Adhyaya 48

Verse 1

ऑपनआक्रा बछ। अं अष्टचत्वारिशो&् ध्याय: बदरपाचनतीर्थकी महिमाके प्रसंगमें श्रुतावती और अरुन्धतीके तपकी कथा वैशम्पायन उवाच ततस्तीर्थवरं रामो ययौ बदरपाचनम्‌ | तपस्विसिद्धचरितं यत्र कन्या धृतव्रता

Vaiśampāyana said: Then Rāma (Balarāma) went to the excellent sacred ford called Badarapācana, a place frequented by ascetics and perfected beings. There dwelt in former times a maiden of firm vows—Śrutāvatī, the brahmacāriṇī daughter of Bharadvāja—whose beauty was said to be unmatched upon the earth.

Verse 2

भरद्वाजस्य दुहिता रूपेणाप्रतिमा भुवि । श्रुतावती नाम विभो कुमारी ब्रह्म॒ाचारिणी

Vaiśampāyana said: O mighty one, Bharadvāja’s daughter—an unmarried maiden named Śrutāvatī—was a brahmacāriṇī, and in beauty she had no equal anywhere on earth.

Verse 3

तपश्चचार सात्युग्रं नियमैर्बहुभिर्वृता । भर्ता मे देवराज: स्यादिति निश्चित्य भामिनी

Vaiśampāyana said: Endowed with many strict observances, the passionate lady undertook exceedingly severe austerities. She fixed her resolve on a single aim: “May the king of the gods, Indra, become my husband.”

Verse 4

समास्तस्या व्यतिक्रान्ता बह्दयः कुरुकुलोद्वह । चरन्त्या नियमांस्तांस्तान्‌ स्त्रीभिस्तीव्रान्‌ सुदुश्षरान्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: Many days passed for her, O foremost of the Kuru line, as she continued to observe those various disciplines—severe and exceedingly hard to endure—together with the other women.

Verse 5

कुरुकुलभूषण! स्त्रियोंके लिये जिनका पालन अत्यन्त दुष्कर और दुःसह है, उन-उन कठोर नियमोंका पालन करती हुई श्रुतावतीके वहाँ अनेक वर्ष व्यतीत हो गये ।।

O ornament of the Kuru line! There, many years passed for Śrutāvatī as she observed those harsh disciplines—so difficult and grievous for women to keep. By that conduct, by her austerity, and by her supreme devotion, the blessed Pākāśāsana (Indra) was greatly pleased.

Verse 6

प्रजानाथ! उसके उस आचरण, तपस्या तथा पराभक्तिसे भगवान्‌ पाकशासन (इन्द्र) बड़े प्रसन्न हुए ।।

O lord of creatures! By her conduct, her austerity, and her supreme devotion, the blessed Pākāśāsana (Indra) was exceedingly delighted. Then the mighty king of the gods, ruler of the Thirty-Three, came to her hermitage, assuming the form of the great Brahmarṣi Vasiṣṭha.

Verse 7

सातं दृष्टवोग्रतपसं वसिष्ठ॑ तपतां वरम्‌ । आचाोरैर्मुनिभिवद्दृष्ट: पूजयामास भारत,भरतनन्दन! उसने तपस्वी मुनियोंमें श्रेष्ठ और उग्र तपस्यापरायण वसिष्ठको देखकर मुनिजनोचित आचारोंद्वारा उनका पूजन किया

Vaiśampāyana said: Seeing Vasiṣṭha—of fierce austerity, the foremost among ascetics—she honored him, O Bhārata, O joy of the Bharatas, with the courtesies and observances approved among sages.

Verse 8

उवाच नियमज्ञा च कल्याणी सा प्रियंवदा । भगवन्‌ मुनिशार्दूल किमाज्ञापयसि प्रभो

Vaiśampāyana said: Then that auspicious lady Śrutāvatī—versed in vows and disciplines, and sweet-spoken—addressed him with reverence: “Blessed one, tiger among seers, lord—what do you command of me?”

Verse 9

सर्वमद्य यथाशक्ति तव दास्यामि सुव्रत । शक्रभक्त्या च ते पाणिं न दास्यामि कथंचन

“Today, to the best of my ability, I will give you everything, O man of excellent vows. Yet, out of devotion to Śakra (Indra), I will not give you my hand in marriage—by no means.”

Verse 10

व्रतैश्न नियमैश्नेव तपसा च तपोधन । शक्रस्तोषयितव्यो वै मया त्रिभुवने श्वर:,“तपोधन! मुझे अपने व्रतों, नियमों तथा तपस्याद्वारा त्रिभुवनसम्राट्‌ भगवान्‌ इन्द्रको ही संतुष्ट करना है'

Vaiśampāyana said: “O ascetic rich in austerity, by my vows, disciplined observances, and penance, I must indeed satisfy Śakra—Indra, the lord of the three worlds.”

Verse 11

इत्युक्तो भगवान्‌ देव: स्मयन्निव निरीक्ष्य ताम्‌ उवाच निय मं ज्ञात्वा सांत्वयन्निव भारत

Thus addressed, the blessed god Indra looked at her as though smiling; understanding the discipline of her vow, he spoke—seeming to console her—O Bhārata.

Verse 12

उग्र॑ तपश्चरसि वै विदिता मे5सि सुव्ते । यदर्थमयमारम्भस्तव कल्याणि हृद्गत:

Vaiśampāyana said: “You are indeed practicing severe austerities; you are well known to me, O woman of noble vows. For what purpose has this undertaking arisen in your heart, O auspicious one?”

Verse 13

तपसा लकभ्यते सर्व यथाभूतं भविष्यति

Vaiśampāyana said: “By austerity, everything is attained; what is to be will come to pass in its true form. O fair-faced one, through disciplined penance all can be gained, and your cherished aim too will be fulfilled exactly as intended. Even the gods’ radiant abodes are reached by austerity. Indeed, austerity alone is the root cause of the highest happiness.”

Verse 14

यथा स्थानानि दिव्यानि विबुधानां शुभानने । तपसा तानि प्राप्याणि तपोमूलं महत्‌ सुखम्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: “O fair-faced one, just as the gods attain their radiant celestial abodes through austerity, so too are such stations won by tapas. Great happiness has austerity as its very root.”

Verse 15

इति कृत्वा तपो घोरें देहं संन्यस्य मानवा: । देवत्वं यान्ति कल्याणि शृणुष्वैंके वचो मम

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Thus, having undertaken severe austerities and renounced the body, people attain the state of the gods. O auspicious lady, now listen to this one statement of mine.”

Verse 16

पज्च चैतानि सुभगे बदराणि शुभव्रते । पचेत्युक्त्वा तु भगवाञज्जगाम बलसूदन:

Vaiśampāyana said: “O fortunate one, O woman of noble vows—here are these five jujube fruits; cook them.” Having spoken thus, the Blessed Lord, the slayer of Bala, departed. He went to an excellent sacred ford not far from that hermitage, bathed there, and engaged in recitation and meditation—acting with restraint and reverence even in the midst of the larger turmoil of events.

Verse 17

आमन्त्रयतां तु कल्याणीं ततो जप्यं जजाप सः । अविदूरे ततस्तस्मादाश्रमात्‌ तीर्थमुत्तमम्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: Having first addressed the auspicious lady Kalyāṇī, he then began to recite the prescribed sacred formula. Not far from that hermitage there was an excellent holy ford; he went there, bathed, and continued his japa—acting with restraint and ritual propriety, and showing that spiritual discipline and purity of conduct accompany even extraordinary deeds.

Verse 18

इन्द्रतीर्थेति विख्यात॑ त्रिषु लोकेषु मानद । तस्या जिज्ञासनार्थ स भगवान्‌ पाकशासन:

Vaiśampāyana said: “O bestower of honor, the sacred ford known as ‘Indratīrtha’ is renowned in all the three worlds. Wishing to learn about it in full, that divine Pākaśāsana (Indra) himself set out with the intent to inquire.”

Verse 19

ततः प्रतप्ता सा राजन्‌ वाग्यता विगतक्लमा

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then that ascetic maiden, O King—disciplined in speech, free from fatigue, and steadfast in purity of conduct—silently placed those fruits upon the fire. O best of rulers, thereafter that great-vowed virgin, with focused diligence, set about cooking the jujube fruits. The scene underscores quiet self-control and ritual cleanliness as forms of dharma expressed through attentive action rather than display.

Verse 20

तत्परा शुचिसंवीता पावके समधिश्रयत्‌ । अपचदू राजशार्दूल बदराणि महाव्रता

Vaiśampāyana said: Intent on her task and wrapped in purity, she set the fruits upon the fire. O tiger among kings, that maiden of great vows then cooked the jujube fruits with steady diligence—acting in silence, disciplined in cleanliness, and free from weariness.

Verse 21

तस्या: पचन्त्या: सुमहान्‌ कालो5गात्‌ पुरुषर्षभ । न च सम तान्यपच्यन्त दिनं च क्षयमभ्यगात्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: “O bull among men, as she kept cooking them, a very long time passed; yet those fruits did not cook evenly. Meanwhile the day itself drew to its end.”

Verse 22

हुताशनेन दग्धश्न यस्तस्या: काष्ठसंचय: । अकाष्ठमग्निं सा दृष्टवा स्वशरीरमथादहत्‌,उसने जो ईंधन जमा कर रखे थे, वे सब आगमें जल गये। तब अग्निको ईंधनरहित देख उसने अपने शरीरको जलाना आरम्भ किया

Vaiśampāyana said: The heap of firewood she had gathered was consumed by the blazing fire. Seeing the fire left without fuel, she then began to offer up her own body to it.

Verse 23

पादौ प्रक्षिप्प सा पूर्व पावके चारुदर्शना | दग्धौ दग्धौ पुन: पादावुपावर्तयतानघ

Vaiśampāyana said: The lovely maiden first thrust both her feet into the fire. And as they began to burn, she kept turning them back again and again into the flames—O sinless king, O blameless ruler—steadfastly persisting in her act.

Verse 24

चरणौ दहामानौ च नाचिन्तयदनिन्दिता । कुर्वाणा दुष्करं कर्म महर्षिप्रियकाम्यया,उस साध्वीने अपने जलते हुए चरणोंकी कुछ भी परवा नहीं की। वह महर्षिका प्रिय करनेकी इच्छासे दुष्कर कार्य कर रही थी

Vaiśampāyana said: Though her feet were burning, the blameless woman did not give it a thought. Seeking to please the great sage, she undertook a deed that was exceedingly difficult—enduring pain without wavering in her resolve.

Verse 25

न वैमनस्यं तस्यास्तु मुखभेदो5थवाभवत्‌ | शरीरमग्निना55दीप्य जलमध्ये यथा स्थिता

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: In her there arose no dejection at all, nor did any change appear upon her face. Even as her body blazed in the fire, she remained serene—like one standing within water—unshaken in mind and outward radiance.

Verse 26

तच्चास्या वचन नित्यमवर्तद्धूदि भारत । सर्वथा बदराण्येव पक्तव्यानीति कन्यका

Vaiśampāyana said: O Bhārata, her statement kept recurring again and again in his mind: “In every way, only jujubes must be cooked,” said the maiden.

Verse 27

भारत! उसके मनमें निरन्तर इसी बातका चिन्तन होता रहता था कि “इन बेरके फलोंको हर तरहसे पकाना है! ।।

Vaiśampāyana said: O Bhārata, her mind was continually absorbed in a single thought: “These jujube fruits must be ripened by every means.” Keeping the great sage’s instruction firmly in her heart, that auspicious maiden went on cooking the jujubes again and again—yet, O Bhārata, they would not ripen.

Verse 28

तस्यास्तु चरणौ वद्रनिर्ददाह भगवान्‌ स्वयम्‌ | न च तस्या मनोदु:खं स्वल्पमप्यभवत्‌ तदा,भगवान्‌ अग्निने स्वयं ही उसके दोनों पैरोंको जला दिया, तथापि उस समय उसके मनमें थोड़ा-सा भी दुःख नहीं हुआ

Vaiśampāyana said: “The Blessed Lord Himself scorched her feet with a thunderbolt-like fire; yet at that moment not even the slightest mental anguish arose in her.”

Verse 29

अथ तत्‌ कर्म दृष्ट्वास्या: प्रीतस्त्रिभुवने श्वर: । ततः संदर्शयामास कन्यायै रूपमात्मन:,उसका वह कर्म देखकर त्रिभुवनके स्वामी इन्द्र बड़े प्रसन्न हुए। फिर उन्होंने उस कन्याको अपना यथार्थ रूप दिखाया

Vaiśampāyana said: Seeing her deed, Indra—the lord of the three worlds—was greatly pleased. Thereupon he revealed to the maiden his own true form.

Verse 30

उवाच च सुरश्रेष्ठस्तां कन्यां सुदृढव्रताम्‌ प्रीतो5स्मि ते शुभे भकक्‍त्या तपसा नियमेन च

Vaiśampāyana said: Then Indra, foremost of the gods, pleased with the maiden who kept her vows with unwavering firmness, spoke to her: “O auspicious one, I am deeply satisfied with your devotion, your austerities, and your disciplined observances. Therefore, blessed lady, the cherished desire within your heart shall be fulfilled. Fortunate one, casting off this body, you will dwell with me in the heavenly world.”

Verse 31

तस्माद्‌ योडभिमत: काम: स ते सम्पत्स्यते शुभे । देहं त्यक्त्वा महा भागे त्रिदिवे मयि वत्स्यसि

Therefore, O auspicious one, the desire you hold dearest in your heart will surely be fulfilled. O greatly fortunate lady, when you relinquish this body, you will dwell with me in Tridiva, the heavenly world. (Thus Indra, pleased with her austerity, vows, and devotion, grants her a boon and promises her a place in heaven.)

Verse 32

इदं च ते तीर्थवरं स्थिरं लोके भविष्यति । सर्वपापापहं सुभ्रु नाम्ना बदरपाचनम्‌

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “This excellent sacred ford of yours will endure firmly in the world. O fair one, it will be known by the name ‘Badarapācana’ and will remove all sins.”

Verse 33

विख्यातं त्रिषु लोकेषु ब्रह्मर्षिभिरभिप्लुतम्‌ । अस्मिन्‌ खलु महाभागे शुभे तीर्थवरेडनघे

Vaiśampāyana said: “This sacred place is renowned in all the three worlds and is hallowed by the presence and sanctity of the Brahmarṣis. Indeed, here—at this auspicious, illustrious, and supreme tīrtha, O sinless one—(its holiness is firmly established).”

Verse 34

ततस्ते वै महाभागा गत्वा तत्र सुसंशिता:

Then those illustrious persons, firmly resolved, went to that place, their purpose set and their minds steady.

Verse 35

वृत्त्यर्थ फलमूलानि समाहर्तु ययु: किल । “वहाँ पहुँचकर कठोर व्रतका पालन करनेवाले वे महाभाग महर्षि जीवन-निर्वाहके निमित्त फल-मूल लानेके लिये वनमें गये ।।

Vaiśampāyana said: Seeking the means of subsistence, they indeed went to gather fruits and roots. Thus, while those ascetics—dwelling in the Himalayan forest and intent only on livelihood—set about collecting simple forest fare, the tale underscores a disciplined life of restraint, where survival is pursued without greed or harm.

Verse 36

ते कृत्वा चाश्रमं तत्र न्यवसन्त तपस्विन:

Vaiśampāyana said: Having established an ascetic hermitage there, the sages devoted to austerity took up residence, settling into a disciplined life of restraint and spiritual practice—an implicit turn from turmoil toward ordered dharma.

Verse 37

अरुन्धतीं ततो दृष्टवा तीव्रं नियममास्थिताम्‌

Then, seeing Arundhatī firmly established in a severe vow of self-discipline, Vaiśampāyana draws attention to her unwavering restraint—an emblem of dharma upheld through austerity and steadfast conduct.

Verse 38

ब्राह्मं रूपं ततः कृत्वा महादेवो महायशा:

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then the illustrious Mahādeva assumed a Brahman-like form—signaling a shift from overt divine power to a mode of action aligned with sacred authority and restraint.

Verse 39

प्रत्युवाच तत: सा त॑ ब्राह्म॒णं चारुदर्शना

Vaiśampāyana said: Then that fair-looking woman replied to the brāhmaṇa—marking a turn in the dialogue where her response begins to shape the moral and narrative direction of the episode.

Verse 40

ततो<ब्रवीन्महादेव: पचस्वैतानि सुव्रते

Then Mahādeva said, “O virtuous one, cook these.” At his command, the illustrious Arundhatī—wishing to please the brāhmaṇa—placed the jujube fruits upon the kindled fire and began roasting them.

Verse 41

इत्युक्ता सापचत्‌ तानि ब्राह्मणप्रियकाम्यया । अधिभश्रित्य समिद्धे5ग्नौी बदराणि यशस्विनी

Vaiśampāyana said: Thus instructed, the illustrious lady, desiring to please the brāhmaṇa, set those jujube fruits upon the well-kindled fire and began to cook them.

Verse 42

दिव्या मनोरमा: पुण्या: कथा: शुआव सा तदा । अतीता सा त्वनावृष्टिर्घोरा द्वादशवार्षिकी

At that time she heard sacred, delightful, and heavenly tales. In the meantime, the dreadful drought that had lasted twelve years came to an end. Thus the harsh season of suffering passed away, as though it were but a single day—sustained by the purifying power of auspicious narration and patient endurance.

Verse 43

अनश्नन्त्या: पचन्त्याश्न शृण्वन्त्याश्व॒ कथा: शुभा: | दिनोपम: स तस्याथ कालो5तीत: सुदारुण:

Vaiśampāyana said: As she went without eating, cooked (the berries), and listened to auspicious tales, that exceedingly harsh stretch of time passed for her as though it were a single day—until the dreadful drought came to an end.

Verse 44

ततस्तु मुनयः प्राप्ता: फलान्यादाय पर्वतात्‌ | ततः स भगवान्‌ प्रीतः प्रोवाचारुन्धतीं ततः

Then the sages arrived, bringing fruits from the mountain. Thereupon the Blessed Lord (Śaṅkara), pleased at heart, spoke to Arundhatī: “O knower of dharma, go now to these ṛṣis as you did before. O dharma-knowing lady, I am greatly satisfied with your austerity and disciplined observances.”

Verse 45

उपसर्पस्व धर्मज्ञे यथापूर्वमिमानृषीन्‌ । प्रीतो5स्मि तव धर्मज्ञे तपसा नियमेन च

Vaiśampāyana said: “O wise and righteous one, approach these sages again as you did before. O knower of dharma, I am pleased with you—pleased by your austerity and by your disciplined observances.”

Verse 46

ततः संदर्शयामास स्वरूपं भगवान्‌ हर: । ततोअब्रवीत्‌ तदा तेभ्यस्तस्याश्व चरितं महत्‌,"ऐसा कहकर भगवान्‌ शंकरने अपने स्वरूपका दर्शन कराया और उन सप्तर्षियोंसे अरुन्धतीके महान्‌ चरित्रका वर्णन किया

Thereupon the Blessed Hara revealed his own divine form. Then, at that time, he spoke to those sages, describing in full the great and exemplary conduct of Arundhatī—held up as a model of steadfast virtue and marital fidelity.

Verse 47

इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत शल्यपर्वके अन्तर्गत गदापव॑नमें बलदेवजीकी तीर्थयात्रा और सारस्वतोपाख्यानविषयक सैंतालीसवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

He said: “O best of Brahmins, the austerity you have accumulated while dwelling upon the heights of the Himalaya, and the austerity that she (Arundhatī) has performed here—between these two, in my judgment, there is no equality. Her austerity is the greater.”

Verse 48

अनया हि तपस्विन्या तपस्तप्तं सुदुश्चरम्‌ । अनश्नन्या पचन्त्या च समा द्वादश पारिता:

Vaiśampāyana said: “By this ascetic woman a most difficult austerity has indeed been performed. Without eating, and while continually cooking the jujube fruits, she has passed twelve full years. Thus she has acquired the merit and spiritual power born of severe penance.”

Verse 49

ततः प्रोवाच भगवांस्तामेवारुन्धतीं पुन: । वरं वृणीष्व कल्याणि यत्‌ तेडभिलषितं हृदि,“इसके बाद भगवान्‌ शंकरने पुनः अरुन्धतीसे कहा--“कल्याणि! तुम्हारे मनमें जो अभिलाषा हो, उसके अनुसार कोई वर माँग लो”

Then the Blessed Lord (Śaṅkara) again addressed that very Arundhatī: “O auspicious lady, choose a boon—whatever desire you hold within your heart.”

Verse 50

साब्रवीत्‌ पृथुताम्राक्षी देवं सप्तर्षिसंसदि । भगवान्‌ यदि मे प्रीतस्तीर्थ स्पादिदमद्भुतम्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: Then the broad, copper-red–eyed lady addressed the god in the assembly of the Seven Ṛṣis: “O Blessed Lord, if you are pleased with me, then let this wondrous sacred ford (tīrtha) arise here at your touch.”

Verse 51

सिद्धदेवर्षिदयितं नाम्ना बदरपाचनम्‌ | “तब विशाल एवं अरुण नेत्रोंवाली अरुन्धतीने सप्तर्षियोंकी सभामें महादेवजीसे कहा --“भगवान्‌ यदि मुझपर प्रसन्न हैं तो यह स्थान बदरपाचन नामसे प्रसिद्ध होकर सिद्धों और देवर्षियोंका प्रिय एवं अद्भुत तीर्थ हो जाय ।।

Vaiśampāyana said: That place became known by the name Badarapācana, beloved of the Siddhas and the divine seers. And there, O Lord of the gods, the pure one stayed for three nights—thus establishing the site’s sanctity and renown as a wondrous pilgrimage place, born of devotion and divine favor.

Verse 52

एवमस्त्विति तां देव: प्रत्युवाच तपस्विनीम्‌

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “So be it,” replied the divine one to the ascetic woman—assenting to her request and affirming that her resolve and austerity would not go unanswered.

Verse 53

ऋषयो विस्मयं जम्मुस्तां दृष्टवा चाप्यरुन्धतीम्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: Seeing her—and also beholding Arundhatī—the sages were struck with wonder, their minds turning in astonishment at the sight of such exemplary presence and virtue.

Verse 54

अश्रान्तां चाविवर्णा च क्षुत्पिपासासमायुताम्‌ । “अरुन्धती भूख-प्याससे युक्त होनेपर भी न तो थकी थी और न उसकी अंगकान्ति ही फीकी पड़ी थी। उसे देखकर ऋषियोंको बड़ा आश्चर्य हुआ || ५३ $ ।।

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Though afflicted by hunger and thirst, Arundhatī was neither weary nor had her complexion faded. Seeing her, the sages were filled with wonder. Thus, the pure-hearted Arundhatī attained the highest spiritual accomplishment here—just as you too have attained success through austerity performed for my sake. O gentle one, in this vow you have shown exceptional self-surrender.”

Verse 55

यथा त्वया महाभागे मदर्थ संशितव्रते । विशेषो हि त्वया भद्ठे व्रते ह्स्मिन्‌ समर्पित:

Vaiśampāyana said: “O fortunate lady, steadfast in a rigorous vow—just as you undertook austerity for my sake, so too did the pure-hearted goddess Arundhatī attain the highest perfection here. O gentle one, in this observance you have shown a special measure of self-surrender.”

Verse 56

तथा चेदं ददाम्यद्य नियमेन सुतोषित: । विशेष तव कल्याणि प्रयच्छामि वरं वरे,“सती कल्याणि! मैं तुम्हारे नियमसे संतुष्ट होकर यह विशेष वर प्रदान करता हूँ

“Therefore, today, pleased with your observance of the rule, I grant this in due form. O auspicious one, best among women, I bestow upon you a special boon.”

Verse 57

अरुन्धत्या वरस्तस्या यो दत्तो वै महात्मना । तस्य चाहं प्रभावेण तव कल्याणि तेजसा

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O auspicious lady, by the power and radiance of that boon which the great-souled one granted to Arundhatī, I too am sustained and enabled (to speak/act) through your splendor.”

Verse 58

यस्त्वेकां रजनीं तीर्थ वत्स्यते सुसमाहित:

Vaiśampāyana said: “But whoever, with steady and collected mind, stays for a single night at the sacred ford (tīrtha)…”

Verse 59

इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्‌ देव: सहस्राक्ष: प्रतापवान्‌

Vaiśampāyana said: “Having spoken thus, the illustrious god—Indra of a thousand eyes, mighty in valor—…”

Verse 60

श्रुतावतीं ततः पुण्यां जगाम त्रिदिवं पुन: । पुण्यमयी श्रुतावतीसे ऐसा कहकर सहसख्र नेत्रधारी प्रतापी भगवान्‌ इन्द्रदेव पुनः स्वर्गलोकमें चले गये ।। ५९ $ ।। गते वज्धरे राजंस्तत्र वर्ष पपात ह

Then, having spoken thus, the mighty Indra—lord of the gods and bearer of a thousand eyes—departed once more for Tridiva (heaven), leaving behind the sacred place called Śrutāvatī. The narration underscores how divine visitations sanctify places and how the gods, after fulfilling their purpose, return to their celestial realm.

Verse 61

पुष्पाणां भरतश्रेष्ठ दिव्यानां पुण्यगन्धिनाम्‌ । देवदुन्दुभयश्चापि नेदुस्तत्र महास्वना:

Vaiśampāyana said: “O best of the Bharatas, showers of celestial flowers, fragrant with holy perfume, were cast down; and there too the divine kettledrums resounded with a mighty roar.” The scene signals a solemn, otherworldly approval of a moment of great consequence, as if the cosmos itself bears witness to the moral weight of what has just occurred.

Verse 62

राजन! भरतश्रेष्ठ! वज्रधारी इन्द्रके चले जानेपर वहाँ पवित्र सुगन्धवाले दिव्य पुष्पोंकी वर्षा होने लगी और महान्‌ शब्द करनेवाली देवदुन्दुभियाँ बज उठीं ।।

Vaiśampāyana said: O king, best of the Bharatas! As Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, moved away, a shower of divine flowers of pure fragrance fell there, and the celestial kettledrums resounded with a mighty sound. A holy wind, bearing auspicious perfume, began to blow, O lord of men. Then, casting off her fair body, she went to become his wife (in the heavenly realm).

Verse 63

तपसोग्रेण तं लब्ध्वा तेन रेमे सहाच्युत । प्रजानाथ! पावन सुगंधसे युक्त पवित्र वायु चलने लगी। शुभलक्षणा श्रुतावती अपने शरीरको त्यागकर इन्द्रकी भार्या हो गयी। अच्युत! वह अपनी उग्र तपस्यासे इन्द्रको पाकर उनके साथ रमण करने लगी ।।

Having obtained him through fierce austerities, she rejoiced with him. O lord of men, a holy wind, laden with purifying fragrance, began to blow. Śrutāvatī, marked with auspicious signs, cast off her body and became Indra’s wife. O Acyuta, by the power of her stern tapas she won Indra and delighted in his company. — Then Janamejaya asked: “Revered sir, who was her mother, and where did that beautiful woman grow up? O brāhmaṇa, I wish to hear it, for my curiosity is great.”

Verse 64

जनमेजयने पूछा--भगवन्‌! शोभामयी श्रुतावतीकी माता कौन थी और वह कहाँ पली थी? यह मैं सुनना चाहता हूँ। विप्रवर! इसके लिये मेरे मनमें बड़ी उत्कण्ठा हो रही है। वैशम्पायन उवाच भरद्वाजस्य विद्रष्षे: स्कन्ने रेतो महात्मन:

Janamejaya asked: “Revered sir, who was the mother of the radiant Śrutāvatī, and where was she brought up? I wish to hear this. O best of Brahmins, a great longing has arisen in my mind to know it.” Vaiśampāyana replied: “Listen: from the great-souled seer Bharadvāja, when his seed was emitted…”

Verse 65

दृष्टवाप्सरसमायान्तीं घृताचीं पृुथुलोचनाम्‌ । वैशम्पायनजीने कहा--राजन्‌! एक दिन विशाल नेत्रोंवाली घृताची अप्सरा कहींसे आ रही थी। उसे देखकर महात्मा महर्षि भरद्वाजका वीर्य स्खलित हो गया ।।

Vaiśampāyana said: “O King, once the wide-eyed apsaras Ghṛtācī was coming from somewhere. Seeing her, the great-souled sage Bharadvāja involuntarily emitted his seed. The foremost of those engaged in sacred recitation then gathered that semen in his hand.”

Verse 66

तस्यास्तु जातकर्मादि कृत्वा सर्व तपोधन:

Vaiśampāyana said: Having duly performed for her the birth-rites beginning with the jātakarma, that ascetic of accumulated merit completed all the prescribed sacraments.

Verse 67

नाम चास्या: स कृतवान्‌ भरद्वाजो महामुनि: । श्रुतावतीति धर्मात्मा देवर्षिगणसंसदि । स्वे च तामाश्रमे न्यस्य जगाम हिमवद्धनम्‌

That great sage Bharadvāja, righteous at heart, bestowed a name upon her in the assembly of divine seers, calling her “Śrutāvatī.” Having then placed her in his own hermitage under proper care, he departed for the Himalayan region.

Verse 68

तपस्याके धनी धर्मात्मा महामुनि भरद्वाजने उसके जातकर्म आदि सब संस्कार करके देवर्षियोंकी सभामें उसका नाम श्रुतावती रख दिया। फिर वे उस कन्याको अपने आश्रममें रखकर हिमालयके जंगलमें चले गये थे ।।

The righteous great sage Bharadvāja performed all the sacraments beginning with the jātakarma, and in the assembly of divine seers he named her “Śrutāvatī.” Then, leaving the maiden in his own hermitage, he went to the Himalayan forests. There too, the illustrious Balarāma—the foremost of the Vṛṣṇis—bathed according to rite and bestowed wealth upon eminent Brahmins; and with mind well-collected, he departed at that time for Śakra’s sacred ford, Indra-tīrtha.

Verse 126

तच्च सर्व यथाभूतं भविष्यति वरानने । 'सुव्रते! मैं जानता हूँ तुम बड़ी उग्र तपस्या कर रही हो। कल्याणि! सुमुखि! जिस उद्देश्यसे तुमने यह अनुष्ठान आरम्भ किया है और तुम्हारे हृदयमें जो संकल्प है

Vaiśampāyana said: “All of this will come to pass exactly as it truly is, O fair-faced one. O woman of good vows, I know you are performing a fierce austerity. O auspicious one, O lovely-faced one—whatever purpose led you to begin this observance, and whatever resolve you carry in your heart, all of it will be fulfilled in truth.”

Verse 183

बदराणामपचनं चकार विबुधाधिप: । मानद! वह तीर्थ तीनों लोकोंमें इन्द्रतीर्थक नामसे विख्यात है। देवराज भगवान्‌ पाकशासनने उस कन्याके मनोभावकी परीक्षा लेनेके लिये उन बेरके फलोंको पकने नहीं दिया

Vaiśampāyana said: The lord of the gods caused the jujube fruits not to ripen. O bestower of honor, that sacred ford is renowned in the three worlds by the name Indratīrthaka. There, the divine king Indra—Punisher of Pāka—kept those berries from ripening in order to test the inner disposition and sincerity of that maiden. Thus it is shown that true virtue is measured not by outward acts alone, but by steadfast intention when one’s hopes are delayed.

Verse 336

त्यक्त्वा सप्तर्षयो जम्मुर्हिमवन्तमरुन्धतीम्‌ । “यह तीनों लोकोंमें विख्यात है। बहुत-से ब्रह्मर्षियोंने इसमें स्नान किया है। पापरहित महाभागे! एक समय सप्तर्षिगण इस मंगलमय श्रेष्ठ तीर्थमें अरुन्धतीको छोड़कर हिमालय पर्वतपर गये थे

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The Seven Sages, leaving behind Arundhatī, went to the Himālaya. This tīrtha is renowned in the three worlds; many brahmarṣis have bathed there. O sinless, greatly fortunate one—once the Saptarṣis departed from that auspicious, supreme sacred ford, leaving Arundhatī, and went to the Himālaya mountains.

Verse 356

अनावृष्टिरनुप्राप्ता तदा द्वादशवार्षिकी | “जीविकाकी इच्छासे जब वे हिमालयके वनमें निवास करते थे, उन्हीं दिनों बारह वर्षोतक इस देशमें वर्षा ही नहीं हुई

Vaiśampāyana said: At that time a drought set in—one that lasted twelve years. In the days when they dwelt in the forests of the Himālaya seeking livelihood, this land received no rain for twelve full years. Long deprived of water, the country fell into scarcity, reminding all that livelihood and social order rest upon nature’s balance and upon the responsible conduct of rulers and communities in times of calamity.

Verse 363

अरुन्धत्यपि कल्याणी तपोनित्याभवत्‌ तदा । “वे तपस्वी मुनि वहीं आश्रम बनाकर रहने लगे। उस समय कल्याणी अरुन्धती भी प्रतिदिन तपस्यामें ही लगी रही

Vaiśampāyana said: At that time, the auspicious Arundhatī too became steadfastly devoted to austerity, applying herself to tapas each day without fail. The ascetic sages built a hermitage there and dwelt in it. Then Arundhatī, the blessed one, remained continually engaged in daily penance and discipline.

Verse 376

अथागमत्‌ त्रिनयन: सुप्रीतो वरदस्तदा । “अरुन्धतीको कठोर नियमका आश्रय लेकर तपस्या करती देख नत्रिनेत्रधारी वरदायक भगवान्‌ शंकर बड़े प्रसन्न हुए

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then the three-eyed Lord, the gracious giver of boons, came there, greatly pleased. Seeing Arundhatī engaged in austere penance, upheld by strict vows and self-discipline, the three-eyed Bhagavān Śaṅkara was deeply satisfied—affirming that sincere restraint and devoted practice, rather than mere power, draw divine favor.

Verse 383

तामभ्येत्याब्रवीद्‌ देवो भिक्षामिच्छाम्यहं शुभे । 'फिर वे महायशस्वी महादेवजी ब्राह्मणका रूप धारण करके उनके पास गये और बोले --'शुभे! मैं भिक्षा चाहता हूँ"

Approaching her, the divine Lord spoke: “O auspicious lady, I seek alms.” In the tale, Mahādeva assumes the guise of a brāhmaṇa and comes near to ask for charity—testing the giver’s generosity and steadfastness in dharma, and showing how the divine may examine virtue through humble requests.

Verse 396

क्षीणो5न्नसंचयो विप्र बदराणीह भक्षय । “तब परम सुन्दरी अरुन्धतीने उन ब्राह्मण देवतासे कहा--'विप्रवर! अन्नका संग्रह तो समाप्त हो गया। अब यहाँ ये बेर हैं, इन्हींको खाइये”

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Arundhatī, the supremely virtuous lady, addressed the Brahmin guest: “O venerable Brahmin, our stored provisions have been exhausted. Here there are jujube fruits—please partake of these.” The moment underscores the dharma of hospitality: even in scarcity, one offers what is available with respect and sincerity.

Verse 513

प्राप्रुयादुपवासेन फल द्वादशवार्षिकम्‌ । 'देवदेवेश्वर! इस तीर्थमें तीन राततक पवित्र भावसे रहकर वास करनेसे मनुष्यको बारह वर्षोके उपवासका फल प्राप्त हो'

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: By observing a fast here, one attains the merit equivalent to a twelve-year vow. The passage extols the sanctity of the tīrtha: dwelling there for three nights with a purified, reverent mind is said to yield the same spiritual fruit as prolonged austerity, emphasizing inner purity and devoted conduct over mere duration of hardship.

Verse 526

सप्तर्षिभि: स्तुतो देवस्ततो लोक॑ ययौ तदा । “तब महादेवजीने उस तपस्विनीसे कहा--'एवमस्तु” (ऐसा ही हो)। फिर सप्तर्षियोंने उनकी स्तुति की। तत्पश्चात्‌ महादेवजी अपने लोकमें चले गये

Praised by the Seven Sages, the Lord then departed at once to his own divine realm. Thus, after granting the ascetic woman’s request with the words “So be it,” Mahādeva received the sages’ hymns and withdrew—showing that boons are confirmed by divine assent, and that reverent praise follows the fulfillment of a righteous petition.

Verse 573

प्रवक्ष्यामि परं भूयो वरमत्र यथाविधि । “कल्याणि! महात्मा भगवान्‌ शंकरने अरुन्धती देवीको जो वर दिया था, तुम्हारे तेज और प्रभावसे मैं उससे भी बढ़कर उत्तम वर देता हूँ

Vaiśampāyana said: “I shall now declare, once again, the highest boon here, in the proper manner. O auspicious lady! By your radiance and spiritual power, I grant you an even more excellent boon than the one the great-souled Lord Śaṅkara once bestowed upon the goddess Arundhatī.”

Verse 583

स स्नात्वा प्राप्स्यते लोकान्‌ देहन्यासात्‌ सुदुर्लभान्‌ | “जो इस तीर्थमें एकाग्रचित्त होकर एक रात निवास करेगा

Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “One who stays at this sacred ford for a single night with a focused mind will, after bathing here and then laying down the body (at death), attain those meritorious worlds—realms exceedingly difficult for others to reach.”

Verse 653

तदापतत्‌ पर्णपुटे तत्र सा संभवत्‌ सुता । जप करनेवालोंमें श्रेष्ठ ऋषिने उस वीर्यको अपने हाथमें ले लिया, परंतु वह तत्काल ही एक पफ्त्तेके दोनेमें गिर पड़ा। वहीं वह कन्या प्रकट हो गयी

Then it fell into a leaf-cup, and right there a daughter came into being. The foremost of the sages—preeminent among those devoted to sacred recitation—had taken that seed into his hand; yet at once it slipped and dropped into a small bowl made of leaves. From that very spot the maiden manifested.