Original
Hindi
सप्तस्वर्ग-सप्तपातालसमन्वित असंख्य ब्रह्माण्डश्रेणीके प्रधान पालक जब वत्सपाल बने हैं, अपने अनन्त-अपरिसीम ऐश्वर्यको रससिन्धुके अतलतलमें डुबाकर व्रजेन्द्रतनय श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने, रोहिणीनन्दन बलरामने जब गोशावक-संलालनका व्रत स्वीकार किया है, तब दिनचर्या भी उसके अनुरूप होनी ही चाहिये। इसीलिये इस वृन्दावनमें:
English translation
When the supreme protectors of countless arrays of universes, each containing seven heavenly realms and seven subterranean regions, became keepers of calves, Their daily life necessarily conformed to that role. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the son of Vrajendra, and Balarāma, the son of Rohiṇī, submerged Their infinite and immeasurable majesty in the unfathomable depths of the ocean of rasa and accepted the vow of tenderly caring for the young calves. Therefore, here in Vṛndāvana:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Puruṣa-sūkta
ॐ सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात्। स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वात्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम्॥*
English translation
Oṁ. The Supreme Person has thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, and thousands of feet. Enveloping the earth on every side, He transcends it by ten fingers' breadth.
Original
Hindi. Printed note
उन परम पुरुषके सहस्रों (अनन्त) मस्तक, सहस्रों नेत्र और सहस्रों चरण हैं। वे इस सम्पूर्ण विश्वकी समस्त भूमि (पूरे स्थान)-को सब ओरसे व्याप्त करके इससे दस अङ्गुल (अनन्त योजन) ऊपर स्थित हैं। अर्थात् वे ब्रह्माण्डमें व्यापक होते हुए उससे परे भी हैं।
English translation
That Supreme Person possesses thousands, meaning infinite, heads, thousands of eyes, and thousands of feet. Pervading the whole extent of this entire universe on every side, He stands ten fingers, meaning infinite yojanas, above it. Thus, although He pervades the universe, He also exists beyond it.
Original
Hindi
--इस मन्त्रपाठके द्वारा उनका आवाहन नहीं होता; आसन, पाद्य, अर्घ्य, स्नानीय, धूप, दीप, नैवेद्य आदिका विधिवत् समर्पण होकर उनकी आराधना नहीं होती। यहाँ तो रजनीका विराम होनेपर व्रजेश्वरीके सुमधुर मनुहारपूरित संगीतके द्वारा, जननीकी अतिशय प्रेमिल भर्त्सनाओंके द्वारा वे जगाये जाते हैं:
English translation
They are not invoked here through the recitation of this mantra, nor are They worshiped through the ritual offering of a seat, water for the feet, arghya, bathing water, incense, lamp, food, and the other prescribed articles. Here, when night comes to an end, They are awakened by Vrajeśvarī's exceedingly sweet songs filled with affectionate entreaties and by Their mother's intensely loving rebukes:
Original
Braj. Attributed in the verse to Sūrdās
जागौ हो तुम, नंदकुमार! बलि-बलि जाउँ मुखारविंद की, गोसुत मेलो करौ सँभार॥ आज कहा सोवत, त्रिभुवनपति! और बार तुम उठत सवार। बारंबार जगावति माता, कमलनयन! भयौ भवन उजार॥
× × ×
कौन परी नँदलालै बान। प्रात समैं जागन की बिरियाँ सोवत है पीतांबर तान॥ मात जसोदा कब की ठाढ़ी, लै ओदन भोजन घृतसान। जागौ स्याम! कलेऊ कीजै, सुंदर बदन दिखाऔ आन॥ संग सखा सब द्वारें ठाढ़े, मधुबन धेनु चरावन जान। सूरदास अति ही अलसाने सोवत हैं अजहूँ, निसि मान॥
English translation
Awaken, O Nanda's son! Again and again I offer myself to Your lotus face. Gather and care for the young calves.
Why do You sleep today, O Lord of the three worlds? On other days You rise early and ready. Mother awakens You repeatedly. Lotus-eyed one, the house has filled with daylight.
× × ×
What habit has overtaken Nandalāla? At the morning hour, when He should awaken, He sleeps beneath His yellow cloth.
Mother Yaśodā has long been standing with rice and food enriched with ghee. Awake, Śyāma. Take Your morning meal and come show us Your beautiful face.
All Your friends stand at the door, ready to tend the cows in Madhubana. Sūrdās says: exceedingly drowsy, He still sleeps, believing it to be night.
Original
Hindi
और फिर जननीका अञ्चल ही उनका आसन होता है। यहाँ यह निश्चित नहीं कि मुख-प्रक्षालन, स्नान, सम्मार्जन होनेके अनन्तर ही नैवेद्य अर्पित हो। अपने क्रोडमें अञ्चलपर आसीन श्याम-बलरामको निहारकर जननी प्रतिदिन आत्मविस्मृत-सी होती ही हैं और न जाने कितनी बार संलालनके क्रममें व्यतिक्रम होता है। संलालन कलेऊसे ही आरम्भ होता है। दोनों पुत्रोंको भुजपाशमें बाँधकर जननी स्फुट कण्ठसे मनमाना गीत गाती हुई सर्वप्रथम नैवेद्यका उपहार ही समर्पित करती हैं:
English translation
Then the mother's veil itself becomes Their seat. Here it is not certain that the food offering will be presented only after Their mouths have been washed, They have bathed, and Their bodies have been dried. Every day, seeing Śyāma and Balarāma seated upon the veil in her lap, the mother becomes almost forgetful of herself, and who knows how often the proper order of her tender care is reversed? That care begins with the morning meal itself. Enclosing both sons within the bond of her arms, the mother sings whatever songs she pleases in a clear voice and first presents the gift of food:
Original
Braj
करौ कलेऊ राम कृष्ण मिलि, कहत जसोदा मैया।
× × ×
उठत प्रात कछु मात जसोदा मंगल-भोग देत दोउ छोरा। माखन, मिश्री, दह्यौ, मलाई, दूध भरे दोउ कनक-कटोरा॥
English translation
"Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, sit together and take Your morning meal," Mother Yaśodā says.
× × ×
Rising early, Mother Yaśodā gives both boys an auspicious offering of food: butter, sugar crystals, thick yogurt, cream, and two golden bowls filled with milk.
Original
Hindi
यह होनेपर फिर स्नान, सम्मार्जन आदि सम्पन्न होते हैं। श्रीकृष्ण-बलरामके श्यामल-गौर श्रीअङ्गोंपर तो नित्य लावण्यकी लहरें उठती रहती हैं। वहाँ मलिनताकी छाया भी नहीं। जहाँ मालिन्य है, वहीं संस्कार-परिष्कृति अपेक्षित होती है। नित्य नव सुन्दरको क्या तो नहलायें, क्या विभूषित करें। यह तो यशोदारानीके वात्सल्यसिन्धुकी चञ्चल लहरें हैं, जो विविध शृङ्गारसे, आभूषणोंसे वे अपने पुत्रोंको विभूषित करती रहती हैं। ऐसा करना उन्हें आवश्यक प्रतीत होता है। इसीलिये, भ्रान्तिवश ऐसी भूल हो जानेपर, स्नानसे पूर्व ही कलेवा करा देनेपर पश्चात्ताप भी करने लगती हैं; उन्हें भय होने लगता है, ऐसा करनेसे उनके नीलसुन्दरके, अग्रजके शरीरमें व्याधि होनेकी सम्भावना है; उनका अबोध सरलमति नीलमणि आगे चलकर ऐसी अशुचिताका अभ्यासी बन जायगा।
जो हो, तात्पर्य यह है कि यहाँ--इस वृन्दाकाननमें वत्सपाल बने हुए सर्वलोकैकपाल राम-श्यामकी अर्चना निराले ढंगसे ही होती है; यहाँ विधि-विधान कुछ नहीं, यहाँ तो जननीके, गोपसुन्दरियोंके, गोपोंके अन्तस्तलमें प्रवाहित अनाविल प्रेमसिन्धुकी ऊर्मियोंपर ही राम-श्याम निरन्तर नृत्य करते हैं। लहरें जहाँ-जिस ओर जैसे बहा ले जाती हैं, वहीं उसी ओर वैसे ही दोनों बह जाते हैं। अस्तु, अब तो दोनोंका दैनन्दिन क्रम यह हो गया है--शय्यासे गात्रोत्थान करते ही वे शीघ्र-से-शीघ्र स्नानादि प्रातःकृत्य समापन कर लेते हैं; फिर अत्यन्त अल्प समयमें ही जननीके धराये शृङ्गारको धारण कर लेते हैं और तब प्रातःकालीन भोजन भी अतिशय त्वरासे नन्दभवनमें ही हो जाता है। उसके बाद यहाँ और कुछ नहीं, सब कुछ वनमें तथा असंख्य गोवत्सोंके, गोपशिशुओंके समाजमें। सखाओंसे परिवेष्टित रहकर दिनभर दोनों भाई वत्सचारण करते हुए वनमें ही घूमते रहते हैं:
English translation
After this, Their bathing, drying, and other care are completed. Waves of beauty eternally rise upon the dark and fair limbs of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, where not even a shadow of impurity exists. Refinement is required only where impurity is present. What need is there to bathe or adorn Those who are ever-fresh in beauty? These adornments and ornaments are simply the restless waves of the ocean of Queen Yaśodā's parental love. She continually ornaments her sons with them because doing so appears necessary to her.
Therefore, if confusion causes her to reverse the order and feed Them before Their bath, she begins to regret it. She fears that this might bring illness to Nīlasundara and His elder brother, or that her innocent and simple-minded Nīlamaṇi may grow accustomed to such impurity.
The meaning is that here in Vṛndā's forest, Rāma and Śyāma, the sole protectors of every world who have become keepers of calves, are worshiped in a unique way. There are no ritual rules. They dance continually upon the waves of the stainless ocean of love flowing in the deepest hearts of Their mother, the beautiful cowherd women, and the cowherd men. In whatever direction and manner those waves carry Them, the two brothers flow with them.
Their daily routine now became this: as soon as They rose from bed, They completed Their morning bathing and other duties as quickly as possible. In very little time They accepted the ornaments Their mother placed upon Them and rapidly ate Their morning meal in Nanda's residence. After that, nothing remained there. Everything took place in the forest among countless calves and cowherd boys. Surrounded by Their friends, the two brothers wandered through the forest all day while tending the calves:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.45
तौ वत्सपालकौ भूत्वा सर्वलोकैकपालकौ। सप्रातराशौ गोवत्सांश्चारयन्तौ विचेरतुः॥
English translation
The two, who are the sole protectors of every world, became keepers of calves. After Their morning meal, They wandered about while tending the young calves.
Original
Hindi
वत्सासुरका उद्धार तो हो ही गया, पर उसके कारण इनके स्वच्छन्द विहारमें कोई बाधा नहीं आयी। वत्सासुरके आनेकी बात अधिकांश गोपोंने, व्रजरानीने जानीतक नहीं। उसी दिन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने सखागोष्ठीमें मन्त्रणा कर यह स्थिर कर लिया था--'कोई भी इस घटनाकी बात किसीको न बताये; अन्यथा मैया वत्सचारणके लिये मुझे वनमें नहीं आने देगी, कम-से-कम सुदूर वनमें नहीं जानेका प्रतिबन्ध तो पुनः लग ही जायगा और फिर हमलोगोंकी स्वच्छन्द क्रीड़ा नहीं हो सकेगी!' बालकोंने वैसा ही किया, किसीको कुछ भी नहीं बताया। सदाकी भाँति श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका वनगमन, वत्सचारण, वनविहार निर्बाध चलता ही रहा। जनश्रुतिके रूपमें मधुपुरसे यह बात व्रजपुरमें भी आयी अवश्य; पर किसीने इस ओर ध्यान नहीं दिया।
इसकी प्रतिक्रिया तो मधुपुरके अधीश्वर कंसपर हुई। जिस क्षण अपने पूर्व गुप्तचरके मुखसे कंसने वत्सासुर-निधनकी बात सुनी, उसे प्रतीत हुआ मानो हालाहल विषकी ज्वाला कर्णरन्ध्रोंके पथसे हृदयमें प्रविष्ट हो गयी। अन्तस्तल झुलस गया। नेत्रोंमें अँधेरा छा गया। अतिशय वेगसे उसने आँखें बंद कर लीं:
English translation
Vatsāsura had been delivered, yet the event caused no obstruction to Their free play. Most of the cowherd men and the queen of Vraja never even learned that Vatsāsura had come. That very day, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra consulted with His circle of friends and settled the matter: "No one should tell anyone about this event. Otherwise Mother will not allow Me to come into the forest to tend the calves. At the very least, she will again forbid Me from going into the distant forest, and then we shall no longer be able to play freely."
The boys did exactly as He said and told no one. As always, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's journeys into the forest, tending of the calves, and forest play continued without interruption. A popular report of the event did reach Vraja from Madhupura, but no one paid it any attention.
The reaction was felt by Kaṁsa, the ruler of Madhupura. The moment he heard of Vatsāsura's death from the mouth of his former spy, it seemed that a flame of the deadly hālāhala poison entered his heart through the openings of his ears. His innermost being was scorched, darkness covered his eyes, and he shut them with great force:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
कंसस्तु तस्माद्वत्सपादपि वत्सासुरनिर्वासनमपसर्पमुखाद्विषमिव कर्णरन्ध्रस्पर्शमात्रेणान्तः सम्भूय भृशं दृशौ निमीलयामास।
English translation
When Kaṁsa heard from the mouth of that spy that Vatsāsura had been driven from life by the tender child who tended calves, the report became like poison merely touching the openings of his ears. It entered deep within him, and he tightly closed his eyes.
Original
Hindi
इतना ही नहीं, संज्ञाशून्य होकर गिर पड़ा वह। जीवनमें प्रथम बार इतनी गहरी मूर्च्छा कंसको हुई, मानो वह निष्प्राण हो गया हो। सचमुच बाहरसे जीवनके सभी लक्षण कुछ क्षणके लिये विलुप्त हो गये। मन्त्री दौड़े, अनेकों उपचार आरम्भ हुए, फिर कहीं जाकर उसे किसी प्रकार बाह्यज्ञान हुआ:
English translation
More than that, he lost consciousness and fell. For the first time in his life, Kaṁsa entered such a deep swoon that he appeared lifeless. For several moments, every outward sign of life truly vanished. The ministers came running and began many treatments. Only after great effort did he somehow regain external awareness:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
तेन दशमीमिव दशां प्रापितः स तु मन्त्रिभिः कथंचिद्बहिरवधापितः।
English translation
Reduced by that news to a condition resembling death, he was somehow restored to outward consciousness by his ministers.
Original
Hindi
अब अपेक्षित मन्त्रणा पुनः प्रारम्भ हुई। कंस भीति एवं अतिशय खेदसे पूर्ण वाणीमें सभासदोंपर अपना मनोभाव प्रकट करने लगा:
English translation
The necessary deliberation now resumed. In a voice filled with fear and intense grief, Kaṁsa revealed his thoughts to the assembly:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
हन्त सम्भाविता दम्भान्विता बहवः प्रस्थापिता न तु तैर्भद्रं किंचिदपि संचितम्।
English translation
"Alas! Many renowned beings skilled in deception have been sent, yet they accomplished not the slightest good."
Original
Hindi
“हाय! एक नहीं, बहुत-से प्रतिष्ठित छद्मवेश धारण करनेवाले भेजे गये; किंतु उनके द्वारा किंचिन्मात्र भी हित-साधन नहीं हुआ।”
English translation
"Alas! Not one but many renowned masters of disguise were sent, yet they accomplished not even the slightest good."
Original
Hindi
कुछ शब्दोंमें ही कंसराजने परिस्थितिकी गम्भीरता बता दी। पर वह मन्त्रिमण्डल भी तो अपना महत्त्व रखता है। मन्त्रियोंने अपने महाराजमें पुनः नवीन आशा सञ्चारित कर देनेके उद्देश्यसे यह परामर्श दिया:
English translation
In a few words, King Kaṁsa conveyed the gravity of the situation. Yet his council of ministers possessed its own importance. Hoping to awaken fresh hope within their king, the ministers offered this advice:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
देव! केवलं वकमत्र बलमवलम्बामहे। यतस्तज्जातावेव दम्भसम्भारा गम्भीरायन्ते॥
English translation
"Your Majesty, let us now rely solely upon Bakāsura's strength, for among those of the heron race the resources of deception naturally become profound."
Original
Hindi
“स्वामिन्! अब तो वकासुरके बलका ही आश्रय करें; क्योंकि बगुलेकी जाति ही ऐसी होती है, जहाँ दम्भका जाल गहरा बन जाता है।”
English translation
"Master, let us now rely solely upon Bakāsura's strength, for the heron race is such that its web of deception naturally grows deep."
Original
Hindi
सचमुच कंसको वकासुरकी विस्मृति हो गयी थी। मन्त्रियोंने उपयुक्त अवसरपर ही स्मरण कराया। फिर तो उल्लासमें भरकर कंसने इसका अनुमोदन ही किया:
English translation
Kaṁsa had indeed forgotten Bakāsura. The ministers reminded him at precisely the right moment. Filled with delight, Kaṁsa immediately approved their proposal:
Original
Sanskrit
आं आं मम सुहृत्तमः स एव केवलस्तत्र प्रस्थापनाय स्थाप्यताम्।
English translation
"Yes, yes! Let that most dear friend of mine alone be appointed and sent there."
Original
Hindi
“हाँ, हाँ! बहुत ठीक, मेरे उस सुहृत्तम वकासुरको ही वहाँ भेजा जाय।”
English translation
"Yes, yes, very good. Let my dearest friend Bakāsura alone be sent there."
Original
Hindi
वकासुरका एवं वकभगिनी पूतनाका प्रथम मिलन मानो उसकी स्मृतिमें नाच उठा। कंस एवं वक दोनों ही भीषण द्वन्द्व-युद्धमें संलग्न हुए थे। अत्यन्त पराक्रमी वकने कंस-जैसे महाविक्रान्त योद्धाको भी अपने मुखका ग्रास बना लिया था। दुर्धर्ष कंसने भीतर जाकर भी प्रचण्ड पराक्रमसे अपने-आपको उगल देनेके लिये वकासुरको बाध्य तो अवश्य कर दिया और फिर उठाकर घुमाते हुए उसे पटक देनेमें भी समर्थ वह अवश्य हुआ; पर वकके अपरिमेय बलकी छाप उसपर पड़ ही गयी। तथा इसीलिये उसी क्षण जब अपने भाईको विपन्न पाकर उसकी बहिन पूतनाने कंसको अपने साथ युद्धके लिये ललकारा, तब कंसने यही उत्तर दिया था:
English translation
The first meeting between Bakāsura and his sister Pūtanā seemed to dance within Kaṁsa's memory. Kaṁsa and Baka had engaged in a terrible duel. The exceedingly powerful Baka had even made a mighty warrior like Kaṁsa a morsel within his mouth. Though the indomitable Kaṁsa exerted tremendous strength from within and forced Bakāsura to spit him out, and although he then lifted, whirled, and threw him to the ground, the impression of Baka's immeasurable strength remained upon him. Therefore, when Pūtanā saw her brother in distress and challenged Kaṁsa to fight her, Kaṁsa replied:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Garga-saṁhitā
स्त्रिया सार्द्धमहं युद्धं न करोमि कदाचन। वकासुरः स्यान्मे भ्राता त्वं च मे भगिनी भव॥
English translation
"I never fight with a woman. From today Bakāsura shall be my brother, and you shall become my sister."
Original
Hindi
“देख, स्त्रियोंके साथ मैं कभी युद्ध नहीं करता। आजसे वकासुर तो मेरा भाई बने और तू मेरी बहिन।”
English translation
"Look, I never fight with women. From today Bakāsura shall be my brother, and you shall become my sister."
Original
Hindi
अस्तु, तबसे वक-वकीका सौहार्द कंसके प्रति अक्षुण्ण रहा। वकी--पूतनाने तो अपने प्राण कंसके लिये दिये ही। अब वकासुरकी परीक्षाका अवसर था। मन्त्रियोंके मुखसे उसका नाम सुनते ही कंस एक बार पुनः सुख-स्वप्न-सा देखने लग गया, उसे आशा बँध गयी--नन्दपुत्रको वकासुर तो निगल ही जायगा! फिर विलम्ब क्यों? तुरंत ही वकका आह्वान हुआ, वह सभामें उपस्थित हुआ; उसे सारी योजना समझा दी गयी और वह व्रजेशपुत्रको अपने मुखका ग्रास बनानेके उद्देश्यसे चल पड़ा।
English translation
From that time onward, the friendship of Baka and his sister with Kaṁsa remained unbroken. Pūtanā had already given her life for Kaṁsa. Now the time had come to test Bakāsura. The moment Kaṁsa heard his name from the ministers, he once again began dreaming a pleasant dream. Hope arose within him that Bakāsura would surely swallow Nanda's son. Why delay? Baka was summoned at once and appeared in the assembly. The entire plan was explained to him, and he set out intending to make Vrajeśa's son a morsel within his mouth.
Original
Hindi
इधर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र भी सदाकी भाँति वत्सचारण करने वन चले। वही त्रिभुवनमोहन सौन्दर्य है, वही मधुरातिमधुर बाल्यभङ्गिमा है, वैसी ही क्षीरसिन्धुकी उच्छलित तरङ्गों-जैसी गोवत्सराशि आगे-आगे आ रही है, वैसा ही परमानन्दमें निमग्न क्रीडापरायण गोपशिशुओंका समाज है, अग्रजका संरक्षण है। अपनी बङ्किम चितवनसे वनस्थलीकी शोभा निहारते, हँसते-हँसाते, अपनी वंशीकी मधुर स्वर-लहरीसे वृन्दाकाननको रसप्लावित करते, झूमते हुए वे धीरे-धीरे आगे बढ़ रहे हैं। चलते-चलते नवतृणास्तीर्ण वनभूमि आ जाती है। वहाँ एक परम रमणीय सरोवर है। सरोवरके संनिकट मनोहर नव-नवाङ्कुरित तृणराजि है, जो जलका सान्निध्य पाकर सान्द्र-स्निग्ध बन गयी है। इस परम सुन्दर वन्य भू-भागको देखकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र समस्त गोवत्सोंको यहीं निवेशित करते हैं, आज यहीं क्रीड़ा होगी:
English translation
Meanwhile, as always, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra entered the forest to tend the calves. The same beauty that enchanted the three worlds adorned Him, together with the same supremely sweet gestures of childhood. Before Him came the mass of calves like surging waves of the milk ocean. Around Him gathered the same playful cowherd boys immersed in supreme bliss, while His elder brother protected Him. Gazing upon the beauty of the forest with His curved glance, laughing and making others laugh, flooding Vṛndā's forest with waves of sweet melody from His flute, He swayed gently forward.
As they traveled, they reached forest ground covered with fresh grass. A supremely lovely lake stood there. Near its bank grew charming rows of newly sprouted grass, made dense and lush by proximity to the water. Seeing this exquisitely beautiful forest region, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra settled all the calves there. Today they would play in this very place:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
नवशाद्वलतलमालोकयन् क्वचन जलाशयोपकण्ठे ललितानि नवनवाङ्कुरितानि शष्पाणि पानीयसंनिकर्षसुमेदुराणि समालोक्य वत्सकुलं तत्रैव निवेशयामास।
English translation
Looking upon fresh grassy ground beside a lake and seeing there charming blades of newly sprouted grass, made exceedingly lush by the closeness of the water, He settled the herd of calves in that very place.
Original
Hindi
उल्लासमें भरे राम-कृष्णकी, गोपशिशुओंकी यहाँ प्रथम चेष्टा होती है--अपने-अपने वत्ससमुदायको सरोवरका सुनिर्मल जल पिलाकर तृप्त करना। इतनी दूरसे चलकर आये गोवत्सोंको प्यास लगी ही होगी; श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको, उनके सखाओंको स्वयं भी जो प्यासकी अनुभूति हो रही है। अतः प्रथम सभी अपने-अपने वत्सकुलको सरोवरमें उतारते हैं, उनके जलपान कर लेनेपर तीर-देशमें उन्हें तृण चरनेके लिये उन्मुक्त छोड़ देते हैं। इसके अनन्तर स्वयं उस सुनिर्मल सुमिष्ट जलका पान कर तृप्त होते हैं:
English translation
Filled with delight, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and the cowherd boys first sought to satisfy their respective groups of calves with the lake's crystal-clear water. Having traveled such a distance, the calves must have been thirsty, for Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and His friends felt thirst themselves. They first led their groups of calves into the lake. After the calves drank, they released them to graze upon the grass along the bank. Then the boys themselves drank the clear, sweet water and became satisfied:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.46
स्वं स्वं वत्सकुलं सर्वे पाययिष्यन्त एकदा। गत्वा जलाशयाभ्याशं पाययित्वा पपुर्जलम्॥
English translation
All of them, desiring to give water to their respective groups of calves, went to the lake. After letting the calves drink, the boys themselves drank the water.
Original
Hindi
गोपशिशुओंमें नवस्फूर्तिका संचार हुआ और वे जलाशयके तीरपर लगे दौड़ने। इसी समय सहसा उनकी दृष्टि एक विचित्रकाय जन्तुपर चली जाती है, जलके समीप ही वह जन्तु बैठा जो है। उज्ज्वलवर्ण, अत्यन्त प्रकाण्ड। वह सचमुच क्या वस्तु है, बालक यह निर्णय नहीं कर सके! मानो वज्राघातसे एक गिरिशृङ्ग टूट गया हो; टूटकर भूमिपर, उस सरोवरके तटपर ही आ गिरा हो! ऐसे विशालकाय जन्तुको देखकर बालक अत्यन्त भयभीत हो गये:
English translation
Fresh energy arose within the cowherd boys, and they began running along the lake's bank. Suddenly their eyes fell upon a creature of extraordinary form seated beside the water. It was brilliantly white and immensely vast. The boys could not determine what it truly was. It seemed that a mountain peak had been shattered by a thunderbolt and fallen to the ground upon the very bank of the lake. Seeing such a gigantic creature, the boys became exceedingly frightened:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.47
ते तत्र ददृशुर्बाला महासत्त्वमवस्थितम्। तत्रसुर्वज्रनिर्भिन्नं गिरेः शृङ्गमिव च्युतम्॥
English translation
There the boys saw a mighty creature standing before them. They became terrified, for it resembled the peak of a mountain split by a thunderbolt and cast down.
Original
Hindi
यह जन्तु और कोई नहीं, वही कंसप्रेरित वकरूपधारी महाबली वक दैत्य है, अपनी घातमें बैठा है:
English translation
The creature was none other than the immensely powerful demon Baka, sent by Kaṁsa and wearing the form of a heron, seated in ambush:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.48
स वै वको नाम महानसुरो वकरूपधृक्।
English translation
He was the great demon named Baka, who had assumed the form of a heron.
Original
Hindi
किंचिद् वयस्क एवं साहसी बालकोंने कुछ आगे बढ़कर यह तो जान लिया कि यह एक अत्यन्त विशालकाय बगुला पक्षी है। पर जब उन्होंने उस वकके विस्तारित चञ्चुपुटोंकी ओर देखा, तब उनके प्राण सूख गये:
English translation
The somewhat older and more courageous boys advanced a little and recognized that it was an enormously large heron. But when they saw Baka's widely opened beak, their very lives seemed to dry away:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
धरणितलमुन्नमयन्निव धरणितलनिहितोत्तरचञ्चुर्दिवमवनमयन्निव द्युतलनिवेशितोर्ध्वचञ्चुश्च युगपदेव देवदनुजमनुजादिसकलजीवजीवनाकर्षणाय विततायतमहासंदंशं विवृत्य स्थित इव कालपुरुषः॥
English translation
His lower beak rested upon the earth as though intending to raise the terrestrial realm upward, while his upper beak extended into the sky as though intending to drag heaven down. Opening that vast, elongated pair of pincers as if to draw away at once the lives of all beings, including gods, demons, and humans, he stood there like the personification of death.
Original
Hindi
“मानो धरणीको उत्पाटितकर ऊर्ध्वदेशमें ले जानेके उद्देश्यसे उसने अपने नीचेकी चोंचको धरातलसे संलग्न कर रखा है, एवं स्वर्गको उखाड़कर धरातलपर लानेके लिये ही उसका ऊर्ध्वचञ्चु आकाशमें उठा है। मानो एक साथ देव, दनुज, मानव--समस्त जीवोंके प्राण आकर्षण करनेके लिये विशाल संडासी विस्फारितकर कालपुरुष वहाँ अवस्थित हो!”
English translation
"It seemed that he had placed his lower beak against the ground in order to uproot the earth and carry it upward, while his upper beak rose into the sky to tear down heaven and bring it to earth. It was as if the personification of death stood there with enormous pincers spread open to draw away at once the lives of every being, gods, demons, and humans alike."
Original
Hindi
गोपबालक भगे अपने प्राणाधारसखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी ओर। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी स्वतः भी दृष्टि उस विशालकाय वककी ओर ही लगी है। दो-एक सहचरोंसे वे उस वककी ही चर्चा कर रहे हैं:
English translation
The cowherd boys ran toward Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, their life-sustaining friend. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra Himself was gazing upon the gigantic heron and discussing it with one or two companions:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
आकारात्पक्षितुल्यः स्याद् व्यापारान्न च पक्षिवत्। वकः किं नवकः साक्षात् कूटवत् स्थितिरीक्ष्यते॥
English translation
"By form it resembles a bird, yet its behavior is unlike a bird's. Is it a heron, or some new kind of Baka? It stands there like a mountain peak."
Original
Hindi
“भैयाओ! देखो, आकारसे तो वह पक्षीके समान ही लगता है, पर इसकी चेष्टा पक्षी-जैसी नहीं है। क्या यह कोई नवक वक--नयी जातिका बगुला है?”* पर्वतशृङ्ग-जैसा प्रतीत हो रहा है।”
English translation
"Brothers, look. In shape it resembles a bird, but its behavior is not birdlike. Could this be some navaka-baka, a new kind of heron? It appears like a mountain peak."
Original
Hindi. Printed note
अनन्तैश्वर्यनिकेतन स्वयंभगवान् के मुखारविन्दसे कूटभाषाकी ओटमें सत्य प्रकट हो गया। 'नवक वक' कहकर उन्होंने संकेत कर दिया--'यह वक नहीं, वकासुर दैत्य है।'
English translation
From the lotus mouth of Bhagavān Himself, the abode of infinite majesty, the truth emerged beneath the covering of coded speech. By saying "navaka-baka," He indicated: "This is not a mere heron but the demon Bakāsura."
Original
Hindi
इतनेमें आकर गोपसखा उन्हें घेर लेते हैं तथा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी बात पूरी होते-न-होते अतिशय भीतिभरे स्वरमें कई एक साथ ही कहने लग जाते हैं:
English translation
Meanwhile, the cowherd friends came and surrounded Him. Before Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra could finish speaking, several of them began talking at once in voices filled with intense fear:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
सखे! नायं पक्षी। अपि तु सकलानेव नो गिलितुमिव कृतारम्भेण गुरुतरदम्भेन केनापि वकाकृतिना दानवेनैव भवितव्यम्। तदितः पलायनमेवास्माकं पथ्यम्।
English translation
"Friend, this is no bird. It must be some demon who has assumed the form of a heron with exceedingly great deception and begun preparing to swallow us all. Our only safe course is to flee from here."
Original
Hindi
“अरे भैया कन्नू! यह पक्षी नहीं है। यह तो हम सबको निगल जानेके उद्देश्यसे आया हुआ, अत्यन्त छद्मनिपुणतासे बगुलेकी आकृति धारण करनेवाला कोई दानव होगा। अतः यहाँसे भाग चलनेमें ही हम सबोंका कल्याण है।”
English translation
"Brother Kannū, this is no bird. It must be some demon who has come to swallow all of us and has skillfully assumed a heron's form through immense deception. Therefore, our welfare lies only in fleeing from here."
Original
Hindi
कुछ गोपशिशु अतिशय त्वरासे बोल उठते हैं:
English translation
Some cowherd boys quickly exclaimed:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
कैलाशशिखरिशिखरद्राघीयसः शरीरादपि दीर्घदीर्घतराच्चञ्चुपुटादस्य कथं पलायनमपि।
English translation
"His body is longer than the peak of Mount Kailāsa, and his two beaks are longer still than that immensely long body. How can we possibly escape?"
Original
Hindi
“अरे! देखते नहीं! कैलास पर्वतके शिखरकी अपेक्षा भी इसका शरीर बड़ा है और इस अतिशय दीर्घ शरीरसे भी इसके चञ्चुपुट दीर्घ-दीर्घतर हैं। इसकी चोंचसे बचकर भागोगे कैसे?”
English translation
"Do you not see? Its body is larger even than Mount Kailāsa's peak, and its beaks are far longer than that immensely long body. How can you flee and escape its beak?"
Original
Hindi
अपने सखाओंकी यह बात सुनकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके अरुणिम अधरोंपर मृदु हास्यकी सुन्दर रेखा-सी खिंच जाती है। उस स्मितकी ओटसे सुधा-सीकर झरने लगते हैं। मुखमण्डलका सौन्दर्य, लावण्य निखर उठता है। अमृतस्यन्दी स्वरसे सखाओंको “नाशङ्कनीयम्--भयभीत मत होओ,” कहकर आश्वासन देते हुए अरविन्दनयन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र वकमुखकी ओर भी संनिधिमें जानेका विचार करते हैं, चल पड़ते हैं। इस समय सर्वज्ञ, सर्ववित्--स्वयंभगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनका यह बाल्यावेश देखने ही योग्य है। उन्हें सब कुछ पता है; यह कौन है, क्या करने आया है--वे सब कुछ जानते हैं। फिर भी मुखकमलपर ऐसा मुग्धभाव है, जैसे उन्हें इस प्रकाण्ड वकपक्षीके सम्बन्धमें कुछ भी ज्ञान नहीं; इतने सरल मुग्ध शिशुकी भङ्गिमा धारण किये वे वकतुण्डकी ओर अग्रसर हो रहे हैं:
English translation
Hearing His friends, a lovely line of gentle laughter appeared upon Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's crimson lips. Drops of nectar seemed to fall from behind that smile, and the beauty and radiance of His face blossomed. In His nectar-flowing voice He reassured His friends, "There is no need for fear. Do not be afraid." Then lotus-eyed Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra resolved to go still nearer Baka's mouth and set forth.
At that moment the childhood absorption of Vrajendra's son, Bhagavān Himself, omniscient and all-knowing, was a wonder to behold. He knew everything: who this creature was and why it had come. Yet His lotus face bore such innocent enchantment that He seemed to know nothing of the enormous heron. Assuming the gestures of a simple, fascinated child, He advanced toward Baka's beak:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
पुण्डरीकलोचनस्तं जानन्नप्यजानन्निव तस्य तुण्डसंनिधिमेव गमनेऽवधिं चकार।
English translation
Though lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa knew him, He acted as if He did not and made the immediate vicinity of the demon's beak the very limit of His approach.
Original
Hindi
भीतिविजडित नेत्रोंसे गोपशिशु अपने प्राणाराम सखाकी यह चेष्टा देखने लगते हैं। अवश्य ही श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके मुखपर तो भयकी छाया भी नहीं है। उन्हें भय क्यों हो? वे व्रजेन्द्रके वत्सपाल भले ही हों, पर हैं तो अखिललोकके अभयदाता ही न! वे मन्द-मन्थर गतिसे वकके संनिकट होते जा रहे हैं। उनकी चालसे स्पष्ट है--भय नहीं, अपितु उस वकके प्रति उपेक्षा-अवहेलना है:
English translation
With eyes frozen by terror, the cowherd boys watched the actions of their life-delighting friend. Not even a shadow of fear appeared upon Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's face. Why should He be afraid? Though He had become Vrajendra's keeper of calves, He remained the giver of fearlessness to every world. With slow, gentle steps He approached Baka. His gait revealed not fear but disregard and disdain for the demon:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
अकुतोभयमभयदमखिललोकस्य सहेलमभिमुखमुपसर्पन्तम् × × ×।
English translation
Fearless from every quarter and the giver of fearlessness to all the worlds, He advanced toward him with playful ease. × × ×
Original
Hindi
किंतु आह! यह क्या हुआ! अरे वह वक उचका! श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके निकट वह सहसा आ गया! हाय रे! इस महाबली तीक्ष्णतुण्ड पक्षीने तो नीलसुन्दरको अपने चञ्चुपुटोंमें रख लिया। आह! व्रजजीवन नीलमणि वकमुखके ग्रास बन गये:
English translation
But ah, what happened? Baka sprang up and suddenly came close to Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. Alas! That immensely powerful, sharp-beaked bird seized Nīlasundara within his beak. Ah, Nīlamaṇi, the very life of Vraja, became a morsel in Baka's mouth:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.48
आजग्रह सहसा कृष्णं तीक्ष्णतुण्डो ग्रसद् बली।
English translation
The mighty, sharp-beaked demon suddenly seized Kṛṣṇa and swallowed Him.
Original
Hindi
वनविहंगम आर्तनाद कर उठे। तरु-वल्लरियोंमें बड़े वेगका प्रकम्पन आरम्भ हुआ। वन्यपुष्पोंमें, कपिलतामें एक विचित्र मर्मभेदी करुण कोलाहल होने लगा। अन्तरिक्षमें समस्त देवसमुदाय चीत्कार कर उठा तथा राम एवं गोपशिशु? आह! प्राण निर्गत होनेपर मृतदेहस्थ चक्षु आदि इन्द्रियोंकी क्या दशा होती है? जब उनके प्राणस्वरूप श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र ही उन्हें छोड़कर वकमुखमें समा गये, तब अग्रजमें, गोपशिशुओंमें रखा ही क्या है? श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको बगुला निगल गया, नेत्र-गोलकने इतना ही देखा; फिर तो निष्प्राण शरीरके इन्द्रियगोलककी भाँति रामके सहित समस्त गोपशिशु चेतनाशून्य हो गये:
English translation
The forest birds cried out in anguish. Trees and vines began trembling violently. A strange, heart-piercing lament arose among the forest flowers and creepers. The entire host of gods in the sky screamed. And what of Rāma and the cowherd boys? Ah, what becomes of the eyes and other senses in a dead body once life has departed? When Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, their very life, left them and entered Baka's mouth, what remained within His elder brother or the cowherd boys? Their eyes saw only that the heron had swallowed Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. Then all the cowherd boys, together with Rāma, lost consciousness like the sense organs of a body without life:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.11.49
कृष्णं महाबकग्रस्तं दृष्ट्वा रामादयोऽर्भकाः। बभूवुरिन्द्रियाणीव विना प्राणं विचेतसः॥
English translation
Seeing Kṛṣṇa swallowed by the great heron, Rāma and the other boys lost consciousness, like the senses deprived of life.
Original
Braj
जब बक ग्रस्यौ कुँवर नंदलाल। बल समेत सब ब्रज के बाल॥ भए विचेतन ते तन ऐसें। प्रान बिना इंद्रियगन जैसें॥
English translation
When Baka swallowed young Nandalāla, all the boys of Vraja, together with Balarāma, became unconscious. Their bodies were like the senses without life.
Original
Hindi
अवश्य ही अचिन्त्य लीला-महाशक्तिके प्रभावसे प्रत्येक गोपशिशुके नेत्र निर्मीलित नहीं हुए, ज्यों-के-त्यों खुले रहे तथा नेत्रोंमें लीलोपयोगी दर्शनशक्ति भी बनी रही। इसके अतिरिक्त उन्हें अपने-परायेके सुख-दुःखका कोई भान नहीं रहा, अन्य कोई अनुभूति नहीं रही।
English translation
By the influence of the inconceivable great power of līlā, the eyes of every cowherd boy did not close but remained open as before, and the power of sight required for the līlā remained within them. Apart from this, they retained no awareness of their own or others' happiness or sorrow and no other sensation.
Original
Hindi
अस्तु, अब वककी क्या दशा हुई, यह देखें। बड़े उल्लाससे उसने नन्दपुत्रको ग्रास तो बना लिया। पर क्या वह इन्हें सचमुच निगल सकेगा? जिनकी एक आंशिक अभिव्यक्तिके लोमकूपमें असंख्य ब्रह्माण्ड धूलिकणोंकी भाँति विलीन होते रहते हैं, जो जगत्स्रष्टाके भी स्रष्टा हैं, उन स्वयंभगवान् श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको क्षुद्रातिक्षुद्र वकासुर उदरस्थ कर ले, यह सम्भव हो सकता है क्या? यह तो उनकी लीला-रसास्वादनकी अभिनवपद्धति ही है, जो वे स्वयं वकके मुखमें समा गये हैं। अन्यथा वक उन्हें स्वप्नमें भी स्पर्शमात्र कर ले, यह शक्ति भी उसमें कहाँ। जो हो, जब वे उसके मुखविवरमें गये हैं, तब अग्रिम लीलाक्रम भी होगा ही, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र उससे खेलेंगे ही, खेलने ही लगे। यह देखो--अग्निज्वालाकी भाँति उत्ताप उसके तालुमूलमें; कण्ठदेशमें सृष्ट हो जाता है! उनके परम शीतल शान्तम श्रीअङ्गोंका स्पर्श ही असुरके तालुमूलमें असह्य
English translation
Now let us see what happened to Baka. In great delight he had made Nanda's son his morsel, but could he truly swallow Him? Countless universes dissolve like particles of dust within the pores of even one partial manifestation of Him, and He is the creator even of the creator of the universe. Could the most insignificant Bakāsura possibly confine Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, Bhagavān Himself, within his belly? This was simply the Lord's novel way of tasting the rasa of līlā: He entered Baka's mouth of His own accord. Otherwise Baka did not possess the power to touch Him even in a dream.
Since He had entered the cavity of the demon's mouth, the next sequence of līlā had to unfold. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra would play with him, and indeed He began to play. Behold: heat like a flame of fire arose at the root of Baka's palate and in his throat. The mere touch of the Lord's supremely cool and peaceful limbs became unbearable at the root of the demon's palate.