करताडितपानीयशब्ददिङ्मुखनादिभिः
with the sounds of water struck by hands, and the cries from every direction,
तेषां मध्ये ददर्शाथ समाधिस्थः स कर्दमः
Among them, Kardama, absorbed in meditation, beheld all this.
कयाचिज्जलदेव्याथ तस्माच्चक्रूरयादसः
Then, by some goddess of the waters, a cruel aquatic being was sent forth from there.
निर्भर्त्स्य सरितांनाथं केनचिद्रुद्ररूपिणा
That fierce being, taking the form of Rudra, rebuked the lord of the rivers.
कुतो जलानामधिप शिवभक्तस्य बालकः
"How, O lord of the waters, could you harm a child devoted to Shiva?
अज्ञात्वा शिवसामर्थ्यं भवताचिरमासितः
Not knowing Shiva’s power, you have acted rashly.
बालं रत्नैरलंकृत्य बद्ध्वा तं शिशुमारकम्
Adorning the boy with jewels, they bound that little crocodile.
नत्वा विज्ञापयत्तं च नापराध्याम्यहं विभो
Bowing down, he addressed him: 'O Lord, I have not committed any offense.'
भक्तकल्पतरो शंभोऽनेनायं दुष्टयादसा 4.1.12.
"O Shambhu, wish-fulfilling tree for devotees, by this wicked aquatic creature—
गणेन तेन विज्ञाय शंभोरथ मनोगतम्
Then, by that attendant, understanding the intent of Shambhu,
गृहाणेमं स्वतनयं पार्षदे शंकराज्ञया
"Take this, your own son, O attendant, by the command of Shankara."
समाधिसमये सर्वमिति शृण्वन्नुदारधीः
At the time of meditation, hearing all this, the noble-minded one—
संपश्यते शिशुं तावत्पुरतः समवैक्षत
He beheld the child right before him, gazing intently.
तोयार्द्रकाकपक्षाग्रं कषायनयनांचलम्
With the tips of his crow-black hair wet with water, and the edge of his garment stained.
कृतप्रणाममालिंग्य जिघ्रंस्तन्मुखपंकजम्
Having bowed down, he embraced him and inhaled the fragrance of his lotus-like face.
शतानिपंचवर्षाणि प्रणिधानस्थितस्य हि
For five hundred years, he remained absorbed in deep meditation.
कर्दमोपि च तत्कालमज्ञासीत्क्षणसंगतम्
Even Kardama, at that time, did not realize how swiftly the moment had passed.
ततस्तं तनयः पृष्ट्वा पितरं प्रणिपत्य च
Then, after respectfully bowing to his father, the son questioned him.
तत्र तप्त्वा तपो घोरं लिंगं संस्थाप्य शांभवम् 4.1.12.
There, after performing intense austerity, he established the Śāmbhava liṅga.
आविरासीन्महादेवस्तुष्टस्तत्तपसा ततः
Then, Mahādeva appeared, pleased by that austerity.
कार्दमिरुवाच यदि नाथ प्रसन्नोसि भक्तानामनुकंपक
Kardama said: 'O Lord, if you are pleased, compassionate to your devotees—'
इति श्रुत्वा महेशानः सर्वचिंतितदः प्रभुः
Hearing this, Maheśāna, the Lord who grants all desires, spoke.
रत्नानामब्धिजातानामब्धीनां सरितामपि
Of all the gems born from the ocean, of the oceans and the rivers,
जलाशयानां सर्वेषां प्रतीच्याश्चापि वैदिशः
Of all the reservoirs of water, and also of the western and other directions,
ददामि वरमन्यं च सर्वेषां हितकारकम्
I grant you another boon, one that brings benefit to all.
वरुणेशमिति ख्यातं वाराणस्यां सुसिद्धिदम्
It will be known as Varuṇeśa, bestower of great success in Vārāṇasī.
आराधितं सदा पुंसां सर्वजाड्यविनाशकृत्
Always worshipped by people, it destroys all forms of dullness.
न संतापभयं तेषां नापायमरणं क्वचित्
For them, there is no suffering, no fear, nor any danger of death at any time.
नीरसान्यन्नपानानि वरुणेश्वर संस्मृतेः 4.1.12.
Even tasteless food and drink become pleasing when Varuṇeśvara is remembered.
इदं वरुणलोकस्य स्वरूपं ते निरूपितम्
This is the true nature of the world of Varuṇa, as revealed to you.