अहं हि देवदेवस्य शंभोरव्याहतो जनः
Indeed, I am the unimpeded offspring of Shambhu, the god of gods.
तत्र गत्वा तपस्तीव्रं कृत्वा शंभुं प्रसाद्य च
There, having gone and performed intense austerity, and having pleased Shambhu,
इति सर्वान्विसृज्याशु सद्भक्तान्पादसेविनः
Thus, having quickly dismissed all the true devotees who served at his feet,
नित्याभिसेविताऽकारि सखीभिरभियोगतः
she was constantly attended by her companions, who were devoted in their service.
अंतस्तेजोमयं शांतमरुणाचलनायकम्
Within, she beheld the radiant, peaceful Lord of the Aruṇa mountain.
प्रणम्य स्थावरं लिंगं कौतूहलसमन्विता
Filled with curiosity, she bowed to the immovable liṅga.
अत्रिर्भृगुर्भरद्वाजः कश्यपश्चांगिरास्तथा
There, Atri, Bhṛgu, Bharadvāja, Kaśyapa, and also Aṅgirās
तपः कुर्वंति सततमपेक्षितवराप्तये 1.3.1.4.
constantly practiced austerities, seeking the attainment of their desired boons.
दिव्यलिंगमिदं पूज्यमरुणाद्रिरिति स्मृतम्
This divine liṅga, known as Aruṇādri, is regarded as worthy of worship.
अभ्यर्थिता पुनः सर्वैरातिथ्यार्थे महर्षिभिः
Again, she was requested by all the great sages to accept their hospitality.
अयमत्रर्षिभिर्भक्तैर्निर्दिष्टं तमथाभ्यगात्
This place, indicated by the devoted sages, she then approached.
वनांतरं गतेः प्रातः समित्कुशफलाहृतेः
In the morning, after collecting sacred sticks, grass, and fruits, she entered the forest.
शिष्यानादिश्य धर्मात्मा गतश्च विपिनांतरम्
Instructing her disciples, the righteous one went into the depths of the forest.
क्व गतो मुनिरित्युक्तैरित आयास्यति क्षणात्
When asked, 'Where has the sage gone?' it was said, 'He will return here in a moment.'
अभ्युत्थानेनासनेन पाद्येनार्घेण सूनृतैः
With rising, offering a seat, water for the feet, arghya, and kind words,
क्षणं क्षमस्वसूनुस्तामन्ये जग्मुस्तदन्तिकम्
'Be patient for a moment, son,' she said, and others went to that place.
अभवत्कल्पबहुलो मणिप्रासादसंकुलः
It became filled with splendid palaces adorned with many jewels.
अपश्यत्स्वाश्रमं दूरे विमानशतशोभितम् 1.3.1.4.
From afar, he saw his hermitage shining with hundreds of celestial mansions.
गौर्याः समागमं सर्वमपश्यज्ज्ञानचक्षुषा
With the eye of knowledge, he saw all of Gaurī's meeting.
शिष्यैः शीघ्रचरैर्वृत्तमावेदितमथाशृणोत्
He then heard from his swift-moving disciples all that had transpired.
अथ महर्षिरुपागतकौतुको निजतपःफलमेव तदागमम्
Then the great sage, filled with curiosity, approached, seeking only the fruit of his own austerities.
प्रत्याधातुं प्रववृते शिवभक्तिर्जगन्मयी
Universal devotion to Shiva arose, intent on restoring what had been lost.
आलुलोके समायातं गौतमं शिष्यसेवितम्
He observed Gautama arriving, attended by his disciples.
जटाभिरतिताम्राभिस्तीर्थस्नानविशुद्धिभिः
His matted locks were deeply copper-hued, purified by ritual baths at holy places.
भस्मत्रिपुण्ड्रकोपेतविशालनिटिलोज्वलम्
His broad forehead shone, adorned with sacred ash and the triple lines.
दधानं वल्कले रक्ते तपः कृशितविग्रहम्
He wore a red bark garment, his body emaciated by austerity.
शम्भुनावसितोदात्तसारूप्यमिव भाषितम्
He spoke with a noble dignity, resembling the presence of Shambhu himself.
आलोक्य तं महात्मानं वृद्धं शंभुपदाश्रयम्
Seeing that great soul, aged and devoted to the feet of Shambhu,
कृतांजलिं मुनिर्वीक्ष्य समस्तजगदम्बिकाम्
The sage, beholding him with joined palms, recognized the Mother of all worlds.
स्वागतं गौरि सुभगे लोकमातर्दयानिधे
Welcome, O Gauri, O fortunate one, O ocean of compassion, Mother of the world.