Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
गोप-बालकोंके साथ श्रीकृष्णका वन-भोजन तथा भोजनके साथ-साथ मधुरातिमधुर कौतुक एवं कौशलपूर्ण विनोद
गोप-शिशुओंके प्रेमिल स्तवनका विराम हुआ। मानो गिराधिदेवी सच्चिदानन्द परब्रह्म पुरुषोत्तम स्वयंभगवान् श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके ऐश्वर्यसिन्धुमें एवं शिशुओंके कण-कणसे प्रसरित सख्यरसके निराविल चञ्चल प्रवाहमें अवगाहनकर अपनी शक्तिभर ऐश्वर्यकण, रस-सीकर उलीचकर परिश्रान्त हो गयीं; सिन्धुको, रसप्रवाहको सर्वथा सब ओरसे अपरिसीम अनुभव कर, इनकी थाह पानेकी आशा छोड़, तटपर उठ आयीं, इस प्रकार बालकोंने अपने कन्हैया भैयाके यशोगानका उपसंहार किया। अब वहाँ बच रही केवल सख्यभावकी सहज स्निग्ध शान्त धारा, जिसमें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके अमित ऐश्वर्यका एक कण भी खप नहीं सकता। इसकी गन्ध भी वहाँ नहीं मिल सकती। इसीलिये बालकोंकी भावभङ्गी, उनकी प्रश्नावली, परस्परका उत्तर-प्रत्युत्तर-ये सब भी बदल गये। एक शिशुने पूछ ही तो लिया-“अरे भैया कन्हैया! हमलोग तो खेलते-खेलते अत्यन्त भीषण विषकी ज्वालामें भस्म हो चुके थे। बता तो सही, तुमने कैसे जिला दिया?” तथा सखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने भी प्रश्नके अनुरूप ही उत्तर दिया। वे आश्चर्यकी मुद्रामें बोले-
स च सचमत्कारं तानगददगददक्षोऽस्मि विषस्य। येनागदेन नागदेन गन्धमात्रादेव गतासवोऽवगतासवोत्सवा इव समुल्लसितजीवना भवन्तीति। (श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
English translation
Sri Krsna's Forest Meal with the Cowherd Boys, Together with Sweetest Merriment and Skillful Jesting During the Meal
The cowherd boys' loving praises come to an end. It is as though the sovereign goddess of speech has bathed in the ocean of majesty belonging to Sri Krsnacandra, the Supreme Person, Parabrahman, Bhagavan Himself, who is eternity, consciousness, and bliss, and in the stainless, dancing current of friendly rasa flowing from every particle of the boys' beings. Having poured out as many drops of majesty and rasa as her power allowed, she grows weary. Experiencing the ocean and current of rasa as boundless in every direction, she abandons hope of fathoming them and rises upon the bank. In this way the boys conclude their singing of Kanhaiya Bhaiya's glories. Now only the naturally tender, peaceful current of friendship remains. Not even a particle of Sri Krsnacandra's immeasurable majesty can fit within it, nor can even its scent be found there. Thus the boys' expressions, their questions, and their answers to one another all change. One child asks, “Kanhaiya Bhaiya! While playing, we were burned to ashes by the most terrible flames of poison. Tell us, how did You bring us back to life?” Sri Krsnacandra answers in a manner suited to His friend's question. With an expression of wonder, He says:
“With amazement He told them, ‘I am highly skilled in remedies for poison. By this medicine, even a serpent is destroyed, what more need be said? Merely smelling it, those whose life has departed regain a joy like that of a festival of nectar and rise again with exuberant life.’” (Sri Ananda-vrndavana-campu)
Original
Hindi
“देखो भैयाओ! मैं विषकी ओषधि जाननेमें बड़ा ही निपुण हूँ। मेरे पास ऐसी ओषधि है कि उससे सर्प चूर्ण-विचूर्ण हो जायँ-इसमें तो कहना ही क्या है; जो निष्प्राण हो चुके हैं, वे भी उस ओषधिके घ्राणमात्रसे ही मधुपानका सुख अनुभव करनेवाले व्यक्तिकी भाँति परम उल्लासपूर्ण नवजीवन प्राप्त कर लेते हैं।”
English translation
“Look, brothers! I am highly skilled in knowing medicines for poison. I possess such a remedy that serpents are shattered to pieces by it, so what more can be said? Even those who have lost their lives need only smell that medicine to receive a new life filled with supreme delight, like someone savoring the happiness of drinking nectar.”
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके इस उत्तरमें किन-किन निगूढ़ भावोंका समावेश है-इसे भोले-भाले शिशु क्या जानें? उनके पास क्रान्तदर्शी ऋषियोंका हृदय तो है नहीं कि वे अपने सखाकी प्रत्येक उक्तिका गूढार्थ ढूँढने जायँ। उन्हें कल्पना ही नहीं हो सकती कि अघासुर-जैसे सर्पकी तो बात ही क्या, संसाररूप महासर्पसे डँसे हुए, सर्वथा निश्चेष्ट हुए प्राणियोंके लिये भी उनके इन्हीं कन्हैया भैयाका नाम ही महौषध है। “कृष्ण” नामकी पीयूषधारा किसी प्रकार कर्णरन्ध्रमें प्रविष्ट हो जाय, फिर तो संसार-सर्पका विष उतरते देर नहीं लगती; मुग्धता, मोह, मायाजन्य जड़ता नष्ट होकर ही रहेगी; आत्मस्वरूपकी स्मृति हो ही जायगी; अनादि-संसरणसे मुक्ति मिल ही जायगी-
संसारसर्पसंदष्टनष्टचेष्टैकभेषजम्। कृष्णेति वैष्णवं मन्त्रं श्रुत्वा मुक्तो भवेन्नरः॥
English translation
How could the innocent children know how many hidden meanings are contained in Sri Krsnacandra's reply? They do not possess the hearts of far-seeing sages who search for the profound import of every statement made by their friend. They cannot imagine that, what to speak of a serpent such as Aghasura, for beings bitten by the great serpent of worldly existence and rendered utterly inert, the very name of their Kanhaiya Bhaiya is the supreme medicine. If the nectarean current of the name “Krsna” somehow enters the opening of the ear, the poison of the serpent of worldly existence is quickly removed. Bewilderment, delusion, and the inertia born of maya must be destroyed. Remembrance of one's true nature must arise, and liberation from beginningless wandering must be attained:
“For one bitten by the serpent of worldly existence and deprived of all power to act, there is one medicine alone. Hearing the Vaisnava mantra ‘Krsna,’ a person becomes liberated.”
Original
Hindi
वे सरल-मति बालक कभी सोच ही नहीं सकते कि ऐसे सत्य सिद्धान्तोंका संकेत भी उनके कन्हैया भैयाके इन्हीं शब्दोंमें भरा है। उनके अन्तस्तलमें तो निरन्तर विशुद्ध सख्यभावका अनन्त पारावारविहीन सागर हिलोरें ले रहा है। उनकी प्रत्येक चेष्टाकी ओटसे, उनके अणु-अणुसे इस सागरकी लहरें ही निर्झर बनकर झरती रहती हैं, क्षण-क्षणमें एक-से-एक सुन्दर स्रोत बहता रहता है। कदाचित् अवसर विशेषपर-जैसे अभी-अभी कुछ क्षण पूर्व हो चुका है-किसी अचिन्त्य प्रेरणावश उनके मानस-तलमें उनके सखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके अमित ऐश्वर्यका यत्किञ्चित् स्फुरण हुआ भी, ऐश्वर्य-भावोंकी बूँदें बाहर आयीं भी तो उनके टिकनेका स्थान नहीं; क्योंकि देखते-देखते ही, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी ओर उनकी दृष्टि पड़ते ही एक नवीन झोंका आया, विशुद्ध सख्यभावकी अतिशय प्रबल लहर बाहर आयी और उसने विजातीय ऐश्वर्यके भावोंको न जाने कहाँ-से-कहाँ अत्यन्त दूर फेंक दिया। इसीलिये गोपशिशुने तो सचमुच यही समझा कि उनके कन्हैया भैया विषकी अद्भुत महौषधि जानते हैं, उसीके प्रभावसे अघासुरका सिर फट गया। इस भावनाने उनके रोम-रोमको प्रफुल्लित कर दिया। वे सब आनन्दमें भरकर, एक-दूसरेको हृदयसे लगाकर कहने लगे-
English translation
Those simple-hearted boys could never think that their Kanhaiya Bhaiya's words contain even an indication of such true principles. Within the depths of their beings, the endless, shoreless ocean of pure friendship constantly surges. From behind their every action and from every particle of their existence, only the waves of this ocean pour down like cascades, each moment sending forth a current more beautiful than the last. Perhaps on some special occasion, as happened just a few moments ago, by an inconceivable inspiration a slight awareness of their friend Sri Krsnacandra's immeasurable majesty flashes upon their minds. Yet even if drops of majestic feeling emerge, there is no place for them to remain. In the blink of an eye, as soon as their gaze falls upon Sri Krsnacandra, a fresh gust arrives. An overwhelmingly powerful wave of pure friendship rises and casts those foreign feelings of majesty immeasurably far away. Thus the cowherd boys truly understand only that Kanhaiya Bhaiya knows a wondrous supreme medicine for poison and that its power caused Aghasura's head to burst. This thought makes every hair on their bodies blossom with joy. Filled with bliss and clasping one another to their hearts, they say:
Original
Sanskrit and Hindi
भो भो भ्रातरस्तदैव दैवज्ञा इव वयमवोचाम बकमिवामुमयं निहनिष्यतीति। (श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
“अरे भैयाओ! हमलोगोंने तो ज्योतिषीकी भाँति तभी-पहलेसे ही कह दिया था कि यह इसे वकासुरकी तरह मार डालेगा।”
English translation
“Brothers! Like astrologers, we said at that very time that He would kill this one just as He killed Baka.” (Sri Ananda-vrndavana-campu)
“Brothers! Like astrologers, we predicted from the very beginning that Kanhaiya would kill him just as He killed Bakasura.”
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
अस्तु, अब यहाँसे आगे कलिन्दनन्दिनीका निर्मल प्रवाह दीखने लग जाता है। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र गोवत्स एवं सखामण्डलीको साथ लिये पुलिनकी सीमामें आ पहुँचे हैं। आते ही एक अप्रतिम उत्साहकी लहर उनके नित्य-नवसुन्दर मुखचन्द्रको अलंकृत करने लगती है और वे सखाओंके सामने अपने अग्रिम कार्यक्रमका प्रस्ताव रखने चलते हैं-
सरित्पुलिनमानीय भगवानिदमब्रवीत्। (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।४)
संग सखा बच्छा लिएँ, पहुँचे जमुना कूल। देखत बन-सोभा घनी, खेलत तन मन फूल॥
English translation
From this point onward, the pure current of Kalinda's daughter, the Yamuna, comes into view. Accompanied by the calves and His circle of friends, Sri Krsnacandra reaches the edge of the riverbank. The moment He arrives, a wave of incomparable enthusiasm adorns His ever-fresh and beautiful moonlike face, and He prepares to propose their next activity to His friends:
“Bringing them to the riverbank, Bhagavan spoke these words.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.4)
With friends and calves beside Him, He reached the Yamuna's shore. Beholding the forest's abundant beauty, they played as body and mind blossomed.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
यमुनापुलिनकी शोभाकी ओर अपने सखाओंका ध्यान आकर्षित करते हुए श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र कहने लग जाते हैं-“अहा! भैयाओ! देखो तो सही, यह पुलिन कितना मनोरम है! हमलोगोंकी स्वच्छन्द क्रीड़ाके उपयुक्त सभी वस्तुएँ यहाँ प्रस्तुत हैं। अरे, देखो, मध्यमें कर्पूरधवल बालुका-राशिका आस्तरण बिछ रहा है और उधर स्थान-स्थानपर वर्षावारिसे परिपूर्ण जलाशय अपने वक्षःस्थलको प्रस्फुटित पद्मसमूहोंसे आच्छादित कर हँस-से रहे हैं। इतना ही नहीं-देखो, देखो, आनन्दपूरित हृदयसे ये सरोवर मानो संगीतका स्वर उठा रहे हों। सरोज-कुसुमोंके परिमलसे सुवासित वायुका स्पर्श पाकर राशि-राशि भ्रमरावलियाँ आकृष्ट हो गयी हैं, गुंजार कर रही हैं। यह अलिगुञ्जन, यह स्वरलहरी ही तो है! जलाशयके सुवाससे खिंचकर आये हुए अगणित विहंगमोंका दल कितने मधुर कण्ठसे कूजन कर रहा है! यह भी इनका संगीत ही तो है और फिर देखो, पुलिनको आवृत-सा किये नव-पत्र-मण्डित, फल-पुष्पभारसे अवनत हुई सघन तरुश्रेणीकी शोभा! भ्रमर-झंकारसे, पक्षियोंके सुमधुर कलरवसे प्रतिनादित यह श्रेणीबद्ध वृक्षावली मानो हमारा आह्वान कर रही है-नहीं-नहीं, अपने गृहपर आये अतिथियोंका अभिनन्दन कर रही है। भैयाओ! सचमुच सभी दृष्टियोंसे यह पुलिनभूमि अत्यन्त रमणीय है!”
अहोऽतिरम्यं पुलिनं वयस्याः स्वकेलिसम्पन्मृदुलाच्छवालुकम्। स्फुटत्सरोगन्धहृतालिपत्रिक- ध्वनिप्रतिध्वानलसद्द्रुमाकुलम्॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।५)
English translation
Drawing His friends' attention to the beauty of the Yamuna's bank, Sri Krsnacandra begins to say, “Ah, brothers! Just see how enchanting this riverbank is. Everything suited to our free play is present here. Look! In the middle lies a carpet of camphor-white sand, while here and there pools filled by the rains seem to smile, their breasts covered with clusters of fully blossomed lotuses. And that is not all. Look, look! With hearts full of joy, these pools seem to raise the notes of music. Masses of bees have been attracted by the breeze fragrant with the perfume of lotus flowers and now hum all around. This buzzing of bees is itself a melody. How sweetly the countless birds drawn by the fragrance of the pools are singing! That too is their music. And now behold the beauty of the dense rows of trees that seem to surround the bank, adorned with fresh leaves and bent beneath their burden of fruits and flowers. Resounding with the humming of bees and the sweet calls of birds, this ordered grove seems to invite us. No, it is welcoming guests who have come to its home. Brothers, this riverbank is truly delightful in every respect!”
“Friends, how exceedingly charming is this riverbank, with its soft, clean sand that supplies every pleasure for our play. It is crowded with splendid trees echoing the sounds of bees and birds drawn by the fragrance of blooming lotuses.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.5)
Original
Braj
अहो सखा! यह पुलिन सुहावन। अति रमनीय, सुखद अरु पावन॥ स्वच्छ बालुका, बिसद तलावा। सुभग बारि मुनि-मनहि चोरावा॥ बिकसे कंज पुंज अलि श्रेनी। कूजहिं द्विज सब श्रुति सुख देनी॥ ता करि बसीभूत नभ गामी। बोलत प्रतिधुनि रुचि हिय कामी॥ ता धुनि तैं तरु सोभित भारी। सीतल छाँह पथिक-मन-हारी॥ × × × कालिंदी कें रही है तट छहरि छटा नीर कल्लोल ही की। फूली-फूली महा है बह पुलिन लसै मालती चारु नीकी॥ दौरैं-दौरैं भ्रमैं औ मधुप मधु-रसी गुंज गुंजार साजैं। सीरी-सीरी चलै है पवन परसती माकरंदै बिराजै॥ झुमड़े द्रुम अभिरे लतनि, भरे कुसुम के भार। देखौ सिसु मम मित्र हो, यह बन सुख कौ सार॥
English translation
Ah, friend! This riverbank is lovely, most delightful, joyful, and pure. Its sand is clean and its pools are clear, their beautiful water stealing even sages' minds. Clusters of lotuses bloom and rows of bees gather, while all the birds sing sounds pleasing to the ear. The sky-farers, brought under their spell, call out as echoes awaken the heart's delight. By that sound the trees shine magnificently, their cooling shade captivating travelers' minds. ... Upon Kalindi's bank spreads the beauty of billowing water. The broad shore blossoms richly, and lovely malati flowers shine. Nectar-loving bees dart and wander, arranging their humming song. A gentle, gentle breeze moves, touching the fragrant nectar. Trees cluster thick with encircling vines, laden with flowers' weight. Look, O children, My friends! This forest is the very essence of happiness.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
इस प्रकार श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने मध्याह्न-भोजनका प्रस्ताव रखनेकी भूमिका बनायी। राजभोगके सभी उपकरण यहाँ इस सरित्पुलिनपर एक ही साथ प्राप्त जो हो गये। कालिन्दीका, सरोवरका निर्मल, सुरभित, शीतल जल, तीरदेशकी सघन वृक्षच्छाया, भोजनपात्रके लिये सरोवरके असंख्य पद्मपत्र, भोजनकालीन धूपसौरभके स्थानपर सुस्निग्ध पद्मगन्ध, उस समय मनोरञ्जनके लिये आयोजित संगीतके स्थानपर भ्रमरगुञ्जन, विहंग-कूजन, शीतल-मन्द-सुगन्ध पवनका व्यजन (पंखा)-इतनी सामग्री पुलिनने दे दी। और चाहिये ही क्या-
स्फुटत्सरोगन्धेति भोजनापेक्ष्यं धूपवत्सौगन्ध्यम् ... तथा गीतमिव भ्रमरादिध्वनिविलासो भोजनपात्रं च पद्मपत्रादिकं सुवासितशीतलाच्छजलं च शरत्तापनिवारणाय घनवृक्षच्छाया चेति सुखभोजनसामग्री दर्शिता ...। (श्रीवैष्णवतोषिणी)
English translation
In this way Sri Krsnacandra prepares the introduction to His proposal for the midday meal. All the provisions for a royal feast have been obtained together here upon the riverbank: the Yamuna's and pools' pure, fragrant, cool water; the dense shade of trees along the shore; countless lotus leaves from the pools to serve as plates; smooth lotus fragrance in place of incense at mealtime; the humming of bees and calls of birds in place of music arranged for entertainment; and the fan of a cool, gentle, fragrant breeze. The riverbank has supplied so much. What more could be needed?
“The phrase ‘the fragrance of blooming lotuses’ indicates a perfume like incense suitable for the meal ... the play of sounds from bees and others is like song; lotus leaves and the like serve as plates; there is fragrant, cool, clear water; and dense tree shade wards off the autumn heat. Thus all the provisions for a delightful meal are shown...” (Sri Vaisnava-tosani)
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
अस्तु, व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनने अब बात स्पष्ट कर देनी चाही। प्रत्येक गोपशिशुके नेत्रोंसे उनके नेत्र जा मिले और फिर मधुस्रावी कण्ठसे वे बोले-“भैयाओ! अब तो हमलोग यहीं भोजन कर लें; क्योंकि भोजनवेला अतीतप्राय हो चुकी है। इतना अधिक विलम्ब हो चुका है। साथ ही क्षुधासे भी हमलोग पीड़ित हो रहे हैं। यहाँ सब प्रकारकी सुविधा है। सामने रही यमुनाकी जलधारा। यहाँ तो गोवत्स जलपान कर लें और फिर देखो, अत्यन्त समीपमें ही है यह हरिततृणपूर्ण सुविस्तृत भूमि। अहा, सुकोमल श्यामल तृणोंकी लहर-सी उठ रही है। जल पिलाकर वहीं गोवत्सोंको छोड़ दो। वे इस तृणभूमिपर धीरे-धीरे विचरण करें।”
अत्र भोक्तव्यमस्माभिर्दिवा रूढं क्षुधार्दिताः। वत्साः समीपेऽपः पीत्वा चरन्तु शनकैस्तृणम्॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।६)
अहो सखा! सब मिलि एहि ठामा। भोजन करहु बैठि सुखधामा॥ भइ बड़ि बेर, काल चलि गएऊ। छुधा-तृषा बाधित सब भएऊ॥ बछरन प्या नीर सुठि नीकौ। निकट चरहिं तृन भावत जीकौ॥
English translation
Vrajendra's son now wishes to state the matter plainly. His eyes meet the eyes of every cowherd boy, and then He speaks in a voice dripping honey: “Brothers! Let us eat right here now, for the mealtime has nearly passed. It has grown very late, and we are suffering from hunger. Every convenience is present here. The Yamuna's current flows before us, so let the calves drink water here. Then look, very near us is this broad land full of green grass. Ah, waves of soft, dark-green grass are rising. After giving the calves water, leave them there and let them wander slowly over this grassy ground.”
“We should eat here, for the day has advanced and we are afflicted by hunger. Let the calves drink water nearby and then slowly graze upon the grass.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.6)
O friends! Gather and sit in this abode of happiness to eat. It has grown very late and the time has passed; hunger and thirst trouble us all. Give the calves this excellent water to drink, then let them graze nearby on grass pleasing to their hearts.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी इच्छा ही गोपशिशुओंकी इच्छा जो ठहरी। और फिर आज तो अतिकाल हो चुका है। अतः प्रस्तावका परम उल्लासपूर्ण समर्थन हो, इसमें तो कहना ही क्या है! बस, दूसरे ही क्षण “हीओ-हीओ” नादसे पुलिन मुखरित होने लगता है। असंख्य गोवत्स यमुनाप्रवाहके समीप हाँक दिये जाते हैं तथा जिस समय पङ्क्तिबद्ध होकर वे जल पीने लगते हैं, उस समयकी शोभा देखने ही योग्य है। मानो मन्दाकिनी रविनन्दिनीसे संगमित हो गयी हों। जो हो, बालक उन्हें जलसे पूर्णतया आप्यायितकर पूर्वनिर्दिष्ट स्थानपर, उसी हरित तृणभूमिपर ले जाते हैं; वहाँ उनकी रक्षाकी ऐसी व्यवस्था कर देते हैं कि वे भाग न सकें। जब इतना हो जाता है तब सभी शिशु अपने-अपने छीकोंको खोलते हैं तथा अतिशय आनन्दमें भरकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके साथ भोजन करने चलते हैं-
तथेति पाययित्वार्भा वत्सानारुध्य शाद्वले। मुक्त्वा शिक्यानि बुभुजुः समं भगवता मुदा॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।७)
सखन प्या बछरन कौं नीरा। हरित सुभग तृन जमुना-तीरा॥ तहाँ चरन बछरा जब लागे। तब सब मिलि भोजन अनुरागे॥
English translation
Sri Krsnacandra's desire is the cowherd boys' desire, and today it has grown very late. Needless to say, they support His proposal with supreme delight. The very next moment, the bank resounds with calls of “Hiyo! Hiyo!” Countless calves are driven near the Yamuna's current, and when they form rows and begin drinking, the beauty of the scene must be seen. It is as though the celestial Mandakini has united with the daughter of the sun. The boys fully satisfy the calves with water, then lead them to the appointed place upon that same green meadow. There they arrange things so the calves cannot stray away. Once this is done, all the children open their lunch bags and, filled with immense joy, prepare to eat with Sri Krsnacandra:
“Agreeing, the boys gave the calves water, confined them upon the grassy ground, opened their lunch bags, and joyfully ate together with Bhagavan.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.7)
The friends gave water to the calves beside the Yamuna's lovely green grass. When the calves began grazing there, they all gathered lovingly for their meal.
Original
Hindi
मानो पद्मका एक प्रफुल्ल बीजकोश हो, इस बीजकोशके चारों ओर मण्डलाकार श्रेणीबद्ध पद्मदल हों-इस प्रकार अपने सखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको वेष्टितकर गोपशिशुओंने आसन ग्रहण किया। पहले श्रीदाम, सुबल आदि शिशुओंकी एक पङ्क्ति अपने सखाको घेरकर बैठ जाती है। इसके अनन्तर अपेक्षाकृत बृहत् दूसरी पङ्क्ति पहलीको ही घेर लेती है। तीसरी पङ्क्ति दूसरीकी अपेक्षा भी बृहत्तर होती है और पूर्वकी भाँति वह दूसरीको आवृत कर लेती है। चौथी तीसरे दलसे बड़ी, पाँचवीं चौथेसे अधिक बृहत्-इस क्रमसे असंख्य गोपशिशुओंने असंख्य मण्डलाकार पङ्क्तियोंकी रचना कर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको वेष्टित करते हुए अपने-अपने आसन लगाये। शिशुओंकी वेश-भूषा भी संयोगसे ऐसी है मानो सचमुच विभिन्न वर्णकी पद्मदलराशि ही एकत्र हो गयी हो। व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनको आवृत करनेवाली प्रथम पङ्क्ति पीतवर्णकी हो गयी। द्वितीयकी आभा रक्तवर्ण-सी हुई। तृतीयने श्यामवर्णकी शोभा धारण की तथा चतुर्थ पङ्क्तिसे हरिद्वर्णकी आभा प्रसरित हो उठी। इस क्रमसे असंख्य पङ्क्तियोंका एक निराला सौन्दर्य वाग्वादिनीके लिये भी अवर्णनीय बन गया।
English translation
Like a blossoming lotus seedpod surrounded by orderly circles of petals, the cowherd boys sit down encircling their friend Sri Krsnacandra. First one row of children such as Sridama and Subala sits around their friend. Then a second, larger row surrounds the first. A third row, larger still than the second, encircles it in the same manner. The fourth is larger than the third, the fifth larger than the fourth, and in this way countless cowherd boys form countless circular rows, surround Sri Krsnacandra, and take their seats. By chance, the children's clothing makes them resemble an actual gathering of lotus petals in many colors. The first row surrounding Vrajendra's son appears yellow. The second glows red. The third assumes dark-blue beauty, while the fourth radiates a green hue. Thus the unique beauty of the countless rows becomes indescribable even for the goddess of speech.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
प्रत्येक शिशुका मुख भी अपने प्राणोंके प्राण कन्हैया भैयाकी ओर ही है तथा प्राकृत दृष्टिसे महान् आश्चर्य-किंतु अनन्तैश्वर्यनिकेतन स्वयं भगवान् श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके चारु चरणोंमें प्रणत, उनकी नखचन्द्रिकासे आलोकित नेत्रोंके लिये सर्वथा सम्भव-घटना यह है कि व्रजराजनन्दनका मुख भी प्रत्येक शिशुकी ओर ही है। प्रत्येकको ही यह अभ्रान्त अनुभूति है-“मेरा कन्हैया भैया सर्वथा मेरी ओर ही दृष्टि किये, स्नेह-सौहार्दकी अजस्र धारा बहाते हुए अवस्थित है।” ऐसी अवस्थामें उनके आनन्दकी थाह कौन पाये? बस, इतना ही कहना सम्भव है-उत्फुल्लनेत्र हुए वे असंख्य गोपशिशु अपने कोटिप्राणप्रतिम सखाको निहार रहे हैं एवं उनके सखाकी दृष्टि भी एकमात्र उन्हींकी ओर केन्द्रित हो रही है। जो हो, इस प्रकार असंख्य सखाओंसे परिवेष्टित होकर भोजनके लिये आसन ग्रहण किये हुए श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र यमुनापुलिनके उस वनमें विराजित हो रहे हैं-
कृष्णस्य विष्वक् पुरुराजिमण्डलै- रभ्याननाः फुल्लदृशो व्रजार्भकाः। सहोपविष्टा विपिने विरेजु- श्छदा यथाम्भोरुहकर्णिकायाः॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।८)
बैठे जो बीच कृपाल, सुंदर सखा चहुँ दिसि भ्राजहीं। कमल मध्य सुकर्निका सुभ पत्र चहुँ दिसि छाजहीं॥ × × × पङ्क्ति करि बैठे ब्रजबाल, मध्य बने तहँ मोहनलाल। सोहत सब तैं सन्मुख ऐसें, कमलके बीच कर्णिका जैसें॥ चहुँ दिसि बाल-मंडली बैसी, नखत बिसाखा होति है जैसी। तिनि मधि स्याम सुभग सोहत यों, राकानिसि राकेस लसै ज्यों॥ × × × जनु चहुँ दिसि मुक्तामनि रचीं, मधि गुपाल मरकत मनि खची। रबिजा कर मुद्रिका दिखाई, यह ताकौं जगमगत जराई॥
English translation
Every child's face is turned toward Kanhaiya Bhaiya, the life of their lives. What is an immense wonder from a material viewpoint is entirely possible to eyes bowed at the charming feet of Bhagavan Sri Krsnacandra, the abode of infinite majesty, and illumined by the moonlight of His toenails: the face of Vraja's prince is also turned toward every single child. Each one has the unerring experience, “My Kanhaiya Bhaiya is looking entirely at me, pouring forth an unbroken stream of affection and friendship.” Who can fathom their bliss in such a state? One can say only this: those countless cowherd boys, their eyes blossoming, behold their friend worth millions of lives, while their friend's gaze is centered upon each of them alone. Thus surrounded by countless friends and seated for the meal, Sri Krsnacandra shines in that forest upon the Yamuna's bank:
“Facing Krsna on every side in many circular rows, the cowherd boys of Vraja sat with blossoming eyes and shone in the forest like petals around the seedpod of a lotus.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.8)
The merciful One sits in the center, with lovely friends shining on every side, like a beautiful seedpod within a lotus, surrounded on every side by lovely petals. ... The boys of Vraja sit in rows, with captivating Mohanalala in their midst. He faces and shines before them all like the seedpod within a lotus. The circle of boys sits on every side like the stars of Visakha, and Syama shines beautifully among them like the full moon on a full-moon night. ... It is as though pearls are arranged on every side, with Gopala set in the center like an emerald. The daughter of the sun displays this ring upon her hand, making it sparkle brilliantly.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
आज सखाओंके भोजनपात्र भी निराले ही हैं। कतिपय शिशुओंने सुन्दर सौरभशाली कुसुमोंके दल एकत्र किये और उन्हींको एक साथ संघटितकर अपने लिये भोजनपात्रका निर्माण किया है। कुछने पद्मपत्र आदिको लेकर अपने थालकी रचना की है। एक समुदायने वृक्षके सुकोमल पत्रोंको जोड़कर पात्र बनाये हैं। एक वर्गने पल्लवके अग्रभागमें स्थित सुकोमल अङ्कुरोंको एकत्रकर उनसे पात्र प्रस्तुत कर लिये हैं। एक दलने विभिन्न फलोंके द्वारा फलोंको ही परस्पर जोड़कर पात्रका रूप दे दिया है। कुछ शिशुओंने वृक्षोंके मूल अंशोंको लेकर उन्हें संनद्ध करते हुए भोजन-थाल बनाये हैं। कितनोंने भोजपत्र आदि वृक्षवल्कलोंको लेकर अपनी थाली बनायी है। एक शिशुसमूहने तो सुचिक्कण विविध-वर्ण प्रक्षालित प्रस्तरखण्डोंको ही उठाकर अपने सामने पात्रके रूपमें रख लिया है। इस भाँति अपनी-अपनी रुचिके अनुसार सबने अपने लिये भोजनपात्रकी योजना की है और सखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके साथ भोजन करने चले हैं-
केचित् पुष्पैर्दलैः केचित् पल्लवैरङ्कुरैः फलैः। शिग्भिस्त्वग्भिर्दृषद्भिश्च बुभुजुः कृतभाजनाः॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।९)
कोउक पुष्प कोउ तासु दल, कोउक पत्र फल माहिं। भाजन करि जेवन लगे अपर उपल चित चाहिं॥ × × × भाजन बिबिध गुवालन बने, फल दल सिल बलकल अति घने।
English translation
Today the friends' plates are extraordinary too. Some children gather petals from lovely fragrant flowers and join them together to make plates. Others fashion their dishes from lotus leaves and similar things. One group joins tender leaves from trees to form vessels, while another gathers soft shoots from the tips of fresh foliage and makes plates from them. One party joins various fruits together to give the fruits themselves the form of vessels. Some children take root sections of trees and bind them into dinner plates. Others make their dishes from birch bark and other tree coverings. One group simply picks up smooth, washed stones of various colors and sets them before themselves as plates. In this way, each according to his taste, they devise their dining vessels and prepare to eat with their friend Sri Krsnacandra:
“Some made plates from flowers and petals, others from leaves, shoots, or fruits, and still others from roots, bark, or stones, and then they ate.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.9)
Some used flowers, some their petals, and others leaves or fruits. Still others chose stones as plates and began to eat. ... The cowherd boys made many kinds of plates from fruits, leaves, stones, and abundant bark.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
अब भोजन-सामग्री वितरण होनेकी क्रिया आरम्भ होने चली। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका चिरपरिचित अमृतस्यन्दी स्वर पुनः गूँज उठा-
भो भो भो भो उज्ज्वलनिष्का निष्कासयत भक्ष्यसामग्रीमग्रीयामिति। (श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
“अहो, समुज्ज्वल पदक धारण करनेवाले मेरे बन्धुगणो! उत्तमोत्तम खाद्यसामग्री छीकोंसे निकालो तो सही!”
English translation
The distribution of the food is now about to begin. Sri Krsnacandra's familiar, nectar-pouring voice resounds once again:
“Ho, ho, ho, ho! You who wear brilliant medallions, bring out the finest food from your lunch bags!” (Sri Ananda-vrndavana-campu)
“Ah, My friends adorned with radiant medallions! Bring out the very finest foods from your hanging lunch bags!”
Original
Hindi
बस, इस सुधापूरित आदेश, नहीं-नहीं याचनाकी ही तो देर थी। सबने अपनी सर्वोत्तम वस्तुएँ अपने कन्हैया भैयाके सामने लाकर रख दीं और क्षण भी नहीं लगा, कन्हैया भैयाके छीकेकी सर्वश्रेष्ठ खाद्य-सामग्री प्रत्येक गोपसखाकी थालीमें आ गयी। प्रत्येकका प्रत्यक्ष अनुभव है-“कन्हैया भैयाके सबसे अधिक निकट मैं बैठा हूँ, बिलकुल सामने बैठा हूँ, मैंने अपने छीकेकी भेंट समर्पित की और कन्हैयाने अपना सर्वोत्तम, सबसे अधिक प्रिय पदार्थ मेरे आगे रख दिया। यह देखो! अहा, औरोंने भी वस्तुएँ लाकर कन्हैया भैयाको दीं अवश्य, पर इसने होठोंपर रखी सबसे प्रथम मेरी दी हुई वस्तु!” इस अनिर्वचनीय सुखसिन्धुमें निमग्न होकर ही भोजन प्रारम्भ हुआ।
English translation
All that was needed was this nectar-filled command, or rather, this request. Everyone brings his very best things and places them before Kanhaiya Bhaiya. In no time at all, the finest foods from Kanhaiya Bhaiya's lunch bag arrive upon every cowherd friend's plate. Each one directly experiences, “I am sitting closest to Kanhaiya Bhaiya, right in front of Him. I offered Him the gift from my lunch bag, and Kanhaiya placed His very best and most beloved food before me. Look! Ah, the others certainly brought things and gave them to Kanhaiya Bhaiya too, but the very first thing He placed upon His lips was the one I gave Him!” Immersed in this indescribable ocean of happiness, they begin their meal.
Original
Hindi
फिर समयोचित लहरें भी उठेंगी ही। सखाओंके साथ श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका समयोचित मधुरातिमधुर कौतुक भी चल ही पड़ा। कौन-सी वस्तु किसे अच्छी लग रही है, कौन-सा मिष्टान्न अतिशय सुस्वादु है, कौन-सा अच्छा नहीं लगा-इसे अपनी मुखभङ्गिमासे, नेत्र एवं होठोंके संचालनसे एक-दूसरेको बता देनेका खेल सर्वप्रथम हुआ। इसके अनन्तर आज जिसे जो वस्तु सबसे अधिक प्रिय लग रही है, उसे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके मुखमें तथा जो मोदक, पिष्टक, व्यञ्जन, दाल आदि वस्तुएँ नीलसुन्दरको रुचिकर-स्वादिष्ट लगीं, उन्हें सखाओंके होठोंपर रख देनेकी दूसरी क्रीड़ा हुई और फिर विनोद आरम्भ हो गया। किसीने मिष्टान्नके भीतर निम्बपत्रोंका चूर्ण भरकर उसे ऊपरसे ढककर अन्यके मुखमें रख दिया। किसीने अतिशय सुस्वादु व्यञ्जनमें बहुत अधिक नमक मिश्रितकर, उसकी अतिशय प्रशंसा करते हुए उसे एकके मुखमें डाल दिया और जब निम्बकी तिक्ततासे, अत्यधिक लवणके खारेपनसे वे शिशु मुख बिझुकाने लगे, तब सारी मण्डली आनन्दविभोर होकर हँसने लग गयी। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी ओरसे भी एक-से-एक सुन्दर कौशलपूर्ण विनोद हुए तथा उनके प्रिय सखाओंने भी ठीक उतने ही सुन्दर, उसी जातिके विनोदपूर्ण प्रत्युत्तर दे डाले। शिशुसुलभ, अतिशय विशुद्ध, पर अत्यन्त चातुर्यपूर्ण ऐसे-ऐसे आदर्श विनोद हुए कि श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र एवं गोपसखा परस्पर हँसते-हँसाते लोट-पोट होने लग गये।
English translation
Naturally, waves suited to the occasion now arise, and Sri Krsnacandra's sweetest merriment with His friends begins. First comes a game in which they tell one another, through facial expressions and movements of their eyes and lips, which items they like, which sweetmeat is especially delicious, and which one displeases them. Next, each boy places whatever he likes best that day into Sri Krsnacandra's mouth, while the dark beauty places upon His friends' lips whichever sweet balls, cakes, vegetable dishes, dals, and other foods He finds pleasing and tasty. Then the joking begins. One boy fills a sweet with powdered neem leaves, covers it from above, and places it in another's mouth. Someone mixes far too much salt into a very delicious dish, praises it extravagantly, and puts it into another boy's mouth. When the bitterness of neem or the excessive saltiness makes the children grimace, the entire circle laughs in bliss. Sri Krsnacandra performs one beautiful and skillful prank after another, and His beloved friends answer with equally beautiful jokes of the same kind. Their playful exchanges are childlike and utterly pure, yet so clever and exemplary that Sri Krsnacandra and the cowherd boys make one another laugh until they roll upon the ground.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj
कुछ क्षणके लिये विनोदका विराम हुआ; श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने, सखाओंने अपने मुखमें एक-दो ग्रास रखे। इतनेमें किसी एक शिशुने ऐसी नवीन चेष्टा कर दी कि हँसीका प्रवाह फूट पड़ा; समस्त पुलिन उस उन्मुक्त हँसीसे निनादित होने लग गया। इस प्रकार परस्पर हँसते-हँसाते, सुखपूरमें डूबे हुए वे शिशु भोजन करते रहे। उनके सुखकी सीमा नहीं। भला, स्वयं जगन्नियन्ता जगदीश्वर जिनके साथ सखारूपमें नित्य वर्तमान हैं, उनके सुखकी इयत्ता हो ही कैसे सकती है।
सर्वे मिथो दर्शयन्तः स्वस्वभोज्यरुचिं पृथक्। हसन्तो हासयन्तश्चाभ्यवजह्रुः सहेश्वराः॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।१०)
भोजन करती बार, निज-निज ब्यंजन प्रेम जुत। दरसावत रस-सार, हँसत परसपर नाथ मिलि॥ काहुहि टेरि कहत हरि प्यारे। सखा! साक आनहु निज सारे॥ दियौ आनि हरि कर सो भाजन। ग्रास एक पारा बिनु काजन॥ अहो अहो यह अतिसै खारौ। हँसे आपु कहि दालि बिगारौ॥ प्रभु के हँसत हँसे बहु बारा। अहो अहो यह दालि बिगारा॥ एहि बिधि अमित हास्य-रस-लीला। करत भए प्रभु सब गुन सीला॥ × × ×
English translation
The merriment pauses for a few moments, and Sri Krsnacandra and His friends place a morsel or two into their mouths. Just then one child performs a new antic that releases another current of laughter, and the entire riverbank begins resounding with their unrestrained joy. Thus, laughing and making one another laugh, the children continue eating, immersed in a flood of happiness. Their joy has no limit. How could there be any measure to the happiness of those beside whom the Lord of the universe, the controller of all worlds, is eternally present as their friend?
“Showing one another the particular tastes of their respective foods, they ate with the Lord, laughing and making one another laugh.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.10)
While eating, each lovingly showed the essence of flavor in his own dishes, and together with their Lord they laughed among themselves. Calling someone over, beloved Hari said, “Friend, bring your finest vegetable dish!” He brought it and placed the vessel in Hari's hand, who took one morsel without suspicion. “Oh, oh! This is exceedingly salty!” The boy laughed and said he had spoiled the dal. As the Lord laughed, they laughed again and again: “Oh, oh! This dal is ruined!” In this way the Lord, abode of every virtue, performed limitless pastimes in the rasa of laughter. ...
Original
Braj and Hindi
रज्य भक्ष्य तहाँ लेहा कहि, पेय पियत सिसु साथ। गहन पत्रन पर धरें, जेंवत त्रिभुवन नाथ॥
आकाशपथ विमानोंसे पूर्ण हो गया है। इस अभूतपूर्व अप्रतिम-सुन्दर झाँकीके दर्शन फिर हों न हों। देवसमाज अपने स्वाभाविक अपलक नेत्रोंसे ही दर्शन कर रहा है, पर तृप्ति कहाँ। क्षण-क्षणमें प्राणोंकी उत्कण्ठा बढ़ती जा रही है। सर्वयज्ञभोक्ताका यह भोजन-ऐसा वात्सल्यरससम्पुटित स्वच्छन्द भोजनकालीन विहार बार-बार देखनेको मिलता है? साङ्गोपाङ्ग वैदिक विधिविधानोंसे समर्पित किये यज्ञभागका भी जो कभी भोग नहीं लगाता, ऋषियोंको केवल अलक्षित रूपसे उसकी स्वीकृतिमात्रका भान हो पाता है, वे ही सर्वेश्वर महामहेश्वर यज्ञपुरुष आज प्रत्यक्ष सर्वथा प्राकृत शिशुकी भाँति गोपबालकोंके बीच बैठकर, उनकी पङ्क्तिका ही एक सर्वसाधारण सदस्य बनकर भोजन कर रहे हैं।
English translation
Saying, “Take the royal foods here,” the children drink their beverages together. With food placed upon dense leaves, the Lord of the three worlds eats.
The pathways of the sky have filled with celestial aircraft. Who knows whether this unprecedented and incomparably beautiful vision will ever be seen again? The gods behold it with their naturally unblinking eyes, yet where is satisfaction? Their hearts' longing increases at every moment. Is such a meal of the enjoyer of all sacrifices, such free mealtime play enclosed within parental rasa, something one can see again and again? He who never visibly consumes even the sacrificial portion offered with all the detailed rites and regulations of the Vedas, whose mere acceptance the sages can perceive only in an unseen manner, that very Lord of all, great Lord of lords, and Person of sacrifice sits openly today amid the cowherd boys like a completely ordinary child. He eats as merely one common member of their row.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit
असंख्य गोपबालक उन्हें वेष्टित किये बैठे हैं, सुहृद्वर्गको-प्राणप्रिय बन्धुओंको अपने असाधारण परिहासवाक्योंसे हँसाते हुए वे उनका मनोरञ्जन कर रहे हैं। इतना ही नहीं, उन आभीर सखाओंके भोजनपात्रसे द्रव्य उठाकर अपने मुखमें रख लेते हैं, वस्तुके स्वादकी प्रशंसा एवं निन्दा भी करते जा रहे हैं-यहाँतक कि सुस्वादके अभावमें वह वस्तु उसी सखाके शरीरपर उँडेलकर हँसने लग जाते हैं; इतने बाल्यावेशसे वे अभिभूत हो रहे हैं! महामरकत-श्यामल अङ्गोंकी भङ्गिमा भी इस समय अद्भुत ही बन गयी है। उदर एवं परिधेय वस्त्रके मध्यस्थलमें वेणु धारण किये हुए हैं-कछोटीमें वेणुको खोंस लिया है। वाम कक्षमें शृङ्ग एवं वेत्र दबा लिये हैं। वाम करतलमें दधिमिश्रित घृतसिक्त अन्नका एक बृहत् ग्रास शोभित हो रहा है। अङ्गुलि-संधियोंमें बिल्व, जम्बीर, आर्द्रक (अदरक), करील आदि फलोंके टुकड़े दबाये हुए हैं। ऐसे अद्भुत साजसे सज्जित हो रहे हैं। उन महामहिमकी ऐसी विचित्र वेशभूषा! और फिर योगीन्द्र-मुनीन्द्र-मनोहारिणी ऐसी सुन्दरातिसुन्दर बालकेलि! इससे अधिक आश्चर्यकी बात और क्या होगी? ऊपर स्पन्दहीन होकर देववृन्द देखते रह जाते हैं, नीचे ब्रजेन्द्रकुलचन्द्रकी पुलिन-भोजनलीला चलती ही रहती है-
बिभ्रद् वेणुं जठरपटयोः शृङ्गवेत्रे च कक्षे वामे पाणौ मसृणकवलं तत्फलान्यङ्गुलीषु। तिष्ठन् मध्ये स्वपरिसुहृदो हासयन् नर्मभिः स्वैः स्वर्गे लोके मिषति बुभुजे यज्ञभुग् बालकेलिः॥ (श्रीमद्भा० १०।१३।११)
English translation
Countless cowherd boys sit surrounding Him, and He entertains His friends, His companions dearer than life, making them laugh with His extraordinary joking words. More than that, He picks food from the plates of those cowherd friends and places it in His own mouth, praising or criticizing its taste. If an item lacks good flavor, He even pours it over that friend's body and begins laughing, so completely is He overwhelmed by the mood of childhood. The posture of His great emerald-dark limbs is wondrous at this moment. He has placed His flute between His belly and garment, tucked into His waistband. He holds His horn and stick beneath His left arm. A large morsel of rice mixed with yogurt and moistened with ghee shines in His left palm, while pieces of bilva, lime, ginger, karira fruit, and other relishes are held between His fingers. He is adorned in this astonishing manner. What strange attire for that supremely majestic Lord, and what extraordinarily beautiful childhood play, captivating the hearts of the foremost yogis and sages! What could be more astonishing? Above, the gods remain motionless as they watch, while below, the moon of Vrajendra's lineage continues His riverbank meal:
“Holding His flute between His belly and garment, with His horn and stick under His arm, a smooth morsel in His left hand and fruits between His fingers, the enjoyer of sacrifice stood among His own intimate friends, making them laugh with His jokes, and ate in childhood play as the heavenly world looked on.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.11)
Original
Braj and Hindi
अखिल जग्य भोगी श्रुति गावै। पुनि परिपूरन नाम बतावै॥ सो हरि बाल संग इमि आजू। जेंवत सुखप्रद संत-निवाजू॥ देखि स्वर्गबासी कह बानी। अहो कहा हरि कौतुक ठानी॥ उदर पीत पट सुषमा-रासी। ताहि मध्य धरि बेनुबिलासी॥ दोउ भुज-मूल सींग धरि बेंतू। जेंवत जेवन कृपा-निकेतू॥ बाम पानि दधि-ओदन लीन्हें। बेर आदि फल अँगुरिन दीन्हें॥ एहि बिधि भोजन करत प्रभु मध्य बाल भूपाल। सब कहुँ सन्मुख सुमुख सुठि सुहृद संत गोपाल॥
सुरसमुदाय भ्रान्त होने लगता है-
भोजन करत कुँवर साँवरे, छबि लिखि अमर भए बावरे।
English translation
The Vedas sing that He enjoys every sacrifice and again proclaim His name as the Complete One. That same Hari today eats among the boys, giver of joy and gracious patron of saints. Seeing Him, heaven's residents exclaim, “Ah, what a wonder Hari has arranged!” Between His belly and yellow cloth, a treasury of beauty, the playful flutist keeps His flute. Beneath His two arms He holds horn and stick, while the abode of mercy eats His meal. In His left hand He holds yogurt-rice, with berries and other fruits placed between His fingers. In this way the Lord eats amid the princely boys, His lovely face turned toward all, Gopala, friend of the saints.
The host of gods begins to lose all composure:
The dark prince takes His meal, and trying to portray His beauty, the immortals go mad.