मासि पौषे च देवस्य कुर्यादाग्नेयमुत्सवम्
In the month of Pauṣa, one should perform the Agneyī festival for the Lord.
वैशाखे च विशाखायां शिवतंत्रानुसारतः 1.3.2.7.
And in Vaiśākha, under the constellation Viśākhā, according to the Śiva-tantra.
प्राबोधिक मार्गशीर्षे प्रातर्निर्माय सामभिः
On Prābodhikā in Mārgaśīrṣa, at dawn, having prepared, with Sāman hymns.
शनिप्रदोषेष्वार्द्रासु व्यतीपातेषु पर्वसु
On Śani-pradoṣa, in the constellation Ārdrā, during Vyatīpāta, and on festival days,
दीक्षोपनयनोद्वाहपुत्रजन्मादिकेष्वपि
Also at initiations, thread ceremonies, weddings, and the birth of a son,
अपि स्वजन्मनक्षत्रे संपत्स्वापत्सु भीतिषु
Even on one's own birth star, in times of prosperity, adversity, or fear,
व्रतिचक्रागमे पादबंधने नववैभवे
At the coming of the vow, at the binding of the feet, and at new prosperity,
स्मरेदतिदवीयांश्चेत्पश्येत्पर्यंतगो यदि
If one remembers, or if one sees those who are very far away, or has reached the end—
किमन्यद्वद वत्सेति उद्धृत्य भुजमुच्यते
What else should I say, child?—raising his arm, he spoke thus.
स्मरणेन मनःश्रोत्रे श्रवणाद्दर्शनादृशौः
By remembering, the mind and ears; by hearing, the sense of hearing and sight.
अरुणेस्मिन्महाक्षेत्रे देहिभिर्लब्धजन्मभिः
In this sacred land of Aruṇa, those who are embodied and have obtained birth—
अन्यत्र मुक्तदेहानामप्यत्र श्राद्धकर्मणा 1.3.2.7.
Elsewhere, even for those who are freed from the body, here, by the rite of śrāddha—
अयोध्यां मथुरां मायां काशीं कांचीमवंतिकाम्
Ayodhyā, Mathurā, Māyā, Kāśī, Kāñcī, and Avantikā—
इत्युक्तवंतं च शिलादपुत्रं मृकण्डुसूनुः पुनरप्युवाच
Having spoken thus, the son of Śilāda was again addressed by Mṛkaṇḍu's son.
मार्कंडेय त्वया मन्ये मयि न्यस्तो महान्भरः
Mārkaṇḍeya, I think you have placed a great burden upon me.
स्थाने कुतूहलाक्षिप्तं मनस्तव महामते
It is fitting that your mind, O wise one, is seized by curiosity.
कथं वा शक्यते वक्तुं जानानरपि कार्त्स्न्यतः
How indeed can it be spoken of fully, even by one who knows?
कथं वा श्रुतमप्येतदाश्चर्यरसभावितैः
Or how, even having heard it, can this be grasped by those filled with wonder?
इदानीं स्मर चित्रं तु चरित्रं स्मरवैरिणः
Now recall, indeed, the marvelous deeds of the enemy of Smara (Kāma).
अद्भुतं शिवचारित्रमास्कंदितमनोहरम्
The wondrous deeds of Śiva are uninterrupted and captivating.
तथाप्येष प्रवक्ष्येऽहमंशांशेन यथामति
Nevertheless, I shall speak of them in part, according to my ability.
पुरादिदेवकल्पादौ निर्विकल्पो महेश्वरः
At the beginning of the first age of the gods, the Great Lord was without differentiation.
उद्भावितं च तद्विश्वं स्रष्टुं पातुं च सर्वदा
He brought forth that universe, always to create and to protect.
असृजद्दक्षिणांगेन त्र्यंबकः परमेष्ठिनम् 1.3.2.8.
From his right side, Tryambaka created Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā).
ब्रह्माणं रजसा विष्णुं सत्त्वेन समयूयुजत्
He endowed Brahmā with rajas and Viṣṇu with sattva.
ईशाते सर्वजगतां सृष्टिरक्षाविधानयोः
He is called the Lord of all worlds, for creation and the regulation of protection.
दक्षं च दक्षिणांगुष्ठात्सृष्ट्यै प्रावर्तयद्विधिः
The Creator set Daksha in motion for creation from the right thumb.
शूद्रांश्च पद्भ्यां निरमात्स्वयं च कमलासनः
And the Lotus-Seated One himself brought forth the Śūdras from his feet.
मरुतः फणिनो गृध्रा गंधर्वासरसोऽपि च
The Maruts, serpents, vultures, Gandharvas, and rivers also came forth.
नानाज्ञातित्वमापाद्य नानाकर्मप्रवर्तकाः
Having attained various identities, they became performers of diverse actions.