Original
Hindi
धेनुकासुर-वध
English translation
The Slaying of Dhenukāsura
Original
Hindi and Braj
प्रतिदिन गोचारणके अनन्तर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र ब्रजमें प्रविष्ट होते थे सायंकाल। किंतु आज वे आ रहे हैं उस समय, जब कि किरणमाली पूर्व क्षितिजकी ओटसे झाँकने लगे हैं। कालियदमनका वह दिन, दावानल-शमनकी वह निशा व्यतीत हो जानेपर व्रजेश्वरने अपने आवासकी ओर प्रस्थान किया तथा गो-गोप-गोपियोंसे परिवृत होकर नीलसुन्दर गोष्ठमें पधारे:
सुख कियौ जमुन-तट एक दिन-रैनि बसि, प्रातहीं ब्रज गईं गोप-नारी। सूर-प्रभु स्याम-बलराम नँद-धाम गए, मातु-पितु घोष-जननी-सुखकारी॥ जगत-ईस प्रभु सक्ति अनंता। कृष्नदेव प्रभु श्रीभगवंता॥ पुनि निज बंधु सहित जदुनाथा। प्रबिसे ब्रज हरषित एक साथा॥ गोपी मुदित गान कल बानी। सुनत गेह पहुँचे सुखदानी॥
English translation
Each day Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra entered Vraja in the evening after grazing the cows. Today, however, He returned as the sun's rays began to peer above the eastern horizon. After the day of subduing Kāliya and the night of extinguishing the forest fire had passed, Vrajeśvara set out for home. Surrounded by cows, cowherd men, and women, Nīlasundara entered the settlement:
After spending a day and night happily upon Yamunā's bank, the cowherd women returned to Vraja in the morning. Sūra's Lords Śyāma and Balarāma went to Nanda's home, bringing joy to Their parents and all the cowherd people. Lord Kṛṣṇa is Deva, Śrī Bhagavān, ruler of the universe and possessor of infinite power. The Lord of the Yadus then entered Vraja joyfully with His companions. Hearing the delighted gopīs sing in lovely voices, the giver of happiness reached His home.
Original
Hindi
एक बार यह प्रयास अवश्य किया गया कि गायें वनमें ही रह जायँ, उनके संचारणका समय तो प्रायः हो ही चुका है। पर वे पशु भले ही वाणीके द्वारा अपने हृदयकी भावना व्यक्त न कर सकें, शरीरसे तो किसी अंशमें स्वतन्त्र हैं ही। वश चलते वे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको छोड़कर वनमें कैसे रह जायँगी? गोपरक्षकोंकी वह चेष्टा सर्वथा व्यर्थ सिद्ध हुई। सबने स्पष्ट अनुभव कर लिया कि मनुष्योंकी भाँति ही ये पशु भी इस समय व्रजमें प्रवेश करते हुए श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको छोड़कर वनमें नहीं रह सकते:
English translation
An attempt was made to leave the cows in the forest, for their grazing time had nearly arrived. Though the animals could not express the feelings of their hearts through speech, their bodies possessed some freedom. Given a choice, how could they remain in the forest after leaving Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra? The cowherds' effort proved entirely futile. Everyone clearly understood that, just like human beings, the animals could not abandon Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra as He entered Vraja and remain behind in the forest:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī
मनुष्या इव पशवोऽपि तं व्रजं प्रविशन्तं त्यक्तुं नाशक्नुवन्निति।
English translation
Like human beings, the animals too were unable to abandon Him as He entered Vraja.
Original
Hindi and Braj
अस्तु, आज गोचारण स्थगित रहा। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी मनोहारिणी क्रीड़ाएँ नन्दप्राङ्गणमें, नन्दोद्यानमें एवं व्रजपुरमें होती रहीं। वनमें होनेवाले विविध कौतुकोंकी एक झाँकी पाकर पुरसुन्दरियोंने अपने नेत्र शीतल किये। और आठ पहरमें ही अतीत दिवसकी सारी घटनावली उनके स्मृतिपथसे इतनी दूर चली गयी, मानो कुछ हुआ ही न हो! सर्वत्र परमानन्दकी निराविल धारा प्रसरित हो रही है और उसमें अवगाहन करते हुए व्रजवासी अन्य सब कुछ भूल गये हैं; बस, स्मरण रह गया है उन्हें केवल यशोदानन्दनका। उन्हें देखते-देखते ही न जाने कब अंशुमाली अस्ताचलमें चले गये और कब रजनी भी आकर, उषाका आलिङ्गन कर विदा हो गयी, यह भी उन्होंने नहीं जाना। सभीका अनुभव है, हम तो सदा व्रजमें ही थे, व्रजमें ही हैं, नीलसुन्दरकी दैनंदिनी क्रीड़ा भी वैसे ही एकरस चल रही है। और इस समय वह देखो, वहाँ नन्दप्राङ्गणमें गोचारणके लिये वन जानेसे पूर्व व्रजेश्वरी अपने नीलमणिको कलेवा करा रही हैं, नीलमणि भी अन्यान्य खाद्य-सामग्रियोंको किञ्चिन्मात्र होठोंसे स्पर्श कराकर अब केवल नवनीतका आस्वाद ले रहे हैं। कर-किसलयपर जननीके द्वारा रखे हुए नवनीत-ग्रासको मुखमें भरकर वे पुनः अपना हस्त-कमल सामने कर देते हैं एवं मैया पुनः उसपर ग्रास सजा देती हैं:
हरि ब्रज-जन के दुख-बिसरावन। कहाँ कंस, कब कमल मँगाए, कहाँ दवानल-दावन॥ जल कब गिरे, उरग कब नाथ्यौ, नहिं जानत ब्रज-लोग। कहाँ बसे इक दिवस-रैनि भरि, कबहिं भयौ यह सोग॥ यह जानत हम ऐसेहिं ब्रज में, वैसेहिं करत बिहार। सूर स्याम जननी सौं माँगत माखन बारंबार॥
English translation
Thus cow grazing was suspended for the day. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's enchanting games continued in Nanda's courtyard, garden, and throughout Vraja. Seeing a glimpse of the many wonders that normally occurred in the forest, the women of the settlement cooled their eyes. Within a single day and night, all the previous day's events had moved so far from their memories that it seemed nothing had happened. A spotless current of supreme bliss flowed everywhere, and bathing within it, the residents of Vraja forgot everything except Yaśodā's son.
As they gazed upon Him, no one knew when the sun disappeared behind the western mountain or when night arrived, embraced dawn, and departed. Everyone felt that they had always lived in Vraja, were still there, and Nīlasundara's daily play continued in its usual steady current. Now, in Nanda's courtyard before He went to the forest to graze the cows, the queen of Vraja fed her blue jewel His morning meal. After barely touching other foods to His lips, Nīlamaṇi relished only fresh butter. He placed in His mouth the morsel Mother set upon His tender hand, then held out His lotus palm again, and Mother placed another morsel upon it.
Hari makes the people of Vraja forget their sorrows. Where was Kaṁsa? When had he demanded lotuses? Where was the burning forest fire? The people of Vraja did not remember when Kṛṣṇa entered the water, when He subdued the serpent, where they spent an entire day and night, or when grief had arisen. They knew only, "We have always been in Vraja while He performs His pastimes as before." Sūra's Śyāma repeatedly asked His mother for butter.
Original
Hindi
इस प्रकार अबसे ग्रीष्मके अवसानतक, पुनः ग्रीष्मके आगमनतक एवं पावसकी अवधि समाप्तप्राय होनेतक श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी क्रीड़ा निर्बाध चलती रही। व्रजमें, वृन्दाकाननमें, कहीं भी राक्षसोंके द्वारा कोई उत्पात न हुआ। हाँ, इसी वर्षा-ऋतुके अन्तमें एक दिन जब मेघ पर्याप्त रूपसे बरस चुके थे, विविध वनक्रीड़ाओंसे श्रान्त होकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र एक वृक्षके नीचे विश्राम कर रहे थे, गायें समीप ही तृण चर रही थीं, गोपशिशुओंने अग्रज बलराम एवं नीलसुन्दरके समीप एक नवीन प्रस्ताव रखा। बलराम एवं श्यामके प्रधान सखा श्रीदाम गोपने तथा सुबल एवं स्तोककृष्ण आदिने हँस-हँसकर, अतिशय प्रेमके सहित समीप आकर अपना मनोभाव बताया:
English translation
From then until the end of summer, through the return of summer and almost to the close of the rainy season, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's play continued without interruption. No demon caused any disturbance anywhere in Vraja or Vṛndāvana. Then one day near the end of the rainy season, after the clouds had poured abundant rain, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra rested beneath a tree, tired from many forest games, while the cows grazed nearby. The cowherd boys presented a new proposal to Nīlasundara and His elder brother Balarāma. Śrīdāmā, foremost friend of Rāma and Śyāma, together with Subala, Stokakṛṣṇa, and others, approached with great love, laughing as they expressed their desire:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.20
श्रीदामा नाम गोपालो रामकेशवयोः सखा। सुबलस्तोककृष्णाद्या गोपाः प्रेम्णेदमब्रुवन्॥
English translation
A cowherd named Śrīdāmā, a friend of Rāma and Keśava, together with Subala, Stokakṛṣṇa, and other boys, spoke these words with love.
Original
Braj
श्रीदामा एक सखा सयानौ। सुबल आदि प्रिय अपर सुजानौ॥ बोले बचन बिहँसि सुख मानी। कृपासिंधु सौं अति सनमानी॥
English translation
Śrīdāmā was a wise friend, and Subala and the others were beloved and discerning. Filled with joy, they laughed and spoke with deep respect to the ocean of mercy.
Original
Hindi
बालकोंके स्वरमें अद्भुत उत्साह है, पूर्ण आशा भरी है कि उनकी वह योजना उनके बलराम, उनका कन्नू, दोनोंके द्वारा स्वीकृत होकर ही रहेगी और वे अविराम कहते चले जा रहे हैं, 'भैया राम, कितना सुख तुम हम सबको देते हो! और ओह! कितना बल है तुम्हारी इन भुजाओंमें। तथा भैया रे श्रीकृष्ण! तुम्हारा तो स्वभाव ही है दुष्टोंका दमन करते रहना। इसीलिये आज एक बात बताता हूँ, तुम दोनों सुन लो। देखो, यहाँसे कुछ ही दूरपर तालवन नामक एक सुविस्तृत वन है, हो! और क्या कहें, उसमें न जाने ताल-वृक्षोंकी कितनी पंक्तियाँ सुशोभित हैं। इतना ही नहीं, तालके पके फल वहाँ गिरते ही रहते हैं, पहलेसे गिरे हुए भी अगणित फल वहाँ पड़े रहते हैं। किंतु यह सब होकर भी क्या हुआ! वहाँ तो एक अत्यन्त हिंस्र-स्वभावका दैत्य रहता है। धेनुक उसका नाम है। उसी दुष्टने सम्पूर्ण फलोंपर ही अपना अधिकार जमा रखा है।
'बलराम भैया! और प्राणसखा श्रीकृष्ण! सुनो, वह असुर गधेका रूप धारण किये रहता है। महाबलशाली है वह, और उसके साथ ही उसीके समान पराक्रमशाली उसके अन्य असंख्य भाई-बन्धु भी निवास करते हैं। हमारे शत्रुनाशक भैयाओ! मनुष्योंको तो मारकर वह खा जाता है। उस नर-मांसभक्षी राक्षसके भयसे मनुष्य, पशु-पक्षी, सबने ही उस वनको छोड़ दिया; कोई भी वहाँ नहीं जाता, तालफलोंका लाभ नहीं ले पाता; जब कि ऐसे सुस्वादु एवं सद्गन्धयुक्त फल आजतक किसीने खाये ही नहीं! बस, स्वयं अभी प्रत्यक्ष अनुभव कर लो, उन फलोंकी मनोहर सुगन्ध सर्वत्र फैल रही है, हम सभीको यहाँसे उसकी स्पष्ट गन्ध मिल जो रही है। भैया रे श्रीकृष्ण! इस गन्धसे तो हम सबोंका मन ही लुब्ध हो गया; हमें तुम तालफल अवश्य खिला दो! दाऊ दादा! हमारी प्रबल इच्छा है इन फलोंको पा लेनेकी, भोजन करनेकी! बस, अब देर न करो। यदि हमारा प्रस्ताव तुम्हें रुचिकर लगे तो वहाँ अवश्य चलो, दादा।'
English translation
The boys' voices held astonishing enthusiasm and complete confidence that Balarāma and their Kannū would accept the proposal. They continued eagerly:
"Rāma Bhaiyā, how much happiness You give us all, and how powerful are Your arms. Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Your very nature is to subdue the wicked. Therefore hear something we wish to tell You both. A vast forest named Tālavana lies a short distance from here. Innumerable rows of palm trees beautify it. Ripe palm fruits constantly fall there, and countless fallen fruits already cover the ground. Yet a violent demon named Dhenuka has claimed all the fruit for himself.
"Balarāma Bhaiyā and Śrī Kṛṣṇa, friend dearer than life, that powerful demon assumes the form of a donkey. Countless relatives equal to him in strength live beside him. Brothers who destroy our enemies, he kills and eats human beings. Fearing that man-eating demon, humans, animals, and birds have all abandoned the forest. No one enters or enjoys its palm fruits, though no one has ever eaten fruit so delicious and fragrant. Experience it Yourselves. The fruit's enchanting aroma spreads everywhere, and we can clearly smell it from here. Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the fragrance has captivated all our minds. You must feed us those palm fruits. Dāū Dādā, we intensely desire to obtain and eat them. Do not delay. If our proposal pleases You, please take us there."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.21-26
राम राम महाबाहो कृष्ण दुष्टनिबर्हण। इतोऽविदूरे सुमहद्वनं तालालिसंकुलम्॥ फलानि तत्र भूरीणि पतन्ति पतितानि च। सन्ति किं त्ववरुद्धानि धेनुकेन दुरात्मना॥ सोऽतिवीर्योऽसुरो राम हे कृष्ण खररूपधृक्। आत्मतुल्यबलैरन्यैर्ज्ञातिभिर्बहुभिर्वृतः॥ तस्मात् कृतनराहाराद्भीतैर्नृभिरमित्रहन्। न सेव्यते पशुगणैः पक्षिसङ्घैर्विवर्जितम्॥ विद्यन्तेऽभुक्तपूर्वाणि फलानि सुरभीणि च। एष वै सुरभिर्गन्धो विषूचीनोऽवगृह्यते॥ प्रयच्छ तानि नः कृष्ण गन्धलोभितचेतसाम्। वाञ्छास्ति महती राम गम्यतां यदि रोचते॥
English translation
Rāma, mighty-armed Rāma, and Kṛṣṇa, destroyer of the wicked, not far from here lies a vast forest crowded with rows of palm trees. Many fruits fall there and lie upon the ground, but the evil Dhenuka prevents anyone from taking them.
Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, that immensely powerful demon assumes a donkey's form and is surrounded by many relatives equal to him in strength. O destroyers of enemies, he eats human flesh. Out of fear, people do not enter that forest, and even animals and flocks of birds avoid it.
There are fragrant fruits there that no one has ever tasted. Their aroma spreads in every direction and reaches us here. Kṛṣṇa, please give those fruits to us, whose minds their fragrance has enticed. Rāma, we desire them greatly. Let us go there if the idea pleases You.
Original
Braj
राम राम हे यदुकुल भूषन। अहो कृष्न अघ-दनुज-विदूषन॥ इत तैं निकट ताल-बन सुंदर। सघन सुहावन फल सुख-मंदिर॥ गिरे-झरे फल पक्क सुहावन। छिति छपि रही, अमिय सम पावन॥ है परंतु धेनुक अति घोरा। रोक्यौ तिन सब फल चहु ओरा॥ अति बिसाल, बल काल समाना। खर-सरूप तन कुलिस प्रमाना॥ ताहि सरिस बल अपर बहु, ज्ञाति तासु अति घोर। नर-अहार संतत करें, कुमती कठिन कठोर॥ तेहि भय भीत मनुज नहिं जाहीं। पसु-पंछी नहिं निकट रहाहीं॥ फल अभुक्त-पूरब जदुनंदा। अति सौरभ फल हैं सुख-कंदा॥ अनिल संग यह सुरभि अनूपा। मन कहँ खैंचि लेइ सुखरूपा॥ मन लोभित फल चाह विसेषी। दीजिय नाथ कृपा हिय पेखी॥ हे बलदेव! चाह चित भूरी। चलिय, नाथ! कीजै रुचि पूरी॥ जो इच्छा प्रभु! होइ तुम्हारी। चलहु, नाथ! तौ जन सुखकारी॥ भारी भूख लगी है, चलौ। भैया, बहुत मानिहैं भलौ॥
English translation
Rāma, adornment of the Yadu dynasty, and Kṛṣṇa, destroyer of sin and demons, a beautiful palm forest lies nearby, dense and lovely, an abode of delightful fruit. Beautiful ripe fruits have fallen and covered the ground, pure as nectar. Yet the terrible Dhenuka has blocked access to every fruit. His huge donkey body is hard as a thunderbolt, and his strength resembles death. Many fierce relatives equal to him in power live there. Cruel and wicked, they continually eat human flesh.
Fearing him, people do not enter, and animals and birds stay away. O son of Yadu, the fruit has never been tasted and is exceedingly fragrant, a source of delight. Its incomparable aroma travels upon the breeze and draws the mind. Our minds are enticed, and we greatly desire the fruit. Lord, see our hearts and mercifully give it to us. Baladeva, our hearts desire it intensely. Come, Lord, and fulfill our longing. If the idea pleases You, please go there and bring joy to Your servants. We are extremely hungry. Come, brother, and we shall consider it a great favor.
Original
Hindi
गोपशिशुओंका यह निवेदन पूर्ण होते-न-होते राम-श्याम दोनों भाई उठकर खड़े हो गये। उनके नित्य-प्रफुल्ल वदनारविन्दपर एक अभिनव उल्लासकी लहर-सी बह चली। दोनों ही हँसे और उनके उस उन्मुक्त हास्यसे समस्त अरण्यप्रान्त गूँज उठा। फिर बाल्यलीलाविहारी श्रीकृष्ण एवं बलराम तत्क्षण उन अपने सुहृद् बन्धुओंका मनोरथ पूर्ण करनेके लिये तालवनकी ओर चल ही तो पड़े। हँसते हुए वे असंख्य बालक भी उनके साथ चले जा रहे हैं। देखते-देखते ही तालवनकी सीमा भी आ पहुँची। यह लो, यह रही तालवनकी समतल, स्निग्ध सुविस्तीर्ण कृष्णवर्ण मृत्तिकामयी भूमि! वे खड़े हैं तालके उत्तुङ्ग वृक्ष! बस, बलराम तो दौड़ पड़े। किसीके पहुँचनेसे पूर्व ही रोहिणीनन्दनने वहाँ जाकर तालवृक्षोंको अपनी भुजाओंमें भर लिया और एक करिशावक मानो कदली वृक्षोंको प्रकम्पित कर रहा हो, इस प्रकार उन्हें बड़े वेगसे हिलाकर क्षणोंमें ही राशि-राशि फल भूमिपर गिरा दिये:
English translation
Before the cowherd boys had finished their plea, the brothers Rāma and Śyāma rose. A fresh wave of delight flowed across Their ever-cheerful lotus faces. They laughed, and the entire woodland resounded with Their open laughter. Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, enjoyers of childhood play, immediately set out for Tālavana to fulfill Their beloved friends' desire. Countless laughing boys accompanied Them.
Soon they reached Tālavana's boundary. Before them lay its level, smooth, expansive ground of dark soil and its towering palm trees. Balarāma ran ahead. Before anyone else arrived, Rohiṇī's son embraced the palms with His arms and shook them forcefully like a young elephant agitating banana trees. In moments, masses of fruit fell upon the ground:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.27-28
एवं सुहृद्वचः श्रुत्वा सुहृत्प्रियचिकीर्षया। प्रहस्य जग्मतुर्गोपैर्वृतौ तालवनं प्रभू॥ बलः प्रविश्य बाहुभ्यां तालान् सम्परिकम्पयन्। फलानि पातयामास मतङ्गज इवौजसा॥
English translation
Hearing Their friends' words and desiring to please them, the two Lords laughed and went to Tālavana surrounded by cowherd boys. Entering the forest, Balarāma grasped the palms with His arms and forcefully shook them like a great elephant, causing the fruits to fall.
Original
Braj
सुनतहिं चले सु लागत भले। ऐसैं दुष्ट किते दलमले॥ आगैं भए बिहँसि बलराम। पाछैं करि लए मोहन स्याम॥
× × ×
बिहँसत हरि सँग चले गुवाला। नाचत-गावत गुन गोपाला॥
× × ×
गए ताल-बन राजत दोऊ। मत्त गयंद सरिस सुठि सोऊ॥ गहन जाइ बल कर गहि ताला। दियउ हलाइ गिरे फल-जाला॥
× × ×
सो सुनि कै जुग बंधु चले मिलि संग सखा जु प्रमोद भरे रस। सुंदर रम्य अरन्य लख्यौ, बन पैंठत अग्रज अग्र भये हँस॥ मंजुल पक्क फरे फल-पुंजन, गुंजन भौर, प्रसून भरे तहँ। राम कँपावत वृच्छ-समूह, झरे फल-फूल, ढरे छिति पै जहँ॥ झरत सुमन-फल, गिरत तहँ, बिथुरत बिपुल रसाल। भरत गोद हरबर धरत करत कुलाहल बाल॥
English translation
As soon as They heard, They happily set out. How many such wicked beings had They crushed? Laughing, Balarāma went ahead and brought charming Śyāma behind Him.
× × ×
The cowherd boys accompanied laughing Hari, dancing and singing Gopāla's glories.
× × ×
The two brothers entered Tālavana and shone like intoxicated elephants. Balarāma went deep into the forest, seized the palms, and shook them until masses of fruit fell.
× × ×
Hearing the proposal, the two brothers went together with friends filled with joyous rasa. They saw the lovely forest, and the laughing elder brother entered first. Beautiful ripe fruit hung in clusters, bees hummed, and flowers filled the grove. Rāma shook the trees, and fruit and flowers poured to the earth. Blossoms and fruit fell, scattering abundant juice. The boys filled their laps, eagerly gathered the fruit, and raised a joyful commotion.
Original
Hindi
समीपमें ही अवस्थित धेनुकके कर्णरन्ध्रोंमें एक साथ इतने ताल-फलोंके गिरनेका घनघोर शब्द प्रविष्ट हो गया। तुरंत ही उसने अपनी हिंस्र आँखें फिराकर इस ओर देखा और दीख पड़े राम-श्याम तथा आनन्द-कोलाहल करते हुए असंख्य गोपशिशु! अब तो धेनुकके रोषका क्या कहना है! उसके विशाल पर्वताकार गर्दभ-शरीरका रोम-रोम क्रोधसे जल उठा। द्रुतगतिसे वह चल पड़ा उसी ओर, जहाँ बलराम तालके समीप खड़े हँस रहे हैं। उसे आनेमें भी कितनी देर लगती। जिस वेगसे वह चला है, उससे, उसके पदभारसे पर्वतके सहित सम्पूर्ण पृथ्वीतल प्रकम्पित जो हो रहा है। बस, आधे क्षणसे पूर्व ही मानो एक प्रकाण्ड पर्वत ही उड़ता-सा आया हो, इस प्रकार वह बलरामके पास आ पहुँचा। और आकर तनिक रुके, यह बात भी नहीं, उस महाबलवान् क्रूरस्वभाव दैत्यने अपना मुँह फिराया तथा पीछेके दोनों पैरोंको उठाकर एक भरपूर दुलत्ती रोहिणीनन्दनके वक्षःस्थलपर उसने मार ही तो दी। साथ ही यह प्रहार कर चुकनेपर अत्यन्त कर्कश स्वरमें वह रेंक उठा और रेंकता हुआ ही चारों ओर घूमने लगा। दूसरी दुलत्तीके प्रहारकी ताकमें धेनुकने दुष्टताकी सीमा पार कर ली!
English translation
The thunderous sound of so many palm fruits falling at once entered the ears of Dhenuka, who stood nearby. He immediately turned his savage eyes toward the grove and saw Rāma, Śyāma, and countless cowherd boys raising a joyful uproar. Rage burned through every hair of his vast, mountainlike donkey body. He rushed toward the place where Balarāma stood laughing near the palms.
He arrived in less than half a moment, seeming like an enormous mountain flying through the air. The speed and weight of his steps shook the entire earth together with its mountains. Without pausing, the mighty, cruel demon turned around, raised both hind legs, and struck Rohiṇī's son squarely in the chest. After the blow he brayed harshly and circled about, waiting to deliver another kick. Dhenuka crossed every limit of wickedness.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.29-30
फलानां पततां शब्दं निशम्यासुररासभः। अभ्यधावत क्षितितलं सनगं परिकम्पयन्॥ समेत्य तरसा प्रत्यग्द्वाभ्यां पद्भ्यां बलं बली। निहत्योरसि काशब्दं मुञ्चन् पर्यसरत् खलः॥
English translation
Hearing the sound of falling fruits, the demon in donkey form rushed forward, shaking the earth and its mountains. The powerful villain reached Balarāma at great speed, turned his back, struck His chest with both hind legs, brayed harshly, and circled Him.
Original
Braj
फल कें गिरत सोर चहुँ ओरा। धायौ अकनि असुर खल घोरा॥ चलेउ रोष भरि, छोभ करि, गिरि सम काय बिसाल। कंपित छिति गिरि-द्रुम सहित अतिसै क्रूर कराल॥ आइ तुरित जहँ हलधर ठाढ़े। जुगुल पाय उर में हनि गाढ़े॥ करि खर नाद मूढ़ सठ घोरा। भ्रमत भयौ बल के चहुँ ओरा॥ सोर सुनत अति जोर भरौ धेनुक धरि धायव। रासभ रूप उमंडि मंडि रन सनमुख आयव॥ फल लखि बङ्किम रोस, घोष घन रोष सौं बोलत। धमकत धरनि धधाय, भूमि भूधर सब डोलत॥ करि श्रवन-पुच्छ उन्नत, तजतु घ्रान-रंध्र स्वाँसानि सुर। लखि महाबली बलभद्र कहँ पिछले पग घालत असुर॥
English translation
Hearing the sound of fruit falling everywhere, the terrible wicked demon rushed forward. Filled with rage and agitation, his huge body resembled a mountain. The exceedingly cruel and dreadful creature made the earth tremble together with its mountains and trees. He quickly reached the place where Haladhara stood and struck His chest deeply with both feet. The deluded villain brayed terribly and circled Balarāma.
Hearing the great noise, mighty Dhenuka charged. Swelling in donkey form, he entered the battle face to face. Seeing the fruit, he glanced crookedly in rage and brayed with deep fury. The earth thundered beneath his rush, and the ground and mountains shook. Raising ears and tail and blowing fierce breaths from his nostrils, the demon saw mighty Balabhadra and kicked backward at Him.
Original
Hindi
किंतु बलराम तो अभी भी वैसे ही हँस रहे हैं। अवश्य ही गर्दभरूपधारी असुर पुनः आ पहुँचा है उनके अत्यन्त निकटमें ही और क्रोधसे सर्वथा अधीर हो रहा है वह! पुनः उसने उनकी ओर पीठ कर ली और फिर अत्यन्त क्रोधसे पिछले पैरोंकी दुलत्ती भी चला ही दी। पर इस बार अपने वक्षःस्थलपर उसके पैर आनेसे पूर्व ही रामने अपना वामहस्त आगे बढ़ा दिया; बढ़ाकर उसके पैरके अग्रभागको पकड़ लिया। धेनुककी कोई अन्य चेष्टा तो अब होनेसे रही; क्योंकि राम उसे आकाशमें उठाकर अलात-चक्रकी भाँति बारम्बार घुमा रहे थे और वह विवश घूम रहा था। बस, कुछ ही क्षण घूमनेमें उसके प्राण भी घूमकर बाहर निकल आये तथा उसके जीवनशून्य शरीरको रामने तालवृक्षपर फेंक दिया:
English translation
Balarāma continued to laugh. The donkey demon again came very near, utterly maddened by rage. He turned his back and violently kicked with his hind legs. This time, before his feet reached Balarāma's chest, Rāma extended His left hand and caught their tips. Dhenuka could do nothing further. Rāma lifted him into the sky and whirled him repeatedly like a circle of firebrands. The helpless demon spun until, within moments, his life left his body. Rāma then threw the lifeless body upon a palm tree:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.31-32
पुनरासाद्य संरब्ध उपक्रोष्टा पराक् स्थितः। चरणावपरौ राजन् बलाय प्राक्षिपद्रुषा॥ स तं गृहीत्वा प्रपदोर्भ्रामयित्वैकपाणिना। चिक्षेप तृणराजाग्रे भ्रामणत्यक्तजीवितम्॥
English translation
Approaching again in fury, the braying demon stood with his back toward Balarāma and angrily thrust both hind legs at Him, O King. Balarāma seized him by the hooves with one hand, whirled him until the motion took his life, and threw him into the top of a palm tree.
Original
Braj
पुनि करि क्रोध निकट चलि आवा। बल सनमुख निज बल देखरावा॥ पिछले जुग पद जोरि गँवारा। पुनि बल-उर कहुँ करेउ प्रहारा॥ आवत चरन देख बल जबहीं। पकरि लियौ पग जुग कर तबहीं॥ एक पानि गहि, ताहि घुमाई। पटकि ताल तरु पै सुख पाई॥ भ्रमतहिं प्रान गयौ चलि तासू। मरौ अघी अपने अघ आसू॥ बल-उद्धत बलराम महाबल झपटि धरधौ झुकि असुर कठोर। कर पर हरबर फेरि फिरावत, उलछारत, झारत झकझोर॥ तरबर-मूल भूमि गहि पटक्यौ, झटक्यौ चट-चट-फटक्यौ फेरि। झहरत प्रभु, हहरति बसुधा, तहँ भभरि भगे मृग-गन तेहि बेरि॥
English translation
The demon again approached in anger and displayed his strength before Balarāma. The fool joined his hind legs and attacked Balarāma's chest once more. Seeing the feet approach, Balarāma immediately caught both of them. Holding him with one hand, He whirled him and joyfully hurled him into a palm tree. His life departed while he spun, and the sinner died through his own sin.
Mighty Balarāma seized the hard demon swollen with pride, bending to catch him in a sudden rush. Holding him in His hand, He turned him rapidly, tossed him, shook him, and whirled him violently. He dashed him down near the tree roots, jerked and battered him repeatedly. As the Lord shook him and the earth roared, herds of deer fled in terror.
Original
Hindi
उस मृतदेहके प्रबल आघातसे तालका वह उत्तुङ्ग एवं अत्यन्त सुपुष्ट वृक्ष तड़-तड़कर, विचूर्ण होकर गिर पड़ा। केवल वह गिरा, इतना ही नहीं, उसने अपने पार्श्ववर्ती सटे वृक्षको भी प्रकम्पित कर तोड़ डाला। पुनः उसने तीसरेको, तीसरेने चौथे पार्श्ववर्ती तालको, इस प्रकार एक-दूसरेको धराशायी करते हुए न जाने कितने तालवृक्ष टूटकर खण्ड-खण्ड हो गये। रोहिणीनन्दनको तो यह एक क्रीड़ा हुई, एक साधारण-सा खेल खेलते हुए ही रामने उस मृत देहको फेंका था। किंतु वह आघात इतना भीषण था कि उस वनके समस्त तालवृक्ष ही प्रकम्पित हो उठे, मानो किसी अत्यन्त प्रबल झंझावातके वेगसे वे विताड़ित हो गये हों:
English translation
The mighty impact of the corpse shattered the tall, sturdy palm and sent it crashing down. As it fell, it struck and broke the neighboring tree, which toppled into a third, and the third into a fourth. In this way countless palms knocked one another down and broke into pieces. For Rohiṇī's son this was mere play. Rāma threw the corpse as part of an ordinary game, yet the impact was so fierce that every palm in the forest shook as though battered by a tremendous storm:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.33-34
तेनाहतो महातालो वेपमानो बृहच्छिराः। पार्श्वस्थं कम्पयन् भग्नः स चान्यं सोऽपि चापरम्॥ बलस्य लीलयोत्सृष्टखरदेहहताहताः। तालाश्चकम्पिरे सर्वे महावातेरिता इव॥
English translation
Struck by the demon's body, the great palm with its broad crown shook, broke, and made the tree beside it tremble. That tree struck another, and the next struck still another. Battered one after another by the donkey's body, which Balarāma had tossed in play, all the palms shook as though driven by a mighty wind.
Original
Braj
एहि बिधि नृप! धेनुक बल मार्यौ। गिरौ ताल लै बहु छिति डार्यौ॥ ताल ताल फल गिरे अनेका। को गनि सक अस काहि बिबेका॥
× × ×
परे जु ताल बिसाल सु ऐसैं। प्रबल पवनके मारे जैसैं॥
English translation
In this way, O King, mighty Balarāma killed Dhenuka. He fell, bringing many palms down upon the earth. Innumerable trees and fruits fell. Who could count them or possess the understanding to describe them?
× × ×
The great palms fell as though struck by a powerful wind.
Original
Hindi
श्रीबलरामके आघातसे ऐसा हो जानेमें आश्चर्य ही क्या है। इन्हीं सर्वैश्वर्यनिकेतन अनन्त जगन्नियन्तामें ही तो यह सम्पूर्ण परिदृश्यमान जगत् सूत्रमें वस्त्रकी भाँति ओतप्रोत है। क्या महत्त्व बढ़ता है उनका इन तुच्छातितुच्छ घटनाओंको घटित कर देनेसे?
English translation
What wonder was there in such an event resulting from Śrī Balarāma's blow? This entire visible universe is woven into Ananta, ruler of the universe and abode of all majesty, as cloth is woven upon threads. How could causing such utterly insignificant events increase His glory?
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.35
नैतच्चित्रं भगवति ह्यनन्ते जगदीश्वरे। ओतप्रोतमिदं यस्मिंस्तन्तुष्वङ्ग यथा पटः॥
English translation
This is no wonder for Bhagavān Ananta, Lord of the universe, within whom the whole cosmos is woven like cloth upon threads, dear King.
Original
Hindi
जो हो, इस सम्बन्धमें कुछ क्रीड़ा अवशिष्ट रही थी, वह भी पूरी हो गयी। धेनुकके बन्धु-बान्धव अपने स्वजनका यह आकस्मिक प्राणनाश देखकर अत्यन्त क्रुद्ध हो उठे; प्रतिहिंसाकी आगमें जलते हुए वे राम-श्यामकी ओर अग्रसर हुए। गधोंका दल एकत्र हो गया। फिर तो अग्रज एवं नीलसुन्दरको भी कौतुक करना ही था। खेल आरम्भ हुआ। खेलते हुए दोनों भाई जो भी समीप आता, उसकी पिछली टाँगें पकड़कर तालवृक्षपर दे मारते अथवा अन्य कौतुक करते हुए उनका कचूमर निकाल देते। देखते-देखते वहाँकी सम्पूर्ण भूमि तालफलोंसे, भग्न तालवृक्षोंके अग्रभागसे एवं दैत्योंके मृतदेहोंसे पट गयी। क्षितितलने एक विचित्र-सी शोभा धारण कर ली, वैसी शोभा जो विविध वर्णोंके मेघसे आवृत होनेपर आकाशको हो जाती है:
English translation
Some play still remained in this episode, and that too was completed. Seeing their relative's sudden death, Dhenuka's kinsmen became furious and advanced toward Rāma and Śyāma, burning with revenge. A herd of donkeys gathered. The elder brother and Nīlasundara now had to enjoy another sport. Their game began. Whenever one approached, the brothers seized his hind legs and hurled him into a palm tree, or crushed him through some other playful act.
Soon the ground was covered with palm fruits, the broken crowns of palms, and the dead bodies of demons. The earth assumed a strange splendor like the sky when covered by clouds of many colors:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.15.36-38
ततः कृष्णं च रामं च ज्ञातयो धेनुकस्य ये। क्रोष्टारोऽभ्यद्रवन् सर्वे संरब्धा हतबान्धवाः॥ तांस्तानापततः कृष्णो रामश्च नृप लीलया। गृहीतपश्चाच्चरणान् प्राहिणोत्तृणराजसु॥ फलप्रकरसङ्कीर्णं दैत्यदेहैर्गतासुभिः। रराज भूः सतालाग्रैर्घनैरिव नभस्तलम्॥
English translation
Then all Dhenuka's braying kinsmen, enraged at their relative's death, rushed upon Kṛṣṇa and Rāma. O King, as each attacked, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma playfully seized his hind legs and hurled him into a palm. Covered with heaps of fruit, dead demons, and palm crowns, the earth shone like the sky filled with clouds.
Original
Braj
राम-स्याम प्रभु लीला बाढ़े, सठ मारे इक भुजा उखार। तोरत सीस, सीस सौं फोरत, ढोरत धर धरनी के भार॥ इक पग पकरि उच्च गहि पटकत, छी मुरकत खल अमर-अगार। जिमि घन सघन गगन महँ छाए, भ्रमत भयानक इमि अनुहार॥ परे बिसाल ताल इमि मही। बिच-बिच गर्दभ परत न कही॥ ज्यों रबि अस्त होत आडंबर। कारे-पियरे बादर अंबर॥
English translation
Rāma and Śyāma expanded Their play. They killed the villains, uprooting them with one arm, breaking heads against heads, and removing the earth's burden. Seizing one by the foot, They raised and dashed him down. The wicked creatures twisted as they went to the abode of the gods. Their terrible bodies whirled like dense clouds covering the sky. Great palm trees lay across the ground with innumerable donkeys between them, like black and yellow clouds filling the sky at sunset.
Original
Hindi and Braj
अब अन्तरिक्षसे देवगण कुसुमोंकी वर्षा करने लगते हैं। साथ ही उनके 'जय-जय' घोषसे कानन प्रतिनादित हो उठता है:
हरखत हिय बरखत कुसुमावलि बृन्दारक के बृन्द अपार। जय-जय धुनि जन करत मगन मन अतुल-पराक्रम प्रभुहि निहार॥
English translation
The gods now showered flowers from the sky, and the forest echoed with their cries of victory:
Countless hosts of gods rejoiced in their hearts and rained garlands of flowers. Beholding the Lord's incomparable valor, they cried, "Victory, victory," with minds absorbed in joy.