Original
Hindi
प्रलम्बासुर-उद्धार
English translation
The Deliverance of Pralambāsura
Original
Hindi
यद्यपि प्रलम्बने वेशका अनुकरण करनेमें कोई कसर नहीं की, बाह्यदृष्टिमें वह सचमुच गोपशिशुके रूपमें ही परिणत हो गया, श्रीकृष्णसङ्गसे दिनभरके लिये वञ्चित हुए, घरमें अभिभावकोंद्वारा रुद्ध उस बालककी सम्पूर्ण मुद्राएँ, चेष्टाएँ सोच-सोचकर उसने अपनेमें व्यक्त कर लीं, और यहाँ आकर इस समाजमें मिश्रित होनेके उद्देश्यसे, इसका ही आश्रय ले लेनेकी इच्छासे वह इसमें हँसता हुआ प्रविष्ट भी हो गया। तथापि सर्वज्ञ, सर्ववित् श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी आँखें तो उसपर पड़ ही गयीं:
English translation
Pralamba spared no effort in imitating his disguise. To outward sight, he truly became a cowherd boy. He carefully considered and reproduced every gesture and manner of a boy whose guardians had confined him at home, depriving him of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's company for the day. He arrived laughing and entered the group, intending to mingle with the boys and take shelter among them. Yet Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, all-knowing and omniscient, immediately noticed him:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
वेश्मस्थितगोपबालविशेषवेषं समुह्य तमेव च व्युह्य मिश्रीभवितुं शिश्रीषन् हसन्नेव तत्र प्रविष्टः परिदृष्टश्च कृष्णेन।
English translation
Assuming the particular dress and manner of a cowherd boy kept at home, he arranged himself accordingly and entered laughing, desiring to mingle with the group and take shelter there. Kṛṣṇa saw him.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
और लीलाविहारी ही तो ठहरे वे, कैसे अनजान-से बन गये और हँसकर बोले:
भद्र कथं विलम्बमालम्बथास्तथापि भ्रातर्दुद्यूषासमय एव समयितस्त्वमसीति।
'अरे भैया! तुमने देर क्यों कर दी रे! फिर भी बहुत सुन्दर! तुम आ तो गये ठीक खेलनेकी तैयारी करते ही।'
English translation
As the enjoyer of divine play, Kṛṣṇa appeared unaware and said with a laugh:
"Dear brother, why were you delayed? Still, all is well. You have arrived at the very moment we are preparing to play."
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
नीलसुन्दरके सलोने दृगोंमें प्रलम्बका यह कृत्रिम सुन्दर गोपशिशुरूप ही नहीं, इसके अन्तरालमें प्रतिष्ठित महाभयंकर असुर-देह तथा इससे भी पूर्व जब वह 'विजय' नामक गन्धर्वके शरीरमें अधिष्ठित था, उस समयकी घटना, विजय गन्धर्वकी भावना, सब कुछ प्रतिचित्रित हो उठा। यह शिशु, नहीं-नहीं, प्रलम्बासुर अभी-अभी तो निराश कंस सम्राट्को क्रोधमें भरकर आश्वासन दे आया है, 'घबरायें नहीं, प्रभो! क्या वह सामान्य गोपशिशु नष्ट नहीं होगा? अहो! सर्वविध्वंसी कालकी महिमा बड़ी विचित्र है; हिमाचलको भी वह दग्ध कर देता है, उसके आश्रित नदी-नदी-तड़ागोंको भी वह सोख लेता है।'
अहो सर्वकषज्वालस्य कालस्य महिमा हिमाचलमपि ज्वलयति तदाश्रितांस्तडागांश्च ताडयति।
English translation
Nīlasundara's lovely eyes reflected not only Pralamba's artificial form as a handsome cowherd boy, but also the terrifying demon body concealed within it and the events and feelings from his still earlier life as a Gandharva named Vijaya. This was no child but Pralambāsura, who had just angrily reassured the despairing emperor Kaṁsa: "Do not be afraid, Lord. Can an ordinary cowherd boy not be destroyed? How strange is the majesty of all-consuming time. It burns even the Himalayas and dries up the rivers and lakes that depend upon them."
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
तथा इस अभिसंधिसे ही वह इस समय यहाँ वनमें आया है, 'राम-कृष्ण दोनोंको ही कंधोंपर उठाकर शीघ्र मधुवनकी सीमामें कंसके समीप ले जाऊँगा।'
द्वयमपि प्रक्षिप्य क्षिप्रमेव भोजराजपरिसरं परिसमुपहरिष्यामीति।
English translation
He had entered the forest with this design: "I shall place Rāma and Kṛṣṇa upon my shoulders and quickly carry Them into Kaṁsa's domain at Mathurā."
Original
Hindi
सर्वथा भूल गया है वह अपने अतीतके जीवनको। वह हूहू गन्धर्वका पुत्र विजय था। कुसुम-चयन करने आया था चैत्ररथ वनमें। यक्षपति कुबेरके शापकी बात उसे ज्ञात न थी, 'जो भी मेरे इस उद्यानसे पुष्प ग्रहण करेगा, वह, देव हो, मानव हो, कोई भी हो, असुर बनकर भूतलपर जन्म ग्रहण करेगा।' दैवप्रेरित विजयने अनजानमें ही पुष्पचयन किया और देखते-देखते ही गन्धर्व-पदसे च्युत हो गया। अवश्य ही असुर-देहमें अभिनिविष्ट होनेसे पूर्व उसने कुबेरकी शरण ले ली थी तथा यह वरदान भी वह प्राप्त कर चुका था, 'विनीत गन्धर्व! चिन्ता मत करो! तुम विष्णुभक्त हो, तुम्हारी वृत्तियाँ शान्त हैं। जाओ, द्वापरके अन्तमें श्रीबलरामके हस्तकमलोंसे तुम्हें मुक्ति मिल जायगी। भाण्डीरवनमें यमुना-पुलिनपर वे प्रभु तुम्हारे अनादि संसरणको सदाके लिये शान्त कर देंगे, तनिक भी इसमें संदेह नहीं।' पर इन बातोंकी अब उसे तनिक भी स्मृति नहीं रही है, किंतु जगन्नियन्ता कैसे विस्मृत हो जायँ। प्रलम्ब उनके दृष्टिपथमें आया, चाहे कितना भी भ्रान्त होकर क्यों न आया हो, वे करुणावरुणालय प्रभु तो भ्रान्त नहीं हैं। वे तो सम्पूर्ण अतीत-अनागतको वर्तमानके रूपमें ही नित्य देखते रहते हैं। इसीलिये इस समय यदुवंशविभूषण प्रभुने प्रलम्बकी मैत्रीका अभिनन्दन किया है; उसे इस असुर-देहसे निकालकर दूर, बहुत दूर, प्रकृतिके पार जो ले जाना है उन्हें:
English translation
Pralamba had completely forgotten his former life. He had been Vijaya, son of the Gandharva Hūhū. Vijaya came to Caitraratha forest to gather flowers, unaware of Yakṣa king Kubera's curse: "Whoever takes flowers from my garden, whether god, human, or anyone else, will be born upon earth as a demon." Driven by providence, Vijaya unknowingly picked the flowers and at once fell from his Gandharva station.
Before entering the demon body, he had taken shelter of Kubera and received a blessing: "Humble Gandharva, do not worry. You are a devotee of Viṣṇu and possess a peaceful nature. Go. At the end of Dvāpara-yuga, Śrī Balarāma's lotus hands will grant you liberation. Upon Yamunā's bank in Bhāṇḍīravana, the Lord will forever quiet your beginningless wandering. Of this there is no doubt."
Pralamba remembered none of this, but how could the ruler of the universe forget? However confused Pralamba might be when he entered the Lord's sight, the ocean of compassion was not confused. He eternally saw the entire past and future as present. Therefore the Lord, ornament of the Yadu dynasty, welcomed Pralamba's friendship. He intended to free him from the demon body and carry him far beyond material nature:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.18
तं विद्वानपि दाशार्हो भगवान् सर्वदर्शनः। अन्वमोदत तत्सख्यं वधं तस्य विचिन्तयन्॥
English translation
Though He recognized him, Bhagavān, descendant of Daśārha and seer of everything, accepted his friendship while contemplating his death.
Original
Braj
सर्बग्य प्रभु जानि सब बाता। ताहि मारिबे कहँ मन राता॥ करयौ सखा ता कहँ सब जानी। मरिहै खल एहि बिधि मन ठानी॥
English translation
The omniscient Lord knew everything and fixed His mind upon killing him. Knowing the whole truth, He accepted him as a friend and resolved that the villain would die in this way.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
अस्तु, नीलसुन्दरने शिशुवेशधारी प्रलम्बको स्नेहसे आप्यायित करते हुए यहाँतक कह दिया:
अद्यारभ्य सभ्य मम परमसुहृद्भवानेव। त्वामहमक्षिगततया स्थापयिष्यामि। श्रीदामा राममेवान्वेतु।
'मित्र! आजसे तुम्हीं मेरे परम सुहृद् हुए। तुम्हें मैं अपनी आँखोंमें ही रखूँगा। श्रीदामा अब बलरामदादाका अनुसरण करें।'
English translation
Nīlasundara welcomed Pralamba in his boyish disguise with affection and even said:
"Noble friend, from today You are My dearest companion. I shall keep you before My very eyes. Let Śrīdāmā now follow Balarāma Dādā."
Original
Hindi
प्रलम्ब आया है उनपर अपनी चातुरीका विस्तार करने, जिनसे स्वयं विश्वस्रष्टा ब्रह्मामें भी ज्ञानका संचार होता है। अतएव वह मूढ़ समझ नहीं सका श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी इस उक्तिका तात्पर्य। वह तो क्या समझे, स्वयं समीपमें स्थित उनके अभिन्नस्वरूप, साक्षात् शेष, अनन्तदेव श्रीबलराम भी गन्ध न पा सके कि क्यों आज अभी सहसा, उनके अनुज अपने प्राण-प्रतीक श्रीदाम सखाको उनका अनुयायी बना दे रहे हैं। इससे पूर्व कि दाऊ दादा कुछ पूछ बैठें, वह नवागत गोपबालक, प्रलम्ब, कुछ स्वीकृति या अस्वीकृतिकी मुद्रा भी प्रदर्शित कर सके, नीलसुन्दरका मेघ-गम्भीर स्वर सर्वत्र गूँज उठा। वे अभिनवकौतुकी क्रीडानायक पुकार उठे, 'अरे भैयाओ! अब तो पहले हमलोग भलीभाँति बलाबलका निर्णय करके दो दलोंमें बँट जायँ और तब खेलें।'
English translation
Pralamba had come to employ his cleverness against the One from whom even Brahmā, creator of the universe, receives knowledge. The fool therefore failed to understand Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's words. Even Śrī Balarāma, His nondifferent form, Śeṣa and Anantadeva Himself, standing nearby, did not suspect why His younger brother suddenly assigned Śrīdāmā, the embodiment of His life, to Balarāma's side.
Before Dāū Dādā could ask, and before the newly arrived cowherd boy Pralamba could show acceptance or refusal, Nīlasundara's cloud-deep voice resounded everywhere. The leader of ever-fresh games called, "Brothers, first let us carefully judge one another's strength, divide into two teams, and then play."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.19
तत्रोपाहूय गोपालान् कृष्णः प्राह विहारवित्। हे गोपा विहरिष्यामो द्वन्द्वीभूय यथायथम्॥
English translation
Kṛṣṇa, knower of play, called the cowherd boys and said, "Cowherds, let us pair according to our strength and play."
Original
Braj
सकल गोप टेरे जदुनाथा। क्रीड़ा रत बोले गहि हाथा॥ अहो मित्र! द्वै द्वै मिलि साथा। खेल खेलियै, होहु सनाथा॥ बल-बय सरिस आपने जानी। जुग-जुग मिलि आवहु मन मानी॥ कहत कि सुनहु भैया ही हीरी। अवर खेल खेलहु बटि बीरी॥ द्वै ह्वै है है आवहु ऐसें। बल अरु अबल जानि कै जैसें॥ सखा सिगरे निकट बोलत। स्याम तिन सौं बचन खोलत॥ सुनहु, सिस! सब खेल छाँड़हु। हौं कहतु, सोइ खेल माँड़हु॥
English translation
The Lord of the Yadus called every cowherd. Absorbed in play, He took their hands and said, "Friends, come together in pairs and play under My protection. Judge your own strength and age, and form pairs as your hearts desire. Brothers, listen. Divide into teams and play another game. Come two by two, matching strong and less strong as appropriate." Śyāma called all His friends near and said, "Boys, leave every other game and begin the one I describe."
Original
Hindi
क्या क्रीड़ा होगी, यह घोषणा तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र कर ही देंगे। किसे अवकाश है कि वह पूछे। वहाँ तो नीलसुन्दरके इस आदेशके साथ ही आनन्दकी सहस्र-सहस्र धाराएँ उमड़ चलीं और गोपशिशु उसमें बहने लगे, 'कन्नू रे! भैया रे! तुमने हमारी मनचाही कर दी।'
इस उन्मादी साधुवादके स्वरमें सबने ही समर्थन किया; और तो क्या, स्तोककृष्ण भी, जो सदा दलबंदीका प्रस्ताव आनेपर भयभीत हो जाता, चिढ़ने लगता, किलक उठा; ताल ठोंककर उसने भी अनुमोदन किया। फिर क्या था, सर्वसम्मतिसे गोपशिशुओंने दलके अधिनायकका निर्णय किया; एकका नेतृत्व करेंगे बलराम तथा दूसरेका श्यामसुन्दर। यह हो जानेपर कुछ तो स्वेच्छासे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके अनुयायी बन गये और कुछ श्रीरामके। कुछने क्रीडामें विभाग करनेके नियमोंका अवलम्बन लिया और उसके अनुसार विभक्त हुए। इसके अतिरिक्त शेष बालक विभाग कर देनेका अधिकार भी अपने प्राणसखा कन्नूको ही दे देनेका निश्चय कर उनकी ओर देखने लगे। और यह लो! आज श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने भी, पता नहीं क्यों, एक-एक शिशुको इस क्रमसे ही अपने पक्षमें लिया जो अपेक्षाकृत अपने प्रतिस्पर्धीसे न्यून बलशाली है। जो हो, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके मनोऽभिलषित दो विभाग प्रस्तुत हो गये:
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra would certainly announce the game, so no one needed to ask. With Nīlasundara's command, thousands of streams of joy surged forth, and the cowherd boys were swept away in them: "Kannū, brother, You have given us exactly what we wanted."
Everyone enthusiastically approved. Even Stokakṛṣṇa, who usually became frightened and irritated when teams were proposed, cried out happily and slapped his arms in agreement. By unanimous choice, the boys selected the team captains: Balarāma would lead one side and Śyāmasundara the other. Some freely became Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's followers and others Śrī Rāma's. Some divided according to the game's rules, while the rest entrusted the right of assignment to Kannū, their friend dearer than life, and looked toward Him. For some unknown reason, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra placed on His own team each boy who was somewhat weaker than his opponent. The two divisions desired by Kṛṣṇa were thus formed:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.20
तत्र चक्रुः परिवृढौ गोपा रामजनार्दनौ। कृष्णसङ्घट्टिनः केचिदासन् रामस्य चापरे॥
English translation
The cowherd boys made Rāma and Janārdana the leaders. Some joined Kṛṣṇa's group and others Balarāma's.
Original
Braj
सुनत सखा सब अति हरषाने। द्वै मुखिया करि सब बिलगाने॥ बीरी बाँटि कीन्ह ह्वै जूथा। राम-कृष्न ह्वै जूथप जूथा॥ एक ओर भए कन्हाइय। एक ओर जु राम भाइय॥ सखा प्रभु सबरे गनावतु। जुगल जुग जोरिन लगावतु॥
English translation
Hearing this, all the friends rejoiced greatly. They chose two leaders and separated. Dividing the company, they formed two teams, with Rāma and Kṛṣṇa as captains. Kanhāī stood on one side and Rāma Bhaiyā on the other. The Lord counted every friend and began arranging them in pairs.
Original
Hindi, Sanskrit, and Braj. Sanskrit source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
आजके खेलमें कौन किसका प्रतिस्पर्धी है, यह निर्णय भी स्वयं व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनने ही कर दिया। श्रीबलराम हुए शिशुछद्मधारी प्रलम्बके प्रतिस्पर्धी और स्वयं श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने अपने लिये वरण किया श्रीदामको:
बलप्रलम्बौ श्रीदामात्मानौ मिथः प्रतिसङ्घट्टिनौ सङ्घटय्य।
आप श्रीदामहि बुलावतु। राम अरु असुरहि मिलावतु॥
English translation
Vrajendra's son Himself decided the opponents for the game. Śrī Balarāma was paired against Pralamba in his boyish disguise, while Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra chose Śrīdāmā as His own competitor:
He paired Balarāma with Pralamba and Himself with Śrīdāmā as mutual opponents.
The Lord called Śrīdāmā and matched Rāma against the demon.
Original
Hindi
अब श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने क्रीडाका नाम एवं विवरण सबको सुना दिया। क्रीड़ा है 'हरिणाक्रीडन' नामक। दो-दो बालक हिरनकी भाँति चौकड़ी भरते हुए एक निर्दिष्ट स्थानकी ओर चलेंगे। जो पहले उस लक्ष्यको स्पर्श कर ले, वह विजेता है। फिर उस विजेताको वह पराजित बालक अपनी पीठपर चढ़ाकर या तो मुख्य स्थानपर ले आये अथवा एक निर्दिष्ट स्थानतक पीठपर चढ़ाये हुए ले जाय और ले आये। यह विवरण समाप्त होते-न-होते गोपशिशुओंने तो खेल आरम्भ कर दिया। दो-दोकी अगणित जोड़ियाँ एक साथ उठ गयीं। और फिर तो देखने ही योग्य है उन बालकोंके द्वारा हरिणोंका अनुकरण। इस एक क्रीड़ाको ही उन सबोंने न जाने कितने विविध रूपोंमें सजा दिया:
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra announced the game's name and rules. It was called "the deer game." Pairs of boys would bound like deer toward a designated place. Whoever touched the target first would win. The defeated boy would then carry the winner upon his back either to the main position or to a designated point and back. Before the explanation ended, the cowherd boys began. Countless pairs rose simultaneously, and their imitation of deer was a sight to behold. They adorned the single game in innumerable forms:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Viṣṇu Purāṇa 5.9.12
हरिणाक्रीडनं नाम बालक्रीडनकं ततः। प्रकुर्वन्तो हि ते सर्वे द्वौ द्वौ युगपदुत्थितौ॥
English translation
They then performed the children's game called "playing deer," all rising simultaneously in pairs.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.21
आचेरुर्विविधाः क्रीडा वाह्यवाहकलक्षणाः। यत्रारोहन्ति जेतारो वहन्ति च पराजिताः॥
English translation
They played various games characterized by carrying and being carried, in which the winners mounted and the defeated carried them.
Original
Braj
जे जीते ते चढ़ि चले, हारे बहैं सु ताहि। एहि बिधि क्रीड़ा रचि तहाँ खेलत अति चित चाहि॥
English translation
The winners mounted, and those who lost carried them. Arranging the game in this way, they played there with intense delight.
Original
Hindi and Braj
अधिनायक राम, कृष्ण एवं उनके प्रतिस्पर्धी प्रलम्ब तथा श्रीदामकी बारी पीछे आयेगी। अभी तो शिशुओंके उद्दाम कौतुकका प्रवाह है। वाग्वादिनीको भी उनके कण्ठकी ओटसे अवसर मिल गया है। न जाने कैसी-कैसी अद्भुत विचित्र एवं रसमयी, प्रतिभामयी तुकबंदियोंकी रचना कर वे शिशु अपने आन्तरिक उल्लासको व्यक्त कर रहे हैं:
लागे आवन धरि-धरि नाम॥ कोउ लेउ चंद, कोउ लेउ सूर। कोउ खजूर, कोउ लेहु बबूर॥
English translation
The captains Rāma and Kṛṣṇa and their opponents Pralamba and Śrīdāmā would take their turns later. For now the boys' unrestrained delight flowed. The goddess of speech found an opportunity through their throats, and they expressed their inner joy by composing strange, wonderful, rasa-filled, and ingenious rhymes:
They began arriving while calling out names. One chose the moon, another the sun, one the date palm, and another the acacia.
Original
Hindi and Braj
किंतु अब प्रलम्बको त्वरा है, 'कैसे इन दोनोंको उठाकर ले भागूँ?' फिर तो तत्क्षण ही अनन्तैश्वर्यनिकेतन व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनके हृत्तलपर भी उसकी यह त्वरा प्रतिचित्रित हो जाती है। वाञ्छाकल्पतरु ही ठहरे वे। तुरंत बोल उठे, 'अच्छा श्रीदाम! आओ, तुम मेरे साथ और यह मेरा नवीन मित्र होड़ बद रहा है दाऊ दादासे। देखें, जय किसकी होती है। सामने वह भाण्डीरका विशाल वृक्ष है न? वही अवरोहणस्थान निर्दिष्ट हुआ। विजेताको वहाँतक देखो, इस स्थानसे आरम्भ करते हुए पीठपर वहन करना होगा! और फिर उस वटकी शाखाका स्पर्श कर यहाँ इसी मुख्य स्थानपर लौटना है, भला! अब चलो, हमलोग चलें; और भैयाओ! तुम सब लोग भी परस्पर अपनी-अपनी जोड़ीके साथ एक बार जमकर खेल लो।'
जो हारै, सो लेइ चढ़ाइ। बट भंडी तीर लै जाइ॥
English translation
Pralamba now felt urgent desire: "How can I lift both brothers and flee?" His haste was instantly reflected in the heart of Vrajendra's son, abode of infinite majesty and wish-fulfilling tree of all desires. Kṛṣṇa said, "Śrīdāmā, come with Me. My new friend will race Dāū Dādā. Let us see who wins. The great Bhāṇḍīra banyan before us is the designated dismounting place. Beginning here, the loser must carry the winner there, touch one of the banyan's branches, and return to this central spot. Come, let us go. Brothers, each of you play wholeheartedly with your own partner."
Whoever lost would place the winner upon his back and carry him to the Bhāṇḍīra banyan.
Original
Hindi
यह कहते-कहते ही उनके बिम्बविडम्बि अधरोंका स्मित किञ्चित् गम्भीर हो उठा। और वह देखो, श्रीदामके साथ ही वे उछल पड़े। प्रलम्ब भी कूदा बलरामके साथ। अपने-अपने प्रतिद्वन्द्वियोंके सहित वे अगणित शिशु भी चौकड़ी भरने लगे:
English translation
As He spoke, the smile upon His lips, which put the bimba fruit to shame, became slightly grave. Then He bounded forward beside Śrīdāmā, while Pralamba leapt with Balarāma. Countless boys likewise began bounding with their respective opponents:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Harivaṁśa 14.19-20
कृष्णः श्रीदामसहितः पुप्लुवे गोपसूनुना। संकर्षणस्तु प्लुतवान् प्रलम्बेन सहानघ॥ गोपालास्त्वपरे द्वन्द्वं गोपालैरपरैः सह॥
English translation
Kṛṣṇa bounded beside the cowherd boy Śrīdāmā, while Saṅkarṣaṇa leapt with Pralamba, sinless one. The other cowherd boys competed in pairs with one another.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
कौन जान सकता है व्रजेन्द्रनन्दनकी गूढ़ अभिसंधिको। इधर तो कौतुकका आनन्द उद्वेलित हो उठा है और उधर नीलसुन्दर, कालियके सहस्र फणोंको चूर्ण-विचूर्ण करनेवाले महामहेश्वर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र, पराजय स्वीकार करने जा रहे हैं। वे तो करेंगे ही। उन्हें प्रलम्बके पीठपर बलरामको चढ़ाना जो है!
तदेवं कुतूहले तु प्रबले बलं प्रलम्बस्कन्धारूढं संधातुं जितभुजगभुजः श्रीबलानुजः पराभवमगणयत्।
English translation
Who could know Vrajendra's son's hidden design? The joy of play surged on one side while Nīlasundara, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, supreme Lord of all lords who had crushed Kāliya's thousand hoods, prepared to accept defeat. He had to make Balarāma mount Pralamba's back.
As the game grew intense, Śrī Balarāma's younger brother, who had conquered the serpent's hoods, disregarded defeat in order to arrange for Balarāma to mount Pralamba's shoulders.
Original
Hindi and Braj
केवल वे अकेले हारे हों, सो नहीं; उनके दलका प्रत्येक शिशु ही पराजित हो गया:
लै गए मारि टोल बल प्यारे। कमल-नयन दिसि के सब हारे॥
English translation
He was not the only one who lost. Every boy on His team was defeated:
Beloved Balarāma's group won decisively, and everyone on the lotus-eyed Lord's side lost.
Original
Hindi
और अब आगे, जय हो लीलाविहारीकी! अनन्तब्रह्माण्डभाण्डोदर स्वयं भगवान् व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन पराजित होकर विजेता श्रीदामको अपनी पीठपर चढ़ाकर लिये जा रहे हैं भाण्डीर वटकी ओर। साथ ही प्रलम्बके पीठपर आसीन हैं श्रीबलराम एवं भद्रसेन वहन कर रहा है वृषभको। इसी प्रकार अन्य समस्त विजयी बालक भी अपने पराजित प्रतिद्वन्द्वी शिशुकी पीठपर चढ़, आनन्दकोलाहल करते चले जा रहे हैं। तृण चरती हुई असंख्य गोराशि भी उनका अनुसरण कर रही है:
English translation
Now all glory to the enjoyer of divine play. Svayaṁ Bhagavān, Vrajendra's son, whose belly contains infinite universes, accepted defeat and carried the victorious Śrīdāmā upon His back toward the Bhāṇḍīra banyan. Śrī Balarāma rode upon Pralamba, and Bhadrasena carried Vṛṣabha. Every other victor rode upon his defeated opponent, and all proceeded amid a joyful uproar. Countless grazing cows followed them:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.22, 24
वहन्तो वाह्यमानाश्च चारयन्तश्च गोधनम्। भाण्डीरकं नाम वटं जग्मुः कृष्णपुरोगमाः॥ उवाह कृष्णो भगवान् श्रीदामानं पराजितः। वृषभं भद्रसेनस्तु प्रलम्बो रोहिणीसुतम्॥
English translation
Carrying and being carried while tending the cows, they followed Kṛṣṇa to the banyan named Bhāṇḍīraka. Defeated Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa carried Śrīdāmā, Bhadrasena carried Vṛṣabha, and Pralamba carried Rohiṇī's son.
Original
Braj
बाहत-बहत ग्वाल हरि-संगी। गोधन-ब्यूह चरत बन रंगी॥ बट भांडीर नाम है जासू। गए कृष्न-संगी तहँ आसू॥ श्रीदामा कों पीठि चढ़ाई। हरि लै चले आपु नरराई॥ अजित-पराजय सुनी न काना। भक्त-अधीन एक भगवाना॥ वृषभ नाम एक गोप अनूपा। भद्रसेनि तेहि बह सुखरूपा॥ बलजू के लै चल्यौ प्रलंबू। चल्यौ सीघ्र, नहिं करेउ बिलंबू॥ श्रीदामा हरि पर चढ़ि चले। को ठाकुर, जो खेल में रले॥ बल प्रलंब पर सोहत ऐसें। सो उपमा अब कहियत कैसें॥ बट भंडी तीर लगि चढ़े। लै गए बालकेलि रस बढ़े॥
English translation
Hari's cowherd companions carried and were carried while the colorful herds grazed in the forest. Following Kṛṣṇa, they quickly reached the banyan named Bhāṇḍīra. Hari Himself, king among men, placed Śrīdāmā upon His back and carried him. No ear had ever heard of the unconquerable Lord's defeat, yet Bhagavān submits to His devotees. Beautiful Bhadrasena joyfully carried the incomparable cowherd Vṛṣabha, while Pralamba carried Balarāma and moved quickly without delay. Śrīdāmā rode upon Hari. Who could identify the master when everyone was immersed in play? Balarāma shone upon Pralamba in a manner beyond comparison. They rode as far as Bhāṇḍīra banyan, increasing the rasa of childhood play.
Original
Hindi
इसके पश्चात् तो कुछ क्षणोंमें ही बहुत-सी घटनाएँ घटित हो गयीं। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र एवं उनके दलके समस्त शिशु विजेताओंको पीठपर धारण किये हुए, अवरोहणस्थानका स्पर्श कर पीछेकी ओर लौट चले; किंतु प्रलम्ब नहीं लौटा, अपितु वह अवरोहणकी सीमासे पार चला गया। इतनी देर साथ रहकर प्रलम्बने यह देख लिया था कि नन्दनन्दनका अपहरण उसके द्वारा सम्भव ही नहीं, इतना दुर्धर्ष है यह श्यामवर्ण शिशु; और इसलिये अत्यन्त द्रुत वेगसे केवल रोहिणीनन्दनको ही ले भागनेके उद्देश्यसे वह आगे बढ़ गया। अवश्य ही कुछ पद बढ़ते ही उसे प्रतीत हुआ, 'ओह! इस बालकमें तो सुमेरु पर्वतसे भी अधिक भार है। इस शिशु-वेशसे तो मैं इसे वहन कर ही नहीं सकता।' सचमुच बलरामके भारसे उसकी गति रुद्ध हो चुकी थी। इस प्रकार बाध्य होकर वह तत्क्षण ही अपने सुबृहत् असुररूपमें व्यक्त हुआ। उसका वह काला-काला शरीर स्वर्णाभूषणोंसे अलङ्कृत था और उसपर विराजित थी श्रीबलरामकी शुभ्र छटा। उन गौरसुन्दरकी सन्निधिसे उस दैत्यकी अद्भुत शोभा हुई, मानो विद्युत्प्रभामण्डित मेघ पूर्ण शशधरको धारण किये हुए हो! अब वह पृथ्वी-पथका परित्याग कर आकाशमार्गमें उठ चुका था। बड़े वेगसे जा रहा था वह! उसकी आँखें प्रज्वलित अग्निकी भाँति धक्-धक् जल रही थीं। उग्र दन्तपंक्तियाँ भौंहोंतक पहुँची हुई थीं। सिरपर अग्निज्वालाके समान ऊपर उठे हुए केश थे। हाथ-पैर वलयसे अलङ्कृत थे। सिरपर मुकुट सुशोभित था। कर्ण-रन्ध्रोंमें कुण्डल जगमगा रहे थे। इन आभूषणोंसे उसके काले शरीरपर एक विचित्र-सी कान्ति फैली थी।
एक बार तो प्रलम्बके इस महाभयंकर रूपको देखकर बलराम किञ्चित् भयभीत-से हो उठे और सहसा मुँहसे निकल पड़ा, 'कृष्ण! अरे भैया रे!' किंतु उन महामहिमको स्वरूपस्मृति होते कितनी देर लगती। वे लीलामय प्रभु तुरंत अपने स्वरूपमें स्थित हो गये। हाँ, बाह्यदृष्टिमें इतना-सा निमित्त अवश्य हुआ, अग्रजके द्वारा वह 'कृष्ण-कृष्ण' का आह्वान अनुजके कर्णपुटोंमें जा पहुँचा था और अनुजने भी अविलम्ब प्रत्युत्तर दिया था, 'सर्वात्मन्! सम्पूर्ण गुह्य पदार्थोंमें अत्यन्त गुह्यस्वरूप होकर भी आप यह स्फुट मानव-भावका अवलम्बन क्यों कर रहे हैं? अमेयात्मन्! अपने स्वरूपका स्मरण करें आप और फिर इस मानवभावकी ओटमें ही इस दैत्यका विनाश कर दें।' अग्रजने वैसे-के-वैसे अपने छोटे भाईकी बात मान ली। तुरंत उनकी स्वरूपभूत निर्भयता उच्च हास्यके रूपमें बाहर व्यक्त हो उठी और फिर रोषमें भर गये वे प्रभु, 'अरे! जैसे धन अपहरणकर चोर उसे लेकर भाग चले, इस प्रकार यह मुझे चुराकर आकाशपथसे भाग रहा है। अच्छा!' बस, पलक गिरते-न-गिरते प्रलम्बके सिरपर रोहिणीनन्दनने अपनी एक दृढ़ मुट्ठीकी चोट लगा दी। पर उस मुट्ठीका वेग ऐसा था, मानो सुरेन्द्रने किसी पर्वतपर वज्रप्रहार किया हो। इसीलिये इसका स्पर्श होते ही प्रलम्बका सिर चूर्ण-विचूर्ण हो गया, मुखसे रक्तका प्रवाह फूट निकला। चेतना तो लुप्त हो ही चुकी थी, केवल एक महाभयंकर शब्दमात्र, सिरका कचूमर निकल जानेके अनन्तर भी न जाने कैसे, वह व्यक्त कर सका। पर इतनेमें तो उसका वह प्राणशून्य विकराल कलेवर वृन्दावनकी उस पावन धरापर गिर चुका था, मानो सचमुच ही सुरराजका वह वज्रप्रहार सफल हो गया हो और उससे आहत एक महान् पर्वत ही धराशायी हो गया हो।
English translation
Many events occurred within the next few moments. Carrying the winners, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and every boy on His team touched the dismounting place and turned back. Pralamba did not return but crossed the boundary. During his time among them he had realized that abducting Nanda's son was impossible because the dark child was unconquerable. He therefore sped onward intending to carry away only Rohiṇī's son.
After only a few steps he thought, "This boy weighs more than Mount Sumeru. I cannot carry Him in this childlike form." Balarāma's weight had stopped his progress. Forced by necessity, he immediately revealed his enormous demon form. His black body was adorned with gold ornaments and surmounted by Śrī Balarāma's brilliant white beauty. Through the fair Lord's presence, the demon acquired a strange splendor like a lightning-adorned cloud carrying the full moon. Abandoning the path upon earth, he rose into the sky and traveled swiftly. His eyes blazed like kindled fire, fierce teeth reached toward his brows, and hair rose above his head like flames. Bracelets adorned his hands and feet, a crown shone upon his head, and earrings glittered in his ears, casting a strange brilliance across his dark body.
Seeing Pralamba's terrifying form, Balarāma at first appeared slightly afraid and suddenly cried, "Kṛṣṇa, brother!" Yet how long could it take the supremely glorious Lord to remember His nature? The playful Lord immediately became established in Himself. Outwardly, His elder brother's cry of "Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa" reached the younger brother's ears, and Kṛṣṇa instantly replied, "Self of all, though You are the most hidden reality among all secrets, why do You openly adopt this human mood? Immeasurable Lord, remember Your true nature and, still sheltered behind this human appearance, destroy the demon."
The elder brother followed His younger brother's words exactly. His intrinsic fearlessness appeared outwardly as loud laughter, and then the Lord filled with anger: "This creature has stolen Me and is fleeing through the sky like a thief carrying away treasure. Very well." Before an eyelid could close, Rohiṇī's son struck Pralamba's head with His firm fist. The blow carried the force of Indra's thunderbolt striking a mountain. At its touch Pralamba's head shattered, and blood poured from his mouth. His consciousness vanished, though somehow he released one terrifying cry even after his head had been crushed. His lifeless, monstrous body fell upon Vṛndāvana's holy earth like a great mountain felled by the successful strike of Indra's thunderbolt.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.25-27
अविषह्यं मन्यमानः कृष्णं दानवपुङ्गवः। वहन् द्रुततरं प्रागादवरोहणतः परम्॥ तमुद्वहन् धरणिधरेन्द्रगौरवं महासुरो विगतरयो निजं वपुः। स आस्थितः पुरटपरिच्छदो बभौ तडिद्द्युमानुडुपतिवाडिवाम्बुदः॥ निरीक्ष्य तद्वपुरलमम्बरे चरत् प्रदीप्तदृग्भ्रुकुटितटोग्रदंष्ट्रकम्। ज्वलच्छिखं कटककिरीटकुण्डल- त्विषाद्भुतं हलधर ईषदत्रसत्॥
English translation
Considering Kṛṣṇa impossible to overcome, the foremost demon carried Balarāma swiftly beyond the designated dismounting place. Bearing Him whose weight equaled the king of mountains, the great demon lost his speed and assumed his natural body. Adorned with gold, he shone like a lightning-filled cloud carrying the moon.
Seeing the demon's immense body moving through the sky, with blazing eyes, fierce teeth reaching his brows, flaming hair, and the wondrous brilliance of bracelets, crown, and earrings, Haladhara was momentarily startled.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Viṣṇu Purāṇa 5.9.23, 33
किमयं मानुषो भावो व्यक्तमेवावलम्ब्यते। सर्वात्मन् सर्वगुह्यानां गुह्यागुह्यात्मना त्वया॥ तत् स्मर्यताममेयात्मंस्त्वयात्मा जहि दानवम्। मानुष्यमेवावलम्ब्य॥
English translation
"Self of all, though You are the hidden Self within every secret, why do You so openly adopt this human mood? Immeasurable Lord, remember Your own nature and, while maintaining this human appearance, kill the demon."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.18.28-29
अथागतस्मृतिरभयो रिपुं बलो विहायसार्थमिव हरन्तमात्मनः। रुषाहनच्छिरसि दृढेन मुष्टिना सुराधिपो गिरिमिव वज्ररंहसा॥ स आहतः सपदि विशीर्णमस्तको मुखाद्वमन् रुधिरमपस्मृतोऽसुरः। महारवं व्यसुरपतत् समीरयन् गिरिर्यथा मघवत आयुधाहतः॥
English translation
Recovering His awareness and becoming fearless, Balarāma saw the enemy carrying Him away through the sky like a thief stealing treasure. In anger He struck the demon's head with His hard fist, as Indra strikes a mountain with the force of his thunderbolt. The blow immediately shattered the demon's head. He lost consciousness, vomited blood, released a tremendous roar, and fell lifeless like a mountain struck by Indra's weapon.
Original
Braj
काहू कुँवर की दृष्टि बचाई। असुर अवधि तैं आगे जाइ॥ असुर रूप आश्रित धरी तातें। तब हीं अंबर लौं चढ़ि गयौ॥ ता छिन भयौ भयानक भारौ। पहिरें कंचन भूषन कारौ॥ ता पर संकर्षन अति सोहे। ब्रज बालक बिलोकि सब मोहे॥ जो होइ कारी भारी घटा। बिच-बिच चमकै दमकै छटा॥ ऊपर सरद-चंद होइ जैसें। सोहैं रोहिनि-नंदन तैसैं॥ बिकट बदन अरु बड़े दंत। बिकट भृकुटि, दृग अग्नि बमंत॥ तपत ताम्र-से सिररुह लसे। देखि तब हलधर रंचक त्रसे॥ पुनि सुधि आइ तनक मुसुकाइ। दियौ जु मुठिका मूँड़ बनाइ॥ किरच-किरच ह्वै गयौ लिलार। मुख तैं चली रुधिर की धार॥ धरयौ प्रलंब न कछु संभार्यौ। गिरि जस गिरत बज्र कौ मार्यौ॥
× × ×
अरुन नैन ह्वै गए, साँस छाँड़त रिस रत्तिय। आय बरन आबेस बीर रस महँ मन मत्तिय॥ महाबाहु बलभद्र! अमित बल विक्रम धारिय। मुष्टि तौलि तिहि हनिय कोटि बज्रहु ते भारिय॥ खल घात होत आघात इमि जनु पर्वत पर पवि पर्यौ। सिरु फूटि रुधिरधारा स्रवत चीतकार करि महि पर्यौ॥ कहुँ कुंडल मनि, मुकुट मनि, कहूँ बिभूषन माल। राम बिरोधै फल मिल्यौ, पर्यौ मृतक बेहाल॥
English translation
Escaping the prince's sight, the demon passed beyond the boundary. He assumed his natural demonic form and rose into the sky. At once he became enormously terrifying, his black body covered with golden ornaments. Saṅkarṣaṇa shone so beautifully upon him that all the cowherd boys were enchanted. He resembled a massive dark cloud flashing with lightning, while Rohiṇī's son shone above him like the autumn moon.
His face and teeth were terrible, his brows fierce, and his eyes emitted fire. His hair glowed like heated copper. Seeing him, Haladhara was briefly afraid. Then awareness returned. He smiled slightly, formed His fist, and struck the demon's head. His forehead shattered into fragments, and blood streamed from his mouth. Pralamba could not maintain his hold and fell like a mountain struck by a thunderbolt.
× × ×
Balarāma's eyes became red. Breathing heavily, He filled with rage, His complexion transformed as His mind became intoxicated with heroic rasa. Mighty-armed Balabhadra, bearer of immeasurable power and valor, weighed His fist and struck a blow heavier than millions of thunderbolts. The villain fell as though lightning had struck a mountain. His head split, streams of blood flowed, and with a scream he fell upon the earth. Jeweled earrings, crown gems, and garlands of ornaments scattered everywhere. He received the fruit of opposing Rāma and lay dead and helpless.
Original
Hindi and Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Garga-saṁhitā
अन्तरिक्षचारियोंने यह भी स्पष्ट देखा, प्रलम्बके शरीरसे एक सुदीर्घ ज्योति निकली और रोहिणीनन्दनके अङ्गोंमें विलीन हो गयी:
तज्ज्योतिर्निर्गतं दीर्घं बले लीनं बभूव ह।
English translation
Those traveling through the sky clearly saw a long ray of light emerge from Pralamba's body and merge into Rohiṇī's son's limbs:
A long radiance emerged from him and merged into Balarāma.
Original
Hindi and Braj
और जिस समय बलरामका नीलसुन्दर एवं गोपशिशुओंसे मिलन हुआ, ओह! कोई कैसे भर दे वाणीके क्षुद्र पात्रमें उस अपरिसीम आनन्दसिन्धुमें उठी हुई असंख्य ऊर्मियोंको!
मर्यौ जिवै, तिमि प्रीति जुत, मिलत हिएँ करि चाव॥
× × ×
प्रेम भरे चित आइ, अंक लाइ पुनि-पुनि मिलत॥
English translation
When Balarāma reunited with Nīlasundara and the cowherd boys, who could pour the countless waves rising within that limitless ocean of joy into speech's tiny vessel?
They met with loving hearts and delight as though one who had died had returned to life.
× × ×
They came with hearts filled with love, embraced Him, and met Him again and again.
Original
Hindi and Braj
पारिजातग्रथित मालाओंसे एवं राशि-राशि अन्य स्वर्गीय कुसुमोंसे वनकी धरा आच्छादित हो चुकी है। फिर भी सुरवृन्दोंके द्वारा रोहिणीनन्दनके अभिषेकका, स्तवनका विराम कहाँ हो रहा है!
सुमन बरषि, झर लाइ, साधु-साधु कहि सब्द पुनि, जस गावहिं सुख पाइ, बार-बार बहु बिनय जुत॥
× × ×
अमर-निकर बर अतिसय हरषे। बल पर सुमन सु-सुंदर बरषे॥
English translation
The forest floor became covered with garlands woven of pārijāta and heaps of other celestial flowers. Still the gods did not cease their showering of flowers or their praise of Rohiṇī's son:
They rained flowers in showers, repeatedly cried, "Excellent, excellent," and joyfully sang His glory with many humble prayers.
× × ×
The noble hosts of immortals rejoiced greatly and showered beautiful flowers upon Balarāma.