||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 71 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 10

Shiva: Sarvasvakarththa Hi Bhartha Harththa Parathpara: | Parambhrama Parameshwarashcha Nirguno Nithya Yeva Cha || Anirdheshyo Nirvikara: Paramathma Adhvyayoacchyutha: | Ananthoanthakara; Swami Vyapaka: Parameshwara: || Shrishti Sthithi Vinashanam Krithi Thrigunabhagvibhu: | Bhrama Vishnu Maheshwarakhyo Raja:  Saththva Thama: Para: ||

Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Vidhe, Oh! Mahabhaga, you are an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly narrate what happened to Kamadeva and Devi Rathi who was desirous to see the Lord as a flawless Grahastha, went to distract the penance of supreme Lord Mahadeva.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Narada, listen to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Shiva which would remove all the worldly interests of the Jeeva. Oh! Mune, I was desirous to see the Lord Shiva as a perfect Grihastha, I was immersed in deep thought, and planned to create obstacle in his penance was not worked well the way I have desired.  Kamadeva and Devi Rathi with their assistants were miserably failed in their attempts to entice the heart of the Lord Mahadeva. I have become restless thinking about, how did the supreme Yogi Lord Shiva would embrace Grihasthashrama? How did the trinities perform the functions of the expansion of creation? How could we perform the function of creation, preservation, and destruction of the Universe and its living beings? I have contemplated upon the supreme Lord Hari who is an ardent devotee of Lord Hara. I have prostrated before supreme Lord Hari, who is attired in majestic yellow silk garment, adorned in Vanamala, Kausthubha, and Srivathsa holds Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, Padma, has the complexion of dark rain clouds, I have eulogized him with marvelous verses, I have repeatedly prostrated before that Lord Hari who is Bhakthavathsala, destroyer of miseries, and sorrows of worldly existence.  Lord Hari was highly pleased and spoke “Oh! Vidhe, Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! Lokakaraka, I would like to hear the reason for remembering me. Oh! Vidhe, what’s that bothering you? Kindly explain to me, I am well prepared to remove them all.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Devadeva, Oh! Ramanatha, you are a compassionate one, kindly listen to the reason for my grief, and eradicate the same. Oh! Vishno, I have sent Kamadeva along with Maraganas to entice the supreme Lord Mahadeva and create an obstruction to the penance of him. Oh! Bhagavan, the supreme Lord Shiva is a flawless Yogi, Kamadeva failed to create obstacles to the penance of that Lord.” Lord Vishnu who is a passionate devotee of Lord Mahadeva and has profound knowledge in the beliefs and philosophy of Lord Shiva spoke “ Oh! Bhraman, what was that compelled you to disrupt the penance of Lord Shiva? Tell me everything in detail.” Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Thatha, your Maya is unconquerable, none of the creatures is free from your powerful Maya which is the cause for pain and pleasure as well. I was besieged with the Maya of yours, forced to commit a sin, Oh! Devesha, I shall describe all that happened at your command, Oh! Bhagavan, it was the beginning of the creations, ten sons and daughter Sandhya was born out of my mind, Dharma from my heart and Kamadeva from my mind, and several living things were initiated from my limbs. Oh! Bhagavan, I was overpowered by the Maya immediately after the initiation of Kamadeva, I was conquered by his Maya, yearningly looked at the beauty of my mind-born daughter Sandhya. My sons and I was completely under the clutches of my mind-born son Kamadeva, all of us were captivated by the attractive limbs of Devi Sandhya, in fact, she was also tormented by the cupid arrows of Kamadeva, at that very moment Lord Shiva appeared before us and controlled the situation, he sharply criticized me for the misdemeanor and held me responsible for the embarrassing situation. Lord Mahadeva condemned for my behavior as a Lord of wisdom I have failed to obtain control over sense.  Rudra who is my son was initiated from the middle of my eyebrows openly disapproved my act, I would be happy to see him Grihastha, not like a Vairagin who always immerses in the Tapasya. Oh! Keshava, I shall take refuge at your lotus feet, you have to help me to clear my anxieties.” Lord Madhusoodhana spoke with a pleasing smile “Oh! Vidhe, Oh! Bhraman, you are the Lord of wisdom, you are the essence Veda, how did you overpower by the Maya of Lord Shiva? Therefore leave all your illusions and ignorance, you have considered Rudra as your son, you have considered that supreme Yogi as your son, it is your utter ignorance. He is Parameshwara who is omnipresent, he is eternal and changeless, and he has neither beginning nor end, Oh! Bhraman, you have profound knowledge in Veda, still, you believe that the supreme Lord is your son and you have prepared to settle scores with him. He is the Lord of The universe and its living beings, he is primordial deity. Oh! Vidhe,  he is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the Universe, he has no impurities, and he is unblemished and serene. He is Parambhramam, he is beyond virtues, he is Shiva who symbolizes auspiciousness, and he is Parameshwara who is all-pervasive, resides as a soul in living beings. He is beyond description; he symbolizes Trigunas and Trinities as well.  He is beyond Maya, free from worldly desires, he is the Lord of Maya, and he is beyond Maya as well. He possesses Trigunas but remains unblemished. He is supreme bliss and he symbolizes asceticism.  He immerses in self, he is serene, he has no dual forms, he is supreme Lord, he is supreme Yogi, he is the source of the path of Yoga, and he enlightens the Yogis with the supreme knowledge of self. He is Lokesha who is the destroyer of pride in the Jeeva. He is Dheenavathsala who is the safest asylum of distressed Jeeva, He is supreme Lord who is Paramathma, Paramambhrama, and you have considered him as your son? Oh! Vidhe, leave your ignorance and take shelter in him, contemplate upon him and recite his sacred names definitely he would shower compassionate grace on you. If you are really desirous of the Lord should have a female companion and lead a life of Grihastha, conduct penance and pray to that supreme Lord Mahadeva. If he is pleased with your devotion, he would definitely fulfill your desire, hence advise Dhakshaprajapathi to conduct severe Tapasya, to achieve Jagadamba, Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi /ShivA as his daughter, she is the inseparable consort of that supreme Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Vidhe, you have forgotten the advice of that supreme Lord, we both have initiated at his will, Maya of that supreme Lord is powerful. We have been initiated from that supreme Lord Mahadeva and his Shakthi, to perform certain tasks and we were assigned to perform the tasks of creation and preservation respectively. The Sagunaswaroopa Rudra is the essence of that supreme Lord Shiva who undertakes the function of destruction; Jagathjanani Devi Uma also has three forms, as Goddess Mahalakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi, and Goddess Sati who relentlessly serve the trinities. Oh! Vidhe, the supreme Lord Mahadeva incarnated as Rudra in Mount Kailash, he is Shiva who is Prajeshwara, and Devi Sati is the inseparable consort of him. Oh! Bhrama, therefore instructs your son Dhakshapajapthi to undertake penance to achieve that Jagathjanani, Paramaba, Bhagavathi, Devi Sati as his daughter.  ”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 70 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 9

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, Kamadeva and Devi Rathi with his attendants reached the place where Lord Shiva was engaged in extreme penance.  Oh! Munishwara, an astonishing event took place soon after the arrival of Kamadeva, Devi Rathi, and the Vasantharithu.   All the trees, creepers, and plants over-loaded with flowers, the fresh alluring were packed with the buzzing sounds of honey bees, Kamadeva who is unconquerable, along with Devi Rathi made several attempts, ultimately won over all the creatures, except Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva.  Kamadeva and Vasantharithu along with the Devi Rathi’s attempt to entice Lord Shiva failed miserably, returned to his abode, completely disappointed, and shattered. Kamadeva offered salutation to Lord Bhrama and spoke in utter desolation “Oh!  Vidhatha, Oh! Lord Bhrama, it is difficult to create obstacles to the penance of Lord Shambhu who is a supreme ascetic, it is impossible to entice that supreme Lord. Oh! Bhrama, I have made all efforts with Devi Rathi and Vasantharithu, but none of my tricks were worked on that supreme Yogi. Oh! Bhrama, Lord Shambhu was engaged in Tapasya, the cool breeze carrying the rich aroma was brought into play, which overpowers all the creatures were ineffective to distract the Lord from the Tapasya. I have tried various means to lure his heart, with my famous weapon bow and five flower arrows which bring all the creatures under my control. Alas! Lord Shiva and his Ganas engaged in the Tapasya remained unmoved of my tricks. Oh! Bhrama, me, and Devi Rathi along with Vasantharithu followed supreme Lord Shiva to Mount Malaya, in this way we have followed him to the Nagakesara/Sumeru, and Kailash. I have produced two Chakravaha birds before Lord Shiva who was engaged in Tapasya, these birds exposed diverse gestures of amorous play; we have also brought a number of pairs of deer and birds into the scene and they have exhibited the gestures of love and passionate sports before the Lord. Oh! Bhrama, a large number of pairs of the peacock was brought before him, were stood all the sides of that Lord to entice him, these peacocks exhibited various amorous sports before that Lord; in this way, we made all efforts to distract the Tapasya of supreme Lord Shiva. I was completely confident to lure the heart of supreme Lord Mahadeva. The Vasantharithu caused to bloom fresh alluring flowers of Champaka, Kesara, Punnaga, Kethaka, Jasmine, Malathi, Mallika, Ramba, Patala, Kuravaka, to entice Lord Shiva. The Vasantharithu also has caused the ponds, rivers, streams, brimming with crystal clear water, filled with a fully blossomed cluster of lotus flowers, and cool breeze carrying the rich aroma of fresh alluring flowers. All the trees, plants, creepers surrounded the hermitage of Lord Shiva was packed with the flowers of rich scent, the Sages and ascetics who were engaged in the Tapasya got distracted and besieged with passion. Oh! Bhraman, even after all these, I could not find any disturbance in the mind of Lord Shiva and that compassionate Lord did not show anger on us. I have boldly approached to distract the Tapasya of the supreme Lord Shiva who was immersed in Tapasya, unfortunately, we could not succeed in the task.” Oh! Narada, I was horrified to hear the words of Kamadeva who is well capable to entice the whole Universe, found it difficult to put obstacles to the Tapasya of Lord Shiva. Soon, numerous Ganas of dreadful appearance initiated from my breath were holding kettle drums and they were dancing all around us. These Ganas were violent, ready to take away my life. These vicious Ganas were carrying weapons, produced deafening noises threatening to kill everyone assembled.”

 

Kamadeva speaks “Oh! Bhrama, Oh! Prajanatha, Oh! Sarvarshrishti Pravarththaka, who are these dreadful creatures? Why did they appear before us? Where did they come from? What is their intention? Kindly narrate to me, engage them into some productive tasks, and allocate a place to dwell. Oh! Devesha, kindly advise me about the next course of action as well.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Kamadeva the moment these Ganas have initiated from my breath out of intense traditions, they have uttered the voice ‘Maraya’/threatened to kill everyone, therefore these Ganas will be known ‘Mara’. These Maras should be worshiped with passion; otherwise, they would create havoc in the life of the people. These Maras will accompany you to assist in your tasks. These Ganas would create perplexity in the minds of the creatures, once they are besieged with the cupid arrows. Oh! Kamadeva, these Ganas would create an obstruction in the path of scholars and intelligent people, drive them out of reach of the supreme knowledge in a possible manner, and eventually they would  make your work easier.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks to Narada “Oh! Mune, Kamadeva, and Devi Rathi felt immensely pleased to find the Ganas to assist in their mission; these Ganas took a seat around me and Kamadeva and waited patiently. I have advised Kamadeva to proceed to Mount Kailash with these Maras, to entice the heart of the supreme Lord Shiva, and create obstacles to his penance. Oh! Narada, I have advised Kamadeva and Devi Rathi, to make use of all their weapons to kindle a desire in the heart of Lord Shiva, so that the missions to bring back that supreme Lord to take care of the functioning of the Universe would become successful. Kamadeva along with Devi Rathi and Ganas set out to Kailash with immense pride. Kamadeva had the slightest intuition that he may get burned into ashes in this process, but he was confident that he would be successful in the mission of bringing back the supreme Lord Shiva from the life of a Vairagin to a householder for the welfare of the Universe. Thus, all these Ganas, Kamadeva, Devi Rathi, and Vasantharithu appeared before Lord Shiva and displayed all their tricks before the Lord. Once, again Kamadeva and his attendants got crushed their pride, terribly failed in their mission, and returned with extreme disappointment. Kamadeva and his attendants reverentially prostrated before me and revealed that his piousness earned protected him from Lord Shiva. I have advised Kamadeva to work hard on this matter if he is desirous to see Lord Shiva with a female companion. Thus Kamadeva meditated upon that supreme Lord Shiva who is Dheenavathsala, the protector of the distressed people, later he returned to his abode with his Saparivara/ Ganas, Vasantharithu, Devi Rathi and attendants.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 69 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 8

 

Maharishi Narada speaks “Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Vidhe, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vishnushishya, Oh! Mahamathe, you are a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva, kindly enlighten me on the knowledge of supreme philosophies of Lord Shiva. Oh! Bhagavan, you have narrated the glorious legend of Devi Arundhathi which could enhance the devotion to Lord Shiva, you are well-versed in Dharma, kindly describe the legend of supreme Lord Shiva, which destroys the sins of Jeeva and provide an abundance of welfare. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly describe the amusements of supreme Lord Shiva, after the wedding Lord Kamadeva with Devi Rathi?  What happened to Devi Sandhya after leaving for Tapasya?”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, Oh! Viprendhra, you are a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva, I shall describe the various amusements of Lord Shiva to you. I was besieged by the Maya of the Lord eventually got freed from it with the grace of that Supreme Lord, while returning to my abode I was pondering over the words of Lord Shiva, and became envious of him. I have reached the abode of Dhakshaprajapathi where I met Devi Rathi and Lord Kamadeva. I have discussed with my mind-born sons Dhaksha, and Marichi, to suggest a method for the atonement for my sin and remove my distress. The supreme Lord Maheshwara who is a great Yogi reproved the lack of self- control in me and blamed me for the situation which caused distress to all. He disapproved my lust for the mind-born daughter Devi Sandhya due to the intervention of mind-born son Kamadeva. I was utterly ashamed, and disappointed, further, I wanted to see that supreme Yogi Lord Shiva as a householder otherwise the creation would become standstill, I have discussed with my mind-born sons to suggest a method to make Lord Shiva convinced to get married, even though it is an extremely difficult task.  Lord Shiva openly criticized my helplessness before my sons and Devi Sandhya, if I have become successful to find an appropriate bride for Lord Shiva I could get relieved from the uneasiness of my sin.  He is a great Yogi, unconquerable, has perfect control over sense, and cannot be defeated in the path of Yoga, who could lure the heart of that supreme Lord Mahadeva? It is impossible for damsels not even for Lord Kamadeva. He is primordial, and a Vairagin, how did the expansion of the Universe takes place if the Supreme Lord Shiva continues to remain Vairagin? How the destructions of enemies of deities would take place without the contribution of Lord Mahadeva? Some of the demons needed to be killed by the hands of his children, how did it possible if he remains a Vairagin forever? Some of the demons needed to be killed in the hands of three of us. Lord Mahadeva is not interested in the worldly matters or in the Universe, other than extreme austerities and Tapasya. He has completely detached from worldly matters and the Universe, it would not help in any way in the functioning of the Universe and its living beings.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks to Kamadeva “Oh! Puthra, Oh! Kama, Oh! Manobhava, you are best among all my sons, you are the source of happiness to all, Oh! Kamadeva and Devi Rathi listen to my words carefully, you both are the epitome of charm and loveliness, and you both are a brilliant couple made for each other, like Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. You both would be the prime factor in living beings, you are the source of happiness and bliss would cause the expansion of living beings. Oh! Kamadeva, you are capable to lure the hearts of living beings, I would suggest you to entice the heart of Lord Shiva for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings, so that he would embrace Grihasthashrama. The supreme Lord Mahadeva is a great Yogi, and a Vairagin, it is difficult to captivate him, therefore you have to follow him wherever he goes, he visits dense woods, attractive hills, mountains and lakes and spend solid hours of Tapasya in the solitude, you should follow that supreme Lord Mahadeva and put a hindrance to his Tapasya, in this manner get yourself freed from my curse. I promise you, you will get freed from the curse, the moment the supreme Lord Shiva achieve the fruit of his Tapasya in the form of a lovely consort.”

 

Manmatha speaks “ Oh! Vibho, I shall sincerely follow your command, would make all efforts to put obstacles to the Tapasya of that supreme Lord Mahadeva.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks to Narada “Oh! Mune,  Kamadeva initiated his mysterious function, soon the Vasantharithu came into view, I and Dhaksha immersed in thoughts, how to find a suitable bride for the supreme Lord Mahadeva.  Kamadeva began his unique sport, his loveliness is capable to entice the hearts of all the living beings, he has a lustrous face resembles a lotus flower, he has attractive physical features, beautiful nose,  eyes,  and ears adorned in magnificent ear ornament, he has an attractive line of teeth,  and pleasing smile, he was adorned in exquisite ornaments all over the body, he has the complexion of dark clouds, he has the gait of an elephant, he has attractive thighs, waistline, broad chest, long hands, and attractive limbs. Soon after the arrival of Vasantharithu, the Earth flourished with rich natural beauty.  The trees, plants, and creepers loaded with flowers, the wind carried the rich scent of fresh alluring flowers all over the directions. The lakes, ponds, rivers were brimming with crystal clear water, the various species of birds and animals settled on the banks of rivers and lakes produced lovely voices. I have assured Kamadeva “Oh! Puthra, the Vasantharithu would work like the wind that exhilarate the fire, and the Malaya breeze would add elegance to the Vasantharithu, and Devi Rathi who is skilled in sixty-four types of amorous sports would be your strength always. Oh! Kamadeva, you have to proceed to Mount Kailash with your companion Devi Rathi and make all the efforts to lure the heart of Lord Mahadeva, Oh! Thatha, in the meantime I would search for an appropriate young maiden to captivate the heart of supreme Lord Shiva.” Oh! Narada,  Kamadeva along with Devi Rathi delightfully prostrated before me and Dhaksha, and left to carry out their task.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 68 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 7

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Mune, Devi Sandhya proceeded to the hermitage of Sage Medhathi, she remembered the charming Bhramachari who advised the procedures of Tapasya and offered Manthra Deeksha, she remembered the compassionate Vashishta who disguised as twice-born and appeared before her, she desired to achieve him as her future husband and moved towards the sacrificial fire, eventually, she entered in the blazing fire, none of the people of the hermitage could witness her. The mortal coil of Devi Sandhya merged into the flames released a highly fragrant scent all over the directions. Lord Agni as per the divine command of Lord Shiva, delivered the mortal coil of Devi Sandhya to Suryamandala, further Lord Surya sliced the mortal coil of Devi Sandhya into equal parts for the delight of deities and manes. Oh! Munishwara the upper part of the body represents Pratha: Sandhya,/early hours of dawn and the lower portion of the body represents Sayam Sandhya/evening hours of the day – twilight, these two-parts of the day/Pratha: Sandhya and Sayam Sandhya  are the delightful hours for the deities and manes respectively. Oh! Mune, at the successful completion of the Yajja, Sage Medhathi received a baby girl who has the complexion of precious yellow metal from the sacrificial, Sage Medhathi became extremely happy at the arrival of the infant as a Prasadha of the Supreme Lord from the sacrificial fire, he gave a ritual wash to the baby who has the complexion of molten yellow metal, and kept her on his lap and whispered the name ‘Arundhathi’ on her ears.  Thus, the baby received from the sacrificial was brought up with great affection in the hermitage of Sage Medhathi, by the sage and his disciple. They grandly celebrated the auspicious event of the appearance of her in the sacrificial fire. The Sage and his disciple took great care of the baby girl. The beautiful child Arundhathi spends her childhood days on the Thapasaranya and on the river bank of Chandhrabhaga. The river got purified with the nearness of the little girl of five years.  Shortly, as per the advice of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahadeva, the marriage of Devi Arundhathi was performed with the Sage Vashishta who is the son of Lord Bhrama. A grand wedding ceremony of Sage Vashishta and Devi Arundhathi took place in the presence of deities and Sages. The trinities, the seven auspicious rivers including Kshipra showered an abundance of grace on the Suputhri of Sage Medhathi. Oh! Mune, the virtuous Devi Arundhathi who is famous for chastity was highly delighted to get married to the illustrious Sage Vashishta. In due course of time, Devi Arundhathi gave birth to Shakthi, who became a prominent Sage. The couple Devi Arundhathi and Sage Vashishta lived a happy and blissful life. Oh! Munisaththama, I have narrated the glorious legend of Devi Sandhya who has achieved the highest of the piousness with her austerities and Tapasya, got rid of all the sins, and attained rebirth as Devi Arundhathi who is well known for chastity, the daughter of the illustrious Sage Medhathi.  Whoever listens or recites the glorious legend of Devi Sandhya would achieve an abundance of piousness, auspiciousness, and all their desires would get fulfilled.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 67 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 6

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Suthavarya Oh! Mahaprajja, I shall describe the penance performed by Devi Sandhya in detail, the listening or reciting it would destroy the accumulated sins of the Jeeva. Oh! Narada, Vashishta advised the procedure of the performance of Tapasya and given Manthra Deeksha to Devi Sandhya and left the mount Chandhrabha. Devi Sandhya felt extremely delightful after receiving proper directions from Sage Vashishta and started following them meticulously.  In a short period of time, she turned herself into a flawless ascetic, she settled on the riverbank of Bhrihallokahitha, and engaged in the meditation and contemplation upon the supreme Lord; she followed sincere veneration of Lord Shiva. In this way, Devi Sandhya continued Tapasya for four Yugas.  Lord Shiva was highly pleased with the devotion of Devi Sandhya, appeared before him.  Devi Sandhya transported into a state of ecstasy watching the most mesmerizing form of the Lord, closed her eyes without the knowledge of how to eulogize the spectacular form of the Lord, and shed tears.  The compassionate Lord Shiva entered in her intellect and imparted the supreme knowledge, soon after the initiation of knowledge Devi Sandhya began to eulogize the supreme Lord Mahadeva along with Goddess Parvathi in marvelous verses.”

 

Devi Sandhya eulogizes supreme Lord Mahadeva “Oh! Bhagavan, you are formless, you are perceivable through supreme wisdom, you are beyond Sthoola and Sookshma, therefore the Yogis relentlessly contemplates upon you. Oh! Lokakarththre, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you symbolize serenity, wisdom, and auspiciousness, you are pure and free from passions, you have pleasing nature and supreme radiance, you are the remover of darkness of ignorance, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you are pure, lustrous, you symbolize supreme wisdom, prosperity and bliss, you are absolute truth, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you are perceivable through wisdom, you are changeless and eternal, you are the essence of the Universe and its living beings, and you reside as the soul in living beings. You are the purifier of souls, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you have mesmerizing Sagunaswaroopam adorned in gem-studded ornaments on the lustrous limbs that have the resemblance of camphor, holds Shoolam, and skull and one hand in Abhayahastha posture, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you symbolize sky, Earth, directions, water, fire, and time, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Pradhanapurusha/Lord of Lords, Oh! Shankara, you are primordial, you have Saguna and Nirgunaswaroopa as well, I shall prostrate before you. I shall prostrate before the supreme Bhramam who performs the tasks of creation, preservation, and destruction as Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the cause for all the causes, you are the source of nectar-like supreme wisdom and auspiciousness, you are all-pervasive,  you are Parathpara, you have supreme radiance and illuminates the whole Universe with your radiance, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the essence of the Earth, directions, sun, moon, Kamadeva, your navel represents the sky, and the deities and Vipras emerged out of your face, Oh! Shambho I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Paramathma, Oh! Parambhrama, Oh! Hare, you are supreme Bhramam, you are the essence of supreme knowledge, you are sought after by illustrious Yogis. Oh! Bhagavan, how could I describe your splendor? Oh! Bhagavan, you have neither beginning nor end, you are beyond words, mind, and deeds, and you are the source of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Bhagavan, you are beyond description, how could I describe your glories which are impossible even for Lord Bhrama, illustrious Rishis and Sages? Oh! Mahesha, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Thapomaya, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Shambho, kindly shower your merciful grace upon us. Oh! Devesha, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Mune, Lord Mahadeva was highly pleased with the devotion of Devi Sandhya who was emaciated with the extreme Tapsya, her body was covered with the bark of the trees, her hair was intertwined, and her lotus-like face was withered in the snow due to the long period of austerities.   The compassionate Lord Shiva looked at her and spoke “ Oh! Bhadhre, I am pleased with your Tapasya and austerities, ask for a boon as you wish to obtain from me.” Devi Sandhya was highly pleased she repeatedly prostrated before Lord Mahadeva and spoke “Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Maheshwara, if I was freed from the sin committed in this life, if I am qualified to achieve a boon, if I have performed austerities and Tapasya sincerely, and if you wish to give a boon, I would ask for a unique boon, Oh! Bhagavan, I would ask for a boon that no woman should commit a sin which I have experienced in this life, no woman should get besieged with the lust for her own father and brother, no woman should be disgraceful towards her own father or brothers, and the woman on the Earth should innate the qualities of chastity, the woman should be sincerely devoted to her husband and follow strict celibacy.” Lord Maheshwara was highly pleased with the devotion and purity of Devi Sandhya and spoke “Oh! Devi, Oh! Sandhya, all your sins have already reduced to ashes with your strict austerities and Tapasya. Oh! Bhadhre, all your wishes would come true with the power of your Tapasya. Oh! Devi, you will attain a lovely childhood, youthful days, and later years of life as you have desired. You will be well-known for your chastity, whoever approaches with lustful eyes other than your husband would get destroyed, you will receive illustrious Sage with charming appearance as your future husband, you will live happily with him for three Kalpa. Oh! Bhadhre, I would suggest you on how to get rid of this body and achieve a new birth. Oh! Devi, The Sage Medhathi is undertaking severe penance performing Yajjna for twelve years on the riverbank of Chandhrabhaga, the sacrificial fire is unstoppable, proceed to the worship place of Sage Medhathi, and abandon your body in the sacrificial fire. Oh! Devi, proceed to the place of Yajja and sacrifice your body in that fire with the remembrance of the boon. You will be born as the daughter of Sage Medhathi, you would undertake extreme penance for four Yugas, after the completion of Sathyayuga, and in the first part of the Threthayuga, you will take birth as the daughter of Dhakshaprajapathi and would get married to a handsome Sage with all the reverence. The twenty-seven daughters of Dhakshaprajapathi were married to Lord Chandra; due to the unexpected turn of events, Dhaksha cursed Lord Chandra for his favoritism towards Rohini, ignoring twenty-six wives. Lord Bhrama created the sacred pond Chandrabhaga to relieve Lord Chandra from the curse of Daksha.  During those days, the illustrious Sage Medhathi also arrived on the river banks of Chandhrabhaga and initiated Jyothisthoma Yagna, the sacrificial fire is still alive, you are already purified with your Tapasya, you have to abandon the body in that sacrificial fire to achieve rebirth as the daughter of the great Sage Medhathi. Oh! Thapasvini, I have chosen that marvelous place for you, Oh! Mahabhage, proceed to Mount Chandhrabhaga, and get rid of this body in the sacrificial fire conducted by Sage Medhathi.” Thus Lord Shiva disappeared from the sight of Devi Sandhya.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 66 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 5

 

Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Vidhe, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vishnushishya, Oh! Mahamathe, you have narrated the wedding of Kamadeva with Devi Rathi, immediately after that the Sages assembled returned to their respective abodes, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly narrate about your mind-born daughter Sandhya, where did she go after that incident? What happened to her? Did she marry again? Kindly narrate the legend of Devi Sandhya.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Mune, I shall narrate the legend of Sandhya, listening, or reading her story would transform a woman to chaste. Sandhya undertook severe penance and austerities, and left her mortal coil, afterward she took birth as Devi Arundhathi who is the daughter of illustrious Sage. Devi Arundhathi undertook severe penance at the instruction of the trinities, as a result of the piousness achieved, she had attained Sage Vashishta as her husband, and thus Devi Arundhathi became well known for her chastity.”

 

Maharishi Narada speaks “Oh! Bhrama, where did Devi Sandhya conduct Tapasya? What was the purpose of the Tapasya? How did she leave the mortal coil? How did she achieve rebirth as the daughter of illustrious Sage? Kindly describe the wedding of Devi Arundhathi and Sage Vashishta took place at the instruction of Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesha.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Narada, I have already explained the situation of the birth of manes /Pithrus from the sweat of mine, after having a passionate desire to obtain Devi Sandhya who was mind-born of mine, due to the willful exposure of the skills of Kamadeva. All those sages assembled had the same feeling to approach Devi sandhya, and the desire to have amorous sport with her was uncontrollable, thus everyone assembled before Kamadeva was besieged with the passion for Devi Sandhya which put her in deep distress. I could not control anger upon Kamadeva, so I have cursed him. Lord Shiva restored peace in us and left to his abode. Devi Sandhya could not mellow the fact of the Sages who were my mind-born sons, and my desire to achieve her for amorous sport, even though Kamadeva received the punishment for the sin. She felt terribly upset about the entire scenario, as she has become the center point of the passionate glances of Sages and her own father. She was also driven passionate towards brothers and father by the cupid arrows of Manmatha, she has considered herself as the grave sinner who caused to kindle the fire of lust in her own father and brothers. Therefore Devi Sandhya sought after the help of Veda for the atonement of the sins, further decided to burn down the body which caused her to stir passionate feelings towards her brothers and father. She decided to perform severe Tapasya, in order to abolish the immoral concept once for all from the Earth, further she decided to put an end to the body which kindled the hearts of her brothers and father, in this way she decided to discard the body which has no use, withered in immoral ways. Thus, Devi Sandhya went to Mount Chandhrabhaga and undertook extreme Tapasya on the riverbank of Chandrabhaga, further she moved to the hills of Chandrabhaga and conducted the penance. I spoke to my son Vashista who is profound in Veda, Vedanga, Agamashasthras, and scriptures, he is knower of all, and a perfect Yogi, informed him about the wretched state of Devi Sandhya and asked him to meet her.  She was undertaking penance in the mountains of Chandhrabhaga, I have advised him to provide Deeksha to her, explained all that disgraceful incident took place with Devi Sandhya, I wanted my daughter Devi Sandhya who is virtuous to attain the state of a chaste woman. I have advised Vashishta to instruct Devi Sandhya about the proceedings of Tapasya, she was already on the verge of leaving her mortal coil. I have instructed Vashishta to assume the form an ascetic and approach her, and guide her properly to achieve the fruitfulness of the Tapasya because she will not accept any of the favors from me or her brothers. I wanted to guide Devi Sandhya to achieve the highest of the piousness before leaving the mortal coil.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “Oh! Narada, as per my instruction, Vashishta assumed the form of a Brahmin and approached Devi Sandhya who was seated on the river banks of Manasarovar. The presence of Devi Sandhya multiplied the beauty of the river and the whole atmosphere in the Mansarovar, the lake was packed with lotus flowers, it was the hours of the twilight. Vashishta approached her, looked at the cluster of lotus flowers and reddish sky, the river Chandhrabhaga on the southern side of the Ghat streaming towards the ocean, and the river Ganga streaming down through the western side of the hill towards the ocean. Vashishta respectfully spoke “Oh! Bhadhre, why are you here on the auspicious hills of Chandhrabhaga? What would you do here? Whose daughter are you? I could read out extreme distress from your full moon-like face, if you do not mind, describe the reason for it, I am willing to listen to your qualms?” Devi Sandhya felt extremely relieved listening to the kind words of Sage Vashishta, she offered a seat to the Bhraman and spoke “Oh! Bhagavan, I have achieved the piousness of visiting the mount Chandhrabhaga, I have met a pious soul. Oh! Bhagavan, I am the daughter of Lord Bhrama, I am Sandhya I have returned to the dense wood for conducting Tapasya in the mount Chandhrabhaga, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly deliver a speech on supreme knowledge and the supreme Lord, I would like to listen from you. I have returned to woods without the knowledge of performing the Tapasya, I was perplexed and was extremely unwell.”  Vashishta who was already known about the wretched state of Devi Sandhya did not ask further questions.”

 

Sage Vashishta immersed on the meditation upon supreme Lord Shankara who is the flawless Yogi and spoke to Sandhya “ Oh! Varanane, the supreme Lord Mahadeva who has lustrous appearance is the greatest Yogi,  I would suggest you should contemplate upon that Lord Shankara. You should meditate upon that Purushoththama who is the source of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha,  Lord Mahadeva is primordial, he is the cause for the Universe and its living beings, Oh! Shubhanane, the supreme Lord Mahadeva is Devesha, therefore meditate upon that supreme Lord Shambhu, you will definitely achieve all that desired. Oh! Devi, you can recite the glorious syllable ‘Om Nama: Shankara” in your mind and conduct Tapasya. I shall advise a few more methods of performance of Tapasya, take a holy dip and undertake the worship of supreme Lord Mahadeva, in the beginning, you can consume the water once in four hours and conduct Tapasya. The worship of Lord Mahadeva in silence and fast would provide the merit of celibacy, Oh! Devi, if you sincerely conduct the worship of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, you would achieve all that desired, there is no doubt in it.” Thus, Sage Vashishta after giving the guidance and Manthradheeksha to Devi Sandhya disappeared from her sight.

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 65 – Rudra Samhitha/Sati Kanda – 4

 

Maharishi Narada speaks “Oh! Vishnushishya, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! Vidhatha,  Oh! Lokakarththa,  Oh! Prabho, you have explained the amusements of Lord Shiva, I would like to hear more about the various pastimes of that supreme Lord Mahadeva kindly narrate them elaborately.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Mune, I have explained to you how did Lord Shiva appeared before us after the initiation of Kamadeva and restored peace in us, and Lord Mahadeva returned to his abode.  Further, Dhakshaprajapathi spoke amiably to Kamadeva “ Oh! Kandharpa, the damsel initiated from my perspiration is stunningly beautiful, she has possessed virtues and loveliness, she would make a perfect female companion to you, and she will sincerely follow the duties and responsibilities of a wedded wife, and Dharma as well.” Thus, Daksha offered the beautiful damsel Devi Rathi as wedded wife to Kamadeva, instantly the couple fallen in love with each other. Devi Ravi who has an attractive physique, fair complexioned, enticing physical features, was perfectly suited to the mesmerizing appearance of Kamadeva, they stared at each other’s loveliness in awe, for a moment Kamadeva lost control on his weapons of cupid arrows watching the tantalizing look of Devi Rathi. Kamadeva lost interest in the cool fragrant wind from the Malaya Mountains, took great pleasure in the natural beauty and fragrant breath of Devi Rathi who has divine symbols, the lustrous face resembles full moon which pushed Kamadeva to the state of bliss, got confused to locate the moon watching her radiant face. Her large raised bosom resembled the bud of a golden lotus flower, and the dark nipples gave out the appearance of honey bees hovering on the lotus bud. She was adorned in various precious ornaments and flower garlands, Kamadeva kept aside the flower bow and arrows, dodging from the buzzing honey bees, she fixed glances on the beautiful ornament adorned on her chest, that was hanging down to the deep navel, beautifully through the middle of firm and large bosom. Her eyes resemble lotus flower petals, Kamadeva lustfully looked at her slender beautiful waist, she had the thighs resembles plantain stalk, beautiful knee, ankle, and supple feet that has lotus red color, Kamadeva completely absorbed in the unique loveliness of Devi Rathi. Her hands were delicate and beautiful has the appearance of Kimshuka flowers, and has attractive nails, her arms have the appearance of a lotus stalk adorned in exquisite ornaments, she had long curly hair locks, Kamadeva admiringly looked at her loveliness, and accepted her as a wedded wife, like the Lord Mahadeva accepted Devi Ganga who was descended from Bhramaloka. Devi Rathi is the pinnacle of beauty and has the grace of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. She was adorned in twelve types of exquisite ornaments; she was well-versed in sixteen types of amorous sports, which entices the three worlds. She is the epitome of beauty; her lustrous limbs illuminated all the directions. Kamadeva could not take off his eyes from her loveliness, and accepted Devi Rathi as a wedded wife, like Lord Vishnu who accepted Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi as his consort. Soon, Kamadeva forgot the curse of Bhrama, all the ascetics assembled were delightful, thus the celestial wedding of Devi Rathi and Kamadeva was taken place, Dhakshaprajapathi felt immensely happy, the couples were in a state of ecstasy resembled lightning in the midst of rain clouds. Devi Rathi who is the essence of virtues accepted Kamadeva as her beloved consort like the way Yogis embrace supreme knowledge/Vidhya in their lotus-like hearts. The beautiful couple Devi Rathi and Lord Kamadeva resembled graceful as Goddess Kamala and Lord Vishnu.”