Adhyaya 19

Verse 1

भीष्म उवाच । पुष्करस्य च नंदायाः श्रुतं माहात्म्यमुत्तमं । ऋषिकोटिर्यदायाता पुष्करे मुखदर्शनात्

Bhīṣma said: I have heard the supreme sacred greatness of Puṣkara and of Nandā—how, upon beholding the holy “face,” the foremost sacred spot at Puṣkara, a crore of sages once came there.

Verse 2

सर्वैः सुरूपता लब्धा सर्वमेतन्मया श्रुतं । यज्ञोपवीतैर्भक्तानि यानि तानि वदस्व मे

I have heard all this—that all attained beauty of form. Now tell me: which are those who are devoted through the wearing of the sacred thread (yajñopavīta)?

Verse 3

कथं तीर्थविभागस्तु कृतस्तैस्सु महात्मभिः । आश्रमे यानि तीर्थानि कृतान्यपि महर्षिभिः

How, indeed, was the classification and arrangement of the sacred tīrthas established by those great-souled ones? And which tīrthas within the hermitages were also founded by the great sages?

Verse 4

पदन्यासः कृतः पूर्वं विष्णुना यज्ञपर्वते । नागैस्तत्र पंचतीर्थं कृतं तैस्तु महाविषैः

Formerly, on the Yajña-mountain, Viṣṇu set down His footsteps. There the Nāgas, possessed of mighty venom, established the sacred Pañcatīrtha—the “five holy fords”.

Verse 5

पिंडप्रदानवापी च केन पूर्वं विनिर्मिता । उदङ्मुखी भूमिगता कथं गंगासरस्वती

Who, in former times, constructed the well (vāpī) meant for the offering of piṇḍas? And how did Gaṅgā and Sarasvatī, facing northward, pass beneath the earth?

Verse 6

ब्राह्मणैर्वेदविद्वद्भिः कथं यात्रा त्रिपुष्करे । कर्तव्या यत्फलं तस्या जायते तद्वदस्व मे

How should Brahmins learned in the Vedas undertake the pilgrimage to Tripuṣkara? Tell me also what spiritual fruit arises from it.

Verse 7

पुलस्त्य उवाच । प्रश्नभारो महानेष भवता परिकल्पितः । तदेकाग्रमना भूत्वा शृणु तीर्थ महाफलं

Pulastya said: “Truly, the burden of questions you have set forth is great. Therefore, with a focused mind, listen to the great fruit of this sacred tīrtha.”

Verse 8

यस्य हस्तौ च पादौ च मनश्चैव सुसंयतं । विद्यातपश्च कीर्तिश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते

One whose hands, feet, and mind are well disciplined—endowed with learning, tapas (austerity), and good repute—truly attains the fruit of the sacred tīrthas.

Verse 9

प्रतिग्रहादुपावृत्तः संतुष्टो येनकेन चित् । अहंकारनिवृत्तश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते

One who turns away from accepting gifts, remains content with whatever comes, and is free from ego—such a person attains the true fruit of pilgrimage.

Verse 10

अक्रोधनश्च राजेंद्र सत्यशीलो दृढव्रतः । आत्मोपमश्च भूतेषु स तीर्थफलमश्नुते

O king, one who is free from anger, devoted to truth, firm in vows, and who regards all beings as equal to oneself—such a person attains the full fruit of pilgrimage.

Verse 11

ऋषीणां परमं गुह्यमिदं भरतसत्तम । पूर्वं यत्र महाराज सत्रे पैतामहे तथा

O best of the Bhāratas, this is the sages’ most secret teaching; formerly, O great king, it was imparted there as well at the ancestral sacrificial session, the paitāmaha satra.

Verse 12

यतीनामुग्रतपसां येषां कोटिः समागता । मुखदर्शनमाश्रित्य स्थितास्ते ज्येष्ठपुष्करे

A crore of yatis of fierce austerities, gathered together, remain at Jyeṣṭha‑Puṣkara, sustained by the blessing of beholding his face.

Verse 13

सुरूपतां परां लब्ध्वा प्रीतास्ते मुनिसत्तमाः । हर्षेण महताविष्टा ब्रह्मदर्शनकांक्षिणः

Having attained the supreme beauty of form, those excellent sages rejoiced; filled with great gladness, they yearned for the darśana—the vision of Brahmā.

Verse 14

यज्ञोपवीतैस्ते भूमिं माप्य सर्वे चतुर्द्दिशं । कृत्वा तीर्थं विभागं च स्थिता भक्तिपरायणाः

Wearing their sacred threads (yajñopavīta), they measured the land in all four directions; and, having arranged the divisions of the tīrthas, they remained steadfast, wholly devoted to bhakti.

Verse 15

आसन्नश्च ततस्तेषां तदा तुष्टः पितामहः । कोटिं कृत्वा तदा तेषां मानं दृष्ट्वा मनीषिणां

Then Pitāmaha (Brahmā), pleased, drew near to them; and, having assessed the honor and esteem of those wise sages—as though reckoning it in crores—he regarded them accordingly.

Verse 16

अद्यप्रभृति युष्माकं धर्मवृद्धिर्भविष्यति । इहागत्य नरो यो वै यदंगं प्रथमं जले

From this day onward, your dharma shall increase. And whatever part of the body a man first immerses in the water after coming here—

Verse 17

प्लावविष्यति रूपार्थं रूपिता तीर्थकारिता । भविष्यति न संदेहो योजनायतमंडले

It shall overflow so that form may be made manifest; thus has the power that establishes the tīrtha been fashioned. There is no doubt: it will come to be within a circuit of one yojana.

Verse 18

अर्धयोजनविस्तारं दीर्घं सार्धं हि योजनम् । एतत्प्रमाणं तीर्थस्य ऋषिकोटिप्रवर्त्तितम्

Its breadth is half a yojana, and its length is indeed one and a half yojanas. This is the measure of the tīrtha, established by a crore of ṛṣis.

Verse 19

अमृतस्येव तृप्येत अपमानस्य योगवित् । विषवच्च जुगुप्सेत संमानस्य सदा द्विजः

A knower of yoga should be satisfied with dishonor as though it were nectar; and a twice-born should always recoil from honor as if it were poison.

Verse 20

सरस्वती महापुण्या प्रविष्टा ज्येष्ठपुष्करे । तत्रब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयः सिद्धचारणाः

The supremely sacred Sarasvatī entered Jyeṣṭha-Puṣkara. There were Brahmā and the other devas, along with ṛṣis, Siddhas, and Cāraṇas.

Verse 21

अभिगच्छंति राजेंद्र चैत्रशुक्ल चतुर्दशीं । तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः

O king, on the fourteenth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Caitra, one should go there and perform the sacred abhiṣeka bath, devoted to the worship of the ancestors and the gods.

Verse 22

गोमेधं च तदाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् । एवं तीर्थविभागस्तु कृतस्तैस्तु महर्षिभिः

He attains the merit of a gomedha sacrifice and also uplifts his lineage. Thus was this classification of the sacred tīrthas established by those great sages.

Verse 23

पितॄन्देवांश्च सन्तर्प्य विष्णुलोके महीयते । तत्र स्नात्वा भवेन्मर्त्यो विमलश्चन्द्रमा यथा

Having satisfied the ancestors and the gods, one is honored in Viṣṇu’s world. By bathing there, a mortal becomes spotless, like the moon when it shines clear.

Verse 24

ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नोति गतिं च परमां व्रजेत् । नृलोके देवदेवस्य तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्

He attains Brahmaloka and proceeds to the supreme state. In the human world there is a tīrtha of the God of gods, renowned throughout the three worlds.

Verse 25

पुष्करं नाम विख्यातं महापातकनाशनम् । दशकोटिसहस्राणि तीर्थानां वै महीपते

O king, Pushkara is renowned by name as the destroyer of great sins; indeed, it embodies tens of thousands of crores of sacred tīrthas.

Verse 26

सान्निध्यं पुष्करे येषां त्रिसन्ध्यं कुलनन्दन । आदित्या वसवो रुद्रास्साध्याश्च स मरुद्गणाः

O delight of your lineage, for those who at Puṣkara observe the three daily Sandhyā rites, the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sādhyas, and the hosts of Maruts remain in close attendance.

Verse 27

गन्धर्वाप्सरसश्चैव नित्यं सन्निहिता विभोः । यत्र देवास्तपस्तप्त्वा दैत्या ब्रह्मर्षयस्तथा

There, O mighty one, Gandharvas and Apsarases are ever present—where the gods performed tapas (austerities), and likewise the Daityas, and the Brahmarṣis, the divine seer-sages as well.

Verse 28

दिव्य योगा महाराज पुण्येन महतान्विताः । मनसाप्यभिकामस्य पुष्कराणि मनस्विनः

O great king, the sacred Puṣkaras—endowed with vast merit and divine yogic power—fulfil the desires of the virtuous, even by mere intention of the mind.

Verse 29

पूयन्ते सर्वपापानि नाकपृष्ठे स मोदते । तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाराज नित्यमेव पितामहः

All sins are purified away, and one rejoices upon the celestial plane. O great king, in that sacred tīrtha the Grandfather, Brahmā (Pitāmaha), indeed resides eternally.

Verse 30

उवास परमप्रीतो देवदानवसम्मतः । पुष्करेषु महाराज देवास्सर्षिपुरोगमाः

O great king, he dwelt at Puṣkara in supreme delight, honored by both the gods and the Dānavas; and the gods too, led by the ṛṣis, remained there.

Verse 31

सिद्धिं च समनुप्राप्ताः पुण्येन महतान्विताः । तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्पितृदेवार्चने रतः

They too attain accomplishment, endowed with great merit. Whoever, devoted to the worship of the Pitṛs and the Devas, performs the sacred ablution there—

Verse 32

अश्वमेधाद्दशगुणं प्रवदंति मनीषिणः । अप्येकं भोजयेद्विप्रं पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः

The wise declare it to be tenfold more meritorious than the Aśvamedha sacrifice: even feeding a single brāhmaṇa while dwelling in the sacred forest of Puṣkara.

Verse 33

अन्नेन तेन संप्रीता कोटिर्भवति पूजिता । तेनासौ कर्मणा भीष्म प्रेत्य चेह च मोदते

By that gift of food, a countless multitude is pleased and honored. By that very deed, O Bhīṣma, he rejoices both here in this world and after death in the next.

Verse 34

शाकैर्मूलैः फलैर्वापि येन वा वर्त्तयेत्स्वयम् । तद्वै दद्याद्ब्राह्मणाय श्रद्धावाननसूयकः

Whatever a person sustains himself with—vegetables, roots, fruits, or anything else—he should, with faith and without malice, offer that very food to a brāhmaṇa.

Verse 35

तेनैव प्राप्नुयात्प्राज्ञो हयमेधफलं नरः । ब्राह्मणः क्षत्रियो वैश्यः शूद्रो वा राजसत्तम

By that very means, an intelligent person attains the fruit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice—whether he is a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, or śūdra, O best of kings.

Verse 36

पैतामहं सरः पुण्यं पुष्करं नाम नामतः । वैखानसानां सिद्धानां मुनीनां पुण्यदं हि यत्

There is a sacred, holy lake named Puṣkara, famed as “paitāmaha,” connected with the Grandfather Brahmā. It bestows merit upon the Vaikhānasa sages, the Siddhas, and the munis.

Verse 37

सरस्वती पुण्यतमा यस्माद्याता महार्णवम् । आदिदेवो महायोगी यत्रास्ते मधुसूदनः

Where the supremely sacred Sarasvatī has flowed into the great ocean—there, in that holy region, dwells Madhusūdana, the Primeval Lord, the great Yogin.

Verse 38

ख्यात आदिवराहेति नाम्ना त्रिदशपूजितः । हीनवर्णाश्च ये वर्णास्तीर्थे पैतामहे गताः

He is renowned by the name “Ādi-Varāha” and is worshipped by the gods. Even those social orders deemed ‘low’, when they go to the Paitāmaha-tīrtha, are uplifted and blessed there.

Verse 39

न वियोनिं व्रजंत्येते स्नात्वा तीर्थे महात्मनः । कार्तिक्यां च विशेषेण योभिगच्छेत्तु पुष्करं

O great-souled one, those who bathe at a sacred tīrtha do not fall into an evil womb; and especially in the month of Kārtika—most of all for one who goes to Puṣkara.

Verse 40

फलं तत्राक्षयं तस्य भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम । सायंप्रातः स्मरेद्यस्तु पुष्कराणि कृतांजलि

We have heard that the fruit gained there becomes imperishable. Whoever, with folded hands, remembers Puṣkara at evening and at dawn attains that unfailing merit.

Verse 41

उपस्पृष्टं भवेत्तेन सर्वतीर्थे तु कौरव । जन्मप्रभृति यत्पापं स्त्रियो वा पुरुषस्य वा

O Kaurava, by that act one becomes as though purified by contact with all sacred tīrthas; whatever sin has accrued from birth—whether of a woman or of a man—is removed.

Verse 42

पुष्करे स्नानमात्रेण सर्वमेतत्प्रणश्यति । यथासुराणां प्रवरः सर्वेषां तु पितामहः

By merely bathing at Puṣkara, all of this is destroyed—just as the foremost among the Asuras is (yet) the grandsire of all.

Verse 43

तथैव पुष्करं तीर्थं तीर्थानामादिरुच्यते । त द्दृष्ट्वा दशवर्षाणि पुष्करे नियतः शुचिः

Likewise, the sacred ford called Puṣkara is said to be the foremost among all tīrthas. Having beheld it, one should dwell at Puṣkara for ten years—self-restrained and pure.

Verse 44

क्रतून्सर्वानवाप्नोति ब्रह्मलोकं स गच्छति । यस्तु वर्षशतं पूर्णमग्निहोत्रमुपासते

He attains the full fruit of all sacrificial rites and goes to the world of Brahmā—whoever duly maintains the Agnihotra for a complete hundred years.

Verse 45

कार्तिकीं वा वसेदेकां पुष्करे सममेव तु । पुष्करे दुष्करो होमः पुष्करे दुष्करं तपः

Or else, one may reside for a single month of Kārtika at Puṣkara; indeed, at Puṣkara, sacrificial oblations (homa) are difficult to perform, and at Puṣkara austerity (tapas) is difficult to undertake.

Verse 46

पुष्करे दुष्करं दानं वासश्चैव सुदुष्करः । ब्राह्मणो वेदविद्वांस्तु गत्वा वै ज्येष्ठपुष्करं

At Puṣkara, charity is hard to give, and dwelling there is harder still. Yet a brāhmaṇa learned in the Vedas, having indeed gone to Jyeṣṭha-Puṣkara, the foremost Puṣkara, (…)

Verse 47

स्नानाद्भवेन्मोक्षभागी श्राद्धेन पितृतारकः । नाममात्रोपि यो विप्रो गत्वा संध्यामुपासते

By bathing, one becomes entitled to a share of liberation; by performing śrāddha, one becomes a deliverer of the ancestors. Even a brāhmaṇa who is a brāhmaṇa only in name—if he goes and worships in the Sandhyā, the twilight rite—(gains merit).

Verse 48

वर्षाणि द्वादशैवेह तेन संध्या ह्युपासिता । भवेत्तु नात्र संदेहः पुरा प्रोक्तं स्वयंभुवा

For twelve years here, he indeed practiced the worship of Sandhyā. Let it be so—there is no doubt—for this was formerly declared by Svayambhū (Brahmā) himself.

Verse 49

सावित्री कथितो दोषः कुले तस्य न जायते । या पत्नी ददते भर्तुः संध्योपास्तिं करिष्यतः

The fault connected with the Sāvitrī rite does not arise in the lineage of that man whose wife provides assistance to her husband when he is about to perform the worship of Sandhyā.

Verse 50

करकेण तु ताम्रेण तोयं मुक्ता दिवं व्रजेत् । ब्रह्मलोकमनुप्राप्य तिष्ठति ब्रह्मणो दिनं

But one who offers water using a copper vessel goes to heaven; having reached Brahmaloka, that person remains there for the duration of a single day of Brahmā.

Verse 51

तेनापि द्वादशाब्दानि संध्योपास्ता न संशयः । भवेत्समीपगा पत्नी कुर्वतः पितृतर्पणं

Even by that act, the worship of Sandhyā is deemed performed for twelve years—there is no doubt. While one offers pitṛ-tarpaṇa, libations to the ancestors, one’s wife should remain nearby.

Verse 53

दक्षिणां दिशमास्थाय गायत्र्या राजसत्तम । पितॄणां परमा तृप्तिः क्रियते द्वादशाब्दिकी

O best of kings, by facing the southern direction and reciting the Gāyatrī, the ancestors (pitṛs) attain the highest satisfaction—one that endures for twelve years.

Verse 54

युगसहस्रं पिण्डेन श्राद्धेनानन्त्यमश्नुते । एतदर्थं हि विद्वांसः कुर्वंते दारसंग्रहं

By offering a piṇḍa in the śrāddha rite, one attains imperishable merit for a thousand yugas. Indeed, for this very purpose the wise undertake marriage and household life.

Verse 55

तीर्थे गत्त्वा प्रदास्यामः पिंडान्वै श्राद्धपूर्वकं । तेषां पुत्रा धनं धान्यमविच्छिन्ना च संततिः

Having gone to the sacred tīrtha, we shall offer the piṇḍa-oblation, preceded by śrāddha rites. For them there will be sons, wealth, grain, and an unbroken line of descendants.

Verse 56

भवेद्वै नात्र संदेह एतदाह पितामहः । तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्

Indeed, there is no doubt about this—so said the Grandfather, Brahmā: having satisfied the ancestors (pitṛs) and the gods (devas) through offerings, one gains merit equal to the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice.

Verse 57

आश्रमानपि ते वच्मि शृणुष्वैकमना नृप । अगस्त्येन कृतश्चात्र आश्रमो देवसंमितः

I shall also tell you of the hermitages—listen with a single, focused mind, O king. Here too stands a hermitage established by Agastya, revered as though divine.

Verse 58

सप्तर्षीणां पुरा चात्र आश्रमो देवसम्मतः । ब्रह्मर्षीणां तथा चात्र मनूनां परमस्तथा

In ancient times there was here a hermitage of the Seven Ṛṣis, revered by the devas. Likewise, a hermitage of the brahmarṣis was here, and also one most exalted, associated with the Manus.

Verse 59

नागानां च पुरी रम्या यज्ञपर्वतरोधसि । अगस्त्यस्य महाराज प्रभावममितात्मनः

And there is a delightful city of the Nāgas upon the slope of Mount Yajña. O great king, hear of the mighty power of Agastya, whose soul is immeasurable.

Verse 60

कथयामि समासेन शृणु त्वं सुसमाहितः । पूर्वं कृतयुगे भीष्म दानवा युद्धदुर्मदाः

I shall tell it in brief—listen with perfect attention. In the ancient Kṛta Yuga, O Bhīṣma, the Dānavas were swollen with the arrogance of war.

Verse 61

कालेया इति विख्याता गणाः परमदारुणाः । ते तु वृत्रं समाश्रित्य देवान्हंतुं समुद्यताः

There were hosts known as the Kāleyas, exceedingly dreadful. Taking refuge with Vṛtra, they rose up, intent on slaying the devas.

Verse 62

ततो देवाः समुद्विग्ना ब्रह्माणमुपतस्थिरे । कृतांजलींस्तु तान्सर्वान्परमेष्ठीत्युवाच ह

Then the gods, greatly distressed, approached Brahmā. And Parameṣṭhī (Brahmā), addressing them all as they stood with folded hands, spoke.

Verse 63

विदितं मे सुराः सर्वं यद्वः कार्यं चिकीर्षितं । तमुपायं प्रवक्ष्यामि यथा वृत्रं वधिष्यथ

O gods, I know fully what task you intend to accomplish. I will tell you the means by which you will be able to slay Vṛtra.

Verse 64

दधीचिरिति विख्यातो महानृषिरुदारधीः । तं गत्वा सहितास्सर्वे वरं च प्रतियाचत

There was a great sage renowned as Dadhīci, noble-minded and vast in understanding. Having gone to him together, they all requested a boon from him.

Verse 65

स वो दास्यति धर्मात्मा सुप्रीतेनांतरात्मना । स वाच्यः सहितैः सर्वैर्भवद्भिर्जयकांक्षिभिः

That righteous-souled one will grant it to you with an inwardly delighted heart. Therefore, all of you who seek victory should together approach and address him.

Verse 66

स्वान्यस्थीनि प्रयच्छस्व त्रैलोक्यहितकांक्षया । स शरीरं समुत्सृज्य स्वान्यस्थीनि प्रदास्यति

“Offer your own bones, desiring the welfare of the three worlds. He, giving up his body, will bestow his own bones.”

Verse 67

तस्यास्थिभिर्महाघोरं वज्रं संक्रियतां दृढं । महच्छत्रुहनं दिव्यं तदस्त्रमशनिः स्मृतं

From his bones, let a mighty and most dreadful Vajra be fashioned—firm and unbreakable; a divine weapon that destroys great enemies. That weapon is remembered as Aśani, the thunderbolt.

Verse 68

तेन वज्रेण वै वृत्रं वधिष्यति शतक्रतुः । एतद्वः सर्वमाख्यातं तस्मात्सर्वं विधीयतां

With that Vajra, indeed, Śatakratu (Indra) will slay Vṛtra. All this has been fully declared to you; therefore, let everything now be duly carried out.

Verse 69

एवमुक्तास्ततो देवा अनुज्ञाप्य पितामहं । शतक्रतुं पुरस्कृत्य दधीचेराश्रमं ययुः

Thus addressed, the gods took leave of Pitāmaha (Brahmā); and, placing Śatakratu (Indra) at their head, they went to the hermitage of Dadhīci.

Verse 70

सरस्वत्याः परे पारे नानाद्रुमलतावृतं । षट्पदोद्गीतनिनदैरुद्घुष्टं सामगैरिव

On the far bank of the Sarasvatī lay a place covered with many kinds of trees and creepers, resounding with the sung hum of bees, as though loudly chanted by singers of the Sāma-Veda.

Verse 71

पुंस्कोकिलरवोन्मिश्रं जीवं जीवकनादितम् । महिषैश्च वराहैश्च सृमरैश्चमरैरपि

It was filled with the calls of male kokila cuckoos, and resounded with the cries of the jīva and jīvaka birds; it was also inhabited by buffaloes, boars, antelopes, and chamara deer.

Verse 72

तत्रतत्रानुचरितैः शार्दूलभयवर्जितैः । करेणुभिर्वारणैश्च प्रभिन्नकरटामुखैः

Here and there were seen elephants roaming freely, unafraid of tigers—both cow-elephants and bull-elephants, their faces marked by the ichor flowing from their temples.

Verse 73

स्वरोद्गारैश्च क्रीडद्भिः समंतादनुनादितं । सिंहव्याघ्रैर्महानादं नदद्भिरनुनादितं

All around it resounded with the cries of playful creatures; and it echoed again with the mighty roars of lions and tigers as they bellowed.

Verse 74

मयूरैश्चापि संलीनैर्गुहाकंदरवासिभिः । तेषु तेषु च कुंजेषु नादितं सुमनोरमं

And there, peacocks—nestled in, dwelling in caves and rocky hollows—filled those many groves with calls that were exceedingly delightful.

Verse 75

त्रिविष्टपसमप्रख्यं दधीच्याश्रममागमन् । तत्रापश्यन्दधीचिं तं दिवाकरसमप्रभम्

They came to Dadhīci’s hermitage, radiant like Svarga; and there they saw the sage Dadhīci, shining with a splendor equal to the Sun.

Verse 76

जाज्वल्यमानं वपुषा यथा लक्ष्म्या चतुर्भुजम् । तस्य पादौ सुरा राजन्नभिवंद्य प्रणम्य च । अयाचंत वरं सर्वे यथोक्तं परमेष्ठिना

His form blazed with radiance, like a four-armed Lord adorned by Lakṣmī. Having bowed and reverently saluted his feet, O King, all the devas requested a boon, just as Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā) had instructed.

Verse 77

ततो दधीचिः परमप्रतीतः सुरोत्तमांस्तानिदमित्युवाच । करोमि यद्वो हितमद्य देवाः स्वं वापि देहं त्वहमुत्सृजामि

Then Dadhīci—renowned above all—said to those foremost of the gods: “Today, O Devas, I shall do what is for your welfare; I will even relinquish my own body.”

Verse 78

तानेवमुक्त्वा द्विपदां वरिष्ठः प्राणांस्ततोऽसौ सहसोत्ससर्ज । सुरास्तदस्थीनि सवासवास्ते यथोपयोगं जगृहुः स्म तस्य

Having spoken thus, that best of bipeds suddenly gave up his life-breath. The gods—along with Vāsava (Indra)—collected his bones according to their intended use.

Verse 79

प्रहृष्टरूपाश्च जयाय देवास्त्वष्टारमासाद्य तमर्थमूचुः । त्वष्टा तु तेषां वचनं निशम्य प्रहृष्टरूपः प्रयतः प्रयत्नात्

Rejoicing and intent on victory, the gods approached Tvaṣṭṛ and conveyed their request. Tvaṣṭṛ, having heard their words, became delighted and—careful and resolute—set himself to the task with earnest effort.

Verse 80

चकार वज्रं भृशमुग्रवीर्यं कृत्वा च शस्त्रं तमुवाच हृष्टः । अनेन शस्त्रप्रवरेण देव भस्मीकुरुष्वाद्य सुरारिमुग्रं

He fashioned the thunderbolt, mighty with fierce power; and having made that supreme weapon, he spoke joyfully: “O Deva, with this foremost of weapons, burn to ashes today the dreadful enemy of the gods.”

Verse 81

ततो हतारिः सगणः सुखं त्वं प्रशाधि कृत्स्नं त्रिदिवं दिविष्ठः । त्वष्ट्रा तथोक्तस्तु पुरंदरश्च वज्रं प्रहृष्टः प्रयतो ह्यगृह्णात्

Then, with his enemies and their hosts slain, you—O best of the gods—rule in comfort the whole of heaven. Thus addressed by Tvaṣṭṛ, Purandara (Indra), delighted and composed, took up the thunderbolt.

Verse 82

ततः स वज्रेणयुतो दैवतैरभिपूजितः । आससाद ततो वृत्रं स्थितमावृत्य रोदसी

Then he—armed with the vajra and honored by the gods—advanced. Thereafter he confronted Vṛtra, who stood there, enveloping both heaven and earth.

Verse 83

कालकेयैर्महाकायैस्समंतादभिरक्षितं । समुद्यत प्रहरणैः सशृंगैरिव पर्वतैः

It was guarded on all sides by the Kālakeyas—giants in form—who stood with weapons raised, like mountains with lofty peaks.

Verse 84

ततो युद्धं समभवद्देवानां सह दानवैः । मुहूर्तं भरतश्रेष्ठ लोकत्रासकरं महत्

Then a battle arose between the gods and the Dānavas—great and terrifying to the worlds—for a brief while, O best of the Bharatas.

Verse 85

उद्यतैः प्रतिसृष्टानां खड्गानां वीरबाहुभिः । आसीत्सुतुमुलः शब्दः शरीरैरभिपाटितैः

As the strong-armed heroes raised and hurled their swords against one another, a very tumultuous roar arose from bodies being struck down.

Verse 86

शिरोभिः प्रपतद्भिश्चाप्यंतरिक्षान्महीतलं । तालैरिव महीपाल वृतं तैरेव दृश्यते

O king, with heads falling down from the sky onto the earth, the ground appeared covered by them—like it was ringed with palm trees.

Verse 87

ते हेमकवचा भूत्वा कालेयाः परिघायुधाः । त्रिदशानभ्यवर्तन्त दावदग्धा इव द्रुमाः

Then the Kāleyas, clad in golden armor and wielding iron clubs as weapons, advanced against the gods, like trees scorched by a forest fire.

Verse 88

तेषां वेगवतां वेगं सहितानां प्रधावताम् । न शेकुः सहिताः सोढुं भग्नास्ते प्राद्रवन्भयात्

Unable to withstand the onrush of those swift ones who charged forward together, they were broken and—out of fear—ran away.

Verse 89

तान्दृष्ट्वा द्रवतो भीतान्सहस्राक्षः पुरंदरः । वृत्रं च वर्द्धमानं तु कश्मलं महदाविशत्

Seeing them fleeing in fear, Sahasrākṣa (Indra), the destroyer of cities, was seized by great despair—especially as Vṛtra continued to grow in might.

Verse 90

तं शक्रं कश्मलाविष्टं दृष्ट्वा विष्णुः सनातनः । स्वतेजो व्यदधाच्छक्रे बलमस्य विवर्धयन्

Seeing Śakra (Indra) overcome by distress and confusion, the eternal Viṣṇu infused him with His own divine energy, thereby increasing Indra’s strength.

Verse 91

विष्णुनाप्यायितं शक्रं दृष्ट्वादे वगणास्तदा । सर्वे तेजस्समादध्युस्तथा ब्रह्मर्षयोऽमलाः

Seeing Indra invigorated by Viṣṇu, the hosts of gods then all gathered their splendor; likewise the stainless brahmarṣis did the same.

Verse 92

स समाप्यायितः शक्रो विष्णुना दैवतैः सह । ऋषिभिश्च महाभागैर्बलवान्समपद्यत

Thus, strengthened and restored by Viṣṇu—together with the gods—and by the greatly blessed sages, Śakra (Indra) became powerful once again.

Verse 93

ज्ञात्वा बलस्थं त्रिदशाधिपं तं ननाद वृत्रस्सुमहानि नादम् । तस्य प्रणादेन धरा दिशश्च खं द्यौर्नगाश्चेति चचाल सर्वं

Knowing that the lord of the gods stood firm in strength, Vṛtra let out a mighty roar. By the force of that roar, the earth, the directions, the sky, the heavens, and the mountains—indeed everything—was shaken.

Verse 94

ततो महेंद्रः परमाभितप्तः श्रुत्वा रवं घोरतरं महांतम् । भयेन मग्नस्त्वरितं मुमोच वज्रं महान्तं खलु तस्य शीर्षे

Then Mahendra (Indra), greatly distressed, on hearing that extremely dreadful, mighty roar, sank into fear and quickly hurled his great thunderbolt (vajra) upon his head.

Verse 95

स शक्रवज्राभिहतः पपात महास्वनः कांचनमाल्यधारी । यथा महाशैलवरः पुरस्तात्स मंदरो विष्णुकरात्प्रमुक्तः

Struck by Śakra’s thunderbolt (vajra), the great-roaring one, wearing a garland of gold, fell—just as the mighty mountain Mandara once fell when released from Viṣṇu’s hand before all.

Verse 96

तस्मिन्हते दैत्यवरे भयार्तः शक्रः प्रदुद्राव सरः प्रवेष्टुं । वज्रं च मेने स्वकरात्प्रमुक्तं वृत्रं भयाच्चैव हतं न पश्यति

When that foremost of the daityas had been slain, Śakra, stricken with fear, rushed off to enter the lake. He thought the vajra had slipped from his own hand—and, out of terror, he did not even see that Vṛtra was slain.

Verse 97

सर्वे च देवा मुदिताः प्रहृष्टाः सहर्षयश्चैनमथो स्तुवंति । शेषांश्च दैत्यांस्त्वरितं समेत्य जघ्नुः सुरा वृत्रवधाभितप्तान्

All the gods, delighted and exultant, together with the sages, then praised him. And the gods, swiftly gathering, struck down the remaining demons—those shaken and distressed by the slaying of Vṛtra.

Verse 98

ते वध्यमानास्त्रिदशैस्तदानीं महासुरा वायुसमानवेगाः । समुद्रमेवाविविशुर्भयार्ताः प्रविश्य चैवोदधिमप्रमेयम्

Then those great Asuras, struck down by the gods and swift as the wind, entered the ocean itself in terror; indeed, they plunged into the immeasurable sea.

Verse 99

झषाकुलं रत्नसमाकुलं च तदा स्म मंत्रं सहिताः प्रचक्रुः । तत्र स्म केचिन्मतिनिश्चयज्ञास्तांस्तानुपायान्परिचिंतयंतः

Then, seeing the waters teeming with fish and strewn with jewels, they conferred together and began to form a plan. There, some among them—skilled in firm judgment—pondered various means and methods.

Verse 100

भयार्दिता देवनिकायतप्तास्त्रैलोक्यनाशाय मतिं प्रचक्रुः । तेषां तु तत्र क्षयकालयोगाद्घोरामतिश्चिंतयतां बभूव

Stricken with fear and distressed, the hosts of the devas formed a resolve to bring about the destruction of the three worlds. But then, by the conjunction of the destined time of dissolution, a dreadful intention arose in those who were deliberating there.

Verse 101

ये संति विद्यातपसोपपन्नास्तेषां विनाशः प्रथमं च कार्यः । लोकाश्च सर्वे तपसा ध्रियंते तस्मात्त्वरध्वं तपसः क्षयाय

Those who are endowed with knowledge and tapas (austerity)—let their destruction be undertaken first. For all the worlds are sustained by austerity; therefore, hasten to bring about the wasting away of tapas.

Verse 102

ये संति केचिद्धि वसुंधरायां तपस्विनो धर्मविदश्च तज्ज्ञाः । तेषां वधश्चक्रियतां हि क्षिप्रं तेषु प्रणष्टेषु जगद्विनष्टम्

Those who dwell upon this earth—ascetics, knowers of dharma, and those truly skilled in it—let their slaying be done swiftly; for when they perish, the world itself is undone.

Verse 103

एवं हि सर्वे गतबुद्धिभावा जगद्विनाशे परमप्रहृष्टाः । दुर्गंसमाश्रित्य महोर्मिमंतं रत्नाकरं वारुणमालयं स्म

Thus all of them—bereft of sound understanding—rejoiced exceedingly in the world’s destruction; and, taking refuge in a stronghold, they entered the jewel-ocean, Varuṇa’s abode, heaving with mighty surging waves.

Verse 104

समुद्रं ते समासाद्य वारुणं त्वंभसां निधिं । कालेयास्समपद्यंत त्रैलोक्यस्य विनाशने

Having reached the ocean—Varuṇa’s treasury of waters—the Kāleyas set themselves to the destruction of the three worlds.

Verse 105

ते रात्रौ समभिक्रुद्धा बभक्षुस्तांस्तदा मुनीन् । आश्रमेषु च ये संति पुण्येष्वायतनेषु च

At night, inflamed with wrath, they then devoured those sages—even those dwelling in hermitages and in holy sanctuaries.

Verse 106

वसिष्ठस्याश्रमे विप्रा भक्षितास्तैर्दुरात्मभिः । अशीतिः शतमष्टौ च वने चान्ये तपस्विनः

In Vasiṣṭha’s hermitage, the brāhmaṇas were devoured by those wicked-souled ones; and in the forest, eighty-eight other ascetics as well.

Verse 107

च्यवनस्याश्रमं गत्वा पुण्यं द्विजनिषेवितम् । फलमूलाशनानां हि मुनीनां भक्षितं शतं

Having gone to Cyavana’s āśrama—holy and frequented by the twice-born—there a hundred portions were eaten by sages who subsist on fruits and roots.

Verse 108

एवं रात्रौ स्म कुर्वंतो विविशुश्चार्णवं दिवा । भरद्वाजाश्रमं गत्वा नियता ब्रह्मचारिणः

Thus, doing so at night and entering the ocean by day, those disciplined brahmacārins went to Bharadvāja’s āśrama.

Verse 109

वाताहारांबुभक्षाश्च विंशतिश्च निषूदिताः । एवं क्रमेण भक्षार्थं मुनीनां दानवास्तदा

Twenty were slain—some living on air, others subsisting only on water. Thus, in due succession, the Dānavas of that time went forth to devour the sages.

Verse 110

निशायां पर्यधावंत शक्ता भुजबलाश्रयात् । कालेन महता ते वै जघ्नुर्मुनिगणान्बहून्

At night they rushed about, relying on the strength of their arms; and over a long span of time, indeed, they slew many companies of sages.

Verse 111

न चैतानवबुध्यंत मनुजा मनुजाधिप । निस्वाध्यायवषट्कारं नष्टयज्ञोत्सवक्रियम्

Yet men, O lord of men, did not understand these matters; for Vedic study and the vaṣaṭ-utterance had ceased, and the rites of yajñas and festive observances had fallen into ruin.

Verse 112

जगदासीन्निरुत्साहं कालेयभयपीडितं । एवं प्रक्षीयमाणास्ते मानवा मनुजेश्वर

The world had grown dispirited, oppressed by fear of the Kāleyas. Thus, O lord of men, those human beings were steadily being worn away.

Verse 113

आत्मत्राणपरा भीताः प्राद्रवंस्तु दिशो दश । केचिद्गुहां प्रविविशुर्विकीर्णाश्चापरे द्विजाः

Terrified and intent only on saving themselves, they fled in all ten directions. Some of the twice-born entered caves, while others were scattered about.

Verse 114

अपरे च भयोद्विग्ना भयात्प्राणान्समत्यजन् । केचित्तत्र महेष्वासाः शूराः परमदर्पिताः

Others, shaken with terror, abandoned their very lives out of fear. Yet there too were some mighty archers—heroes, exceedingly proud and valorous.

Verse 115

मार्गमाणाः परं यत्नंदानवानांप्रचक्रिरे । नचैताननुजग्मुस्ते समुद्रं समुपाश्रितान्

Searching with the utmost effort, they strove to track down the Dānavas; yet they did not pursue them, for those Dānavas had taken refuge in the ocean.

Verse 116

शमं न जग्मुः परममाजग्मुः क्षयमेव च । जगत्प्रशमने जाते नष्टयज्ञोत्सवक्रिये

They did not attain peace; rather, they reached only utter ruin. When the world was pacified, the rites of sacrifice (yajña) and festive ceremonies had vanished.

Verse 117

आजग्मुः परमोद्विग्नास्त्रिदशा मनुजेश्वर । समेत्य समहेंद्रास्तु भयान्मंत्रं प्रचक्रिरे

O lord of men, the Thirty-three gods, greatly distressed, gathered together; assembling with Indra, they, out of fear, devised a protective mantra.

Verse 118

नारायणं पुरस्कृत्य वैकुंठमपराजितम् । ततो देवास्समेतास्ते तदोचुर्मधुसूदनम्

Placing Nārāyaṇa—the unconquered Lord of Vaikuṇṭha—at their forefront, the gods assembled and then addressed Madhusūdana.

Verse 119

त्वं नः स्रष्टा च गोप्ता च भर्ता च जगतः प्रभो । त्वया सृष्टं जगत्सर्वं यच्चेंगं यच्च नेङ्गति

You are our creator, protector, and sustainer, O Lord of the universe. By you this entire world has been created—whatever moves and whatever does not move.

Verse 120

त्वया भूमिः पुरा नष्टा समुद्रात्पुष्करेक्षण । वाराहं रूपमास्थाय जगदर्थे समुद्धृता

O lotus-eyed one, when the Earth was once lost in the ocean, you assumed the form of Varāha, the Boar, and raised her up again for the welfare of the world.

Verse 121

आदिदैत्यो महावीर्यो हिरण्यकशिपुः पुरा । नारसिंहं वपुः कृत्वा सूदितः पुरुषोत्तम

In ancient times, the primordial and mighty Daitya, Hiraṇyakaśipu, was slain by the Supreme Person, who assumed the body-form of Narasiṃha.

Verse 122

अवध्यः सर्वभूतानां बलिश्चापि महासुरः । वामनं वपुरास्थाय त्रैलोक्याद्भ्रंशितस्त्वया

Bali too—the great Asura, invincible to all beings—was cast down from the three worlds by You when You assumed the form of Vāmana.

Verse 123

असुरः सुमहेष्वासो जंभ इत्यभिविश्रुतः । यज्ञक्षोभकरः क्रूरस्त्वमरैर्विनिपातितः

There was an Asura famed by the name Jambha, a mighty archer—cruel and a disturber of sacrifices—who was struck down by the gods.

Verse 124

एवमादीनि कर्माणि येषां संख्या न विद्यते । अस्माकं भयभीतानां त्वं गतिर्मधुसूदन

Such deeds as these—whose number is beyond measure—have we committed. For us, trembling with fear, You alone are the refuge, O Madhusūdana.

Verse 125

तस्मात्त्वां देवदेवेश लोकार्थं ज्ञापयामहे । रक्ष लोकांश्च देवांश्च शक्रं च महतो भयात्

Therefore, O Lord of the gods, for the welfare of the worlds we appeal to You: protect the worlds and the gods—and Śakra (Indra) as well—from this great fear.

Verse 126

भवत्प्रसादाद्वर्तंते प्रजास्सर्वाश्चतुर्विधाः । स्वस्था भवंति मनुजा हव्यकव्यैर्दिवौकसः

By Your grace, all the fourfold classes of beings continue to flourish. Humans remain well and at ease, and the gods are sustained through the offerings of havya and kavya.

Verse 127

लोका ह्येवं प्रवर्तंते अन्योन्यं च समाश्रिताः । त्वत्प्रभावान्निरुद्विग्नास्त्वयैव परिरक्षिताः

Thus the worlds proceed in their course, mutually dependent upon one another. By your power they remain free from fear, and by you alone they are fully protected.

Verse 128

इदं च समनुप्राप्तं लोकानां भयमुत्तम् । जानीमो न च केनैते वध्यंते ब्राह्मणा निशि

And now this supreme terror has come upon the people. Yet we do not know by whom these brāhmaṇas are being slain at night.

Verse 129

ब्राह्मणेषु च क्षीणेषु पृथिवी क्षयमेष्यति । त्वत्प्रसादान्महाबाहो लोकास्सर्वे जगत्पते

When the Brāhmaṇas are weakened, the earth will fall into ruin. By your grace, O mighty-armed one—O Lord of the world—all the realms may be preserved.

Verse 130

विनाशं नाधिगच्छेयुस्त्वया वै परिरक्षिताः । विष्णु उवाच । विदितं मे सुरास्सर्वं प्रजायाः क्षयकारणम्

“Being protected by you, they would not meet with destruction.” Viṣṇu said: “O gods, everything is known to me—the cause of the decline of living beings.”

Verse 131

भवतां चापि वक्ष्यामि शृणुध्वं विगतज्वराः । कालकेया इति ख्याता गणाः परमदारुणाः

I shall also tell you about them—listen, free from agitation. There are hosts known as the Kālakeyas, exceedingly dreadful in nature.

Verse 132

ते वृत्रं निहतं दृष्ट्वा सहस्राक्षेण धीमता । जीवितं परिरक्षन्तः प्रविष्टा वरुणालयम्

Seeing Vṛtra slain by the wise Thousand-eyed one (Indra), they sought to preserve their lives and entered Varuṇa’s abode.

Verse 133

ते प्रविश्योदधिं घोरं नानाग्राहसमाकुलम् । उत्सादनार्थं लोकस्य रात्रौ घ्नंति मुनीनिह

Entering the dreadful ocean, teeming with many kinds of crocodiles, they slay the sages here at night, intent on destroying the people and the world’s order.

Verse 134

न तु शक्याः क्षयं नेतुं समुद्रांतर्हिता हि ते । समुद्रस्य क्षये बुद्धिर्भवद्भिः परिचिंत्यताम्

But they cannot be brought to destruction, for they are hidden within the ocean. Let your resolve be directed instead toward drying up the sea.

Verse 135

एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचो देवा विष्णुना समुदाहृतम् । परमेष्ठिनमासाद्य अगस्त्यस्याश्रमं ययुः

Hearing these words spoken by Viṣṇu, the gods approached Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā) and then went to the hermitage of Agastya.

Verse 136

तत्रापश्यन्महात्मानं वारुणं दीप्ततेजसम् । उपास्यमानमृषिभिर्द्देवैरिव पितामहम्

There he saw the great-souled Varuṇa, radiant with blazing splendor, reverently attended by sages—like the Grandfather (Brahmā) attended by the gods.

Verse 137

तेभिगम्य महात्मानं मैत्रावरुणिमुत्तमम् । अप्रमत्तं तपोराशिं कर्मभिः स्वैरनुष्ठितैः

Approaching that great soul—Maitrāvaruṇi, the most excellent—ever vigilant, a treasury of austerity, they came with deeds performed in accord with their own proper disciplines.

Verse 138

देवा ऊचुः । नहुषेणाभितप्तानां लोकानां त्वं गतिः पुरा । भ्रंशितश्च सुरैश्वर्याल्लोकार्थं लोककंटकः

The gods said: Formerly, when the worlds were tormented by Nahusha, you were their refuge. But fallen from the sovereignty of the gods, you have become a thorn to the world—harming beings under the pretext of serving their welfare.

Verse 139

क्रोधात्प्रवृद्धः स महान्भास्करस्य नगोत्तमः । वचस्तवानतिक्रामन्विन्ध्यः शैलो न वर्धते

That great and excellent mountain, Vindhya, swollen with anger against Bhāskara the Sun, does not grow—because it does not transgress your command.

Verse 140

तमसाच्छादिते लोके मृत्युनाभ्यर्दिताः प्रजाः । त्वामेव नाथमागम्य निर्वृतिं परमां गताः

When the world was veiled in darkness and creatures were tormented by death, they came to you alone as their Lord and protector—and attained the supreme peace.

Verse 141

अस्माकं भयभीतानां नित्यमेव भवान्गतिः । ततस्त्वद्य प्रयाचामस्त्वां वरं वरदो ह्यसि

For us who tremble with fear, you alone are ever the refuge. Therefore today we beseech you for a boon, for you are indeed the giver of boons.

Verse 142

भीष्म उवाच । किमर्थं सहसा विंध्यः प्रवृद्धः क्रोधमूर्च्छितः । एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं विस्तरेण महामुने

Bhīṣma said: “For what reason did the Vindhya mountain suddenly grow so great, overcome by a swoon of anger? I wish to hear this in detail, O great sage.”

Verse 143

पुलस्त्य उवाच । अद्रिराजं महाशैलं मेरुं कनकपर्वतम् । उदयेऽस्तमये भानुः प्रदक्षिणमवर्तत

Pulastya said: At sunrise and at sunset, the Sun performed pradakṣiṇā—circumambulating to the right—around Meru, the king of mountains, the great peak, the golden mountain.

Verse 144

तं दृष्ट्वा तु तदा विंध्यः शैलः सूर्यमथाब्रवीत् । यथा हि मेरुर्भवता नित्यशः परिगम्यते

Seeing him then, the Vindhya mountain spoke to the Sun: “Just as you approach Mount Meru every day without fail,”

Verse 145

प्रदक्षिणं च क्रियते मामेवं कुरु भास्कर । एवमुक्तस्ततः सूर्यः शैलेंद्रं प्रत्यभाषत

“And pradakṣiṇā—circumambulation to the right—is performed; do the same for me, O Bhāskara.” Thus addressed, Sūrya replied to the lord of mountains.

Verse 146

नाहमात्मेच्छया शैलं करोम्येनं प्रदक्षिणम् । एष मार्गः प्रदिष्टो मे येनेदं निर्मितं जगत्

“I do not circumambulate this mountain by my own whim. This is the path prescribed for me—the very way by which this world was brought into being.”

Verse 147

एवमुक्तस्तदा क्रोधात्प्रवृद्धः सहसाचलः । सूर्याचंद्रमसोर्मार्गं रोद्धुमिच्छन्परंतप

Thus addressed, the mountain suddenly swelled with anger and, O scorcher of foes, desired to block the course of the Sun and the Moon.

Verse 148

ततो हि देवाः सहितास्तु सर्वे सेंद्राः समागम्य महाद्रिराजम् । निवारयामासुरथोत्पतंतं न वै स तेषां वचनं चकार

Then all the gods together—along with Indra—assembled and approached the king of mountains, and tried to restrain him as he rose up; but he did not heed their words at all.

Verse 149

ततो हि जग्मुर्मुनिमाश्रमस्थं तपस्विनां धर्मवतां वरिष्ठम् । अगस्त्यमत्यद्भुतदीप्तवीर्यं तं चार्यमूचुः सहिताः सुरास्ते

Then those gods went to the sage who dwelt in his hermitage—the foremost among ascetics and the righteous. Approaching Agastya, whose power shone with wondrous brilliance, they addressed that venerable teacher together.

Verse 150

देवा ऊचुः । सूर्याचंद्रमसोर्मार्गं नक्षत्राणां गतिं तथा । शैलराडावृणोत्येष विंध्यः क्रोधवशानुगः

The gods said: “This Vindhya—driven by the force of anger—blocks the path of the Sun and the Moon, and likewise the course of the constellations; this king of mountains is obstructing them.”

Verse 151

तं निवारयितुं शक्तो नान्यः कश्चिन्मुनीश्वर । तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं विप्रः सुराणां शैलमभ्यगात्

O lord of sages, no one else had the power to restrain him. Hearing these words, the brahmin went to the mountain of the gods.

Verse 152

सोभिगम्याब्रवीद्विंध्यं सादरं समुपस्थितम् । मार्गमिच्छाम्यहं दत्तं भवता पर्वतोत्तम

Approaching the Vindhya, who stood nearby with reverence, he said: “O best of mountains, grant me the passage, the path.”

Verse 153

दक्षिणामभिगंतास्मि दिशं कार्येण केनचित् । यावदागमनं मे स्यात्तावत्त्वं प्रतिपालय

I am going to the southern quarter for some task. Until I return, you should guard it and look after it.”

Verse 154

निवृत्ते मयि शैलेंद्र ततो वर्धस्व कामतः । पुलस्त्य उवाच । अद्यापि दक्षिणाद्देशाद्वारुणिर्न निवर्तते

“When I have withdrawn, O lord of mountains, then grow as you wish.” Pulastya said: “Even now, Vāruṇi has not returned from the southern land.”

Verse 155

एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा विन्ध्यो न वर्धते । अगस्त्यस्य प्रभावेण यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि

I have told you all of this—how the Vindhya did not continue to grow—through the power of Agastya, as you asked me.

Verse 156

कालेयास्तु यथा राजन्सुरैः सर्वैर्निषूदिताः । अगस्त्यद्वारमासाद्य तन्मे निगदतः शृणु

O King, hear from me as I recount how the Kāleyas were slain by all the gods, after they reached the gateway—the abode—of Agastya.

Verse 157

त्रिदशानां वचः श्रुत्वा मैत्रावरुणिरब्रवीत् । किमर्थं समुपायाता वरं मत्तः किमिच्छथ

Hearing the words of the gods, Maitreya-Varuṇi said: “For what purpose have you come here? What boon do you seek from me?”

Verse 158

एवमुक्तास्तदा तेन देवास्तं मुनिमब्रुवन् । इच्छाम एकं वरमद्भुतं वयं पिबार्णवं देवमुने महात्मन्

Thus addressed by him, the gods spoke to the sage: “O divine seer, O great-souled one, we desire one wondrous boon—drink up the ocean.”

Verse 159

एवं त्वयेच्छेम कृते महर्षे महार्णवं पीयमानं समग्रम् । ततो विहन्याम च सानुबंधं कालेयसंज्ञं सुरविद्विषां बलम्

Thus, O great sage, if you so will it, the vast ocean shall be drunk up entirely; then we shall destroy, together with their allies, the host of the gods’ enemies known as the Kāleyas.

Verse 160

त्रिदशानां वचः श्रुत्वा तथेति मुनिरब्रवीत् । करिष्ये भवतां कामं लोकानां सुखकारकम्

Hearing the words of the gods, the sage replied: “So be it. I shall fulfill your desire—an act that will bring happiness to the worlds.”

Verse 161

एवमुक्त्वा ततोऽगच्छत्समुद्रं निधिमंभसाम् । तपःसिद्धैश्च मुनिभिः सार्धं देवैश्च सुव्रत

Having spoken thus, he then went to the ocean—the treasure-house of waters—together with ascetics perfected by austerities and with the gods, O you of excellent vows.

Verse 162

मनुष्योरगगंधर्वा यक्षाः किंपुरुषास्तथा । अनुजग्मुर्महात्मानं द्रष्टुकामास्तदद्भुतम्

Humans, nāgas, gandharvas, yakṣas, and kiṃpuruṣas likewise followed that great-souled one, eager to behold that wondrous marvel.

Verse 163

ततोऽभ्यपश्यत्सहितः समुद्रं भीमनिःस्वनम् । नृत्यंतमिव चोर्मीभिर्वल्गंतमिव वायुना

Then, together with his companions, he beheld the ocean, roaring with a fearsome sound—seeming to dance with its waves, and to leap about under the force of the wind.

Verse 164

हसंतमिव फेनौघैः स्खलंतं कंदरेषु च । नानाग्राहसमाकीर्णं नानाद्विजगणैर्युतम्

It seemed to laugh with torrents of foam, and to stumble through ravines; it was crowded with crocodiles of many kinds and accompanied by flocks of diverse water-birds.

Verse 165

अगस्त्यसहिता देवाः सगंधर्वमहोरगाः । ऋषयश्च महाभागाः समासेदुर्महोदधिम्

Accompanied by Agastya, the gods—together with Gandharvas and great serpents—along with the most fortunate sages, approached the great ocean.

Verse 166

समुद्रं स समासाद्य वारुणिर्भगवानृषिः । उवाच सहितान्देवानृषींस्तांस्तु समागतान्

Having reached the ocean, the blessed sage Vāruṇi addressed the assembled gods and the sages who had gathered there.

Verse 167

पातुकामः समुद्रं च अगस्त्य ऋषिसत्तमः । एष लोकहितार्थाय पिबामि वरुणालयम्

Desiring to drink up the ocean, the sage Agastya—best of seers—declared: “For the welfare of the world, I shall drink this abode of Varuṇa, the sea.”

Verse 168

भवतां यदनुष्ठेयं तच्छीघ्रं संविधीयताम् । एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं मैत्रावरुणिरग्रतः

“Whatever observance you are to perform—let it be arranged and carried out quickly.” Having said only this much, Maitrāvaruṇi (Agastya) spoke these words before them.

Verse 169

समुद्रमपिबत्क्रुद्धस्सर्वलोकस्य पश्यतः । पीयमानं समुद्रं तु दृष्ट्वा देवाः सवासवाः

Enraged, he drank up the ocean while all the worlds looked on. Seeing the ocean being drunk, the gods—together with Indra—reacted.

Verse 170

विस्मयं परमं जग्मुस्स्तुतिभिश्चाप्यपूजयन् । त्वं नस्त्राता विधाता च लोकानां लोकभावनः । त्वत्प्रसादात्समुत्सेधमुपगच्छेत्समं जगत्

They were filled with the highest wonder and worshipped him with hymns: “You are our protector and our creator, the nurturer of the worlds. By your grace, the entire universe rises and flourishes in harmony.”

Verse 171

संपूज्यमानस्त्रिदशैर्महात्मा गंधर्वमुख्येषु नदत्सु चैव । दिव्यैश्च पुष्पैरवकीर्यमाणो महार्णवं निःसलिलं चकार

Honored by the gods, that great-souled one—while the foremost Gandharvas resounded in song and divine flowers showered down—made the great ocean become without water.

Verse 172

दृष्ट्वा कृतं निःसलिलं महार्णवं सुराः समस्ताः परमप्रहृष्टाः । प्रगृह्य दिव्यानि वरायुधानि तान्दानवान्जघ्नुरदीनसत्त्वाः

Seeing that the great ocean had been made free of water, all the gods were filled with supreme delight. Taking up their divine and excellent weapons, those undaunted heroes struck down the Dānavas.

Verse 173

ते वध्यमानास्त्रिदशैर्महात्मभिर्महाबलैर्वेगयुतैर्नदद्भिः । न सेहिरे वेगवतां महात्मनां वेगं तदा धारयितुं दिवौकसाम्

As they were being struck down by the gods—great-souled, immensely powerful, swift in assault, and roaring—those foes could not then endure or withstand the onrush of those mighty, impetuous dwellers of heaven.

Verse 174

ते वध्यमानास्त्रिदशैर्दानवा भीमनिःस्वनाः । चक्रुः सुतुमुलं युद्धं मुहूर्त्तमिव भारत

Though being struck down by the gods, the Dānavas—raising dreadful roars—waged a fiercely tumultuous battle, O Bhārata, as if it lasted only a moment.

Verse 175

ते पूर्वं तपसा दग्धा मुनिभिर्भावितात्मभिः । यतमानाः परं शक्त्या त्रिदशैर्विनिषूदिताः

Earlier, they had been scorched by the fire of tapas and refined by sages of disciplined spirit; and though striving with utmost power, they were slain by the gods.

Verse 176

ते हेमनिष्काभरणाः कुंडलांगदधारिणः । निहता बह्वशोभंत पुष्पिता इव किंशुकाः

Adorned with golden ornaments—wearing earrings and armlets—when they were slain, they lay in great splendor, like kiṃśuka trees in full bloom.

Verse 177

हतशिष्टास्ततः केचित्कालेयदनुजोत्तमाः । विदार्य वसुधां देवीं पातालतलमाश्रिताः

Then some of the survivors—the foremost younger brothers of Kāleya—split open the goddess Earth, Vasudhā, and took refuge in the realm of Pātāla, the netherworld.

Verse 178

निहतान्दानवान्दृष्ट्वा त्रिदशा मुनिपुंगवम् । तुष्टुवुर्विविधैर्वाक्यैरिदं चैवाब्रुवन्वचः

Seeing the Dānavas slain, the gods praised that foremost of sages with many kinds of words, and then they spoke these words as well.

Verse 179

त्वत्प्रसादान्महाभाग लोकैः प्राप्तं महत्सुखम् । त्वत्तेजसा च निहताः कालेया भीमविक्रमाः

By your grace, O noble one, the worlds have attained great happiness; and by your splendor the Kāleyas—terrible in valor—have been slain.

Verse 180

पूरयस्व महाविप्र समुद्रं लोकभावनम् । यत्त्वया सलिलं पीतं तदस्मिन्पुनरुत्सृज

O great Brahmin-sage, fill again the ocean, the sustainer of the worlds. The water you drank—release it back into it once more.

Verse 181

एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच भगवान्मुनिपुंगवः । जीर्णं तद्धि मया तोयमुपायोन्यः प्रचिंत्यताम्

Thus addressed, the revered sage—foremost among the munis—replied: “Indeed, I have already consumed that water; therefore, let some other means be devised.”

Verse 182

पूरणार्थं समुद्रस्य भवद्भिर्यत्नमास्थितैः । एवं श्रुत्वा तु वचनं महर्षेर्भावितात्मनः

“For the sake of filling the ocean, you have undertaken this effort with diligence.” Thus hearing the words of the great sage, whose self was disciplined and contemplative, …

Verse 183

विस्मिताश्च विषण्णाश्च बभूवुः सहितास्सुराः । परस्परमनुज्ञाप्य प्रणम्य मुनिपुंगवम्

Amazed and downcast, the assembled gods conferred with one another; then, having taken leave, they bowed down to the foremost of sages.

Verse 184

प्रजाः सर्वा महाराज विप्रा जग्मुर्यथागतम् । त्रिदशा विष्णुना सार्द्धमनुजग्मुः पितामहम्

O great king, all the subjects and the Brahmins departed, each returning as they had come; and the gods, together with Vishnu, followed Pitāmaha (Brahmā).

Verse 185

पूरणार्थं समुद्रस्य मंत्रयंतः परस्परम् । ऊचुः प्रांजलयः सर्वे सागरस्य हि पूरणम्

Consulting with one another about how to fill the ocean, they all—hands folded in reverence—spoke about the filling of the sea.

Verse 186

तानुवाच समेतांस्तु ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः । गच्छध्वं विबुधास्सर्वे यथाकामं यथेप्सितम्

Then Brahmā, the grandsire and father of the worlds, addressed those who had assembled: “Go forth, all you gods, according to your desire and as you wish.”

Verse 187

महता कालयोगेन प्रकृतिं यास्यतेऽर्णवः । ज्ञातींस्तु कारणं कृत्वा महाराजो भगीरथः

In the course of great time, the ocean will return to its natural state. Yet King Bhagiratha, making his kinsmen the cause and the aim, acted accordingly.

Verse 188

गंगौघेन समुद्रं च पुनः संपूरयिष्यति । एवं ते ब्रह्मणा देवाः प्रेषिता ऋषिसत्तमाः

“With the mighty flow of the Gaṅgā, it will again fill the ocean.” Thus, O best of sages, those gods were dispatched by Brahmā.

Verse 189

उवाच भगवांस्तुष्टस्त्वगस्त्यमृषिसत्तमम् । देवकार्यं तु भवता दानवानां विनाशनम्

The Blessed Lord, pleased, spoke to Agastya—the foremost of sages: “Indeed, by you the work of the gods has been accomplished: the destruction of the Dānavas.”

Verse 190

यतस्संतारिता देवास्तेन तुष्टोस्मि वै मुने । अभिप्रेतो वरो यस्ते याचयस्व ददामि तम्

Since the gods have been delivered through you, O sage, I am indeed pleased. Ask for whatever boon you desire; I shall grant it to you.

Verse 191

एवमुक्तस्तदागस्त्यः प्रणिपातपुरःसरम् । इहस्थेन मया देव देवकार्यमिदं कृतम्

Thus addressed, Agastya—after first bowing down—said: “O Deva, while remaining here, I have accomplished this task on behalf of the gods.”

Verse 192

सर्वाश्रमाणां प्रवरो भवत्वेष ममाश्रमः । त्वया चोक्तस्तु भगवन्भविता नात्र संशयः

May this hermitage of mine become the foremost among all āśramas. And, O Blessed Lord, since you have spoken thus, it shall surely come to pass—there is no doubt.

Verse 193

ब्रह्मोवाच । यात्रां तु पुष्करे कृत्वा इहागत्य नरास्तु ये । इह कुंडेषु ये स्नानं तर्पणं पितृदेवयोः

Brahmā said: Those men who, having made pilgrimage at Puṣkara, then come here—those who here, in these sacred ponds, bathe and offer tarpaṇa libations to the ancestors and to the gods—

Verse 194

अर्चनं चैव देवेषु सर्वमक्षयकारकम् । अर्घ्यं चोच्चावचं गृह्य शष्कुलापूपकांस्ततः

Worship offered to the gods is wholly a source of imperishable merit. Taking arghya—respectful offerings of various kinds—one should then present ritual food-offerings such as śaṣkula and āpūpaka cakes.

Verse 195

दास्यंति द्विजमुख्येभ्यस्तेषां वासस्त्रिविष्टपे । श्राद्धेन पितरस्तृप्ता यावदाभूतसंप्लवम्

They will give these offerings to the foremost among the twice-born; for them there is residence in Triviṣṭapa (heaven). Through the śrāddha rite, the ancestors remain satisfied until the dissolution at the end of existence.

Verse 196

कंदमूलफलैर्वापि तर्पयिष्यति यो मुनिम् । सप्तर्षिस्थानमासाद्य मोदते शास्वतीः समाः

Whoever satisfies a sage—even with roots, tubers, and fruits—attains the realm of the Seven Ṛṣis and rejoices there for everlasting years.

Verse 197

यज्ञपर्वतमारूढो दृष्ट्वा गंगाविनिर्गमम् । उदङ्मुखी देवनदी निर्गता पुष्करं प्रति

Having ascended Mount Yajña and beholding the Gaṅgā’s emergence, the divine river, facing northward, set forth toward Puṣkara.

Verse 198

अत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्पितृदेवार्चने रतः । अश्वमेधफलं तस्य भवत्येव न संशयः

Whoever performs abhiṣeka here, devoted to the worship of the ancestors and the gods, surely attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 199

यस्त्वेकं भोजयेद्विप्रं कोटिर्भवति भोजिता । अक्षयं त्वन्नपानं च अत्र दत्तं मुनीश्वर

But whoever feeds even a single brāhmaṇa becomes as though he has fed a koṭi; and the gift of food and drink given here becomes imperishable, O lord of sages.

Verse 200

यो यमिच्छति कामं तु सर्वं तस्य भविष्यति । न वियोनिं व्रजत्यत्र स्नातमात्रो नरो भुवि

Whatever desire a person wishes for—everything becomes attainable for him. Here, even a man who has merely bathed does not fall into a bad womb, that is, an inferior rebirth on earth.

Verse 201

स्थानानां परमं स्थानं तीर्थानां तीर्थमुत्तमम् । मया दत्तं मुनिश्रेष्ठ भविष्यति न संशयः

It shall become the supreme of all places, the most excellent of all tīrthas—a gift granted by me, O best of sages; of this there is no doubt.