The Skanda-Purana

Contents Part I Publisher's Note Editorial v Abbreviations vii Introduction xi Skanda Purana Book I: Mahesvarakhanda Section I: Kedarkhanda 1 Daksa's insolence 1 2 Satys Arrival at Daksa's Sacrifice 7 3 Virabhadra Comes to the Yajna 13 4 A Fight between Vibhadra and Visnu and Others 20 5 Meritoriousness of Devotion to Siva 26 6 Curse to Brahma and Others 42 7 Worship of the Linga 47 8 The Story of a Thief: incarnation of Rama 53 9 The Churning of the Ocean 64 10 Siva Swallows the Poison 74 11 Procedure to Ganesa Worship: Manifestation of Laksmi 82 12 Devas Taste the Divine Nectar 90 13 The Fight between Devas and Asuras 96 14 Resuscitation of Dead Daityas 106 15 Nahusa and Yayati: Their indrahood and Fall 109 16 Dadhicys Gift of His Body 118 17 Vrtra Killed: Bali Prepares for War 126 18 Vamana's Arrival Balys Sacrifice 151 19 Sukra Curses Bali: Vamana Grants Boon to Bali 169 20 The Nirunatva of the Siva Linga: The Manifestation of Bhavani 176 21 Parvatys Penance 181 22 Sankara's Revelation of Himself to Parvati: Their Dialogue 196 23 Siva's Marriage 207 24 The Marriage Ceremony of Siva: The Arrangement for Accommodating Devas and Others 214 25 The Marriage Ritual 220 26 The Marriage Celebration of Siva and Parvati: Auspicious Festivities 227 27 The Birth of Kumara Karttikeya 232 28 Preparations of Devas and Daityas for War 242 29 The Battle Between Suras and Taraka 247 30 Taraka is Slain 254 31 The Greatness of Sivalinga 258 32 The Burning of Kala 268 33 The Greatness of Sivaratri Vrata 277 34 Siva Loses to Parvati in a Game of Dice 287 35 Parvati as Sabari Brings Back Siva: Siva's Coronation 301 Index 307