THE _ SKANDA-PURANA PART XX MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED @eDELHIFirst Edition: Delhi, 1960 Also available at: MOTILAL BANARSIDASS 41,U.A. Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi 110.007 8 Mahalaxmi Chamber, 22 Bhi Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026 236, 9th Main III Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560011 120 Royapettah High Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004 Sanas Plaza, 1302 Baji Rao Road, Pune 411 002 8 Camac Street, Kolkata 700 017 Ashok Rajpath, Patna 800 004 Chowk, Varanasi 221 001 UNESCO COLLECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE WORKS—Indian Series This book has been accepted in the Indian Translation Series of the UNESCO Collection of tative Works, jointly sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of India. Printed in India BY JAINENDRA PRAKASH JAIN AT SHRI JAINENDRA PRESS, AAAS NARAINA, PHASE1, NEW DELHI 110 028 AND PUBLISHED BY NARENDRA PRAKASH JAIN FOR MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED, BUNGALOW ROAD, DELHI 110.007121. 122. 123. 124, 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 1438. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. CONTENTS SKANDA-PURANA Book VII: PRABHASA KHANDA. Greatness of Jamadagnyeévara Greatness of Citrangadesvara Greatness of Ravaneévara Greatness of Saubhagyeévari Greatness of Paulomisvara Greatness of Sandilyesvara Greatness of Ksemankaresvara Greatness of Sagaraditya Greatness of Ugrasenesvara Greatness of Pagupatesvara Greatness of Dhruvesvara Greatness of Siddhalaksmi Greatness of Mahakali Greatness of Puskaravartaka Greatness of Sitalagauri Greatness of Lomagesvara Greatness of Kankala-bhairava Greatness of Trnabindvisvara Greatness of Citraditya Greatness of Citrapatha River Greatness of Kapardicintamani Greatness of Citresvara Greatness of Vicitregvara Greatness of Puskara-Kunda Greatness of Gajakurnbhodara Greatness of Yamesvara Greatness of Brahmakunda Greatness of Kundalakipa Greatness of Bhairaveévara 377 378 379 381 381 382 383 386 397 402 410 412 412 413 420 424150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159, 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165, 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171, 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183, 184, 185. 186. 187. 188, 189. Skanda Purana Greatness of Brahmesvara Greatness of Savitrigvara Bhairava Greatness of Naradeévara Bhairava Greatness of Hiranyesvara Greatness of Gayatrisvara Greatness of Ratnesvara Greatness of Garudesvara Greatness of Satyabhamesvara Glory of Anafgeévara Greatness of Ratnesvara Greatness of Raivantakaraja Bhattaraka Greatness of Ananteévara Greatness of Astakulesvara Greatness of Nasatyesvara Greatness of Asvinesvara Greatness of Savitri The Details of Savitri Paja Greatness of Bhitamatrka Greatness of Salakatankata Greatness of Vaivasvatesvara Greatness of Matrganabala Devi Greatness of Dagarathesvara Glory of Bharatesvara Greatness of Four Lirigas (Kuéakesvara etc.) Greatness of Kuntisvara Greatness of Arkasthala Greatness of Siddhegvara Greatness of Lakulisa Greatness of Bhargavesvara Greatness of Mandavyeévara Greatness of Puspadantesvara Greatness of Ksetrapalesvara Greatness of Matr Deities Greatness of Trisangama Greatness of Mankisvara Greatness of Devamatrgauri Greatness of Nagasthana Greatness of Prabhasa Paficaka Greatness of Rudresvara Greatness of Karmamoti 425 425 426 427 430 431 431 432 432 433 434 434 435 435 436 436 450 461 47 471 472 472 473 474 474 475 476 476 477 477 477 478 478 479 480 480 481 482 485 486,Contents 190. 191. 192. 193, 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229. Greatness of Moksasvami Greatness of Ajigartesvara Greatness of Visvakarmeévara Greatness of Yamesvara Greatness of Amareévara Greatness of Vrddhaprabhisa Glory of Jalaprabhasa Greatness of Jamadagniévara Greatness of Paficamaprabhasa Ksetra Destruction of Daksa's Sacrifice Greatness of Kamakunda Greatness of Kalabhairava Smasana Greatness of Ramesvara Ksetra Greatness of Mankigvara Greatness of Sarasvati-Sangama Brahmanas Unfit for Sraddha Procedure for Performing Sraddha Eligibility (of Brahmanas) for Sraddha Brahmanas Eligible for Dana Glory of Markandeyesvara Greatness of Pulastyeévara Greatness of Pulahesvara Greatness of Kratvigvara Greatness of Kasyapeévara Greatness of Kaugikeévara Greatness of Kumaregvara Greatness of Gautamegvara Glory of Devarajesvara Greatness of Manavesvara Greatness of Markandeyesvara Greatness of Vrgabhadhvajesvara Greatness of Rnamocana Greatness of Rukmavatisvara Greatness of Purusottama Tirtha Greatness of Indresvara* Greatness of Anarakesvara Greatness of Megheévara Greatness of Balabhadresvara Greatness of Bhairavesvara Greatness of Ganga 487 487 487 491 492 493, 497 500 501 507 511 519 530 538 543 547 547 547230. 231. 232. 233. 234, 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. 241. 242. 248. 244. 245. 246. 247. 248. 249. 250. 251. 252. 253. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. 261. 262. 265. 266. 267. Skanda Puréna Greatness of Ganapati Greatness of Jambavati Nadi (River) Greatness of Pandava Kapa Greatness of Pandavesvara Greatness of Dasaévamedha (Tirtha) Greatness of Lingatraya Greatness of Durvasaditya Greatness of Vajreévara Greatness of Hiranya Nadi Greatness of Nagararka Greatness of Balabhadra-Subhadra-Krsna Greatness of Sega Greatness of Kumari Greatness of Mantravali Ksetrapala Greatness of Vicitresvara Greatness of Brahmesvara Greatness of Pinga Nadi Greatness of Pingaladitya, Pingadevi & Sukregvara Greatness of Brahmesvara Greatness of Safigamesvara Greatness of Ganeévara Greatness of Sankaraditya Greatness of Sarikaranatha Greatness of Guphesvara Greatness of Ghanteévara Glory of Rsitirtha Greatness of Nandaditya Greatness of Trita Kipa Greatness of Sasapana Greatness of Parnaditya Greatness of Siddheévara Greatness of Nyankumati Greatness of Varahasvami Greatness of Chaya Linga Greatness of Nandini Gupha Greatness of Kanakananda Greatness of Kumbhisvara Greatness of Gangapathagangesvara Greatness of Camasodbheda Greatness of Viduraérama 570 570 571 573 573 574 575 578 586 587 589 590 591 593 594 594 595 596 596, 597 598 599 599 600 600 607 611 613 615 616 617 618 618 618 619 619 619 620 620Contents 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280. 281. 282. 283. 284. 285. 286. 287. 288. 289. 290. 291. 292. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 298. 299. 300. 301. 302. 303. 304. 305. 306. 307. 308. 309. Greatness of Praci Sarasvati Greatness of Jvalesvara Greatness of Tripura-Liniga-Traya Greatness of Sanda Tirtha Greatness of Sirya Praci Greatness of Trinetresvara Greatness of Umapati Greatness of Bhiidhara (Yajfiavaraha) Greatness of Ma(éd)lasthana Greatness of Cyavanaditya Greatness of Cyavaneivara Greatness of Cyavaneévara (Continued) Creation of a Krtya Greatness of Cyavaneévara (Continued) Greatness of Sukanyasaras Greatness of Agastyaérama Gangesvara Greatness of Balarka Greatness of Ajapaleévari Greatness of Baladitya Greatness of Llngatraya Greatness of Somanatha Installed by Kubera Greatness of Bhadrakali Greatness of Bhadrakali-] Greatness of Kubera Greatness of Ajogandheivara Greatness of Indresvara Greatness of Rsitoya Nadi Greatness of Rsitoya Greatness of Guptaprayaga Greatness of Madhava Greatness of Sangalesvara Greatness of Siddhesvara Greatness of Gandharvesvara Greatness of Uttareévara Greatness of Ganga . Greatness of Naradaditya Greatness of Sarhbaditya Greatness of Aparanarayana Greatness of the Birth of Milacandiga Greatness of Four-Faced Vinayaka alarka 621 625 627 627 628 630 637 642 647 651 652 652 653 653 657 658 658 661 661 662 670 671 671 672 675 678 681310. 311. $12. 313. 314. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 321. $22. 323. 324. 825. 326. 327. 328. 829. 330. 331. 332. 333. 334. 335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340. 341. 342. 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 349. Skanda Puréna Greatness of Kalarnbeévara Greatness of Gopalasvami Hari Greatness of Bakulasvami Greatness of Uttararka Greatness of the Confluence of Rsitirtha Greatness of Marudarya Devi Greatness of Ksemaditya Greatness of Kantakagosani Greatness of Brahmesvara Greatness of Unnata Sthana Greatness of Lingadvaya Greatness of Brahma Greatness of Durgaditya Greatness of Ksemesvara Greatness of Gananatha Greatness of Unnata Svami Greatness of Mahakala Greatness of Mahodaya Greatness of Sangameésvara Greatness of Unnata-Vinayaka Greatness of Talasvami Greatness of Kalamegha Greatness of Rukmini Greatness of Pingesvara Bhadra Greatness of Talasvami Greatness of Sarikhavarta Tirtha Importance of Gospada Tirtha Greatness of Narayana-Grha Greatness of Jalesvara Greatness of Humkara Kipa Greatness of Candiévara Greatness of God Vighnaraja of Aéapara Greatness of Candreévara-Kala Kunda Importance of (Observing the Vow of) Kapila-Sagthi Greatness of Jaradgavesvara Greatness of Nalesvara Greatness of Karkotarka Greatness of Hatakesvara Greatness of Naradeévari Greatness of Mantra-vibhiisana Gauri 687 687 688 688 688 689 689 690 691 692 698 698 700 701 701 702 702 703 703 704 704 705 705 705 706 12 713 733 734 741 742 742 743 743, 746 747 747 748 752 752Contents 350. 351. 352. 353. 354. 355. 356. 357. 358. 359. 360. 361. 362. 363. 364. 365. 366. Greatness of Durga-Kiita Ganapati Greatness of Kauraveévari Greatness of Suparnela Greatness of Bhalla Tirtha Greatness of Kardamala Greatness of Guptesvara Greatness of Bahusuvarnakeivara Greatness of Spigesvara Greatness of Kotigvara Greatness of Narayana Tirtha Greatness of Smigaresvara Greatness of Markandeévara Kotihrada-Mandikesvara Greatness of Ekadaga-Rudra-Linga Greatness of Gharghara-Hrada and Kandesvara Greatness of Sarhvartesvara Greatness of Miscellaneous Sthana-Linigas INDEX ‘753 753 753 ‘757 ‘760 ‘761 761 762 ‘762 762 763 763 764 764 764 765 767SKANDA PURANA Book VII: PRABHASA KHANDA Section I: PRABHASA-KSETRA MAHATMYA CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYONE Greatness of Jamadagnyesvara Isvara said: 1-4, Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the excellent shrine of Rameévara situated within a distance of thirty Dhanus to the north-west of Gopiévara. The Linga has a great power. It is destructive of sins. O goddess of Devas, when the terrible murder of his mother was carried out by Paraéurama carrying out the behest of his father, he felt great distress in his mind. He was utterly disgusted. But Jamadagni, the great ascetic, became pleased with him. 5-6. Then the delighted sage granted him ‘the boon of the resuscitation of Renuka. In this manner, although the lady of excellent complexion was brought back to life, O goddess, the highly lustrous son of Jamadagni got disgusted with aversion. He came to Prabhasa Ksetra and performed a wonderful penance. 7. After installing the great god Sankara, the benefactor of the worlds, he performed penance for more than a hundred divine years. Thereat Maheévara was pleased. 8. He granted him all desires and stationed himself there. So the great sage Jamadagnya (Paraéurama) became contented. 9-10. After killing Ksatriyas, he conquered the earth twenty- one times. The sage of exalted mind created (the holy pit of) Paficanada in Kurukgetra, O lady of excellent countenance, and filled it with the blood of the Ksatriyas. The ‘highly powerful sage freed himself from indebtedness to the Pitrs. 11. Thus after annihilating Kgatriyas and offering the (different378 Skanda Purina parts of the) earth to Brahmanas, he became contented. His valour was glorified in all the three worlds. 12. That Liga was installed by him in the splendid holy spot of Prabhasika. A man who devoutly worships that deity may be sinful but he is rid of all sins and goes to the world of the Consort of Uma. 13. A man who keeps awake there during the night of the fourteenth lunar day in the dark half of the month of Jyestha, obtains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice and rejoices in heaven like Devas. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYTWO Greatness of Citrangadesvara Tsvara said: 1-4, Thereafter, O great goddess, a devotee should go to the shrine of Lord Citrangadesvara. The Linga is stationed within a distance of twenty Dhanus to the south-west thereof Jamadagnyeévara). O my beloved, O goddess of Devas, after realizing that the holy spot is very sacred the Linga was installed by Citrangada, the Lord of Gandharvas. After propitiating Maheévara, the Gandharva performed a very severe penance. One who is endowed with emotional fervour and adores that Linga, attains the world of Gandharvas and rejoices along with Gandharvas. There, on the thirteenth lunar day of the bright half, a devotee should duly bathe Siva and worship by means of different kinds of flowers, sweet scents and incense in due order. He gets everything cherished in his mind and desired to possess.‘VILL.123.1-10 379 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYTHREE Greatness of Ravaneévara Isvara said: 1-4. Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the excellent shrine of Ravaneévara stationed between south and south-west.of the former shrine (Citrangadesvara) within a distance of sixteen Dhanus. It was installed by the Ten-headed Demon (Ravana) and is destructive of all sins. O goddess, the very terrible Raksasa, the descendant of Pulastya named Ravana, was ambitious to conquer all the three worlds. He moved about in his Puspaka. Once his aerial chariot Puspaka came to a standstill while going through the path of the firmament. On seeing his Puspaka rendered motionless, Ravana got highly surprised. 5-6. He sent Prahasta to the earth saying: “What is this? The movement of this chariot was never obstructed in all the three worlds including mobile and immobile beings. Go to the earth and find out why my aerial chariot Puspaka has come to a standstill.” Thereupon, O goddess, he went hurridely to the surface of the earth. 7. He saw Srisomeéa, the highly refulgent lord of the chiefs of Devas, eulogized by groups of hundreds and thou- sands of Suras. 8. After seeing him, O my beloved, Prahasta reported everything in detail to the Lord of Raksasas. He told him about what was seen in the centre of the holy spot. Prahasta said: 9-10. O mighty Lord of Raksasas, Siva’s own holy place well- known as Prabhisa is resorted to by the Ganas and Gandharvas. There Sankara, Lord Someévara, is present himself. He is eulogized all round by sages, Valakhilyas and others such as Abbhaksas (those who subsist on water), Vayubhaksas (those who take in air as food alone) and Dantoliikhalins (those who make their teeth do the job of the mortar i. e. they bite paddy etc., remove the husk thereof and eat the same).380 Skanda Puréna 11. Due to the power of that Lord, this Puspaka does not move ahead. The Lord who cannot be transgressed by Suras and Asuras cannot be transgressed and passed over. Ivara said: 12. On hearing these words Ravana became surprised as evidenced by his staring eyes. He got down to the earth and visited Someéa. 13. O goddess of Devas, he worshipped him with the greatest devotion by means of various kinds of gems, garments, sweet scents, flowers and unguents. 14. On seeing Ravana, the Lord of the Raksasas, the citizens became afraid, O beautiful woman, and fled in all directions. 15. Everything became void. Only the Lord was present here. At this time, an unembodied speech announced: 16-18. | “O mighty ten-headed one, in this Uttarayana pe- riod, on the occasion of the pilgrimage during the religious procession of the Lord, the destruction of all sins takes effect. Crowds of common people and Brahmanas have come here from far-off places. But they are afraid of danger from Raksasas. They flee in all directions. O great Raksasa, do not be an obstacle in their pilgrimage and religious procession. On seeing Lord Someévara a men shall wash off all the sins incurred during the periods of boyhood, youth or old age.” 19. Thereupon, the leading Raksasa went to a cave in a very isolated place. With deep devotion, he installed a Linga. 20. Then, O goddess of Devas, he dedicated himself unto it. Along with all (his people) the Lord of Raksasas observed fast and worshipped the Linga. 21. He kept awake at night with vocal and instrumental music going on in front of the deity. Then at mid-night the unembodied speech spoke: . 22-25. “O sinless mighty ten-headed one, I am pleased with you. With my favour the entire region of the three worlds shall come under your control. Undoubtedly I shall be present here always. O Lord of Raksasas, men who, endowed with devotion, worship this L inga, will become invincible to enemies. They will attain the great Siddhi undoubtedly with my favour.”VILL.124.14—125.1-2 381 After saying thus, O beautiful lady, the Bull-emblemed One stopped. Ravana too became pleased. After worshipping Maheévara Linga again and again he got into the Puspaka and went to the land desired by him in his ambition to conquer all the three worlds. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYFOUR Greatness of Saubhagyesvari Fsvara said: 1-4. Then, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the shrine of Gauri, the bestower of Saubhdgya (good luck and conjugal felicity) stationed within a distance of five Dhanus to the west of Ravaneéga. It is there that the fair lady Arundhati herself performed a very severe penance. Desirous of Saubhdgya she engaged herself in the adoration of Gauri. By the power of that goddess, she attained great Siddhi. He who devoutly worships her, O lady of excellent coun- tenance, on the third lunar day in the bright half of the month of Magha, shall attain Saubhagya (great fortune and conjugal felicity) in the next birth. O goddess of Devas, there need be no hesitation in believing this. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYFIVE Greatness of Paulomigvara Isvara said: 1. Then, O-great goddess, one should go to the great Lifga to the north-west of Ravanesvara within a distance of thirty Dhanus. 2. It is installed by Paulomi and is deservedly named382 Sanda Purina Paulomiévara. The installed Linga fulfills all desires and de- stroys all sins. 3-5. When Suras engaged in battle were killed by Taraka, the three worlds were captured by him and the status of Indra was adopted by himself. Sakra became extremely distressed. In his anguish due to fear, he disappeared. His wife Indrani became emaciated due to f, O goddess. Desirous of Indra’s victory, Sarhbhu was propitiated by her. Becoming pleased thereby, Mahadeva spoke to that lady of splendid eyes: The holy lord said: 6. An extremely powerful son named Sanmukha will be born to us. He will slay Taraka, the king of Daityas. 7-9. You can go free from worry. Further, listen to my words. He who worships this Linga of us situated here shall certainly become my Gana and come to my presence. On being told thus, that chaste lady went to the place where the king of Devas was present. She was rid of all miseries and became free from the fear of all Daityas. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYSIX Greatness of Sandilyesvara Isvara said: 1-4. Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the excellent shrine named Séndilyeivara within a distance of sixteen Dhanus to the west of the shrine of Brahma. That Linga is of great efficacy. By viewing it, sins are destroyed. The great Brahmana-sage named Sandilya is remembered as the charioteer of Brahma. He was a great saint of great refulgence, perfectly stabilized in true knowledge. He had conquered all his sense-organs. He came to Prabhasa, installed the great Linga situated to the north of Somega and performed a very severe penance. 5. O my beloved, he himself worshipped the deity for a hundred years according to the reckoning of gods. TherebyVILI.126.6-7—127.1-7 383 he derived what he desired and became satisfied that he had done his duty. 6. He acquired Anima (Minuteness) and other powers (Siddhis) with the favour of Nandiévara. By visiting the deity a man becomes free from all sins immediately. 7. O my beloved, a man may commit sins in his boyhood, youth or old age knowingly or unknowingly. By viewing Sandilyeévara all those sins are destroyed. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYSEVEN Greatness of Ksemankaregvara Isvara said: 1-4. Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the excellent shrine of Ksemegvara situated to the north thereof and to the south-east of Kapalega. It is situated within a distance of fifteen Dhanus from Kapalegvara. The Linga is of great efficacy and destroys all sins. Formerly there was a king of great power named Ksemamarti. Penance was performed there for a very long time by that noble-souled one. Thereafter, with his mind sanctified by devotion, he installed that Linga. By viewing that deity, one attains welfare. His undertaking succeeds peacefully. 5. In every birth he shall achieve all his desires and become richly endowed. The Ksemesvara Linga is thus famous as the destroyer of sins. 6. It bestows all desirable things on men. On being heard, it bestows Saubhagya (good fortune and conjugal felicity). It is remembered that by viewing it one gets the merit of gifting a hundred cows. . 7. Hence one who desires the benefit of the holy place should always resort to that Linga.384 Skanda Purina CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYEIGHT Greatness of Sagaraditya Isvara said: 1-4, Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the excellent shrine of Sagaraditya situated to the west of Bhairaves’a, Rudra and Mrtyufijaya. It is situated not very far from Kameia in the direction of south and south-east. It destroys all ailments and removes all sorts of poverty. O great goddess, it was installed by the noble-souled Sagara. This Sagara was the slayer of his foes. He had sixty thousand sons. He got the sons by propitiating the Sun-god there. King Sagara was such a famous overlord. O goddess, here this ocean extends to many Yojanas. It is glorified as extending to eighty thousand Yojanas. 5. It was in this Manvantara that this ocean was dug up in all the four directions by the sons of Sagara. Therefore, O goddess, the ocean is glorified by the name Sagara. 6. Lord Bhaskara, who steals away (evaporates) waters, was installed by that king whose age-old glory as recorded in the Purana works is being sung even today. 7. By viewing that deity, a man will not be sluggish, blind, poor or miserable. He shall never be separated from his near and dear ones. He will not be sick nor will he be a sinner. 8. A devotee should subdue all the sense-organs and observe fast on the sixth lunar day in the bright half of the month of Magha, O goddess. He should sleep before the deity at night. 9. On the seventh lunar day, after getting up he should devoutly worship the Sun-god. He should feed Brahmanas with devotion. He should never be miserly in spending money (for this purpose). 10. Even by means of well-performed penance and Yajiias with plenty of monetary gifts, men do not attain that goal which those who resort to the Sun-god attain. 11. If the adoration is carried out devoutly even by means of Darva grass (sprouts and shoots) Bhanu (the Sun-god) bestows the benefit rarely attained by means of all Yajiias. 12. Hence, by means of all efforts, one should adore the‘VILI.128.13-22 385 Sun-god alone. By worshipping Bhanu, Janaka and others have attained Siddhi (spiritual perfection). 13. The Sun-god alone is the Lord of all Devas; he is the Lord of all the subjects; he is the Lord of all the worlds; he is the immanent soul of all. The Sun alone is the root of the three worlds; he is the supreme deity. 1415, One should meditate on the Sun-god in the follow- ing order and having the following colours: The Sun-god is tawny-coloured in Vasanta (spring); in Grisma (summer) be is as lustrous as gold; during rainy season he is white in colour. Bhaskara is greyish-white in Sarad (autumn). He is copper- coloured in Hemanta (early winter). Ravi is red in colour in Sisira (late winter). 16. After worshipping the deity in accordance with injunc- tions, the devotee should restrain his soul and all the sense- organs. He should read (recite) the thousand names of the Sun-god which destroy all sins. The Devi said: 17. © Lord Sankara, be pleased to tell me the thousand names or something else equivalent to these thousand names. Isvara said: 18. There is no necessity to recite all the thousand names. Recite this splendid prayer. I shall enumerate to you all the splendid, secret and sacred names. Learn them with concen- tration. 19-21. This prayer of twenty-one names is a great favourite of the great Soul. They are: Vikartana, Vivasvan, Martanda, Bhaskara, Ravi, Lokaprakésaka (Illuminator of the worlds), Sriman, Lokacaksus (Eye of the worlds), Graheévara (Lord of the planets), Lokasaksin (Witness of the worlds), Trilokesa (Lord of the three worlds), Karta(Maker), Harta (Remover), Tamisraha (Remover of darkness), Tapana, Taphna(Scorcher), Suci (Pure), Saptasvavahana (Having seven horses for vehicle), Gabhastihasta (Having rays for hands), Brakmé and Sarvadevanamaskrta (Bowed to by all the Devas). 22. This prayer is famous as Stavaraja. It bestows health of the body, increase in wealth and great fame. It is famous in all the three worlds.386 Skanda Purana 23-24. He who eulogizes Arka (Sun-god) by means of this prayer during the two junctions of rising and setting, remain- ing pure himself, O great goddess, is rid of all sins. Rich with all desires fulfilled, he goes to the world of the Sun-god. Thus, O goddess, the greatness pertaining to Sagararka has been spoken to you. On being listened to it suppresses all miseries and destroys great sins. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTYNINE Greatness of Ugrasenegvara Iivara said: 1-2. Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the great shrine of Aksamaleégvara situated within a distance of fifty Dhanus in the north-east corner of Sagararka. This Yugalinga of great refulgence removes sins. The name Aksamaleévara was glorified formerly but now its name Ugrasenes’vara is well known. The Devi said: 3. The Linga was known earlier by the name Aksamalesvara. Be pleased to narrate, O Lord, how it became otherwise of a different name). Isvara said: 4. O great goddess, formerly there was a chaste lady named Aksamala born in a low caste. She was engrossed in the pious rites and duties of chaste ladies. 5-6. Once, as time rolled by, there occurred a severe famine. O great goddess, sages were upset in their minds because they were overcome by hunger. They came to know that a Candala had a large store of grain. Eager to obtain food, they went to the abode of the Candala and requested the base-born o1 7-9. “O Antyaja of great intellect, save us by donating food. We are afflicted with hunger, emaciated in limbs and it is doubtful whether our life will be sustained any longer.VILL129.10-21 387 You are blessed and worthy of adoration. You will not be (derisively) called Antyaja because there is a store of grain in your abode in spite of this devastating disaster (of famine). When the land is blighted by drought, when vegetation has disappeared, if someone feeds only one Brahmana, it is as though a crore of them have been fed.” The Antyaja said: 10. A wonderful thing is seen here now. It has no parallel. ‘The sages have come to my abode seeking food. 11. Brahmanas are not expected to accept food from even a Sidra, still more so from an Antyaja. 12. If a person (i.e. Brahmana) eats cooked or uncooked food from a Sidra he is reborn as a rural pig or as a member of his (the Siadra’s) family. 13. Food from a Brahmana is (regarded as) real nectar; food from a Kgatriya is like milk; food from a Vaiéya, they call as the real food; and food from a Sidra is remembered as something like blood. 14. The following things cause downfall of even a very refulgent person: food from a Sidra, association with a Sidra, sitting by the side of a Sidra and the acceptance of food from a Sidra. 15. If an Agnihotri (Fire-worshipper) Brahmana does not refrain from the food of a Sidra, his (Brahmana’s) very soul, his knowledge of the Vedas and the sacred fires he nourishes (worships)—all these perish in his case. 16. If a Brahmana dies with the food from a Sadra in his stomach, that Brahmana becomes a Piéaca within six months. 17. If a Brahmana performs Agnihotra (gives libation) with the cooked food of a Sidra, he is born as a Candala after death and that Sidra attains divinity. __ 18. If anyone eats continuously for a month food from a Sidra, he has verily attained the state of a Sidra in this very birth. After death he is again born as a Sidra. 19-21, (Acceptance of) the food of a king takes away one's fiery splendour; the food of a Sadra, the Brahmanical lustre; the food of a goldsmith takes away longevity; that of a cutter of hide (shoe-maker) takes away one's reputation. The food of a Kéruka (artisan) kills the progeny; that of a Nirnejaka388 Shanda Puréna (washerman) takes away vital strength. The food from a crowd and a harlot severs one from his people (ex-communicates). The food from a physician is like the pus from an ulcer. The food from a wanton, unchaste woman is like semen. The food from a _usurer is like excretion and that from a person selling weapons like faeces. 22. The sin resulting from eating the food from these is incurred a thousand times if the food of one who sells his daughter is taken even once. 23, The sin resulting from eating the food of that person (ie. a daughter-seller) a thousand times is incurred if the food of an Antyaja is eaten even once. 24. So, why do you, O leading Brahmanas who are con- versant with sacred rites and piety, seek to take food from me, a Candala, a base soul ? The Sages said: 25. If a person on the verge of extinction of life esteems (accepts) any type of food, he is not smeared with sin just as the sky is not with mud. 26. When he was hungry Ajigarta rushed at his son to kill him, but he was not adversely afflicted by sin inasmuch as he was trying to satisfy his hunger. 27-29. Bharadvaja and his sons were distressed with hun- ger in a desolate forest. They seized many cows. Brhajjyoti of exalted mind rushed at Gita when he was distressed due to hunger. Visvamitra who could clearly discriminate between what is Dharma and what is Adharma took the flesh of the thigh of a dog from the hands of a Candala. In his distress he desired (to eat) even the flesh of a dog, but he did not fall down from piety. Vamadeva who wanted to save his life was not smeared with sin. 80. Bearing in mind all these, O dear one of pious incli- nations, do not hesitate now. Give food, do give food to us who are pleading as suppliants. The Candala said: 31. If this is so, your purpose (supply of food) has been certainly accepted. Therefore, let this girl, my daughter, be accepted (in marriage) by your honours.‘VIL.1.129.32-43 389 82. Whoever is the foremost among you, your leader, he should definitely marry her. Thereafter, O Brahmanas, I shall give you food for a year as desired by you. Isvara said: 38. On being told thus, O goddess, the sages bowed down their heads in shame. After duly considering this matter, they made Vasistha to marry (the girl). 34. Vasistha of exalted mind called this Apaddharma (a duty adopted under duress whenever life is threatened by imminent calamity) and he had a vision of the subsequent times. He married the Antyaja damsel named Aksamala, Later she became famous in all the three worlds as Arundhati. 35. When she restrained the (movement of the) solar disc by means of her own refulgence, she became Arundhati and came to be honoured by Devas and Danavas. 36. Just asa river becomes one with the sea after confluence with that sea, so a woman too comes to have the same status and features as the husband with whom she becomes united (in marriage! 37. Akgamala, born of a base caste and community, at- tained respectability when united with Vasistha, like Sarngi when united with Mandapala. (But in Mbh, Adi 232-233 sage Mandapala transformed himself into a Sarngi bird to create children and got a place in heaven.) 38. In due course the noble-souled Seven Sages came to the holy spot of Prabhasa in the company of Arundhati. 39. They sent her to the various Tirthas that grant all Siddhis. 40. While they were in search thus, the fair lady Arundhati saw a Liga embedded in a grove of trees. 41-43. On seeing the Lord of the chiefs of Devas, she got the ability of remembering her previous birth: ‘In my previous birth, during the period of Rajas (menses) Siva, the Lord of Devas, was certainly adored here in an ignorant manner. So as the result of the Karma, the status (birth) of Antyaja was attained by me in spite of my Brahmanahood. Which Lord can be considered on a par with Sarnbhu in all the three worlds? Though angry he has bestowed his kingdom unto persons practising restraint?”390 Sanda Puréna 44. Thinking thus, she remained engaged there itself, O my beloved. She adored that Liga for a hundred years as per reckoning of gods. 45. It is on account of the power thereof, that she is seen in the sky. If the chaste lady Arundhati is seen, she dispels all sins. 46-47. Thus the deity Aksamaleévara has been duly ex- tolled unto you. Then at the close of Dvapara, when a part of the juncture with Kali elapsed, the son of Andhasura became famous by the name Ugrasena. For the sake of getting a son, he came to Prabhasa and came across this Linga. 48. He understood that it was the deity named Aksamalesvara and realized its wonderful efficacy. He propitiated Mahadeva for fourteen years and begot the son who was later known as Karnsasura. 49-51. Ever since then, the deity became Ugraseneévara. It is destroyer of all sins of all creatures, thanks to its vision and touch. It is said that great sins like those of Brahmana-slaughter, imbibing liquor, theft, defiling the wife of preceptor etc., perish by viewing that deity. In the auspicious month of Bhadrapada on the occasion of Rsipaficami (fifth day in the bright half of Bhadrapada) one who worships Aksamaleévara, is rid of the fear of hell. 52-53. For the purpose of the destruction of all sins and for attaining infinite happiness after death, they recommend the gift of cows, food and water there. Thus, O goddess, the greatness pertai to Aksamalesvara has been narrated to you. It suppresses sins: On being listened to it dispels misery. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY Greatness of Pasupatesvara’ Isvara said: 1-8. Thereafter, O great goddess, a pilgrim should go to the shrine of the deity Pagupatesvara situated on the eastern‘VILI.130.417 391 side of Ugraseneévara, to the south-east of Gopaditya and to the south of Dhruveia. It is destroyer of all sins. The Linga is situated to the east of Gopaditya (also). It fulfills all desires when one visits it. In this Yuga it is called by the name Santoseévara. 4. Since the Lord is pleased with the ascetics there, the Linga is well-known all over the earth by the name Santosa. 5. O great goddess, this is a Yugalinga and the abode of Siddhis. It is highly lustrous. It is the place of Pagupata devotees and is a panacea for persons who are afflicted with disease in the form of sins. 6. Orenowned lady, four sages, Vamadeva, Savarni, Aghora and Kapila have achieved their Siddhi in that Linga. They have attained Siddhi in the unsullied primordial Lord through that Linga. 7. In the forest, in the vicinity of that Lord, there is the spot of Laksmi called Srimukha. O great goddess, it is resorted to by persons of perfect mastery in Yoga. 8. Excellent Pagupatas are engaged in the adoration of my Linga there. It is as a place of their habitation that the forest has been created by the goddess. 9. In the centre thereof, O lady of excellent hips, is situated a Linga facing east. The great sages, the devotees of Pagupati, beginning with Aghora have become Siddhas therein. They went to Siva’s place with the present physical body itself. 10. Residence for ever in that auspicious shrine in the holy place of Prabhasa, the abode of Suras and Siddhas, appeals to me very much. It is the most beautiful and most lovable of all holy spots. 11. O goddess, Pagupatas are engaged in meditation on me there. All of them are my sons. They observe celibacy. 12. They have subdued their sense-organs. They are qui- escent, They have conquered anger. Those Brahmanas are performers of penance. By the power of that Linga, they have attained great Siddhis. . 18. Hence, an excellent Brahmana resident of that holy spot, should always adore that deity. The Devi said: 1417. O Lord, O Lord of the chiefs of Devas, O redeemer392 Skanda Purina from the ocean of worldly existence, have mercy on me and narrate to me details of the observers of holy vows in that highly meritorious shrine pertaining to you, the Pagupata Yoga, the excellent greatness of the Linga, the ancient name of the deity and how it is to be worshipped by excellent men and how Pagupatas attained heaven along with their physical bodies. Isvara said: 18-20. fair lady, the great Yoga of Paéupata is being enquired by you, so also, O lady of excellent vows, the power of the Linga as well as that of those who have adopted my Vrata in that Liiga, O goddess. O lady of great refulgence, the primordial name of the Lord having no beginning is also being asked by you. O lady of excellent buttocks, the Pasupata Vrata is great and its duration is very long. These devotees who observe this Vrata in the manner as has been mentioned, cause wonder unto me as well. My mind yearns (and is very eager) to bless them. Sita said: 21. O Brahmanas, the goddess became highly surprised on hearing the words of Hara. She spoke these words to her husband, the Lord of all the worlds. The Devi said: 22. O Lord, I too have earnestness and curiosity (to know) what your holiness did then ? O great god, if I am your beloved, do tell it to me. 23. On hearing her words, Mahadeva spoke to her: “Lis- ten, O goddess, I shall explain the activities of my devotees.” 24. On seeing their steadfast adherence to penance, the first Lord of Suras spoke these words to the devotees (who Were) standing at the sides with bowed heads. Isvara said: 25. © Nandikeéa, do hurry to that place where my sons (devotees) perform my severe and elaborate Vrata which is very difficult to be -performed (by ordinary persons).VIL1.130.26-38 393 26. By the power of that holy spot as well as of their constant devotion to me, those sages of excellent holy vows have achieved supernatural powers in their own physical forms. 27. Hence, O Nandin, do go to that splendid holy spot of Prabhasa at my behest and invite them all on my behalf. Do bring them to Kailasa quickly. 28. Take this refulgent lotus bud along with its stalk. Offer this bud (flower) on the top of the Liga and bring only this stalk here. 29. Dispatched thus by Sarnbhu, the Lord of Devas, Nandin went to the Prabhasa Ksetra from the Kailasa resort. 30. On seeing the Linga of the Trident-bearing Lord of Devas as well as those leading Yogins, he became overwhelmed with great surprise. 31. There some of them were engaged in meditation. Some had resorted to the practice of Yoga. Some explained the texts and others were pondering or conducting discourses. 32. Others were adoring the Liga. Still others were paying obeisance to it. Some were circumambulating and prostrating before the Linga with the eight limbs (touching the ground). 33. Some were eulogizing with Bhavayajia (Yajfia offered mentally), Some were worshipping by means of splendid flow- ers in the form of non-injury. 34. Some had Bhasma Snana (bath by means of holy ash smeared over the body). Others were having bath with Gandukas’(?) In this manner the assemblage of the sages was engaged in feverish activity. 35. On seeing them in such a state and minutely observing everything pertaining to them, Nandin reflected thus mentally. 36-37. ‘I have come to this region. None takes cognisance of me. I have not been asked by anyone. ‘Where have you come from’? Whose guest are you ? All of these are full of haughtiness. They never care to talk to me.’ After thinking thus he approached the Lifga. . 38. The flower was separated by cutting away the stalk and offered to the Liga by Nandin. After adoring the Linga of Pagupati, Lord Nandin carefully took up the stalk and spoke to the sages. * The reading should have been Gungdsa (water in the hollow of both palms).304 Skanda Puréna Nandikesvara said: 39. I have come to the vicinity of your honours at the bidding of the Lord of Devas. The Lord of Devas commands the assembly of the groups of sages. 40. ‘‘All of you should go to that place where the eternal Lord is present. I shall go to the abode of Lord Bhava taking you all with me. Get up quickly. We shall go to Kailasa, the most excellent one among mountains.”” 41. All those Brahmanas remained silent. They made ges- tures indicating “Nandin, you may go ahead. We shall come afterwards”. 42. On being intimated thus, Nandin hastened back. With his inner soul burning with rage, he reported everything (to the Lord). Nandikesvara said: 43. O Lord, I had been to that place where those Yogins stayed. Though I waited there, I was not welcomed by anyone. 44. O Lord, none of them even looked at me nor they spoke to me. O Lord, the lotus flower was placed by me on the top of the Linga. 45. O Lord Maheévara, I informed the leading Yogins: “You have been commanded by the Lord of Devas : ‘Come here. Do not delay’.” 46. On hearing this, O Lord, those great sages said (in- timated by gestures): “You go, do not delay. We shall come close behind.” 47. O Lord, when this was intimated I came here quickly. Do take this stalk, O my Lord, be pleased to do (as you deem fit). 48. Here is a doubt of mine. It behoves you to dispel it now. O Mahadeva, how can they come without me. O Mahadeva, O Mahevara, this is my doubt. Do tell me. Isvara said: 49. Listen, O Nandin, this is the mystery regarding those sages of purified souls. These Siddhas cannot be seen by others, even by Suras, barring me. 50. They have been sanctified by their devotion to me.VILL130.5161a 395 They know the Yoga pertaining to Sankara. Note this wonder- ful thing, O Nandin. I shall show it to you now. 51. You see the stalk brought by you here. They have penetrated it in a subtle form by means of the power of their Yogic achievement. 52. On being told thus then, Nandin was wonder-struck and his eyes beamed. He saw the great sages stationed in the centre of the stalk like atoms. 58. Just as minute dust particles are seen in the rays of the sun, so also the sages were severally seen in the centre of the stalk. 54. On seeing thus, the eyes of Nandin sparkled with wonder. In such a great state of wonderment he did not utter anything. 55. On noticing this curious thing the goddess spoke these words: “O great Lord, what is seen? O Maheévara, why are you so elated with joy?” 56. As these words were uttered by the goddess Mahesvara spoke thus: Isvara said: 57. These noble souls are fully endowed with Yogic power. They are engaged in the Yoga pertaining to Pasupati. They have propitiated me stationed in the Prabhasa Ksetra and so have attained such spiritual powers. They have the power to go anywhere as they please. 58. When the Lord of Devas said thus, those sages of great splendour came out of the lotus stalk by means of Yogic Maya. They circumambulated the Lord who stood away from the goddess. The goddess said: 59. Why don’t these Brahmanas of evil conduct look at me? This is surprising O Mahadeva, kindly do explain. Tivara said: 60-61a, These sages of great penance have great spiritual powers. They do not look at you because you are the Prakrti. eae396 Skanda Puréna On being told thus by the Trident-bearing Lord of Devas, the Daughter of the Mountain became furious. The lady of excellent buttocks with her anger expressed on the face, imprecated them : 61b-63. “O haughty men of evil conduct, you will face destruction due to infatuation for women. At the advent of Kali Age, you will become covetous of gifts from kings. You will be engaged in worshipping the Lord as means of living. You will be maintaining yourself by the money belonging to the Linga. In Kali Yuga, you will become fondly attached to prostitutes. You will become confused and boycotted by all the people as a result of the destruction of the property of the Lord (temple).” 64. When this curse was pronounced upon the noble- souled sages, all the chiefs of Suras propitiated Gauri. 65. At the instance of the Lord of Devas, she became pleased once again. The Lord took up the stalk and threw it to the southern quarter. 66. That stalk fell in the middle of the Prabhasa Ksetra. That itself became a Linga well known as Mahanala. 67. At the advent of Kali Age, it came to be called Dhruvegvara. It is stationed to the north-east of Pasupatesvara. 68. Earlier it was known by the name Anadiéa and after- wards as Pasupateévara. It thus stationed itself as the destroyer of sins in the great holy spot of Prabhasa. 69. This holy spot of mine is excellent for the purpose of observing my Vrata. This Liga termed Anadiga is the great Brahman. 70. There is no doubt about it that Brahmanas will attain Siddhi and Mukti (liberation) here. They will attain salvation in six months with the same body. 71. May this Linga be visited for effecting liberation from the worldly existence. It is of difficult access unto ordinary people. It grants salvation. The mystic knowledge of Pasupata is well established in this Linga. . 72. He who devoutly worships this throughout the month of Magha, attains the merit of performing all Kratus (sacri- fices) and offering holy gifts. 73. Gold should be offered there by those who are desir- ous of getting the full benefit of a perfect pilgrimage. 74. Thus, O goddess, the sin-destroying greatness of Pasgupatesvara has been described duly for the sake of the