Passage 1
उत्पातान् समभिज्ञाय महाघोषे महीपते। शङ्कयानः शिशोर्विघ्नं गोपैः साकममन्त्रयम्॥१॥
“Great king, recognizing the ominous disturbances and the immense commotion, I feared another danger to the child and consulted the cowherds.
Passage 2
प्रियमोदप्रमोदाद्या गोपवृद्धाः पुरातनाः। शुभार्थिनो मे ये सर्वे तेषां वृद्धः प्रियाभिधः॥२॥
“Among my venerable cowherd elders—Priyamoda, Pramoda, and the others—all of whom desired my welfare, the eldest was named Priya.
Passage 3
गोपालो मतिमान् धीरो वीरोऽयं परपुरञ्जयः। अब्रवीन्मन्त्रममलं तन्निशामय भूपते॥३॥
“That intelligent and steadfast cowherd, a hero who could conquer hostile cities, offered flawless counsel. Hear it now, king. Priya said:
Passage 4
होराशास्त्रे प्रवीणोऽहं शिष्यो माण्डव्यधीमतः। राजनीतौ च निपुणो लोकवार्ताविचक्षणः॥४॥
“I am proficient in the science of horoscopy, a pupil of the wise Māṇḍavya, skilled in statecraft, and discerning in the affairs of the world.
Passage 5
तस्मान्मम मतं पक्वं कार्यमायुष्मता सदा। राजलक्ष्मीमतिक्रम्य लक्ष्मीस्ते शोभतेऽधुना॥५॥
“Therefore, long-lived lord, you should always act upon my mature counsel. The prosperity that now graces you surpasses even royal fortune.
Passage 6
श्रोतव्या प्रथमं नीतिस्ततो धर्मस्त्वया विभो। ततो लोकहिताचारः सानुष्ठानप्रयोजनः॥६॥
“Lord, first you must heed sound policy, then dharma, and thereafter conduct that benefits the world and is realized through proper practice.
Passage 7
पथ्यं तथ्यं च यो ब्रूते स हितः स सुहृज्जनः। तमेव च पुरस्कृत्य कृतं कार्यं न शोच्यति॥७॥
“One who speaks what is wholesome and true is a benefactor and a genuine friend. A deed performed with such a person placed foremost never becomes a cause for regret.
Passage 8
संपदा सेवितं वीक्ष्य बह्वो यान्ति सेवितुम्। तेषां स्वरूपं संस्थानं ज्ञेयं संपद्यता सदा॥८॥
“Seeing a prosperous person attended by others, many come forward to serve him. While prosperity lasts, he must continually discern their true nature and position.
Passage 9
संपदि प्रायशः सर्वे घनतां यान्ति मानुषाः। आपत्काले विशीर्यन्ति घना इव मरुज्जवे॥९॥
“In prosperity nearly everyone gathers around like a mass of clouds, but in adversity they scatter like clouds before a powerful wind.
Passage 10
एक एव हितः श्रेयान् किमनल्पैर्हिताविदैः। तं राजा न त्यजेज्जातु स हि तस्यासुसंमितः॥१०॥
“A single true well-wisher is better; what use are multitudes who do not know one's welfare? A ruler should never abandon that person, for such a friend is as dear to him as life itself.
Passage 11
संपदा नावजानीयाद्धितज्ञं मानुषं धनी। संपदो भूरि जायन्ते हितज्ञो विरलो जनः॥११॥
“A wealthy man should not despise a person who understands his welfare. Fortunes arise in abundance, but a true knower of one's good is rare.
Passage 12
संपन्नः पुरुषो लोके संपदं रक्षयेत् सदा। सुकृतः सञ्चयस्तस्य दुष्करं रक्षणं पुनः॥१२॥
“A person in this world must always guard his prosperity. Accumulating it may be an achievement, but preserving it is harder still.
Passage 13
एकस्य संपदं वीक्ष्य विकृतिं यान्ति वै परे। छिद्रान्वेषिभ्य एतेभ्यो रक्षणं कार्यमुच्चकैः॥१३॥
“When others behold one man's prosperity, they may become perverse. Therefore one must guard it vigorously from those who search out vulnerabilities.
Passage 14
संपत्सु च प्रभूतासु न कर्तव्यः स्मयो बुधैः। स एव तासां नाशस्य प्रकारो मुख्य उच्यते॥१४॥
“The wise must not become proud amid abundant prosperity, for pride is said to be the foremost way by which riches are destroyed.
Passage 15
आपन्न इव संपत्सु दीनतां सर्वतः श्रयेत्। ईशस्य हि वशे कृत्वा संपदः सुखमेधते॥१५॥
“Even when prosperous, one should remain humble on every side as though beset by adversity. Entrusting prosperity to the Lord's control, one flourishes in peace.
Passage 16
अन्यं न विश्वसेज्जातु संपत्सु कुशलो नरः। अनेकरूपतो दुष्टाः सञ्चरन्त्यपहारकाः॥१६॥
“Amid prosperity, a prudent person should never trust just anyone, for wicked plunderers move about in many forms.
Passage 17
यथा प्रतिष्ठा जगति प्राणानां चापि वर्तनम्। तामेव संपदं नित्यं जानीयादात्मनो हिताम्॥१७॥
“Recognize as beneficial only that prosperity which gives one a firm standing in the world and sustains the course of life.
Passage 18
हितानेव जनान् मर्म ज्ञापनीयं न भूरिशः। संपत्संरक्षणार्थं च मृग्यं संपद्दता स्थलम्॥१८॥
“Reveal one's vulnerable secrets only to genuine well-wishers, never to many; and to preserve prosperity, a prosperous person must seek an appropriate place.
Passage 19
यत्रस्थः संपदो भुङ्क्ते परैरपरिभावितः। संपद्दता स्थलं ग्राह्यमाकरादिविवर्जितम्॥१९॥
“Choose a place where one may enjoy prosperity without being overpowered by others, a place free of mines and other causes of contention.
Passage 20
संभावितश्रीविषये परैरुत्साद्यते चिरात्। साधारणे स्थले स्थित्वा साधारणतया वसेत्॥२०॥
“In a region famous for wealth, rivals eventually drive a prosperous man away. He should settle in an ordinary place and live without ostentation.
Passage 21
भुञ्जीत नियतान् भोगान् सशङ्कितमनाश्चिरम्। धर्मं चार्थं च कामं च सेवमानोऽनिशं जनः॥२१॥
“He should enjoy only regulated pleasures and remain watchful, continually pursuing dharma, material welfare, and rightly ordered desire.
Passage 22
उत्तरोत्तरतो विद्यात्त्रये सर्वान् नियोजयेत्। अर्जयेच्च तथा येन रात्रौ स्वस्थमनाः स्वपेत्॥२२॥
“He should understand their successive order and engage everyone properly in all three. He should earn in such a way that he can sleep at night with a peaceful mind.
Passage 23
अर्जयेद्यशसा येन वार्धके सुखमेधते। जन्मना चार्जयेद्येन भुक्त्वान्ते सुखमाप्नुयात्॥२३॥
“He should acquire the good name by which happiness increases in old age, and through this birth acquire that by which, after enjoying life, he attains happiness at the end.
Passage 24
दुःखाभावः सुखं चेति पुरुषार्थौ यतो द्वयम्। कुर्यात् सत्पुरुषैः सङ्गं देवांशाविष्टचेतनैः॥२४॥
“Since freedom from suffering and the attainment of happiness are life's two aims, one should associate with good people whose consciousness is imbued with a divine portion.
Passage 25
असुरांशैः कृतः सङ्गः समूलं नाशयेज्जनम्। धर्मं समाचरेन्नित्यं यथा संपन्नवस्तुभिः॥२५॥
“Association with those who embody a demonic portion destroys a person at the root. One should constantly practice dharma with whatever resources one possesses.
Passage 26
संपदां चात्मनश्चैव धर्म एवाभिरक्षकः। आपद्यपि जनः प्राप्तो धार्मिको नियतं भवेत्॥२६॥
“Dharma alone protects both prosperity and the self. Even when adversity arrives, a person should remain steadfastly righteous.
Passage 27
जित्वा धर्मबलात् सर्वान् भूयः प्राप्नोति संपदः। धर्मे येषां स्थिरा निष्ठा किं तेष्वापत् करिष्यति॥२७॥
“By dharma's strength one conquers every adversity and regains prosperity. What can misfortune do to those whose commitment to dharma is firm?
Passage 28
आपदोऽपि नृणां तेषां संपत्प्राया उदीरिताः। आत्मा कुटुम्बिनी पुत्रा गृहं परिजना भुवः॥२८॥
“For such people even adversities are said to resemble blessings. The self, wife, children, home, attendants, and lands—
Passage 29
यः सर्वमेव धर्मार्थं प्रयुञ्जीत स पण्डितः। यस्य धर्मे परा निष्ठा प्राणेभ्योऽपि गरीयसी॥२९॥
“The wise person employs all of these for dharma. His supreme devotion to dharma weighs more heavily even than life itself.
Passage 30
सर्वशास्त्रादिविद्यासु मूर्धा एव स पण्डितः। आत्मना फलयेज्जन्म जन्मना त्रिविधं वयः॥३०॥
“Such a wise person stands at the summit of every scripture and science. He should make his birth fruitful through the self and make all three stages of life fruitful through that birth.
Passage 31
वयसा भौतिकं पिण्डं पिण्डेनात्मप्रयोजनम्। धर्मोऽस्य परमो बन्धुरिह चैव परत्र च॥३१॥
“With the stages of life he should perfect the material body, and through the body fulfill the purpose of the self. Dharma is his supreme friend both here and hereafter.
Passage 32
न तमापत् स्पृशेज्जातु यस्य धर्मे ध्रुवा मतिः। नातीयाल्लौकिकं वृत्तमलौकिकपरोऽपि सन्॥३२॥
“Calamity never touches one whose mind is firmly set on dharma. Even while devoted to the transcendent, he should not transgress the world's rightful order.
Passage 33
लौकिकं पालयानस्य सिद्ध्येत् सर्वमलौकिकम्। लोकस्य नैकदेशोऽस्ति शास्त्रं यद्यप्यलौकिकम्॥३३॥
“For one who sustains worldly order, every transcendent aim is accomplished. Although scripture is transcendent, it does not stand entirely apart from the world.
Passage 34
तथापि लोकवर्तित्वान्नियोज्योऽत्येति नैव तम्। यत्र यस्य स्थितिर्नित्यं सोऽनुरुध्यात् सदैव तम्॥३४॥
“Because a person lives within the world, the rule governing him does not pass him by. He should always respect the order in which he continually stands.
Passage 35
प्राश्नीत मधुरं चापि न मत्स्यः सलिलाद्बहिः। अलौकिकी क्रिया चापि विरुणद्धि न लौकिकम्॥३५॥
“Even if offered something sweet, a fish cannot thrive outside water. Likewise, transcendent practice does not contradict rightful worldly conduct.
Passage 36
विरोधे संशयप्राप्तौ त्यज्यते शास्त्रमप्युत। लोकसिद्धो य आचारः स कार्यो भूतिमिच्छता॥३६॥
“When conflict creates genuine uncertainty, even a scriptural prescription may be set aside; one who seeks well-being should follow conduct established and accepted among the people.
Passage 37
परम्परायाः प्रामाण्यं प्रयोजकमनुत्तमम्। लोके वर्धयते कीर्तिं व्यवहारः सुरक्षितः॥३७॥
“The authority of an inherited tradition is an unsurpassed guide. Conduct preserved in this way increases one's good name in the world.
Passage 38
क्रियते कीर्तये सर्वं तदस्य परमं वपुः। लौकिका यदि निन्दन्ति तन्निन्द्यं वैदिकैरपि॥३८॥
“All action is undertaken for an honorable name, which becomes one's enduring embodiment. If decent people condemn an act, the Vedic authorities condemn it as well.
Passage 39
एक एव शुचिः पन्थाः प्रायशो लोकवेदयोः। इदं मे मतमातिष्ठन् गोपराज सुखी भव॥३९॥
“For the most part, worldly propriety and the Veda share one pure path. Follow this counsel of mine, cowherd king, and be happy.
Passage 40
त्वयैव सुखिना सर्वे सुखिनः स्म वयं यतः। संपत् ते संप्रति परा स्वयं रामः सुखाकरः॥४०॥
“When you are happy, all of us are happy. Your supreme treasure now is Rāma himself, the very mine of joy.
Passage 41
सर्वविघ्नसमूहेभ्यो गोपायेनमतन्द्रितः। यस्मिन् सुरक्षिते सर्वं सकलं स्याद् गवांपते॥४१॥
“Protect him tirelessly from every host of dangers, lord of the cattle, for when he is safe, everything and everyone will be safe.
Passage 42
तदेव रक्षणीयं ते आत्मनापि धनैरपि। धर्मशिक्षां तु ते नित्यं धर्मनिष्ठैकवेश्मनः॥४२॥
“He alone must be protected by your very life and wealth. As for instructing you in dharma, you are already its steadfast and singular abode.
Passage 43
पुनरुक्ताय तेऽस्माभिस्तदप्याशास्महे शुभम्। प्रवृत्तोऽपि हि सन्मार्गे धीमान् सिद्धैः प्रवर्त्यते॥४३॥
“Although we have merely repeated what you already know, we still hope it will bring good. Even a wise man already walking the right path is encouraged onward by accomplished counselors.
Passage 44
पूर्वप्रवृत्तिदार्ढ्याय मुहुस्तत्र नियोज्यता। लोकवृत्तोपदेशोऽपि व्यवहारपटोस्तव॥४४॥
“Repeated encouragement serves to strengthen an undertaking already begun, though instruction about worldly conduct can add little to one as practically adept as you.
Passage 45
न किञ्चिदुपयुज्येत स्नेहात्तु प्रेरिता वयम्। धर्मेण लोकवृत्तेश्च नित्यं गोपाय गोपते॥४५॥
“Our words may offer you nothing new; affection alone impelled us. Cowherd lord, protect him always through dharma and prudent worldly conduct.
Passage 46
अशेषव्रजजीवातुं रामं बालमिमं प्रियम्। भवितायं व्रजभुवः सर्वस्था एव नायकः॥४६॥
“This dear child Rāma is the life of all Vraja. In every circumstance he will become the leader of the land of Vraja.
Passage 47
गोदुहां च कुलेष्वेष सुश्रियं वर्धयिष्यति। गावो वत्सास्तथानेन पालनीयाः विशेषतः॥४७॥
“He will increase splendid prosperity among the cowherd clans. Through him the cows and calves are to receive especial protection.
Passage 48
यथा पौरन्दरी लक्ष्मीस्तृणवद्भास्यते नृणाम्। अलौकिकीं श्रियमयं व्रजे संभावयिष्यति॥४८॥
“Beside the transcendent fortune he will manifest in Vraja, even Indra's royal wealth will appear to people as insignificant as straw.
Passage 49
यथा देशाधिनाथानां श्रीमदः शान्तिमेष्यति। हरिष्यन्ति बलिं भूपाः किमु वाच्यमिदं लघु॥४९॥
“The proud opulence of territorial rulers will be humbled, and kings will bring him tribute. Why dwell upon such a small matter?
Passage 50
इन्द्रादिमुकुटैरस्य यत्सेव्या यन्नखप्रभा। सर्वसौख्यफलान्येष सर्वतः संफलिष्यति। अपवर्गसुखं येन तृणवत्प्रतिभास्यति॥५०॥
“The radiance of his toenails is served by the crowns of Indra and the other gods. He will bring every fruit of happiness to fulfillment on all sides, so fully that even the bliss of liberation will seem like straw.
Passage 51
अभ्युद्धरिष्यति कुलानि च गोदुहां नः स्वर्गापवर्गसुखसंततिसार्वभौमः। माङ्गल्यमेष वितनिष्यति भूय एव स्वेच्छावशात्त्रिजगतामशुभोत्करघ्नः॥५१॥
“Sovereign over the continuities of heavenly and liberating bliss, he will raise up all our cowherd families. Acting from his own free will, he will spread ever greater auspiciousness and destroy the accumulated evil of the three worlds.
Passage 52
स्वर्गापवर्गस्थानेष्वप्यलभ्यं भोगमुत्तमम्। अयं भावयिता साक्षाद् ग्राम्याणामपि गोदुहाम्॥५२॥
“He will directly bestow upon even our rustic cowherds a supreme delight unobtainable in the realms of heaven or liberation.
Passage 53
ऋद्धयः सिद्धयश्चापि भजिष्यन्ति स्वतः व्रजम्। अस्यैव संप्रसादेन न किञ्चिद् दुर्लभं च वः॥५३॥
“Prosperities and mystic perfections will come to Vraja of their own accord. By his grace alone, nothing will remain difficult for you to obtain.
Passage 54
अस्य प्रभावं मे सर्वमूचुरेकान्ततः सखे। मुनयः सर्ववेत्तारो योगचक्षुर्निरीक्षकाः॥५४॥
“Friend, omniscient sages who behold through the eye of yoga privately told me the full extent of his glory.
Passage 55
दुर्वासा भगवानत्रिर्वसिष्ठः पुलहस्तथा। पुलस्त्यो नारदश्चैव याज्ञवल्क्योऽथ गौतमः॥५५॥
“They included Durvāsā, the venerable Atri, Vasiṣṭha and Pulaha, Pulastya, Nārada, Yājñavalkya, and Gautama.
Passage 56
अन्ये च दिव्यवेत्तारो मुनयः शुद्धबुद्धयः। ते नित्यमातिथेयत्वादातिथ्यग्रहणाय मे॥५६॥
“Other pure-minded sages who know divine truth also came, for I have always honored the sacred duty of hospitality.
Passage 57
संप्राप्ताः सदनं नित्यं तोषिता विनयेन मे। तान् संतुष्टानहं वीक्ष्य पर्यपृच्छं विशेषतः॥५७॥
“They regularly reached my home and were pleased by my humble service. Seeing them content, I questioned them privately and in detail.
Passage 58
सख्युस्तवास्य पुत्रस्य भाविनीं भूतिमुत्तमाम्। ते मामूचुर्यदेतस्य रहस्यं रूपमद्भुतम्॥५८॥
“I asked about the supreme future glory of this son of yours, my friend. They told me that his wondrous true form is a mystery.
Passage 59
तन्मया पार्यते वक्तुं रहस्यत्वात् कदाचन। एतावत्तैव विद्धि त्वं यदसौ पुरुषोत्तमः॥५९॥
“Because it is secret, I am never able to disclose it fully. Know only this much: he is the Supreme Person.
Passage 60
गुहासु मायया नित्यं विहरत्यात्मसेवकैः। श्रीवत्साङ्कः स भगवानेष एव न संशयः॥६०॥
“He eternally sports in hidden retreats, through his own māyā and with his personal servants. He is that very Lord marked by Śrīvatsa—of this there is no doubt.
Passage 61
यद्येनं भुवि जानीयुर्मनुष्याः पुरुषोत्तमम्। सर्व एव तदा लोके विमुच्येरन् न संशयः॥६१॥
“If human beings on earth recognized him as the Supreme Person, every one of them in this world would be liberated—there is no doubt.
Passage 62
गोपायेति यदुक्तं च त्वत्पुत्रविषये मया। तद्वात्सल्यगुणेनैव नो चेद् गोप्तायमेव ते॥६२॥
“When I said that your son should be protected, I spoke only from parental tenderness. Otherwise, he himself is your protector.
Passage 63
सङ्कटेभ्योऽतिकष्टेभ्यो रक्षिष्यत्यखिलं व्रजम्। भवतां सर्वसौख्यानि वितनिष्यत्यसौ ध्रुवम्॥६३॥
“He will protect all Vraja from the most grievous dangers and will certainly extend every happiness among you.
Passage 64
निधायैनं हृदि सदा विलसन्तोऽखिलैः शुभैः। यतध्वं शरणापन्ना एनमेव नरोत्तमम्॥६४॥
“Place him always in your hearts, flourish with every blessing, and strive onward after taking refuge in this supreme person alone.
Passage 65
अस्य लीलाविनोदेन रञ्जयध्वं चिरं मनः। रक्षणं चास्य हृदये सद्भावेन सेवनम्॥६५॥
“Delight your minds endlessly in his playful līlā. His true protection consists in serving him within the heart with sincere feeling.
Passage 66
अत्र स्थाने महोत्पाता जातास्तेऽनेन शासिताः। तथापि त्यज्यतामत्र वासः स्थेयं रहःस्थले॥६६॥
“Great portents arose at this place and were subdued by him. Even so, abandon this residence and settle in a more secluded place.
Passage 67
नन्दिग्रामोऽधिवासार्थं रोचते मम संप्रति। गुप्ताश्च प्रकटाश्चैव देवता यत्र सन्ति हि॥६७॥
“Nandigrāma now seems to me the proper place to live, for hidden and manifest deities both dwell there.
Passage 68
रक्षोघ्ना देवता रक्षां करिष्यन्ति शिशोस्तव। न तत्र राक्षसी भीतिर्देवतानां प्रभावतः॥६८॥
“Those demon-destroying deities will protect your child. Through their power there will be no fear of Rākṣasas there.
Passage 69
पालीग्रामश्च सविधे यत्र श्रीनन्दनो नृपः। तस्य पत्नी महोदारा नाम्ना श्रीराजिनी पुरा॥६९॥
“Nearby lies Pālīgrāma, where the noble chief Śrī Nandana lives. His greatly generous wife has long been known as Śrī Rājinī.
Passage 70
कन्यारत्नं च तद्गेहे साक्षाल्लक्ष्मीस्तु सोच्यते। भवित्री तव पुत्रस्य वधूरेषा न संशयः॥७०॥
“Their house possesses a jewel of a daughter, rightly said to be Lakṣmī herself. She will become your son's bride—there is no doubt.
Passage 71
आगमज्ञास्तु मामूचुर्माण्डव्याद्या मुनीश्वराः। तेनाभिसंधिना तत्र विशेषाद्वास इष्यताम्॥७१॥
“Great sages versed in revelation, Māṇḍavya and the others, told me this. Keeping that purpose in view, you should especially desire residence there.
Passage 72
श्रीनन्दनेन गोपेन मैत्री कार्या चिरं तव। धर्मज्ञः सुकृती विद्वान् रामभक्तः पराक्रमी॥७२॥
“Form a lasting friendship with the cowherd Śrī Nandana. He knows dharma, is virtuous and learned, devoted to Rāma, and valorous.
Passage 73
तेन मैत्री चिरं जाता सर्वान् विघ्नान् हरिष्यति। अयमेव महाँल्लाभो भविष्यति तव ध्रुवम्॥७३॥
“A lasting friendship with him will remove every obstacle. This itself will certainly become an immense gain for you.
Passage 74
श्रीराजिन्या च तत्पत्न्या माङ्गल्या सख्यमेष्यति। एवं परस्परं स्नेहो वर्धमानो दिने दिने॥७४॥
“Your auspicious wife will form a friendship with his wife Śrī Rājinī, and mutual affection will increase day after day.
Passage 75
करिष्यति व्रजभुवो माङ्गल्यं सर्वतः सुखम्। तस्मात्तत्र सखे नित्यं विशेषाद्वासमिष्यताम्॥७५॥
“It will bring auspiciousness and happiness throughout the land of Vraja. Therefore, friend, make that place your permanent and chosen residence.
Passage 76
सरयूसविधे तत्र यथैवात्र विराजते। तत्तीरे गोधनं सर्वं न्यस्यतां गोष्ठभूमिषु॥७६॥
“It shines there beside the Sarayū just as this place does here. Settle all the cattle in pasture enclosures along that bank.
Passage 77
हरित्तृणमयो देशः सरयूतोयशीतलः। बहूदको बहुफलैस्तरुभिः परिवेष्टितः॥७७॥
“The land is covered with green grass, cooled by the Sarayū's water, rich in water, and encircled by trees bearing abundant fruit.
Passage 78
परितः शकटांस्तत्र विन्यस्य सुविधानतः। प्राकारमिव संरच्य सर्वतो गोपरक्षितम्॥७८॥
“Arrange the wagons conveniently around its perimeter, forming a rampart guarded by cowherds on every side.
Passage 79
मध्ये शुभानि गोष्ठानि विरच्यन्तां महामते। समन्ताद् वेष्टयतां ग्रामस्तन्मध्ये क्रियतां गृहम्॥७९॥
“Wise lord, construct fine cattle enclosures within it. Let the village extend all around and your house be built at its center.
Passage 80
महाप्रासादसुखदं दिव्यतोरणभूषितम्। बहुभिः शिखरै रम्यं तुङ्गध्वजविचित्रितम्॥८०॥
“Let it be a great and comfortable palace, adorned with celestial gateways, beautiful with many towers, and distinguished by lofty banners.
Passage 81
महाराजन्यवर्यस्य वासोचितमनुत्तमम्। यमासाद्य प्रपश्येम श्रीनन्दननिकेतनम्॥८१॥
“Let it be an unsurpassed residence worthy of an eminent ruler, from which we may approach and behold Śrī Nandana's dwelling.
Passage 82
महोच्छ्रायं महारम्यं महाभूतिविभूषितम्। महाविशालं विशदं सर्वबन्धुनिवेशनम्॥८२॥
“Let it rise high, be immensely delightful and adorned with great prosperity, vast, radiant, and capable of lodging every kinsman.
Passage 83
तत्र रामस्य सुखदेश्चरितैरमृतैरिव। व्यगाहयन्त आत्मानं वर्तध्वमिति मे मतम्॥८३॥
“Live there, immersing yourselves in Rāma's bliss-giving deeds as though in nectar. Such is my counsel. Sukhita said:
Passage 84
इत्याकर्ण्य वचो रम्यं गोपवृद्धेन भाषितम्। सर्वेऽप्युत्कण्ठिता जाता नन्दिग्रामनिषेवणे॥८४॥
“Hearing the beautiful advice spoken by the cowherd elder, everyone became eager to settle in Nandigrāma.
Passage 85
अथ सर्वं समादाय वर्णरत्नादिकं घनम्। गोधनं च पुरस्कृत्य सषट्पञ्चाशत्कोटिकम्॥८५॥
“We then gathered our entire mass of precious metals, jewels, and other wealth and set out with the herds foremost—fifty-six crores of cattle.
Passage 86
अनांस्यारुह्य गोपीभिर्नन्दिग्राममगां नृप। स्वं स्वं च गोधनं सर्वे पुरोधायान्वगुर्हि तम्॥८६॥
“King, I went to Nandigrāma with the cowherd women riding in wagons. All the others followed, each driving his own herd ahead.
Passage 87
वीरपालाभिधं गोपं महाघोषाभिरक्षकम्। विधाय सकलैर्गोपैर्नन्दिग्राममहं गतः॥८७॥
“We appointed the cowherd named Vīrapāla to protect the great encampment and, with all the cowherds, established Nandigrāma upon that land.
Passage 88
स देशो भवतां राजन् पूर्वमेव विलोकितः। जलशाठ्येषु रम्येषु तत्रत्येषु महीपते॥८८॥
“King, that region has already been seen by you, with its delightful pools and waters spread throughout the land.
Passage 89
अनुगृहीते स्नानदाने धर्मपत्न्या सह। निरीक्षिताश्च भूपाल समन्तात् कुञ्जभूमयः॥८९॥
“After bathing and giving gifts there together with my lawful wife, I inspected, king, the grove-covered lands on every side.
Passage 90
तत्र वृत्तानि रामस्य चरित्राणि निशामय। एकैकमद्भुततरं सुधातोऽप्यतिमञ्जुलम्॥९०॥
“Now hear the deeds of Rāma that occurred there, each more wondrous than the last and lovelier even than nectar.
Passage 91
गृहीतं हठतस्तेन वत्सानां चारणं नृप। सरयूरम्यतीरेषु दिव्यमारुतमञ्जुषु॥९१॥
“King, he insistently took up the task of tending the calves along the delightful banks of the Sarayū, which were filled with divine breezes.
Passage 92
शुशुभे वनपालेषु दिव्यं वेषं मुदावहन्। लक्ष्मणाद्यनुजैः सार्धं लघुयष्टिधरः शिशुः॥९२॥
“The child shone among the forest herders, joyfully wearing divine attire and carrying a light staff, together with Lakṣmaṇa and his other younger brothers.
Passage 93
तत्र तं वत्सरूपेण प्राप्तः कश्चिन्महासुरः। हन्तुकामः स मनसा चचार गहने वने॥९३॥
“There a great demon approached in the form of a calf. Wishing in his heart to kill Rāma, he moved through the deep forest.
Passage 94
स हरित्तृणलोभेन विवेश गहनान्तरम्। तत्पृष्ठलग्नः सर्वज्ञः स्वयमन्वचलत् प्रभुः॥९४॥
“Lured by green grass, he entered the forest's depths. The omniscient Lord himself followed close behind him.
Passage 95
यावत्प्रकाशते रूपं स्वीयमासुरभासुरम्। तावदादाय पदयोः प्रक्षिप्तस्तरुपङ्क्तिषु॥९५॥
“Just as the demon manifested his own terrible, blazing form, Rāma seized him by the feet and hurled him into the rows of trees.
Passage 96
भग्नकल्पोऽपि स खलो रूपमुत्तुङ्गं तादृशम्। अतिष्ठद्द्योमचिकुरो भूमिस्थचरणाङ्गुलिः॥९६॥
“Though nearly broken, the villain rose in that same gigantic form, his hair touching the sky and the tips of his feet planted on the earth.
Passage 97
मुष्टिमुद्यम्य तं बालं यावत्ताडयतेऽसुरः। तावत् स्वलघुटं बालः प्राचोदयदिहासुरे॥९७॥
“As the demon raised his fist to strike the child, Rāma drove his small herding staff into the demon.
Passage 98
गदारूपेण लगुडः प्रापतत् तस्य वक्षसि। विद्धो गदाप्रहारेण सद्य एव महासुरः॥९८॥
“The staff assumed the force of a mace and struck his chest. Pierced by that mace-like blow, the great demon fell at once.
Passage 99
तारकासदृशं भास्वदात्मज्योतिः समर्पयन्। रामस्य चरणाम्भोजे गतासुरपतद् भुवि॥९९॥
“His radiant inner light, resembling a star, offered itself at Rāma's lotus feet; deprived of life, the demon fell upon the ground.
Passage 100
तस्मिन् निपतिते भूमौ क्रूरकर्मणि दानवे। मन्दारकुसुमैर्वर्षमादितेया अचीकरन्॥१००॥
“When that cruelly acting demon fell to earth, the sons of Aditi showered down mandāra flowers.
Passage 101
एवं सहांसस्तीक्ष्णतुण्डस्तडिन्नखनिपातनः। श्येनाकारधरः क्रूरो रोरुवन्नत्यरुन्तुदः॥१०१॥
“Then another fierce being appeared in the form of a hawk, with a sharp beak and lightning-like descending talons, crying terribly and inflicting intense pain.
Passage 102
शम्पापथा घनं भित्त्वा महानसुर आगमत्। चञ्चुपुटे शिशुं कृत्वा यावदुत्प्लवते दिवि॥१०२॥
“The great demon came cleaving the cloud like the path of a lightning bolt. He caught the child in his beak and tried to leap into the sky.
Passage 103
तावच्चञ्चुपुटस्तस्य चूर्णभावमुपागतः। श्रीरामस्य प्रभावेण ततः स प्राक्षिपन्नखान्॥१०३॥
“At once his beak was pulverized by Śrī Rāma's power. He then struck out with his talons.
Passage 104
नखा वक्त्राङ्गनिर्भिन्नाः सद्यो भङ्गमुपागताः। भग्नतुण्डो भग्ननखः पक्षतीः पर्यताडयत्॥१०४॥
“The talons that struck Rāma's face and limbs immediately shattered. With beak and talons broken, the demon beat his wings violently.
Passage 105
शिरीषसुकुमाराङ्गः कठिनो हृदयेन सः। अथ रामस्तस्य पक्षौ दोर्भ्यां पर्युदपाटयत्॥१०५॥
“Though his limbs were tender as śirīṣa blossoms, Rāma's resolve was hard; with his two arms he tore away the demon's wings.
Passage 106
चिक्षेप च फलक्षेपं बलादुपरितो भुवि। छिन्नभिन्नोदरः श्येनः पञ्चत्वमगमत् क्षणात्॥१०६॥
“He hurled the hawk forcefully down to earth as one casts a fruit. Its belly torn and split, the creature died in an instant.
Passage 107
व्योम्नः स्खलत्तारकाभं तस्यात्मज्योतिरुद्गतम्। व्यलीयत पदाम्भोजे रामस्य परमात्मनः॥१०७॥
“Its inner radiance rose like a star falling from the sky and merged into the lotus feet of Rāma, the Supreme Self.
Passage 108
अथ वत्सगणान् रामो विकीर्णान् सर्वतो दिशम्। एकीकृत्य वनप्रान्तादुपावर्तत सौख्यकृत्॥१०८॥
“Rāma then gathered together the calves scattered in every direction and, bestowing happiness, turned back from the forest's edge.
Passage 109
लघुमेकां वहन् यष्टिं रम्यां करपङ्कजे। विषाणमपरे चैव काकपक्षमनोहरः॥१०९॥
“Enchanting with his side-locks, he carried a small, graceful staff in one lotus hand and a horn in the other.
Passage 110
सुवर्णसूत्ररचितमुष्णीषं शिरसा दधत्। तदुपर्याहिताश्चित्राः शिखिचन्द्रिकाः॥११०॥
“Upon his head he wore a turban woven with golden thread, above which were set colorful eye-spots from peacock feathers.
Passage 111
त्रिकोणाकृति बिभ्राणः कटिवस्त्रं मनोहरम्। कटीबन्धं च मधुरं चलत्काञ्चीमणिक्वणः॥१११॥
“He wore a charming triangular waistcloth and a lovely girdle whose jeweled bells rang as he moved.
Passage 112
चरणाम्भोजसक्वाणकिङ्किणीगणशोभितः। वलयाङ्गदहारादिभूषागणविभूषितः॥११२॥
“Clusters of tinkling bells adorned his lotus feet, and he was ornamented with bracelets, armlets, necklaces, and other jewels.
Passage 113
स्फुरन्मकरिकापत्रभालगण्डमुखप्रभः। स्वल्पपादाम्बुजलसदुपानद्द्वयशोभितः॥११३॥
“Shining makarikā designs enhanced the beauty of his brow, cheeks, and face, while a pair of little sandals graced his lotus feet.
Passage 114
आदावन्ते च मध्ये च यूथस्य महतोऽभवत्। कदाचित्तर्णकस्तोमे शिशुस्तोमे च कदाचन॥११४॥
“At times he moved at the front of the great herd, at times at its rear or middle—now amid the cluster of calves and now amid the band of children.
Passage 115
कदाचित्तर्णकान् यष्ट्या प्रेरयन् मधुरस्वरः। कदाचिच्छिशुभिः सार्धं क्रीडन् विविधकेलिभिः॥११५॥
“Sometimes, speaking sweetly, he guided the calves with his staff; sometimes he joined the children in many kinds of play.
Passage 116
नमद्ब्रह्ममहेन्द्रादिशिरोमुकुटकोटिषु। पदे पदे दिव्यवेषैर्बोध्यमानोऽपि पार्षदैः॥११६॥
“At every step the tips of the crowns of bowing Brahmā, Indra, and the other gods approached him, while celestial attendants in divine attire tried to remind him of his majesty.
Passage 117
विष्वक्सेनखगाधीशप्रमुखैर्वेत्रधारिभिः। रूपसौन्दर्यसारस्य सीमा सर्वाङ्गभूषितः॥११७॥
“Viṣvaksena, Garuḍa, and other staff-bearing servants attended him; adorned in every limb, he was the very limit of the essence of beautiful form.
Passage 118
बाललीलारसासक्त्या प्रस्खलत्पादपल्लवैः। तत्क्षणे तान् सुराधीशानपसारयतो बलात्॥११८॥
“Absorbed in the flavor of childhood play, his tender feet sometimes stumbled, yet in that very moment he forcefully sent those lords of heaven away.
Passage 119
पार्षदान् वीक्ष्य सस्मेरं वर्जयन् करचालनैः। विसर्जयंश्च तान् देवान् स्वस्वविष्टपवास्तवे॥११९॥
“Glancing at his attendants with a smile, he dismissed them with gestures of his hand and sent the gods back to dwell in their own celestial realms.
Passage 120
समीपे नन्दिग्रामस्य गोष्ठभूमिषु गोदुहाम्। वधूभिस्तत्क्षणे गीतां मङ्गलस्वरधोरणीम्॥१२०॥
“As he neared Nandigrāma and the cowherds' pasture lands, streams of auspicious song rose from the cowherd women.
Passage 121
उपाकर्ण्य मुदं प्राप्त ईषत्प्रहसिताननः। शनैर्व्रजपुरं रामो न्यविशत्तर्णकैः सह॥१२१॥
“Hearing those songs, Rāma rejoiced, his face touched by a gentle smile, and slowly entered the settlement of Vraja with the calves.
Passage 122
तमुपागतमालक्ष्य गोपीनां मङ्गलस्वरैः। जवादभिजगामैनं मुदिता सत्कुटुम्बिनी॥१२२॥
“Seeing him approach amid the cowherd women's auspicious singing, my virtuous and delighted wife hurried out to meet him.
Passage 123
संभ्रमोत्फुल्लनयना पुलकाञ्चितविग्रहा। मुदितैर्गोदुहां दारैर्गायन्ती मङ्गलस्वरम्॥१२३॥
“Her eyes opened wide with excitement and her body bristled with joy as she sang auspicious strains together with the delighted cowherd women.
Passage 124
सौवर्णरत्नजटिते स्वर्णपात्रे मनोहरे। दधिदूर्वाक्षतयुते सिद्धार्थैः सुसमन्विते॥१२४॥
“She carried a charming golden vessel set with jewels, filled with yogurt, dūrvā grass, unbroken rice, and white mustard seeds.
Passage 125
सनाथे फलपुष्पाद्यै राजिकालवणान्विते। चतुष्कं पूरयित्वान्तर्मणिमाणिक्यमौक्तिकैः॥१२५॥
“It was furnished with fruits, flowers, mustard, salt, and other auspicious things, while its four divisions were filled with gems, rubies, and pearls.
Passage 126
तत्र दीपं प्रविन्यस्य स्थूलकर्पूरवर्तिकम्। प्रापाभिमुखतो रामं बालानां यूथमध्यगम्॥१२६॥
“She placed in it a lamp with a thick camphor wick and approached Rāma as he stood amid the band of children.
Passage 127
निपीय तद्वक्त्रमधूनि गोपी विमुक्तविश्लेषभवोरुतापा। विलोचनानां दशकोटिमेषा पुनः पुनः पद्मभवं ययाचे॥१२७॥
“Drinking the nectar of his face, the cowherd mother was freed from the fierce pain born of separation. Again and again she begged the lotus-born Brahmā for ten crore eyes.
Passage 128
वत्सवृन्दखुरोत्कीर्णधूलिधोरणधूसरैः। अलकैः परिवीताच्छकपोलफलकाञ्चितम्॥१२८॥
“His bright, broad cheeks were framed by locks grayed with streams of dust raised by the hooves of the calves.
Passage 129
अलिभिः सेवितोपान्तं शतपत्रमिव स्फुरत्। वशीकृततमस्तोमपूर्णचन्द्रमिवोज्ज्वलम्॥१२९॥
“His face shone like a hundred-petaled lotus attended at its edges by bees, and glowed like a full moon that had subdued the entire mass of darkness.
Passage 130
माधुर्यामृतपूरेण पूर्यमाणमहर्निशम्। विलोक्य रामचन्द्रस्य मुखचन्द्रं विलोचनैः॥१३०॥
“With their eyes they beheld Rāmacandra's moonlike face, perpetually filled to overflowing with the nectar of sweetness.
Passage 131
न तृप्तिं लेभिरे लुब्धा गोपालानां मृगीदृशः। प्रेमाम्बुधिप्रदाहेण कृष्यमाणा इतस्ततः॥१३१॥
“The doe-eyed cowherd women, greedy for that sight, could find no satisfaction; the burning ocean of love drew them helplessly this way and that.
Passage 132
सान्निध्येऽपि वियोगार्ता बभूवुः स्वस्वचेतसि। रूपपाने च पक्ष्माणि महाविघ्नममन्यत॥१३२॥
“Even in his presence they felt the anguish of separation within their hearts, and regarded their very eyelashes as a great obstacle to drinking his beauty.
Passage 133
अथासौ सत्कुटुम्बिन्या भाग्यसंदोहसीमया। वितीर्णभालतिलकः कुङ्कुमेन व्यराजत॥१३३॥
“Then my virtuous wife, the very summit of accumulated good fortune, placed a kuṅkuma tilaka upon his brow, and he shone resplendently.
Passage 134
विशालं तस्य भालं सा गजमुक्ताफलाक्षतैः। आनर्च सहसोदीतमर्धचन्द्रमिवोडुभिः॥१३४॥
“She worshiped his broad forehead with elephant pearls and unbroken rice, so that it resembled a newly risen half-moon surrounded by stars.
Passage 135
दधिबिन्दुं प्रविन्यस्य रामस्य भालपट्टके। प्रेम्णा नीराजयामास नखादाशिखमुत्सुका॥१३५॥
“Placing a drop of yogurt upon the expanse of Rāma's brow, she eagerly waved the auspicious light over him in love, from toenails to crown.
Passage 136
उच्चैर्निर्मञ्छयाञ्चक्रे दधिदूर्वाक्षतादिकम्। मुक्ताफलानि भूरिणि रत्नानि विविधानि च॥१३६॥
“She performed the protective nirmañchana rite lavishly with yogurt, dūrvā, rice, abundant pearls, and jewels of many kinds.
Passage 137
सिद्धार्थान् लवणाक्तांश्च राजिकाः सर्वतो दिशम्। आत्मानं चापि सा गोपी निर्मञ्छितवती सुते॥१३७॥
“She cast white mustard seeds, salt, and dark mustard in every direction, and even offered herself symbolically around her son as a protective sacrifice.
Passage 138
आधींश्च व्याधींश्च तस्याङ्गात् कराभ्यामात्मनि न्यधात्। चुचुम्बे वदनं चास्य मुहुः प्रेमपरिप्लुता॥१३८॥
“With her hands she drew every mental and bodily affliction away from his limbs and onto herself, then repeatedly kissed his face, flooded with love.
Passage 139
बह्वमन्यत चात्मानं सर्वत्रैलोक्यतोऽधिकम्। अहो भाग्यस्य संपत्तिर्यस्या ईदृग्विधः शिशुः॥१३९॥
“She esteemed herself beyond all the three worlds: ‘Ah, what a wealth of good fortune belongs to the woman whose child is such as this!’
Passage 140
अथो अनिविशेषेण लक्ष्मणाद्यनुजत्रयम्। गोपी सौहार्दसंपन्ना नीराजितवती पृथक्॥१४०॥
“Then, without discrimination, the affectionate cowherd mother separately waved the auspicious light over Lakṣmaṇa and Rāma's other two younger brothers.
Passage 141
अहो एते भ्रातरोऽस्य सखायश्च विशेषतः। इति प्रेमवती तेषु नापश्यद्भिन्नया दृशा॥१४१॥
“Thinking, ‘These are his brothers and his dearest companions,’ she looked upon none of them with a differentiating eye.
Passage 142
अलङ्कृत्य ततः पुष्पमालया रामसुन्दरम्। अङ्कमारोहयामास तदङ्गस्पर्शनिर्वृता॥१४२॥
“She adorned beautiful Rāma with a flower garland and lifted him onto her lap, fulfilled by the touch of his body.
Passage 143
गायन्ती मङ्गलं गोपी गोपीनिवहमध्यगा। नीलरत्नसनाथाङ्का प्रविवेशात्ममन्दिरे॥१४३॥
“Singing auspicious songs amid the host of cowherd women, she entered her home with the blue jewel seated upon her lap.
Passage 144
शिशुभिर्भणितं श्रुत्वा वने वृत्तं यदस्य तत्। अत्यर्थचकितस्वान्ता ववन्दे पुरुषं परम्॥१४४॥
“Hearing from the children what had happened to him in the forest, her heart filled with astonishment and she bowed to the Supreme Person.
Passage 145
अग्रतो मे शिशुं नित्यमव्याच्छ्रीमधुसूदनः। पृष्ठतः पातु सततं भगवान् कैटभद्विषः॥१४५॥
“‘May Śrī Madhusūdana always guard my child from the front, and may the Lord who slew Kaiṭabha continually protect him from behind.
Passage 146
वामे रक्षतु वाराहो दक्षतो नरकेसरी। पुरो राहुशिरश्छेदी वने सिन्धुसुतापतिः॥१४६॥
“‘May Varāha guard him on the left and Narasiṃha on the right. Before him may stand the cutter of Rāhu's head, and in the forest the Lord of the ocean's daughter.
Passage 147
जलशायी जले पातु स्थले वैकुण्ठनायकः। विषमे पातु गोविन्दः शयानं केशवोऽवतु॥१४७॥
“‘May the Lord who reclines upon the waters guard him in water and the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha upon land. May Govinda protect him in danger and Keśava while he sleeps.
Passage 148
गच्छन्तं रक्षताद्विष्णुस्तिष्ठन्तं विष्टरश्रवाः। जल्पन्तं वेदकृत् पातु हसन्तं हरिरीश्वरः॥१४८॥
“‘May Viṣṇu protect him while he walks and the far-renowned Lord while he stands. May the creator of the Veda guard him while he speaks, and Lord Hari while he laughs.
Passage 149
रुदन्तं शार्ङ्गभृत् पातु पर्यन्तं गरुडध्वजः। शृण्वन्तमच्युतः पातु स्पृशन्तं च जनार्दनः॥१४९॥
“‘May the bearer of Śārṅga protect him while he cries and the Lord with Garuḍa on his banner while he moves about. May Acyuta guard him while he listens and Janārdana while he touches.
Passage 150
चिन्तयन्तं माधवः पातु मनस्यन्तं गदाधरः। हृषीकेशः स भगवान् सर्वतः पातु सर्वदा॥१५०॥
“‘May Mādhava protect him while he reflects and the mace-bearer while he forms intentions. May the venerable Hṛṣīkeśa guard him always and on every side.
Passage 151
यानि यानि स्वरूपाणि साक्षाद्भगवतो हरेः। तानि तान्यभिरक्षन्तु सर्वावस्थासु मे शिशुम्॥१५१॥
“‘May each and every form of the venerable Hari himself protect my child in every condition.
Passage 152
वागीशो वेदविन्नाथो हयग्रीवो महाप्रभुः। सर्वमन्त्रपतिर्देवो रक्षत्वेनं सदैव नः॥१५२॥
“‘May the lord of speech, the knower and master of the Veda, mighty Hayagrīva, the divine lord of every mantra, protect this child of ours forever.’
Passage 153
इति विन्यस्य तस्याङ्गे रामनामानि गोपिका। स्वयं शरणमापेदे साक्षाद्रामं परं हरिम्॥१५३॥
“Having thus placed Rāma's divine names upon his limbs, the cowherd mother herself took refuge in Rāma, the supreme Hari directly before her.
Passage 154
अथैनं स्नपयामास समुदृत्य विशेषतः। सुगन्धिचन्दनमुखैः कस्तूरीकुङ्कुमादिभिः॥१५४॥
“She then lifted and carefully bathed him with fragrant sandalwood, musk, kuṅkuma, and other scented substances.
Passage 155
संप्रोञ्छ्य सुकुमाराणि तस्याङ्गानि व्रजेश्वरी। कालागुरुभवैर्धूपैर्धूपयामास बालकम्॥१५५॥
“After gently drying his tender limbs, the queen of Vraja perfumed the child with incense made from dark agaru.
Passage 156
पुनश्च समलङ्कृत्य पटभूषाम्बरादिभिः। सायमार्तिक्यविधिना चक्रे नीराजनादिकम्॥१५६॥
“She adorned him anew with fine cloth, ornaments, and garments, then performed the evening ārati and its accompanying rites.
Passage 157
अथाहं गोपवृद्धैः सार्धं व्रजं सर्वसुखाम्बुधिम्। विपिनात्तादृशप्राप्तो वेष्टितो वृद्धबालकैः॥१५७॥
“I then returned from the forest to Vraja, the ocean of every happiness, accompanied by the cowherd elders and surrounded by old men and boys.
Passage 158
राक्षसं पक्षिणं चोग्रमुभौ पर्वतविग्रहौ। व्यसू निपतितौ भूम्यां मध्ये मार्गं न्यरूपयम्॥१५८॥
“In the middle of the road I saw the lifeless demon and the fierce bird, both fallen upon the ground with bodies like mountains.
Passage 159
आः किमेतावुभावद्रौ वत्सचारणकानने। कुतो वात्र महाशैलसंभवौ दृष्टपूर्वकौ॥१५९॥
“I wondered, ‘Are these two mountains in the calf-herding forest? From where did these enormous, unprecedented rocky forms arise?’
Passage 160
केनैतौ निहतौ दिनेऽद्य पुरुषश्रेष्ठेन वीरोत्तमा- वेको राक्षस एष दृश्यत इतो भूयान् द्वितीयो खगः। किं वा प्राथमिकेऽद्य राघवपतेर्गोवत्ससंचारणे विघ्नं वीक्ष्य विधिर्वधं विहितवान् व्योमस्पृशोरेतयोः॥१६०॥
“‘What supreme hero killed these two today? Here lies one mighty Rākṣasa and there a second, a bird. Or, seeing them obstruct Rāghava's first day of tending calves, did Providence ordain the death of these sky-touching creatures?’
Passage 161
इति तर्कयन्नुपगतो व्रजान्तिके पुरमात्मनः सकलसंपदाकुलम्। अथ तत्र मां स्वपरगोपदारका जगदुर्द्रुतं समभिसृत्य यूथशः॥१६१॥
“Pondering thus, I reached the outskirts of my settlement, filled with every prosperity. There our own and neighboring cowherd families hurried toward me in groups. The cowherd women said:
Passage 162
दिष्ट्या ते गोपशार्दूल बालोऽभूत्पञ्चहायनः। दिष्ट्या गतोऽद्य विपिनं चक्रे गोवत्सचारणम्॥१६२॥
“‘By good fortune, tiger among cowherds, your child has reached five years of age. By good fortune he entered the forest today and began tending calves.
Passage 163
पारम्परिकमेतद्धि कुले वृत्तं मनोरमम्। तदङ्ग कृतवान् रामो भविष्णुः कुलमङ्गलः॥१६३॥
“‘This delightful observance belongs to your ancestral family tradition. Rāma, the future blessing of the clan, has now performed it.
Passage 164
अद्य नो दीयतां भूरि मिष्टमन्नं फलैर्युतम्। भूषणं रत्नजटितं वस्त्राणि च महोत्सवे॥१६४॥
“‘At this great celebration, give us abundant sweet foods with fruit, jeweled ornaments, and garments.
Passage 165
पृथक् पृथक् ग्रहिष्यामस्त्वत्तो गोकुलभूपते। त्वद्भाण्डारेभ्यश्च सततं महोदारेभ्य आत्मना॥१६५॥
“‘Lord of Gokula, each of us will personally receive these gifts from you and from your ever-generous storehouses.
Passage 166
एवमेव वितनोतु बालको धेनुचारणपणेन ते सुखम्। वार्धके विविधसौख्यसंयुतो मन्दिरे सुचिरमेधतां भवान्॥१६६॥
“‘May the child continue increasing your happiness through his vow of tending the cattle. May you flourish long in your home, surrounded by many joys in old age.
Passage 167
एष ते सर्वसौख्यानां दाता पाता व्रजस्य च। सर्वदुःखप्रतीकर्ता भर्तासौ भुवनस्य च॥१६७॥
“‘He is the giver of every happiness to you, the protector of Vraja, the remover of every sorrow, and the sustainer of the world.
Passage 168
विहितं चान्यदप्येकमद्यानेन कुतूहलम्। यच्छ्रुत्वा विस्मयं चित्ते सर्वेषां व्रजवासिनाम्॥१६८॥
“‘He performed yet another wonder today, hearing which astonished the hearts of every resident of Vraja.
Passage 169
एकं तावन्महद्रक्षो वत्सवेषधरं गणे। समुद्वीक्ष्य स्वयं रामो जघान भुजविक्रमात्॥१६९॥
“‘First Rāma detected a great Rākṣasa disguised as a calf among the herd and personally killed him through the prowess of his arms.
Passage 170
श्येनवेषधरश्चैव राक्षसो बलवान् हतः। कुर्वन्नपि रणं घोरं रामेणातिबलीयसा॥१७०॥
“‘A powerful Rākṣasa disguised as a hawk was likewise slain by immensely mighty Rāma, though the demon fought a terrible battle.
Passage 171
गुप्तबलवीर्यसंपदां निधिरूर्जितस्तव शिशुर्मनोहरः। यत्त्वखिललोकरञ्जनः कमलाविलासभवनायितव्रजः॥१७१॥
“‘Your enchanting child is a mighty treasury of concealed strength and heroic power. He delights the entire world, and through him Vraja has become the pleasure dwelling of Lakṣmī.
Passage 172
इति ब्रुवाणा व्रजसुन्दरीरहं फलान्नवस्त्राभरणादिदानैः। संतोष्य सम्यग्विससर्ज भूयो माङ्गल्यगाथां बहु गापयित्वा॥१७२॥
“After the beautiful women of Vraja spoke thus, I fully satisfied them with gifts of fruit, food, garments, ornaments, and more, then dismissed them after having many auspicious songs sung.
Passage 173
विलोक्य बालं रुचिरायताक्षं गोवत्ससंचारणकर्म दृष्ट्वा। हर्षाश्रुवश्यधरो भुजाभ्यां स्वाङ्कं समारोप्य तमालिलिङ्गे॥१७३॥
“Beholding the child with beautiful wide eyes after seeing him perform the duty of tending calves, I was overcome by tears of joy, lifted him onto my lap with both arms, and embraced him.
Passage 174
समाप्य सायं गोदोहं दीपिकाभिः प्रकाशिते। विवेश वेश्मनि मुदा रामरत्नविरोचिते॥१७४॥
“When the evening milking was complete, I joyfully entered the lamp-lit house, made splendid by the jewel Rāma.
Passage 175
सुपक्वानि कुटुम्बिन्या स्वादूनि विविधानि च। गोपराजिस्थितोऽन्नानि संप्राश्याहं सुनिर्वृतः॥१७५॥
“Seated in the row of cowherds, I ate the many delicious and perfectly cooked dishes my wife had prepared and became fully content.
Passage 176
रामेण सहितोऽन्नानि भुञ्जानश्चैकभाजने। अस्य बालचरित्राणि गोपवृद्धैः कथापयन्॥१७६॥
“I ate from one vessel together with Rāma while the cowherd elders recounted his childhood deeds.
Passage 177
चुम्बितास्यः शिशोरस्य ददानः कवलं मुखे। आनन्दसागरे मग्नः किञ्चिन्नाहमचिन्तयम्॥१७७॥
“Kissing the child's face and placing morsels into his mouth, I drowned in an ocean of bliss and thought of nothing else.
Passage 178
भोजनस्यावसानेऽहं दत्त्वा ताम्बूलिकां शिशोः। स्वयं संप्राप्य च सुखं गतः शयनमन्दिरम्॥१७८॥
“At the meal's end I gave the child betel, took some myself with pleasure, and went to the sleeping chamber.
Passage 179
तं तत्र गोदुहां बालाः श्रावयन्त्यः कथाः शुभाः। अनयन्नङ्ग यामिन्या एकं यामं कुतूहलैः॥१७९॥
“There the cowherd girls entertained him with beautiful stories and delightful wonders through the first watch of the night.
Passage 180
एकदा तत्र सुमहत्कौतुकं दृष्टमद्भुतम्। तदद्य श्रूयतां राजन् कथयामि तवान्तिकम्॥१८०॥
“One day an immensely wondrous marvel was witnessed there. Hear it now, king, as I relate it in your presence.
Passage 181
अचीकथन्नारसिंहीं वार्तामत्यद्भुतां पराम्। पुरा हिरण्यकशिपुर्दैत्योऽभूत् कश्यपात्मजः॥१८१॥
“They began telling the supremely marvelous account of Narasiṃha: long ago the demon Hiraṇyakaśipu was born as a son of Kaśyapa.
Passage 182
तपसा विधिमाराध्य वरमाप महोर्जितम्। न स वध्यो मनुष्येण न चापि पशुना बली॥१८२॥
“Through austerity he worshiped Brahmā and obtained a mighty boon: the powerful demon could be killed neither by a human nor by an animal.
Passage 183
नाङ्गणे न गृहे वापि न रात्रौ न च वासरे। न भूमौ न दिवा चापि नायुधैर्न जलादिभिः॥१८३॥
“He could die neither in a courtyard nor within a house, neither by night nor by day, neither on earth nor in the sky, neither through weapons nor through water and the other elements.
Passage 184
ब्रह्मदत्तवरो दैत्यः समुत्सिक्तो महोर्जितः। ब्रह्मादींश्चैव शक्रादीन् स विनिर्जित्य दिग्जये॥१८४॥
“Empowered by Brahmā's boon, the immensely strong demon became arrogant and, during his conquest of the directions, defeated Brahmā's hosts as well as Indra and the other gods.
Passage 185
तापयामास सकलं त्रैलोक्यं परवीरहा। एकराजोऽभवद्वीरोस्त्रिषु लोकेषु दानवः॥१८५॥
“The destroyer of opposing heroes tormented the entire threefold world and became its sole ruler, a mighty demon over all three realms.
Passage 186
तस्यात्मजोऽभवन्नाम्ना प्रह्लाद इति कीर्तितः। शान्तो दान्तो रामभक्तः क्षमावाननसूयकः॥१८६॥
“His son was celebrated by the name Prahlāda. He was peaceful, self-controlled, devoted to Rāma, forgiving, and free from envy.
Passage 187
स पञ्चहायनो बालस्तस्य पित्रा नियोजितः। आचार्यशण्डामर्काभ्यां वर्णानां परिपाठने॥१८७॥
“When the child reached five years, his father placed him under the teachers Śaṇḍa and Amarka to learn the letters in due sequence.
Passage 188
पाठ्यमानोऽप्यसौ बालो बालकेषु पठत्सु च। नापठच्छुद्धचित्तत्वादूहुंश्छन्दान् वृथा विदन्॥१८८॥
“Though instructed alongside the other reciting children, his pure heart would not repeat their vain, speculative verses.
Passage 189
सिद्धं वर्णसमाम्नाये रामेत्यक्षरयुग्मकम्। पपाठ मुहुरेवायं ताड्यमानोऽपि बालकः॥१८९॥
“Within the alphabet he found perfection in the two syllables ‘Rā-ma’; even when beaten, the child recited them again and again.
Passage 190
तस्य निर्बन्धमालोक्य दैत्याचार्यौ सुहारितौ। हिरण्यकशिपोः सर्वं प्राहतुर्विबुधद्विषि॥१९०॥
“Seeing his unyielding resolve, the two demon teachers became alarmed and reported everything to Hiraṇyakaśipu, enemy of the gods.
Passage 191
शिक्षितोऽपि स तेनासौ करुणात्मा सुरद्विषा। नामन्यत वचस्तस्य क्रोधहेतुरभूत्ततः॥१९१॥
“Although the god-hating father instructed him, the compassionate boy did not accept his words, and this became a cause of rage.
Passage 192
अरेर्नाम गुणातीति स बालं पर्यतर्जयत्। निर्बन्धिनं स तं वीक्ष्य वधार्थं सहसोद्यतः॥१९२॥
“‘He sings the name and virtues of my enemy!’ the demon threatened. Seeing the child remain resolute, he abruptly set out to kill him.
Passage 193
गिरेर्निपातितं बालं धरणी पर्यरक्षयत्। जले निमज्जितं चैनं वरुणो हरिकिङ्करः॥१९३॥
“When the child was hurled from a mountain, Earth protected him; when he was submerged in water, Varuṇa, servant of Hari, preserved him.
Passage 194
अग्नौ दत्तं मुमोचाग्निर्नादहच्छान्तदीधितिः। खड्गधाराभवत् कुण्ठा विषं दत्तं सुधाभवत्॥१९४॥
“Cast into fire, he was released by Agni, whose flame would not burn him. The edge of the sword became blunt, and poison administered to him became nectar.
Passage 195
एवमुद्धरितं बालं स्वयं स कठिनाशयः। हन्तुं समुद्यतो दैत्यः खड्गमादाय भीषणम्॥१९५॥
“Seeing the child delivered in every way, the hard-hearted demon personally raised a terrible sword and prepared to kill him.
Passage 196
क्व ते रक्षयिता मन्द यस्य नाम गुणासि वै। तं मां निर्दिश तत्साकं त्वाहं छेत्स्यामि सरक्षणात्॥१९६॥
“‘Fool, where is the protector whose name you sing? Point him out to me and I shall cut you down together with your supposed guardian!’
Passage 197
जले स्थले दिक्षु दिवि स्तम्भेऽत्रास्मिन् स वर्तते। इति प्रह्लादवचनात् स्तम्भं कर्तितुमुद्यतः॥१९७॥
“Prahlāda replied, ‘He dwells in water, on land, in every direction, in the sky, and within this very pillar.’ At these words the demon moved to split the pillar.
Passage 198
ततः प्रादुरभूत् साक्षान्नारसिंहोऽतिभीषणः। ज्वालामालापरीताक्षः प्रज्वलन्निव तेजसा॥१९८॥
“At once Narasiṃha directly manifested, exceedingly terrible, his eyes encircled by garlands of flame and his splendor blazing like fire.
Passage 199
तडिद्भीमजटाजालो ललज्जिह्वाग्रभीषणः। पञ्चास्यवदनो भीमः स्फुरद्रञ्जनखायुधः॥१९९॥
“His frightful matted locks flashed like lightning; the tip of his lolling tongue was terrifying. His leonine face was dreadful, and his gleaming claws served as weapons.
Passage 200
कल्पान्तपावकज्वालामालाज्वालातिभीषणः। कोटिसूर्यकरालाङ्गस्त्रैलोक्यभयकारकः॥२००॥
“More terrible than garlands of flame from the fire at the end of an age, his body blazed like ten million suns and struck fear throughout the three worlds.
Passage 201
षष्टिवर्षसहस्राणि तेनायुद्ध्यत स दानवः। खड्गशक्त्यृष्टिपरशुभुशुण्डीपरिघादिभिः॥२०१॥
“The demon fought him for sixty thousand years with swords, spears, lances, axes, bhuśuṇḍī weapons, iron clubs, and more.
Passage 202
सोऽपि चिक्षेप भगवान् दैत्येऽस्त्राणि सुभूरिशः। गदाचक्रासिपरशुप्रभृतीनि समन्ततः॥२०२॥
“The Lord in turn cast abundant weapons against the demon on every side—mace, discus, sword, axe, and many others.
Passage 203
विनिर्धून्वन् जटाजालं त्रिनेत्रो नरकेसरी। अथ काले परिप्राप्ते प्रह्लादं सुखयन् स्वयम्॥२०३॥
“The three-eyed Man-Lion shook out his mass of matted locks. When the appointed moment arrived, he acted personally to bring joy to Prahlāda.
Passage 204
बलादेत्यैनमादाय संस्थाप्योरस्थले पटुः। नखवक्त्रायुधैः सायमध्यास्तालयदेहलीम्॥२०४॥
“The mighty Lord seized the demon by force and placed him upon his lap, seated at twilight on the threshold of the hall, armed with claws and jaws.
Passage 205
अपारयत्तदुदरं प्रोच्छलद्रुधिरोक्षितः। जिह्वाग्रेण लिहन् प्रेम्णा प्रह्लादस्य शिशोः शिरः॥२०५॥
“He tore open the demon's belly and was drenched in spurting blood, yet with the tip of his tongue he lovingly licked the child Prahlāda's head.
Passage 206
तत्तेजसा सुभीमेन व्याप्तं त्रैलोक्यमन्तरा। नागन्तुं शक्यते देवैस्तत्र ब्रह्मादिकैरपि॥२०६॥
“His immensely fearsome splendor filled the three worlds, and even Brahmā and the other gods were unable to approach him.
Passage 207
अथ लक्ष्मीं पुरोधाय समाजग्मुर्दिवौकसः। वीक्ष्य लक्ष्मीः प्रभो रूपमपलायत पितुर्गृहे॥२०७॥
“The celestial beings then came with Lakṣmī at their head, but when Lakṣmī saw the Lord's form, she fled to her father's house.
Passage 208
प्रह्लादमेव त्रिदशाः पुरस्कृत्य ततो ययुः। अस्तुवन् विविधैः स्तोत्रैर्मन्युसूक्तादिभिः पृथक्॥२०८॥
“The gods next placed Prahlāda before them and approached, each praising the Lord with various hymns, including the Manyu Sūkta.
Passage 209
सामगानैश्च विविधैर्दिवि संस्था महर्षयः। इत्येवं कीर्तितो नाम्ना नृसिंहो भगवान् हरिः॥२०९॥
“The great sages standing in heaven sang many Sāman chants. Thus the venerable Hari became celebrated by the name Nṛsiṃha.
Passage 210
इति मातुर्वचः श्रुत्वा शय्यास्थो रामचन्द्रमाः। हुङ्कारमकरोद्राजन् सर्वत्रैलोक्यकम्पनम्॥२१०॥
“King, hearing this account from his mother while lying upon his bed, Rāmacandra gave a roar that shook all three worlds.
Passage 211
अखण्डरवसंभूतवज्रनिष्पेषसंभवः। निर्घातनिःस्वनो घोरः कम्पयामास रोदसी॥२११॥
“The terrible, unbroken sound resembled thunderbolts crushing against one another and caused heaven and earth to tremble.
Passage 212
तेनैव कम्पिताः सद्यः पुरग्रामव्रजाकराः। सौधाः पतिष्णवो भूत्वा तत्क्षणात् प्रचकम्पिरे॥२१२॥
“Cities, villages, settlements, and mines shook at once from that sound; palaces trembled as though they were about to fall.
Passage 213
आः किमेतदिदं जातमिति चिन्तासमाकुलः। अहं तत्रागतो यत्र रामः शेतेऽधितल्पकम्॥२१३॥
“Thinking anxiously, ‘Ah, what has happened?’ I hurried to the place where Rāma lay upon his bed.
Passage 214
तन्माता तं मुहुर्दृष्ट्वा बभाषे वचनं त्विदम्। किमेतद्रामचन्द्र त्वं कृतवान् प्राणजीवनः॥२१४॥
“His mother looked at him repeatedly and said, ‘Rāmacandra, life of our lives, what is this that you have done?’
Passage 215
प्रेतावेशः क्वचिद् भूतो राक्षसावेश एव वा। तव हुङ्कारशब्देन त्रासिताः सकला दिशः॥२१५॥
“‘Has some spirit entered you, or perhaps a Rākṣasa? Every direction has been terrified by the sound of your roar.
Passage 216
शाम्यन्तु पापानि तवाखिलानि शाम्यन्तु घोराणि भयावहानि। शाम्यन्तु रक्षांस्यखिलानि सद्यो रक्षा तवास्तां परमस्य पुंसः॥२१६॥
“‘May every sin concerning you be quieted; may all frightful, fear-bringing things be stilled. May every Rākṣasa be pacified at once, and may the Supreme Person's protection remain with you.’
Passage 217
इति वत्सं सुतमङ्के सा समारोप्य गोपी कलयति शुभरक्षां दत्तरक्षोघ्नमन्त्रा। वितरति च विभीता गोशतं यावदेषा सरभसमुपयातस्तावदेवाहमस्याः॥२१७॥
“Thus the cowherd mother lifted her dear son onto her lap, performed auspicious protection with demon-destroying mantras, and fearfully donated a hundred cows. While she did so, I arrived there in haste.
Passage 218
यथावृत्तं सप्रसङ्गमाश्रुत्य चकितोऽभवम्। सर्वमाहात्म्यविद्वानप्यमुहं भावमागणेः॥२१८॥
“Hearing the whole event with its circumstances, I became astonished. Though I knew all his majesty, the force of parental feeling bewildered me.
Passage 219
एवमन्येद्युरप्येनं विनिद्रं वीक्ष्य बालकम्। श्रावयन्ती कृष्णवृत्तं कथयामास गोपिका॥२१९॥
“On another night, seeing the child still awake, the cowherd mother began telling him stories of Kṛṣṇa's deeds.
Passage 220
व्रजे च मथुरायां च द्वारवत्यां च केशवः। चकार यानि कर्माणि तानि चाश्रावयत् प्रसूः॥२२०॥
“His mother related the acts Keśava performed in Vraja, Mathurā, and Dvāravatī.
Passage 221
व्रजसंबन्धिवार्तासु दीर्घं निःश्वस्य राघवः। मुग्धवद्बहुशो लेपे मुह्यन् तद्भवशून्यदृक्॥२२१॥
“During accounts connected with Vraja, Rāghava repeatedly sighed deeply and, like one enchanted, spoke in bewilderment, his gaze emptied by the feeling that arose.
Passage 222
राधे हन्त वसन्त एष समयो मा धेहि मानं मना- गेतं चेतसि यस्य यस्य चरणद्वन्द्वानतं माधवम्। द्रागुत्थापय कान्तमातुरममुं तापं समुत्सारय प्रेमस्रोतसि मज्ज हेममणिना नीलेन संगच्छताम्॥२२२॥
“‘Rādhe, alas, springtime is here—do not keep even a trace of proud anger in your heart toward Mādhava, who bows at your two feet. Quickly raise your afflicted beloved, drive away his anguish, immerse yourself in love's current, and unite the golden jewel with the blue.’
Passage 223
हे सौन्दर्यतरङ्गिणि प्रणयिनि प्राणेश्वरि प्राणदे कन्दर्पाशुगकालकूटहरिणि प्रोद्यत्सुधाकालिके। कर्पूरद्रवबिन्दुशीलिनि चिरं मुक्त्या दृशोर्दग्धयो- र्मानं मा कुरु मानिनि प्रतिपदं दोरन्तरे स्थीयताम्॥२२३॥
“‘O river of beauty, loving queen of my life, giver of life, remover of the deadly poison of Kāma's arrows, rising digit of nectar! O you whose nature is like a drop of liquid camphor, free my two burning eyes. Proud beloved, do not hold onto pride—remain always within my arms.
Passage 224
श्लाघ्यं जन्म तव प्रसादसमये पीयूषवर्षावहे धिक् धिक् चेतदतीव तावकमनः माने विषासारिणि। इत्यालोच्य चिरं मनः करुणया साम्मुख्यमानम्यतां वैमुख्यं विजहीहि मय्यतितरां प्राणप्रिये जानकि॥२२४॥
“‘Your birth is worthy of praise when your grace pours down like nectar; but shame upon that heart of yours when pride streams poison. Reflect on this, soften your heart with compassion, turn toward me, and abandon your extreme aversion, Jānakī, beloved of my life.
Passage 225
त्वत्कुण्डं तव विप्रयोगविपदि स्वैरं विगाह्याप्रिये किञ्चित्तापभरं तनोः प्रशमयाम्यङ्ग प्रभाश्रीमयम्। श्रीखण्डानिलमागतं तव तनुस्पर्शाद् राधिके सेवेऽहं विरहातुरोऽपि नितरां चक्रवाकालिङ्गनम्॥२२५॥
“‘Dearest, in the calamity of separation from you I freely enter your pond and somewhat quiet the burden of my body's fever in its radiant beauty. Rādhike, the sandal-scented wind comes bearing the touch of your body; though tortured by separation, I embrace it like a separated cakravāka bird.
Passage 226
इति निःश्वस्य निःश्वस्य भाष्यमाणो मदाननम्। विलोक्य लज्जया सद्यो निजाननमगोपयत्॥२२६॥
“After speaking thus with repeated sighs, he looked at my face and immediately hid his own in embarrassment.
Passage 227
कथानिकाभिर्बह्वीभिर्नाति प्रथमयामके। सुप्तं प्राणधनं वीक्ष्य सुखं सुष्वाप तत्प्रसूः॥२२७॥
“After many little stories had carried them through the first watch, his mother saw the treasure of her life asleep and herself slept peacefully.
Passage 228
ब्रह्मलोकमुपेत्याद्धा तद्रात्रौ सकलो व्रजः। यतो वाचो निवर्तन्ते अप्राप्य मनसा सह॥२२८॥
“That night all Vraja directly entered the realm of Brahman, from which speech turns back together with the mind, unable to reach it.
Passage 229
आनन्दं ब्रह्मणो लोके अनुभूय परात्परम्। ततः क्षणाद्विनिर्धूय प्रातर्जागर्ति वै व्रजः॥२२९॥
“Having experienced supreme bliss beyond the highest in Brahman's realm, Vraja shook off sleep in an instant and awoke at dawn.
Passage 230
दिने तु भवति स्पष्टं प्रेमानन्दकदम्बकम्। उभयोस्तारतम्यज्ञा व्रजवासिन एव हि॥२३०॥
“By day the clustered joy of love becomes clearly manifest; only the residents of Vraja truly know the relative character of these two states.
Passage 231
प्रातःकाले व्रजस्यास्य शोभा किं वर्ण्यतां मया। यत्र राजन् नीरनिधेरप्याधिक्यं प्रतीयते॥२३१॥
“King, how could I describe the beauty of this Vraja at dawn? Its abundance seems to exceed even the ocean.
Passage 232
दधिमन्थरवोद्धोषी निनादचयवीचिभृत्। वृषरत्नाङ्गनारत्नगोपरत्नविराजितः॥२३२॥
“It resounds with curd-churning, bearing wave upon wave of sound, and shines with jewel-like bulls, women, and cowherds.
Passage 233
उदारगोपशार्दूलकल्पवृक्षविभूषितः। श्रीरामचन्द्रसुयशश्चन्द्रिकास्पर्शवर्धितः॥२३३॥
“It is adorned by noble cowherd heroes like wish-fulfilling trees and made ever greater by the touch of the moonlight of Śrī Rāmacandra's pure fame.
Passage 234
व्रजोदधिर्महोपाल सेवनीयः सदा जनैः। प्रेमानन्दनिदानैकभावपीयूषलब्धये॥२३४॥
“Great king, people should always serve this ocean of Vraja in order to obtain the nectar of its unique feeling, the source of the bliss of love.
Passage 235
अथ नित्यसखायोऽस्य गोपतीनां कुमारकाः। भ्रातरो लक्ष्मणाद्याश्च प्रातः प्रेम्णोपयान्त्यमुम्॥२३५॥
“At dawn his constant companions—the young sons of the cowherd chiefs and his brothers beginning with Lakṣmaṇa—came to him in love.
Passage 236
सर्वान् समागतान् वीक्ष्य तन्माता मत्कुटुम्बिनी। नानामाङ्गल्यवचनैः प्रबोधयति सादरम्॥२३६॥
“Seeing them all assembled, his mother, my wife, reverently awakened him with many auspicious words.
Passage 237
प्रबुद्धो मुखचन्द्रेण मञ्जुलस्मितशालिना। आनन्दयति सौम्येन जननीं मङ्गलालयः॥२३७॥
“Awakening, that abode of auspiciousness delighted his mother with his gentle, moonlike face graced by a lovely smile.
Passage 238
मङ्गलार्तिक्यविधिना नीराज्य जननी सुतम्। परमानन्दपाथोधिं हृदयेन विगाहते॥२३८॥
“His mother waved the auspicious ārati over her son and plunged within her heart into an ocean of supreme bliss.
Passage 239
अहं च तन्मधुरस्मिताञ्चितं लुलल्ललितलसद्गुडालकम्। दृशा मुखं किमपि निपीय कान्तिमन्न तादृशीं मुदमितरत्र संलभे॥२३९॥
“With my eyes I drank his indescribably radiant face, adorned with a sweet smile and charming, swaying curls. Nowhere else do I obtain such joy.
Passage 240
अधित्रियामास्वपि निद्रितोऽवशोऽनुभूय तद्ब्रह्मसुखं परात्परम्। श्रीरामचन्द्राननचन्द्रचन्द्रिकाचमत्कृतोऽहं सपदि व्यजागृहम्॥२४०॥
“Though helpless in sleep through the night and tasting that supreme bliss of Brahman, I awoke at once, enchanted by the moonlight of the moon of Śrī Rāmacandra's face.
Passage 241
गोपी प्रोद्वर्त्य रामं मृगजमलयजोन्मिश्रकाश्मीरकल्कैः श्रीखण्डाक्तैः सुगन्धैः स्नपयति सलिलैः सारवैः कोटिसंख्यैः। अङ्गानि प्रोक्ष्य पद्मेरहदलसुकुमाराणि भूषाविधानैः प्रत्यङ्गं मञ्जु शृङ्गारयति ननु यथा भाति कुन्दाननेन्दुः॥२४१॥
“The cowherd mother massaged Rāma with fragrant pastes of musk, sandalwood, saffron, and śrīkhaṇḍa, then bathed him with countless perfumed waters. Drying his limbs, tender as lotus petals, she ornamented each one beautifully until his moonlike face shone like a jasmine blossom.
Passage 242
नेत्रेऽनङ्गशरोपमे मृगदृशां वश्ये मञ्जुले। कर्णौ कल्पितरत्नचारुमकराकारोल्लसत्कुण्डलौ। मूर्ध्न्याहितबर्हिबर्हविहितश्रीमत्किरीटाञ्चितो नासाग्रं मधुरोष्ठचुम्बिमणिमन्मुक्तालकं श्रीमुखम्॥२४२॥
“His lovely eyes resembled Kāma's arrows and captivated the doe-eyed women; his ears shone with jeweled makara-shaped earrings. A splendid crown fashioned with peacock feathers adorned his head, and a jeweled pearl ornament near his nose kissed his sweet lips and beautiful face.
Passage 243
वक्त्रं कस्तूरिकया तिलकितमुदयन्मृगाङ्कार्धनिभं ग्रीवा ग्रैवेयकप्रस्फुरितमणिगणालङ्कृतकम्बुच्छविभृत्। गुञ्जापुञ्जाढ्यमुरो मणिसरभरितं मौक्तिकमालामिलितं प्रत्यङ्गं साधु जयत्यनवधिमधुरिम्णा कलितो वेत्रकरः॥२४३॥
“Musk tilaka made his face resemble a rising half-moon; jeweled necklaces flashed upon his conchlike neck. Clusters of guñjā berries, strings of gems, and pearl garlands covered his chest. With a herding staff in hand, every limb triumphed through limitless sweetness.
Passage 244
यथा स्वस्वगृहेभ्यस्तं द्रष्टुं गोपालसुन्दर्यः। सद्भोजनान्युपादाय समायान्ति मदालयम्॥२४४॥
“Beautiful cowherd women came from their respective homes to my house to see him, bringing excellent foods.
Passage 245
स्वादु हेयङ्गवीनं बहुतरसितयाक्तं स्फुटारुण्यमुष्णं कृष्णाया गोः सुमिष्टं लघुसुरभि पयोऽग्नौ समार्वाततं यत्। तस्यैवात्यर्थरुच्यं दधिमधुरतरं पिच्छिलं दुग्धसारम् पक्वान्नान्यद्भुतानि प्रसृमरघुसृणामोदकपूरभाञ्जि॥२४५॥
“They brought delicious fresh butter richly mixed with sugar; warm, fragrant, very sweet milk from a dark cow, gently heated over the fire; exceptionally tasty, thick, sweet yogurt and cream; and marvelous cooked foods filled with the spreading fragrance of saffron.
Passage 246
अनेकरत्नप्रत्युप्तकाञ्चनामत्रमध्यगम्। भूयः समुपकल्प्यान्नान्याययुर्व्रजगोपिकाः॥२४६॥
“The cowherd women of Vraja arranged still more foods in golden vessels inlaid with many jewels and brought them to him.
Passage 247
स तासां चित्तभावज्ञः प्रणयी रामवल्लभः। तदन्नमङ्गीकृतवान् कटाक्षाक्षेपपण्डितः॥२४७॥
“Knowing the feeling in their hearts, the affectionate beloved Rāma, expert in the gift of sidelong glances, accepted their food.
Passage 248
मुग्धं मातृकरोपनीतमतुलं हेयङ्गवीनाञ्चितम् स्वाद्यं चारु चतुर्विधं तदमलं प्राश्यान्नमात्मीयकैः। प्रातर्गोष्ठसहस्रसंजनितगोदोहावसानागते- र्गोपालैरभिवन्द्यमानचरणाम्भोजो मह्यं स्थितः॥२४८॥
“He ate with his companions the lovely, incomparable, pure fourfold foods set before him by his mother and enriched with fresh butter. When the morning milking of thousands of enclosures had ended, he stood before me while the cowherds bowed to his lotus feet.
Passage 249
किञ्चित्संचरणे नभस्तलतटीमारूढमात्रे रवौ गोवत्सान् पुरतो विधाय विपिनान्यापूर्य शृङ्गं ययौ। उन्मुक्ताः पुरतो निधाय गणशो गाः कोटिशः कोटिशो गोष्ठेभ्यः प्रतियातवत्सु सम्यगादिष्टेषु गोपेष्वपि॥२४९॥
“When the sun had climbed only a little into the sky, he placed the calves before him and went out, filling the forests with his horn. Countless cows were released in groups from their enclosures and driven ahead as the cowherds received their proper instructions.
Passage 250
बालानां शुद्धसंनादा रामशृङ्गध्वनेन तु। तत्क्षणे लक्ष्मणादीनामाविरासुः समन्ततः॥२५०॥
“At Rāma's horn call, the clear answering cries of Lakṣmaṇa and the other boys immediately arose on every side.
Passage 251
गोप्यः शृङ्गरवं श्रुत्वा भवनेभ्यो विनिर्ययुः। अलभ्यदर्शनं देवैरदृष्टं राममुत्सुकाः॥२५१॥
“Hearing the horn, the eager cowherd women emerged from their houses to behold Rāma, whose vision is difficult even for the gods to obtain.
Passage 252
अग्रे वत्सान् प्रकृतिसुभगान् यूथशः कल्पयित्वा पश्चात्तेषां धृतखुररजा गोदुहां बालसङ्घैः। क्रीडन् गायन् कमलनयनो वादयन् चारुशृङ्गं भूषारत्नच्छुरितवपुषा भाति भाग्यैर्व्रजेन्दुः॥२५२॥
“Arranging the naturally beautiful calves in herds before him, the lotus-eyed moon of Vraja followed with bands of cowherd boys amid dust raised by their hooves. Playing, singing, and sounding his lovely horn, he shone with a body covered in jeweled ornaments and blessed fortune.
Passage 253
दृष्टो रामचन्द्रः समयमनुसृतो धेनुवत्सौघचारी भाग्यस्तोमाभिवृद्धमधुरिमहृदयावेदिभिर्दृक्चकोरैः। तेषां सज्जन्मभाजां प्रतिकरणमुपाविश्य दत्तस्वरूपा देवाः किं नो पिबन्ति त्रिभुवनजनतादुर्लभं कान्तिपूरम्॥२५३॥
“Their cakora-like eyes beheld Rāmacandra moving in due time among hosts of cows and calves, his sweetness increased by accumulated good fortune and revealed to their hearts. Did not the gods enter the senses of those blessed beholders and drink the flood of beauty unattainable to the people of the three worlds?
Passage 254
प्रसायं नवद्याश्लेष्वमितधेनुवत्सव्रजं स्वयं समवयोऽञ्चितैश्चपलगोपबालैर्युतः। प्रतिद्रुमलतावनं प्रतिसरित्तटं संगतः स्वभावमधुराकृतिः किमपि केलिभिः क्रीडति॥२५४॥
“Through the day, amid innumerable herds of cows and calves, he joined lively cowherd boys of his own age and played indescribable games beside every tree, creeper, grove, and riverbank, his form naturally sweet.
Passage 255
अत्र श्रीरामचन्द्रो नृपतिकुलमणे केकिरावानुकारी प्राप्ताः कामेन मत्ताः सुखयति मुदिरश्रीमनोज्ञैर्वचोभिः। अत्रानूकृत्य कीशान् प्रतितरुविटपं कूर्दमानः कुमारः साकं गोपालबालैर्विहरति नितरां कल्पकेलीकलाढ्यः॥२५५॥
“Here, jewel of kings, Śrī Rāmacandra imitated the call of peacocks and pleased those intoxicated by love with words enchanting as a rain cloud. There the child imitated monkeys, leaping from tree to tree and sporting richly in inventive games with the cowherd boys.
Passage 256
अत्र पुंस्कोकिलध्वानमनुकृत्य व्रजाधिपः। संवर्धयन्नुत्कलिकाः कोकिलानां प्रकूजति॥२५६॥
“Here the lord of Vraja imitated the male cuckoo's call and cooed in a way that increased the cuckoos' own longing.
Passage 257
याननुकृत्य प्रचलन् राजहंसकदम्बकम्। हंसीनां मोहयन् चित्तं क्रीडते रामचन्द्रमाः॥२५७॥
“Rāmacandra played by walking in imitation of a flock of royal swans, stealing the hearts of the female swans.
Passage 258
अत्र केशरिणाविष्ट इव संदर्शयन् गतिम्। बभूव केकियूथानां पलायननिमित्तताम्॥२५८॥
“Here he displayed the gait of one possessed by a lion's spirit, causing the flocks of peacocks to flee.
Passage 259
अत्रैकसार्थकलितः कलयन् करतालिकाः। सिंहान् निर्गमयामास रत्नसानुदरीगृहात्॥२५९॥
“Here, accompanied by a single troop and clapping his hands, he drew lions out from caves within the jeweled mountain slopes.
Passage 260
अत्र श्रीविग्रहे मेघे म्लायतोऽक्षिचकोरकान्। मुखशारदचन्द्रांशुपातैरानन्दयत् स्वयम्॥२६०॥
“When the cakora-like eyes drooped before the cloud of his dark body, he personally delighted them with rays from the autumn moon of his face.
Passage 261
अत्र वक्त्रेन्दुबिम्बेन ताम्यतीश्चक्रवाकिकाः। ग्रैवेयकमहारत्नरुचा मुक्तशुचोऽकरोत्॥२६१॥
“Here the moon-disc of his face made the cakravākī birds languish, then the radiance of the great jewel upon his necklace freed them from sorrow.
Passage 262
अत्र दूतीगणं व्यग्रं प्राप्तं व्रजपुरात् पुरा। मुनिभिस्तोषयामास शश्वद्विरहभञ्जनम्॥२६२॥
Brahmā said: “Here he pleased a distressed band of messengers who once came from Vraja, together with the sages, forever breaking the pain of separation.
Passage 263
अग्रतो वत्सचारेषु व्याघ्ररूपिणमागतम्। अमारयत् स्वयं रामस्तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रं महासुरम्॥२६३॥
“Here, during the herding of the calves, a great demon with sharp fangs came before him in the form of a tiger; Rāma himself killed it.
Passage 264
अत्र कौतूहलो रामो दृष्ट्वाजगरमाननम्। परीक्षान्त्या प्रविष्टान् स्वान् प्रवृद्धाङ्गो व्यपाटयत्॥२६४॥
“Here the inquisitive Rāma saw the mouth of an immense python. When his own companions entered it to test it, he enlarged his body and tore it open.
Passage 265
अत्र वत्सहरं रामो विधिं लोकेशमानिनम्। प्रदर्शयन् नित्यां लीलां स्वां वीतमानं चकार ह॥२६५॥
“Here Rāma humbled Brahmā, who fancied himself lord of the worlds, after he stole the calves: revealing his own eternal līlā, Rāma stripped him of pride.
Passage 266
एतेषु स्थानेषु नृपते कच्चिच्चेतः प्रसीदति। कच्चिद्वानन्यविषया जायते तावकी मतिः॥२६६॥
“King, does your heart find delight in these places? Is your understanding becoming fixed upon this alone, without another object?
Passage 267
इति प्रतिदिनं दधत्सुरभिवत्सचारक्रियां दिनस्य ननु चतुर्थके प्रहर आरतिहद्राघवः। विहाय वनगह्वरं व्रजपुराभिमुख्यं भजन् स्वयूथपरिवेष्टितो जयति दिव्यलीलानिधिः॥२६७॥
“Thus every day Rāghava, destroyer of distress, performed the task of herding the cows' calves. In the fourth watch of the day he left the forest depths and turned toward Vraja, surrounded by his own company. All glory to that treasury of divine līlā.
Passage 268
वत्सचारणवेशेषु नृपं संतोष्य गोपतिः। देशान्तरान् दर्शयिष्यन् निनाय तमितोऽन्यतः॥२६८॥
“Having delighted the king with the scenes of calf-herding, the cowherd lord led him onward from there to show him other regions.
Passage 269
इमामानन्दाढ्यां दशरथनृपाय प्रगदितां स्वयं श्रीगोपालव्रजनृपतिना प्रीतमनसा। भुशुण्ड प्रेमाढ्यां द्विजवर सदा योऽत्र शृणुया- ल्लभेद्रामे भक्तिं स इह खलु वश्यत्वजनिकाम्॥२६९॥
“Excellent twice-born Bhuśuṇḍi, whoever continually hears this love-filled, joy-abounding account, lovingly related to King Daśaratha by the cowherd king of Vraja himself, surely gains in this very life devotion to Rāma that brings the Lord under love's sway.
Passage 270
सर्वा रसमयी लीला प्रभोस्तस्य महात्मनः। गोपबालतया त्वेषा सद्यः संसारबन्धनुत्॥२७०॥
“Every līlā of that great Lord is filled with rasa; this līlā of his childhood among the cowherds immediately cuts the bonds of worldly existence.
Passage 271
तामसा मूढहृदया ग्रामवृत्तिरताः सदा। ईदृग्विधा अपि जना यत्राभीराः समुद्धृताः॥२७१॥
“In it, even people such as the cowherds—clouded by tamas, confused at heart, and forever absorbed in rustic occupations—were completely uplifted.
Passage 272
तादृशीं तस्य लीलां तामपहायातिरोचिकाम्। अरोचकेन संपन्नः किमन्यच्छ्रोतुमिच्छसि॥२७२॥
“Why abandon that supremely relishable līlā of his and, afflicted by tastelessness, wish to hear something else?
Passage 273
एषा रघुपतेर्लीला देवेभ्योऽपि सुगोपिता। स्थापनीया सदा चित्ते सर्वदा फलरूपिणी॥२७३॥
“This līlā of the Lord of the Raghus is carefully hidden even from the gods. It should always be installed in the heart, for it forever bears its fruit. Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे दशरथतीर्थयात्रायां त्रयोदशाधिकशततमोऽध्यायः॥ ११३ ॥ “Thus ends Chapter 113 within Daśaratha's pilgrimage in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍi in the venerable Ādi Rāmāyaṇa.” Source control note Chapter 113 occupies registered source leaves 760–783 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa volume (physical PDF pages 761–784) and contains 273 numbered passages. The chapter begins below Chapter 112's colophon and ends above the opening of Chapter 114. All twenty-four pages were reviewed directly against the scan in batches of no more than two high-resolution renders, and every passage has a continuous heading, matching Sanskrit terminator, and fresh English rendering.