BOOK 49 PART I Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations Introduction SKANDA-PURANA BOOK I: MAHESVARAKHANDA SECTION I: KEDARAKHANDA Chapters 1. Daksa’s Insolence 2. Sati’s Arrival at Daksa’s Sacrifice 3. Virabhadra Comes to the Yajna 4. A Fight between Virabhadra and Visnu and others 5. Meritoriousness of Devotion to Siva 6. Curse to Brahma and Others 7. Worship of the Linga 8. The Story of a Thief: Incarnation of Rama 9 The Churning of the Ocean 10 Siva Swallows the Poison 11 Procedure of Ganesa Worship: Manifestation of Laksmi 12 Devas Taste the Divine Nectar 13 The Fight between Devas and Asuras 14 Resuscitation of Dead Daityas 15 Nahusa and Yayati: Their Indrahood and Fall 16 Dadhici’s Gift of His Body 17 Vrtra Killed: Bali Prepares for War 18 Vamana’s Arrival at Bali’s Sacrifice 19 Sukra Curse Bali: Vamana Grants Boon to Bali 20 The Nirgunatva of the Siva Linga: The Manifestation of Bhavani 21 Paravati’s Penance 22 Sankara’s Revelation of Himself to Parvati : Their Dialogue 23 Siva’s Marriage 24 The Marriage Ceremony of Siva: The Arrangement for Accommodating Devas and Others 25 The Marriage Ritual 26 The Marriage Celebration of Siva and Parvati: Auspicious Festivities 27 The Birth of Kumara Karttikeya 28 Preparations of Devas and Daityas For War 29 The Battle Between Suras and Taraka 30 Taraka is Slain 31 The Greatness of Sivalinga 32 The Burning of Kala 33 The Greatness of Sivaratri Vrats 34 Siva Loses to Parvati in a Game of Dice 35 Parvati as Sabari Brings Back Siva: Siva’s Coronation Index BOOK 50 PART II BOOK I: MAHESVARAKHANDA SECTION II: KAUMARIKAKHANDA Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations Chapters 1. Redemption of Five Apsaras by Arjuna 2. Glorification of Holy Places 3. Greatness of the Tirtha at the Confluence of Mahi and Sea 4. Dialogue between Narada and Arjuna: Different Kinds of Charitable Gifts 5 Dialogue between Narada and Sutanu 6 Narada Settles Brahmanas at the Holy Spot 7 Naddijangha’s Story 8 Prakarakarna’s Story 9 The Vulture’s Story 10 Revival Indradyumna’s Renown 11 The Previous Births of the Tortoise 12 Great Efficacy of the Worship of Siva: The Story of Sage Lomasa 13 Satarudriya Lingas 14 The Legend of Vajranga 15 The Birth of the Asura Taraka 16 Taraka and Devendra Prepare for War 17 The Fight between Yama and Grasana 18 The Battle between the Armies of Taraka and the Devas 19 The Battle between Visnu and Kalanemi 20 Visnu Fights with Daityas 21 Taraka’s Victory in the Battle 22 The Birth of Parvati 23 Himavan Consoled 24 Kama is Burned 25 Mahadeva Meets Parvati: Eagerness for Marriage with Parvati 26 The Marriage of Hara and Gauri Celebrated 27 Parvati Enraged: The Origin of Ganesa 28 Paravati Goes to the Mountain for Penance 29 Kumara Becomes Commander-in-chief of the Deva Army: [i] Legend of Arbuda 30 Skanda Installed as the Commander-in-chief 31 Kumara’s March against the city of Tarakasura 32 Taraka is Slain 33 The Greatness of Lingas Installed by Kumara 34 The Greatness of Kumaresa 35 Greatness of Stambhesvara 36 Description of the Five Lingas Concluded 37 Bhuvanakosa: Evolution of the Universe: Description of Dvipas or Continents 38 The Position of the Higher World 39 The Greatness of Barkaresvara 40 The Birth of Mahakala: The Arrangement of Four Yugas 41 Kinds of Sins; Procedure of Siva Worship; Rules of Good Conduct 42 The Story of Brahmana Aitareya 43 Establishment of Bhattaaditya 44 Description of the Divyas [Ordeals] 45 The Story of Nandabhadra 46 Events Connected with Baladitya 47 Installation of Goddesses at Bahudaka Tirtha 48 The Description of Somanatha 49 Dialogue between Kamatha and the Sun-god 50 Human Body – A Miniature Cosmos : Departure of the Soul to the Next World 51 The Greatness of Jayaditya 52 The story of kotitirtha 53 Greatness of Tripurusasala and the Glory of Narada’s Lake 54 The Glory of Narada Idol 55 The Characteristics of Yoga 56 Brahmesvara, Moksesvara and Garbhesvara 57 The Glory of Nilakantha 58 End of Arjuna’s Pilgrimage 59 The Departure of Ghatotkaca to Pragjyotisa 60 The Birth of Barbarika 61 The Liturgy of Ganesvara 62 The Practice of Mahavidya 63 Vijaya’s Accomplishment of Siddhi 64 The Greatness of Bhimesvara 65 Disagreement between Bhima and Yudhisthira: Installation of Kalesvari 66 Krsna beheads Barbarika: Greatness of Guptaksetra Concluded Index BOOK 51 PART 3 Publishers Editorial Abbreviations BOOKI: MAHESVARAKHANDA SECTION III: ARUNACALAMAHATMYA PURVARDHA Chapters 1. The Manifestation of the Taijasa Linga-Arunacala 2. Greatness of the Immovable Linga of Sankara 3. Parvati Goes to Kanci for Penance 4. Paravati Goes to the Hermitage of Gautama 5. The Greatness of Brahmapuskara 6. Description of Various Holy Places at Arunacala 7. Different Tirthas on Arunacala 8. The Propitiation of Arunesvara 9. The Efficacy of the Circumambulation of Arunesvara 10. The Fight with Mahisasura 11. Mahisasura Slain: His Head Stuck to Gauri’s Hand 12. The Reunion of the Goddess with Siva 13. Granting of Booms to Parvati UTTARARDHA 1. Introduction: Markandeya’s Query 2. A List of Different Sacred Places of Siva on the Earth 3. Markandeya’s Further Query 4. The Greatness of Arunacala 5. Rewards and Punishments Resulting from Previous Karmas 6. Expiatory Rites 7. Holy Rites for Special Attainments 8. The Description of Creation 9. Dispute between Brahma and Visnu 10. Manifestation of the Fiery Linga 11. Visnu’s Exploration of the Lower Part of the Linga 12. Brahma’s Exploration of the Top of the Column of Splendour 13. Brahma Requests the Kataka Bunch to perjure 14. Manifestation of Sankara 15. Brahma Prepares to Eulogize Siva 16. Description of the Temple of Arunacala by Brama and Visnu 17. The Sports of Siva and Parvati 18. Parvati’s Devotional Service to Arunacalesvara 19. Demon Mahisa Slain by Durga 20. Parvati’s Eulogy of the Lord of Arunacala 21. Siva Praises Parvati 22. The Story of Vaijrangada 23. The Story of Kaladhara and Katisali 24. Vajrangada Attains Salvation Index BOOK 52 PART 4 Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations BOOK II: VAISNAVAKHANDA SECTION I: VENKATACALAMAHATMYA Chapters 1. Narada’s Vision of Yajnavaraha 2. Propitiation of Sri Varaha by Mantras 3. Manifestation of the Lord to the Eyes of Everyone at the Request of Agastya 4. Narada Approaches Padmavati 5. Srinivasa Envhanted on Seeing Padmavati 6. Marks of Visnu’s Devotee 7. Preparations for the Marriage of Padmalaya 8. The Marriage of Srinivasa and Padmavati 9. The story of Hunter Vasu: The Greatness of Padmasaras 10. The Story of Emperor Tondaman 11. Kasyapa Absolved of Sins 12. The Greatness of Svamipuskarini 13. The Greatness of Svamipuskarini 14. The Greatness of Svamipuskarini 15. The Greatness of Ramakrsna Tirtha 16. The Merit of Making a Gift of Water 17. The Greatness of Venkatacala 18. The Glory of Sri Venkatacala 19. The Greatness of Papavinasana Tirtha 20. Merit from Gift of Lands 21. The Greatness of Akasaganga 22. Qualifications of Those Who Are Fit to Receive Charitable Gifts 23. Great Efficacy of Cakratirtha 24. The Episode of the Gandharva Sundara 25. The Greatness of Jabalitirtha 26. The Greatness of Tumburu [Ghona] Tirtha 27. Sri Vekatacala Contains All the Tirthas 28. In Praise of Kataha Tirtha 29. Arjuna Proceeds on a Pilgrimage 30. Description of the Hermitage of Bharadvaja 31. Agastya’s Departure to the South 32. The Birth of Suvarnamukhari 33. The Efficacy of Suvarnamukhari 34. The Miraculous Power of Agastya Tirtha and Agastyesvara 35. The Confluence of Kalya with Suvarnamukhari 36. Glorification of the Boar Incarnation [of Visnu] 37. The Arrival of Sankha, Agastya and Others at Sri Venkatacala 38. Manifestation of Lord Visnu to Agastya and others 39. Anjana’s Penance for Getting a Son 40. The Proper Time for Sacred Bath in Viyadganga Index BOOK 53 PART Publishers Note Editorial Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK-II : VAISNAVAKHANDA SECTION II: PURUSOTTAMA-KSETRA- MAHATMYA Chapters 1. A Dialogue between Jaimini and the Sages 2. Yama’s Prayer 3. Story of Markandeya and the Greatness of Yamesvara 4. The Redemption of Pundarika and Ambarisa 5. Pundarika and Ambarisa Attain Salvation 6. Description of the Land of Utkala 7. The story of Indradyumna 8. The Messenger Vidyapati Returns 9. Vidyapati reports to Indradyumna 10. Dialogue between Narada and Indradyumna 11. Dialogue between Narada and Indradyumna [continued] 12. Description of the Holy place Ekamravana [Bhuvanesvara] 13. The Greatness of Kapotesa and Bilvesvara 14. Narada Consoles Indradyumna and Urges Him to Perform Horse-sacrifices 15. Indradyumna’s Grief Dispelled: Manifestation of Four-formed Visnu 16. Installation of the Idol of Nrsimha 17. Indradyumna Performs a Thousand Horse-Sacrifices 18. The Eternal Banyan Tree Emerges 19. The Lord Manifests Himself as Wooden Idol 20. Origin of the Indradyumna Lake 21. Indradyumna Gets the Royal Shrine Built 22. Indradyumna Goes to Brahma’s Abode along with Narada 23. Indradyumna Returns after Visiting Brahma 24. Devas Eulogize the Lord: Padmanidhi’s Reception 25. The Construction and Installation of the Chariot of the Lord 26. Indradyumna Worships the Lord: King Gala Submits to Indradyumna 27. Installation of the Four Deities 28. The Lord Adopts the Form of Nrsimha: Dialogue between Brahman and Indradyumna 29. The Lord Grants Boons to Indradyumna 30. The Greatness of Pancatirtha 31. The Procedure of the Sacred Ablutions of the Lord in the Wooden Body 32. The Rite of Jyestha Pancaka 33. The Chariot-Procession called Gundica Yatra 34. In Praise of the Chariot-Procession 35. The Procedure of Preserving the Chariot 36. The Festival of the Lord’s Retiring to Sleep 37. King Sveta Attains Salvation 38. The Great Efficacy of Nirmalya etc. 39. Festival to be Celebrated during Caturmasya 40. Pravarana [Covering] Festival of Nrsimha 41. The Festival of Holy Bath on Pusya Day 42. The Festival of the Transit [of the Sun] to Capricorn 43. The Festival of the Awing 44. Description of the Jyesthapancaka Vrata 45. The Procedure of Splitting Damanaka Grass 46. Celebration of Yatra by Daksa [on Aksayatrtiya] 47. Meditation on the Lord in Different forms 48. Popularization of the Lord’s Worship by Indradyumna 49. The Merit of Listening to a Purana Index BOOK 54 PART VI Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK II: VAISNAVAKHANDA SECTION III: BADARIKASRAMA-MAHATMYA Chapters 1. Superiority of the Holy Place Badarikasrama over all Tirthas 2. Agni Eulogizes the Lord 3. The Greatness of Agnitirtha and Silas of Narada and Markandeya 4. The Greatness of the Rocks of Garuda, Varaha and Narasimha 5. The Greatness of Visala 6. The Greatness of Vasudhara 7. The Greatness of Pancadhara and other Tirthas 8. The Greatness of Various Tirthas at Badari Section IV: KARTTIKAMASA-MAHATMYA 1. Praise of Karttika Vow 2. Rites to Be Observed in Karttika 3. The Glory of Karttika 4. The Procedure of Karttikasnana 5. The Daily Routine of Duties in Karttika 6. Directions For Karttikavrata 7. Special Efficacy of the Gift of Lamps 8. The Greatness of Tulasi [Basil Plant] 9. Rites to be Performed on Vatsadvadasi, Yamatrayodasi, Narakacaturdasi and Dipavali 10. The Greatness of the First Day in the Bright Half of Karttika 11. The Efficacy of Yamadvitiya [The 2nd Day of Karttika] 12. The Efficacy of Dhatri 13. Previous Life of Satyabhama 14. The Birth of Jalandhara 15. The Victories of Jalandhara 16. Narada Visits Jalandhara 17. Dialogue between Narada and Jalandhara 18. Rudra’s Army Defeated 19. The Fall of Virabhadra 20. Fight between Siva and Jalandhara] 21. Vrnda’s Self-immolation 22. Jalandhara Attains Salvation 23. The Origin of Dhatri and Tulsi 24. The Legend of Dharmadatta 25. Kalaha Attains Liberation 26. Dialogue between King Cola and Visnudasa 27. King Cola and Visnudasa Liberated 28. Dharmadatta Attains Salvation 29. The Story of Dhanesvara 30. Fasts and Austerities of the Month 31. The Rite of Kusmandanavami 32. The Efficacy of Bhismpancaka Vrata 33. Rules Pertaining to Prabodhini 34. The Procedure of Concluding the Vrata 35. Vaikuntha Caturdasi Vrata 36. The Efficacy of Listening to the Purana Section V: MARGASIRSA-MAHATMYA 1. Fruit of the Holy Bath in the Month of Margasirsa [obtained by Gopis] 2. the Application of Tripundra 3. Imprinting Marks of Conch, etc. 4. Worshipping the Conch 5. The Fruit of Conch Worship 6. The Fruit of Offering Tulasi Twigs and Sandalpaste 7. Superiority of Jati Flower 8. The Greatness of Tulasi 9. The Procedure for Naivedya 10. The Concluding Rites in the Lord’s Worship 11. The Story of Ekadasi 12. Uninterrupted Ekadasi Vow 13. Importance of Jagarana in Ekadasi Vrata 14. The Greatness of the “Matsya” Festival 15. Efficacy of the Name of Krsna 16. The Greatness of Srimadbhagavata 17. The Greatness of Mathura Section VI: BHAGAVATA-MAHATMYA 1. The Greatness of Vrajabhumi 2. Pariksit and others Meet Uddhave 3. Dialogue between Pariksit and Uddhava 4. The Recitation of Bhagavata Index to Section III Index to Section IV Index to Section V Index to Section VI BOOK 55 PART VII Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK II : VAISNAVAKHANDA SECTION VII: VAISAKHAMASA-MAHATMYA Chapters 1. The Greatness of the Holy Bath in Vaisakha 2. The benefit of Different Kinds of Charitable Gifts 3. Charitable Gifts [Continued] 4. The Holy Rites to be Observed in Vaisakha 5. The Excellence of Vaisakha 6. The story of a House-Lizard 7. Salvation of a Pisaca[Goblin] 8. Daksa’s Yajna; Parvati’s Birth etc. 9. The Birth of Kumara 10. Glorification of the Gift of Umbrellas: The Story of Kemakanta 11. The Anecdote of King Kirtman 12. Yama’s Lamentation 13. Yama is Consoled 14. Liberation of a Pisaca 15. Story of a Ruler of Pancaladesa 16. The Pancala King Attains Sayujya 17. Story of Dantila and Kohala 18. Previous Birth of the Hunter 19. The Curse of Wind-god 20. The Bhagavata Dharmas 21. Birth of Valmiki 22. Liberation of Pitrs 23. The Greatness of Aksaya Triya 24. Salvation of a Bitch: Importance of Dvadasi 25. The Conclusion Section VIII: AYODHYA-MAHATMYA 1. The Greatness of Visnuhari 2. Brahmakunda and Sahasradhara 3. The Tirthas: Svargadvara: Candrahari: Conclusion of Candra Sahasra Vrata 4. The Greatness of Dharmahari 5. The Efficacy of Tilodaki 6. The Greatness of Svargadvara and Gopratara 7. Brhaspati, Rukmini and Other Kundas 8. Ratikunda and other Holy Tirthas 9. The Glory of Various Tirthas 10. Pilgrimage to Ayodhya Section IX: VASUDEVA-MAMATMYA 1. Query by Savarni 2. Meeting of Narayana and Narada 3. Sri Vasudeva to Be Worshipped by all 4. Sveta-Dvipa 5. Uparicara Vasu, a Pious King 6. Fall of Uparicara Vasu 7. Uparicara Vasu Attains Liberation 8. Curse to Devendra 9. Genesis of Yajnas involving Himsa 10. The Grace of Sri Vasudeva 11. Churning for the Nector: Birth of the Poison Kalakuta 12. Churing of the Ocean: Birth of Fourteen Precious Jewels 13. Gods Drink the Nectar 14. The Marriage Festival of Laksmi and Narayana 15. Eulogy of Laksmi-Narayana 16. Description of Goloka 17. Manifestation of Vasudeva 18. Incarnations of Vasudeva 19. Narada Meets Nara and Narayana 20. The Duties of the Four Varnas 21. Duties of Celibates [Students] 22. Duties of Householders 23. Duties of Forest-Hermits and Recluses 24. The Nature of Knowledge 25. Vairagya and Bhakti 26. ]Eligibility for Kriya-Yoga etc 27. Procedure of Puja Mandala Construction 28. Kriya-Yoga: Meditation on the Forms of Radha and Krsna 29. Kriya-Yoga: Procedure of the Worship of Vaasudeva 30. Description of Yoga with Eight Limbs 31. Eulogy of Nara and Narayana 32. Text-Transmission of Vasudeva-Mahatmya Index to Section VII Index to Section VIII Index to Section IX BOOK 56 PART VIII Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK II: BRAHMA –KHANDA SECTION I: SETU-MAHATMYA Chapters 1. The Merit of Visiting Setu 2. The Construction of Setu 3. Dharmatirtha Becomes Famous as Cakratirtha 4. Redemption of Durdama from a Course 5. Redemption from Curse of Alambusa and Vidhuma 6. Battle between the Goddess and Mahisasura 7. Mahisasura Killed 8. Sudarsana Becomes a Vampire 9. Redemption of Sudarsana and Sukarna 10. The Sanctifying Power of Papavinasa 11. Glorification of Sita Lake: Indra Absolved of the Sin of Brahmana-Slaughter 12. Glorification of Mangala Tirtha 13. The Glory of Amrtavapi: Salvation of Agastya’s Brother 14. Brahma’s Redemption from Siva’s Curse 15. The Glory of Hanumatkunda: Dharmasakha Blessed with a Hundred Sons 16. The Glory of Agasti Tirtha: The Story of Kaksivan 17. The Glory of Agastyakunda: The Marriage of Kalksivan 18. The Glory of Ramakunda: Dharmaputra’s Atonement for False Speech 19. The Glory of Laksmanatirtha: Balabhadra’s Redemption from the Sin of Brahmana-Slaughter 20. The Glory of Jatatirtha: Suka Attains Purity of Mind 21. The Glory of Laksmitirtha: Dharmaputra obtains Unlimited Wealth 22. The Greatness of Agnitirtha: Duspanya Relieved of His Ghost hood 23. The Glory of Cakratirtha: Aditya Gets Golden Hands 24. The Glory of Sivatirtha: Bhairava Absolved of the Sin of Brahmana-Slaughter 25. The Glory of Sankhatirtha: Vatsanabha Freed from the Sin of Ingratitude 26. The Greatness of Ganga, Yamuna and Gaya: Janasruti Attains Perfect Knowledge 27. The Glory of Kotitirtha: Krsna Atones for his Sin of Killing His Uncle 28. The Glory of Sadhyamrtatirtha: Pururavas Liberated from a Curse 29. The Glory of Sarvatirtha : Sucarita Attains Sayujya 30. The Glory of Dhanuskoti 31. The Glory of Kotitirtha: Asvatthama’s Liberation from the Sin of Killing Sleeping Persons 32. The Glory of Dhanuskoti: Dharmagupta Gets Rid of His Madness 33. The Glory of Dhanuskoti: Sumati’s Liberation from the sin of brahmana-Slaughter 34. The Glory of Dhanuskoti: Sumati’s Liberation from Great Sins 35. The Glory of Dhanuskoti: The Jackal and the Monkey Liberated 36. The Glory of Dhanuskoti: Duracara Liberated from the Sin of Associationg with Sinners 37. Ksirakunda 38. The Glory of Ksirakunda: Kadru’s Expiation for her Deceitful Action 39. The Glory of Kapitirtha: Rambha and Ghrtaci Liberated from their Curse 40. The Glory of Gayatri and Sarasvati Tirthas 41. The Glory of Gayatri and Sarasvati Kundas: Destruction of Kasyapa’s Sin 42. Rnamocana and other Tirthas 43. The Glory of Ramanatha 44. The Installation of the Linga of Ramanatha 45. Rama’s Discourse on Philosophy 46. The Reason for the Installation of Ramanatha 47. Rama’s Sin of Brahma-hatya 48. Cessation of Great Sins Incurred by King Sankara 49. Eulogy of Ramanatha 50. The Story of Punyanidhi 51. Pilgrimage to Setu 52. The Glory of Setu Index BOOK 57 PART IX Publisher’s Note Editorial Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK III: BRAHMA-KHANDA SECTIONII: DHARMARANYA – KHANDA CHAPTERS 1. Yudhisthira’ Enquiries 2. Yudhisthira’s Queries 3. Indra’s Fear 4. Dharmaranya established as a Holy Place 5. Good Conduct 6. Norms of Good Conduct for Householders 7. Code of Conduct for Women etc. 8. The Coming of Visnu 9. Different Spiritual Lineages and Their Goddesss 10. The Service Rendered by the Merchant Class 11. Dharmaranya Becomes Satyamandira 12. The Installation of Ganesa 13. Greatness of Bakularka 14. Destruction of Visnu’s Head 15. The Story of Hayagriva 16. The Installation of Ananda 17. The Greatness of Srimata 18. The Story of Matangi and Karnataka 19. The Greatness of Indresvara and Jayantesvara 20. Description of Dhara Ksetra 21. Gotras, Pravaras etc. of the Residents of Dharmaranya 22. Installation of the Deities 23. Lohasura Devastates Dharmaranya 24. The Greatness of Dharmaranya 25. The Greatness of Sarasvati 26. The Greatness of Dvarika 27. The Episode of Balahaka: The Glory of Govatsa Linga 28. The Greatness of Holy Spots 29. The Legend of Lohasura Concluded 30. Rama’s Life 31. Rama’s Pilgrimage to Dharmaranya 32. Satyamandira Established 33. Rama Returns to Ayodhya 34. Rama’s Copper-plate Grant to Brahmanas 35. Runis of Dharmaranya Repaired 36. Hanuman Makes His Appearance 37. Return of Modha Brahmanas 38. Acquisition of the Charter by Brahmanas 39. Different Families and Groups in Dharmaranya 40. Merit of Listening to the Purana Section III: BRAHMOTTARA-KHANDA 1. The Greatness of Pancaksara [Five-syllabled] Mantra 2. The Story of Kalmasapada: Greatness of Gokarna 3. The Greatness of Gokarna and the Caturdasi of Siva 4. The Importance of Caturadasi 5. The Story of a Gopakumara 6. The Importance of Caturadasi 7. The Importance of Pradosa [Continued] [The Procedure of Siva’s Worship] 8. The Religious Vow to be Observed on Mondays: The Story of Simantini 9. The [Spiritual] Power of Simantini 10. Bhadrayu Resusciated 11. Rsabha’s Advice to Bhadrayu 12. Description of Sivakavaca 13. The Marriage of Bhadrayus 14. Bhadrayus Gets Siva’s Favour 15. Efficacy of the Holy Ash 16. Efficacy of the Holy Ash [Continued] 17. Efficacy of the Holy Ash [Concluded] 18. Observance of the Vow of Uma-Mahesvara 19. The Story of Sarada 20. The Great Efficacy of Rudraksa: The Story of Mahananda 21. The Greatness of Rudradhyaya 22. The Efficacy of Listening to the Purana Index to Section II Index to Section III BOOK-58 PART X Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA PURANA BOOK IV: KASI-KHANDA SECTION I: PURVARDHA Chapters 1. Increase in the Height of Vindhya 2. Satyaloka 3. The Hermitage of Agastya 4. The Characteristics of a Chaste Women 5. Agastya’s Departure 6. Tirthadhyaya 7. The Seven Holy Cities 8. The World of Yama 9. The Regions of celestial Damsels and the Sun 10. The Worlds of Indra and Agni 11. The Worlds of Vahni [Fire-God] 12. The Worlds of Nirrti and Varuna 13. Gandhavati and Alaka 14. Somaloka 15. Description of the Stellar World 16. The World of Sukra [Venus] 17. The Worlds of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn 18. The Story of Seven Sages 19. The Story of Dhruva 20. The Story of Dhruva: The Vision of the Lord 21. The Story of Dhruva: Dhruva’s Eulogy of Visnu 22. Brahma Praises Kasi 23. Caturbhujabhiseka 24. Sivasarman Attains Salvation 25. Agastya Visits Skanda 26. Description of Manikarnika 27. The Greatness of Ganga 28. The Greatness of Ganga [continued 29. A Thousand Names of Ganga 30. The Greatness of Varanasi 31. The Manifestation of Bhairava 32. The Manifestation of Dandapani 33. Description of Jnanavapi 34. In praise Of Jnanavapi 35. Sadacara- Conduct of the Good 36. The Rites and Duties of a Religious Student 37. The Characteristics of Women 38. The Characteristics of Women [continued] 39. Manifestation of the Lord of Avimukta 40. Duties of a Householder 41. The Path of Yoga 42. Means of Dodging Kala 43. King Divodasa’s Valour 44. Description of Kasi 45. The Arrival of Sixty-four Yoginis 46. Description of Lolarka 47. Description of Uttaraka 48. The Greatness of Sambaditya 49. Description of Draupadaditya and Mayukhaditya 50. Description of Khakholkaditya Index BOOK -59 PART XI Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOK IV: KASI-KHANDA SECTION II: UTTARARDHA Chapters 51. Description of Sun-gods Called Aruna, Vrddha etc 52. Description of Dasavamedha 53. Siva’s Attendants go to Varanasi 54. The Greatness of Pisacamocana Tirtha 55. Ganesa Proceeds on a Mission to Kasi 56. Manifestation of the Maya of Ganesa 57. Manifestation of Dhundhi Vinayaka and Fiftysix Vinayakas 58. Attainment of Salvation by Divodasa 59. Pancanada Comes into Being 60. Manifestation of Bindumadhava 61. The Greatness of Vaisnava Tirthas 62. Manifestation of the Bull-emblemed Lord 63. The Story of Jyesthesa 64. The Secret of Jyesthesvara 65. Manifestation of Parasaresvaradi Lingas 66. Sailesa and Other Lingas 67. In Praise of Ratnesvara 68. The Origin of Krttivasas 69. The Assembly of Sixtyeight Holy Spots 70. Establishment of the Deities 71. Exploits of Durga 72. Victory of Durga 73. The Greatness of Omkara 74. The Greatness of Omkara [contd] 75. Manifestation of Trilocana 76. The Power of Trilocana 77. The Greatness of Kedara 78. The Greatness of Dharmesa 79. Dharmesakhyanam 80. The Vrata Called Manorathatrtiya 81. The Legend of Dharmesvara 82. Exploits of Amitrajit 83. Manifestation of Viresvara 84. Tirthas from the Confluence of Ganga and Varana up to Manikarnika 85. Granting of Boons to Durvasas 86. Manifestation of Visvakarmesa 87. Daksa’s Sacrifice 88. Sati Casts off Her Body 89. Manifestation of Daksesvara 90. The Story of Parvatisa 91. The Greatness of Gangesvara 92. The Story of Narmadesvara 93. Manifestation of Satisvara 94. Manifestation of Amrtesa and Other Lingas 95. Vyasa’s Arms Get Paralysed 96. Vyasa Released from the Curse 97. Holy spots in Varanasi 98. Departure unto the Pavilion of Salvation 99. The Greatness of Sri Visvesvara 100. Index to Kasikhanda Index BOOK -60 PART XII Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOK V: AVANTYA-KHANDA SECTION I: AVANTIKSETRA-MAHATMYA 1. The Greatness of Mahakalavana 2. The Decapitation of Brahma 3. Brahma’s Expiation 4. The origin of Vaisvanara 5. The Arrival of the Lord 6. Getting Rid of the Skull 7. Mode of life in Mahakalavana 8. The Greatness of Apsarah Kuna 9. The Greatness of Mahisakunda and Rudrasaras 10. The Glory of Kutumbikesvara 11. The Greatness of Vidyadhara Tirtha 12. The Greatness of Sitala 13. The Glory of Svargadvara 14. The Greatness of Catussamudra 15. The Glory of Sankaraditya 16. The Efficacy of the Rives Nilgandhavati 17. The Greatness of Dasasvamedha 18. The Glory of Ekanamsa 19. The Glory of Harasiddhi 20. Pilgrimage to fourteen Tirthas 21. The Greatness of Hanumatkesvara 22. The Efficacy of Rudrasaras 23. Pilgrimage to Mahakalesvara 24. The Greatness of Valmikesvara 25. The Greatness of Sukresvara and other Shrines 26. The Glory of Mandakin-Ksetra 27. The Glory of Ankapada[Restoration of Somavati Tirtha 28. The Greatness of Somavati Tirtha 29. The Great Efficacy of Anaraka Tirtha 30. Offering Lights to Anarakesvara 31. The Greatness of SaSaubhagyesvara and other Tirthas 32. Arjuna’s Eulogy of the Sun-god 33. T The Greatness of Kesavaditya 34. The Greatness of Saktibheda Tirtha 35. The Greatness of Agastyesvara 36. The Greatness of Naradipa 37. The Importance of Angariki Caturthi 38. The Story of Andhaka 39. The Greatness of Mahakalavana 40. The Origin of the Name Kanakasrnga 41. The Genesis of the Name Kusasthali 42. The Genesis of the Name Avanti 43. The Greatness of the Name Ujjayini 44. The Greatness of the Name Padmavati 45. The Efficacy of Kumudvati 46. The Genesis of the Name Amaravati 47. The Genesis of the Name Name Visala 48. The Genesis of the name Pratikalpa 49. Sipra: The Remover of Jvara 50. The Greatness of Sipra 51. The Genesis of the Amrtodbhava 52. The Glorification of Sipra 53. Sundara Kunda and Pisacamocana 54. The Greatness of Nilaganga 55. The Greatness of Vimaloda Tirtha 56. The Greatness of the Confluence of Ksata 57. Praise of Gaya Tirtha 58. The Procedure of Sraddha 59. The Greatness of Gaya Tirtha 60. The Importance of the Intercalary Month 61. The Greatness of the Intercalary Month 62. The glory of Gomati Kunda 63. The Greatness of Tirthas and a Thousand Epithets of Visnu 64. The Pilgrimage to Kalabhairava Tirtha 65. The Greatness of Naga Tirtha 66. The Greatness of Nrsimha Tirtha 67. The Greatness of Kutumbesvara 68. The Greatness of Akhandesvara 69. The Greatness of Karkaraja Tirtha 70. Index of All Tirthas[in this Text] 71. The Glory of Avantiksetra Index BOOK- 61 PART XIII Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKV: AVANTYAKHANDA SECTION II: CATURASITI-LINGA-MAHATMYA 1. Agastyesvara 2. Guhesvara 3. Dhundhesvara 4. Dhamarukesvara 5. Anadikalpesvara 6. Svarnajvalesvara 7. Trivistapesvara 8. Kapalesvara 9. Svargadvaresvara 10. Karkotesvara 11. Siddhesvara 12. Lokapalesvara 13. Kamesvara 14. Kutumbesvara 15. Indradyumnesvara 16. Isanesvara 17. Kalakalesvara 18. Nagacandesvara 19. Pratiharesvara 20. Partiharesvara 21. Kukkutesvara 22. Karkatesvara 23. Meghanadesvara 24. Mahalayesvara 25. Muktisvara 26. Somesvara 27. Anarakesvara 28. Jatesvara 29. Ramesvara 30. Cyavanesvara 31. Khandesvara 32. Pattanesvara 33. Anandesvara 34. Kanthadesvara 35. Indresvara 36. Markandeyesvara 37. Sivesvara 38. Kusumesvara 39. Akruresvara 40. Kundesvara 41. Lumpesvara 42. Gangesvara 43. Angaresvara 44. Uttaresvara 45. Trilocanesvara 46. Viresvara 47. Nupuresvara 48. Abhayesvara 49. Prthukesvara 50. Sthavaresvara 51. Sulesvara 52. Omkaresvara 53. Visvesvara 54. Kantesvara 55. Simhesvara 56. Revantesvara 57. Ghantesvara 58. Prayagesvara 59. Siddhesvara 60. Matangesvara 61. Saubhagyesvara 62. Rupesvara 63. Dhanuhsahasraka 64. Pasupatisvara 65. Brahmesvara 66. Jalpesvara 67. Kedaresvara 68. Pisacesvara 69. Sangamesvara 70. Duddharsesvara 71. Prayagesvara 72. Candradityesvara 73. Karabhesvara 74. Rajasthalesvara 75. Vadalesvara 76. Arunesvara 77. Puspadantesvara 78. Avimuktesvara 79. Hanumatkesvara 80. Svapnesvara 81. Pingalesvara 82. Kayavarohanesvara 83. Bilvesvara 84. Uttaresvara Index BOOK- 62 PART XIV Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKV: AVANTYA-KHANDA SECTION III: REVA-KHANDA 1. Purana Texts Described 2. The Greatness of Reva 3. Markandeya Rescued in the Pralaya 4. Boons to Narmada 5. Naming the River Narmada 6. Epithets of Narmada Explained 7. The Advent of Kurma Kalpa 8. The Advent of Baka Kalpa 9. The origin of Narmada 10. The Benefits of Bath in Narmada 11. The Greatness of Narmada 12. Eulogy of Narmada 13. The Story of Twenty one Kalps 14. Kalaratri Annihilates the Universe 15. Turbulence of the Annihilation [Pralaya] 16. Eulogy of Siva by Brahma 17. Annihilation by Twelve Suns 18. Glorification of Narmada 19. Varahakalpa 20. Varahakalpa[continued] 21. The origin of the River Kapila 22. The Origin of Visalya 23. The Greatness of the Confluence of Visalya 24. The Greatness of the Confluence of Karanarmada 25. The Greatness of the Confluence of Nilaganga 26. The Observance Called Madhuka Trtiya 27. Creating Agitation in Tripura 28. Destruction of Tripura: Glorification of Jvalesvara and Amaresvara Tirtha 29. The Greatness of the Confluence of Kaveri and Narmada 30. The Glory of Daru Tirtha 31. The Greatness of Brahmavarta 32. The Greatness of Patresvara Tirtha 33. The Greatness of Agni Tirtha 34. Description of Daruka Tirtha 35. Glorification of Meghanada Tirtha 36. The Glory of Daruka Tirtha 37. Glorification of Deva Tirtha 38. The Greatness of Narmadesvara Tirtha 39. The Greatness of Kapila Tirtha 40. The Greatness of Karanjesvara Tirtha 41. The Greatness of Kundalesvara Tirtha 42. The Greatness of Pippalada Tirtha 43. The Greatness of Vimalesvara Tirtha 44. Eulogy of Sulabheda 45. Andhaka Gets a Boon 46. Abduction of Saci 47. Devas Return to Svarga 48. Andhaka Blessed 49. Glorification of Sulabheda 50. Rules about the Eligibility for Dana 51. Glorification of Danadharma 52. The Story of Dirghatapas 53. Rksasrnga Goes to Svarga 54. Dirghatapas Goes to Heaven 55. Kasiraja Attains Moksa 56. Fruit of Dana Described 57. The Sabara Goes to Svarga 58. The Greatness of Sulabheda Tirtha 59. The Greatness of Aditya Tirtha 60. The Greatness of Adityesvara Tirtha 61. The Greatness of Sakresvara Tirtha 62. The Greatness of Karodisvara Tirtha 63. The Greatness of Kumaresvara Tirtha 64. The Greatness of Agastyesvara Tirtha 65. The Greatness of Anandesvara Tirtha 66. The Greatness of Matrtirtha 67. The Greatness of Lunkesvara Tirtha 68. The Greatness of Dhanada 69. The Greatness of Mangalesvara Tirtha 70. The Greatness of Ravi Tirtha 71. The Greatness of Kamesvara Tirtha 72. The Greatness of Maninagesvara Tirtha 73. The Greatness of Goparesvara Tirtha 74. The Greatness of Gautamesvara Tirtha 75. The Greatness of Sankhacuda Tirtha 76. The Greatness of Paresvara Tirtha 77. The Greatness of Bhimesvara Tirtha 78. The Greatness of Naradesvara Tirtha 79. The Greatness of Dadhiskanda and Madhuskanda Tirthas 80. The Greatness of Nandikesvara Tirtha 81. The Greatness of Varunesvara Tirtha 82. The Greatness of Panca Tirtha [s] 83. The Greatness of Hanumantesvara Tirtha 84. Kapi and Other Tirthas 85. The Greatness of Somanatha Tirtha 86. The Greatness of Pingalesvara Tirtha 87. The Greatness of Rna-tray-mocana Tirtha 88. The Greatness of Kapilesvara Tirtha 89. The Greatness of Putikesvara Tirtha 90. The Greatness of Jalasayi Tirtha 91. The Greatness of Gandaditya Tirtha 92. The Greatness of Yamahasya Tirtha 93. The Greatness of Kalhodi Tirtha 94. The Greatness of Nandikesvara Tirtha 95. The Greatness of Narayana Tirtha 96. The Greatness of Kotisvara Tirthas 97. The Greatness of Vyasa Tirtha 98. The Greatness of Prabhasa Tirtha 99. The Greatness of Nagesvara Tirtha 100. The Greatness of Markandesvara Tirtha BOOK 63 PART XV Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKV: AVANTYA-KHANDA SECTION III: REVA-KHANDA 101. The Greatness of Sankarsana Tirtha 102. The Greatness of Manmathesvara Tirtha 103. The Greatness of Confluence [of Erandi and Narmada] 104. The Greatness of Suvarnasila Tirtha 105. The Greatness of Karanja Tirtha 106. The Greatness of Kamada Tirtha 107. The Greatness of Bhandari Tirtha 108. The Greatness of Rohini Tirtha 109. The Greatness of Cakra Tirtha 110. The Greatness of Dhautapapa Tirtha 111. The Greatness of Skanda Tirtha 112. The Greatness of Angirasa Tirtha 113. The Greatness of Koti Tirtha 114. The Greatness of Ayonisambhava Tirtha 115. The Greatness of Angaraka Tirtha 116. The Greatness of Pandu Tirtha 117. The Greatness of Trilocana Tirtha 118. The Greatness of Indra Tirtha 119. The Greatness of Kalhodi Tirtha 120. The Greatness of Kambukesvara Tirtha 121. The Greatness of Soma Tirtha 122. The Greatness of Kohana Tirtha 123. The Greatness of Karmadesvara Tirtha 124. The Greatness of Narmadesvara Tirtha 125. The Greatness of Ravi Tirtha 126. The Greatness of Ayoniprabhava Tirtha 127. The Greatness of Agni Tirtha 128. The Greatness of Bhrkutesvara Tirtha 129. The Greatness of Brahma Tirtha 130. The Greatness of Devatirtha Tirtha 131. The Greatness of Nagesvara Tirtha 132. The Greatness of Adivaraha Tirtha 133. The Glory of Kaubera and other Tirthas 134. The Greatness of Ramesvara Tirtha 135. The Greatness of Siddhesvra Tirtha 136. The Greatness of Ahalya Tirtha 137. The Greatness of Karkatesvara Tirtha 138. The Greatness of Sakra Tirtha 139. The Greatness of Somatirtha Tirtha 140. The Greatness of Nandahrada Tirtha 141. The Greatness of Tapesvara Tirtha 142. The Greatness of Rukmini Tirtha 143. The Greatness of Yojanesvara Tirtha 144. The Greatness of Dvadasi Tirtha 145. The Greatness of Siva Tirtha 146. The Greatness of Asmahaka Tirtha 147. The Greatness of Siddhesvara Tirtha 148. The Greatness of Mangalesvara Tirtha 149. The Greatness of Linga Varaha Tirtha 150. The Greatness of Kusumesvara Tirtha 151. The Greatness of Sevtavaraha Tirtha 152. The Greatness of Bhargalesvara Tirtha 153. The Greatness of Adityesvara Tirtha 154. The Greatness of Kalakalesvara Tirtha 155. Attainment of Siddhi by Canakya Tirtha 156. The Greatness of Suklatirtha Tirtha 157. The Greatness of Humkarasvami Tirtha 158. The Greatness of Sangamesvara Tirtha 159. The Greatness of Anarakesvara Tirtha 160. The Greatness of Moksa Tirtha 161. The Greatness of Sarpa Tirtha 162. The Greatness of Gopesvara Tirtha 163. The Greatness of Naga Tirtha 164. The Greatness of Samvauresvara Tirtha 165. The Greatness of Siddhesvara Tirtha 166. The Greatness of Siddhesvari Tirtha 167. The Greatness of Markandesvara Tirtha 168. The Greatness of Ankuresvara Tirtha 169. The Greatness of Kamamohini Tirtha 170. Mandavya Impaled 171. Dialogue between Sandili and the Sages 172. The Greatness of Mandavya Tirtha 173. The Greatness of Suddhesvara Tirtha 174. The Greatness of Gopesvara Tirtha 175. The Greatness of Kapilesvara Tirtha 176. The Greatness of Pingalesvara Tirtha 177. The Greatness of Bhutisvara Tirtha 178. The Greatness of Gangavahaka Tirtha 179. The Greatness of Gautamesvara Tirtha 180. The Greatness of Dasasvamedha Tirtha 181. The Greatness of Bhrgukaccha [Broach] 182. The Greatness of Bhrgukaccha Tirtha 183. The Greatness of Kedaresvara Tirtha 184. The Greatness of Dhautapapa Tirtha 185. The Greatness of Erandi Tirtha 186. The Greatness of Kanakhalesvara Tirtha 187. The Greatness of Kalagnirudra Tirtha 188. The Greatness of Salagrama Tirtha 189. The Greatness of Udirna Varaha Tirtha 190. The Greatness of Candrahasa Tirtha 191. The Greatness of Dvadasaditya Tirtha 192. The Birth of Sripati 193. The Greatness of Sripati Tirtha 194. The Marriage of Sripati Tirtha 195. The Glory of Sripati Tirtha 196. The Greatness of Hamsatirtha Tirtha 197. The Greatness of Mulasthana Tirtha 198. The Greatness of Sulesvara Tirtha 199. The Greatness of Asvina Tirtha 200. The Greatness of Savitri Tirtha 201. The Greatness of Deva Tirtha 202. The Greatness of Sikhitirtha Tirtha 203. The Greatness of Koti Tirtha 204. The Greatness of Paitamaha Tirtha 205. The Greatness of Kurkuri Tirtha 206. The Greatness of Dasakanya Tirtha 207. The Greatness of Suvarnabindu Tirtha 208. The Greatness of Rnamocana Tirtha 209. The Greatness of Bharabhuti Tirtha 210. The Greatness of Punkhila Tirtha 211. The Greatness of Mundi Tirtha 212. The Greatness of Ekasala Dindimesvara Tirtha 213. The Greatness of Amalesvara Tirtha 214. The Greatness of Sri Kapala Tirtha 215. The Greatness of Srngi Tirtha 216. The Greatness of Asadhi Tirtha 217. The Greatness of Erandi Tirtha 218. The Greatness of Jamadagnya Tirtha 219. The Greatness of Koti Tirtha 220. The Greatness of Lotanesvara Tirtha 221. The Greatness of Hamsesvara Tirtha 222. The Greatness of Tiladesvara Tirtha 223. The Greatness of Vasavesvara Tirtha 224. The Greatness of Kotisvara Tirtha 225. The Greatness of Alikesvara Tirtha 226. The Greatness of Vimalesvara Tirtha 227. Special Injunctions regarding the Pilgrimage 228. The Benefit of Pilgrimage by Proxy 229. The Benefit of Listening to this Purana 230. The Series of Tirthas Enumerated 231. The Number of Tirthas Enumerated 232. The Finale of the Reva Khanda Index BOOK 64 PART XVI Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKVI: NAGARA KHANDA 1. The Birth of the Linga 2. Dialogue between Trisanku and Vasistha 3. Hariscandra Coronated as King 4. Visvamitra Performs a Yajna for Trisanku 5. Performance of a Satra for Trisanku 6. Attainment of a Boon by Visvamitra 7. Trisanku Attains Svarga 8. Killing of Vrtra 9. Filling up the Nagabila 10. King Camatkara Cursed 11. Gift of a City to Brahmanas 12. Advice to the Sons 13. Glory of Acalesvara 14. Efficacy of Circumambulating Camatkarapura 15. Efficacy of Circumambulating Camatkarapura [continued] 16. Merit of Residing near Raktasrnga 17. Viduratha Goes Ahunting 18. King Viduratha in a Hermitage 19. Greatness of Pitrkupika Tirtha 20. Greatness of Balamandana Tirtha 21. Glory of Balasakhya Tirtha 22. Greatness of Balamandana Tirtha 23. Greatness of Mrga Tirtha 24. Origin of Visnupadi Tirtha 25. Greatness of Visnupadi Ganga [continued] 26. Greatness of Gokarna Tirtha 27. Characteristics of the Four Yugas 28. The Refuge to All Tirthas 29. Greatness of Siddhesvara Ksetra 30. Manifestation of Siddhesvara 31. Greatness of Naga Hrada 32. Greatness of the Hermitage of Seven Sages 33. Greatness ofAgastya’s Hermitage 34. Fight between Devas and Asuras 35. Installation of Citresvara Pitha 36. Greatness of Citresvari Pitha 37. The palace Called Dussila 38. Greatness of Dhundhumaresvara 39. Greatness of Yayatisvara 40. Greatness of Citrassila 41. Manifestation of Jalasayin 42. Menaka Meets Visvamitra 43. Dialogue between Visvamitra and Menaka 44. Greatness of Visvamitresvara 45. Greatness of Tripuskara 46. Greatness of Sarasvati Tirtha 47. Greatness of Mahakalesvara 48. Installation of Uma-Mahesvara 49. King Kalasa Turns into a Tiger 50. Dialogue between the Cow and the Tiger 51. Greatness of Kalasesvara 52. Greatness of Rudrakoti 53. Greatness of Bhrunagarta 54. Greatness of Carmamunda 55. Greatness of Nalesvara 56. Greatness of Sambaditya 57. Bhisma’s Pilgrimage 58. Greatness of Naraditya 59. Vidura Builds the Lord’s Temple 60. Greatness of Naraditya 61. Birth of Visakanya 62. Greatness of Sarmistha Tirtha 63. Greatness of Somanatha 64. Greatness of Canatkari Durga 65. Greatness of Anartakesvara and Sudrakesvara 66. Murder of Jamadagni 67. Sahasrsrjuna Killed 68. The Sea Recedes 69. Creations of Rama Hrada 70. Birth of Karttikeya 71. Installation of Skanda’s Sakti 72. Dhrtarastra’s Pilgrimage to Hatakesvara Ksetra 73. Pilgrimage of Dhrtarastra and Others 74. Installation of Lingas by Kaurava , Pandavas and Yadavas 75. Greatness of Yajnabhumi 76. Installation of Mundira, Kalapriya and Mulasthana 77. Importance of Harasraya Vedika 78. Greatness of Rudrasirsa 79. Greatness of Valakhilyasrama 80. Importance of the Sight of Visnu 81. Fall of Suparna’s Wings 82. Greatness of Suparnesvara 83. Greatness of the Deity Suparna 84. Madhavi Born as Subhadra 85. Greatness of Mahalaksmi 86. Greatness of Saptavimsatika 87. Greatness of Soma’s Shrine 88. Greatness of Ambavrddha 89. Greatness of the Padukas of Srimata 90. Greatness of Vasordhara 91. Greatness of Agni Tirtha 92. Greatness of Brahmakunda 93. Greatness of Gomukha Tirtha 94. Greatness of Lohayasti 95. Greatness of Ajapalesvari 96. Dialogue between Dasaratha and Sanaiscara 97. Dasaratha’s Penance 98. greatness of Rajavapi 99. Sage Durvasa Visits Rama 100. Srirama Goes to the City of Sugriva 101. Installation of Ramesvara in the Middle of the Setu 102. Erection of Five Palatial Shrines for Laksmana and Others 103. Greatness of Anartaka Tirtha Kupika BOOK 65 PART XVII Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKVI: NAGARA KHANDA Chapters 104. Installation of Kusesvara and Lavesvara 105. Removal of the Raksasa Lingas 106. Greatness of the Vanished Tirthas 107. Installation of Citrasarma Linga 108. The Astasasti Tirthas 109. Greatness of Astasasti Tirthas 110. Greatness of Sixty-eight Tirthas 111. Lamentation of the King Of Anarta 112. The Creation of Barren Land 113. Greatness of Agnikunda 114. The Term ‘Nagara’ 115. Gotras of Sages 116. Greatness of Amba-Revati Tirtha 117. Emergence of Bhattikatirtha 118. Installation of Raivatakesvara and Ksemamkari 119. Defeat of the Army of Gods 120. The Origination of Katyayani 121. Mahisasura Defeated 122. Creation of Mukhara Tirtha 123. Glory of Sukla Tirtha 124. Creation of Mukhara Tirtha 125. The Story of King Satyasandha 126. Greatness of Satyasandhesvara 127. Greatness of Karnotpala Tirtha 128. Origin of Atesvara 129. Greatness of the Hermitage of Yajnavalkya 130. Creation of Pancapinda Cow 131. Katyayani’s Distress 132. Creation of Vastupada 133. Origin of Ajagrha 134. Origin of Tirthas like Saubhagyakupika 135. Boon to a Chaste Lady: Dirghika 136. Origin of Dirghika 137. Mandavya Impaled 138. Origin of Dharmarajesvara 139. Greatness of Dharmarajesvara 140. The son of Dharmaraja 141. Greatness of Mistannadesvara 142. Greatness of the Trio of Ganapatis 143. Provocation of Jabali 144. The Story of Citrangadesvara, Phalavati and Jabali 145. Greatness of Amarakesvara Ksetra 146. Greatness of Amaresvara Kunda 147. Dialogue between Vyasa and Suka 148. Greatness of Vatikesvara 149. Manifestation of Kelisvari 150. greatness of kelisvari 151. Greatness of Bhairava Ksetra 152. Greatness of Cakrapani 153. Origin of Apsara Kunda 154. Greatness of Citresvara Pitha 155. A Ksatriya Addresses His Wife 156. Manibhadra Cheats a Brahmana Named Puspa 157. Boons to Puspa by the Sun-god 158. Manibhadra’s Death 159. Puspa Acquires Prosperity 160. Brahmanas Invited for Purascarana 161. Greatness of Puspaditya 162. Procedure of PuPurascarana Saptami 163. Creation of Brahma Nagara [Community] 164. Installation of Nagesvara etc. 165. Origin of Asva Tirtha 166. Birth of Parasurama 167. Visvamitra Renounces Kingdom 168. Greatness of the Source of Dharotpatti 169. Greatness of Dhara Devi 170. Creation of Dhara Tirtha 171. Battle between Vasistha and Visvamitra 172. Sarasvati Cursed 173. Sarasvati Gets Rid of the Curse 174. Birth of Pippalada 175. Gift of a Boon to Yajnavalkya 176. Origin of Kamsaresvara 177. Creation of Pancapindika 178. Origin of Pancapinda Gauri 179. Rites Preliminary to Yajnas 180. Brahma Begins the Yajna 181. Greatness of Gayatri Tirtha 182. The Yajna of Brahma: The First Day 183. Creation of Naga Tirtha 184. The Yajna of Brahma: The Third Day 185. Creation of Holy Places 186. Importance of an Atithi 187. Greatness of Raksasaprapya Sraddha BOOK 66 PART XVIII Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKVI: NAGARA KHANDA Chapters 188. The Groups of Mothers Cursed 189. The Antecedents of Audumbari 190. Origin of Yaksma Tirtha 191. Occurrence of Evil Omens 192. Greatness of Savitri 193. Gayatri Grants Boons 194. Description of Tirthas 195. Story of the Daughter of Chandogya 196. Brhadbala Proceeds to the City of Anarta 197. The Expiation of Paravasu 198. Sudri Brahmani Tirtha 199. Greatness of Eight Nagara Families 200. Bhartryajna Prescribes Expiatory Rites 201. Decision on Problems Relating to Nagaras 202. Bhartryajna’s Decision 203. Purification of Nagaras 204. Procedure of Preta Sraddha 205. Importance of Gaya Sraddha 206. Importance of Balamandana 207. Description of Indra-Festival 208. Greatness of Gautamesvara, Ahalyesvara and Satanandesvara 209. Origin of Sankhaditya and Sankhatirtha 210. Importance of Tambula 211. Greatness of Sankha Tirtha 212. Greatness of Ratnaditya 213. Efficacy of Kuhara-vasi-Sambaditya 214. Procedure of Ganpati Worship 215. Necessity of the Performance of Sraddha 216. Origin of Sraddha 217. Sraddha: Proper Time, Eligible Brahmana etc. 218. Rules Prescribed for Sraddha Performance 219. Kamya Sraddha 220. Importance of Gajacchaya 221. Things Worthy of Being offered in Sraddha 222. Decision Regarding Caturdasi Sraddha 223. Kinds of sons Eligible to Offer Sraddha 224. Procedure of Sraddha 225. Procedure of Sapindikarana 226. Fortunes in Twenty one Hells 227. Means to save one From Tortures in Hells 228. Disobedience by Andhakasura 229. Birth of Bhrngiriti 230. Vrka’s Conquest of Indra’s Kingdom 231. Importance of Ekadasi Vrata 232. Vratas and Niyamas to be observed in Caturmasa 233. Benefits of Bath in Ganga 234. Procedure of Adopting Niyama 235. Importance of Penance 236. Greatness of Gifting Desired objects 237. Greatness of Vrata 238. Importance of Penance 239. Efficacy of Adoration, Penance etc. 240. Devotion Explained 241. Characteristics of a Good Sudra 242. Eighteen Prakrtis [Castes and Sub-castes] 243. Importance of Saligrama Worship 244. Twenty four Varieties of Saligrama 245. Devas go to the Mandara Mountain 246. Parvati’s Curse on Devas 247. Greatness of Asvattha Tree 248. Greatness Palasa Tree 249. Greatness of Tulasi 250. Creation of Bilva Tree 251. Curse to Visnu 252. Greatness of Trees 253. Sankara Consoles Parvati 254. Tandava Dance of Sankara 255. Greatness of Laksmi-Narayana 256. Efficacy of the Name of Rama 257. Parvati’s Penance 258. Hara is Cursed 259. Prayer to the Bull 260. Paijavana Takes Leaves 261. Dhyanayoga 262. Jnana-Yoga explained 263. Origin of Matsyendranatha 264. Tarakasura Killed 265. Asunyasayana- Vrata 266. Greatness of Sivaratri 267. Importance of Tula-purusa-dana 268. Description of Prthvi Dana 269. greatness of Kapalamocanesvara 270. Making Gift of Papapinda 271. Creation of Seven Lingas 272. Characteristics of Different Yugas 273. Reckoning of Yugas 274. Origin of Duhsilesvara 275. Nimbesvara and Sakambhari 276. Origin of Eleven Rudras 277. In Praise of Dana Performed in Front of Rudras 278. The Legend of Yajnavalkya 279. Merit of Listening to the Purana Index [Vol. 64, 64 and 66] BOOK 67 PART XIX Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOKVII: PRABHASA KHANDA SECTION I: PRABHASA-KSETRI-MAHATMYA CHAPTERS 1. Queries of Sages 2. Merit in Gifting Purana Texts 3. Queries Made by Devi 4. The Extent of Prabhasa Ksetra 5. Sages and Devas Residing in Prabhasa Ksetra 6. Greatness of Somesvara 7. The Appearance [origin] of Somanatha 8. The Glory of Somesvara 9. The Garland of Skulls and Tattvas 10. Supreme Excellence of Prabhasa 11. Origin of Rajabhattaraka 12. Creation of Yamesvara 13. Origin of Arkasthala 14. Creation of Siddhesvara 15. Origin of Papanasana 16. Origin of Sunanda and Other Mother Goddesses 17. Procedure of Worship 18. The Birth of Moon-God 19. Incarnations of Sri Visnu 20. Creation of the Moon 21. Advice to Propitiate Siva 22. Soma Gets a Boon 23. Installation of Somesvara 24. Importance of Somavara Vrata 25. Description of Somavara Vrata 26. Greatness of Gandharvesvara 27. greatness of Gandharvasenesvara 28. Procedure of the Pilgrimage 29. Reason why Sea Water is not Fit for drinking 30. Efficacy of the Worship of Somesvara 31. The Origin of the Submarine Fire: Devas Deposit Weapons at the Hermitage of Sage Dadhici 32. Vadavanala Outwitted 33. The Story of Sarasvati 34. The Descent of Sarasvati 35. Greatness of Agni Tirtha 36. Greatness of Praci Sarasvati 37. Importance of Offering a Bracelet 38. Kapardi-Vinayaka 39. Kedaresvara Linga 40. Bhimesvara 41. Bhairavesvara 42. Candisa 43. Adityesvara 44. Somesvara 45. Angaresvara 46. Budhesvara 47. Brhaspatisvara 48. Sukresvara 49. Sanaiscaresvara 50. Greatness of Rahvisvara 51. Greatness of Ketvisvra 52. Greatness of Siddhesvara 53. Greatness of Kapilesvara 54. Greatness of Gandharvesvara 55. Greatness of Vimalesvara 56. Greatness of Dhanadesvara 57. Greatness of Vararoha 58. Greatness of Ajapalesvari 59. Greatness of Ajadevi 60. Greatness of Mangala 61. Greatness of Lalitomavisalaksi 62. Greatness of Catvaradevi 63. Greatness of Bhairavesvara 64. Greatness of Laksmisvara 65. Greatness of Vdavesvara 66. Greatness of Arghyesvara 67. Greatness of Kamesvara 68. Greatness of Gauri-Tapovana 69. Greatness of Gaurisvara 70. Greatness of Varunesvara 71. Greatness of Usesvara 72. Greatness of Jalavasaganapati 73. Greatness of Kumaresvara 74. Greatness of Sakalyesvara 75. Greatness of Sakalyesvara 76. Importance of the Pair of Lakulisa Lingas 77. Greatness of Uttankesvara 78. Greatness of Vaisvanaresvara 79. Greatness of Lakulisvara 80. Greatness of Gautamesvara 81. Greatness of Sri Daityasudana 82. Origin of Cakratirtha 83. Greatness of Yogesvari 84. Greatness of Adinarayana 85. Greatness of Sannihita 86. Greatness of Pandavesvara 87. Greatness of Bhutesvara 88. Greatness of Nilarudra 89. Greatness of Kapalisvara 90. Greatness of Vrsavahanesvara 91. Greatness of Tryambambakesvara 92. Greatness of Aghoresvara 93. Greatness of Mahakalesvara 94. Greatness of Bhairavesvara 95. Greatness of Mrtyunjaya 96. Greatness of Kamesvara 97. Greatness of Yogesvara 98. Greatness of Prthvisvara 99. Greatness of Dandapani-Cakradgara 100. Durvasas Curses of Samba 101. Greatness of Sambaditya 102. Greatness of Kantakasodhini 103. Greatness of Kapalesvara 104. Greatness of Kotisvara 105. Greatness of Brahma 106. Glorification of Brahmanas 107. Procedure of the Worship of Brahma 108. Greatness of pratyusesvara 109. Greatness of Anilesvara 110. Greatness of Prabhasesvara 111. Greatness of Ramesvara Ksetra 112. Greatness of Laksmanesvara 113. Greatness of Janakisvara 114. Greatness of Vamanasvami 115. Greatness of Puskaresvara 116. Greatness of Sankhodakakundesvari Gauri 117. Greatness of Bhutanathesvara 118. Greatness of Gopyaditya 119. Greatness of Balatibaladaityaghni 120. Greatness of Gopisvara BOOK 68 PART XX Publisher’s Note Abbreviations SKANDA-PURANA BOOK VII: PRABHASA KHANDA 121. Greatness of Jamadagnyesvara 122. Greatness of Citrangadesvara 123. Greatness of Ravanesvara 124. Greatness of Saubhagyesvari 125. Greatness of Paulomisvara 126. Greatness of Sandilyesvara 127. Greatness of Ksemankaresvara 128. Greatness of Sagaraditya 129. Greatness of Ugrasenesvara 130. Greatness of Pasupatesvara 131. Greatness of Dhruvesvara 132. Greatness of Siddhalaksmi 133. Greatness of Mahakali 134. Greatness of Puskaravartaka 135. Greatness of Sitalagauri 136. Greatness of Lomasesvara 137. Greatness of Kankala-bhairava 138. Greatness of Trnabindvisvara 139. Greatness of Citresvara 140. Greatness of Citrapatha River 141. Greatness of Kapardicintamani 142. Greatness of Citresvara 143. Greatness of Vicitresvara 144. Greatness of Puskara-Kunda 145. Greatness of Gajakumbhodara 146. Greatness of Yamesvara 147. Greatness of Brahmakunda 148. Greatness of Kundalakupa 149. Greatness of Bhairavesvara 150. Greatness of Brahmesvara 151. Greatness of Savitrisvara Bhairava 152. Greatness of Naradesvara Bhairava 153. Greatness of Hiranyesvara 154. Greatness of Gayatrisvara 155. Greatness of Ratnesvara 156. Greatness of Garudesvara 157. Greatness of Satyabhamesvara 158. Glory of Anangesvara 159. Greatness of Ratnesvara 160. Greatness of Raivantakaraja Bhattaraka 161. Greatness of Anantesvara 162. Greatness of Astakulesvara 163. Greatness of Nasatyesvara 164. Greatness of Asvinesvara 165. Greatness of Savitri 166. The Details of Savitri Puja 167. Greatness of Bhutamatrka 168. Greatness of Salakatankata 169. Greatness of Vaivasvatesvara 170. Greatness of Matrganabala Devi 171. Greatness of Dasarathesvara 172. Glory of Bharayesvara 173. Greatness of Four Lingas [Kusakesvara etc] 174. Greatness of Kuntisvara 175. Greatness of Arkasthala 176. Greatness of Siddhesvara 177. Greatness of Lakulisa 178. Greatness of Bhargavesvara 179. Greatness of Mandavyesvara 180. Greatness of Pupadantesvara 181. Greatness of Ksetrapalesvara 182. Greatness of Matr Deities 183. Greatness of Trisangama 184. Greatness of Mankisvara 185. Greatness of Devamatrgauri 186. Greatness of Nagasthana 187. Greatness of Prabhasa Pancaka 188. Greatness of Rudresvara 189. Greatness of Karmamoti 190. Greatness of Moksasvami 191. Greatness of Ajigartesvara 192. Greatness of Visvakarmesvara 193. Greatness of Yamesvara 194. Greatness of Amaresvara 195. Greatness of Vrddhaprabhasa 196. Glory of Jalaprabhasa 197. Greatness of Jamadagnisvara 198. Greatness of Pancamaprabhasa Ksetra 199. Destruction of Daksa’s Sacrifice 200. Greatness of Kamakunda 201. Greatness of Kalabhairava Smasana 202. Greatness of Ramesvara Ksetra 203. Greatness of Mankisvara 204. Greatness of Sarasvati-Sangama 205. Brahmanas Unfit for Sraddha 206. Procedure for Performing Sraddha 207. Eligibility [of Brahmanas] for Sraddha 208. Brahmanas Eligible for Dana 209. Glory of Markandeyesvara 210. Greatness of Pulastyesvara 211. Greatness of Pulahesvara 212. Greatness of Kratvisvara 213. Greatness of Kasyapesvara 214. Greatness of Kausikesvara 215. Greatness of Kumaresvara 216. Greatness of Gautamesvara 217. Glory of Devarajesvara 218. Greatness of Manavesvara 219. Greatness of Markandeyesvara 220. Greatness of Vrsabhadhvajesvara 221. Greatness of Rnamocana 222. Greatness of Rukmavatisvara 223. Greatness of Purusottama Tirtha 224. Greatness of Indresvara 225. Greatness of Ananakesvara 226. Greatness of Meghesvara 227. Greatness of Balabhadresvara 228. Greatness of Bhairavesvara 229. Greatness of Ganga 230. Greatness of Ganapati 231. Greatness of Jambavati Nadi [River] 232. Greatness of Pandava Kupa 233. Greatness of Pandavesvara 234. Greatness of Dasavamedha [Tirtha] 235. Greatness of Lingatraya 236. Greatness of Durvasaditya 237. Greatness of Vajresvara 238. Greatness of Hiranya Nadi 239. Greatness of Nagararka 240. Greatness of Balabhadra-Subhadra-Krsna 241. Greatness of Sesa 242. Greatness of Kumari 243. Greatness of Mantravali Ksetrapala 244. Greatness of Vicitresvara 245. Greatness of Brahmesvara 246. Greatness of Pinga Nadi 247. Greatness of Pinga Nadi, Pingadevi & Sukresvara 248. Greatness of Brahmesvara 249. Greatness of Sangamesvara 250. Greatness of Ganesvara 251. Greatness of Sankaraditya 252. Greatness of Sankaranatha 253. Greatness of Guphesvara 254. Greatness of Ghantesvara 255. Glory of Rsitirtha 256. Greatness of Nandaditya 257. Greatness of Trita Kupa 258. Greatness of Sasapana 259. Greatness of Parnaditya 260. Greatness of Siddhesvara 261. Greatness of Nyankumati 262. Greatness of Varahasvami 263. Greatness of Chaya Linga 264. Greatness of Nandini Gupha 265. Greatness of Kanakananda 266. Greatness of Kumbhisvara 267. Greatness of Gangapathagangesvara 268. Greatness of Camasodbheda 269. Greatness of Vidurasrama 270. Greatness of Praci Sarasvati 271. Greatness of Jvalesvara 272. Greatness of Tripura-Linga-Traya 273. Greatness of Sanda Praci 274. Greatness of Surya Praci 275. Greatness of Trinetresvara 276. Greatness of Umapati 277. Greatness of Bhudhara [Yajnavaraha] 278. Greatness of Mu [su] lasthana 279. Greatness of Cyavanaditya 280. Greatness of Cyavanesvara 281. Greatness of Cyavanesvara[continued] 282. Creation of a Krtya 283. Greatness of Cyavanesvara [continued] 284. Greatness of Sukanyasrama 285. Greatness of Agastyasrama Gangesvara 286. Greatness of Balarka 287. Greatness of Ajapalesvari 288. Greatness of Baladitya 289. Greatness of Lingatraya 290. Greatness of Somanatha Installed by Kubera 291. Greatness of Bhadrakali 292. Greatness of Bhadrakali-Balarka 293. Greatness of Kubera 294. Greatness of Ajogandhesvara 295. Greatness of Indresvara 296. Greatness of Rsitoya Nadi 297. Greatness of Rsitoya 298. Greatness of Guptaprayaga 299. Greatness of Madhava 300. Greatness of Siddhesvara 301. Greatness of Siddharvesvara 302. Greatness of Gandharvesvara 303. Greatness of Uttaresvara 304. Greatness of Ganga 305. Greatness of Naradaditya 306. Greatness of Sambaditya 307. Greatness of Aparanarayana 308. Greatness of Birth of Mulacandisa 309. Greatness of Four-Faced Vinayaka 310. Greatness of Kalambesvara 311. Greatness of Gopalasvami 312. Greatness of Bakulasvami 313. Greatness of Uttaraka 314. Greatness of the Confluence of Rsitirtha 315. Greatness of Marudarya Devi 316. Greatness of Ksemaditya 317. Greatness of Kantakasosani 318. Greatness of Brahmesvara 319. Greatness of Unnata Sthana 320. Greatness of Lingadvaya 321. Greatness of Brahma 322. Greatness of Durgaditya 323. Greatness of Ksemesvara 324. Greatness of Gananatha 325. Greatness of Unnata Svami 326. Greatness of Mahakala 327. Greatness of Mahodaya 328. Greatness of Sangamesvara 329. Greatness of Unnata-Vinayaka 330. Greatness of Talasvami 331. Greatness of Kalamegha 332. Greatness of Rukmini 333. Greatness of Pingesvara Bhadra 334. Greatness of Talasvami 335. Greatness of Sankhavarta Tirtha 336. Greatness of Gospada Tirtha 337. Greatness of Narayana-Grha 338. Greatness of Jalesvara 339. Greatness of Humkara Kupa 340. Greatness of Candisvara 341. Greatness of God Vighnaraja of Asapura 342. Greatness of Candresvara-Kala Kunda 343. Importance of [Observing the Vow of] Kapila-Sasthi 344. Greatness of Jaradgavesvara 345. Greatness of Nalesvara 346. Greatness of Karkotarka 347. Greatness of Hatakesvara 348. Greatness of Naradesvari 349. Greatness of Mantra-vibhusana Gauri 350. Greatness of Durga-Kuta Ganapati 351. Greatness of Kauravesvari 352. Greatness of Suparnela 353. Greatness of Bhalla Tirtha 354. Greatness of Kardamala 355. Greatness of Guptesvara 356. Greatness of Bahusuvarnakesvara 357. Greatness of Srngesvara 358. Greatness of Kotisvara 359. Greatness of Narayana Tirtha 360. Greatness of Srngaresvara 361. Greatness of Mandukesvara 362. Kotihrada-Mandukesvara 363. Greatness of Ekadasa-Rudra-Linga 364. Greatness of Ghaghara-Hrada and Kandesvara 365. Greatness of Samvartesvara 366. Greatness of Miscellaneous Sthana-Lingas Back to the Book