% Text title            : nIlakaNThavijayachampUkAvya 1
% File name             : nIlakaNThavijayachampUkAvya.itx
% Category              : shiva, nIlakaNThadIkShita, kAvya, sAhitya
% Location              : doc\_shiva
% Author                : Nilakantha Dikshitar
% Transliterated by     : Ashutosh Shankar
% Proofread by          : Ashutosh Shankar, Rajani Arjun Shankar
% Translated by         : Ashutosh Shankar
% Latest update         : October 7, 2026
% Send corrections to   : sanskrit at cheerful dot c om
%
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\begin{document}
\engtitle{.. Shri Nilakanthavijaya Champu kAvya 1 by Nilakantha Dikshita ..}##
\itxtitle{.. shrInIlakaNThavijaya champUkAvya prathamAshvAsaH ..}##\endtitles ##
shrInIlakaNThadIkShitena virachite

|| atha prathamAshvAsaH ||
\section{1\.1}
vande vA~nChitalAbhAya karma kiM tanna kathyate |
kiM dampatimiti brUyAmutAho dampatI iti || 1 ||##
I salute, to obtain what I desire ... but I am not sure of the object (of salutation). Should I say dampatim (which would be grammatically incorrect) or dampatI (which feels wrong because Siva and Parvati are one form and not two)?
##
\section{1\.2}
dR^iShTvA kaustubhamapsarogaNamapi prakrAntavAdA mitho
gIrvANAH kati vA na santi bhuvane bhArA divaH kevalam |
niShkrAnte garale drute suragaNe nishcheShTite viShTape
mA bhaiShTeti girAvirAsa dhuri yo devastameva stumaH ||##
Seeing the gems and gifts from the ocean, the countless Devas rushed to covet them; they are a burden to Heaven. When the world was suffering the effects of the poison, only one Lord said ``Do not fear'' and appeared at the forefront. We shall worship only Him.
##
api cha\-
\section{1\.3}
lIDhAlIDhapurANasUktishakalAvaShTambhasambhAvanA\-
paryastashrutisetubhiH katipayairnIte kalau sAndratAm |
shrIkaNTho.avatatAra yasya vapuShA kalkyAtmanevAchyutaH
shrImAnappayadIkShitaH sa jayati shrIkaNThavidyAguruH ||##
In these times, some people learn fragments of the ancient Vedas, and believe they can speak on them with authority, while distorting the meaning, further intensifying the evils of Kaliyuga. The way Vishnu will take Kalki avatara to save us, Siva himself appeared on earth as Appayya Dikshitar, the preceptor of SivAdvaita .
##
\section{1\.4}
yaH saMrambhaH kR^itivirachane duShkavInAmabhedyo
yachchaikAgryaM taduchitapadAnveShaNe chittavR^itteH |
labhyaM tachchedapi kavayatAmantatastrINyahAni
syAdevaM kiM sarasakavitArAjyadurbhikShayogaH ||##
Mediocre poets have the drive, focus and determination to write poems that appear scholarly. If good poets had these qualities, would we have this drought of good poetry?
##
athavA kimiti smarAmi duShkavInadhunA |##  But why am I thinking of these bad poets now?##
\section{1\.5}
sakalabhuvanaikama~Ngalasha~NkaraguNavarNanapravR^ittena |
na smaraNIyAH kudhiyo lokAyatikA iva vratasthena ||##
Just like one doing Vratas should not think about hedonists, I should not waste my thoughts on petty people. Let me focus on the Lord, the best of everything virtuous and auspicious.
##
\section{1\.6}
kati kavayaH kati kR^itayaH
kati luptAH kati charanti kati shithilAH |
tadapi pravartayati mAM
shamkarapAramyasamkathAlobhaH ||##
How many poets have created how many poems - of which many are forgotten, many still in circulation and many lesser known. (My poem may end up in any of these ways.) Still, I am driven by the desire to praise Siva.
##
\section{1\.7}
devAnAmapi daivataM gurumapi prAchAM gurUNAmiha
shrImantaM madanAntakaM kathamapi stotuM kR^ito nishchayaH |
tena tvAM tvarayAmi bhArati balAtkR^iShTApi duShTe pathi
prAsenopahatApi jAtu kupitA mA sma prasAdaM tyajaH ||##
I have made the decision to somehow praise Siva, the Lord of Lords and the Guru of Gurus, the destroyer of Manmatha. O Saraswati, I will pull You along on this rugged path of my poetry. Even if the prasa (lance/alliteration) hurts and angers You, please do not withhold Your grace and clarity from me.
##
\section{1\.8}
nantavyAH kavayaH katIha bahumantavyA rasaj~nAH katI\-
tyetAvattvalasaH karomi kavayo hR^iShyantu ruShyantu vA |
AvAtsyAyanatantramAshrutishiraHsiddhAntamuchchAvachA
vidyA yatprabhavA jayanti bhuvi tAM vande girAM devatAm ||##
There are many venerable poets and discerning connoisseurs, whom I am too lethargic to name. This may please or anger the poets. All the various Vidyas from that of Vatsyayana to Vedanta, are due to none other than Saraswati's grace and so I salute Her.
##
\section{1\.9}
chauryeNa praNayena chApaharataH pallIShu gavyAnyapi
styAyante charitAni chetkavikulodgItAni gAthAshataiH |
trailokyodbhaTakAlakUTakavalIkAraprakAraM punaH
stotuM ke prathame.api nAma kavayo dUre.adhikArastu naH ||##
If poets can compose hundreds of verses on the one who took, by theft or charm, and swallowed butter, but even the foremost of them are not competent to praise the one who swallowed poison that terrified the three worlds - am I qualified to? (Still, I will.)
##
\section{1\.10}
aShTatriMshadupaskR^ita\\-    saptashatAdhikachatuHsahasreShu |
kalivarSheShu gateShu   grathitaH kila nIlakaNThavijayo.ayam ||##
This Neelakantha-vijaya is composed in the year 4738 of Kaliyuga.
##
asti kila samastasurAsurastomavanditacharaNAravindasya bhagavato mahendrasya sthAnaM, AsthAnamamR^itAndhasAM, AyatanamAshcharyANAM, Akaro ratnAnAM, avadhirvaiShayikAnandasya, kimaparamagochare girAmamarAvatI nAma nagarI |##
There is the city of Amaravati, the dominion of Indra, whose lotus-feet are served by all Devas and Asuras. The abode of Devas, which has the best and most astonishing of everything; it is the storehouse of gems, the last word in sensual pleasures, and is beyond words.
##
tatra cha nirAlambe nabhasi vartamAnatayA sarvapathInadvAratayA cha punaranapekShitamUlashilAniveshanAyAsaM, anAkA~NkShitapratIhArarachanAprayAsaM, asampAditashR^i~NgasambAdhaM, asambhAvitaparikhAmaNDalaM, AchAra iti kevalamabhinirvartito navaH prAkAraH |##
Being a floating city, it needs no foundation stone, and no ornamental gates as it is accessible from all sides. It needs no watchtower or moat. It has a surrounding wall only for convention.
##
prAsAdaH punarasti vaijayanta ityabhUmirArohaNopayogavidhurashcha | sarvato.apratihatachArANAM paurANAmamR^itAsvAdasuhitAnAmabhyavahAryeNa kiM prayojanam |##
Indra's palace ``Vaijayanta'' has no foundation. It has stairs but they are unused (as Devas can appear or fly where they need to go). The Devas are happy as their movement is unrestricted and they subsist on Amrita.
##
api cha punarabhilaShitamaNikanakabhUShaNAmbarasandAyiShu mandArAdishAkhiShu na ki~nchidasti kretavyaM vikretavyaM cheti sa.nj~nAmAtrasharaNyAH paNyavIthikAH |##
The city has a market street, but the Devas don't need to go there as they have Kalpatarus  like the Mandaara tree, to give them gems, gold ornaments, garments etc.
##
ki~ncha nirantarashivadhyAnanirdhUtakalmaShAH, niratishayatapovisheShashoShitAH, vItarAgabhayakrodhamatsarAH, viShayaparA~NmukhAH, bhuvi paramarShaya iti prathAmAgatAH paNDitA eva praNayino vAramR^igIdR^ishAm |##
Those who have attained Heaven by incessant meditation on Siva and supreme penance, have conquered their desire, anger etc; these are the ones most desired by the Apsaras!##
ashvamedhayAjina iti, agnichita iti, mAsopavAsina iti, mAMsavarjina iti, rAjasUyayAjina iti, raNadurmadA iti, annadA vayamabhayadA iti shaMsadbhirapadAnAni, sampatadbhiritastato.apyaj~nAtamukhairjAtuchidavanivAsibhirjanairbalAdapahriyamANeShu vimAneShu, AkramyamANeShu mandireShu, AkR^iShyamANe cha balAdapsarogaNe, na kashchidabhimanyate mamedamiti mandirANi vimAnAni maNibhUShaNAni kaLatrANi vA nagaravAsI janaH |##
People who have done Yagnas, warriors and martyrs from all over the world also come to Devaloka. They claim Vimanas, mansions and Apsaras for themselves. The original residents, the Devas, are not possessive; they do not mind.##
ki~nchedamaparamadevatayA na sudhAshanAH, alAbhAdeva na tR^iNAshanAH, pavanAshanA eva parisheShAt kAmadughA gAvaH, parAkramiNo mata~NgajAH, vAtaraMhasashcha vAjina iti sakalapuravilakShaNaM lakShaNam | api cha\-##
The wish-fulfilling Kamadhenus do not consume Amrita, nor is there grass for them; there is only air for them to eat. Powerful elephants wander and horses run like the wind. Amaravati is different from any other city.
##
\section{1\.11}
mUlyaM tatkila veshmanAM dvijamukhe bhaktyAtra yaddIyate
veshyAnAM cha paNaH sa eva savane yA dakShiNA R^itvijAm |
padyA saiva visha~NkaTA bhavati yA padyAtra tIrthAmbhasAM
dvAraM tatra cha tadyadatra karaNadvAraM pidheyaM nR^iNAm ||##
The currency of Devaloka is Punya - what one earns by giving Daana or Dakshina to priests, one pays to acquire houses and Apsaras there. The doors of the senses that one shuts on Earth (controlling them for austerities), open up doors of mansions in Amaravati.
##
\section{1\.12}
asti svAdayituM sudhAsti vasituM vAso nabhashchAriNAM
dhartuM santi cha bhUShaNAni shatasho na tvasti dhIrjIvitum |
yenAnyAnupajIvyasarvavibhave karmaikalabhye pade\-
.apyAyasyanti vR^ithaiva sevaka iti svAmIti durmedhasaH ||##
In Devaloka, nectars, mansions and gems abound in the hundreds. These are only available to those who have accumulated Karma. Yet, these senseless ones continue to refer to each other as ``servant'' or ``master''.
##
idaM cha paramAdbhutamutprekShitaM tasyAM, yatkila vividhatapaHprabandhanistandratayA vismR^italokatantreShu, chiravidhR^itabrahmacharyajIrNatayA kAlamR^ityuShu kandarpasya brahmarShihatakeShu bhUtalAdAgatya prasakteShu krIDitumapsarobhiH, parNashAlAM pravishAma iti pravishatsu keLIgR^ihaM, visraMsaya jaTAmiti veNImAlambamAneShu, apanaya valkalamityapanetukAmeShu kuchadukUlAni, na lohitaM kuryAditi niShedhatsu nakhakShatAni, AH kaShTamasammato.ayaM panthAH shiShTAnAmiti pihitakarNeShu chumbanabhedaprastAvanAyAM, nivItadhAraNavyagreShu nIvImochanAvasare, mantrajapamukhareShu maNitAvasare, AH smR^itamadya vyatIpAta ityantarA gantukAmeShu, anuyu~njAneShu punaH punarArtavadinAni shapathapUrvakaM, atikrAmati niShekalagnamityasahamAneShu bAhyasuratavyApAravilambaM, avadhIrayatsu puruShAyitaM, asammanyamAneShu bandhabhedAn , vigAyatsu vITikopasevanamapyanuchito.ayaM kAla iti, AnandamUrChAvasara eva nibhR^itamanusandadhAneShu mantrali~NgAni, paravasharatAntanidrAvasara eva yAvatsannipAtaM cha sahashayyeti pariharatsu parya~NkashAyikAM, dvitIyasuratArambha eva dehi me kamaNDalumiti tvaramANeShu mandAkinIgamanAya, vihasanti viShIdanti vilajjante vismayante cha rambhAdimenakAntA devavArakAntAH ||##
The saintly ones are confused when they encounter Apsaras. They refer to the pleasure-house as an Ashram, their long hair as Jata and their clothes as bark. They close their ears to the Apsaras' sweet words and chant God's names when it is time to speak sweet nothings. They suddenly remember it is an auspicious day and want to take their Kamandalu to the Mandakini river. Seeing this, the Apsaras are amused, aggrieved, embarrassed and astonished.
##
\section{1\.13}
prasajati mahotsave vA prachalati rathyAsu tatra shakre vA | nimnAni pUrayante pavanamaye tALavR^intapavanena ||##
During festive times or when Indra walks through the streets, the palm-leaf fans blow air and it fills any gaps around.
##
\section{1\.14}
duHkhAnAM kShatirityabodhahatirityAnandaviShphUrtiri\-
tyantarvANivikalpajAlajaTilAnmokShAdapi jyAyasI |
yaiShA.avipratipannasaukhyalaharIsampAtasampAdinI
tatsaundaryavivechane kavayatAM maunaM kShamaM hrImatAm ||##
This city must be better than Moksha, which is a complex web. Revealed truths in the Shastras tell us that Moksha is the end of ignorance, and endless joy. But the city offers a flood of pleasures, so indescribable, that poets with a sense of shame ought to fall silent.
##
\section{1\.15}
AnItA vasudhAtalAtsukR^itinastasyAM hareH shAsanA\-
dunmIlanmaNiki~NkiNIkalakalasvAne vimAne sthitAH |
dR^iShTvA vyoma nirAspadaM sachakitavyAghUrNamAnekShaNA
na sthAtuM na cha vA tato.avatarituM prAgalbhyamAbibhrate ||##
When a meritorious person is brought to Amaravati by Indra's orders, in a Vimana adorned with bells, they look down and see there is no ground to step out into, and look around in fear or confusion.
##
\section{1\.16}
mandAnilavyatikarachyutapallaveShu
mandAramUlalavalIgR^ihamaNDapeShu |
puShpANi veNivalayeShu galanti tasyAM
sAhyaM vahanti suravAsakasajjikAnAm ||##
When the young celestial women go to meet their beloved at night at a house encircled by creepers, where the soft breeze has strewn young leaves (like a mat), the breeze also causes flowers to fall into their hair (enhancing their beauty).
##
\section{1\.17}
gAyanti chATu kathayanti padA spR^ishanti
pashyanti gADhamapi tatra pariShvajante |
kalpadrumAnapi sametya suparvakAntA
mugdhA drumaistaditaraishchiravipralabdhAH ||##
The innocent celestial women, cheated for long by many other trees, try to make the Kalpavrkshas flower by singing or speaking sweetly to them, embracing them or touching them with their feet; (not knowing that it is not necessary).
##
asti cha tAmadhivasan, vasanta iva R^itUnAM, vAsukiriva phaNAbhR^itAM, chandana iva vR^ikShANAM, chandramA iva R^ikShANAM, rAjA suparvaNAM, rAjA triviShTapasya, rAjA trayANAM jagatAM, rAjA vidhyaNDamaNDalasya, kartA shatAshvamedhAnAM, saMhartA vR^itrAsurasya, rambhAdivividharambhorusaMsadahamprathamikAsambhujyamAnanavayauvanashrIH, aparyuShitayauvanonmeShasambhAvanIyamadanamadArambhasImAyAH kaumAraharaH sadA shachIdevyAH, kAvyAgamabharatagAndharvarahasyasarva~NkaShamanIShAvisheShaH, niravadyavidyAdharIlokanakhamukhamukharitavipa~nchikAninAdaprapa~nchitodAranijabhujApadAnasamAkarNanasamudgIrNapulakanirvarNanajanitAmarShajalpAkanikhiladikpAlavadanAvalokanasaphalIkR^itasahasralochanaH, chaturmukhamukhavalayavihAribhAratIparigR^ihItavaitALikAdhikAraH, pakShapAtAsahiShNutayeva parihR^itashailendrapakShamaNDalaH, chandrachUDacharaNAravindaparicharaNAnandasAmrAjyadhurandharaH purandaro nAma ||##
Indra is the king of Amaravati, the best among Devas, the way Vasanta is among seasons, Vasuki among serpents, sandalwood is among trees, and the moon among stars. He is the Lord of the three worlds and attained that status by performing a hundred Ashwamedha yagnas; the slayer of Vritra. Rambha and other beautiful Apsaras vie for his attention and his youthful beauty. But he is the husband of Shachi.
His taste and connoisseurship are the touchstone of poetry, dance and music. The artists sing his praises, playing the veena immaculately. The other Dik-palakas, whom Indra looks down on from his throne, envy him. He is the foremost among Sivabhaktas.
##
\section{1\.18}
shlathe nIvIbandhe sati rahasi yatpANivalanA\-
nnavoDhAH pANibhyAmapi pihitasaptAShTanayanAH |
sahasrasyApyakShNAM yugapadapidhAnAkShamatayA
punastAbhyAmeva svamapidadhate lochanayugam ||##
When Indra is alone with his new wives, he moves his hand to undo the knot of their clothes. Shy, they try to cover his eyes with his hands, but he has a thousand eyes and they can barely cover seven or eight. Finally, they simply cover their own eyes.
##
api cha\-
\section{1\.19}
labhyante shrutipAThashuShkavadanA viprAH pade vedhaso
vaikuNThe tulasIvanAni sulabhAnyArdrANi shuShkANi cha |
pretA bhUtagaNAshcha santi shatashaH sthAne bhavAnIpateH
ratnAnyapsarasaH sudheti tu pade yasyaiva labdhuM kShamam ||##
In Brahmaloka, scholars recite the Vedas till their throats are parched. In Vaikuntha, there are Tulasi plants everywhere, fresh and dry. In Sivaloka, there are hundreds of frightening Bhutaganas. Isn't Indraloka better, having amrita, gems and beautiful Apsaras?
##
\section{1\.20}
vidhAtuM karmANi vyavasitavatI yatpadaphalA\-
nyasUyAndhA madhye shrutirapi kimAsIdbhagavatI |
anuShTheyaM karma svayamanabhisandhAya phalami\-
tyayaM vandhyaH panthA yadanupadameva prakaTitaH ||##
Mother Sruti (personification of the Vedas) set out to explain the correct Karmas, the reward for which is Indraloka. Did she begin to feel jealously protective of it midway, because she goes on to advise performing one's karma without any attachment, which is a futile path.
##
ki bahunA\-
\section{1\.21}
labdhuM tatpadamUrjitaM shatamakhI tasyaiva nAlaM bhave\-
ddraShTuM taddayitAjanaM dashashatI tasyaiva nAlaM dR^ishAm |
vaktuM tatpurabhogabhAgyamakhilaM tasyaiva nAlaM guru\-
rmachchetogatamadbhutaM kathayituM nAlaM mamaivoktayaH ||##
Amaravati is such a wonderful place that it seems worth a thousand Ashwamedha-s, not just a hundred as Indra has done. His thousand eyes are not enough to drink in the beauty of his wives. His Guru could not describe Amaravati's excellence, despite being Vakpati. Then, I may imagine it, but how could my words convey the wonder of Amaravati.
##
sa kadAchidasvapno.apyAchAra iti bodhitaH prAtaramaravaitALikaiH, Alokya nirmalaM paulomIkapoladarpaNaM, abhyarchya kAmadhenuM, AsAdya vividhavidyAdharIvilAsapishunakusumashayanIyalobhanIyalatAmandiranirantaropAntabhuvaM adhaHparivartamAnavikartanabimbanirargaLanirgaLadUrdhvamukhamayUkhasaMsargAduShNIkR^itAmantarantaH uparyupari shItalAM bhUtalAsaMsparshe.api purANapuruShacharaNAravindasambandhAdeva bhuvanapAvanImamaradhunIM,##
Once, Indra was ceremonially woken up by his attendants (despite not actually sleeping). He saw his own image in the smooth mirror-like cheeks of Indrani. He prayed to Kamadhenu and reached the Ganga. Ganga has continuous creeper-beds and flower-houses on her banks, which have been used in the night by Vidyadharis. The deeper waters were warm because of the upward sun rays reaching them unobstructed; however the surface waters were cool. She purified the worlds due to her contact with Vishnu's feet.
##
nirvartitaniyamAbhiShechanaH siddhachAraNagandharvasevite saikate tasyAH daharAkAshaparipUjitadivyali~NgAkR^iti pratiShThApya chintAmaNimayaM kimapi pArameshvaraM li~NgaM,##
At the sandy riverbanks, Indra bathed and on her sandy bank, made a Sivalinga out of Chintamani gems, and worshipped it, mentally invoking Siva residing in his heart, into the Linga.
##
anusandhAya tatra nakhalikhitasharachchandrachandrikAsArasundaraM bhagavantaM madanAntakaM,##
 He meditated on Bhagavan Siva, beautiful like moonlight, with the moon drawn on the Linga with his nail.
##
abhiShichya divyApagAsalilaiH, anulipya rohiNIramaNahariNamadapa~NkAnuSha~NgiNA harichandanena, samabhyarchya gA~NgeyavikachagA~Ngeyapa~NkajaiH,##
He bathed the Linga with Ganga's waters, smeared it with a blend of musk (from the deer inside the moon) and sandal. He worshipped it with golden lotuses from the Ganga.
##
ArAdhya surabhighR^itadhArAnubandhinA divyadhUpena nisargachalitarashmimAlAkalApena ratnadIpena cha sA~NgAya sAyudhAya sAvaraNAya sAbharaNAya cha nivedya sadyaHsamAhR^itaniShpIDitendumaNDalaniShyandamAnAparyuShitAnyamR^itAni,##
He offered incense bound with Kamadhenu's ghee, and waved lamps using twinkling gems. He squeezed fresh Amrita from the moon and offered it to Siva who was with all his limbs, weapons and ornaments##
pradakShiNIkR^itya praNipatya prasAdya pa~nchabhiH prasUnA~njalibhiH, stutvA shrutishirobhiH, kR^itvA visarjanaM, atha smR^itvA chirantanamAtmani,##
He propitiated Siva with Pradakshina, Namaskaras, handfuls of five flowers and Upanishad Stotras, then took the Lord back into his mind and immersed the Lingam. He then meditated on the Lord.
##
vilAsavIthIvihArakautUhalena nirgatya bahiH, itastato nirantarAlamiladAshIrvachomukharagIvArNamunisa~Nghasa~NkulaM,##
Indra then set out, wishing to roam about on the streets. The Deva-rishis gathered closely to bless him.
##
atikomalA~NgulidalAghAtashodhitamR^ida~NganAdabha~NgibhiH adharaniveshitApanItaveNubhiH asakR^idAsphAlitAkR^iShTavINAguNAbhiH Aku~nchitaR^ijUkR^itabhrUlatamAviShkR^italuptasirAbandhakandharamantareva kalamadhuramArabdhagItibhiH dvistrirAsphAlitasavyacharaNamR^iduraNitama~njIrama~njulAbhirapsarobhirArapsyamAnatauryatrikaM,##
The Apsaras prepared to play music for Indra. Their soft fingers brought out waves of sound from the Mridangam; the flute alternately touched their lips and was moved away, as they played it; they gently and repeatedly plucked the Veena strings; they furrowed and straightened their eyebrows as they tuned their voices, the arteries of their neck appeared and disappeared as well. The sweet singing started, indistinct at first. They tapped their left feet twice or thrice and their anklets tinkled, as the Apsara orchestra was about to start.
##
atyudbhaTavetrivetralatAghAtavidrAvitavIthIbhavadamaramaNDalaM, abhito.api dR^iShTigocharasannidhApitakarituragaparya~NkikAdinAnAvidhavAhanagrAmamAlokya senAmukhaM,##
The groups of Devas standing in the street were dispersed by the stick wielded by Indra's attendants. Indra looked upon the front of his army gathered behind him; there were elephants, horses and palanquins.
##
AlokamAtravidite~NgitairAdhoraNairupasthApitamarNavanimagnamainAkapakSharakShaNAbhyarthanAyAgataM himavantamivonnatamavadAtaM cha ka~nchidAruhya mata~NgajaM,##
Indra ascended the elephant Airavata brought near him by his perceptive Mahouts, who can sense their master's wish by a mere look. The elephant was tall, white and shining, looking as though Himavan came down asking Indra to spare his son Mainaka.##
a~NgajarAjyasaubhAgyadevatayeva sharIriNyA tAmbUlakaraNDadhAriNyA menakayA, madanamadakaduShNasauvargakAminIkaTAkShasaMsarganivAraNAyeva maNichAmaropavIjanakushalArambhayA rambhayA cha savilAsamadhyAsitacharamabhAgaH,##
Menaka, holding a vessel with the ingredients for a betel mixture, looked like the goddess of fortune of Manmatha's kingdom. Rambha was holding a gem-encrusted fan, fanning Indra deftly as if to ward off the warm affection from other celestial ladies. Both of them sat behind Indra on the elephant.
##
purobhAgachaladalaghuja~NghAlakarituragasa~Nghaja~NghAjavadravadamarabhaTakoTisammardashithilahAramardanajanitamuktAparAgasambandhAdiva dhavalIkR^itena sasambhramavaladambaracharanitambinIlokavikIryamANamandArakusumavR^indaniHsaranmakarandadhArAnirAsAyeva mukuTamuparyuparidhAryamANena sarvataH prAlambamuktAsarakadambashAlitayA samantato nihitakupitavidhuntudavikaTadantakShatavivarakSharadamR^itadhArAsahasramaNDitena maNDaleneva shashA~Nkasya mahatAtapatreNa saphalayannanimeShadR^iShTisR^iShTimambhojasambhavasya, gandharvakulavAdyamAnabahuvidhAtodyaninAdakabaLIkR^itAshAvakAshatayeva sa~NkulachalitasenAsa~Nghasa~NkaTonmuktasiMhanAdadhArApathe nirjagAma tArApathe ||##
Indra's umbrella was white, as if covered in pearl dust crushed between the shins of his warriors chasing his horses and elephants. The umbrella shielded him from pollen flying from the Mandara flowers thrown toward him by celestial women. Clusters of pearls hanging from various places on the umbrella looked like Amrita spilling from the Moon, if Rahu decided to merely bite him all around and not swallow him whole. The Devas took in the sight of him, as if the purpose of Brahma creating them as unblinking was served. Music of the Gandharvas sounded in all directions, as did the excited cheers of the packed Deva army. Thus, Indra set out on his starry path.
##
\section{1\.22}
ma~njIrairnaTanArbhaTImukharitaiH svarvAravAmabhruvAM
mandasnigdharavaishcha kinnarakaravyApAritairmardalaiH |
shlAghAshlokashataishcha chAraNagaNaprodgIyamAnaistadA
nAdabrahmamayIva tatra ruruche nAsIrasImA hareH ||##
The anklets of the celestial beauties sounded in the rhythm of their dance. Kinnaras played their deep-sounding drums. Chaaranas sang hundreds of verses in praise of Indra. Thus, the forefront of Indra's army shone with music as if it was Nadabrahmam itself.
##
api cha\-
\section{1\.23}
agre pashchAdubhayata iti tyaktalokavyavasthe
diShTyA tasminnapi pariNate sarvataH sammukhIne |
sabhrUbha~NgaM nayanavalanaM sasmitaM draShTukAmA
bhUyo.apyagre suraparibR^iDhAstasya pu~njIbabhUvuH ||##
Indra is lucky to have a gaze, from a thousand eyes, that is unlike humans' and helps him see in front of him and behind too. Still, eager to see his smile and his eyebrow movements, the leaders of the Devas gathered in front of him.
##
gachChanneva sa nabhasi, bhasitAvakuNThitasarvA~Ngasa~NgalabdhaparabhAgabhAsurAbhirabhivyApya hR^idayamadhikatayA bahirnirgamiShyataH kopAnalasya jvAlAbhiriva pATalAbhirjaTAbhirabhibhavantamiva taTitvantamabhinavaM shAradAmbhodaM, api cha tribhuvanamunilokavailakShaNyabodhinyA shApamUlatapolAbhasambhavayA kIrtyeva tripuNDrarekhayA parikarmitalalATamaNDalaM, atiprachaNDanijatapo.analajvAlAkalApapariploShamalinitaiH pratishApAkSharairiva pArikA~NkShiNAM rudrAkShamaNibhirabhiveShTitaM,##
As Indra proceeded through the sky, he saw Durvasa, who had ash smeared all over his body. The Jata on his head looked like the flames of anger in his heart, emerging (from his head). It was red and glowing on his white body like lightning on a fresh autumn cloud. The three lines of ash on his forehead adorned him like his fame that his Tapasshakti would grow while giving curses, unlike any other sage. The patterns on his Rudraksha beads looked like the darkened letters of other rishis' counter-curses burnt up by the flames of his Tapas.
##
sodarashashA~NkasandeshahArikAbhistArakAbhiriva karNapuTAbhyarNalagnAbhiH sphaTikAkShaguLikAbhirabhishobhitaM, agR^ihItottarAsa~NgaM a~NgIkR^itakaupInamAtraparidhAnaM, AsphoTayantamanupadaM, avarundhantamadhvani milanti siddhavadhUkulAni, trAsayantamiva kAtarAn tarjayantamiva shunAsIrabhaTAnapi, garjantamiva, gAyantamiva, nR^ityantamiva, skhalantamiva, hasantamiva, hR^idayAravindakuharaviharadunmattashekharabhAvanAnairantaryAdunmattamiva,##
The crystal beads around his ears shone like stars visiting him with a message from his brother Chandra. He wore only a loincloth and he snapped his fingers as he walked, shooing away the Siddha ladies who approached him to salute him. Those of a timid demeanour were frightened and even Indra's soldiers were threatened. He walked, roaring, laughing, dancing, stumbling and laughing as if mad, due to his unceasing meditation on Siva, who wears an Unmatta flower.
##
svayamapyavAptasamastakAmatayA ki~nchidapyanAdR^italokatantrAnuvidhAnaM, trilochanAvatAramapyatrilochanAvatArasodaraM, anasUyAgarbhasambhavamapyatyantakopanaM, atikaThinatapovisheShaparitoShitagaurIprasAdasamAsAditAmapi kayApi vidyAdharakanyayA prArthanAmAtrAdeva shApabhItayA praNipatya samarpitAM kAmapi kanakAravindamayImamlAnamAlikAmAnayantaM, Apatantamagrata eva nirargaLamabhimantrya muktamiva pAshupataM sharamanatila~NghanIyatejasaM durvAsasaM nAma tApasamadrAkShIt |##
Durvasa had no desires and uncaring about the ways of the world. He was the Avatara of Siva and the brother of Chandra, the son of Atri. His mother was gentle Anasuya, but he was angry by nature. He carried a garland, which he had obtained from a Vidyadhari, who in turn had got it as Prasada from Parvati and offered it to Durvasa out of fear of a curse. It was a never-fading garland, made of golden lotuses. Holding this, he with his unsurpassed Tejas advanced unstoppably like a Pashupata Astra. ##
jAnannapi  tamanikramaNIyatejasaM durvAsasaM, jAnannapi jagadeva nikhilamapalapitumanyathayituM cha naipuNyaM brAhmaNasya, jAnannapi munikulanyakkArapariNatAM gatiM nahuShasya, shiShyo.api bR^ihaspateH, shIlitamarmApi dharmashAstreShu, paricharyArato.api nisargata eva brAhmaNAnAM, A chaturAnanAdA cha kITapata~Ngebhyastulyavadeva prabhavantyA bhagavatyA bhavitavyatAyA vilAsena tribhuvanAdhipatyamadAndhIkR^italochano dhImAnapi sahasralochano na taM pratyavaruroha, na tarAmupachachAra girA, na tamAM cha praNanAma |##
Indra knew the greatness of this sage, whose word the universe obeys. He even knew the fate of Nahusha, which came about as a result of insulting a Rishi. He was a disciple of Brihaspati and well-versed in Dharma-shastras. He was normally respectful by nature to Rishis. But Fate, which controls all from Brahma to a small insect, was to have its own play. Indra was drunk on his power as the lord of the three worlds. He should have got down, saluted Durvasa with polite words, and prostrated with Namaskara, but he failed to do these.
##
api cha na kevalaM tamavajaj~ne, api tu punarasambhAvitenApi tena vitIryamANAmAdAya sAvaj~namekena pANinA mAlikAM, pashyata eva maharSheH, anupanIya makuTataTImanAghrAya chAntataH skandha eva sindhurasya niveshayAmAsa | niveshitamAtrA cha sA nisarganiravagraheNa vetaNDena shuNDayAkR^iShya niShpipiShe ||##
Not only did Indra insult Durvasa, he accepted the garland casually with just one hand. As Durvasa watched, he failed to place it on his head and smell its fragrance. Instead, he just placed it on the shoulder of his elephant. The elephant, independent and free-willed, immediately pulled it away with its trunk and trampled it.
##
\section{1\.24}
pashyan padAgramR^iditAM mahatA gajena
mAlAM prasAdaparipAkamayIM mR^iDAnyAH |
hastena hastamabhihatya sa nityakopaH
kopAruNaM muniradhArayadakShikoNam ||##
Durvasa, ever angry by nature, saw the garland be trampled underfoot by the elephant. The garland had been the fruition of Parvati's grace. He clapped his hands together in anger and his eyes reddened.
##
\section{1\.25}
vIrabhadra iva kruddhe vIramAheshvare munau |
itikartavyatAmUDhamindramaikShanta devatAH ||##
Durvasa, himself an Amsa of Siva, was angry like Virabhadra. The other Devas saw Indra in his state of confusion about what should be done.
##
\section{1\.26}
tadanu cha  |
yAvatsAntvayituM tadantikabhuvaM dhAvanti mandIbhava\-
tkAkuvyAkulagadgadastutivachogumphA nilimpAH svayam |
tAvaddevapatiM shashApa kuTilakrUrabhramattAraka\-
bhrUbha~NgavyatiSha~NgadattabhuvanAta~Nko muniH shA~NkaraH ||##
The Devas ran towards Durvasa's vicinity, speaking salutations but choked with fear. At the very same moment, Durvasa, who makes the world tremble and whose eyebrows were knitted and eyes crossed, cursed Indra.
##
\section{1\.27}
yeyaM trailokyarAjyashrIstvadAlambena  cheShTate |
saivAdya tvadamitrANAM vashamApadyatAmiti ||##
``The power over the three worlds that lies with you shall leave you today and go to your enemies.'' Thus did Durvasa curse Indra.
##
\section{1\.28}
Alambya dainyamasakR^itpadayornipatya
samprArthito maghavatA stuvatA tato.ayam |
shApAntamAha kathayanniva lokarItyA
govinda eva kushalAni kariShyatIti ||##
Indra fell at Durvasa's feet, praised him and begged him for a remedy. Durvasa showed the way to end the curse, in a worldly manner: ``Govinda will take care of you.''
tadanu yathAgataM gate durvAsasi, tAvatA vaibhavena vinirgato.apyatarkitopanatatadIyashApasamutsAritotsAhaH, samagreNa maNDalena nirjihAno rAkAshashA~Nka iva rAhumukhe patitaH, surapatiH abhitaH prasAryamANaroShaviShAdamandAkShashabaLakaTAkShasahasraniyamitavyApAramamukharamurajamanAhatapaTahaM akkaNitavINAdivAditraM
Until then, Indra was glorious. But the Rishi's curse had drained away his enthusiasm. He was like a full moon that emerged only to be swallowed by Rahu. His thousand eyes restricted their movement, showing anger, dejection and embarrassment. The big and small drums fell silent, and the veena and other instruments were not played.##
avasannakinnarIgAnamapravR^ittarambhAdinR^ittasaMrambhaM avasitavaitAlikalokakolAhalaM aprasaktavetrihAhAravaM anAsha~NkitabhaTasiMhanAdaM asta~NgatAnyonyasa~NkathaM asambhAvitapIThamardakavidUShakAlApaM,##
The Kinnaris did not sing and the Apsaras did not dance. The bards' joyous singing also stopped. Indras' cane-wielding guards stopped saying their ``ha ha'' sounds. The soldiers stopped their lion-like roar. Conversations among the people ceased and Indra's witty jester companions were silent too.
##
ashvaheShite.api sAta~NkasAdikulaM, a~NghrivinyAsashabde.api sAparAdhasauvidallajanaM, apanItamAta~NgaghaNTAvalayaM, Abaddhamiva mUkamiva badhiramiva mugdhamiva prasuptamiva vikalamiva shUnyamiva vinyastamiva chitraphalake, nikhilamapi vibudhabalamAkarShanneva kevalaM, Agatya punarnagaraM, Avedya vR^ittamimaM gurave vR^ittAntaM, antaHpuraM pravishya, durantachintAnubandhaniyantritaH shayanAgAra eva jajAgAra tAM rajanIm |##
Even the horses' neighing made their riders unhappy. Chamberlains tried to walk quietly and elephant-handlers untied the bells from their elephants. The procession walked like prisoners or mute people, or deaf people, or unconscious people, or sleepwalkers, or handicapped people, or their minds were empty. They proceeded quietly like a painting. Since they walked with no enthusiasm, it looked as though Indra was dragging them. Indra went and told his guru of the incident, then went into his inner chambers. He was restrained by his continuous thoughts. In his bed-chamber, he stayed awake all night.
##
atha tadAnImeva gUDhanihitachAraniveditatApasashApavR^ittAntasamAkarNanalabdhAntareNa mantriNA bhArgaveNa samAdiShTAH, hR^iShTAshcha chiranirIkShitarandhralAbhena, darshayiShyanto dR^iDhaparichitAni samarakaushalAni, saphalayiShyantaH sAdhinAni mahAstrANi, samullikhanto vairaniryAtanaprakArAn , apaneShyantashchiranirUDhamapayashomAlinyaM abhinandanto durvAsasaM, AvedayantaH parasparamabhyagradR^iShTAni shubhanimittAni, vivR^iNvanto vIravAdAn vibhajantaH pratisainyAni sainikAnAM,##
Meanwhile, hidden Asura spies quickly relayed the news of the curse to Sukra, who ordered the Asuras to make use of this opportunity. The Asuras were eager to show their skills in battle, which they had been practicing. Those with divine weapons would get a chance to use them. They began to imagine how they would drive out their enemies. They wanted to wipe away the bad name that previous defeats had given them. They praised Durvasa. They told each other of good omens they saw and about their bravery and skills. They began to divide up and plan their attack.##
avarundhantashchArajanasa~nchAraM, AsUchayanto gantavyapadamAptavargeShu kevalaM, Adishantashcha ghaNTApanayanamanekapAnAM, a~NgadAsa~NghaTTanamashvorasAnAM, anuchChrayaNaM dhvajAnAM, avAdanaM vAditrANAM, akShveLanaM cha yodhAnAM, abhivandya purodhasaM, anumAnya yodhamukhyAn , Amantrya gurujanaM, anuj~nApya mauhUrtikAn , bhAvayantaH prAchInAn mahAsurAn, paThantashcha teShAmeva vedApaharaNavasudhAnimajjanAdIni prachaNDAni charitama~NgalAni, prasthAya dAnavAH,##
The Asuras became wary of spies and shared information of their routes only to those close. They ordered the removal of elephants' bells and horses' shoulder plates, to attack quietly. Their army flags were lowered and their instruments quiet. They were told not to drink and revel. They saluted their priests and took their elders' blessings. They consulted their astrologers and meditated on the aggressive achievements of their predecessors: stealing the Vedas, abducting Bhoomi-devi and more. Thus, they set out.
##
katichidatichiroparuddhakaNDUladormaNDalatayA kAlavipAkapachelimayA shaktimattayA cha, paryavasAyayitumiva bhUdharAna~NgulisphoTena, parikSheptumiva mukhamArutena sapta sAgarAn, unmUlayitumiva samUlameva pAtAlaM, utkSheptumiva dUramantarikShaM,##
The Asuras were itching to fight, since they were sure of victory. The time was perfect; victory would be as simple as a snap of the fingers. They felt they could empty the seven seas with a single breath, and uproot the nether-world, and fling the sky far.##
vyatyAsayitumiva vidhyaNDamaNDalaM. nirvApayitumiva chandrArkadIpikAM, dagdhumiva dahanamapi. bha~Nktumiva prabha~njanamapi, banddhumiva pAshinamapi, hantumiva durdAntamantakamapi, sannahyantyA ki~nchidapyaj~nAtakAryavisheShatayA mahAmAtrakarachalanamAtraparij~nAtagantavyadishA, gagana eva nityanivAsena kadApyanAgatAM mandAkinIM sambhAvayitumApatatA patyeva vAhinInAM,##
They felt they could upturn the universe, put out the Sun and Moon, burn Agni, break Vayu, tie up Varuna, and kill Yama. The army had warriors who had no idea why they were there, only where they should go, as pointed out by the Mahamatras. The army looked like the ocean rising to the heavens to meet his wife, the celestial river Mandakini.
##
mahatyA senayA sAkamAgatya shAkhAnagaramamarAvatyAH yugapadAhanyamAnapaTahAdibahuvidhavAdyanirghoShapoShitakarilokabaMhitopabR^iM\-hitabhaTakoTisiMhanAdakolAhalena bodhayAmAsuranAsha~NkitaparibhavAta~NkasukhashayitAnamR^itAshanAn ||##
Thus, the Danavas reached the outskirts of Amaravati. Silent until now, they began to create a din by playing the drum and other instruments. The elephants began to trumpet, which added to the roaring of the warriors. The Devas, peacefully sleeping and unsuspecting, were suddenly awoken.
##
\section{1\.29}
krudhyaddAnavayodhanirdayakaravyAmardabhImadhvana\\- nnAnAtodyaninAdakAtaraparikrandaddigantadvipam |
jAtaM prAtaratarkitAgatamahAta~Nkaprasa~NgakShaNa\- prakShubhyatpunarudbhaTAmarachamUnIrandhramaindraM puram ||##
The angry Asura warriors had shaken and frightened the Dig-gajas with the terrible, merciless beating of their drums. An unexpected danger had arrived at Amaravati in the morning. The Deva army then filled out the town, leaving no gaps.
##
\section{1\.30}
saMrundhanti dviShanto nagaramiti samAyAnti ruShTAH pathIti
prAkArAntaH praviShTA iti chalati raNo dAruNaH sampratIti |
jIvagrAhaM gR^ihItaH surapatiriti cha svairamaj~nAtamUlAH
sa~Nghe sa~Nghe prajAnAM navanavamabhavan bhinnabhinnAH pravAdAH ||##
Wherever people assembled, new rumours began to circulate: that the enemies had surrounded the city, that they had breached the walls and were roaming the streets, that a violent battle had begun, and even that Indra had been captured alive.
##
tatkShaNaM cha yugavigamasamayasambhidyamAnasaptArNavIninAdasha~NkAvahena  kolAhalena nAgarANAvabudhya    vidviShAmabhiSheNanaM,  anulla~NghanIyatApasashApAnusandhAnakuNThIkR^itodyamo.api kaNThIrava iva karilokabR^iMhitena parijvalitamanyuH, shatamanyuH utthAya shayanIyAt,##
Indra heard the din made by his citizens and understood that his enemies had arrived. It was like the sound of Pralaya. The thought of the unbreakable curse of the Tapasvi made him a bit hesitant to act, but still he got up from his bed, blazing with anger like a lion hearing elephants trumpeting.##
utprekShitasamarasaMrambhayA shachIdevyA sasambhramasnehasAdhvasodvegamupasR^itya strIsvabhAvasulabhena kAtaryeNa 'mAnada, mA kuru sAhasamevaMvidhaM, preShyantAM preShaNIyAH' ityabhyarthyamAno.api tAmavadhUya,##
Shachi, overcome by urgency, fear and love, as women tend to be in such a situation, begged her husband, ``O giver of our honour, don't be rash. Send the appropriate warriors.'' But Indra brushed her aside.
##
parijanavadhUkarodastavisraMsamAnasaMvyAnapallavaH, saMrambhashithilapadakramaH samAgamya chakitasamudbuddhadauvArikajanodghATyamAnakavATikAmUlapu~njIbhavadanukShaNAyAtachAravR^ittAntasamAvedanasannahyatkubjavAmanajananirantarALindamantaHpuradvAraM,##
Indra's upper garment began to fall, and his maids quickly gathered it. His gait was hurried and unsteady. He reached the entrance of the inner chamber, where the dwarves and hunchbacks who guarded the chambers had gathered in the verandah. Spies were relaying the news to them. The doorkeepers sprung up to open the door for him.##
anAdR^itya ki~NkarakarAvalambanaM, anAlokya nihitAmapyagrato maNipAdukAM, anAdishya sainikAgamanaM, anAkA~NkShya vainItakAnayanaM, a~NghribhyAmeva parikrAman ,##
Indra ignored the attendants who normally gave him his gem-studded slippers, and did not order his bodyguards, or call for his palanquin. He only walked barefoot.
##
anAkarNayannivR^ittivij~nApanAnyadhvani miLatAM sainikAnAM, Aku~nchitAbhyAM bhrUlatAbhyAmAkampitena cha mukhena kevalamAkarNayanvachanAni chArANAM,##
His bodyguards met him on the way and begged him not to go fight, but he ignored them. His creeper-like eyebrows were knitted and his face quivered with anger. The only people he listened to were his spies.
##
atisambhramopasR^itvaramanivartyasamarasaMrambhamagrata eva chalantamAtmajaM jayantamavarudhya shapathashatairantaHpurarakShaNAya niveshayannAlayadvAri, niHsarannapi bahistato.apyatitvaritamAlayabAhyakakShyAsamAnItAmAbadhya kakShyAM, AdyavIthImukhopanItAmAdAya dambholiM, ardhapathopanItamavamuchya vAravANaM, adhigopurasadeshamAnIyamAnamAruhya mAtalisanAthaM rathaM,##
Indra called his son Jayanta, who was speedily walking ahead with an eagerness to fight, and instructed him to stay inside. It took a hundred oaths to convince him to protect the inner chambers. Indra then went out of the palace to the space outside, where he wore his armour and was handed his Vajrayudha. He climbed into the chariot driven by Matali.
##
atila~Nghya sa~NkulachaladamarabhaTasa~Nghasa~NkaTaM durgamaM gopuradvAraM, atikramya nijamapi nAsIraM avagAhamAno dAnavachamUM, ala~NghanIyavachanairahamprathamikApratij~nAtavijayairdikpatibhirnirudhyamAnaH, chandrodayArambhasamujjR^imbhitasAgara iva velAniyantritaH, kShaNAdudgrIvikAbhilakShyamANadurnigrahasamarAgrahaH sharIreNa kevalamavAtiShThata senAmukhe ||##
He crossed the crowds of Devas at the Gopura of his palace, then his army front, and plunged into the Asura army. The other seven Dik-palakas, whose words are never disregarded, wanted to go before him, and restrained him like the seashore restrains a sea in high tide during moonrise.  His neck was turned up in determination.
##
\section{1\.31}
bhImaM bhImena tasyAtha sainyaM sainyena vidviShAm |
samagachChata kalpAnte sAgareNeva sAgaraH ||##
The two fierce armies met like two oceans during Pralaya.
##
ki~ncha\-
\section{1\.32}
yAvajjyAvalayAvalIDhashikharakrUraprakAradhvana\-
chchApavyApR^itapANibhiH sthapuTitaM nAsIramAsIdbhaTaiH |
tAvaddevapatiH kva dAnavapatiH kveti pravR^ittaiH krudhA
senArakShibhireva tatra mahate yuddhAya baddhA matiH ||##
The warriors strung their bows; as the string met the bow-tip, an ominous sound rang out. The commanders asked in anger, where is Indra and where is the leader of the Asuras?
##
tadanu shunAsIra eva svanAsIramupeyuShi, chirabhuktabhartR^ipiNDAnR^iNyasampAdanAvasaralAbhasambhAvitotsAhatayA tR^iNIkR^itya jIvitAni vimatabalAnIva, vidhUya samarabhayaM vikoshAnIva shastrAstramaNDalAni,##
As Indra reached the front, his soldiers realised this is their opportunity to repay their debt to him, as they had been fed by him for long. Their life was now worth very little to them as they were ready to sacrifice themselves for him. They also thought little of the Asuras' abilities. Shaking their ordinary and divine weapons, they also shook off their fear.
##
vismR^itya bhartR^ivimAnanAH kAdAchitkIH putradAraparibhavAniva, manAgapyanapekShya jayashriyamanupatantImiva mitravarUthinIM hoShyantaH sharAnalArchiShi sharIrANi, cheShyantaH sharadindusundarANi yashaHkandaLAni, mahiShAniva mata~NgajAn , sArameyAniva saindhavAn , pAMsukaNAniva padAtigaNAn , mashakAniva mahArathikAn ,##
They had forgotten any time when Indra may have insulted them, like the words of family. They even disregarded Victory, as one would carry on fighting when an allied army arrives (without stopping to welcome them). They were willing to burn in the flames of war, to collect the flowers of eternal fame. The opposing elephants looked like bulls, the horses like dogs, the foot-soldiers like a cloud of dust and the chariots like mosquitoes.##
kusumavihArAniva kuntatomaramudgaraprahArAn , paTavAsavR^iShTimiva bANavR^iShTimapi manyamAnAH, hanyamAnA api harShATTahAsamukharAH, nakharAyudhA iva hariNArbhakeShu, nAgAntakA iva rAjileShu, dantAvaLA iva kadaLIvaneShu, dAvAnalA iva jIrNa shAlmalIgulmeShu,##
The blows landed by the Asuras' clubs felt like the play of flowers, and the shower of arrows like fragrant powder. Those that fell dead let out loud joyous laughs. They proceeded fearlessly like lions among young deer, or Garuda among snakes, elephants in a banana grove, or forest fires in a dry clump of Shalmali (silk-cotton) trees.
##
niHsha~NkamavagAhamAnA dAnaveShu, praharantaH parashvadhaiH, kR^intantaH kuntaiH, nipAtayantaH kR^ipANikAbhiH, abhighnantaH shataghnIbhiH, khaNDayanto bhiNDipAlaiH, avakirantaH sharajAlaiH, apavidhyantaH shaktishUlaiH, kShiNvantaH kShepaNikAbhiH, avabadhnantaH pAshaiH, abhimR^idnantaH parighaiH, AkarShanto lA~NgalaiH, Avidhyanto musalaiH,##
Fearlessly chopping with axes, throwing spears and stabbing with daggers. They dispersed the crowds with arrows, catapults, clubs and ploughs.##
apaharanto jayadhvajAn, avabhindanto vAravANAn , vichChindanto dhanurguNAn , visraMsayantaH sArathIn , pravartayanto raktavAhinIH, paritoShayantaH kaTapUtanAH, limpantaH sharIrANi raktadhArAbhiH, AveShTayantaH kareShvAntramAlikAH,##
They uprooted the Asuras' flags, pierced their armours, snapped their bow-strings and killed their charioteers. A river of blood flowed. Ghostly spirits enjoyed the spoils of war. Bodies were covered in blood and their intestines spilled out around their hands.
##
parikrAmanto muNDamaNDaleShu, pariskhalantaH kabandheShu, apashyantaH putrAnapi raNe hatAn , atR^ipyanto yUthaMyUthamapi nipAtya pratibhaTAn , apratibhaTA vibudhaghaTAH sAphalyamanaiShurakShisAhasramamarapateH |##
The warriors roamed among headless bodies and severed heads. They were unstoppable. Indra's thousand eyes were gladdened.
##
Adishya cha tataH shatamanyurantakamagrataH senAmukhe, pArshvayoramya pavanapAvakau, pR^iShThataH svasya puNyajaneshvaraM, antika eva dhanadamAhavashUrAn sabhAjayituM,##
Indra ordered Yama to lead the army and Vayu and Agni to flank him. Behind him, Nirti. Kubera was told to reward the heroes.##
adhvani shibire cha vidviShAmapAmpatiM, AyudhakShatAn bhiShajayitumAshvineyau, nishIthayodhinInAM vairivarUthinInAM nishaiva mA bhUditi santatavAsarabhAvAya sahasrabhAnumapyabhitaH prakAshituM, pratIkShamANo.api jayashriyaM, parisha~NkamAnashchetasi tApasashApavipAkamAkasmikaM, kimapyaLIkanabhovibhAgasImAdhipatyalakShaNAM lakShmImuddishya kalahAyamAnayoramarAsuravAhinyoraj~nAnavijR^imbhitopAlambhasambhavamaTTahAsamiva parameShThino ghanastanitamanabhra eva dAruNamashR^iNot |##
Varuna was to flood the enemy camp, the Ashvini twins were to treat the injured. Surya was told to shine continuously for an eternal daytime as Asura powers grow at night. Indra was confident of victory, but a fear rankled that the curse may suddenly take effect. He was surprised by a clap of thunder that took place in the cloudless sky. It sounded like Brahma laughing, in disapproval, over the Devas and Asuras quarrelling foolishly over Svarga that has no boundaries anyway.##
prahito.api senAmukhe pavanaH pade pade yadAvedyamAvedayitumAvavR^ite tadeva tasya pratikUlapavanalakShaNaM durnimittaM pariNeme asraMsata cha karAdasya dambhoLi:, tadapyAyudhavisraMsanamashanipatanaM cheti dvedhA babhUva dushshakunam ||##
Whenever Vayu turned to convey some information, he was met with a gust of wind against him. Indra dropped a weapon; this and the thunder were two bad omens that worried him.
##
\section{1\.33}
atrAntare raNahatobhayasainyayodha
nirbhinnamaNDalatayA tapanaH samantAt |
uddAmadAnavadhanurgaladutprabandha
nArAchadAritatayA cha shanaistiro.abhUt ||##
The Sun disappeared. It was as if he was punctured by all the fallen warriors rising to heaven (entering Surya Mandalam as per Shastras). Or, the flying arrows from the relentless Asuras deflated him.
##
\section{1\.34}
atiprabandhAdiShujAlavR^iShTe\\- rapakramAchcha dyumaNerakANDe |
AsIttamisrA jayadA ripUNAM pachelimA bhAgyaparampareva ||##
A shower of arrows covered the battlefield like a canopy and a darkness enveloped the battlefield with the sun's untimely disappearance. It handed victory to the Asuras, like their good fortunes coming to fruition.##
tatkShaNaM cha punaranukShaNopachIyamAnamamarabalaM, apakShIyamANamAtmabalaM cha nirIkShitumapyatitikShavaH, tarakShava iva bubhukShitAH, dandashUkA iva daNDaghaTTitAH, balibANashambarajambhanamuchivirochanamukhA mahAsurAH sarabhasamavamuchya vAravANaM, avabadhya godhA~NgulitrANaM,##
The power of the impatient Asuras was growing. They were like hungry lions, or snakes struck with a stick. Bali, Bana and other Asuras wore armours and finger-guards.
##
apinahya niSha~NgamakShayasharapUritotsa~NgaM, adhiruhya shatA~NgamAyojitakharatura~NgaM, Abadhya niTileShu bhrukuTIvibha~NgaM, Asevya vIrapANaM, Alambya saMshaptakavrataM, anuj~nApya parasparaM, ApUrayanto di~NmukhAni guNadhvanibhiH, avabhrashayanto gaganatalAduDUnyaTTahAsaiH,##
They filled up their endless quivers and climbed their chariots, pulled by mules. Their foreheads were curved with frowns. They drank drinks of heroism, took do-or-die vows, twanged their bow-strings and laughed loud enough to make stars slip from the skies.
##
visa.nj~nayantaH khaDgavichChuraNena vIkShitumAgatAni siddhachAraNamaNDalAni, vismApayantaH samarasaMrambheNaiva karmandinamapi kalahAnandinaM, utsArayantaH pAdAtamUruvegena, parichUrNayanto rathAn parighAbhighAtaiH, vidrAvayanto hayAn karatALikAbhiH, vighUrNayanto mata~NgajAna~NgulIyantraNena, saMvartamArutAvartitasAgaragartadurdarshavaktravivarollasallelihAnanijarasanAvalokanajanitasAdhvasa dhvastachetanamAsAdya senAmukhe niviShTamantakaM, apahR^itya tadIyameva kAladaNDamamoghaM abhihatya tenaiva taM, AdimaM jayamApedire ||##
They made unconscious the Siddhas and Charanas who came to see the battle, with the sweep of their swords, they amazed Narada the wandering mendicant. The Asuras, powered by the strength of their thighs, ran through the Deva army, powdering the chariots and sending their horses and elephants flying. Their mouths looked like the chasm in the ocean caused by primordial winds. Looking at their tongues, fear immobilized Yama and the Asuras beat him with his own stick. They had won the first round of war.
##
\section{1\.35}
kAladaNDahatasyAsya kaNThe prANA jughUrNire |
antakaM yaddhataM netumantako.anyo na vidyate ||##
The pranas swirled around in Yama's throat - there was no other Antaka to take his life.
##
pArshvatastasya pare kechidatichiroparodhasaMvardhitapratighAnala\- vyatikaravisheShabhIShaNajvAlAkalApadurApamapi parivR^itya jAtavedasaM, prashamayya paruShahu~NkArabhaya~NkarairmukhamArutairasya duHsahaM jyotiH, apakR^iShya vAhanaM meShamagracharaNagrAhaM, AhR^itya shaktimapi balAdasya hastatalAt , 'are re labdho.ayamannaharaH kratubhujAM havyavAho nAma nirjarApashadaH , tadadya nirvApayatainamudakumbhaiH, nikShipatainamApUpikAnAM vashe mahAnaseShu, maivaM maivamudbodhayatainamuchitairmukhamArutaiH, haste kuruta chainamadyaiva dagdhumamarAvatIM, parityajata re re bAli shA bADavo.ayaM shikhAM pradarshayati' iti parihasantaH parikShipantastarjayantastADayantashcha palAyayAmAsurasurabhaTAH |##
Agni's fire was burning terribly, in anger he had suppressed for long. Still, the Asuras surrounded him. They blew at him ``Hm!'' trying to extinguish him. They took away his vehicle and ``shakti'' weapon, saying ``Hey, this is that lowly God who brings the Devas food (during sacrifices). Send him off to the cooks.'' Others replied ``No, we need him to set fire to Amaravati. We should keep him burning.'' They mocked him saying ``Watch out, he is showing his shikha (flame/tuft).'' Thus they made him flee.
##
tataH samityAhitamasurabhaTaistadatyAhitamAlakShya sakhyurAshushukShaNeH, kShaNena sajjIbhUya bhUyasA vegena savyApasavyAni sa~ncharanmaNDalAni, chaNDalAghavotkShiptatarukANDaShaNDamAhiNDamAnopalakhaNDatANDavoddaNDaM,  atisambhramabhramitapAMsumAMsalatR^iNapUlasa~Nghasa~Ngataka~NkagR^idhravAyasAdiviha~NgamaM, ativisha~NkaTasha~Nkarashiro ghaTitavikaTajaTAjUTasa~NkaTabhramadabhrasarijjalanirjharajhaLajhaLaghoShabhIShaNajha~NkArasukharitanabhovibhAgaM, Alambya yugavigamochitaM rUpaM, Apatannasurabale, vighUrNayan jIrNaparNamiva dikShu vidikShu chAshvIyaM,##
Seeing the state of his friend Agni, Vayu came there at great speed. He swirled around, left and right. He sent tree trunks and rocks flying up, in a terrifying dance. Scavenging birds and grass were sent spinning. The loud sound was like the Ganga's waterfall among Siva's uneven locks. Horses swirled in the air like dry leaves, in all directions.##
avachUrNayan rathaShaNDamAraNyabhiva tarukANDaM avakirannupalakhaNDAniva madochchaNDAnapi vetaNDAn , andhIkurvan padAtijAtaM, avarundhan senApatIn , parAvartayannastrashastrANi, prabha~njayanna~njasaiva jayadhvajAn , pariskhalayanmahAsurAnapi, saMvarta iva mArutaH samarasImani sarvato.apyakrameNa parAchakrame |##
Big groups of chariots were reduced to powder. Elephants were thrown about like small stones. The dust blinded the soldiers. Vayu had stopped the commanders from advancing and was turning them back. His force was breaking their flags and knocking them down. He showed his limitless greatness.##
yAvaditthamaspandata gandhavAhaH tAvadAvartitalochano virochanaH, prakaTitasamarADambaraH shambaraH. sAvaShTambho jambhaH, samaramadolbaNo bANaH, sa~NgrAmaikaruchirnamuchiH, ativalI cha baliH, AlakShya vaktrANi parasparaM, IShadiva smayamAnAH, vismayamAnAH parAkrame vibudhAnAmidamUchire | hanta kathamamarA api parAkramante, teShu cha dUtyochitasa~nchAramantharaH shvA mAtarishvA ||##
The Asuras looked at one another - Virochana rolled his eyes, Shambara who roared in war-noises, and Jambha and Bana who were exceptionally proud of their abilities, Namuchi interested only in war and Bali the powerful: all marvelled, ``How do these weaklings of Devas show such strength, especially the mere messenger, the slow-moving Vayu?''
##
\section{1\.36}
saMrundhate nibhR^itamantarapi dvijA ya
mannaM yamAhurapi kITasarIsR^ipANAm |
yo jAyate shithilashUrpaparibhramaira
pyojAyate kathamasAvapi gandhayAhaH ||##
``Even Dvijas can contain him within their bodies (as Pranayama). He is the food for insects and snakes. He is born from winnowing fans. How come he acts like a powerful warrior?''##
athavA naitAvadasminnabhiniveShTavyamasmAbhiH | anukUla eva khalvayamasmAkamAshugAnalajvAlAsandhukShaNe sarvathApi ||##
``We should not be bent on subduing him. He can be very useful to us, in fanning the fires on our arrows.''
##
\section{1\.37}
yashcheShTate.avakAsheShu ye chApyenaM samAshritAH |
nirundhImahi tAn sarvAnnIrandhre sharapa~njare ||##
``Those who come to the aid of Vayu, the one who enters any gap, will be imprisoned in an air-tight prison of arrows''
##
\section{1\.38}
iti katipaye daityA vAtyAnibarhaNakautukA
ddhanuranuguNaM yAvajjyAvallibhiH saha yu~njate |
prasabhamabhitastAvatsAvaj~nadaityabhaTojjhitA
dishi dishi jagatprANaprANachChido nyapata~nCharAH ||##
Saying this, the Asuras strung their bows and released arrows along with insults. They shot arrows from all directions, trying to end Vayu's life.
##
\section{1\.39}
vAyvarkashakravaruNAnaladaivatAnyapyastrANi nirjaravarairabhimantritAni |
IshAmbabhUvurasureShu na shAsanAni rAjyachyutasya nR^ipateriva nAgareShu ||##
The Deva soldiers chanted the mantras of their divine weapons and sent them. These weapons were presided by Vayu, Agni and others. Since the Gods themselves were subdued, the mantras were futile like the orders of a king who has lost his throne.
##
\section{1\.40}
danujabhujavikR^iShTakodaNDadaNDopasampAtuka
jvaladanaladurApanArAchadhArAsamIrAhatAH |
yugavigamasamuchchalachchaNDachaNDIshabhUShoraga
pratibhayamukhavAtajAtAM dashAmu~njagurnirjarAH ||##
Feeling the whizzing of the Asuras' unstoppable feathered flaming arrows, from their well-pulled bows, the Devas felt they would prefer the fiery breath of Siva's poisonous snakes, while Siva dances to bring on Pralaya.
##
prachaNDe cha valati pavamAne, tUlavadutsAryamANeShu dUrata eva vAridhareShu, sAgarAnapi shoShayatastasya sanIDamAgantumanIhamAneShu cha yAdogaNeShu, svAtmaikasheShatayA bhagnachetAH prachetAH, prAkR^italoka sAdhAraNastaTastha eva bahiravatasthe |##
While this terrible wind was blowing, clouds were being scattered like cotton, and the oceans began to dry up. The sea-monsters deserted Varuna, even his crocodile vehicle. He was stranded on a shore like an indifferent person.##
api cha ripuchamUsamUhasamutsR^ijyamAnasharavarShadharShiteShu varmasu, bhidyamAneShu charmasu, karmadevAH 'kasmAdayamasmAkamAkasmiko buddhiviparyayaH, kasmai vayamasurairyudhyAmahe, kasya hetorvadhyAmahe, budhyAmahe na hetumasminnAyAse, ke no devAH ke cha no dAnavAH, sambhR^itya tapAMsi dushcharANi samprAptA vayamamarapadaM, kena shakyA nigrahItuM, kena shakyA anugrahItuM, adhiShThAsyati yaH svargaM, atithayastasya vayaM bhavAma' iti kR^itanishchayAH sammantrya parasparaM sa~Nghasho.apachakramuH samantato.api samaramukhAt |##
The Karmadevas (those who attained Deva status by Punya) had their armours and shields pierced by enemy arrows. They began to wonder ``For whose sake are we fighting the Asuras and dying? Who are Devas or Danavas to us? We have come here after performing great Tapas. Who can help or hurt us? We are only the guests of whoever rules over Svarga.'' Consulting each other, they walked away from the battlefield as a group.
##
atha ye kechidAhavamakhe hutasharIrA danujavIrA deva bhAvamApadya divamArUDhA gUDhAbhisandhayaste kila sahR^idayA iva ka~nchitkAlamahR^idayA eva parikramya, parij~nAtamarmANaH sarvato nirvApayAmAsuratarkitA eva gIrvANabalam |##
The Asuras who gave up their bodies in the flames of battle were reborn as Devas. But they didn't forget their past life. They learnt the Devas' inside information and heartlessly betrayed them into retreating.
##
apasarataH karmadevAn , abhighnato daityadevAn , ApatataH sharAnAshIviShAniva dR^iShTiviShAn , utsarpato vishR^i~NkhalamasurabhaTAnulla~NghitavelAniva kallolAnmahodadheH, aprabhavataH senApatIn , apratipattimUDhamapi pashyantaH svAminaM, apashyantastrAtAraM, avashA devamunishApatejasA pravishya hR^idayAni prakShobhyamANAH, stabdhA iva,##
The Karmadevas were fleeing and the Daitya-Devas were betraying the Devas. On top of this, snake-like arrows were nearing the Devas, and the Asura army marched on unfettered. The generals were powerless and the leader was confused. The Devas saw all this and no one coming to save them. The power of the curse left them shaken and petrified.
##
mugdhA iva, dagdhA iva viShAnalaiH, digdhA iva mohanachUrNaiH, lubdhAH paraM jIviteShu, labdhAmapi jayashriyaM chirAdIShadvivekasuniyantraNena kShaNikadurmantraNena vinAshayantaH, pashyanto.apyachakShuShaH, shR^iNvanto.api badhirAH, jAnanto.api jaDAH, parigR^ihItA iva duryashasA, pariShvaktA iva bhAgyaviparyayena, vismR^itya kulashIlAni, visR^ijya niHsheShamapatrapAM, avaropya niSha~NgaM, AveshayantaH pR^iShThato buddhiM, avamuchya jayAyudhAni, AdadAnA bhikShAkapAlAni pANibhiH, AsargAdA cha mahApraLayAdadhvarahavirbhireva dvijanmanAmavishrAntaparipuShTatayeva, prApte samare sAyudhAshcha, savAhanAshcha saikatA iva setavaH, sarvato.api vijaghaTire vibudhabhaTAH ||##
The Devas were fainting, as if burnt by poisonous fumes, as if smeared with spell-casting powder, desperate to survive. A moment of poor judgement had snatched victory from them. They did not register anything they saw or heard. Forgetting all shame and family honour, they could only think of putting down their weapons and retreating, to be fed by some good Brahmins. They had arrived at the battlefield with weapons and vehicles, but now collapsed like a sand structure.##
\section{1\.41}
dhAvaddaivatayodhayUthapadavIsaMrodhakautUhala\-
krAmaDDAmaraghoravairipariShannAsIrasImodbhavaiH |
bherIbhA~NkaraNairamartyanagarIsaMvartamauhUrtikaiH
sambhrAntAH pratipedire yudhi nivR^ittAshA digIshA dishaH ||##
The Dik-palakas returned to their respective directions, their hopes dashed. The loud drums of the joyful Asuras' front-line seemed like the death-knell for Amaravati, and struck fear into their hearts.
##
\section{1\.42}
valmIkeShvahayo vasanti munayo ghorAH samIrAshanAH
kAntAreShu cha kandareShu lavaNe sindhau kva vAtasthitiH |
AkrAnte bhuvane paraistR^iNamapi spraShTuM na shakyaM mayA
kiM kartavyamiti vyalIyata javAddaityAshugeShvAshugaH ||##
``In anthills, there are snakes. In forests and caves, there are sages. Not the oceans, not even a blade of grass I can call mine.'' Hopeless, Vayu hid amongst the flying arrows.##
anantaramitthamatarkitamanimittamapadhvaMsamAnamasurabalamabhito.api viprakIrNamiva bhuvi nipatya gaganatalaM parivahadiva bhinnamaryAdamarNavasrotaH, shatashaH parIkShitamapi sauhArde sahasrasha gR^ihItajayamapi samarasammarde, kadApyashikShitAyudhagrahamiva anAkarNitasa~NgrAmasa~Nkathamiva, vAyasayUthamiva, vAnarAnIkamiva, keraLasainyamiva, grAmapAlakajAlamiva, karatAlikAmAtrakAtaramamartya balamapyAlokayan , dashabhiH shatairakShNAM vAsavaH svayamevamAlochayAmAsa |##
The powerful Asura army fell on the Devas like the sky falling onto Earth and shattering it, or the sea breaching its boundaries and flooding a city. The Devas had known victory in thousands of battles, but now ran as if they had never learnt to wield their weapons, or heard the stories of war. They scattered like monkeys, or like Kerala armies (who are liable to turn on their own leader), or a pack of dogs shooed away by claps. Seeing this, with his thousand eyes, Indra began to reflect.
##
aho durvAsaso brAhmaNyaM, aho nigamAgamaprAmANyaM, aho pAshupateShu mAhAtmyaM, aho durnimitteShu yAthArthyaM, aho karmapariNateH prAbalyaM, aho dehiShu shriyashchA~nchalyaM, ahA puruShAkArasya vaiphalyaM, aho parameShThinaH kaushalyaM, Ahavo nAma kiyAnayaM, asurA nAma kiyanta ime, kIdR^ishAH palAyante, kIdR^ishAH parAkramante, kiM bandhubhiH, kiM sachivaiH, kiM balena, kiM dhanena kimanena dambhoLinA, kimantato.api mayA, kathaM dR^ishyA dArAH kathaM dR^ishyAH paurAH, kimato nihatena jIvitena, kiM kariShyati viparIto vidhirito.api, na chikIrShAmi sauvargamAdhipatyaM, jihIrShAmi  dAnavAnAmauddhatyaM, yAvadIdR^isho.ahaM na kasyachiddR^iShTigochare pateyaM tAvadasminneva samare tanuM tyajAmIti sannahya    purashcharan shachIpatirashR^iNodantarikShagAM vANIm ||##
``What a great Brahma-tejas Durvasa has! O the truth of the Vedas and Agamas! O the great power of Siva-bhaktas! How true the bad omens were! How powerful the rule of Karma is! How unsteady the presence of Lakshmi among living creatures and how fruitless life is! How deft is Brahma! What is this battle? How few Asuras and how my Devas have scattered! What is the use of my advisors, my strength, my wealth, my Vajrayudha? What use am I? How can I look my wife in the eye? How can I face my citizens? What is the use of this lifeless life? How much worse could it get? I do not want to lead the Devas any more, or fight the Asuras. Now, unseen as I am, I want to give up my life.'' Thinking thus, Indra went towards the enemy forces. Then he heard a heavenly voice.
##
\section{1\.43}
aho te shakra dhImAndyamagre bhAvyaM kilAnyathA |
antardhehi raNAdasmAdantardhehi cha madgiram ||##
``Hey Shakra (Indra), how stupid you are. What else could have resulted (from the curse)? Take my words to heart. Go somewhere and hide,'' said Brahma.
##
\section{1\.44}
ityAkAshagirA shakro matyA cha krUrayA svayA |
yAvaDDolAyate tAvadAgatyAbodhayadguruH ||##
Indra was still wavering between Brahma's words and his own death-wish. Right then, his guru Brihaspati awakened him.
##
hanta kathametadamarapate dhImato.api te durvyavasitam | aviditaM na te veditavyaM, avasheShitaM vA gurUNAmupAsanaM, kiM na jAnAsi bhavitavyatAM, kiM vAbhimanyase jayashriyo naiyatyam | nanu shrUyata eva purANeShu bhavatA, yatkila mAlisumAlisa~Ngare mahati parivartamAne parAchIne patagapatau bhagavatApi parAvavR^ite | andhakena kiledamadhiShThitaM trailokyam | vidhyaNDAnyeva kiyanti vijitAni tArakeNa |##
``Alas, Indra, what an evil endeavour! You were an able student. You learnt everything worth knowing and completed all I asked of you. Don't you know what is to come? Did you imagine that Victory would be permanently yours? The Puranas teach that when Mali and Sumali were fighting, Garuda came but turned away in fear, carrying Vishnu with him, (but Vishnu returned to slay them). When the three worlds were occupied by Andhakasura, Siva defeated him. Taraka and his brothers occupied all of Brahma's creations (but were killed by Kartikeya).''##
tadalamanusmara shApAntavachanamatyAshramasya muneH | bhaveyurapi kadAchidanyathA bhAShitAni maheshvarasya, na tu jAtu mAheshvarANAm | yatpuroditaM govinda eva kushalAni kariShyatIti maharShiNA, tadanUditamagre bhavitavyamanyathetyadhunA parameShThinA | tadehi ka~nchitkAlamantarhitA eva kvachidAvasAma ityanushiShya shiShyamantardhApya svayogamAyayA tirodadhe svayamapi deshiko devatAnAm ||##
``Recall Durvasa's words at the end of his curse. Sometimes even Gods' words do not unfold as expected. But this is not the case with Sivabhaktas. Durvasa said after his curse that Govinda will ensure your welfare and this is Brahma's promise too. Come with me and let us reside somewhere hidden.'' Thus advising his disciple, the Guru of the Devas made Indra invisible and himself vanished, using his powers.
##
\section{1\.45}
vidrANe varuNe gate hutavahe vaivasvate mUchChite  sadyo lochanagocharAdapagate sa~Nkrandanasyandane | saMvartavyatiShaktasaptajaladhisrotaHprabhUtadhvanisphAraH ko.api babhUva dAnavabale harShATTahAsadhvaniH ||##
With Varuna and Agni having fled, Yama lying motionless, everyone saw Indra suddenly disappear too. The Asuras' loud, indescribable laughter engulfed the world like the oceans during Pralaya.
##
\section{1\.46}
chakitapalAyitaskhalitamUchChitaniShpatita
kShatavibudhAnudhAvananiShedhimahArathikam |
vijahi jahIhi pAhi nigR^ihANa gR^ihANa hare\-
tyupachitanAdameduramavartata daityabalam ||##
The Devas were terrified, collapsing and fainting, some were injured. The senior Asuras prevented the junior ones from chasing them. Loud shouts of ``Kill him! Pardon him! Protect! Punish! Kidnap him!'' rang out everywhere in the Asura army.
##
\section{1\.47}
api cha
AvR^ityAvartayanto dishi dishi turagAnvAraNAnvArayanto
muShNanto bhUShaNAni prasabhamabhinipatyAyudhAnyAharantaH |
ghnantaH santarjayantaH pathi pathi vibudhAnmuktakeshAndigIshA\-
nabhyetyAmantrayantaH prajahasurasurAH sarvato nirvisha~Nkam ||##
The Asuras rounded up the horses that were running about, and elephants too. They began to take the jewels and weapons of the fallen Devas. In every street, with nothing to fear, they taunted and laughed at the dishevelled Dikpalakas.
##
\section{1\.48}
ki~ncha
shastrAshastrikShatapatisutAlokashokAvalupta
prANastraiNavrajamasharaNadhvastaluptApaNAntam |
dhAvaddevapravarasamarodantayAthArthyabodha
bhrAmyatpauraM nagaramabhavajjarjaraM nirjarANAm ||##
Seeing the men who had fallen in this battle of weapons, the women were overcome by sorrow. The shops were looted and destroyed. Realizing the outcome of the war from running, the citizens wandered about in confusion. The city looked perforated and collapsed.
##
tato muhUrtAdeva mUrtA iva kopAnalavisphuli~NgA munerbalimukhA makhadviShaH parAkrameNa mahatA parikrAmantastirohite marutvati drAgeva raNamUrdhani palAyita iti prabhIta iti praviShTo.amarAvatImiti cha tAdAtvikaiH pravAdabhedaistatvamanavabudhyamAnA api, bhavatu nAma sarvathaiva vayaM pravishema tAvadamarAvatIM, parishodhayema tataH pravR^itti shachIpateH, apaharema surakAminIH, avaskandema koshamandiraM, adhitiShThema sudharmAM, AkrAmema trailokyamiti kR^itanishchayAH,##
The Asuras, who are against the Vedas, seemed like the sparks of Durvasa's anger had taken human form. When Indra disappeared from the scene of battle, theories flew about: ``He has run away'' ``He is dead'' ``He has retreated into his palace''. The Asuras, not knowing the actual facts, decided to anyway enter Amaravati, kidnap the women, loot all the wealth, occupy Indra's court hall Sudharma and assume rulership of the three worlds.
##
kalpadrumA baleH, kAmadhenurbANasya, hAstikaM namucheH, ashvIyaM shambarasya, chintAmaNirjambhasya, vilAsinyo virochanasya, vAruNaM padamasya, vAyavIyaM tasya, vaishravaNIyamamuShya, vaishvAnarIyametasya, praviShTaM praveShTuH, apahR^itya labdhamapahartuH, prahR^itya labdhaM prahartuH, AlokiturAlokitaM, upAyavakturardhaM, uttarasAdhakasya tadardhaM, samasamayapravR^ittayostu sAdhAraNaM vastu, paratastu yathAruchi parasparachChandeneti samayabandhena paryavasthApya patAkinIM, Aruhya mata~NgajAnatyunnatAn , Alokayanto nagaropashalyAni, prashaMsantaH prAkAradurgasAmagrIM, parihasanto buddhilAghavaM pratidvandvinAM,##
They began to assign the spoils among themselves: ``Horses to Shambara, Kamadhenu to Bana, elephants to Namuchi, Chintamani to Jambha, Apsaras to Virochana'' etc. They also appointed the new Agni, Vayu and others, and set out the rules of capture: ``Each one can keep whatever he captures. If one plans and one executes, they have to divide it equally. If two Asuras seize something at once, it must be divided as per their preferences.'' They realised they had to keep the town orderly now. They praised the moats and walls, and laughed at their enemies for losing despite them.##
nirdayA vipakShajAtIyeShu, nirvisha~NkA durgagulmeShu, grAhayanto vadhUdarshaM, ghAtayantaH puruShadarshaM, AkarNayantaH karNAmR^itAnyAkranditAni nAkasadAM, hasanto darshandarshamasharaNAnvadhyamAnAn ,  kupyanto dayAluShu, kutUhalino dAruNeShu, visarjayanto naiR^itIyAn jAtyabhimAnena, vidrAvayantaH karmadevAnaTTahAsaiH, unmAthayanto gopuradvAraM, ulla~NghayantaH prAkAraM, apashyantaH sharaNAgatAn , ashR^iNvanto yAch~nAkSharANi surarShINAM, Aj~nApayanto jihvAchChedamamaravaitAlikAnAM, charaNAvakartanaM chArANAM, chapeTAghAtamamaramauhUrtikAnAM, a~NgulichChedamakSharalekhinAM, AsyavidAraNamamAtyAnAM, bha~njayantaH pratimA devatAnAM, apamArjayantaH suraparAkramamAlekhyasamarpitaM,##
They marched through the city with no mercy or fear of guards. They captured any women and killed any men they saw. They relished Devas' anguished cries. They rebuked any Asuras who showed mercy and celebrated those who acted mercilessly. They chased even the Karma-devas. They went into the palace, ignoring any pleas for mercy by Rishis. ``All those who used to sing Indra's praises must have their tongue cut off. Any spies must have their legs cut off. Astrologers must be slapped. Scribes must have their fingers cut off. Ministers must have their faces slashed.'' So they ordered. Idols were broken and paintings erased.##
asharaNahanyamAnaraktadhArAvasiktaM, agracharaNagrAhamAkR^iShyamANamunijanasharIrasammR^iShTaM, anupadadahyamAnadevatAgAradhUmadhUpitaM, apakR^iShyamANakulapAlikAjanAhanyamAnamukhavAdyanAdameduraM, apahR^itasarvasvadInajanAkroshajayAshIrvachomukharaM, AkasmikapatadashaninirghoShanirvartitalohayantraninAdama~NgaLaM, abhitaHpatadulkAsahasradIpamAlApariShkR^itamanupravishya nagaraM, abhivandya purodhasaM bhArgavaM, apakrAntaharyakShameruguhAsadharmAM sudharmAmadhyAsA~nchakrire |##
The helpless were killed, sages were being dragged by their feet. Smoke from burning houses filled the air of the city. The sound of instruments that would normally sound in the palace was replaced by women crying and beating their faces. The sound of cheers and encouragement towards the king was replaced with the laments of Devas who had lost everything they had. Thunder replaced the sound of weapons (that would show the king that warriors are ready). The rows of lamps that would decorate the city were replaced by flaming torches. Such a city was entered by the victorious Asuras; they saluted Shukracharya and occupied Indra's Sabha, Sudharma, like lesser animals in a cave while the lion is away.##
AsInAH kShaNamamarasabhAntare, pariShvajyamAnAH parasparaM, prashasyamAnA vandimAgadhaiH, abhinandyamAnAH kulavR^iddhaiH, anugR^ihyamANA bhArgaveNa, niShkramya tato bahi\- rachiraparigR^ihItavijayendirAparirambhasambhR^itakuchakumbhaku~NkumakShodairiva senArajobhirabhira~njitAH, nira~Nkushacha~NkramyamANavishR^i~Nkhaladaityasa~NghabAhAbalonmuktahAhAravamAlakShya sarvato nagaraM, ullolajaladhikallolahallohalashamanashIlayA velayeva tanIyasyA viramateti kayAchidevAj~nayA chiralabdhasusthamiva paryavasthApya nagaraM, kShaNAdAghoShayAmAsurAskandanoparamajayakAhaLIm |##
They say in the royal court for a while, embracing each other (in joy). Bards sang their praises and their elders rejoiced. Shukracharya blessed them. The red dust of war appeared to be the kumkuma of Goddess Lakshmi, newly acquired, rubbing off on them. They were surrounded by the cries of ``Ha Ha'' (Alas). They finally restored order in the city just by ordering everyone, ``Stop!'' - the word limited the chaos like a line marking the tide of the ocean.
##
AdiShTAshcha dikpAlapadeShvasuravarAH svayamanatikrAmanto dharmamaushanasaM, anulla~NghamAnA baleH shAsanaM, anuvartamAnA hiraNyAkShadarshitAM saraNiM, avalumpanto vaidikaM panthAnaM, apramattAH svaM svamadhikAramanupAlayA~nchakrire ||##
The new Dikpalakas took up their roles, respecting the instructions of Shukra. They followed the word of Bali, who was himself continuing the path of Hiranyaksha: to oppose the Vedas and set their own rules.
##
\section{1\.49}
devadviShashchirataraM nirayeShu magnA
nuttArya daivatapadeShu niveshayantaH |
rakShoghnamantrakushalA~nChatasho maharShIn
pratyakShipannarakaveshmasu daityadUtAH ||##
The enemies of the Devas pulled out those who were in Hell, and elevated them to the status of Devas. Then the Asuras' messengers took hundreds of Maharishis, who were well-versed in anti-Asura mantras, and sent them all to Hell.
##
\section{1\.50}
brahmarShayo.api danujendrasabhAM praviShTA
mantrAkSharANi maghavAdipadA~NkitAni |
Uhena dAnavapadAnyupaveshayanto
harShAya peThurasurendrapurohitAnAm ||##
To please the Asura priests, the Brahmarishis recited Mantras, replacing Gods' names with appropriate Asuras' names.
##
\section{1\.51}
vidvAMsaH prathame.abhavanvivasanAH sautrAntikAH sAdhavo
mukhyA mAdhyamikAstrilokaguravashchArvAkatantre sthitAH |
pAShaNDA nigamAgamavyasaninaH kAlaH kaliH shAshvato
daitye shAsati devarAjyamajani trailokyamitthaM tadA ||##
When the Asuras were ruling the Deva kingdom, the three worlds were thus: Unclothed monks, who still identified with the body, were foremost among saints. Agnostics became the foremost Sadhus. Materialist Charvakas were considered the greatest teachers. Hypocrites were considered scholars of Vedas and Agamas. Every Yuga felt like Kaliyuga.
##
apakrAntashcha tadA shachIpatiH, abhigamya saha sarvaiH suparvabhirakhilabhuvanasundaraM mandaraM shailamanuj~nayA bR^ihaspateH antarhita eva katichidativAhayAmAsa varShagaNAn ||##
Meanwhile, Indra hid for many difficult years in the beautiful Mandara mountain along with other Devas, under the direction of Brihaspati.
##
iti shrImadbharadvAjakulajaladhikaustubhashrIkaNThamatapratiShThApanAchAryachaturadhika\- shataprabandhanirvAhakashrImanmahAvratayAjishrImadappayadIkShitasodarya shrImadAchchAndIkShitapautreNa nArAyaNadIkShitAtmajena shrIbhUmidevIgarbhasambhavena shrInIlakaNThadIkShitena virachite shrInIlakaNThavijaye champU kAvye prathama AshvAsaH ||##
(Thus ends the First Ashvasa in the Sri Neelakantha Vijaya Champukavya, written by Sri Neelakantha Dikshita, son of Bhumi Devi and Narayana Dikshita, grandson on Achaan Dikshita, the brother of the great Appaya Dikshita of Bharadvaja Gotra)
##
|| iti prathamAshvAsaH ||

##

Encoded by Ashutosh Shankar
Proofread by Ashutosh Shankar, Rajani Arjun Shankar
Translated by Ashutosh Shankar  (Copyright)

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