Chapter 48 - Śukreśvara (Śukra-īśvara)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Īśvara said.:

1-3. Then, O Great Goddess, a pilgrim should go towards the Liṅga installed by Śukra, to the west of Vibhūtīśvara.

It dispels all sins. It is not far off and it has been created by Śukra himself. At this holy spot, thanks to the power of Rudra, he obtained the Vidyā (secret formula) called Sañjīvanī. The wise one performed a very severe penance for a thousand years and propitiated the Odd (three)-eyed Lord. He then attained the status of a Planet.

4. He was swallowed by Śaṃbhu for the sake of accomplishing some task of the Devas. Even as Śukra was held inside the belly, he performed a very severe penance.

5. When more than ten thousand years elapsed Maheśvara was pleased. Thereafter, he was discharged quickly by Śaṃbhu through the seminal path (tube).

6-7. Thereupon, the noble-souled Bhārgava got the name Śukra. The devotee shall keep his mind steady and propitiate the Liṅga. He shall repeat the Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra (death-defying formula) one hundred thousand times. He shall (thereby) obtain what is desired.

8. By viewing him and touching him, O beautiful woman, a man becomes rid of all sins committed from birth till death.

9-11. A person whose devotion is highly steady shall undoubtedly obtain the power of Mṛtasañjīvana (resuscitating the dead) and Aṇimā (becoming as small as an atom) and other supernatural powers (Siddhis).

A devotee who bathes the deity installed by Śukra with Pañcāmṛta and worships with sweet-smelling flowers, will never have seminal affliction.

Thus the greatness of the deity installed by Śukra has been fully described to you, O lady of excellent buttocks. On being heard, it dispels the fear resulting from sins.