Passage 1
अक्रूरतीर्थं तत्रैव विख्यातं यमुनाम्भसि। तस्य माहात्म्यमतुलं मया वक्तुं न शक्यते॥१॥
“Akrūratīrtha is celebrated there in Yamunā’s waters. I am unable to express its incomparable greatness.
Passage 2
शेषशय्यास्थितं दृष्ट्वा भगवन्तं सनातनम्। यत्र प्राप मुदं पूर्णमक्रूरो नाम यादवः॥२॥
“There the Yādava named Akrūra beheld the eternal Lord resting upon Śeṣa and attained complete joy.
Passage 3
स्नानाद्दानाच्च होमाच्च पिण्डनिर्वपणात्तथा। विप्राणां भोजनाच्चैव ध्रुवं मुच्येत पातकैः॥३॥
“Through bathing, giving, fire offerings, presenting ancestral cakes, and feeding brahmins, one is certainly freed from sins.
Passage 4
किमर्थं सेव्यते काशी कुरुक्षेत्रं च किं फलम्। अक्रूराख्ये महातीर्थे सकृत् स्नायाद् यदा नरः॥४॥
“Why serve Kāśī, and what need is there of Kurukṣetra, when a person can bathe once at the great ford named Akrūra?
Passage 5
नातः परतरं तीर्थं पुण्यं नातः परं नृप। कार्तिके शुक्लद्वादश्यां यदि स्नायादिह प्रभो॥५॥
“No ford is higher and no sanctity greater than this, O king. If one bathes here on Kārttika’s bright twelfth day,
Passage 6
सकृत् संस्नानमात्रेण कोटियज्ञफलं लभेत्। पूर्णिमायां विशेषेण स्नानदानोत्तमं फलम्॥६॥
“one immersion alone grants the fruit of ten million sacrifices. Bathing and giving on the full moon yield an especially excellent reward.
Passage 7
नरः संप्राप्य वसुधां किं नु शोचति मुक्तये। सकृन्मज्जनमात्रेण अक्रूरो दृष्टवान् हरिम्॥७॥
“Having attained this place on earth, why should a person worry about liberation? By a single immersion Akrūra beheld Hari.
Passage 8
यदर्चावद्रूपसंपन्नं साक्षाच्छ्रीपुरुषोत्तमम्। तत्तीर्थसदृशं लोके न तीर्थान्तरमिष्यते॥८॥
“He saw Śrī Puruṣottama directly, endowed with the form worshipped in the sacred image. No other ford in the world is considered equal to this one.
Passage 9
ध्रुवस्थाने तथाक्रूरे कूपे सप्तसमुद्रके। यो नरः कुरुते श्राद्धं तस्य मुक्ताः पितामहाः॥९॥
“The ancestors of a person who performs śrāddha at Dhruvasthāna, Akrūra, or the well of the seven oceans become liberated.
Passage 10
कालियस्य ह्रदस्तत्र यमुनायां प्रविश्रुतः। तत्र संस्नानमात्रेण नरो मुच्येत संसृतेः॥१०॥
“There in Yamunā lies Kāliya’s celebrated pool. Merely bathing in it, a person is freed from repeated worldly existence.
Passage 11
मरणान्मुक्तिमिच्छन्ति पशुपक्ष्यन्त्यजा अपि। एकां रात्रिं तत्र वसेत् स्नानोपोषणतत्परः॥११॥
“Even animals, birds, and outcastes gain liberation through dying there. One should stay for a night, devoted to bathing and fasting,
Passage 12
कालियस्यैव दमनं भावयानो दिवानिशम्। स मुक्तो मनुजो राजन् घोरात् संसारसागरात्॥१२॥
“contemplating day and night Kṛṣṇa’s subduing of Kāliya. Such a person is freed, O king, from the terrible ocean of worldly existence.
Passage 13
नमो गोविन्ददेवाय कृष्णाय परमात्मने। नमो नटाय नव्याय कालियव्यालमर्दिने॥१३॥
“Homage to Lord Govinda, to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Self. Homage to the ever-fresh dancer who crushed the serpent Kāliya.
Passage 14
इत्युच्चारपरो लोकः क्षणं वृन्दावने स्थितः। योगिनामप्यलभ्यं तत् स्थानमाप्नोति तत्क्षणात्॥१४॥
“A person who recites this while remaining in Vṛndāvana even for a moment instantly reaches the state inaccessible even to yogins.
Passage 15
केशितीर्थं च तत्रैव त्रैलोक्ये विश्रुतं नृप। तत्र मज्जनमात्रेण निस्तुलं फलमाप्नुयात्॥१५॥
“Keśitīrtha, renowned throughout the three worlds, is also there, O king. Merely immersing in it, one gains an incomparable reward.
Passage 16
किमर्थमश्वमेधादीन् यागानाचरसि प्रभो। किमर्थं पृच्छसे चैव तीर्थान्यन्यानि भूपते॥१६॥
“Why perform Aśvamedha and other sacrifices, O lord? Why ask about other sacred fords, O ruler?
Passage 17
श्रीमद्वृन्दावने दिव्यं केशितीर्थं मुदावहम्। तत्र मज्जनमात्रेण चतुर्वर्गं प्रसाधय॥१७॥
“Divine Keśitīrtha in glorious Vṛndāvana bestows joy. By merely immersing there, bring the four aims of life to fulfilment.
Passage 18
साके शितीर्थे विनिमज्ज्य राजन् स्वं स्वं फलं धारय मानसे त्वम्। यत्संसृतौ संसरतां जनानां मुक्तिं प्रयच्छन्नपि लज्जते हृदि॥१८॥
“Immerse at Keśitīrtha, O king, and hold your desired reward in your mind. The ford almost feels ashamed to offer mere liberation to beings wandering in saṃsāra.
Passage 19
पत्रासुरः केशिनामा महौजाः पुरन्दराद्याखिलदेवजेत्रः। क्षणेन नारायणहस्तपद्मस्पर्शेन मुक्तः सहसोद्गतासुः॥१९॥
“The immensely powerful horse-demon Keśī had conquered Indra and all the gods, yet in an instant the touch of Nārāyaṇa’s lotus hand released his departing life.
Passage 20
तत्रातुले तीर्थवरे च विष्णोः पिण्डं विनिष्पाद्य हितः पितॄणाम्। संतारयेत् स्वं कुलमेकविंशाच्छ्राद्धान्वितो ब्राह्मणभोजनाद्यैः॥२०॥
“At that incomparable and excellent ford of Viṣṇu, one should offer ancestral cakes. Through śrāddha and feeding brahmins, one uplifts twenty-one generations.
Passage 21
कुरुक्षेत्रे च यत्पुण्यं गयायां चैव भूपते। ततोऽधिकतरं पुण्यं केशितीर्थेऽवगाहनात्॥२१॥
“Immersion at Keśitīrtha yields greater merit than Kurukṣetra or Gayā, O ruler.
Passage 22
केशितीर्थे सकृत्स्नात्वा दत्त्वा चाश्वं द्विजन्मने। अश्वमेधसमं पुण्यं तत्क्षणाल्लभते नृप॥२२॥
“Bathing once at Keśitīrtha and giving a horse to a brahmin, one immediately gains merit equal to an Aśvamedha, O king.
Passage 23
किमर्थं सेव्यते काशी किमर्थं सेव्यते गया। किमर्थं च कुरुक्षेत्रं केशितीर्थे निमज्ज्य तु॥२३॥
“After immersing at Keśitīrtha, why serve Kāśī, Gayā, or Kurukṣetra?
Passage 24
पशुपक्ष्यन्त्यजानामप्यत्र मुक्तिः सनातनी। पद्यां सर्वदेवतानां यत्र केशी विमोचितः॥२४॥
“Even animals, birds, and outcastes gain eternal liberation here, at the sacred place of all the gods where Keśī himself was released.
Passage 25
गायन्ति निगमाः सर्वे काशीजनविमुक्तिदाः। केशितीर्थगुणान् वक्तुमशक्ता एव ते नृप॥२५॥
“All the Vedas, which grant liberation to the people of Kāśī, sing its praise, yet even they cannot express Keśitīrtha’s qualities, O king.
Passage 26
गोवर्धने रहस्यानि स्थानानि धरणीतले। तानि वक्तुं न शक्तोऽहं कल्पकोटिशतैरपि॥२६॥
“Govardhana contains hidden places upon the earth that I could not describe even in hundreds of millions of cosmic ages.
Passage 27
यत्र सा मानसी गङ्गा देवानामपि दुर्लभा। तस्यां स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च कोटियज्ञफलाधिकम्॥२७॥
“There flows Mānasī Gaṅgā, difficult even for gods to attain. Bathing and giving there yields more than the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 28
फलं लभस्व राजेन्द्र कृत्वा शैलं प्रदक्षिणम्। अभ्यर्च्य हरिदेवं च पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते॥२८॥
“Gain that reward, O king of kings, by circling the mountain and worshipping Lord Hari; thereafter rebirth does not occur.
Passage 29
पुण्डरीकं नरो गत्वा स्नात्वा कुण्डेऽतिपावने। पुण्डरीकं च संयोज्य प्रयाहि हयमेधिताम्॥२९॥
“A person should go to Puṇḍarīka and bathe in its supremely purifying pool. Offering a lotus there, one proceeds to the merit of a horse sacrifice.
Passage 30
नाम्ना पापहरं तत्र कुण्डं विमलपाथसम्। तत्र स्नात्वा महीपाल पापं किमनुशोचसि॥३०॥
“There is a pool of stainless water named Pāpahara, ‘remover of sin.’ After bathing there, O ruler, why worry about sin?
Passage 31
स्नात्वा सांकर्षणे कुण्डे संकर्षणसुखप्रदे। यत्र स्नानेन दानेन धूतपापो भवेन्नरः॥३१॥
“Bathing at Sāṅkarṣaṇa pool, which delights Saṅkarṣaṇa, and giving there, a person becomes cleansed of sin.
Passage 32
इन्द्रतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा मखस्थाने च गोदुहाम्। महदैश्वर्यमाप्नोति गोसहस्रं च विन्दति॥३२॥
“Bathing at Indratīrtha and at the sacrificial place of the milk cows, a person gains great sovereignty and the merit of a thousand cows.
Passage 33
यत्रेन्द्रयज्ञो विहतः कृष्णेनाद्भुतकीर्तिना। दत्त्वा च गिरये पूजां सोऽन्नकूट इति स्फुटः॥३३॥
“There Kṛṣṇa of wondrous fame halted Indra’s sacrifice and offered worship to the mountain; this is clearly the festival called Annakūṭa.
Passage 34
गावो विप्रास्तथा देवा वैष्णवा ऋषयस्तथा। पूजिता नन्दराजेन यत्र कृष्णोपदेशतः॥३४॥
“There King Nanda, following Kṛṣṇa’s instruction, worshipped cows, brahmins, gods, Vaiṣṇavas, and seers.
Passage 35
तत्र संतर्प्य मनुजो देवर्षिस्वपितामहान्। शतसोमोद्भवं पुण्यं लभते नात्र संशयः॥३५॥
“By satisfying the gods, seers, and one’s ancestors there, a person gains the merit produced by a hundred Soma sacrifices—there is no doubt.
Passage 36
स्नात्वा कदम्बखण्डान्तःकुण्डे विमलपाथसि। देवान् पितॄंश्च संपूज्य सर्वयज्ञफलं लभेत्॥३६॥
“Bathing in the stainless waters of the pool within Kadambakhaṇḍa and fully worshipping the gods and ancestors, one gains the fruit of every sacrifice.
Passage 37
तत्रत्यं शिवलिङ्गं च दिव्यगोपेन्द्रपूजितम्। तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण कुण्डस्नानेन च प्रभो॥३७॥
“There stands a Śiva liṅga worshipped by the divine lord of the cowherds. Merely seeing it and bathing in the pool, O lord,
Passage 38
दानेन तर्पणेनापि देवर्षिपितृजन्मिनाम्। कोटियज्ञोद्भवं पुण्यं लभस्व नृपसत्तम॥३८॥
“and through giving and satisfying gods, seers, ancestors, and living beings, one gains the merit of ten million sacrifices, O best of kings.
Passage 39
अथो मानसगङ्गाया उत्तरेण प्रतिष्ठितम्। अरिष्टहरणं क्षेत्रं यत्रारिष्टो निपातितः॥३९॥
“North of Mānasī Gaṅgā lies the region Ariṣṭaharaṇa, where Ariṣṭa was struck down.
Passage 40
हरिणा गोपरूपेण लीलामानुषवर्ष्मणा। वृषहत्याविनिर्मुक्त्यै तत्र क्षेत्रं विनिर्मितम्॥४०॥
“Hari, appearing as a cowherd in a playfully human body, created that sacred place to become free from the fault of killing a bull.” The king said:
Passage 41
महाफलं महातीर्थं पार्ष्णिघातोद्भवं हरेः। तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च सुवर्णं गां द्विजातये। आजन्मकृतपापेभ्यो मुच्यते नात्र संशयः॥४१॥
“This greatly rewarding sacred ford arose from Hari’s heel-strike. Bathing there and giving a brahmin gold and a cow frees one from sins committed since birth.
Passage 42
वृषहत्या कथं लग्ना कृष्णस्याद्भुतकर्मणः। कथं च निर्मितं तीर्थमेतन्मे भगवन् वद॥४२॥
“How did the fault of killing a bull attach to Kṛṣṇa of wondrous deeds, and how was this ford created? Tell me, lord.” Vasiṣṭha said:
Passage 43
चन्द्रिकाविमले शैले रम्ये गोवर्धने नृप। कृष्ण आकारयामास राधिकां प्राणसंमिताम्॥४३॥
“On delightful Govardhana, stainless beneath moonlight, Kṛṣṇa summoned Rādhikā, who was as dear as his life, O king. Kṛṣṇa said:
Passage 44
दृश्यतां विमलं स्थानं शरच्चन्द्रिकयान्वितम्। आगम्यतां प्रिये शीघ्रमत्र रंस्यावहे मिथः॥४४॥
“Behold this stainless place filled with autumn moonlight. Come quickly, beloved; let us delight together here.”
Passage 45
इति प्रियोदितं श्रुत्वा तमुवाच व्रजेश्वरी। ईषत्स्मितरदज्योत्स्नासुधावर्षेणकारिणी॥४५॥
“Hearing her beloved’s words, Vraja’s queen replied, releasing a shower of nectar through the moonlight of her gently smiling teeth. Rādhā said:
Passage 46
सत्यमुक्तं त्वया कान्त वृषः किंतु त्वया हतः। तेनास्पृश्योऽसि मयका सांप्रतं ब्रह्महत्यया॥४६॥
“What you have said is true, beloved, but you killed a bull. Because of that grave fault, you are presently untouchable to me.” Vasiṣṭha said:
Passage 47
इति श्रुत्वा प्रियावाक्यं कृष्णो मुदितमानसः। उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं शीघ्रमालिङ्गितोत्सुकः॥४७॥
“Hearing his beloved’s words, Kṛṣṇa’s heart rejoiced. Eager to embrace her quickly, he spoke sweetly.
Passage 48
सत्यमुक्तं त्वया भद्रे लोकानुश्रुतिरीदृशी। किन्त्वेतद्दोषनिर्मुक्त्यै करिष्ये तीर्थमद्भुतम्॥४८॥
“‘What you say is true, auspicious one; such is the report heard throughout the world. Yet to remove this fault I shall create a wondrous sacred ford.
Passage 49
पृथिव्यां यानि तीर्थानि सप्तद्वीपस्थितान्यपि। इहानेष्ये प्रिये तानि सर्वाणि वृषभासुजि॥४९॥
“‘I shall bring here, beloved, all the sacred fords situated throughout the earth’s seven continents, to this place where the bull lost its life.’
Passage 50
इत्युक्त्वा वचनं कृष्णः पार्ष्णिघातेन भूतलात्। आविर्भावितवान् रम्यं तीर्थं विश्वस्य पावनम्॥५०॥
“Saying this, Kṛṣṇa struck the ground with his heel and manifested a beautiful sacred ford that purifies the universe.
Passage 51
कोटितीर्थमयं पुण्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। नानागुल्मलताकीर्णं दिव्यवृक्षवनान्वितम्॥५१॥
“It embodies ten million sacred fords, destroys every sin, and is surrounded by varied shrubs, vines, and groves of divine trees.
Passage 52
तत्र स्नात्वा स्वयं कृष्णः परमात्मा सनातनः। आलिङ्गितो मुदितया राधया गोपकन्यया॥५२॥
“The eternal Supreme Self Kṛṣṇa bathed there and was joyfully embraced by Rādhā, the cowherd maiden.
Passage 53
तद्देहकान्त्या समभूत् कुण्डमन्यन्मनोहरम्। राधाकुण्डमिति प्रोक्तं पुराणज्ञैर्मनीषिभिः॥५३॥
“From the radiance of her body another enchanting pool arose, called Rādhākuṇḍa by wise knowers of the Purāṇas.
Passage 54
ते कृष्णराधाकुण्डाख्ये तीर्थे स्वस्वकामदे। तयोः स्नायान्नरो मर्त्यस्तीर्थयोः पुण्यरूपयोः॥५४॥
“The two sacred fords named Kṛṣṇakuṇḍa and Rādhākuṇḍa each fulfil desires. A mortal should bathe in both, whose very forms are sanctity.
Passage 55
कृष्णकुण्डे समाप्लुत्य राधाकुण्डे च मानवः। कोटिपापविनिर्मुक्तस्तयोः प्रियतमो भवेत्॥५५॥
“Immersing in Kṛṣṇakuṇḍa and Rādhākuṇḍa, a person becomes free of ten million sins and exceedingly dear to the divine couple.
Passage 56
मोक्षराजाभिधं तीर्थं तत्रान्यत् सुमनोहरम्। दर्शनादेव लोकानां सर्वपापविनाशनम्॥५६॥
“Another enchanting ford there is named Mokṣarāja. Merely seeing it destroys every sin of living beings.
Passage 57
इन्द्रध्वजाभिधं तीर्थं गोवर्धनगिरेः पुरः। तत्र स्नानेन दानेन न पुनर्जन्मभाग् भवेत्॥५७॥
“Before Mount Govardhana lies the ford named Indradhvaja. By bathing and giving there, one is no longer subject to rebirth.
Passage 58
चक्रतीर्थं च तत्रैव पञ्चतीर्थाभिधं तथा। महासरः प्रविख्यातं देवानामपि वाञ्छितम्॥५८॥
“There are also Cakratīrtha, the ford named Pañcatīrtha, and the celebrated Mahāsaras, desired even by the gods.
Passage 59
तत्र स्नात्वा च संतर्प्य दत्त्वा चैव द्विजातये। सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः कुलकोटिं समुद्धरेत्॥५९॥
“Bathing there, offering libations, and giving to a brahmin, one becomes free of every sin and uplifts ten million members of one’s lineage.
Passage 60
पदे पदेऽत्र तीर्थानि कीर्तितानि मनीषिभिः। गोवर्धनगिरिः साक्षात् कृष्णप्रेमैकमूर्तिकः॥६०॥
“Wise teachers celebrate a sacred ford at every step here. Mount Govardhana is the direct embodiment of exclusive love for Kṛṣṇa.
Passage 61
गोविन्दकुण्डमेतस्य हृदयं परिकीर्तितम्। कामधेनुस्तनोद्भूतैः पयोभिः परिपूरितम्॥६१॥
“Govindakuṇḍa is celebrated as Govardhana’s heart, filled with milk flowing from Kāmadhenu’s udders.
Passage 62
रुद्रकुण्डं गिरेः पुण्यं स्नानाद्दानाच्च पावनम्। पुष्पसागरनामा च तथैव सुमहानिह॥६२॥
“Sacred Rudrakuṇḍa on the mountain purifies through bathing and giving. The very great Puṣpasāgara is also here.
Passage 63
सरोवरः सुरुचिरः कृष्णेन विनिषेवितः। तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण पापपुञ्जं पलायते॥६३॥
“That beautiful lake was frequented by Kṛṣṇa. Merely seeing it causes a mass of sin to flee.
Passage 64
एवं यः कुरुते यात्रां गोवर्धनगिरेर्नृप। तस्य पापानि नश्यन्तीत्येतत्तुच्छतरं फलम्॥६४॥
“Whoever performs Govardhana’s pilgrimage has all sins destroyed, O king—and that is only the least of its rewards.
Passage 65
यत्र मुक्तिस्तृणसमा पुलकं ब्रह्मणः पदम्। कस्तस्य किल माहात्म्यं वक्तुं शक्तियुतो भवेत्॥६५॥
“Where liberation is regarded like a blade of grass and Brahmā’s station like a mere thrill, who could possess the power to express its greatness?
Passage 66
गोवर्धनगिरिः साक्षाच्चिन्तामणिमयी शिला। पूजनीया विशेषेण सर्वपापप्रणाशिनी॥६६॥
“Mount Govardhana is directly a wish-fulfilling jewel in the form of stone. It should be worshipped with special care, for it destroys every sin.
Passage 67
गोवर्धनगिरेर्धूलिः श्रीकृष्णचरणाङ्किता। सा यस्य देहे संलग्ना यमस्तस्य करोति किम्॥६७॥
“Govardhana’s dust bears the marks of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s feet. What can Yama do to a person whose body is covered by that dust?
Passage 68
शालग्रामशिला राजन् पूजनादेव भव्यदा। गोवर्धनशिला त्वत्र दर्शनादेव मोक्षदा॥६८॥
“A Śālagrāma stone bestows auspiciousness through worship, O king, but a Govardhana stone grants liberation merely by being seen.
Passage 69
नानातीर्थानि तिष्ठन्ति गोवर्धनशिलाश्रये। तां स्नापयित्वा विधिवत् प्रातरुत्थाय मानवः॥६९॥
“Many sacred fords abide within a Govardhana stone. Rising in the morning, a person should bathe it according to rule,
Passage 70
तत्तोयं सुसमाचम्य भक्त्या मानवसत्तमः। सर्वतीर्थोद्भवं पुण्यं तत्क्षणाल्लभते नृप॥७०॥
“and then reverently sip that water. In that moment the excellent person gains the merit arising from every sacred ford, O king.
Passage 71
नानेन सदृशं तीर्थं पुण्यं नानेन संमितम्। त्रैलोक्यपावनी यत्र शिला गोवर्धनोद्भवा॥७१॥
“No ford equals this and no sanctity can be compared with it, for a stone born from Govardhana purifies the three worlds.
Passage 72
एका शिला लघुतरा नृप यस्य गेहे संपूजिता कुसुमगन्धसमूहकाद्यैः। तिष्ठत्यविघ्नकरणी भविकौघहेतुः किं तस्य देवबहुभिः खलु तीर्थपुण्यैः॥७२॥
“If even one small Govardhana stone remains worshipped in a person’s home with flowers and fragrances, removing obstacles and producing abundant devotion, what need has that person for numerous gods or the merits of many fords?
Passage 73
चिदानन्दमयः सर्वो गोवर्धनगिरीश्वरः। तस्य संदर्शनादेव कोटियज्ञफलं लभेत्॥७३॥
“Lord Govardhana consists entirely of consciousness and bliss. Merely seeing him grants the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 74
तदभावे शिलां चैकां तस्य संस्थापितां गृहे। तदुद्भवैर्जलैः कोशं पावयेत् पाञ्चभौतिकम्॥७४॥
“When the mountain itself is absent, one should install a single stone from it at home and purify the body made of five elements with water arising from it.
Passage 75
सिंहासनस्थिता शैलशिला परममञ्जुला। गोवर्धनविहारेण नित्यं योजयते हरिम्॥७५॥
“An exceedingly lovely mountain stone placed upon a throne eternally joins Hari to his pastimes at Govardhana.
Passage 76
स्नानं मानसगङ्गायां सकृन्मोक्षप्रदं हरेः। दर्शनं गिरिराजस्य प्रादक्षिण्यं च भक्तितः॥७६॥
“Bathing once in Mānasī Gaṅgā, seeing King Govardhana, and devotedly circling him each grant Hari’s liberation.
Passage 77
त्रयमेतत्समं राजन् पुराणज्ञैः प्रकीर्तितम्। एकैकमश्वमेधादिमहायज्ञफलप्रदम्॥७७॥
“Knowers of the Purāṇas declare these three acts equal, O king, and each grants the fruit of an Aśvamedha and other great sacrifices.
Passage 78
सर्वेषु वेदेषु तथा पुराणेष्वन्येषु शास्त्रेषु रहस्यकेषु। गोवर्धनस्याचलपुङ्गवस्य संवर्णितोऽयं महिमैकदेशः॥७८॥
“Across all the Vedas, Purāṇas, other scriptures, and secret teachings, only a small part of the greatness of Govardhana, foremost of mountains, is described.
Passage 79
स्नानेन दानेन च विप्रभोज्यैः श्राद्धेन देवार्चनकोटिभिश्च। यत्कोटितीर्थेषु महाफलं स्याद् गोवर्धने तद्रजसि प्रतिष्ठितम्॥७९॥
“The great fruit gained at ten million fords through bathing, giving, feeding brahmins, ancestral rites, and countless acts of divine worship is present in Govardhana’s dust.
Passage 80
यत्र क्वचित्कुण्डजले सरोजले सुनिर्झरोत्थे च जले समाप्लुतः। गोवर्धनप्रान्तभुवि व्रजे वनेष्वखण्डपुण्यप्रचयः प्रकीर्तितः॥८०॥
“Immersing in any pool, lake, or clear waterfall within Govardhana’s domain and the forests of Vraja produces an uninterrupted accumulation of merit.
Passage 81
गोवर्धनाद्रिभवधातुविचित्रिताङ्गो गोवर्धनाद्रिशिखिपिच्छकृतावतंसः। गोवर्धनद्रुमसुपल्लवभूषिताङ्गो गोवर्धनोदरदरीगृहक्लृप्तवासः॥८१॥
“Kṛṣṇa’s body is painted with Govardhana’s minerals, his crest fashioned from its peacock feathers, his limbs adorned by its tender foliage, and his home prepared in a cave within the mountain.
Passage 82
गोविन्द आदिपुरुषो रमणीयलीलो राधाविभूषितमनोहरवामपार्श्वः। गोवर्धने निवसता मनुजेन नित्यं ध्यातव्य एष करुणावरुणालयात्मा॥८२॥
“A person dwelling at Govardhana should constantly meditate on Govinda, the primeval Person of delightful pastimes, whose enchanting left side is adorned by Rādhā and whose nature is an ocean of compassion.
Passage 83
गोवर्धनगिरेर्वासाद् गोविन्दसर आप्लवात्। दिव्यदृष्टिर्भवेन्मर्त्यः कृष्णं येन प्रपश्यति॥८३॥
“By residing at Govardhana and immersing in Govindasaras, a mortal gains divine sight through which Kṛṣṇa is beheld.
Passage 84
स्थानानि सन्ति भूरीणि रहस्यानि महीतले। गोवर्धनगिरेस्तुल्यं न किंचिदपि दृश्यते॥८४॥
“Many hidden places exist upon the earth, yet none is seen equal to Mount Govardhana.
Passage 85
ततोऽतिरम्यशिखरं वरसानुगिरिं व्रजेत्। राधिकायाः पितुः स्थानं वृषभानोर्महात्मनः॥८५॥
“One should then visit Varasānu hill with its exceedingly beautiful summit, the abode of great Vṛṣabhānu, Rādhikā’s father.
Passage 86
तस्य संदर्शनादेव जीवन्मुक्तो भवेन्नरः। यत्र गोष्ठानि रम्याणि धेनूनां सर्वतो दिशम्॥८६॥
“Merely seeing it, a person becomes liberated while living. Lovely cattle stations spread there in every direction.
Passage 87
कुञ्जपुञ्जावृता गावो गुञ्जद्भृङ्गाणि सौरभैः। नन्दगोपस्य गोष्ठं च गवां संवर्धनं शुभम्॥८७॥
“Cows move among clusters of bowers where bees hum amid fragrance. Nanda’s cattle station is an auspicious place where the herds flourish.
Passage 88
सर्वतः कुञ्जपुञ्जाढ्यं महामङ्गलमण्डितम्। वत्सैर्वर्तितरोमन्थं शाद्वलेषु निषादिभिः॥८८॥
“Rich in bowers on every side and adorned with great auspiciousness, it is filled with calves resting on green meadows and quietly chewing the cud.
Passage 89
घटोध्नीभिर्युतं गोभिर्मन्थानरवमङ्गलम्। गायद्गोपाङ्गनावृन्दकण्ठस्वरमनोहरम्॥८९॥
“Cows with full udders fill it; the sound of churning is auspicious, and the singing voices of the cowherd women are enchanting.
Passage 90
नित्यानन्दपदं धाम नन्दगोपस्य कीर्तितम्। यत्र नित्यं हरेर्वासो लीलारमणशालिनः॥९०॥
“Nanda’s abode is celebrated as a realm of eternal bliss where Hari, delighting in playful pastimes, resides forever.
Passage 91
इतस्ततश्चरन्तीनां गोपीनां पादनूपुरैः। रमणीयतमं नित्यं नित्यकौतूहलान्वितम्॥९१॥
“The anklets of gopīs moving here and there make it eternally delightful and filled with ever-fresh wonder.
Passage 92
नन्दीश्वरगिरौ रम्ये सर्वदेवमये शुभे। प्रतिष्ठिततमं लोके विख्यातं तीर्थमुत्तमम्॥९२॥
“On lovely, auspicious Mount Nandīśvara, which embodies every god, stands a supremely established and celebrated sacred ford.
Passage 93
नन्दग्राम इति व्यक्तं नाम धाम निरूपितम्। अनेकैः पुण्यसलिलैः सरोभिरभितो युतम्॥९३॥
“The abode is clearly known as Nandagrāma and is surrounded by many lakes of sacred water.
Passage 94
राजधानीस्वरूपं तत् समस्तव्रजमण्डले। अनेकवापिकायुक्तमनेकद्रुमसंकुलम्॥९४॥
“It serves as the capital of the entire Vraja domain, filled with many wells and crowded with abundant trees.
Passage 95
तत्राभिगमनाद्राजन् शैलसंदर्शनादपि। अवगाहाच्च तीर्थानां कृष्णलीलाविचिन्तनात्॥९५॥
“By going there, seeing the mountain, immersing at its sacred fords, and contemplating Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, O king,
Passage 96
विप्राणां भोजनाद्दानाद् व्रजधूलिविलेपनात्। माठेयस्यातिमृष्टस्य तत्रत्यस्य च भोजनात्॥९६॥
“by feeding and giving to brahmins, anointing oneself with Vraja’s dust, and eating the exceptionally sweet local preparation,
Passage 97
आयान्तीनां च यान्तीनां गवां खुररजःस्पृशः। दर्शनात् स्पर्शनाच्चापि संलापाद् व्रजवासिनाम्॥९७॥
“by touching the hoof-dust of cows coming and going, and by seeing, touching, or conversing with Vraja’s residents,
Passage 98
अनेकधा भवेन्मुक्तिस्तस्य संवासतो नृणाम्। व्रजभूमौ गमिष्यामि व्रजभूमौ वसाम्यहम्॥९८॥
“people gain liberation in many ways through residence there. ‘I shall go to Vraja’s land; I shall dwell in Vraja’s land’—
Passage 99
इति चिन्तयन्नित्यं प्रातरुत्थाय मानवः। व्रजवासोद्भवं पुण्यं लभते मानवः कलौ॥९९॥
“a person who rises each morning and continually thinks in this way gains in the Kali age the merit arising from residence in Vraja.
Passage 100
संकेतस्थानमुभयोरतुलं मध्यदेशगम्। राधाकृष्णनिजक्रीडास्थानभूतं मनोहरम्॥१००॥
“In the central region lies incomparable Saṅketa, the enchanting private place of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes.
Passage 101
साक्षात्तत्रानुभावोऽयं लोकलोचनगोचरः। न स्पृशन्ति द्रुमांस्तत्र पक्षिणोऽपि वनेचराः॥१०१॥
“Its power is directly visible to worldly eyes: even forest birds do not touch the trees there.
Passage 102
न च विट्कणिकास्तेषु पातयन्ति सुदुर्गमाः। गुल्मवृक्षलताद्याश्च दधते युगलात्मताम्॥१०२॥
“Nor do they drop any impurity upon those inaccessible trees. Shrubs, trees, vines, and other plants take on the nature of the divine couple.
Passage 103
कदाचिच्छ्रूयते चापि मनुजदिव्यमानवः। मृदङ्गरवसंनादो मुरलीरवमिश्रितः॥१०३॥
“At times a divine human sound is heard there—the resonance of mṛdaṅgas mingled with the music of the flute.
Passage 104
दृश्यन्ते चापि धरणौ सिन्दूराञ्जनबिन्दवः। यावकस्य रसश्चापि चीर्णताम्बूलिकारसः॥१०४॥
“Drops of vermilion and collyrium are also seen upon the ground, along with red foot-dye and traces of chewed betel.
Passage 105
प्रत्यक्षदृष्टैरित्याद्यैश्चिह्नैर्जनमनोहरैः। राधारमणयोः क्रीडा नित्यं तत्रानुमीयते॥१०५॥
“From these and other enchanting signs directly witnessed, the eternal pastimes of Rādhā and her beloved are inferred there.
Passage 106
अन्येषु च रहस्येषु स्थानेषु धरणीपते। द्रष्टासि तत्र प्रत्यक्षमनुभावं रहस्यगम्॥१०६॥
“At other hidden places as well, O lord of the earth, you will directly behold their mysterious power.
Passage 107
नन्दीश्वरादवाग्देशे वरसानुगिरेरुदक्। मध्ये भूमिरजोमध्ये ब्रह्मादिसुरसेविते॥१०७॥
“South of Nandīśvara and north of Varasānu lies a central tract of Vraja’s land, attended by Brahmā and the other gods.
Passage 108
उषितं कलहायन्ते काश्याद्याश्च तीर्थकोटयः। यत्र कृष्णपदाम्भोजचिह्नानि सुखमासते॥१०८॥
“There Kāśī and ten million other sacred fords dwell together, while the marks of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet rest there in bliss.
Passage 109
गोवर्धनगिरौ चैव वरसानुगिरौ तथा। नन्दीश्वरगिरौ चैव नित्यं कृष्णस्य संनिधिः॥१०९॥
“Kṛṣṇa is eternally present at Mount Govardhana, Varasānu hill, and Mount Nandīśvara.
Passage 110
यमुनायाः परे पारे गोकुलं कृष्णजन्मभूः। तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण जीवन्मुक्तो भवेन्नरः॥११०॥
“On Yamunā’s far bank lies Gokula, Kṛṣṇa’s birthplace. Merely seeing it, a person becomes liberated while living.
Passage 111
कृष्णेन पूतना यत्र मोचिता बालकेलिना। शकटश्च तृणावर्तो यत्रैव विनिपातितः॥१११॥
“There Kṛṣṇa, in his childhood play, released Pūtanā and struck down the cart demon and Tṛṇāvarta.
Passage 112
तथैव मृत्तिका यत्र भक्षिता मातृभीतितः। व्यादाय वदनं सर्वं ब्रह्माण्डं संप्रदर्शितम्॥११२॥
“There he ate clay and, fearing his mother, opened his mouth and revealed the entire universe.
Passage 113
तत्र स्नात्वा नरो याति कृष्णसायुज्यमुत्तमम्। यमलार्जुनपाते च नरो गच्छेद् विशेषतः॥११३॥
“Bathing there, a person attains supreme union with Kṛṣṇa. One should especially visit the place where the twin arjuna trees fell.
Passage 114
तत्र स्नात्वा नरो सद्यो मुच्यते नात्र संशयः। कर्णवेधनकूपे च स्नायात् तीर्थौघसेविते॥११४॥
“Bathing there, a person is immediately freed—there is no doubt. One should also bathe in the Karnavedhana well, attended by a host of sacred fords.
Passage 115
लभते पुत्रपौत्रादीन् दीर्घमायुश्च विन्दति। पितॄन् संतर्प्य विधिवच्छतं तारयते कुलम्॥११५॥
“One gains sons, grandsons, and long life. By properly satisfying the ancestors, one uplifts a hundred generations.
Passage 116
स्नात्वा भाण्डीरकूपे च भाण्डीरवटमूलगः। तत्रत्यं सेवमानश्च समीरं मन्दशीतलम्॥११६॥
“Bathing in the Bhāṇḍīra well, going beneath the Bhāṇḍīra banyan, and receiving the gentle cooling breeze there,
Passage 117
कृष्णलीलादर्शनार्थमधिकारं लभेद् ध्रुवम्। मथुरायां महाकूपे सप्तसामुद्रिकाभिधे॥११७॥
“one surely gains qualification to behold Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. In Mathurā is the great well named Saptasāmudrika.
Passage 118
स्नात्वा पितॄन् सुसंतर्प्य दत्त्वा च बहुलं द्विजे। न पुनर्जायते जन्तुर्मातृगर्भेऽतिदुःखदे॥११८॥
“Bathing there, thoroughly satisfying the ancestors, and giving generously to a brahmin, a creature is never again born in a mother’s pain-filled womb.
Passage 119
यस्य क्वापि न मुक्तिः स्यात् प्रभावाद् गयादिषु। सप्तसामुद्रिकः कूपस्तं मोचयति वै द्रुतम्॥११९॥
“Even one who gains no liberation through the power of Gayā or other places is swiftly freed by the Saptasāmudrika well.
Passage 120
दुष्कृतानि समृद्धानि मेरुमन्दरशैलवत्। तूलराशिवदुड्डीय गच्छन्त्यत्रावगाहनात्॥१२०॥
“Sins accumulated like Mounts Meru and Mandara fly away like heaps of cotton when one immerses here.
Passage 121
यावन्ति भुवि तीर्थानि सप्तद्वीपावधिस्थितानि। तावन्ति विमले कूपे सप्तसामुद्रिकाभिधे॥१२१॥
“Every sacred ford situated across the earth’s seven continents is present in the stainless well named Saptasāmudrika.
Passage 122
एवं यः कुरुते राजन् मथुरायाः समन्ततः। यात्रां पापहरां सद्यः स किं मर्त्यः स देवतः॥१२२॥
“Whoever performs this sin-removing pilgrimage all around Mathurā, O king, immediately ceases to be merely mortal and becomes divine.
Passage 123
मथुरामण्डलेऽन्यानि तीर्थानि धरणीपते। रहस्यानि क्रियार्हाणि पितृदेवार्चनादिषु॥१२३॥
“Other hidden sacred fords in Mathurā’s domain, O lord of the earth, are suitable for rites such as worship of the ancestors and gods.
Passage 124
तेषु स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च यथाशक्ति द्विजन्मने। न पुनर्लभते जन्तुर्मातृगर्भान्तरे स्थितिम्॥१२४॥
“Bathing there and giving to a brahmin according to one’s means, a creature never again takes up residence within a mother’s womb.
Passage 125
मथुरामण्डले राजन् पशुपक्ष्यन्त्यजा अपि। चतुर्भुजा एव सर्वे इत्याज्ञा जगतो हरेः॥१२५॥
“Within Mathurā’s domain, O king, even animals, birds, and outcastes all possess four arms—such is the command of Hari, Lord of the world.” *Thus ends Chapter 106 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the Ādi-Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, during Daśaratha’s pilgrimage.*