Adhyaya 41

Verse 1

श्रीशुक उवाच स्तुवतस्तस्य भगवान् दर्शयित्वा जले वपु: । भूय: समाहरत् कृष्णो नटो नाट्यमिवात्मन: ॥ १ ॥

Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: While Akrūra was still offering praises, Lord Kṛṣṇa withdrew the form He had revealed in the water, just as an actor concludes his performance.

Verse 2

सोऽपि चान्तर्हितं वीक्ष्य जलादुन्मज्य सत्वर: । कृत्वा चावश्यकं सर्वं विस्मितो रथमागमत् ॥ २ ॥

Seeing the vision vanish, Akrūra quickly emerged from the water, promptly completed his required rituals, and then returned to the chariot in astonishment.

Verse 3

तमपृच्छद्‌धृषीकेश: किं ते द‍ृष्टमिवाद्भ‍ुतम् । भूमौ वियति तोये वा तथा त्वां लक्षयामहे ॥ ३ ॥

Hṛṣīkeśa asked him: “Have you seen something wondrous—on the earth, in the sky, or in the water? From your appearance, We think you have.”

Verse 4

श्रीअक्रूर उवाच अद्भ‍ुतानीह यावन्ति भूमौ वियति वा जले । त्वयि विश्वात्मके तानि किं मेऽद‍ृष्टं विपश्यत: ॥ ४ ॥

Śrī Akrūra said: Whatever wonders exist on earth, in the sky, or in the waters—all of them abide in You, the Soul of the universe. Since You encompass everything, as I behold You, what have I not seen?

Verse 5

यत्राद्भ‍ुतानि सर्वाणि भूमौ वियति वा जले । तं त्वानुपश्यतो ब्रह्मन् किं मे द‍ृष्टमिहाद्भ‍ुतम् ॥ ५ ॥

Now that I am beholding You, O supreme Brahman, in whom all wonders of earth, sky, and water reside, what wonder could I possibly see in this world?

Verse 6

इत्युक्त्वा चोदयामास स्यन्दनं गान्दिनीसुत: । मथुरामनयद् रामं कृष्णं चैव दिनात्यये ॥ ६ ॥

Having spoken thus, Akrūra, the son of Gāndinī, urged the chariot onward. At day’s end he arrived in Mathurā with Lord Balarāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Verse 7

मार्गे ग्रामजना राजंस्तत्र तत्रोपसङ्गता: । वसुदेवसुतौ वीक्ष्य प्रीता द‍ृष्टिं न चाददु: ॥ ७ ॥

O King, wherever they traveled, the villagers came forward and, seeing the two sons of Vasudeva, rejoiced greatly. Indeed, they could not withdraw their eyes from Them.

Verse 8

तावद् व्रजौकसस्तत्र नन्दगोपादयोऽग्रत: । पुरोपवनमासाद्य प्रतीक्षन्तोऽवतस्थिरे ॥ ८ ॥

Meanwhile, Nanda Mahārāja and the other residents of Vraja had reached Mathurā ahead of the chariot. Arriving at a garden on the city’s outskirts, they stopped there to await Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.

Verse 9

तान् समेत्याह भगवानक्रूरं जगदीश्वर: । गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणिं प्रश्रितं प्रहसन्निव ॥ ९ ॥

After meeting with Nanda and the others, the Supreme Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, ruler of the universe, took the humble Akrūra’s hand in His own and, smiling gently, spoke as follows.

Verse 10

भवान् प्रविशतामग्रे सहयान: पुरीं गृहम् । वयं त्विहावमुच्याथ ततो द्रक्ष्यामहे पुरीम् ॥ १० ॥

Take the chariot and enter the city ahead of Us, and then go to your home. We will rest here for a while and afterward go to see the city.

Verse 11

श्रीअक्रूर उवाच नाहं भवद्‌भ्यां रहित: प्रवेक्ष्ये मथुरां प्रभो । त्यक्तुं नार्हसि मां नाथ भक्तं ते भक्तवत्सल ॥ ११ ॥

Śrī Akrūra said: O Master, without You both I will not enter Mathurā. I am Your devotee; O Lord who is ever affectionate to His bhaktas, it is not fitting that You abandon me.

Verse 12

आगच्छ याम गेहान्न: सनाथान्कुर्वधोक्षज । सहाग्रज: सगोपालै: सुहृद्भ‍िश्च सुहृत्तम ॥ १२ ॥

Come, O Adhokṣaja. Let us go to my home with Your elder brother, the gopas, and Your companions. O best of friends, O transcendental Lord, please grace my house with its true master by Your presence.

Verse 13

पुनीहि पादरजसा गृहान् नो गृहमेधिनाम् । यच्छौचेनानुतृप्यन्ति पितर: साग्नय: सुरा: ॥ १३ ॥

Please purify the home of us ordinary householders, attached to sacrificial rites, with the dust of Your lotus feet. By that sanctifying touch, our forefathers, the sacred fires, and the devas will all be satisfied.

Verse 14

अवनिज्याङ्‍‍‍‍‍घ्रियुगलमासीत्श्लोक्यो बलिर्महान् । ऐश्वर्यमतुलं लेभे गतिं चैकान्तिनां तु या ॥ १४ ॥

By bathing Your lotus feet, the exalted Bali Mahārāja attained not only glorious fame and unequaled power, but also the ultimate destination of pure, single-minded devotees.

Verse 15

आपस्तेऽङ्‌घ्य्रवनेजन्यस्त्रींल्लोकान् शुचयोऽपुनन् । शिरसाधत्त या: शर्व: स्वर्याता: सगरात्मजा: ॥ १५ ॥

The waters of the Ganges have purified the three worlds, having become transcendental by bathing Your lotus feet. Lord Śiva bore that water upon his head, and by its grace the sons of King Sagara attained heaven.

Verse 16

देवदेव जगन्नाथ पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तन । यदूत्तमोत्तम:श्लोक नारायण नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ १६ ॥

O Lord of lords, master of the universe—hearing and chanting Your glories is supremely pious. O best of the Yadus, Uttamaśloka, O Nārāyaṇa, I offer You my obeisances.

Verse 17

श्रीभगवानुवाच आयास्ये भवतो गेहमहमार्यसमन्वित: । यदुचक्रद्रुहं हत्वा वितरिष्ये सुहृत्प्रियम् ॥ १७ ॥

The Supreme Lord said: I will come to your home with My elder brother, but first I must please My friends and well-wishers by killing the enemy of the Yadu clan.

Verse 18

श्रीशुक उवाच एवमुक्तो भगवता सोऽक्रूरो विमना इव । पुरीं प्रविष्ट: कंसाय कर्मावेद्य गृहं ययौ ॥ १८ ॥

Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Thus addressed by the Lord, Akrūra entered the city with a heavy heart. He informed King Kaṁsa of his mission’s success and then went home.

Verse 19

अथापराह्ने भगवान् कृष्ण: सङ्कर्षणान्वित: । मथुरां प्राविशद् गोपैर्दिद‍ृक्षु: परिवारित: ॥ १९ ॥

Toward evening, the Supreme Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Saṅkarṣaṇa (Balarāma) and surrounded by the cowherd boys, entered Mathurā, eager to behold the city.

Verse 20

ददर्श तां स्फाटिकतुङ्गगोपुर- द्वारां बृहद्धेमकपाटतोरणाम् । ताम्रारकोष्ठां परिखादुरासदा- मुद्यानरम्योपवनोपशोभिताम् ॥ २० ॥ सौवर्णश‍ृङ्गाटकहर्म्यनिष्कुटै: श्रेणीसभाभिर्भवनैरुपस्कृताम् । वैदूर्यवज्रामलनीलविद्रुमै- र्मुक्ताहरिद्भ‍िर्वलभीषु वेदिषु ॥ २१ ॥ जुष्टेषु जालामुखरन्ध्रकुट्टिमे- ष्वाविष्टपारावतबर्हिनादिताम् । संसिक्तरथ्यापणमार्गचत्वरां प्रकीर्णमाल्याङ्कुरलाजतण्डुलाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आपूर्णकुम्भैर्दधिचन्दनोक्षितै: प्रसूनदीपावलिभि: सपल्लवै: । सवृन्दरम्भाक्रमुकै: सकेतुभि: स्वलङ्कृतद्वारगृहां सपट्टिकै: ॥ २३ ॥

The Lord beheld Mathurā—its lofty gates and entrances gleaming like crystal, its vast archways and main doors of gold, its granaries and storehouses of copper and brass, its moats hard to assail, and its charming gardens and parks that adorned the city.

Verse 21

ददर्श तां स्फाटिकतुङ्गगोपुर- द्वारां बृहद्धेमकपाटतोरणाम् । ताम्रारकोष्ठां परिखादुरासदा- मुद्यानरम्योपवनोपशोभिताम् ॥ २० ॥ सौवर्णश‍ृङ्गाटकहर्म्यनिष्कुटै: श्रेणीसभाभिर्भवनैरुपस्कृताम् । वैदूर्यवज्रामलनीलविद्रुमै- र्मुक्ताहरिद्भ‍िर्वलभीषु वेदिषु ॥ २१ ॥ जुष्टेषु जालामुखरन्ध्रकुट्टिमे- ष्वाविष्टपारावतबर्हिनादिताम् । संसिक्तरथ्यापणमार्गचत्वरां प्रकीर्णमाल्याङ्कुरलाजतण्डुलाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आपूर्णकुम्भैर्दधिचन्दनोक्षितै: प्रसूनदीपावलिभि: सपल्लवै: । सवृन्दरम्भाक्रमुकै: सकेतुभि: स्वलङ्कृतद्वारगृहां सपट्टिकै: ॥ २३ ॥

Mathurā was arrayed with golden crossroads, mansions with private pleasure gardens, guildhalls and many buildings; and upon its balconies and platforms were set vaidūrya gems, diamonds, pure crystal, sapphires, coral, pearls, and emeralds.

Verse 22

ददर्श तां स्फाटिकतुङ्गगोपुर- द्वारां बृहद्धेमकपाटतोरणाम् । ताम्रारकोष्ठां परिखादुरासदा- मुद्यानरम्योपवनोपशोभिताम् ॥ २० ॥ सौवर्णश‍ृङ्गाटकहर्म्यनिष्कुटै: श्रेणीसभाभिर्भवनैरुपस्कृताम् । वैदूर्यवज्रामलनीलविद्रुमै- र्मुक्ताहरिद्भ‍िर्वलभीषु वेदिषु ॥ २१ ॥ जुष्टेषु जालामुखरन्ध्रकुट्टिमे- ष्वाविष्टपारावतबर्हिनादिताम् । संसिक्तरथ्यापणमार्गचत्वरां प्रकीर्णमाल्याङ्कुरलाजतण्डुलाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आपूर्णकुम्भैर्दधिचन्दनोक्षितै: प्रसूनदीपावलिभि: सपल्लवै: । सवृन्दरम्भाक्रमुकै: सकेतुभि: स्वलङ्कृतद्वारगृहां सपट्टिकै: ॥ २३ ॥

Mathurā rang with the calls of peacocks and tame turtledoves perched in the small openings of lattice windows and upon gem-inlaid floors. The royal avenues, market streets, lanes and squares were sprinkled with water, and everywhere were strewn garlands, fresh sprouts, parched grains and rice.

Verse 23

ददर्श तां स्फाटिकतुङ्गगोपुर- द्वारां बृहद्धेमकपाटतोरणाम् । ताम्रारकोष्ठां परिखादुरासदा- मुद्यानरम्योपवनोपशोभिताम् ॥ २० ॥ सौवर्णश‍ृङ्गाटकहर्म्यनिष्कुटै: श्रेणीसभाभिर्भवनैरुपस्कृताम् । वैदूर्यवज्रामलनीलविद्रुमै- र्मुक्ताहरिद्भ‍िर्वलभीषु वेदिषु ॥ २१ ॥ जुष्टेषु जालामुखरन्ध्रकुट्टिमे- ष्वाविष्टपारावतबर्हिनादिताम् । संसिक्तरथ्यापणमार्गचत्वरां प्रकीर्णमाल्याङ्कुरलाजतण्डुलाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आपूर्णकुम्भैर्दधिचन्दनोक्षितै: प्रसूनदीपावलिभि: सपल्लवै: । सवृन्दरम्भाक्रमुकै: सकेतुभि: स्वलङ्कृतद्वारगृहां सपट्टिकै: ॥ २३ ॥

At the doorways of the houses stood auspicious pots filled with water, smeared with yogurt and sandalwood paste and adorned with mango leaves. Nearby were clusters of flowers, rows of lamps, fluttering flags, and the trunks of banana and areca trees set up as festive decoration.

Verse 24

तां सम्प्रविष्टौ वसुदेवनन्दनौ वृतौ वयस्यैर्नरदेववर्त्मना । द्रष्टुं समीयुस्त्वरिता: पुरस्त्रियो हर्म्याणि चैवारुरुहुर्नृपोत्सुका: ॥ २४ ॥

The women of Mathurā hurriedly gathered to see the two sons of Vasudeva as They entered the city along the royal road, surrounded by Their cowherd friends. O King, some women, eager for Their darśana, climbed up to the rooftops of their homes to behold Them.

Verse 25

काश्‍चिद् विपर्यग्धृतवस्त्रभूषणा विस्मृत्य चैकं युगलेष्वथापरा: । कृतैकपत्रश्रवनैकनूपुरा नाङ्‌क्त्वा द्वितीयं त्वपराश्च लोचनम् ॥ २५ ॥

Some ladies put on their clothes and ornaments backwards; others forgot one of their earrings or one of their ankle bells; and others, in their haste, adorned only one eye with makeup, leaving the other untouched.

Verse 26

अश्न‍न्त्य एकास्तदपास्य सोत्सवा अभ्यज्यमाना अकृतोपमज्जना: । स्वपन्त्य उत्थाय निशम्य नि:स्वनं प्रपाययन्त्योऽर्भमपोह्य मातर: ॥ २६ ॥

Those who were eating abandoned their meals in joyful excitement; others went out without finishing their baths or oil massages; women who were asleep rose at once upon hearing the commotion; and mothers nursing their infants simply set them aside and hurried off.

Verse 27

मनांसि तासामरविन्दलोचन: प्रगल्भलीलाहसितावलोकै: । जहार मत्तद्विरदेन्द्रविक्रमो द‍ृशां ददच्छ्रीरमणात्मनोत्सवम् ॥ २७ ॥

The lotus-eyed Lord, smiling as He recalled His bold pastimes, stole the minds of those women with His glances. Striding with the majestic gait of a lordly elephant in rut, He made a festival for their eyes with His transcendental body, the very source of delight for Śrī Lakṣmī.

Verse 28

द‍ृष्ट्वा मुहु: श्रुतमनुद्रुतचेतसस्तं तत्प्रेक्षणोत्स्मितसुधोक्षणलब्धमाना: । आनन्दमूर्तिमुपगुह्य द‍ृशात्मलब्धं हृष्यत्त्वचो जहुरनन्तमरिन्दमाधिम् ॥ २८ ॥

The women of Mathurā had heard of Kṛṣṇa again and again, and thus the moment they saw Him their hearts melted. They felt honored as He sprinkled them with the nectar of His glances and broad smiles. Drawing Him into their hearts through their eyes, they embraced Him—the very embodiment of bliss—and, their hairs standing on end, O subduer of enemies, they forgot the limitless anguish born of His absence.

Verse 29

प्रासादशिखरारूढा: प्रीत्युत्फुल्लमुखाम्बुजा: । अभ्यवर्षन् सौमनस्यै: प्रमदा बलकेशवौ ॥ २९ ॥

The ladies, having climbed atop the mansions, their lotus faces blossoming with affection, showered Lord Balarāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa with a rain of flowers.

Verse 30

दध्यक्षतै: सोदपात्रै: स्रग्गन्धैरभ्युपायनै: । तावानर्चु: प्रमुदितास्तत्र तत्र द्विजातय: ॥ ३० ॥

Brāhmaṇas standing here and there along the road, delighted at heart, worshiped the two Lords with offerings of yogurt, unbroken grains, pots filled with water, garlands, fragrant substances like sandalwood paste, and other gifts of honor.

Verse 31

ऊचु: पौरा अहो गोप्यस्तप: किमचरन्महत् । या ह्येतावनुपश्यन्ति नरलोकमहोत्सवौ ॥ ३१ ॥

The women of Mathurā exclaimed, “Oh! What mighty austerities the gopīs must have performed, that they may behold again and again Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma—the great festival of joy for all mankind!”

Verse 32

रजकं कञ्चिदायान्तं रङ्गकारं गदाग्रज: । द‍ृष्ट्वायाचत वासांसि धौतान्यत्युत्तमानि च ॥ ३२ ॥

Seeing a washerman approaching, who had been dyeing cloth, Kṛṣṇa asked him for the finest garments he had, freshly laundered and most excellent.

Verse 33

देह्यावयो: समुचितान्यङ्ग वासांसि चार्हतो: । भविष्यति परं श्रेयो दातुस्ते नात्र संशय: ॥ ३३ ॥

Lord Kṛṣṇa said: “My friend, please give suitable garments to the two of Us, for We are surely worthy. By granting this charity you will, without doubt, attain the greatest benefit.”

Verse 34

स याचितो भगवता परिपूर्णेन सर्वत: । साक्षेपं रुषित: प्राह भृत्यो राज्ञ: सुदुर्मद: ॥ ३४ ॥

Thus requested by the Supreme Lord, perfect and complete in every way, the King’s arrogant servant grew angry and replied with insult.

Verse 35

ईद‍ृशान्येव वासांसि नित्यं गिरिवनेचर: । परिधत्त किमुद्‌वृत्ता राजद्रव्याण्यभीप्सथ ॥ ३५ ॥

The washerman said: “You impudent boys! You roam the hills and forests, yet you dare ask to wear such garments. These clothes are the King’s property!”

Verse 36

याताशु बालिशा मैवं प्रार्थ्यं यदि जिजीवीषा । बध्नन्ति घ्नन्ति लुम्पन्ति द‍ृप्तं राजकुलानि वै ॥ ३६ ॥

Fools, leave at once! If you wish to live, do not beg like this. The King’s men bind, kill, and plunder anyone who grows too bold.

Verse 37

एवं विकत्थमानस्य कुपितो देवकीसुत: । रजकस्य कराग्रेण शिर: कायादपातयत् ॥ ३७ ॥

As the washerman spoke so brazenly, the son of Devakī became angry and, with only His fingertips, severed the man’s head from his body.

Verse 38

तस्यानुजीविन: सर्वे वास:कोशान्विसृज्य वै । दुद्रुवु: सर्वतो मार्गं वासांसि जगृहेऽच्युत: ॥ ३८ ॥

The washerman’s assistants dropped their bundles of clothes and fled along the road in all directions. Then Lord Acyuta took the garments.

Verse 39

वसित्वात्मप्रिये वस्‍‍‍‍‍त्रे कृष्ण: सङ्कर्षणस्तथा । शेषाण्यादत्त गोपेभ्यो विसृज्य भुवि कानिचित् ॥ ३९ ॥

Kṛṣṇa and Saṅkarṣaṇa (Balarāma) dressed in pairs of garments that especially delighted Them; then Kṛṣṇa distributed the remaining clothes among the cowherd boys, leaving some scattered upon the ground.

Verse 40

ततस्तु वायक: प्रीतस्तयोर्वेषमकल्पयत् । विचित्रवर्णैश्चैलेयैराकल्पैरनुरूपत: ॥ ४० ॥

Thereupon a weaver stepped forward, filled with affection for the Lords, and suitably adorned Their attire with cloth ornaments of many wondrous colors.

Verse 41

नानालक्षणवेषाभ्यां कृष्णरामौ विरेजतु: । स्वलङ्कृतौ बालगजौ पर्वणीव सितेतरौ ॥ ४१ ॥

In distinct outfits marked by unique features, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma (Balarāma) shone splendidly; exquisitely adorned, They resembled two young elephants dressed for a festival—one white and the other black.

Verse 42

तस्य प्रसन्नो भगवान् प्रादात्सारूप्यमात्मन: । श्रियं च परमां लोके बलैश्वर्यस्मृतीन्द्रियम् ॥ ४२ ॥

Pleased with the weaver, Bhagavān blessed him that after death he would attain liberation in a form like the Lord’s (sārūpya), and that in this world he would enjoy supreme prosperity, strength, power, influence, memory, and vigor of the senses.

Verse 43

तत: सुदाम्नो भवनं मालाकारस्य जग्मतु: । तौ द‍ृष्ट्वा स समुत्थाय ननाम शिरसा भुवि ॥ ४३ ॥

The two Lords then went to the home of Sudāmā the garland-maker. Seeing Them, Sudāmā at once rose and bowed down in full prostration, placing his head upon the ground.

Verse 44

तयोरासनमानीय पाद्यं चार्घ्यार्हणादिभि: । पूजां सानुगयोश्चक्रे स्रक्ताम्बूलानुलेपनै: ॥ ४४ ॥

After bringing seats for Them and offering water to wash Their feet, Sudāmā worshiped the two Lords and Their companions with arghya and other honors, presenting garlands, betel, sandalwood paste, and the like.

Verse 45

प्राह न: सार्थकं जन्म पावितं च कुलं प्रभो । पितृदेवर्षयो मह्यं तुष्टा ह्यागमनेन वाम् ॥ ४५ ॥

[Sudāmā said:] O Lord, my birth has now become fulfilled, and my family line is purified. By Your coming here, my forefathers, the devas, and the great sages are surely satisfied with me.

Verse 46

भवन्तौ किल विश्वस्य जगत: कारणं परम् । अवतीर्णाविहांशेन क्षेमाय च भवाय च ॥ ४६ ॥

You two Lords are indeed the supreme cause of the entire universe. To bestow protection and prosperity upon this realm, You have descended here with Your plenary expansions.

Verse 47

न हि वां विषमा द‍ृष्टि: सुहृदोर्जगदात्मनो: । समयो: सर्वभूतेषु भजन्तं भजतोरपि ॥ ४७ ॥

Since You are the well-wishing friends and the Supreme Soul of the universe, Your vision is never biased; You regard all beings equally. Thus, even while reciprocating the loving worship of Your devotees, You remain evenly disposed toward every living creature.

Verse 48

तावाज्ञापयतं भृत्यं किमहं करवाणि वाम् । पुंसोऽत्यनुग्रहो ह्येष भवद्भ‍िर्यन्नियुज्यते ॥ ४८ ॥

Please command me, Your servant: what shall I do for You? To be engaged by You in any service is truly a great blessing for anyone.

Verse 49

इत्यभिप्रेत्य राजेन्द्र सुदामा प्रीतमानस: । शस्तै: सुगन्धै: कुसुमैर्माला विरचिता ददौ ॥ ४९ ॥

O best of kings, understanding the wish of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Sudāmā, his heart filled with joy, offered Them garlands woven of fresh, fragrant flowers.

Verse 50

ताभि: स्वलङ्कृतौ प्रीतौ कृष्णरामौ सहानुगौ । प्रणताय प्रपन्नाय ददतुर्वरदौ वरान् ॥ ५० ॥

Adorned with those garlands, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, along with Their companions, were delighted. Then the two Lords, bestowers of boons, granted the bowing, surrendered Sudāmā whatever blessings he desired.

Verse 51

सोऽपि वव्रेऽचलां भक्तिं तस्मिन्नेवाखिलात्मनि । तद्भ‍क्तेषु च सौहार्दं भूतेषु च दयां पराम् ॥ ५१ ॥

Sudāmā chose unshakable devotion to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Soul of all existence; affectionate friendship with His devotees; and exalted compassion for all living beings.

Verse 52

इति तस्मै वरं दत्त्वा श्रियं चान्वयवर्धिनीम् । बलमायुर्यश: कान्तिं निर्जगाम सहाग्रज: ॥ ५२ ॥

Thus, after granting those boons, Lord Kṛṣṇa also bestowed upon Sudāmā strength, long life, fame, beauty, and prosperity that would ever increase his family’s fortune. Then Kṛṣṇa departed with His elder brother.