Subrahmanya Bhujangam
सुब्रह्मण्य भुजङ्गम्
Subrahmaṇya Bhujaṅgam
All 33 verses
Verse 1
सदा बालरूपाऽपि विघ्नाद्रिहन्त्री महादन्तिवक्त्राऽपि पञ्चास्यमान्या । विधीन्द्रादिमृग्या गणेशाभिधा मे विधत्तां श्रियं काऽपि कल्याणमूर्तिः ॥१॥
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Word breakdown
- सदा बालरूपाऽपि विघ्नाद्रिहन्त्री
- Always childlike in form yet destroyer of the obstacle-mountain,
- महादन्तिवक्त्राऽपि पञ्चास्यमान्या ।
- with great elephant face yet honoured as five-faced,
- विधीन्द्रादिमृग्या गणेशाभिधा मे
- sought by Brahma, Indra, and others, called Ganesha by me -
- विधत्तां श्रियं काऽपि कल्याणमूर्तिः
- may that auspicious gracious form grant me prosperity.
Ganesha, though childlike in form, is sought by Brahma and Indra; may that auspicious Lord grant blessing. The hymn opens with the remover of obstacles before praise of Skanda, clearing the path for devotion.
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Verse 2
न जानामि शब्दं न जानामि चार्थं न जानामि पद्यं न जानामि गद्यम् । चिदेका षडास्या हृदि द्योतते मे मुखान्निःसरन्ते गिरश्चापि चित्रम् ॥२॥
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- न जानामि शब्दं न जानामि चार्थं
- I do not know sound, I do not know meaning;
- न जानामि पद्यं न जानामि गद्यम् ।
- I do not know verse, I do not know prose.
- चिदेका षडास्या हृदि द्योतते मे
- Yet sole consciousness, the six-faced one, shines in my heart;
- मुखान्निःसरन्ते गिरश्चापि चित्रम्
- strangely, words pour forth from the mouths.
The acharya admits no mastery of metre; six-faced light in the heart pours forth inspired song. True praise arises not from literary skill but from the Lord's illumination within.
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Verse 3
मयूराधिरूढं महावाक्यगूढं मनोहारिदेहं महच्चित्तगेहम् । महीदेवदेवं महावेदभावं महादेवबालं भजे लोकपालम् ॥३॥
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- मयूराधिरूढं महावाक्यगूढं
- Mounted on the peacock, hidden as the great Mahavakya,
- मनोहारिदेहं महच्चित्तगेहम् ।
- of delightful body, great house of consciousness,
- महीदेवदेवं महावेदभावं
- god of the earth's gods, essence of the great Vedas,
- महादेवबालं भजे लोकपालम्
- child of Mahadeva - I worship the protector of the worlds.
Skanda on the peacock is the hidden Mahavakya, delight of sages, essence of the Vedas, son of Mahadeva. The Lord who rides the peacock embodies the supreme word 'Tat Tvam Asi' - Thou art That.
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Verse 4
यदा सन्निधानं गता मानवा मे भवाम्भोधिपारं गतास्ते तदैव । इति व्यञ्जयन्सिन्धुतीरे य आस्ते तमीडे पवित्रं पराशक्तिपुत्रम् ॥४॥
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- यदा सन्निधानं गता मानवा मे
- When men come to my presence,
- भवाम्भोधिपारं गतास्ते तदैव ।
- they cross the ocean of becoming that very moment -
- इति व्यञ्जयन्सिन्धुतीरे य आस्ते
- thus declaring, he who dwells on the ocean shore -
- तमीडे पवित्रं पराशक्तिपुत्रम्
- I praise that pure son of Parashakti.
Those who reach the Lord cross the ocean of samsara; he dwells on the shore as Parashakti's pure son. Nearness to Skanda is itself the crossing from bondage to freedom.
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Verse 5
यथाब्धेस्तरङ्गा लयं यान्ति तुङ्गा- स्तथैवापदः सन्निधौ सेवतां मे । इतीवोर्मिपङ्क्तीर्नृणां दर्शयन्तं सदा भावये हृत्सरोजे गुहं तम् ॥५॥
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- यथाब्धेस्तरङ्गा लयं यान्ति तुङ्गा-
- As towering waves of the ocean dissolve in rest,
- स्तथैवापदः सन्निधौ सेवतां मे ।
- so troubles perish at the feet of those who serve me -
- इतीवोर्मिपङ्क्तीर्नृणां दर्शयन्तं
- thus showing rows of waves to men,
- सदा भावये हृत्सरोजे गुहं तम्
- I always meditate Guha in the heart-lotus.
Troubles perish at the Lord's feet as waves break on the shore; Guha is meditated in the heart-lotus. The image of waves subsiding teaches that calamities dissolve in the presence of the inner Lord.
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Verse 6
गिरौ मन्निवासे नरा येऽधिरूढा- स्तदा पर्वते राजते तेऽधिरूढाः । इतीव ब्रुवन्गन्धशैलाधिरूढः स देवो मुदे मे सदा षण्मुखोऽस्तु ॥६॥
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- गिरौ मन्निवासे नरा येऽधिरूढा-
- 'Men who climb this hill, my dwelling on the mountain,
- स्तदा पर्वते राजते तेऽधिरूढाः ।
- then reign on the mountain you have climbed' -
- इतीव ब्रुवन्गन्धशैलाधिरूढः
- thus seeming to say, mounted on the fragrant hill,
- स देवो मुदे मे सदा षण्मुखोऽस्तु
- may that six-faced God always be my joy.
Climbing Sugandha hill equals climbing Kailasa; the six-faced Lord on the hill grants joy. Sacred geography merges with the supreme abode when devotion consecrates the place.
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Verse 7
महाम्भोधितीरे महापापचोरे मुनीन्द्रानुकूले सुगन्धाख्यशैले । गुहायां वसन्तं स्वभासा लसन्तं जनार्तिं हरन्तं श्रयामो गुहं तम् ॥७॥
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- महाम्भोधितीरे महापापचोरे
- On the great ocean shore, great thief of sins,
- मुनीन्द्रानुकूले सुगन्धाख्यशैले ।
- favoured by the chief of sages, on the hill called Sugandha,
- गुहायां वसन्तं स्वभासा लसन्तं
- dwelling in the cave, shining by own splendour,
- जनार्तिं हरन्तं श्रयामो गुहं तम्
- destroying people's sorrow - we seek refuge in that Guha.
Guha shines in the cave on the fragrant hill by the sea, destroying devotees' sorrow. The Lord's own radiance in the sacred cave dispels the darkness of worldly grief.
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Verse 8
लसत्स्वर्णगेहे नृणां कामदोहे सुमस्तोमसञ्छन्नमाणिक्यमञ्चे । समुद्यत्सहस्रार्कतुल्यप्रकाशं सदा भावये कार्तिकेयं सुरेशम् ॥८॥
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- लसत्स्वर्णगेहे नृणां कामदोहे
- In a shining golden house granting men's desires,
- सुमस्तोमसञ्छन्नमाणिक्यमञ्चे ।
- on a ruby couch covered with heaps of flowers,
- समुद्यत्सहस्रार्कतुल्यप्रकाशं
- shining equal to a thousand risen suns,
- सदा भावये कार्तिकेयं सुरेशम्
- I always meditate Kartikeya, lord of gods.
In a golden chamber on a ruby cot, Kartikeya shines like a thousand suns and grants desires. Meditation on the Lord's splendour fills the heart with the light that outshines every worldly lamp.
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Verse 9
रणद्धंसके मञ्जुलेऽत्यन्तशोणे मनोहारिलावण्यपीयूषपूर्णे । मनःषट्पदो मे भवक्लेशतप्तः सदा मोदतां स्कन्द ते पादपद्मे ॥९॥
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- रणद्धंसके मञ्जुलेऽत्यन्तशोणे
- On the charming, exceedingly red swan-seat,
- मनोहारिलावण्यपीयूषपूर्णे ।
- full of the nectar of lovely grace,
- मनःषट्पदो मे भवक्लेशतप्तः
- may the mind-bee scorched by worldly troubles
- सदा मोदतां स्कन्द ते पादपद्मे
- always rejoice at your lotus feet, Skanda.
The mind-bee troubled by worldly heat may rejoice hovering at Skanda's red, nectar-filled lotus feet. The troubled mind finds rest and sweetness at the Lord's feet as a bee finds honey.
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Verse 10
सुवर्णाभदिव्याम्बरैर्भासमानां क्वणत्किङ्किणीमेखलाशोभमानाम् । लसद्धेमपट्टेन विद्योतमानां कटिं भावये स्कन्द ते दीप्यमानाम् ॥१०॥
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- सुवर्णाभदिव्याम्बरैर्भासमानां
- Shining with divine golden garments,
- क्वणत्किङ्किणीमेखलाशोभमानाम् ।
- adorned with tinkling girdle of bells,
- लसद्धेमपट्टेन विद्योतमानां
- flashing with a golden belt,
- कटिं भावये स्कन्द ते दीप्यमानाम्
- I meditate on your waist, Skanda, blazing.
Meditation on the waist adorned with bells, gold belt, and shining silk garment gathers the mind on the Lord's beautiful form. Each limb becomes a doorway of devotion.
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Verse 11
पुलिन्देशकन्याघनाभोगतुङ्ग- स्तनालिङ्गनासक्तकाश्मीररागम् । नमस्याम्यहं तारकारे तवोरः स्वभक्तावने सर्वदा सानुरागम् ॥११॥
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- पुलिन्देशकन्याघनाभोगतुङ्ग-
- With saffron paste from embracing the Pulinda maiden's
- स्तनालिङ्गनासक्तकाश्मीररागम् ।
- full, lofty breasts clinging to the chest,
- नमस्याम्यहं तारकारे तवोरः
- I bow to your breast, O foe of Taraka,
- स्वभक्तावने सर्वदा सानुरागम्
- always full of love for your devotees.
The chest reddened by embrace of Valli is offered to the foe of Taraka, full of grace to devotees. The Lord's love for devotees mirrors the tenderness shown to his consort.
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Verse 12
विधौ कॢप्तदण्डान् स्वलीलाधृताण्डा- न्निरस्तेभशुण्डान् द्विषत्कालदण्डान् । हतेन्द्रारिषण्डाञ्जगत्त्राणशौण्डान् सदा ते प्रचण्डान् श्रये बाहुदण्डान् ॥१२॥
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- विधौ कॢप्तदण्डान् स्वलीलाधृताण्डा-
- The twelve arms that punished Brahma for his pride,
- न्निरस्तेभशुण्डान् द्विषत्कालदण्डान् ।
- that hold the universe as play, that drove off the elephant's trunk,
- हतेन्द्रारिषण्डाञ्जगत्त्राणशौण्डान्
- that punished the foe's death-time hosts,
- सदा ते प्रचण्डान् श्रये बाहुदण्डान्
- that protect the universe boldly - I seek those fierce arms.
The twelve arms punished Brahma, rule the world as play, and protect the universe from foes. Skanda's power spans cosmic governance and the protection of devotees.
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Verse 13
सदा शारदाः षण्मृगाङ्का यदि स्युः समुद्यन्त एव स्थिताश्चेत्समन्तात् । सदा पूर्णबिम्बाः कलङ्कैश्च हीना- स्तदा त्वन्मुखानां ब्रुवे स्कन्द साम्यम् ॥१३॥
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- सदा शारदाः षण्मृगाङ्का यदि स्युः
- If autumn moons six times were always rising
- समुद्यन्त एव स्थिताश्चेत्समन्तात् ।
- and standing all around, full orbs without blemish,
- सदा पूर्णबिम्बाः कलङ्कैश्च हीना-
- then I could speak of equality with your faces,
- स्तदा त्वन्मुखानां ब्रुवे स्कन्द साम्यम्
- O Skanda.
Six full moons without blemish would barely match the effulgence of the Lord's six faces. The six faces radiate a beauty no natural splendour can equal.
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Verse 14
स्फुरन्मन्दहासैः सहंसानि चञ्च- त्कटाक्षावलीभृङ्गसङ्घोज्ज्वलानि । सुधास्यन्दिबिम्बाधराणीशसूनो तवालोकये षण्मुखाम्भोरुहाणि ॥१४॥
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- स्फुरन्मन्दहासैः सहंसानि चञ्च-
- With gentle smiles flashing, like swans,
- त्कटाक्षावलीभृङ्गसङ्घोज्ज्वलानि ।
- brilliant with rows of glances like swarms of bees,
- सुधास्यन्दिबिम्बाधराणीशसूनो
- I gaze on your six lotus faces, son of the Lord of lords,
- तवालोकये षण्मुखाम्भोरुहाणि
- from which nectar overflows at the lips.
Six lotus faces smile like swans; nectar overflows from red lips under glances like rows of bees. The Lord's faces are lotuses from which the nectar of grace flows ceaselessly.
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Verse 15
विशालेषु कर्णान्तदीर्घेष्वजस्रं दयास्यन्दिषु द्वादशस्वीक्षणेषु । मयीषत्कटाक्षः सकृत्पातितश्चे- द्भवेत्ते दयाशील का नाम हानिः ॥१५॥
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- विशालेषु कर्णान्तदीर्घेष्वजस्रं
- In the twelve long eyes extending to the ear-ends,
- दयास्यन्दिषु द्वादशस्वीक्षणेषु ।
- ever streaming with mercy,
- मयीषत्कटाक्षः सकृत्पातितश्चे-
- if even a slight sidelong glance is cast on me,
- द्भवेत्ते दयाशील का नाम हानिः
- O gracious one, what loss could there be?
With twelve long merciful eyes, what loss if the Lord casts a single sidelong glance? One glance of Skanda's compassion outweighs every worldly gain.
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Verse 16
सुताङ्गोद्भवो मेऽसि जीवेति षड्धा जपन्मन्त्रमीशो मुदा जिघ्रते यान् । जगद्भारभृद्भ्यो जगन्नाथ तेभ्यः किरीटोज्ज्वलेभ्यो नमो मस्तकेभ्यः ॥१६॥
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Word breakdown
- सुताङ्गोद्भवो मेऽसि जीवेति षड्धा
- Those whom the Lord murmurs the mantra six times -
- जपन्मन्त्रमीशो मुदा जिघ्रते यान् ।
- 'You are born of me, may you live' -
- जगद्भारभृद्भ्यो जगन्नाथ तेभ्यः
- to those crown-flashing heads of the world's bearers,
- किरीटोज्ज्वलेभ्यो नमो मस्तकेभ्यः
- prostration, O Lord of the universe.
Prostration to the six crowned heads Shiva blessed, murmuring 'You are born of me, may you live long.' The father's blessing empowers the son who carries the burden of the world.
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Verse 17
स्फुरद्रत्नकेयूरहाराभिराम- श्चलत्कुण्डलश्रीलसद्गण्डभागः । कटौ पीतवासाः करे चारुशक्तिः पुरस्तान्ममास्तां पुरारेस्तनूजः ॥१७॥
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- स्फुरद्रत्नकेयूरहाराभिराम-
- With flashing jewel bracelets, garlands, delightful,
- श्चलत्कुण्डलश्रीलसद्गण्डभागः ।
- with cheeks splendid with swaying earrings,
- कटौ पीतवासाः करे चारुशक्तिः
- with yellow silk at the waist, with charming spear in hand -
- पुरस्तान्ममास्तां पुरारेस्तनूजः
- may the son of the Destroyer of Tripura stand before me.
Youthful son of the Destroyer of Tripura appears with jewels, silk, and spear before the devotee. The Lord's radiant form stands before the inner eye as the focus of meditation.
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Verse 18
इहायाहि वत्सेति हस्तान्प्रसार्या- ह्वयत्यादराच्छङ्करे मातुरङ्कात् । समुत्पत्य तातं श्रयन्तं कुमारं हराश्लिष्टगात्रं भजे बालमूर्तिम् ॥१८॥
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- इहायाहि वत्सेति हस्तान्प्रसार्या-
- Stretching out hands, calling 'Come here, child' with affection,
- ह्वयत्यादराच्छङ्करे मातुरङ्कात् ।
- from Shankara's lap on Uma's side,
- समुत्पत्य तातं श्रयन्तं कुमारं
- leaping up, embracing the father -
- हराश्लिष्टगात्रं भजे बालमूर्तिम्
- I worship that child form of Kumara.
The child Kumar rushed from Uma's lap to Shiva's embrace when called 'Come, child.' The divine family scene reveals love that draws the devotee-child into the father's arms.
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Verse 19
कुमारेशसूनो गुह स्कन्द सेना- पते शक्तिपाणे मयूराधिरूढ । पुलिन्दात्मजाकान्त भक्तार्तिहारिन् प्रभो तारकारे सदा रक्ष मां त्वम् ॥१९॥
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Word breakdown
- कुमारेशसूनो गुह स्कन्द सेना-
- O son of Kumaresha, Guha, Skanda, commander of armies,
- पते शक्तिपाणे मयूराधिरूढ ।
- O wielder of the spear, mounted on the peacock,
- पुलिन्दात्मजाकान्त भक्तार्तिहारिन्
- beloved of the Pulinda maiden, destroyer of devotees' pain,
- प्रभो तारकारे सदा रक्ष मां त्वम्
- O Lord, O foe of Taraka, always protect me.
Eleven names of the Lord are invoked as protection against passion and fear. Each name gathers a facet of Skanda's grace - commander, spear-bearer, saviour of devotees.
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Verse 20
प्रशान्तेन्द्रिये नष्टसंज्ञे विचेष्टे कफोद्गारिवक्त्रे भयोत्कम्पिगात्रे । प्रयाणोन्मुखे मय्यनाथे तदानीं द्रुतं मे दयालो भवाग्रे गुह त्वम् ॥२०॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- प्रशान्तेन्द्रिये नष्टसंज्ञे विचेष्टे
- When senses are calm, consciousness lost, body restless,
- कफोद्गारिवक्त्रे भयोत्कम्पिगात्रे ।
- mouth vomiting phlegm, limbs trembling with fear,
- प्रयाणोन्मुखे मय्यनाथे तदानीं
- helpless and facing departure at that time,
- द्रुतं मे दयालो भवाग्रे गुह त्वम्
- O merciful Guha, may you appear before me.
At life's end when senses fail, may merciful Guha appear before the helpless devotee. The Lord's presence at the hour of death is the devotee's supreme request.
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Verse 21
कृतान्तस्य दूतेषु चण्डेषु कोपा- द्दह च्छिन्द्धि भिन्द्धीति मां तर्जयत्सु । मयूरं समारुह्य मा भैरिति त्वं पुरः शक्तिपाणिर्ममायाहि शीघ्रम् ॥२१॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- कृतान्तस्य दूतेषु चण्डेषु कोपा-
- When fierce messengers of Death in anger
- द्दह च्छिन्द्धि भिन्द्धीति मां तर्जयत्सु ।
- threaten me - 'burn, cut, break' -
- मयूरं समारुह्य मा भैरिति त्वं
- riding the peacock, saying 'Do not fear,'
- पुरः शक्तिपाणिर्ममायाहि शीघ्रम्
- may you come before me quickly, spear in hand.
When death's messengers threaten, may the Lord ride the peacock with spear and say 'Do not fear.' Skanda's arrival transforms the terror of Yama's hosts into reassurance.
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Verse 22
प्रणम्यासकृत्पादयोस्ते पतित्वा प्रसाद्य प्रभो प्रार्थयेऽनेकवारम् । न वक्तुं क्षमोऽहं तदानीं कृपाब्धे न कार्यान्तकाले मनागप्युपेक्षा ॥२२॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- प्रणम्यासकृत्पादयोस्ते पतित्वा
- Having bowed repeatedly at your feet and fallen,
- प्रसाद्य प्रभो प्रार्थयेऽनेकवारम् ।
- having propitiated, O Lord, I pray many times;
- न वक्तुं क्षमोऽहं तदानीं कृपाब्धे
- I am unable to speak at that time, O ocean of grace;
- न कार्यान्तकाले मनागप्युपेक्षा
- at the hour of need do not neglect me even slightly.
Do not neglect the devotee at the final hour who can no longer speak in prayer. The plea acknowledges that grace must act when human effort has ceased.
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Verse 23
सहस्राण्डभोक्ता त्वया शूरनामा हतस्तारकः सिंहवक्त्रश्च दैत्यः । ममान्तर्हृदिस्थं मनःक्लेशमेकं न हंसि प्रभो किं करोमि क्व यामि ॥२३॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- सहस्राण्डभोक्ता त्वया शूरनामा
- Taraka, named the hero who seized a thousand universes, was slain by you;
- हतस्तारकः सिंहवक्त्रश्च दैत्यः ।
- the lion-faced demon too was killed;
- ममान्तर्हृदिस्थं मनःक्लेशमेकं
- yet the single mental anguish dwelling in my inner heart
- न हंसि प्रभो किं करोमि क्व यामि
- you do not destroy, O Lord - what shall I do? Where shall I go?
Taraka and other foes were slain, yet inner mental sorrow remains; where else can one turn? External demons are conquered but the inner affliction needs the Lord's healing grace.
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Verse 24
अहं सर्वदा दुःखभारावसन्नो भवान्दीनबन्धुस्त्वदन्यं न याचे । भवद्भक्तिरोधं सदा कॢप्तबाधं ममाधिं द्रुतं नाशयोमासुत त्वम् ॥२४॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
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Word breakdown
- अहं सर्वदा दुःखभारावसन्नो
- I am always oppressed by the weight of sorrow;
- भवान्दीनबन्धुस्त्वदन्यं न याचे ।
- you are the friend of the helpless; I ask none other.
- भवद्भक्तिरोधं सदा कॢप्तबाधं
- Quickly destroy my mental distress,
- ममाधिं द्रुतं नाशयोमासुत त्वम्
- O son of Uma, which obstructs devotion to you.
The friend of the helpless is asked to destroy mental worry that blocks devotion. Outer refuge is found in Skanda, but the inner obstacle of anxiety must also be removed by his grace.
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Verse 25
अपस्मारकुष्ठक्षयार्शः प्रमेह- ज्वरोन्मादगुल्मादिरोगा महान्तः । पिशाचाश्च सर्वे भवत्पत्रभूतिं विलोक्य क्षणात्तारकारे द्रवन्ते ॥२५॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- अपस्मारकुष्ठक्षयार्शः प्रमेह-
- Great diseases - epilepsy, consumption, piles, diabetes,
- ज्वरोन्मादगुल्मादिरोगा महान्तः ।
- fever, madness, glandular swellings and the rest -
- पिशाचाश्च सर्वे भवत्पत्रभूतिं
- and all demons, seeing your sacred ash,
- विलोक्य क्षणात्तारकारे द्रवन्ते
- flee instantly, O foe of Taraka.
Diseases and spirits flee on seeing the Lord's sacred ash. The ash of Shiva's son carries the purifying power that drives away bodily and spiritual afflictions.
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Verse 26
दृशि स्कन्दमूर्तिः श्रुतौ स्कन्दकीर्ति- र्मुखे मे पवित्रं सदा तच्चरित्रम् । करे तस्य कृत्यं वपुस्तस्य भृत्यं गुहे सन्तु लीना ममाशेषभावाः ॥२६॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- दृशि स्कन्दमूर्तिः श्रुतौ स्कन्दकीर्ति-
- Skanda's form in sight, Skanda's praise in hearing,
- र्मुखे मे पवित्रं सदा तच्चरित्रम् ।
- his sacred story always in my mouth,
- करे तस्य कृत्यं वपुस्तस्य भृत्यं
- his work in my hands, my body his servant -
- गुहे सन्तु लीना ममाशेषभावाः
- may all my states be absorbed in Guha.
May sight hold Skanda's form, ears his praise, mouth his story, hands his service, body his servitude. Total absorption in the Lord replaces the scattered attention of worldly life.
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Verse 27
मुनीनामुताहो नृणां भक्तिभाजा- मभीष्टप्रदाः सन्ति सर्वत्र देवाः । नृणामन्त्यजानामपि स्वार्थदाने गुहाद्देवमन्यं न जाने न जाने ॥२७॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- मुनीनामुताहो नृणां भक्तिभाजा-
- Gods grant desired boons to sages
- मभीष्टप्रदाः सन्ति सर्वत्र देवाः ।
- and to men rich in devotion everywhere;
- नृणामन्त्यजानामपि स्वार्थदाने
- but for granting their own welfare to lowly folk
- गुहाद्देवमन्यं न जाने न जाने
- I know no god other than Guha, I know none.
Gods grant boons to sages; for ordinary folk Guha alone is known as saviour. The Lord of the humble reaches those whom celestial favour often overlooks.
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Verse 28
कलत्रं सुता बन्धुवर्गः पशुर्वा नरो वाथ नारि गृहे ये मदीयाः । यजन्तो नमन्तः स्तुवन्तो भवन्तं स्मरन्तश्च ते सन्तु सर्वे कुमार ॥२८॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
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Word breakdown
- कलत्रं सुता बन्धुवर्गः पशुर्वा
- Whether wife, sons, kinsmen, cattle, men or women
- नरो वाथ नारि गृहे ये मदीयाः ।
- in my home who worship you,
- यजन्तो नमन्तः स्तुवन्तो भवन्तं
- bow to you, praise you, and remember you -
- स्मरन्तश्च ते सन्तु सर्वे कुमार
- may they all be so, O Kumara.
May householders worship, bow, praise, and remember Kumara always. The devotee's prayer extends to every member of the household, consecrating family life in the Lord's service.
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Verse 29
मृगाः पक्षिणो दंशका ये च दुष्टा- स्तथा व्याधयो बाधका ये मदङ्गे । भवच्छक्तितीक्ष्णाग्रभिन्नाः सुदूरे विनश्यन्तु ते चूर्णितक्रौञ्चशैल ॥२९॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
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Word breakdown
- मृगाः पक्षिणो दंशका ये च दुष्टा-
- Beasts, birds, stinging creatures and the wicked,
- स्तथा व्याधयो बाधका ये मदङ्गे ।
- and diseases, afflictions on my body -
- भवच्छक्तितीक्ष्णाग्रभिन्नाः सुदूरे
- pierced by the sharp point of your power,
- विनश्यन्तु ते चूर्णितक्रौञ्चशैल
- may they perish far away, O crusher of Krauncha hill.
Beasts, birds, pests, and diseases are pierced by the sharp Vel and destroyed. The Lord's spear extends protection beyond spiritual foes to every source of bodily harm.
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Verse 30
जनित्री पिता च स्वपुत्रापराधं सहेते न किं देवसेनाधिनाथ । अहं चातिबालो भवान् लोकतातः क्षमस्वापराधं समस्तं महेश ॥३०॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- जनित्री पिता च स्वपुत्रापराधं
- Does the mother and father not bear the faults of their son?
- सहेते न किं देवसेनाधिनाथ ।
- O Lord of Devasena;
- अहं चातिबालो भवान् लोकतातः
- I am exceedingly childish and you are father of the world;
- क्षमस्वापराधं समस्तं महेश
- forgive every offence, O Mahesha.
Parents forgive a child's faults; the world-father is asked to forgive all errors. The devotee approaches Skanda as a child appealing to the universal parent's boundless patience.
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Verse 31
नमः केकिने शक्तये चापि तुभ्यं नमश्छाग तुभ्यं नमः कुक्कुटाय । नमः सिन्धवे सिन्धुदेशाय तुभ्यं पुनः स्कन्दमूर्ते नमस्ते नमोऽस्तु ॥३१॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- नमः केकिने शक्तये चापि तुभ्यं
- Salutation to the peacock, salutation also to the spear;
- नमश्छाग तुभ्यं नमः कुक्कुटाय ।
- salutation to the sheep, salutation to the cock;
- नमः सिन्धवे सिन्धुदेशाय तुभ्यं
- salutation to the ocean, salutation to the shore-region;
- पुनः स्कन्दमूर्ते नमस्ते नमोऽस्तु
- again to Skanda's form, salutation, salutation to you.
Salutations to peacock, Vel, sheep, cock, ocean, shrine, and Skanda again and again. Every attribute and companion of the Lord is honoured as a channel of his grace.
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Verse 32
जयानन्दभूमञ्जयापारधाम- ञ्जयामोघकीर्ते जयानन्दमूर्ते । जयानन्दसिन्धो जयाशेषबन्धो जय त्वं सदा मुक्तिदानेशसूनो ॥३२॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- जयानन्दभूमञ्जयापारधाम-
- Victory, O blissful one; victory, O wide refuge;
- ञ्जयामोघकीर्ते जयानन्दमूर्ते ।
- victory, O one of unfailing glory; victory, O blissful form;
- जयानन्दसिन्धो जयाशेषबन्धो
- victory, O ocean of joy; victory, O friend of all;
- जय त्वं सदा मुक्तिदानेशसूनो
- victory to you always, O son of the giver of liberation.
Victory to the blissful Lord, ocean of joy, friend of all, giver of liberation. The hymn culminates in joyous affirmation of Skanda as the source of ananda and mukti.
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Verse 33
भुजङ्गाख्यवृत्तेन कॢप्तं स्तवं यः पठेद्भक्तियुक्तो गुहं सम्प्रणम्य । सुपुत्रान्कलत्रं धनं दीर्घमायु- र्लभेत्स्कन्दसायुज्यमन्ते नरः सः ॥३३॥
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Editorial Advaita reflection
Study note
Editorial Advaita reflection
Word breakdown
- भुजङ्गाख्यवृत्तेन कॢप्तं स्तवं यः
- Whoever reads this hymn composed in the bhujanga metre,
- पठेद्भक्तियुक्तो गुहं सम्प्रणम्य ।
- bowing with devotion to Guha,
- सुपुत्रान्कलत्रं धनं दीर्घमायु-
- obtains good sons, wife, wealth, and long life;
- र्लभेत्स्कन्दसायुज्यमन्ते नरः सः
- at the end that man attains union with Skanda.
Daily recitation with devotion grants sons, wife, wealth, long life, and union with Skanda. The phala-shruti promises both worldly welfare and the ultimate goal of sayujya with the Lord.
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