Prakriti Characteristics

शिवतत्त्वज्ञानवर्णनं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः
Shiva element knowledge Chapter 5



वायुरुवाच |
Vayudeva said (to the sages)



सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसंभवाः |
प्रकृतौ सूक्ष्मरूपेण तिले तैलमिव स्थिताः || 34 ||
Sattva, rajas, tamas – these characteristics are born of Prakriti, staying in Prakriti like oil in a sesame seed.


Compare with shloka 5 of Chapter 14 of Bhagvad Gita.


सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसंभवाः |
निबध्नन्ति महाबाहो देहे देहिनमव्ययम् ||
These are the characteristics which bind the undecaying soul/individual (body bearing entity – a living being) with the physical body. Sattva can overpower rajas, but is still something that binds the soul.

Purified mind

शिवतत्त्वज्ञानवर्णनं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः
Shiva element knowledge Chapter 5



वायुरुवाच |
Vayudeva said (to the sages)



क्षीणे चात्ममले तस्मिन्पुमाञ्छिवसमो भवेत् || 28 ||
And on (total) disappearance of the dirt of the mind, at that point, man becomes similar to Lord Shiva.

Knowledge

शिवतत्त्वज्ञानवर्णनं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः
Shiva element knowledge Chapter 5



वायुरुवाच |
Vayudeva said (to the sages)



अज्ञानप्रभवं दुःखं ज्ञानेनैव निवर्तते | 11
Unhappiness/sorrow resulting from ignorance (sorrow of the material world) recedes/goes away only by knowledge.

Manomaya chakra

नैमिषोपाख्यानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Naimisharanya episode Chapter 3



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (to the sages)



एतन्मनोमयं चक्रं मया सृष्टं विसृज्यते |
यत्रास्य शीर्यते नेमिः स देशस्तपसः शुभः || 53 ||
This Manomaya chakra created by me (is being) released. Where it falls/breaks down, that Nemi region (will be) auspicious for asceticism.

Yoga

नैमिषोपाख्यानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Naimisharanya episode Chapter 3



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (to the sages)



ज्ञानध्यानाभियुक्तस्य पुंसो योगः प्रवर्तते || 39 ||
योगेन तु परा भक्तिः प्रसादस्तदनन्तरम् |
प्रसादान्मुच्यते जन्तुर्मुक्तः शिवसमो भवेत् || 40 ||
Yoga prevails in a man who has knowledge and (practises) meditation.
By yoga only, higher devotion (comes), Prasada (a state of mind with purity and satisfaction) soon after, by Prasada a living being (is) liberated (and) becomes similar to Lord Shiva.

Mahadeva

नैमिषोपाख्यानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Naimisharanya episode Chapter 3



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (to the sages)



अस्य भूतानि वश्यानि अयं सर्वनियोजकः |
अयं तु परया भक्त्या दृश्यते नान्यथा क्वचित् || 23 ||
Living beings are under this (fellow's) control, this (fellow) is the organiser of everything. This (one) can be seen only by higher devotion, not otherwise in any way.

The second half of this shloka appeared also in Vidyeshwara Samhita, Chapter 3, shloka 12.

Mahadev

नैमिषोपाख्यानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Naimisharanya episode Chapter 3



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (to the sages) 



एको देवो महादेवो विज्ञेयस्तु महेश्वरः |
न तस्य परमं किञ्चित्पदं समधिगम्यते || 15 ||
The one Deva, the great Deva should really be known as the great God. No level above his can be reached (no level above his exists).

Naimisharanya episode

नैमिषोपाख्यानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Naimisharanya episode Chapter 3



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (to the sages)



यतो वाचो निवर्तन्ते अप्राप्य मनसा सह |
आनन्दं यस्य वै विद्वान्न बिभेति कुतश्चन || 1 ||
That without grasping which speech turns back along with the mind, whose joy,
a knowledgeable person does not fear for any reason.

The first half of this shloka also appears in Taittiriya Upanishad, Chapter 2, shloka 9, and in Vidyeshwara Samhita, Chapter 3, shloka 10.

Prologue by the sages

मुनिप्रस्ताववर्णनं नाम द्वितीयोऽध्यायः
Description of the prologue by the sages – Chapter 2



मुनय उचुः |
Sages said (to Lord Brahma)



त्वं हि सर्वजगद्धाता सर्वकारणकारणम् |
त्वया ह्यविदितं नाथ नेह किञ्चन विद्यते || 27 ||
कः पुमान्सर्वसत्त्वेभ्यः पुराणः पुरुषः परः |
विशुद्धः परिपूर्णश्च शाश्वतः परमेश्वरः || 28 ||
You are really the creator of the universe, the cause of all causes. There is nothing here, Lord, that you do not know.
Which man (is) in all living beings, ancient, higher Purusha (God), pure, complete and eternal supreme God?

Vayaviya Samhita

वायवीयसंहितायां पूर्वभागे विद्यावतारकथनं नाम प्रथमोऽध्यायः
Vayaviya Samhita, Earlier/east part, Knowledge incarnation Chapter 1



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



व्यासेन तत्तु संक्षिप्तं चतुर्विंशत्सहस्रकम् |
शैवं तत्र पुराणं वै चतुर्थं सप्तसंहितम् || 58 ||
विद्येश्वराख्या तत्राद्या द्वितीया रुद्रसंहिता |
तृतीया शतरुद्राख्या कोटिरुद्रा चतुर्थिका || 59 ||
पञ्चमी कथिता चोमा षष्ठी कैलाससंहिता |
सप्तमी वायवीयाख्या सप्तैवं संहिता इह || 60 ||
That actually shortened/condensed by sage Vyasa (is) there really the fourth (version of the) Purana of Lord Shiva with seven Samhitas, 24000 (shlokas).
There the first called Vidyeshwara (Samhita), second Rudra Samhita, third called Shatarudra, fourth Kotirudra,
And fifth called Uma, sixth Kailasa Samhita, seventh called Vayaviya; thus seven Samhitas here (in this Purana).

Very similar shlokas appear also in Vidyeshwara Samhita, Chapter 3 as shlokas 59 to 61, and in Mahatmya, Chapter 1 as shlokas 31 to 33.

Death of a liberated ascetic

यतिनाम्मरणानन्तरं दशाहपर्यन्तं कृत्यवर्णनं नामैकविंशोऽध्यायः
Tasks upto ten days after the death of an ascetic – Chapter 21



वामदेव उवाच |
Vamadeva said (to Kartikeya) as a prelude to his question



ये मुक्ता यतयस्तेषां दाहकर्म न विद्यते |
मृते शरीरे खननं तद्देहस्य श्रुतं मया || 1 ||
There is no burning ceremony (cremation) of those who are liberated ascetics. I have heard that on the dead body, burial of the body (is performed).

Tonsure and bath procedure

क्षौरस्नानविधिवर्णनं नाम विंशोऽध्यायः
Tonsure and bath procedure description Chapter 20



सुब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



ताम्बूलं तैजसं पात्रं रेतःसेकं सिताम्बरम् |
दिवास्वापो हि नक्तान्नं यतीनां षड् विवर्जिताः || 34 ||
Betel leaf, metallic vessels, releasing semen, white cloth (clothes), sleeping during day, eating at night are six (things) forbidden to ascetics.

Yoga band description

योगपट्टविधिवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः
Yoga band procedure description Chapter 19



सुब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



वेदशास्त्रगुरूणां च वाक्याभ्यासवशाच्छिशोः |
पुर्णानन्दमयः शंभुः प्रादुर्भूतो भवेद्धृदि || 22 ||
By the study of statements of Veda scriptures and Guru's, Lord Shiva with complete joy appears in the heart of the (initiated) disciple.

Shiva Element

शिवतत्त्ववर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Shiva element description Chapter 16



सुब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



निजेच्छया जगत्सृष्टमुद्युक्तस्य महेशितुः |
प्रथमो यः परिस्पन्दः शिवतत्त्वं तदुच्यते || 70 ||
While the great God was occupied with creating the universe of his own wish, the first vibration which (occurred) is called the Shiva element.

Shiva element

शिवतत्त्ववर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Shiva element description Chapter 16



सुब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



एवं शिवत्वं शक्तित्वं परमात्मनि दर्शितम् |
शिवशक्त्योस्तु संयोगादानन्दः सततोदीतः || 33 ||
अतो मुने तमुद्दिश्य मुनयः क्षीणकल्मषाः |
शिवे मनः समाधाय प्राप्तः शिवमनामयम् || 34 ||
In this way, the characteristics of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti are shown in the supreme soul. Only by the combination of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti does joy arise continuously.
Sage, therefore considering that, sages who have become free of sin, having focussed their mind on Lord Shiva, achieved the pure Shiva state.

Shivaa

संन्यासविधिवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः
Renunciation procedure description Chapter 12



श्रीब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



यस्य पुंसां परा शक्तिर्भावगम्या मनोहरा |
निर्गुणा स्वगुणैरेव निगूढा निष्कला शिवा || 12 ||
The Purusha's (God's) higher energy Shivaa is reachable by affection, attractive, formless, hidden by her own characteristics only, all pervading.



तदीयं त्रिविधं रूपं स्थूलं सूक्ष्मं परं ततः |
ध्येयं मुमुक्षुभिर्नित्यं क्रमतो योगिभिर्मुने || 13 ||
Sage, these three forms of that (supreme Goddess Shivaa), gross, subtle and higher than that, should be meditated upon by renunciate disciples (those aspiring for liberation) always/everyday; successively by Yogis.

God

संन्यासविधिवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः
Renunciation procedure description Chapter 12



श्रीब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



यस्य भासा विभातीदञ्जगत्सर्वं समन्ततः |
सर्वैश्वर्येण संपन्नो नाम्ना सर्वेश्वरः स्वयम् || 10 ||
With whose brilliance, this whole universe is lighted up from all sides, is the God of everyone himself, endowed with all characteristics of Godliness.

Om

संन्यासविधिवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः
Renunciation procedure description Chapter 12



श्रीब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



प्रणवार्थः शिवः साक्षात्प्राधान्येन प्रकीर्तितः |
श्रुतिषु स्मृतिशास्त्रेषु पुराणेष्वागमेषु च || 6 ||
The main meaning of the Pranava (Om, the primordial sound) is said to be Shiva in visible form, in Shrutis, Smritis, Puranas and Agamas.

Renunciation Procedure

संन्यासविधिवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः
Renunciation procedure description Chapter 12



श्रीब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



न जानन्ति परं साक्षात्प्रणवार्थं महेश्वरम् |
सगुणं निर्गुणं ब्रह्म त्रिदेवजनकं परम् || 4 ||
(Living beings under the influence of Maya) do not know the highest great God in visible form, the meaning of the Pranava (Om, the primordial sound), with form as well as without form, the supreme element and the father of the three Devas (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).

Om

वामदेवब्रह्मवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः
Vamadeva's Brahma description Chapter 11



ब्रह्मण्य उवाच |
Kartikeya said (to sage Vamadeva)



तथापि धर्मरक्षायै लोकानुग्रहकाङ्क्षया |
त्वादृशाः साधवः सन्ता विचरन्ति महीतले || 41 ||
(You have no desires but) still sages and saints like you wander the earth for the sake of protecting Dharma and with the desire to make things easier for the world.



वामदेव उवाच |
Sage Vamadeva said (to Kartikeya)



ओमितीदं सर्वमिति श्रुतिराह सनातनी | 49
Om is all this (universe), so said the eternal Shrutis (Vedas).


This repeats in Chapter 16, shloka 52

Renunciation

संन्यासाचारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Renunciation behaviour description Chapter 4



ईश्वर उवाच |
God said (to supreme Goddess Parvati)



मूलादिब्रह्मरन्ध्रान्तं षट्चक्रं परिचिन्तयेत् |
विद्युत्कोटि समप्रख्यं सर्वतेजोमयं परम् || 7 ||
तन्मध्ये चिन्तयेन्मां च सच्चिदानन्दविग्रहम् |
निर्गुणं परमं ब्रह्म सदाशिवमनामयम् || 8 ||
One should think of (meditate on) the six chakras from the Muladhara to the Brahmarandhra (Sahasrara) known to be highly brilliant like a lot of lightning/electricity.

And among those, one should think of me, an image of sachchidananda, the supreme element beyond characteristics of nature, always kind and pure.

Renunciation

संन्यासाचारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Renunciation behaviour description Chapter 4



प्रातःप्रभृति सायान्ते सायादिप्रातरन्ततः |
यत्करोमि महादेव तदस्तु तव पूजनम् || 5 ||
Great God, since the morning to the end of the evening, (and) starting from evening to morning, may whatever I do be really your worship. (So should one think.)

Renunciation

संन्यासाचारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Renunciation behaviour description Chapter 4



ईश्वर उवाच |
God said (to supreme Goddess Parvati)



ब्राह्मे मुहूर्त उत्थाय शिरसि श्वेतपङ्कजे |
सहस्रारे समासीनं गुरुं सञ्चिन्तयेद्यतिः || 2 ||
An ascetic should wake up in Brahma muhurta (96 to 48 minutes before sunrise), (and) think of (or meditate on one's) Guru sitting on the white lotus of the Sahasrara (chakra on the crown) of the head.

Kailasa Samhita

कैलाससंहितायां संन्यासपद्धतिवर्णनं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Kailasa Samhita, Renunciation method description Chapter 3



ईश्वर उवाच |
God said (to supreme Goddess Parvati)



यो गुरुः स शिवः प्रोक्तो यः शिवः स गुरुः स्मृतः | 42
One who is Guru is also called Shiva (a disciple should see the Guru as God); one who is Shiva is also considered to be the Guru (God and Guru should be the same element for a disciple).


The same sentence, the same half-shloka also appears in Guru Gita (18th of 214 shlokas), which is a part of Uttarakhand of Skanda Purana. There too, God says this same thing to the supreme Goddess. For this very reason, Guru Gita is also called Shiva Gita.



This sentence also repeats in Chapter 12 of Kailasa Samhita, where Kartikeya tells this to sage Vamadeva. It also appears in Vayayiya Samhita, later part, Chapter 15, shloka 20, where Upamanyu says this to Lord Krishna.

Navaratra

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)  



आश्विने धवले पक्षे नवरात्रव्रतं चरेत् |
यत्कृते सकलाः कामाः सिद्ध्यन्त्येव न संशयः || 73 ||
नवरात्रव्रतं कृत्वा भूपालो विरथात्मजः |
हृतं राज्यं निजं लेभे सुरथो मुनिसत्तमाः || 75 ||
One should carry out the Navaratra vow in the bright fortnight of Ashvina. By doing that all desires really get fulfilled, no doubt.
Best of the sages, after carrying out the Navaratra vow, king Suratha, the son of Viratha, got back his kingdom which was taken over (by another king).

Karmayoga

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)

चैत्रशुक्लतृतीयायां यो भवानीव्रतं चरेत् |
भवबन्धननिर्मुक्तः प्राप्नुयात्परमं पदम् || 54 ||
One who carries out the Bhavani vow on Chaitra, third of the bright fortnight, gets released from the bonds of the world and obtains the highest state.

Karmayoga

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



ये व्रजन्तः स्वपन्तश्च तिष्ठन्तो वाप्यहर्निशम् |
उमेति द्व्यक्षरं नाम ब्रुवते ते शिवागणाः || 36 ||
Those who while walking, sleeping or standing speak the two lettered name Uma day and night are assistants of the supreme Goddess.

Karmayoga

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



मनसा ये चिकीर्षन्ति मूर्तिस्थापनमुत्तमम् |
तेऽप्युमायाः परं लोकं प्रयान्ति मुनिदुर्लभम् || 32 ||
Those who think (desire/dream) in their mind of establishing a wonderful idol (and building a temple of the supreme Goddess), they also go to Umaloka (after death) which is difficult even for sages.

Karmayoga

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



यस्तु देव्यालयं कुर्यात्पाषाणं दारवं तथा |
मृन्मयं वाथ कालेय तस्य पुण्यफलं शृणु |
अहन्यहनि योगेन यजतो यन्महाफलम् || 13 ||
प्राप्नोति तत्फलं देव्या यः कारयति मन्दिरम् | 14
One who builds a temple of the Goddess, of stone and wood or clay/mud or a certain kind of wood, hear the fruit of his merits. The great fruit one gets by worshipping day after day through yoga, that fruits one gets who gets a temple built.



कोटिजन्मकृतं पापं स्वल्पं वा यदि वा बहु |
श्रीमातुर्मन्दिरारम्भक्षणादेव प्रणश्यति || 15 ||
Sins committed over a lot of lives, little bit or in plenty, get destroyed the moment the temple of Mother Goddess is started.

Karmayoga

कर्मयोगनिरूपणं नामैकपञ्चाशत्तमोऽध्यायः
Karmayoga description Chapter 51



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



कर्मणा जायते भक्तिर्भक्त्या ज्ञानं प्रजायते |
ज्ञानात्प्रजायते मुक्तिरिति शास्त्रेषु निश्चयः || 10 ||
From actions is devotion born, from devotion is knowledge born, from knowledge is born liberation, so do the scriptures conclude.

Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing

धूम्रलोचनचण्डमुण्डरक्तबिजवधो नाम सप्तचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing Chapter 47



देव्युवाच |
Goddess said (to demon Sugriva)



अद्वितीयो महेशानः परब्रह्म सदाशिवः |
यत्तत्त्वं न विदुर्वेदा विष्ण्वादीनां च का कथा || 59 ||
तस्याहं प्रकृतिः सूक्ष्मा कथमन्यं पतिं वृणे |
सिंही कामातुरा नैव जम्बुकं वृणुते क्वचित् || 60 ||
The great God, the supreme element, always auspicious, second to none – the element which Vedas do not know, what to say about Lord Vishnu, etc.?
I am its/his subtle Prakriti. How will I take another husband? Even a lust-crazed lioness will never accept a jackal.

Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing

धूम्रलोचनचण्डमुण्डरक्तबिजवधो नाम सप्तचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing Chapter 47 

ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



इत्युक्तस्तामन्वधावद्दानवो धूम्रलोचनः |
हुंकारोच्चारणेनैव तं ददाह महेश्वरी || 50 ||
ततः प्रभृति सा देवी धूमावत्युच्यते भुवि |
Having said that, the demon Dhumralochana ran up (towards her). With just her breath making a sound hmmm, the great Goddess burnt him (to death).

Since then, that Goddess is called Dhumavati on the earth.

Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing

धूम्रलोचनचण्डमुण्डरक्तबिजवधो नाम सप्तचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija killing Chapter 47



देव्युवाच |
Goddess (incarnation of supreme Goddess Uma, called Dhumavati) said (to demon Sugriva, the messenger of Shumbha)



सत्यं वदसि भो दूत नानृतं किञ्चिदुच्यते |
परन्त्वेका कृता पूर्वं प्रतिज्ञा तां निबोध मे || 40 ||
यो मे दर्पं विधुनुते यो मां जयति संगरे |
उत्सहे तमहं कर्तुं पतिं नान्यमिति ध्रुवम् || 41 ||
Messenger, you are saying the truth, nothing (of what you said) is called untrue. But one vow made in the past, that you listen from me.
One who shakes up my pride (humbles me), one who wins against me in a fight – I will eagerly make him my husband, certainly nobody else.

Mahakalika incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



निर्विकारापि साकारा निराकारापि देव्युमा |
देवानां तापनाशार्थं प्रादुरासीद्युगे युगे || 77 ||
Goddess Uma, without defects, with form, yet without form appears/incarnates in age after age for destroying the sufferings of the Devas.

Mahakalika incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



द्वादश्यां फाल्गुनस्यैव शुक्लायां समभून्नृप |
महाकालीति विख्याता शक्तिस्त्रैलोक्यमोहिनी || 67 ||
King, on the twelfth of the brighter half of Falguna only, Goddess Shakti, who causes moha (illusion/confusion) to the three worlds, known as Mahakali, appeared (was born).

Mahakalika incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Brahma said (to Goddess Mahakalika)



त्वत्प्रभावादहं ब्रह्मा माधवो गिरिजापतिः |
सृजत्यवति संसारं काले संहरतीति च || 60 ||
With your might, I, Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva create, maintain and in time (at the right time) destroy the material world.

Mahakalika incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



तदा द्वावसुरौ जातौ विष्णोः कर्णमलेन वै |
मधुकैटभनामानौ विख्यातौ पृथिवीतले || 53 ||
Then two demons were born actually of ear dirt (wax) of Lord Vishnu, with the names Madhu and Kaitabha, well known on the earth.



These events (meeting of King Suratha, merchant Samadhi and the sage, who tells how the supreme Goddess killed various demons) are described in more detail in Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), which is a part of Markandeya Purana.  

Mahakalika Incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



सा सृजत्यखिलं विश्वं सैव पालयतीति च |
सैव संहरते काले त्रिगुणा परमेश्वरी || 49 ||
यस्योपरि प्रसन्ना सा वरदा कामरूपिणी |
सा एव मोहमत्येति नान्यथा नृपसत्तम || 50 ||
She creates the entire universe and she only maintains it. She only (she herself) destroys it in time (at the right time), the supreme Goddess with three characteristics (of nature – sattva, rajas and tamas).
She who takes any form she desires gives boons to ones (she) is pleased with. Best of the kings, only she can help one overcome the confusion/illusion, not otherwise.

Mahakalika Incarnation

महाकालिकावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Mahakalika incarnation description Chapter 45



ऋषिरुवाच |
Sage said (to King Suratha with the merchant Samadhi)



महामाया जगद्धात्री शक्तिरूपा सनातनी |
सा मोहयति सर्वेषां समाकृष्य मनांसि वै || 47 ||
ब्रह्मादयः सुरा सर्वे यन्मायामोहिताः प्रभो |
न जानन्ति परं तत्त्वं मनुष्याणां च का कथा || 48 ||
(The supreme Goddess is) the great illusionary power (Maya), mother of the universe, eternal, in the form of energy. She causes illusion/infatuation to everyone indeed by attracting (their) minds.
Lord (King Suratha), the Maya (illusionary power) by which (even) Brahma, etc. (Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and) all Devas have been deluded/infatuated do not know the highest element. (Then) what to talk of the humans?

Vyasa emergence

व्यासोत्पत्तिवर्णनं नाम चतुश्चत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Vyasa emergence (story of his birth) description Chapter 44



बाल उवाच |
(God in the form of a) child said (to sage Vyasa)



कण्ठे स्थित्वा तव ब्रह्मन्नन्तर्याम्यहमीश्वरः |
सेतिहासपुराणानि सम्यङ्निर्मापयाम्यहम् || 113 ||
Staying on your neck/throat, I, the God, Brahman (divine element), one who is inside (or soul), I will properly create/construct Puranas with history.

This adds a lot of weight to the Puranas. The great God himself made sage Vyasa compose them, and "properly".

Vyasa Emergence

व्यासोत्पत्तिवर्णनं नाम चतुश्चत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Vyasa emergence (story of his birth) description Chapter 44



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



यत्र विश्वेश्वरः साक्षादन्नपूर्णा महेश्वरी |
भक्तानाममृतं दातुं विराजेते कृपानिधी || 51 ||
प्राप्य वाराणसीतीर्थं दृष्ट्वाऽथ मणिकर्णिकाम् |
कोटिजन्मार्जितं पापं तत्याज च स मुनीश्वरः || 52 ||
(Kashi is) where the God of the universe in visible form (and) Annapurna, the great Goddess, an ocean of mercy, live for giving liberation to devotees.
Great sage, he (sage Vyasa) having reached Varanasi tirtha (place of pilgimage – the whole city) and having seen Manikarnika (on the bank of river Ganga, close to Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga temple) gave up the sins accumulated over plenty of lives.

Lineage of the Sun, its emergence and kings' description

वैवस्वतवंशोद्भवराजवर्णनं नामैकोनचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Lineage of the Sun, its emergence and kings' description Chapter 39



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



दीर्घबाहुः सुतस्तस्य रघुस्तस्याभवत्सुतः |
अजस्तस्य तु पुत्रोऽभूत्तस्माद्दशरथोऽभवत् || 16 ||
रामो दशरथाज्जज्ञे धर्मात्मा यो महायशाः |
स विष्ण्वंशो महाशैवः पौलस्त्यो येन घातितः || 17 ||
तच्चरित्रं च बहुधा पुराणेषु प्रवर्णितम् |
रामायणे प्रसिद्धं हि नातः प्रोक्तं तु विस्तरात् || 18 ||
Dirghabahu was his son, Raghu became his (Dirghabahu's) son, Aja indeed became his (Raghu's) son; from him became Dasharatha.
Rama, the great soul of Dharma who had great fame, was born of Dasharatha. He was a little part of Lord Vishnu, a great follower of Lord Shiva, by whom Ravana (Paulastya) was killed.
And his life events have been described in many ways in the Puranas. (It is) really well known in Ramayana. Therefore, it is not spoken (here) in detail.



रामस्य तनयो जज्ञे कुश इत्यतिविश्रुतः |
अतिथिस्तु कुशाज्जज्ञे निषधस्तस्य चात्मजः || 19 ||
निषधस्य नलः पुत्रो नभः पुत्रो नलस्य तु |
नभसः पुण्डरीकश्च क्षेमधन्वा ततः स्मृतः || 20 ||
As Rama's son, Kusha was born, which is very well known. Atithi was indeed born of Kusha, and Nishadha (was) his (Atithi's) son.
Nala (was) the son of Nishadha, Nabha (was) indeed the son of Nala, and Pundarika (was the son) of Nala; Kshemadhanva (was) his (son).



The lineage is described further in the chapter including the sons to occur in future from the time this Purana was spoken.

Description of Sun (and his events) in Manvantara narration

मन्वन्तरकीर्तने वैवस्वतवर्णनं नाम पञ्चत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Description of Sun (and his events) in Manvantara narration - Chapter 35



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



मनुः प्रजापतिस्त्वासीत्सावर्णिः स तपोधनः |
भाव्यः स कर्मणा तेन मनोः सावर्णिकेन्तरे || 39 ||
मेरुपृष्ठे तपो घोरमद्यापि चरते प्रभुः |
यवीयसी तयोर्या तु यमी कन्या यशस्विनी || 40 ||
अभवत्सा सरिच्छ्रेष्ठा यमुना लोकपावनी |
That Manu, the ancestor of people is Savarni, who has done a lot of penance. Because of his karma, he is to be the Manu in the next Manvantara.
On the side of (the mountain) Meru, the Lord is practising severe/horrible penance now also. His younger sister, (is) indeed the girl Yami (Yamuna) of great fame.
She became a great river Yamuna who makes the world holier.



Savarni Manu, Shani (Saturn) and Tapti (Tapi, now a river) were born of Chhaya, who was left by Samgnya unable to face the brilliance of the Vivasvaan (Sun).

Narration of all Manvantaras

सर्वमन्वन्तरानुकीर्तनं नाम चतुर्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Narration of all Manvantaras – Chapter 34



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to sage Shaunaka)



स्वायंभुवो मनुश्चैव ततः स्वारोचिषस्तथा |
उत्तमस्तामसश्चैव रैवतश्चाक्षुषस्तथा || 2 ||
एते च मनवः षट् ते संप्रोक्ता मुनिपुङ्गव |
वैवस्वतो मुनिश्रेष्ठ सांप्रतं मनुरुच्यते || 3 ||
Svayambhuva Manu, and then Svarochisha, and Uttama, and Tamasa, and Raivata and Chakshusha -
And the best sage, these are said to be those six Manus. Best sage, the present Manu is said to be Vaivaswata (born of the Sun - Vivasvaan).

Seven more are to come, of which the next one is Savarni Manu.

Averting time/death

कालवञ्चनवर्णनं नाम षड्विंशोऽध्यायः
Averting time/death description Chapter 26



शंकर उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to supreme Goddess Parvati)



न हन्यते देववरैस्तु दैत्यैः सयक्षरक्षोरगमानुषैश्च |
ये योगिनो ध्यानपराः सदेहा भवन्ति ते घ्नन्ति सुखेन कालम् || 12 ||
Time/death cannot be killed (controlled) by the best of the Devas, demons, also Yakshas, Serpents (Nagas), and humans. Those Yogis with (gross human) bodies who become meditation-intensive (manage to) kill/control death easily.



आकाशाज्जायते वायुर्वायोस्तेजश्च जायते |
तेजसोऽम्बु विनिर्दिष्टं तस्माद्धि पृथिवी भवेत् || 15 ||
From sky/ether air is born, from air is fire/brilliance born, from fire manifests water, from that only is earth created.

Description of the worlds

लोकवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः
Description of the worlds – Chapter 19



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



तत ऊर्ध्वं न लोकाश्च गोलोकस्तत्समीपतः |
गोमातरः सुशीलाख्यास्तत्र सन्ति शिवप्रियाः || 40 ||
तत्पालः कृष्णनामा हि राजते शङ्कराज्ञया |
प्रतिष्ठितः शिवेनैव शक्त्या स्वच्छन्दचारिणा || 41 ||
There are no worlds above that, (but) Goloka is nearby. Favourite of Lord Shiva, mothers of cows called Sushilaa are there.
Their cowherd by the name of Krishna really resides (there) by the instruction of Lord Shiva, placed by Lord Shiva and (supreme Goddess) Shakti, who are independent (who go where they please).

Description of the worlds

लोकवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः
Description of the worlds – Chapter 19



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



तस्योपरिष्टाद्विज्ञेयः शिवलोकः सनातनः |
अविनाशी महादिव्यो महाशोभान्वितः सदा || 38 ||
विराजते परं ब्रह्म यत्र शम्भुर्महेश्वरः |
त्रिदेवजनकः स्वामी सर्वेषां त्रिगुणात्परः || 39 ||
The eternal Shivaloka should be known to be above that (Umaloka), which is indestructible, highly divine, always with a great appearance.
Where the supreme element, the great God Shiva resides, father of the three Devas, everybody's Lord, above the three characteristics (of nature, sattva, rajas, tamas).

Worlds

लोकवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः
Description of the worlds – Chapter 19



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



ब्रह्माण्डादुपरिष्टाच्च सन्ति लोका मुनीश्वर | 33
Great sage, there are worlds above the universe also.



The universe consists of the 14 worlds (7 below the mortal world, and 6 above) and the hells, but above the universe are Shivaloka, Umaloka, Vaikuntha, etc.



ततः परमुमालोको महादिव्यो विराजते |
यत्र शक्तिर्विभात्येका त्रिदेवजननी शिवा || 36 ||
परात्परा हि प्रकृति रजःसत्त्वतमोमयी |
निर्गुणा च स्वयं देवी निर्विकारा शिवात्मिका || 37 ||
Above that (Kumaraloka, which is above Vaikuntha) is situated the highly divine Umaloka, where Shakti (the energy of the universe, the supreme Goddess) Shivaa, the Mother of the three Gods shines (looks wonderful).
Higher than the highest Prakriti with sattva, rajas and tamas characteristics, and the formless Goddess herself, free from defects (is) Shivatmika (similar to Lord Shiva, or from the same element as Lord Shiva).

Salvation from hell

नरकोद्धारवर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Salvation from hell description Chapter 16



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



पुमान्न नरकं याति यः स्मरेद्भक्तितो मुने |
अहर्निशं शिवं तस्मात्स क्षीणाशेषपातकः || 35 ||
Sage, a man does not go to hell who remembers Lord Shiva by devotion day and night. Therefore his sins reduce to none.

Description of the nether worlds

पाताललोकवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Description of the nether worlds – Chapter 15



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



दिवार्करश्मयो यत्र न भवन्ति विधोर्निशि |
न शीतमातपो यत्र मणितेजोऽत्र केवलम् || 29 ||
भक्ष्यभोजान्नपानानि भुज्यन्ते मुदितैर्भृशम् |
यत्र न ज्ञायते कालो गतोऽपि मुनिसत्तम || 30 ||
Where there are no sun rays nor moon at night, where (there is) no heat nor cold, only (light is the) brilliance of jewels (is) here (in the nether worlds).
Eatable food and drinks are enjoyed gladly in plenty (large amounts). Best of the sages, (those places are) where time is unknown (there is no concept of time), (including) even the past.



Demons including Daityas (progeny of Diti) and Danavas (progeny of Danu) live in Rasatala. Below the Patala are the hells.

Description of the nether worlds

पाताललोकवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Description of the nether worlds – Chapter 15



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



अतलं वितलं चैव सुतलं च रसातलम् || 22 ||
तलं तलातलं चाग्र्यं पातालं सप्तमं मतम् |
भूमेरधः सप्त लोका इमे ज्ञेया विचक्षणैः || 23 ||
Atala and Vitala, Sutala and Rasatala, Tala (Mahatala), Talatala, and the main Patala, considered the seventh of these seven (nether) worlds below this world, should be known by the wise.

Importance of Purana

पुराणमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयोदशोऽध्यायः
Purana importance/greatness description Chapter 13


सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



ये शृण्वन्ति कथां शंभोः सदा भुवनपावनीम् |
ते मनुष्या न मन्तव्या रुद्रा एव न संशयः || 23 ||
Those who listen to Lord Shiva's stories, which always make the world holier, should not be considered human beings; undoubtedly they are like Rudras (the Shiva element).



Compare with



ये शृण्वन्ति मुने शैवं पुराणं शास्त्रमुत्तमम् |
ते मनुष्या न मन्तव्या रुद्रा एव न संशयः || 15 ||


from Chapter 1 of the importance section (taken from Skanda Purana) before Vidyeshwara Samhita.



पापं संक्षीयते नित्यं धर्मश्चैव विवर्धते |
पुराणश्रवणाज्ज्ञानी न संसारं प्रपद्यते || 37 ||
By listening to Purana, sins shrink continuously and Dharma increases, (and) a knowledgeable person does not come back to the material world (take rebirth).

Importance of Purana

पुराणमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयोदशोऽध्यायः
Purana importance/greatness description Chapter 13



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



ये शृण्वन्ति कथां शंभोः सदा भुवनपावनीम् |
ते मनुष्या न मन्तव्या रुद्रा एव न संशयः || 23 ||
Those who listen to Lord Shiva's stories, which always make the world holier, should not be considered human beings; undoubtedly they are like Rudras (the Shiva element).

Purana Importance

पुराणमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयोदशोऽध्यायः
Purana importance/greatness description Chapter 13



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



पुराणश्रवणाच्छंभोर्निष्पापो जायते नरः |
भुक्त्वा भोगान्सुविपुलाञ्छिवलोकमवाप्नुयात् || 20 ||
By listening to Shiva Purana, a man becomes free from sin. After enjoying a lot of pleasures, (he) attains Shivaloka.

Penance

तपोमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः
Penance importance description Chapter 12



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



तपसा प्राप्यते स्वर्गस्तपसा प्राप्यते यशः |
तपसा प्राप्यते कामस्तपः सर्वार्थसाधनम् || 40 ||
By penance one gets heaven, by penance one gets fame, by penance one's desires are fulfilled. Penance is the means to achieve everything.

Ramayana has several instances mentioning the greatness of penance. Narada tells Himalaya that Parvati should practise penance and Lord Shiva can even change her future.



जौं तपु करै कुमारि तुम्हारी | भाविउ मेटि सकहिं त्रिपुरारी ||
Penance is said to be the basis for everything, the universe including creation, maintenance and destruction. The message in the first two of the following three lines also repeats in Ramayana.



तपबल रचई प्रपंचु विधाता | तपबल बिष्नु सकल जग त्राता ||
तपबल संभु करहिं संघारा | तपबल सेषु धरइ महिभारा ||
तप आधार सब सृष्टि भवानी | करहि जाई तपु अस जियँ जानी ||

Food Donation

अन्नदानमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः
Importance of food donation Chapter 11



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



अन्नं प्रजापतिः साक्षादन्नं विष्णुः स्वयं हरः |
तस्मादन्नसमं दानं न भूतं न भविष्यति || 48 ||
कृत्वापि सुमहत्पापं यः पश्चादन्नदो भवेत् |
विमुक्तः सर्वपापेभ्यः स्वर्गलोकं स गच्छति || 49 ||
Food is Lord Brahma in visible form, food is Lord Vishnu, food is Lord Shiva himself. Therefore, there has never been and will never be donation as good as that of food.
If one becomes a donor of food even after commiting a grave sin, one gets liberated from all sins and goes to heaven.

Food Donation

अन्नदानमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः
Importance of food donation Chapter 11



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



अन्नदः प्राणदः प्रोक्तः प्राणदश्चापि सर्वदः |
तस्मादन्नप्रदानेन सर्वदानफलं लभेत् || 25 ||
A donor of food is said to be a donor of life and a donor of life is (said to be) a donor of everything. Therefore, one who gives food gets the fruits of donating everything.

Food Donation

अन्नदानमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः
Importance of food donation Chapter 11



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



सर्वेषामेव दानानामन्नदानं परं स्मृतम् |
सद्यः प्रीतिकरं हृद्यं बलबुद्धिविवर्धनम् || 17 ||
Of all kinds of donations, donation of food is considered to be the highest. (It is) immediately affection causing, pleasant, increases strength and intelligence.

Maya

शिवमायाप्रभाववर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Description of the might of the illusory power of Lord Shiva – Chapter 4



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



ब्रह्मा च बहुवारं हि मोहितः शिवमायया |
अभवद्भोक्तुकामश्च स्वसुतायां परासु च || 27 ||
And Lord Brahma really many times (came) under the influence of Lord Shiva's illusory power and became desirous of his own daughter (Sandhya) as well as others' (daughters).



Only God himself has managed to scrape by with minimal influence of the illusory power.

Maya

शिवमायाप्रभाववर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Description of the might of the illusory power of Lord Shiva – Chapter 4



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



शिवमायाप्रभावेणाभूद्धरि काममोहितः |
परस्त्रीधर्षणं चक्रे बहुवारं मुनीश्वर || 17 ||
By the might of Lord Shiva's illusory power, Lord Vishnu became confused/infatuated by desire. Great sage, (He) attacked/violated others' women many times.

Maya

शिवमायाप्रभाववर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः
Description of the might of the illusory power of Lord Shiva – Chapter 4



सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



तन्माया परमा दिव्या सर्वत्र व्यापिनी मुने |
तदधीनं जगत्सर्वं सदेवासुरमानुषम् || 15 ||
Sage, His divine, highest, illusory power (Maya) is all pervading. The whole universe is dependent on (subject to) it, including Devas, demons and humans.

Uplifting of Lord Krishna

कृष्णादिशिवभक्तोद्धारशिवमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Uplifting of Lord Krishna and other devotees of Lord Shiva in Lord Shiva greatness description Chapter 3

सनत्कुमार उवाच |
Sanatkumar said (to sage Vyasa)



संप्राप्ते षोडशे मासि संतुष्टः परमेश्वरः |
पार्वत्या सहितः शंभुर्ददौ कृष्णाय दर्शनम् || 12 ||
Having reached the sixteenth month, satisfied supreme God Shambhu with Goddess Parvati gave darshan to Lord Krishna.

Namaha Shivaya

कृष्णादिशिवभक्तोद्धारशिवमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Uplifting of Lord Krishna and other devotees of Lord Shiva in Lord Shiva greatness description Chapter 3



उपमन्युरुवाच |
Upamanyu said (to Lord Krishna)



जपो नमः शिवायेति मन्त्रराजमिमं हरे |
सर्वकामप्रदं दिव्यं भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायकम् || 8 ||
Lord Hari, this chant Namah Shivaya is the king of mantras. (It) fulfils all desires, is divine, and is capable of giving enjoyments and liberation.

Uma Samhita, own experience in Lord Krishna – Upamanyu discussion

उमासंहितायां कृष्णोपमन्युसंवादे स्वगतिवर्णनं नाम प्रथमोऽध्यायः
Uma Samhita, own experience in Lord Krishna – Upamanyu discussion Chapter 1



श्रीकृष्ण उवाच |
Lord Krishna said (to Upamanyu)



ब्रूहि शंकरमाहात्म्यं सदानन्दकरं मुने |
यच्छ्रुत्वा भक्तितः कुर्यां तप ऐश्वरमुत्तमम् || 10 ||
Sage, tell the greatness of Lord Shiva which always causes joy, after hearing which, I will practice powerful excellent penance.



Upamanyu then addresses Lord Krishna as Mahashaiva (great Shaivite). Upamanyu says that in the 16th month, the great God will give you boons.

Knowledge

ज्ञाननिरुपणं नाम त्रिचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Knowledge description Chapter 43



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



भक्त्यादिसाधनानीह यः करोति विचक्षणः |
स वै पश्यत्यवश्यं हि तं शिवं नात्र संशयः || 14 ||
The wise who does (Yogic) practices like devotion, really invariably sees that Lord Shiva; there is no doubt here.



शिवः शिवः शिवश्चैव नान्यदस्तीति किञ्चन |
भ्रान्त्या नानास्वरूपो हि भासते शङ्करः सदा || 15 ||
Shiva, Shiva, Shiva and there exists nothing else. Only by illusion does Lord Shiva appear in different forms.

Knowledge

ज्ञाननिरुपणं नाम त्रिचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Knowledge description Chapter 43



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



इति ज्ञानं सदा ज्ञेयं सर्व शिवमयं जगत् |
शिवः सर्वमयो ज्ञेयः सर्वज्ञेन विपश्चिता || 3 ||
This knowledge should always be known by the wise who knows everything, that the whole universe consists of Lord Shiva (and) Lord Shiva consists of everything.

Formless Supreme Soul

सगुणनिर्गुणभेदवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Description of the difference between (God) with form and without – Chapter 42



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



यच्चादौ हि समुत्पन्नं निर्गुणात्परमात्मनः |
तदेव शिवसंज्ञं हि वेदवेदान्तिनो विदुः || 2 ||
That only which got produced right in the beginning from the formless supreme soul is really called Shiva (and) Veda scholars know that.

Then Prakriti was produced.

Devotion

मुक्तिनिरुपणं नामैकचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Liberation description Chapter 41



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)   



विज्ञानं न भवत्येव द्विजा भक्तिविरोधिनः |
शम्भुभक्तिकरस्यैव भवेज्ज्ञानोदयो द्रुतम् || 25 ||
तस्माद्भक्तिर्महेशस्य साधनीया मुनीश्वराः |
तयैव निखिलं सिद्धं भविष्यति न संशयः || 26 ||
Brahmins (sages), the specific knowledge (of the supreme element) does not come to those who are against devotion. Knowledge dawns quickly only on those who have devotion for Lord Shiva.
Therefore, great sages, devotion of the great God should be aimed for. Only with that does everything succeed (is achieved), no doubt.

Liberation

मुक्तिनिरुपणं नामैकचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Liberation description Chapter 41



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



मुक्तिश्चतुर्विधा प्रोक्ता श्रूयतां कथयामि वः |
संसारक्लेशसंहर्त्री परमानन्ददायिनी || 2 ||
सारुप्या चैव सालोक्या सान्निध्या च तथा परा |
सायुज्या च चतुर्थी सा व्रतेनानेन यः भवेत् || 3 ||
Killer of the sufferings of this world and giver of highest joy, liberation is said to be of four kinds. Listen, I (will) tell you.
Saarupya, Saalokya, Saannidhya and the higher Saayujya, the fourth, which happens with this (Shivratri) vow.

And there is also a fifth one, Kaivalya, which is mentioned later.



मुक्तेर्दाता मुनिश्रेष्ठाः केवलं शिव उच्यते |
ब्रह्माद्या न हि ते ज्ञेयाः केवलं च त्रिवर्गदाः || 4 ||
Best of the sages, only Lord Shiva is said to be the giver of liberation. Brahma, etc. are not to be known as such; (they are) givers of the three (other) values – Dharma, Artha, Kama.

ब्रह्माद्यास्त्रिगुणाधीशाः शिवस्त्रिगुणतः परः |
निर्विकारी परब्रह्म तुर्यः प्रकृतितः परः || 5 ||
Lord Brahma, etc. are the lords of the three gunas (characteristics of nature: sattva, rajas, tamas); Lord Shiva is above the three gunas, free from defects, the supreme element, in the fourth state, transcending nature.



कैवल्याख्या पञ्चमी च दुर्लभा सर्वथा नृणाम् | 7
And the fifth (liberation) by the name of Kaivalya is by all means difficult to get for humans.

Importance of Shivaratri vow

व्याधेश्वरमाहात्म्ये शिवरात्रिव्रतमहिमनिरुपणं नामाष्टत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Importance of Shivaratri vow in Vyadheshwara importance description Chapter 38



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Lord Vishnu)



कुले मम महादेव भजनं तेऽस्तु सर्वदा |
माभूत्तस्य कुले जन्म यत्र त्वं न हि देवता || 81 ||
(One should pray like this.) Great God, in my family, let there always be singing of your praise. Let (me) not be born in a family where you are not the deity.

Shaivites

देवर्षिनृपशैवत्ववर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings – Chapter 37



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Brahma said (to sage Narada)

कृष्णेन च कृतं नित्यं बदरीपर्वतोत्तमे |
पूजनं तु शिवस्यैव सप्तमासावधि स्वयम् || 48 ||
And worship of Lord Shiva was done daily by Lord Krishna himself for a period of seven months on the best mountain Badari.

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Shaivites

देवर्षिनृपशैवत्ववर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings – Chapter 37



रामः ससहजो नित्यं पार्थिवं समपूजयत् |
भस्मरुद्राक्षधारी च विरजो योगमास्थितः || 38 ||
Lord Rama, along with his brothers, worshipped a clay idol (of Lord Shiva) daily, who used to apply ash (Vibhuti), wear a rudraksha seed, and was without attachments/desires, established in Yoga (means of achieving union with God).



These are typical characteristics of Shaivites.

Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings

देवर्षिनृपशैवत्ववर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings – Chapter 37



पुत्रार्थे पार्थिवीं मूर्तिं शैवीं दशरथो हि सः |
समानर्च विशेषेण वसिष्ठस्याज्ञया मुनेः || 31 ||
पुत्रेष्टिं च चकारासौ पार्थिवो भवभक्तिमान् |
ऋष्यशृङ्गमुनेराज्ञां संप्राप्य नृपसत्तमः || 32 ||
कौशल्या तत्प्रिया मूर्तिं पार्थिवीं शाङ्करीं मुदा |
ऋष्यशृङ्गसमादिष्टा समानर्च सुताप्तये || 33 ||
सुमित्रा च शिवं प्रीत्या कैकेयी नृपवल्लभा |
पूजयामास सत्पुत्रप्राप्तये मुनिसत्तम || 34 ||
Sage (Narada), for the sake of obtaining a son/sons, that Dasharatha worshipped a clay idol of Lord Shiva, particularly because of the instruction of Sage Vasishtha.
Devotee of the clay idol of Lord Shiva, the best of the kings (Dasharatha) carried out a son-desire sacrifice instructed by sage Shringa in order to obtain (a son/sons).
His favourite Kaushalya, advised by sage Shringa, gladly worshipped the clay idol of Lord Shiva, for the sake of obtaining a son.
Best of the sages (Narada), Sumitra and Kaikeyi, dear to the king, worshipped Lord Shiva with affection, for the sake of obtaining a good son.



Then Lord Vishnu appears as their son and the sons continue the tradition of worshipping clay idols of Lord Shiva.

Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings

देवर्षिनृपशैवत्ववर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Shiva's devotion of great sages and kings – Chapter 37



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Brahma said (to sage Narada)



रमया सहितो विष्णुः शिवपूजां चकार ह |
कृपया परमेशस्य सर्वान्कामानवाप हि || 6 ||
अहं पितामहश्चापि शिवपूजनकारकः |
तस्यैव कृपया तात विश्वसृष्टिकरः सदा || 7 ||
Lord Vishnu, with Goddess Lakshmi (Ramaa) worshipped Lord Shiva. With the
kindness of the supreme God, all desired were indeed fulfilled.
Even though I am the ancestor (of all humans), I am a worshipper of Lord Shiva. Son, only with his grace/kindness am I always the creator of the universe.

This whole chapter gives plenty of examples of incarnations of Lord Vishnu, great sages, great kings, all of whom worshipped Lord Shiva.

Vishvambhara

शिवसहस्रनामस्तोत्रफलवर्णनं नाम षट्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Fruits of thousand names of Lord Shiva - Chapter 36



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Lord Vishnu)



मयि भक्तिः सदा ते तु हरे स्यादनपायिनी |
सदा वन्द्यश्च पूज्यश्च लोके भव सुरैरपि || 33 ||
विश्वम्भरेति ते नाम सर्वपापहरं परम् |
भविष्यति न संदेहो मत्प्रसादात्सुरोत्तम || 34 ||
Lord Vishnu, you will have my imperishable/permanent devotion always. Become worshippable and praised by the world and even the Devas.
Best of the Devas, your (one more) great name will be Vishvambhara (bearing the universe), which can take away all sins, no doubt, because of my good wish.

Lord Vishnu's getting Sudarshan chakra

विष्णुसुदर्शनचक्रलाभवर्णनं नाम चतुश्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Vishnu's getting Sudarshan chakra Chapter 34



विष्णुरुवाच |
Lord Vishnu said (to God)



वाच्यं किं मे त्वदग्रे वै ह्यन्तर्यामी त्वमास्थितः |
तथापि कथ्यते नाथ तव शासनगौरवात् || 26 ||
दैत्यैश्च पीडितं विश्वं सुखं नो नः सदाशिव |
दैत्यान्हन्तुं मम स्वामिन्स्वायुधं न प्रवर्तते || 27 ||
किं करोमि क्व गच्छामि नान्यो मे रक्षकः परः |
अतोऽहं परमेशान शरणं त्वां समागतः || 28 ||
What do I have to say in front of you (when) you who knows everything from inside people's minds/hearts/souls is here? Still, Lord, for the pride/respect of your order, it will be said.
Lord Shiva, the world is suffering from the Daitya demons, and we have no happiness. My Lord, there exists no weapon of my own for killing the Daityas.
What do I do? Where do I go? There is no greater protector of mine (than you). Therefore, supreme God, I have come to your refuge.

Lord Vishnu's getting Sudarshan chakra

विष्णुसुदर्शनचक्रलाभवर्णनं नाम चतुश्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Vishnu's getting Sudarshan chakra Chapter 34



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



ततः सुविस्मितो विष्णुर्भक्त्या परमयान्वितः |
सहस्रैर्नामभिः प्रीत्या तुष्टाव परमेश्वरम् || 18 ||
प्रत्येकं कमलं तस्मै नाममन्त्रमुदीर्य च |
पूजयामास वै शंभुं शरणागतवत्सलम् || 19 ||
Then Lord Vishnu, full of high devotion, surprised (at no response from God), tried to satisfy the supreme God with thousand names with affection.
And each lotus (was offered) after speaking a name, (thus) worshipped Lord Shiva, who is kind to those who take refuge in him.

Rudra sahasranama (thousand names) are in the next chapter, which will not be quoted.

Ghushmesha Jyotirlinga

घुश्मेशज्योतिर्लिङ्गोत्पत्तिमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयस्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Ghushmesha Jyotirlinga creation and greatness/importance description Chapter 33



घुश्मोवाच |
Ghushma said (to God)



अपकारेषु यश्चैव ह्युपकारं करोति च |
तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण पापं दूरतरं व्रजेत् || 39 ||
इति श्रुतं मया देव भगवद्वाक्यमद्भुतम् |
तस्माच्चैव कृतं येन क्रियतां च सदाशिव || 40 ||



And one who does good only to (someone who) does harm, by just the sight of that person sin goes far away.
Deva, so have I heard (this) wonderful sentence of God. And therefore, Lord Shiva (one who is always good/auspicious), so should be done to the one who did (the sin).



God tells Parvati in Tulsidas Ramayana
उमा संत के इहई बडाई |
मंद करत जो करई भलाई ||

Rameshwara

रामेश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Rameshwara (Jyotirlinga) greatness/importance description Chapter 31



राम उवाच |
Lord Rama said (to God)



त्वया स्थेयमिह स्वामिल्लोकानां पावनाय च |
परेषामुपकारार्थं यदि तुष्टोऽसि शंकर || 39 ||
Lord, Shankara, if you are satisfied, you have to stay here to make the worlds holier, for the good of others.  

Rameshwara greatness description

रामेश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Rameshwara (Jyotirlinga) greatness/importance description Chapter 31



राम उवाच |
Lord Rama said (to God)



स्वामिञ्छम्भो महादेव सर्वदा भक्तवत्सल |
पाहि मां शरणापन्नं त्वद्भक्तं दीनमानसम् || 24 ||
Lord Shambhu, the great God, always kind to devotees, please protect me (who has) come to (your) refuge, your devotee, with a sad/depressed mind.

Tryambakeshwara greatness/importance

त्र्यम्बकेश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम षड्विंशोऽध्यायः
Tryambakeshwara greatness/importance description Chapter 26



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



इत्येवं प्रार्थितैस्तस्तु गौतमेन महर्षिणा |
स्थितोऽसौ शङ्करः प्रीत्या स्थिता स च सरिद्वरा || 49 ||
सा गङ्गा गौतमी नाम्ना लिङ्गं त्र्यम्बकमीरितम् |
ख्याता ख्यातं बभूवाथ महापातकनाशनम् || 50 ||
Prayed in this way by the great sage Gautama, Lord Shiva stayed there with affection, and so also the great river (Ganga).
That Ganga by the name of Gautami, (and) the famous Linga called Tryambakam became famous as the destroyer of great sins.

Karma

काशीविश्वेश्वरज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयोविंशोऽध्यायः
Kashi Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 23



परमेश्वर उवाच |
The supreme God said (to Goddess Parvati)



कृतकर्मक्षयो नास्ति कल्पकोटिशतैरपि |
अवश्यमेव भोक्तव्यं कृतं कर्मं शुभाशुभम् || 39 ||
There is no disappearance of done karma even in a large number of kalpas (in a very long time). Good and bad karma done has to be invariably enjoyed/suffered.

Kashi

काशीविश्वेश्वरज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम त्रयोविंशोऽध्यायः
Kashi Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 23



परमेश्वर उवाच |
The supreme God said (to Goddess Parvati)



सर्वे वर्णा आश्रमाश्च बालयौवनवार्द्धकाः |
अस्यां पुर्यां मृताश्चेत्स्युर्मुक्ता एव न संशयः || 14 ||
People of all varnas, all ashramas, children, young or old people, if die in this city are as good as liberated, no doubt.

Kashi

विश्वेश्वरमाहात्म्ये काश्यां रुद्रगमनवर्णनं नाम द्वाविंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Rudra's going to Kashi description in Vishweshwara greatness Chapter 22



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)

यद्दिनं हि समारभ्य हरः काश्यामुपागतः |
तदारभ्य च सा काशी सर्वश्रेष्ठतराऽभवत् || 40 ||
And starting from that day when Lord Shiva arrived in Kashi, that Kashi became the utmost best (place on the earth, also "capital" of the earth).

Avimukteshwara

विश्वेश्वरमाहात्म्ये काश्यां रुद्रगमनवर्णनं नाम द्वाविंशोऽध्यायः
Lord Rudra's going to Kashi description in Vishweshwara greatness Chapter 22



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



अविमुक्तेश्वरं लिङ्गं काश्यां तिष्ठति सर्वदा |
मुक्तिदातृ च लोकानां महापातकिनामपि || 25 ||
अन्यत्र प्राप्यते मुक्तिः सारुप्यादिर्मुनीश्वराः |
अत्रैव प्राप्यते जीवैः सायुज्या मुक्तिरुत्तमा || 26 ||
The Avimukteshwara Linga stays in Kashi always. And giver of liberation of the worlds, even of great sinners.
Sages, elsewhere gets one Saarupya and other (Saalokya, Saamipya, Saannidhya, Kaivalya) liberations. Here only living beings get the best Saayujya liberation.

Kedareshwara Jyotirlinga

केदारेश्वरज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः 
Kedareshwara Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 19



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



शिवाज्ञां स समासाद्य सृष्टिं चक्रेऽद्भुतं तदा |
चतुर्दशमिता लोका ब्रह्माण्डे यत्र निर्मिताः || 17 ||
Having received the order of Lord Shiva, (Lord Brahma) made the amazing creation, (with) 14 worlds set up in the universe where constructed.

Manikarnika

विश्वेश्वरमाहात्म्ये काश्यां रुद्रगमनवर्णनं नाम द्वाविंशोऽध्यायः 
Lord Rudra's going to Kashi description in Vishweshwara greatness Chapter 22



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



ततश्च विष्णुना दृष्ट्वा किमेतद्दृश्यतेऽद्भुतम् |
इत्याश्चर्यं तदा दृष्ट्वा शिरसः कम्पनं कृतम् || 13 ||
ततश्च पतितः कर्णान्मणिश्च पुरतः प्रभोः |
तद्बभूव महत्तीर्थं नामतो मणिकर्णिका || 14 ||
And then Lord Vishnu having seen, (wondered) what this amazing thing is visible. Having seen such a surprise, vibrated (shook) his head.
And then from an ear fell a gem of the Lord (Vishnu) in front. Then (that place) became a great place of pilgrimage (tirtha) by the name of Manikarnika (where the Kashi Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga temple is).

Kedareshwara Jyotirlinga

केदारेश्वरज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः 
Kedareshwara Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 19



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



इत्युक्तस्तु तदा ताभ्यां केदारे हिमसंश्रये |
स्वयं च शङ्करस्तस्थौ ज्योतीरुपो महेश्वरः || 7 ||
They (Nara and Narayana) having said that (to stay here in your form) on Kedara, the abode of snow, Lord Shiva, the great God himself in the form of light stayed there.

Mahakala Jyotirlinga

महाकालज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Mahakala Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 16



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



गर्तात्ततः समुत्पन्नः शिवो विकटरूपधृक् |
महाकाल इति ख्यातो दुष्टहन्ता सतां गतिः || 37 ||
Then Lord Shiva bearing a frightening form emerged from the pit, well known as Mahakala, killer of the evil people and bestowing good progress (or heaven or liberation) to the good people.

Mahakala Jyotirlinga

महाकालज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Mahakala Jyotirlinga greatness/importance description Chapter 16



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



अवन्ती नगरी रम्या मुक्तिदा सर्वदेहिनाम् |
शिवप्रिया महापुण्या वर्तते लोकपावनी || 5 ||
The pleasing city of Avanti (Avantika, Ujjayini, Ujjain) is capable of giving liberation to all living beings. Favourite of Lord Shiva, with high merits, it exists, sacred to the world.

Mallikarjuna

मल्लिकार्जुनद्वितीयज्योतिर्लिङ्गवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Mallikarjuna – second Jyotirlinga description Chapter 15



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



अमावस्यादिने शंभुः स्वयं गच्छति तत्र हि |
पौर्णमासीदिने तत्र पार्वती गच्छति ध्रुवम् || 18 ||
On the new moon day, Lord Shiva himself really goes there. On the full moon day, Goddess Parvati certainly goes there.

Chandrakunda

सोमनाथज्योतिर्लिङ्गोत्पत्तिवर्णनं नाम चतुर्दशोऽध्यायः
Somanath Jyotirlinga evolution description Chapter 14



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



चन्द्रकुण्डं प्रसिद्धं च पृथिव्यां पापनाशनम् |
तत्र स्नाति नरो यः स सर्वैः पापैः प्रमुच्यते || 54 ||
And Chandrakunda (a pool named after the moon), well known on the earth, (is) capable of destroying sins. A man who bathes there is liberated from all sins.

Someshwara

सोमनाथज्योतिर्लिङ्गोत्पत्तिवर्णनं नाम चतुर्दशोऽध्यायः
Somanath Jyotirlinga evolution description Chapter 14



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)


सोमेश्वरश्च नाम्नाऽऽसीद्विख्यातो भुवनत्रये |
क्षयकुष्ठादिरोगाणां नाशकः पूजनाद्द्विजाः || 51 ||
And sages, famous in the three worlds by the name of Someshwara, (it is) capable of destroying diseases including tuberculosis and leprosy by worshipping.

Somanath Jyotirlinga Evolution

सोमनाथज्योतिर्लिङ्गोत्पत्तिवर्णनं नाम चतुर्दशोऽध्यायः
Somanath Jyotirlinga evolution description Chapter 14



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



चन्द्रेण च तपस्तप्तं षण्मासं च निरन्तरम् |
मृत्युञ्जयेन मन्त्रेण पूजितो वृषभध्वजः || 39 ||
And penance (was) performed by the moon continuously for six months, worshipping Lord Shiva (who has a bull on his flag) by the Mrityunjaya mantra.

Shivaratri

नवमोऽध्यायः 
Chapter 9



ईश्वर उवाच | 
God said (to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu)



दिनमेतत्ततः पुण्यं भविष्यति महत्तरम् |
शिवरात्रिरिति ख्याता तिथिरेषा मम प्रिया || 10 ||
This day's punya (merit) will become superior. It is known as Shivaratri, a date which is dear to me.



यत्फलं मम पूजायां वर्षमेकं निरंतरम् |
तत्फलं लभते सद्यः शिवरात्रौ मदर्चनात् || 13 ||
The fruit (results) one obtains by my continuous worship for one year, one gets immediately by my prayer/worship on Shivaratri.

Mahabala Linga

महाबलमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः 
Mahabala (Linga) importance description Chapter 8



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



घोरेण तपसा लब्धं रावणाख्येन रक्षसा |
तल्लिङ्गं स्थापयामास गोकर्णे गणनायकः || 14 ||
गोकर्णं शिवलिङ्गं तु मोक्षद्वार उदाहृतः |
महाबलाभिधानोऽसौ पूजितः संस्तुतो द्विजाः || 24 ||
Obtained by severe penance by a demon called Ravana, that Linga was established in Gokarna by Ganesha (who offered to keep the Linga while Ravana did his prayers in the evening, but put it down where it got firmly established).
The Gokarna Shivalinga is considered to be a gate to liberation. Brahmanas (sages), this (Shivalinga) called Mahabala (or Mahabaleshwara) is worshipped and praised.

Nandikeshwara Linga importance description

नन्दीकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णने ब्राह्मणीस्वर्गतिवर्णनं नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः
Brahmani's attainment of heaven description in Nandikeshwara Linga importance description Chapter 6



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



ऊर्ध्वपुच्छं तदा कृत्वा शीघ्रम् गौर्नर्मदां प्रति |
आगत्य नन्दिकस्यास्य समीपे नर्मदाजले || 51 ||
संनिमज्य त्रिवारं तु श्वेतत्वं च गता हि सा |
यथागतं गता सा च ब्राह्मणो विस्मयं गतः || 52 ||
अहो धन्यतमं तीर्थं ब्रह्महत्यानिवारणम् |
स्वयं च मज्जितस्तत्र ब्राह्मणः सेवकस्तथा || 53 ||
Making the tail upright, the cow quickly (went) towards Narmada. (She) arrived at the Narmada waters near this Nandikeshwara (tirtha, place of pilgrimage).
Having bathed in the water thrice, she got (recovered) the whiteness (after having turned black from being hit by the Brahmana and released/rejected). She became like she was and the Brahmana (who was following her to see where she goes and what she does) became surprised.
(He thought) what a greatest tirtha (place of pilgrimage) which is capable of removing the sin of killing a Brahmana! The Brahmana himself bathed there, so also his assistant.

Karma

नन्दीकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णने ब्राह्मणीस्वर्गतिवर्णनं नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः
Brahmani's attainment of heaven description in Nandikeshwara Linga importance description Chapter 6



वत्स उवाच |
Calf said (to the cow, his mother)



कदापि कर्मणो नाशः कदा भोगः प्रजायते |
तस्माच्च पुनरेवं त्वमकर्म कर्तुमुद्यता || 26 ||
अहं कुतस्ते पुत्रोऽद्य त्वं माता कुत एव च |
वृथाऽभिमानः पुत्रत्वे मातृत्वे च विचार्यताम् || 27 ||
क्व माता क्व पिता विद्धि क्व स्वामी क्व कलत्रकम् |
न कोऽपि कस्य चास्तीह सर्वेऽपि स्वकृन्तभुजः || 28 ||
एवं ज्ञात्वा त्वया मातर्दुःखं त्याज्यं सुयत्नतः |
सुभगाचरणं कार्यं परलोकसुखेप्सया || 29 ||
Sometimes (bad) karma (gets) destroyed, sometimes enjoyments come. And therefore you are again about to do bad karma (to kill the Brahmana's son).
From where am I your son today, and from where are you (my) mother? Such futile pride in sonhood and motherhood should be thought about.
Where/when (someone is) known as mother, father, husband, wife? Nobody is anybody's anything here (on the earth); everyone is enjoying/suffering one's karma.
Mother, knowing so, you have to give up (your) sorrow with good effort. Good/nice behaviour should be done by (those) wishing happiness in the other worlds.

Karma

नन्दीकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णने ब्राह्मणीस्वर्गतिवर्णनं नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः
Brahmani's attainment of heaven description in Nandikeshwara Linga importance description Chapter 6



वत्स उवाच |
Calf said (to the cow, his mother)



किं कर्तव्यं क्व गन्तव्यं कर्मबद्धा वयं यतः |
कृतं चैव यथा पूर्वं भुज्यतं च तथाऽधुना || 12 ||
हसता क्रियते कर्म रुदता परिभुज्यते |
दुःखदाता न कोप्यस्ति सुखदाता न कश्चन || 13 ||
सुखदुःखे परो दत्त इत्येषा कुमतिर्मता |
अहं चापि करोम्यत्र मिथ्याज्ञानं तदोच्यते || 14 ||
What to do, where to go, since we are bound by karma? And the way (karma has been) done in the past, accordingly has to be enjoyed/suffered now.
Karma is done laughing/smiling, (its fruits are) suffered crying. No one is the giver of sorrow/unhappiness, nobody is the giver of happiness.
That someone has given happiness or sorrow is considered bad thinking. And that "I am doing here" is then called fake (false) knowledge.

Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness

अत्रीश्वरमाहत्म्यवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः 
Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness description Chapter 4



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



तद्दिनं हि समारभ्य तत्राक्षयजलं सदा |
हस्तमात्रे हि तद्गर्ते गङ्गा मन्दाकिनी ह्यभूत् || 57 ||
Starting from that day, there the permanently undwindling water in that pit, the size of a hand, Ganga became (river) Mandakini.

Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness

अत्रीश्वरमाहत्म्यवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः 
Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness description Chapter 4



अनसूयोवाच |
Anasuya said (to Goddess Ganga)



यदि प्रसन्ना देवेशि यद्यस्ति च कृपा मयि |
त्वया स्थेयं निश्चलत्वादस्मिन्देवि तपोवने || 39 ||
Goddess of the Devas, if you are pleased, if you have mercy on me, Goddess, you have to stay here permanently in this penance forest.

Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness

अत्रीश्वरमाहत्म्यवर्णनं नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः 
Atrishwara (incarnation) greatness description Chapter 4



गङ्गोवाच |
Ganga (river in the form of a woman) said (to Anasuya)



स्वामिनः सेवनं दृष्ट्वा शिवस्य च परात्मनः |
साध्वि धर्मं च ते दृष्ट्वा स्थितास्मि तव संनिधौ || 9 ||
Having seen your service to your husband, and to the supreme soul Shiva, and Sadhvi (female ascetic), having seen your behaviour (following your Dharma), I have (had) stayed here in your vicinity (although it has not rained for the last 54 years).

Shivalingas

कोटिरुद्रसंहितायां ज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्यवर्णनं नाम प्रथमोऽध्यायः 
Kotirudra Samhita, Jyotirlinga importance description Chapter 1



सूत उवाच |
Suta Goswami said (to the sages)



सर्वेषां शिवलिङ्गानां मुने संख्या न विद्यते |
सर्वा लिङ्गमयी भूमिः सर्वं लिङ्गमयं जगत् || 9 ||
Sage, one cannot count all the Shivalingas. The earth is (subtly of the same element) as Shivalinga; the world is (subtly of the same element) as Shivalinga.



पाताले चापि वर्तन्ते स्वर्गे चापि तथा भुवि |
सर्वत्र पूज्यते शंभुः सदेवासुरमानुषैः || 13 ||
Like on the earth, (Shivalingas) exist also in the lowest world (Patala), and also in the heaven. Lord Shiva is worshipped everywhere, including by Devas, demons and humans.

Twelve Jyotirlinga Incarnations

द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः 
Twelve Jyotirlinga incarnation description Chapter 42



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



विश्वेश्वरावतारस्तु काश्यां जातो हि सप्तमः |
सर्वब्रह्माण्डरुपश्च भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदो मुने || 30 ||
Sage, the Vishweshwara incarnation born in Kashi (is) the seventh, in the form of the whole universe and giver of enjoyments as well as liberation.



त्र्यंबकाख्योऽवतारो यः सोऽष्टमो गौतमीतटे |
प्रार्थितो गौतमेनाविर्बभूव शशिमौलिनः || 34 ||
The incarnation of Shiva called Tryambaka which is the eighth, appeared on the bank of the river Gautami, prayed by sage Gautama.



रामेश्वरावतारस्तु शिवस्यैकादशः स्मृतः |
रामचन्द्रप्रियकरो रामसंस्थापितो मुने || 46 ||
Rameshwara incarnation is considered the eleventh (incarnation) of Shiva. (On worshipping, it) makes one favourite of Lord Rama. Sage, (it was) established by Lord Rama.

Twelve Jyotirlinga Incarnation

द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः 
Twelve Jyotirlinga incarnation description Chapter 42



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



शिवावतारः सोमेशो लिङ्गरूपेण संस्थितः |
सौराष्ट्रे शुभदेशे च शशिना पूजितः पुरा || 7 || 
चन्द्रकुण्डं च तत्रैव सर्वपापविनाशकम् |
तत्र स्नात्वा नरो धीमान्सर्वरोगैः प्रमुच्यते || 8 ||
The Somesha (Somnath) incarnation of Shiva was established in the form of a Linga in the auspicious land of Saurashtra, and was worshipped by the moon in the past.
And Chandrakunda (the pool of water named after the moon) there is the destroyer of all sins. An intelligent man after bathing there get liberated from all diseases.

Twelve Jyotirlinga Incarnations

द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः 
Twelve Jyotirlinga incarnation description Chapter 42



Then in the first chapter of Kotirudra Samhita, Suta Goswami tells the sages the following three verses.



सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् |
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोम्कारे परमेश्वरम् || 21 ||
केदारो हिमवत्पृष्ठे डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् | 
वाराणस्यां च विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे || 22 ||
वैद्यनाथं चिताभूमौ नागेशं दारुकावने |
सेतुबन्धे च रामेशं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये || 23 ||
This looks like a combination of the above two versions.

Twelve Jyotirlinga Incarnations

द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः 
Twelve Jyotirlinga incarnation description Chapter 42



The three verses in common use are as follows.



सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् |
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोम्कारं ममलेश्वरम् ||
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् | 
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ||
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे |
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं तु शिवालये ||
Neither set of verses are in the same order of Jyotirlingas as the numbering given in Chapter 42, where the first four are as in this set of verses, but Kedarnath is the fifth, Bhimashankara sixth, Vishweshwara seventh, Tryambakeshwara eighth, Vaidyanath ninth, Nageshwara tenth, Rameshwara eleventh, and Ghushmeshwara twelvth.

Twelve Jyotirlinga Incarnations

द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Twelve Jyotirlinga incarnation description Chapter 42



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



केदारो हिमवत्पृष्ठे डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करः |
वाराणस्यां च विश्वेशस्त्र्यंबको गौतमीतटे || 2 ||
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथश्च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनः |
उज्जयिन्यां महाकाल ओंकारे चामरेश्वरः || 3 ||
वैद्यनाथश्चिताभूमौ नागेशो दारुकावने |
सेतुबन्धे च रामेशो घुश्मेशश्च शिवालये || 4 ||
अवतारद्वादशकमेतच्छम्भोः परात्मनः |
सर्वानन्दकरं पुंसां दर्शनात्स्पर्शनान्मुने || 5 ||
Kedara on the side of the Himalaya, Bhimashankara in Dakini, Vishweshwara in Varanasi, Tryambakeshwara on the bank of Gautami (river).
Somanath in Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna on Shree Shaila mountain, Mahakala in Ujjayini (Ujjain), Amareshwara at Omkara (Omkarnath).
Vaidyanath on cremation land, Nagesha in Daruka forest, Rameshwara at the Setubandha (bridge building site), Ghushmeshwara in Shivalaya.
Sage, these twelve incarnations of the supreme soul Shiva (give) all joy to people by darshan (sight) or by touch.

Lord Shiva assures Arjuna

किरातेश्वरावतारवर्णनं नामैकचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Kirateshwara (tribal) incarnation description Chapter 41



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Arjuna)



कृष्णं च कथयिष्यामि साहाय्यं ते करिष्यति |
स वै ममात्मभूतश्च मद्भक्तः कार्यकारकः || 57 ||
And I will tell Lord Krishna. He will assist you. He is faithful to me and is my devotee, (who) does my work.

Remembering the name

किरातावतारवर्णने मूकदैत्यवधो नामैकोनचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
Muka demon killing in tribal incarnation description Chapter 39



अर्जुन उवाच |
Arjuna said (actually only thinks in his mind, does not speak this)



तन्नामस्मरणात्पुंसां कल्याणं जायते ध्रुवम् || 33 ||
By remembering that name (of Lord Shiva), good occurs to people certainly.

Lord Shiva

किरातावतारवर्णनप्रसङ्गेऽर्जुनाय व्यासोपदेशवर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sage Vyasa's advice description during tribal incarnation description Chapter 37



व्यास उवाच |
Sage Vyasa said (to the Pandavas)



सर्वेषां चैव सेव्योऽसौ शङ्करः सर्वदुःखहा |
शिवः स्वल्पेन कालेन सम्प्रसीदति भक्तितः || 57 || 
सुप्रसन्नो महेशो हि भक्तेभ्यः सकलप्रदः |
भुक्तिं मुक्तिमिहामुत्र यच्छतीति सुनिश्चितम् || 58 ||
तस्मात्सेव्यः सदा शम्भुर्भुक्तिमुक्तिफलेप्सुभिः |
पुरुषः शङ्करः साक्षाद्दुष्टहन्ता सतां गतिः || 59 ||
This Lord Shiva, worshipped by everybody (is the) destroyer of all sorrow. Lord Shiva, in a short time gets very pleased by devotion.
When very pleased, the great God really gives everything to the devotees – definitely gives enjoyments, liberation, here (on the earth) or in the other worlds.
Therefore, Lord Shiva should be worshipped by those who desire enjoyments or liberation. Lord Shiva is the God (Purusha, not Prakriti), directly the killer of evil people, and uplifter of good people.

Sage Vyasa's Advice

किरातावतारवर्णनप्रसङ्गेऽर्जुनाय व्यासोपदेशवर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sage Vyasa's advice description during tribal incarnation description Chapter 37



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



पञ्चाक्षरं जपन्मन्त्रं शिवप्रेमसमाकुलः |
तेजसां च स्वयं राशिः साक्षाद्धर्म इवापरः || 23 ||
Tormented by the love for Lord Shiva, chanting the five-lettered mantra (Om Namah Shivaya), (Sage Vyasa) himself being a symbol of brilliance, like another Dharma in visible form.

Sage Vyasa's advice

किरातावतारवर्णनप्रसङ्गेऽर्जुनाय व्यासोपदेशवर्णनं नाम सप्तत्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sage Vyasa's advice description during tribal incarnation description Chapter 37



श्रीकृष्ण उवाच |
Lord Krishna said (to Pandavas)



इदानीं सेव्यते देवो भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदः |
यूयं सेवत तं शंभुमपि सर्वसुखावहम् || 16 ||
Now God, the giver of enjoyments and liberation as fruits, should be served/worshipped. You all serve/worship that Lord Shambhu, (who makes) everything comfortable.

Ashwatthama Incarnation

अश्वत्थामशिवावतारवर्णनं नाम षट्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Ashwatthama incarnation of Lord Shiva Chapter 36



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



अथावसरमासाद्य रुद्रः सर्वान्तकः प्रभुः |
स्वांशेन तनयो जज्ञे द्रोणस्य स महाबलः || 13 ||
अश्वत्थामेति विख्यातः स बभूव क्षितौ मुने | 14
At the proper moment, Lord Rudra, the destroyer of everything (in Mahapralaya), with a small part of himself took birth as a son of Dronacharya, of great strength.
He became famous as Ashwatthama on the earth.

Repercussions of criticizing Lord Shiva

ब्रह्मचारिशिवावतारवर्णनं नाम त्रयस्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Brahmachari Shiva avatara description Chapter 33



गिरिजोवाच |
Parvati said (to her friend Vijayaa)



न केवलं भवेत्पापं निन्दाकर्तुः शिवस्य हि |
यो वै शृणोति तन्निन्दां पापभाक्स भवेदिह || 49 ||
शिवनिन्दाकरो वध्यः सर्वथा शिवकिङ्करैः |
ब्राह्मणश्चेत्स वै त्याज्यो गन्तव्यं तत्स्थालाद्द्रुतम् || 50 ||
Not only the one who criticises Lord Shiva commits a sin, those who listen to that criticism also bear the sin on the earth.
One who criticises Lord Shiva is to be killed by all means by the assistants of Lord Shiva. If he is a Brahmin, (he) should be left alone (but) one should go away from that place quickly.



These two shlokas also appeared as shlokas 37 and 38 in Chapter 28 of Parvati block of Rudra Samhita. Chapters 26 to 28 of Parvati block of Rudra Samhita have several common shlokas with this chapter.

Brahmachari Shiva Incarnation

ब्रह्मचारिशिवावतारवर्णनं नाम त्रयस्त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Brahmachari Shiva avatara description Chapter 33



गिरिजोवाच |
Parvati said (to Brahmachari incarnation of Lord Shiva)



ब्रह्मचारिस्वरूपेण कश्चित्त्वं धूर्त आगतः |
शिवनिन्दा कृता मूढ त्वया मन्युरभून्मम || 39 ||
Some rogue, you have come in the form of a Brahmachari (a celibate). Fool, criticism of Lord Shiva done by you caused my anger/sorrow.



शिवनिन्दां करोतीह तत्त्वमज्ञाय यः पुमान् |
आजन्मसञ्चितं पुण्यं तस्य भस्मीभवत्युत || 41 ||
Of a man who criticises Lord Shiva on the earth, (even if) not knowing the element, all the punya (merit) collected by him during his (present) life turns to ash (gets destroyed).

Upamanyu asks for Highest Devotion

सुरेश्वराख्य शिवावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम द्वात्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 32



उपमन्युरुवाच |
Upamanyu said (to God)



प्रसीद देवदेवेश प्रसीद परमेश्वर |
स्वभक्तिं देहि परमां दिव्यामव्यभिचारिणीम् || 65 ||
Be pleased, God of the Devas, be pleased, Supreme God. Give your highest devotion, divine and pure.

Shiva gives a boon to Upamanyu

सुरेश्वराख्य शिवावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम द्वात्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 32



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Upamanyu)



पिताऽहं ते महादेवो माता ते जगदम्बिका |
वरान्वरय सुप्रीत्या मनोभिलषितान्परान् || 55 ||
I am your father, the Great God, your mother is the Mother of the world (Parvati). Ask for a boon with good love, what (your) mind most desires.

Superior Element

सुरेश्वराख्य शिवावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम द्वात्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 32



उपमन्युरुवाच |
Upamanyu said (to Sureshwara avatara – Lord Shiva posing as Indra)



नास्ति शंभोः परं तत्त्वं सर्वकारणकारणम् |
ब्रह्मविष्ण्वादिदेवानां श्रेष्ठो गुणपराद्विभोः || 33 ||
There is no element superior to Lord Shiva, the cause of all causes, the best of Brahma, Vishnu, etc., and all Devas, the Lord (who is) above characteristics (of nature: Sattva, Rajas, Tamas).

This shloka repeats with a minor difference in Vayaviya Samhita, Earlier/east part, Chapter 35 as shloka 25.

Lord Rudra

सुरेश्वराख्य शिवावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम द्वात्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 32



उपमन्युरुवाच |
Upamanyu said (to Sureshwara avatara – Lord Shiva posing as Indra)



त्वं न जानासि वै रुद्रं सर्वदेवेश्वरेश्वरम्  |
ब्रह्माविष्णुमहेशानां जनकं प्रकृतेः परम् || 30 ||
You do not know the Lord Rudra, the God of all Devas and Gods, father of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, above Prakriti (Maya).

This shloka repeats in Vayaviya Samhita, Earlier/east part, Chapter 35 as shloka 22. Many of the shlokas of that chapter are similar or the same as shlokas in this chapter.

Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation

सुरेश्वराख्य शिवावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम द्वात्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Sureshwara named Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 32



मातोवाच |
(Upamanyu's) mother said (to him who wanted genuine milk)



पूर्वजन्मनि यत्कृत्यं शिवमुद्दिश्य हे सुत |
तदेव लभ्यते नूनं नात्र कार्या विचारणा || 10 ||
Son, in the previous life, whatever was done for Lord Shiva, only that (fruits of that) one gets now; there is nothing to think about it (it is certain).

Avadhuteshwara Shiva incarnation

अवधूतेश्वरशिवावतारचरित्रवर्णनं नाम त्रिंशोऽध्यायः
Avadhuteshwara Shiva incarnation character description Chapter 30



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



इत्युक्त्वा स करे धृत्वा स्वतेजोऽनलमद्भुतम् |
भालनेत्रसमुद्भूतं प्राक्षिपल्लवणांभसि || 36 ||
Having said so (that I will throw away this fire from my eye on the forehead far away so that it does not trouble Indra/Devas), he took the amazing fire from his own brilliance which had emerged from the eye on his forehead, in his hand, and threw it in the salty sea. 

This shloka is very similar to the shloka 50 of Chapter 13 of the war block in Rudra Samhita.



अथो शिवस्य तत्तेजो भालनेत्रसमुद्भवम् |
क्षिप्तं च लवणांभोधौ सद्यो बालो बभूव ह || 37 ||
Then that brilliance (fire) of Lord Shiva which emerged from the eye on the forehead, and (when) thrown into the salty sea, immediately became a child (called Jalandhara). 

This shloka is very similar to the shloka 4 of chapter 14 of the war block in Rudra Samhita. A few other shlokas from this chapter are similar to the some shlokas in chapters 13 and 14 of the war block in Rudra Samhita.

Vaishyanath named Shiva incarnation

वैश्यनाथाह्वय शिवावतारवर्णनं नाम षड्विंशोऽध्यायः
Vaishyanath named Shiva incarnation description Chapter 26



महानन्दोवाच |
Mahananda (the prostitute) said (to Lord Shiva)



न मे वाञ्छास्ति भोगेषु भूमौ स्वर्गे रसातले |
तव पादाम्बुजस्पर्शादन्यत्किञ्चिन्न कामये || 59 ||
I have no desire for enjoyments on earth, in heaven or in the nether world Rasatala. Other than touching your lotus feet, I do not desire anything.

Truth

वैश्यनाथाह्वय शिवावतारवर्णनं नाम षड्विंशोऽध्यायः
Vaishyanath named Shiva incarnation description Chapter 26



महानन्दोवाच |
Mahananda (the prostitute) said (to all the people there)



सत्याश्रयः परो धर्मः सत्येन परमा गतिः |
सत्येन स्वर्गमोक्षौ च सत्ये सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् || 48 ||
To rest on truth is high Dharma. The highest state (is reached by) truth. With truth (one gets) heaven as well as liberation. In truth is everything respectable.

Pippalada incarnation's character description

पिप्पलादावतारचरितवर्णनं नाम पञ्चविंशोऽध्यायः
Pippalada incarnation's character description Chapter 25



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



पिप्पलादस्य चरितं पद्माचरितसंयुतम् |
यः पठेच्छृणुयाद्वापि सुभक्त्या भुवि मानवः || 21 || 
शनिपीडाविनाशार्थमेतच्चरितमुत्तमम् | 22
A human who reads or even listens to the character of Lord Pippalada along with the character of Padma with good devotion on the earth, this best character (remedy) for destroying the suffering caused by Saturn (like the seven and a half year periods).

Pippalada incarnation

पिप्पलादावतारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्विंशोऽध्यायः
Pippalada incarnation description Chapter 24



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



पिप्पलादेति तन्नाम चक्रे ब्रह्मा प्रसन्नधीः |
प्रसन्नो भव देवेश इत्यूचे हरिणा सुरैः || 61 ||
Brahma gave him (Rudra incarnation in the form of a child) the name Pippalada, with a highly pleased intellect (mind). Lord Vishnu and the Devas said "Be pleased, God of the Devas" (to that child).



अथ रुद्रः पिप्पलादोऽश्वत्थमूले महाप्रभुः |
तताप सुचिरं कालं लोकानां हितकाम्यया || 63 ||
The great Lord Rudra, Pippalada, under a peepal tree practised penance for a very long time, for the purpose of good of the worlds.

Lord Shiva is worshipped not only by humans in the mortal world, but also by demons, and beings in other worlds. God, therefore, continuously works in favour of all the worlds.

Pippalada incarnation - Sky voice says

पिप्पलादावतारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्विंशोऽध्यायः
Pippalada incarnation description Chapter 24



आकाशवाण्युवाच |
Voice from the sky said (to Suvarcha)



सगर्भा न दहेद्गात्रमिति ब्रह्मनिदेशनम् || 43 ||
A pregnant woman shall not burn (her) body – is the instruction from Brahma.

Pippalada incarnation

पिप्पलादावतारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्विंशोऽध्यायः
Pippalada incarnation description Chapter 24



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



अहो सुरा दुष्टतराश्च सर्वे स्वकार्यदक्षा ह्यबुधाश्च लुब्धाः |
तस्माच्च सर्वे पशवो भवन्तु सेन्द्राश्च मेऽद्यप्रभृतीत्युवाच || 38 ||
"O Devas, all (of you) highly evil, bothered about own work (selfish), really unwise, greedy, therefore may (you) all become animals and including Indra, right from now" – so (Suvarcha, the great Sadhvi, wife of sage Dadhici) said.

Pippalada incarnation

पिप्पलादावतारवर्णनं नाम चतुर्विंशोऽध्यायः
Pippalada incarnation description Chapter 24



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



इत्युक्तस्तेन स मुनिः परोपकरणे रतः |
ध्यात्वा शिवं स्वनाथं हि विससर्ज कलेवरम् || 25 ||
Having been told (asked by Indra to give his bones as hard as diamond, to make weapons) so, the sage (Dadhichi) bent on doing good to others, discarded his body only after meditating on Shiva, his Lord.

Mahesha Incarnation

महेशावतारवर्णनं नाम नामैकविंशोऽध्यायः
Mahesha incarnation description Chapter 21



शिवोवाच |
Goddess Shivaa cursed (Lord Bhairava under the influence of Maya)



नारीदृष्ट्या पश्यसि त्वं यतो मां पुरुषाधम |
अतो भव धरायां हि मानुषस्त्वं च भैरव || 8 ||
Bhairava, lowest of men, since you see me as a woman, become a human really on the earth.

Hanuman Incarnation

हनुमदावतारचरित्रवर्णनं नाम विंशोऽध्यायः
Hanuman incarnation's character description Chapter 20



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



स्थापयामास भूलोके रामभक्तिं कपीश्वरः |
स्वयं भक्तवरो भूत्वा सीतारामसुखप्रदः || 36 ||
God in the form of a monkey established devotion to Rama in the mortal world, by himself becoming a great devotee, giver of happiness to Sita and Rama.

Krishna

दुर्वासश्चरित्रवर्णनं नामैकोनविंशोऽध्यायः
Durvasa character description Chapter 19



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



ब्रह्मप्रार्थनया विष्णुर्वसुदेवसुतोऽभवत् |
धराभारावतारार्थं साधूनां रक्षणाय च || 57 ||
हत्वा दुष्टान्महापापान्ब्रह्मद्रोहकरान्खलान् |
ररक्ष निखिलान्साधून्ब्राह्मणान्कृष्णनामभाक् || 58 ||
By the prayer of Brahma, Lord Vishnu became the son of Vasudeva, in order to reduce the burden of the earth and to protect the good people.
Having killed evil people, people with large sins, bad people who hate Brahmins, (he) bearing the name Krishna protected all the good people and Brahmins.

Eleven Rudra Incarnations

एकादशावतारवर्णनं नामाष्टादशोऽध्यायः 
Eleven incarnation description Chapter 18



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



कपाली पिङ्गलो भीमो विरूपाक्षो विलोहितः |
शास्ताऽजपादहिर्बुध्न्यः शम्भुश्चन्डो भवस्तथा || 26 ||
Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksha, Vilohita, Shasta, Ajapada, Ahirbudhnya, Shambhu, Chanda and Bhava (are the 11 Rudra incarnations born to sage Kashyapa).

Yaksheshwara incarnation

यक्षेश्वरावतरवर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Yaksheshwara incarnation description Chapter 16



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



तत्रासन् विफलान्याशु तान्यस्त्राणि दिवौकसाम् |
शिवप्रभावतस्तेषां मूढगर्वापहारिणः || 29 ||
The weapons of the Devas who were there failed (to cut the blade of grass) quickly because of the influence of Shiva, which was to take away the foolish pride (which the Devas got after defeating the demons and drinking the nectar which came out as a result of churning the ocean).



अथासीत्तु नभोवाणी देवविस्मयहारिणी |
यक्षोऽयं शङ्करो देवाः सर्वगर्वापहारकः || 30 ||
Then a voice from the sky removing the perplexity of the Devas said "Devas, this Yaksha is Lord Shiva, who takes away everyone's pride.

Yaksheshwara incarnation

यक्षेश्वरावतरवर्णनं नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः
Yaksheshwara incarnation description Chapter 16



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



ततः स शङ्करो देवः सर्वाधीशोऽथ गर्वहा |
यक्षो भूत्वा जगामाशु यत्र देवाः स्थिता मुने || 18 ||
Sage, then that Lord Shankara, the lord of everything and destroyer of pride, after becoming a Yaksha went where the Devas were.

Agni

गृह्पत्यावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Grihapati avatara description Chapter 15



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



अनाथस्याग्निसंस्कारं यः कुर्याच्छ्रद्धयान्वितः |
अशक्तः प्रेरयेदन्यं सोऽग्निलोके महीयते || 63 ||
One who cremates an orphan with faith, or makes someone else do so if himself incapable, (goes to and) lives in Agniloka.



अपावनानि सर्वाणि वह्निसंसर्गतः क्षणात् |
पावनानि भवन्त्येव तस्माद्यः पावकः स्मृतः || 65 ||
Everything impure/unholy in contact with fire for an instant becomes pure/holy. That is why (it is) called Paavaka.

Agnishwara

गृह्पत्यावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Grihapati avatara description Chapter 15



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Grihapati)



त्वयेदं स्थापितं लिङ्गं तव नाम्ना भविष्यति |
अग्नीश्वर इति ख्यातं सर्वतेजोविबृंहणम् || 54 ||
अग्नीश्वरस्य भक्तानां न भयं विद्युदग्निभिः |
अग्निमाद्यभयं नैव नाकालमरणं क्वचित् || 55 ||
This Linga established by you will bear your name. It will be known as Agnishwara, which will increase all brilliance.
The devotees of Agnishwara will have no fear of electricity or fire. (They will have) fearlessness from fire, etc. and neither (will they encounter) death at a wrong time (like in childhood) ever.

Grihapati avatara

गृह्पत्यावतारवर्णनं नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः
Grihapati avatara description Chapter 15



इन्द्र उवाच |
Indra said (to Grihapati avatar of Lord Shiva)



न मत्तः शङ्करस्त्वन्यो देवदेवोऽस्म्यहं शिशो |
विहाय बालिशत्वं त्वं वरं याचस्व मा चिरम् || 39 ||
There is no Shiva other than me, child, I am the God of the Gods. Give up your childishness and quickly ask for a boon.

Grihapati said he will take a boon only from Shiva. This was Indra's reply. The response to Indra's profanity is sophisticated abuse from Grihapati avatara.

Hara

शरभावतारवर्णनं नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः 
Sharabha incarnation description Chapter 12



देवा उचुः |
Devas said (to Lord Shiva in the form of Sharabha incarnation)



यतो हरसि संसारं हर इत्युच्यते बुधैः | 26
Since you take away (destroy) the material world, wise people call you Hara.

Sharabha incarnation

शरभावतारवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः 
Sharabha incarnation description Chapter 11



वीरभद्र उवाच |
Virabhadra said (smiling to Narsimha incarnation)



त्वत्संहारे नियुक्तोऽस्मि विनयेन बलेन च |
देवदेवेन रुद्रेण सकलप्रभुणा हरे || 43 ||
Lord Hari, I have been appointed to destroy you by humility/politeness and (if necessary, by) force, by the God of the Gods, Rudra, the God of everything/everyone.



उपकारो हि साधूनां सुखाय किल संमतः |
उपकारो ह्यसाधूनामपकाराय केवलम् || 45 ||
It is generally agreed that doing good to good people leads to happiness. Doing good to bad people (is possible) only by doing harm/offense.

Sharabha Incarnation

शरभावतारवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः 
Sharabha incarnation description Chapter 11



वीरभद्र उवाच |
Virabhadra said (to Narsimha incarnation)



अतीव घोरं भगवन्नरसिंह वपुस्तव |
उपसंहर विश्वात्मंस्त्वमेव मम संनिधौ || 24 ||
God Narsimha, your body is extremely terrifying. Soul of the world, you yourself destroy (it) near me (in my presence).



नृसिंह उवाच |
Narsimha incarnation said (angrily to Virabhadra, showing frightening teeth)



आगतोऽसि यतस्तत्र गच्छ त्वं मा हितं वद |
इदानीं संहरिष्यामि जगदेतच्चराचरम् || 27 ||
Go back to where you have come from. Don't tell me what is good for me. Now (itself) I will destroy the universe, living and non-living things.

Sharabha Incarnation

शरभावतारवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः 
Sharabha incarnation description Chapter 11



वीरभद्र उवाच |
Virabhadra said (to Narsimha incarnation)



यदा यदा हि लोकस्य दुःखं किञ्चित्प्रजायते |
तदा तदाऽवतीर्णस्त्वं करिष्यसि निरामयम् || 21 ||
Whenever any unhappiness arises to the world, you will make it healthy (free of trouble) through (your) incarnation. (However, now you have killed Hiranyakashipu, and Prahlada is safe. This is what you incarnated for. Now your work is done.)

Sharabha Incarnation

शरभावतारवर्णनं नामैकादशोऽध्यायः 
Sharabha incarnation description Chapter 11



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to Virabhadra)



सूक्ष्मं संहृत्य सूक्ष्मेण स्थूलं स्थूलेन तेजसा |
वक्त्रमानय कृत्तिं च वीरभद्र ममाज्ञया || 14 ||
Subtle should be destroyed by subtle, gross by gross with brilliance/fire. Virabhadra, bring the head and skin (of Narsimha incarnation) by my order.

Shiva's assurance

नृसिंहचरितवर्णनं नाम दशमोऽध्यायः 
Narsimha (incarnation of Vishnu) characteristics description Chapter 10



शिव उवाच |
Lord Shiva said (to the Devas)



स्वस्थानं गच्छत सुराः सर्वे ब्रह्मादयोऽभयाः |
शमयिष्यामि यद्दुःखं सर्वथा हि व्रतं मम || 39 ||
गतो मच्छरणं यस्तु तस्य दुःखं क्षयं गतम् |
मत्प्रियः शरणापन्नः प्राणेभ्योऽपि न संशयः || 40 ||
Go to your own place without fear, Brahma and all Devas. Whatever unhappiness (you have, Lord Vishnu as Narsimha incarnation is still burning with anger even after killing Hiranyakashipu), I will extinguish in all ways. This is my vow.
Once someone comes to me for refuge, his unhappiness/sorrow disappears. One who takes refuge (in me is) my favourite, no doubt, more (dear to me) than even (my) life.

Narsimha (incarnation of Vishnu) characteristics

नृसिंहचरितवर्णनं नाम दशमोऽध्यायः
Narsimha (incarnation of Vishnu) characteristics description Chapter 10



देवा उचुः |
Devas said (to God)



प्रसिद्धं च यदा यस्य दुःखं च जायते प्रभो |
तदा त्वन्नाममात्रेण सर्वं दुःखं विलीयते || 36 ||
It is well known that when someone gets unhappiness, all unhappiness disappears simply by (chanting) your name.

Shiva Incarnations

नृसिंहचरितवर्णनं नाम दशमोऽध्यायः 
Narsimha (incarnation of Vishnu) characteristics description Chapter 10



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



शिवावतारा अमिताः सद्भक्तहितकारकाः |
संख्या न शक्यते कर्तुं तेषां च मुनिसत्तमाः || 5 ||
There are an innumerable Shiva incarnations, which do good to good devotees.  And great sages cannot count them.

Kapalamochana

भैरवावतारलीलावर्णनं नाम नवमोऽध्यायः 
Bhairava incarnation and behaviour description Chapter 9



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



कपालं ब्रह्मणः सद्यो भैरवस्य करांबुजात् |
पपात भुवि तत्तीर्थमभूत्कापालमोचनम् || 56 ||
Brahma's skull then fell to the ground from the lotus like hand of Bhairava. That tirtha (place of pilgrimage) became Kapalamochana (in Varanasi).



कपालमोचनं काश्यां यः स्मरेत्तीर्थमुत्तमम् |
इहान्यत्रापि यत्पापं क्षिप्रं तस्य प्रणश्यति || 60 ||
One who remembers the wonderful tirtha (place of pilgrimage) Kapalamochanam in Varanasi in this world or other worlds, his sins quickly get destroyed.

Bhairava incarnation and behaviour

भैरवावतारलीलावर्णनं नाम नवमोऽध्यायः 
Bhairava incarnation and behaviour description Chapter 9



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



इत्थं वदति गोविन्दे विमला पद्मया तया |
मनोरथवती नाम भिक्षा पात्रे समर्पिता || 41 ||
On Govinda/Vishnu saying so, by immaculate Lakshmi, (a siddhi) named Manorathavati (desire fulfilling capability) was submitted to the begging bowl (skull carried by Lord Kalabhairava).

KalaBhairava cuts a head of Lord Brahma

भैरवावतारवर्णनं नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः 
Bhairava incarnation Chapter 8



नन्दीश्वर उवाच |
Nandishwara said (to Sanatkumara)



एतान्वरान्प्रगृह्याथ तत्क्षणात्कालभैरवः |
वामाङ्गुलिनखाग्रेण चकर्त च विधेः शिरः || 52 ||
Having accepted these boons, Lord Kalabhairava from that moment, cut a head (out of five heads) of Lord Brahma with the front of the nail of a left hand finger.

Bhairava Incarnation

भैरवावतारवर्णनं नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः 
Bhairava incarnation Chapter 8



ब्रह्मोवाच |
Lord Brahma said (in arrogance to Lord Rudra)



रोदनाद्रुद्रनामापि योजितोऽसि मया पुरा |
मामेव शरणं याहि पुत्र रक्षां करोमि ते || 43 ||
In the past, the name Rudra was arranged by me out of (your) crying. Come to my refuge, son, I will protect you.

Nandikeshwara averting death by penance

नन्दीकेश्वरावतारवर्णनं नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः 
Nandikeshwara incarnation Chapter 6



पुत्र उवाच |
The son (Nandishwara) said to (his father Shilada)



हे तात तपसा मृत्युं वञ्चयिष्ये न विद्यया |
महादेवस्य भजनान्मृत्युं जेष्यामि नान्यथा || 61 ||
Father, I will avert death by penance, not by knowledge. I will win over death by singing praises of Lord Mahadeva, not in any other way.