तथा मायां त्वमात्मीयां संदर्शयितुमीहसे
Thus, you wish to reveal your own power of illusion.
आदेशं प्रतिगृह्यैव समुपेतासि पार्वति
Having received the command, you approached, O Parvati.
विधातव्यं तपः प्राप्तं स्थानेस्मिच्छिवकल्पिते
The austerity to be performed has been attained at this place, devised by Shiva.
अन्यथापि जगद्रक्षा त्वदधीना जगन्मयि
Otherwise, the protection of the world depends upon you, O embodiment of the universe.
निष्कलं शिवमत्यंतं ध्यायंत्यात्मन्यवस्थितम्
Meditating on the absolute, undivided Shiva, established within herself.
भक्तानां तव मुख्यानां तवैवाचारसंग्रहः
The conduct of your foremost devotees is indeed a collection of your own practices.
इति तस्या वचः श्रुत्वा गौरी सुस्थिरमानसा
Thus, hearing those words, Gauri became steadfast in mind.
विमुच्य विविधा भूषा रुद्राक्षगणभूषिता 1.3.1.4.
Removing various ornaments, adorned with clusters of rudraksha beads.
अलकैः सहसा शिल्पमनयच्च कपर्दृताम्
With her locks, she quickly fashioned her hair into a matted form.
मृगेषु कृतसंतोषा शिलोंछीकृतवृत्तिषु
Finding satisfaction among the deer, living by gleaning.
कृत्वा त्रिषवणं स्नानं कम्पा पयसि निर्मले
Having performed the threefold ritual bath in the pure waters of the Kampā.
वृक्षप्ररोपणैर्दानैरशेषातिथिपूजनैः
By planting trees, giving gifts, and honoring all guests.
ग्रीष्मे पंचाग्निमध्यस्था वर्षासु स्थंडिलेशया
In summer, standing amidst five fires; in the rainy season, lying on the ground.
पुण्यात्मनां महर्षीणां दर्शनार्थमुपेयुषाम्
For the sake of seeing the virtuous great sages who had arrived.
कदाचित्स्वयमुच्चित्य वनांतात्पल्लवान्वितम्
Sometimes, she herself would gather tender shoots from the forest.
कृत्वा च सैकतं लिंगं कंपारोधसि पावने
And having made a sand linga on the pure bank of the Kampā river.
सूर्यमभ्यर्च्य विधिवद्रक्तैः पुष्पैश्च चंदनैः
Having worshipped the Sun according to the prescribed manner with red flowers and sandalwood,
धूपैर्दीपश्च नैवेद्यैर्भक्तिभावसमन्वितैः 1.3.1.4.
With incense, lamps, and offerings of food, accompanied by a mood of devotion,
अथ देवः शिवः साक्षात्संशोधयितुमंबिकाम्
Then the god Shiva himself appeared to test Ambika.
अतिवृद्धं प्रवाहं तं कम्पायाः समुपस्थितम्
A very great flood of the Kampa river approached.
उत्तिष्ठ देवि बहुलः प्रवाहोऽयं विजृंभते
"Arise, O Goddess! A mighty flood is swelling forth."
इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा ध्यायंती मीलितेक्षणा
Hearing these words, she, with eyes closed in meditation, reflected.
अचिंतयच्च सा देवी पूजाविघ्नसमाकुला
That goddess considered, troubled by the obstacle to her worship.
श्रेयः प्राप्तुमविघ्नेन प्रायः पुण्यात्मनां भुवि
For the attainment of auspiciousness without hindrance is generally found among the virtuous on earth.
सैकतं लिंगमतुलप्रवाहाल्लयमेष्यति
The sand-made linga will dissolve due to the incomparable flood.
प्रवाहोऽयं समायाति शिवमायाविनिर्मितः
This flood is approaching, created by Shiva's own maya.
आलिंग्य सुदृढं दोर्भ्यामेतल्लिंगमनाकुलम्
Embracing that linga firmly with both arms, so that it would not be disturbed,
इत्युक्ता सैकतं लिगं गाढमालिंग्य सांबिका 1.3.1.4.
Thus instructed, Ambika tightly embraced the sand linga.
स्तनचूचुकनिर्मग्नमुद्रादर्शितलांछनम्
Its mark was revealed by the impression of her breast's tip pressed into it.
निमीलितेक्षणा ध्याननिष्ठैकहृदया स्थिता
With eyes closed, absorbed in meditation, she stood with her heart fixed solely on concentration.