Original
Hindi
ब्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके बिम्बारुण अधरोंपर विराजित वेणुकी महामोहन स्वरलहरीसे, गोपशिशुओंके कण्ठसे निस्सृत श्रीकृष्ण-सुयशकी सुमधुर तानसे सम्पूर्ण वन-प्रान्तर मुखरित होने लगता है। वह असंख्य गोराशि भी प्रेमविह्वल हुई क्रमशः आगे बढ़ने लगती है। तथा उनके पीछे सखाओंसे परिवेष्टित हुए बलरामके सहित नीलसुन्दर झूमते हुए चले जा रहे हैं वन-विहारके उद्देश्यसे। रंग-बिरंगे राशि-राशि कुसुम-समूहोंसे समलङ्कृत होकर, साथ ही गोसंचारणके सर्वथा उपयुक्त बनकर वृन्दाकानन भी उनके स्वागतके लिये प्रस्तुत है। द्रुमवल्लरियोंके अगणित तोरण निर्माणकर एकमात्र उनकी ही प्रतीक्षा कर रहा है वह, और यह लो, वृन्दावनेश्वर भी उसका अभिनन्दन स्वीकार करने आ ही तो पहुँचे।
English translation
The deeply enchanting melody of the flute resting upon Vrajendra's son's bimba-red lips, together with the sweet song of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's glory flowing from the cowherd boys' throats, made the whole forest resound. The countless cows, overwhelmed with love, gradually moved ahead. Behind them Nīlasundara, accompanied by Balarāma and surrounded by His friends, walked with a graceful sway, intent upon enjoying the forest. Adorned with masses of many-colored flowers and made perfectly suitable for grazing the cows, the groves of Vṛndāvana stood ready to welcome Him. Fashioning innumerable arches from trees and vines, the forest waited for Him alone. And now the Lord of Vṛndāvana had arrived to accept its welcome.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.2
तन्माधवो वेणुमुदीरयन् वृतो गोपैर्गृणद्भिः स्वयशो बलान्वितः। पशून् पुरस्कृत्य पशव्यमाविशद् विहर्तुकामः कुसुमाकरं वनम्॥
English translation
Mādhava played His flute as cowherd boys surrounded Him and sang His glories. Accompanied by Balarāma and placing the cows before Him, He entered the flowering forest, a pasture fit for the animals, desiring to enjoy there.
Original
Braj
बलजुत बेनु बजाय सुहावन। निज गौ गनत गोप सब पावन॥ आगे करि गोधन सब ही के। बन प्रबेस किय भावत जी कें॥ कुसुमाकर बन सुषमा धामू। तहाँ गए प्रभु बिहरन कामू॥
English translation
Together with Balarāma, He played His beautiful flute while the pure cowherd boys counted their cows. Placing all the herds ahead, He entered the forest that delighted His heart. That flowering woodland was the abode of beauty, and the Lord went there desiring to play.
Original
Hindi
वनके राजा पधारे हैं। काननने अपने कोशकी अपरिसीम सम्पदा चरणसरोजोंमें समर्पित कर दी, अपने अधिकृत समस्त चर-अचरको साथ लिये वह स्वयं ही न्योछावर हो गया। रसमत्त भ्रमरोंकी मधुर गुञ्जार, मृग एवं विहंगमोंका अव्यक्त सुमधुर रव, भगवद्भक्तके निराविल मानसतलके समान स्वच्छ शीतल सुमिष्ट जलसे पूर्ण सरोवरोंका सान्निध्य, उनपर 'झुर-झुर' करते हुए प्रवाहित, शीतल पद्मगन्ध-वासित मन्द समीरका आकर्षण, काननने एक साथ समस्त उपकरण सामने रख दिये। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने भी उस ओर मनोनिवेश किया। उस मञ्जुघोषसे उनके कर्णपुट पूरित हो उठे। सुखद अनिलने उनके श्रीअङ्गोंका स्पर्श पा लिया। सरोवरके स्वच्छ सलिलकी मधुरिमा उनकी रसनासे जा मिली। विकसित पद्मोंकी शोभा नेत्रकोणोंमें समा गयी। नानाविध कुसुमोंका सुवास उनकी प्राणेन्द्रियमें सञ्चित हो उठा। सचमुच उनके कर्ण, त्वक्, रसना, दृगञ्चल एवं नासापुटोंका आनन्द-संवर्धन करनेके लिये ही तो अरण्यने यह समस्त सामग्री एकत्र की है और इसलिये श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र, वनके देवताने भी इस प्रेमभरित भेंटको स्वीकार कर लिया, वनकी सेवा स्वीकृत हो गयी। वृन्दावनेश्वर सोचने लगे, 'बस, आज यहीं विहार हो।'
English translation
The king of the forest had arrived. The woodland offered the boundless wealth of its treasury at His lotus feet and surrendered itself together with every moving and unmoving being under its care. It presented all its offerings at once: the sweet humming of bees intoxicated with nectar, the soft and inarticulate calls of deer and birds, the nearness of lakes filled with clear, cool, delicious water like the spotless mind of a devotee, and the attraction of a gentle breeze flowing over them with a soft rustle, cool and fragrant with lotuses.
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra turned His attention toward them. The lovely sounds filled His ears. The pleasant breeze touched His divine limbs. The sweetness of the lake's clear water reached His tongue. The beauty of the blooming lotuses entered the corners of His eyes, and the fragrance of many flowers filled His sense of smell. The forest had gathered all these things specifically to increase the delight of His ears, skin, tongue, eyes, and nostrils. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the deity of the forest, accepted this love-filled offering, and the forest's service was received. The Lord of Vṛndāvana thought, "Today We shall play here."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.3
तन्मञ्जुघोषालिमृगद्विजाकुलं महन्मनःप्रख्यपयःसरस्वता। वातेन जुष्टं शतपत्रगन्धिना निरीक्ष्य रन्तुं भगवान् मनो दधे॥
English translation
Seeing that forest filled with the lovely sounds of bees, deer, and birds, graced by lakes whose pure water resembled the minds of great souls, and served by a breeze fragrant with lotuses, Bhagavān resolved to enjoy there.
Original
Braj
मंजु घोष अलि द्विज बहु जाती। मृग, बराहगन नाना भाँती॥ सर सुंदर जल अति गंभीरा। त्रिविध पवन, सौरभ पुनि नीरा॥ स्वच्छ स्वादु जनु सुधा समाना। बिसद संतमन सरिस बखाना॥ देखि विपिन सुंदर सर सोभा। रमन हेतु प्रभु कौ मन लोभा॥ बृंदाबन छबि कहत बनें न। भूलि रहँ जहँ हरि के नैन॥ जामें संतत बसत बसंत। प्रफुलित नाना कुसुम अनंत॥ कंटक द्रुम एकौ नहिं जही। चिदाभास भासत सब तहाँ॥ चलत जु नहिं लीलारस-रले। मति हरि आवैं इत ही चले॥ रटत बिहंगम रंगन भरे। बात कहत जनु द्रुम रस ढरे॥ कोकिल कूजति इमि छबि पावति। जनु मधु-बधू सुमंगल गावति॥ कुसुम धूरि धूँधी सुकुंज। गुंज मंजु घोष अलि-पुंज॥ सुंदर सर निर्मल जल ऐसें। संत जनन के मानस जैसें॥ तिन मधि अमल कमल अस लसे। जनु आनंद भरे सर हँसे॥ जल पर परी पराग जु सोहै। अबिर भरे नव दर्षष को है॥ जहँ लगि बृंदाबन की भूमि। औरहि बिधि रहि जमुना झूमि॥ परमाधार, सु रस जो आहि। बहति रहति निसि-बासर ताहि॥ जित देखिय, तित सुख की रैनी। कनक करारे रतनन सैनी॥ मंजुल बृंदाबन की गुंजा। कृष्न-नाम मुख सुख कौ पुंजा॥ तिनहि बिलोकि लटू ह्वै गए। तुरतहिं तोरि हार गुहि लए॥
English translation
Many kinds of bees and birds made lovely sounds, while deer and boars moved about in varied groups. Beautiful, deep lakes held clear water, and breezes of three kinds carried fragrance across it. The water was clean and sweet like nectar and was compared to the pure minds of saints. Seeing the beauty of the forest and its lovely lakes, the Lord's heart desired to play there.
The beauty of Vṛndāvana cannot be expressed. Hari's eyes remained there in forgetful absorption. Spring lived there perpetually, and endless varieties of flowers bloomed. Not a single thorn tree grew there. Conscious radiance appeared everywhere. Even creatures normally unable to move seemed steeped in the rasa of play, thinking, "May Hari come and walk this way."
Colorful birds called out, while the trees seemed to converse as they poured forth nectar. The cuckoo sang with such beauty that it seemed the bride of spring was singing auspicious songs. Fine flower pollen clouded the lovely bowers, and swarms of bees hummed sweetly. The pure water of the beautiful lakes resembled the minds of saints. Spotless lotuses shone within them as though the lakes laughed, filled with joy. Pollen resting on the water looked like colored powder scattered for a new festival.
Wherever the land of Vṛndāvana extended, Yamunā swayed in a manner all her own. She carried the supreme foundation and finest rasa by day and night. In every direction stretched a night of delight, with golden banks and jeweled steps. Lovely guñjā berries of Vṛndāvana bore Kṛṣṇa's name in their mouths and formed a mass of joy. Seeing them, He became captivated, immediately plucked them, and strung them into a garland.
Original
Hindi
वृन्दावनेश्वरने उत्फुल्ल होकर वहाँकी सघन सुन्दर तरुराजिकी ओर दृष्टि डाली। सर्वत्र ही शोभाका अंबार लगा है। अरुणवर्ण कोमल पल्लवजालसे मण्डित हो रहे हैं ये गगनस्पर्शी वृक्षसमूह। अगणित फल-समूहों एवं पुष्पगुच्छोंके गुरुभारसे ये अवनत हो रहे हैं। मानो फल-प्रसूनोंका यह अतिशय भार उनके लिये असह्य हो गया है और वे वसुधाको इसे समर्पित करने जा रहे हों। नहीं-नहीं, सर्वथा भिन्न है इनकी भावना। ओह! ये तो वृन्दावनदेव श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी अर्चना कर रहे हैं। अपने भवनमें पधारे हुए आराध्यका दर्शन पाकर ये वनवासी अपने मस्तकपर सँजोये हुए पूजोपहार, फल-पुष्पोंको उतार-उतारकर उनके चरणसरोजोंमें निवेदन कर रहे हैं। नमित होकर, अपनी शाखावलीसे श्रीकृष्णपादपद्मोंकी सन्निकट धराका स्पर्श करके ये मूक संकेत कर रहे हैं, 'आओ, हमारे देवता! इस पथसे आओ, हमारा उपहार स्वीकार करो।' इस प्रकार वृन्दावनेश्वरका आवाहन कर रहे हैं ये। जो हो, वृक्षावलीकी यह मनोहर शोभा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रमें एक अनिर्वचनीय हर्षका सञ्चार कर देती है तथा अपने अरुणिम अधरोंपर मृदु-मधुर हास्य-सा भरकर वे अग्रज बलरामके प्रति अपना मनोभाव प्रकट करने लग जाते हैं:
English translation
Delighted, the Lord of Vṛndāvana looked toward the dense and beautiful rows of trees. Splendor was heaped everywhere. The sky-touching trees were adorned with webs of soft crimson leaves and bent beneath the immense weight of countless fruits and clusters of flowers. It seemed that this excessive burden had become unbearable and they were about to surrender it to the earth. Yet their feeling was entirely different. They were worshiping Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the deity of Vṛndāvana. Seeing their worshipful Lord arrive in their home, these forest dwellers removed the offerings of fruits and flowers held upon their heads and presented them at His lotus feet. Bowing down and touching with their branches the ground near Śrī Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet, they silently beckoned, "Come, our Lord. Come along this path and accept our offering."
Thus the trees invoked the Lord of Vṛndāvana. Their enchanting beauty filled Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra with indescribable joy. A soft, sweet smile touched His crimson lips as He began to reveal His feeling to His elder brother Balarāma:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.4
स तत्र तत्रारुणपल्लवश्रिया फलप्रसूनोरुभरेण पादयोः। स्पृशच्छिखान् वीक्ष्य वनस्पतीन् मुदा स्मयन्निवाहाग्रजमादिपूरुषः॥
English translation
The primeval Person joyfully saw the trees everywhere, splendid with crimson shoots and bending their crowns to touch His feet beneath the great weight of fruits and flowers. Smiling gently, He spoke to His elder brother.
Original
Braj
सुंदर तरु-पल्लव अरुन, फल प्रसून उर भार। पद परसत निज सिखनि तैं, देखेउ नंदकुमार॥ बोले श्री जदुनाथ, मंद मंद हँसि भ्रात सौं। सुनिय तात यह गाथ, द्रुम सोभा निरखहु सजन!॥ सुंदर तरु सुरतरु तहँ को है। जे मनमोहन के मन मोहै॥ अरुन-अरुन नव पल्लव पात। जनु हरि के अनुराग चुचात॥ निरखे द्रुम जु फूल-फल नाए। मधुकर निकर महा छबि छाए॥ नए जु फल-फूलन कें भार। लगि-लगि रहीं धरनि द्रुम-डार॥ बार-बार हरि तिन तन चहैं। बल भैया सौं बातें कहैं॥
English translation
Nanda's son saw beautiful trees whose crimson shoots and great burden of fruits and flowers caused their crowns to touch His feet. The Lord of the Yadus smiled gently and said to His brother, "Dear brother, hear this account and behold the trees' beauty, my friend."
What wish-fulfilling tree could equal those beautiful trees that enchanted Manamohana's mind? Their fresh crimson leaves seemed to drip with love for Hari. He saw trees bowed beneath fruits and flowers, covered by splendid swarms of bees. Weighted with their produce and blossoms, their branches touched the earth. Hari repeatedly looked toward them and spoke to Balarāma Bhaiyā.
Original
Hindi
उनके स्वरमें विनोदका पुट अवश्य है, पर वाणी प्रकाशित कर रही है परम सत्य तथ्यको ही। एक ओर इसमें तत्त्वका अनुसंधान करनेवालोंके लिये प्रचुर सामग्री भरी है, और उधर अपने उन गोपसहचरोंके लिये, प्रपञ्चमें उन्हींकी बाट देखनेवाले भक्तजनोंके लिये रसका स्रोत सन्निहित है। यह आदिपुरुष व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी वाणी जो ठहरी! जिसकी जैसी रुचि, वैसी ही सामग्री वह ले ले इससे। किंतु लीलाविहारी श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र तो अपने स्वाभाविक बाल्यावेशके प्रवाहमें ही कहते जा रहे हैं। उन्हें कौतुकविशेषकी अवतारणा करनी जो है। इसीलिये उनके अधरोंपर स्मित है, चञ्चल दृष्टिसे वे वनस्थलीकी ओर देख रहे हैं तथा विस्मययुक्त हुए-से बनकर उत्प्रेक्षा करते हुए, अपने अग्रज बलराम भैयाके प्रति आदरपूर्ण परिहासगर्भित वचनोंसे वनकी शोभा वर्णन करनेमें प्रवृत्त हुए हैं:
English translation
His tone certainly carried a touch of humor, yet His words revealed the highest truth. For those who investigate reality, they held abundant material, while for His cowherd companions and the devotees waiting for Him within the world, they contained a fountain of rasa. These were the words of Vrajendra's son, the primeval Person. Each listener could receive from them according to his own taste. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the enjoyer of divine play, simply continued within the natural current of childhood absorption. He intended to introduce a special delight. A smile rested upon His lips as He glanced restlessly across the forest. Appearing wonderstruck and speaking through poetic fancy, He began to describe the forest's beauty to His elder brother Balarāma in words filled with respectful humor:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
ततश्च कौतुकविशेषलम्भनाय व्रजराजतनूजः सस्मितमीक्षमाणः सविस्मयवदुत्प्रेक्षमाणश्च निजाग्रजं प्रति सादरनर्मगन्धप्रबन्धि वनवर्णनं निर्ममे।
English translation
Then, to bring forth a special delight, Vrajarāja's son looked about with a smile and, as though filled with wonder, employed poetic fancy to compose for His elder brother a description of the forest woven with the fragrance of respectful humor.
Original
Hindi
वे बोले, 'दाऊ भैया! नहीं-नहीं, देववर! सर्वदेवोत्तम! देखो सही, अहो! इन वृक्षसमूहोंकी चेष्टा तो देखो। ये तो तुम्हारे ब्रह्मादि-देववन्दित श्रीचरणाम्बुजकी वन्दना जो कर रहे हैं। अपने शाखाग्ररूप मस्तकोंपर विविध पुष्प-फलोंकी पूजोपचार-सामग्री लिये झुक-झुककर तुम्हें प्रणाम कर रहे हैं, देवशिरोमणे! तुमने अपने विहारस्थलमें वृक्षरूपसे जन्म धारणकर अपनी सेवा समर्पित करनेका इन्हें अवसर दिया है, इस परम सौभाग्यका दान दिया है, यह देखकर ये अपनेको कृतार्थ अनुभव कर रहे हैं, देव! नमनके द्वारा अपनी श्रद्धाञ्जलि समर्पित कर रहे हैं। सचमुच धन्य हैं ये कदम्ब, प्रियाल, पनस आदि वृक्षसमूह, जिनके हृत्तलमें ऐसे दिव्य भावोंकी लहरें हैं, जिनकी ऐसी पवित्रतम चर्या है। क्यों न हो, ये अज्ञानी-जड़ जो नहीं। अपितु इनके तो सौभाग्यके दर्शन-श्रवण करनेवालेका अज्ञान-तिमिर सदाके लिये विनष्ट हो जाता है। अहो! जिनके अन्तस्तलमें तुम्हारे श्रीचरणसेवनकी लालसा भरी है, उन्होंने ही तो ज्ञानके सारसिद्धान्तको हृदयंगम किया है! तुम्हारे चरणसेवनपरायण इन द्रुमसमूहोंमें कहाँ है तम-अज्ञानका अंश। प्रत्युत तुम्हें सेवा समर्पित करके, आदर्श स्थापित कर, जगत्के तमोनाश, अज्ञान-निवारणके लिये ही इन्होंने इस वृन्दावनधाममें वृक्षयोनिको अङ्गीकार किया है, यही सत्य है।'
English translation
He said, "Dāū Bhaiyā! No, no, best of gods, highest of all divine beings, look closely at the conduct of these trees. They are worshiping your lotus feet, which Brahmā and the other gods adore. Carrying offerings of many flowers and fruits upon the heads formed by the tips of their branches, they bow repeatedly to you, crown of the gods. You have granted them the supreme fortune of taking birth as trees within Your playground and receiving the opportunity to offer their service. Recognizing this, they consider themselves fulfilled and present their reverence by bowing.
"Blessed indeed are these kadamba, piyāla, jackfruit, and other trees, whose hearts surge with such divine feelings and whose conduct is so sacred. They are not ignorant and inert. Rather, the darkness of ignorance is forever destroyed in those who see and hear of their fortune. Those whose inner beings are filled with longing to serve Your feet have understood the essential conclusion of knowledge. How could a trace of dark ignorance exist within these trees, wholly dedicated to serving Your feet? In truth, they have accepted birth as trees in Vṛndāvana to offer You service, establish the ideal, and dispel the world's darkness of ignorance."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.5
अहो अमी देववरामरार्चितं पादाम्बुजं ते सुमनःफलार्हणम्। नमन्त्युपादाय शिखाभिरात्मन- स्तमोऽपहत्यै तरुजन्म यत्कृतम्॥
English translation
O best of gods, these trees bow their heads before your lotus feet, worshiped by the immortals, bearing offerings of flowers and fruits upon their crowns. They have taken birth as trees to dispel the darkness born of ignorance.
Original
Braj
देखहु हो ये द्रुम या बन के। सब सुख करने, हरने मन के॥ सिखा निकरि परसत तुव पाइ। जानत हौ कछु इन कौ भाइ॥ कहत कि हो ईस्वर जगनाइक। हौ तौ तुम सबहिन सुखदाइक॥ ऐ परि हम पर बहुतै ढरे। जातें या बन के द्रुम करे॥ बोले सुंदर स्याम, हे अग्रज बन कों लखहु। परम रम्य, सुखधाम, मिलि बसंत प्रफुलित तहाँ॥ प्यारी प्यारी मृदु द्रुम-लता मंजु रंजै नबेली। देखौ झूमैं मिलि सुमन कों स्वच्छ गुच्छै नबेली॥ फूले फूले नव बिटप ते पुष्प सौं भूरि भारें। मानौं चाहें तव चरन लै भूमि पै सीस धारैं॥
English translation
"Look at these trees of the forest, which give every happiness and captivate the mind. Their crowns reach down to touch your feet. Brother, do you understand their feeling? They say, 'You are the Supreme Lord and master of the universe, the giver of happiness to all. Yet You have poured such abundant grace upon us that You made us trees in this forest.'"
Beautiful Śyāma said, "Elder brother, behold the forest. It is supremely charming, an abode of delight, where everything blooms in the company of spring. Lovely, tender trees and vines shine with enchanting freshness. See how they sway together beneath pure, fresh clusters of flowers. The newly blossoming trees are heavily laden with flowers, as though wishing to place their heads upon the ground and clasp your feet."
Original
Hindi
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र वृक्षोंका सुयश वर्णन कर रहे हैं। पर इतनेमें ही वह मधुपानरत भ्रमरावली 'गुन-गुन' कर वहीं एकत्र होने लगती है। अब इस समय कुसुमोंके परागचयनमें इस भ्रमरश्रेणीको रस नहीं; क्योंकि इसने नीलसुन्दरके श्रीअङ्गोंका सौरभ जो पा लिया है। इसीलिये पुष्पगुच्छोंका परित्याग कर यह भ्रमरकुल भी वनस्थलीके उस अंशका ही आश्रय ग्रहण करता है। फिर तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको एक नवीन माध्यम प्राप्त हो गया। अब इस अलिकुलका ही मिस लेकर उनके वर्णनकी धारा आगे चल पड़ती है। वही आदरपूर्ण परिहासगर्भित स्वर है और वे कहते जा रहे हैं, 'हे मेरे आदिपुरुष! पुरुषोत्तम! देखो, इन समीपवर्ती भ्रमरोंकी ओर दृष्टि-निक्षेप करो। ये तुम्हारे अखिलभुवनपावन यशका गान कर रहे हैं। तुम्हारे पुनीत यशका गान करते हुए निरन्तर तुम्हारे ही पीछे ये संलग्न हैं। हे परमकारुणिक! इन्हें पहचानो सही! ये अधिकांशमें तुम्हारे ही भक्तश्रेष्ठ मुनिगण हैं। तुम यहाँ इस वृन्दावनमें पधारे हो अपने अनन्त ऐश्वर्यपर आवरण डालकर ही, तथा बाल्यक्रीड़ा-रसमत्त होकर ही विचरण कर रहे हो। फिर भी अपने इष्टदेव तुमको इन सबोंने पहचान ही तो लिया। इसीलिये ये सब तुम्हें छोड़कर जा जो नहीं पाते! "गुन-गुन" की ओटमें निरन्तर इनके मुखसे झर रही है तुम्हारी ही अमल कीर्ति और इसे प्रसारित करते हुए ये यहीं सर्वत्र घूम रहे हैं।'
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra was praising the trees when a row of bees, intoxicated by nectar, gathered nearby with a continuous hum. The bees no longer took pleasure in collecting pollen from flowers, for they had caught the fragrance of Nīlasundara's divine limbs. Abandoning the flower clusters, they sought shelter in that part of the forest. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra thus found a new theme, and His stream of description continued under the pretext of speaking about the bees. In the same respectfully playful tone He said:
"O my primeval Person, Puruṣottama, look at these nearby bees. They sing Your glory, which sanctifies every world, and remain constantly behind You while proclaiming Your holy fame. Most compassionate Lord, recognize them. Most are foremost sages devoted to You. You have come to Vṛndāvana concealing Your infinite majesty and wander here intoxicated by the rasa of childhood play. Still, they have recognized You as their worshipful Lord. Therefore they cannot leave You. Beneath the cover of their humming, Your spotless glory continually pours from their mouths, and they roam everywhere here spreading it."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.6
एतेऽलिनस्तव यशोऽखिललोकतीर्थं गायन्त आदिपुरुषानुपदं भजन्ते। प्रायो अमी मुनिगणा भवदीयमुख्या गूढं वनेऽपि न जहत्यनघात्मदैवम्॥
English translation
O primeval Person, these bees sing Your glories, the holy place that purifies every world, and worship You at every step. They are likely foremost sages among Your devotees. Even though You remain concealed in the forest, O sinless Lord, they do not abandon their worshipful Deity.
Original
Braj
अरु देखहु या बन के भृंग। बोलत डोलत तुम्हरे संग॥ जनु ये मुनिगन अलि है आए। जद्यपि गुपत, तदपि लखि पाए॥ गावहिं तव जस अति चित चाही। अखिल लोक तीरथ सम ताही॥ गूढ़ वेष धरि तव पद-कंजा। भजहिं निरंतर भव-रुज गंजा॥
English translation
"Look also at the bees of this forest, humming and wandering beside you. It seems that sages have come in the forms of bees. Although You are hidden, they have recognized You. With deep love they sing Your glory, which is a holy place for all worlds. Wearing concealed forms, they continually worship Your lotus feet, which destroy the disease of worldly existence."
Original
Hindi
अब नीलसुन्दरकी दृष्टि आती है उनके ही दर्शनसे आनन्दविवश नर्तनशील मयूरोंकी ओर। तथा इधर आयी हैं दल-की-दल हिरणियाँ, जो निर्निमेष नयनोंसे देख रही हैं एकमात्र उनको ही। साथ ही ऊपर आम्र-शाखाओंपर कोकिल-कण्ठका पञ्चमस्वर भी प्राणोंमें रसका संचार कर दे रहा है। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने इन सबकी स्नेहभावनापर भी अपनी स्वीकृतिकी छाप डाल ही दी। वे इनका उल्लेख करते हुए कहने लगते हैं, 'सर्वपूज्य मेरे भैया! समस्त वनवासी ही यथासाध्य तुम्हारी पूजा कर धन्य हो रहे हैं। देखो, ये मयूर तुम्हारे दर्शनसे परमानन्दमें निमग्न होकर नृत्य कर रहे हैं। ये मृगवधुएँ कुरङ्गनयनी गोपसुन्दरियोंके समान ही प्रेमपूरित स्निग्ध दृष्टिसे निहार कर तुम्हारा आनन्द-संवर्धन कर रही हैं। कोकिल-समूह अपने मधुर "कुहू-कुहू" रवका विस्तार कर तुम्हारा स्वागत कर रहा है। अहा! धन्य हैं ये वनवासी प्राणी! धन्य है इनकी भावना! देखो, साधु-पुरुषोंकी भाँति ही तो इनके समस्त आचरण हैं। संतजनोंका यही नित्य स्वभाव है, गृहपर पधारे हुए अतिथिको वे अपनी प्रिय-से-प्रिय वस्तुकी भेंट समर्पित करते हैं। उनकी सेवामें अपना सर्वस्व न्योछावर कर देते हैं। भैया! मयूरोंने, हरिणियोंने, कोकिलने यही तो किया है। पक्ष-विस्तार कर आनन्द-नृत्य करनेके अतिरिक्त और है ही क्या इन मयूरोंके पास! स्निग्ध दृष्टिसे तुम्हें निरन्तर देखती रहें, बस, इतनी-सी ही क्षमता इन हरिणीगणोंमें है न! और अपने मधुपूरित कण्ठसे तान छेड़नेभरकी ही सामर्थ्य तो है इन कोकिलोंमें! देखो, स्पष्ट ही तो मानो ये कह रहे हैं, "तुम हमारे गृहपर पधारे हो, किंतु तुम्हारी सेवाके योग्य बस इतनी-सी ही वस्तु हमारे समीप है। इसे ही स्वीकार कर लो, देव!" अहा! साधुस्वभावके कितने सुन्दर निदर्शन हैं ये!'
English translation
Nīlasundara's gaze turned toward peacocks dancing in helpless joy at the sight of Him. Herds of does had also arrived and stared only at Him with unblinking eyes. Above them, the fifth note from the cuckoos' throats upon the mango branches filled every heart with rasa. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra placed the seal of His acceptance upon their loving feelings and said:
"My universally worshipful brother, every forest dweller is becoming blessed by worshiping You according to its ability. Look at these peacocks, immersed in supreme bliss and dancing at the sight of You. Like the doe-eyed beauties of Vraja, these female deer increase Your delight by gazing at You with tender, love-filled eyes. The cuckoos welcome You by spreading their sweet calls. Blessed are these forest creatures, and blessed are their feelings. Their conduct resembles that of saintly people. Saints naturally offer the dearest things they possess to a guest who visits their home and surrender everything in service.
"Brother, the peacocks, deer, and cuckoos have done precisely this. What do the peacocks possess besides spreading their tails and dancing with joy? The does have only the capacity to look at You continually with tender eyes, and the cuckoos can merely release melodies from their honey-filled throats. They seem to say plainly, 'You have entered our home, but this is all we possess that is fit for Your service. Please accept it, Lord.' What beautiful examples of saintly nature they are."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.7
नृत्यन्त्यमी शिखिन ईड्य मुदा हरिण्यः कुर्वन्ति गोप्य इव ते प्रियमीक्षणेन। सूक्तैश्च कोकिलगणा गृहमागताय धन्या वनौकस इयान् हि सतां निसर्गः॥
English translation
O worshipful Lord, these peacocks dance with joy, the does please You with their glances like the gopīs, and the cuckoos greet You with beautiful songs as one who has come to their home. Blessed are these forest dwellers, for such is the natural character of saints.
Original
Braj
नाचहिं केकीगन मुद मानी। गोपी इव सब मृगी सुहानी॥ पलक त्यागि निरखैं तव रूपा। तव प्रिय करहिं बिना अनुरूपा॥ कोकिल कूकि-कूकि प्रिय बानी। तव सतकार करहिं सुख मानी॥ साधुन कौ यह सहज सुभाऊ। पूजहिं काय-बचन-चित चाऊ॥ गृह आगमन जानि जगदीसा। अरपन करहिं जु बचन-पियूसा॥
English translation
The peacocks dance in delight, while all the lovely does, like the gopīs, gaze upon Your form without blinking and give You pleasure according to their ability. The cuckoos call out sweetly and joyfully honor You. This is the natural character of saints: they eagerly worship with body, speech, and mind. Knowing that the Lord of the universe has entered their home, they offer the nectar of their voices.
Original
Hindi
'और तुम्हारी भी कितनी अपरिसीम कृपा है इन वनवासी चर-अचर प्राणियोंपर।' श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र अबतक तो उन-उन स्थावर-जंगमोंकी सेवाभावना, श्रीबलरामके प्रति उनके निश्छल अनुरागकी चर्चा कर उनके सौभाग्यका वर्णन कर रहे थे। किंतु अब उनके प्रति श्रीबलरामका अनुग्रह भी अद्भुत ही है, इस दृष्टिसे उनकी परम कृतार्थताका संकेत करते हुए वे वन-वर्णनका उपसंहार करते हैं, 'दादा, देखो काननकी इस धराको तुमने किस अद्भुत कृपाप्रसादका दान किया है। तुम्हारे आगमनसे यह कितनी धन्य-धन्य हो रही है। तुम्हारी वाराह-मूर्तिका स्पर्श पाकर यह कृतार्थ अवश्य हुई थी। पर उस समय कहाँ प्राप्त था इसे तुम्हारे चरणसेवनका परम सुदुर्लभ सौभाग्य। वाराहदेवके विशाल दंष्ट्राग्रपर ही इसे स्थान मिला था। तुम्हारे इन मृदुल सुकोमल चरणतलके स्पर्शका अवसर उस समय कहाँ था। किंतु आज तो तुम अनावृत-चरण हुए काननकी धरापर संचरण कर रहे हो। यह आज अनुक्षण तुम्हारे पादपद्मोंके स्पर्शसे अतिशय सौभाग्यशालिनी हो चुकी है।
'अहो! केवल धरा ही नहीं, धरासे सम्बद्ध सभी निहाल हो गये। देखो, ये क्षुद्र तृण-वीरुध, दूर्वा, कुश आदिने भी तुम महामहिमका चरणस्पर्श पा लिया। और ये हैं इधर द्रुम-लताएँ। तुम इन द्रुमोंसे फलोंका आहरण करते हो, लता-वल्लरियोंसे पुष्प-पल्लवका चयन करते हो। उस समय तुम्हारे नख-चन्द्रसे ये स्पृष्ट होते हैं। कितना, कैसा अपरिसीम सौभाग्य है इनका! अहा! उधर देखो, वह है तपनतनयाका मञ्जुल प्रवाह। बह रहा मानसगङ्गाका शान्त स्रोत। सामने अवस्थित हैं गिरिराज गोवर्धन और अन्य पर्वतमालाएँ। ये रहे ऊपर, सामने, पीछे, दक्षिण-वाम पार्श्वमें उड़ते, बैठे, कलरव करते हुए विहंगम-कुल तथा सर्वत्र काननमें स्वच्छन्द विचरण करते हुए पशुसमूह। ओह! इन सरिता, सर, गिरि, खग-मृग, सबपर ही तो तुम्हारी प्रतिदिन सकरुण दृष्टि पड़ती है। कितने सौभाग्यशाली हैं ये!
'अहो! भाग्य देखो इस श्यामवर्णा गोपी नामकी लताका! कहाँ तो तुम्हारा यह सुविस्तीर्ण वक्षःस्थल वैकुण्ठवासिनी लक्ष्मीके लिये भी स्पृहणीय है तथा उसीपर पुष्पमाल्यके साथ ग्रथित होकर ये लताएँ भी झूल रही हैं! दादा! स्वयं देख लो! तुम्हारे इस अप्रतिम कृपाप्रसादका दान पाकर ये सब आज कितने धन्य-धन्य हो रहे हैं।'
English translation
"And how boundless is Your grace toward the moving and unmoving beings of the forest." Until now, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra had described their good fortune by discussing the service offered by each forest creature and its guileless affection for Śrī Balarāma. He now concluded His description by pointing to their supreme fulfillment through Balarāma's astonishing favor:
"Elder brother, behold the wondrous gift of grace You have bestowed upon this forest earth. How blessed it has become through Your arrival. It was certainly fulfilled when touched by Your form as Varāha, yet at that time it did not receive the exceedingly rare fortune of serving Your feet. It rested only upon the tip of Lord Varāha's great tusk. It had no opportunity then to feel the touch of these tender, delicate soles. Today, however, You walk barefoot across the forest floor, and with every moment's contact with Your lotus feet, the earth has become immensely fortunate.
"Not only the earth but everything connected with it has been delighted. These tiny grasses and plants, including dūrvā and kuśa, have received the touch of Your glorious feet. Here are the trees and vines. You take fruits from the trees and select flowers and leaves from the creepers, and then the moons of Your fingernails touch them. How limitless is their fortune. Look there at the lovely current of Yamunā, daughter of the sun, and the peaceful stream of Mānasa-gaṅgā. Before us stand Girirāja Govardhana and the other mountain ranges. Above, in front, behind, and to our right and left are flocks of birds flying, sitting, and calling, while animals roam freely throughout the forest. Every day Your compassionate glance falls upon all these rivers, lakes, mountains, birds, and beasts. How fortunate they are.
"Behold the fortune of this dark vine named gopī. Your broad chest is desired even by Lakṣmī of Vaikuṇṭha, yet these vines, woven into flower garlands, swing upon it. Elder brother, see for Yourself how greatly blessed all these beings have become by receiving this incomparable gift of Your grace."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.8
धन्येयमद्य धरणी तृणवीरुधस्त्वत्- पादस्पृशो द्रुमलताः करजाभिमृष्टाः। नद्योऽद्रयः खगमृगाः सदयावलोकै- र्गोप्योऽन्तरेण भुजयोरपि यत्स्पृहा श्रीः॥
English translation
Today this earth is blessed, for its grasses and plants are touched by Your feet and its trees and vines by Your fingernails. Its rivers, mountains, birds, and deer receive Your compassionate glances. The gopīs are blessed to rest between Your arms, a place desired even by Śrī Lakṣmī.
Original
Braj
धन्य धरनि, तृन, विरुध सब तव पद परस, सुजान। करज परस करि द्रुम लता लहैं परम कल्यान॥ सरिता गिरि खग मृग बन जेते। धन्य धन्य पसु तन ए तेते॥ मृगी एकटक बदन निहारी। प्रेमसहित ए धन्य बिचारी॥ तव भुज मध्य रमा चह बासू। गोपिन कहँ सो सहज सुपासू॥ धन्य भाग्य गोपिन के भूरी। को बरै महिमा अति रूरी॥ धनि यह धर जापर पगु धरौ। धनि ये कुंज, जहाँ संचरौ॥ धनि ये सर-सरिता, जहँ खोरत। धनि ये कुसुम, जिनहि कर तोरत॥
English translation
Blessed are the earth, grasses, and plants touched by Your feet, O wise Lord. By receiving the touch of Your fingernails, the trees and vines attain supreme welfare. All the rivers, mountains, birds, and deer of the forest are blessed. The does gaze fixedly upon Your face, and through their love they too are fortunate. Ramā desires to dwell between Your arms, yet the gopīs easily receive that beautiful place. How immense is their fortune, and who can describe its lovely glory? Blessed is the earth upon which You place Your feet, blessed the bowers through which You roam, blessed the lakes and rivers where You search, and blessed the flowers Your hand plucks.
Original
Hindi
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र इतना कहकर रुक गये एवं अग्रजकी ओर सस्मित दृष्टिसे देखने लगे। श्रीबलरामके कर्णपुटोंमें मानो अबतक पीयूषकी धारा बह रही हो, इस प्रकार वे अत्यन्त प्रफुल्लित होकर अनुजके इस वृन्दावन-वर्णनकी वाग्मिताका रस ले रहे थे। पर जब यह विराम आया, नीलसुन्दरने दाऊ दादाका रुख जान लेनेके लिये उनके नेत्रोंसे अपनी चारु चञ्चल दृष्टि मिला दी, मौन होकर वे प्रतीक्षा-सी करने लगे, तब बलरामके अधरोंपर भी एक विचित्र मन्द मुसकानकी छाया आयी और वे कह उठे, 'भैया रे श्रीकृष्ण! वन-वर्णनके मिससे तूने जो बातें कहीं, वैसे गुणगणोंसे समलङ्कृत तो तू ही है रे! ईश्वर तो तू है। दूसरेका नाम इस प्रसङ्गमें क्यों सान दे रहा है?'
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra stopped speaking and looked at His elder brother with a smile. It was as though a stream of nectar still flowed into Śrī Balarāma's ears as, filled with delight, He savored His younger brother's eloquence in describing Vṛndāvana. When Kṛṣṇa paused, Nīlasundara met Dāū Dādā's eyes with His lovely, restless gaze to discover His response and waited in silence. A curious, gentle smile appeared upon Balarāma's lips, and He said, "My brother Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the qualities You described under the pretext of praising the forest adorn You alone. You are the Supreme Lord. Why introduce someone else's name into this account?"
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
अथाग्रजश्चानुजवाचममृतमिवाचम्य स्मितमाचरन्नुवाच। भवादृश एव तादृशगुणगणभागीश्वरः कथमन्यं तत्र गण्यं करोतीति॥
English translation
Then the elder brother, having sipped His younger brother's words like nectar, smiled and said, "The Supreme Lord endowed with such hosts of qualities is none other than You. Why do You count another person in that place?"
Original
Hindi
फिर तो नीलसुन्दरके दृगोंमें एवं मुखचन्द्रपर एक पवित्रतम संकोचकी छाया-सी आ ही गयी। कदाचित् व्रजमहाराज्ञी यहाँ इस अवसरपर उपस्थित होतीं तो वे निश्चय ही उनके अञ्चलसे अपना मुखसरोज आवृत कर लेते। पर यह तो सम्भव नहीं। इसीलिये एक बार तो उन्होंने अपने ही अञ्जलिपुटसे अपने मुखकमलको ढक लेना चाहा, करपल्लवोंने नेत्रोंको, सुचिक्कण कपोलोंके कुछ अंशको आवृत भी कर लिया। किंतु दूसरे ही क्षण उन्हें संकोचनिवारणके योग्य स्थानकी स्मृति हो आयी। अत्यन्त समीप ही तो दाऊ दादा खड़े हैं। बस, वे दौड़े, अपनी दोनों भुजाएँ दाऊ दादाकी ग्रीवामें झुला दीं और मुखचन्द्र तो उनके विशाल वक्षःस्थलकी ओटमें छिप ही गया। अग्रजने भी अनुजको अपने भुजपाशमें भर लिया! दोनों ही हँस रहे हैं, श्रीबलराम तो स्पष्टरूपसे एवं नीलसुन्दर अपना मुख छिपाये ही। वे असंख्य गोपशिशु भी हँसने लग जाते हैं, इसलिये नहीं कि उन्हें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी एवं बलरामकी इन उक्तियोंमें सन्निहित तत्त्वविशेषकी गन्ध लगी हो; अपितु इसलिये कि उनके कन्नू भैयाने, दाऊ दादाके साथ विनोदकी होड़में हारकर अपना मुख छिपा लिया है! दाऊ दादाने अत्यन्त सुन्दर उत्तर कन्नूको दे दिया।
वे सख्य-रस-मत्त शिशु इस बातको नहीं जानते, कभी जान पायेंगे ही नहीं कि उनके साथ खेलनेवाले ये व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन, ये बलराम भैया ही समस्त तत्त्वोंके सारभूत परम तत्त्व हैं, दोनों ही अभिन्न हैं। इसका विश्लेषण तो करते हैं, कर रहे हैं अन्तरिक्षचारी अमरवृन्द, जिनके नेत्रोंमें यह दिव्य झाँकी भरी है और कर्णपुटोंसे जिन्होंने अग्रज-अनुजकी इस चर्चाका अमृत पान किया है। बस, वे ही जानते हैं, 'राम-श्याम तत्त्वतः अभिन्न अवश्य हैं।' साथ ही बलरामने भी इस समय यह कहा है सर्वथा बाल्यावेशके प्रवाहमें ही, फिर भी श्रीसङ्कर्षण बलरामका वह उत्तर कितना सत्य तथ्य है! परम सत्य है वह! किंतु गोपशिशुओंने तो उसमें आदिसे अन्ततक केवल परिहासका ही रस लिया है। और वे हँस रहे हैं इसीलिये कि उनका कन्नू भैया खेलमें तो बहुत बार हार गया है, पर बातोंमें कभी नहीं हारता, दाऊ दादा भी उसका उत्तर नहीं दे पाते। परंतु आज वह हार गया। दाऊ दादाको प्रत्युत्तर न दे पाया! कौन समझाने जाय उन्हें, 'श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके प्यारे सखाओ! वे तुमसे हारते हैं, सदा हारे ही रहेंगे; पर वे हैं नित्य अजेय।' और समझानेपर भी इस तत्त्वज्ञानके टिकने-योग्य स्थान ही कहाँ है उनके सख्यमसृण अन्तस्तलमें।
English translation
A most sacred shyness spread across Nīlasundara's eyes and moonlike face. Had the queen of Vraja been present, He would surely have covered His lotus face with the end of her garment. Since that was impossible, He first tried to hide His face within His own joined palms. His tender hands covered His eyes and portions of His smooth cheeks. The next instant, however, He remembered a more fitting refuge from embarrassment. Dāū Dādā stood very near. Kṛṣṇa ran to Him, threw both arms around His neck, and hid His moonlike face against His broad chest. His elder brother enclosed Him within His arms. Both laughed, Śrī Balarāma openly and Nīlasundara while keeping His face concealed.
The countless cowherd boys also began to laugh, not because they perceived any of the profound truth contained in the words of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, but because Kannū Bhaiyā had lost the playful contest with Dāū Dādā and hidden His face. Dāū Dādā had given Kannū a wonderfully clever reply.
Intoxicated with the rasa of friendship, the boys did not know and would never know that Vrajendra's son and Balarāma Bhaiyā, who played beside them, were the supreme reality at the heart of all truths and were nondifferent from one another. The gods traveling through the sky analyzed the matter. Their eyes were filled with the divine scene, and their ears had drunk the nectar of the brothers' exchange. They alone knew that Rāma and Śyāma were truly nondifferent.
Balarāma too had spoken entirely within the current of childhood absorption, yet how true was the reply of Śrī Saṅkarṣaṇa Balarāma. It was the highest truth. The cowherd boys, however, tasted only humor in it from beginning to end. They laughed because Kannū Bhaiyā had often lost at games but never in words, for even Dāū Dādā could not answer Him. Today He had lost and could offer Dāū Dādā no reply. Who could explain to them, "Dear friends of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, He loses to you and will always remain defeated by you, yet He is eternally unconquerable"? Even if someone explained it, there was no place in their friendship-softened hearts for such philosophical knowledge to remain.
Original
Hindi
अस्तु, इस प्रकार हास-परिहासका रस लेकर, परम सुन्दर वृन्दावनकी शोभा निहारकर प्रसन्नचित्त हुए श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र अब गोपशिशुओंके सहित गिरिराज-परिसरमें अवस्थित मानसगङ्गा-तटपर गोसंचारण करते हुए विविध क्रीड़ाकी अवतारणा करने चले। उनका दिव्य नित्य नवीन दैनंदिन विहार आरम्भ हुआ:
English translation
Thus, having relished this playful exchange and joyfully beheld the beauty of supremely lovely Vṛndāvana, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra went with the cowherd boys to graze the cows and begin many games upon the bank of Mānasa-gaṅgā near Girirāja. His divine, eternally fresh daily play began:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.9
एवं वृन्दावनं श्रीमत् कृष्णः प्रीतमनाः पशून्। रेमे सञ्चारयन्नद्रेः सरिद्रोधःसु सानुगः॥
English translation
In this way, pleased at heart within splendid Vṛndāvana, Kṛṣṇa enjoyed with His companions while grazing the animals along the riverbanks near the mountain.
Original
Braj
एहि बिधि बल सौं बरनि कृपाला। लखि बृंदाबन-प्रभा बिसाला॥ अति प्रसन्न मन सखन समेता। रमत भए हरि कृपा-निकेता॥ गिरि समीप सरिता-तट सुंदर। धेनु चरावत हरि गुन-मंदिर॥ सो छबि बरनि सके नहिं कोऊ। सेष आदि लखि छकि रहे सोऊ॥ एहि बिधि बिहरत बृंदाबन में। छिन-छिन अति रति उपजत मन में॥
English translation
In this way the compassionate Lord described Vṛndāvana to Balarāma and beheld its vast splendor. Greatly delighted, Hari, the abode of mercy, played with His friends. Near the mountain, upon the beautiful riverbank, Hari, the dwelling place of all virtues, grazed the cows. No one can describe that beauty. Even Śeṣa and the other great beings remain astonished when they behold it. Thus He wandered through Vṛndāvana, and ever-increasing love arose within every heart at each moment.