174)

Even by merely hearing the name of the Lord of Avimukta, a mortal,

### [4.39.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.175)

is freed in an instant from sin accumulated over a lifetime; no doubt should be entertained here.

### [4.39.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.176)

Even one who has gone far away, by remembering the Avimukteśvara liṅga,

### [4.39.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.177)

is liberated in an instant from sin committed in two lifetimes.

### [4.39.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.178)

And gazing upon Avimukta in the great sacred field of Avimukta,

### [4.39.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.179)

leaving behind sin produced in three lifetimes, one becomes full of merit.

### [4.39.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.180)

Whatever sin has been committed in five lifetimes due to a lapse in knowledge,

### [4.39.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.181)

is destroyed simply by touching the Lord of Avimukta, and not otherwise.

### [4.39.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.182)

Having worshipped the great liṅga Avimukteśvara, a man

### [4.39.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.183)

becomes one whose task is done here; whence would he partake in rebirth?

### [4.39.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.184)

Having praised, bowed to, and worshipped according to one's capacity and intelligence,

### [4.39.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.185)

the Lord of Liberation in Avimukta, one is praised, bowed to, and worshipped.

### [4.39.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.186)

This beginningless liṅga, worshipped by Viśveśvara himself,

### [4.39.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.187)

must be served with effort in Kāśī, at Avimukta, for the sake of liberation.

### [4.39.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.188)

There are many liṅgas in holy sanctuaries;

### [4.39.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.189)

those liṅgas arrive when the fourteenth day of Māgha arrives.

### [4.39.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.190)

On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Māgha, by keeping vigil for the Lord of Avimukta,

### [4.39.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.191)

one shares the destiny of the yogi who is ever free from sleep.

### [4.39.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.192)

The liṅgas in various sanctuaries, even though granting the four goals of life,

### [4.39.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.193)

worship Avimukta on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Māgha.

### [4.39.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.194)

Why should a steadfast man fear a mountain of accumulated sin,

### [4.39.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.195)

if he bears the thunderbolt of devotion to the liṅga of the Lord of Avimukta?

### [4.39.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.196)

Where is the great Avimukta liṅga, yielding the fruit of the four goals of life,

### [4.39.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.197)

and where is a sinner's petty mountain of sin, which dwindles when filled with the name?

### [4.39.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.198)

Those who have not seen the excellent Avimukta liṅga

### [4.39.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.199)

in the great sacred field of Avimukta, presided over by Viśveśa, are utterly deluded.

### [4.39.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39.200)

Beholding one who has seen Avimukta, Yama, the staff-bearer,

_First 200 of 209 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39)_

## Linked texts (1)

- [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.39.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit

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Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.39) · Pramāṇa