With great assiduity and eagerness the divine and cosmic chariot[1] of lord Rudra was made by Viśvakarman.

It was identical with all living beings;[2] it was bowed to by all Devas; it was identical with all Devas; it was golden and it was honoured by all.

The sun was the right wheel and the moon was the left wheel. The right wheel had twelve spokes and the left wheel had sixteen spokes.

O leading brahmins, the twelve Ādityas were in those twelve spokes on the right. O sages of good holy rites, in the sixteen spokes of the left wheel were the sixteen digits of the moon.

The constellations were the ornaments of the left wheel[3] alone. The six seasons were the rims of those two wheels, O leading brahmins.

The firmament was the roof[4] of the chariot and the interior[5] of the chariot was the Mandara. The mountain of rising sun and the mountain of the setting sun were the poles to which the yoke was fixed.

Mahāmeru was the pedestal and the mountain Kesara was the supporting seat. The year was its velocity and the two transits of the sun were the joints of the wheels.

The Muhūrtas were holes to fix the nails or pins and Kalās were the pins of the yoke. The Kāṣṭhās were its nostrils and the Kṣaṇas were its axles.

The Nimeṣas were its Axle-tree and the Lavas constituted its shafts. The sky was the fender of that chariot. The heaven and salvation were its flags.

Virtue and detachment were its staffs and sacrifices were the supports of the staffs. The monetary gifts were the joints and the fifty fires were the iron pieces or bolts.

Dharma and Kāma (love) were the tips of the two yokes; the unmanifest principle was the poleshaft; the cosmic intellect was its connecting shaft.

The ego was its angular points; the elements were its strength; the sense organs its ornamental fittings all round.

Śraddhā (faith) was its movement; the Vedas were its horses; the Padas (words) of the Vedas its ornaments and the six ancillaries were its trinkets.

O sages of good holy rites, the Purāṇas, Nyāya (science of logic), Mīmāṃsā (treatise on holy rites), the Dharmaśāstras (ethical literature) were its perfect screen cloths and supports of the tails. It was equipped with all characteristics.

The mantras, syllables, feet and the four stages in life were its bells. Ananta the serpent adorned by his thousand hoods formed its bounding limit.

The quarters and the interstices were the pillars of this chariot. The Puṣkara and other clouds were its golden banners studded with jewels.

The four oceans formed the blankets spread on its surface. The Gaṅgā and other livers appeared splendid in female forms, bedecked in all ornaments and holding the chowries in their hands. They occupied different parts in the chariot and rendered it beautiful.

The four oceans formed the blankets spread on its surface. The Gaṅgā and other livers appeared splendid in female forms, bedecked in all ornaments and holding the chowries in their hands. They occupied different parts in the chariot and rendered it beautiful.

The seven layers of winds, Āvaha etc. were the seven excellent golden steps. The charioteer was lord Brahmā and he held the reins.

Praṇava with Brahman for its deity was the whip, The mountain Lokāloka was its landing ground with stairs all round. The splendid Mānasa mountain was its external precipice. The other mountains constituted its noses all round [the upper timbers].

Praṇava with Brahman for its deity was the whip, The mountain Lokāloka was its landing ground with stairs all round. The splendid Mānasa mountain was its external precipice. The other mountains constituted its noses all round [the upper timbers].

The Tala and the residents thereof constituted its pigeon holes, and the pigeons. The mountain Meru was the great umbrella and the Mandara constituted the side drum,

The king of mountains (Himavān) was his bow and the bowstring was the lord of serpents (Vāsuki) himself, along with Kālarātri (the night of nightmares) and Indradhanus (rainbow).

The bell of the bow was goddess Sarasvatī of the form of the Śrutis (Vedas). Viṣṇu of great splendour was the arrow and Soma (moon) was the spike-head of the arrow.

The Kālāgni fire at the end of kalpa was the sharp and terrible point of that arrow. The army originated from the waters. The winds were feathers fixed to the arrow.

After making the divine chariot, bow and arrows with Brahmā the lord of the worlds as his charioteer, Śiva mounted the divine chariot wearing martial decorations. He was accompaṃed by the groups of Devas and he shook heaven and earth by his movements.

After making the divine chariot, bow and arrows with Brahmā the lord of the worlds as his charioteer, Śiva mounted the divine chariot wearing martial decorations. He was accompaṃed by the groups of Devas and he shook heaven and earth by his movements.

Eulogised by the sages and saluted by the bards the shining splendid lord, the bestower of boons occupied the chariot glancing at the charioteer. The groups of Apsarases, skilled in dancing, danced in his presence (to honour him). When he got into the chariot, evolved out of the different material, the horse originating from the Vedas fell headlong over the earth. The lord Dharaṇīdhara (uplifter of the earth i.e., Viṣṇu), assuming the form of a leading bull lifted up the chariot for a while and tried to stabilise it. But at the next moment even that leading bull slipped down to the earth on his knees.

Eulogised by the sages and saluted by the bards the shining splendid lord, the bestower of boons occupied the chariot glancing at the charioteer. The groups of Apsarases, skilled in dancing, danced in his presence (to honour him). When he got into the chariot, evolved out of the different material, the horse originating from the Vedas fell headlong over the earth. The lord Dharaṇīdhara (uplifter of the earth i.e., Viṣṇu), assuming the form of a leading bull lifted up the chariot for a while and tried to stabilise it. But at the next moment even that leading bull slipped down to the earth on his knees.

Eulogised by the sages and saluted by the bards the shining splendid lord, the bestower of boons occupied the chariot glancing at the charioteer. The groups of Apsarases, skilled in dancing, danced in his presence (to honour him). When he got into the chariot, evolved out of the different material, the horse originating from the Vedas fell headlong over the earth. The lord Dharaṇīdhara (uplifter of the earth i.e., Viṣṇu), assuming the form of a leading bull lifted up the chariot for a while and tried to stabilise it. But at the next moment even that leading bull slipped down to the earth on his knees.

Eulogised by the sages and saluted by the bards the shining splendid lord, the bestower of boons occupied the chariot glancing at the charioteer. The groups of Apsarases, skilled in dancing, danced in his presence (to honour him). When he got into the chariot, evolved out of the different material, the horse originating from the Vedas fell headlong over the earth. The lord Dharaṇīdhara (uplifter of the earth i.e., Viṣṇu), assuming the form of a leading bull lifted up the chariot for a while and tried to stabilise it. But at the next moment even that leading bull slipped down to the earth on his knees.

At the instance of the lord Śiva, lord Brahmā who held the reins in his hands lifted up the horses and steadied the splendid chariot.

Then he drove the horses that had the speed of the wind, towards the cities of the swift and courageous Dānavas. The cities till then had peace and comfort.

Thereafter looking at Devas, lord Rudra said:—

O excellent Devas, only after assigning you a status of animal souls distinct from that of Devas and others, can they be killed, not otherwise, O excellent ones.”

After hearing these words of the intelligent lord, all of them became suspicious and uneasy over this change and felt great distress.

On realising their mental reaction, the lord spoke to them thus:—“O excellent Devas, let there be no fear or misgiving in you in regard to your becoming Paśus.

Now listen and try to pursue the means of liberation from the state of Paśu. He who performs the divine holy rite “Pāśupata” will be liberated from the state of Paśu. O pure ones, I solemnly promise this to you. O excellent Devas, there is no doubt in this that those others too who perform the Pāśupata rite will be liberated from the state of a Paśu. He who renders service steadily for twelve years or even half that period or even three years can be liberated from that state. Hence, O excellent Devas, perform this great and divine rite”.

Now listen and try to pursue the means of liberation from the state of Paśu. He who performs the divine holy rite “Pāśupata” will be liberated from the state of Paśu. O pure ones, I solemnly promise this to you. O excellent Devas, there is no doubt in this that those others too who perform the Pāśupata rite will be liberated from the state of a Paśu. He who renders service steadily for twelve years or even half that period or even three years can be liberated from that state. Hence, O excellent Devas, perform this great and divine rite”.

Now listen and try to pursue the means of liberation from the state of Paśu. He who performs the divine holy rite “Pāśupata” will be liberated from the state of Paśu. O pure ones, I solemnly promise this to you. O excellent Devas, there is no doubt in this that those others too who perform the Pāśupata rite will be liberated from the state of a Paśu. He who renders service steadily for twelve years or even half that period or even three years can be liberated from that state. Hence, O excellent Devas, perform this great and divine rite”.

Now listen and try to pursue the means of liberation from the state of Paśu. He who performs the divine holy rite “Pāśupata” will be liberated from the state of Paśu. O pure ones, I solemnly promise this to you. O excellent Devas, there is no doubt in this that those others too who perform the Pāśupata rite will be liberated from the state of a Paśu. He who renders service steadily for twelve years or even half that period or even three years can be liberated from that state. Hence, O excellent Devas, perform this great and divine rite”.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

“So be it”, said Devas to Śiva, who is bowed to by all the worlds. That is why Devas, Asuras and human beings are called Paśus. Rudra is the lord of Paśus[7] and the liberator of Paśus from their bondage. He who is Paśu, shall eschew that state through this holy rite. The scriptures declare that even by committing sins he does not become a sinner.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The groups of Devas, Siddhas, Bhūtas, Gaṇas and their lords beginning with Nandin followed Īśa, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas, with their respective vehicles.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Mounted on a chariot as huge as the lord of mountains, Nandin went ahead of Devas and the chiefs of Gaṇas, in order to strike at the trio of the cities, like the great lord Īśa going ahead to strike the god of Death.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Mounting on lordly elephants, huge bulls and stately horses. Devas, the lords of Gaṇas, and the Gaṇas, with their respective weapons and symbols in their hands followed their leader Nandin.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Mounting on the lord of the birds (i.e. Garuḍa) as huge as the lord of mountains the bird-bannered lord Viṣṇu of great prowess hurriedly went ahead, on the left side of Rudra in order to burn the three cities for the welfare of the worlds.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: All Devas followed that lord of the world, the lord of Devas and Asuras, the incomprehensible deity, with their excellent weapons such as the sharp lances, axes, iron clubs, tridents and swords.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: In the middle of Devas, lord Viṣṇu whose vehicle was a bird and whose complexion was like that of the lotus leaf (petal) shone in the same manner as the thousand-rayed fierce sun when he ascends the peak of Sumeru.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: In order to destroy the cities, like Garuḍa who destroyed the serpents, the thousand-eyed Indra, the first among Devas, went ahead on the right side of Rudra. He was seated on his lordly elephant.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The heroes of the Siddhas, Gandharvas and leading Devas all round, eulogised Indra who was the bestower of desired objects and who was the overlord of the leading Devas by saying “Be victorious.” They honoured him with the excellent shower of flowers.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: At that time those who were stationed in the heaven bowed to the thousand-eyed Indra, who was the paramour of Ahalyā, who was the overlord of the universe and who was the leader of Devas after seeing him sporting like the son of Umā i.e. Kārttikeya.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Yama, Fire, Kubera, Vāyu, Nirṛti, Varuṇa and Īśāna followed Rudra.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Vīrabhadra who was very efficient in battle, followed at the south west side of the chariot. He was mounted on a huge bull and surrounded by the beings born of his hairs. He thus served the three-eyed lord of Devas in order to destroy the Asura cities. Mahākāla of great splendour who appeared like another Mahādeva, served the chariot on its north-western side.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Vīrabhadra who was very efficient in battle, followed at the south west side of the chariot. He was mounted on a huge bull and surrounded by the beings born of his hairs. He thus served the three-eyed lord of Devas in order to destroy the Asura cities. Mahākāla of great splendour who appeared like another Mahādeva, served the chariot on its north-western side.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Vīrabhadra who was very efficient in battle, followed at the south west side of the chariot. He was mounted on a huge bull and surrounded by the beings born of his hairs. He thus served the three-eyed lord of Devas in order to destroy the Asura cities. Mahākāla of great splendour who appeared like another Mahādeva, served the chariot on its north-western side.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Vīrabhadra who was very efficient in battle, followed at the south west side of the chariot. He was mounted on a huge bull and surrounded by the beings born of his hairs. He thus served the three-eyed lord of Devas in order to destroy the Asura cities. Mahākāla of great splendour who appeared like another Mahādeva, served the chariot on its north-western side.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After creating impediments unto the leading Asuras and after removing obstacles in the case of Devas, lord Gaṇeśa Vighneśvara went to the camp of īśāna, accompanied by the groups of Vighnas (his followers).

Śrī Vināyaka said:: At that time, Kālī went ahead of Gaṇeśa along with the intoxicated Piśācas and Gaṇas. She had skulls for her ornaments. She was whirling in her hand a trident that shone like Kālarātri. She was intoxicated by drinking the blood of Asuras which tasted like wine (unto her). She made the leading Asuras tremble. She had the gait of the elephant in rut. Her eyes were tremulous due to inebriation. Her body was covered with the hide of the elephant.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: At that time, Kālī went ahead of Gaṇeśa along with the intoxicated Piśācas and Gaṇas. She had skulls for her ornaments. She was whirling in her hand a trident that shone like Kālarātri. She was intoxicated by drinking the blood of Asuras which tasted like wine (unto her). She made the leading Asuras tremble. She had the gait of the elephant in rut. Her eyes were tremulous due to inebriation. Her body was covered with the hide of the elephant.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Saying “Be victorious”, the chiefs of the Siddhas, Gandharvas, Piśācas, Yakṣas, Vidyādharas, lordly serpents and leading Devas bowed to the goddess, the daughter of the mountain of snow and eulogised her loudly.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The mothers (Brāhmī, Māhesvarī, etc.) who were respectfully adored by the groups of Devas and who were bent on killing the Rākṣasas went to the great Mother (Ambā, Gaurī) on their vehicles, along with their followers who held banners all round.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Riding on a lion, the goddess Durgā went forth to chastise Daityas. The auspicious deity was one whose orders could not be transgressed. In her mighty arms she held weapons of different kinds such as the trident, axe, goad, noose, discus, sword and conch. She burned and scorched the pathway with her eyes as dazzling as thousands of midday suns and fires. Though a woman, her exploits were uncommon among women.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The leading chiefs of the Gaṇas who shone like the lord of Devas and the sun, followed lord Īśa on elephants, horses, lions, chariots and bulls in order to destroy the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Equipped with ploughs, ploughshares, iron, clubs, missiles, Bhuśuṇḍas and peaks of lofty mountains, the lords of Devas and the chiefs of goblins as huge as mountains went ahead of Maheśvara.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Devas, the chiefs of whom were Indra, the lotus-born Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and the lords of Gaṇas, surrounding lord Gaṇeśa on all sides, spoke the words, “Be victorious” with palms joined in reverence over their coronets.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: With staffs in their hands the sages with matted hairs danced. Siddhas, Cāraṇas and other heaven-walkers showered flowers. The three cities echoed and reverberated on all sides, O leading brahmins.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Bhṛṅgi, the most excellent among all the leading Gaṇas, was surrounded by lords of Gaṇas and Devas. A Yogin, he got into an aerial and went forth like Mahendra, to destroy the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The following leaders of Gaṇas surrounded Īśa and went forth to chastise the Tripuras:—Keśa, Vigatavāsas, Mahākeśa, Mahājvara, Somavallī, Savarṇa, Somapa, Senaka, Somadhṛk, Sūryavāca, Sūryapeṣaṇaka, Sūryākṣa, Sūrināma, Sura, Sundara, Prakuda, Kakudanta, Kampana, Prakampana, Indra, Indrajaya, Mahābhī, Bhīmaka, Śatākṣa, Pañcākṣa, Sahasrākṣa, Mahodara, Yamajihva, Śatāśva, Kuṇṭhana, Kaṇṭhapūjana, Dviśikha, Triśikha, Pañcaśikha, Muṇḍa, Ardhamuṇḍa, Dīrgha, Piśācāsya, Pinākadhṛk, Pippalāyatana, Aṅgārakāśana, Śithila, Śithilāsya, Akṣapāda, Aja, Kuja, Ajavaktra, Hayavaktra, Gajavaktra, Ūrdhvavaktra and others. They surrounded lord Soma in groups and went ahead. There were thousands and thousands of Rudras of sublimated sexuality. Surrounded by crores and crores of Gaṇas they rallied round Mahādeva, Maheśvara, the lord of Devas and went forth to burn the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The thirty-three, the three hundred and three and three thousand and three Devas went forth on all sides.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The mothers of the world, the mothers of Gaṇas, and the mothers of the Bhūtas followed the lord.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Seated in the middle of the chariot amongst Gaṇas the lord of the Gaṇas shone like the moon amongst stars and constellations.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Goddess Gaurī, the daughter of the Himalaya, identical with the worlds, was seated on the left side of the lord. She shone forth as though due to the splendour of lord Śiva.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The goddess, of auspicious marks, on the left side of the lord, shone with the tips of her hands holding the chowries. She had the lustre and colour of the golden lotus.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The pure white body of the supreme lord, the lord of Devas, was shining with Bhasman. In the company of Ambika it shone like the white cloud in the sky with the streaks of lightning.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The gentle body of lord Śiva, having the lustre of the moon shone with the golden bow like the sky that shines with the rainbow or the universe that shines with the Meru mountain.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: His white umbrella interspersed with the rays of jewels shone like the full disc of the moon at the time of its rising.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The gem-set necklace round the neck of Siva suspended along with his silken upper cloth near the extremity of the umbrella shone like the excellent river Gaṅgā falling from the sky.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Then the lord whose lotus-like feet were bowed to by Indra, Brahmā, fire-god and others, went to the three cities along with Ambā for the welfare of the world.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: The trident-bearing lord is competent to burn mentally, within a trice, the entire universe including the mobile and immobile beings. Why should then the Pināka-bearing lord go there himself along with the Gaṇas in order to burn the three cities?

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Devas, Viṣṇu, Brahmā and Indra said:—“Of what avail is the chariot to Śambhu? Of what avail is the excellent arrow to him? What has he to do with the groups of Devas? He is never wanting in power to burn the three cities. Then what is this?

Śrī Vināyaka said:: We think that just for his pastime the Pinākabear-ing lord set about doing all these things. Otherwise, what other benefit has he to derive from this elaborate show?

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Delighted in the company of leading Devas and Gaṇas headed by lord Nandin, and with the universe for his chariot he shone along with the goddess, like the mountain Meru with its eight peaks. He shone thus as he neared the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: On seeing Īśvara, the lord of Devas seated in the arena of the three cities along with Gaṇas and the daughter of Himavat, the group of Devas followed him.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: O leading sages, the three cities appeared like another set of the three worlds (because it was occupied) by leading men, the Gaṇas, Devas and the three kinds of Asuras.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Then Śarva tied up the string of the bow, fitted the arrow, joined it with the miraculous missile pertaining to Paśupati and thought of the three cities.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: When the great lord stood ready with the bow welldrawn, the three cities merged into one.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: When the three cities had attained fusion into one, the delight of the noble-souled deities was tumultuous and excited.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Eulogising the deity with eight cosmic bodies, all the groups of Devas, Siddhas and sages shouted the words, “Be victorious”.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Even when the auspicious Puṣyayoga was attained, the lord, the husband of Umā, who had destroyed the eye of Bhaga indulged in sportive pastime. Then lord Brahmā spoke to him:—

Śrī Vināyaka said:: O Mahādeva, Parameśvara, this gesture on your part is but proper, since, O lord, Asuras and Devas are equal to you.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: Still, in view of the fact that Devas are virtuous and asuras are sinful, it behoves you, O lord of the universe, to eschew your sportive pastime.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: O Īśa, O lord, of what avail is the chariot, or the banner or the arrow, or Viṣṇu, or I or even these goblins unto you for burning the three cities?

Śrī Vināyaka said:: It behoves you to burn the trio of the cities even as the Puṣya conjunction still prevails. O lord of Devas, it behoves you to burn the three cities quickly lest they should get separated. Then the great lord Virūpākṣa, glanced at the three cities. Instantaneously they were reduced to ashes. All those deities, viz., Soma (Moon), lord Viṣṇu, Kālāgni (Black fire) and Vāyu who were stationed in the arrow bowed down to the lord and said:—“O lord of Devas, although the trio of the cities has been burned by your glance it behoves you to discharge the arrow for our welfare.” Thereupon O leading brahmins, Īśvara, Tripurārdana, laughingly brushed the string of the bow, pulled it as far as his ear and discharged the arrow.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: It behoves you to burn the trio of the cities even as the Puṣya conjunction still prevails. O lord of Devas, it behoves you to burn the three cities quickly lest they should get separated. Then the great lord Virūpākṣa, glanced at the three cities. Instantaneously they were reduced to ashes. All those deities, viz., Soma (Moon), lord Viṣṇu, Kālāgni (Black fire) and Vāyu who were stationed in the arrow bowed down to the lord and said:—“O lord of Devas, although the trio of the cities has been burned by your glance it behoves you to discharge the arrow for our welfare.” Thereupon O leading brahmins, Īśvara, Tripurārdana, laughingly brushed the string of the bow, pulled it as far as his ear and discharged the arrow.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: It behoves you to burn the trio of the cities even as the Puṣya conjunction still prevails. O lord of Devas, it behoves you to burn the three cities quickly lest they should get separated. Then the great lord Virūpākṣa, glanced at the three cities. Instantaneously they were reduced to ashes. All those deities, viz., Soma (Moon), lord Viṣṇu, Kālāgni (Black fire) and Vāyu who were stationed in the arrow bowed down to the lord and said:—“O lord of Devas, although the trio of the cities has been burned by your glance it behoves you to discharge the arrow for our welfare.” Thereupon O leading brahmins, Īśvara, Tripurārdana, laughingly brushed the string of the bow, pulled it as far as his ear and discharged the arrow.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: It behoves you to burn the trio of the cities even as the Puṣya conjunction still prevails. O lord of Devas, it behoves you to burn the three cities quickly lest they should get separated. Then the great lord Virūpākṣa, glanced at the three cities. Instantaneously they were reduced to ashes. All those deities, viz., Soma (Moon), lord Viṣṇu, Kālāgni (Black fire) and Vāyu who were stationed in the arrow bowed down to the lord and said:—“O lord of Devas, although the trio of the cities has been burned by your glance it behoves you to discharge the arrow for our welfare.” Thereupon O leading brahmins, Īśvara, Tripurārdana, laughingly brushed the string of the bow, pulled it as far as his ear and discharged the arrow.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: It behoves you to burn the trio of the cities even as the Puṣya conjunction still prevails. O lord of Devas, it behoves you to burn the three cities quickly lest they should get separated. Then the great lord Virūpākṣa, glanced at the three cities. Instantaneously they were reduced to ashes. All those deities, viz., Soma (Moon), lord Viṣṇu, Kālāgni (Black fire) and Vāyu who were stationed in the arrow bowed down to the lord and said:—“O lord of Devas, although the trio of the cities has been burned by your glance it behoves you to discharge the arrow for our welfare.” Thereupon O leading brahmins, Īśvara, Tripurārdana, laughingly brushed the string of the bow, pulled it as far as his ear and discharged the arrow.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Śrī Vināyaka said:: After burning the three cities in a moment the arrow that brought about the destruction of the Tripuras came back to the lord of Devas, bowed to him and stood by. The three cities that contained hundreds of crores of Daityas, on being burned by that arrow, shone like the three worlds burned by Rudra at the end of the kalpa. Those Daityas who had been worshipping Rudra even at that stage along with their kinsmen, attained the chieftainship of the Gaṇas, thanks to the power of the duly performed worship. Devas including Indra and Viṣṇu and the lords of Gaṇas, looked at the lord and the goddess, the daughter of the Himavat with awe and fear. They did not say anything. On seeing Devas thus frightened, the leading Deva, i.e., Rudra asked them, “What next?” But they merely bowed to him from all sides. They saluted Nandin who had the moon for his ornament. They saluted the daughter of the king of mountains. They saluted the son of the daughter of the mountain, viz., Gaṇeśa. They saluted Maheśvara. With due attention, Brahmā eulogised lord Bhava, Īśvara the enemy of Tripuras, along with Devas and Viṣṇu.

Brahmā said: Be pleased, O lord of the chiefs of Devas; be pleased, O Parameśvara; be pleased, O lord of the worlds; be pleased, O eternal lord, the bestower of bliss.

Brahmā said: O Rudra of five faces, obeisance to you; obeisance to one who has fifty crores of physical forms; obeisance to the principle of learning, seated on the threefold Ātman.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to Śiva, to the principle of Śiva; obeisance to Aghora; obeisance to the principle of the set of eight forms[8] Aghora and others; obeisance to one of the form of twelve[9] Ātmans.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the Ātman of Śiva stationed in this world after adopting the splendid form that resembles crores of lightnings and that has sway over the eight quarters.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the fierce one of fiery complexion; obeisance to one with Ambikā occupying half of his body; obeisance to the immortal being; to the bestower of salvation unto those of white, black and red colour.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the Eldest one in the form of Rudra; to the deity accompanied by Umā; to the bestower of boons; obeisance to the deity of the three worlds; obeisance to the Trinity; obeisance to Vaṣaṭkāra.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the one of the form of firmament in the middle; obeisance to you stationed in the firmament; obeisance to the deity with eight forms[10] in the eight shrines;[11] obeisance to one having eight principles.[12]

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in three different sets of four[13] and two different sets of five;[14] obeisance to one having five mantras as his physical form.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the letter “A”, of sixty-four[15] types; obeisance to the letter “U” of the form of thirty-two[16] principles.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the letter “M”, having the sixteen forms[17] of the Ātman; obeisance to the deity in the eight forms[18] of half a Mātrā.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to you, to the Oṃkāra stationed in four[19] ways; obeisance to the lord of the firmament, to the lord of heaven.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the lord having the seven worlds (as his form); obeisance to the lord of the Pātāla (Nether-worlds) and Naraka (hell); obeisance to the deity having eight forms in the eight[20] holy shrines; obeisance to the deity greater than the greatest.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to you having a thousand heads; obeisance to you who stays in. thousands (i.e., in many forms); obeisance to Śarva possessing a thousand feet; obeisance to Parameṣṭhin.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one with the form of nine[21] principles of the Ātman; obeisance to one having nine times eight[22] Atmans and Ātmaśaktis; obeisance to one having eight[23] modes of revelation; obeisance to one having eight times eight[24] physical forms.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one possessing sixty-four[25] principles of the Ātman, obeisance to one (stationed) in eight[26] different forms; obeisance to one encompassed by the eight Guṇas;[27] obeisance to one the Saguṇa as well as Nirguṇa.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to you stationed at the root; obeisance to the resident of the eternal abode; obeisance to one stationed in the umbilical regions; obeisance to one who causes sounds in the heart.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in the neck; to one who is stationed in the aperture of the cymbals; to one stationed in the middle of the eyebrows; to one stationed in the middle of sounds.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to Śiva stationed in the disc of the moon; to one of auspicious forms; to one, having the forms of fire, moon and the sun; obeisance to one having the form of the thirty-six[28] Śaktis.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one who is the Ātman. of the Serpent that is asleep after encircling the worlds three times; obeisance to one stationed in three different forms; obeisance to one with the forms of threefold (sacrificial) fires.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to Sadāśiva; to the Pināka-bearing quiescent Maheśa; obeisance to the omniscient one; worthy of being sought refuge in; obeisance to Sadyojāta.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to Aghora; to Vāmadeva; to Tatpuruṣa; and to Īśāna.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one having thirty[29] modes of revelation; obeisance to one beyond Śāntā (the digit of that name); obeisance to the lord Ananta to the subtle and the excellent one.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to you, the single-eyed; obeisance to you, the Ekarudra; obeisance to you, the trinity;[30] to Śrīkaṇṭha; to Śikhaṇḍin (the tufted one).

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the Infinite one; to one stationed in the seat of the Infinite; obeisance to the cause of destruction; obeisance to one devoid of impurities; obeisance to the large one; obeisance to you of pure body.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in the seat devoid of impurities;[31] obeisance to one of the form of wealth for the pure purpose; obeisance to the yogin stationed in yogapīṭhas; obeisance to the bestower of yoga.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in the heart of yogins like the awn of the wild rice Nīvāra; obeisance to you the Pratyāhāra, to you engaged in Pratyāhāra.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in the heart of those who are engaged in Pratyāhāra, and Dhāraṇā (retention) and Dhyāna (meditation); of the form of Dhāraṇā and Dhyāna; and to one who is comprehensible through Dhyāna.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one stationed in the heart of those who are engaged in Pratyāhāra, and Dhāraṇā (retention) and Dhyāna (meditation); of the form of Dhāraṇā and Dhyāna; and to one who is comprehensible through Dhyāna.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one worthy of meditation. Obeisance to one approachable through meditation; obeisance to you of laudable meditation; obeisance to one worthy of meditation even by those who themselves are worthy of meditation; obeisance to you the worthiest of those who are worthy of meditation by others.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one worthy of Approach through contemplation; obeisance to you, who are contemplation itself; obeisance to one in the form of Nirvikalpa object unto those who are engaged in meditation.

Brahmā said: O Rudra, by burning the three cities this entire set of the three worlds has been redeemed by you today. Who will dare to eulogise you (befittingly)? How shall I eulogise you who are of this extraordinary nature? Obeisance to you O delightful Śiva.

Brahmā said: O lord of Devas, thanks to their devotion, contentment and vision of miracle, that the mortals, immortals, Gaṇas, and Siddhas, make obeisance to you. O lord of Gaṇas, obeisance to you.

Brahmā said: O lord, you are competent to burn the three cities, nay even the three worlds by a single glance of yours. Leisurely sporting with Ambika, you have burned them in a trice; and the arrow too was discharged.

Brahmā said: For your work of annihilating the Tripuras, I made with great deal of effort the excellent chariot, the speedy arrow and the splendid bow; but the benefit thereof was not seen by Devas as well as Siddhas.

Brahmā said: O lord, you are all these combined:—the chariot, the charioteer, Viṣṇu the excellent Deva-Rudra himself, Śakti and Pitāmaha. How shall I adequately eulogise you? I bow down my head to you, who cannot be adequately propitiated.[32]

Brahmā said: O lord, you have infinite number of feet, infinite number of arms, infinite number of heads and infinite number of forms. You are the annihilator as well as the auspicious one. Shall I propitiate- you of this nature? How shall I please you, who are of this nature?

Brahmā said: Obeisance to you, the knower of everything; obeisance to you Rudra, Śarva and Bhava; obeisance to the gross, to the subtle, to the subtler than the subtlest; to the creator and to one conversant with the subtle meaning.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the creator, sustainer and the annihilator of all Devas and Asuras; obeisance to the creator of the worlds, to the leader of Devas and the lord of Asuras. Obeisance to the giver, to the ruler, to the chastiser of all.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to the purest one comprehensible only through Vedānta; obeisance to one continuously eulogised by those who know the meanings of Vedas; obeisance to Bhava in the form of the Ātman of the Vedas; obeisance to you, to the last one, to the middle one, to the upper one.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to one who is devoid of a beginning or an end; to one who exists; to one devoid of expressibility; to the Liṅgin (one having a Liṅga form); obeisance to you who have no symbols and yet are identical with the Liṅga; to Liṅga identical with Veda, etc.

Brahmā said: Obeisance to Rudra who had severed my head—I am the primordial lord and yajñamūrti (one whose form is yajña). O lord, it was for dispelling my darkness that you had severed my head[33] by the tip of your finger on observing my crime which deserved that punishment.

Brahmā said: O lord of Devas, O lord of Asuras, wonderful indeed are your activities. O deity devoid of attributes and forms, like an. embodied soul you will carry out the task of Devas along with them.

Brahmā said: Among your tattvas one is gross;[34] one is subtle; one is very subtle; one is both embodied and unembodied; one is embodied; one is unembodied; one is visible; and one is invisible and one is worthy of being meditated upon, the wonderful Īśa.

Brahmā said: O lord, what is seen in a dream is an uncharacterised objeet; I think that it certainly appears as well as does not appear; Your divine form cannot be perceived even by Devas, in. spite of their efforts. Yet it appears in the visible liṅga form.

Brahmā said: O lord of Devas, where is your divine prowess? Where are we? Where is devotion? Where is your eulogy? Still, O lord, forgive me who though a primeval being am lamenting, inspired by devotion.

Sūta said:: O excellent brahmins, he who listens to this hymn of the chastiser of Puras, or he who reads it after bowing to the lord on the ground eschews the bondage of sins.

Sūta said:: On hearing this hymn, the mighty-armed resident of the peak of Mandara who was eulogised devotedly by the fourfaced deity looked laughingly at the daughter of the mountain and said to Brahmā of great exalted dignity.

Śiva said:: O lotus-born one, I am delighted by this hymn as well as by your devotion. Welfare unto you. Choose the boons in accordance with the desire of Devas.

Sūta said: Thereupon, after bowing to the lord of Devas, the lotus-born deity became delighted in his mind and spoke with palms joined in reverence.

Brahmā said: O lord Śaṅkara, O lord of the chiefs of Devas, O destroyer of Tripuras, O Parameśvara, be pleased to confer on me the greatest devotion towards you.

Brahmā said: O lord, the bestower of all riches on all Devas. Be pleased with our devotion towards you always as well as with my charioteership.

Brahmā said: Lord Viṣṇu also bowed down to Maheśvara. Joining his palms together in reverence he said thus to the three-eyed lord accompanied by Umā.

Brahmā said: “O lord, be pleased with me. O lord of Devas, obeisance be to you. I perpetually desire to be your vehicle. I wish for your devotion as well as my efficiency to bear you. O Śaṅkara, the bestower of boons, I wish for omniscience and all-pervasiveness.

Brahmā said: “O lord, be pleased with me. O lord of Devas, obeisance be to you. I perpetually desire to be your vehicle. I wish for your devotion as well as my efficiency to bear you. O Śaṅkara, the bestower of boons, I wish for omniscience and all-pervasiveness.

Sūta said: On hearing their submission Parameśvara, Mahādeva, Bhava engaged them respectively in charioteership and the position of vehicle.

Sūta said: After burning Daityas, and after giving boons to Brahmā and Viṣṇu, Śiva, the noble-souled lord of Devas, vanished along with the goddess, Bhūtas and Nandin.

Sūta said: When the lord had gone away from the battlefield along with his Gaṇas, the awe-struck lords of Devas bowed down to Bhava and Pārvatī. They became devoid of misery and returned to heaven on their vehicles. The lords of Devas, the chiefs of sages, the lords of Gaṇas and Bhāskaras went to heaven.

Sūta said: When the lord had gone away from the battlefield along with his Gaṇas, the awe-struck lords of Devas bowed down to Bhava and Pārvatī. They became devoid of misery and returned to heaven on their vehicles. The lords of Devas, the chiefs of sages, the lords of Gaṇas and Bhāskaras went to heaven.

Sūta said: O brahmins, he who reads this chapter on the exploits of the destroyer of Tripuras, originally composed by Brahmā formerly or he who narrates this devotedly to the brahmins at the time of Śrāddha or during the rites of Devas goes to the world of Brahmā. O excellent brahmins, the individual soul is liberated from all kinds of sins mental, physical or verbal. He is liberated from the principal as well as subsidiary sins, gross, subtle or subtlest on hearing this splendid chapter. His enemies will perish and he will be victorious in battle. He will never be harassed by any sickness. Adversities will not afflict him. He shall attain wealth, longevity, renown, learning and incomparable prowess.

Sūta said: O brahmins, he who reads this chapter on the exploits of the destroyer of Tripuras, originally composed by Brahmā formerly or he who narrates this devotedly to the brahmins at the time of Śrāddha or during the rites of Devas goes to the world of Brahmā. O excellent brahmins, the individual soul is liberated from all kinds of sins mental, physical or verbal. He is liberated from the principal as well as subsidiary sins, gross, subtle or subtlest on hearing this splendid chapter. His enemies will perish and he will be victorious in battle. He will never be harassed by any sickness. Adversities will not afflict him. He shall attain wealth, longevity, renown, learning and incomparable prowess.

Sūta said: O brahmins, he who reads this chapter on the exploits of the destroyer of Tripuras, originally composed by Brahmā formerly or he who narrates this devotedly to the brahmins at the time of Śrāddha or during the rites of Devas goes to the world of Brahmā. O excellent brahmins, the individual soul is liberated from all kinds of sins mental, physical or verbal. He is liberated from the principal as well as subsidiary sins, gross, subtle or subtlest on hearing this splendid chapter. His enemies will perish and he will be victorious in battle. He will never be harassed by any sickness. Adversities will not afflict him. He shall attain wealth, longevity, renown, learning and incomparable prowess.

Sūta said: O brahmins, he who reads this chapter on the exploits of the destroyer of Tripuras, originally composed by Brahmā formerly or he who narrates this devotedly to the brahmins at the time of Śrāddha or during the rites of Devas goes to the world of Brahmā. O excellent brahmins, the individual soul is liberated from all kinds of sins mental, physical or verbal. He is liberated from the principal as well as subsidiary sins, gross, subtle or subtlest on hearing this splendid chapter. His enemies will perish and he will be victorious in battle. He will never be harassed by any sickness. Adversities will not afflict him. He shall attain wealth, longevity, renown, learning and incomparable prowess.

Sūta said: O brahmins, he who reads this chapter on the exploits of the destroyer of Tripuras, originally composed by Brahmā formerly or he who narrates this devotedly to the brahmins at the time of Śrāddha or during the rites of Devas goes to the world of Brahmā. O excellent brahmins, the individual soul is liberated from all kinds of sins mental, physical or verbal. He is liberated from the principal as well as subsidiary sins, gross, subtle or subtlest on hearing this splendid chapter. His enemies will perish and he will be victorious in battle. He will never be harassed by any sickness. Adversities will not afflict him. He shall attain wealth, longevity, renown, learning and incomparable prowess.