Original
नन्दप्रासादके अन्तर्गत ही श्रीरोहिणीका आवासगृह है, किंतु उस गृहकी रचना इतनी कौशलपूर्ण है कि किसी आगन्तुकके लिये हठात् उसके अन्तर्देशमें होनेवाली घटनाका संकेत पा लेना असम्भव नहीं तो अत्यन्त ही कठिन है। इसीलिये यद्यपि यशोदानन्दनके आविर्भावके पूर्व ही रोहिणीतनयका जन्म हो चुका है, फिर भी अन्तरङ्ग गोप-गोपाङ्गनाओंके अतिरिक्त अन्य सब व्रजवासियोंने उन्हें देखातक नहीं है। और तो क्या, जिस दिन रोहिणीतनय भूमिष्ठ हुए, उस दिन तो केवल नन्द-उपनन्द आदि गोप, यशोदा-उपनन्दपत्नी आदि गोपाङ्गनाएँ, निकटतम व्रजेन्द्रपरिवार तथा नालछेदन करनेवाली धात्री एवं जातकर्म-संस्कार करनेवाले ब्राह्मण ही जान पाये थे, देख पाये थे कि वसुदेवपत्नी रोहिणीजीने एक अतिशय सुन्दर शिशु प्रसव किया। उस समय उस शिशुकी शोभा देखते ही बनती थी:
English translation
Śrī Rohiṇī's residence stood within Nanda's palace itself, but it had been designed so skillfully that it was exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for a visitor suddenly to detect what took place within. Thus, although Rohiṇī's son had been born before the appearance of Yaśodā's son, none of the people of Vraja apart from the intimate cowherd men and women had even seen Him. Indeed, on the day He was born, only Nanda, Upananda, and the other leading cowherds; Yaśodā, Upananda's wife, and the other closest women; the immediate family of Vraja's lord; the nurse who cut the umbilical cord; and the Brahmins who performed the birth rites knew and saw that Rohiṇī, Vasudeva's wife, had given birth to an extraordinarily beautiful child. His beauty at that time was a wonder to behold:
Original
Sanskrit verse
शुभ्रांशुवक्त्रं तडिदालिलोचनं नवाब्दकेशं शरदभ्रविग्रहम्।
भानुप्रभावं तमसूत रोहिणी तत्तच्च युक्तं स हि दिव्यबालकः॥
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
His face was like the risen moon, His eyes like lines of lightning, His hair dark as a new raincloud, and His body like an autumn cloud. Rohiṇī gave birth to that child, radiant as the sun. Every such splendor was fitting, for He was a divine child.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
समुदित चन्द्रके समान तो उसका मुख है, विद्युत्-रेखा-जैसी शोभा नेत्रोंकी है, उसके सिरपर नव-जलधर-कृष्ण केश हैं, समस्त अङ्गोंकी आभा शारदीय शुभ्र मेघके समान है, वह सूर्यके समान दुष्प्रधर्ष तेजशाली है। ऐसे परम सुन्दर बालकको श्रीरोहिणीने जन्म दिया है। बालकका इस तरह शोभासम्पन्न होना सर्वथा उपयुक्त ही है; क्योंकि यह अस्थिमज्जामेदमांसनिर्मित प्राकृत शिशु नहीं है। यह तो परम दिव्यबालक है, बालक भी कथनमात्रका ही; वास्तवमें तो स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनका ही अनन्त, शेष नामसे अभिहित रूप ही बालक बनकर आया है।
English translation
His face was like the risen moon, His eyes shone like streaks of lightning, new-raincloud-dark hair crowned His head, and the radiance of all His limbs resembled a spotless autumn cloud. He possessed an invincible brilliance like the sun. Śrī Rohiṇī had given birth to such a supremely beautiful child. It was entirely fitting that He possess such splendor, for He was no material infant formed from bone, marrow, fat, and flesh. He was a supremely divine child, and a child in name only. In truth, the form of Lord Vraja's prince known as Ananta or Śeṣa had Himself come as this infant.
Original
जिस समय रोहिणीतनयका जातकर्म-संस्कार होने लगा, उस समय व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी मनचाहा उत्सव भी नहीं मना सकीं; क्योंकि श्रीवसुदेवने व्रजेन्द्रको अत्यधिक सावधान कर दिया था कि बालकके जन्मकी बात सर्वथा गुप्त रखी जाय, अन्यथा राक्षस कंसके द्वारा बालक एवं उसकी जननीके अनिष्टकी पर्याप्त आशङ्का थी। इसीलिये श्रीरोहिणीतनयके दर्शनका अवसर सबको नहीं मिला था; किंतु अधिकांश व्रजपुरवासी जानते अवश्य थे कि रोहिणीजी पुत्रवती हो चुकी हैं। इसके पश्चात् नन्दनन्दनका जन्म हुआ। तबसे तो व्रजवासी मानो यह भूल-से गये थे कि रोहिणीतनयको भी किसी दिन जाकर देख आना है। उनके नेत्र नन्दनन्दनकी छविसे ऐसे भर गये थे कि अब प्रायः अपने पुत्रके स्थानपर भी रह-रहकर उन्हें नन्दनन्दनकी स्फूर्ति होने लगती। किसी गोपविशेषकी बात नहीं, न्यूनाधिक सबकी ऐसी दशा होती जा रही थी। यहाँतक कि समस्त व्रजपुरमें दर्शन एवं श्रवणके एकमात्र विषय नन्दनन्दन ही हो गये थे। यह भी एक कारण था कि व्रजमें रहकर भी रोहिणीनन्दन गोप-साधारणके समक्ष अबतक नहीं आ सके।
English translation
When Rohiṇī's son's birth rites were performed, the lady of Vraja's lord could not celebrate as she desired, for Śrī Vasudeva had sternly cautioned Vraja's lord to keep the child's birth entirely secret. Otherwise there was grave danger that the demon Kaṁsa would harm both child and mother. Therefore not everyone received the opportunity to see Rohiṇī's son, though most residents of Vrajapura did know that Rohiṇī had borne a son. Nanda's son was born afterward. From then on, the people of Vraja seemed to forget that they should one day go and see Rohiṇī's son too. Their eyes were so filled with Nanda's son's beauty that even when looking upon their own children, the vision of Nanda's son would repeatedly arise before them. This was not the condition of one particular cowherd. To a greater or lesser degree, it was becoming true of them all. Nanda's son became the sole object of sight and hearing throughout Vrajapura. This too was a reason why Rohiṇī's son, though living in Vraja, had not yet appeared before the cowherd community at large.
Original
अभीतक अग्रज (रोहिणीतनय) एवं अनुज (यशोदानन्दन)-का भी परस्पर मिलन नहीं हो सका था। व्रजेन्द्र अतिशय शुभ मुहूर्तकी प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे तथा आज-कल करते-करते ही इतने दिन बीत गये। पर अब कार्यभारसे श्रीरोहिणी एवं यशोदारानीको दबी देखकर, दोनोंको अत्यन्त व्यस्त पाकर व्रजेश्वरने विचार किया:
English translation
Until now the elder brother, Rohiṇī's son, and the younger, Yaśodā's son, had not met each other either. Vraja's lord was waiting for a supremely auspicious moment, and many days passed while he kept saying, "Today or tomorrow." But seeing Śrī Rohiṇī and Queen Yaśodā burdened by work and exceedingly busy, he reflected:
Original
Sanskrit prose
बालकयुगलमिदमपृथगालयालम्बनतामेव नितरामर्हति यतस्तदीयजनन्योः स्वयमेव तल्लालनाय लालसाधन्ययोस्तत्र च परस्परतदासक्तयोर्नानास्पृहगृहकार्यपर्यापणव्यसनयोर्युगपत्तद्युगलस्य पृथगवकलनं दुर्बलम्।
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
These two children should no longer remain in separate dwellings but should live together in one house. Their blessed mothers long to care for both sons themselves and each is deeply attached to the other's child. Yet both also insist upon personally completing the many necessary household duties. In such circumstances they cannot properly watch both children at the same time while the children remain apart.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
“इन दोनों बालकोंको अब अलग-अलग न रखकर एक घरमें ही सर्वथा साथ रखना चाहिये; क्योंकि इनकी माताएँ स्वयं ही दोनों पुत्रोंका लालन-पालन करना चाहती हैं। सचमुच ऐसी लालसा रखनेवाली ये माताएँ धन्य हैं। इन दोनोंकी परस्पर एक-दूसरेके पुत्रमें आसक्ति हो गयी है; रोहिणीजी यशोदानन्दनको एवं व्रजरानी रोहिणी-तनयको अतिशय प्यार करती हैं। पर साथ ही दोनोंमें ही यह व्यसन है कि आवश्यक गृहकार्यका सम्पादन भी वे स्वयं करना चाहती हैं। ऐसी अवस्थामें उन दोनोंके लिये दोनों बालकोंको एक समयमें अलग-अलग देखभाल करना समुचित रूपसे सम्भव हो ही नहीं सकता।”
English translation
"These two children should no longer be kept apart but should always remain together in one house, for their mothers wish to raise and care for both sons themselves. Blessed indeed are mothers who cherish such a longing. Each has become attached to the other's son: Rohiṇī dearly loves Yaśodā's son, and the queen of Vraja dearly loves Rohiṇī's son. Yet both are also determined to perform the necessary household work themselves. In such a situation it is simply impossible for them properly to watch both children at once while the children remain in different places."
Original
व्रजेन्द्रने अपना यह विचार ब्राह्मणोंपर प्रकट किया। फिर देर क्या थी। शुभ मुहूर्त निश्चित हो गया। बाजे बजने लगे। व्रजसुन्दरियाँ मङ्गलगीत गाने लगीं। ब्राह्मण स्वस्तिवाचन करने लगे। तुमुल जय-जय-ध्वनिके साथ रोहिणीनन्दन मणिपर्यङ्कपर विराजित यशोदानन्दनके पास पधारे। दोनों माताओंने दोनों भाइयोंका मिलन करवाया। उस अपूर्व सम्मेलनका दृश्य देखकर उस समय व्रजवासियोंके तो पलक पड़ने बंद हो गये। निर्निमेष नयनोंसे उन सबने देखा:
English translation
Vraja's lord shared this thought with the Brahmins. There was no further delay. An auspicious moment was fixed, instruments began to play, the women of Vraja sang auspicious songs, and the Brahmins recited benedictions. Amid thunderous cries of victory, Rohiṇī's son came beside Yaśodā's son, who rested upon a jeweled couch. The two mothers brought the brothers together. At the sight of this unprecedented meeting, the people of Vraja ceased even to blink. With unblinking eyes they watched:
Original
Sanskrit verse
मिथो लग्ना दृष्टिः समजनि चिरं मूर्तिरचला
द्रवच्चित्तं नेत्रोदकमिषतयागादभिमुखम्।
इति भ्रात्रोर्बाल्येऽप्यसितसितयोः सा प्रसितता
नवे व्यत्यालोके कुतुकमिह किं वा न तनुते॥
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
Their gazes joined, and for a long time their forms remained still. Their melting hearts came forward in the guise of tears. Such attachment between the dark and fair brothers, even in infancy and at their first mutual sight, filled everyone there with wonder.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
दोनों भ्राताओंकी आँखें मिलीं। दूसरे ही क्षण दोनोंके कलेवर प्रेमावेशसे निस्पन्द हो गये। बहुत देरतक उनकी वह कमनीय मूर्ति अचल, शान्त बनी रही। फिर दोनोंके नेत्रकोण अश्रुपूरित हो गये। वास्तवमें तो दोनोंका प्रेमविगलित चित्त ही अश्रुमिषसे सामने आया है। ओह! आश्चर्य! महान् आश्चर्य! इन श्यामल-गौर दोनों भाइयोंके शैशवका यह प्रथम दर्शन है! इस समयके, अत्यन्त अल्प बाल्यजीवनके प्रथम मिलनमें ऐसी प्रेमासक्ति, ऐसा अद्भुत प्रेमावेश है। ओह! सचमुच इनका प्रेमनिबन्धन कितना महान् आश्चर्यकारी है। यहाँका तो सब कुछ अत्यन्त आश्चर्यमय है!
English translation
The brothers' eyes met. In the next instant both bodies became motionless in an overwhelming tide of love. Their lovely forms remained still and peaceful for a long while, and then the corners of their eyes filled with tears. In truth, their hearts, melted by love, had come into view under the guise of those tears. What a wonder, a great wonder! This was the first time the dark and fair brothers had seen one another in infancy. At the first meeting of their very brief childhood there was such loving attachment and such astonishing absorption in love. Their bond of affection was truly a sublime wonder. Everything here was filled with wonder.
Original
यह तो भ्रातृमिलन हुआ। अब सखा-सुहृद्-मिलन भी होना ही चाहिये। इसीलिये अचिन्त्यलीला-महाशक्तिकी प्रेरणासे व्रजपुरवासियोंके मनमें एक परम सुन्दर भावका उन्मेष हुआ। सभी पुरवासियोंके मनमें इच्छा हुई - यशोदानन्दनके समवयस्क हमारी जो संतानें हैं, उनका भी ठीक ऐसे ही विधिवत् मिलन हो। विचार व्रजेन्द्रके सामने रखा गया। व्रजेन्द्र क्यों अस्वीकार करते? बस, उस दिनसे नन्द-भवनमें प्रतिदिन अगणित सखा-सम्मेलन-समारोह होने लगे। शत-सहस्र गोपाङ्गनाएँ शुभ मुहूर्तमें मङ्गलवाद्य, मङ्गलगीतके सहित अपने शिशुओंको लातीं तथा स्वस्तिवाचन कराकर यशोदानन्दनसे मिला देतीं। इन सबका मिलन भी सर्वथा ऐसा होता जैसे ये शिशु एवं यशोदानन्दन चिर-परिचित हों।
English translation
The brothers had now met, and a meeting with friends and companions should follow. Inspired by the inconceivable great līlā-power, a beautiful feeling arose in the hearts of Vrajapura's residents. They all wished that their children of the same age as Yaśodā's son should meet Him with the same proper ceremony. They placed the idea before Vraja's lord, and why would he refuse? From that day onward, countless celebrations of meeting with friends took place each day in Nanda's house. Hundreds of thousands of cowherd women brought their infants at auspicious moments amid auspicious music and song. After the Brahmins recited blessings, they brought them together with Yaśodā's son. Every meeting took place as though the infants and Yaśodā's son had known one another forever.
Original
व्रजवासी यशोदानन्दनको साँवरा, श्याम, नीलमणि, नन्दनन्दन आदि नामोंसे पुकारने लगे हैं; किंतु अभीतक शास्त्रीय विधिसे नामकरण-संस्कार नहीं हुआ है। अग्रजका भी यह संस्कार नहीं हो सका है। रोहिणीतनयका नामकरण-संस्कार करानेके सम्बन्धमें व्रजेन्द्रने अपने भाई श्रीवसुदेवको सूचना भी दी थी; किंतु वहाँसे कोई तिथि निश्चित होकर नहीं आयी। केवल यह उत्तर आया कि यथासमय व्यवस्था कर दी जायगी। इसके बाद देखते-ही-देखते रोहिणीनन्दनकी आयुका शततम वासर (सौवाँ दिन) व्यतीत हो गया; पर कुछ भी आदेश या कोई ब्राह्मणदेव श्रीवसुदेवकी ओरसे व्रजेन्द्रके पास नहीं आये। व्रजेन्द्रने सोचा - परिस्थितिवश ही भाई वसुदेवने इसे अभी स्थगित रखना चाहा है; अस्तु। किंतु यशोदानन्दनका नामकरण-संस्कार तो ठीक उसी दिन हुआ, जिस दिन होना चाहिये।
English translation
The people of Vraja had begun calling Yaśodā's son by such names as Sāṁvarā, Śyāma, Nīlamaṇi, and Nandanandana, but His naming rite had not yet been performed according to scriptural rule. Nor had the elder brother received the rite. Vraja's lord had informed his brother Śrī Vasudeva about arranging Rohiṇī's son's naming ceremony, but no fixed date came from him. The only reply was that arrangements would be made at the proper time. Before they knew it, the hundredth day of Rohiṇī's son's life passed, yet no instruction and no Brahmin sent by Śrī Vasudeva came to Vraja's lord. He thought, "Because of the circumstances, brother Vasudeva wishes to postpone it for now. So be it." Yaśodā's son's naming rite, however, took place on precisely the day it should.
Original
व्रजेन्द्र नहीं जानते, व्रजरानी नहीं जानतीं, व्रजवासियोंको भी पता नहीं, कोई आयोजन भी नहीं हुआ है; पर नन्दनन्दनका संस्कार आज ही होनेवाला है। आज उनकी आयु सौ दिनकी हो चुकी है। अबतक उनकी अतिशय मधुर शैशव-चेष्टाओंसे व्रजमें नित्य आनन्द-मन्दाकिनी प्रवाहित होती रही है, व्रजजन उसमें अवगाहन करके कृतार्थ होते रहे हैं। वे स्वयं भी अपने आनन्द-वितरणका आस्वादन लेते हुए उत्तरोत्तर उल्लसित हो रहे हैं। अपने भाईके इस परमानन्द-वितरणमें हाथ बँटानेके लिये ही मानो रोहिणीतनय भी साथ हो गये हैं। दोनोंकी मुग्धबालकोचित भङ्गिमाओंको देखनेके लिये व्रजसुन्दरियोंकी भीड़ लगी रहती है। अब ये दोनों अपनी माताओंको तो अच्छी तरह पहचान गये हैं; यत्किञ्चित् पिता व्रजेन्द्रसे भी परिचय हो गया है; बाहरसे आये हुए आगन्तुकके प्रति यह घरका है कि नहीं, ऐसे ज्ञानका भी उनमें उन्मेष हो चुका है। इस तरह जैसे-जैसे शैशवकी गति बढ़ रही है, वैसे-वैसे ही तदनुरूप भावोंका भी प्रकाश होता जा रहा है। साथ ही दोनों भाइयोंकी शोभा भी निखरती जा रही है। इस शोभाकी इयत्ता भी नहीं है। यह तो एक अनन्त असीम पारावाररहित सुधासिन्धुके समान है, जिसमें उत्ताल तरङ्गें उठ रही हैं। तरङ्गें नाचती हुई आती हैं और यशोदानन्दन एवं रोहिणीनन्दनको अपने अञ्चलमें छिपा लेती हैं। फिर वहाँसे उन्मादिनीकी तरह हँस-हँसकर सभी दिशाओंमें फैल जाती हैं तथा सारे व्रजपुरको, समस्त विश्वको प्लावित कर देती हैं:
English translation
Vraja's lord did not know, the queen of Vraja did not know, the residents of Vraja did not know, and no arrangements had been made, yet Nanda's son's rite was to take place that very day. He had now completed one hundred days of life. Until then, His exceedingly sweet infant movements had made a celestial river of bliss flow ceaselessly through Vraja, and the people of Vraja had fulfilled their lives by bathing in it. He Himself tasted the joy He distributed and became increasingly delighted. Rohiṇī's son seemed to join Him only to share in distributing that supreme bliss. Crowds of Vraja's beautiful women continually gathered to behold the enchanting infant gestures of the two. They now recognized their mothers well and had acquired some familiarity with their father, Vraja's lord. They had even begun to distinguish whether a visitor from outside belonged to the household. As infancy advanced, the corresponding feelings appeared one after another. The brothers' beauty also continued to unfold, and no limit could be set to it. It resembled an endless, boundless ocean of nectar without a farther shore, rising in towering waves. Those waves danced forward, concealed Yaśodā's son and Rohiṇī's son within their veils, then laughed like intoxicated women, spread in every direction, and flooded all Vrajapura and the entire universe:
Original
Sanskrit verse
सम्यङ्मातुः परिचितिरभूद् यत्र किञ्चित् पितुश्च
प्राप्तः सोऽयं स्वसदनजनः किं नवेत्थं मतिश्च।
तस्मिन् बाल्ये वलयति तयोः कापि शोभासुधाब्धि-
प्रख्या गोष्ठं भुवनमपि सा वीचिभिः सिञ्चति स्म॥
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
In that infancy, when they had properly come to know their mothers, had gained some knowledge of their father, and had newly begun to think, "Does this person belong to our household?" an indescribable beauty encircled them like an ocean of nectar and bathed the cowherd settlement and even the whole world with its waves.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
इन्हीं तरङ्गोंसे सिक्त हृदयमें अपने पुत्रके स्पष्ट प्रतिबिम्बित चन्द्रमुखको निहारते हुए व्रजेन्द्र इस समय गोष्ठमें अवस्थित हैं। आज एक पहरसे अधिक रात अवशिष्ट थी, तभी वे गोष्ठमें चले आये थे। चलते समय यह स्मृति अवश्य आयी थी कि आज मेरे पुत्रके जन्मका शततम वासर है। शास्त्रीय नियमके अनुसार आज नामकरण-संस्कार सम्भव है, किंतु अबतक रोहिणीनन्दनका ही नामकरण-संस्कार नहीं हुआ है; इसलिये व्रजेश्वरने सोचा - किसी अन्य पुण्यतर अवसरपर दोनों बालकोंके नामकरण एक साथ ही हो जायँगे। यह सोचकर वे गोष्ठ चले आये हैं। यहाँ प्रातःकाल होते ही विशाल गोराशि वनकी ओर चली गयी। उनके साथ गोरक्षक गोप भी चले गये। गोष्ठमें रहे केवल अगणित गोवत्स एवं गोष्ठ-परिष्कार करनेवाले, गो-आभूषण सँभालनेवाले सेवक। व्रजेन्द्र इनका निरीक्षण करते हुए घूम रहे थे। साथमें केवल एक सेवक था। निरीक्षण समाप्त होते ही वे वहीं, स्नानादिसे निवृत्त होकर, गोष्ठके एक अतिशय निभृत एकान्त भूभागमें शालग्रामशिलारूपमें विराजित अपने इष्टदेव श्रीमल्लक्ष्मीनारायणकी अर्चनामें संलग्न हो गये। अब एक पहर दिन चढ़ चुका है। व्रजेन्द्र पूजा समाप्त कर गोष्ठ-प्राङ्गणकी ओर देखने लगते हैं। प्राङ्गणमें कुछ गोवत्स हैं, जो कान उठाये द्वारकी ओर देख रहे हैं। व्रजेन्द्र गो-शावकोंकी इस चेष्टासे समझ जाते हैं कि द्वारके पास किसी नवीन आगन्तुकका आगमन हुआ है। उन्होंने भी दृष्टि घुमाकर उस ओर देखा। दीख पड़ा - यदुकुलाचार्य ज्योतिषाचार्यवर्य महामहिम तपोधन गर्गजी पधारे हैं।
English translation
With his heart bathed by those waves, Vraja's lord now stood in the cowherd settlement gazing upon the clearly reflected moon-face of his son within. He had come there while more than one watch of the night remained. As he left, he had remembered that this was the hundredth day since his son's birth, the day on which scriptural rule permitted the naming ceremony. Yet Rohiṇī's son had still not been named, so Vraja's lord thought that both children could receive their names together on another, still more auspicious occasion. With this thought he came to the settlement. At daybreak the immense herds went into the forest with their cowherd guardians. Only countless calves and servants who cleaned the pens and tended the cows' ornaments remained. Vraja's lord walked about inspecting them, accompanied by one servant. When the inspection ended, he bathed and performed his other duties, then began worshiping his chosen Lord, Śrī Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa present as a śālagrāma stone, in a deeply secluded part of the settlement. One watch of the day had now passed. Completing his worship, he looked toward the courtyard. Several calves stood there with ears raised, staring at the gate. From their behavior Vraja's lord understood that a new visitor had arrived. He turned his gaze and saw the great, austere Garga, foremost astrologer and preceptor of the Yadu dynasty.
Original
व्रजेश्वरके आनन्दकी सीमा नहीं। अमृत पीकर आनन्दोन्मत्त हुए प्राणीकी भाँति व्रजेश्वर आसनसे उठ पड़े। भक्तिके प्रबल आवेशसे शरीर चञ्चल हो उठा। अञ्जलि बाँधकर, अतिशय विनम्र होकर आगे बढ़े, तपोधनके चरणोंमें दण्डवत् गिर पड़े। व्रजेशके मनमें रञ्जकमात्र भी सन्देह नहीं, वे सर्वथा असन्दिग्ध चित्तसे ऐसा अनुभव कर रहे हैं - साक्षात् इष्टदेव श्रीमन्नारायण ही तपोधन गर्गाचार्यके रूपमें पधारे हैं। इस भावनासे परिभावित हुए, भावकी तरङ्गोंमें डूबते-उतराते, नाना मनोरथोंकी मधुमयी कल्पना करते हुए महाराज नन्द ऋषिकी पूजा करने लग जाते हैं।
English translation
The joy of Vraja's lord knew no bounds. Like one intoxicated with bliss after drinking nectar, he rose from his seat. His body trembled under devotion's powerful surge. Joining his palms, he advanced with utmost humility and fell prostrate at the ascetic's feet. Not the slightest doubt entered his mind. With complete certainty he felt that his chosen Lord, Śrīman Nārāyaṇa Himself, had arrived in the form of the austere Garga. Permeated by this feeling, rising and sinking upon its waves, and imagining many honey-sweet desires, King Nanda began to worship the sage.
Original
यह नियम है - अन्तर्हृदयका तरलभाव जब बाह्य क्रियाके रूपमें मूर्त होने लगता है, तब भावका प्रवाह शिथिल पड़ जाता है। उस समय भाव रूपान्तरित भी होता है। यही हुआ। पूजा समाप्त होते ही भगवद्भाव शिथिल हुआ तथा गर्गाचार्यका महापुरुषत्व व्रजेशके सामने आ गया। वे कहने लगते हैं, “देव! आप-जैसे पूर्ण-पुरुषकी भला मैं क्या सेवा करूँ? अवश्य ही यह मेरा परम सौभाग्य है, जो आप पधारे हैं; क्योंकि”:
English translation
It is a rule that when the heart's liquid feeling takes visible form as outward action, its current becomes less intense and the feeling itself may change. That is what occurred. As soon as the worship ended, Nanda's perception of divinity softened and Garga's greatness as a holy person came before him. He said, "Revered sir, what service could I possibly render to a perfect person such as you? Your arrival is certainly my supreme good fortune, for":
Original
Sanskrit verse
महद्विचलनं नॄणां गृहिणां दीनचेतसाम्।
निःश्रेयसाय भगवन् कल्पते नान्यथा क्वचित्॥
(श्रीमद्भा० १०।८।४)
English translation
O venerable one, the movement of great souls among poor-hearted householders serves their highest good. Never does it occur for any other purpose.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.8.4)
Original
गृह, पुत्र, कलत्र, बन्धु, बान्धव, धन-धान्यमें अत्यन्त आसक्त तथा उनके संरक्षण-संवर्धनमें अतिशय व्याकुलचित्त मनुष्योंका परममङ्गल करनेके लिये ही आप-जैसे महापुरुषोंका गमनागमन होता है। अन्यथा वे तो कहीं भी जाते ही नहीं। यह कहते-कहते ही हठात् श्रीव्रजेशके अन्तर्हृदयमें नित्य विराजित अपने पुत्रका मुख स्फुरित होने लगता है। इसीके साथ अन्तर्मनके दूसरे छिद्रसे सजातीय विचारधारा भी फूट पड़ती है - ओह! आज ही तो मेरे पुत्रका शततम वासर है, रोहिणीनन्दनका संस्कार भी आज ही हो तो कितना सुन्दर है। ये यदुकुलाचार्य हैं, ज्योतिषशास्त्रके प्रणेता हैं, ब्रह्मज्ञशिरोमणि हैं, पुत्रोंके संस्कारका इससे अधिक सुन्दर अवसर और क्या होगा? अग्रजका संस्कार तो इन्हें करना ही चाहिये, कर ही देंगे, उस कुलसे तो इनका अविच्छिन्न सम्बन्ध है। मेरे पुत्रका भी प्रार्थना करनेसे क्यों नहीं करेंगे? ये ब्राह्मण हैं, जन्मसे ही मनुष्यमात्रके गुरु हैं; इनको आपत्ति ही क्या होगी? ओह! इनके द्वारा संस्कृत होकर मेरे दोनों पुत्र कृतार्थ हो जायँगे। अवश्य ही नारायणने ही कृपा करके ठीक अवसरपर इन्हें भेजा है।
English translation
Great souls such as you travel only to bring the highest welfare to people deeply attached to house, child, spouse, family, wealth, and grain and anxiously occupied with preserving and increasing them. Otherwise they go nowhere. Even as he spoke, the face of his son, eternally present within Śrī Nanda's heart, suddenly appeared there. At the same time a related stream of thought burst through another opening of his inner mind: "Ah, today is my son's hundredth day. How wonderful if Rohiṇī's son's rite could also take place today. This is the preceptor of the Yadus, the foremost authority on astrology, and the crown jewel of those who know Brahman. What finer occasion could there be for my sons' rites? He must perform the elder brother's rite and surely will, for his connection with that family is unbroken. Why would he not perform my son's as well if I ask? He is a Brahmin and therefore the teacher of all humanity from birth. What objection could he have? Ah, sanctified by him, both my sons will be blessed. Surely Nārāyaṇa has mercifully sent him at precisely the right time."
Original
मनोरथके प्रवाहमें बहते हुए ही व्रजराजने कार्यक्रम भी निर्धारित कर लिया। उसीका उपक्रम करते हुए वे ऋषिके चरणोंमें निवेदन करते हैं:
English translation
Carried along by the current of this desire, the king of Vraja also settled upon a plan. Beginning to put it into action, he petitioned the sage at his feet:
Original
Sanskrit verse
बालो यो मम जातस्तस्मादधिकश्च वासुदेवो यः।
निजदृक्सुधया तं तं सेचितुमास्तां भवान् करुणः॥
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
Be merciful and bathe with the nectar of your glance both the son born to me and the older son of my brother Vasudeva.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
“देव! मुझे जो एक पुत्र हुआ है तथा उससे बड़ा जो मेरे भाई वसुदेवका एक पुत्र है, उन दोनोंको भी अपनी दृष्टिसुधासे सिक्त कर दें। आप करुणामय हैं, करुणा करें।” नन्दरायजीकी इस स्नेहपरिपूरित प्रार्थनासे ऋषि तो गद्गद हो गये। आन्तरिक प्रसन्नतासे इसका अभिनन्दन करते हुए तपोधनने अनुमति दे दी। पासमें ही परिचारक खड़ा है। व्रजेश्वर उसके कानमें सारी बातें समझाते हैं। सुनकर वह तो प्रासादकी ओर चल पड़ता है तथा मुनि एवं व्रजेन्द्र वहीं श्रीवसुदेवकी विपत्तिके सम्बन्धमें चर्चा करते हुए दोनों पुत्रोंकी प्रतीक्षा करते हैं।
English translation
"Revered sir, I have been blessed with a son, and my brother Vasudeva has a son older than he. Please bathe both with the nectar of your glance. You are compassionate, so show them mercy." The sage's voice choked with emotion at Nanda Rāya's loving request. Welcoming it with inward joy, the ascetic granted permission. A servant stood nearby. Vraja's lord explained everything in his ear, and the servant set out for the palace. The sage and Nanda remained there discussing Śrī Vasudeva's misfortunes as they awaited the two sons.
Original
एक घड़ी भी बीतने नहीं पायी कि आगे-आगे पुत्रोंको गोदमें लिये व्रजरानी एवं श्रीरोहिणी तथा उनके पीछे हाथोंमें गन्ध-पुष्प-धूप-दीप, जलपात्र आदि लिये परिचारक आ पहुँचता है। आचार्य गर्गने दूरसे ही रोहिणीनन्दन एवं यशोदानन्दनको देख लिया। देखते ही, मानो किसी विद्युल्लहरीने मुनिको स्पर्श कर लिया हो, इस तरह चञ्चल होकर वे आसनसे उठ पड़े।
English translation
Before even one ghaṭī had passed, the queen of Vraja and Śrī Rohiṇī arrived in front carrying their sons, followed by the servant bearing sandal paste, flowers, incense, lamps, a water vessel, and other articles. From afar Ācārya Garga saw Rohiṇī's son and Yaśodā's son. The instant he saw them, he sprang restlessly from his seat as though touched by a wave of lightning.
Original
बस, खड़े ही हो सके। इसके बाद तो शरीर जड़वत् हो गया। नेत्र स्थिर हो गये। पर अन्तरमें पूर्ण चेतना है। आचार्य स्पष्ट सब कुछ अनुभव कर रहे हैं, स्पष्ट देख रहे हैं, दो माताएँ हैं, उनकी गोदमें उनके अनन्त स्नेहसे सिक्त श्याम एवं गौर दो बालक हैं। देखते-ही-देखते आचार्यको अनुभव हुआ, बरबस मेरे नेत्र अश्रुपूरित हो गये हैं। ओह! अश्रुबिन्दु बाहर ढलकने चले! गर्गने अपनी समस्त इच्छाशक्ति बटोरकर प्रयास किया, किसी तरह स्थिर नेत्र एक बार चञ्चल हो जायँ, एक बार ऊपर-नीचे टँगी हुई पलकें परस्पर मिल जायें, अश्रुबिन्दु रुद्ध हो जायें, बाहर न निकलें। किंतु न तो नेत्र हिले, न पलकें पड़ीं। अश्रुवारिधारा बाहरकी ओर बह चली। तपोधन उन्हें रोक न सके:
English translation
He could do no more than stand. Then his body became as motionless as inert matter, and his eyes grew fixed. Yet within him consciousness was complete. The ācārya perceived everything clearly. He saw two mothers, and in their laps two boys, one dark and one fair, drenched in their boundless affection. As he gazed, he realized that his eyes had involuntarily filled with tears. Ah, the teardrops were about to spill! Gathering all his willpower, Garga tried to make his fixed eyes move just once, to bring his upper and lower lids together just once, so that the tears might be held back and not escape. But neither did his eyes move nor did his lids fall. A stream of tears flowed outward, and the ascetic could not restrain it:
Original
Sanskrit verse
मातृयुग्मललिताङ्कलालितौ वीक्ष्य कृष्णधवलौ स बालकौ।
निर्निमेषदर्शया दृशोर्जलं रोद्धुमैष्ट नितरां न तापसः॥
(श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
English translation
Seeing those two boys, dark and fair, fondled in the lovely laps of their two mothers, the ascetic gazed without blinking and was utterly unable to restrain the water of his eyes.
(Śrī Gopāla-campūḥ)
Original
ब्रह्मवित्-शिरोमणि गर्गके नित्य प्रकाशित अन्तरात्मामें उस समय एक अभिनव प्रकाशका उदय हुआ। उस प्रकाशसे आलोकित आचार्यका मन नन्दनन्दनको देखता हुआ उद्भावना करने लगा:
English translation
At that moment a new radiance arose within the ever-luminous inner self of Garga, crown jewel among knowers of Brahman. Illumined by that light, the ācārya's mind contemplated Nanda's son and began to wonder:
Original
Sanskrit verses
हन्तायं किमनादिमोहतमसः सद्रत्नदीपाङ्कुरः
किं न्वीशप्रतिपादकोपनिषदां प्रामाण्यमाप्तं वपुः।
किं नः सौभगकल्पभूरुहवनस्याद्यः प्रसूनोदयः
सान्द्रानन्दसुधाम्बुधेः किमथवा सा कापि जन्मस्थली॥
यं ब्रह्मेति वदन्ति केचन जगत्कर्तेति केचित् परे
त्वात्मेति प्रतिपादयन्ति भगवानित्येव केऽप्युत्तमाः।
नो देशान्न च कालतो बत परिच्छेदोऽस्ति यस्यौजसो
देवः सोऽयमवाप नन्ददयितोत्सङ्गे परिच्छिन्नताम्॥
(श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
English translation
Ah, is this the tender flame of a jewel-lamp that dispels the beginningless darkness of delusion? Or has the authority of all the Upaniṣads that reveal the Lord assumed a visible body? Is this the first flower to open in our forest of wish-fulfilling trees of good fortune? Or is it some embodied birthplace of the dense ocean of nectar that is bliss?
Some call him Brahman; others call him the creator of the world. Some proclaim him the Supreme Self, while the noblest call him Bhagavān. His majesty is bounded by neither place nor time, yet that very Lord has accepted the limits of the lap of Nanda's beloved.
(Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campūḥ)
Original
“ओह! यह क्या देख रहा हूँ? क्या यह अनादि मोहान्धकारको सर्वथा नष्ट कर देनेवाला विशुद्ध ब्रह्मरूप रत्नप्रदीपका अङ्कुर है? अथवा ईश्वरप्रतिपादक समस्त उपनिषदोंका प्रामाण्य ही शरीर ग्रहणकर मूर्त हो गया है? या यह हमारे सौभाग्यरूप कल्पतरुकाननका मूलभूत पुष्प प्रस्फुटित हुआ है? अथवा वह शास्त्रप्रसिद्ध, सन्तोद्घोषित निबिड़ आनन्दसुधासागरका उद्गमस्थल ही मूर्त हो गया है? अहा! यह तो वह है! जान गया! जिसे कुछ लोग 'ब्रह्म' कहते हैं, कुछ मनीषी जिसका 'जगत्कर्ता' कहकर परिचय देते हैं, कुछ प्राणी जिसे 'परमात्मा' बतलाते हैं, कुछ श्रेष्ठ पुरुष जिसे 'भगवान्' कहकर प्रतिपादन करते हैं, जिसका प्रभाव देशकालसे परिच्छिन्न नहीं है, देशकालकी सीमामें बद्ध नहीं है, वही देव नन्दमहिषीकी गोदमें परिच्छिन्न, सीमाबद्ध बना हुआ दीख रहा है। ओह! यह कितना आश्चर्य है!”
English translation
“Ah, what am I seeing? Is this the sprout of a jewel-lamp of pure Brahman that utterly destroys the beginningless darkness of delusion? Or has the authority of all the Upaniṣads that establish the Lord taken bodily form? Or has the primal flower of our forest of wish-fulfilling trees of good fortune opened? Or has the very source of that dense ocean of nectar-bliss, acclaimed by scripture and proclaimed by the saints, become embodied? Ah, this is he! Now I know! Some call him Brahman; some sages identify him as the creator of the world; some beings describe him as the Supreme Self; and some exalted persons proclaim him Bhagavān. His power is not delimited by place and time and is not bound within their limits. Yet that very Lord appears confined and bounded in the lap of Nanda's queen. Ah, how wondrous this is!”
Original
आचार्य गर्गके हृदयमें कभी तो स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनका महान् ऐश्वर्य उदय होता है और कभी उनके रूप-माधुर्यकी शतसहस्र सुधाधाराएँ प्रवाहित होने लगती हैं। ऐश्वर्योन्मेषके समय आचार्य नन्दनन्दनके चरणोंमें लुट पड़ना चाहते हैं और जिस क्षण माधुर्यका विकास होता है, उस समय यशोदानन्दनके महामरकतद्युति कलेवरको हृदयसे लगानेका मनोरथ करने लगते हैं, किंतु व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी लीलाशक्ति दोनोंमेंसे एक भी करने नहीं देतीं। उन्हें लीलाक्रमकी रक्षा जो करनी है। आचार्य सोचने लगते हैं:
English translation
At one moment the majesty of Bhagavān, Nanda's own son, arose within Ācārya Garga's heart; at another, hundreds of thousands of nectar streams from the sweetness of his beauty began to flow there. When divine majesty revealed itself, the ācārya longed to fall at Nanda's son's feet. When sweetness unfolded, he desired to clasp Yaśodā's emerald-radiant child to his heart. But the divine power governing Nanda's son's play allowed him to do neither, for she had to preserve the course of the līlā. The ācārya thought:
Original
Sanskrit verse
पादौ दधामि यदि मां वदिता जनोऽयम्
उन्मत्तमेव बत वक्षसि चेत् करोमि।
तच्चातिचापलमहो न करोमि वा चेद्
औत्कण्ठ्यमेव हि लविष्यति धैर्यबन्धम्॥
(श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
English translation
If I take his two feet, these people will call me mad. If I place him against my breast, ah, that will be sheer impetuosity. Yet if I do neither one nor the other, this very longing will sever the bond of my composure.
(Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campūḥ)
Original
“यदि मैं नन्दनन्दनके चरण-युगलको धारण करता हूँ तो ये लोग मुझे उन्मत्त बतायेंगे। यदि इन्हें हृदयसे लगा लूँ तो यह मेरी अतिशय चञ्चलता सिद्ध होगी। यदि वह भी न करूँ, यह भी न करूँ, कुछ भी नहीं करूँ तो भी मेरी यह उत्कण्ठा मेरे धैर्य-बन्धनको काट डालेगी।”
English translation
“If I take Nanda's son's two feet, these people will call me mad. If I clasp him to my heart, that will reveal my extreme impulsiveness. Yet if I do neither, if I do nothing at all, this longing of mine will still cut through the bonds of my composure.”
Original
इस धैर्यबन्धन-छेदनका भय एक क्षणके लिये आचार्यके मनमें आया तो अवश्य, पर तुरंत ही विलीन हो गया। उनके प्रफुल्ल अन्तःकरणने निर्णय दे दिया, धैर्य नष्ट हो, सब कुछ नष्ट हो, मैं तो निहाल हो चुका:
English translation
For a moment, the ācārya did fear that the bonds of his composure would be cut, but the fear vanished at once. His delighted heart delivered its verdict: let composure perish, let everything perish, for I have already been blessed beyond measure.
Original
Sanskrit verse
जन्माद्य साधु सफलं सफले च नेत्रे
विद्या तपः कुलमहो सफलं समस्तम्।
आचार्यता भगवती हि यदोः कुलस्य
मामद्य हन्त नितरामकरोत् कृतार्थम्॥
(श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
English translation
Today my birth and all that followed it have truly borne fruit; my eyes have borne fruit. Ah, my learning, austerity, lineage, and everything else have borne fruit. The blessed office of preceptor to the Yadu dynasty has today made me entirely fulfilled.
(Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campūḥ)
Original
“आज मेरा जन्मधारण सफल हो गया। मेरे नेत्र सफल हो गये। मेरी विद्या, मेरा तप, मेरा कुल, सब सफल हो गये। मैं कृतार्थ हो गया, अपने पुरुषार्थसे नहीं, मुझे तो कृतार्थ किया है यदुकुलकी आचार्यतारूप भगवतीने। मैंने यदुकुलकी आचार्यताका आश्रय लिया था, इस आचार्यताने ही मुझपर अतिशय अनुकम्पा करके मुझे सर्वथा कृतार्थ बना डाला।”
English translation
“Today my birth has borne fruit. My eyes have borne fruit. My learning, my austerity, and my lineage have all borne fruit. I have become fulfilled, not through my own endeavor, but because the divine office of preceptor to the Yadu dynasty has fulfilled me. I took refuge in that office, and it has shown me immense grace and made me wholly blessed.”
Original
व्रजेन्द्र तपोधनकी ओर आश्चर्यभरी दृष्टिसे देख रहे हैं; किंतु अब मुनि प्रकृतिस्थ होने लगते हैं। उन्हें प्रकृतिस्थ होना ही था। जिसके लिये लीला-शक्ति उन्हें व्रजपुरमें ले आयी हैं, वही इस समय उन्हें करना है। अस्तु, आचार्य व्रजेन्द्रकी ओर देखने लग जाते हैं। इसी समय व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी एवं श्रीरोहिणीजी मुनिवरको प्रणाम करती हैं, फिर दोनों पुत्रोंको तपोधनके चरणोंमें रख देती हैं। मुनिवर आशीर्वाद देते हैं। इसके पश्चात् उनकी आज्ञा पाकर उनसे कुछ दूरपर दोनों माताएँ पुत्रोंको गोदमें लेकर बैठ जाती हैं।
English translation
Nanda looked at the ascetic with astonishment, but the sage now began to regain his composure. He had to do so, for he must accomplish the very purpose for which the power of divine play had brought him to Vraja. The ācārya therefore turned toward Nanda. At that moment Nanda's queen and Śrī Rohiṇī bowed to the eminent sage and placed both sons at his feet. He blessed them. With his permission, the two mothers then sat a short distance away with the boys in their laps.
Original
अब अतिशय विनम्र शब्दोंमें विनयपूर्वक व्रजेन्द्र आचार्यसे दोनों पुत्रोंके नामकरण-संस्कार कर देनेकी प्रार्थना करते हैं, किंतु मुनिवर स्वीकार नहीं करते। वे कहते हैं कि यह संस्कार अपने कुलगुरुसे करा लेना चाहिये। हाथ जोड़कर व्रजेन्द्रने आचार्यके सामने 'जन्मना ब्राह्मणो गुरुः' (जन्मसे ही ब्राह्मण सबके गुरु हैं) की युक्ति रख दी। इसपर भी तपोधनने स्वीकृति नहीं दी। हाँ, इस बार स्वयं संस्कार न करनेमें हेतु उन्होंने अत्यन्त प्रबल एवं युक्तिसंगत बतलाया। वे बोले, “व्रजेन्द्र! सुनो, सारा विश्व जानता है कि मैं यदुकुलका आचार्य हूँ। यदि मैं तुम्हारे पुत्रका नामकरण-संस्कार करता हूँ तो कंसकी यह धारणा हो सकती है कि यह देवकीका अष्टम-गर्भजात बालक है। पापमति कंससे तुम्हारे एवं वसुदेवके बीचका सम्बन्ध अज्ञात नहीं, वह तुम दोनोंको ही जानता है। साथ ही उस दिन आकाशमें उड़कर देवीरूपमें परिणता वसुदेव-पुत्रीके वचनोंको स्मरण करता हुआ वह निरन्तर ऐसी धारणा कर रहा है कि देवकीके अष्टम गर्भकी संतान कदापि कन्या हो ही नहीं सकती। सम्प्रति मेरे द्वारा तुम्हारे पुत्रका संस्कार सुनकर यदि कहीं उसकी यह मान्यता हो जाय कि यह नन्दपुत्र वास्तवमें वसुदेवका ही अष्टम पुत्र है तथा वह तुम्हारे पुत्रका प्राणनाश करने स्वयं व्रजपुरमें आ धमके, प्राणहरण कर ले तो तुम्हीं बताओ, कितना बड़ा अमङ्गल, कितना भीषण अनर्थ हो जायगा?”
English translation
With deeply humble words, Nanda respectfully asked the ācārya to perform the naming ceremony for both sons, but the sage declined. He said that one should have such a rite performed by one's family preceptor. With folded hands, Nanda offered the maxim “A brāhmaṇa is by birth the teacher of all” as his reasoning, yet the ascetic still did not consent. This time, however, he gave a powerful and reasonable explanation for refusing to conduct the rite himself. He said, “Lord of Vraja, listen. The whole world knows that I am the preceptor of the Yadu dynasty. If I perform your son's naming ceremony, Kaṃsa may conclude that this boy is Devakī's eighth-born child. Wicked Kaṃsa knows of the relationship between you and Vasudeva; he knows you both. Remembering the words of Vasudeva's daughter, who flew into the sky that day and assumed the form of the Goddess, he remains convinced that Devakī's eighth child could never truly have been a girl. If he now hears that I performed your son's rite and concludes that this son of Nanda is really Vasudeva's eighth son, he may descend upon Vraja himself to destroy your child and take his life. Tell me, what immense misfortune and terrible calamity that would be!”
Original
व्रजेन्द्र आचार्यके इस कथनका प्रतिवाद न कर सके। क्षणभरके लिये उनका मुख म्लान-सा हो गया। मनमें प्रबल उत्कण्ठा थी कि दोनों पुत्रोंको ऐसे श्रेष्ठतम आचार्यके द्वारा सुसंस्कृत देखकर मेरे नेत्र शीतल होंगे, किंतु मुनिवरकी इस युक्तिका उनके पास कोई उत्तर नहीं था। निराश व्रजेन्द्रने भोली आँखोंसे उन्हींकी ओर देखते हुए पुत्रकी ओर दृष्टि डाली। मानो उन नेत्रोंमें ही मुनिवरके शङ्का-समाधानका कोई संकेत हो, इस तरह दृष्टि मिलते ही व्रजेन्द्रके मनमें समयोचित व्यवस्थाका स्फुरण हो गया। व्रजेश्वरने सोचा, इन महामहिम मुनिराजके द्वारा यदि स्वस्तिवाचन ही हो जाय तो फिर तो सभी मङ्गल होगा ही।
English translation
Nanda could not refute the ācārya's words. For a moment his face grew wan. He had cherished an intense longing to cool his eyes by seeing both sons sanctified by so eminent a teacher, but he had no answer to the sage's reasoning. Disappointed, Nanda looked at the sage with innocent eyes and then glanced toward his son. As though those very eyes contained a clue that resolved the sage's concern, an appropriate arrangement flashed into Nanda's mind the moment their glances met. The lord of Vraja thought that if this supremely glorious sage would at least recite blessings for their welfare, every auspicious purpose would surely be fulfilled.
Original
इस विचारसे पुनः हाथ जोड़कर वे आचार्यसे प्रार्थना करने लगे, “गुरुदेव! आपका सङ्ग ही अनन्त मङ्गलमय है। इसलिये:”
English translation
With this thought, he again folded his hands and petitioned the ācārya: “Gurudeva, your very company is infinitely auspicious. Therefore:”
Original
Sanskrit verse
अलक्षितोऽस्मिन् रहसि मामकैरपि गोव्रजे।
कुरु द्विजातिसंस्कारं स्वस्तिवाचनपूर्वकम्॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत 10.8.10)
English translation
Here in this secluded cowshed, unnoticed even by my own people, please perform the boys' twice-born rites, preceded by the recitation of blessings for their welfare.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.8.10)
Original
“इस निर्जन गोष्ठमें मेरे अन्तरङ्ग गोपबन्धुओंसे भी सर्वथा अलक्षित केवल स्वस्तिवाचनपूर्वक मेरे इन दोनों पुत्रोंका द्विजाति-संस्कार, रोहिणीनन्दनका क्षत्रियोचित, मेरे पुत्रका वैश्योचित नामकरण-संस्कार कर दें।”
English translation
“In this secluded cowshed, entirely unnoticed even by my intimate cowherd kinsmen, please perform the twice-born rites for these two sons, preceded only by blessings for their welfare: a kṣatriya's naming ceremony for Rohiṇī's son and a vaiśya's naming ceremony for my son.”
Original
यह कहते हुए व्रजेन्द्रने तपोधनके चरण पकड़ लिये। इस बार व्रजेन्द्रकी विजय हुई। वास्तवमें तो आचार्य गर्ग आये ही थे नामकरण-संस्कार करने तथा प्रबल उत्कण्ठासे ही अवसरकी प्रतीक्षा भी कर रहे थे। यह चर्चा तो उन्होंने इसलिये की है कि यह संस्कार सर्वथा गुप्त रहे, किसीपर भी प्रकट न हो। जो हो, आचार्य प्रसन्नचित्तसे प्रस्ताव स्वीकार कर लेते हैं। अनादिकालसे अपने क्षुद्रसंकल्पसे जो अपने भीतर ही नामरूपात्मक अनन्त विश्वब्रह्माण्डके सृजन-पालन-संहारको क्रीड़ा कर रहे हैं, एकमें ही जो अनन्त नामोंकी सृष्टि करके खेलते हैं तथा खेलते हुए ही उन नामोंको पुनः विलुप्त कर देते हैं, उनका नामकरण-संस्कार है तो परम दर्शनीय; पर उसे उस समय देख सके केवल व्रजेन्द्र, व्रजरानी, रोहिणी, गर्गाचार्य, वह बड़भागी नन्दपरिचारक एवं अन्तरिक्षमें अवस्थित देवगण! स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी यही इच्छा है।
English translation
As he spoke, Nanda grasped the ascetic's feet. This time Nanda prevailed. In truth, Ācārya Garga had come precisely to perform the naming rite and had been waiting eagerly for the opportunity. He had raised these concerns so that the ceremony would remain completely secret and become known to no one. Thus the ācārya gladly accepted the proposal. Since beginningless time, the Lord has playfully created, sustained, and dissolved within himself infinite universes made of names and forms merely by his slightest resolve. Being one, he creates and plays with limitless names, then makes those names vanish again in the course of his play. His naming ceremony was therefore supremely worthy of beholding. Yet at that time it could be witnessed only by Nanda, the queen of Vraja, Rohiṇī, Garga Ācārya, Nanda's greatly fortunate servant, and the gods stationed in the sky. Such was the desire of Bhagavān himself, Nanda's son.
Original
अस्तु, आचार्य स्वस्तिवाचन समाप्त कर प्रथम रोहिणीनन्दनका नामोल्लेख करते हुए कहते हैं, “व्रजेश्वर! यह रोहिणीनन्दन अपनी अपरिसीम सद्गुणराशिसे समस्त सुहृद्वर्गका प्रीति-सम्पादन करेगा। इसलिये इसका एक नाम 'राम' प्रसिद्ध होगा। और सुनो, यह अत्यन्त बलशाली होगा, इसलिये लोग इसे 'बल' भी कहेंगे। इसका एक नाम 'संकर्षण' होगा, यह नाम इसलिये कि यदुकुल एवं व्रजकुल दोनोंके प्रति इसके मनमें समान बुद्धि होगी, यदुवंशी वसुदेवका पुत्र होकर भी यह तुम्हें भी अपना पिता समझेगा, दोनों कुलोंका आकर्षण करते हुए इसके मनमें एक समान सम्बन्धकी भावना जाग्रत रहेगी। ये तो हुए रोहिणीनन्दनके नाम। अब यशोदानन्दनके नाम सुनो; देखो, यह तुम्हारा बालक सत्य, त्रेता, द्वापर, कलि, इन चारों युगोंमें ही प्रकट हुआ करता है। इससे पूर्व यह शुक्ल, रक्त, पीत रूपोंमें अवतीर्ण हो चुका है। किंतु इस बार कृष्ण (काले) वर्णमें आया है। इसलिये इसका एक नाम 'कृष्ण' होगा। तुम्हें सुनकर आश्चर्य होगा, पर है सर्वथा सत्य कि यह बालक तुम्हारे यहाँ जन्म लेनेके पूर्व कभी वसुदेवका पुत्र भी हो चुका है। इसलिये जो इस रहस्यको जानते हैं, वे इसे 'वासुदेव' कहकर अभिहित करेंगे। व्रजेन्द्र! वास्तवमें तो तुम्हारे इस पुत्रके गुणानुरूप, कर्मानुरूप असंख्य नाम, असंख्य रूप हैं। उन्हें मैं जानता हूँ, अन्य जन नहीं जानते, जान सकते ही नहीं। उन अनन्त नामोंमेंसे मैंने तुम्हारे पुत्रके ये दो नाम बताये।”
English translation
After completing the recitation of blessings, the ācārya first declared the names of Rohiṇī's son. He said, “Lord of Vraja, through his immeasurable treasury of virtues this son of Rohiṇī will bring delight to all his friends and kinsmen. Therefore one of his celebrated names will be Rāma. Listen further: he will be exceedingly strong, so people will also call him Bala. Another of his names will be Saṅkarṣaṇa. He will regard the Yadu and Vraja families equally. Though the son of Vasudeva of the Yadu dynasty, he will also regard you as his father. Drawing both families together, he will preserve within his heart an equal bond with each. These are the names of Rohiṇī's son. Now hear the names of Yaśodā's son. Your child appears in all four ages, Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali. Previously he manifested in white, red, and yellow forms, but this time he has come in a dark complexion. Therefore one of his names will be Kṛṣṇa. What follows may astonish you, but it is entirely true: before taking birth in your home, this child was once also the son of Vasudeva. Those who know this mystery will therefore call him Vāsudeva. Lord of Vraja, in truth this son of yours has countless names and countless forms corresponding to his qualities and deeds. I know them, but others neither know nor can know them. From among those infinite names, I have told you these two names of your son.”
Original
आचार्य यह कहते-कहते पुनः गद्गद हो गये। उनकी आँखें निमीलित हो गयीं। वे कुछ क्षणके लिये समाधिस्थ-से हो गये। इधर व्रजेश, व्रजरानी, रोहिणीजीका प्रत्येक रोम आनन्दातिरेकसे पुलकित हो रहा है, नेत्र छल-छल कर रहे हैं। कुछ देर बाद आचार्यने नेत्र खोलकर व्रजेन्द्रकी ओर देखा। देखते ही व्रजेन्द्रकी एक अन्य इच्छाका प्रतिचित्र सर्वज्ञ तपोधनके अन्तःकरणमें अङ्कित हो गया। वे शान्त-गम्भीर पर अतिशय प्रफुल्ल मुद्रामें बोल उठे, “पुत्रका जातकफल सुनना चाहते हो, व्रजेन्द्र! अच्छा, सुनो:”
English translation
As the ācārya spoke, his voice again became choked with emotion. His eyes closed, and for a few moments he seemed absorbed in samādhi. Every hair on Nanda, the queen of Vraja, and Rohiṇī thrilled with overwhelming joy, and their eyes brimmed with tears. After some time the ācārya opened his eyes and looked toward Nanda. At once, an image of another wish in Nanda's heart was impressed upon the omniscient ascetic's inner awareness. Serene and grave, yet exceedingly delighted, he said, “Do you wish to hear your son's horoscope, lord of Vraja? Very well, listen:”
Original
Braj verses
संबत सरस विभावन, भादौं आठैँ तिथि, बुधवार।
कृष्न पच्छ, रोहिनी, अर्ध निसि, हर्षन जोग उदार॥
बृष है लग्न, उच्च के निसिपति, तनहिं बहुत सुख पैहैं।
चौथें सिंघ रासिके दिनकर, जीति सकल महि लैहैं॥
पंचएँ बुध कन्या कौ जो है, पुत्रनि बहुत बढ़ैहैं।
छठएँ सुक्र तुलाके सनिजुत, सत्रु रहन नहिं पैहैं॥
ऊँच नीच जुबती बहु करिहैं, सतएँ राहु परे हैं।
भाग्य-भवन में मकर-महीसुत बहु ऐश्वर्य बढ़ैहैं॥
लाभ-भवन में मीन-बृहस्पति, नवनिधि घर में ऐहैं।
कर्म-भवनके ईस सनीचर, स्याम बरन तन हेहैं॥
English translation
In the gracious year named Vibhāvana, on the eighth lunar day of Bhādoṃ, a Wednesday; in the dark fortnight under Rohiṇī, at midnight, in the noble Harṣaṇa yoga.
Taurus is rising, and the lord of night is exalted, so he will enjoy abundant happiness in his body. The sun stands in Leo in the fourth house; he will conquer and possess the whole earth.
Mercury is in Virgo in the fifth; his sons will greatly increase. Venus in the sixth is joined with Saturn in Libra; no enemy will be able to remain.
Rāhu lies in the seventh; he will have many women, high and low. Mars stands in Capricorn in the house of fortune; his vast sovereignty will increase.
Jupiter is in Pisces in the house of gain; the nine treasures will enter his home. Saturn, lord of the house of action, indicates that his body will be dark in color.
Original
इस बार 'श्याम' नामका उच्चारण होते ही आचार्यमें आवेश-सा हो जाता है। वे उच्च कण्ठसे कहने लगते हैं, “व्रजेश्वर! और भी अद्भुत फल सुनो, तुम्हारा यह पुत्र गोपोंको, समस्त गोकुलवासियोंको परमानन्दसिन्धुमें निमग्न कर देगा। यह कृष्ण तुम सब लोगोंका ऐहिक-आमुष्मिक (लोक-परलोक-सम्बन्धी) मङ्गल, परम मङ्गल सम्पादन करेगा। कृष्णका अवलम्बन करके तुम सभी अनायास ही समस्त विपत्तियोंको पार कर लोगे। व्रजेश्वर! इसके पूर्व जन्मोंसे सम्बद्ध एक बात तुम्हें सुनाता हूँ। उस समय सुरराज पदच्युत हो चुके थे। नन्दनकाननपर दैत्योंका साम्राज्य स्थापित हो चुका था। दैत्य-विदलित देवगण 'त्राहि-त्राहि' पुकार रहे थे। उस समय तुम्हारे इस पुत्रने ही देववृन्दकी रक्षा की थी। इससे रक्षित होकर, इसके बलसे ही बलान्वित होकर दैत्योंपर देवोंने पुनः विजय पायी थी। व्रजराज! इस पुत्रमें यह भी एक स्वभावसिद्ध गुण है कि जो मनुष्य इसे प्यार करते हैं, उनपर किसी प्रकारके भी शत्रुकी विजय नहीं हो सकती; जिस प्रकार भगवच्चरणारविन्दाश्रित प्राणीका असुर पराभव नहीं कर सकते, ठीक उसी प्रकार इसमें प्रीति करनेवालेका शत्रु पराभव नहीं कर सकते। नन्दराय! अधिक क्या कहूँ, तुम्हारा यह पुत्र सद्गुण, सम्पदा, कीर्ति एवं प्रभावकी दृष्टिसे नारायणतुल्य है। सावधान रहकर तुम इसका पालन करो।”
English translation
This time, as soon as the name “Śyāma” was uttered, the ācārya seemed seized by inspiration. In a loud voice he said, “Lord of Vraja, hear still more wondrous results. This son of yours will immerse the cowherds and all the inhabitants of Gokula in the ocean of supreme bliss. This Kṛṣṇa will secure for all of you the highest welfare in this world and the next. Taking refuge in Kṛṣṇa, you will effortlessly cross every calamity. Lord of Vraja, I shall tell you something connected with one of his former births. At that time the king of the gods had been driven from his throne, and demons had established their rule over Nandana Garden. The gods, crushed by the demons, cried out for deliverance. It was this very son of yours who protected them. Sheltered by him and strengthened by his power, the gods again conquered the demons. King of Vraja, another quality is natural to this son: no enemy of any kind can conquer those who love him. Just as demons cannot defeat a person sheltered at Bhagavān's lotus feet, so no enemy can defeat anyone who bears love for him. Nanda Rāya, what more can I say? In virtue, prosperity, fame, and power, this son of yours is equal to Nārāyaṇa. Raise him with vigilant care.”
Original
ऋषिवर गर्ग इतना कहकर चुप, शान्त हो जाते हैं। अञ्जलि बाँधकर, मन-ही-मन श्रीकृष्णके चारु चरणोंमें नत होकर मूक भाषामें ही वे कहने लगते हैं, “गोलोकविहारिन्! तुम्हारी जय हो! जय हो! व्रजेन्द्रके अनन्त-वात्सल्यपरिभावित मसृण चित्तमें तुम्हारे ऐश्वर्य-कीर्तनका सैकतकण न बिखेरते हुए, साथ ही पूर्ण सत्यकी रक्षा करते हुए मेरे द्वारा तुम्हारे नामकरण-संस्कारकी सेवा सम्पन्न हो सकी, यह सर्वथा तुम्हारी अनुकम्पासे ही हुआ है। अनन्त करुणार्णव! करुणाका एक बिन्दु देकर मेरे लिये इतना ही विधान कर दो, अनन्त कालतक जहाँ कहीं भी तुम यदुकुलमें अवतीर्ण होओ, वहाँ-वहाँ ही मैं यदुकुलाचार्य बनकर तुम्हारे नामकरण-संस्कारकी सेवा करता रहूँ।”
English translation
Having said this much, the eminent sage Garga fell silent and still. Joining his palms, bowing inwardly at Śrī Kṛṣṇa's beautiful feet, he spoke in the language of silence: “All victory to you, wanderer of Goloka! All victory to you! I have been able to serve at your naming ceremony while preserving the full truth, yet without scattering even a grain of sand from the praise of your majesty into Nanda's tender heart, which is steeped in boundless parental love. This has happened solely through your grace. Infinite ocean of compassion, grant me but one drop of mercy and ordain this for me: throughout endless time, wherever you descend in the Yadu dynasty, may I become its preceptor and continue serving at your naming ceremony.”
Original
इस प्रकार नामकरण-संस्कार समाप्त हुआ। आचार्य अतिशय लोलुप दृष्टिसे बारम्बार राम-श्यामकी ओर निहारते हुए बिदा लेने लगे। व्रजेन्द्रने भी अपने अश्रुजल-बिन्दुओंसे एक माला बनाकर, उसे आचार्यके चरणोंमें भेंट देकर विदाई दे दी। अपार धन-सम्पत्तिके दानको तो आचार्यने स्वीकार ही नहीं किया। यही अश्रु-भेंट लेकर वे चल पड़े। उनकी ओर देखते हुए व्रजेन्द्र इस समय अनुभव कर रहे हैं, मेरी समस्त कामनाएँ पूर्ण हो गयी हैं, मेरे समान सुखी और कोई है ही नहीं!
English translation
Thus the naming ceremony came to its close. Casting repeated, yearning glances toward Rāma and Śyāma, the ācārya prepared to depart. Nanda fashioned a garland from the drops of his tears, as it were, offered it at the ācārya's feet, and bade him farewell. The ācārya would not accept the gift of immense wealth. Carrying only this offering of tears, he set out. Looking after him, Nanda felt that all his desires had been fulfilled and that no one could possibly be as happy as he.
Original
सुखसागरमें निमग्न होकर, सुखमय तरङ्गोंमें बहती हुई-सी श्रीरोहिणी एवं व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी भी राम-कृष्णको गोदमें लिये गृहकी ओर चल पड़ती हैं। व्रजकी रानी यशोदा इस समय किस सुखका अनुभव कर रही हैं, इसे वे ही जानती हैं। वास्तवमें ही व्रजका सुख सर्वथा स्वसंवेद्य एवं अत्यन्त अनोखा सुख है:
English translation
Immersed in an ocean of happiness and seeming to drift upon blissful waves, Śrī Rohiṇī and Nanda's queen also set out for home with Rāma and Kṛṣṇa in their laps. Only Yaśodā, queen of Vraja, knew the happiness she experienced at that moment. Truly, the happiness of Vraja is known only through its own experience and is utterly unique:
Original
Braj verses
जो सुख ब्रज में एक घरी।
सो सुख तीनि लोक में नाहीं, धनि यह घोष-पुरी॥
अष्टसिद्धि-नवनिधि कर जोरें, द्वारें रहति खरी।
सिव-सनकादि-सुकादि-अगोचर, ते अवतरे हरी॥
धन्य-धन्य बड़भागिनि जसुमति, निगमनि सही परी।
ऐसे सूरदास के प्रभु कौं, लीन्हौ अंक भरी॥
English translation
The joy found in Vraja for but one ghaṛī
is nowhere in the three worlds. Blessed is this cowherd settlement.
The eight mystic powers and nine treasures stand at its door, hands joined.
Hari, beyond the reach of Śiva, Sanaka, Śuka, and the rest, has descended there.
Blessed, blessed is greatly fortunate Yaśodā, the one upon whom the Vedas' testimony proved true.
She has gathered into her lap the Lord of Sūradāsa.