ततो देवैः परिवृतो नारायणमुपागमत्
Then, surrounded by the gods, he approached Nārāyaṇa.
विचिन्त्य सो ऽपि बहुधा कृपया लोकनायकः
That leader of the world, too, after much consideration and out of compassion—
स्त्रीषु भूम्यां च वृक्षेषु तेषामपि वरं ददौ
He granted a boon to them, among women, on earth, and in trees as well.
छेदे पुनर्भवत्वं तु सर्वेषामपि शाखिनाम्
For all trees, there would be regeneration even after being cut.
तेष्वघं प्रबभूवाशु रजोनिर्यासमूषरम्
Among them, however, sin quickly arose—barrenness from the flow of sap.
राज्यश्रियं च संप्राप्तः प्रसादात्परमेष्ठिनः
And by the grace of the Supreme Lord, you attained the fortune of sovereignty.
मम शापो वृथा न स्यादस्तु कालान्तरे मुने
Let my curse not be in vain, O sage; let it take effect at a later time.
प्रहृष्टो भाविकार्यज्ञस्तूष्णीमेव तदा ययौ
The one who knew the future outcome became pleased and then departed in silence.
एश्वर्यमदमत्तत्वात्कैलासाद्रिमपीडयत
Intoxicated by the pride of sovereignty, he even oppressed Mount Kailāsa.
दुर्वासास्त्वन्मदभ्रंशं कर्त्तुकामः शशाप ह
Desiring to bring about the fall of his arrogance, Durvāsas pronounced a curse.
अधुना पश्यनिः श्रीकन्त्रैलोक्यं समजायत
Now, look, O Śrīkaṇṭha, the three worlds have become destitute.
न यमा नापि नियमा न तपासि च कुत्रचित्
There are no rules, nor restraints, nor any austerities anywhere.
निःस्त्त्वा धैर्यहीनाश्च नास्तिकाः प्रायशो ऽभवन्
People have become devoid of essence, lacking courage, and for the most part, unbelievers.
भास्करो धूसराकारश्चन्द्रमाः कान्तिवर्जितः
The sun has taken on a pale form, and the moon is bereft of beauty.
न प्रसन्ना दिशां भागा नभो नैव च निर्मलम्
The quarters are not bright, nor is the sky clear.
विनष्टप्रयमेवास्ति त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्
The three worlds, with all that moves and is still, are as if nearly destroyed.
मलकाद्या महादैत्याः स्वर्गलोकं बबाधिरे
Great demons such as Malaka and others attacked the heavenly realm.
उद्यानपालकान्सर्वानायुधैः समताडयन्
They struck all the garden keepers with their weapons.
मन्दिरस्थान्सुरान्सर्वानत्यन्तं पर्यपीडयन्
They severely oppressed all the gods who were in their temples.
ततो देवाः समस्ताश्च चक्रुर्भृशमबाधिताः
Then all the gods, being greatly afflicted, gathered together.
सर्वैरनुगतो देवैः पलायनपरो ऽभवत्
Followed by all the gods, he became intent on fleeing.
यथावत्कथयामास निखिलं दैत्यचेष्टितम्
He recounted in detail all the actions of the demons.
हतश्रीकं हरिहयमालोक्येदमुवाच ह
Seeing the horse of Hari deprived of splendor, he spoke these words.
दैत्यारातिर्जगत्कर्ता स ते श्रेयो विधास्यति
The enemy of the demons, the creator of the world, will bestow welfare upon you.
समस्तदेवसहितः क्षीरोदधिमुपाययौ
Accompanied by all the gods, he approached the ocean of milk.
तुष्टुवुर्वाग्वरिष्ठाभिः सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम्
They praised the great lord of all worlds with the highest words.
जगाद स कलान्देवाञ्जगद्रक्षणलंपटः
He, skilled in protecting the world, spoke to the gods.
यदुच्यते मयेदानीं युष्माभिस्त द्विधीयताम्
Whatever I now declare, let it be carried out by you.
असुरैरपि संधाय सममेव च तैरिह
Make an alliance with the asuras and act together with them here.
मयि स्थिते सहाये तु मथ्यताममृतं सुराः
With me as your helper, O gods, churn the nectar.