Original
महाकाय सर्पके चंगुलसे विजयी होकर निकले हुए श्रीकृष्णका क्रमशः सखाओं, मैया रोहिणीजी, बाबा, अन्य वात्सल्यवती गोपियों तथा बलरामजीद्वारा आलिङ्गन; फिर गौओं, वृषभों एवं वत्सोंसे गले लगकर मिलना; सम्पूर्ण व्रजवासियोंका रात्रिमें यमुना-तटपर ही विश्राम
English translation
After Śrī Kṛṣṇa emerges victorious from the coils of the immense serpent, his friends, Mother Rohiṇī, his father, other affectionate gopīs, and Balarāma embrace him in turn; he then meets the cows, bulls, and calves, embracing them around their necks; all the residents of Vraja rest for the night upon the bank of Yamunā.
Original
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र हृदकी उस गभीर जल-राशिपर इस प्रकार चरण रखते हुए बाहर निकल आये, जैसे वह स्थल हो और तटपर आते ही श्रीअङ्गोंकी अप्रतिम शोभासे हृदका सम्पूर्ण परिसर उद्भासित हो उठा। दिव्य माल्य, चन्दन एवं वस्त्रकी शोभा, अमूल्य रत्नाभरणोंकी छटा, स्वर्णालंकारकी वह चमक-दमक—सब कुछ अनोखा था।
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra walked out across the deep waters of the lake as though they were solid ground. As soon as he reached the bank, the incomparable beauty of his divine limbs illumined the entire region around the lake. The splendor of his celestial garlands, sandalwood paste, and garments, the radiance of priceless jeweled ornaments, and the brilliance of golden adornments were unlike anything ever seen.
Original
कृष्णं हृदाद्विनिष्क्रान्तं दिव्यस्रग्गन्धवाससम्। महामणिगणाकीर्णं जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृतम्॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१३)
English translation
Kṛṣṇa emerged from the lake wearing celestial garlands, fragrances, and garments, covered with masses of great jewels and adorned with gold.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.13)
Original
तब नँद-नंदन दह तैं निकसे। मुसकत नवल कमल-से बिकसे॥
अहिपति निज कर पूजे स्याम। अद्भुत पट, अद्भुत मनि-दाम॥
बन्यौ जु बदन सु को छबि गनौं। दीनी ओप चंद मधि मनौं॥
English translation
Then Nanda's son emerged from the lake, smiling and blooming like a fresh lotus.
The serpent king had worshiped the Dark Lord with his own hands, offering wondrous cloth and a wondrous jeweled necklace.
Who could describe the beauty that adorned his face? It seemed to lend its splendor to the moon itself.
Original
× × ×
इत जमुन-दह तैं कढ़े सुंदर स्याम घन छबि छाजहीं। नव रतन भूषन तन अलंकृत किरन जगमग राजहीं॥
English translation
Here the beautiful Dark Lord emerged from Yamunā's lake, clothed in the splendor of a raincloud. New jeweled ornaments adorned his body, their rays shining brilliantly.
Original
व्रजपुरवासियोंकी दृष्टि तो सदासे उस ओर केन्द्रित थी ही; किंतु अब मानो मृत देहमें सचमुच ही प्राणोंका संचार हो गया हो, इस प्रकार उनकी समस्त इन्द्रियाँ उत्फुल्ल हो उठीं। उनके कोटिप्राणसर्वस्व श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र उनके सामने पुनः अवस्थित हैं, यह अनुभव करते ही उनका कण-कण परमानन्दसे पूर्ण हो उठा। सबसे पहले सुबल एवं श्रीदाम—दोनों ही विद्युत्-वेगसे दौड़कर नीलसुन्दरके समीप आये। दोनोंने एक ही साथ उन्हें अपने भुजपाशमें भर लिया। इसके अनन्तर वे असंख्य गोपबालक अपने प्राणसखासे मिलने आये। प्राकृत जगत्में तो यह सम्भव नहीं, पर वहाँ तो व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनने एक साथ प्रत्येक सखाका ही प्रेमालिङ्गन स्वीकार कर लिया। स्नेहके उस स्रोतमें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र एवं सखा डूबने-उतराने लगे, कुछ क्षणके लिये सचमुच ही सुध-बुध भूल गये—
English translation
The eyes of the people of Vraja had remained fixed in that direction throughout. Now all their senses blossomed as though life had truly returned to a dead body. The moment they realized that Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the sole treasure of their millions of lives, stood before them once more, every particle of their being filled with supreme bliss. Subala and Śrīdāma came first, racing toward the Dark Beauty with the speed of lightning. Both enclosed him in their arms at the same instant. Then countless cowherd boys came to meet the friend of their lives. Such a thing is impossible in the material world, but there Vrajendra's son simultaneously accepted the loving embrace of every friend. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and his companions rose and sank within that current of affection, truly losing all awareness for a few moments.
Original
उपलभ्योत्थिताः सर्वे लब्धप्राणा इवासवः। प्रमोदनिभृतात्मानो गोपाः प्रीत्याभिरेभिरे॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१४)
English translation
Having regained Kṛṣṇa, all the cowherds rose as the senses revive when life returns. Their hearts filled with joy, they embraced him with love.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.14)
Original
देखि कृष्ण कहँ सब ब्रजबासी। हरखि उठे लहि सुख की रासी॥
प्रान पाइ इंद्रीगन जैसैं। सुखित भए सब एहि बिधि तैसैं॥
गोपन कहँ आनंद अपारा। मिले परस्पर बारहिं बारा॥
English translation
Seeing Kṛṣṇa, all the residents of Vraja rose in delight, gaining a treasury of happiness.
As the senses rejoice when life returns, so all of them became joyful.
The cowherds knew boundless bliss and embraced one another again and again.
Original
इतनेमें जननी यशोदा आयीं। अघटघटनापटीयसी योगमायाने उनके लिये भी स्थान बनाया। सखाओंके भुजपाशसे नीलसुन्दर सहसा अनावृत हो गये। जननीको अपनी प्राणनिधि अपने सामने अत्यन्त निकटमें ही दीख गयी, किंतु मैया एवं मैयाके लालका वह मिलन—ओह! वाग्वादिनीमें कहाँ सामर्थ्य है कि चित्रित कर दें! केवल उसकी छायामात्र—सो भी न जाने कितने कालके अनन्तर—इतनी-सी झंकृत हो सकी—
English translation
Mother Yaśodā arrived just then. Yogamāyā, expert in making the impossible possible, created a place for her as well, and the Dark Beauty suddenly became free from the circle of his friends' arms. The mother saw the treasure of her life directly before her and exceedingly near. Yet who could describe the meeting of Mother Yaśodā and her beloved child? Even the goddess of speech lacks that power. Only the faintest shadow of it, vibrating forth after an unknown span of time, could be expressed.
Original
मन संग हिय अगवानि करि जननी लए तट आइ कैं। पय स्रवत, आँसू ढरत अंक गुबिंद भेटे धाइ कैं॥
× × ×
लीन्हौ जननि कंठ लगाइ। अंग पुलकित, रोम गदगद, सुखद आँसु बहाइ॥
English translation
Welcoming him within her heart and mind, the mother brought him to the bank. Milk flowed and tears fell as she ran to clasp Govinda in her lap.
The mother took him and pressed him to her throat. Her limbs thrilled, every hair trembled, and tears of bliss streamed down.
Original
अब श्रीरोहिणीजीने नीलसुन्दरको अपने वक्षःस्थलपर धारण किया—
लखि अतुल-छबि प्यारे ललन, उर उरकि लागी रोहिनी।
English translation
Now Śrī Rohiṇī held the Dark Beauty against her breast:
Seeing the incomparable beauty of the beloved child, Rohiṇī pressed him tightly to her heart.
Original
व्रजेश्वर अबतक मानो प्रतीक्षा-सी कर रहे थे। बालकोंको, व्रजरानीको, श्रीरोहिणीको ही प्रथम अधिकार है नीलमणिको अपने वक्षःस्थलपर धारण करनेका—सुप्त चेतनाकी यह भावना उन्हें रोके हुए थी। पर उनका मिलन तो हो चुका। इसीलिये अब धैर्यका बाँध टूटा। परम शीलवान् व्रजेन्द्र प्रेमजनित उत्कण्ठासे अतिशय चञ्चल हो उठे। उनकी गम्भीरता नष्ट हो गयी। विलम्ब असह्य हो गया। व्रजपुरन्ध्रियोंकी अपार भीड़का भी जैसे उन्हें तनिक भान न रहा हो, ऐसे वे उस स्त्री-समूहमें प्रविष्ट हो गये और श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको अपने अङ्कमें भर लिया—
English translation
The king of Vraja had seemed to wait until now. A feeling within his dormant awareness restrained him: the boys, the queen of Vraja, and Śrī Rohiṇī held the first right to press the Dark Jewel against their breasts. Their reunion was now complete, and the dam of his patience broke. Though supremely dignified, Vrajendra became intensely restless with love-born longing. His gravity vanished, and delay became unbearable. Seemingly unaware of the vast crowd of women of Vraja, he entered their midst and gathered Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra into his lap.
Original
ततः प्रेमौत्कण्ठ्यचुलुकितगाम्भीर्यो विलम्बासहिष्णुः स्त्रीसम्मर्दमध्य एव प्रविश्य नन्दः।
(सारार्थदर्शिनी)
English translation
Then Nanda, his gravity swallowed by the intensity of loving longing and unable to endure delay, entered directly into the dense gathering of women.
(Sārārthadarśinī)
Original
गहबर गरे उर कहूँ भरे, कहि नंद कछुव न आवहीं। धरि अंक सुत कौं अंग लागे, रंक ज्यौं निधि पावहीं॥
English translation
His throat choked and his heart overflowed; Nanda could speak no word. Holding his son in his lap, he pressed him to his body like a pauper who had found a treasure.
Original
फिर अवसर मिला वात्सल्यवती गोपियोंको। सबने ही श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको अपने हृदयपर धारणकर प्राण शीतल किये। तथा इसके अनन्तर मिलन हुआ उपनन्द आदिका एवं तरुण व्रजगोपोंका। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र उनके कण्ठसे लगकर, उनकी ग्रीवामें अपनी भुजाएँ डालकर झूलने लगे—
English translation
Then the affectionate gopīs received their opportunity. Each pressed Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra to her heart and soothed her life-breath. After them came Upananda and the other elders, followed by the young cowherds of Vraja. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra embraced their necks, placed his arms around them, and began swinging from their shoulders.
Original
ततोऽन्या गोप्यो वत्सला गोपाश्चोपनन्दादयः।
(सारार्थदर्शिनी)
English translation
Then came the other affectionate gopīs and the cowherds headed by Upananda.
(Sārārthadarśinī)
Original
और वे तरुणी गोपसुन्दरियाँ, गोपकुमारिकाएँ—व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनको यद्यपि अपने वक्षःस्थलपर प्रत्यक्षरूपसे धारण न कर सकीं, फिर भी अपने दृगञ्चलके पथसे उनका मानस-मिलन संघटित हुआ ही; उनकी इन्द्रियोंमें भी सामयिक शक्तिका संचार हुआ; उनके मनोरथ भी पूर्ण हुए। मृत्युके उस पारसे वे भी मानो लौट आयीं—
English translation
The youthful gopī beauties and cowherd maidens could not physically hold Vrajendra's son against their breasts. Yet through the path of their sidelong glances they met him within their minds. Strength returned to their senses for the moment, and their desires were fulfilled. They too seemed to return from beyond death.
Original
पूर्वरागवत्यो गोप्यश्च दूरतो लोचनाञ्चलीभिरेव समेत्य परिष्वङ्गादिभिः संगतीभूय लब्धचेष्टा लब्धवाञ्छिता मृता इव जीवन्त्यो बभूवुः।
(सारार्थदर्शिनी)
English translation
The gopīs filled with the love of first attraction met him from afar through the corners of their eyes alone. Through inner embraces and other forms of union, they regained movement and attained their desires, becoming alive like those returned from death.
(Sārārthadarśinī)
Original
इस प्रकार व्रजपुरवासी—व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी, श्रीरोहिणी, व्रजेश्वर, गोपिकाएँ, गोप, गोपतरुणियाँ, गोपकुमारिकाएँ—नीलसुन्दरसे यथायोग्य मिलकर परमानन्दमें निमग्न हैं। सबका मनोरथ पूर्ण हो गया है। आनन्द-सिन्धुकी लहरें सबको आत्मसात् कर रही हैं—
English translation
Thus the people of Vraja, the queen of Vrajendra's house, Śrī Rohiṇī, the king of Vraja, the gopīs, the cowherds, the young women of Vraja, and the cowherd maidens, each met the Dark Beauty in the fitting way and became immersed in supreme bliss. Every desire was fulfilled, and waves from the ocean of joy absorbed them all.
Original
यशोदा रोहिणी नन्दो गोप्यो गोपाश्च कौरव। कृष्णं समेत्य लब्धेहा आसँल्लब्धमनोरथाः॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१५)
English translation
O descendant of Kuru, Yaśodā, Rohiṇī, Nanda, the gopīs, and the cowherds met Kṛṣṇa, regained their lives, and attained their cherished desires.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.15)
Original
सुख-पयोधि पय प्रेम कौ उमगि चल्यौ चहुँ ओर। प्रीति-लहरि लखि-लखि बढ़तु राकारमन किसोर॥
English translation
The waters of love surged from the ocean of happiness in every direction. Seeing each wave of affection, the full-moon-like child grew ever more radiant.
Original
अबतक रोहिणीनन्दन श्रीबलराम दूर अवस्थित रहकर मन्द-मन्द मुसकाते हुए सबके मिलन-सुखका आनन्द ले रहे थे, किंतु अग्रज-अनुजका मिलन भी तो अनिवार्य है। इसीलिये दाऊ भैया भी दौड़े ही और लपककर अनुजको वक्षःस्थलपर धारण कर लिया। अवश्य ही दाऊ भैयाके नेत्रोंसे अश्रु ढलकनेपर भी मुख-कमलपर एक दिव्य हास्य भरा है, वे हँस रहे हैं। वे क्यों न हँसें, अपने भाईके अनन्त ऐश्वर्यसे वे चिर-परिचित जो ठहरे—
English translation
Until now Śrī Balarāma, Rohiṇī's son, had remained at a distance, smiling gently and enjoying the happiness of everyone's reunion. Yet the elder and younger brothers also had to meet. Dau Bhaiyā ran forward, sprang toward his younger brother, and held him against his chest. Though tears fell from his eyes, a divine smile filled his lotus face. Why should he not laugh? He had always known his brother's infinite majesty.
Original
रामश्चाच्युतमालिङ्ग्य जहासास्यानुभाववित्।
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१६)
English translation
Balarāma embraced infallible Kṛṣṇa and laughed, knowing his younger brother's power.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.16)
Original
मिलि हँसे मुसुकाई। जानत भ्रात-चरित-समुदाई॥
English translation
Meeting him, Balarāma laughed with a smile, for he knew the full range of his brother's deeds.
Original
किंतु दूसरे ही क्षण बाल्यलीलारसका उनमें भी आवेश हुए बिना न रहा। रोहिणीनन्दनका वह नित्यसिद्ध बलदेव-ज्ञान, अपने अनुजके अपरिसीम ऐश्वर्यकी अनुभूति स्नेहरसकी उत्ताल तरङ्गोंमें सहसा विलीन हो गयी। और यह लो, वे नीलसुन्दरको अपने क्रोडमें धारण कर बारंबार देखने लगते हैं—‘कहीं दुष्ट कालियके द्वारा उन मृदुल अङ्गोंमें कोई क्षत तो नहीं हो गया है!’
English translation
In the very next moment, however, the rasa of childhood play swept over him as well. Rohiṇī's son's eternally perfect knowledge of Baladeva and his awareness of his younger brother's boundless majesty suddenly dissolved within the towering waves of affectionate rasa. Holding the Dark Beauty in his lap, he looked him over again and again, wondering whether wicked Kāliya had injured any of those tender limbs.
Original
प्रेम्णा तमङ्कमारोप्य पुनः पुनरुदैक्षत।
English translation
With love he placed Kṛṣṇa upon his lap and looked at him again and again.
Original
अग्रजसे मिल लेनेपर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी दृष्टि उस असंख्य धेनुराशिकी ओर जाती है। वे गायें, वृषभ, वत्स अभी भी चित्रलिखे-से हुए निष्पन्द मुग्ध-से अवस्थित हैं, अपलक दृष्टिसे उनकी ओर ही देख रहे हैं। सदा ही वे गायें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको देखते ही उनकी ओर दौड़ पड़तीं। पर आज वे स्वयं चलकर नहीं आयीं! कारण स्पष्ट है—वे गोपगोपी-समूहके श्रीकृष्णमिलनमें बाधक बनना नहीं चाहतीं। पशुयोनिमें होनेपर भी उनमें पशुताका अभाव है। वे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी प्रिय गायें जो ठहरीं। अस्तु, अब नीलसुन्दर उनकी ओर ही दौड़ पड़ते हैं, जाकर उनके ग्रीवा-देशमें अपनी भुजाएँ डाल देते हैं। एक साथ प्रत्येक गौ, वृषभ, वत्सको ही श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका परम दिव्य स्पर्श प्राप्त हो जाता है। उस समय उन मूक पशुओंकी दशा—ओह! कोई कैसे बताये! वे गायें अपनी सजल आँखोंसे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको मानो पी जाना चाह रही हों, अपने प्रफुल्ल नासापुटोंसे उनके प्रत्येक अङ्गको ही सूँघ रही हों, अपनी रसज्ञा रसनाके द्वारा प्रेमातिरेकवश उन्हें चाट लेना चाह रही हों; प्रेमविह्वलताके कारण मधुर अस्फुट हाम्बारव करती हुई मानो वे नीलसुन्दरका कुशल जान लेना चाह रही हों—‘मेरे जीवनाधार! कालियके द्वारा तुम्हें कहीं चोट तो नहीं आयी!’
English translation
After meeting his elder brother, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra looked toward the countless cows. The cows, bulls, and calves still stood motionless and entranced, like figures in a painting, gazing at him without blinking. Ordinarily the cows ran toward Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra as soon as they saw him, but today they had not come forward themselves. The reason was clear: they did not wish to obstruct the meeting between Kṛṣṇa and the cowherd men and women. Though born as animals, they possessed no animal coarseness, for they were Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's beloved cows.
The Dark Beauty now ran toward them and placed his arms around their necks. Every cow, bull, and calf simultaneously received Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's supremely divine touch. Who could describe the condition of those voiceless creatures? With tear-filled eyes the cows seemed to drink Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. With widened nostrils they smelled each of his limbs, and in the excess of their love they wished to lick him with tongues that knew his taste. Their tender, indistinct lowing, choked by love, seemed to ask about the Dark Beauty's welfare: “Support of my life, did Kāliya injure you anywhere?”
Original
धेनुभिरपि सास्रैरेव नयनपुटैः पीयमान इव प्रफुल्लाभिर्घोणाभिर्घ्रायमाण इव रसज्ञाभी रसेन लिह्यमान इव कलगद्गदेन हम्बारवेण सप्रणयमनामयं पृच्छ्यमान इव।
(श्रीआनन्दवृन्दावनचम्पूः)
English translation
The cows seemed to drink him with the cups of their tearful eyes, smell him with their expanded nostrils, and lick him with tongues filled with rasa. Through tender lowing choked with emotion, they lovingly seemed to ask whether he was unharmed.
(Śrī Ānandavṛndāvanacampū)
Original
जिस समय श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र उस असंख्य धेनुराशिसे मिल रहे हैं, उस समय उनके चरणसरोरुह हृदकी उस जली हुई तट-भूमिको, तृणरहित स्थलको स्वाभाविक अपना पावन स्पर्श-दान करते जा रहे हैं और इसका यह तत्क्षण परिणाम हो रहा है—अद्भुत हरितिमा वहाँ व्यक्त होने लगती है। वह जला हुआ स्थल-देश मनोहर तृण-संकुलित श्यामल बन जाता है। इतना ही नहीं, हृदकी सीमासे पारके जो वृक्ष विषकी ज्वालासे झुलस गये थे, वे भी नीलसुन्दरकी दृष्टि पड़ते ही तत्क्षण पल्लवित, पुष्पित हो गये—
English translation
As Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra met that innumerable host of cows, his lotus feet naturally bestowed their purifying touch upon the scorched and grassless bank of the lake. The effect appeared immediately: wondrous greenery began emerging there. The burnt land became dark and lovely, thick with fresh grass. Even the trees beyond the lake's boundary, which had withered beneath the flames of its poison, instantly put forth leaves and flowers when the Dark Beauty's glance fell upon them.
Original
नगा गावो वृषा वत्सा लेभिरे परमां मुदम्।
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१६)
English translation
The trees, cows, bulls, and calves attained supreme joy.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.16)
Original
धेनु बृच्छ बछरा ब्रष सारे। लहे परम आनंद अति भारे॥
English translation
All the cows, trees, calves, and bulls attained immense and supreme bliss.
Original
इसी समय अपने परिवारको साथ लिये व्रजवासी ब्राह्मण एवं गोपकुल-पुरोहितगण व्रजेन्द्रके समीप आये। ये सभी आये तो वहाँ पहले ही थे। जब सम्पूर्ण व्रज अशकुनका अनुभव कर कालियहृदकी ओर भाग छूटा था तो ये भी उनके पीछे-पीछे दौड़ आये थे, किंतु आकर किंकर्तव्यविमूढ़ हो गये थे। अब पुनः व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके दर्शनसे ये भी अतिशय प्रफुल्लित हो उठे एवं व्रजेशसे कहने लगे—‘नन्दराय! सुनो, तुम्हारे एवं हम सबके भाग्यसे ही तुम्हारा पुत्र श्रीकृष्ण अक्षत बचकर चला आया, कालिय-जैसे महाविषधर नागसे ग्रस्त होनेपर भी यह छूट आया। एकमात्र श्रीनारायणकी अनुकम्पासे ही यह सौभाग्य हम सबोंके लिये सम्भव हुआ है व्रजेश! शीघ्र ही श्रीनारायणकी अर्चनाके रूपमें महामहोत्सव आरम्भ करो, ब्राह्मणोंको दानसे परितृप्त कर दो।’ तथा व्रजेशने भी अतिशय प्रसन्नताका अनुभव करते हुए तत्क्षण इस आदेशका पालन किया। अपरिमित स्वर्णराशि, अगणित गो-दानका संकल्प व्रजेन्द्रने अविलम्ब ग्रहण कर लिया। संकल्पपाठके समय व्रजेश्वरकी आँखें बरस रही हैं एवं मनका प्रत्येक अंश इस भावनामें निमग्न है—‘मेरे प्राणधन नीलमणिको ऐसी कोई विपत्ति छू तक न सके, सदा ही मेरा लाल इन सबसे सर्वथा अक्षत बच निकले।’
English translation
At that moment the brāhmaṇas of Vraja and the family priests of the cowherd community approached Vrajendra with their families. They had already come to the lake. When all of Vraja perceived the evil omens and rushed toward Kāliya Lake, these priests had run behind them, but upon arriving they had become bewildered and unable to decide what to do. Now the sight of Vrajendra's son filled them with delight, and they said to the king of Vraja: “Nanda Rāya, listen. By your good fortune and ours, your son Śrī Kṛṣṇa has escaped unharmed. Though seized by a powerfully venomous serpent like Kāliya, he has been released. This blessing became possible for us only through Śrī Nārāyaṇa's compassion. Quickly begin a great festival of worship for Śrī Nārāyaṇa and satisfy the brāhmaṇas with gifts.”
Overjoyed, Vrajendra immediately obeyed their instruction. He at once took a vow to donate immeasurable quantities of gold and countless cows. As the vow was recited, the king of Vraja's eyes streamed with tears, and every part of his mind rested in a single prayer: “May no such danger ever touch my Dark Jewel, the treasure of my life. May my child always escape every peril completely unharmed.”
Original
नन्दं विप्राः समागत्य गुरवः सकलत्रकाः। ऊचुस्ते कालियग्रस्तो दिष्ट्या मुक्तस्तवात्मजः॥
देहि दानं द्विजातीनां कृष्णनिर्मुक्तिहेतवे। नन्दः प्रीतमना राजन् गाः सुवर्णं तदादिशत्॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१७-१८)
English translation
The brāhmaṇas and family priests came before Nanda with their wives and said, “By good fortune your son has been freed after being seized by Kāliya. Give charity to the twice-born in gratitude for Kṛṣṇa's deliverance.” O king, joyful Nanda then ordered that cows and gold be given.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.17-18)
Original
आए ब्रज के द्विज अनुरागे। नंद सौं कहन सबै यौं लागे॥
बोले भूसुर आइ, अहो नंद तव भाग्य बड़। पर्यौ सर्प-मुख जाइ, दैव बचायौ सुअन तव॥
देहु दान द्विज कौं सनमानी। अहि तैं छुट्यौ तनय निज जानी॥
सुनि कै नंद बहुत सुख माना। दिए धेनु, कंचन, मनि नाना॥
जु कछु जन्म-उत्सव में कीनौं। ब्रजपति तातैं दूनौ दीनौ॥
English translation
The devoted twice-born of Vraja arrived and all began speaking to Nanda.
The brāhmaṇas said, “Nanda, how great is your fortune! Your son entered a serpent's mouth, yet providence saved him.
Honor the twice-born and give them charity, knowing that your child has escaped the serpent.”
Hearing this, Nanda felt immense happiness and gave cows, gold, and many kinds of jewels.
Whatever he had given at Kṛṣṇa's birth festival, the lord of Vraja now gave twice as much.
Original
अस्तु, सबका मिलन सम्पन्न होनेके अनन्तर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र पुनः जननीके पास ही चले आये। जननीने भी अपने लालको हृदयसे लगाकर क्रोडमें धारण किया। महाभाग्यवती कृष्णवत्सला मैया यशोदा अपने विनष्टप्राय पुत्र नीलमणिको फिरसे हृदयपर धारण कर सकीं—बस, इससे अधिक उन्हें और कुछ नहीं चाहिये; किंतु उनके आँसू अभी भी थम नहीं रहे हैं। नीलसुन्दरको गोदमें लिये मूर्ति-सी बनी वे बैठी हैं तथा नेत्रोंसे निरर्गल अश्रुप्रवाह बहता जा रहा है—
English translation
After everyone had completed their reunion, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra returned to his mother. She pressed her child to her heart and held him in her lap. Most fortunate Mother Yaśodā, whose love centered entirely upon Kṛṣṇa, could again hold upon her heart the Dark Jewel she had nearly lost. She wanted nothing more. Yet her tears still would not stop. She sat motionless like an image with the Dark Beauty in her lap, while an unchecked stream of tears flowed from her eyes.
Original
यशोदापि महाभागा नष्टलब्धप्रजा सती। परिष्वज्याङ्कमारोप्य मुमोचाश्रुकलां मुहुः॥
(श्रीमद्भागवत १०।१७।१९)
English translation
Most fortunate and virtuous Yaśodā, who had regained the child she had nearly lost, embraced him, placed him upon her lap, and repeatedly shed tears.
(Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.17.19)
Original
जसुमति परम भाग्य निधि भूपा। नष्ट प्राय सुत लह्यमौ अनूपा॥
अंक राखि, पुनि-पुनि हिय लाई। जलज-नयन जल-धार बहाई॥
English translation
Yaśodā was a treasury of supreme good fortune, for she regained her incomparable son, who had nearly been lost.
Keeping him in her lap, she pressed him repeatedly to her heart, while streams of tears flowed from her lotus eyes.
Original
जननीका यह करुणभाव सबको आर्द्र कर देता है। पुनः सबकी आँखें झरने लगती हैं—
English translation
The mother's tender sorrow melted everyone, and all their eyes began streaming once more.
Original
चलत सबन के नैनन नीर। जनु निकसी जल ह्वै उर पीर॥
English translation
Tears flowed from every eye, as though the pain within each heart had become water and poured forth.
Original
बीच-बीचमें व्रजेन्द्रगेहिनी अस्फुट कण्ठसे बार-बार इतना-सा कह उठती हैं—
English translation
From time to time, the queen of Vrajendra's house repeatedly managed only these few words in a choked voice.
Original
मैं तुमहिं बरजति रही हरि, जमुन-तट जनि जाइ॥ कह्यौ मेरौ कान्ह कियौ नहिं, गयौ खेलन धाइ॥
English translation
Hari, I kept forbidding you to go to Yamunā's bank. My Kanhā did not heed my words and ran there to play.
Original
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र मैयाके अङ्कमें विराजित रहकर मन्द-मन्द हँस रहे हैं। अचानक उनके चञ्चल नेत्र किंचित् और भी चञ्चल हो उठे। ताली पीटकर, हँसकर उन्होंने व्रजेशका ध्यान अपनी ओर आकर्षित किया और पुकार उठे—‘बाबा! बाबा! विलम्ब मत करो, वे कमलपुष्प कंसको भेजने हैं न; शीघ्र भेज दो!’
English translation
Seated in his mother's lap, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra laughed softly. Suddenly his restless eyes grew still more animated. Clapping and laughing, he drew the king of Vraja's attention toward himself and called, “Bābā! Bābā! Do not delay. We must send those lotus flowers to Kaṁsa, must we not? Send them quickly!”
Original
तुरत कमल अब देहु पठाइ। सुनहु तात कछु बिलँब न कीजै, कंस चढ़ै ब्रज ऊपर धाइ॥
English translation
Send the lotus flowers at once. Listen, Father, do not delay, or Kaṁsa will come charging upon Vraja.
Original
फिर तो व्रजेश्वर चौंक उठे, व्रजरानीका वह करुणभाव शिथिल हो गया। अन्य समस्त व्रजवासियोंका ध्यान भी उधर ही जा लगा। ऐसा इसीलिये हुआ कि व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी अचिन्त्यलीला-महाशक्तिकी योजनाके अनुसार ही तो लीलाप्रवाह अग्रसर होगा। उसी योजनासे अबतक सब कुछ हुआ है, आगे अनन्त कालतक होता रहेगा। व्रजेश्वरके समीप सम्राट् कंसका दूत आया था, कालियहृदके कमलपुष्प सूर्यास्तसे पूर्व सम्राट्के समीप प्रेषित कर देनेकी आज्ञा हुई थी, व्रजेश्वर-व्रजवासी चिन्तामें निमग्न थे तथा उससे पूर्व रात्रिमें श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने एक स्वप्न देखा था। मैया स्वप्न सुनकर आकुल हो गयी थीं। इन सबकी सर्वथा विस्मृति जिस योजनाके अनुसार हो गयी थी, उसीके अनुसार अब समयपर पुनः स्मृति भी उदय हो आयी है। जो हो, व्रजेश्वर तो नीलसुन्दरकी बात सुनते ही अग्रिम व्यवस्थाकी बात सोचने लग गये तथा बाल्यलीलाविहारी जननीकी ठोढ़ी छूकर अतिशय मधुकण्ठसे उन्हें प्रबोध देने बैठे—
English translation
The king of Vraja started in surprise, and the queen's sorrowful mood relaxed. Every other resident of Vraja turned attention in that direction. This occurred because the current of divine play proceeds according to the design of the inconceivable supreme power of Vrajendra's son's līlā. Everything had happened according to that design and would continue to do so throughout endless time. Emperor Kaṁsa's messenger had come before the king of Vraja with an order to send the lotus flowers of Kāliya Lake before sunset. The king and the people of Vraja had been immersed in anxiety, and on the preceding night Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra had seen a dream that greatly disturbed his mother. By the same design through which all this had been completely forgotten, its memory now returned at the proper moment.
As soon as he heard the Dark Beauty's words, the king of Vraja began considering the necessary arrangements. Meanwhile, the enjoyer of childhood play touched his mother's chin and began consoling her in an exceedingly honeyed voice.
Original
कंस कमल मँगाइ पठए, तातें गयउँ डराइ। मैं कह्यौ निसि सुपन तोसौं, प्रगट भयौ सु आइ॥
ग्वाल सँग मिलि गेंद खेलत, आयौ जमुना तीर। काहु लै मोहिं डारि दीन्हौ, कालिया-दह-नीर॥
यह कही तब उरग मो सौं, किन पठायौ तोहि। मैं कही, नृप कंस पठयौ, कमल कारन मोहि॥
यह सुनत डरि कमल दीन्हौ, लियौ पीठि चढ़ाइ। सूर यह कहि जननि बोधी, देख्यौ तुमहीं आइ॥
English translation
Kaṁsa sent an order demanding lotuses, and that frightened me. I told you my dream at night, and now it has come true.
While playing ball with the cowherd boys, I came to Yamunā's bank. Someone picked me up and cast me into the waters of Kāliya Lake.
Then the serpent asked me, “Who sent you?” I replied, “King Kaṁsa sent me to obtain the lotuses.”
Hearing this, he became afraid, gave me the lotuses, and carried me upon his back. Sūra says that with these words he reassured his mother: “You saw me return yourself.”
Original
जय हो बाल्यलीलारसमत्त प्रभु व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी! प्रभुकी शिशुसुलभ परम रसमय सरल वचनावलीकी!!
और वह देखो—वहाँ कालियहृदकी ओर! जहाँ उस सुविस्तीर्ण हृदके जलपर एक तृणका चिह्नतक उपलब्ध न था, वहीं सर्वत्र मानो कमलपुष्पोंका ही आस्तरण आस्तृत हो रहा है, राशि-राशि विकसित पद्मोंसे सम्पूर्ण हृद आच्छादित हो रहा है! इतना ही नहीं, हृदके स्थान-स्थानपर एकत्र किये हुए पद्मपुष्पोंका अंबार लग रहा है।
दृश्य देखकर व्रजेश्वरका रोम-रोम खिल उठा। व्रजपुरवासियोंके आनन्दका पार नहीं रहा। आदेशभरकी देर थी। सभी सेवक कंस-सम्राट्के लिये आवश्यक उपहार-सामग्री एकत्र करनेमें जुट पड़े। व्रजसे शकटोंका समूह आया। भेंटकी अन्य सामग्रियाँ आयीं। देखते-देखते ही तीन कोटि पद्मपुष्प सहस्र शकटोंमें पूरित कर दिये गये और गोपरक्षकोंके संरक्षणमें शकट मधुवनकी ओर चल पड़े—
English translation
All glory to Vrajendra's son, the Lord intoxicated with the rasa of childhood play! All glory to the supremely rasa-filled simplicity of his childlike words!
And look toward Kāliya Lake. Where not even the mark of a blade of grass had existed upon those expansive waters, a covering of lotus flowers now seemed to spread everywhere. Heaps of fully blossomed lotuses covered the entire lake, and piles of gathered flowers rose at place after place along its shore.
Every hair upon the king of Vraja's body blossomed at the sight, and the joy of the people of Vraja knew no bounds. They needed only receive the order. Every servant began collecting the gifts required for Emperor Kaṁsa. A host of carts came from Vraja, together with other offerings. Before long, thirty million lotus flowers had been loaded into a thousand carts, which set out toward Madhuvana under the protection of cowherd guards.
Original
सहस सकट भरि कमल चलाए। अपनी समसरि और गोप जे, तिन कौं साथ पठाए॥
और बहुत काँवरि दधि-माखन, अहिरनि काँथें जोरि।
English translation
They filled a thousand carts with lotuses and sent them forth. He dispatched his own peers and other cowherds to accompany them.
Many more carried shoulder yokes laden with yogurt and butter, which the cowherd women had bound together.
Original
व्रजेश्वरने सम्राट् कंसके लिये पत्र भी दिया एवं कुछ मौखिक संदेश भी दिये—
English translation
The king of Vraja also gave them a letter for Emperor Kaṁsa and several oral messages.
Original
नृप कें हाथ पत्र यह दीजौ, बिनती कीजौ मोरि॥ मेरौ नाम नृपति सौं लीजौ, स्याम कमल लै आए।
कोटि कमल आपुन नृप माँगे, तीनि कोटि हैं पाए॥ नृपति हमहिं अपनौं करि जानौ, तुव लायक हम नाहिं।
सूरदास कहियौ नृप आगैं, तुमहिं छाँड़ि कहँ जाहिं॥
English translation
Place this letter in the king's hands and submit my request. Speak my name before him and say that Śyāma has brought the lotuses.
The king requested ten million lotuses, but thirty million have been obtained. May the king regard us as his own, for we are not worthy of him.
Sūradāsa says: tell the king, “Leaving you, where else could we go?”
Original
इधर भुवनभास्करका रथ अस्ताचलको स्पर्श करने लगा है। व्रजेन्द्र किंचित् चिन्तित-से हो गये—‘इतने बड़े समुदायके साथ व्रजमें पहुँचते-पहुँचते अर्द्ध निशा हो जानेमें संदेह ही क्या है!’ किंतु नीलसुन्दरने अपने तातकी यह चिन्ता हर ली, अतिशय सुन्दर समाधान कर दिया—
English translation
Meanwhile the chariot of the sun, illuminator of the worlds, began touching the western mountain. Vrajendra grew somewhat concerned: “With such a vast company, there is no doubt it will be midnight before we reach Vraja.” The Dark Beauty removed his father's worry by offering a most lovely solution.
Original
ब्रजबासिनि सौं कहत कन्हाई। जमुना-तीर आजु सुख कीजै, यह मेरें मन आई॥
गोपनि सुनि अति हरष बढ़ायौ, सुख पायौ नँदराइ। घर-घर तैं पकवान मगायौ, ग्वारनि दियौ पठाइ॥
दधि-माखन षट-रसके भोजन, तुरतहिं ल्याए जाइ। मातु-पिता-गोपी-ग्वालनि कौं, सूरज प्रभु सुखदाइ॥
English translation
Kanhā said to the residents of Vraja, “Let us happily remain on Yamunā's bank tonight. This thought has come to my mind.”
Hearing him, the cowherds' delight increased, and Nanda Rāya found relief. He sent cowherd women to bring prepared foods from every home.
Yogurt, butter, and meals containing all six tastes were quickly brought. Sūra says the Lord bestowed happiness upon mother, father, gopīs, and cowherds.