Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
वत्सासुर-उद्धार
निशीथकी नैसर्गिक शान्ति मधुपुरके अधीश्वर कंसको स्पर्श नहीं करती। वह तो इस समय भी उतना ही उद्विग्न, वैसा ही अशान्त है, जब कि समस्त मधुपुर विश्रान्तिकी गोदमें नीरव-निष्पन्द हो रहा है। उसके प्राणोंमें, मनमें, रक्तधमनियोंमें सतत एक झंझावातका-सा कम्पन रहता है। उसकी भयावह चिन्ताओंके तार टूटते नहीं; मृत्युनिवारणकी अनेकों नृशंस योजनाएँ बनती रहती हैं, वह इस सम्बन्धमें न जाने क्या-क्या सोचता रहता है। अभी भी सोच रहा है-
हन्त! सत्यतासारेण देव्या वचनानुसारेण नन्दगोपडिम्भतादम्भ एव स कोऽपि गोपितः सम्भाव्यते। येन नूतनावयवेनापि दुस्सहमहसः पूतनादयः सहसा गाम्भीर्यावृतेन वीर्यातिशयेनालम्भनीयतां लम्भिताः। त्रस्यति च तस्य नामधामवशान्मम हृदयम्। तस्मादसौ छलत एवोत्कलनीयः। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“आह! देवीकी बात तो परम सत्य होगी; उसके अनुसार मेरे प्राण अपहरण करनेवालेने जन्म तो लिया ही है और अब तो निश्चित सम्भावना हो रही है-वह चाहे कोई भी हो-है वह नन्दपुत्रका छद्मवेश धारण किये हुए, उसीमें छिपा है। स्पष्ट है-उस नन्दपुत्रकी इतनी छोटी आयु है, पर उसका बल-वीर्य कितना अपरिसीम है! देखनेसे प्रतीत थोड़े ही होता है कि वह इतना शक्तिशाली है। उसके बलपर गम्भीरताका एक आवरण पड़ा रहता है! अरे, उसीने तो पूतना आदि दुस्सह-बलसम्पन्न प्राणियोंको देखते-देखते मृत्युकी गोदमें सुला दिया! उँह! उसके नामकी, तेजकी बात स्मरण करते ही मेरा हृदय काँप उठता है! सम्मुख जाकर पार पाना असम्भव है; उसे तो छलसे उखाड़ फेंकना होगा।”
English translation
The Deliverance of Vatsasura
The natural peace of midnight does not touch Kamsa, the ruler of Mathura. Even now he is just as agitated and restless while all Mathura lies silent and motionless in the lap of repose. A stormlike trembling constantly courses through his life-breath, mind, and arteries. The threads of his dreadful anxieties never break. He keeps devising many cruel plans to avert death and thinking endlessly about the matter. Even now he reflects:
“Alas! In accordance with the goddess’s words, whose very essence is truth, it seems certain that whoever he is, he is concealed beneath the guise of Nanda Gopa’s little son. Though his limbs are still those of an infant, by an extraordinary prowess veiled in gravity he has suddenly brought the intolerably mighty Putana and others to destruction. At the mere influence of his name and abode, my heart trembles. Therefore he must be uprooted through deception alone.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Ah! The goddess’s words must be perfectly true. The one who will take my life has certainly been born, and now it seems beyond doubt that, whoever he may be, he has assumed the disguise of Nanda’s son and is hiding in him. Nanda’s son is clearly so young, yet how boundless is his strength and valor! One would never guess by looking at him that he is so powerful. His strength remains covered by a veil of gravity. Why, it was he who in an instant laid Putana and other beings of unbearable might in the lap of death! Huh! My heart trembles as soon as I remember his name and splendor. It is impossible to overcome him face to face. He must be uprooted by deceit.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
आवेशवश कंसका शरीर काँपने लगता है। शय्यासे उठकर वह हर्म्यके एकदेशमें घूमने लग जाता है। चिन्ताकी धारा भी अविच्छिन्न चलती ही रहती है-
हन्त! छलानप्युत्तरमुत्तरमतिरिक्तं युक्तमेव ते प्रयुक्तवन्तः। तथापि कदर्थितीभूय व्यथीभूताः। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“हाय! छलसे भी क्या होगा? जहाँ जो उपयुक्त थे, ऐसे उत्तरोत्तर एक-से-एक बढ़कर छल भी प्रयोग करके देख लिये गये। पर परिणाम क्या निकला? सभी तुच्छ सिद्ध हुए! सभी व्यर्थ!!”
English translation
Overcome by agitation, Kamsa’s body begins to tremble. Rising from his bed, he starts pacing in one part of the palace, while the current of his anxiety continues unbroken:
“Alas! They employed one deception after another, each surpassing the last and perfectly suited to its occasion. Yet they were humiliated and afflicted.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Alas! What good will even deception do? Every suitable ruse has already been tried, each greater than the one before it. And what was the result? All proved insignificant. All were futile!”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
“दौवारिक!” सहसा कर्कश स्वरसे वह पुकार उठता है। द्वाररक्षकको आज्ञा होती है-“अभी इसी क्षण गुप्तचरको उपस्थित करो।”
चर अपने महाराजके आशयसे चिरपरिचित है। पर आज इस असमयमें आह्वान सुनकर उसका हृदय धक्-धक् करने लगता है। वह निकट जाकर वन्दना करके आज्ञाकी प्रतीक्षा करता है। उसे महाराजके मुखपर अङ्कित भावकी रेखा स्पष्ट दीख जाती है। महाराज भी किसी अन्य भूमिकाके बिना ही तुरंत बोल उठे-
अये! त्वयेदमप्यवकलितं जातौ कस्यां तस्यादरः स्नेहभरश्च परमः परामृश्यते?
“क्यों रे! तुमने यह भी देखा क्या कि उस नन्दपुत्रका सबसे अधिक प्रेम किसपर है, किसका आदर वह करता है? मेरा तात्पर्य है-मनुष्य, पशु, पक्षी, कीट, पतंग-किस जातिके प्राणी उसे सर्वाधिक प्रिय हैं? उसके आदरके पात्र कौन-से प्राणी हैं?”
English translation
“Gatekeeper!” he suddenly shouts in a harsh voice. He orders the guard, “Bring the spy before me this very instant.”
The spy has long been familiar with his king’s intentions. Yet, hearing himself summoned at such an untimely hour, his heart begins to pound. He approaches, offers obeisance, and awaits the command. He can clearly see the line of emotion etched upon the king’s face. Without any preamble, the king immediately asks:
“Hey! Did you also ascertain toward which species he displays the greatest regard and fullness of affection?”
“Tell me, did you notice whom that son of Nanda loves most and whom he honors? I mean, among human beings, animals, birds, insects, and moths, which kind of creature is dearest to him? Which creatures are the objects of his regard?”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
इसी चरने यशोदाके नीलसुन्दरकी उस मनोहर वत्सचारणलीलाके दर्शन किये हैं। स्वयं अपनी आँखोंसे यह देख आया है-श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र प्रत्येक गोवत्सको मानो अपने प्राणोंका रस देकर आप्यायित कर रहे थे। कभी वे अपने पीताम्बरको आर्द्रकर फेनिल मुखका प्रक्षालन कर उसपर शत-शत चुम्बन अङ्कित करने लग जाते थे। किसी गोवत्सका कण्ठ अपनी सुन्दर भुजाओंमें धारण कर लेते और फिर उसके सिरपर अपने चूर्णकुन्तलमण्डित सिरको रख देते थे। गोवत्स उनका यह अप्रतिम स्नेह पाकर, सारी चञ्चलता त्यागकर, किसी अनिर्वचनीय प्रेमानन्दमें विभोर होकर उनके हाथका यन्त्र बन जाता था। किसीके अङ्गोंपर लगे हुए धूलिकणोंको अपने सुकोमल करपल्लवसे अपसारितकर उसके अङ्गोंका सम्मर्दन करते थे। शीतमें भी उनके उन्नत भालपर, उभरे हुए सुन्दर कपोल-युग्मपर स्वेदबिन्दु झल-झल कर रहे थे, पर इस ओर उनका तनिक भी ध्यान न था; वे तो उनके लिये हरित, सुकोमल तृणराशि संचय करनेमें लगे थे।
English translation
This very spy has witnessed the enchanting calf-herding pastime of Yasoda’s dark and beautiful child. With his own eyes he saw Sri Krsnacandra refreshing every calf as though nourishing it with the very essence of His life. Sometimes He moistened His yellow garment, washed a calf’s frothy mouth, and planted hundreds of kisses upon it. He would clasp a calf’s neck in His lovely arms and rest His own head, adorned with curling locks, upon its head. Receiving such incomparable affection from Him, the calf would abandon all restlessness, become absorbed in an indescribable bliss of love, and turn into a mere instrument in His hands. With His exceedingly tender lotus hand He brushed away the particles of dust clinging to a calf’s limbs and massaged its body. Even in the cold, beads of perspiration glistened on His raised brow and His lovely, prominent cheeks, but He paid them no attention. He remained intent upon gathering green, tender grass for the calves.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
क्षुप, तृण, वीरुधोंके समीप जाकर पहले उसका एक पत्र लेकर सूँघते थे; फिर मुखमें रखकर स्वादकी परीक्षा करते थे। यदि वह सुरभित, सुमिष्ट होता तो उसे ले लेते थे; नहीं तो उसे छोड़कर दूसरी जातिके पत्र आहत करते थे। गोपशिशु उनकी सहायता अवश्य करते थे, पर अधिकांश कार्य वे स्वयं कर रहे थे। राशि-राशि वन्य पुष्पोंको लेकर उन गोपशिशुओंने मालाएँ बनायी थीं और श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने प्रत्येक गोवत्सको अपने हाथोंसे विभूषित किया था। वनमें आनेसे लेकर व्रजमें लौटनेतक छाक-भोजनके अतिरिक्त उन्होंने और कुछ भी नहीं किया था, एकमात्र वत्ससंलालनमें ही संलग्न रहे थे।
उनकी इन अगणित प्रेमिल चेष्टाओंको देखते-देखते चरका राक्षस-हृदय भी आर्द्र हो उठा था; अतः इस समय कंसके पूछते ही चरके मानस नेत्रोंमें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी वही झाँकी नाच उठती है। वह अविलम्ब अत्यन्त दृढ़ स्वरमें अपनी धारणा बता देता है, महाराजके प्रश्नका उत्तर दे देता है-
देव! गोवत्सेषु तदुत्सेकः प्रतीयते। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“नाथ! गोवत्सोंपर उस बालकका स्नेह उमड़ पड़ता है, ऐसा प्रतीत होता है।”
English translation
Approaching shrubs, grasses, and creepers, He first plucked a leaf and smelled it, then placed it in His mouth to test its taste. If it was fragrant and sweet, He gathered it. Otherwise He discarded it and struck down leaves of another kind. The cowherd boys certainly helped Him, but He did most of the work Himself. The boys made garlands from heaps of forest flowers, and Sri Krsnacandra personally adorned every calf with His own hands. From the time He entered the forest until He returned to Vraja, apart from eating His packed meal, He did nothing else. He remained wholly engaged in fondling and tending the calves.
As the spy watched these countless loving acts, even his demonic heart grew tender. Thus, the moment Kamsa asks him, that very vision of Sri Krsnacandra dances before his mind’s eye. Without delay he states his conclusion in a most resolute voice and answers the king’s question:
“Your Majesty! His affection appears to overflow toward the calves.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“My lord, it seems that the child’s affection pours forth upon the calves.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
बस, इतना ही जानना अभिप्रेत था। चरको घर लौट जानेका आदेश होता है तथा दूसरे ही क्षण अङ्गरक्षक सेवकको दूसरी आज्ञा मिलती है-
आकार्यतां पुरतः स वत्सासुरः। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“उस वत्सासुरको मेरे सामने बुला लाओ।”
कंसके मुखपर आसुरी उल्लासकी एक क्षीण लहर झलमल कर उठती है। वत्सासुरकी प्रतीक्षामें वह द्वारकी ओर देखता रहता है और जब वह आ जाता है, तब फिर कंसके उल्लासका क्या कहना! मानो पिता-पुत्रका मिलन हुआ है। नीतिज्ञ कंस वत्सदैत्यकी ठीक वैसे ही प्रशंसा करने लगता है, जैसे वह अपने औरस प्रिय पुत्रके बल-वीर्यका, सुयशका गान कर रहा हो। यह करके फिर उसपर अपनी अभिसंधि प्रकट करता है।
वत्स वत्सासुर! गच्छ नन्दस्य व्रजम्। गत्वा च वत्सांश्चारयतः कुमारयतस्तत्कुमारस्य सदेशमासाद्य निजं वत्सवेशमुत्पाद्य तस्यापकारमारभस्व। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“हाँ! तो मेरे प्रिय वत्सासुर! तुम अब नन्द व्रजमें चले जाओ और जाकर एक काम करो! वहाँ वनमें वह नन्दकुमार वत्सचारण करता रहेगा, कुमारोचित क्रीडा करता रहेगा। उसके समीप चले जाना-इस कृत्रिम रूपमें नहीं, तुम अपने स्वाभाविक गोवत्सरूपको ही धारण कर लेना और उस रूपमें ही उसपर आघात करना, भला!!”
English translation
That was all he wished to know. The spy is ordered to return home, and the very next moment the bodyguard receives another command:
“Let that Vatsasura be summoned before me.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Bring Vatsasura before me.”
A faint wave of demonic delight shimmers across Kamsa’s face. While awaiting Vatsasura he keeps looking toward the door, and when Vatsasura arrives, Kamsa’s joy knows no bounds. It is as though father and son have met. Skilled in statecraft, Kamsa praises the calf-demon just as if singing of the strength, valor, and fair fame of his own beloved son. He then reveals his scheme to him.
“Dear Vatsasura, go to Nanda’s Vraja. Having gone there, approach Nanda’s son while he is herding calves and playing like a child. Assume your own guise as a calf and begin to harm him.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Yes, my dear Vatsasura! Go now to Nanda’s Vraja and do one thing. There in the forest, Nanda’s son will be herding calves and enjoying boyish games. Go near him, but not in this artificial form. Assume your natural form as a calf, and in that form strike him!”
Original
Hindi
समान विचार, समान चेष्टा-वत्स दैत्य वर्षोंसे अपने अधिपतिका ही तो अनुयायी रहा है। उसे तो अभिवाञ्छित ही प्राप्त हुआ। उसी क्षण वह मायावी वत्स व्रजेन्द्रके वत्सपालकी टोहमें चल पड़ा।
वत्सदैत्यके अनादि संसरणकी इति होने जा रही है। महर्षि वसिष्ठकी नन्दिनी (धेनु)-के वचन सत्य होने जा रहे हैं। एक दिन यह वत्सासुर ही मुरुका पुत्र प्रमील नामक दैत्य था। यह अमरविजेता प्रमील भाग्यक्रमसे किसी दिन वसिष्ठके आश्रमकी ओर जा निकला। सुरूपा नन्दिनीपर उसकी दृष्टि पड़ी, देखते ही वह प्रलुब्ध हो गया। उसे प्राप्त करनेकी इच्छासे प्रमीलने ब्राह्मणका वेष बनाया और फिर वसिष्ठसे नन्दिनीकी याचना की। महर्षिकी वञ्चना प्रमील कर सके, यह तो कदापि सम्भव नहीं। पर शीलवान् वसिष्ठ मौन हो गये, इस दम्भीको क्या उत्तर दें? अवश्य ही नन्दिनी इस महत् प्रवञ्चनाको सह न सकी और बोली-
English translation
His thoughts and conduct match his master’s, for the calf-demon has followed his ruler for years. He has received precisely what he desired. At that very moment, the magical calf sets out in search of Vraja’s royal calf-herder.
The beginningless wandering of the calf-demon is about to end. The words of Nandini, the cow of the sage Vasistha, are about to come true. Once this same Vatsasura was a demon named Pramila, the son of Muru. By the course of fate, Pramila, conqueror of the immortals, once came to Vasistha’s hermitage. The moment his eyes fell upon the beautiful Nandini, he became covetous. Desiring to possess her, Pramila assumed the guise of a brahmana and asked Vasistha for Nandini. It was wholly impossible for Pramila to deceive the sage, but the virtuous Vasistha remained silent, for what answer could he give such a hypocrite? Nandini, however, could not endure this great fraud and spoke:
Original
Sanskrit and Hindi
मुनीनां गां समाहर्तु भूत्वा विप्रः समागतः। दैत्योऽसि मुरुजस्तस्माद् गोवत्सो भव दुर्मते॥ (गर्गसंहिता)
“अरे! ब्राह्मण बनकर तू मुनियोंकी गायको हरण करने आया है! तू तो मुरुका पुत्र है, दैत्य है! दुष्टबुद्धि कहींका! जा, इस छलके कारण तू गोवत्स हो जा।”
उसी क्षण प्रमील गोवत्सरूपमें परिणत हो गया। अब उसे अपनी भूलकी प्रतीति हुई। नन्दिनीकी, महर्षिकी परिक्रमा कर, उनकी वन्दना करके वह रक्षाकी भीख माँगने लगा। स्नेहमयी नन्दिनी तुरंत द्रवित हो गयी और कह दिया-“अच्छा, जाओ; द्वापरके अन्तमें वृन्दावनमें जाकर जब तुम गोवत्सोंके साथ जाकर मिलोगे, तब तुम्हारी मुक्ति होगी।”
English translation
“You have come disguised as a brahmana to carry away the sages’ cow. You are a demon, the son of Muru. Therefore, O wicked-minded one, become a calf.” (Garga-samhita)
“Hey! Disguised as a brahmana, you have come to steal the sages’ cow! You are a demon, Muru’s son! You wicked fool! Go, and because of this deception become a calf.”
At that very instant Pramila was transformed into the form of a calf. He now realized his mistake. After circumambulating Nandini and the sage and bowing to them, he began begging for protection. Affectionate Nandini melted at once and said, “Very well, go. At the end of Dvapara-yuga, when you reach Vrndavana and mingle with the calves there, you will be liberated.”
Original
Hindi
तबसे अगणित वर्ष व्यतीत हो गये। इस घटनाकी स्मृति क्रमशः क्षीण-क्षीणतर होती गयी; वत्स आज इसे सर्वथा विस्मृत कर चुका है और इधर कुछ दिनोंसे न जाने कैसे उसमें पुनः कुछ क्षणोंके लिये कृत्रिम रूप धारण करनेकी, अलक्षित होनेकी क्षमता भी आ गयी है; पर वह स्थायी नहीं रहती, नन्दिनीके शापवश वत्सरूप ही उसका स्वाभाविक रूप बना रहता है। जो हो, कभी कृत्रिम, कभी अलक्षित और कभी वत्सरूपसे अपने मायाकौशलका विस्तार करता हुआ वह वृन्दाकाननकी ओर चला जा रहा है, रात्रिका अवसान होनेसे पूर्व ही वृन्दाटवीकी दिशामें दौड़ा जा रहा है। उसे पता नहीं-उसके इस मलिन जीवनकी, भवाटवीभ्रमणकी यही अन्तिम रात्रि है। पता तो केवल स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको अचिन्त्य-लीलामहाशक्तिको है, जो चरको उन अनोखे वत्सपालके वत्सचारणका दर्शन कराने ले आयी थीं, कंसके मनमें समयोचित स्फुरणाएँ उद्बुद्ध कर आयी थीं और जो अभी इस समय प्रमील दैत्यको-नहीं-नहीं वत्सासुरको निर्दिष्ट स्थानकी ओर भगाये लिये जा रही हैं। अस्तु...
English translation
Countless years have passed since then. The memory of that event gradually grew fainter and fainter, and today the calf has completely forgotten it. Somehow, in recent days he has again acquired the power to assume an artificial form or become invisible for a few moments, but that power does not last. By Nandini’s curse, the calf form remains his natural form. Be that as it may, displaying his magical skill, now in an assumed form, now invisible, and now in the form of a calf, he proceeds toward Vrnda’s forest. Before the night has ended, he races in the direction of Vrndavana. He does not know that this is the final night of his sullied life and of his wandering through the forest of material existence. Only the inconceivable, mighty pastime potency of Bhagavan Sri Krsnacandra, the son of Vraja’s king, knows. That potency brought the spy to witness the extraordinary calf-herder tending His calves, awakened timely inspirations in Kamsa’s mind, and is now driving the demon Pramila, no, no, Vatsasura, toward the appointed place. So be it.
Original
Hindi
यह तो इधरका मानचित्र हुआ। उधर वृन्दावनका अनुपम दृश्य देखिये। सदाकी भाँति रजनीका विराम होनेपर राम-श्याम जागे; जननीके अपरिसीम वात्सल्यसे सिक्त होकर, सुमिष्ट भोजनसे तृप्त एवं मनोहर भूषण-वसनसे सुसज्जित होकर शत-शत गोपशिशु तथा असंख्य गोवत्सोंसे आवृत होकर वनमें चले। पहले शृङ्गध्वनिसे आकाश पूर्ण हुआ और फिर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके वंशीरवमें चर-अचर, स्थावर-जंगम डूबने लगे। कलिन्द-नन्दिनीके तटका अनुसरण करते हुए श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र गिरिराज-परिसरकी ओर, व्रजसे दूर वनस्थलीकी ओर अग्रसर हो रहे हैं। अब जननीकी ओरसे नियन्त्रण किञ्चित् शिथिल हो गया है, क्योंकि प्रतिदिन राम-श्याम सकुशल घर लौट आने लगे हैं; वनमें कहीं भी तनिक भी कोई भी अप्रिय घटना नहीं घटित हुई, यह बात मैयाने प्रत्येक गोपशिशुसे पूछ-पूछकर अपने मनका समाधान-सा कर लिया है।
English translation
That is the picture on this side. Now behold the incomparable scene in Vrndavana. As always, when night ended, Rama and Syama awoke. Bathed in their mothers’ boundless affection, satisfied with delicious food, and beautifully adorned with ornaments and garments, They set out for the forest surrounded by hundreds of cowherd boys and countless calves. First the sound of horns filled the sky, and then moving and unmoving beings alike began to drown in the melody of Sri Krsnacandra’s flute. Following the bank of Kalinda’s daughter, the Yamuna, Sri Krsnacandra proceeds toward the slopes of Giriraja and the woodland far from Vraja. The mothers’ restraint has now relaxed somewhat, for Rama and Syama have begun returning home safely every day. By repeatedly asking every cowherd boy, Mother Yasoda has more or less reassured herself that no untoward incident, however slight, has occurred anywhere in the forest.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
अस्तु, चलते-चलते श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र यमुनातटवर्ती एक परम रमणीय प्रशस्त भूमिखण्डपर चले आये। सुन्दर विशाल वट-वृक्षोंसे, कपित्थ-तरुपङ्क्तियोंसे, हरित तृणराशिसे सुशोभित उस वनकी शोभा देखते ही बनती है। गोवत्स तृण चरने लगते हैं एवं अपने प्रिय सखाओंके साथ राम-श्याम एक वटकी छायामें अवस्थित होकर उनका निरीक्षण करते हैं। यहीं राम-श्यामके प्राण-हरणकी इच्छा लिये वह वत्सासुर भी आ पहुँचता है-
कदाचिद् यमुनातीरे वत्सांश्चारयतोः स्वकैः। वयस्यैः कृष्णबलयोर्जिघांसुर्दैत्य आगमत्॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।११।४१)
आते ही वह गोवत्सोंकी अपार टोलीमें मिल गया। अवश्य ही उसकी दृष्टि राम-श्यामकी ओर केन्द्रित रही; तृण चरनेका अभिनय भी वह कर रहा है, पर क्रमशः राम-श्यामके सन्निकट होता जा रहा है।
English translation
As they continue walking, Sri Krsnacandra arrives at a most delightful and spacious tract of land beside the Yamuna. The beauty of that forest, adorned with lovely, immense banyan trees, rows of kapittha trees, and masses of green grass, must be seen to be believed. The calves begin to graze, while Rama and Syama sit with Their beloved friends in the shade of a banyan and watch them. Vatsasura, desiring to take the lives of Rama and Syama, also arrives there:
“Once, while Krsna and Balarama were grazing the calves with Their own friends on the bank of the Yamuna, a demon came desiring to kill Them.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.11.41)
As soon as he arrives, he mingles with the vast herd of calves. His gaze certainly remains fixed on Rama and Syama. He pretends to graze, yet gradually moves nearer and nearer to Them.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
किंतु सहसा एक नयी बात हुई। उसके निकटवर्ती गोवत्स इस नये आये गोवत्सके-वत्सासुरके अङ्गोंसे निर्गत गन्धको सह न सके, उसकी गन्ध पाते ही उनमें भयका संचार हो गया; वे मल-मूत्र-त्याग करते हुए, पूँछ उठाकर कूदने लगे, अपने परम रक्षककी ओर दौड़ चले। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी दृष्टि भी इस ओर चली ही गयी। कुछ क्षण वे उस ओर देखते रहे तथा फिर बलरामजीसे बोले-
बृहद्भ्रातः! प्रातरनायातः परिचीयते वा कोऽयमुपतोयं प्रतीयते वत्सः। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“दाऊ भैया! प्रातःकाल मेरे साथ तो वह आया नहीं दीखता। तुम पहचानते हो, कुछ बता सकते हो, वह जलके समीप कौन-सा बछड़ा है? तुम्हें दीखता है न?”
अग्रज बलरामको तो उस ओर दृष्टि ही नहीं थी। वे तो एक बार उधर देखकर अस्वीकारकी मुद्रामें बोल उठे-
भ्रातर्नहि नहि। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“भैया! नहीं; मैं तो कुछ नहीं जानता, कुछ नहीं पहचानता!”
English translation
But suddenly something new happens. The calves near him cannot bear the odor emanating from the limbs of this newly arrived calf, Vatsasura. As soon as they smell it, fear enters them. Passing stool and urine, they raise their tails, leap about, and run toward their supreme protector. Sri Krsnacandra’s gaze naturally turns that way. He looks for a few moments and then says to Balarama:
“Elder brother! He does not appear to have come with us this morning. Do you recognize him? Who is that calf visible near the water?” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Dau Bhaiya! It does not seem that he came with Me this morning. Do you recognize him? Can you tell Me which calf that is near the water? You can see him, can you not?”
Elder brother Balarama had not been looking that way at all. Glancing over once, He replied with a gesture of denial:
“Brother, no, no.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Brother, no. I know nothing about him and do not recognize him!”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र धीरेसे अपना एक हाथ बलरामके कंधेपर रखकर बोले-
निरूप्यताम्? (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“ठीकसे देखकर बताओ तो सही, क्या बात है?”
इस बार बलरामकी तीक्ष्ण दृष्टि वत्सासुरके नेत्रोंमें समा गयी और वे धीरेसे कहने लगे-
भीषणप्रकृतिरिव प्रतीयते। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“यह तो अत्यन्त भीषण प्रकृतिका कोई जन्तु प्रतीत हो रहा है!”
रोहिणीनन्दनकी बात पूरी होते-न-होते श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने रहस्योद्घाटन कर दिया-
पूर्वज! पूर्वदेवोऽयम्। (श्रीगोपालचम्पूः)
“दाऊ भैया! दाऊ भैया! यह तो राक्षस है!”
फिर तो बलरामने भी अपने अनुजका समर्थन ही किया...
सत्यम्; यस्मादस्मासु वत्सेषु चाकस्माददृष्टिजा दृष्टिरस्य दृश्यते।
“बिलकुल ठीक! देखो न, हमलोगोंपर तथा अपने गोवत्सोंपर अकस्मात् इसकी कितनी क्रूर दृष्टि दीख रही है!”
English translation
Sri Krsnacandra gently places one hand on Balarama’s shoulder and says:
“Examine him closely.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Look carefully and tell Me what is going on.”
This time Balarama’s keen gaze penetrates Vatsasura’s eyes, and He softly says:
“He seems to be a creature of exceedingly dreadful nature.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“This appears to be some being of a most fearsome disposition!”
Before Rohini’s son has quite finished speaking, Sri Krsnacandra reveals the secret:
“Elder brother! He is one of the enemies of the gods.” (Sri Gopala-campu)
“Dau Bhaiya! Dau Bhaiya! He is a demon!”
Balarama then confirms His younger brother’s conclusion:
“True, for his suddenly hostile gaze upon us and the calves is plainly visible.”
“Exactly right! Just see how cruelly he is suddenly looking at us and at our calves!”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके मुखपर किञ्चित् रोषकी लालिमा भर आयी और वे अपने अग्रजके कानमें धीरेसे कहने लगे-
यदि भवदादिष्टं स्यात्तर्ह्येतं दिष्टान्तमासादयामि।
“आपकी आज्ञा हो जाय, फिर तो मैं इसे मृत्युके मुखमें पहुँचा देता हूँ।”
अपने अनुजको यह अनुमति प्रदान करनेमें रोहिणीतनयको एक बार झिझक हुई, पर फिर हँसकर उन्होंने स्वीकृति दे ही दी। हाँ, सावधान अवश्य कर दिया-
सच्छलमेतं सच्छलमेव मन्दं मन्दमभ्यवस्कन्द।
“देख भैया! छलके साथ यह दैत्य यहाँ आया है; तो तू भी इसके समक्ष छल करते हुए धीरे-धीरे मानो तुझे इसका सर्वथा पता नहीं हो, तू तो किसी अन्य गोवत्सकी ओर जा रहा हो-इस प्रकार जाना, भला!”
English translation
A slight redness of anger fills the face of Vraja’s prince, and He softly says into His elder brother’s ear:
“If You command Me, I shall bring him to his destined end.”
“If You give Me permission, I shall send him into the mouth of death.”
Rohini’s son hesitates for a moment to grant His younger brother permission, but then smiles and gives His consent. He does, however, caution Him:
“Since he is deceitful, approach him deceitfully, little by little.”
“Look, brother! This demon has come here by deceit. So you too must act deceptively before him. Go very slowly, as though you know absolutely nothing about him and are merely heading toward some other calf.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
अग्रज-अनुजका यह परामर्श क्षणोंमें ही सम्पन्न हो गया और इतने गुप्तरूपसे, मानो कुछ हुआ ही नहीं; केवलमात्र श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने गोवत्स-वेषमें आये दैत्यको बछड़ोंके समूहमें मिल जाते देख लिया हो तथा फिर बलरामजीको दिखाकर उसके पास सर्वथा मुग्ध-से बने हुए जा पहुँचे हों, जैसे इतनी-सी ही बात हुई हो-
तं वत्सरूपिणं वीक्ष्य वत्सयूथगतं हरिः। दर्शयन् बलदेवाय शनैर्मुग्ध इवासदत्॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।११।४२)
अस्तु, वत्सासुरको प्रतीत हुआ कि बिना परिश्रम सर्वोत्तम अवसर प्राप्त हो गया है। एक क्षणका भी विलम्ब न करके वह अपने दोनों पिछले पैरोंसे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके स्कन्धदेशपर भरपूर आघात कर बैठा-
दैत्यः पश्चिमपादाभ्यां हरिमंसे तताड ह।
English translation
This consultation between elder and younger brother is completed within moments and so secretly that it seems nothing at all has happened. It appears only that Sri Krsnacandra has noticed the demon disguised as a calf mingling with the herd, shown him to Balarama, and then approached him in complete innocence. That is all:
“Seeing him in the form of a calf amid the herd, Hari pointed him out to Baladeva and slowly drew near as if guileless.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.11.42)
Vatsasura thinks that the finest opportunity has presented itself without any effort. Without delaying even a moment, he strikes Sri Krsnacandra’s shoulder region with both his hind legs:
“The demon struck Hari upon the shoulder with his hind legs.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र तो सावधान हैं ही। उन्होंने पूँछके सहित उसके दोनों पिछले पैरोंको हाथसे पकड़ लिया, फिर उसे ऊपर उठाकर चक्राकार घुमाने लगे। इस प्रकार दो-चार बार घुमानेकी ही देर थी; फिर तो उसके संसारचक्रका परिभ्रमण सदाके लिये समाप्त हो गया। देवविजयी वत्सासुरके शरीरकी समस्त शक्तियाँ इतनेमें ही शान्त हो गयीं, शरीर निष्प्राण हो गया। अब मृतदेहको घुमानेमें लाभ ही क्या? श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने उस देहको एक कपित्थ-वृक्षपर पटक दिया। महाप्रयाणके अन्तिम क्षणमें वत्सका प्रकाण्ड दैत्यशरीर प्रकट हो गया था। ऐसे अत्यन्त विशाल दैत्यदेहके आघातसे वह कपित्थ तो टूटकर गिरा ही, कई कपित्थतरु एक-दूसरेके आघातसे छिन्न-भिन्न होकर वत्सासुरके साथ ही धराशायी हो गये-
गृहीत्वापरपादाभ्यां सहलाङ्गूलमच्युतः। भ्रामयित्वा कपित्थाग्रे प्राहिणोद् गतजीवितम्। स कपित्थैर्महाकायः पात्यमानैः पपात ह॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।११।४३)
English translation
Sri Krsnacandra is fully alert. With His hand He seizes both the demon’s hind legs together with his tail, lifts him, and begins whirling him in a circle. After he has been spun only a few times, his rotation through the wheel of worldly existence ends forever. In that brief interval, all the powers in the body of Vatsasura, conqueror of the gods, fall still, and his body becomes lifeless. What benefit is there in continuing to whirl a corpse? Sri Krsnacandra hurls the body upon a kapittha tree. At the final moment of his great departure, the calf’s enormous demonic body becomes manifest. Struck by such a gigantic demon’s body, not only does that kapittha tree break and fall, but several kapittha trees, shattered by striking one another, crash to the ground together with Vatsasura:
“Acyuta seized him by the hind legs together with his tail, whirled him about, and hurled him lifeless into the top of a kapittha tree. His huge body fell together with the falling kapittha trees.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.11.43)
Original
Braj
पुच्छ सहित लै पिछले पाइ, दियौ फिराइ-फिराइ बगाइ। महाकाइ ऊपर ही मरौ, बहुत कपित्थन लै धर परयौ॥
English translation
Seizing tail and hind legs together, He whirled him round and round and flung him away. The huge-bodied one died there above, and fell to earth with many kapittha trees.
Original
Hindi and Braj
सहसा ऐसी घटना घटित देखकर गोपशिशु एक बार तो भयसे चीत्कार कर उठते हैं-
सब सिसु जुरि कैं, सकल बटुरि कैं। अति भय भरि कैं, लहत हहरि कैं॥
English translation
Seeing such an event suddenly unfold, the cowherd boys cry out in fear:
All the children gather, everyone clustering near. Filled with deepest terror, they tremble and quake with fear.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
किंतु दूसरे ही क्षण श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके मुखपर उज्ज्वल हास देखकर, अग्रजको उल्लासवश ताली पीटते देखकर उनका भय जाता रहता है। अवश्य ही वत्सासुरके उस भीषण बृहत् शरीरको देखकर उनके आश्चर्यका पार नहीं रहता। और अब तो सभी बालक एक स्वरसे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको साधुवाद देने लगते हैं-
तं वीक्ष्य विस्मिता बालाः शशंसुः साधु साध्विति। (श्रीमद्भा० १०।११।४४)
भयौ अचंभौ देखि कैं, चकित भए ब्रजबाल। या खल तें रच्छा करी, धन्य धन्य गोपाल॥
English translation
But the very next moment, when they see the radiant smile on Sri Krsnacandra’s face and His elder brother clapping in delight, their fear departs. Seeing Vatsasura’s dreadful, immense body, however, their astonishment knows no bounds. Now all the boys acclaim Sri Krsnacandra with one voice:
“Seeing this, the astonished boys praised Him, saying, ‘Well done! Well done!’” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.11.44)
Wonder arose at what they saw, and Vraja’s boys stood amazed. “From this villain You have saved us. Blessed, blessed is Gopala!”
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
अन्तरिक्षसे परिसंतुष्ट हुए देववृन्द भी श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रपर सुमनवृष्टि करने लग जाते हैं-
देवाश्च परिसंतुष्टा बभूवुः पुष्पवर्षिणः॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।११।४४)
सुर हरषे, नव फूलन बरसे।
English translation
The hosts of gods, thoroughly delighted in the heavens, also begin showering flowers upon Sri Krsnacandra:
“And the gods, fully satisfied, showered flowers.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.11.44)
The gods rejoiced and rained down fresh flowers.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
वत्सासुरकी चरमपरिणति क्या हुई, इसे भी-गोपशिशुओंने तो नहीं-सुरसमुदायने अवश्य देख लिया-
तद्दैत्यस्य महज्ज्योतिः कृष्णे लीनं बभूव ह। (गर्गसंहिता)
“उस दैत्यके अन्तर्देशसे निकली एक परम ज्योति श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रमें लीन हो गयी।”
English translation
The cowherd boys did not see Vatsasura’s ultimate destiny, but the hosts of gods certainly did:
“A great effulgence from that demon merged into Krsna.” (Garga-samhita)
“A supreme radiance emerged from within that demon and merged into Sri Krsnacandra.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
वत्सदैत्यको यह योगीन्द्र-मुनीन्द्र-दुर्लभ गति देकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र तो गोपशिशुओंके साथ मनोरम बाल्यविहारमें तन्मय होने लगते हैं-
तदनु दनुजदमनो मनोरमहेलालसो लालसो निजसहचरनिकरेषु...। (श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
और अन्तरिक्षचरी विबुधवृन्दकी, सिद्ध-गन्धर्व-किंनरोंकी वृत्तियाँ लीन होने लगती हैं राम-श्यामके सुयशगानमें। उनकी अन्य समस्त वासनाएँ समाप्त हो गयीं हैं। बस, सबके अन्तस्तलके तारोंपर एक ही झंकार है-
English translation
Having bestowed upon the calf-demon a destination difficult even for the foremost yogis and sages to attain, Sri Krsnacandra becomes absorbed with the cowherd boys in His enchanting childhood sports:
“Then the subduer of demons, eager for delightful play, became deeply attached to the company of His own companions...” (Sri Ananda-vrndavana-campu)
The minds of the celestial gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras begin to dissolve into singing the fair glories of Rama and Syama. All their other desires come to an end. Upon the strings of every heart, only one refrain resounds:
Original
Braj
स्याम-बलराम कौं सदा गाऊँ। स्याम-बलराम बिनु दूसरे देव कौं स्वप्न हू माहिं नहिं हृदय ल्याऊँ॥ यहै जप, यहै तप, यहै मम नेम-ब्रत, यहै मम प्रेम, फल यहै ध्याउँ। यहै मम ध्यान, यहै ग्यान, सुमिरन यहै, सूर-प्रभु देह हौं यहै पाऊँ॥
English translation
May I forever sing of Syama and Balarama. Apart from Syama and Balarama, may I never bring another god into my heart, even in a dream. This alone is my chanting, this my austerity, this my rule and vow, this my love, and this the fruit I contemplate. This is my meditation, this my knowledge and remembrance. O Lord of Sura, may this alone be what I attain while embodied.