Adhyaya 146: The Greatness of Hṛṣīkeśa at Rurukṣetra: The Origin Narrative of Ruru and the Sacred Site

Verse 1

अथ रुरुक्षेत्रस्थहृषीकेशमाहात्म्यम् ॥ सूत उवाच ॥ शालग्रामस्य माहात्म्यं श्रुत्वा गुह्यं महौजसम् ॥ विस्मयं परमं गत्वा हृष्टा वचनमब्रवीत् ॥

Now begins the account of Hṛṣīkeśa’s greatness as situated at Rurukṣetra. Sūta said: Having heard the secret, powerful greatness of Śālagrāma, she, filled with delight and having reached profound astonishment, spoke these words.

Verse 2

धरण्युवाच ॥ अहो क्षेत्रस्य माहात्म्यं यत्त्वया भाषितं हरे ॥ एतच्छ्रुत्वा महाभाग जातास्मि विगतज्वरा ॥

Dharā (Earth) said: “Ah, the greatness of this sacred region which you have spoken of, O Hari! Having heard this, O greatly fortunate one, I have become free from feverish distress.”

Verse 3

रुरुषण्डमिति प्रोक्तं यत्त्वया परमार्चितम् ॥ रुरुर्नाम कथं को वा आसीत्पूर्वं जनार्दन ॥

“You have declared it to be ‘Ruruṣaṇḍa’, and you have highly honored it. But how did it come to be called ‘Ruru’, and who was Ruru formerly, O Janārdana?”

Verse 4

यन्नाम्ना परमं क्षेत्रं हृषीकेश त्वयाश्रितम् ॥ कथयस्व जगन्नाथ यद्यनुग्राह्यता मयि ॥

Tell me, O Hṛṣīkeśa—by whose name this supreme sacred region is connected with You. Explain it, O Lord of the world, if I am worthy to receive Your grace.

Verse 5

श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ आसीत्पुरा महाभागो देवदत्त इति द्विजः ॥ भृगुवंशे समुत्पन्नो वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः ॥

Śrī Varāha said: “Formerly there was a most fortunate Brahmin named Devadatta, born in the lineage of Bhṛgu, well-versed in the Vedas and the ancillary sciences.”

Verse 6

यज्ञविद्यासु कुशलो व्रतनिष्ठोऽतिथिप्रियः ॥ तत्राश्रमपदं पुण्यं पुण्यद्रुमलतान्वितम् ॥

He was skilled in the sciences of yajña (sacrifice), steadfast in his vows, and devoted to welcoming guests. There he had a holy hermitage-site, adorned with sacred trees and vines.

Verse 7

शान्तैर्मृगगणैः कीर्णं कन्दमूलफलान्वितम् ॥ तत्र तीव्रं तपोऽतप्यद्देवदत्तो मुनीश्वरः ॥

It was filled with peaceful herds of deer and supplied with bulbs, roots, and fruits. There Devadatta, lord among sages, practiced intense austerity (tapas).

Verse 8

वर्षाणामयुतं साग्रं तत इन्द्रो व्यचिन्तयत् ॥ कामं वसन्तसहितं गन्धर्वान् स सखीन् पुनः ॥

After a little more than ten thousand years, Indra grew anxious and began to deliberate. He then again summoned Kāma together with Vasantā, and the Gandharvas—his companions.

Verse 9

उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं क्षुब्धेन्द्रियमनाः प्रभुः ॥ अहो सखायः किञ्चिन्मे महत्कार्यमुपस्थितम् ॥

The Lord, whose senses and mind were stirred, spoke sweetly: “O friends, a certain great task has arisen for me.”

Verse 10

तदिन्द्रस्य वचः श्रुत्वा ते काममलयानिलाः ॥ प्रत्य्यूचुर्देवराजानमाज्ञापय निजं प्रियम् ॥

Having heard Indra’s words, they—Kāma and the Malaya breeze—replied to the king of the gods: “Command what is dear to you—your wish.”

Verse 11

जितेन्द्रियस्यापि मनः कस्य संक्षोभयामहे ॥ कं वा सुतीव्रात्तपसो भ्रंशयामः सुपेशलम् ॥

“Whose mind could we unsettle, even if he has conquered his senses? Or whom could we cause to fall away from austerity—so intense and so refined?”

Verse 12

आज्ञाप्रसादं ते लब्ध्वा वद शीघ्रं सुखी भव ॥ इत्युक्तः शतमन्युर्वै प्रत्युवाचाथ मानयन् ॥

“Having obtained your gracious consent to my command, speak quickly—be at ease.” Thus addressed, Śatamanyu (Indra) then replied, showing regard to them.

Verse 13

तदैव मे गता चिन्ता भवतां दर्शनं यदा ॥ जातमेवाखिलं कार्यं मम तच्छृणुताखिलाः ॥

“At that very moment my concern was resolved when I obtained your audience. All that needs to be done for me has now arisen—listen, all of you, to that.”

Verse 14

हिमशैले महारम्ये हृषीकेशाश्रितो मुनिः ॥ देवदत्त इति ख्यातस्तपस्यति महत्तपः ॥

On a supremely beautiful snow-mountain, a sage devoted to Hṛṣīkeśa—renowned as Devadatta—practices a great austerity.

Verse 15

जिघृक्षुर्मे पदं नूनं तत्तपो विनिवर्त्यताम् ॥ इत्युक्तास्ते तदाज्ञां वै गृहीत्वा शिरसा द्रुतम् ॥

He surely seeks to obtain my station; therefore let that austerity be checked. Thus instructed, they swiftly accepted that command with bowed heads.

Verse 16

प्रस्थानाय मतिं चक्रुः कामदेवपुरःसराः ॥ प्रस्थाप्याग्रे वसन्तं च मलयानिलमेव च ॥

Led by Kāmadeva, they resolved to depart, first sending ahead Spring and the Malaya breeze as forerunners.

Verse 17

ततः सुरपतिः शक्रः प्रम्लोचां नाम नामतः ॥ प्रशस्य प्रणयात्पूर्वं मानयन्निदमब्रवीत् ॥

Then Śakra, lord of the gods, addressing her by name—Pramlocā—first praised her affectionately and, honoring her, spoke as follows.

Verse 18

गच्छ स्वस्तिमती देवि विजयाय मुनेर्भुवि ॥ यत्राश्रमपदं तस्य देवदत्तस्य वै मुनेः ॥

“Go, auspicious goddess, for victory over the sage upon the earth—there where lies the hermitage-site (āśrama) of that sage Devadatta.”

Verse 19

तथा कुरुष्व भद्रं ते हृषीकेशसमीपतः ॥ इन्द्रस्याज्ञां समादाय ययौ तस्याश्रमं प्रति ॥

“Do so; may it be auspicious for you—near Hṛṣīkeśa.” Having received Indra’s command, he went toward that sage’s āśrama.

Verse 20

समीपोपवने रम्ये नानाद्रुमलताकुले ॥ मधुरालापबहुले कोकिलानां कलाकुले ॥

In a lovely grove nearby, crowded with many kinds of trees and creepers, filled with abundant sweet calls, and resonant with the notes of cuckoos,

Verse 21

रसालमञ्जरीव्याप्तरसामोदालिसंकुले ॥ गुंजन्मत्तालिसन्नादश्रुतिश्रुतिधरान्विते ॥

abounding in the fragrance of mango-blossom clusters, filled with swarms intoxicated by that sweet scent, and accompanied by the hum of bees—like a continuous, clearly heard resonance.

Verse 22

गन्धर्वगीतसम्मिश्रे मलयानिलशीतले ॥ सम्प्फुल्लपङ्कजवने सुनिर्मलजलाशये ॥

mingled with Gandharva-song, cooled by the breezes of Malaya, with a grove of fully blossomed lotuses, and with a reservoir of exceptionally clear water,

Verse 23

मुनिप्रभावसन्त्यक्तक्रौर्यस्थलजलाशये ॥ मधुरामोद मधुरे चित्तक्षोभविधायिनि ॥

where, through the sage’s spiritual power, cruelty had been abandoned—on land and in the waters alike; sweet with gentle fragrance, yet able to stir agitation in the mind.

Verse 24

प्रविश्य सा वरारोहा गीतं सुमधुरं जगौ ॥ यदा ध्यानादुपरतः समाधेर्विरताश्चिरात् ॥

Entering, that graceful woman sang a very sweet song. When he had withdrawn from meditation—having long since ceased from samādhi—

Verse 25

गान्धर्वं प्रारभंस्ते तु गन्धर्वाः सुरसम्मताः ॥ तस्मिन्नेव क्षणे लब्ध्वा अवसरं पञ्च सायकः ॥

Then the Gandharvas, approved by the gods, began the Gandharva-music; at that very moment, having found an opening, the Five-arrowed one (Kāma) acted.

Verse 26

विचकर्ष धनुः पुष्पं सायकान् समयूयुजत् ॥ संलक्ष्य तं मुनिं शान्तं भाविदैवबलात्कृतम् ॥

He drew the flower-bow and fitted the arrows; observing that tranquil sage, one brought into this state by the force of impending destiny,

Verse 27

श्रुत्वा तन्मधुरं गीतं पञ्चमालापसुन्दरम् ॥ क्षुब्धचित्तः समभवत्स मुनिः संशितव्रतः ॥

Hearing that sweet song—beautiful in its fifth modulation—his mind became disturbed, though he was a sage of sharpened vows.

Verse 28

विचचाराश्रमपदं पश्यन्सन्तुष्टमानसः ॥ दूराद्ददर्श तन्वङ्गीं क्रीडन्तीं कन्दुकेन ताम् ॥

He wandered about the precincts of the āśrama, looking on with a satisfied mind; from a distance he saw her, slender-limbed, playing with a ball.

Verse 29

दृष्ट्वैव तां तु चार्वङ्गीं विद्धः कामेन पत्रिणा ॥ तस्याः समीपमगमत्स्मयमानो महामुनिः ॥

Seeing that fair-limbed woman, the great sage—pierced by Kāma with his feathered arrow—approached her, smiling.

Verse 30

सापि दृष्ट्वा देवदत्तं सज्जन्ती हरिणेक्षणा ॥ कटाक्षयन्ती सहसा लज्जमाना विगूहति ॥

She too, seeing Devadatta, became drawn to him; deer-eyed, she cast sidelong glances and, suddenly ashamed, tried to hide herself.

Verse 31

करेण कन्दुकं घ्नन्ती चञ्चलाक्षी सुपेशला ॥ स्रंसता केशपासेन गलत्पुष्पेण राजता ॥

With her hand she struck a ball; restless-eyed and very graceful, she shone with loosened tresses and with flowers slipping down.

Verse 32

मनो हरन्ती तस्यर्षेः ललितैर्विभ्रमोद्भवैः ॥ एतस्मिन्नन्तरे तस्या दक्षिणः पवनोऽहरत् ॥

Captivating the sage’s mind with playful, graceful gestures, at that very moment a gentle southern breeze lifted (her garments).

Verse 33

वासः सूक्ष्मं गलन्नीवि काञ्चीदामगुणान्वितम् ॥ पुष्पबाणोऽप्यविध्यत्तं दृष्ट्वा अवसरमन्तिके ॥

Her fine garment, with its waist-knot slipping and the cord of the girdle-ornament visible—seeing the opportunity close at hand, even the Flower-arrowed (Kāma) struck him.

Verse 34

सम्मोहितः स तु मुनिर्गत्वान्तिकमथाब्रवीत् ॥ का त्वं कस्यासि सुभगे वनेऽस्मिन्किञ्चिकीर्षसि ॥

But the sage, bewildered, went up close and then spoke: “Who are you, fortunate one? Whose are you? What do you intend to do in this forest?”

Verse 35

मादृशान्किं मृगयसे बाहुपाशेन वा मृगान् ॥ बद्ध्वा गृहीत्वा वामोरु किं वाऽस्मान्कर्तुमिच्छसि ॥

“Do you hunt men like me—or deer—with the snare of your arms? Having bound and seized (them), O fair-thighed one, what do you intend to do to us?”

Verse 36

सर्वथाऽस्मांस्तवाधीनान् यद्यद्वा कारयिष्यति ॥ तत्तत्कुर्मो वयं नित्यं तदधीनाः स्म सर्वथा ॥

“In every way we are under your power; whatever you may cause us to do—just that we shall do, always; in every way we are dependent upon you.”

Verse 37

रममाणस्तया सार्द्धं भुञ्जन्भोगान्मनोरमान् ॥ तपःप्रभावोपनतान्दिवारात्रमतन्द्रितः ॥

Sporting together with her, he enjoyed delightful pleasures—those brought about by the power of his austerity—unceasingly, day and night, without slackening.

Verse 38

बहूनहर्गणानेवं रममाणो यदृच्छया ॥ सुप्तोत्थित इवाकस्माद्विवकेन समन्वितः ॥

Thus, for many days he continued enjoying himself by chance; then, suddenly—like one awakened from sleep—he became endowed with discernment.

Verse 39

निर्वेदं प्राप्तवान् सद्यस् ततो वाच भृशातुरः ॥ अहो भागवती माया ययाहं भृशमोहितः ॥

Having at once attained dispassion, he then spoke, greatly distressed: “Ah! this divine (bhāgavatī) māyā—by which I have been profoundly deluded.”

Verse 40

जानन्नपि तपोभ्रंशं प्राप्तो दैवबलात्कृतः ॥ अग्निकुण्डसमा नारी घृतकुम्भसमः पुमान् ॥

Though knowing it, he was brought to a fall from austerity by the force of fate. “A woman is like a fire-pit; a man is like a pot of ghee.”

Verse 41

इति प्रवादो मूर्खाणां विचारान्महदन्तरम् ॥ घृतकुम्भोऽग्नियोगेन द्रवते न तु दर्शनात् ॥

Such is a proverb of the foolish—far removed from reflection. A pot of ghee melts through contact with fire, not merely by being seen.

Verse 42

पुमांस्त्रीदर्शनादेव द्रवते यद्विमोहितः ॥ नापराधस्त्वतो नार्याः स्वयं यदजितेन्द्रियः ॥

If a man, deluded, ‘melts’ merely upon seeing a woman, then the fault is not the woman’s; it belongs to him himself, since his senses are unconquered.

Verse 43

इत्युक्त्वाऽसौ निवृत्तात्मा विससर्ज सुराङ्गनाम् ॥ प्रम्लोचा दैववशगो मनस्येतदचिन्तयत् ॥

Having said this, he—his mind turned back (from temptation)—dismissed the celestial maiden. Pramlocā, being under the compulsion of fate, reflected thus in her mind.

Verse 44

उपसर्गो महानत्र तपसो भ्रंशकारकः ॥ त्यक्त्वाश्रममिमं चान्यत्स्थानं गत्वा समाहितः ॥

There is a great disturbance here, one that brings about a fall from austerity. Leaving this hermitage, I shall go to another place and, with mind collected, remain composed.

Verse 45

तपस्तीव्रं समास्थाय शोषयिष्ये कलेवरम् ॥ इति निश्चित्य मनसा गत्वा भृग्वाश्रमं प्रति ॥

Resolving in his mind, “Undertaking intense tapas, I shall wither this body,” he set out toward the hermitage of Bhṛgu.

Verse 46

पश्यन्भृग्वाश्रमं रम्यमुत्तरं गतवान् शनैः ॥ गण्डक्याः पूर्वभागे तु विविक्तं विजनं शुभम् ॥

Seeing the delightful hermitage of Bhṛgu, he slowly went northward. On the eastern side of the Gaṇḍakī there was a secluded, unpeopled, auspicious place.

Verse 47

दृष्ट्वा तीरेषु विश्रान्तस्तपोभूमिमचिन्तयत् ॥ भृगुतुङ्गं समासाद्य शङ्कराराधने रतः ॥

Having looked about and resting on the riverbanks, he contemplated a ground for austerity. Reaching Bhṛgu-tuṅga, he became devoted to the worship of Śaṅkara.

Verse 48

अतप्यत तपो घोरं शिवदर्शनलालसः ॥ अथ दीर्घेण कालेन सन्तुष्टः स महेश्वरः ॥

Longing for the vision of Śiva, he performed fierce austerity. Then, after a long time, Maheśvara became satisfied with him.

Verse 49

रुरुरित्येव विख्याता पितुरेवाश्रमे स्थिता ॥ युवभिः प्रार्थ्यमानापि चित्ते कञ्चन नाध्यगात ॥

She became known by the name “Rurū” and dwelt in her father’s hermitage; though young men sought her in marriage, she accepted none within her heart.

Verse 50

लिङ्गरूपधरः साक्षादुपर्यपि तथा ह्यधः ॥ तिर्यक् च जलधाराभिर्युक्तस्तत्तापशान्तिकृत् ॥

Manifest in the very form of a liṅga, present above and likewise below and also on every side, he was joined with streams of water, bringing the pacification of that burning austerity.

Verse 51

उवाच च प्रसन्नात्मा मुने पश्य च मां शिवम् ॥ मामेवावेहि विष्णुं त्वं मा पश्यस्वान्तरं मम ॥

With a serene mind he spoke: “Sage, look upon me as Śiva; know me indeed as Viṣṇu—do not perceive any separation within me.”

Verse 52

पूर्वमन्तरभावेन दृष्टवानसि यन्मम ॥ तेन विघ्नोऽभवद्येन गलितं त्वत्तपो महत् ॥

Because earlier you perceived me with a sense of difference, an obstacle arose by which your great austerity was diminished.

Verse 53

आवामेकेन भावेन पश्यंस्त्वं सिद्धिमाप्स्यसि ॥ तपःप्रभावाल्लिङ्गानि प्रादुर्भूतानि यत्र वै ॥

If you behold us with a single disposition, you will attain accomplishment (siddhi); for in that place, through the power of austerity, liṅgas indeed manifested.

Verse 54

समङ्गमिति विख्यातमेतत्स्थानं भविष्यति ॥ स्नात्वाऽत्र गण्डकीतीर्थे मम लिङ्गानि योऽर्च्चयेत् ॥

This place will become renowned as “Samaṅgama.” Having bathed here at the sacred ford of the Gaṇḍakī, whoever worships my liṅgas—

Verse 55

तस्य योगफलं सम्यग्भविष्यति न संशयः ॥ इति दत्त्वा वरं शम्भुस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥

—for him the fruit of yogic practice will arise fully, without doubt. Having thus granted the boon, Śambhu disappeared there itself.

Verse 56

प्रम्लोचापि मुनेर्गर्भं सम्प्राप्याश्रममन्तिकात् ॥ प्रसूतां कन्यकां त्यक्त्वा स्वर्गमेव जगाम ह ॥

Pramlocā too, having conceived by the sage and having reached the vicinity of the hermitage, abandoned the newborn girl and went to heaven alone.

Verse 57

पुनर्जातमिवात्मानं मन्यमाना शुचिस्मिता ॥ सापि कन्या मृगैस्तत्र रुरुभिर्वर्द्धिता सती ॥

With a pure smile, she considered herself as if reborn; and that girl, virtuous, was there nurtured by the deer—by the ruru-deer.

Verse 58

ततः सुनिश्चयं कृत्वा तपसे धृतमानसा ॥ चिन्तयन्ती जगन्नाथं भगवन्तं रमापतिम् ॥

Then, having made a firm resolve and steadying her mind for austerity, she contemplated Jagannātha—the Blessed One, the Lord of Ramā (Lakṣmī).

Verse 59

मासे सा प्रथमे बाला फलाहारपरायणा ॥ एकान्तरे दिनं प्राप्य द्वितीये त्रिदिनान्तरे ॥

In the first month, the young girl lived devoutly on fruits; in the second, she ate after an interval of one day—then thereafter at intervals of three days.

Verse 60

तृतीये पञ्चमे दिने चतुर्थे सप्तमान्तरे ॥ पञ्चमे नवरात्रेण षष्ठे पञ्चदशाहके ॥

In the third month she ate on the fifth day; in the fourth, after an interval of seven days; in the fifth, after nine nights; in the sixth, after fifteen days.

Verse 61

मासेन सप्तमे चैव शीर्णपर्णाशनाष्टमे ॥ त्यक्त्वा तान्यपि सा बाला वाय्वाहारा बभूव ह ॥

In the seventh month, she ate only once in the month; in the eighth, she subsisted on withered leaves. Abandoning even those, the young girl came to live on air alone.

Verse 62

सैवं वर्षशतं स्थित्वा हरावेकार्गमानसा ॥ समाधिना समा भूत्वा स्थाणुवन्निश्चला अभवत् ॥

Thus, remaining for a hundred years with her mind fixed one-pointedly upon Hari, she became balanced through samādhi and stood motionless like a pillar.

Verse 63

द्वन्द्वानि नाविदच्छापि आत्मभूतान्तरं विना ॥ परां काष्ठां समापन्ना प्रकाशमयकान्तिधृक् ॥

She no longer perceived the pairs of opposites, nor anything other than what had become her very Self; she attained the highest limit, bearing a radiance made of light.

Verse 64

सन्निरुद्धेन्द्रियग्रामाः नाचक्षत बहिःस्थितम् ॥ तदा हृषीकाण्याविश्य संहृत्य स्वं हृदो बहिः ॥

With the aggregate of her senses fully restrained, she did not perceive what was outside. Then, entering into the senses, he gathered them up and drew them outward from her heart.

Verse 65

स्थितोऽहं वसुधे देवि अक्ष्णोः प्रत्यक्षतां गतः ॥ हृषीकाणि नियम्याहं यतः प्रत्यक्षतां गतः ॥

“I am present, O Vasudhā, goddess—having come into direct visibility before your eyes. Because I have regulated the senses, I have come into direct visibility.”

Verse 66

हृषीकेश इति ख्यातो नाम्ना तत्रैव संस्थितः ॥ सा मां यदैव नापश्यदुन्मील्य नयने ततः ॥

Known there by the name “Hṛṣīkeśa,” he remained in that very place. When she still did not see him, she then opened her eyes.

Verse 67

बहिः स्थितं च मां दृष्ट्वा प्रणनाम कृताञ्जलिः ॥ गद्गदस्वरसंयुक्ता अश्रुक्लिन्नविलोचना ॥

Seeing me standing outside, she bowed down with joined palms; her voice was choked with emotion, and her eyes were moist with tears.

Verse 68

अयि बाले विशालाक्षि तुष्टोऽहं तपसस्तव ॥ वरं याचय मत्तस्त्वं यत्ते मनसि वर्तते ॥

“O young girl, wide-eyed one, I am pleased with your austerity. Ask a boon from me—whatever is in your mind.”

Verse 69

अदेयमपि ते दद्मि यदन्येषां सुदुर्ल्लभम् ॥ इति श्रुत्वा प्रभोर्वाक्यं प्रणम्य च पुनः पुनः ॥

“Even what ought not to be given, I shall give to you—something exceedingly rare for others.” Hearing the Lord’s words, she bowed again and again.

Verse 70

स्तुत्वा तं देवदेवेशं प्रबद्धकरसंपुटा ॥ ददासि चेद्वरं मह्यं देवदेव जगत्पते ॥

Having praised that Devadeveśa, the Lord of the gods, with hands joined in reverence, she said: “If you will grant me a boon, O God of gods, Lord of the world—”

Verse 71

रोमाञ्चिततनुश्चासीत्कदम्बमुकुलाकृतिः ॥ तथा भूतां तु तां दृष्ट्वा प्रावोचमहमाṅ्गनाम् ॥

Her body became covered with sacred gooseflesh, taking the form of a kadamba bud. Seeing her thus transformed, I spoke to that woman.

Verse 72

अनेनैव स्वरूपेण भगवन्स्थातुमर्हसि ॥ स्थितोऽस्म्यत्रैव भद्रं ते अपरं वरयाशु मे ॥

“In this very form, O Blessed Lord (Bhagavan), you should remain. I stand here itself—well-being to you; grant me another boon quickly.”

Verse 73

यदि प्रसन्नो देवेश तदा मां कुरु पावनीम् ॥ मन्नाम्ना क्षेत्रमेतच्च ख्यातं भवतु नान्यथा ॥

“If you are pleased, O Lord of gods, then make me purifying, a source of purification. And let this sacred site be renowned by my name—otherwise not.”

Verse 74

तामहं देवि सुभगे प्रावोचं पुनरेव हि ॥ तीर्थानां परमं तीर्थं तव देहो भवत्वयम् ॥

I said to her again: “O auspicious Lady, let this—your body—become the supreme tīrtha among all tīrthas.”

Verse 75

तव नाम्नां च विख्यातमेतत्क्षेत्रं भविष्यति ॥ तव तीर्थे कृतस्नानस्त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ॥

And this sacred site will become renowned by your name. A man who has bathed at your tīrtha and observed fasting for three nights—

Verse 76

विलोक्य मां भवेत्पूतो मम वाक्यान्न संशयः ॥ ब्रह्महत्यादि पापानि ज्ञात्वाऽज्ञात्वा कृतान्यपि ॥

Having seen me, he becomes purified—there is no doubt in my words. Even sins such as brahmin-slaying, whether done knowingly or unknowingly—

Verse 77

सापि कालेन सञ्जाता तीर्थभूता तथाऽभवत् ॥ एतत्ते कथितं देवि रुरुमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम् ॥

In time, she too came to be, and thus became a tīrtha. This has been told to you, O Lady—the excellent greatness (māhātmya) of Ruru.

Verse 78

रुरुक्षेत्रस्य प्रभवमेतद्गुह्यं परं मम ॥

This is the origin of Ruru-kṣetra—my highest secret.

Verse 79

यास्यन्ति विलयं क्षिप्रमेवमेतन्न संशयः ॥ इति दत्त्वा वरांस्तस्यै तत्रैवान्तरहितः स्थितः

“They will swiftly meet dissolution—of this there is no doubt.” Having thus granted boons to her, he remained there, becoming invisible.

Verse 80

तस्य मे चिन्तयानस्य यूयमेव परा गतिः ॥ भवत्प्रसादात्स्वस्थोऽहं निर्भयस्तद्विचिन्त्यताम्

As I ponder this matter, you alone are my highest refuge. By your favor I am well and free from fear—let that be duly considered.

Verse 81

ललितैः स्वैर्विलासैस्तं मोहयित्वा वशं कुरु ॥ यथा मत्प्रीतिरतुला त्वं मे कार्यकरी सदा

With graceful, self-directed charms and play, bewilder him and bring him under control—so that my affection may be unequalled, and you may always accomplish my aims.

Verse 82

चकर्ष च धनुः कामः पुनःपुनरतन्द्रितः ॥ देवव्रतोऽपि स मुनिः क्षुब्धात्मा नियतोऽपि सन्

And Kāma again and again, unwearied, drew his bow; even that sage Devavrata—though disciplined—became inwardly agitated.

Verse 83

अथ तां हसमानां च गृहीत्वा दक्षिणे करे ॥ समालिङ्ग्य विषज्जन्तीं रमयामास मोहितः

Then, taking her—smiling—by the right hand, he embraced her as she clung close, and, himself deluded, he took delight with her.

Verse 84

गण्डकीसङ्गमे स्नात्वा सन्तर्प्य पितृर्देवताः ॥ विष्णुं शिवं च सम्पूज्य तपःस्थानं विचिन्तयन्

Having bathed at the confluence of the Gaṇḍakī, having satisfied the ancestors and the deities with offerings, and having duly worshipped Viṣṇu and Śiva, he reflected upon a place suited for austerities.

Verse 85

देवदत्तोऽपि स मुनिः सम्प्राप्य ज्ञानमुत्तमम् ॥ शिवोपदिष्टमार्गेण सायुज्यं परमं गतः

That sage Devadatta too, having attained the highest knowledge, reached the supreme state of union (sāyujya) by the path taught by Śiva.

Verse 86

तत्तेजसा वृतं सर्वं तदा दृष्ट्वा वसुन्धरे ॥ अहं विस्मयमापन्नस्तस्याः प्रत्यक्षतां गतः

O Vasundharā, seeing then that everything was enveloped by that radiance, I was filled with wonder and came into her immediate presence.

Verse 87

दुर्लभं ते वरं दद्मि तपसाहं प्रतोषितः ॥ इत्युक्त्वा मां प्रणम्याह रुरुः सा संशितव्रता

“I grant you a boon that is difficult to obtain, for I am fully pleased by your austerity.” Having spoken thus, that Ruru—she of firm vows—bowed to me and addressed me.