इत्थं द्विजेंद्र निजभृत्यगणान्सदैव संशिक्षयेदवनिगान्स हि धर्मराजः 4.1.8.
Thus, O chief of the twice-born, the king of righteousness should always instruct his own attendants and the people of the land.
इति शृण्वन्कथां रम्यां शिवशर्माप्रियेऽनघाम
Thus, listening to the delightful tale, O beloved of Shiva Sharma, O sinless one.
का इमा रूपलावण्य सौभाग्यनिधयः स्त्रियः
Who are these women, repositories of beauty, charm, and good fortune?
गीतज्ञा नृत्यकुशला वाद्यविद्या विचक्षणाः
They are skilled in singing, adept at dancing, and experts in playing musical instruments.
कामकेलिकलाभिज्ञा द्यूतविद्याविशारदाः
They are knowledgeable in the arts of love and play, and accomplished in the science of dice.
नानादेश विशेषज्ञा नानाभाषा सुकोविदाः
They are well-versed in the specialties of various regions and highly skilled in many languages.
लीलानर्मसुसाभिज्ञाः सुप्रलापेषु पंडिताः
They are thoroughly acquainted with playful amusements and are learned in refined conversation.
निर्मथ्यमानात्क्षीरोदात्पूर्वमप्सरसस्त्वमूः
These Apsaras emerged earlier from the churning of the ocean of milk.
उर्वशी मेनका रंभा चंद्रलेखा तिलोत्तमा
Urvashi, Menaka, Rambha, Chandralekha, and Tilottama.
अलंबुषा गुणवती स्थूलकेशी कलावती
Alambusha, Gunavati, Sthulakeshi, and Kalavati.
अनंगलतिका चापि तथा मदनमोहिनी
Also Anangalatika and likewise Madanamohini.
ग्रावद्रावा तपोद्वेष्टी चारुनासा सुकर्णिका 4.1.9.
Gravadrava, Tapodveshti, Charunasa, and Sukarnika.
तपःशुल्का तीर्थशुल्का दानशुल्का हिमावती
Tapahshulka, Tirthashulka, Danashulka, and Himavati.
अष्टाग्निहोमिका तद्वद्वाजपेयशतोद्भवा
Ashtagnihomika, likewise those born from hundreds of Vajapeya sacrifices.
एतस्मिन्नप्सरोलोके वसंत्यन्या अपिस्त्रियः
In this world of Apsaras, other women also reside.
दिव्यांबरा दिव्यमाल्या दिव्यगंधानुलेपनाः
They wear divine garments, divine garlands, and are adorned with divine fragrances and ointments.
कृत्वा मासोपवासानि स्खलंति ब्रह्मचर्यतः
Having observed monthly fasts, they falter in their practice of celibacy.
ता इमा दिव्यभोगिन्यो रूपलावण्यसंपदः
These are the ones who enjoy divine pleasures, endowed with beauty and charm.
कृत्वा व्रतानि सांगानि कामिकानि विधानतः
Having performed complete vows, those that are desired, according to the prescribed method,
पतिव्रतधृता नार्यो बलेन बलिना धृताः
Women who uphold fidelity to their husbands are sustained by the strength of the powerful.
भर्तरि प्रोषिते याश्च ब्रह्मचर्यव्रताः सदा
And those who always observe the vow of celibacy when their husbands are away,
कुसुमानि सुगंधीनि सुवासं चंदनं तथा 4.1.9.
Flowers, fragrant and sweet-smelling, as well as sandalwood, are offered.
पर्णानि ऋजुताराणि जीर्णानि कठिनानि च
Leaves that are straight, old, and also hard are used.
सुवासोपस्कराढ्यानि नागवल्ल्या द्विजोत्तम
Rich in fragrant accessories, with nāgavallī, O best of twice-born,
बहुकौतुकवस्तूनि समर्च्यद्विजदंपती
Many delightful objects are presented to the honored couple of Brahmins.
किंवा प्रतिव्यतीपातमेकसंवत्सरावधि
Or perhaps, for a single year, there is a transgression against the prescribed order.
कामरूपधरो देवः प्रीयतामिति वादिनी
The god, assuming any desired form, is addressed: 'May he be pleased.'
कन्यारूपधराकाचिद्याभुक्ता केनचित्क्वचित्
Some maiden, taking on the form of a girl, is enjoyed by someone, somewhere.
तदेव वृत्तं ध्यायंती निधनं याति कालतः
Meditating on that very event, she meets her end in due course.
निदानमप्सरोलोकस्येतिशृण्वन्द्विजाग्रणीः
This is the origin of the world of the apsaras, so listen, O foremost of Brahmins.