Chapter 31 - The Hymn of lord Śiva

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Upamanyu said:—

1. O Kṛṣṇa, I shall tell you the hymn whereby this holy rite of Yogeśvara is concluded along the path of five Āvaraṇas.

2. Be victorious, O Śiva, the sole lord of the universe, naturally charming one, of the nature of eternal knowledge. You are the principle beyond the region of words and minds O lord, who have transcended the confused universe.

3. O lord, of a naturally pure physical body, O lord of charming activities. O lord, having a great Śakti on a par with yourself, O ocean of pure attributes.

4. O one endowed with infinite splendour, O one of incomparable physical body, the support, and of unarguable greatness, be victorious O one of undisturbed auspiciousness.

5. O Unsullied one, O one having no other support, O one rising up without cause and of incessantly great bliss, be victorious, O cause of extreme delight.

6. Be victorious, O one of excessively great prosperity. O receptacle of excessive mercy, O the sole possession of the free, O one of unequalled affluence.

7. O lord who have enveloped the universe, O one not enveloped by any one, O one standing superior to all, O one to whom there is no one at all who is superior.

8. Be victorious, O wonderful one, who are by no means insignificant. O unwounded one: O unchanging one. O immeasurable one, O one uninfluenced by Māyā, O one having no emotions, O one devoid of dirt, be victorious.

9. O one of great arms, O one of great essence, O one of great attributes, O one of great narratives, O one of great strength, O one of great Māyā, O one of great taste, O one of great chariot.

10. Obeisance to the great lord, the great cause, the quiescent one, more auspicious than any one else.

11-13. The entire universe including the gods and Asuras is subservient into you. Hence who is competent to transgress the behest ordained by you? This devotee is solely dependent on you. Hence, O sir, bless me and bestow on me what I have prayed for.

14. Be victorious, O goddess, the mother of the universe identical with the universe, and of unlimited prosperity. Be victorious, O goddess of incomparable beautiful person.

15. Be victorious, O goddess transcending speech and mind annihilating the darkness of ignorance, devoid of birth and old age, O one superior to that which is superior to Kāla.

16. Be victorious, O goddess stationed in many rites. O beloved of the lord of the universe, O goddess, worthy of being propitiated by all the gods, O goddess who multiply the universe.

17. Be victorious, O goddess endowed with divine and auspicious body of auspicious light, O one of auspicious conduct. Be victorious, O goddess, bestowing auspiciousness.

18. Obeisance to the goddess possessed of great and auspicious attributes. The universe bora from you merges into you alone.

19-21. Without you even the lord is not competent to bestow the benefits. O goddess of the gods, ever since birth this person has sought refuge in you. Hence, please fulfil the desire of this devotee of yours. Sadāśiva, of five faces, ten arms, resembling the pure crystal, having the physical body constituted by the letters, the five Brahmans and the Kalās, the lord who is both Sakala and Niṣkala, who is endowed with devotion to Śiva and who is beyond the Śānti Kalā, has been worshipped by me with devotion. May he bestow on me what is prayed for by me.

22. May the Icchā Śakti named Śivā seated on the lap of Sadāśiva, the mother of all the worlds, grant me what I desire.

23-26. Lords Heramba and Ṣaṇmukha are the beloved sons of Śiva and Śivā. Their accomplishments are auspicious. They are omniscient. They imbibe the nectar of knowledge. Being content they are mutually affectionate. They are perpetually honoured by Śiva and Śivā. They are always respected and revered by Brahmā and other gods. They are always ready to protect the worlds. Out of their will they take incarnations with their many different parts. They have been always worshipped thus by me on either side of Śiva and Śivā. May they grant me what I have prayed for with due deference for their behest.

27-29. May the lord grant me what I have prayed for—the lord who resembles the pure crystal, who is called Īśāna, Sadāśiva, the great Ātman, who is quiescent, who occupies the firmament transcending the Śāntikalā, who is the final Bīja of the five-syllabled mantra equipped with five Kalās and has been worshipped by me in the first Āvaraṇa along with Śakti.

30-32. May the lord grant me what I have prayed for—the lord who is ancient, who is named Puruṣa, who resembles the rising sun, who is identified with the eastern face of Śiva Parameṣṭhin, who is in the form of Śānti stationed in the wind, who is engaged in worshipping the feet of Śiva, who is the first among Śiva-Bījas, who has four Kalās and who has been worshipped by me with devotion in the east along with Śakti.

33-35. May the holy middle Brahman grant me what I have prayed for—he who is named Aghora resembling collyrium, who has a terrible physical body, who is identified with the southern face of the lord, who is engaged in the worship of Śiva’s feet, who abides in the Vidyā region and is stationed in the middle of fire, who is the second among Śiva’s Bījas, who has eight Kalās and has been worshipped along with Śakti to the south of Śiva.

36-38. May the holy Brahman grant me what I have prayed for—he who is Vāma, who has an excellent dress resembling saffron powder, who is identified with the northern face of Śiva and who is well established in Pratiṣṭhā, who is stationed in the middle of the zone of water. He is engaged in worshipping the lord. He is the fourth one among Śiva-Bījas. He has thirteen Kalās. He has been worshipped along with Śakti to the north of the lord.

39-41. May the great Brahman grant me what I have prayed for—he who is named Sadya having gentle characteristics, who is as white as the conch, Kunda flower and the full moon. He is the western face of Śiva that is engaged in worshipping Śiva’s feet, who is established in the Nivṛtti region and is stationed in the earth, who is the third one among Śiva-Bījas and is endowed with eight Kalās, and who has been worshipped along with Śakti to the west of the lord.

42. May the two heart-forms of Śiva and Śivā purified by Śiva grant my desire at the behest of the two—Śiva and Śivā.

43. May the two tuft-forms of Śiva and Śivā, depending on Śiva, grant my desire after honouring the behest of the two.

44. May the two coats of mail of Śiva and Śivā purified by Śiva grant my desire at the behest of the two.

45. May the two eye-forms of Śiva and Śivā dependent on Śiva grant my desire at the behest of the two.

46. May the missile forms of Śiva and Śivā always engaged and devoted to the worship of the pair grant my desire at their behest.

47-48. Let these deities Vāma, Jyeṣṭha, Rudra, Kāla, Vikaraṇa, Balavikaraṇa, Balapramathana and Sarvabhūtadamana grant me what I desire, at the behest of the two.

49-50. May the eight deities Ananta, Sūkṣma, Śiva, Ekanetra, Ekarudra, Trimūrti, Śrīkaṇṭha and Śikhaṇḍaka and their Śaktis, worshipped in the second Āvaraṇa grant my desire at the behest of the two.

51-52. May the eight Mūrtis Bhava and others and their Śaktis as well as the eleven Mūrtis Mahādeva and others accompanied by their Śaktis, all stationed in the third Āvaraṇa confer the desired benefit after honouring the behest of Śiva and śivā.

53-57. The king of Bulls, of great splendour, thundering like the great cloud, who is comparable to the peaks of Meru. Mandara, Kailāsa and the Himavat, whose hump is huge in size like the white peaks of clouds and who shines with a tail like the great lord of Serpents, whose face, horns and feet are red in colour, whose eyes are almost red, whose limbs are plump and lifted up, who shines with a charming gait, who has all praiseworthy characteristics, who is glorious, who has glittering gemset ornaments, who is a favourite of Śiva, who is devoted to Śivā, who makes up the banner and vehicle of Śiva and Śivā, who has purified his body by touching their feet with it, who is the king of cows, who is glorious, and is possessed of the excellent and glorious trident as his weapon, may grant my desire at the behest of the two.

58-61. Nandīśvara of great splendour, the son of Pārvatī is worshipped and revered every day by the gods including Nārāyaṇa. He is stationed at the door of the harem of Śiva along with his attendants. He has the lustre of the lord; he is the suppressor of all Asuras. He is crowned as the president of all Śaivite rites. He is a favourite of Śiva. He is fondly devoted to Śivā. He has the excellent weapon of the glorious trident. He is attached to those who depend on Śiva. They too are attached to him. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

62. Mahākāla of great arms is like another Mahādeva unto those who seek refuge in him. May he protect us always.

63. He is a favourite of Śīva and is fondly attached to Śivā. He is their perpetual worshipper. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

64. The chastiser is the knower of the meaning and truth of all Scriptures. He is another body of Viṣṇu. He is his son in the form of great delusion. He is fond of honey, meat and wine. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

65-66. May the seven mothers—Brahmāṇī, Māheśī, Kaumārī, Vaiṣṇavī, Vārāhī, Māhendrī and Cāmuṇḍā of fierce valour, mothers of all the worlds, grant my desire at the behest of the two.

67-69. He has the face of the elephant in rut. He is the son of Gaṅgā, Umā and Śiva. The firmament is his body; the quarters his arms; the moon, the sun and the fire his eyes. He is worshipped by the elephants of the quarters, Airāvata and others. The ichor of Śaivite knowledge comes out of him. He wards the obstacles of gods. He causes obstacles to the Asuras and others. He is sanctified by Śiva. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

70-74. Ṣaṇmukha is born of Śiva. He holds Śakti and thunderbolt. He is the son of fire. He is also the son of Gaṅgā, Gaṇāmbā and Kṛttikās. He is surrounded by Viśākha, Śākha and Naigameya. He is the conqueror of Indra and the demon Tāraka. He is the Generalissimo of Indra’s armies. He pierced the important mountains Meru and others with his splendour. He resembles molten gold. He has eyes resembling petals of lotuses. He is Kumāra and the model for all tender beings. He is the favourite of Śiva and fondly attached to Śivā. He is a perpetual worshipper of Śiva’s feet. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

75. Jyeṣṭhā, the excellent deity granting boons, is always engaged in worshipping them. May she grant my desire at the behest of the two.

76-79. The goddess is saluted by the three worlds in the form of Ulkā(meteor, comet). She is requested by Brahmā to multiply the creation though Śivā. She came out from the middle of the eyebrows of Sivā who divided herself into Dākṣāyaṇī, Satī, Menā, Haimavatī, Umā. she is the mother of Kauśikī, Bhadrakālī, Aparṇā and Pāṭalā. She is Rudrāṇī the beloved of Rudra. She is always engaged in worshipping Śiva. May she grant my desire at the behest of the two.

80. Caṇḍa is the lord of all the Gaṇas who is born of the face of Śiva. May he grant my desire at the behest of Śiva and Śivā.

81. May Piṅgala the chief of Gaṇas, the prosperous one, fondly attached to Śivā and a favourite of Śiva, grant my desire at the behest of the two.

82. May the chief Gaṇa Bhṛṅgīśa who is interested in propitiating Śiva grant my desire at the behest of Śiva.

83-85. Vīrabhadra is of great splendour. He resembles snow, Kunda flower and the moon. He is the beloved of Bhadrakālī. He is the perpetual protector of mothers. He removed the head of Yajña and of Dakṣa of wicked soul, he pared the limbs of Viṣṇu, Indra, Yama and other gods. He is a follower of Śiva. He is a glorious executor of Śiva’s behests. May he grant my desire at the behest of Śiva.

86. Sarasvatī born of the lotus-like speech of Maheśa is interested in worshipping Śiva and Śivā. May she grant my desire.

87. Lakṣmī is stationed in the chest of Viṣṇu. She is engaged in worshipping Śiva and Śivā. At the very bidding of Śiva and Śivā, may she grant my desire.

88. Mahāmoṭī is engaged in worshipping the feet of Mahādevī. At her very bidding may she grant my desire.

89-90. Kauśikī is the daughter of Pārvatī. She rides on a lion. She is the great Māyā, the slumber of Viṣṇu. She is the suppressor of the demon Mahiṣa. She destroyed Śumbha and Niśumbha. She is fond of wine and meat. May she grant my desire duly honouring at the behest of her mother.

91-95. Rudras have the lustre of Rudra. Pramathas are famous for their prowess. The Bhūtas have great virility. They have the lustre of Mahādeva. They are perpetual Yogins. They are uncomparable and devoid of conflicting pairs of defaults. They are free from dangers. They are accompanied by their Śaktis and followers. They are bowed to by the world. They are competent to create and annihilate the worlds. They are mutually loving and accommodating. They are very affectionate and respectful to one another. They are favourites of Śiva and are marked by his traits. They are gentle, terrible and mixture of both. They are in the midway between the two. They are ugly, good-featured and multi featured. May they grant my desire at the behest of the two.

96-97. The group of the friends of the goddess has all the characteristics of the goddess. They are accompanied by the daughters of Rudras and Śaktis many in number. They have been worshipped in the third Āvaraṇa of Śiva with great devotion. Let them grant my desire at the behest of the two.

98-101. The sun is the Mūrti with illuminated disc of Maheśa. He is Nirguṇa, Guṇasaṅkīrṇa, Guṇakevala, and Avikārātmaka. The first one is single with general variations. He is of extraordinary activity in creation, sustenance and annihilation. Thus he is divided into three, four or five ways. He is worshipped in the fourth Āvaraṇa of Śiva along with the followers. He is a favourite of Śiva and fondly attached to Śivā. He is engaged in worshipping the feet of Śiva. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.^[1]

102-105. The eight Mūrtis of the sun viz. Āditya, Bhāskara, Bhānu, Ravi, Arka, Brahmā, Rudra, and Viṣṇu, the eight Śaktis Dīptā^[2] etc., the six Aṅgas of the sun-god, the Śaktis viz. Vistarā, Sutarā, Bodhinī, Āpyāyinī, Uṣā, Prabhā, Prājñā and Sandhyā and the planets beginning with Soma and ending with Ketu purified by Śiva—may these urged by the behest of Śiva and Śivā grant me everything auspicious.

106-112. May the twelve Ādityas, and the twelve Śaktis, sages, Gandharvas, serpents, Apsaras, Grāmaṇīs, Yakṣas Rākṣasas, Asuras, the seven sets of seven, the seven horses identical with the Vedas and Vālakhilya and others, the worshippers of Śiva’s feet, grant me everything at the behest of Śiva and Śivā. Brahmā the chief of the universe, a form of the lord of gods, having sixty-four attributes and achievements, and established in the principle of Buddhi, shall be worshipped in the fourth Āvaraṇa of Śiva. He is a favourite of Śiva, fondly attached to Śivā and is engaged in worshipping the feet of Śiva. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

113-115. Hiraṇyagarbha the lord of the worlds, the Virāṭ, Kāla, Puruṣa, Sanat, Sanaka, Sananda, Sanātana, the Prajāpatis, the sons of Brahmā, Dakṣa and others, eleven in number with their wives, Dharma and Saṃkalpa—all these are engrossed in their devotion to Śiva being subservient to the behests of Śiva. May these grant my desire.

116-117. May the four Vedas, the Itihāsas, Purāṇas, Dharma-Śāstras accompanied by the Vedic lore, although mutually disagreeing but based on the nature of Śiva, grant my desire at the behest of Śiva and Śivā.

118-123. Then the great lord Rudra, the important form of lord Śivā, is the lord of the zone of Fire and possesses all Aiśvaryas. He is enriched with the identity with Śiva. He is devoid as well as possessed of attributes. He is Sāttvic, Rājasic and Tāmasic. Basically he is not prone to aberrations. Then outwardly he assumes aberrations. He is of extraordinary activity apart from the activity of creation etc. He cut off the head of Brahmā. He is his father as well as his son. He is the progenitor and son of Viṣṇu to whom he controls. He is the enlightener of both. The lord blesses them for ever. Rudra is stationed within and without the cosmos. He is the lord of the worlds. He is fond of Śiva to whom he is fondly attached. He is engaged in the worship of Śiva. May he grant my desire at the behest of Śiva.

124-125. His six ancillaries Brahman etc. and the eight deities ending with Vidyeśa, the four different Mūrtis devoted to Śiva, with Śiva as their cause, Śiva, Bhava, Hara and Mṛḍa—may these grant my desire at the behest of Śiva.

126-133. Viṣṇu is another form of the great lord Śiva himself. He is the lord of the principle of water. He is stationed in the region of the unmanifest. He is Nirguṇa. He is predominantly Sāttvic as well as possessed of single Guṇa. He does not identify himself with the created things. He has the three general aberrations. He is of extraordinary activity apart form that of creation. He compares with Brahmā though he is born of the right part of Śiva. He is created by the first Brahmā and he is his creator too. Viṣṇu abides within and without the universe. He is the lord of the worlds. With his discus he destroys Asuras. He is the younger brother of Indra. He has manifested himself in ten forms under the curse of Bhṛgu. He incarnated on the earth at his will for removing the burden of the Earth. His strength is immeasurable and incomprehensible. He is the wielder of Māyā. He fascinates the universe with his Māyā in the form of Mahāviṣṇu and Sadāviṣṇu. He is worshipped by the devotees of Viṣṇu in the seat of the three Mūrtis. He is a favourite of Śiva and is fondly attached to him. He is engaged in the worship of his feet. May he grant me what is auspicious at the behest of Śiva.

134-136. The four Mūrtis of Viṣṇu, viz Vāsudeva, Aniruddha, Pradyumna, and Saṃkarṣaṇa, the ten Avataras viz—the fish, tortoise, boar, man-lion, dwarf, Rāma trio, Kṛṣṇa and the horse-faced Kalki, his discus Pāñcajanya and the bow Śārṅga—may these grant my desire at the behest of the two.^[3]

137. May Prabhā, Sarasvatī, Gaurī, and Lakṣmī sanctified by Śiva grant my desire at the behest of the two.

138-139. May Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirṛti, Varuṇa, Vāyu, Soma, Kubera and Īśāna the wielder of the trident grant my desire at the behest of Śiva and Śivā. These are engaged in the worship of Śiva and have sanctified by their pious feelings to him.

140-141. May the divine weapons of the lord and the goddess—viz—the trident, thunderbolt, axe, arrow, sword, noose, goad and the excellent weapon Pināka protect me always at behest of the two.

142-143. May the bull, the powerful son of Kāmadhenu, rivalling with the submarine fire Vaḍavā, surrounded by five mother-cows^[4] who has attained the state being the vehicle of the lord and the goddess, grant my desire, at the behest of the two.

144. The five mother-cows stationed in Śiva’s region are Nandā, Sunandā, Surabhi, Suśīlā and Sumanās.

145. They are engaged in devotion to Śiva and are engrossed in his worship. May these grant my desire at the behest of the two.

146-150. Kṣetrapāla of great splendour resembling the blue cloud with his face terrible due to the curved fangs, refulgent with throbbing red lips, with red hairs lifted up, with the crooked, eyebrows, three circular red eyes, with the moon and the serpents as ornaments, being in nude form holds the trident noose, sword and the skull in his hands, of terrible aspect, surrounded by Bhairavas, Siddhas and Yoginīs, is seated in every temple. He is the protector of the good. Bowing to lord Śiva is his great interest. He is purified by pious feelings towards Śiva. He protects those who seek refuge in him particularly as his own sons. May he grant my desire at the behest of the two.

151. May the four deities Tālajaṅgha and others worshipped in the first Āvaraṇa protect me at the behest of Śiva and Śivā.

152. May Bhairava and others who surround him all round bless me at the behest of the two.

153-155. Nārada and other sages who are worshipped even by the gods, the Sādhyas, serpents, gods who reside in Janaloka, the residents of Maharloka who have been deposed from authority, the seven sages and others along with the Gaṇas moving about in aeroplanes—all these engaged in the worship of Śiva and subservient to his bidding may grant my desire at the behest of the two.

156 163. The four types of gods beginning with Gandharvas and ending with the Piśācas, Siddhas, Vidyādharas and others who move about in the sky, the Asuras and Rākṣasas who reside in the netherworlds, Ananta and other leading serpents, Vainateya and other birds, Kuṣmāṇḍas, Pretas, Vetālas, Grahas and Bhūtas, Ḍākinīs, Yoginīs, Śākinīs and evil witches, temples, parks, houses, holy centres, mansions continents, oceans, rivers, lakes, sumeru and other mountains, forests, animals, birds, trees, germs, worms, deer, the worlds, overlords of the worlds, seeds of life along with their Āvaraṇas, ten quarters, elephants of the quarters, letters, words, mantras, Tattvas along with their lords, Rudras who support the cosmos and other Rudras and their Śaktis whatever is seen, heard or inferred in this world—may all these grant my desire at the behest of the two.

164-167. The great lore of Śiva capable of releasing the individual soul from the fivefold bondage is different from Paśuvidyā. The scripture of Śaivite virtue and the Dharma, the Purāṇa of Śiva approved of by Śrutis, and the Śaivite scriptures Kāmikā and others of four types honoured by Śiva and Śivā and worshipped by me may all these make this holy rite accomplished well and fruitful.

168-169. May the early preceptors from Śveta to Nakulīśa along with their disciples, the preceptors born as members of their families, especially my preceptors, both Śaivas and Māheśvaras engrossed in Śiva’s knowledge and holy rites, permit this holy rite to be fruitful and well accomplished.

170-172. May the lay brahmins, Kṣatriyas, those who are experts in the knowledge of the Vedas and the ancillaries together with their tenets in the lines of Śaivite virtue, those who are well-versed in all sacred scriptures, the followers of Sāṃkhya, Vaiśeṣika, Nyāya and other systems of philosophy, the followers of the sun, Brahma, Rudra and Viṣṇu and all other good men particularly those who are wedded to Śaivite discipline—permit this holy rite which is the instrument for achieving my purpose.

173-174. The followers of Śiva who adhere to the philosophical path, those who perform the Pāśupata rites those who observe the holy rites and the Śaivite holy men such as Kapālikas—all these are adherents and executors of Śiva’s behests. They shall be worshipped by me at the behest of Śiva. May these bless me. Let them praise the successful holy rite.

175. Those who adhere to the path of knowledge according to the southerners, those who follow the southern cult and the northern cult abide by me without mutual clash since I wish and seek the welfare through the mantras.

176. May the atheists, tenacious rogues, ungrateful and Tāmasic heretics and great sinners be far away from me.

177. Of what avail is the long eulogy? Let all the faithful bless me. Let all good men pronounce everything auspicious.

178. Obeisance to Śiva accompanied by Śivā. Obeisance to you the primordial cause accompanied by your son. Obeisance to you encircled by the universe in the form of five Āvaraṇas.

179. After saying this he shall prostrate before Śiva and Śivā and perform the Japa of the five-syllabled mantra not less than hundred and eight times.

180. Similarly he shall perform the Japa of Śakti mantra, dedicate it to Śiva and crave forgiveness. He shall thus conclude the remaining rites of worship.

181. This holiest of holy hymns is pleasant and agreeable to Śiva and Śivā. It yields all desires. It is the sole means for the achievement of worldly pleasures and salvation.

182. He who repeats this everyday or listens to this with mental purity shakes off sins and attains Śivasāyujya soon.

183-184. Slayers of cows, ungrateful wretches, murderers of heroes, those who slay children in the womb, murderers of those who seek refuge, those who kill friends and those who confide in them, those who commit wicked sins Such as matricide, patricide.—all these are released from their sins on repeating this hymn.^[5]

185. When bad dreams and evil portents occur indicating terror and danger this hymn shall be repeated. Then those dangers do not befall.

186. The man who regularly performs the Japa of this hymn obtains longevity, health, prosperity and everything else desired.

187. The benefit thus mentioned is of the mere Japa of the hymn without worshipping. It is impossible to count the benefit if the Japa of the hymn is performed along with warship.

188. Let the accruing of the benefit stand alone. When this Japa is repeated the lord on hearing this stands in the heaven along with the goddess.

189. Hence after worshipping the lord and Umā in the heaven the devotee shall stand with palms joined in reverence and repeat the hymn.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

The verses 99 to 102 are repeated. See Verses 110 to 113.

[2]:

The Śaktis—Dīptā, Sūkṣmā, Jayā etc., eight in number (Cp. Vāyavīya-saṃhitā. II. 30. 27) are the female guardian deities of the quarters and sub-quarters from the east onwards.

[3]:

The Verse is repeated. See Vāyavjya-saṃhitā. 30. 58.

[4]:

For the names of the mother-cows, see below verse 144.

[5]:

This is another instance of the proselytizing attempt of the Purāṇic Ācāryas to entice the laity to their fold.