[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) › 4.55 # Skandapurana 4.55 English (machine translation) 4.55 - **Language:** English ### [4.55.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.1) Skanda said: ### [4.55.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.2) The other gaṇas who established liṅgas there in Kāśī— ### [4.55.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.3) about them too I shall tell you, O pot-born one; listen! ### [4.55.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.4) By the gaṇa named Piṅgala, the liṅga known as Piṅgaleśa ### [4.55.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.5) of Śambhu was installed in the northern direction from Kapardīśa. ### [4.55.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.6) By the mere darśana of it, destruction of sins occurs. ### [4.55.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.7) Vīrabhadra, greatly cherished by the god of gods who holds the trident, ### [4.55.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.8) even today unswervingly meditates upon the Vīrabhadreśvara liṅga. ### [4.55.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.9) By the mere darśana of it, the accomplishment of a hero is produced. ### [4.55.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.10) A man, having worshipped Vīrabhadreśvara ### [4.55.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.11) to the west of Avimukteśvara, will never meet defeat in battle. ### [4.55.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.12) Vīrabhadra himself, directly bearing the form of a hero, O sage, ### [4.55.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.13) protects the assembly of brahmins dwelling in Avimukta. ### [4.55.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.14) Accompanied by the auspicious Bhadrakālī, his auspicious wife, ### [4.55.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.15) a man who worships Vīrabhadra obtains the fruit of living in Kāśī. ### [4.55.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.16) The Kirāteśa liṅga was installed in Kāśī by Kirāta, ### [4.55.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.17) in the southern direction from Kedāra, granting fearlessness to devotees. ### [4.55.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.18) Near Vṛddhakāleśa, the glorious gaṇa Caturmukha ### [4.55.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.19) even today unswervingly meditates upon the Caturmukheśvara liṅga. ### [4.55.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.20) Devotees of Caturmukheśa, like the four-faced one \[Brahmā\] in heaven, ### [4.55.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.21) are worshipped by hosts of gods, endowed with all enjoyments. ### [4.55.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.22) Having beheld Nikumbheśvara, worshipped by the gaṇa Nikumbha, ### [4.55.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.23) and having worshipped \[it\], one who goes to a village will obtain success in his undertaking; ### [4.55.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.24) near Kubereśa, however, he is exalted in the world of Śiva. ### [4.55.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.25) Having worshipped the great liṅga Pañcākṣeśa to the south of Mahādeva, ### [4.55.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.26) a man in Kāśī obtains memory of previous births. ### [4.55.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.27) Having meditated upon the Bhārabhūteśvara liṅga, worshipped by the gaṇa Bhārabhūta, ### [4.55.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.28) at the northern gate of the Antargṛha, one shall dwell in the city of Śiva. ### [4.55.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.29) Those by whom the Bhārabhūteśvara liṅga has not been seen in Kāśī ### [4.55.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.30) have become a burden to the earth, like barren trees. ### [4.55.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.31) The supreme Tryakṣeśvara liṅga \[established\] by the gaṇa named Tryakṣa ### [4.55.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.32) in front of Trilocana is frequented even today, O pot-born one. ### [4.55.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.33) Those who are devotees of that liṅga, upon the end of the body, ### [4.55.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.34) verily become three-eyed; no doubt should be had in this matter. ### [4.55.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.35) The leader of gaṇas named Kṣemaka, taking physical form himself in Kāśī, ### [4.55.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.36) even today unswervingly meditates upon the all-pervading Viśveśvara. ### [4.55.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.37) Whoever worships Kṣemaka, the great gaṇa in Vārāṇasī, ### [4.55.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.38) his obstacles dissolve and well-being attends him at every step. ### [4.55.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.39) With the desire for the return of one who has gone to another country, ### [4.55.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.40) Kṣemaka should be worshipped here; he will quickly return in safety. ### [4.55.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.41) Having beheld the Lāṅgalīśvara liṅga worshipped by Lāṅgalin, ### [4.55.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.42) to the north of Viśveśa, a man shall not fall prey to disease. ### [4.55.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.43) Worshipping Lāṅgalīśa once, \[the merit\] born of the gift of five ploughs ### [4.55.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.44) a man attains in full, the supreme cause of all prosperity. ### [4.55.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.45) Having worshipped Virādheśvara, who is worshipped by the gaṇa Virādha, ### [4.55.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.46) even though loaded with all transgressions, one commits no fault anywhere. ### [4.55.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.47) Whatever transgression is committed day by day by the residents of Kāśī, ### [4.55.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.48) that is swiftly destroyed through the worship of Virādheśa. ### [4.55.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.49) To the southwest of Daṇḍapāṇi, Virādheśa with devotion ### [4.55.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.50) having bowed down to, one is freed from all transgressions; of this there is no doubt. ### [4.55.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.51) The great liṅga Sumukheśa, worshipped by the gaṇa named Sumukha, ### [4.55.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.52) which faces west—having seen that liṅga, one is freed from sins. ### [4.55.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.53) Having bathed in the Pilipilā tīrtha and having beheld Sumukheśa, ### [4.55.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.54) one will always see the King of Dharma with a gracious face, not with a wrathful face. ### [4.55.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.55) The liṅga worshipped by Āṣāḍhin, known by the name Āṣāḍhīśvara, ### [4.55.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.56) having seen \[it\] with devotion on the full moon of Āṣāḍha, a man is freed from all sins. ### [4.55.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.57) Worshipping Āṣāḍhīśa to the north of Bhārabhūteśa, ### [4.55.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.58) on the fifteenth day of the month of Āṣāḍha indeed, one is not tormented by sins. ### [4.55.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.59) On the bright fourteenth day of Śuci or on the fifteenth day, ### [4.55.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.60) having performed the annual pilgrimage, a man becomes free from sin. ### [4.55.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.61) Skanda said: ### [4.55.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.62) O sage, when these gaṇas had thus settled in Vārāṇasī, ### [4.55.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.63) having installed liṅgas under their own names for the pleasure of Viśveśa, ### [4.55.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.64) Viśveśa reflected concerning news of Kāśī once more: ### [4.55.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.65) ‘Whom, indeed, having sent as a benefactor today, may I attain supreme peace? ### [4.55.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.66) The Yoginīs, the Sun, Vidhi, and the gaṇas headed by Śaṅkukarṇa, ### [4.55.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.67) having turned away \[from returning\], have not come back from Kāśī, just as rivers \[disappear into\] the ocean. ### [4.55.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.68) Indeed, those who have entered Kāśī have entered my belly; ### [4.55.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.69) for them there is no coming out, just as oblations \[do not return\] from a blazing fire. ### [4.55.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.70) Those whose dwelling is indeed in Kāśī, whose minds are devoted to worshipping the liṅga, ### [4.55.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.71) they alone are my moving liṅgas; of this there is no doubt. ### [4.55.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.72) The immobile and the mobile in Kāśī, the inanimate and the animate, ### [4.55.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.73) all are indeed my liṅgas; evil-minded ones bear malice toward them. ### [4.55.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.74) Those on whose tongues is “Vārāṇasī” and in whose hearing is the story of Viśveśvara, ### [4.55.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.75) they themselves are the excellent liṅgas of Kāśī, to be worshipped like myself. ### [4.55.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.76) “Vārāṇasī”, “Kāśī”, “the abode of Rudra”—clearly ### [4.55.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.77) from whose mouth \[these words\] have issued, over them Yama cannot prevail. ### [4.55.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.78) Having reached the Forest of Bliss, those who desire another joyless ground, ### [4.55.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.79) even in their hearts, are always joyless here. ### [4.55.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.80) Whether death comes today or after a long period, ### [4.55.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.81) out of fear of the Kali age, Kāśī must never be abandoned by men. ### [4.55.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.82) Inevitable occurrences will come to pass at every step; ### [4.55.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.83) from where \[would come the wisdom that\] intellects abandon Kāśī, the abode of fortune? ### [4.55.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.84) Better that a thousand obstacles be endured at every step ### [4.55.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.85) in Kāśī; nowhere else should one desire even a kingdom without obstacles. ### [4.55.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.86) How many fleeting moments of enjoyment are there in riches at every step? ### [4.55.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.87) Supreme, of continuous joy both in the next world and in this one, what compares to Kāśī? ### [4.55.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.88) I am indeed the lord Viśvanātha; Kāśī is the manifest radiance of liberation; ### [4.55.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.89) the celestial Gaṅgā has waves of nectar: what does this triad not bestow? ### [4.55.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.90) This city of mine, measuring five krośas, is my body, ### [4.55.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.91) an unbroken abundance of authority, the cause of liberation for devotees. ### [4.55.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.92) For those distressed by the burden of saṃsāra, constantly engaged in coming and going, ### [4.55.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.93) my single city Kāśī is truly the resting ground. ### [4.55.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.94) A bower of wish-fulfilling vines, filled to abundance with the fruits of desire, ### [4.55.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.95) this place named Kāśikā has borne fruit always for those treading the path of saṃsāra. ### [4.55.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.96) This is the wondrous parasol of an emperor, dispelling all distress; ### [4.55.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.97) it is the king of liberation of Kāśī, like the tall shaft of my trident. ### [4.55.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.98) Those virtuous ones who effortlessly desire the fortune of liberation, ### [4.55.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.99) for the sake of obtaining uninterrupted joy, Kāśī must not be abandoned by those men. ### [4.55.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.100) Those who are dwellers in my Forest of Bliss continually, ### [4.55.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.101) they obtain here the delicious fruits that are the fortune of liberation. ### [4.55.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.102) Which can captivate even me, free from mineness and free from delusion — ### [4.55.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.103) by whom should that Kāśī, who captivates the universe, not be remembered? ### [4.55.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.104) Her very name is sweet, revealing supreme bliss; ### [4.55.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.105) by what merits is that Kāśī not chanted as 'Kāśī! Kāśī!'? ### [4.55.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.106) Those who constantly drink the nectar of the name of Kāśī, ### [4.55.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.107) their path becomes indeed a splendid abode made of the earth \[liberated from sorrow\]. ### [4.55.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.108) Though I am free from mineness, being the Self of all, certainly ### [4.55.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.109) those alone are mine in the world who chant the name of Kāśī. ### [4.55.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.110) Knowing this secret of Vārāṇasī, the lords of Gaṇas, ### [4.55.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.111) along with Brahmā, the Yoginīs, and the Sun, have stayed right there, and not otherwise. ### [4.55.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.112) Otherwise, how could those Yoginīs, along with the Sun and the Grandfather \[Brahmā\], ### [4.55.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.113) and those Gaṇas, abandon me and dwell elsewhere? ### [4.55.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.114) It has turned out exceedingly well indeed that they are staying in Kāśī; ### [4.55.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.115) for even a single dissension may occur in a kingdom without another kingdom. ### [4.55.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.116) Since all of them have gained entry, having my own nature, ### [4.55.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.117) they will certainly strive to bring about my arrival. ### [4.55.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.118) I shall send others as well who are by my side; ### [4.55.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.119) when those excellent ones are stationed there, I too shall go thence." ### [4.55.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.120) Having reflected thus, Mahādeva summoned Gajānana, ### [4.55.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.121) and sent him, saying: "Go to Kāśī from here, my son! ### [4.55.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.122) Stationed there, strive together with the Gaṇas for full success; ### [4.55.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.123) make \[things\] free of obstacles for us, and create an obstacle for the king." ### [4.55.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.124) Placing the command of Dhūrjaṭi upon his head, the lord of Gaṇas then, ### [4.55.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.125) knowing proper order, swiftly departed for Kāśī for the sake of establishing \[our\] stay. ### [4.55.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55.126) Thus ends the fifty-fifth chapter, named 'The Description of Kāśī and the Dispatch of Gaṇeśa,' in the latter half of the Kāśīkhaṇḍa in the eighty-one-thousand-verse Compendium of the glorious Skandapurāṇa. ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.55.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.55) · Pramāṇa