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ऋषय ऊचुः ॥ धन्योऽसि कृतकृत्योऽसि जीवितं सफलं तव ॥ यच्छ्रावयसि नस्तात महेश्वरकथां शुभाम् ॥ १ ॥
The sages said:— O dear, you are blessed and contented. Your life is fruitful since you narrate to us the auspicious narrative of lord śiva.
english translation
बहुभिश्चर्षिभि स्सूत श्रुतं यद्यपि वस्तु सत् ॥ सन्देहो न मतोऽस्माकं तदेतत्कथयामि ते ॥ २॥
O Sūta, although this matter has been heard from many sages, our doubt is not set at rest. Hence we ask you.
english translation
केन व्रतेन सन्तुष्टः शिवो यच्छति सत्सुखम् ॥ कुशलश्शिवकृत्ये त्वं तस्मात्पृच्छामहे वयम् ॥ ३ ॥
By what sacred rite is Śiva satisfied. By what sacred rite does he impart happiness to the good. You are expert in the knowledge of Śiva’s legends and so we ask you.
english translation
भुक्तिर्मुक्तिश्च लभ्येत भक्तैर्येन व्रतेन वै ॥ तद्वद त्वं विशेषेण व्यासशिष्य नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ४॥
O disciple of Vyāsa, obeisance be to you. Please explain clearly the rite by which the devotee can secure both worldly pleasures and salvation.
english translation
सूत उवाच ॥ सम्यक्पृष्टमृषिश्रेष्ठा भवद्भिः करुणात्मभिः ॥ स्मृत्वा शिवपदांभोजं कथयामि यथाश्रुतम् ॥ ५ ॥
Sūta said:— O great sages, the question is well put by you. There is sympathy brimming in your hearts. After remembering the lotus-like feet of Śiva I shall mention it in the manner I have heard.
english translation