Original
Hindi
व्रजपुरको अलङ्कृत करने वर्षा-ऋतु आयी हुई थी। वह श्यामघटाका विस्तार करके रिमझिम-रिमझिम करती हुई बूँदोंके रूपमें नन्दप्राङ्गणमें झरा करती। एक दिन झरते समय हठात् उसने यशोदाके क्रोडमें अवस्थित श्यामवर्ण नवजात नन्दनन्दनको देखा। देखते ही मानो उसे प्रतीत हुआ, मेरे निर्माणसे पूर्व किसी विश्वातीत विचित्र स्रष्टाने इस श्यामशिशुका निर्माण किया था; निर्माणके पश्चात् उसने अपने श्याम-रङ्ग-रञ्जित हाथोंको सागरमें धोया था; वह हस्त-प्रक्षालित श्यामवारि जमकर घन हो गया; उसीको उपादान बनाकर विधाताने मेरे नवजलधर-रूपमें व्यक्त होनेवाले अङ्गोंकी रचना की थी। आज वर्षाको नन्दनन्दनका रूप देखकर अपने रूपके उद्गमका ज्ञान हुआ। इतना सुन्दर मूल देखकर वह फूली न समाती थी। अतृप्त नयनोंसे वह नन्दनन्दनका सौन्दर्य निहारती हुई व्रजके आकाशमें नाच रही थी। नाचते-नाचते मनमें आया, एक बार सर्वथा नन्दनन्दनमें मिल जाऊँ, निकटतम स्पर्श पाकर कृतार्थ हो जाऊँ, साथ ही इनकी श्यामताकी एक पुट मेरे अङ्गोंपर और लग जाय; कदाचित् नन्दनन्दनके अतुल श्यामल अङ्गोंकी यत्किञ्चित् तुलनाकी सामग्री मेरे अङ्ग भी बन जायँ। वर्षाने मानो इसी उद्देश्यसे अपने अङ्गों, मेघों, को समेटा तथा देखते-ही-देखते वह इस बार आकाशमें नहीं, व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके श्याम अङ्गोंमें विलीन हो गयी।
English translation
The rainy season had come to adorn the city of Vraja. Spreading its masses of dark clouds, it would fall in Nanda's courtyard as a gentle rim-jhim shower. One day, while raining, it suddenly beheld the dark newborn son of Nanda resting in Yaśodā's lap. Upon seeing Him, the season seemed to think, "Before I was created, some wondrous creator beyond the universe fashioned this dark infant. Afterward he washed his hands, stained with the infant's dark hue, in the ocean. That dark water from his hands congealed into clouds, and from that material the ordainer formed the limbs through which I appear as fresh rain clouds." On seeing Nanda's son today, the rainy season understood the source of its own form. It could scarcely contain its delight at beholding so beautiful an original. Gazing with insatiable eyes upon the beauty of Nanda's son, it danced across the sky of Vraja.
As it danced, a thought arose: "May I merge wholly into Nanda's son just once and become fulfilled by the closest touch. May another layer of His darkness color my limbs, so that perhaps they might become fit to offer even the faintest comparison with His incomparably dark body." As though for this purpose, the rainy season gathered in its limbs, the clouds, and in an instant merged, not into the sky this time, but into the dark limbs of the son of the lord of Vraja.
Original
Hindi
इसके पश्चात् शरत्-सुन्दरी आयी। राशि-राशि विकसित पद्मोंकी ओटसे झाँक-झाँककर मानो वह देख रही थी कि इस बार व्रजपुर कैसा सजा। नन्दप्रासादके दक्षिण पार्श्ववर्ती सुरम्य सरोवरके प्रस्फुटित कमलोंमें छिपकर बैठी हुई वह एक दिन नन्दभवनकी शोभा परख रही थी। हठात् प्रिय पुत्रको गोदमें लिये व्रजरानी गवाक्षरन्ध्रोंके समीप आ गयीं तथा शरत्-सुन्दरीने नन्दनन्दनको देख लिया। उसने मानो अनुभव किया, ओह! नन्दनन्दनका मुख तो एक पूर्ण प्रस्फुटित अरविन्द है, दोनों नेत्र दो उत्फुल्ल कमल हैं, दोनों हाथ विकासोन्मुख दो अम्बुजकोरक हैं; नाभि? नाभि नहीं है, यह तो एक अरुणाम्भोजकोष, लाल कमलकी कली, है तथा ये दोनों चरण तो पूर्ण विकसित पङ्कज हैं। इन अष्टकमलोंकी शोभा भी विलक्षण ही थी। स्वप्नमें भी शरद्ने अबतक ऐसे सुन्दर कमलकी कल्पना नहीं की थी। उसने अपने अञ्चलमें भरे हुए अनन्त पद्मोंका सौन्दर्य एकत्रित किया तथा इस ढेरमें अपने कोषकी समस्त संचित श्री मिला दी। फिर भी देखा, इन आठमेंसे एक कमलके कणमात्र सौन्दर्यकी भी तुलना इस ढेरसे असम्भव है। स्तब्ध होकर वह नन्दनन्दनकी ओर देखने लगी। अवधि आनेतक वह अपलक नेत्रोंसे नन्दनन्दनको ही निहारती रही। जब जाने लगी, तब उनके प्रति प्रबल आकर्षणवश सारी शोभा बटोरकर उसे हृदयमें छिपाये इस बार वह भी मानो नीले निर्मल आकाशमें नहीं, बल्कि नन्दनन्दनके नेत्रकमलोंमें जा मिली।
English translation
After this came the lovely maiden Autumn. Peering from behind masses of blossoming lotuses, she seemed to be examining how beautifully Vraja had been adorned. One day she sat concealed among the open lotuses of the delightful lake south of Nanda's palace and surveyed the splendor of his residence. Suddenly the queen of Vraja approached the lattice window with her beloved son in her arms, and the maiden Autumn beheld Him.
She seemed to feel, "Oh! Nanda's son's face is a fully opened lotus. His two eyes are two blooming lotuses, and His two hands are a pair of lotus buds about to unfold. His navel? It is no navel, but a crimson lotus bud, while His two feet are fully blossomed lotuses." The beauty of these eight lotuses was extraordinary. Not even in a dream had Autumn ever imagined lotuses so beautiful. She gathered the beauty of the countless lotuses held in the fold of her garment and added to that heap every treasure of loveliness stored in her treasury. Yet she saw that this entire mass could not compare with even a particle of the beauty of any one of those eight lotuses. Stunned, she gazed at Nanda's son. Until the end of her appointed season, she looked upon Him with unblinking eyes. When the time came to depart, her powerful attraction to Him made her gather all her beauty, conceal it within her heart, and merge this time not into the clear blue sky, but into the lotus eyes of Nanda's son.
Original
Hindi
अब हिमाचलकी ओरसे हेमन्त आया। धुएँका वितान तानकर वह व्रजपुरमें निवास करने लगा। उसका आगमन देखकर कहीं मेरे नीलमणिको हेमन्तकी दृष्टि न लग जाय, मेरा बालक रुग्ण न हो जाय, इस भयसे जननी यशोदा प्रायः नीलमणिको वस्त्रोंमें छिपाये रहतीं। दिनमें जब सूर्य ऊपर उठ आते तो उस समय मैया उनके अङ्गोंपरसे वस्त्र हटातीं, अङ्गोंमें तेल लगाकर उष्णवारिसे प्रक्षालित कर उन्हें पोंछतीं। इसी समय एक दिन दूर खड़े हुए हेमन्तने अपनी शीतल आँखोंसे नन्दनन्दनके दर्शन किये। जबतक सूर्य अस्ताचलगामी न हुए, तबतक वह खड़ा-खड़ा देखता रहा। पर सूर्यके छिपते ही जननीने भी नीलमणिको अपने आँचलमें छिपा लिया। इस अदर्शन-दुःखसे ही मानो हेमन्त सारी रात रोता रहा; प्रातःकाल राशि-राशि ओसकणके रूपमें हेमन्तके नेत्रोंसे झरे हुए अश्रुबिन्दु सर्वत्र बिखरे दिखायी दिये। दो मास वह रहा। इतने समय दिनमें नन्दनन्दनकी झाँकी पाकर
English translation
Hemanta now came from the direction of the Himalayas and took up residence in Vraja beneath a canopy of mist like smoke. Seeing him arrive, Mother Yaśodā feared that Hemanta might cast an evil eye upon her Nīlamaṇi or make her child ill, and so she generally kept Him hidden beneath garments. During the day, once the sun had risen high, Mother would remove the coverings from His limbs, anoint Him with oil, wash Him with warm water, and dry Him. One day at such a time, Hemanta stood at a distance and gazed upon Nanda's son with his cool eyes. He remained there watching until the sun began to set. But the moment the sun disappeared, the mother concealed Nīlamaṇi within her veil. Pained by losing sight of Him, Hemanta seemed to weep throughout the night. At dawn, his teardrops appeared scattered everywhere as masses of dew. He remained for two months. During that time, each day when he received a glimpse of Nanda's son...
Original
Hindi. Book note
- हेमन्त-ऋतुमें सर्वत्र, विशेषतः जलाशयोंके समीप प्रायः धुआँ-सा छाया रहता है।
English translation
- During the Hemanta season, a haze resembling smoke generally hangs everywhere, especially near bodies of water.
Original
Hindi
अतिशय प्रफुल्लित रहता, पर रात्रिमें खिन्न हो जाता, "हाय! मैं इतना शीतल क्यों हुआ, मेरी शीतलताके भयसे ही तो मैया अपने पुत्रको छिपा लेती हैं।" किंतु अकस्मात् उसे एक बार अनुभव हुआ, नन्दनन्दनके चरणतलमें एक अभिनव शीतलता भरी है; उनके चरण अत्यन्त शीतल हैं, पर अत्यन्त सुखद हैं; उनका वह शैत्य तो किसीके लिये कष्टद नहीं होता, सभी उसका अभिनन्दन करते हैं। उसने सोचा, फिर क्यों नहीं मैं भी इन चरणोंमें ही मिल जाऊँ? इनके संसर्गसे मेरी कटुता भी दूर हो जायगी, व्रजवासी फिर मुझे अतिशय प्यार करने लगेंगे। बस, इस भावनासे ही मानो हेमन्त नन्दनन्दनके चरणोंमें लीन हो गया।
English translation
He remained exceedingly delighted during the day, but at night he grew dejected. "Alas! Why did I become so cold? It is only from fear of my chill that Mother hides her son." Suddenly, however, he perceived a new kind of coolness in the soles of Nanda's son's feet. Those feet were exceedingly cool, yet exceedingly pleasant. Their coolness caused no one distress; everyone welcomed it. Hemanta thought, "Then why should I not merge into those very feet? Through contact with them, my harshness will also disappear, and the residents of Vraja will come to love me greatly." With this thought, Hemanta seemed to dissolve into the feet of Nanda's son.
Original
Hindi
ठीक यही दशा इसका अनुसरण करनेवाले इसके बन्धु शिशिरकी भी हुई। उतने ही दिन वह भी व्रजेन्द्रपुरीमें रहा। हेमन्तकी भाँति ही वह भी दिनमें व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनको निहारकर अत्यन्त प्रसन्न होता, पर रात्रिमें खिन्न हो जाता। अन्तर इतना ही था कि कभी-कभी उसे रात्रिमें यशोदानन्दनके अदर्शनसे मानो हेमन्तकी अपेक्षा भी अत्यधिक दुःख होता था। दुःखसे उसके हृदयकी गति स्थगित हो जाती, उसका हृदय जम जाता था। शिशिरका जमा हुआ हृदय ही मानो हिमपिण्डोंके रूपमें प्रातःकाल व्रजवासियोंको दीख पड़ता था। अस्तु, अन्तमें वह भी हेमन्तकी तरह भावित होकर नन्दनन्दन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके परम शीतल शान्तम चरणोंमें मिल गया।
English translation
Precisely the same condition befell his kinsman Śiśira, who followed him. Śiśira also remained in the city of the lord of Vraja for the same length of time. Like Hemanta, he was exceedingly happy by day as he gazed upon the son of the lord of Vraja, but became sorrowful at night. The only difference was that sometimes the pain of not seeing Yaśodā's son at night seemed even greater for Śiśira than for Hemanta. Grief stilled the movement of his heart until it froze, and in the morning the residents of Vraja seemed to behold that frozen heart in the form of blocks of ice. In the end, moved by the same feeling as Hemanta, Śiśira too merged into the supremely cool and peaceful feet of Nanda's son, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra.
Original
Hindi
शिशिरका अवसान होनेपर आम्रमञ्जरियोंके अन्तरालसे अपने कर-पल्लवपर कोकिल बैठाये वसन्त निकला। दुकूलसे शीतल-मन्द-सुगन्ध पवनका सञ्चार करता हुआ नन्दभवनमें जा पहुँचा। जाते ही उसने देखा, मणिमय प्राङ्गणमें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको गोदमें लिये धात्री बैठी है। उसकी ओर मुख किये, रोहिणीनन्दन बलरामको गोदमें लिये वासन्ती परिधानसे विभूषित व्रजरानी बैठी हैं। उनकी पीठकी ओर श्रीरोहिणीजी खड़ी हैं तथा उनके पीछे गोपिकाओंका एक दल है। दूसरी ओर कुछ हटकर व्रजगोपोंके सहित व्रजेन्द्र खड़े हैं। सबकी दृष्टि श्रीकृष्णकी ओर है, पर श्रीकृष्ण रामको एवं राम श्रीकृष्णको देख रहे हैं। अब धात्रीने श्रीबलरामकी ओर लक्ष्य करके कहा, "बेटा राम! कलकी तरह तू बोल दे, एक बार 'मा मा ता ता' कह दे।" राम धात्रीका आदेश पाकर मधुरस्वरमें "मा मा ता ता" कह उठे। बस, उसी क्षण अपने समस्त अङ्गोंको कम्पित कर वेगसे किलकते हुए, करकमलोंको नचाते हुए, रामकी ओर झुककर श्रीकृष्ण भी बोल उठे, "मा मा ता ता, मा मा ता ता।" ओह! इस ध्वनिने तो आनन्दकी सरिता बहा दी; उसमें व्रजरानी, गोपिकाएँ, गोप, गोपेन्द्र, सब डूब गये:
English translation
When Śiśira ended, Spring emerged between the mango blossoms with a cuckoo perched upon his leaflike hand. Sending forth a cool, gentle, fragrant breeze from his silken garment, he reached Nanda's residence. Upon arriving he saw the nurse seated in the jeweled courtyard with Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra in her lap. Facing her sat the queen of Vraja, dressed in springtime garments and holding Rohiṇī's son Balarāma. Śrī Rohiṇī stood behind the queen, and behind her was a group of cowherd women. A short distance to the other side stood the lord of Vraja with the cowherd men. Everyone looked toward Śrī Kṛṣṇa, while Śrī Kṛṣṇa looked at Rāma and Rāma at Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
The nurse addressed Śrī Balarāma: "Son Rāma! Speak as you did yesterday. Say 'mā mā tā tā' just once." At the nurse's request, Rāma sweetly said, "Mā mā tā tā." At that very moment, Śrī Kṛṣṇa's entire body trembled, and He cooed eagerly, waved His lotus hands, leaned toward Rāma, and also spoke: "Mā mā tā tā, mā mā tā tā." Oh! That sound released a river of bliss, in which the queen of Vraja, the cowherd women, the cowherd men, and their lord all drowned:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
मा मा ता ता इति वचः पठन्नन्दतनूजनुः। आनन्दार्थमभूत्पित्रोर्व्रजस्य निखिलस्य च॥
English translation
The child born from Nanda's queen pronounced the words "mā mā tā tā" and became a source of joy for both parents and for all of Vraja.
Original
Hindi
उसी समय "कुहू-कुहू" करती हुई कोकिल पुकार उठी; किंतु किसीने भी यह "कुहू-कुहू" नहीं सुना। सबके कर्णरन्ध्रोंमें गूँज रहा था, "मा मा ता ता, मा मा ता ता।" वसन्तके कानोंमें भी केवल "मा मा ता ता" झङ्कृत हो रहा था। वसन्तने अनुभव किया, मेरे अधिकृत कोकिलकण्ठमें ऐसी मधुधारा बहानेकी शक्ति नहीं। वह यह सोच ही रहा था कि श्रीकृष्ण-अङ्गोंको छूकर आये हुए पवनने उसके नासापुटोंमें एक विलक्षण सुरभि भर दी। फिर तो वसन्त आनन्दमत्त हो गया। आनन्दमत्त हुआ वह श्रीकृष्णकी, श्रीकृष्णकी व्रजपुरीकी परिक्रमा करने लगा। यद्यपि श्रीकृष्णाङ्ग-सौरभकी तुलनामें समस्त वसन्तश्री अत्यन्त तुच्छ नगण्य बन चुकी थी, फिर भी वह माधवी, बकुल आदि पुष्पोंका पराग पवनको देता एवं कह देता, ले जाओ; इन्हें श्रीकृष्णके अङ्गोंसे छुला देना, इनका अस्तित्व सफल हो जायगा। एक दिन प्रातःसमीरके हाथ चम्पकपरागकी भेंट चढ़ाकर वह श्रीकृष्णको देखने गया था। उस समय उनकी एक नयी लीला उसने देखी। तुमुल हर्षध्वनिसे समग्र नन्दप्राङ्गण निनादित है, गोपिकाएँ ताली पीट रही हैं, श्रीकृष्ण किलकते हुए आँगनमें घुटुरूँ चल रहे हैं। व्रजसुन्दरियाँ व्रजरानीसे कह रही हैं:
English translation
At that moment the cuckoo called, "Kuhū, kuhū," but no one heard it. In every ear resounded only "mā mā tā tā, mā mā tā tā." Even in Spring's ears nothing but "mā mā tā tā" reverberated. Spring realized, "The cuckoo's throat under my dominion has no power to pour forth such a stream of sweetness." As he thought this, a breeze that had touched Śrī Kṛṣṇa's limbs filled his nostrils with an extraordinary fragrance. Spring became intoxicated with bliss and began circling Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His city of Vraja. Although all the splendor of spring had become utterly trivial beside the fragrance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's body, Spring would still give pollen from mādhavī, bakula, and other flowers to the wind, saying, "Take these and make them touch Śrī Kṛṣṇa's limbs, so their existence may become fruitful."
One morning, after sending an offering of campaka pollen in the hands of the morning breeze, Spring went to see Śrī Kṛṣṇa. There he witnessed a new pastime. All Nanda's courtyard resounded with a tremendous cry of joy, the cowherd women clapped their hands, and Śrī Kṛṣṇa crawled about the courtyard, cooing with delight. The beautiful women of Vraja said to the queen:
Original
Braj
तुम जो मनावत, सोइ दिन आयौ। अपनौ बोल करौ किन जसुमति, लाल घुटरुवन धायौ॥
English translation
The day for which you longed has come. Why do you not fulfill your promise, Yaśomatī? Your darling is hurrying about on His knees.
Original
Hindi
तबसे वसन्त प्रतिदिन ही श्रीकृष्णकी इस लीलाका दर्शन करता। किंतु अब उसका अधिकार समाप्त हो रहा था। द्वारपर ग्रीष्म प्रतीक्षा कर रहा था। उदास होकर वसन्तने सोचा, आह! पुनः मेरा अधिकार आनेपर भी श्रीकृष्णकी यह रिङ्गणलीला कहाँ देखनेको मिलेगी? ठीक इसी समय श्रीकृष्णके मुखकमलपर मन्द मुसकान छा गयी। बस, वसन्तको मानो उपाय सूझ गया और वह अपनी समस्त सम्पत्ति लिये हुए ही उस मुसकानमें मिलकर तन्मय हो गया।
English translation
From then onward, Spring witnessed this pastime of Śrī Kṛṣṇa every day. But his dominion was now ending, and Summer waited at the door. Spring sadly thought, "Alas! Even when my season returns, where will I see this crawling pastime of Śrī Kṛṣṇa?" At that very moment a gentle smile spread across Śrī Kṛṣṇa's lotus face. Spring seemed to discover a remedy and, taking all his wealth with him, merged into that smile and became wholly absorbed there.
Original
Hindi
अब शिरीष-पुष्पोंका मुकुट धारण किये एवं मल्लिका-कुसुमोंकी माला पहने ग्रीष्म आया। परंतु फिर भी उसके अङ्ग जल रहे थे। न जाने कितने कालसे ग्रीष्म जलता ही आया है। इसीलिये उसकी जलन दूसरोंपर भी प्रभाव डालती है। वह जहाँ जाता है, वहीं तापका विस्तार करता है। किंतु इस बार ग्रीष्मने आश्चर्यमें भरकर यह देखा कि व्रज उसके प्रभावसे झुलसा नहीं। उसने अनुभव किया, व्रजपुरकी लता-वल्लरियोंने आज जब मैं आया, तब मेरा स्वागत तो किया, मेरा अधिकार भी माना, पर वे म्लान नहीं हुईं; सरोवरोंने मेरा उचित आतिथ्य किया, पर वे शुष्क नहीं हुए। वह सोचने लगा, ऐसी विलक्षण सरसता व्रजमें कहाँसे आयी? व्रजपुरके सिवा तो अन्य सभी मेरे अधिकृत देश जल रहे हैं; मथुरेश कंसके मधुवनपर भी इस समय मेरा ही अबाध अधिकार है, वह भी जल रहा है; फिर नन्दव्रजमें ही यह परिवर्तन क्यों है? यह सोचते हुए ही दैवक्रमसे वह नन्दभवनमें जा पहुँचा तथा वहाँ उसने एक विचित्र दृश्य देखा। पाटलपुष्पनिर्मित अवतंस धारण किये कुछ व्रजसुन्दरियाँ मणिस्तम्भोंकी ओटमें छिपकर खड़ी हैं, शान्त रहकर श्रीकृष्णकी चेष्टा देख रही हैं। श्रीकृष्ण घुटुरूँ चलकर द्वारके पास आ गये हैं, पर आगे नहीं जा पा रहे हैं; क्योंकि पद्मरागमणिनिर्मित द्वारकी चौखट धरातलसे एक हाथ ऊँची है, उनका पथ रोके खड़ी है। शिशु श्रीकृष्ण हाथोंसे चेष्टा करते हैं कि चौखटपर चढ़ जाऊँ, चढ़कर उसे पार कर जाऊँ, पर चढ़ नहीं पाते; सारा बल लगाकर चौखट लाँघना चाहते हैं, पर लाँघ सकते नहीं। हारकर वहीं हाथोंको नचा-नचाकर खेलने लग जाते हैं। ओह! कैसी मुनिमनमोहन लीला है! जिन्होंने एक दिन दानमें प्राप्त हुई तीन पद भूमि नापने जाकर दो पदसे ही सारी त्रिलोकी नाप ली थी, तीसरे पदके लिये भूमि नहीं बची थी, इतने बड़े जिनके पद हैं, वे ही आज शिशुका साज साजे द्वारलङ्घनमें असमर्थ दीख पड़ रहे हैं:
English translation
Summer now arrived wearing a crown of śirīṣa flowers and a garland of jasmine blossoms, yet his limbs continued to burn. No one knows how long Summer had been burning. His heat therefore affected others as well, and wherever he went he spread its torment. This time, however, Summer was astonished to see that Vraja had not been scorched by his influence. He reflected, "When I arrived today, the vines and creepers of Vraja welcomed me and acknowledged my dominion, yet they did not wither. The lakes offered me proper hospitality, yet they did not dry up. From where has such extraordinary freshness come to Vraja? Every other land under my rule is burning. Even Madhuvana, ruled by Kaṁsa, lord of Mathurā, lies under my unopposed authority and is burning. Why is Nanda's Vraja alone transformed?"
As he wondered, providence brought him to Nanda's residence, where he saw a curious sight. Several beautiful women of Vraja, wearing ear ornaments made of pale red flowers, stood concealed behind jeweled pillars and silently watched Śrī Kṛṣṇa's efforts. Śrī Kṛṣṇa had crawled to the doorway but could go no farther, for its ruby threshold stood one cubit above the ground and blocked His path. The infant tried with His hands to climb onto the threshold and cross it, but could not. He exerted all His strength to pass over it, yet failed. At last, defeated, He remained there waving His hands in play. Oh, what a pastime to captivate the minds of sages! He who once set out to measure three paces of land received in charity and in two strides measured all the three worlds, leaving no ground for the third, now wore the guise of an infant and seemed unable to cross a doorway:
Original
Braj
छिति नापी त्रिपाद करुनामय, बलि छल दियौ पतार। देहरी उलँघ सकत नहिं सो प्रभु, खेलत नंद-दुवार॥
English translation
The compassionate Lord measured the earth in three strides and sent Bali down below by His ruse. That same Lord cannot cross the threshold and plays at Nanda's door.
Original
Hindi
ग्रीष्मने व्रजपुरकी सरसताका रहस्य जान लिया। इसके बाद उसने श्रीकृष्णकी अनेकों सरस सुन्दर लीलाएँ और देखीं। कभी देखा:
English translation
Summer understood the secret of Vraja's freshness. After this he saw many more delightful and beautiful pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. At one time he saw:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
आनँद प्रेम उमंगि जसोदा, खरी गुपाल खिलावै। कबहुँक हिलकै-किलकै जननी, मन सुख-सिंधु बढ़ावै॥ दै करताल बजावति गावति, राग अनूप मल्हावै। कबहुँक पल्लव पानि गहावै, आँगन माँझ रिंगावै॥ सिव-सनकादि, सुकादि, ब्रह्मादिक खोजत अंत न पावै। गोद लिएँ ताकौं हलरावै, तोतरे बैन बुलावै॥ मोहे सुर, नर, किंनर, मुनिजन, रबि रथ नाहिं चलावै। मोहि रहीं व्रजकी जुवतीं सब, सूरदास जस गावै॥
English translation
Overflowing with joyful love, Yaśodā stands playing with Gopāla. Sometimes Mother sways and coaxes Him to coo, swelling the ocean of happiness within her heart.
Clapping her hands, she sings and delights Him with matchless melodies. Sometimes she gives Him her leaflike hand and leads Him crawling through the courtyard.
Śiva, Sanaka and the other sages, Śuka, Brahmā, and all the rest search but cannot reach His end. Yet she takes Him upon her lap, rocks Him, and calls to Him in baby talk.
He enchants gods, humans, Kinnaras, and sages, and even makes the sun's chariot cease its course. All the young women of Vraja remain spellbound, and Sūrdās sings His glory.
Original
Hindi
कभी देखता, तोरणद्वारके पास व्रजरानीने श्रीकृष्णको लाकर बैठा दिया है। स्वयं कुछ दूरपर गोपिकाओंके साथ खड़ी रहकर उनकी चेष्टा देख रही हैं। वहाँ रत्नघटित अलिन्द, बरामदेके चबूतरे, पर बकैयाँ चलते हुए श्रीकृष्ण खेल रहे हैं। वहीं उड़ते हुए कपोतोंका एक झुंड आया तथा अलिन्दकी छतसे लगे हुए मणिदण्डोंपर बैठ गया। चबूतरेपर उन पक्षियोंकी स्पष्ट प्रतिच्छाया पड़ने लगी। श्रीकृष्ण उन प्रतिबिम्बोंकी ओर ध्यानसे देखने लगते हैं, मानो सोच रहे हों कि यह क्या वस्तु है। फिर धीरे-धीरे दोनों हाथ एवं जानुओंके बल उनकी ओर चल पड़ते हैं। वहाँ पहुँचकर दक्षिण हस्तकी अरुण-मृदुल अङ्गुलियोंसे प्रतिबिम्बको पकड़नेकी चेष्टा करते हैं। यह देखते ही व्रज-पुरन्धरियोंमें आनन्दका प्रवाह बह जाता है।
English translation
At another time, Summer saw that the queen of Vraja had seated Śrī Kṛṣṇa near the festooned gateway and stood some distance away with the cowherd women, watching His movements. Śrī Kṛṣṇa played there, crawling upon the jewel-inlaid platform of the veranda. A flock of pigeons flew in and perched upon the jeweled rods beneath the veranda roof. Their clear shadows appeared upon the platform. Śrī Kṛṣṇa stared intently at those reflections, as though wondering what they were. Then He slowly moved toward them upon His hands and knees. Reaching them, He tried to grasp a reflection with the soft crimson fingers of His right hand. At that sight, a current of bliss flowed through the noble women of Vraja.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
कराभ्यां जानुभ्यां लघु लघु चलन् रत्नघटिते प्रघाणे तत्प्रान्तावरणमणिदण्डेषु वसताम्। प्रतिच्छायां वीनामरुणमृदुलैरङ्गुलिदलैः कृतारम्भो धर्तुं व्रजपुरपुरन्ध्रीः सुखयति॥
English translation
Moving little by little on His hands and knees across the jewel-inlaid veranda, He began trying to catch with His soft crimson petal-like fingers the reflections of the birds perched upon the jeweled rods at its edge, delighting the noble women of Vraja.
Original
Hindi
एक दिन उसने देखा, श्रीकृष्ण एवं रामके समस्त अङ्ग आँगनकी धूलिसे सने हैं। इन धूलि-धूसरित अङ्गोंकी अद्भुत शोभा हो रही है। घुटुरूँ चलते हुए वे दोनों बड़ी देरसे खेल रहे हैं। अचानक आगन्तुक गोपिकाओंको देखकर वे डर-से गये; दौड़कर दोनों जननीके पास जा पहुँचे। श्रीरोहिणी एवं व्रजरानी कर्दमलिप्ताङ्ग पुत्रोंको अपने भुजपाशमें बाँधकर हृदयसे लगा लेती हैं। पुत्रवात्सल्यके प्रबल आवेगवश उनके स्तनोंसे अविरल दुग्धधारा क्षरित होने लगती है; दोनों जननियाँ अविलम्ब अपने दोनों पुत्रोंके मुखोंमें स्तन दे देती हैं। मुखमें स्तन लेते समय उनके नये निकले हुए छोटे-छोटे दो-चार दाँत चमक उठते हैं तथा जननीके स्तनामृतका स्पर्श पानेसे मुखपर मन्दहास्य छा जाता है। इस मुग्धस्मित एवं अल्पदशनोंसे समन्वित मुखका सौन्दर्य निहारकर दोनों जननियाँ परमानन्द-सागरमें निमग्न हो जाती हैं:
English translation
One day Summer saw that every limb of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Rāma was covered with the dust of the courtyard. Their dust-gray bodies shone with wondrous beauty. The two had been playing for a long while, crawling upon their knees. Suddenly they saw some visiting cowherd women and became frightened. Both hurried to their mothers. Śrī Rohiṇī and the queen of Vraja encircled their mud-smeared sons in their arms and pressed them to their hearts. Under the powerful surge of maternal love, unbroken streams of milk began to flow from their breasts, and the two mothers at once offered their breasts to their sons. As the boys took the breasts into their mouths, their two or four newly emerged little teeth gleamed. At the touch of their mothers' nectar-like milk, gentle smiles appeared upon their faces. Gazing upon the beauty of those faces, graced with innocent smiles and a few small teeth, the two mothers sank into an ocean of supreme bliss:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.8.23
तन्मातरौ निजसुतौ घृणया स्नुवन्त्यौ पङ्काङ्गरागरुचिरावुपगुह्य दोर्भ्याम्। दत्त्वा स्तनं प्रपिबतोः स्म मुखं निरीक्ष्य मुग्धस्मिताल्पदशनं ययतुः प्रमोदम्॥
English translation
Their mothers, their breasts flowing out of tenderness, embraced in their arms their own sons, whose bodies were charmingly adorned with mud. They offered them their breasts and, beholding the boys' faces as they drank, graced with innocent smiles and a few tiny teeth, attained immense delight.
Original
Hindi
भला, जो अपने श्रीमुखसे उद्घोषित कर चुके हैं:
English translation
He has, after all, proclaimed from His own sacred mouth:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.25.43
मृत्युश्चरति मद्भयात्।
English translation
Death itself acts out of fear of Me.
Original
Hindi
"महाभयावह मृत्यु मेरे भयसे ही कार्य करता है।" उनका कतिपय आगन्तुक गोपवनिताओंसे भयभीत होकर जननीकी गोदमें आश्रय लेना कितना मोहक है! अनन्तैश्वर्यशालिन्! गोलोकविहारिन्! भक्तानुग्रहविग्रह श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र! तुम्हारी ऐसी ऐश्वर्यशून्य लीलाको बलिहारी है! तुम्हारा यह दुग्धपान धन्य है!
English translation
"Terrible death performs its work only from fear of Me." How enchanting, then, that He becomes afraid of a few visiting cowherd women and seeks refuge in His mother's lap! O possessor of infinite majesty! O reveler in Goloka! O Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, embodiment of grace toward Your devotees! All glory to this pastime of Yours, so wholly devoid of majesty. Blessed is this drinking of Your mother's milk!
Original
Braj
अनुदिन स्रवत सुधारस पंचम चिंतामनि-सी धेनु। सो तजि जसुमति कौ पय पीवत भक्तनि कौं सुख देनु॥
English translation
Each day the wish-fulfilling cows pour forth nectar, the fifth of their nectarean products. Leaving that aside, He drinks Yaśomatī's milk to bestow joy upon His devotees.
Original
Hindi
एक-से-एक बढ़कर सरस एवं आश्चर्यमें भर देनेवाली लीलाएँ ग्रीष्मके सामने प्रकट हो रही थीं तथा वह देख-देखकर मुग्ध हो रहा था। अब उसने देखा कि यशोदारानी श्रीकृष्णको खड़ा होना सिखला रही हैं:
English translation
Pastimes of ever greater sweetness and wonder appeared before Summer, and he became spellbound as he watched. Now he saw Queen Yaśodā teaching Śrī Kṛṣṇa to stand:
Original
Braj
धनि जसुमति बड़भागिनी, लिएँ कान्ह खिलाबै। तनक तनक भुज पकरि कैं, ठाढ़ौ होन सिखावै॥
English translation
Blessed is greatly fortunate Yaśomatī, who holds Kanhā and plays with Him. Taking hold of His little arms, she teaches Him to stand.
Original
Hindi
किंतु आश्चर्य है, अनन्तशक्ति श्रीकृष्णमें अभी यह शक्ति नहीं है कि वे अपने पैरोंपर खड़े हो सकें। अस्तु, उनकी असमर्थता एवं जननी यशोदाकी लालसा देखकर पासमें खड़ी व्रजाङ्गनाएँ श्रीकृष्णको प्रोत्साहन देने जाती हैं, श्रीकृष्णकी भुजा पकड़कर खड़ा होनेको कहती हैं। कैसी भुजा पकड़कर?
English translation
Yet how astonishing! Śrī Kṛṣṇa, whose power is infinite, does not presently possess the strength to stand upon His own feet. Seeing His helplessness and Mother Yaśodā's longing, the women of Vraja standing nearby try to encourage Him. Taking hold of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's arm, they tell Him to stand. And what arm do they hold?
Original
Braj
जिहिँ भुजबल प्रहलाद उबारयौ, हिरनकसिप उर फारे हो! सो भुज पकरि कहति ब्रजनारी, ठाढ़े होहु लला रे हो!
English translation
With the strength of that arm He rescued Prahlāda and tore open Hiraṇyakaśipu's chest. Holding that very arm, a woman of Vraja says, "Stand up, little darling!"
Original
Hindi
इसके दो दिन बाद ही ग्रीष्मने देखा कि श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र खड़े होने लगे हैं तथा मैया अब उन्हें चलना सिखला रही हैं:
English translation
Only two days later, Summer saw that Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra had begun to stand and Mother was now teaching Him to walk:
Original
Braj
झुनक स्याम की पैजनियाँ। जसुमति सुत कौं चलन सिखावति, अंगुरी गहि गहि दोउ जनियाँ॥ स्याम बरन पर पीत झँगुलिया, सीस कुलहिया चौतनियाँ। जाको ब्रह्मा पार न पावत, ताहि खिलावति ग्वालिनियाँ॥
English translation
Dark Śyāma's anklets softly jingle. Yaśomatī teaches her son to walk, while the two mothers repeatedly hold His fingers.
Over His dark complexion He wears a little yellow tunic and upon His head a tiny four-cornered cap. The cowherd women play with Him whose limit even Brahmā cannot attain.
Original
Hindi
पास खड़े आनन्द-मुग्ध व्रजेश्वर पुत्रकी ओर देख रहे हैं। मैयाकी चेष्टा जब सफल नहीं होती, तब पुत्रको स्पर्श करनेके लोभसे वे स्वयं शिक्षा देने आते हैं:
English translation
Standing nearby, the lord of Vraja gazes at his son, spellbound with joy. When Mother's efforts do not succeed, his longing to touch the child brings him forward to offer instruction himself:
Original
Braj
गहें अँगुरिया ललन की, नँद चलन सिखावत। अरबराइ गिरि परत हैं, कर टेकि उठावत॥
English translation
Taking his darling's fingers, Nanda teaches Him to walk. When the child totters and falls, he supports Him with his hand and raises Him.
Original
Hindi
पर दो दिन बाद ही मानो जननीकी लालसाने ही उनके पैरोंमें चलनेकी शक्ति भर दी। श्रीकृष्ण अँगुली पकड़कर आँगनमें सर्वत्र चलने लगे। अवश्य ही द्वार लाँघनेमें श्रीकृष्णको अत्यन्त कठिनता होती:
English translation
But after only two more days, it was as though the mother's longing itself filled His feet with the power to walk. Holding a finger, Śrī Kṛṣṇa began walking everywhere in the courtyard. Crossing a doorway, however, remained extremely difficult for Him:
Original
Braj
भीतर तैं बाहर लौं आवत। घर-आँगन अति चलत सुगम भए, देहरि पै अँटकावत। शिरि-गिरि परत, जात नहिं उलँघी, अति श्रम होत नघावत॥
English translation
He comes from inside toward the outside. Walking through the house and courtyard has become easy, but at the threshold He is stopped. He tumbles headlong and cannot cross it; He struggles and grows very weary.
Original
Hindi
एक दिनके अन्तरसे ही अँगुली छोड़कर स्वतन्त्र भी चलने लगे। पर देहली-लङ्घनका प्रश्न अभी भी उतना ही कठिन है। आगे-आगे श्रीकृष्ण चलते, पीछे-पीछे व्रजरानी आतीं। किंतु जहाँ द्वार आया कि खड़े हो गये। मुसका-मुसकाकर, जननीका अञ्चल पकड़कर पार कर देनेके लिये मधुर अस्फुट तोतली बोलीमें बार-बार कहते। पर जननी बल लगाकर चढ़नेके लिये आदेश देतीं। श्रीकृष्ण भी अपना पूरा बल लगाते, पर नहीं ही चढ़ पाते; द्वारके इस पार ही रह जाते। स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका अनन्त बल पता नहीं इस समय कहाँ चला जाता:
English translation
After only one more day He released the guiding finger and began to walk independently. Yet the problem of crossing the threshold remained just as difficult. Śrī Kṛṣṇa walked in front and the queen of Vraja followed behind, but whenever He reached a doorway He stopped. Smiling, He caught hold of His mother's veil and repeatedly asked her in sweet, indistinct baby speech to carry Him across. Mother instead told Him to climb with all His strength. Śrī Kṛṣṇa exerted Himself fully, but still could not climb and remained on the near side of the door. No one knows where the infinite power of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, Bhagavān Himself and the son of the lord of Vraja, went at that moment:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
सो बल कहा भयौ भगवान? जिहिँ बल मीन-रूप जल थाह्यौ, लियौ निगम, हति असुर-परान॥ जिहिँ बल कमठ-पीठि पै गिरि धरि, सजल सिंधु मथि कियौ बिमान। जिहिँ बल रूप बराह दसन पर, राखी पुहुमी पुहुप समान॥ जिहिँ बल हिरनकसिप उर फारधौ, भए भगत कों कृपानिधान। जिहिँ बल बलि बंधन करि पठयौ, बसुधा त्रैपद करी प्रमान॥ जिहिँ बल बिप्र तिलक दै थाप्यौ, रच्छा करी आप बिदमान। जिहिँ बल रावनके सिर काटे, कियौ बिभीषन नृपति निदान॥ जिहिँ बल जामबंत-मद मेट्यौ, जिहिँ बल भू-बिनती सुनी कान। सूरदास अब धाम-देहरी चढ़ि न सकत प्रभु खरे अजान॥
English translation
Where has that strength of Bhagavān gone?
With that strength He entered the waters as the Fish, recovered the Vedas, and slew the demon. With that strength He placed the mountain upon the Tortoise's back, churned the watery ocean, and made it yield its treasures.
With that strength, in the form of the Boar, He held the earth upon His tusk like a flower. With that strength He tore open Hiraṇyakaśipu's chest and became a treasury of grace for His devotee.
With that strength He bound Bali and sent him below, measuring the earth in three strides. With that strength He installed the brāhmaṇa marked with the tilaka and personally remained to protect him.
With that strength He cut off Rāvaṇa's heads and finally made Vibhīṣaṇa king. With that strength He humbled Jāmbavān's pride, and with that strength He heard the earth's prayer.
Sūrdās says: now the Lord stands there like one who knows nothing, unable to climb the threshold of His own abode.
Original
Hindi
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी उन विविध रसमयी लीलाओंके दर्शनसे ग्रीष्मकी उत्कण्ठा उत्तरोत्तर बढ़ती जाती तथा अब तो वह रससागर श्रीकृष्णसे नित्य जुड़े रहनेके लिये तड़पने लगा; क्योंकि उसकी अवधि भी सीमित थी। ज्यों-ज्यों जानेका समय निकट आ रहा था, उसकी जलन बढ़ रही थी। सहसा एक दिन उसे श्रीकृष्णके सुचिक्कण कपोलोंपर प्रस्वेदकण दीख पड़े। बस, उसकी मनोरथ-पूर्तिका उसे सुन्दरतम अवसर मिल गया। वह अविलम्ब मानो श्रीकृष्णके कपोलोंपर झलकते हुए स्वेदबिन्दुओंमें ही विलीन हो गया।
English translation
As Summer witnessed these varied and nectarean pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, his yearning increased without cease. He now ached to remain forever joined to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the ocean of rasa, for his own allotted span was limited. The nearer his time to depart came, the more fiercely he burned. Suddenly, one day, he saw beads of perspiration upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa's smooth, radiant cheeks. He had found the most beautiful opportunity to fulfill his longing and at once seemed to merge into the drops of perspiration glistening upon those cheeks.
Original
Hindi
इस प्रकार व्रजपुरमें छः ऋतुएँ आयीं तथा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके असीम सुन्दर रूप, गुण, लीलाका अनुभव कर उन्हींमें विलीन हो गयीं। अब समाधिसे जागी हुई-सी वर्षा पुनः आयी तथा आज पुनः भाद्रकृष्णा अष्टमीका दिन आया। इसी ऋतुचक्र एवं इस दिनसे जुड़ी हुई श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी आयु भी एक वर्षकी हो गयी। आज अतिशय उमंगसे श्रीकृष्णकी वर्षगाँठ मनायी गयी है:
English translation
Thus the six seasons came to the city of Vraja and, after experiencing the boundless beauty of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's form, virtues, and pastimes, merged into Him. The rainy season returned as though awakening from samādhi, and once again the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhādra arrived. Bound to this cycle of seasons and this day, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's age also became one year. Today His first birthday was celebrated with immense exhilaration:
Original
Braj
बरसगाँठि गिरिधरनलाल की गोपिन न्यौति बुलाए। जसुमति मुदित सबन बोलन कौं घर-घर नंद पठाए॥ गाम-गाम प्रति पौरि-पौरि प्रति घर-घर नंद पधारे। आदर दै बड़रे गोपन कौं एक आसन बैठारे॥ गाम-गाम तें सकट जोरि कैं नंद महर घर आए। सुनि व्रजरानी व्रजबासिन मिलि सनमुख कलस पठाए॥ घर-घर धूप-दिपावलि करि कें निज मंदिर पधराए। आदर दै बड़रे गोपन कों जोरि सभा बैठाए॥ प्रेम-मुदित गावत व्रजनारीं जसुमति मंदिर आईं। कंचन-थार बधाए सजि-सजि न्यौतो टीको लाईं॥ चंदन-अगर-कपूर-सुवासित आँगन-भौन लिपाए। बंदनमाला सथिये द्वारें, मोतिन चौक पुराए॥ कनकपीठि तापर जुग धरि कैं दच्छिन चीर बिछाए। महर महरि गिरिधरन गोद ले मुदित तहाँ बैठाए॥ अन्वाचार्य मुनि गर्ग-परासर कुस आसन पधराए। बड़रे देव पुजाय लाल कौं बहुबिधि दान दिवाए॥ बंदीजन सब द्वारें गावैं, घुरे निसान-नगारे। देव दुंदुभी गगन बजावत, व्रज कौतूहल भारे॥ दै असीस द्वारें तहाँ जाचक भए सबन मन भाए। मुँह माँगे सबहिन कौं नखसिख पट-भूषन पहराए॥ राई-लौन उतारि आरती प्रमुदित मंगल गाए। अति उछाह भरि-भरि लालन कौं सब की गोद दिवाए॥ बरन-बरन आभूषन सारी व्रजतरुनीं पहराईं। प्रमुदित बहुरि चली निज गृह कौं मनहुँ रंक निधि पाईं॥ नंदराय बड़रे गोपन कौं चरनन सीस नवाए। जोरि उभय कर करत बीनती, कृपा पुन्य फल पाए॥ गोपबृंद ऋषिबृंद बिदा ह्वै देत चले आसीसा। व्रजपति-व्रजरानी, हरि-हलधर जीवौ कोटि बरीसा॥
English translation
For Giridhara's darling's birthday, the cowherd women were invited and summoned. Delighted Yaśomatī sent Nanda from house to house to call everyone.
Nanda went to every village, every lane, and every home. Honoring the elder cowherds, he seated them together.
From village after village they harnessed their carts and came to the home of Nanda and his queen. Hearing of their arrival, the queen of Vraja and the residents went together to receive them with auspicious pitchers.
After offering incense and rows of lamps at every house, they escorted the guests into the residence. Honoring the elder cowherds, they gathered and seated the assembly.
The women of Vraja came to Yaśomatī's residence singing in delighted love. They brought ornamented golden trays, invitations, and ceremonial tilaka.
The courtyard and mansion were plastered and scented with sandalwood, agarwood, and camphor. Garlands and auspicious svastikas adorned the doors, and the courtyard was filled with designs of pearls.
Upon a golden seat they placed paired supports and spread an auspicious cloth. The lord and queen joyfully sat there with Giridhara in their lap.
The family preceptors and sages Garga and Parāśara took their seats of kuśa grass. The elders had the child's deity worshiped and caused many kinds of gifts to be given.
All the bards sang at the doors as standards and kettledrums thundered. The gods sounded dundubhis in the sky, and Vraja overflowed with wonder.
The petitioners at the door bestowed blessings and delighted every heart. Each received whatever he asked, garments and ornaments from head to toe.
They circled mustard and salt, waved the ārati, and joyfully sang auspicious songs. Filled with intense delight, they placed the darling child in everyone's lap.
The young women of Vraja were dressed in saris and ornaments of many colors. Delighted, they returned to their homes as though paupers who had found treasure.
Nanda Rāya bowed his head at the feet of the elder cowherds. Joining both hands, he offered prayers and received the fruit of their gracious blessings.
The company of cowherds and the company of sages took leave and departed, giving blessings: "May the lord and queen of Vraja, Hari and Haladhara, live for millions of years."