[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) › 4.9 # Skandapurana 4.9 English (machine translation) 4.9 - **Language:** English ### [4.9.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.1) Śivaśarman said: ### [4.9.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.2) Who are these women, treasures of beauty, grace, and good fortune, ### [4.9.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.3) wearing divine ornaments, endowed with divine delights? ### [4.9.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.4) The two attendants said: ### [4.9.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.5) These are the courtesans who give pleasure to those who partake in sacrifices. ### [4.9.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.6) They understand singing, are skilled in dancing, and are proficient in the art of instrumental music. ### [4.9.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.7) They know the arts of love-play and are experts in the science of gambling. ### [4.9.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.8) They appreciate aesthetic sentiments, perceive emotional states, and are clever with appropriate remarks. ### [4.9.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.9) They know the particularities of various regions and are very proficient in various languages. ### [4.9.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.10) They are skilled in the details of lovers' signals and many wander about freely with joy. ### [4.9.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.11) They are very well-versed in playful dalliance and jesting, and expert in witty conversation. ### [4.9.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.12) With their seductive gestures, they constantly delight the minds of youth. ### [4.9.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.13) Long ago, while the Ocean of Milk was being churned, these apsarases emerged, ### [4.9.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.14) as the bewitching weapon of the mind-born \[Kāma\] who conquers the three worlds. ### [4.9.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.15) Urvaśī, Menakā, Rambhā, Candralekhā, Tilottamā, ### [4.9.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.16) Vapuṣmatī, Kāntimatī, Līlāvatī, Utpalāvatī, ### [4.9.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.17) Alambuṣā, Guṇavatī, Sthūlakeśī, Kalāvatī, ### [4.9.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.18) Kalānidhi, Guṇanidhi, Karpūratilakā, Urvarā, ### [4.9.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.19) Anaṅgalatikā, and likewise Madanamohinī, ### [4.9.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.20) Cakorākṣī, Candrakalā, and Munimanoharā, ### [4.9.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.21) Grāvadrāvā, Tapodveṣṭrī, Cārunāsā, Sukarṇikā, ### [4.9.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.22) Dārusañjīvinī, Suśrī, Kratuśulkā, Śubhānanā, ### [4.9.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.23) Tapaḥśulkā, Tīrthaśulkā, Dānaśulkā, Himāvatī, ### [4.9.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.24) Pañcāśvamedhikā, and also Rājasūyārthinī, ### [4.9.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.25) Aṣṭāgnihomikā, and likewise Vājapeyaśatodbhavā— ### [4.9.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.26) such is the foremost group of sixty thousand apsarases. ### [4.9.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.27) Other women also dwell in this realm of the apsarases, ### [4.9.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.28) whose beauty never wanes and whose youth never fades. ### [4.9.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.29) Wearing celestial garments and celestial garlands, anointed with celestial fragrant ointments, ### [4.9.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.30) fully endowed with celestial pleasures, they take on bodies according to their own desire. ### [4.9.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.31) Having undertaken month-long fasts, if they slip from celibacy ### [4.9.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.32) just once, or twice, or thrice by the power of fate, ### [4.9.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.33) they become enjoyers of celestial pleasures, possessing the wealth of form and beauty, ### [4.9.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.34) and dwell in the realm of the apsarases, endowed with every desire. ### [4.9.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.35) Women who perform according to rule optional vows with all their components, ### [4.9.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.36) having arrived here, wander freely and become enjoyable to the gods. ### [4.9.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.37) Women committed to devotion to their husbands who were seized by a powerful man by force, ### [4.9.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.38) and enjoyed him at some time mistaking him for their husband, O brahmin—these are they. ### [4.9.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.39) And those women who, when their husband was away, observed a vow of perpetual celibacy, ### [4.9.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.40) yet slipped once by fate—these are those fair-eyed women. ### [4.9.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.41) Fragrant flowers, sweet-scented sandalwood, ### [4.9.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.42) very pale camphor, and very fine garments; ### [4.9.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.43) betel leaves that are straight and tender, or cured and firm, ### [4.9.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.44) intact with their tips, golden in color, and with prominent dark veins, ### [4.9.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.45) abundant with fragrant spices of the betel vine, O best of brahmins; ### [4.9.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.46) beds, varied ornaments, and things suitable for the bedchamber, ### [4.9.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.47) as well as many curiosities—having honored a brahmin couple, ### [4.9.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.48) this gift of pleasures, given out of desire at every transit of the sun, ### [4.9.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.49) or at every Vyatīpāta, for the duration of one year, ### [4.9.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.50) whichever fair-complexioned woman should give it with the mantra beginning with 'Who gave...?', ### [4.9.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.51) saying, 'May the god who assumes forms at will be pleased'— ### [4.9.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.52) that woman shall dwell here for a kalpa as the foremost among the apsarases. ### [4.9.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.53) A woman who, while in the form of a maiden, was enjoyed somewhere by someone ### [4.9.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.54) in the form of a god, and from that time on remained celibate, ### [4.9.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.55) meditating upon that very encounter until she meets her end in due time, ### [4.9.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.56) is born here assuming a celestial form, partaking of celestial pleasures. ### [4.9.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.57) Hearing this origin of the realm of the apsarases, the foremost of brahmins, ### [4.9.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.58) riding in the aerial chariot, then reached the realm of the sun in an instant. ### [4.9.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.59) Just as a kadamba flower is covered on all sides with filaments, ### [4.9.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.60) so was it shining brightly on all sides with the rays of the sun. ### [4.9.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.61) From afar he recognized the Sun holding two lotuses, ### [4.9.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.62) \[seated upon a chariot\] measuring nine thousand yojanas, ### [4.9.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.63) wonderful, having a single wheel, and harnessed with seven horses. ### [4.9.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.64) \[The chariot\] mounted by Anūru holding the reins in front, ### [4.9.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.65) accompanied by apsarases, munis, gandharvas, serpents, grāmaṇīs, and nairṛtas, ### [4.9.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.66) by that very swift chariot he bowed down with palms joined in reverence. ### [4.9.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.67) Acknowledging his bow with a movement of the eyebrow, that god too, ### [4.9.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.68) traversed the far path of the sky in a mere moment. ### [4.9.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.69) When the sun had advanced far, Śivaśarman, filled with immense joy, ### [4.9.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.70) spoke to the two devotees of the Lord: 'How is the realm of the sun to be obtained? ### [4.9.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.71) This I wish to hear; please tell it before me. ### [4.9.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.72) Friendship with the good is formed in seven steps; therefore, urged by friendship toward me,' ### [4.9.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.73) The two gaṇas said: ### [4.9.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.74) 'Listen, O brahmin of great wisdom! There is nothing that cannot be told to you. ### [4.9.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.75) Only from the company of the good does sacred discourse among virtuous people proceed. ### [4.9.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.76) The controller of all beings, who is the one supreme cause, ### [4.9.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.77) nameless, devoid of lineage, and free from form and the like, ### [4.9.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.78) in the dancing of whose brow manifestation and dissolution abide, ### [4.9.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.79) He indeed speaks constantly, the Self of all, the Person of the Vedas: ### [4.9.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.80) "That person who is in the sun, that \[person\] am I"—thus clearly. ### [4.9.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.81) "And they enter into blinding darkness who worship another." ### [4.9.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.82) Ascertaining the meaning of this Vedic revelation, O best of brahmins, ### [4.9.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.83) brahmins worship that One repeatedly, having thus resolved. ### [4.9.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.84) And he who, having received the supreme Sāvitrī, does not worship \[with it\] ### [4.9.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.85) at the proper time, three times a day, would fall within seven days; there is no doubt in this. ### [4.9.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.86) In the morning, one should remain standing and reciting \[it\] until half of the sun rises; ### [4.9.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.87) seated in the evening, keeping silence, one should recite \[it\] until the stars appear. ### [4.9.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.88) Facing the sun, one should recite the midday twilight \[prayer\] while the sun is present. ### [4.9.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.89) One must not let the proper time slip away; therefore one should await the time. ### [4.9.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.90) In due time medicinal herbs bear fruit; in due time trees blossom; ### [4.9.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.91) in due time rainclouds rain; therefore one should not transgress the proper time. ### [4.9.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.92) For the destruction of the bodies of the Mandehas, at sunrise and sunset the sun ### [4.9.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.93) desires the three palmfuls of water accompanied by mantra offered by brahmins. ### [4.9.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.94) By him who has offered the three palmfuls full of water with the Gāyatrī mantra ### [4.9.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.95) at the proper time to Savitṛ, has not the threefold world been offered? ### [4.9.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.96) What does Savitṛ not produce when worshipped properly in due time? ### [4.9.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.97) Long life, health, sovereignty, riches along with cattle, ### [4.9.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.98) friends, sons, wives, and various fields, ### [4.9.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.99) the eight kinds of worldly enjoyments, heaven, and even final liberation. ### [4.9.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.100) Among the eighteen noble sciences, Mīmāṃsā is exceedingly weighty; ### [4.9.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.101) the treatises on logic are weightier than that, and the Purāṇa weightier than them; ### [4.9.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.102) the Dharmaśāstras are weightier even than that, and Śruti is weightier than them, O brahmin; ### [4.9.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.103) the Upaniṣad is superior even to that, and Gāyatrī is higher than that. ### [4.9.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.104) Hard to attain among all mantras is Gāyatrī united with the praṇava; ### [4.9.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.105) nothing superior to Gāyatrī is sung in the threefold Veda. ### [4.9.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.106) There is no mantra equal to Gāyatrī; there is no city like Kāśī; ### [4.9.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.107) there is no liṅga equal to Viśveśa: this is true, true again and again. ### [4.9.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.108) Gāyatrī is the mother of the Vedas; Gāyatrī is the begetter of the brahmin; ### [4.9.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.109) because she protects the singer, she is therefore called Gāyatrī. ### [4.9.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.110) The relation between the expressed and the expresser exists between the two, Gāyatrī and Savitṛ: ### [4.9.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.111) Savitṛ is the directly expressed, and supreme Gāyatrī is the expresser. ### [4.9.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.112) By the power of Gāyatrī alone, the self-controlled kṣatriya Kauśika, ### [4.9.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.113) abandoning the status of a royal sage, attained the rank of a brahmin sage, ### [4.9.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.114) and gained supreme power in creating another world. ### [4.9.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.115) What would Gāyatrī not give when thus worshipped properly? ### [4.9.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.116) One is not a brahmin by recitation of the Veda, nor by reading the śāstras; ### [4.9.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.117) only by the practice of the goddess three times a day does one become a brahmin, never otherwise. ### [4.9.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.118) Gāyatrī alone is supreme Viṣṇu; Gāyatrī alone is supreme Śiva; ### [4.9.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.119) Gāyatrī alone is supreme Brahmā; Gāyatrī alone is therefore the threefold Veda. ### [4.9.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.120) He is the triad of gods, the Lord adorned with rays, the sun, ### [4.9.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.121) the mass of all splendors, the impeller of time and Death. ### [4.9.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.122) With reference to the sun, constantly those who dwell in this world of ours, ### [4.9.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.123) discerning the essential from the unessential, cite this Vedic text: ### [4.9.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.124) "This is indeed the god who encompasses all directions; he was born first, and he is within the womb. ### [4.9.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.125) He alone was born, and he is yet to be born; he stands facing the inner self of creatures, turned in every direction." // 61 ### [4.9.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.126) They should always worship thus without laziness through the hymns to the Sun. ### [4.9.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.127) Those brahmins who bow here become brahmins resembling the Sun. // 62 ### [4.9.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.128) Whether on a Sunday with Puṣya, or on a Sunday with Hasta, or on a Sunday with Mūla, O twice-born, ### [4.9.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.129) or whatever rite is performed on a Sunday with Uttarā, it certainly bears fruit and not otherwise. // 63 ### [4.9.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.130) He who bathes at the rising of the Sun on a Sunday in the month of Pauṣa, ### [4.9.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.131) and performs gift-giving, oblation, silent recitation, and the worship of the Sun, O you of good vows, // 64 ### [4.9.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.132) having faith, taking only one meal, and free from desire and anger, ### [4.9.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.133) he shall dwell here full of splendor, enjoying delights in the company of apsarases. // 65 ### [4.9.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.134) And during a solstice, or an equinox, or on the days of the four zodiacal transits, ### [4.9.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.135) or during a Viṣṇupadī transit, those of good vows who bestow great gifts, // 66 ### [4.9.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.136) and offer sesamum seeds along with ghee into the fire, and feed brahmins, ### [4.9.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.137) and those wise men who perform a śrāddha dedicated to the ancestors, // 67 ### [4.9.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.138) and who perform a great worship and chant great mantras, ### [4.9.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.139) they \[dwell\] here in the world of the Sun, possessing a radiance equal to the Sun. // 68 ### [4.9.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.140) They are never poor, never stricken by sorrow, never afflicted by diseases, ### [4.9.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.141) and those devoted to the Sun on transit days are neither deformed nor unfortunate. // 69 ### [4.9.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.142) Those by whom nothing was given during transits, no bathing done in sacred ford waters, ### [4.9.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.143) and no special oblation made with sesamum seeds soaked in brown cow's ghee, // 70 ### [4.9.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.144) are seen at every door, deprived of eyes and faces, ### [4.9.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.145) embodied beings dressed in rags, babbling, "Give! Give!" // 71 ### [4.9.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.146) The accomplished person who gives gold even equal to the weight of a kṛṣṇala seed ### [4.9.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.147) during a solar eclipse at Kurukṣetra, shall dwell here partaking of merit. // 72 ### [4.9.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.148) All water is equal to the Gaṅgā, all brahmins are equal to Brahmā, ### [4.9.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.149) and everything given is equal to gold when the Sun is swallowed by Rāhu. // 73 ### [4.9.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.150) Whatever is given, muttered, offered into the fire, bathed \[for\], whatever good deed is performed ### [4.9.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.151) such as a śrāddha during an eclipse of the Sun, brings about that \[fruit\] in the presence of the Sun. // 74 ### [4.9.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.152) If a planetary transit or an eclipse occurs on a Sunday, ### [4.9.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.153) then whatever merit is acquired becomes imperishable here. // 75 ### [4.9.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.154) When a Sunday falls on the sixth or seventh lunar day, ### [4.9.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.155) then whatever righteous deed is performed is enjoyed here. // 76 ### [4.9.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.156) \[He is\] the Swan, the Radiant, the Thousand-rayed, the Scorcher, the Heater, the Sun, ### [4.9.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.157) the Cleaver, the Shining, the All-maker, the Fire, // 77 ### [4.9.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.158) the Omniform, the Maker of the Universe, Mārtaṇḍa, Mihira, the Ray-garlanded, ### [4.9.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.159) Āditya, the Warm-rayed, Sūrya, Aryaman, Bradhna, the Day-maker, // 78 ### [4.9.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.160) the Twelvefold Soul, the Seven-horsed, the Light-maker, the Laugh-maker, the Sky-goer, ### [4.9.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.161) the God, the Radiance-maker, the Glorious, the Eye of the World, the Lord of Planets, // 79 ### [4.9.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.162) the Lord of the Three Worlds, the Witness of the World, the Enemy of Darkness, the Eternal, the Pure, ### [4.9.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.163) Ray-handed, Fierce-rayed, the Transporter, the Great Battle, // 80 ### [4.9.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.164) the Jewel of the Sky, the Bay-horsed, Arka, the Possessor of Light, the Destroyer of Fear, ### [4.9.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.165) Metre-horsed, to be Known through the Vedas, the Luminous, Pūṣan, Vṛṣākapi, // 81 ### [4.9.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.166) One-wheeled-charioted, Mitra, the Enemy of the Mandehas, the Destroyer of Gloom, ### [4.9.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.167) the Slayer of Daityas, the Remover of Sin, Dharma, the Illuminator of Dharma, // 82 ### [4.9.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.168) Helika, the Multi-rayed, the Destroyer of the Kali Age, having Garuḍa as His Vehicle, ### [4.9.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.169) the Guardian of the Quarters, the Lord of Lotuses, having Lotus-hands, Hari, // 83 ### [4.9.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.170) the Hot-rayed, Difficult to Behold, the Impetuous-rayed, the Son of Kaśyapa. ### [4.9.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.171) With these holy names of the Sun, seventy in number, // 84 ### [4.9.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.172) prefixed by the syllable Om, ending in the dative case, and accompanied by the word 'namas', ### [4.9.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.173) uttering each name while looking repeatedly at the Sun, // 85 ### [4.9.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.174) holding a very clean copper vessel with both hands, ### [4.9.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.175) touching the ground with both knees, having filled \[it\] with water, // 86 ### [4.9.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.176) with oleander and other flowers mixed with red sandalwood, ### [4.9.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.177) and dūrvā grass blades and unhusked barley grains placed inside the vessel, // 87 ### [4.9.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.178) he should offer an arghya offering to Savitṛ, who is beyond price, preceded by meditation, ### [4.9.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.179) bringing that vessel near the crown of his head, with his mind and gaze directed to nothing else. // 88 ### [4.9.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.180) With each mantra he should bow to the Sun at dawn and sunset, ### [4.9.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.181) with this seventy-name hymn, the secret of great mantras. // 89 ### [4.9.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.182) A person who acts thus is never poor nor sorrowful; ### [4.9.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.183) he is freed from dreadful diseases, even those acquired in other births. // 90 ### [4.9.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.184) without medicines, without physicians, and without recourse to special diets; ### [4.9.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.185) having met death in due course of time, he is honored in the world of the sun. / 91 ### [4.9.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.186) Thus a mere fraction of the realm of the sun has been told, O best of good men; ### [4.9.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.187) ah, who can comprehend the specific nature of this great treasury of splendour? / 92 ### [4.9.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.188) Making this holy story the object of his ears, ### [4.9.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.189) in an instant he caught sight of Mahendra's great city. / 93 ### [4.9.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.190) Agasti said: ### [4.9.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.191) Having heard this tale pertaining to Sūrya, accompanied by the world of the apsarases, ### [4.9.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.192) one will nowhere become destitute, nor does one engage in unrighteous deeds. / 94 ### [4.9.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.193) This supreme narrative should constantly be recited by brahmins; ### [4.9.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.194) it yields the same fruit of religious merit as that gained by reciting the Veda. / 95 ### [4.9.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.195) Brahmins, kṣatriyas, and vaiśyas who listen to this supreme chapter, ### [4.9.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.196) having cast off their sins here, will attain an unsurpassable destination. / 96 ### [4.9.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9.197) Thus ends the ninth chapter, titled 'Description of the World of Apsarases and the Sun', in the first half of the Kāśīkhaṇḍa in the glorious Skandamahāpurāṇa consisting of eighty-one thousand verses. ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.9.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.9) · Pramāṇa