Adhyaya 214: The Glory of Gokarṇa: Description of Nandikeśvara’s Boon and the Assembly of Deities on Mount Muñjavat

Verse 1

पुनर्गोकरणमाहात्म्यनन्दीकेश्वरवरप्रदानवर्णनम् ॥ ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ अन्तर्हितं ततस्तस्मिन्भवे वै भूतनायके ॥ बभूव दिव्यः स तदा नन्दी गणचमूपतिः ॥

Again: the narration of the granting of a boon to Nandīkeśvara in the Gokarṇa Māhātmya. Brahmā said: Thereafter, when the Lord of beings had vanished from sight, Nandī became divine and (served as) the commander of the host of gaṇas.

Verse 2

चतुर्भुजस्त्रिनयनो दिव्यसंस्थानसंस्थितः ॥ दिव्यवर्णवपुश्चारुर्दिव्यागुरुसमन्वितः ॥

Four-armed and three-eyed, he stood established in a wondrous, divine form; his body was beautiful with a radiant, celestial complexion, and he was endowed with the heavenly fragrance of aguru (aloes/agarwood).

Verse 3

त्रिशूली परिघी दण्डी पिनाकी मौञ्जमेखली ॥ शुशुभे तेजसा तत्र द्वितीय इव शङ्करः ॥

Bearing a trident, a mace-like club, and a staff; carrying the Pināka bow and wearing a girdle of muñja-grass, he shone there with splendor—like a second Śaṅkara (Śiva).

Verse 4

आस्थितः पादमाकृष्य ह्याह्वयन्निव स द्विजः ॥ त्रिभिः क्रमैः क्रान्तुमनास्त्रिविक्रम इवोद्‍यतः ॥

Standing poised, drawing back his foot as if issuing a challenge, that twice-born one seemed intent on striding forth in three steps—like Trivikrama preparing to advance.

Verse 5

तं दृष्ट्वा खेचराः सर्वा देवताः परिशङ्किताः ॥ आख्यातुं पुरुहूताय सम्भ्रान्ताः प्रययुर्दिवम् ॥

Seeing him, all the sky-moving deities became apprehensive; in agitation, they went to heaven to report the matter to Puruhūta (Indra).

Verse 6

अर्बुदो न्यर्बुदबलस्तथा चक्षुःश्रवादिपः ॥ विद्युज्जिह्वो द्विजेह्वेन्द्र शङ्खवर्च्चा महाद्युतिः ॥

Among those spoken of were Arbuda, Nyarbudabala, and Cakṣuḥśravādhipa; also Vidyujjihva, Dvijehvendra, and Śaṅkhavarcā of great radiance.

Verse 7

तेभ्यः श्रुत्वा सहस्राक्षः सर्वे चान्ये दिवौकसः ॥ विषादं परमं गत्वा चिन्तामापेदिरे भृशम् ॥

Hearing this from them, Sahasrākṣa (Indra) and all the other dwellers of heaven fell into profound dejection and were seized by intense anxiety.

Verse 8

अयं कश्चिद्वरं लब्ध्वा ह्युमाकान्तान्महेश्वरात् ॥ अत्यूर्जितबलः श्रीमान्स्त्रैलोक्यं प्राप्स्यति ध्रुवम् ॥

“This one, having obtained some boon from Maheśvara—Umā’s beloved—has become exceedingly empowered; surely he will gain the three worlds.”

Verse 9

यादृशोऽस्य महोत्साहस्तेजोबलसमन्वितः ॥ नूनमेष महासत्त्वो हरेत्स्थानं दिवौकसाम् ॥

“Given his great energy and resolve, and his endowment of splendor and strength, this great being will surely seize the station of the heavenly dwellers.”

Verse 10

यावच्चैवोजसा नाकमसौ चङ्क्रमते प्रभुः ॥ प्रसादयामो वरदं तावदेव महेश्वरम् ॥

“So long as that mighty lord still moves about the heaven by his own power, let us, before it is too late, seek the favor of Maheśvara, the bestower of boons.”

Verse 11

विधाता भगवान्विष्णुः प्रभुस्त्रिभुवनेश्वरः ॥ अभ्यधावंस्ततः सोऽथ स हि जानाति हृद्गतम् ॥

Then they approached Lord Viṣṇu—the Ordainer, the Sovereign, the ruler of the three worlds—for he indeed knows what is held within the heart.

Verse 12

कृतेन तेन विबुधाः पश्यन्ति मुनयश्च तं ॥ ततः स भगवान्विष्णुः सहदेवः सधात्रिकः ॥

By that accomplished act, the gods and the sages behold him. Then the Blessed Viṣṇu, together with the devas and with Dhātṛ, proceeded onward.

Verse 13

जगाम तत्र यत्रासौ नन्दी तिष्ठति देववत् ॥ नन्द्युवाच ॥ सफलं जीवितं मेऽद्य सफलश्च परिश्रमः ॥

He went to that place where Nandin stood, like a god. Nandin said: “Fruitful is my life today, and fruitful too is my effort.”

Verse 14

यन्मे दृष्टः सुराध्यक्षः सर्वलोकगुरुर्हरिः ॥ पर्याप्तं तन्ममाद्येह कृतकृत्योऽस्मि तेन वै ॥

Since I have seen Hari—the overseer of the gods, the teacher of all worlds—that alone is enough for me today, here; by that indeed I am one whose task is accomplished.

Verse 15

यच्च मे प्रभुरव्यग्रः प्रीतः पापहरो हरः ॥ विधाय पार्षदत्वं मे वरानिष्टान्ददौ शिवः ॥

And since my lord—unperturbed, pleased—Hara, the remover of sin, having made me one of his attendants, granted me desired boons—Śiva did so.

Verse 16

परो मेऽनुग्रहः सोऽत्र पूतोऽस्मि खलु साम्प्रतम् ॥ यच्छोक्तं विधिना वाक्यं देवान्प्रति महात्मना ॥

That is a supreme act of grace toward me here; indeed, I am purified now. And the statement that was spoken by Vidhinā (Brahmā) to the gods, by the great-souled one—

Verse 17

मामुद्दिश्य हितं तथ्यं तथैव च न चान्यथा ॥ यन्मां देवर्षयः प्रीत्या समागत्य प्रियंवदाः ॥

—spoken with me in view: beneficial and true, precisely so and not otherwise; and because the devarṣis, affectionate and pleasant-speaking, assembled and approached me—

Verse 18

तेनास्मि परमप्रीत आदृतः परमेṣ्ठिना ॥ देवा ऊचुः ॥ वयं तं वरदं देवं द्रक्ष्यामस्ते वरप्रदम् ॥

Therefore I am exceedingly pleased and honored by Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā). The gods said: “We shall behold that boon-giving God—him who grants boons to you.”

Verse 19

तवैष तपसा तुष्टः स्वयं प्रत्यक्षताङ्गतः ॥ इत्युक्तवन्तस्ते देवाः पुनरूचुर्द्विजोत्तमम् ॥

“He is pleased by your tapas (austerity); of his own accord he has come into direct manifestation.” Having spoken thus, those gods again addressed the best of the twice-born.

Verse 20

न जाने कुत्र वा देवं कुत्रास्ते तद्गवेष्यताम् ॥ सनत्कुमार उवाच ॥ किमत्र नन्दिनं देवो येनासौ नोक्तवान्प्रभुम् ॥

“I do not know where the God is, where he stands; let that be sought out.” Sanatkumāra said: “What is the matter here concerning Nandin, because of which the God did not speak of the Lord?”

Verse 21

तन्मे कथय देवेश गुह्यं किं चास्ति शूलिनः ॥ ब्रह्मोवाच ॥ यदुक्तवान्महेशानो नाख्येयोऽस्मि पुरान्जनि ॥

“Therefore tell me, O Lord of gods: what secret matter is there concerning the Trident-bearer (Śiva)?” Brahmā said: “What Maheśa spoke—‘I am not to be disclosed, O Puranjani’—”

Verse 22

किमुक्तवान्महादेवो नन्दिनं तच्छृणुष्व मे ॥ ईश्वर उवाच ॥ अस्ति कश्चित्समुद्देशः क्षितेः सिद्धोऽद्रिसङ्कटः

“Hear from me what Mahādeva said to Nandin. Īśvara said: There is a certain region upon the earth—perfected (siddha) and difficult of access amid the hardships of the mountains.”

Verse 23

पारे हिमवतः पुण्ये तपोवनगणैर्युतः ॥ तत्र श्लेष्मातको नाम वसते पन्नगोत्तमः

“On the far side of the holy Himavat, amid groups of ascetic-groves (tapovanas), there dwells a foremost serpent (nāga) named Śleṣmātaka.”

Verse 24

सोऽनुग्राह्यो मयावश्यं तपसा दग्धकिल्बिषः ॥ तदभ्याशे च रुचिरं न चासौ वानराश्रयः

“He is certainly to be shown favor by me, for by austerity (tapas) his faults have been burned away. And near that place there is a charming spot, yet it is not a refuge of monkeys.”

Verse 25

तस्य नाम्ना च तत्स्थानं दिव्यं चिरतपोभृतम् ॥ श्लेष्मातकवनं नाम पुण्यशीलशिलोच्चयम्

“And that place—divine, bearing long-standing austerity—became known by his name. It is called Śleṣmātaka Forest, a lofty mass of rock marked by meritorious character (puṇya-śīla).”

Verse 26

मृगरूपेण चरता तत्र वै त्रिदशा मया ॥ द्रष्टव्याः सञ्जिघृतक्षन्तः खिन्नाश्चान्वेषणे मम

“While I was moving there in the form of a deer, I indeed beheld the Thirty (gods)—gathered together, enduring hardship, and wearied in their search for me.”

Verse 27

नाख्यातव्यं त्वया तेषां देवताप्सरसामिदम् ॥ अनुगृह्य वरैस्तैश्च तत्रैवान्तरधी यत

“You must not disclose this to those gods and apsarases. Having shown them favor with boons, he then disappeared right there.”

Verse 28

विद्योतयन्दिशः सर्वास्त्रिदशैः परिवारितः ॥ बालकेन्दुनिभं दिव्यमर्चितं दिव्यबिन्दुभिः

“Illuminating all the directions and surrounded by the Thirty (gods), a divine presence—moonlike as a young moon—appeared, radiant, adorned with celestial bindus.”

Verse 29

गणावृतश्च वरदो वरुणो यादसांपतिः ॥ वज्रस्फटिकचित्रेण विमाननातितेजसा

“And Varuṇa, lord of aquatic beings, a boon-giver, surrounded by his retinue, came in a supremely radiant vimāna ornamented with diamond and crystal patterns.”

Verse 30

तप्तकाञ्चनवर्णेन रत्नचित्रेण भास्वता ॥ विमाननागतः शृङ्गे द्योतयन्बै धनाधिपः

“And the lord of wealth (Dhanādhipa), arriving in a shining vimāna—golden like heated gold and adorned with jeweled designs—made the mountain peak glow.”

Verse 31

विमानशतकोटीभिरागतो यक्षराक्षसैः ॥ श्रीमद्भिर्बहुभिर्दिव्यैर्विमानैः सूर्यसन्निभैः

“He arrived with yakṣas and rākṣasas, with hundreds of crores of vimānas—many splendid, divine aerial cars, resembling the sun.”

Verse 32

अधिष्ठितः सुकृतिभिः प्रायाद्वैवस्वतोपमः ॥ चन्द्रादित्यौ ग्रहाः सर्वे समग्रं त्वृक्षमण्डलम् ॥

Attended by the meritorious, he set forth, resembling Vaivasvata (Yama). The Moon and the Sun, all the planets, and the entire circle of the nakṣatras (lunar mansions) likewise assembled.

Verse 33

विमानैरग्नितुल्याभैराजग्मुः खान्महीधरम् ॥ रुद्रास्त्वेकादशा याताः सूर्याः द्वादश चैव तु ॥

In aerial cars (vimānas) radiant like fire, they came through the sky to the mountain. The Rudras—eleven—arrived, and likewise the twelve Ādityas (solar deities).

Verse 34

आगतावश्विनौ देवौ मौञ्जवन्तं महागिरिम् ॥ विश्वेदेवाश्च साध्याश्च गुरुश्च तपसान्वितः ॥

The two Aśvin deities arrived at the great mountain Mauñjavant. The Viśvedevas and the Sādhyas also came, and Guru (Bṛhaspati), endowed with the ascetic power of tapas.

Verse 35

संचाद्यैरावतपथं सहसाभ्याययुर्द्रुतम् ॥ स्कन्दश्चैव विशाखश्च भगवांश्च विनायकः ॥

Having covered the Airāvata-path, they swiftly approached at once. Skanda, Viśākha, and the revered Vināyaka also arrived.

Verse 36

संप्राप्तस्तं गिरिवरं मयूरशतनादितम् ॥ नारदस्तुम्बुरुश्चैव विश्वावसुपरावसू ॥

They reached that excellent mountain, resonant with the calls of hundreds of peacocks. Nārada and Tumburu also came, as well as Viśvāvasu and Parāvasu.

Verse 37

हाहाहूहूस्तथा चान्ये सर्वे गन्धर्वसत्तमाः ॥ वैहायसैर्यानवरैर्विविधैर्वासवाज्ञया ॥

Hāhā and Hūhū, and other foremost Gandharvas as well, came by various excellent aerial conveyances, by the command of Vāsava (Indra).

Verse 38

गुह्यकाश्च महात्मानः सर्व एव समागताः ॥ गन्धकाली घृताची च बुद्धा गौरी तिलोत्तमा ॥

The Guhyakas—great-souled beings—had all assembled. Gandhakālī, Ghṛtācī, Buddhā, Gaurī, and Tilottamā also came.

Verse 39

सिन्धुश्च पुरुषश्चैव सरयूश्च महानदी ॥ ताम्रारुणा चारुभागा वितस्ता कौशिकी तथा ॥

Sindhu, Puruṣa, and Sarayū—the great river—came; likewise Tāmrāruṇā, Cārubhāgā, Vitastā, and Kauśikī.

Verse 40

उर्वशी मेनका रम्भा पञ्चस्या च तथापरा ॥ एताश्चान्याश्च तच्छैलमाजग्मुर्देवयोषितः ॥

Urvaśī, Menakā, Rambhā, and Pañcasyā, as well as others—these celestial women came to that mountain.

Verse 41

पुलस्त्योऽत्रिर्मरीचिश्च वसिष्ठो भृगुरेव च ॥ कश्यपः पुलहश्चापि विश्वामित्रोऽथ गौतमः ॥

Pulastya, Atri, Marīci, Vasiṣṭha, and Bhṛgu assembled; also Kaśyapa and Pulaha; then Viśvāmitra and Gautama.

Verse 42

भारद्वाजोऽग्निवेश्यश्च तथा वृद्धपराशरः ॥ मार्कण्डेयोऽङ्गिरा गर्गः संवर्त्तः क्रतुरेव च ॥

Bhāradvāja, Agniveśya, and also Vṛddha-Parāśara; Mārkaṇḍeya, Aṅgiras, Garga, Saṃvartta, and Kratu as well—(thus these sages are enumerated).

Verse 43

मरीचिर्जमदग्निश्च भार्गवश्च्यवनस्तथा ॥ नियोगान्मम विष्णोश्च शक्रस्य त्रिदिवस्पतेः ॥

Marīci, Jamadagni, Bhārgava, and Cyavana likewise—(they came) by the injunction of me, of Viṣṇu, and of Śakra, the lord of the three heavens.

Verse 44

पुण्या सरस्वती कोका नर्मदा बाहुदा तथा ॥ शतद्रूश्च विपाशा च गण्डकी च सरिद्वरा ॥

Puṇyā, Sarasvatī, Kokā, Narmadā, and likewise Bāhudā; and Śatadrū, Vipāśā, and Gaṇḍakī—the excellent rivers—(are enumerated).

Verse 45

गोदावरी च वेणी च तापी च सरिदुत्तमा ॥ करतोया स शीता च तथा चीरवती नदी ॥

Godāvarī, Veṇī, and Tāpī—an excellent river; Karatoyā, Śītā, and likewise the river Cīravatī—(are listed).

Verse 46

नन्दा च परनन्दा च तथा चर्मण्वती नदी ॥ पर्णाशा दैविका चैव वितस्ता च तथापरा ॥

Nandā and Parānandā, and likewise the river Carmaṇvatī; Parṇāśā and Daivikā as well, and Vitastā, and another likewise—(are enumerated).

Verse 47

अन्यानि चापि मेदिन्यां तीर्थान्यायतनानि च ॥

And other sacred fords (tīrthas) and sanctuaries (āyatanas) too, upon the earth, were present.

Verse 48

निजस्वरूपेणाजग्मुस्तत्र पुण्यान्यनेकशः ॥ उपागतानि चेन्द्रस्य नियोगादुत्तमं गिरिम् ॥

In their own forms they came there, many sacred ones in great number; and by Indra’s injunction they arrived at the excellent mountain.

Verse 49

शैलोत्तमो महामेरुः कैलासो गन्धमादनः ॥ हिमवान्हेमकूटश्च निषधश्च महागिरिः ॥

The foremost mountain Mahāmeru; Kailāsa; Gandhamādana; Himavān; Hemakūṭa; and Niṣadha, the great mountain, are enumerated.

Verse 50

विन्ध्यो महेन्द्रः सह्यश्च मलयो दर्दुरस्तथा ॥ माल्यवांश्चित्रकूटश्च तथा द्रोणः शिलोच्चयः ॥

Vindhya, Mahendra, Sahya, Malaya, and likewise Dardura; Mālyavān, Citrakūṭa, and also Droṇa and Śiloccaya are enumerated.

Verse 51

श्रीपर्वतो लतावेष्टः पारियात्रश्च शैलराट् ॥ आगताः सर्व एवैते शैलेन्द्राः काननौकसः ॥

Śrīparvata, Latāveṣṭa, and Pāriyātra, the king of mountains—all these lords of mountains, dwellers in the forests, arrived.

Verse 52

सर्वे यज्ञाः सर्वविद्या वेदाश्चत्वार एव च ॥ धर्मः सत्यं दमः स्वर्गः कपिलश्च महानृषिः

All sacrifices, all branches of knowledge, and the four Vedas; Dharma, Truth, self-restraint, and Heaven; and Kapila, the great seer—(all were present, assembled).

Verse 53

वासुकिश्च महाभागश्चामृताशी भुजङ्गराट् ॥ ज्वलत्फणासहस्रेण अनन्तश्च धराधरः

And Vāsuki too, the greatly fortunate serpent-king who partakes of amṛta; and Ananta, bearer of the earth, with a thousand blazing hoods—(were present).

Verse 54

फणीन्द्रो धृतराष्ट्रश्च किर्मीराङ्गश्च नागराट् ॥ अम्भोधरश्च स श्रीमान्नागराजो महाद्युतिः

Phaṇīndra, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Kirmīrāṅga—serpent-kings; and Ambhodhara as well, that illustrious nāga-king of great radiance—(were present).

Verse 55

फणाशतधरो रूपी भूरिशृङ्ग इवाचलः ॥ अरिमेजयसंयुक्तः प्रज्ञावान् भुजगेश्वरः

The serpent-lord, bearing a hundred hoods, splendid in form—like a mountain with many peaks—associated with the epithet ‘Arimejaya’, and possessed of discernment—(was present).

Verse 56

विनतो नागराजश्च कम्बलाश्वतरौ तथा ॥ भुजगाधिपतिर्वीर एलापत्रस्तथैव च

Vinata, the nāga-king; Kambala and Aśvatara as well; and Elāpatra too, the heroic serpent-overlord—(were present).

Verse 57

उरगानामधिपती कर्कोटकधनञ्जयौ ॥ एवमाद्याः समायाता भुजगेन्द्रा महाबलाः

The overlords of serpents—Karkoṭaka and Dhanañjaya—and others besides thus arrived: serpent-kings of great strength.

Verse 58

अहोरात्र तथा पक्षाः मासाः संवत्सरास्तथा ॥ द्यौर्मेदिनी दिशश्चैव विदिशश्च समागताः

Day and night, the fortnights, the months, and the years; the sky and the earth; and the directions and intermediate directions as well—all assembled.

Verse 59

तस्मिन्देवसमाजे तु रम्ये शैलेन्द्रमूर्द्धनि ॥ पुष्पाणि मुमुचुस्तत्र तरवो ह्यनिलार्दिताः

In that delightful assembly of the gods, upon the summit of the lordly mountain, the trees there let fall flowers, stirred by the wind.

Verse 60

प्रगीताः देवगन्धर्वाः प्रनृत्ताप्सरसां गणाः ॥ पक्षिणः संप्रहृष्टाश्च कूजन्ति मधुरं तदा

The divine Gandharvas sang; the companies of Apsarases danced; and the birds too, delighted, uttered sweet calls at that time.

Verse 61

पुण्यगन्धाः सुखस्पर्शास्तत्र वान्ति च वायवः ॥ एवमागत्य ते सर्वे देवा विष्णुपुरोगमाः

There, winds blew bearing auspicious fragrance and pleasant touch. Thus, having arrived, all those gods—led by Viṣṇu—were present.

Verse 62

ततश्चैवागतैर्देवैर्यक्षैः सिद्धैश्च सर्वशः॥ आपूर्यत गिरेः शृङ्गे वेला काले यथोदधेः॥

Then, as gods, yakṣas, and siddhas arrived from every side, the mountain-peak became filled—just as the ocean swells and is filled at the time of the tide.

Verse 63

श्रिया ज्वलन्तं ददृशुर्नन्दिनं पुरतः स्थितम्॥ स च तानागतान्द्रष्ट्वा गन्धर्वाप्सरसां गणान्॥

They saw Nandin standing before them, radiant with splendor. And he, seeing those companies of gandharvas and apsarases who had arrived,

Verse 64

सम्भ्रान्तः सहसा तेभ्यो नमस्कर्तुं प्रचक्रमे॥ नमस्कृत्य च तान्सर्वान् स्वागतानभिभाष्य च॥

Suddenly stirred with deference, he began to bow to them. Having paid homage to them all, he also addressed them with words of welcome.

Verse 65

सिद्धचारणसङ्घाश्च विद्याश्चाप्सरसाङ्गणाः॥ सत्कृतं देवदेवेन गणास्तमभिपूजयन्॥

The hosts of siddhas and cāraṇas, the vidyās, and the companies of apsarases—having been duly honored by the Lord of gods—then paid reverence to him.

Verse 66

अर्घ्यपाद्यादिभिः शीघ्रमासनैश्च न्यमन्त्रयत्॥ प्रणिधानेन तस्यार्थं श्रुत्वा तत्प्रतिपूजयेत्॥

Quickly he invited them with offerings such as arghya and pādya, and with seats. Having attentively understood the purpose of the guest’s coming, one should respond by honoring accordingly.

Verse 67

आदित्या वसवो रुद्रा मरुतश्चाश्विनावपि॥ साध्या विश्वे सगन्धर्वा गुह्यकाश्च प्रपूजयेत्॥

One should duly honour the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, and Maruts, as well as the Aśvins; the Sādhyas, the Viśvedevas together with the Gandharvas, and also the Guhyakas.

Verse 68

विश्वावसुर्हाहाहू तथा नारदतुम्बुरू॥ चित्रसेनादयः सर्वे गन्धर्वास्तमपूजयन्॥

Viśvāvasu, Hāhāhū, as well as Nārada and Tumburu—together with all the Gandharvas such as Citrāsena—honoured him.

Verse 69

तं वासुकिप्रभृतयः पन्नगेन्द्रा महौजसः॥ सौम्यमभ्यर्चयन्ति स्म दृष्ट्वा नन्दीश्वरं तथा॥

Then the mighty serpent-kings—beginning with Vāsuki—having likewise seen Nandīśvara, worshipped that gentle (auspicious) one.

Verse 70

यक्षविद्याधराश्चैव ग्रहाः सागरपर्वताः॥ सिद्धा ब्रह्मर्षयश्चैव गङ्गाद्याः सरितस्तथा॥

Yakṣas and Vidyādharas, the planetary powers, oceans and mountains; siddhas and brahmarṣis; and likewise rivers beginning with the Gaṅgā—(all were present).

Verse 71

आशिषः प्रददुस्तस्य सर्व एव मुदान्विताः॥ देवा ऊचुः॥ स सुप्रीतोऽस्तु ते देवः सदा पशुपतिर्मुने॥

All of them, filled with joy, bestowed blessings upon him. The gods said: “May your deity—Paśupati—always be well-pleased with you, O sage.”

Verse 72

सर्वत्र चाप्रतिहता गतिश्चास्तु तवानघ ॥ भवनदेवैस्तु वा न स्यादत ऊर्ध्वं द्विजोत्तम ॥

May your movement be unobstructed everywhere, O blameless one. From this point onward, O best of the twice-born, may there be no opposition to you, even from the gods.

Verse 73

इत्युक्तस्त्रिदशैर्नन्दी पुनस्तान्प्रत्युवाच ह ॥ नन्दीकेश्वर उवाच ॥ यद्भवद्भिः प्रियं सर्वैः प्रीतिमद्भिः सुरोत्तमैः ॥

Thus addressed by the gods, Nandī replied to them again. Nandīkeśvara said: “Whatever is dear to you all, you affectionate ones, O best among the gods—speak it forth openly.”

Verse 74

आशिषाऽनुगृहीतोऽस्मि नियोज्योऽहं सदा हि वः ॥ ब्रूत यूयं किमस्माभिः कर्तव्यं भवतामिह ॥

I have been favored by your blessing; indeed, I am ever to be employed for you. Tell me—what should be done by me here for your sake?

Verse 75

आज्ञापयध्यमाज्ञप्तस्तस्माद्विबुधसत्तमाः ॥ तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा शक्रः प्रोवाच तं तदा ॥

“Therefore command me, O best among the wise gods.” Having heard his words, Śakra (Indra) then spoke to him.

Verse 76

शक्र उवाच ॥ कुत्रासौ प्रस्थितो भद्र कुत्र वा स गतोऽपि वा ॥ पश्यामो विप्र तं सर्वे देवानामधिपं विभुम् ॥

Śakra said: “Where has he set out, O good one? Or where indeed has he gone? O brāhmaṇa, we all wish to see that mighty lord of the gods.”

Verse 77

स्थाणुमुग्रं शिवं देवं शर्वमेव स्वयं मुने ॥ यदि जानासि भगवान् ईश्वरो यत्र तिष्ठति ॥

“That one—Sthāṇu, the fierce, Śiva the god, Śarva himself, O sage—if you know where the Blessed Lord, Īśvara, is abiding…”

Verse 78

तत्स्थानं नः समाख्याहि महर्षे शीघ्रमेव हि ॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं धीमदीरितं वज्रपाणिना ॥

“Tell us that place, O great seer—quickly, indeed.” Hearing this statement, wisely uttered by the wielder of the thunderbolt (Indra)…

Verse 79

प्रत्युवाच ततः शक्रं नन्दी पशुपतिं स्मरन् ॥ नन्दीकेश्वर उवाच ॥ श्रोतुमर्हसि देवेन्द्र यथातत्त्वं दिवस्पते ॥

Then Nandī replied to Śakra, remembering Paśupati. Nandīkeśvara said: “O lord of the gods, O lord of heaven—listen as is fitting; I shall tell it as it truly is.”

Verse 80

अस्मिङ्गिरौ मुञ्जवति स्थाणुरभ्यर्च्चतो मया ॥ प्रीतोऽसौ मां वरैर्दिव्यैरनुगृह्य हरः प्रभुः ॥ प्रीतो विनिर्गत इतस्तं विज्ञातुं बिभेम्यहम् ॥ यद्याज्ञापयसे देवं चाहं त्वच्छासने स्थितः ॥

“On this mountain, Muñjavata, I have worshiped Sthāṇu. Pleased, the Lord Hara graciously favored me with divine boons. Yet when he—pleased—departed from here, I feared to ascertain where he had gone. If you command, O god, then I stand under your instruction.”

Verse 81

एवमुक्त्वा तु ते तत्र मया सह सुरोत्तमाः ॥ गिरेर्मौञ्जवतः शृङ्गमाजग्मुर्देवनिर्मितम् ॥

Having spoken thus, those excellent gods—together with me—then went to the peak of Mount Mauñjavata, said to have been fashioned by the gods.

Verse 82

कुत्र द्रक्ष्यामहे देवं भगवन्तं कपालिनम्॥ नन्द्युवाच॥ अनुगृह्य तु मां देवस्तत्रैवादर्शनं गतः॥

“Where shall we behold the god, the Blessed One, Kapālin, the Skull-bearer?” Nandin said: “Having shown me favor, the god departed from that very place and became no longer visible.”

Verse 83

कामगं रथमारुह्य महेन्द्रः समरुद्गणः॥ आयातः शैलपृष्ठान्तमोजसा पूरयन्निव॥

Mounting a wish-moving chariot, Mahendra (Indra), together with the host of Maruts, arrived with force at the edge of the summit, as though filling the region with his might.

Verse 84

अनिलश्चानलश्चैव धर्मः सत्यो ध्रुवोऽपरः॥ देवर्षयश्च सिद्धाश्च यक्षा विद्याधरास्तथा॥

Present were Anila (Wind) and Anala (Fire); likewise Dharma, Satya, and also Dhruva; and the divine seers, the Siddhas, the Yakṣas, and likewise the Vidyādharas.

Verse 85

सिन्धुश्च पुरुषश्चैव प्रभासः सोम एव च॥ लोहितश्चाययुस्तत्र गङ्गासागर एव च॥

Sindhu and Puruṣa were there as well; Prabhāsa, and Soma too; Lohita and Āyus were present, and also Gaṅgā-sāgara.

Verse 86

ख्यातस्त्रिभुवने धीमान्नहुषोऽनिमिषेश्वरः॥ विरोचनसुतः सत्यः स्फुटोमणिशतैश्चितः॥

Renowned in the three worlds was the wise Nahuṣa, lord of the Animiṣas (the gods); and Satyā, son of Virocana, radiant, adorned with hundreds of brilliant jewels.

Verse 87

स हि तान्दैवराजेन सार्द्धमन्यैश्च दैवतैः॥ मूर्ध्ना प्रणम्य चरणौ प्राञ्जलिः प्रयतात्मवान्॥

He, together with the king of the gods and the other deities, bowed his head at Śiva’s feet; standing with joined palms, his mind disciplined and intent.

Verse 88

निरामयोऽमृतीभूतश्चरिष्यति विभुः सुखी॥ लोकेषु सप्तसु विभो त्र्यम्बकेन सहाच्युत॥

Free from illness and made deathless, the mighty one will move about happily through the seven worlds—O all-pervading Acyuta—together with Tryambaka (Śiva).

Verse 89

मार्गयामो हि यत्नेन भगवन्तं तु वासव॥

Indeed, O Vāsava (Indra), let us search with earnest effort for the Blessed Lord.