[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) › 4.43 # Skandapurana 4.43 English (machine translation) 4.43 - **Language:** English ### [4.43.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.1) Agastya said: ### [4.43.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.2) How did the three-eyed Lord cause King Divodāsa ### [4.43.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.3) to abandon Kāśī, and how did he return from Mount Mandara? ### [4.43.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.4) Relate this narrative, O lord, for the delight of the listeners! .. 1 .. ### [4.43.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.5) Skanda said: ### [4.43.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.6) The god went to Mount Mandara out of respect for the words of Brahmā, ### [4.43.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.7) being pleased with the tapas of that king of mountains, Mandara itself. .. 2 .. ### [4.43.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.8) When the god Viśveśvara departed to Mount Mandara, beautiful among mountains, ### [4.43.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.9) all the gods dwelling in heaven went along with Giriśa. .. 3 .. ### [4.43.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.10) Even Viṣṇu, abandoning the sacred fields of Viṣṇu here on earth, ### [4.43.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.11) went to Mount Mandara, where Umā's husband, the god of gods, was. .. 4 .. ### [4.43.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.12) Gaṇeśa too then departed, \[leaving\] his abodes; ### [4.43.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.13) and I too, O best of brahmins, left and went toward Mount Mandara. .. 5 .. ### [4.43.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.14) The Sun, abandoning his solar shrines, departed out of respect for \[Śiva's\] residence; ### [4.43.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.15) the other gods as well, leaving their respective places on earth, went away. .. 6 .. ### [4.43.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.16) When the hosts of gods had left the earth, the king of the earth, ### [4.43.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.17) the glorious Divodāsa, exercised undisputed sovereignty. .. 7 .. ### [4.43.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.18) Establishing an unshakeable royal capital in Vārāṇasī, ### [4.43.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.19) the highly intelligent \[king\] prospered, protecting his subjects righteously. .. 8 .. ### [4.43.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.20) Like the sun, he burned in the hearts and the eyes of his enemies; ### [4.43.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.21) like the moon, he was \[gentle\] in the minds of his friends and his own people. .. 9 .. ### [4.43.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.22) Holding an unbroken bow in battle like Indra, ### [4.43.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.23) he was beheld by the cloud-like enemy armies fleeing away. .. 4.1.43.10 .. ### [4.43.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.24) He became a discerner of righteousness and unrighteousness like Dharmarāja, ### [4.43.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.25) the king honouring those not deserving punishment and punishing those who deserved punishment. .. 11 .. ### [4.43.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.26) Like Arjuna (fire), he repeatedly burned down the forests of his enemies. .. ### [4.43.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.27) Reaching far, he bound the circle of his enemies like the bearer of the noose \[Varuṇa\]. ### [4.43.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.28) He was the lord of virtuous people, bringing prosperity even to his enemy rākṣasas; ### [4.43.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.29) he was equal to the breath of life of the world, wholly devoted to enlivening the world. ### [4.43.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.30) He alone was a king of kings, a giver of wealth to all the good; ### [4.43.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.31) and in battle, he alone was beheld by his enemies as the very form of Rudra. ### [4.43.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.32) For through his austerity he embodied the form of all the gods; ### [4.43.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.33) therefore the Viśvedevas praised him and worshipped him. ### [4.43.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.34) Unconquerable to the Sādhyas, he surpassed the Vasus in wealth; ### [4.43.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.35) he assumed an embodied form surpassing the planets, and constantly possessed beauty exceeding the Aśvins. ### [4.43.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.36) Not even reckoning the host of the Maruts, pleasing the Tuṣitas with his virtues, ### [4.43.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.37) he was a master of all lores even among all the Vidyādharas. ### [4.43.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.38) By his songs he stripped the Gandharvas of their pride; ### [4.43.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.39) the Yakṣas and Rakṣases protected his fortress that was like a twin to heaven. ### [4.43.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.40) The serpents committed no offenses against him, who was stronger than elephants; ### [4.43.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.41) and assuming human forms, the Danujas served him. ### [4.43.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.42) Guarakṣas were born to him who moved secret among men: ### [4.43.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.43) “O king, we asuras shall serve you with our own splendors, ### [4.43.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.44) since in your realm even the dwelling of gods is hard to attain.” ### [4.43.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.45) The swift-coursing wind, stationed in the sky, ### [4.43.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.46) taught swiftness of gait to the horses of this lord of the earth. ### [4.43.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.47) Seeing his elephants, born of mountain stock, with bodies as splendid as mountains, ### [4.43.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.48) unceasingly shedding rut, others also became liberal donors. ### [4.43.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.49) In the assembly hall the learned, and in the courtyard the warriors, ### [4.43.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.50) were never conquered anywhere by anyone, neither by scriptures nor by weapons. ### [4.43.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.51) In the realm of this king, haters were never seen; ### [4.43.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.52) adversaries were forever ruined, while his subjects were never deprived of their place. ### [4.43.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.53) Even in heaven, there is only one possessor of the digits \[the Moon\] among the celestials; ### [4.43.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.54) in the realm of this king on earth, all the people were repositories of arts. ### [4.43.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.55) Indeed, in heaven there is only one Kāma, and he is bodiless; ### [4.43.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.56) whereas in his realm, all the desires of all were fully fulfilled with all their parts. ### [4.43.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.57) Even in his territory, not a single breaker of families was ever heard of; ### [4.43.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.58) whereas in heaven the lord of the gods is celebrated as the shatterer of mountains. ### [4.43.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.59) In his realm no one suffering from consumption was ever heard of by anyone; ### [4.43.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.60) whereas in heaven the lord of the night wanes fortnight after fortnight. ### [4.43.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.61) In heaven there are nine planets, but his lands were without affliction. ### [4.43.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.62) Even in the heavenly world only one Hiraṇyagarbha shines; ### [4.43.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.63) here, the dwellings of all the citizens of his city were filled with gold. ### [4.43.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.64) In heaven, only one sun shines brightly, borne by seven horses; ### [4.43.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.65) the dwellers of his city were clothed in fine garments every day and had many horses. ### [4.43.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.66) Just as the celestial world has virtuous apsarases, so his city had excellent water-lakes; ### [4.43.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.67) in Vaikuṇṭha there is only one Lakṣmī, while he had hundreds of lotus ponds. ### [4.43.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.68) Nowhere were royal officers unjust to his villages; ### [4.43.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.69) in every house there were givers of wealth, while in heaven there is only one lord of Alakā. ### [4.43.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.70) While Divodāsa was thus governing the kingdom in Kāśī, ### [4.43.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.71) eighty thousand years passed like a single day. ### [4.43.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.72) Then the gods, desiring to thwart him, ### [4.43.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.73) consulted with their Guru, though he followed the path of righteousness. ### [4.43.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.74) O sage, as in the case of those like you who walk the path of virtue, ### [4.43.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.75) the gods almost always bring about a succession of great calamities. ### [4.43.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.76) Although that lord of the earth sustained those enjoyers of sacrifices ### [4.43.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.77) exceedingly with difficult sacrifices, even so they were not his friends. ### [4.43.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.78) Intolerance of the excellence of others is the very nature of the gods; ### [4.43.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.79) what offense was committed in this world by Bali, Bāṇa, Dadhīci, and the rest? ### [4.43.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.80) Obstacles certainly arise at every step even for righteousness; ### [4.43.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.81) nonetheless, their own duty is never abandoned by those whose minds are set on dharma. ### [4.43.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.82) The unrighteous prosper with wealth, grain, and abundance; ### [4.43.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.83) yet solely because of unrighteousness they go to ruin along with their roots. ### [4.43.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.84) As he protected the subjects like his own begotten sons, ### [4.43.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.85) not the slightest accumulation of unrighteousness accrued to Ripuñjaya. ### [4.43.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.86) For him, who understood the six measures of policy, whose mind was strengthened by the three powers, ### [4.43.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.87) The gods could find no flaw in him, who knew the four means. ### [4.43.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.88) Though intelligent, the deities, intent on retaliating, ### [4.43.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.89) were not able to harm that ruler in the slightest. ### [4.43.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.90) In his realm, all men were devoted to a single wife; ### [4.43.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.91) among women, none failed to observe devotion to her husband. ### [4.43.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.92) There was no brahmin who had not studied; no kṣatriya who was not valiant; ### [4.43.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.93) no vaiśya was unskilled in the activities of earning wealth; ### [4.43.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.94) the śūdras were single-mindedly devoted to serving the twice-born. ### [4.43.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.95) Such were they in the kingdom of King Divodāsa. ### [4.43.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.96) The students in his kingdom were unbroken in their celibacy, ### [4.43.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.97) constantly dependent upon their guru's household, intent upon grasping the Veda. ### [4.43.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.98) Everywhere his householders were devoted to the duty of hospitality, expert in the treatises on dharma, ### [4.43.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.99) and constantly observed the conduct of the virtuous. ### [4.43.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.100) In his \[realm\], those in the third stage of life respected the forest livelihood, ### [4.43.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.101) free from desire for village gossip, following the path of the Veda. ### [4.43.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.102) Completely free from all attachments, unbound, possessing no property, ### [4.43.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.103) holding the controls of speech, mind, and action, the ascetics there were devoid of longing. ### [4.43.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.104) Others born of mixed castes, whether anuloma or pratiloma, ### [4.43.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.105) did not abandon even slightly the path established by their own tradition. ### [4.43.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.106) In his kingdom no one was childless, nor was anyone devoid of wealth; ### [4.43.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.107) no one failed to serve the elders, and no one met an untimely death. ### [4.43.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.108) There were no flatterers, no loudmouths, no cheats, no violent men; ### [4.43.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.109) no heretics, no scoundrels, no widows, and no tavern-keepers. ### [4.43.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.110) Indeed, everywhere was the sound of the Veda, and scholarly debates at every step; ### [4.43.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.111) everywhere were charming conversations and auspicious songs of joy. ### [4.43.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.112) Lutes and flutes were played, and mṛdaṅga drums sounded sweetly; ### [4.43.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.113) except for the drinking of soma, no drinking party was ever heard of. ### [4.43.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.114) Meat was eaten only in the sacrificial cake, never elsewhere; ### [4.43.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.115) there were no gamblers, no debtors, and no thieves. ### [4.43.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.116) For a son, worship of his parents' feet was the worship of the gods; ### [4.43.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.117) fasting, vows, and sacred fords were the highest worship of the deities. ### [4.43.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.118) For women, worshipping their husband's feet was the hearing of sacred revelation; / younger brothers constantly revered their elder brother. ### [4.43.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.119) Younger brothers constantly revered their elder brother; ### [4.43.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.120) servants gladly worshipped the lotus-feet of their master. ### [4.43.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.121) The higher class was praised by the lower classes for its greatness of virtues. ### [4.43.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.122) They served the deities of Kāśī again and again at the three junctions of the day; ### [4.43.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.123) everywhere all the learned were honoured with their wishes fulfilled. ### [4.43.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.124) The learned revered those dedicated to austerity, and those dedicated to austerity revered the self-controlled; ### [4.43.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.125) the self-controlled revered those dedicated to knowledge, and the knowers revered the yogins of Śiva. ### [4.43.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.126) Purified by mantras, precious, proper, and well prepared, ### [4.43.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.127) oblation was offered day and night into the fire that is the mouth of the brahmins. ### [4.43.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.128) Stepped wells, wells, ponds, and pleasure-groves at every step ### [4.43.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.129) had many makers who used pure materials and wealth. ### [4.43.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.130) In his kingdom all classes were seen to be cheerful and well-nourished, ### [4.43.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.131) endowed with blameless occupations, except for hunters and butchers. ### [4.43.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.132) Thus, concerning that king who walked purely everywhere, ### [4.43.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.133) the gods, though wide-eyed, could not find the slightest opening. ### [4.43.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.134) Then the preceptor of the immortals spoke to the gods who wished to harm ### [4.43.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.135) that king, the most righteous and foremost among masters of counsel. ### [4.43.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.136) The Guru said: ### [4.43.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.137) "Peace, war, marching, neutrality, seeking shelter, and duplicity— ### [4.43.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.138) no one even here understands them as that king knows them. ### [4.43.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.139) O gods, of the four means, only one remains here, ### [4.43.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.140) namely sowing dissension, if indeed it can succeed against that man strong in austerity. ### [4.43.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.141) Even though the gods have been banished from the earth by that king, ### [4.43.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.142) still there are many there who take our side. ### [4.43.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.143) Without whom not even a moment of time passes pleasantly, ### [4.43.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.144) they are respected both by us and by him, there. ### [4.43.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.145) Always moving within and without, the foundations of all trust, ### [4.43.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.146) when they arrive here, our every desired aim will be accomplished." ### [4.43.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.147) And hearing what the Lord of Speech had said, all those gods, ### [4.43.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.148) ascertained its meaning regarding those \[agents\] who move within and without. ### [4.43.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.149) Then, applauding him, they all said: "So let it be!" ### [4.43.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.150) Then Śakra summoned Vītihotra (Fire), who stood before him, ### [4.43.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.151) and spoke in sweet words, accompanied with great respect: ### [4.43.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.152) "O bearer of oblations, that form of yours which is established there— ### [4.43.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.153) withdraw it swiftly from the realm of that king. ### [4.43.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.154) When that form of yours is withdrawn, all the subjects, whose first \[duty\] is the sacrificial fires, ### [4.43.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.155) deprived of the rites of offering to gods and ancestors, will become disaffected with the king. ### [4.43.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.156) And when the subjects, who are the wish-yielding cow of the kingdom, become disaffected, ### [4.43.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.157) the title of 'king,' though acquired with great effort, will become meaningless. ### [4.43.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.158) Since this conventional title 'king' (rājan) was acquired from pleasing (rañjana) the subjects, ### [4.43.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.159) when that conventional meaning is destroyed, the kingship itself will perish. ### [4.43.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.160) A king forsaken by his subjects, even if prosperous with treasury, fortresses, forces, and the like, ### [4.43.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.161) would quickly perish like a tree standing on a riverbank. ### [4.43.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.162) For a king, the subjects are the foremost cause for achieving the three goals of life; ### [4.43.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.163) when the livelihood of the subjects wanes, the three goals of life indeed perish by themselves. ### [4.43.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.164) When the three goals are lost, one's course in both worlds is completely ruined." ### [4.43.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.165) At Indra's word, Fire, endowed with the power of illusory yoga, ### [4.43.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.166) instantly withdrew his own form from the earthly orb. ### [4.43.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.167) The lord Fire withdrew not only the triad of ritual fires, but also the digestive fire; ### [4.43.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.168) at the thunderbolt-wielder's command, he \[withdrew it\] along with his own energy. ### [4.43.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.169) When Fire had departed to heaven and midday arrived, the king, ### [4.43.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.170) having performed his midday rites, quickly entered the dining hall. ### [4.43.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.171) Then the officers in charge of the kitchen, trembling again and again, ### [4.43.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.172) softly made this submission to the king, even though he was afflicted with hunger: ### [4.43.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.173) The cooks said: ### [4.43.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.174) "O you whose brilliance surpasses the sun! O you whose majesty has conquered fire! ### [4.43.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.175) O one skilled in unexpected battle! We wish to make a small submission. ### [4.43.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.176) If Your Majesty would grant the boon of safety, ### [4.43.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.177) then, with folded hands, we will make our report." ### [4.43.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.178) Given permission by a sign of the eyebrow from the king whose face was gracious, ### [4.43.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.179) the kitchen overseers gently made their submission: ### [4.43.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.180) "O lord, we do not know: terrified by the fear of your majesty, ### [4.43.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.181) or by what clever escape, the wise Fire has vanished from the city. ### [4.43.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.182) When Fire has vanished, how can cooking take place? ### [4.43.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.183) Nevertheless, some food cooked by the heat of the sun is ready. ### [4.43.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.184) Obtaining our master's command, we shall bring it right here; ### [4.43.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.185) and we consider, O protector of the earth, that today's preparation is wholesome." ### [4.43.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.186) Hearing the cook's words, that magnanimous and highly intelligent ### [4.43.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.187) king reflected: "Surely this has been done by the gods." ### [4.43.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.188) Reflecting there for a moment, he saw through the power of his austerity ### [4.43.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.189) that the fire had left not only the houses and the cavities of stomachs, ### [4.43.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.190) but had also departed from this world and gone to the abode of the gods. ### [4.43.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.191) "Let it be! What loss is there to us because fire has departed? ### [4.43.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.192) Indeed, this loss falls upon those gods themselves because of their lack of deliberation! ### [4.43.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.193) Was this kingdom accepted by me through their strength? ### [4.43.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.194) It was bestowed by the Grandfather (Brahmā) out of great esteem!" ### [4.43.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.195) While that Indra of the middle world was thus pondering, ### [4.43.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.196) the citizens arrived at the door along with people from the countryside. ### [4.43.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.197) Then, by the king's order, they were led inside by the doorkeeper. ### [4.43.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.198) Having presented suitable gifts, they bowed before the Indra of the earth. ### [4.43.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.199) Some were addressed by the king with words full of affection, ### [4.43.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43.200) some with a joyful glance, and others with a gesture of the hand. _First 200 of 234 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.43.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.43) · Pramāṇa