यत्किंचिद्दीयत दानं तस्मिंस्तीर्थवरे द्विजाः
Whatever gift is given at that excellent tīrtha, O twice-born—
कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य मृगी व्याधशराहता
At some time, a doe, struck by a hunter's arrow—
चैत्रशुक्लतृतीयायां मध्याह्ने द्विजसत्तमाः ६.४२.
On the third day of the bright half of Caitra, at midday, O best of twice-born,
अथ तत्तोयमाहात्म्यान्मेनकानाम साऽभवत्
Then, because of the greatness of that water, she became known as Menaka.
स्मरमाणाऽथ सा तस्य प्रभावं वरवर्णिनी चैत्रशुक्लतृतीयायां यामर्क्षे सूर्यवासरे
Remembering his power, that splendid woman, on the third day of the bright half of Caitra, when the Sun was in Aries,
एकदा दिवसे तस्मिन्भ्रममाणो मुनीश्वरः
Once, on that day, the great sage was wandering about.
साऽपि स्वर्गात्समायाता देवतादर्शनार्थतः
She too descended from heaven, wishing to see the deity.
सा दृष्ट्वा तं मुनिं तत्र भ्रममाणमितस्ततः
Seeing that sage there, wandering here and there,
व्रतप्रभावजैर्व्याप्तं तेजोभिर्भास्करं यथा
She saw him surrounded by the radiance born of the power of his vows, like the sun with its rays.
सा तस्य दर्शनादेव कामबाणप्रपीडिता
Just by seeing him, she was pierced by the arrows of desire.
स दृष्ट्वाऽदृष्टपूर्वां तां मार्गपृच्छाकृते ततः
He, seeing her—never seen before—then asked her for directions.
उवाच देशं तां पृच्छन्स्त्रीधर्मांश्च विशेषतः
He questioned her about the region, and especially about the duties of women.
सदैव वासुदेवस्य भक्तिश्चाव्यभिचारिणी चारित्रविनयोपेता सर्वदा प्रियवादिनी ॥ ६.४२.
Is your devotion to Vāsudeva always unwavering, accompanied by good conduct and humility, and do you always speak kindly?
कच्चित्त्वं सर्वदाभीष्टा पत्युर्दानैस्तथार्च्चनैः
Are you always pleasing to your husband with gifts and acts of worship?
कच्चिद्भर्तरि संसुप्ते त्वं निशवशमेष्यसि
When your husband is asleep, do you remain awake at night?
कच्चित्प्रातः समुत्थाय करोषि गृहमार्जनम्
Do you, rising early in the morning, sweep the house?
कच्चिदेवान्नमस्कृत्य गुरुं च तदनंतरम्
Do you, after bowing to the gods, then honor your teacher?
कच्चिदस्तंगते सूर्ये नान्नमश्नासि भाभिनि
O radiant one, when the sun has set, do you refrain from eating food?
कच्चित्पिबसि पानीयं सप्तवारविशोधितम् [। निबिडेन स्ववस्त्रेण पालयंती जलोद्भवान्॥ २६. यूकामत्कुणदंशादीन्पुत्रवत्परिरक्षसि
Do you drink water that has been purified seven times, carefully filtering it with your own cloth, and do you protect creatures born in water—like lice, bugs, and mosquitoes—as if they were your own children?
कच्चित्साधुमुखान्नित्यं शिवधर्मं सुभक्तितः
Are you always devoted to the righteous, faithfully following the sacred duties of Śiva?
क्वचिच्छ्रुत्वाऽऽगमं पुण्यं प्रकरोषि च पूजनम्
Do you sometimes hear of a sacred tradition and perform worship accordingly?
कच्चित्पुराणशास्त्राणि प्रणीतानि जनेश्वरैः ६.४२.
Do you study the ancient scriptures composed by the lords of men?
यः श्रुत्वा सर्व शास्त्राणि निष्क्रयं न प्रयच्छति
Is there anyone who, after hearing all the scriptures, does not offer the prescribed fee?
कच्चिच्छिवालये नृत्यगीतवाद्यादिकाः क्रियाः
Are dance, song, music, and similar activities performed in the temple of Shiva?
कच्चित्प्रावरणं वस्त्रं सुभगे सर्वमेव च
O fortunate one, do you provide clothing and all coverings as needed?
वृथा पर्यटनं नित्यं कच्चिन्न परमंदिरे
Do you ever wander about aimlessly, never entering the supreme temple?
कच्चिन्नाश्नासि भद्रे त्वं स्वभर्तरि बुभुक्षिते
O good lady, do you eat while your husband is hungry?
कच्चित्प्रकुपिते कांते नोत्तराणि प्रयच्छसि
When your beloved is angry, do you refrain from speaking harsh words?
कच्चित्त्वं प्रोषिते कांते मलिनांबरधारिणी
When your beloved is away, do you wear soiled garments?
कच्चिन्मंदिरपृष्ठे त्वं न धत्से भिन्नभाजनम्
Do you ever place broken vessels behind the temple?