वरदस्तत्र भगवान्स्थाणुर्नाम महेश्वरः
there, the blessed Lord, called Sthāṇu, the great god, bestower of boons,
भक्तानुकम्पी स श्रीमान्गिरीन्द्रसुतया सह
compassionate to his devotees, resplendent, together with the daughter of the king of mountains.
विमानयायिनः सर्वे तं देवमजमव्ययम्
All those who travel in celestial vehicles approach that unborn, imperishable god.
अन्ये देवनिकायाश्च सेवितुं प्रपतन्ति तम् 213.
Other hosts of gods also descend to serve him.
आरिराधयिषुः शर्वं तपस्तेपे सुदारुणम्
Desiring to please Śarva, he undertook severe austerities.
ऊर्ध्वबाहुर्निरालम्बस्तोयाऽनिलहुताशनैः
With arms raised, unsupported, sustained by water, air, and fire,
जपपुष्पोपहारैश्च कालेकाले मुनिः सदा
The sage always offered recitations and flowers at the proper times.
उग्रेण तपसात्मानं योजयामास सुव्रतः
Firm in his vow, he engaged himself in fierce austerity.
क्षामोऽभूत्कृष्णवर्णश्च ततः प्रीतश्च शङ्करः
He became emaciated and dark in complexion; then Śaṅkara was pleased.
अदृश्यं पश्य मे रूपं वत्स प्रीतोऽस्मि ते मुने
See my form, which is invisible, O child; I am pleased with you, O sage.
सहस्रसूर्यकिरणं ज्वालामालिनमूर्जितम्
It blazed with the rays of a thousand suns, wreathed in flames and full of energy.
जटाजूटतटाश्लिष्टं चन्द्रालंकृतशेखरम्
His matted locks were bound together, adorned with the moon as a crest-jewel.
प्रादेशमात्रं रुचिरं शतशीर्षं शतोदरम् 213.
Beautiful, about a span in size, with a hundred heads and a hundred bellies.
अणीयसामणीयांसं बृहतां तु बृहत्तरम्
Smaller than the smallest, yet greater than the greatest.
दृष्ट्वा देवं महादेवं हृष्टरोमा महातपाः
Seeing the great god, the ascetic, his hair standing on end, was filled with joy.
प्राञ्जलिः प्रणतो भूत्वाऽगृणाद्ब्रह्म सनातनम्
With joined palms and bowed down, he praised the eternal Brahman.
जगद्भोक्त्रे त्रिनेत्राय शंकराय शिवाय च
To the sustainer of the world, the three-eyed one, to Śaṅkara and Śiva,
नीलकण्ठाय भीमाय भूतभव्यभवाय च
To the blue-throated, the terrible, to him who is past, present, and future,
गणानां पतये स्रष्ट्रे संक्षेप्त्रे भीषणाय च
To the lord of the hosts, the creator, the withdrawer, and the formidable one,
प्रेतावासनिवासाय रुद्राय वरदाय च
To the dweller among cremation grounds, to Rudra, and to the bestower of boons.
भक्तप्रियाय सततं नमोऽस्तु परमात्मने
Salutations always to the Supreme Self, who is ever dear to his devotees.
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं पुनः पुनरवन्दत ।। ततस्तु भगवान्प्रीतस्तस्मै विप्राय शंकरः। ।। 213.
Bowing his head, he repeatedly offered reverence to the Lord; then, pleased, the blessed Śaṅkara spoke to that brāhmaṇa.
उवाच च वचः साक्षात्तमृषिं वरदः प्रभुः
The Lord, bestower of boons, directly addressed that sage with these words:
तांस्ते सर्वान्प्रयच्छामि दुर्ल्लभानपि मारिष
O gentle one, I grant you all those boons, even those that are difficult to obtain.
ब्रह्मत्वं लोकपालत्वमपवर्गमथापि वा
Whether it be the status of Brahmā, the position of a world-protector, or even liberation—
यदिच्छसि मुने शीघ्रं तद्ब्रूहि द्विजपुङ्गव
Whatever you desire, O eminent twice-born, speak it quickly.
प्रोवाच वरदं देवं प्रहृष्टेनान्तरात्मना
With an inner joy, he spoke to the boon-giving Lord:
ब्रह्मत्वं लोकपालत्वं नापवर्गं वरप्रद
O bestower of boons, I do not desire the status of Brahmā, nor the position of a world-protector, nor liberation.
स्पृहये देवदेवेश प्रसन्ने त्वयि शंकर
O Lord of gods, O Śaṅkara, as you are pleased, I long for devotion.
अनुग्राह्यो ह्ययं देव त्वयावश्यं सुराधिप
O Lord, this one must certainly be favored by you, O chief of the gods.