Introduction
Shiva on his marriage with Uma is in the conjugal bliss for a long period due to his yogic powers. Fearing the result of that prolonged activity all gods pray for the cessation of it because none in any world can carry that offspring. Shiva accepting that request asks them where to discharge the sperm that has already stirred up. Gods indicate the earth as the taker. Shiva accordingly inundates the earth with his fluid. Then the Fire-god is dispatched to consolidate that into a reed forest called sharavaNa . Goddess Uma ireful at the prevention of begetting a son, now curses gods and earth to be childless.
Verse 1
उक्तवाक्ये मुनौ तस्मिन्नुभौ राघवलक्ष्मणौ |
प्रतिनन्द्य कथां वीरौ ऊचतुर्मुनिपुंगवम् || १-३६-१
When that sage Vishvamitra has finished narration of the legend of the daughters of Himavanta, both the brave ones, namely Raghava and Lakshmana in their turn have extolled that legend and spoke to that eminent-sage. [1-36-1]
1. tasmin munau = = that, sage; uktavaakye = who has spoken word – who said so – finished narration; viirau raaghavalakSmaNau ubhau = brave, Raghava and Lakshmana, both; kathaam pratinandya = in turn praised at the story; munipungavam uucatuH = spoke to eminent sage.
Verse 2
धर्मयुक्तमिदं ब्रह्मन् कथितं परमं त्वया |
दुहितुः शैलराजस्य ज्येष्ठाय वक्तुमर्हसि |
विस्तरं विस्तरज्ञोऽसि दिव्यमानुषसंभवम् || १-३६-२
“This admirable discourse given by you about Ganga is exhaustive in righteousness, oh, Brahman, and it will be apt of you to tell emphatically about the divine and earthly legend of the elder daughter of Himavanta, namely Ganga, for you are aware to expatiate upon it. [1-36-2]
2. brahman = oh Brahman; dharmayuktam = exhaustive of righteousness ; paramam = admirable – story; idam = this; tvayaa kathitam = discoursed by you; shailaraajasya jyeSThaaya duhituH = elder daughter [Ganga] of mountain king [Himavanta] ; divyamaanuSasambhavam = divine humanly [legend] happenings; vistaram vaktum arhasi = apt of you to tell emphatically ; vistaraj~naH asi = you are knower – aware of expatiation.
Verse 3 & 4a
त्रीन्पथो हेतुना केन पावयेल्लोकपावनी |
कथं गङ्गा त्रिपथगा विश्रुता सरिदुत्तमा || १-३६-३
त्रिषु लोकेषु धर्मज्ञ कर्मभिः कैः समन्विता |
“By which reason that world purifier Ganga influxes into three paths? Oh, virtue-knower, and connected with which deeds of merit this triple-courser Ganga is renowned as the best one among all the rivers in three worlds?” Thus Rama and Lakshmana have asked the sage Vishvamitra. [1-36-3, 4a]
3, 4a. lokapaavanii = purifier of worlds – Ganga; kena hetunaa = by which, reason; triin pathaH plaavayet = three, paths, she is flooding – flowing; dharmaj~na = oh virtue-knower [Vishvamitra]; tripathagaa = coursing in three way; ga~Ngaa = Ganga; kaiH karmabhiH samanvitaa = by which, deeds, she is connected with – deeds of merit; triSu lokeSu = in three, worlds; sarit uttamaa = the best one among rivers ; [katham = in which way]; vishrutaa = well, known – renowned.
Verse 4b & 5a
तथा ब्रुवति काकुत्स्थे विश्वामित्रस्तपोधनः || १-३६-४
निखिलेन कथां सर्वामृषिमध्ये न्यवेदयत् |
When Kakutstha-s have enquired that way, the ascetically-wealthy sage Vishvamitra has narrated all the legend of Ganga in its entirety, staying among the sages. [1-36-4b, 5a]
4b, 5a. kaakutsthe tathaa bruvati = that way said by Kakutstha-s [Rama, Lakshmana] ; tapodhanaH vishvaamitraH = ascesis-wealthy, Vishvamitra; sarvaam kathaam nikhilena = all, legend, in entirety; R^iSimadhye nyavedayat = submitted – spoken among sages.
Verse 5b & 6a
पुरा रामकृतोद्वाहः शितिकण्ठो महातपाः || १-३६-५
दृष्ट्वा च भगवान् देवीं मैथुनायोपचक्रमे |
“On his getting married to Uma, oh, Rama, the sublime-ascetic and bluish throated god Shiva, as his throat became blue when he consumed poison during the churning of Milky Ocean, at one time with a predilection towards her he has started lovemaking with her. [1-36-5b, 6a]
5b, 6a. raama = oh Rama; puraa kR^itodvaahaH = once, getting married [to Uma]; mahaatapaaH shitikaNThaH = sublime ascetic, blue throated god – Shiva; deviim = consort [Shiva’s consort, Goddess Uma]; dR^iSTvaa = on seeing – having a penchant; bhagavaan maithunaaya upacakrame = God – Siva, began for lovemaking.
Verse 6b,c & 7
तस्य संक्रीडमानस्य महादेवस्य धीमतः |
शितिकण्ठस्य देवस्य दिव्यं वर्षशतं गतम् || १-३६-६
न चापि तनयो राम तस्यामासीत्परंतप |
“While that sublime, sagacious and blue-throated God Shiva is in lovemaking, oh, enemy-scorcher Rama, a hundred divine years have elapsed, even then he had no son in her, namely Goddess Uma. [1-36-6b, c, 7]
6b, c, 7. parantapa raama = oh enemy-scorcher, Rama; mahaadhiimataH = of that sagacious one; devasya shitikaNThasya samkriiDamaanasya = of blue-throated god Shiva, while nuptial merrymaking – lovemaking; tasya devasya = of that, god’s; divyam varSashatam gatam = divine, hundred years, elapsed; api ca = even, also – even then; tasyaam = in her – in Uma; tanayaH na aasiit = son, has not, become – not born.
Verse 7b & 8a
सर्वे देवाः समुद्युक्ताः पितामहपुरोगमाः || १-३६-७
यदिहोत्पद्यते भूतं कः तत्प्रतिसहिष्यति |
“All the gods headed by Brahma have then started to ponder, ‘is there anybody who can inevitably sustain that being which emerges from this goddess Uma after this prolonged yogic act of copulation with Shiva?’ This being the worry of all gods they have prepared for action. [1-36-7b, 8a]
7b, 8a. [tataH = then]; pitaamahapurogamaaH = going before- leading the delegation before Forefather [Brahma] ; devaaH = gods; thought among themselves; iha = in this – goddess Uma; yat bhuutam utpadyate = which, being, emerges; tat = that being; kaH pratisahiSyati = who, in turn [inevitably] sustains; thinking so; sarve samudyuktaaH = all, prepared for action; or, [samudvignaaH = all are worried.]
Verse 8b & 9
अभिगम्य सुराः सर्वे प्रणिपत्येदमब्रुवन् || १-३६-८
देव देव महादेव लोकस्यास्य हिते रत |
सुराणां प्रणिपातेन प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि || १-३६-९
“All of the gods on approaching and paying their deference to Shiva spoke this to him, ‘oh, God of Gods, oh, one who is interested in the welfare of these worlds, oh, Great-God, considering the supplication of all gods it will be apt of you to bestow grace.’ [1-36-8b, 9]
8b, 9. suraaH sarve abhigamya = gods, all of them, towards on going – on approaching Shiva; praNipatya idam abruvan = they spoke this paying deference to [Siva] ; deva deva = oh God of Gods; asya lokasya hite rata = oh one who is interested in welfare of this world ; mahaadeva = oh Great-God; suraaNaam = of gods, such as we are; our; praNipaatena = by [‘consideration of] supplication; prasaadam kartum arhasi = apt of you to bestow grace.
Verse 10 & 11
न लोका धारयिष्यन्ति तव तेजः सुरोत्तम |
ब्राह्मेण तपसा युक्तो देव्या सह तपश्चर || १-३६-१०
त्रैलोक्यहितकामार्थं तेजस्तेजसि धारय |
रक्ष सर्वानिमान् लोकान्नालोकं कर्तुमर्हसि || १-३६-११
” ‘Worlds cannot capably bear your offspring born out of your effulgence, oh, Supreme-God, hence you may practice yogic asceticism along with your consort Goddess Uma in unison with Vedic postulates of Yoga, rather than progeniture, and desiring the welfare of the three worlds you may please retain your refulgent seed within your own radiance, thus protect this universe, since it will not be apt of you to render it devoid of worlds with the efflux of the unmanageable potence of yours .’ So said gods to Shiva. [1-36-10, 11]
10, 11. surottama = oh supreme one of gods – oh supreme god; tava tejaH = your, offspring born out of your effulgence; lokaaH na dhaarayiSyanti = worlds, cannot be, capable to bear; braahmeNa tapasaa yuktaH = unified with postulates of asceticism as per Vedic ancillary [Yoga] ; devyaa saha = along with Goddess Uma ; tapaH cara = you practise asceticism; trailokyahitakaamaartham = desiring welfare of three world’s; tejaH tejasi dhaaraya = you sustain your refulgent seed in your own radiance; rakSha sarvaan imaan lokaan = protect, all, these, worlds [in universe]; na alokam kartum arhasi = not, devoid of [annihilate], worlds [in universe,] apt of you to render.
Verse 12
देवतानां वचः श्रुत्वा सर्वलोकमहेश्वरः |
बाढमित्यब्रवीत् सर्वान् पुनश्चेदमुवाच ह || १-३६-१२
“On listening the words of gods that Rarefied-God of Universe, namely Shiva said, ‘so be it,’ and further spoke this to all of the gods, indeed. [1-36-12]
12. sarvalokamaheshvaraH = Rarefied-God of all universe [Shiva]; devataanaam vacaH shrutvaa = on listening to the words of gods; baaDham = so be it; iti abraviit = thus, said to them; punaH = again – further; sarvaan = to all gods; idam uvaaca ha = this, spoke, indeed.
Verse 13
धारयिष्याम्यहं तेजस्तेजस्येव सहोमया |
त्रिदशाः पृथिवी चैव निर्वाणमधिगच्छतु || १-३६-१३
” ‘I wish to bear my sperm in my virility and Uma in hers, let the immortals and mortals as well, derive a perfect bliss. [1-36-13]
13. umayaa saha aham = I along with Uma; tejaH tejasi eva = sperm, in virility; dhaarayiSyaami = I wish to bear; tridashaaH pR^ithivii caiva = divinities [immortals,] earthly [mortals,] also; nirvaaNam adhigacChatu = enter upon derive perfect bliss.
Verse 14
यदिदं क्षुभितं स्थानान्मम तेजो ह्यनुत्तमम् |
धारयिष्यति कस्तन्मे ब्रुवन्तु सुरसत्तमाः || १-३६-१४
” ‘But that part which has already stirred up from its place is irrestrainable, as such, oh gods of eminence, you tell me who can contain that part of the unexcelled potence.’ So said Shiva to gods. [1-36-14]
14. mama = mine; anuttamam = unexcelled [semen]; yat = that which; idam tejaH = this, refulgence is, semen is; sthaanaat kSubhitam = from its place, stirred up; tat = that, that much semen; kaH dhaarayiSyati = who, will bear; surasattamaaH = eminent one of gods; regarding that; me bruvantu = to me, you tell.
Verse 15
एवमुक्तास्ततो देवाः प्रत्यूचुर्वृषभध्वजम् |
यत्तेजः क्षुभितं ह्यद्य तद्धरा धारयिष्यति || १-३६-१५
“Thus spoken by Shiva, then the gods in reply spoke to him whose banner is Divine-Bull, namely Shiva, ‘that part of the potence which has already stirred up, the earth indeed endures that now. [1-3-15]
15. evam uktaaH = thus, who are spoken to [by Shiva]; tataH = then; devaaH = gods; vR^iSabhadhvajam = Divine-Bull bannered [god Shiva]; pratyuucuH = spoke in reply; yat tejaH kSubhitam = that which, sperm, stirred up; tat adya = that – part, now; dharaa dhaarayiSyati hi = earth, endures, indeed.
Verse 16
एवमुक्तः सुरपतिः प्रमुमोच महाबलः |
तेजसा पृथिवी येन व्याप्ता सगिरिकानना || १-३६-१६
“Thus said by the gods that Yogi of par excellence and the God of Gods, Shiva, discharged his refulgent semen with which the earth together with its mountains and forests is overspread. [1-36-16]
16. evam uktaH = thus, said [by gods]; surapatiH = god’s god; yena tejasaa = by which, refulgence – of Shiva; sagirikaananaa pR^ithivii = with mountains and forests, earth is; vyaaptaa = overspread; such a refulgence; [mahii tale = on earth’s, surface]; mahaabalaH = greatly virile one [Yogi, of par excellence]; pramumoca = well discharged.
Verse 17
ततो देवाः पुनरिदमूचुश्चापि हुताशनम् |
आविश त्वं महातेजो रौद्रं वायुसमन्वितः || १-३६-१७
“Thereby the gods in their turn said even to Fire-god, ‘you enter the great-potence of Rudra along with Wind-god, lest that potence may annihilate the earth and earthlings, because you can consume anything that comes in touch with you. [1-36-17]
17. tataH = thereby; devaaH = gods; punaH = in turn; hutaashanam api = consumer of Fire-oblations [Fire-god,] even; idam uucuH ca = this, said, also; tvam vaayusamanvitaH = you, along with Wind-god; raudram = pertaining to Rudra; mahaatejaH = his semen, great-potence; aavisha = enter.
Verse 18 & 19a
तदग्निना पुनर्व्याप्तं संजातं श्वेतपर्वतम् |
दिव्यं शरवणं चैव पावकादित्यसंनिभम् || १-३६-१८
यत्र जातो महातेजाः कार्तिकेयोऽग्निसंभवः |
“And when Fire-god invaded that great-potence of Shiva it has emerged as White-mountain, also thus it has become as a divine forest of reeds equalling the Sun and Fire in its resplendence, wherefrom the highly brilliant Kumara has emerged. [1-36-18, 19a]
18, 19a. agninaa = by Fire-god; vyaaptam = pervaded; tat = that great-potence; punaH = again; shvetaparvatam samjaatam = well emerged as white mountain; paavakaaadityasamnibham = equal in shine to Fire and Sun; divyam sharavaNam caiva = divine, reeds, forest, also thus; it has become; yatra = wherefrom; mahaatejaaH = highly brilliant; agnisambhavaH = one who is born out of the refulgence of Shiva through Fire-god; kaartikeyaH = one who is suckled by Krittika-s; jaataH = has emerged.
Verse 19b & 20a
अथोमां च शिवं चैव देवाः सर्षिगणास्तदा || १-३६-१९
पूजयामासुरत्यर्थं सुप्रीतमनसस्ततः |
“Later on, the gods together with the assemblages of sages are well pleased at heart as it has happened according to their prayer, thereby they fulsomely adored Shiva and even Uma. [1-36-19b, 20a]
19b, 20a. atha = later; sarSigaNaaH devaaH = with assemblages of sages and gods; tataH = thereby, as it has happened so; supriitamanasaH = well pleased at heart; tadaa = then; umaam ca shivam caiva = Uma, also, Shiva, also thus; atyartham puujayaamaasuH = fulsomely, adored.
Verse 20b & 21a
अथ शैलसुता राम त्रिदशानिदमब्रवीत् || २०
समन्युरशपत् सर्वान् क्रोधसंरक्तलोचना |
“Oh, Rama, but the daughter of Himalayan Mountain, namely Uma, while irefully saying this to the divinities she cursed them all with her eyes reddened in anger. [1-36-20b, 21a]
20b, 21a. raama = oh Rama; atha = then; shailasutaa = mountain’s daughter – Uma; samanyuH = with ire; tridashaan idam abraviit = said this to divinities; krodhasamraktalocanaa = reddened eyes with anger; sarvaan ashapat = cursed all of them.
Verse 21b & 22a
यस्मान्निवारिता चाहं संगता पुत्रकाम्यया || १-३६-२१
अपत्यं स्वेषु दारेषु नोत्पादयितुमर्हथ |
” ‘Wherefore, I who am desirous of a son had been prevented from the intimacy with my husband, therefore you shall be infecund to beget progeny through your own wives. [1-36-21b, 22a]
21b, 22a. yasmaat = wherefore; putrakaamyayaa = desirous of son ; aham samgataa nivaaritaa = I am back moved – prevented from intimacy ; [tasmaat = therefore]; sveSu daareSu = in one’s own, wives; apatyam = progeny; na utpaadayitum arhatha = not eligible – worthy enough to bring forth, infecund – you are prevented to bear children.
Verse 22 & 23a
अद्य प्रभृति युष्माकमप्रजाः सन्तु पत्नयः || १-३६-२२
एवमुक्त्वा सुरान्सर्वान् शशाप पृथिवीमपि |
” ‘And from now onwards you wives shall remain infertile…’ and on saying this way to all of the gods she also gave a curse to the earth. [1-36-22, 23a]
22, 23a. adya prabhR^iti = from now, onwards; yuSmaakam = yours; patnayaH = wives; aprajaaH = without progeny; santu = they will be – they remain; sarvaan suraan = to all, gods; evam uktvaa = this way, on saying [by Uma]; pR^ithiviim api = to earth, also; shashaapa = cursed – gave a curse.
Verse 23b & 24
अवने नैकरूपा त्वं बहुभार्या भविष्यसि || १-३६-२३
न च पुत्रकृतां प्रीतिं मत्क्रोधकलुषीकृता |
प्राप्स्यसि त्वं सुदुर्मेधे मम पुत्रमनिच्छती || १-३६-२४
” ‘Oh, Earth, your appearance shall be bizarre and you will be a wife to many. And oh, verily base-minded earth, rendered sully by my anger you shall have no gratification caused by the children as you are bigoted against my son. [1-36-23b, 24]
23b, 24. avane = oh earth; tvam = you; na ekaruupaa = not, with one appearance – sui generis, bizarre; bahubhaaryaa = as wife to many; bhaviSyasi = you will become; sudurmedhe = oh very base minded one [earth]; mama putram anicChatii = to me, son, not desirous – you are bigoted; tvam = you; mat krodhakaluSiikR^itaa = sully rendered by my anger – sullied by my anger; putrakR^itaam priitim ca = delight caused by children, even; na praapsyasi = you will not get.
Verse 25
तान् सर्वान् पीडितान् दृष्ट्वा सुरान् सुरपतिस्तदा |
गमनायोपचक्राम दिशं वरुणपालिताम् || १-३६-२५
“That God of Gods Shiva becoming ill at ease to look at all of the distressed gods, equally feeling small to convince his consort Uma, he has started to journey towards the western quarter which is ruled by Rain-god. [1-36-25]
25. surapatiH = god’s god – Shiva; tadaa = then; piiDitaan [vriiDitaan] = distressed [ashamed]; taan sarvaan suraan dR^iSTvaa = on seeing them all gods – ill at ease to see their plight; varuNapaalitaam = ruled by Rain-god; disham = towards the quarter of compass; gamanaaya upacakraama = started to go.
Verse 27
एष ते विस्तरो राम शैलपुत्र्या निवेदितः |
गङ्गायाः प्रभवं चैव शृणु मे सहलक्ष्मणः || १-३६-२७
“This is the legend of mountain’s daughter, namely Goddess Uma vividly narrated to you, oh, Rama, and now listen from me along with Lakshmana about the emergence of Ganga. [1-36-27]
27. raama = oh Rama; shailaputryaa = pertaining to mountain’s daughter eSaH = this [Uma’s legend]; vistaraH te niveditaH = vividly narrated to you; gangaayaaH prabhavam caiva = about Ganga’s, emergence, also even; sahalakSmaNaH = with Lakshmana; shR^iNu me = listen, from me.
Verse 26
स गत्वा तप आतिष्ठत् पार्श्वे तस्योत्तरे गिरेः |
हिमवत्प्रभवे शृंगे सह देव्या महेश्वरः || १-३६-२६
“On going to the northern side of Himalayan Mountains, that God of Gods, Shiva settled down in ascesis along with his consort Uma on the peak of a mountain emerged from Himalayas. [1-36-26]
26. saH maheshvaraH = he – Shiva; gatvaa = having gone to west; tasya gireH uttare paarshve = northern side of that mountain [Himalayas] ; himavat prabhave shR^i~nge = emerged [a mountain] on Himalayas peak; devyaa saha = along with concert [Uma] ; tapa aatiSThat = settled down in ascesis.
