[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) › 4.5 # Skandapurana 4.5 English (machine translation) 4.5 - **Language:** English ### [4.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.1) Parāśara said: ### [4.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.2) Then, having beheld the Lord of the Universe in meditation, that prince among sages, ### [4.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.3) the son of Mitra and Varuṇa, spoke these words to the virtuous Lopāmudrā: ### [4.5.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.4) "Ah, look, fair-hipped woman, what has befallen us! ### [4.5.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.5) Where is that task, and where are we who follow the path of sages? ### [4.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.6) By whom, the smiter of mountains, mountains were effortlessly stripped of their wings— ### [4.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.7) how could his power be blunted against a mere mountain? ### [4.5.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.8) He in whose courtyard is the wish-fulfilling tree, whose weapon is the thunderbolt, ### [4.5.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.9) and at whose door wait the eight perfections—should he plead with a twice-born for success? ### [4.5.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.10) Alas, my dear, mountains are thrown into turmoil by forest fire; ### [4.5.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.11) where has that power of fire to check its growth now gone? ### [4.5.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.12) He who is the restrainer of all beings, the lord who wields the rod of punishment— ### [4.5.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.13) is he unable to chastise that single, solitary rock? ### [4.5.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.14) The Ādityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Tuṣitas along with the hosts of Maruts, ### [4.5.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.15) the Viśvedevas, likewise the two Aśvins, and whatever other dwellers of heaven there are, ### [4.5.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.16) at whose mere glance even worlds fall down— ### [4.5.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.17) are they not capable, beloved, of checking the growth of a mountain? ### [4.5.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.18) That reason is understood, and remembered is that well-spoken saying ### [4.5.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.19) sung with reference to Kāśī by the sages who see the truth: ### [4.5.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.20) 'Avimukta is never to be abandoned by those who desire liberation; ### [4.5.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.21) yet obstacles will surely arise for good people living in Kāśī.' ### [4.5.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.22) O auspicious woman, that great obstacle has now presented itself here; ### [4.5.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.23) it cannot be altered, because the Lord of the Universe has turned his face away. ### [4.5.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.24) Ah, what seeker of liberation, or even non-seeker, having attained Kāśī through the blessings of brahmins, ### [4.5.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.25) would drop the delightful morsel held in his hand to lick his own elbow, foolish in mind? ### [4.5.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.26) Alas, why should people like children abandon this Kāśī, a single heap of merits? ### [4.5.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.27) Can an edible lotus root be gathered at every plunge? Is she so easily obtained? ### [4.5.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.28) Having understood Kāśī, a heap of merits gathered through other lives, through great hardships, ### [4.5.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.29) why do dull-witted people, even after reaching it, wish to go elsewhere, eager to rush into misfortune? ### [4.5.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.30) Where is Kāśikā, revealer of the supreme state, and where is any other undertaking, full of misery on all sides? ### [4.5.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.31) Why then should a learned man go elsewhere? Does a pumpkin fruit enter a goat's mouth? ### [4.5.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.32) Why should a man, alas soon to perish, abandon Kāśī, the radiant one, who produces a heap of merit? ### [4.5.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.33) Surely, his own merit has diminished; thus my heart explains it. ### [4.5.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.34) Unless a man is diseased, he will not strive to depart elsewhere, ### [4.5.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.35) leaving behind Kāśī, the helper of every living being, imperishable, a single mass of good deeds, and none other. ### [4.5.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.36) From which sins flee in terror, hard to reach even for the gods, where the Gaṅgā ever flows, which cuts through the curse and snare of worldly existence, ### [4.5.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.37) auspicious, never abandoned by Śiva, the unique oyster shell for the pearl of immortality—only those whose liberation has been exhausted abandon it! ### [4.5.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.38) Ah, are they laden with sins, who, having obtained Kāśī with an immense load of exertion, ### [4.5.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.39) which can only be bought with the commodity of abundant merit, abandon it and prepare to go elsewhere? ### [4.5.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.40) Ah, the dullness of people whose mind, abandoning Kāśī, goes elsewhere— ### [4.5.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.41) delightful with glittering waters of the Gaṅgā, and held on the tip of the trident of Cupid's foe even during the dissolution! ### [4.5.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.42) O, people have fallen into the middle of the ocean in worldly existence filled with waters of sorrow, into sin; ### [4.5.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.43) for what reason do they abandon the boat that is Kāśī, which puts to flight the sins that oppose them? ### [4.5.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.44) Not by the good path, nor by the application of yoga, nor by gifts, nor by fierce austerities ### [4.5.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.45) is Kāśī easily obtained, but through the blessings of brahmins, or through the grace of the Lord of the Universe. ### [4.5.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.46) Righteousness is indeed borne along by masses of riches, and wealth by desires through many gifts and enjoyments; ### [4.5.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.47) everything else is everywhere, but that sole liberation is in Kāśī, and nowhere else as it is here. ### [4.5.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.48) No other sacred field is holy as Avimukta is, as proclaimed by the Vedas, ### [4.5.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.49) nor by the Dharmaśāstras, nor by the Purāṇas; therefore Avimukta is ever a refuge. ### [4.5.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.50) "He said this," so declared Jābāli: "The Asi is considered the Iḍā, ### [4.5.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.51) the Varaṇā is the Piṅgalā channel, and within them is Avimukta. ### [4.5.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.52) That supreme channel is the Suṣumṇā; this triad is Vārāṇasī. ### [4.5.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.53) Therefore, at the departure of the vital breath of all creatures here, Hara, ### [4.5.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.54) whispering into the ear, reveals the saving Brahman, by which they truly become Brahman." ### [4.5.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.55) Such is this verse, as those who expound the Veda declare: ### [4.5.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.56) "At the time of death, the Lord, by imparting the saving formula ### [4.5.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.57) to living beings dwelling in Avimukta, liberates them—there is no doubt about this. ### [4.5.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.58) There is no sacred field equal to Avimukta, no goal equal to Avimukta, ### [4.5.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.59) no liṅga equal to Avimukta; true, true, again and again!" ### [4.5.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.60) Abandoning Avimukta, whoever delights elsewhere, ### [4.5.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.61) lets liberation slip from the palm of his hand to search for some other perfection. ### [4.5.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.62) Having thus fully ascertained the power of the sacred field from the Vedas and Purāṇas— / that there is no liṅga equal to Viśvanātha, and no city equal to Kāśī among thirty million— ### [4.5.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.63) \[the sage determined this in his heart\]. ### [4.5.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.64) Then, bowing to Kālarāja, that best of great sages petitioned him: ### [4.5.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.65) “I have come here to take my leave, for you are the master of the city of Kāśī. ### [4.5.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.66) Alas, O Kālarāja, do I not worship every spirit here on every eighth day, / on every Tuesday and Sunday, with roots, fruits, and flowers? ### [4.5.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.67) Why then should you look for fault in me, who am guiltless? ### [4.5.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.68) Alas, O Kālabhairava! Stretching out your hand and calling, ‘Do not fear!’ to those afflicted with dread all around, ### [4.5.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.69) assuming a formidable form that consumes bitter sins, do you not protect the people dwelling in Vārāṇasī? ### [4.5.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.70) O king of the yakṣas, of lovely moon-like form, leader of the sons of Pūrṇabhadra, Dandapāṇi! ### [4.5.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.71) You indeed know all the suffering born of austerity; why do you banish me, O protector of the inhabitants of Kāśī? ### [4.5.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.72) You are the giver of food, you are indeed the giver of life; you are the giver of knowledge, and you are indeed the giver of liberation. ### [4.5.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.73) You arrange the final adornment of mortals with masses of matted locks and necklaces of serpent kings. ### [4.5.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.74) Your two gaṇas, Sambhrama and Udbhrama, skilled in investigating the conduct of those dwelling here, ### [4.5.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.75) produce great delusion and cast the wicked far from this sacred field in an instant. ### [4.5.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.76) Listen, O lord Ḍhuṇḍhivināyaka, to my voice, as I lament like one bereft! ### [4.5.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.77) All multitudes of obstacles abide in you; have I behaved here like one of wicked conduct? ### [4.5.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.78) May these five Vināyakas listen: Cintāmaṇi and the one named Kapardin, ### [4.5.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.79) and the two Vināyakas called the Āśāgajas, and may Siddhivināyaka listen! ### [4.5.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.80) I have spoken no slander of others, nor have I caused harm to others. ### [4.5.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.81) I have not coveted another's wealth or another's wife. What ripening of karma is this? ### [4.5.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.82) The Gaṅgā was attended by me at the three junctures of the day, and glorious Viśvanātha was constantly beheld; ### [4.5.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.83) pilgrimages were undertaken on every sacred occasion everywhere. What ripening of karma is this that causes me obstacle? ### [4.5.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.84) O Mother Viśālākṣī, Bhavānī, auspicious one, beautiful dispenser of good fortune, Jyeṣṭheśī! ### [4.5.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.85) O ordainer of all, all-armed one, obeisance to you, O glorious Citraghaṇṭā, formidable little Durgā! ### [4.5.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.86) Let these witness deities of Kāśī listen: I depart not for my own purpose. ### [4.5.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.87) Entreated by the hosts of gods, what can I do? What is not undertaken for the welfare of others? ### [4.5.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.88) Did not Dadhīci give his bones of old? Did not Bali give the three worlds to a petitioner? ### [4.5.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.89) Did not Madhu and Kaiṭabha give their heads, and did not Garuḍa become the mount of Viṣṇu? ### [4.5.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.90) Taking leave of all the sages and the supreme sages, as well as the young and the old dwelling there, ### [4.5.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.91) the grasses, the trees, and all the creepers, he circumambulated the city and went forth. ### [4.5.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.92) Even of a traveler, or of one traveling by a low path, ### [4.5.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.93) who beholds the moon-crested \[Lord\] upon departing, whose perfection here would not shine forth? ### [4.5.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.94) “Better indeed are the grasses, trees, and shrubs in Kāśī; they commit no sin, nor do they go elsewhere. ### [4.5.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.95) Fie upon us, foremost among moving beings, who leave Vārāṇasī today and go!” ### [4.5.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.96) Sipping the water of the Asi again and again, the sage, gazing all around at the rows of temples, ### [4.5.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.97) said: “O straight eyes, look upon Kāśī! Where is there any city like this, alas? ### [4.5.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.98) Let them clap their hands and laugh freely today, holding hand in hand with one another— ### [4.5.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.99) those hosts of spirits wandering the boundaries—for I am departing, leaving Kāśī, the sole heap of merit!” ### [4.5.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.100) Having lamented thus in many ways, that sage Agastya, accompanied by his wife like that pair of krauñca birds, alas, ### [4.5.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.101) fell into a deep swoon, babbling in his separation: “O Kāśī, Kāśī! Return and grant me a glance!” ### [4.5.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.102) Pausing for a moment and saying “Śiva, Śiva, Śiva,” \[he said:\] “Let us go, beloved, for those dwellers in heaven are ruthless. ### [4.5.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.103) Do they not remember the three-eyed god, who is skilled in granting happiness to the three worlds, when they provoked him by sending Madana?” ### [4.5.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.104) As he walked three or four steps in grief, his forehead dotted with particles of sweat-drops, ### [4.5.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.105) thinking, “Surely my destruction will occur because I failed to go out to meet him,” the earth shrank as if out of fear of a boon. ### [4.5.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.106) Mounting, as it were, the chariot of austerity, in half a twinkling of an eye the sage ### [4.5.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.107) saw before him the towering Vindhya, blocking the sky. ### [4.5.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.108) And the mountain trembled swiftly upon seeing the sage standing before him, ### [4.5.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.109) that Agastya with his wife, the enemy of Vātāpi and Ilvala, ### [4.5.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.110) blazing fiercely like the fire of cosmic dissolution with three fires: ### [4.5.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.111) those born of austerity, of wrath, and of separation from Kāśī. ### [4.5.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.112) Becoming very dwarfish, as though wishing to enter into the earth, ### [4.5.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.113) the mountain said: “Grant me your command and favor; I am your servant.” ### [4.5.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.114) Agastya said: ### [4.5.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.115) “O Vindhya, you are virtuous and wise, and you know me in truth. ### [4.5.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.116) Until my return, remain thus dwarfish.” ### [4.5.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.117) Having spoken thus, that store of austerities, the sage, endowed the southern quarter with a protector ### [4.5.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.118) by his footsteps, together with that virtuous lady. ### [4.5.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.119) When that best of sages had departed, the mountain, trembling at that time, ### [4.5.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.120) looked as if longing, \[thinking,\] 'If he has gone, then it is well. ### [4.5.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.121) Today I have been born anew, since I was not cursed by Agastya. ### [4.5.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.122) There is no one blessed like me'—so the mountain considered. ### [4.5.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.123) And at that time, Aruṇa, knowing the proper time, drove his horses. ### [4.5.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.124) The world attained great peace, as before, through the movements of the sun. ### [4.5.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.125) 'Today, or tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, the sage will surely return'— ### [4.5.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.126) thus the mountain remained as if weighed down by a great burden of anxiety. ### [4.5.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.127) Even today the sage does not return; even today the mountain does not grow, ### [4.5.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.128) just like the wish-tree of wicked people. ### [4.5.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.129) Whatever base person desires to grow, harboring malice toward others— ### [4.5.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.130) far off be any talk of his growth; even his prior growth becomes doubtful. ### [4.5.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.131) The desires \[of the wicked\] are never fulfilled; and if fulfilled, they are surely destroyed. ### [4.5.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.132) Because of that \[failure\] of the wicked, the universe protected by the Lord of the Universe prospers. ### [4.5.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.133) Just as the breasts of widows melt away on their very chests, ### [4.5.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.134) rising and rising high there, so do the desires of the wicked. ### [4.5.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.135) Just as a small river may overflow its banks with slight rain, ### [4.5.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.136) so the prosperity of a villain, by slight rain \[of fortune\], erodes his own family. ### [4.5.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.137) Without knowing another's strength, one who displays one's own power ### [4.5.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.138) incurs ridicule, exactly as did this mountain here. ### [4.5.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.139) Vyāsa said: ### [4.5.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.140) Even while wandering along the pleasant banks of the Godāvarī, the sage ### [4.5.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.141) did not give up that supreme torment born of separation from Kāśī. ### [4.5.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.142) Even to the wind that touched the northern quarter, that sage, ### [4.5.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.143) stretching forth his arms and embracing it, would inquire after Kāśī's welfare: ### [4.5.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.144) 'O Lopāmudrā, nowhere on the surface of the earth is there any seal ### [4.5.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.145) comparable to Vārāṇasī, since the Creator is not its maker.' ### [4.5.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.146) Standing somewhere, babbling somewhere, running somewhere, stumbling somewhere, ### [4.5.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.147) and sitting down somewhere, the sage thus wandered about here and there. ### [4.5.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.148) Then, as he walked on, that treasury of austerity, a heap of merit, saw ahead of him, ### [4.5.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.149) like a fortunate man \[beholding\] splendid fortune, \[a goddess\] radiant with the shimmering light of the moon, ### [4.5.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.150) who surpassed the non-brilliant sun and rose even during the day, ### [4.5.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.151) as if extinguishing the continuous anguish of his own heart. ### [4.5.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.152) There Agastya beheld Mahālakṣmī, who had resided \[there\] for a very long time. ### [4.5.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.153) \[Thinking,\] 'At night there is contraction in lotuses; on new-moon days, where could the lotus go? ### [4.5.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.154) In the Ocean of Milk there is fear of Mount Mandara,' she dwelt here on that account, as it were; ### [4.5.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.155) or indeed, from the time Mādhava held her respectfully \[upon his chest\], ### [4.5.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.156) from that time she dwelt \[there\], surely as if out of jealousy of a co-wife; ### [4.5.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.157) having slain the great asura who was terrifying the three worlds in the form of a boar, ### [4.5.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.158) she was stationed there in that charming city of Kolāpura. ### [4.5.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.159) Having then approached Mahālakṣmī and bowed down, the best of sages, ### [4.5.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.160) delighted in mind, praised the grantor of desires with pleasing words. ### [4.5.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.161) Agastya said: ### [4.5.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.162) "O Mother Kamalā, with eyes long as lotus petals, dweller in the heart-lotus of Śrī Viṣṇu, Mother of the universe, I bow to you! ### [4.5.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.163) Born from the Ocean of Milk, fair as the tender womb of a lotus, O Lakṣmī, refuge of those who bow down, be ever pleased! ### [4.5.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.164) You are the fortune in Upendra's dwelling, the sole mother of Madana, the moonlight in the moon, your face lovely as the moon. / You are the light in the sun, and you shine in the three worlds. O Lakṣmī, refuge of those who bow down, be ever pleased! ### [4.5.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.165) In fire you are ever the power whose nature is burning; through you the Creator creates this manifold world. ### [4.5.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.166) Even the Supporter of the universe sustains everything through you. O Lakṣmī, refuge of those who bow down, be ever pleased! ### [4.5.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.167) Abandoned by you, O pure one, even Hara destroys this \[world\]; you protect, you destroy, you create, you are the highest and the lowest. ### [4.5.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.168) Even Hari became praiseworthy, O spotless one, by attaining you. O Lakṣmī, refuge of those who bow down, be ever pleased! ### [4.5.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.169) He alone is heroic, he alone possesses virtues, he is wise, fortunate, and venerable through heaps of lineage, conduct, and arts, ### [4.5.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.170) he alone is pure among men in the entire world, upon whom falls your compassionate side-glance, O auspicious one! ### [4.5.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.171) Upon whatever great man, elephant, horse, woman, blade of grass, lake, temple, house, food, ### [4.5.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.172) gem, bird, beast, bed, or ground you may dwell for even a moment—that entire thing alone has fortune here, not any other. ### [4.5.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.173) Whatever is touched by you alone attains purity; whatever is abandoned by you is indeed impure here, O Lakṣmī! ### [4.5.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.174) And wherever your name is, right there is great auspiciousness, O wife of Śrī Viṣṇu, O Kamalā, O dweller in the lotus! ### [4.5.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.175) For those who constantly recite: 'Lakṣmī, Śrī, Kamalā, Kamalālayā, Padmā, Ramā, holder of a pair of lotuses in her hands, Mā, / born of the Ocean of Milk, holding an ambrosia-jar in her hand, Irā, beloved of Viṣṇu'—where is there sorrow?" ### [4.5.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.176) Having thus praised the goddess Mahālakṣmī, beloved of Hari, ### [4.5.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.177) the sage, together with his wife, bowed down with eight limbs \[prostrate\] like a staff. ### [4.5.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.178) Śrī said: ### [4.5.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.179) "Rise, rise, blessings be to you, O son of Mitra and Varuṇa! ### [4.5.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.180) Rise, faithful wife, Lopāmudrā of auspicious vows! ### [4.5.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.181) I am pleased by this hymn of praise; choose what is desired in your heart. ### [4.5.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.182) O princess, fortunate one, pure lady, sit down here! ### [4.5.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.183) By these bodily marks of yours and by your exceedingly pure observances, ### [4.5.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.184) I wish to soothe my body, scorched by the weapons of Daityas." ### [4.5.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.185) Having spoken thus and embraced that sage's wife, the beloved of Hari ### [4.5.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.186) affectionately adorned her with many auspicious ornaments. ### [4.5.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.187) She spoke again: "O sage, I know the cause of your heartache. ### [4.5.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.188) The fire born of separation from Kāśī torments the conscious mind indeed. ### [4.5.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.189) When that god Viśveśa went to Mount Mandara in ancient times, ### [4.5.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.190) such a state arose for him as well, because of separation from Kāśī. ### [4.5.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.191) Then, to find news of it, Brahmā, Keśava, the gaṇas, ### [4.5.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.192) Gaṇeśvara, and the gods were dispatched by the wielder of the trident. ### [4.5.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.193) And contemplating the virtues of Kāśī again and again, ### [4.5.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.194) none of them return even today—where indeed is there a city like it? ### [4.5.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.195) Hearing this, that fortunate sage then replied ### [4.5.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.196) to Śrī, having prostrated, with these words filled with devotion: ### [4.5.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.197) "If a boon is to be granted to me, if I am worthy of a boon, ### [4.5.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.198) then let this be my boon: may I reach Vārāṇasī once again. ### [4.5.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.199) And for those who will always recite with devotion to you this hymn composed by me, ### [4.5.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5.200) may there never be anguish; let there never be poverty! _First 200 of 223 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.5.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.5) · Pramāṇa