Original
Hindi
अन्तरिक्षमें वायुकी-सी भीषण सन्-सन् ध्वनि हुई। कंससहित सभी राक्षस-सामन्त शङ्कित होकर ऊपरकी ओर देखने लगे। पर भयका कोई कारण न था। सबने तुरंत जान लिया कि यह तो उन्हींका मित्र वातदेहधारी उत्कच दैत्य है, जो काकासुरकी बात सुनकर उपेक्षाकी हँसी हँस रहा है।
English translation
A dreadful rushing sound, like that of a violent wind, arose in the sky. Kaṁsa and all the demon chieftains looked upward in alarm. There was no cause for fear, however. They immediately recognized their friend, the demon Utkaca, whose body was made of air. Hearing Kākāsura's account, he was laughing dismissively.
Original
Hindi
आजकी घटना है, कंसप्रेरित काकासुर गोपकुलाधिपति नन्दके नवजात शिशुका प्राणहरण करने गोकुल गया था। इस जघन्य अभिसंधिको लिये हुए वह कागरूपमें उड़ता हुआ नन्दप्राङ्गणमें जा पहुँचा। शिशुको उसने देखा और शिशुने इस काले कौवेको! दूसरे ही क्षण मानो वह पक्षी लोहपिण्ड हो और शिशुकी बँधी हुई बायीं मुट्ठीमें चमकती हुई नखराशि हो अयस्कान्तमणि-शलाका (चुंबककी नली), इस प्रकार अविलम्ब उसके तीक्ष्ण चंगुल बालककी मुट्ठीमें जा गिरे तथा ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनने भी देखते-ही-देखते एक विचित्र खेल खेल दिया:
English translation
This had happened that very day. Sent by Kaṁsa, Kākāsura had gone to Gokula to take the life of the newborn child of Nanda, lord of the cowherd community. Bearing this vile design, he flew in the form of a crow and entered Nanda's courtyard. He saw the infant, and the infant saw that black crow! In the very next instant, it was as though the bird were a lump of iron and the array of shining nails in the infant's closed left fist were a rod of magnetic stone. His sharp talons were drawn at once into the child's fist, and before anyone's eyes the son of the king of Vraja performed an astonishing sport:
Original
Braj
कंठ चाँपि बहु बार फिरायौ, गहि पटक्यौ, नृप पास परयौ।
English translation
He gripped its throat, whirled it around many times, seized it and flung it down; it fell beside the king.
Original
Hindi
संज्ञाशून्य काकासुर कंसके सभामण्डपमें ठीक कंसके सामने जा गिरा। एक पहरतक अथक उपचार होनेपर कहीं उसमें बोलनेकी शक्ति आयी। उसने कहा:
English translation
Kākāsura fell unconscious in Kaṁsa's assembly hall, directly before Kaṁsa himself. Only after ceaseless treatment for an entire watch did he recover enough strength to speak. He said:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
सुनहु, कंस! तब आइ सरधौ।
धरि अवतार महाबल कोऊ एकहिं कर मेरौ गर्ब हरयौ॥
सूरदास-प्रभु कंस-निकंदन भक्त हेत अवतार धरयौ॥
English translation
Listen, Kaṁsa! Only now have I come to believe. Someone of immense power has taken birth and, with one hand alone, has destroyed my pride.
Sūrdās says: the Lord has taken birth for the sake of His devotees, and He will bring Kaṁsa to ruin.
Original
Hindi
काकासुरके इन शब्दोंको सुनकर ही बलमदान्ध उत्कच हँस रहा था, काकासुरको अत्यन्त भीरु और निर्बल मानकर कंसपर अपनी शक्तिका प्रदर्शन कर रहा था। यह उत्कच हिरण्याक्ष दैत्यका पुत्र है।
English translation
It was on hearing these words of Kākāsura that Utkaca, blinded by pride in his strength, had begun to laugh. Regarding Kākāsura as utterly timid and weak, he was displaying his own might before Kaṁsa. This Utkaca was the son of the demon Hiraṇyākṣa.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Sanskrit source: Garga-saṁhitā, Goloka-khaṇḍa
चाक्षुष-मन्वन्तरसे भी पूर्वकी बात है। एक दिन उत्कच मुनिवर लोमशके आश्रममें जा पहुँचा। तपोवनकी शोभा इस असुरके लिये असह्य हो उठी। अपने प्रकाण्ड स्थूल शरीरके घर्षणसे उसने आश्रमकी अगणित वृक्ष-पंक्तियोंको चूर्ण-विचूर्ण कर डाला। मूक वृक्षोंपर यह अत्याचार कोमलहृदय मुनि कबतक देखते रहते। अन्तर्यामीकी प्रेरणासे वे बोल उठे:
विदेहो भव दुर्मते।
“नीच! तू इस देहसे रहित हो जा।”
English translation
This occurred even before the Cākṣuṣa Manvantara. One day Utkaca entered the hermitage of the eminent sage Lomaśa. The beauty of the ascetic grove became intolerable to that demon. By scraping his immense, coarse body against them, he crushed and shattered countless rows of trees in the hermitage. How long could the tenderhearted sage watch such cruelty toward the mute trees? Prompted by the indwelling Lord, he declared:
“Wicked one, become bodiless!”
“Base creature, be deprived of this body!”
Original
Hindi
वाक्य समाप्त होते-न-होते उत्कचकी वह स्थूल काया सर्पकञ्चुलीकी भाँति झड़कर गिर पड़ी। समस्त बल विलुप्त हो गया। अब उसने मुनिवरकी महिमा जानी। फिर तो चरणप्रान्तमें पड़कर वह कृपाकी याचना करने लगा, अनुनय-विनय करते हुए पुनः देह-दानकी प्रार्थना करने लगा। त्रिगुणोंसे पार पहुँचे हुए ऋषिके प्रसन्न होनेमें देर ही क्या थी। वे तो पहले भी प्रसन्न ही थे। शापदानलीलाके अन्तरालमें तो छिपी थी मुनिकी अद्भुत अनुकम्पा, दैत्यके उद्धारकी सुन्दर योजना।
English translation
The sage had scarcely finished speaking when Utkaca's gross body sloughed off and fell like a snake's cast skin. All his strength vanished. Only then did he understand the sage's greatness. Falling at the sage's feet, he begged for mercy and pleaded repeatedly to be given a body once more. How could a seer who had gone beyond the three guṇas take long to become gracious? Indeed, he had been gracious all along. Concealed within the sport of pronouncing the curse was the sage's astonishing compassion, a beautiful plan for the demon's deliverance.
Original
Hindi
मुनिने कहा, “जाओ, चाक्षुष-मन्वन्तरमें तुम्हें वायुका शरीर प्राप्त होगा तथा वैवस्वत-मन्वन्तरमें भगवच्चरणारविन्दका स्पर्श पाकर तुम त्रिगुणपाशसे सदाके लिये मुक्त हो जाओगे।”
English translation
The sage said, “Go. In the Cākṣuṣa Manvantara you will obtain a body of air, and in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, upon receiving the touch of the Lord's lotus feet, you will be freed forever from the bonds of the three guṇas.”
Original
Hindi
कालके प्रवाहमें बहते हुए उत्कचको आज इस घटनाकी स्मृति सर्वथा नहीं रही है, किंतु अनन्त महिमामयी भगवान् की लीलाशक्तिको सब कुछ स्मरण है। इन्हीं लीलाशक्तिके नियन्त्रणमें अनादिकालसे सब कुछ नियमित रूपसे यथायोग्य यथासमय होता आया है एवं अनन्तकालतक होता रहेगा। इन्हींके नियन्त्रणमें कंस एवं उत्कचकी मित्रता हुई थी और इन्हींके द्वारा आज अब अवतीर्ण हुए स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनसे मिलानेका उपक्रम भी हो रहा है, अस्तु।
English translation
Carried along by the current of time, Utkaca had now completely forgotten this event, but the Lord's infinitely glorious power of divine play remembered everything. Under the direction of that very līlā-śakti, all things have taken place in due order, in the proper manner and at the proper time, from beginningless time, and so they will continue for all eternity. Under her direction Kaṁsa and Utkaca became friends, and through her agency preparations were now under way to bring Utkaca face to face with the Lord Himself, newly descended as the son of the king of Vraja. So be it.
Original
Hindi and Braj
उत्कचको हँसते देखकर कंसके आतङ्कभरे म्लान मुखपर आशाकी एक किरण चमक उठी। समस्त सभासदोंको लक्ष्य करते हुए वह बोला:
ब्रज भीतर उपज्यौ मेरौ रिपु, मैं जानी यह बात।
दिनहीं दिन वह बढ़त जात है, मोकौं करिहै घात॥
English translation
Seeing Utkaca laugh, a ray of hope flashed across Kaṁsa's pale and terror-stricken face. Addressing the entire assembly, he said:
“My enemy has been born within Vraja, of this I am certain. Day by day he continues to grow, and he will bring about my death.”
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
दनुज-सुता पूतना पठाई, छिनकहिं माँझ सँहारी।
घींचि मरोरि, दियौ कागासुर मेरें ढिग फटकारी॥
ऐसौ कौन, मारिहै ताकौं, मोहि कहै सो आइ।
बाकौं मारि अपुनपौ राखै, सूर ब्रजहिं सो जाइ॥
English translation
“I sent Pūtanā, daughter of a demon, and in a single instant he slew her. Seizing and twisting Kākāsura, he hurled him down beside me.
“Who is there who will kill that child? Let him come and tell me. Whoever would preserve his own honor by killing him must go to Vraja.” So speaks Sūr.
Original
Hindi
प्रज्वलित अग्निमें मानो घृताहुति पड़ गयी। कंसके वचनसे उत्कचका गर्व प्रदीप्त हो उठा। अन्य राक्षस-सेनापतियोंके मुखसे हुंकारकी बयार बह चली। अतः गर्वकी लपट बिखेरते हुए उत्कच अपने स्थानसे उठा एवं कंसके सामने हाथ जोड़कर बोला:
English translation
It was as though an offering of ghee had been poured into a blazing fire. Kaṁsa's words set Utkaca's pride aflame, while gusts of roaring approval issued from the mouths of the other demon commanders. Scattering flames of arrogance, Utkaca rose from his seat, joined his hands before Kaṁsa, and said:
Original
Braj
दोउ कर जोरि भयौ उठि ठाढ़ौ, प्रभु-आयसु मैं पाऊँ।
ह्या तैं जाइ तुरतहीं मारौं, कहौ तौ जीवत ल्याऊँ॥
English translation
“I rise and stand with both hands joined; may I receive my master's command. I shall leave here and kill him at once, or, if you say so, bring him back alive.”
Original
Hindi
कंसके हर्षकी सीमा नहीं रही। वह आसनसे उठ खड़ा हुआ तथा उत्कचकी भूरि-भूरि प्रशंसा करते हुए ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके प्राणहरणका बीड़ा देकर उसे विदा किया। दैत्य भी उसी क्षण व्रजपुरकी ओर चल पड़ा। किंतु अभी ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके योगीन्द्र-मुनीन्द्र-दुर्लभ चरणारविन्दके स्पर्शका सुयोग आनेमें सात पहरका विलम्ब था। अतः चलकर भी असुर पथभ्रान्त हो गया; व्रजपुरका, ब्रजेन्द्रगृहका संकेत न पा सका।
English translation
Kaṁsa's delight knew no bounds. He rose from his throne, lavished praise upon Utkaca, entrusted him with the charge of taking the life of the son of the king of Vraja, and sent him away. That very moment the demon set out for Vraja. Yet seven watches still remained before the destined moment when he would touch those lotus feet of Vraja's prince that are difficult even for the greatest yogis and sages to attain. Thus, although he had set out, the demon lost his way and could find no indication of either Vraja or the house of its king.
Original
Hindi
इससे पूर्व इसी व्रजपुरकी सीमापर बारंबार उड़कर आनेवाली पूतना सात दिन भटक चुकी है। उत्कचको तो केवल सात पहर ही भटकना है। जो हो, पथ भूला हुआ उत्कच व्रजपुरका अनुसन्धान पानेके उद्देश्यसे व्रजकी परिक्रमा कर रहा है एवं व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी लीलाशक्ति तदनुरूप रङ्गमञ्चके निर्माणमें लगी है।
English translation
Before this, Pūtanā had flown repeatedly to the very border of Vraja, yet wandered for seven days. Utkaca had to wander for only seven watches. Be that as it may, the lost Utkaca circled Vraja in search of the way into the settlement, while the prince of Vraja's līlā-śakti busied herself with preparing the stage accordingly.
Original
Hindi
शरद्-हेमन्तकी संधिका प्रभात हुआ है। मानो निशा-सुन्दरी ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनका दर्शन करने आयी थीं, चार पहर दर्शनामृतका पान करती रहीं; और भी करतीं, पर अब तो सूर्यदेव यशोदानन्दनको देखने आ रहे थे। इसीसे वे लज्जावश अन्तरिक्षमें जा छिपीं; किंतु अदर्शनके दुःखसे खिन्न होकर जाते समय छाती पीटती जा रही थीं, इससे उनके गलेका मुक्ताहार टूट पड़ा और मुक्ताके दाने सर्वत्र बिखर गये। इस तरह मोती-जैसे ओसकण सर्वत्र पड़े चमक रहे हैं।
English translation
Dawn came at the meeting point of autumn and early winter. It was as though the beautiful lady Night had come to behold the son of the king of Vraja and had drunk the nectar of His sight for four watches. She would have continued, but the sun god was now coming to see Yaśodā's child. Out of modesty she withdrew and hid in the sky. Yet, distressed by separation from His sight, she beat her breast as she departed. The pearl necklace at her throat broke, scattering its beads everywhere. Thus pearl-like drops of dew lay glittering on every side.
Original
Hindi
क्रमशः सूर्योदय होता है। व्रजके वनप्रान्तरकी ओटसे छन-छनकर आती हुई किरणोंके आलोकसे नन्दभवन उद्भासित होने लगता है। विकसित कुरण्टक एवं कुरबक पुष्पोंका पराग लेकर मन्द समीर प्रवाहित हो रहा है। इस समय उल्लासमें भरे व्रजेन्द्र तोरणद्वारपर खड़े हैं, ब्राह्मणोंको निमन्त्रण भेज रहे हैं। आज नन्दनन्दनका जन्मनक्षत्र है। नाक्षत्र मासकी गणनासे नन्दनन्दन इस समय तीन मासके हो चुके हैं।
English translation
The sun gradually rose. Rays filtered through the groves on the outskirts of Vraja, and their radiance began to illumine Nanda's palace. A gentle breeze carried the pollen of blossoming kuraṇṭaka and kurabaka flowers. Filled with joy, the king of Vraja stood at the arched gateway sending invitations to the brāhmaṇas. This was the birth star of Nanda's son. By the reckoning of lunar mansions, the child was now three months old.
Original
Hindi
व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी जन्मनक्षत्र-उत्सवकी व्यवस्थामें लगी हैं। ब्राह्मण आयेंगे, पुत्रका अभिषेक होगा, विराट् ब्राह्मण-भोजन होगा, फिर गोप-बन्धु-बान्धवोंकी गोष्ठी होगी, उनका सत्कार होगा। इसकी सामग्री एकत्र करनेमें रोहिणीजीसहित वे स्वयं जुटी हुई हैं। पर यह करते हुए भी नन्दरानीका मन तो अपने पुत्रके पास है। इसीलिये एक वस्तुका निरीक्षण समाप्त होते ही दौड़कर वे पुत्रके पास पहुँच जाती हैं, पुत्रको देखकर भंडारमें चली जाती हैं, फिर कुछ देर बाद लौट आती हैं तथा अपने हृदयधनको सुप्रसन्न निहारकर पुनः रोहिणीजीकी सहायता करने चल पड़ती हैं। यशोदानन्दनकी रक्षापर इस समय धात्रियाँ हैं, जो उनकी शय्याको चारों ओरसे घेरकर बैठी हैं।
English translation
The lady of the king of Vraja was arranging the birth-star festival. The brāhmaṇas would come, her son would be bathed in consecration, a vast feast for the brāhmaṇas would be held, and afterward the cowherd relatives and friends would assemble and be honored. She and Rohiṇī personally gathered everything required. Even amid these duties, however, the queen of Nanda's mind remained with her child. As soon as she finished inspecting one item, she hurried back to Him. After seeing Him she returned to the storeroom, only to come back a little later. Gazing with delight upon the treasure of her heart, she would again depart to assist Rohiṇī. At that time the nurses guarded Yaśodā's son, sitting in a circle around His bed.
Original
Hindi
शय्यापर उत्तानशायी होकर नन्दनन्दन किलक रहे हैं; धात्रीगण गीत गा-गाकर, झुनझुने बजा-बजाकर उन्हें किलका रही हैं। हठात् किलकते हुए नन्दनन्दनने अपने-आप दाहिनी ओर करवट ले ली। फिर तो कहना ही क्या है, अपने-आप सुकुमार नन्दकुमारको करवटके बल सोये देखकर धात्रियोंके हृदयमें आनन्दका सागर उमड़ पड़ा। एक ही साथ धात्रियाँ हर्षकी तुमुल ध्वनिसे प्राङ्गणको निनादित करके नाच उठीं। कुछ व्रजरानीके पास दौड़ीं, उन्हें यह परम शुभ संवाद सुनाया। सुनते ही नन्दरानीका रोम-रोम भी नाच उठा। वे दौड़ी आयीं। पुत्रको उठाकर हृदयसे लगा लिया। उसका मुख-चुम्बन करके सुख-समुद्रमें डूब गयीं, भावकी तरङ्गोंमें बह चलीं।
English translation
Lying on His back upon the bed, Nanda's son cooed with delight. The nurses sang songs and shook rattles to make Him laugh. Suddenly, as He cooed, the child turned over onto His right side all by Himself. What more can be said? Seeing the tender prince of Nanda resting on His side without assistance, an ocean of joy surged in the nurses' hearts. All at once they filled the courtyard with a great clamor of delight and began to dance. Some ran to the queen of Vraja and told her the supremely auspicious news. The moment she heard it, every pore of her body seemed to dance. She ran to Him, lifted Him, and held Him against her heart. Kissing His face, she plunged into an ocean of happiness and was swept away by waves of emotion.
Original
Hindi
इतनेमें यह शुभ समाचार सुनकर नन्दराय भी वहीं आ पहुँचे। उन्हें देखते ही अन्तर्हृदयमें वर्तमान पुत्रमङ्गलकी चिरवर्धनशील लालसा मानो व्रजरानीके होठोंपर आ गयी। व्रजरानीने इस औत्थानिक (करवट बदलनेके) उत्सवपर महान् आयोजन करनेका मनोरथ प्रकट किया। व्रजेन्द्र भला असम्मत क्योंकर होते? बस, व्रजरानीने तुरंत व्रजपुरकी समस्त गोपाङ्गनाओंको निमन्त्रित करनेका आदेश दे डाला। जन्मनक्षत्रका उत्सव महामहोत्सवके रूपमें परिणत हो गया।
English translation
Meanwhile, hearing the auspicious news, Nanda also arrived. The moment she saw him, the queen of Vraja's ever-growing inward longing for her son's welfare seemed to rise to her lips. She expressed her desire to hold a grand celebration for His autthānika, His first turning over. How could the king of Vraja disagree? At once she ordered that every cowherd woman in Vraja be invited. The birth-star festival was transformed into a festival of festivals.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
शयनं पार्श्वेनोपपीडं शयानममुं सुकुमार-
कुमारापीडमकस्माद्विलोक्य तद्वृत्ते धात्रीभिर्मात्रे
निवेदितमात्रे सातिमात्रानन्दकन्दलिता निजनन्दन-
मङ्गलातिशयस्पृहिणी श्रीमन्नन्दक्षितीशगृहिणी भर्तुराज्ञां
सुज्ञातां सम्भूय भूयः सर्वाः समाहूय तमेव महोत्सवं
महामहोत्सवं चकार।
English translation
Suddenly seeing that tender prince, the crown of all young boys, lying upon His side and pressing the bed beneath Him, the nurses reported what had happened to His mother. Sprouting with immeasurable joy and longing intensely for the welfare of her own son, the illustrious wife of King Nanda ascertained her husband's approval, gathered everyone together, repeatedly summoned all the women, and transformed that very celebration into a festival of festivals.
Original
Hindi
नन्दद्वारपर शङ्खध्वनि होने लगी। भेरी, वेणु, वीणा, मृदङ्ग बज उठे। मङ्गल-गान करती हुई ब्रजाङ्गनाएँ नन्दप्रासादमें एकत्र होने लगीं। धान्य, दूर्वा, हरिद्रा, चन्दन आदि माङ्गलिक द्रव्य हाथमें लिये गोपोंका दल उमड़ पड़ा। वेदज्ञ ब्राह्मण भी आ पहुँचे। ब्रजेन्द्रने उन ब्राह्मणोंका चरणप्रक्षालन किया। फिर काञ्चनपात्रोंमें प्रचुर अन्नराशि, सुन्दर-सुन्दर वस्त्र, बहुमूल्य रत्नाभूषण, मणिमालाएँ एवं प्रत्येक ब्राह्मणकी रुचिके अनुरूप अगणित गोदान अर्पण करते हुए उनकी पूजा की। ब्रजेन्द्रकी पूजासे संतुष्ट ब्राह्मण कलशस्थापन आदि करते हुए यथाविधि देवपूजन-हवनमें प्रवृत्त हुए।
English translation
Conch shells sounded at Nanda's gate. Kettledrums, flutes, vīṇās, and mṛdaṅgas began to play. The women of Vraja gathered in Nanda's palace while singing auspicious songs. Crowds of cowherds streamed in carrying grains, sacred grass, turmeric, sandalwood, and other auspicious substances. Brāhmaṇas learned in the Vedas also arrived. The king of Vraja washed their feet. He then worshiped them by presenting golden vessels filled with abundant food, beautiful garments, costly jeweled ornaments, strings of gems, and innumerable cows suited to each brāhmaṇa's preference. Satisfied by his worship, the brāhmaṇas installed the ceremonial vessels and duly commenced worship of the deities and the fire sacrifice.
Original
Hindi
इधर गीत गाती हुई पुरमहिलाओंसे वेष्टित व्रजरानी अपने पुत्रको स्नान करा रही हैं। पुत्रके नील कलेवरको पहले हल्दी-तेलसे उबटती हैं, फिर किंचित् उष्ण वारिसे सर्वाङ्ग-स्नान कराती हैं। अपने सुकोमल आँचलसे ही अङ्ग सम्मार्जन करती हैं। पश्चात् गोदमें लेकर शिशुके प्रशस्त भालपर गोरोचनसे तिलक लगाती हैं। तदनन्तर अपनी अनामिकाका अच्छी तरह जलसे प्रक्षालन करके, पोंछकर उसीसे काजल उठाकर अभी-अभी विकसित हुए नीलोत्पल-जैसे नेत्रोंको आँज देती हैं। आँजते समय यशोदानन्दन रोने लगते हैं, जननी उत्फुल्ल नेत्रोंसे एक बार निहारकर मुखमें स्तनाग्र दे देती हैं। उस समय नन्दनन्दनके दलित-नीलकान्त-मणिविनिन्दित अङ्गोंकी शोभा देख-देखकर गोपाङ्गनाएँ सुखातिरेकसे आत्मविस्मृत-सी होने लगती हैं।
English translation
Meanwhile, surrounded by the women of the settlement singing songs, the queen of Vraja bathed her son. First she massaged His dark body with turmeric and oil, then bathed every limb in slightly warm water. She dried Him with the soft end of her own sari. Taking the infant into her lap, she marked His broad forehead with a tilaka of gorocanā. Next she washed her ring finger thoroughly, dried it, took up collyrium with that finger, and lined His eyes, which resembled blue lotuses newly opened. Yaśodā's child began to cry as she applied it. His mother gazed once with blossoming eyes and placed her nipple in His mouth. Looking again and again upon the beauty of Nanda's son's limbs, which put splintered sapphires to shame, the cowherd women became almost forgetful of themselves in their excess of joy.
Original
Hindi
ब्राह्मण आते हैं। हाथोंमें कुशपुञ्ज लेकर, उसे शान्तिकुम्भ-जलसे आर्द्र बना-बनाकर मन्त्रोच्चारण करते हुए यशोदानन्दनके अङ्गोंका जलविन्दुसे प्रोक्षण करते हैं। प्रोक्षणके समय ही नन्दनन्दनके नेत्रोंमें निद्राका संचार होने लगता है, उनके नेत्र निमीलित हो जाते हैं। वे दोनों हाथोंसे जननीका स्तन धारण किये हुए दुग्ध-वात्सल्य-प्रेमपीयूष पान करने लगते हैं। पर कुछ ही क्षणोंमें हाथ शिथिल एवं अङ्ग अवश हो जाते हैं। माताकी गोदमें रहते हुए ही नन्दकुमारको निद्रादेवी अपनी गोदमें ले लेती हैं।
English translation
The brāhmaṇas approached. Holding bunches of kuśa grass in their hands, repeatedly moistening them with water from the vessel of peace, and reciting mantras, they sprinkled droplets over the limbs of Yaśodā's son. Even as they sprinkled Him, sleep began to enter the child's eyes and His eyelids closed. Holding His mother's breast with both hands, He drank the nectar of milk, maternal affection, and love. Within a few moments, however, His hands relaxed and His limbs grew still. While He yet remained in His mother's lap, the goddess Sleep took Nanda's prince into her own.
Original
Hindi
मानो निद्रासुन्दरीने विचार किया, “श्रीनाथके इस औत्थानिक मङ्गल-समारोहमें सभी गोपसुन्दरियाँ आयी हैं, सुख लूट रही हैं; फिर उस सुखका उपयोग मैं भी क्यों न कर लूँ?” यह सोचकर वे धीरे-धीरे आयीं और नन्दकुमारके नेत्रोंका स्पर्शसुख लेती हुई उन्होंने उनको अपनी गोदमें उठा लिया:
English translation
It was as though the beautiful goddess Sleep thought, “All the lovely cowherd women have come to this auspicious turning-over celebration of the Lord and are plundering its joy. Why should I not enjoy that happiness too?” Thinking this, she approached softly, savored the bliss of touching Nanda's prince's eyes, and lifted Him into her lap:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Harisūri's Bhakti-rasāyana
श्रीनायकौत्थानिकमङ्गलेऽस्मिन् प्राप्ताः समग्रा अपि गोपवध्वः।
जग्राह सुखं तत्र कथं मयेति निद्रा शनैरीशदृशं किमागात्॥
English translation
“At this auspicious turning-over festival of the Lord, all the cowherd women have assembled and taken their share of joy. Why should I not do the same?” As if thinking thus, Sleep slowly approached the Lord's eyes.
Original
Hindi
प्राङ्गणके एक भागमें एक अत्यन्त बृहदाकार शकट है। उसके नीचे शकटस्तम्भोंसे सम्बद्ध एक अतिशय सुन्दर दोलिकामञ्च (पलना) टँगा है। उसके पाये प्रवालनिर्मित हैं, पट्टियाँ मरकतमणि-रचित हैं, उसमें अरुण क्षौम (लाल रेशम)-की डोरी बँधी हैं, तूलपुष्ट आस्तरण (रूईभरी तोषक) है, चारों ओर तूलनिर्मित उपधान (तकिया) लगे हैं। इसी पलनेपर जननी यशोदा पुत्रको धीरेसे जाकर सुला देती हैं।
English translation
In one part of the courtyard stood an enormous cart. Beneath it hung an exceptionally beautiful cradle platform fastened to the cart's supports. Its legs were made of coral, its slats fashioned from emeralds, and cords of crimson silk were tied to it. It held a cotton-stuffed mattress, with cotton pillows arranged all around. Mother Yaśodā gently laid her son to sleep in this cradle.
Original
Hindi
जननी जब इस ओर आ रही थीं, तब उनके पीछे-पीछे अतिशय कौतूहलवश कौमार-वयके कतिपय गोप-शिशु चले आये थे। वे सब पालनेको घेरकर खड़े हो जाते हैं। मैया आदेश करती हैं, “पुत्रो! तुम सब बैठ जाओ, धीरे-धीरे इसे झुलाना; पर जब मेरा यह नीलमणि जाग जाय तो मुझे बुला लाना, भला।”
English translation
As the mother came this way, several young cowherd boys, driven by intense curiosity, followed close behind. They stood surrounding the cradle. Mother instructed them, “Sons, sit down and rock Him very gently. But when this sapphire of mine wakes, do come and call me.”
Original
Hindi
माताका यह आदेश कुमार शिशुओंको परम अभिलषित था। वे तो आये ही थे इसलिये कि किसी प्रकार इस साँवरेके पास बैठनेका उन्हें अवसर मिल जाय। वे सब-के-सब तोतली बोलीमें बोल-बोलकर माताको आश्वासन देते हैं, “हाँ-हाँ, हमलोग ऐसा ही करेंगे।” उनकी बात सुनकर जननी हँसती हुई चल पड़ती हैं, पर उसी स्थानपर जाकर बैठती हैं, जहाँसे वे निरन्तर पलनेको देखती रह सकें।
English translation
The mother's command granted exactly what the little boys desired most. They had come in the hope of somehow gaining a chance to sit beside the dark child. In their lisping voices they all assured her, “Yes, yes, we shall do just that.” Laughing at their reply, the mother went away, but she seated herself where she could keep the cradle constantly in view.
Original
Hindi
अचिन्त्यलीलामहाशक्ति-नटीने पट-परिवर्तन किया। ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी आजकी लीलाका द्वितीय दृश्य आरम्भ हुआ। एक ही साथ चार कार्य हुए। ब्रजेशमहिषीके मनपर तो समागत अतिथियोंकी सेवा-शुश्रूषा, स्वागत-सत्कारका रंग चढ़ने लगा। कुमार बालक यशोदानन्दनकी ओर दृष्टि रखनेपर भी बाल-सुलभ चापल्यवश शकटके नीचेसे बाहर निकल आये। यशोदानन्दनकी निद्रा भङ्ग हो गयी और पथभ्रान्त उत्कच दैत्य पथ पा गया।
English translation
The actress who is the Lord's inconceivable and mighty līlā-śakti changed the curtain, and the second scene of the prince of Vraja's play that day began. Four things occurred at once. The mind of Vraja's queen became absorbed in serving, welcoming, and honoring the arriving guests. Although the young boys kept Yaśodā's son in sight, their natural childish restlessness drew them out from beneath the cart. Yaśodā's child awoke, and the lost demon Utkaca found his way.
Original
Hindi
उसने देखा, सर्वथा सामने आनन्द-कोलाहलसे मुखरित नन्दप्रासाद ऊँचे आकाशमें सिर उठाये अवस्थित है। व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके व्रजमें आनेके दिनसे अब तीन मास हो गये हैं; निरन्तर इन तीन मासोंमें नित्य नये-नये उत्सव, गोप-गोपियोंकी हर्षध्वनि एवं ब्रजेश-पुत्रके दर्शनार्थी समागत समस्त पुरवासियोंके उत्कण्ठा-परमाणुओंसे अनुप्राणित प्रासादका अणु-अणु आनन्दकी किरणें बिखेर रहा है। फिर आज तो नन्दपुत्रके औत्थानिक एवं जन्मनक्षत्र-उत्सवका समारोह है। इस समय प्रासादकी शोभा, प्रासादके आनन्दका तो कहना ही क्या है।
English translation
Before him he saw Nanda's palace rising toward the high sky and resounding with a joyful uproar. Three months had passed since the son of Vraja's king came to Vraja. Throughout those three months there had been ever-new festivals each day. Enlivened by the cowherds' exclamations of joy and by every particle of longing within all the townspeople who came to behold the king of Vraja's son, every atom of the palace radiated beams of happiness. Today, moreover, was the combined celebration of Nanda's son's turning over and His birth star. What words could describe the palace's beauty and joy at that moment?
Original
Hindi
वायुरूपसे ही उत्कच वहाँ जा पहुँचता है, जहाँ व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन शकटके नीचे एक अभिनव बालभङ्गिमाका प्रकाश करते हुए अपनी लीला-माधुरीका अपने-आप रस ले रहे हैं। उनकी निद्रा, आलस्य हट गया है। एकान्त एकाकी दोलिकापर्यङ्कपर विराजित हैं। पहले कुछ देर हस्त एवं चरणोंका मृदु-मृदु संचालन करते रहे, पर्यङ्ककी अरुणाभ पट्टडोरिकाकी ओर देख-देखकर किलकते रहे। फिर किलकते-किलकते अपनी मृदु सुकोमल अँगुलियोंसे चरणका अँगूठा पकड़ लेते हैं तथा धीरे-धीरे उसे अपने मुखमें रखकर चूसने लगते हैं। वे यहाँ इस समय सचमुच अकेले ही हैं। दूरपर यद्यपि कुमार शिशु खड़े रहकर उनकी ओर देख रहे हैं, फिर भी वास्तवमें इस अद्भुत बाल्यभावका रस वे स्वयं ही ग्रहण कर रहे हैं:
English translation
Still in the form of air, Utkaca reached the place where the prince of Vraja lay beneath the cart, displaying a fresh infant gesture and savoring by Himself the sweetness of His own play. Sleep and drowsiness had left Him. He sat alone in the secluded cradle-bed. For a while He softly moved His hands and feet, gazing at the crimson straps of the bed and cooing with delight. Then, still cooing, He grasped His big toe with His tender fingers, slowly placed it in His mouth, and began to suck it. He truly was alone there at that moment. Although the little boys stood at a distance watching Him, in reality He Himself was tasting the essence of this wondrous infant mood:
Original
Braj
कर पग गहि, अँगुठा मुख मेलत।
प्रभु पौढ़े पालनें अकेले, हरषि-हरषि अपने रंग खेलत॥
English translation
With His hand He grasps His foot and places His big toe in His mouth. The Lord lies alone in the cradle, joyfully playing in His own delight.
Original
Hindi
मानो सर्वज्ञशिरोमणि पूर्णकाम महामहिम स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनमें अपने अङ्गुष्ठक्षरित रसकी महिमाका तत्त्व जाननेकी तीव्र इच्छा, उस रसके पानका अदम्य लोभ जाग्रत् हो उठा है और वे इसे पी-पीकर प्रसन्न हो रहे हैं:
English translation
It was as though within the prince of Vraja, the omniscient, all-fulfilled, supremely glorious Lord Himself, there had awakened an intense desire to know the true greatness of the nectar flowing from His own big toe and an irresistible greed to drink it. He drank it again and again in delight:
Original
Braj
जे चरनारबिंद श्री भूषन उर तें नैंकु न टारति।
देखौं धौं का रस चरननि मैं, मुख मेलत करि आरति॥
जा चरनारबिंद के रस कौं सुर-मुनि करत विषाद।
सो रस है मोह् कौं दुरलभ, तातैं लेत सबाद॥
English translation
Śrī never removes those lotus feet, her cherished ornament, even slightly from her breast. “Let Me see what nectar is present in these feet,” He seems to say, reverently placing them in His mouth.
Gods and sages sorrow in longing for the nectar of those lotus feet. “Is that nectar difficult even for Me to attain? Therefore I shall taste its flavor.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Sanskrit source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
इसी समय सर्वथा सबसे अलक्षित वायुकी लहरके समान उत्कच नन्दप्राङ्गणमें जा पहुँचता है; शकटके नीचे किलकते हुए, अङ्गुष्ठ-रसपानमें संलग्न नन्दपुत्रको देखने लग जाता है। वह सोचता है:
स पूतनापोथकोऽयं पोतो विशङ्कटशकटाधस्तादास्ते
साक्षान्मृत्युं विधातुं तु न कोऽपि जन्तुरमुष्य शक्यतीति
लक्ष्यते। छद्मरूपसदातया च पूतना संस्थिता।
तस्मादमूर्त एव सन्नत्र पूर्तये भवानीति।
English translation
At that moment Utkaca entered Nanda's courtyard like a current of air, wholly unnoticed by everyone. He watched Nanda's son beneath the cart, cooing and absorbed in drinking the nectar of His big toe. He thought:
“This is the infant who crushed Pūtanā, lying beneath this enormous cart. It appears that no embodied being could approach Him openly and bring about His death. Pūtanā died because she assumed a deceptive form. Therefore I shall remain incorporeal here and accomplish my purpose.”
Original
Hindi
इस विचारसे उत्कच किसी अन्य आसुरी मायाका विस्तार न करके चुपचाप अलक्षित रूपसे उस शकटमें ही आविष्ट हो गया। उसने निश्चय किया, “अपने विशाल शरीरभारसे धीरे-धीरे शकटको दबा दूँगा, भारसे दबकर शकट-चक्र (पहिये) पृथ्वीमें धँस जायँगे, शकटका पृष्ठ देश (गाड़ीके नीचेका हिस्सा) इस बालकको पीसता हुआ धरातलसे जा लगेगा।” उत्कचको यह पता नहीं है कि इसी बालकके एक क्षुद्र संकल्पसे अनन्त ब्रह्माण्ड एक क्षणमें पिस जाते हैं; ऐसे बालकको पीस डालनेकी कल्पना कितनी हास्यास्पद है?
English translation
With this thought, Utkaca refrained from expanding any other demonic illusion and silently entered the cart in his unseen form. He resolved, “With the immense weight of my body I shall slowly press the cart down. Under that weight its wheels will sink into the earth, and the underside of the wagon will crush this child as it descends to the ground.” Utkaca did not know that a single slight resolve of this very child can grind infinite universes to dust in an instant. How absurd was the thought that he could crush such a child!
Original
Hindi
इधर ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनको एकाकी किलकते, खेलते हुए बहुत समय हो चुका है। अब वे क्षुधार्त हो गये हैं, स्तनपानकी उन्हें अतिशय त्वरा है। पर जननी तो निकट हैं नहीं तथा रक्षापर नियुक्त कुमार बालकोंको भी यह विस्मृत हो चुका है कि नन्दनन्दनके जागते ही जननी यशोदाको बुला लाना था। वे तो दूर खड़े-खड़े नन्दनन्दनका किलकना देख रहे हैं, उन सबको बड़ा रस मिल रहा है, वे अपनी सारी चञ्चलता भूलकर निर्निमेष नयनोंसे नन्दनन्दनकी ओर देखते हुए मन्त्रमुग्ध-से खड़े हैं।
English translation
The prince of Vraja had now been cooing and playing alone for a long while. He had grown hungry and urgently desired His mother's milk. Yet His mother was not nearby, and the young boys appointed to guard Him had forgotten that they were to call Yaśodā as soon as Nanda's son awoke. From a distance they watched Him coo and found such delight in it that they forgot all their restlessness. Gazing at Him with unblinking eyes, they stood as though spellbound.
Original
Hindi
और तो क्या, यशोदानन्दन क्षुधासे पीड़ित होकर, जननीको अनुपस्थित पाकर अब जब क्रन्दन प्रारम्भ करते हैं, तब भी उन कुमार बालकोंको समुचित कर्तव्यका ज्ञान नहीं हो पाता। बल्कि वे इस क्रन्दनकी मधुरिमासे और भी विमुग्ध हो जाते हैं। स्तनार्थी यशोदानन्दन रो रहे हैं, कुमार बालक इसे स्पष्ट सुन-जान भी रहे हैं; फिर भी एक अद्भुत परमानन्दकी अनुभूतिसे उनके अङ्ग अवश हो गये हैं। वे चुपचाप निष्पन्द देखते ही रह जाते हैं। अस्तु।
English translation
Indeed, even when hunger afflicted Yaśodā's son and, finding His mother absent, He began to cry, the boys still did not remember their proper duty. Instead, the sweetness of His crying enchanted them all the more. Yaśodā's child wept for His mother's breast, and the boys clearly heard and understood Him. Yet the experience of an extraordinary supreme bliss left their limbs powerless, so they remained silent and motionless, doing nothing but gaze. So be it.
Original
Hindi
उत्कचने अब शीघ्रता की; क्योंकि शिशुका क्रन्दन सुनकर जननी एवं नन्दादि गोप कहीं आ न जायँ। वह तुरंत शकटपर अपना महान् भार डालना आरम्भ करता है। “चरमर-चरमर” शब्द करता हुआ शकट कम्पित होने लगता है। किसीको इसके रहस्यका ज्ञान नहीं, पर व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन सब कुछ जानते हैं। अवश्य ही यह भी सत्य है कि जानकर भी वे इस समय अनजान बने हैं। वात्सल्यरस-आस्वादनकी उत्कट लालसासे अत्यन्त अभिभूत हो रहे हैं, पर उनकी चिरसङ्गिनी अघट-घटना-पटीयसी योगमाया नित्य ही सेवाको बाट जोहती रहती है।
English translation
Utkaca now acted quickly, fearing that the mother and cowherds such as Nanda might hear the infant's crying and arrive. He immediately began to place his tremendous weight upon the cart. With repeated creaking sounds, the cart began to tremble. No one knew the mystery behind it, but the prince of Vraja knew everything. It is equally true that, though He knew, He acted unknowing at that moment. He was utterly overcome by His intense longing to relish parental love, while His eternal companion Yogamāyā, expert in making the impossible possible, always waited for an opportunity to serve Him.
Original
Hindi
अब अवसर उपस्थित हुआ है, व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके वात्सल्यरस-आस्वादनमें व्याघात न हो, उनकी शिशूचित बाल्यमाधुरी अक्षुण्ण बनी रहे, किसी भी व्रजवासीकी किंचित् भी क्षति न हो और उत्कचका उद्धार हो जाय। ये चार सेवाएँ हैं। अतः उत्कचके शकटमें आविष्ट होते ही योगमाया भी इन सब सेवाओंका भार अपने ऊपर लेकर नन्दनन्दनके वाम मृदुलचरणमें व्यक्त हो जाती हैं। शकटके “चरमर-चरमर” शब्दको सुनकर वे तो हँस रही हैं। पर वात्सल्यरसपानलोलुप व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन जननी यशोदाके स्तनपानके लिये रो रहे हैं!
English translation
The opportunity had now arisen to perform four services: to prevent any interruption in the prince of Vraja's relish of parental love, to preserve intact His infant sweetness proper to a little child, to keep every resident of Vraja from even the slightest harm, and to deliver Utkaca. Thus, the moment Utkaca entered the cart, Yogamāyā assumed responsibility for all four services and manifested in Nanda's son's tender left foot. Hearing the cart creak, she laughed, while the prince of Vraja, eager to drink the nectar of parental affection, cried for Mother Yaśodā's milk!
Original
Hindi
क्षुधासे आतुर हुए यशोदानन्दन अब क्रन्दन करते हुए पैर पटकने लगते हैं। पर इस करुणाक्रन्दनका किसी ओरसे भी कोई उत्तर नहीं मिलता। जननी इसे सुनतक नहीं पातीं। आगत गोप-गोपाङ्गनाओंके स्वागतमें उनका मन इतना संलग्न हो गया है, नहीं-नहीं, किसी अचिन्त्य प्रेरणासे संलग्न कर दिया गया है कि वे पुत्रके करुणाक्रन्दनको सुन सकती ही नहीं।
English translation
Tormented by hunger, Yaśodā's son began to kick His feet as He cried, but His plaintive weeping received no response from any direction. His mother did not even hear it. Her mind had become so absorbed in welcoming the arriving cowherd men and women, or rather, had been made so absorbed by an inconceivable prompting, that she simply could not hear her son's sorrowful cries.
Original
Hindi
इसीलिये मानो स्वयं योगमाया ही व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी यह परम आर्ति देखकर, नन्दनन्दनकी व्याकुलता सहनेमें असमर्थ होकर, माताको सूचना देनेके उद्देश्यसे तथा इसी बहाने उत्कच दैत्यका उद्धार करनेके लिये नन्दनन्दनके चरणका शकटसे स्पर्श करा देती हैं। हठात् नन्दनन्दन चरण-संचालन करते हुए उसे ऊपरकी ओर उठा देते हैं और वह शकटसे छू जाता है। उनके वे मृदुलचरण बढ़ नहीं गये, उनका परिमाण ज्यों-का-त्यों रहा, कोई भी आश्चर्यजनक अद्भुत परिवर्तन नहीं हुआ; फिर भी शिशुओंने स्पष्ट देखा, नन्दनन्दनने चरण उछाला है और चरण शकटसे जा लगा है।
English translation
It was therefore as though Yogamāyā herself, seeing the prince of Vraja's acute distress and unable to bear Nanda's son's anguish, caused His foot to touch the cart in order to alert His mother and, on that pretext, deliver the demon Utkaca. Suddenly Nanda's son moved His foot and raised it upward, and it touched the cart. His tender foot did not grow larger. Its dimensions remained exactly as before, and no astonishing transformation took place. The children nevertheless saw clearly that Nanda's son had tossed up His foot and that it had struck the cart.
Original
Hindi
जैसे पूतना आकाशमें उछल पड़ी थी, वैसे ही नन्दनन्दनके नवपल्लव-सुकोमल शिशूचित नन्हे-से चरणके लगते ही शकट अकस्मात् आकाशमें उछला और अत्यन्त घोर शब्द करता हुआ उलटकर यशोदानन्दनसे कुछ ही दूर हटकर पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ा। शकटपर दधि, दुग्ध, नवनीत आदिसे पूर्ण अनेकों बड़े-बड़े कांस्यपात्र रखे थे। वे सभी चूर्ण-विचूर्ण हो गये। और तो क्या, शकटके पहिये निकलकर दूर जा गिरे, धुरी अलग होकर पड़ गयी और जूआ टूटकर खण्ड-खण्ड हो गया:
English translation
Just as Pūtanā had been hurled into the sky, the instant Nanda's son's tiny infant foot, tender as a new leaf, touched the cart, it suddenly leapt upward. Making a tremendously fearsome sound, it overturned and crashed to the ground a short distance from Yaśodā's child. Many large bronze vessels filled with curd, milk, butter, and other provisions had been set upon the cart, and all of them were smashed to pieces. More than that, the cart's wheels came off and landed far away, its axle fell separately, and its yoke broke into fragments:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.7.7
अधःशयानस्य शिशोरनोऽल्पकप्रवालमृद्वङ्घ्रिहतं व्यवर्तत।
विध्वस्तनानारसकुप्यभाजनं व्यत्यस्तचक्राक्षविभिन्नकूबरम्॥
English translation
The cart was overturned by the slight kick of the infant lying beneath it, whose foot was tender as a young shoot. Its many vessels of liquid and metal containers were shattered, its wheels and axle displaced, and its yoke broken apart.
Original
Hindi
व्रजेन्द्र एवं उपनन्द दौड़ पड़े। उनके पीछे उत्सवमें आयी हुई गोपमण्डली, “अरे यह क्या हुआ! यह घोर शब्द कैसा? अँय! यह तो शकट उलट गया! आह, अकस्मात् यह कैसे? हाय-हाय, नन्दनन्दन उसके नीचे था, नारायण! नारायण! त्राहि, त्राहि, प्रभो! दयासिन्धो! करुणामय! जगत्पते! रक्षा करो, रक्षा करो।” इस प्रकार आर्तनाद करती हुई दौड़ पड़ी। गोपाङ्गनाएँ भी पुनः पूतना-जैसी राक्षसीकी आशङ्कासे, “दौड़ो-दौड़ो, यशोदानन्दनको उठा लो, राक्षसी उड़ने न पाये।” ऐसा चीत्कार करती हुई, जननी जहाँ पुत्रको सुला गयी थीं, उस ओर दौड़ने लगीं।
English translation
The king of Vraja and Upananda ran toward the sound. The company of cowherds who had come for the festival rushed behind them, crying in anguish, “What has happened? What was that terrible sound? Oh! The cart has overturned! How could this happen so suddenly? Alas, alas, Nanda's son was beneath it! Nārāyaṇa! Nārāyaṇa! Save Him, save Him, O Lord! Ocean of mercy! Compassionate one! Lord of the universe! Protect Him, protect Him!” Fearing that another demoness like Pūtanā had come, the cowherd women also shrieked, “Run, run! Pick up Yaśodā's son! Do not let the demoness fly away!” They raced toward the place where the mother had laid her child.
Original
Hindi
सबसे प्रथम व्रजेन्द्र जा पहुँचे। लपककर, पैर पटक-पटककर रोते हुए पुत्रको उठा लिया। वे अतिशय व्याकुलताभरी दृष्टिसे उसके सारे अङ्गोंको देखने लगे, कहीं चोट तो नहीं आयी है? किंतु कहीं कोई भी क्षतिचिह्न नहीं मिला। व्रजेन्द्र गद्गद कण्ठसे “नारायणाखिलगुरो भगवन्नमस्ते” कहते हुए पुत्रको हृदयसे लगा लेते हैं। साथ ही ब्रजेश्वरीकी गोदमें पुत्रको दे देनेके लिये चारों ओर दृष्टि दौड़ाते हैं। पर ब्रजेश्वरी तो वहाँ हैं ही नहीं, वे तो दो पग चलकर ही भग्नहृदय-सी होकर गिर पड़ी थीं। ब्रजेश्वरको कुछ दूरपर खड़ी अत्यन्त उद्विग्ना रोहिणीजी दिखायी पड़ती हैं, श्रीरोहिणीके नेत्रोंसे अश्रुका निर्झर झर रहा है!
English translation
The king of Vraja arrived first. He sprang forward and lifted his son, who was crying and beating His feet. With an intensely anxious gaze he examined every limb, searching for an injury, but found not the slightest mark. His voice choked with emotion, he said, “O Nārāyaṇa, teacher of all, O Lord, I bow to You,” and clasped the child to his heart. He looked all around, intending to place Him in the queen of Vraja's lap, but she was nowhere there. After taking only two steps, she had collapsed as though her heart had broken. A short distance away the lord of Vraja saw Rohiṇī standing in extreme distress, torrents of tears streaming from her eyes.
Original
Hindi
व्रजेन्द्रका मनोभाव श्रीरोहिणीजीपर प्रकट हो जाता है। वे दौड़कर व्रजरानीके पास जाती हैं। उनके मूर्छितप्राय शरीरको गोदमें लेकर बारंबार उनके कानमें कहती हैं, “बहिन! नीलमणि कुशलसे है, सर्वथा कुशल है; यह देखो, नीलमणिको गोदमें लिये व्रजेन्द्र आ रहे हैं।” अन्य व्रजाङ्गनाएँ भी तुमुल हर्षध्वनि करती हुई व्रजरानीको आश्वासन देती हैं। इन वाक्योंसे नन्दरानीमें चेतनाका संचार हो जाता है। वे नेत्र खोलकर देखती हैं। इसी समय व्रजेन्द्र पुत्रको गोदमें लिये आ पहुँचते हैं। जननी पुत्रको देख लेती हैं। फिर भी उनका हृदय दुःखसे इतना टूट-सा गया है कि शरीरमें उठनेतककी शक्ति नहीं रही है। हाँ, पुत्रको देखते ही नेत्रोंसे अश्रुका प्रवाह बह चलता है तथा फूट-फूटकर रोती हुई व्रजरानी कहने लगती हैं:
English translation
The king of Vraja's intention became clear to Rohiṇī. She ran to the queen of Vraja, took her nearly unconscious body into her lap, and repeatedly whispered in her ear, “Sister! Your sapphire is safe, completely safe. Look, the king of Vraja is coming with Him in his arms.” The other women of Vraja also reassured her with a great cry of joy. Their words restored consciousness to Nanda's queen. She opened her eyes and looked. Just then the king of Vraja arrived carrying their son. His mother saw Him, but sorrow had so broken her heart that her body lacked even the strength to rise. At the sight of Him, tears streamed from her eyes, and sobbing uncontrollably, the queen of Vraja began to say:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
बालो मे नवनीततश्च मृदुलस्त्रैमासिकोऽस्यान्तिके
हा कष्टं शकटस्य भूमिपतनाद्भङ्गोऽयमाकस्मिकः।
तच्छ्रुत्वापि न मे गतं यदसुभिस्तेनास्मि वज्राधिका
धिङ् मे वत्सलतामहो सुविदितं मातेति नामैव मे॥
यन्निष्पातजवैर्मही विचलिता यस्यारवैः सर्वतः
सर्वेऽमी बधिरीकृता निपतिते तस्मिन् समीपे शिशुः।
लब्ध्वा भूरिभयं यदेष तदितः स्मृत्वापि जीवत्यहो!
महद्दुर्दैवफलं महद् व्रजपतेर्भाग्यैः कियद् वार्यताम्॥
English translation
“My infant is softer than fresh butter and only three months old. Alas, the cart suddenly fell to the ground and broke beside Him! I heard this, yet my life did not leave me. Therefore I am harder than a thunderbolt. Shame upon my affection! Ah, I am known as a mother in name alone.
“The force of its fall shook the earth, and its crashing sound deafened everyone on every side. When it fell, the infant was close beside it. He must have suffered immense fear, yet astonishingly He remains alive even after remembering it! This is the great fruit of my terrible ill fortune. How much of it can even the great good fortune of the lord of Vraja avert?”
Original
Hindi
“हाय-रे-हाय! मेरा यह नीलमणि नवनीतसे भी अधिक सुकोमल है, केवल तीन महीनेका है और इसके निकट शकट हठात् भूमिपर गिरकर टूट गया। यह बात सुनकर भी मेरे प्राण न निकले, मैं उन्हीं प्राणोंको लेकर अभीतक जीवित हूँ; इससे तो यही प्रमाणित होता है कि मैं वज्रसे भी अधिक कठोर हूँ, मैं कहलानेमात्रको माता हूँ; मेरे ऐसे मातृत्वको, मातृवत्सलताको धिक्कार है। ओह! शकट-पतनका वह कितना घोर शब्द था। यहाँ जितने थे, सबके कान बहरे हो गये। पतनके वेगसे पृथ्वी काँप उठी तथा वह सर्वथा मेरे नीलमणिके समीप गिरा! आह! उसे कितना अधिक भय लगा होगा। वह देखो, स्पष्ट उसका मुख कह रहा है, अभी भी शकट-पतनको याद करके वह डर रहा है, पर फिर भी जीवित है, यह कितना आश्चर्य है! निश्चय ही मेरे शिशुपर बार-बार जो ऐसी विपत्ति आ रही है, वह मेरे दुर्भाग्यका ही महान् फल सामने आ रहा है; इसकी जो कुछ भी रक्षा हो रही है, वह तो व्रजेशके भाग्यसे हो रही है।”
English translation
“Alas, alas! This sapphire of mine is softer even than fresh butter. He is only three months old, and beside Him the cart suddenly crashed to the ground and broke apart. I heard this, yet my life did not leave me, and I remain alive with that same life even now. This proves that I am harder than a thunderbolt. I am a mother in name alone. Shame upon such motherhood and such maternal affection as mine! Oh, how dreadful was the sound of the cart's fall! Everyone here was deafened. The force of its fall shook the earth, and it landed right beside my sapphire! Ah, how terrified He must have been! Look, His face clearly says that even now He is frightened by the memory of the cart's fall. Yet He is still alive. How astonishing! Surely these calamities that repeatedly befall my infant are the great fruit of my own ill fortune. Whatever protection He receives comes only from the good fortune of the lord of Vraja.”
Original
Hindi
व्रजरानीका यह दैन्यभाव समस्त उपस्थित गोप-गोपियोंके नेत्रोंमें भी अश्रुसंचार कर देता है। व्रजेन्द्र तो पहलेसे ही रो रहे थे। रोते हुए ही वे पुत्रको नन्दरानीकी गोदमें रख देते हैं। नन्दरानी अपने नीलमणिको हृदयसे लगा लेती हैं। मानो यशोदानन्दनकी क्षुधा अपने तात नन्दरायका अनन्त-वात्सल्य-पूरित कर-स्पर्श पाकर कुछ शान्त हो गयी; इसीलिये नन्दनन्दनको पिताने जिस क्षण पलनेसे उठाया, उसी समय उनका क्रन्दन शिथिल पड़ गया था। अब जननीके हृदयसे लगनेपर तो वे चुप हो जाते हैं। फिर भी रह-रहकर रो उठते हैं, रो-रोकर अपने मृदु करपल्लवोंको नचा-नचाकर स्तनदान करनेका संकेत करते हैं।
English translation
The queen of Vraja's humble anguish brought tears to the eyes of every cowherd man and woman present. The king of Vraja was already weeping. Still in tears, he placed their son in Nanda's queen's lap, and she held her sapphire to her heart. It was as though the hunger of Yaśodā's son had been somewhat soothed by the touch of His father Nanda's hand, filled with boundless parental love. Thus His cries had already weakened the moment His father lifted Him from the cradle. Pressed now to His mother's heart, He became quiet, though from time to time He cried again and waved His tender, leaflike hands to ask for her breast.
Original
Hindi
किंतु जननीको भय है, “निश्चय ही पुत्रमें किसी ग्रह, राक्षसका आवेश हुआ है; इसीसे वह रो उठता है। इतना कभी नहीं रोता था। शकटमें कोई आवेश तो था ही, अन्यथा अपने-आप उछलकर उलटा होकर वह कैसे गिर जाता?” इसीलिये जननी तुरंत स्तनदान नहीं करतीं। अभी दो घड़ी पूर्व जो ब्राह्मण जन्म-नक्षत्रका अभिषेक कर चुके हैं, जो दैवयोगसे अभी भी नन्दभवनमें ही हैं, उन्हें ही व्रजरानी बुलाती हैं। वे अतिशय शीघ्रतासे रक्षोघ्न मन्त्रोंका पाठ करते हुए स्वस्त्ययन करते हैं, रक्षाबन्धन करते हैं। इस तरह ग्रहशान्ति हो जानेपर जननी यशोदा पुत्रको स्तन्यपान कराने लगती हैं। पुत्रको प्रसन्नतापूर्वक स्तन्यपान करते देखकर जननीका रोम-रोम पुनः आनन्दसे पुलकित हो उठता है।
English translation
The mother was afraid. “Surely some malevolent planet or demon has possessed my son, and that is why He keeps crying. He has never cried this much before. Something certainly possessed the cart, or how could it have leapt up and overturned by itself?” She therefore did not nurse Him at once. The queen of Vraja summoned the same brāhmaṇas who had performed the birth-star consecration two ghaṭīs earlier and who, by providence, were still in Nanda's house. With great urgency they recited demon-destroying mantras, performed rites for well-being, and tied protective threads. When the planetary affliction had thus been pacified, Mother Yaśodā began to nurse her son. Seeing Him happily drink her milk, every pore of her body once again thrilled with joy.
Original
Hindi
व्रजेन्द्र शकटकी ओर चले जाते हैं। इस प्रकार शकट अपने-आप उलटकर कैसे जा गिरा, इसपर उपनन्द आदि सभी प्रमुख गोपोंसे मिलकर विचार करते हैं, किंतु कोई भी युक्तिसंगत कारण ढूँढ़ नहीं पाते। वे कुमार शिशु अभी भी शकटके पास ही इधर-उधर घूम रहे थे। उपनन्द आदि इन्हें पहले भी शकटके पास खड़े देख चुके हैं। उन्होंने उन बालकोंसे पूछा। उत्तरमें सभी शिशुकुमारोंने नन्दनन्दनकी ओर अँगुलीसे संकेत कर दिया। एक किञ्चित् वयस्क अतिशय चञ्चल बालक सामने आया। उत्साह एवं त्वरावश उसकी वाणी अस्फुट हो गयी, फिर भी दाहिने हाथसे अपने वक्षःस्थलको बार-बार स्पर्श करता हुआ अतिशय उच्च कण्ठसे वह बोल उठा:
English translation
The king of Vraja went toward the cart. Together with Upananda and the other leading cowherds, he considered how the cart could have overturned and fallen by itself, but they could discover no reasonable cause. The little boys were still wandering around near the cart, and Upananda and the others had seen them standing there earlier. They questioned the boys. In reply, every child pointed toward Nanda's son. One slightly older and extremely lively boy stepped forward. In his excitement and haste his speech became indistinct. Nevertheless, repeatedly touching his chest with his right hand, he cried out at the top of his voice:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
म म मम पापार्श्वतः श्रूयताम्।
य य य यदा च च चरणमुमुत्थापितवानयम्॥
त त त तदा ते तेन स्पृष्टमात्रो
डि डि डि डि डीन इवोदवृत्तः सोऽयं श श शकटः॥
English translation
“F-f-from m-m-my s-side, l-listen! W-w-when H-He r-r-raised His f-foot, th-th-then, the very moment it t-t-touched it, th-this c-c-cart f-f-flew up, as it were, and overturned!”
Original
Hindi
“मुझसे सुन लो, जब नन्दनन्दनने चरण उठाया, तब शकटसे चरण छू गया। उससे छूते ही शकट उड़ा हुआ-सा होकर उलट गया।” इसके बोलनेपर फिर तो सभी बालक बोल उठे:
English translation
“Listen to me. When Nanda's son raised His foot, His foot touched the cart. The moment it was touched, the cart seemed to fly up and overturned.” Once he had spoken, all the other boys cried out together:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.7.9
रुदतानेन पादेन क्षिप्तमेतन्न संशयः।
English translation
“This crying child overturned it with His foot. There is no doubt about it.”
Original
Hindi. Book note
बालककी वाणी रुक रही है। जब वह “मम” (मेरे) कहना चाहता है तो “म म मम” उच्चारण हो जाता है। जब “पार्श्वतः” (पास) कहने जाता है तो “पापार्श्वतः” बोल जाता है। “यदा” जब बोलता है, तब “य य य यदा” कह देता है। इसी प्रकार “चरणमुत्थापितवान्” (चरण उठाया) का “च च चरणमुमुत्थापितवान्”, “तदा” (तब) का “त त त तदा”, “तेन” (उससे) का “ते तेन”, “डीनः” (उड़ा हुआ)-का “डि डि डि डि डीनः” एवं “शकटः” (गाड़ी) का “श श शकटः” उच्चारण हो रहा है।
English translation
The boy's speech keeps catching. When he wishes to say “mama” (“my”), it comes out as “ma ma mama.” When he tries to say “pārśvataḥ” (“near” or “beside”), he says “pāpārśvataḥ.” When he says “yadā” (“when”), it comes out as “ya ya ya yadā.” In the same way, “caraṇamutthāpitavān” (“raised the foot”) becomes “ca ca caraṇamumutthāpitavān”; “tadā” (“then”) becomes “ta ta ta tadā”; “tena” (“by it”) becomes “te tena”; “ḍīnaḥ” (“having flown”) becomes “ḍi ḍi ḍi ḍi ḍīnaḥ”; and “śakaṭaḥ” (“cart”) becomes “śa śa śakaṭaḥ.”
Original
Hindi
किंतु बालकोंकी इन बातोंपर व्रजवासी सर्वथा विश्वास न कर सके। वे सोचते हैं, “यह तो सर्वथा असम्भव है। इन मृदुल शिशु-चरणोंकी चोटसे गाड़ी उलट जाय, यह भी विश्वास करनेयोग्य बात है?” उपनन्दकी आज्ञासे शकटमें चक्र-युगन्धर (पहिये-हरसा) आदि पुनः लगा दिये गये। उसे सब तरहसे ठीक करके अत्यन्त बलिष्ठ गोपोंने खींचकर पुनः पूर्ववत् स्थापित कर दिया। अन्य सामग्रियाँ भी उसपर रख दी गयीं।
English translation
The residents of Vraja could not believe the children's account at all. They thought, “This is entirely impossible. Can anyone believe that a blow from these soft infant feet could overturn a wagon?” At Upananda's order, the wheels, axle assembly, and other parts were fitted to the cart again. Once everything had been repaired, immensely strong cowherds dragged it back into its former position, and the other provisions were replaced upon it.
Original
Hindi
इससे निवृत्त होकर व्रजेन्द्रने अतिशय उल्लासपूर्वक पुनः वेदमन्त्रोंसे परिशुद्ध, पवित्र ओषधियोंसे युक्त जलसे ब्राह्मणोंद्वारा अपने पुत्रका अभिषेक कराया। पुनः शान्ति, स्वस्त्ययन-पाठ हुए, हवन हुए। पुनः सर्वगुणशालिनी, अतिशय पयस्विनी, क्षौमवस्त्र-हेममाला-पुष्पमालाओंसे विभूषित अगणित गायें व्रजेशने ब्राह्मणोंको दानमें दीं।
English translation
When this was finished, the king of Vraja joyfully had the brāhmaṇas bathe his son once more in water sanctified by Vedic mantras and infused with sacred herbs. Rites of peace and well-being were repeated, as were the fire sacrifices. Once again the lord of Vraja gave the brāhmaṇas innumerable cows endowed with every excellence, rich in milk, and adorned with silken cloth, golden necklaces, and flower garlands.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Sanskrit source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.7.17
व्रजेशकी सेवासे संतुष्ट हुए ब्राह्मण नन्दनन्दनपर आशीर्वादकी वर्षा करते हैं। आशीर्वाद सुन-सुनकर व्रजेशका हृदय हर्षसे नाच उठता है; क्योंकि उनके मनमें यह दृढ़ विश्वास है, वेदार्थतत्त्वज्ञ नारायण-चरणारविन्दानुरागी ब्राह्मणोंके मुखसे निस्सृत आशीर्वाद कभी निष्फल हो ही नहीं सकते, यह परम सत्य है:
विप्रा मन्त्रविदो युक्तास्तैर्याः प्रोक्तास्तथाऽऽशिषः।
ता निष्फला भविष्यन्ति न कदाचिदपि स्फुटम्॥
English translation
Satisfied by the lord of Vraja's service, the brāhmaṇas showered blessings upon Nanda's son. Hearing each blessing, the lord of Vraja's heart danced with joy. He held an unshakable conviction that blessings issuing from the mouths of brāhmaṇas who know the truth of the Vedas and are devoted to Nārāyaṇa's lotus feet can never be fruitless. This is the supreme truth:
The blessings spoken by disciplined brāhmaṇas who know the mantras can never, at any time, prove fruitless. This is certain.
Original
Hindi
विशुद्धप्रेम-परिभावित-चित्त गोपोंने, गोपाङ्गनाओंने यद्यपि शकटके पतनका, उत्कच दैत्यके इतिवृत्तका कोई अनुसन्धान नहीं पाया, फिर भी अन्तरिक्षमें अवस्थित देवगण जय-जयकारकी ध्वनि करने लगे। बाललीलाधारी गोलोकविहारीका एक अद्भुत कृत्य देखकर वे नाच उठे; क्योंकि शकट गिरते ही उन्होंने तो स्पष्ट देख लिया:
English translation
The hearts of the cowherd men and women were steeped in pure love, yet they could discover nothing about the cart's fall or the history of the demon Utkaca. The gods in the sky, however, began to cry victory and acclaim. Seeing a wondrous deed of the roamer of Goloka, who had assumed the play of an infant, they began to dance, for the instant the cart fell they clearly saw this:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Garga-saṁhitā, Goloka-khaṇḍa
चूर्णं गतेऽथ शकटे पतिते च दैत्ये त्यक्त्वा प्रभञ्जनतनुं विमलो बभूव।
नत्वा हरिं शतहयेन रथेन युक्तो गोलोकधाम निजलोकमलं जगाम॥
English translation
When the cart had been shattered and the demon had fallen, he abandoned his body of wind and became completely pure. Bowing to Hari, he mounted a chariot drawn by a hundred horses and went to Goloka-dhāma, his own stainless realm.
Original
Hindi
“शकट गिर पड़ा। उसकी चोटसे उत्कच चूर्ण-विचूर्ण हो गया। वायु-देह छोड़कर सर्वथा निर्मल हो गया। दिव्य देहसे बालक्रीड़ासक्त गोलोकविहारी श्रीहरिको उसने प्रणाम किया। प्रणाम करके दिव्यातिदिव्य परमदिव्य चिदानन्दमय शत-अश्व-संयुक्त विमानपर आरूढ़ होकर व्रजेन्द्रके निजलोक गोलोकको चला गया।”
English translation
“The cart fell. By its impact Utkaca was crushed to pieces. Casting off his body of air, he became wholly pure. In a divine body he bowed to Śrī Hari, the roamer of Goloka absorbed in infant play. After bowing, he mounted a supremely divine, transcendently radiant, conscious and blissful aerial car drawn by a hundred horses, and departed for Goloka, the personal realm of the prince of Vraja.”
Original
Hindi
शकटासुर (उत्कच)-को ऐसी परम गति देकर भी व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन तो उस समय भी बाल्यलीलामाधुरीका रस लेते हुए पैर पटक-पटककर रो रहे थे। नन्दनन्दनको ऐसे ऐश्वर्यविहीन परम पावन लीलारसका वितरण करते देखकर देवगण विमुग्ध हो गये।
English translation
Even after granting Śakaṭāsura, Utkaca, such a supreme destination, the prince of Vraja continued at that very moment to kick His feet and cry, relishing the sweetness of infant play. Seeing Nanda's son distribute this supremely sanctifying nectar of play, entirely devoid of majestic display, the gods became spellbound.
Original
Hindi
उस दिन फिर व्रजेश्वरीने अपने नीलमणिको क्षणभरके लिये भी गोदसे नहीं उतारा। गोदमें लिये हुए ही वे उत्सवका संचालन करती रहीं। केवल संध्या-समय आधी घड़ीके लिये रोहिणीजीकी गोदमें नीलमणिको लिटाकर व्रजेशकी संध्याकालीन पूजाकी, नारायणसेवाकी व्यवस्था करने गयीं और समाधान करके शीघ्र लौट आयीं। जब व्रजेन्द्रके नारायण-मन्दिरमें घण्टा-शङ्ख-ध्वनि होकर आरती समाप्त हो जाती है तब व्रजरानी पुत्रको लिये शयनागारमें चली जाती हैं, पुत्रको सुलाने लगती हैं:
English translation
For the rest of that day the queen of Vraja did not take her sapphire from her lap even for a moment. She directed the festival while holding Him there. Only at twilight did she lay Him in Rohiṇī's lap for half a ghaṭī, while she went to arrange the king of Vraja's evening worship and service to Nārāyaṇa. Having attended to everything, she quickly returned. When the ringing bells and sounding conch in the king of Vraja's temple of Nārāyaṇa announced the end of the ārati, the queen of Vraja carried her son into the sleeping chamber and began to lull Him to sleep:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
जसुदा मदनगुपाल सोवावै।
देखि सयन-गति त्रिभुवन कंपै, ईस-बिरंचि भ्रमावै॥
असित-अरुन-सित आलस लोचन उभय पलक परि आवै।
जनु रविगत संकुचित कमल जुग, निसि अलि उड़न न पावै॥
स्वास उदर उससित यौं, मानौ दुग्धसिंधु छबि पावै।
नाभि-सरोज प्रगट पदमासन उतरि नाल पछितावै॥
कर सिर तर करि स्याम मनोहर अलक अधिक सो भावै।
सूरदास मानौ पन्नगपति प्रभु ऊपर फन छावै॥
English translation
Yaśodā lulls Madana-Gopāla to sleep. Seeing the manner of His repose, the three worlds tremble, while Śiva and Brahmā are bewildered.
His languid eyes, dark, red, and white, are covered by both lids. They seem like a pair of lotuses that close when the sun departs, imprisoning the night bees so they cannot fly away.
With each breath His abdomen softly rises, taking on the beauty of the ocean of milk. The lotus of His navel appears, and the lotus-seated Brahmā, having descended from its stalk, seems to regret his departure.
The enchanting dark Lord places His hand beneath His head, making the curls there appear more beautiful still. Sūrdās says: it is as though the serpent king spreads his hoods above the Lord.