Adhyaya 51

Verse 1

नरोत्तम उवाच । त्रिदशानां च देवानामन्येषां जगदीश्वरः । प्रभुः कर्ता च हर्त्ता च गोप्ता भर्त्ता पिता प्रसूः

Narottama said: The Lord of the universe is the master of the thirty-three gods and of all other beings as well—He is the sovereign, the creator and the destroyer, the protector and sustainer, the father, and the source of all birth.

Verse 2

अस्माकं वाक्श्रमो विष्णोः कथनेनैव युज्यते । किंतु कौतूहलं मेऽस्ति पिपासा वा क्षुधापि वा

Our effort of speech is truly fulfilled only by narrating Viṣṇu. Yet I have a curiosity—whether it is thirst, or even hunger.

Verse 3

कृतं पृच्छति येनैव वक्तव्यं तत्प्रियेण हि । अतीतं चैव जानाति कथं नाथ पतिव्रता

He asks of what has been done, and what should be spoken is truly only what is dear to him. He even knows what is past—so how, O Lord, could a devoted pativratā, a faithful wife, act otherwise?

Verse 4

किं वा तस्यां प्रभावं च वक्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः । भगवानुवाच । कथितं मे पुरा वत्स पुनः कौतूहलं द्विज

“And what, moreover, is its power? Describe it fully.” The Blessed One said: “You told me of it long ago, dear child; yet again, O Brahmin, curiosity has arisen.”

Verse 5

कथयिष्यामि तत्सर्वं यत्ते मनसि वर्तते । पतिव्रता पतिप्राणा सदा पत्युर्हिते रता

I shall tell you everything that abides in your mind. She is pativratā, holding her husband as her very life, and is ever engaged in what brings benefit to her lord.

Verse 6

देवानामपि साऽऽराध्या मुनीनां ब्रह्मवादिनां । धवस्यैकस्य या नारी लोके पूज्यतमा स्मृता

She is worthy of reverent worship even by the devas, and by sages who proclaim Brahman. A woman devoted to one husband alone is remembered in the world as the most worthy of honor.

Verse 7

तस्या संमानने गुर्वी निभृता न भविष्यति । मध्यदेशे पुरा तात नगरी चातिशोभना

In honoring her, there will be no heavy reserve or hesitation. Long ago in Madhyadeśa, dear one, there was a city of surpassing splendor.

Verse 8

तस्यां च ब्रह्मजातीया सेव्या नाम्नी पतिव्रता । तस्या धवोऽभवत्कुष्ठी पूर्वकर्मविरोधतः

And in that place there was a Brahmin woman named Sevyā, steadfast in wifely devotion. Her husband became afflicted with leprosy, through the adverse fruit of former deeds.

Verse 9

गलद्व्रणास्य पत्युश्च नित्यं चर्यापरायणा । यद्यन्मनोरथं तस्य शक्त्या सा कुरुते भृशम्

And she, ever intent on her daily duties and on serving her husband whose mouth bore a running sore, fulfilled—by her own power—whatever wish arose in his mind, in full measure.

Verse 10

अर्चयेद्देववन्नित्यं स्नेहं कुर्यादमत्सरा । कदाचित्पथि गच्छंतीं वेश्यां परमसुंदरीम्

She would worship him daily as though he were a god, and, free from jealousy, show him loving regard. Once, upon the road, there walked a courtesan of surpassing beauty.

Verse 11

दृष्ट्वाऽतीवाभवन्मोहान्मन्मथाविष्टचेतनः । निश्श्वस्य सुतरां दीर्घं ततस्तु विमनाऽभवत्

Seeing her, he became utterly deluded; his mind, seized by Kāma, the god of love, heaved a very long sigh, and then he sank into despondency.

Verse 12

श्रुत्वा गृहाद्विनिःसृत्य साध्वी पप्रच्छ तं पतिं । उन्मनास्त्वं कथं नाथ निःश्वासस्ते कथं विभो

Hearing this, the virtuous wife came out from the house and questioned her husband: “Why are you so distracted, my lord? And why, O mighty one, do you sigh so?”

Verse 13

ब्रूहि मे यच्च कर्तव्यमकर्तव्यं च यत्प्रियम् । दयितं ते करिष्यामि त्वमेको मे गुरुः प्रियः

Tell me what ought to be done and what ought not be done, and what is pleasing to you. I shall do what is dear to you; you alone are my beloved guru.

Verse 14

अभीष्टं वद मे नाथ यथाशक्ति करोम्यहम् । इत्युक्ते तामुवाचेदं वृथा किं भाषसे प्रिये

“Tell me, my lord, what you desire; to the best of my ability I shall do it.” When she had spoken thus, he said to her: “Beloved, why do you speak in vain?”

Verse 15

न शक्ता त्वं न चैवाहं मोघं वक्तुं न युज्यते । प्रष्टुं नाधिकरोषीति यथा दीर्घतरोः फलम्

Neither are you capable, nor am I; it is not proper to speak in vain. You have no entitlement to question—just as the fruit of a very tall tree is not easily obtained.

Verse 16

भूमौ स्थित्वा तु खर्वात्मा समुद्धर्तुं प्रवांछति । तथा मे रमणी लोभान्मोहाद्यदभिवांछितम्

Though standing upon the ground, the foolish-minded one longs to lift up (the world). Likewise, my beloved—out of greed and delusion—you desired what was only fancied.

Verse 17

दंपत्योरपि दुःसाध्यमपयानं वदाम्यहम् । पतिव्रतोवाच । ज्ञात्वा तु त्वन्मनोवृत्तं शक्ताहं कार्यसाधने

“I shall tell you of a departure that is difficult to accomplish even for a married couple.” The devoted wife said: “Yet, having understood the disposition of your mind, I am able to accomplish what must be done.”

Verse 18

आदेशं कुरु मे नाथ कर्तव्यं येन केनचित् । यदि ते दुर्लभं कार्यं कर्तुं शक्नोमि यत्नतः

O Lord, command me—assign me any task whatsoever. If there is some difficult work of yours, I can accomplish it with earnest effort.

Verse 19

तदा मे त्वतिकल्याणं फलिष्यति परे त्विह । इत्युक्ते परमः प्रीतः स्थितो वचनमब्रवीत्

“Then for me, supreme auspiciousness will surely bear fruit—both here and in the world beyond.” When this was said, he, exceedingly pleased, remained there and spoke these words.

Verse 20

पापाभ्यासाच्च पाप्मानं पृच्छतीति विनिश्चयः । पथ्यस्मिन्संप्रगच्छंतीं वेश्यां परमसुंदरीम्

It is concluded that, through repeated indulgence in sin, one comes to inquire after the sinful course. On this road he encountered a courtesan of surpassing beauty, walking along.

Verse 21

सर्वतश्चानवद्यांगीं दृष्ट्वा मे दह्यते मनः । यदि तां त्वत्प्रसादाच्च प्राप्नोमि नवयौवनां

Seeing her—faultless in every limb—my mind burns within. If, by your grace, I could obtain her again in renewed youthfulness…

Verse 22

तदा मे सफलं जन्म कुरु साध्वि हितं मम । यदि मां कुष्ठिनं दीनं पूतिगंधं नवव्रणम्

O virtuous lady, then make my birth fruitful—do what is for my good—even though I am leprous, wretched, foul-smelling, and covered with nine sores.

Verse 23

न गच्छति वरारोहा तदा मे निधनं हितम् । श्रुत्वा तेनेरितं वाक्यं साध्वी वचनमब्रवीत्

If the fair lady does not go, then death would be preferable for me. Hearing those words spoken by him, the virtuous woman replied.

Verse 24

यथाशक्ति करिष्यामि स्थिरी भव प्रभोऽधुना । मनसाथ समालोच्य क्षपांते ह्युषसि द्रुतम्

I shall do it to the best of my ability. Be steady now, O Lord. Having reflected in my mind, I will act swiftly at the end of the night—at dawn.

Verse 25

गोमयं सह शोधन्या गृहीत्वा सा ययौ मुदा । संप्राप्य गणिकागेहं शोधयित्वा च चत्वरम्

Taking cow-dung along with a cleansing broom, she went joyfully. Reaching the courtesan’s house, she cleansed the courtyard as well.

Verse 26

प्रतोलीं वीथिकां चैव गोमयं प्रददौ मुदा । सा तूर्णमागता गेहे जनस्यालोकने भयात्

Joyfully she applied cow-dung to the gateway and the lane; then, fearing the gaze of the people, she quickly came back into the house.

Verse 27

एवं क्रमेण सा साध्वी चरति स्म दिनत्रयम् । अथ सा वारमुख्या च चेटिकाश्चेटकानपि

Thus, in due order, that virtuous woman continued her observance for three days. Then the chief courtesan, along with her maidservants—and even the male attendants—approached.

Verse 28

अपृच्छत्कस्य कर्माणि शोभनानि च चत्वरे । मया नोक्तेप्युषः काले कस्य मत्प्रियकारणात्

In the public square he asked, “Whose noble deeds are these?”—though at dawn I had not told him—(wondering) for whose sake, on my account, he had become dear and eager to please me.

Verse 29

रुच्यकर्मणि दीप्यंते रथ्या चत्त्वर वीथिकाः । परस्परेण संचिंत्य वारमुख्यां च तेऽब्रुवन्

As the delightful festivities blazed forth, the streets, crossroads, and lanes shone brightly. Then, after consulting among themselves, they addressed the foremost courtesan.

Verse 30

अस्माभिर्न कृतं भद्रे कर्म चैतत्प्रमार्जनम् । अथ सा विस्मयं गत्वा संचिंत्य रजनीक्षये

“O noble lady, we have performed no act of expiation for this.” Then she, struck with astonishment, reflected as the night came to its close.

Verse 31

तया च दृश्यते सा च तथैव पुनरागता । दृष्ट्वा तां महतीं साध्वीं ब्राह्मणीं च पतिव्रताम्

She saw her, and she too returned again in the same manner. Seeing that great and virtuous brāhmaṇa woman, steadfast as a pativratā in devotion to her husband, they were filled with reverence.

Verse 32

दधार चरणे तस्या हा क्षमस्वेति भाषिणी । आयुर्देहं च संपत्तिर्यशोर्थः कीर्तिरेव च

Saying, “Alas, forgive me,” she clasped her feet. In humble surrender she offered life and body, and prosperity—honour, wealth, and fame as well.

Verse 33

एतासां मे विनाशाय स्फुरसीव पतिव्रते । यद्यत्प्रार्थयसे साध्वि नित्यं दास्यामि तद्दृढम्

O faithful wife, you blaze forth as though for the destruction of these foes of mine. Whatever you ask, O virtuous lady, I shall surely grant—always, and without fail.

Verse 34

सुवर्णं मणिरत्नं वा चेलं वा यन्मनोरथं । तामुवाच ततः साध्वी न मे चार्थे प्रयोजनम्

“Whether gold, a precious jewel, or garments—whatever you desire,” he said. Then the virtuous woman replied, “I have no need of such wealth.”

Verse 35

अस्ति कार्यं च ते किञ्चिद्वदामि कुरुषे यदि । तदा मे हृदि संतोषः कृतं सर्वं त्वयाऽधुना

I have a small task for you; if you do as I say, my heart will be satisfied—it will be as though you have accomplished everything for me just now.

Verse 36

गणिकोवाच । सत्यं सत्यं करिष्यामि द्रुतं वद पतिव्रते । कुरु मे रक्षणं मातर्द्रुतं कृत्यं च मे वद

The courtesan said: “Truly, truly—I will do it. Speak quickly, O devoted wife. Protect me, Mother; quickly tell me what I must do.”

Verse 37

त्रपया निकृतं वाच्यं तस्यामुक्तं वरं प्रियम् । क्षणं विमृश्य सा वेश्या कृत्वा क्षांतिमुवाच च

Out of modesty she spoke with restraint, uttering words agreeable and pleasing to him. After reflecting for a moment, that courtesan, having steadied herself with patience, spoke again.

Verse 38

कुष्ठिनः पूतिगंधस्य संपर्के दुःखिता भृशम् । दिनैकं च करिष्यामि यद्यागच्छति मद्गृहम्

I am sorely distressed by contact with a leper of foul stench. Yet I shall endure it for but one day—if he comes to my house.

Verse 39

पतिव्रतोवाच । आगमिष्यामि ते गेहमद्य रात्रौ च सुंदरि । भुक्तभोग्यं पतिं हृष्टं पुनर्नेष्यामि मद्गृहम्

The devoted wife said: “Lovely one, I will come to your house tonight. After he has enjoyed your hospitality, I will bring my husband back again, delighted, to my own home.”

Verse 40

गणिकोवाच । गच्छ शीघ्रं महाभागे स्वगृहं च पतिव्रते । पतिस्ते चार्द्धरात्रे स आगच्छतु च मद्गृहम्

The courtesan said: “Go quickly, noble lady, to your own home, O devoted wife. Let your husband come to my house at midnight.”

Verse 41

बहवो मे प्रियास्संति राजानस्तत्समाश्च ये । एकैको मद्गृहे नित्यं तिष्ठतीह निरंतरम्

Many kings are dear to me, and others too who are equal to them; and each one of them stays here in my house always, without interruption.

Verse 42

अद्याहं मे गृहं शून्यं करिष्यामि च त्वद्भयात् । स चागच्छतु ते भर्त्ता स चास्मान्प्राप्य गच्छतु

Today, out of fear of you, I will empty my house. Let your husband come; and after meeting us, let him go his way.

Verse 43

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु सा साध्वी गतासौ स्वगृहे तथा । पत्यौ निवेदयामास कृत्यं ते फलितं प्रभो

Hearing this, that virtuous woman returned to her own home. She reported to her husband, “O lord, your intended undertaking has borne fruit.”

Verse 44

अद्य रात्रौ च तद्गेहं गंतुं ख्यातिं करोति सा । प्रभूताः पतयस्तस्यास्तव कालो न विद्यते

Even tonight she is making a reputation for herself by going to that man’s house. She has had many husbands—there is no time for you (with her).

Verse 45

विप्र उवाच । कथं यास्यामि तद्गेहं मया गंतुं न शक्यते । एतज्ज्ञात्वा कुतः क्षांतिः कृतं कार्यं कथं भवेत्

The brāhmaṇa said: “How shall I go to that house? I am not able to go. Knowing this, how could there be any peace of mind? And how could the task be considered accomplished?”

Verse 46

पतिव्रतोवाच । स्वपृष्ठस्थमहं कृत्वा नेष्यामि तद्गृहं प्रति । सिद्धे ह्यर्थे नयिष्यामि पुनस्ते नैव वर्त्मना

The devoted wife said: “Placing you upon my own back, I will carry you to that home. Once the purpose is fulfilled, I will bring you back again—but not by this same route.”

Verse 47

द्विज उवाच । कल्याणि त्वत्कृतेनैव सर्वं मे कृत्यमेष्यति । इदानीं यत्कृतं कर्म स्त्रीजनैरपि दुःसहम्

The brahmin said: “O auspicious one, through what you have done alone, all my obligations will be fulfilled. But the task that has now been undertaken is difficult—even for womenfolk.”

Verse 48

तस्मिंश्च नगरे रम्ये नित्यं च धनिनो गृहे । पौरेश्च प्रचुरं वित्तं हृतं राज्ञा श्रुतं तदा

Then it was heard that, in that delightful city, the king was continually seizing the abundant wealth of the rich and of the townspeople.

Verse 49

श्रुत्वा सर्वान्निशाचारानाहूय नृपती रुषा । जीवितुं यदि वो वांछा चोरं मामद्य दास्यथ

Having heard of it, the king, in anger, summoned all the night-roamers and said: “If you wish to live, you will hand over that thief to me today.”

Verse 50

गृहीत्वा तु नृपस्याज्ञां यत्तैर्जिघृक्षयाकुलैः । चारैश्चोरो गृहीतस्तैर्बलाच्चैव नृपाज्ञया

Having received the king’s command, those spies—agitated with eagerness to seize him—captured the thief by force, in accordance with the king’s order.

Verse 51

नगरोपांतदेशे च वृक्षमूले घने वने । समाधिस्थोमहातेजामांडव्योमुनिपुंगवः

In a region on the outskirts of the city, at the foot of a tree in a dense forest, the great and radiant sage Māṇḍavya—foremost among ascetics—was absorbed in samādhi.

Verse 52

व्यातिष्ठद्वह्निसंकाशो योगिनां प्रवरो मुनिः । अंतर्नाडीगतो वायुः किंचिन्न प्रतिभाति च

The foremost sage among yogins stood shining like fire; yet the vital wind that had entered the inner channels (nāḍīs) did not manifest itself in any way.

Verse 53

तं ब्रह्मतुल्यं तिष्ठन्तं दृष्ट्वा दुष्टा महामुनिम् । चोरोयमद्भुताकारो धूर्तस्तिष्ठति कानने

Seeing that great sage standing there—one who was equal to Brahmā in dignity—the wicked one said: “This is a thief of wondrous appearance; a rogue is standing in the forest.”

Verse 54

एवमुक्त्वा तु तं पापा बबन्धुर्मुनिसत्तमम् । नोक्ताश्च नेक्षितास्तेन पुरुषा अतिदारुणाः

Having spoken thus, those sinful ones bound the best of sages. And the exceedingly dreadful men were neither addressed nor even looked at by him.

Verse 55

ततो राजा उवाचेदं संप्राप्तस्तस्करो मया । उपांते च पथिद्वारे कुरुध्वं घोरदण्डनम्

Then the king said this: “A thief has been apprehended by me. Near the roadside gate, inflict a severe punishment.”

Verse 56

मांडव्यश्च मुनिस्तत्र पथिशूले च कीलितः । पायुदेशे च तैर्दत्तं शूलं यावच्च मस्तकम्

There, the sage Māṇḍavya was impaled on a stake by the roadside. They drove the spear through his anal region, up to his head.

Verse 57

व्यथां स च न जानाति शूले विद्धतनुर्यमात् । अन्यैरपि कृतो दण्डः कृतस्तैस्तु मनोहितः

He does not even feel pain, though his body has been pierced on a stake by Yama. Even the punishment inflicted by others becomes, for him, something agreeable and pleasing to the mind.

Verse 58

एतस्मिन्नंतरे रात्रावंधकारे घनोन्नते । स्वपतिं पृष्ठतः कृत्वा प्रययौ सा पतिव्रता

Meanwhile, in the night, when darkness had thickly risen, that devoted wife, the pativratā, set her husband behind her and went onward.

Verse 59

मांडव्यस्य तनौ सङ्गात्कुष्ठिनो गंध आगतः । भग्नः समाधिस्तस्यैवं कुष्ठिसंसर्गतो ध्रुवम्

Through contact with Māṇḍavya’s body, the odor of a leper came upon him; thus his samādhi was surely broken—indeed, from association with a leper.

Verse 60

मांडव्य उवाच । एवं येनाधुना कृच्छ्रं कारितं गात्रवेदनम् । स एव भस्मतां यातु प्रोदिते च विरोचने

Māṇḍavya said: “Thus, the very one who has just now caused me this severe hardship and bodily torment—may he alone be reduced to ashes when the radiant sun rises.”

Verse 61

मांडव्येनैवमुक्तस्स पपात धरणीतले । ततः पतिव्रता चाह ब्रध्नो नोदयतु ध्रुवं

Thus addressed by Māṇḍavya, he fell to the ground. Then the devoted wife said: “May Bradhna not rise—let it remain fixed indeed.”

Verse 62

दिनत्रयं गृहं नीत्वा शापाद्वेश्मगता ततः । शयनीये स्थितं रम्ये धृत्वाऽतिष्ठत्पतिव्रता

After bringing him home for three days, she then, due to the curse, went into the house. The devoted wife, holding him, remained standing beside the lovely bed.

Verse 63

शप्त्वा तं च मुनिश्रेष्ठो गतो देशमभीष्टकम् । सूरो नोदयते लोके यावच्चैव दिनत्रयम्

Having cursed him, the foremost sage departed to the place he desired. And in the world the sun did not rise for as long as three days.

Verse 64

निखिलं व्यथितं दृष्ट्वा त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम् । शतक्रतुं पुरस्कृत्य गता देवाः पितामहम्

Seeing the entire threefold world—moving and unmoving—afflicted, the gods, placing Śatakratu (Indra) at their forefront, went to Pitāmaha (Brahmā).

Verse 65

वृत्तं न्यवेदयन्सर्वं पद्मयोनौ दिवौकसः । कारणं च न जानीमस्त्वं तु योग्यं विधेहि नः

The dwellers of heaven reported the entire incident to the Lotus-born (Brahmā). “We do not know its cause; you are competent—please determine it for us.”

Verse 66

ब्रह्मोवाच । पतिव्रताया यद्वृत्तं मांडव्यस्य मुनेश्च यत् । यथा नोदयते ब्रध्नो धाता देवेष्ववेदयत्

Brahmā said: “Hear the account of that devoted wife, and also of the sage Māṇḍavya—how Dhātṛ (the Ordainer) made it known among the gods, so that Bradhna might not rise again.”

Verse 67

ततो देवा विमानैश्च पुरस्कृत्य प्रजापतिम् । गतास्तदंतिकं विप्र तूर्णं सर्वे च भूतलम्

Then the gods, placing Prajāpati at their head and mounting their aerial chariots, swiftly went—O brāhmaṇa—to that place upon the earth, all of them together.

Verse 68

तेषां श्रिया विमानानां मुनीनां किरणैस्तथा । शतसूर्यमिवाभाति नान्यत्र च गृहोदरे

By the splendor of those celestial chariots, and likewise by the radiance of the sages, the interior of the dwelling shone as though a hundred suns were present—and nowhere else was such brilliance seen.

Verse 69

हा हतास्मि कथं सूरो मद्गृहे समुपस्थितः । अदृश्यंत तया देवा विमानैर्हंससन्निभैः

“Alas, I am undone! How has the Sun come to appear in my house?” Through her, the devas were seen, riding in aerial chariots resembling swans.

Verse 70

एतस्मिन्नंतरे ब्रह्मा तामुवाच पतिव्रताम् । अखिलानां च देवानां द्विजानां च गवां तथा

Meanwhile, Brahmā addressed her—the devoted, faithful wife—speaking on behalf of all the devas, the twice-born, and likewise the cows.

Verse 71

यथैव निधनं तेषां कथं ते परिरोचते । मातः क्रोधं त्यजस्वाद्य सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति

If their death is truly so, how could that ever please you? Mother, cast aside your anger today—turn your mind toward the Sun’s rising.

Verse 72

पतिव्रतोवाच । सर्वलोकानतिक्रम्य पतिरेको गुरुर्मम । अस्य मृत्युर्मुनेश्शापादुदिते च विरोचने

The devoted wife said: “Transcending all worlds, my husband alone is my guru. His death will come to pass because of a sage’s curse, and it will occur when Virocana has risen.”

Verse 73

तेनैव कारणेनैष मया शप्तो दिवाकरः । न कोपान्न च मोहाच्च लोभात्कामान्न मत्सरात्

For that very reason I cursed this Sun (Divākara)—not out of anger, nor delusion, nor greed, nor desire, nor envy.

Verse 74

ब्रह्मोवाच । एकस्य निधनेनैव त्रैलोक्यस्य हितं भवेत् । ततस्ते चाधिकं पुण्यं मातरेवं भविष्यति

Brahmā said: “If, by the death of a single person, the welfare of the three worlds is accomplished, then you will gain even greater merit; thus it shall be for the mother.”

Verse 75

सा चोवाच विधिं तत्र देवानामग्रतः सती । पतिं त्यक्त्वा च मे सत्यं शिवं मे नानुरोचते

And there Sati spoke to Brahmā in the presence of the gods: “Truly, even if I were to abandon my husband, Śiva would still not be acceptable to me.”

Verse 76

ब्रह्मोवाच । उदिते च खगे सौम्ये पत्यौ ते भस्मतां गते । स्वस्थेभूते च त्रैलोक्ये करिष्यामि हितं तव

Brahmā said: “O gentle one, when the auspicious bird has risen and your husband has been reduced to ashes—when the three worlds have returned to well-being—I shall do what is beneficial for you.”

Verse 77

भस्मनः पुरुषो भाव्यः कामदेवसमप्रभः । गुणैः सर्वैर्युतो भर्ता रतिवत्त्वं च सर्वदा

From the ashes a man is to be brought forth—radiant like Kāma-deva; endowed with every virtue, a worthy husband, and ever possessed of the power of love and delight.

Verse 78

यथापूज्यो हरिर्दैवैर्यथा लक्ष्मीश्च पूजिता । तथैव दंपती स्वर्गे तस्मान्मद्वचनं कुरु

Just as Hari is worshipped by the gods, and just as Lakṣmī too is revered, so shall this husband-and-wife pair be honored in heaven. Therefore, do as I say.

Verse 79

पतिव्रतोवाच । पत्युर्मे निधने ब्रह्मन्विधवा लोकनिंदिता । कांस्तु लोकान्गमिष्यामि भग्ना चारामलीमसा

The chaste wife said: “O Brahmin, with my husband’s death I have become a widow, scorned by the world. Broken and stained by the impurity of such a condition, to which worlds shall I now go?”

Verse 80

ब्रह्मोवाच । अतस्ते नास्ति दोषो वै न मृतस्ते धवोऽधुना । अस्माकं वचनेनैव कुष्ठी मन्मथतां व्रजेत्

Brahmā said: Therefore, you are indeed without fault; your husband is not dead even now. By my very word, this leper shall go on to attain the state of Manmatha, the god of love.

Verse 81

वदत्येवंविधौ सा च विमृश्य क्षणमेव च । बाढमुक्तवती सा च ततस्सूर्योदयोऽभवत्

As he spoke in this manner, she reflected for just a moment; then she replied, “So be it.” Thereupon, sunrise came.

Verse 82

अभवद्भस्मरूपोऽसौ मुनिशापप्रपीडितः । भस्मनो मध्यतो जातो द्विजो मन्मथपीडितः

Afflicted by a sage’s curse, he became reduced to ashes; and from the midst of those ashes a twice-born man was born, tormented by Kāma, the god of desire.

Verse 83

दृष्ट्वा विस्मयपमापन्नाः सर्वे ते पुरवासिनः । मुदिता देवसंघाश्च जनः स्वस्थतरोऽभवत्

Seeing it, all the residents of the city were struck with wonder. The assemblies of the devas rejoiced, and the people became even more healthy and at ease.

Verse 84

विमानेनार्कवर्णेन स्वर्लोकादागतेन च । पतिना सह सा साध्वी सुरैः सार्द्धं गता दिवम्

In a sun-hued celestial vimāna that had come from Svarga, that virtuous woman, together with her husband, went to heaven in the company of the devas.

Verse 85

एवं पतिव्रता यस्माच्छुभा चैव तु मत्समा । तेन वृत्तं च जानाति भूतं भव्यं प्रवर्तनम्

Because she is thus a devoted pativratā, auspicious and equal to me, she thereby knows what has occurred, what is to come, and how events unfold.

Verse 86

य इदं श्रावयेल्लोके पुण्याख्यानमनुत्तमम् । तस्य पापं क्षयं याति जन्मजन्मकृतं च यत्

Whoever has this unsurpassed, meritorious sacred narrative recited in the world—his sins, even those committed across birth after birth, are brought to destruction.

Verse 87

अक्षयं लभते स्वर्गं विबुधैः संप्रयुज्यते । ब्राह्मणो लभते वेदं जन्मजन्मसु बाडव

He attains the imperishable Svarga and is united with the vibudhas. A brāhmaṇa gains the Veda in birth after birth, O Bāḍava.

Verse 88

सकृच्छृणोति यः पूतो दुष्कृतौघाद्विमुच्यते । सुरालयमवाप्नोति स्वर्गाद्भ्रष्टो धनी भवेत्

Whoever hears it even once is purified and is freed from a flood of evil deeds. He attains the abode of the devas; and even if he falls from heaven, he becomes wealthy on earth.