Original
Hindi
प्रबोधिनी, एकादशी, का निशीथ है। कुमुद, कल्हार, कुन्द एवं मन्दार-पुष्पोंसे सुरभित बयार व्रजपुरके प्रत्येक मन्दिरपर बँधे हुए बन्दनवारको नचा-नचाकर स्वयं नृत्य कर रही है। इस समय व्रजपुरका प्रत्येक नारायण-मन्दिर घण्टानाद, शङ्ख-मृदङ्गध्वनि, हरिकीर्तन, गायन, नर्तनसे मुखरित है। व्रजेन्द्रके विष्णुमन्दिरका तो कहना ही क्या है! व्रजेन्द्रने विविध उपचारोंसे अपने इष्टदेव नारायणकी पूजा की। फिर समुज्ज्वल घृतवर्तिका प्रज्वलित कर नीराजन किया। पश्चात् शारदीय कुसुमोंकी पुष्पाञ्जलि समर्पित की। तदनन्तर दो प्रसाद-पुष्प हाथमें लिये, राम-कृष्णके मस्तकपर इन निर्माल्य पुष्पोंको रखनेके उद्देश्यसे वे पार्श्ववर्ती कक्षमें चले गये। कक्षमें कर्पूरधवल शय्यापर श्रीराम एवं श्रीकृष्ण सो रहे हैं। जननी यशोदा एकाकिनी शय्याके समीप बैठी हैं। श्रीरोहिणी तो अतिथियोंकी अभ्यर्थनामें, प्रबोधिनी-उत्सवके आयोजनमें लगी हैं।
English translation
It is midnight on Prabodhinī Ekādaśī. A breeze fragrant with kumuda, kalhāra, kunda, and mandāra flowers dances through the city of Vraja, making the festoons tied to every temple dance with it. At this hour, every temple of Nārāyaṇa in Vraja resounds with bells, conches and mṛdaṅgas, hymns to Hari, song, and dance. What, then, can be said of the temple of Viṣṇu belonging to the lord of Vraja? The lord of Vraja worshiped his chosen deity Nārāyaṇa with many offerings. He lit a radiant wick in ghee and performed ārati, then offered handfuls of autumn flowers. Taking two flowers from the Lord's offering in his hands, he entered the adjoining chamber to place them upon the heads of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa. Śrī Rāma and Śrī Kṛṣṇa slept there upon a camphor-white bed. Mother Yaśodā sat alone beside them, while Śrī Rohiṇī remained occupied with receiving the guests and arranging the Prabodhinī festival.
Original
Hindi
आज व्रजेश्वरी विमना-सी हो रही हैं, यह व्रजेश्वरने सायंकाल गोष्ठसे लौटते ही अनुभव किया है। किंतु समागत गोपबन्धुओंके स्वागत एवं नारायण-सेवामें तुरंत लग जानेके कारण वे अवकाश न पा सके थे कि व्रजमहिषीसे इसका कारण पूछें। अब अवसर आया है। वे राम-कृष्णके कुन्तलमण्डित गौर-श्याम भालपर पुष्पोंको रखकर, कुछ क्षण अतृप्त नयनोंसे वह शोभा निहारकर व्रजरानीकी ओर देखने लगते हैं। व्रजरानी इस समय विमना ही नहीं, अतिशय चञ्चल, विस्मित एवं उद्विग्न-सी हो रही हैं। अन्तरका विक्षोभ मुखपर स्पष्ट परिलक्षित हो रहा है, रह-रहकर उनका मुख म्लान हो जा रहा है। व्रजेश्वर जानते हैं, राम-कृष्णकी अनिष्ट-आशङ्काके अतिरिक्त अन्य किसी भी कारणसे व्रजरानी विक्षुब्ध होतीं ही नहीं। इसलिये वे बोल उठे:
English translation
The lord of Vraja had sensed as soon as he returned from the cowshed that evening that the queen seemed troubled. But he had immediately become occupied with welcoming the cowherd kinsmen who had arrived and with serving Nārāyaṇa, so he had found no opportunity to ask her the reason. Now the opportunity had come. He placed the flowers upon the fair and dark brows of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, framed by curling locks, contemplated their beauty for several moments with unsated eyes, and then looked toward the queen. She was not merely distracted, but exceedingly restless, astonished, and anxious. Her inner agitation was plainly visible upon her face, which repeatedly grew pale. The lord of Vraja knew that nothing except fear of some harm befalling Rāma and Kṛṣṇa could disturb her. He therefore asked:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
मया यदनिष्टभयाद् बालरोधनमुपदिष्टं तत् किं निर्वहति?
English translation
Is the counsel I gave, that the boys be kept wholly indoors for fear of some misfortune, being followed?
Original
Hindi
"व्रजरानी! बालकोंका अनिष्ट होनेके भयसे मैंने जो इन्हें सर्वथा अन्तर्गृहमें ही रोक रखनेका परामर्श दिया था, उसका परिपालन हो रहा है तो?" विषण्णस्वरमें व्रजरानीने उत्तर दिया:
English translation
"Queen of Vraja, is my advice that the boys be kept entirely within the inner house, for fear that some harm might come to them, being observed?" In a sorrowful voice the queen replied:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
निर्वहत्येव किन्तु वृथेति लक्ष्यते।
English translation
It is indeed being observed, yet it now appears that even this measure is futile.
Original
Hindi
"पालन तो हो ही रहा है; परंतु ऐसा प्रतीत हो रहा है, यह उपाय भी व्यर्थ है।" सुनते ही गोपेन्द्रके मुखपर प्रस्वेद-कण झल-झल करने लगते हैं। अविलम्ब भग्न स्वरमें वे पुकार उठते हैं:
English translation
"It is being followed, but it seems that even this remedy is useless." At once beads of perspiration began to glisten upon the cowherd lord's face, and in a broken voice he cried:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
हन्त कथमिव?
English translation
Alas! How can this be?
Original
Hindi
"हैं! यह किस प्रकार?" अब व्रजरानीके नेत्र छल-छल करने लगते हैं और वे किञ्चित् अस्फुट स्वरमें कहने लगती हैं, "नाथ! प्रातःकालकी बात है, नीलमणि तबतक सोया हुआ था; मैं उसे दूरसे देख रही थी, साथ ही गृहकार्यका समाधान भी करती जा रही थी। अकस्मात् स्नेहावेशमें मेरे स्तन झरने लगे। मैं दौड़ी, नीलमणिको गोदमें उठा लिया, उसे स्तनपान कराने लगी। उसे भी क्षुधा थी, बड़ी ललकसे वह दूध पी रहा था। प्रायः उसकी तृप्ति भी हो चली थी। पर सहसा उसने स्तनाग्रको मुखसे निकालकर अँगड़ाई ली। मैं उसका स्वभाव जानती हूँ, वह अभी भी किञ्चित् क्षुधित था। इसलिये मैं बार-बार कपोलोंका चुम्बन कर पुनः स्तन्यपानके लिये प्रोत्साहित करने लगी। इतनेमें उसने जम्हाई ली। ओह! उस समय, नारायण! नारायण!! मैंने उसके उस छोटे-से मुख-विवरमें निश्चय ही सम्पूर्ण जगत्को अवस्थित देखा!!!"
English translation
"What? How?" The queen's eyes filled with tears, and she began to speak in a faint, faltering voice. "My lord, it happened this morning. Nīlamaṇi was still asleep. I was watching Him from a distance while attending to the household duties. Suddenly, in a surge of affection, milk began to flow from my breasts. I ran to Him, lifted Nīlamaṇi into my lap, and began to nurse Him. He too was hungry and drank with great eagerness. He was almost satisfied when suddenly He released the nipple from His mouth and stretched. I know His ways; He was still a little hungry. So I repeatedly kissed His cheeks and encouraged Him to nurse again. Just then He yawned. Oh! At that moment, Nārāyaṇa! Nārāyaṇa! Within that tiny opening of His mouth, I truly saw the entire universe present!"
Original
Hindi
व्रजरानीकी श्वासगति अत्यन्त तीव्र हो गयी। सारा शरीर थर-थर काँपने लगा। पर वे बोलती ही गयीं, "ओह! मैंने स्पष्ट देखा है, नीलमणिके छोटे-से मुख-विवरमें झाँककर देखा। वहाँ नीला अनन्त आकाश, महाकाश है, स्वर्ग है, पृथ्वी है, ज्योतिश्चक्र है, दिशाएँ हैं, सूर्य है, चन्द्र है, अग्नि है, वायु है, समुद्र हैं, द्वीपपुञ्ज हैं, पर्वतमालिकाएँ हैं, नद-नदीसमूह हैं, अरण्यश्रेणियाँ हैं, चराचर अनन्त प्राणी हैं। अरे! नीलमणिके छोटे-से मुखमें सम्पूर्ण विश्वको मैंने देखा है!"
English translation
The queen's breathing became exceedingly rapid and her entire body began to tremble, yet she continued: "Oh! I saw it clearly. I looked into the tiny opening of Nīlamaṇi's mouth. There was the blue and boundless sky, the vast reaches of space, heaven, earth, the celestial spheres, the directions, the sun, the moon, fire, wind, oceans, hosts of islands, ranges of mountains, gatherings of rivers and streams, forests upon forests, and infinite beings both moving and still. I saw the entire universe within Nīlamaṇi's tiny mouth!"
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.7.36
खं रोदसी ज्योतिरनीकमाशाः सूर्येन्दुवह्निश्वसनाम्बुधींश्च। द्वीपान् नगांस्तद्दुहितॄर्वनानि भूतानि यानि स्थिरजङ्गमानि॥
English translation
She saw the sky and the regions above and below, the hosts of lights and the directions, the sun, moon, fire, wind, and oceans; islands, mountains and their daughters, the rivers; forests and all beings, moving and unmoving.
Original
Hindi
यशोदारानीने व्रजेश्वरके हाथोंको अपने हाथोंमें ले लिया और कुछ क्षणके लिये सर्वथा मौन हो गयीं। नेत्र निमीलित हो गये। व्रजेश्वर भी अर्धनिमीलित-नेत्र हुए यह घटना सुन रहे थे। अब पुनः व्रजरानी कहने लग जाती हैं, "सुनो! और भी बात है। दिनभर मैं चिन्तामें निमग्न रही। मेरे विस्मयका, भयका पारावार न था। मनमें इच्छा होती, सूचना देकर गोष्ठसे तुम्हें तुरंत बुला लूँ, सारा समाचार कहूँ; पर उसी समय नीलमणि हँसता हुआ मेरी गोदमें आ जाता और उतने समयके लिये मैं इस घटनाको भूल जाती। इसी तरह संध्या हो गयी। प्रबोधिनी-उत्सवकी रङ्गशालामें नटोंकी लीला आरम्भ होने जा रही थी। राम-कृष्णको लेकर मैं वहाँ चली गयी; किंतु रह-रहकर मुझे उस दृश्यका स्मरण हो आता था और मैं उत्सवसे विमना हो जाती। इतनेमें नटोंने रामलीलाका अभिनय प्रारम्भ किया। सामने भगवान् श्रीसीतारामकी सुन्दर झाँकी आयी। मैंने देखा, मेरे नीलमणिके नेत्रकमल सीता बनी हुई नटीकी ओर केन्द्रित हैं और उसका सारा शरीर काँप रहा है। मैं अत्यन्त डर गयी, अविलम्ब राम-श्यामको लिये शयनागारमें चली आयी। यहाँ आते ही नीलमणि स्वस्थ तो हो गया, पर उसकी आँखोंमें नींद नहीं। अतः मैं उसे सुलानेके उद्देश्यसे तथा अपने व्रतका निर्वाह करनेके लिये श्रीरामचरित्रकी कथा नीलमणिको सुनाने लगी। वह भी आनन्दमें निमग्न होकर सुनने लगा:
English translation
Queen Yaśodā took the lord of Vraja's hands in her own and fell wholly silent for several moments. Her eyes closed, while he listened with his own eyes half closed. She then resumed: "Listen, there is more. All day I remained submerged in worry, and there was no limit to my wonder or fear. I would think of sending word to call you immediately from the cowshed and telling you everything. But just then Nīlamaṇi would come laughing into my lap, and for that while I would forget the event. In this way evening arrived.
"The actors were about to begin their performance in the festival theater for Prabodhinī. I took Rāma and Kṛṣṇa there, but the vision kept returning to my mind and made me inattentive to the celebration. Then the actors began their Rāma-līlā, and a beautiful tableau of Bhagavān Śrī Sītā-Rāma appeared before us. I saw my Nīlamaṇi's lotus eyes fixed upon the actress playing Sītā, while His entire body trembled. I became terrified and at once brought Rāma and Śyāma back to the sleeping chamber. Nīlamaṇi became calm as soon as we arrived, but there was no sleep in His eyes. To put Him to sleep and fulfill my vow, I began telling Him the story of Śrī Rāma's deeds. He listened, immersed in bliss:
Original
Braj
सुनि सुत, एक कथा कहौं प्यारी। कमल-नैन मन आनँद उपज्यौ, चतुर-सिरोमनि देत हुँकारी॥
English translation
Listen, my son, and I will tell You a lovely tale. Joy arose in the lotus-eyed child's heart, and that crown of the clever responded eagerly.
Original
Hindi
मैंने कथा आरम्भ की:
English translation
I began the story:
Original
Braj
दसरथ नृपति हुतौ रघुबंसी, ताकें प्रगट भये सुत चारी। तिन में मुख्य राम जो कहियत, जनक-सुता ताकी बर नारी॥ तात-बचन लगि राज तज्यौ तिन, अनुज-घरनि सँग भये बनचारी। धावत कनक-मृगा के पाछें, राजिव-लोचन परम उदारी॥
English translation
There was a king of the Raghu line named Daśaratha, to whom four sons were born. Chief among them was the one called Rāma, whose excellent wife was Janaka's daughter.
To honor His father's word, He abandoned the kingdom and wandered the forest with His younger brother and wife. The supremely generous lotus-eyed Lord ran after the golden deer.
Original
Hindi
किंतु जैसे ही मैंने सीताहरणका प्रसङ्ग सुनाया कि मेरे नीलमणिमें एक आवेश उत्पन्न हुआ, उसकी तन्द्रा जाती रही; वह "लक्ष्मण! धनुष दो, धनुष दो" कहकर उठ खड़ा हुआ:
English translation
But the moment I narrated the abduction of Sītā, a powerful absorption arose within my Nīlamaṇi. His drowsiness vanished, and He sprang to His feet crying, "Lakṣmaṇa! Give Me My bow! Give Me My bow!"
Original
Braj
रावन हरन सिया कौ कीन्ही, सुनि नँद-नंदन नींद निवारी। चाप-चाप करि उठे सूर-प्रभु, लछिमन देहु जननि भ्रम भारी॥
English translation
Hearing that Rāvaṇa had carried Sītā away, Nanda's son cast off sleep. The heroic Lord rose crying, "My bow! My bow! Lakṣmaṇa, give it to Me!" and His mother fell into deep bewilderment.
Original
Hindi. Book note
- यह शास्त्रीय विधान है कि प्रबोधिनी-व्रतीको भगवत्-चरित्र आदिका कीर्तन करते हुए उस दिन नित्य-जाग्रत भगवान् को भी जगाना चाहिये।
English translation
- Scripture ordains that one observing the Prabodhinī vow should on that day awaken even the eternally wakeful Lord while singing His deeds and related sacred narratives.
Original
Hindi
यह कहते-कहते व्रजरानी व्रजेशके हाथोंपर सिर रखकर रोने लग गयीं। पुत्रकी अनिष्ट-आशङ्कासे वे अतिशय व्याकुल हो गयी हैं। व्रजेश्वर अतिशय मनोयोगसे यशोदारानीकी बात सुनते रहे हैं। पर उनमें इस बार भयका संचार नहीं हुआ, प्रत्युत हर्षजन्य सात्त्विक विकार शरीरपर व्यक्त होने लगे। वे कुछ देरके लिये समाधिस्थ-से हो गये। फिर गद्गद कण्ठसे बोल उठे, "नहीं, नहीं, यह कदापि राक्षसी माया नहीं, असुरावेशके द्वारा यह असम्भव है; यह तो सर्वथा मेरे नाथ, जगन्नाथ श्रीनारायणकी माया है। मेरे पुत्रमें समय-समयपर निश्चय ही मेरे इष्टदेवका आवेश होता है, उनका वैभव प्रकाशित हो जाता है। ओह! वे निरन्तर मेरे पुत्रकी रक्षा कर रहे हैं। नहीं, अब अन्य उपायकी आवश्यकता नहीं। व्रजरानी! दोनों बालकोंपरसे सारा प्रतिबन्ध हटा दो, इन्हें व्रजमें स्वच्छन्द विचरने दो; विश्वपति स्वयं इनकी रक्षा कर रहे हैं। अनिष्टकी चिन्ता छोड़ दो, भयका कोई कारण नहीं है।" गोपेन्द्रकी अत्यन्त दृढ़, गम्भीर, ओजभरी इस वाणीने क्षणभरमें श्रीयशोदाका सारा संताप हर लिया। साथ ही योगमायाकी योजना भी सफल हो गयी। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी इस अघटघटनापटीयसी योगमायाशक्तिने ही तो उनके इस वैभवका विस्तार किया था; क्योंकि वे अनुभव करने लगी थीं, "मेरे प्रभु श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र अग्रज रामके सहित नन्दप्रासादकी सीमामें अवरुद्ध हैं, तोरणद्वारका उल्लङ्घन नहीं कर सकते; परंतु अब वे व्रजपुरमें विहार करनेके लिये अत्यन्त उत्कण्ठित हो रहे हैं। इसी समय उनकी इस इच्छाके अनुकूल रङ्गमञ्चकी रचना अनिवार्य है; मैं करूँगी ही। यह लो! देखो, कर चुकी।"
English translation
As she spoke, the queen laid her head upon the lord of Vraja's hands and began to weep, overwhelmed by fear that some harm might befall her son. He had listened to Yaśodā with the greatest attention, yet this time no fear arose within him. Instead, bodily transformations born of joy began to appear, and for some time he seemed absorbed in samādhi. Then he exclaimed in a voice choked with emotion: "No, no! This can never be a demon's illusion, nor could demonic possession make such a thing possible. This is entirely the māyā of my Lord, Śrī Nārāyaṇa, Lord of the universe. From time to time my chosen deity surely enters my son and manifests His majesty through Him. Oh! He is constantly protecting my child.
"No further measure is now needed. Queen of Vraja, remove every restriction from both boys. Let them wander freely through Vraja, for the Lord of the universe Himself is protecting them. Abandon your fear of misfortune. There is no cause for alarm." The cowherd lord's firm, grave, and powerful words removed all Śrī Yaśodā's anguish in a moment. At the same time, Yogamāyā's design was fulfilled. It was Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's Yogamāyā potency, expert in accomplishing the impossible, that had expanded this manifestation of His majesty. She had perceived: "My Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and His elder brother Rāma are confined within Nanda's palace and cannot cross its festooned gate, but now they yearn intensely to roam through Vraja. I must fashion a stage suited to this desire at once, and I shall. There, behold! It is done."
Original
Sanskrit prose. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
तदेवं सरामस्य तस्य निरोधे विधीयमाने बहिर्विजिहीर्षिते चातीव तदुपजीवनतामासन्ने योगमाया तदानुकूल्याय किञ्चित् प्रपञ्चितवती।
English translation
Thus, while He and Rāma were being kept within, and when He greatly desired to sport outside and the time for living in that way had drawn near, Yogamāyā manifested a certain arrangement favorable to Him.
Original
Hindi
इस प्रकार प्रबोधिनी-निशाका अवसान होनेके साथ ही श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रपर लगे हुए प्रतिबन्धका भी अवसान हो गया। दूसरे दिन जिस समय व्रजेन्द्र प्रबोधिनीकी पारणा करनेसे पूर्व वेदज्ञ ब्राह्मणोंको चन्दनचर्चित रत्नसंवलित, जलपूर्ण स्वर्णकलश, स्वर्णमयी नारायणप्रतिमा, राशि-राशि मणि-माणिक्य, वस्त्रपुञ्ज एवं अन्नकूटका दान कर रहे हैं, उस समय राम एवं श्रीकृष्ण तोरणद्वारके उस पार गोवत्सोंके मध्यमें खड़े उनसे खेल रहे हैं। अवश्य ही जननी यशोदा भी सारा गृहकार्य, समस्त दान-धर्म भूलकर पीछे-पीछे आयी हैं, निकट ही खड़ी हैं, इस भयसे कि कदाचित् कोई गोवत्स नीलमणिके सुकोमलतम श्याम कलेवरमें चोट न लगा दे। किंतु चञ्चल श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रमें भयका लेश भी नहीं। सर्वथा निर्भीक रहकर वे बछड़ोंका स्पर्श कर रहे हैं, उन्हें छूते हुए क्रमशः नन्दप्रासादसे संलग्न गोशालाप्राङ्गणमें जा पहुँचते हैं। वहाँ अचानक एक कूदता हुआ बछड़ा उनके समीप आ जाता है। जननी दौड़ पड़ती हैं, पर उनके आनेसे पूर्व श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र उस बछड़ेको पकड़ लेते हैं। उनके कर-कमलका स्पर्श पाते ही बछड़ा भी सर्वथा शान्त होकर खड़ा हो जाता है। आनन्दमें भरकर पहले वे स्वयं बैठ जाते हैं, फिर बछड़ेको अपनी ओर खींचने लगते हैं। वह भी, मानो हिमनिर्मित गोवत्सप्रतिकृति हो, इस प्रकार धीरे-धीरे श्रीकृष्णके द्वारा आकर्षित होकर बैठ जाता है, अपना सिर श्रीकृष्णकी गोदमें गिरा देता है। अब तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके उल्लासकी सीमा नहीं। वे अपनी दोनों भुजाओंसे गोवत्सका मुख धारण कर लेते हैं। पश्चात् अरुण पङ्कजदलसदृश अपने अधरोंको उसपर रख देते हैं, गोवत्सके मुखका चुम्बन करने लगते हैं। ओह! यह दृश्य कितना मनोरम है; किंतु इसे देखकर जननीके हृदयमें तो एक साथ ही भय एवं कौतुकके दो स्रोत बह चलते हैं:
English translation
Thus, with the ending of Prabodhinī night, the restrictions placed upon Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra also ended. The next day, before breaking his Prabodhinī fast, the lord of Vraja gave learned brāhmaṇas golden water pots adorned with sandalwood and jewels, golden images of Nārāyaṇa, heaps of gems and rubies, piles of garments, and mountains of food. Meanwhile, Rāma and Śrī Kṛṣṇa stood beyond the festooned gateway among the calves and played with them. Mother Yaśodā had naturally forgotten all household duties and every act of charity and followed close behind, fearing that some calf might injure Nīlamaṇi's exceedingly tender dark body.
Yet playful Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra showed not the slightest fear. Utterly fearless, He touched the calves and, moving among them, gradually reached the cowshed courtyard adjoining Nanda's palace. Suddenly a leaping calf came near Him. Mother ran forward, but before she arrived Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra caught it. At the touch of His lotus hand, the calf stood perfectly still. Filled with joy, Kṛṣṇa first sat down Himself and then began to draw the calf toward Him. As though it were an image of a calf sculpted from ice, it slowly yielded to His pull, sat down, and laid its head in His lap. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's delight now knew no bounds. He held the calf's face between both arms, placed upon it His lips like crimson lotus petals, and began to kiss it. Oh, how charming was the sight! Yet in His mother's heart two streams, one of fear and one of delight, began to flow at once:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
गोशालचत्वरतले विचरन् द्रवन्तं वत्सं विधृत्य विनिपात्य निजाङ्कमूले। दोर्भ्यां निगृह्य मुखमस्य मुखाम्बुजेन चुम्बन् भियं च कुतुकं च तनोति मातुः॥
English translation
Roaming across the cowshed courtyard, He caught a running calf and drew it down into His lap. Holding its face with both arms and kissing it with His lotus mouth, He awakened both fear and delight in His mother.
Original
Hindi
यह मनोहर दृश्य दूर खड़ी हुई श्रीरोहिणी भी देख रही हैं। उनके नयनोंमें भी भय भरा है, कहीं गोवत्स सहसा पुनः उछल पड़े और नीलमणि उसकी चपेटमें आ जाय! वे तो अधिक देरतक इस कौतुकका आनन्द ले भी न सकीं। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके पास जाकर उन्हें अपनी गोदमें उठा ही लिया। श्रीकृष्ण भयभीत जननी-युगलकी ओर देखने लगते हैं। उनके होठोंपर मन्द-मन्द मुसकान है। दूरपर खड़े श्रीराम भी हँस रहे हैं। इन दोनोंको साथ लेकर दोनों जननियाँ घरकी ओर चल पड़ती हैं। दोनों ही चिन्तामें निमग्न सोचती जा रही हैं कि ये दोनों बालक जबसे घुटुरूँ चलने लगे हैं, तभीसे अतिशय चञ्चल हैं। अब तो इनके पैर हो आये हैं, ये दौड़ने लगे हैं; अब इनकी रक्षाकी क्या व्यवस्था करें?
English translation
Śrī Rohiṇī, standing at a distance, also watched this charming scene. Fear filled her eyes as well: what if the calf suddenly leaped again and struck Nīlamaṇi? She could not enjoy the spectacle for long. Going to Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, she lifted Him into her lap. Śrī Kṛṣṇa looked toward His two frightened mothers with a gentle smile upon His lips, while Śrī Rāma, standing at a distance, laughed. Taking both boys with them, the two mothers set out for home, absorbed in anxious thought: "These boys have been exceedingly restless ever since they began to crawl. Now their legs are strong and they have begun to run. How shall we protect them now?"
Original
Hindi
राम-कृष्णकी समस्त चेष्टाओंके सुन्दर चित्र दोनों जननियोंके स्मृतिपटपर नित्य अङ्कित रहते हैं। सजातीय प्रसङ्ग उपस्थित होते ही वे सजीव-से बनकर नेत्रोंके समक्ष आ जाते हैं। इसलिये यद्यपि पुत्रको गोदमें लिये वे नन्दभवनकी ओर बढ़ रही हैं, पर नेत्रोंके सामने राम-कृष्णकी, छः मास पूर्वकी चञ्चलतापूर्ण बाल्यभङ्गिमा नाच रही है। वे स्पष्ट एक-एक चेष्टा देखती आ रही हैं। एक महिषके पृष्ठ-देशपर श्रीकृष्ण चढ़नेकी चेष्टा कर रहे हैं, राम उसकी पूँछ पकड़कर खींच रहे हैं। सामने प्रज्वलित अग्नि है, उस अग्निशिखाके सौन्दर्यपर मुग्ध होकर दोनों उसे पकड़ना चाहते हैं। एक श्वान गृहालिन्दके पास खड़ा है, उसे देखते ही राम-कृष्ण उसकी ओर दौड़ पड़ते हैं; परमानन्दमें निमग्न होकर वह श्वान पुच्छसञ्चालन करने लगता है, श्रीकृष्णके सामने सिर झुका देता है। राम उसकी ग्रीवामें अपनी भुजा डाल देते हैं; श्रीकृष्ण उसके विस्फारित मुखमें अपना हाथ डालकर उसकी अरुण जिह्वा पकड़ लेते हैं, पकड़कर खींचते हैं। एक कृष्णसर्प आया है, दोनों उसके निकट जा पहुँचे हैं। पहले रामने उसकी पूँछ खींची, सर्प अपने फणका विस्तार कर खड़ा हो गया। श्रीकृष्णने उसके फणपर हाथ रख दिया; बस, तुरंत फण समेटकर वह पृथ्वीपर शान्त लोट गया; पासमें अवस्थित छोटे बच्चे ताली पीट रहे हैं। नन्दोद्यानके गम्भीर कूपके समीप दोनों जा पहुँचे हैं। दोनोंने मिलकर, पूरा बल लगाकर रस्सीमें बँधी हुई कलसीको कूपमें फेंक दिया, फिर कलसीको खींचना चाहते हैं; किंतु जलपूर्ण कलसी दोनोंके बलकी अपेक्षा अधिक भारी हो गयी है। अपनी असमर्थता अनुभव कर दोनों "माँ-माँ" पुकार उठते हैं। नन्दप्राङ्गणमें आनन्दमत्त मयूर नृत्य कर रहा है। दोनों निर्निमेष नयनोंसे यह नृत्य देखते हैं, फिर धीरेसे जाकर मयूरके चित्रित छत्रको पकड़ लेते हैं। मयूर अपनी ग्रीवा एवं चञ्चुको नचा-नचाकर अधिकाधिक आनन्दका अनुभव कर रहा है। उद्यानमें राम-कृष्ण खेल रहे हैं। उन्होंने सहसा देखा, कण्टक-आवरणके अन्तरालमें एक हरित लता फैली है, उसपर अतिशय सुन्दर पीताभ कुसुम प्रस्फुटित हो रहे हैं। उन्हें तोड़नेके उद्देश्यसे श्रीकृष्णने कण्टक-आवरण, बाड़, में अपना सिर डाला है, राम पेटके बल प्रवेश करनेकी चेष्टा कर रहे हैं।
English translation
Beautiful images of every action of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa remained forever inscribed upon the two mothers' memories. Whenever a similar circumstance arose, those images seemed to come alive before their eyes. Thus, although they were carrying their sons toward Nanda's residence, the restless infant gestures of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa from six months earlier danced before them, and they saw each action distinctly.
Śrī Kṛṣṇa was trying to climb onto a buffalo's back while Rāma pulled its tail. A fire blazed before them, and, enchanted by the beauty of its flame, both tried to catch it. A dog stood near the veranda. As soon as Rāma and Kṛṣṇa saw it, they ran toward it. Overwhelmed with supreme bliss, the dog wagged its tail and lowered its head before Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Rāma put His arm around its neck, while Śrī Kṛṣṇa placed His hand into its open mouth, seized its red tongue, and pulled.
A black serpent appeared, and both boys went near it. Rāma first pulled its tail, and the serpent rose with its hood spread. Śrī Kṛṣṇa placed His hand upon the hood, and at once the serpent drew it in and lay peacefully upon the earth while the little children nearby clapped their hands. The brothers reached the deep well in Nanda's garden. Together, exerting all their strength, they threw the pot tied to a rope into the well and then tried to draw it back up. But the water-filled pot was heavier than their combined strength. Realizing their helplessness, they cried, "Mā! Mā!"
In Nanda's courtyard, a peacock danced in an ecstasy of joy. The two watched its dance without blinking, then quietly approached and grasped its patterned tail. The peacock moved its neck and beak, experiencing ever greater delight. Rāma and Kṛṣṇa were playing in the garden when they suddenly saw a green vine spreading behind a thorny hedge, covered with exceedingly beautiful yellow flowers. To pluck them, Śrī Kṛṣṇa thrust His head into the thorny fence while Rāma tried to crawl through upon His belly.
Original
Hindi
इस तरह अतीतकी स्मृति भी व्रजरानी एवं रोहिणीके समक्ष तात्कालिक-सी बनकर आयी है और वे परस्पर निश्चय कर रही हैं, "बहन! पुत्रोंकी रक्षा तब होगी, जब हम दोनों गृहकार्यका सर्वथा परित्याग कर दें; इन चञ्चल बालकोंकी रक्षा एवं गृहकार्यका समाधान दोनों एक साथ सम्भव नहीं, हमसे हो सकते ही नहीं। आह! यदि महिष अपने शृङ्गोंसे दोनों बालकोंपर आघात कर देता, अग्निशिखा जला देती, वह कुक्कुर काट खाता, सर्प डँस लेता, वे दोनों कूपमें जा गिरते, मयूर चोंचसे नोंच खाता, तीखी बाड़के काँटे राम-श्यामके शरीरमें बिंध जाते, तो फिर हम अभागिनोंकी क्या दशा होती?" यह सोचते-सोचते व्रजरानी एवं रोहिणीका मन पुनः अतिशय चञ्चल हो उठा:
English translation
In this way, memories of the past became present realities before the queen of Vraja and Rohiṇī, and they resolved together: "Sister, our sons will be safe only if we both give up household work altogether. Protecting these restless boys and attending to household duties at the same time is impossible. We simply cannot do both. Ah! What would have become of us unfortunate women if the buffalo had struck them with its horns, the flame had burned them, the dog had bitten them, the serpent had struck, they had fallen into the well, the peacock had pecked them, or the sharp thorns of the fence had pierced the bodies of Rāma and Śyāma?" As they thought in this way, the minds of the queen and Rohiṇī again became exceedingly agitated:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.8.25
शृङ्ग्यग्निदंष्ट्र्यसिजलद्विजकण्टकेभ्यः क्रीडापरावतिचलौ स्वसुतौ निषेद्धुम्। गृह्याणि कर्तुमपि यत्र न तज्जनन्यौ शेकात आपतुरलं मनसोऽनवस्थाम्॥
English translation
Unable both to restrain their own sons, who were absorbed in play and exceedingly restless, from horned animals, fire, fanged beasts, weapons, water, birds, and thorns, and also to perform their household duties, the two mothers fell into profound anxiety.
Original
Hindi
उपर्युक्त भावनामें बहती हुई व्रजरानी एवं रोहिणी वहाँ जा पहुँचती हैं, जहाँ व्रजेन्द्र इस समय भी बन्दीजनोंको रत्नराशि लुटा रहे हैं। प्रबोधिनीकी पारणा भी अभीतक उन्होंने नहीं की है। पर अब वे दान देना भूलकर रोहिणी एवं यशोदाकी गोदमें अवस्थित राम-श्यामकी ओर देखने लगते हैं। व्रजेश्वरको अपनी ओर ताकते देखकर श्रीकृष्ण बोल उठते हैं, "बाबा! मैं गोवत्सोंके साथ खेलने गया था, मैया मुझे उठा ले आयी है।" ओह! मानो ये शब्द नहीं, एक अमृत-स्रोत फूट निकला। कर्णरन्ध्रोंके पथसे वह व्रजेश्वर, व्रजरानी, श्रीरोहिणीके अन्तस्तलमें जा पहुँचा; उनके प्राण सिक्त हो गये। तीनोंके प्रबोधिनी-व्रतकी वास्तविक पारणा हो गयी। साथ ही इस अमृतधारामें व्रजेश्वरीके, श्रीरोहिणीके पुत्ररक्षणकी चिन्ता भी विलीन हो गयी। व्रजेश्वरके स्मृतिपथमें इस समय है एकमात्र श्रीकृष्णका मुखारविन्द! व्रजरानीकी समस्त वृत्तियाँ तन्मय हो रही हैं केवल श्रीकृष्णके मुखकमलमें! श्रीरोहिणीको और सब कुछ विस्मृत होकर स्मरण है बस, एकमात्र श्रीकृष्णवदनाम्भोज!
English translation
Carried along by these thoughts, the queen of Vraja and Rohiṇī reached the place where the lord of Vraja was still distributing heaps of jewels to the bards. He had not yet broken his Prabodhinī fast. But now he forgot the giving of gifts and looked toward Rāma and Śyāma, seated in the laps of Rohiṇī and Yaśodā. Seeing His father looking at Him, Śrī Kṛṣṇa exclaimed, "Bābā! I went to play with the calves, but Mother picked Me up and brought Me away."
Oh! These did not seem to be words, but a spring of nectar bursting forth. Entering through the pathways of the ears, it reached the innermost hearts of the lord and queen of Vraja and Śrī Rohiṇī, drenching their very lives. The true breaking of all three Prabodhinī vows was accomplished. In that same stream of nectar, the worries of the queen and Śrī Rohiṇī over protecting their sons dissolved. At that moment, nothing remained in the lord of Vraja's memory but Śrī Kṛṣṇa's lotus face. Every faculty of the queen of Vraja became absorbed solely in the lotus of His face. Forgetting everything else, Śrī Rohiṇī remembered only the lotus of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's countenance.
Original
Hindi
उसके एक दिन बाद त्रयोदशीके प्रातःकाल श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको अद्भुत शृङ्गारसे विभूषित कर व्रजरानीने उन्हें विस्तृत प्राङ्गणमें खेलनेके लिये छोड़ दिया। गीत गा-गाकर मणिस्तम्भोंकी परिक्रमा करते हुए वे खेलने लगे। इसी समय व्रजपुरकी एक नववधू नन्दोद्यानमें केतकी-पुष्प चयन करने आयी। पुष्पचयनके पश्चात् उत्सुकतावश पार्श्ववर्ती गोशालामें चली गयी। वहाँसे बरबस आकर्षित-सी हुई नन्दभवनमें जा पहुँची और उसने श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको देख लिया। बस! देखते ही मोहित हो गयी। यह भूल गयी कि मैं कौन हूँ, कहाँ हूँ। कहीं तीसरे पहर बाह्यज्ञान हुआ और घर पहुँची। विलम्बका कारण पूछनेपर गद्गद कण्ठमें वह बोल रही है:
English translation
One day later, on the morning of the thirteenth, the queen of Vraja adorned Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra with wondrous ornaments and let Him play in the spacious courtyard. Singing as He circled the jeweled pillars, He played happily. At that time, a new bride of Vraja came to Nanda's garden to gather ketakī flowers. After picking them, curiosity drew her into the adjoining cowshed. From there she felt irresistibly attracted to Nanda's residence, where she beheld Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. At the mere sight of Him she was enchanted, forgetting who and where she was. Only in the third watch did she recover outward awareness and return home. When asked why she had been delayed, she replied in a voice choked with emotion:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
आजु गई हौं नंद-भवन में, कहा कहाँ गृह-चैन री। चहूँ ओर चतुरंग लच्छमी, कोटिक दुहियत धैन री॥ घूमि रहीं जित-तित दधि-मथनीं, सुनत मेघ-धुनि लाजै री। बरनौं कहा सदन की सोभा, बैकुंठहु तैं राजै री॥ बोलि लई नवबधू जानि, जहँ खेलत कुँवर कन्हाई री। मुख देखत मोहिनी-सी लागी, रूप न बरन्यौ जाई री॥ लटकन लटकि रहे भ्रू-ऊपर, रँग-रँग मनि-गन पोहे री। मानहुँ गुरु-सनि-सुक्र एक ह्वै, लाल भाल पर सोहे री॥ गोरोचन कौ तिलक, निकटहीं काजर-बिंदुका लाग्यौ री। मनौ कमल कौ पीत पराग, अलि-सावक सोइ न जाग्यौ री॥ बिधु-आनन पर दीरघ लोचन, नासा लटकत मोती री। मानौ सोम संग करि लीने, जानि आपने गोती री॥ सीपज-माल स्याम-उर सोहै, बिच बघ-नहँ छबि पावै री। मनौ द्वैज-ससि नखत सहित है, उपमा कहत न आवै री॥ सोभा-सिंधु अंग-अंगनि प्रति, बरनत नाहिंन ओर री। जित देखौं मन भयौ तितहिं कौ, मनौ भरे कौ चोर री॥ बरनौं कहा अंग-अँग-सोभा, भरी भाव-जल-रास री। लाल गोपाल बाल-छबि बरनत, कबि-कुल करिहै हास री॥ जो मेरी अँखियनि रसना होती, कहती रूप बनाइ री। चिरजीबहु जसुदा कौ ढोटा, सूरदास बलि जाइ री॥
English translation
Today I went to Nanda's residence. How could the home still hold any peace for me? Fourfold prosperity shone on every side, while millions of cows were being milked.
Churning rods whirled everywhere, and their sound would put the thunder of clouds to shame. How can I describe the splendor of that dwelling? It outshines even Vaikuṇṭha.
Recognizing me as a new bride, someone called me to the place where Prince Kanhā played. The moment I saw His face, an enchantment seized me. His beauty cannot be described.
Pendant ornaments hung above His brows, strung with jewels of many colors. It seemed as though Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus had joined together to shine upon His crimson forehead.
A mark of gorocanā adorned Him, with a dot of collyrium close beside it. It seemed like yellow pollen upon a lotus, where a young bee lay asleep.
Long eyes adorned His moonlike face, and a pearl hung from His nose. It seemed the moon had taken one of its own kin to keep beside it.
A necklace born of shells shone upon His dark chest, with a tiger claw gleaming at its center. It seemed like the twice-born moon among the stars. No comparison can express it.
An ocean of beauty filled every limb, and there was no end to the telling. Wherever I looked, my mind became fixed there, as though a consummate thief had stolen it.
How can I describe the beauty of limb after limb, brimming with the waters of feeling? If I attempt to portray darling Gopāla's infant beauty, the whole community of poets will laugh at me.
If only my eyes had tongues, they could fashion words for that beauty. May Yaśodā's child live long. Sūrdās offers himself in adoration.