सस्मार च महर्षिस्तु अरुन्धत्या समं ततः
Then the great sage remembered, along with Arundhatī.
समाजग्मुर्महाशैलं मन्दरं चारुकन्दरम्
They arrived at the great mountain Mandara, with its lovely caves.
अभ्युत्थायाभिपूज्यैतानिदं वचनमब्रवीत्
Rising up and honoring them, he spoke these words.
धूतपापस्तथा जातो भवतां पादपङ्कजैः
By the dust of your lotus feet, I have become purified of sin.
शिलासु पद्मवार्णासु श्लक्ष्णासु च मृदुष्वपि
Even on the rocks, which are lotus-colored, smooth, and soft.
सममेव त्वरुन्धत्या विविशुः शैलसानुनि
Together with Arundhatī, they entered the mountain slope.
अर्घ्यादिना समभ्यर्च्य स्थितः प्रयतमानसः
Having worshipped with arghya and other offerings, he stood with a concentrated mind.
आत्मनो यशसो वृद्ध्यै सप्तर्षीन् विनयान्वितान्
For the increase of his own fame, he honored the seven sages, who were endowed with humility.
भरद्वाज शृणुष्व त्वमङ्गिरस्त्वं शृणुष्व च
Bharadvāja, listen; and you, Aṅgiras, listen as well.
उत्ससर्ज सती प्राणान् योगदृष्ट्य पुरा किलः
Long ago, Sati gave up her life by the vision of yoga.
सा मदर्थाय शैलेन्द्रो याच्यतां द्विजसत्तमाः
O best of twice-born, for my sake, let the lord of mountains be asked.
ओंनमः शङ्करायेति प्रोक्त्वा जग्मुर्हिमालयम्
Having uttered 'Om, obeisance to Śaṅkara,' they went to Himālaya.
पुरन्ध्र्यो हि पुरन्ध्रीणां गतिं धर्मस्य वे विदुः
Indeed, noble women know the path of righteousness among women.
नमस्ते रुद्र इत्युक्त्वा जगाम पतिना सह
Having said, 'Salutations to Rudra,' she departed together with her husband.
ददृशुः शैलराजस्य पुरीं सुरपुरीमिव
They beheld the city of the king of mountains, resplendent like the city of the gods.
सुनाभादिभिरव्यग्रैः पुज्यमानास्तु पर्वतैः
They were honored by the tranquil mountains, such as Sunabha and others.
विविशुर्भवनं रम्यं हिमाद्रेर्हाटकोज्जवलम्
They entered the splendid mansion of Himavat, shining with golden brilliance.
समासाद्य महाद्वारं संतस्थुर्द्वाःस्थकारणात्
Having reached the great gate, they stood there because of the doorkeeper.
धारयन् वै करे दण्डं पद्मरागमयं महत्
He was holding in his hand a great staff made of padmarāga gem.
निवेदयास्मान् संप्राप्तान् महत्कार्यर्थिनो वयम्
Announce to him that we have arrived, seeking an important audience.
जगाम तत्र यत्रास्ते शैलराजो ऽद्रिभिर्वृतः
He went to the place where the king of mountains was, surrounded by the mountains.
दण्डं निक्षिप्य कक्षायामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्
Placing the staff in his armpit, he spoke these words:
द्वारे स्थैताः कार्यिणस्ते तव दर्शनलालसाः
Those who stand at the door are your guests, eager for your audience.
स्वयमभ्यागमद् द्वारि समादायार्घ्यमुत्तमम्
He himself came to the door, bringing the finest offering of hospitality.
उवाच वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञः कृतासनपरिग्रहान्
The wise speaker addressed them, after they had accepted seats.
अप्रतर्क्यमचिन्त्यं च भवदागमनं त्विदम्
Your arrival here is indeed unfathomable and beyond thought.
संशुद्धदेहो ऽस्मयद्यैव यद् भवन्तो ममाजिरम्
Today, my body is purified because you have entered my abode.
दृष्टिपूतं पदाक्रान्तं तीर्थं सारस्वतं यथा
It is as if my house has become a sacred Sarasvata pilgrimage, purified by your sight and touch.
येनार्थिनो हि ते यूयं तन्ममाज्ञातुमर्हथ
For whatever purpose you have come, you should instruct me in that.
किङ्करो ऽस्मि स्थितो युष्मदाज्ञाकारी तदुच्यताम्
I am your servant, standing ready to carry out your command—let it be spoken.