The Dialogue between Rukmāṅgada and Dharmāṅgada

Verse 1

सौतिरुवाच । रुक्मांगदस्तु राजेंद्रो भुक्त्वा भोगांस्तुमानुषान् । संपूज्य बहुशो देवं पीतांबरधरं हरम् ॥ १ ॥

Sūta said: King Rukmāṅgada, having enjoyed human pleasures, repeatedly worshipped the Lord—Hari, the God who wears yellow garments (Pītāmbara).

Verse 2

दत्वा मूर्ध्नि पदं विप्राः शत्रीणां रणशालिनाम् । कृत्वा शून्यं यमपथं जित्वा वैवस्वतं यमम् ॥ २ ॥

O brāhmaṇas, setting their foot upon the heads of enemies steadfast in battle, they make the road to Yama empty—having conquered Yama, the son of Vivasvān.

Verse 3

वैकुण्ठस्य तु पंथानं संपूर्णं मानवैः कृतम् । आहूय तनयं काले धर्मांगदमभाषत ॥ ३ ॥

When the path to Vaikuṇṭha had been fully prepared by men, at the proper time he summoned his son and spoke to Dharmāṅgada.

Verse 4

एतां वसुमतीं पुत्र वसुपूर्णां समंततः । परिपालय वीर्येण स्वधर्मे कृतनिश्चयः ॥ ४ ॥

My son, protect this earth—abundant in wealth on every side—by your valor, firmly resolved to uphold your own dharma.

Verse 5

पुत्र समर्थे जाते यो राज्यं न प्रतिपादयेत् । तस्य धर्मस्तथा कीर्तिर्विनस्यति न संशयः ॥ ५ ॥

When a capable son has been born, whoever does not duly hand over the kingship—his dharma and his fame (kīrti) surely perish; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 6

समर्थेन च पुत्रेण यो न याति पिता सुखम् । अवश्यं पातकी सोऽपि विज्ञेयो भुवनत्रये ॥ ६ ॥

A father who does not attain happiness through a capable son should certainly be known as sinful—even across the three worlds.

Verse 7

पितुर्भारक्षमः पुत्रो भारं नोद्वहते तु यः । मातुरुच्चारवज्जातो द्विजिह्वो विषवर्जितः ॥ ७ ॥

A son is called “one able to bear the father’s burden”; but he who does not bear that burden is like a mere utterance from the mother—born only in name—like a two-tongued creature, yet without poison.

Verse 8

स पुत्रो योऽधिकख्यातः पितुर्भवति भूतले । प्रकाशयति सर्वत्र स्वकरैरिव भास्करः ॥ ८ ॥

That son is truly a son who becomes more renowned than his father upon the earth, and who illumines his lineage everywhere—like the Sun spreading light with his own rays.

Verse 9

पुत्रापनयजैर्दुःखै रात्रौ जागर्तिं यत्पिता । स पुत्रो नरकं याति यावदाभूतसंप्लवम् ॥ ९ ॥

That son, because of whom the father stays awake at night, tormented by pains such as caring for, rearing, and protecting him—such a son goes to hell, lasting until the cosmic dissolution of all beings.

Verse 10

पितुर्वचनमादृत्य सर्वं यः कुरुते गृहे । स याति देव सायुज्यं स्तूयमानो दिवि स्थितैः ॥ १० ॥

He who, in his household, respectfully carries out every instruction of his father attains union (sāyujya) with the gods, being praised by those who dwell in heaven.

Verse 11

सोऽहं प्रजाकृते पुत्र आसक्तः कर्मभिः क्षितौ । न भुक्तं नैव सुप्तं तु स्वेच्छया पालने स्थितः ॥ ११ ॥

O son, for the sake of my subjects I became bound to duties upon the earth; I neither ate nor slept as I wished, but willingly remained engaged in their protection.

Verse 12

असमर्थे त्वयि सुत न प्राप्तं हि मया सुखम् । विष्णुवासरभोक्तॄणां निग्रहे कृतबुद्धिना ॥ १२ ॥

My son, since you were powerless, I truly found no happiness; for I had resolved to punish those who eat on Viṣṇu’s sacred day.

Verse 13

केचिच्छैवे स्थिता मार्गे सौरे केचिद्व्यवस्थिताः । विरिंचिमार्गगाश्चान्ये पार्वत्याश्च स्थिताः परे ॥ १३ ॥

Some are established on the Śaiva path; some are firmly devoted to the Saurya (Sun) path. Others follow the path of Viriñci (Brahmā), and still others are devoted to Pārvatī.

Verse 14

सायं च प्रातरासीना अग्निहोत्रे व्यवस्थिताः । बालो युवा वा वृद्धो वा गुर्विणी वा कुमारिका ॥ १४ ॥

Seated at both twilight and dawn, they remain intent on the Agnihotra rite—whether a child, a youth, or an elder; whether a pregnant woman or an unmarried maiden.

Verse 15

सरोगो विकलो वापि न शक्नोति ह्युपोषितुम् । इत्येवं जल्पितं यैस्तु तान्निरस्य समंततः ॥ १५ ॥

“One who is diseased or disabled cannot fast.” Those who speak in this manner—reject such excuses altogether from every side.

Verse 16

वचोभिस्तु पुराणोक्तैर्वासरैर्बहुभिस्त्वहम् । संबोधयित्वा बहुशः प्रजानां सुखहेतवे ॥ १६ ॥

But I, over many days, using the words spoken in the Purāṇas, repeatedly instructed the people—so that their welfare and happiness might arise.

Verse 17

निगृह्य तान्हरिदिने निराहारान्करोमि च । शास्त्रदृष्ट्या तु विदुषो मूर्खान्दंडनपूर्वकम् ॥ १७ ॥

Restraining them, on Hari’s sacred day I also make them fast; and, according to the vision of the śāstras, a learned man disciplines the foolish—beginning with punishment.

Verse 18

शासयित्वा कृताः सर्वे निराहारा हरेर्दिने । तेन मे न सुखं किंचिदवलीढं धरातले ॥ १८ ॥

After being punished, all of them were made to remain without food on Hari’s sacred day. Because of that, I have not tasted even the slightest happiness upon the earth.

Verse 19

कच्चिन्न दुःखेन जनान्योजयेत्किल पुत्रक । स्वेभ्यो वापि परेभ्यो वा या रक्षेच्च प्रजा नृपः ॥ १९ ॥

“My dear son, is it not so that the king should not afflict the people with suffering? For the ruler must protect his subjects—whether from his own men or from outsiders.”

Verse 20

तस्यामी ह्यक्षया लोकाः पुराणेषु प्रकीर्तिताः । सोऽहं प्रजाकृते सौम्य संस्थितो नात्मनः क्वचित् ॥ २० ॥

Indeed, in that state the imperishable worlds are proclaimed in the Purāṇas. O gentle one, I remain established for the sake of created beings, but never for my own sake at any time.

Verse 21

सौख्यमिच्छाम्यहं भोक्तुं मृगयादिसमुद्भवम् । न पानद्यूतजं पुत्र कामयेऽहं कदाचन ॥ २१ ॥

I wish to enjoy only such pleasures as arise from hunting and the like; but, my son, I never at any time desire pleasures born of drinking and gambling.

Verse 22

एषु सक्तोऽचिरात्पुत्र विनाशं याति पार्थिवः । त्वत्प्रसादादहं पुत्र मृगयाव्याजतोऽधुना ॥ २२ ॥

O son, a king who clings to these worldly pursuits swiftly goes to ruin. By your grace, my son, I have now come here under the pretext of a hunt.

Verse 23

गिरीन्वनानि सरितः सरांसि विविधानि च । भोक्तुकामः प्रियान्कामांस्त्वयि भारं निवेश्य च ॥ २३ ॥

Desiring enjoyment, one roams mountains, forests, rivers, and many kinds of lakes; and, having entrusted the burden of life to You, he seeks the beloved objects of desire.

Verse 24

एतत्सर्वं समाख्यातं यत्स्थितं हृदये मम । कृते तव महाकीर्तिरकृते नरकस्थितिः ॥ २४ ॥

I have told you all that abides in my heart. If you carry it out, you will attain great renown; if you do not, there will be a fall into hellish existence.

Verse 25

धर्मांगद उवाच । सर्वमेतत्करिष्यामि भुंक्ष्व भोगान्मनोऽनुगान् । गुर्वीं राज्यधुरं तात त्वदीयामुद्धराम्यहम् ॥ २५ ॥

Dharmāṅgada said: “I shall do all of this. You enjoy the pleasures that follow your heart. Father, I will bear and uphold the heavy burden of kingship that is yours.”

Verse 26

नहि मेऽन्यः स्मृतो धर्मस्त्वद्वाक्यकरणं विना । पितुर्वाक्यमकुर्वाणः कुर्वन्धर्मानधो व्रजेत् ॥ २६ ॥

I know of no other dharma apart from carrying out your command. One who does not follow his father’s word—even while performing other righteous acts—falls downward.

Verse 27

तस्मात्करिष्ये वचनं त्वदीयं प्रांजलिः स्थितः । एवमुक्ते तु वचने राजा हृष्टो बभूव ह ॥ २७ ॥

“Therefore, standing with folded hands, I shall carry out your command.” When these words were spoken, the king became delighted indeed.

Verse 28

गंतुकामो मृगान्भूयो लब्ध्वा ज्ञात्वा वनं ततः । धर्मांगदोऽपि दृष्टात्मा प्रजा आहूय चाब्रवीत् ॥ २८ ॥

Wishing to depart, and after once again obtaining the deer and learning about that forest, Dharmāṅgada too—clear-souled—summoned his subjects and spoke to them.

Verse 29

पित्रा नियुक्तो भवतां पालनाय हिताय च । पितुर्वाक्यं मया कार्यं सर्वथा धर्ममिच्छता ॥ २९ ॥

I have been appointed by my father to protect you and work for your welfare. Therefore, as one who seeks dharma in every way, I must carry out my father’s command.

Verse 30

नान्यो हि धर्मः पुत्रस्य पितुर्वाक्यं विना प्रजाः । मयि दंडधरे शास्ता न यमो भवति क्वचित् ॥ ३० ॥

O people, for a son there is no higher duty than obedience to his father’s command. Where I stand as the wielder of punishment and the ruler who disciplines, Yama does not operate at any time.

Verse 31

एवं ज्ञात्वा तु युष्माभिः स्मर्तव्यो गरुडध्वजः । ब्रह्मार्पणप्रयोगेण यजनीयो जनार्दनः ॥ ३१ ॥

Knowing thus, you should remember the Lord who bears Garuḍa on His banner; and by the practice of offering everything as Brahman (as a consecrated oblation), Janārdana should be worshipped.

Verse 32

ममत्वं हि परित्यज्य स्वजातिविहितेन च । येन वो ह्यक्षया लोका भवेयुर्नात्र संशयः ॥ ३२ ॥

Abandon the sense of “mine” and act according to the duties prescribed for your own station; by this, the worlds you attain will be imperishable—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 33

पितृमार्गाधिको ह्येष भवतां दर्शितः प्रजाः । ब्रह्मार्पणक्रियायुक्ता भवंतु ज्ञानकोविदाः ॥ ३३ ॥

O sages, you have shown the people this superior path connected with the Pitṛs. May they be endowed with rites performed as an oblation offered to Brahman, and may they become skilled in true knowledge.

Verse 34

न भोक्तव्यं हरिदिने पैत्रो मार्गस्तु शाश्वतः । विशेषो हि मयाख्यातो भवतां ब्रह्मसंस्थितिः ॥ ३४ ॥

On Hari’s sacred day one should not eat; the ancestral path of the Pitṛs is indeed eternal. I have explained this special rule so that you may be firmly established in Brahman.

Verse 35

प्रयोक्तव्या च तत्त्वज्ञैः पुनरावृत्ति दुर्लभा । यदुपोष्यं हरिदिनं तदवश्यमिति स्थितिः ॥ ३५ ॥

Those who know the truth should indeed put this into practice, for the chance of human life is hard to obtain again. Whatever fast is prescribed on Hari’s day must certainly be observed—such is the established rule.

Verse 36

अनुनीय प्रजाः सर्वाः समाश्वात्य पुनः पुनः । न दिवा न च शर्वर्यां शेते धर्मां गदः सदा ॥ ३६ ॥

Having gently conciliated all the people and repeatedly reassuring them, he never lies down—neither by day nor by night—remaining ever steadfast in the path of dharma.

Verse 37

सर्वत्र भ्रमते शौर्यात्कुर्वन्निष्कंटकां क्षितिम् । पटहो रटते नित्यं मृगारिरिपुमस्तके ॥ ३७ ॥

By sheer valor he roams everywhere, making the earth thornless—free of oppressors. And the war-drum resounds unceasingly upon the head of the lion’s foe.

Verse 38

अभुक्त्वा द्वादशीं लोका ममत्वेन विवर्जिताः । त्रिविधेषु च कार्येषु देवेशश्चिंत्यतां हरिः ॥ ३८ ॥

By observing Dvādaśī without eating, one becomes free from the sense of “mine.” And in the three kinds of activities, Hari—the Lord of the gods—should be remembered and contemplated.

Verse 39

हव्यकव्यवहो देवः स एव पुरुषोत्तमः । सूर्ये यो हि कृशाकाशे विसर्गे जगतां पतिः ॥ ३९ ॥

The very Deity who bears the oblations of havya and kavya (for gods and ancestors) is indeed that Puruṣottama, the Supreme Person. He who abides in the Sun, in the subtle ether, and in the cosmic emanation is the Lord of all worlds.

Verse 40

स्मर्त्तव्यो मनुजैः सर्वैर्धर्मकामार्थकामुकैः । स्वजातिविहितोऽप्येवं सन्मार्गे चैव माधवः ॥ ४० ॥

Mādhava (Viṣṇu) should be remembered by all people—by those devoted to dharma, by those seeking pleasure, and by those seeking prosperity. Even while following the duties prescribed for one’s own jāti, one should remain established on the good path through remembrance of Mādhava.

Verse 41

स एव भोक्ता भोक्तव्यः स एव पुरुषोत्तमः । विनियोगस्तु तस्यैव सर्वकर्मसु युज्यते ॥ ४१ ॥

He alone is the enjoyer, and He alone is what is to be enjoyed; He alone is Puruṣottama, the Supreme Person. Therefore, the proper dedication of all actions should be directed to Him alone.

Verse 42

एवं रटंति विप्रेंद्राः पटहे मेघनिःस्वने । एवं धर्ममवाप्याथ पितां धर्मांगदस्य हि ॥ ४२ ॥

Thus the foremost brāhmaṇas loudly proclaim, while the great kettledrum resounds like thunder in the clouds. In this way, having attained Dharma, the father of Dharmāṅgada then reached the world of the Pitṛs, the ancestral realm.

Verse 43

ज्ञात्वा पुत्रं क्रियोपेतमात्मनो ह्यधिकं द्विजाः । उवाच भार्यां संहृष्टः स्थितां लक्ष्मीमिवापराम् ॥ ४३ ॥

Knowing that his son was endowed with proper rites and accomplishments—indeed surpassing himself—the twice-born man, delighted, spoke to his wife, who stood there like another Lakṣmī.

Verse 44

संध्यावलि ह्यहं धन्यस्त्वं चापि वरवर्णिनी । उभयोर्जनितः पुत्रः शशांकधवलः क्षितौ ॥ ४४ ॥

O Sandhyāvalī, I am indeed blessed—and you too, O fair-complexioned lady. From the union of us both a son has been born upon this earth, radiant white like the moon.

Verse 45

कर्णाभ्यां श्रूयते मोक्षो न दृष्टः केनचित्क्वचित् । सोऽस्माभिरधिकं प्राप्तो मोक्षः सत्पुत्रसंभवः ॥ ४५ ॥

Liberation (mokṣa) is only heard of with the ears; it has never been seen by anyone anywhere. Yet we have obtained something even greater—this ‘liberation’ that arises from the birth of a virtuous son.

Verse 46

पुत्रे विनयसंपन्ने वृत्ताशौर्यसमन्विते । प्रतापिनि वरारोहे पितुर्मोक्षो गृहे ध्रुवम् ॥ ४६ ॥

When a son is endowed with humility, good conduct, and valor—radiant in prowess, O noble lady—then the father’s liberation is certainly secured within his own household.

Verse 47

आनंदं ब्रह्मणो रूपं शतानंदः सुतेन यः । पिता भवति चार्वंगि सत्कर्मकरणैः शुभैः ॥ ४७ ॥

Bliss is indeed the very form of Brahman. O fair‑limbed lady, one becomes the father of a son named Śatānanda through auspicious and virtuous deeds (sat‑karmas).

Verse 48

नैतत्साम्यं भवेद्देवि लोके स्थावरजंगमे । सत्पुत्रः पितुरादाय भारमुद्वहते तु यः ॥ ४८ ॥

O Goddess, in this world of the immobile and the mobile, there is no equality in this: the noble son (sat‑putra) is he who takes up his father’s responsibility and truly bears the burden onward.

Verse 49

सोऽहं गमिष्यामि वनाय हृष्टो विहारशीलो मृगहिंसनाय । स्वेच्छाचरश्चाथ विशालनेत्रे विमुक्तपापो जनरक्षणाय ॥ ४९ ॥

“Therefore I shall go to the forest, delighted and fond of roaming, to hunt the beasts. And, O wide‑eyed one, moving as I please—freed from sin—I shall act for the protection of the people.”

Verse 50

इति श्रीबृहन्नारदीयपुराणोत्तरेभागे रुक्मांगदधर्मांगदसंवादो नाम नवमोऽध्यायः ॥ ९ ॥

Thus ends the Ninth Chapter, called “The Dialogue between Rukmāṅgada and Dharmāṅgada,” in the Uttara-bhāga (Later Section) of the Śrī Bṛhan-Nāradīya Purāṇa.