मृत्युंजयं समाराध्य सर्वज्ञं सर्वदं सताम्
By worshipping the deathless one, the all-knowing, the giver of all, the refuge of the virtuous—
इति श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य जरितौ द्विजदंपती 4.1.11.
Thus, hearing his words, the aged Brahmin couple—
अंधकं यस्त्रिशूलाग्रप्रोतं वर्षायुतं पुरा 4.1.11.
He who, long ago, pierced Andhaka with the tip of the trident for ten thousand years—
तत्र स्नात्वा विधानेन दृष्ट्वा विश्वेश्वरं विभुम्
There, having bathed according to the rite, and having seen Viśveśvara, the Lord—
आलोक्यालोक्य तल्लिंगं तुतोष हृदये बहु 4.1.11.
Having gazed again and again upon that liṅga, he was greatly satisfied in his heart.
विश्वेषां विश्वबीजानां कर्माख्यानां लयो यतः 4.1.11.
For from it arises the dissolution of all actions, the seeds of the universe and their names.
उवाच मधुरं धीरः कीरवन्मधुराक्षरम् 4.1.11.
The wise one spoke sweetly, with words melodious like a song.
परिज्ञाय महादेवं गुरुवाक्यत आगमात् 4.1.11.
Recognizing the great god through the words of the teacher and the tradition,
ततः काशीं पुनः प्राप्य कल्पांते मोक्षमाप्नुयात् 4.1.11.
Then, having reached Kāśī again, at the end of the age one attains liberation.
गणावूचतुः इत्थमग्निस्वरूपं ते शिवशर्मन्प्रवर्णितम्
The Gaṇas said: Thus has the fire-form been described to you by Śivaśarman.
शिवशर्मोवाच पुरुषोत्तमपादाब्जपरागोद्धूसरालकौ
Śivaśarman said: Their hair is dusted with the pollen from the lotus feet of the supreme person.
गणावूचतुः दिक्पतेर्निर्ऋतस्यासौ पुण्यापुण्यजनोषिता
The Gaṇas said: This is the region of Nirṛti, the lord of the quarters, inhabited by people of merit and demerit.
राक्षसानिवसंत्यस्यामपरद्रोहिणः सदा
Here always dwell Rākṣasas and those who betray others.
स्मृत्युक्तश्रुतिवर्त्मानो जातवर्णावरेष्वपि
Those who follow the path prescribed by smṛti and śruti, even among those born in lower castes,
परदार परद्रव्य परद्रोहपराङ्मुखाः
Who turn away from others’ wives, others’ wealth, and harming others,
द्विजातिभक्त्युत्पन्नार्थैरात्मानं पोषयंति ये
Who sustain themselves with wealth obtained through devotion to the twice-born,
आहूता वस्त्रवदना वदंति द्विजसंनिधौ
When called, women with faces like the moon speak in the presence of the twice-born.
तीर्थस्नानपरानित्यं नित्यं देवपरायणाः
Ever devoted to bathing at sacred fords, always intent on the gods,
दम दान दया क्षांति शौचेंद्रिय विनिग्रहाः
Self-control, charity, compassion, forgiveness, purity, and restraint of the senses—
आवश्येषु सदोद्युक्ता ये जाता यत्रकुत्रचित् 4.1.12.
Those who are always engaged in these, wherever they may be born,
म्लेच्छा अपि सुतीर्थेषु ये मृतानात्मघातकाः
Even Mlecchas who die at excellent fords, and those who commit suicide,
अंधं तमो विशेयुस्ते ये चैवात्महनो जनाः
They enter utter darkness, as do those who destroy themselves.
आत्मघातो न कर्तव्यस्तस्मात्क्वापि विपश्चिता
Therefore, a wise person should never commit suicide anywhere.
यथेष्टमरणं केचिदाहुस्तत्त्वावबोधकाः
Some who have realized the truth say that one may die as one wishes.
अंत्यजा अपि ये केचिद्दयाधर्मानुसारिणः
Even those who are outcastes, if they follow the path of compassion and righteousness—
पल्लीपतिरभूदुग्रः पिंगाक्ष इति विश्रुतः
There was a fierce village chief known as Piṅgākṣa.
घातयेद्दूरसंस्थोपि यः पांथपरिपंथिनः
He would have travelers and wayfarers killed, even those who were far away.
जीवेन्मृगयु धर्मेण तत्रापि करुणापरः
He lived by hunting in accordance with dharma, yet was especially compassionate.
न तोयगृध्नून्न शिशून्नांतर्वर्त्नित्वलक्षणान् 4.1.12.
He did not covet water, nor children, nor those marked by inner wicks.
श्रमातुरेभ्यः पांथेभ्यः स विश्रामं प्रयच्छति
To weary travelers, he would offer rest.