Adhyaya 77

Verse 1

सुकर्मोवाच । कामस्य गीतलास्येन हास्येन ललितेन च । मोहितो राजराजेंद्रो नटरूपेण पिप्पल

Sukarma said: Enchanted by Kāma’s song and graceful dance, by his laughter and playful charm, the king of kings was deluded when Kāma appeared in the guise of a dancer near the pippala tree.

Verse 2

कृत्वा मूत्रं पुरीषं च स राजा नहुषात्मजः । अकृत्वा पादयोः शौचमासने उपविष्टवान्

After urinating and defecating, that king—the son of Nahusha—sat upon the seat without cleansing his feet.

Verse 3

तदंतरं तु संप्राप्य संचचार जरा नृपम् । कामेनापि नृपश्रेष्ठ इंद्रकार्यं कृतं हितम्

After some time had passed, old age drew near and began to move within the king. Yet, O best of kings, even through Kāma, Indra’s beneficial task was accomplished.

Verse 4

निवृत्ते नाटके तस्मिन्गतेषु तेषु भूपतिः । जराभिभूतो धर्मात्मा कामसंसक्तमानसः

When that performance had ended and they had departed, the king—though righteous by nature—was overcome by old age, his mind entangled in desire.

Verse 5

मोहितः काममोहेन विह्वलो विकलेंद्रियः । अतीव मुग्धो धर्मात्मा विषयैश्चापवाहितः

Deluded by the infatuation of desire, he became distraught, his senses impaired. Though righteous by nature, he grew utterly bewildered and was swept away by sense-objects.

Verse 6

एकदा तु गतो राजा मृगया व्यसनातुरः । वने च क्रीडते सोपि मोहरागवशं गतः

Once, the king set out, distressed by his addiction to hunting; and in the forest he too sported about, having come under the sway of delusion and passion.

Verse 7

सरसं क्रीडमानस्य नृपतेश्च महात्मनः । मृगश्चैकः समायातश्चतुःशृंगो ह्यनौपमः

While that great-souled king was sporting in the lake, a single, incomparable deer approached—one bearing four horns.

Verse 8

सर्वांगसुंदरो राजन्हेमरूपतनूरुहः । रत्नज्योतिः सुचित्रांगो दर्शनीयो मनोहरः

O King, he was beautiful in every limb—his body and hair gleamed like gold; he shone with the luster of jewels, his form was exquisitely marked, and he was a delight to behold, captivating the mind.

Verse 9

अभ्यधावत्स वेगेन बाणपाणिर्धनुर्द्धरः । इत्यमन्यत मेधावी कोपि दैत्यः समागतः

He rushed forward with great speed, arrow in hand and bow at the ready. The wise one thought, “Surely some demon has arrived.”

Verse 10

मृगेण च स तेनापि दूरमाकर्षितो नृपः । गतः सरथवेगेन श्रमेण परिखेदितः

Dragged far away by that deer, the king sped on with the full force of his chariot; and, worn by the strain, he became utterly weary.

Verse 11

वीक्षमाणस्य तस्यापि मृगश्चांतरधीयत । स पश्यति वनं तत्र नंदंनोपममद्भुतम्

Even as he kept watching, the deer vanished from sight. Then he beheld there a wondrous forest—marvelous, like Nandana itself.

Verse 12

चारुवृक्षसमाकीर्णं भूतपंचकशोभितम् । गुरुभिश्चंदनैः पुण्यैः कदलीखंडमंडितैः

It was filled with beautiful trees, adorned by the five elements, and embellished with sacred agaru and sandalwood, and with groves of banana plants.

Verse 13

बकुलाशोकपुंनागैर्नालिकेरैश्च तिंदुकैः । पूगीफलैश्च खर्जूरैः कुमुदैः सप्तपर्णकैः

With bakula, aśoka, and puṃnāga trees; with coconut and tiṃduka; with areca fruits and dates; with white lotuses and saptaparṇa trees.

Verse 14

पुष्पितैः कर्णिकारैश्च नानावृक्षैः सदाफलैः । पुष्पितामोदसंयुक्तैः केतकैः पाटलैस्ततः

It was adorned with blossoming karṇikāra trees and with many kinds of ever-fruitful trees; and then with ketaka and pāṭala trees, rich with the fragrance and delight of their flowers.

Verse 15

वीक्षमाणो महाराज ददर्श सर उत्तमम् । पुण्योदकेन संपूर्णं विस्तीर्णं पंचयोजनम्

As he looked about, O great king, he beheld an excellent lake—filled with sacred water and spread out to an extent of five yojanas.

Verse 16

हंसकारंडवाकीर्णं जलपक्षिविनादितम् । कमलैश्चापि मुदितं श्वेतोत्पलविराजितम्

It was filled with swans and kāraṇḍava ducks, resonant with the calls of water-birds; delighted with lotuses, and splendid with white water-lilies.

Verse 17

रक्तोत्पलैः शोभमानं हाटकोत्पलमंडितम् । नीलोत्पलैः प्रकाशितं कल्हारैरतिशोभितम्

It shone with red lotuses, adorned with golden lotuses; illuminated by blue lotuses and made exceedingly beautiful by kalhāra lilies.

Verse 18

मत्तैर्मधुकरैश्चपि सर्वत्र परिनादितम् । एवं सर्वगुणोपेतं ददर्श सर उत्तमम्

Resounding everywhere with the humming of intoxicated bees, he beheld that excellent lake—endowed with every kind of virtue and beauty.

Verse 19

पंचयोजनविस्तीर्णं दशयोजनदीर्घकम् । तडागं सर्वतोभद्रं दिव्यभावैरलंकृतम्

A reservoir (tadāga) was fashioned—five yojanas wide and ten yojanas long—auspicious and beautiful on every side, adorned with divine qualities.

Verse 20

रथवेगेन संखिन्नः किंचिच्छ्रमनिपीडितः । निषसाद तटे तस्य चूतच्छायां सुशीतलाम्

Wearied by the chariot’s swift pace and somewhat oppressed by fatigue, he sat down upon its bank, in the very cool shade of a mango tree.

Verse 21

स्नात्वा पीत्वा जलं शीतं पद्मसौगंध्यवासितम् । सर्वश्रमोपशमनममृतोपममेव तत्

After bathing and drinking that cool water, fragrant with the scent of lotuses, all weariness was soothed; indeed, it was like nectar.

Verse 22

वृक्षच्छाये ततस्तस्मिन्नुपविष्टेन भूभृता । गीतध्वनिः समाकर्णि गीयमानो यथा तथा

Then, as the king sat in the shade of a tree, he heard the sound of singing—now sung in one manner, now in another.

Verse 23

यथा स्त्री गायते दिव्या तथायं श्रूयते ध्वनिः । गीतप्रियो महाराज एव चिंतां परां गतः

Just as a celestial woman sings, so was that sound heard. The great king—fond of song—fell into profound concern.

Verse 24

चिंताकुलस्तु धर्मात्मा यावच्चिंतयते क्षणम् । तावन्नारी वरा काचित्पीनश्रोणी पयोधरा

While the righteous man, distressed with worry, reflected for a moment, in that very interval there appeared an excellent woman—broad-hipped and full-breasted.

Verse 25

नृपतेः पश्यतस्तस्य वने तस्मिन्समागता । सर्वाभरणशोभांगी शीललक्षणसंपदा

While the king looked on, she came into that forest—her limbs radiant with every ornament, and endowed with the riches of good conduct and auspicious marks.

Verse 26

तस्मिन्वने समायाता नृपतेः पुरतः स्थिता । तामुवाच महाराजः का हि कस्य भविष्यसि

Having come into that forest, she stood before the king. Then the great king said to her, “Who are you, and whose (wife or daughter) will you be?”

Verse 27

किमर्थं हि समायाता तन्मे त्वं कारणं वद । पृष्टा सती तदा तेन न किंचिदपि पिप्पल

“For what purpose have you come here? Tell me the reason.” Though asked thus by him at that time, Pippalā did not say anything at all.

Verse 28

शुभाशुभं च भूपालं प्रत्यवोचद्वरानना । प्रहस्यैव गता शीघ्रं वीणादंडकराऽबला

The fair-faced lady replied to the king about what is auspicious and inauspicious; then, laughing, the delicate woman—holding the neck of a vīṇā in her hand—quickly departed.

Verse 29

विस्मयेनापि राजेंद्रो महता व्यापितस्तदा । मया संभाषिता चेयं मां न ब्रूते स्म सोत्तरम्

Then the king, overwhelmed by great astonishment, though addressed by me, did not speak a reply to me.

Verse 30

पुनश्चिंतां समापेदे ययातिः पृथिवीपतिः । यो वै मृगो मया दृष्टश्चतुःशृंगः सुवर्णकः

Then King Yayāti, lord of the earth, again fell into anxious reflection: “That deer I saw—indeed—was four-horned and golden.”

Verse 31

तस्मान्नारी समुद्भूता तत्सत्यं प्रतिभाति मे । मायारूपमिदं सत्यं दानवानां भविष्यति

Therefore, a woman has arisen from that; this indeed appears to me to be true. This reality, in the form of māyā (illusion), will come to pass for the Dānavas.

Verse 32

चिंतयित्वा क्षणं राजा ययातिर्नहुषात्मजः । यावच्चिंतयते राजा तावन्नारी महावने

King Yayāti, the son of Nahuṣa, reflected for a moment. And while the king was still considering, that woman remained in the great forest.

Verse 33

अंतर्धानं गता विप्र प्रहस्य नृपनंदनम् । एतस्मिन्नंतरे गीतं सुस्वरं पुनरेव तत्

O brāhmaṇa, she vanished from sight after laughing at the prince. Meanwhile, in that very interval, the same melodious song was heard once again.

Verse 34

शुश्रुवे परमं दिव्यं मूर्छनातानसंयुतम् । जगाम सत्वरं राजा यत्र गीतध्वनिर्महान्

He heard a supremely divine sound, endowed with melodic modes and musical passages; and the king hurried at once to the place from which that mighty resonance of song arose.

Verse 35

जलांते पुष्करं चैव सहस्रदलमुत्तमम् । तस्योपरि वरा नारी शीलरूपगुणान्विता

At the water’s edge there was also a most excellent lotus with a thousand petals. Upon it stood a noble woman, endowed with virtuous conduct, beauty, and fine qualities.

Verse 36

दिव्यलक्षणसंपन्ना दिव्याभरणभूषिता । दिव्यैर्भावैः प्रभात्येका वीणादंडकराविला

Endowed with divine marks and adorned with celestial ornaments, she alone shone with exalted moods—her hand moving upon the neck of the vīṇā.

Verse 37

गायंती सुस्वरं गीतं तालमानलयान्वितम् । तेन गीतप्रभावेण मोहयंती चराचरान्

Singing a melodious song—endowed with tāla, māna, and laya—by the sheer power of that music she enchanted all beings, both moving and unmoving.

Verse 38

देवान्मुनिगणान्सर्वान्दैत्यान्गंधर्वकिन्नरान् । तां दृष्ट्वा स विशालाक्षीं रूपतेजोपशालिनीम्

He beheld all the gods, the hosts of sages, the Daityas, and the Gandharvas and Kinnaras; and seeing that wide-eyed lady, endowed with beauty and radiant splendor, he was struck with wonder.

Verse 39

संसारे नास्ति चैवान्या नारीदृशी चराचरे । पुरा नटो जरायुक्तो नृपतेः कायमेव हि

In all the world of moving and unmoving beings, there is no other woman like her. Formerly, indeed, the aged actor was only the king’s very body—no more than an embodied appearance.

Verse 40

संचारितो महाकामस्तदासौ प्रकटोभवत् । घृतं स्पृष्ट्वा यथा वह्नी रश्मिवान्संप्रजायते

When that mighty desire was stirred, it then became manifest—just as fire, upon touching ghee, blazes forth with radiant flames.

Verse 41

तां च दृष्ट्वा तथा कामस्तत्कायात्प्रकटोऽभवत् । मन्मथाविष्टचित्तोसौ तां दृष्ट्वा चारुलोचनाम्

And seeing her, desire (Kāma) at once manifested from his very body. His mind, possessed by Manmatha, he gazed upon that lovely, beautiful-eyed woman.

Verse 42

ईदृग्रूपा न दृष्टा मे युवती विश्वमोहिनी । चिंतयित्वा क्षणं राजा कामसंसक्तमानसः

“Never have I seen a young woman of such a form—one who bewilders the whole world.” Thinking for a moment, the king—his mind entangled in desire—(spoke/acted).

Verse 43

तस्याः सविरहेणापि लुब्धोभून्नृपतिस्तदा । कामाग्निना दह्यमानः कामज्वरेणपीडितः

Even in separation from her, the king then became consumed by craving—burning in the fire of desire and tormented by the fever of passion.

Verse 44

कथं स्यान्मम चैवेयं कथं भावो भविष्यति । यदा मां गूहते बाला पद्मास्या पद्मलोचना

How could she be mine, and how could such a feeling arise—when that young maiden, lotus-faced and lotus-eyed, embraces me?

Verse 45

यदीयं प्राप्यते तर्हि सफलं जीवितं भवेत् । एवं विचिंत्य धर्मात्मा ययातिः पृथिवीपतिः

“If this is attained, then life would indeed become fruitful.” Thinking thus, the righteous king Yayāti, lord of the earth, resolved accordingly.

Verse 46

तामुवाच वरारोहां का त्वं कस्यापि वा शुभे । पूर्वं दृष्टा तु या नारी सा दृष्टा पुनरेव च

He said to that noble lady: “O auspicious one, who are you, and to whom do you belong? The very woman who was seen before has been seen again.”

Verse 47

तां पप्रच्छ स धर्मात्मा का चेयं तव पार्श्वगा । सर्वं कथय कल्याणि अहं हि नहुषात्मजः

That righteous man asked her, “Who is this woman standing at your side? O auspicious lady, tell me everything—for I am the son of Nahuṣa.”

Verse 48

सोमवंशप्रसूतोहं सप्तद्वीपाधिपः शुभे । ययातिर्नाम मे देवि ख्यातोहं भुवनत्रये

O auspicious one, I am born in the Lunar dynasty (Somavaṃśa) and am the sovereign of the seven dvīpas. O Devī, my name is Yayāti, and I am renowned throughout the three worlds.

Verse 49

तव संगमने चेतो भावमेवं प्रवांछते । देहि मे संगमं भद्रे कुरु सुप्रियमेव हि

My heart yearns in this way for union with you. Grant me that union, O auspicious one, and do what is most pleasing indeed.

Verse 50

यं यं हि वांछसे भद्रे तद्ददामि न संशयः । दुर्जयेनापि कामेन हतोहं वरवर्णिनि

Whatever you desire, O gentle lady, that I shall grant—there is no doubt. Even desire, hard to conquer, has overcome me, O fair-complexioned one.

Verse 51

तस्मात्त्राहि सुदीनं मां प्रपन्नं शरणं तव । राज्यं च सकलामुर्वीं शरीरमपि चात्मनः

Therefore protect me—wretched and distressed—as one who has surrendered and taken refuge in you. I offer you my kingdom, the whole earth, and even my own body and self.

Verse 52

संगमे तव दास्यामि त्रैलोक्यमिदमेव ते । तस्य राज्ञो वचः श्रुत्वा सा स्त्री पद्मनिभानना

“At our union I will give you this very threefold world.” Hearing the king’s words, that woman—whose face was like a lotus—was deeply moved.

Verse 53

विशालां स्वसखीं प्राह ब्रूहि राजानमागतम् । नाम चोत्पत्तिस्थानं च पितरं मातरं शुभे

She said to her friend Viśālā: “Tell me about the king who has arrived—his name, his place of origin, and, O auspicious one, his father and mother as well.”

Verse 54

ममापि भावमेकाग्रमस्याग्रे च निवेदय । तस्याश्च वांछितं ज्ञात्वा विशाला भूपतिं तदा

“Present to him, too, my single-minded intention before him.” And Viśālā, having understood what she desired, then approached the king and acted accordingly.

Verse 55

उवाच मधुरालापैः श्रूयतां नृपनंदन । विशालोवाच । काम एष पुरा दग्धो देवदेवेन शंभुना

He spoke in sweet words: “Listen, O prince.” Viśāla said: “This Kāma was once burned to ashes by Śambhu, the God of gods.”

Verse 56

रुरोद सा रतिर्दुःखाद्भर्त्राहीनापि सुस्वरम् । अस्मिन्सरसि राजेंद्र सा रतिर्न्यवसत्तदा

Rati, though bereft of her husband, wept in sorrow with a sweet voice. O king of kings, it was then that Rati made her dwelling in this lake.

Verse 57

तस्य प्रलापमेवं सा सुस्वरं करुणान्वितम् । समाकर्ण्य ततो देवाः कृपया परयान्विताः

Hearing her lament for him—sweet-voiced yet steeped in compassion—the gods were moved, filled with the highest pity.

Verse 58

संजाता राजराजेंद्र शंकरं वाक्यमब्रुवन् । जीवयस्व महादेव पुनरेव मनोभवम्

Then she arose and addressed Śaṅkara: “O Mahādeva, restore Manobhava to life once again.”

Verse 59

वराकीयं महाभाग भर्तृहीना हि कीदृशी । कामेनापि समायुक्तामस्मत्स्नेहात्कुरुष्व हि

“O blessed one, what is this poor woman to do, being without a husband? Even if she remains joined to desire, do this out of affection for me—indeed.”

Verse 60

तच्छ्रुत्वा च वचः प्राह जीवयामि मनोभवम् । कायेनापि विहीनोयं पंचबाणो मनोभवः

Hearing those words, he replied: “I shall restore Manobhava to life. Though bereft of a body, this Manobhava—armed with five arrows—still remains.”

Verse 61

भविष्यति न संदेहो माधवस्य सखा पुनः । दिव्येनापि शरीरेण वर्तयिष्यति नान्यथा

There is no doubt: he will again become Mādhava’s companion. Even with a divine body, he will live only in that manner—certainly not otherwise.

Verse 62

महादेवप्रसादाच्च मीनकेतुः स जीवितः । आशीर्भिरभिनंद्यैवं देव्याः कामं नरोत्तम

By the grace of Mahādeva, that Mīnaketu remained alive. Thus, having accepted and rejoiced in the Goddess’s blessings, the best of men fulfilled his desire.

Verse 63

गच्छ काम प्रवर्तस्व प्रियया सह नित्यशः । एवमाह महातेजाः स्थितिसंहारकारकः

“Go, O Kāma—set forth in your activity, ever together with your beloved.” Thus spoke the greatly radiant one, the ordainer of preservation and dissolution.

Verse 64

पुनः कामः सरःप्राप्तो यत्रास्ते दुःखिता रतिः । इदं कामसरो राजन्रतिरत्र सुसंस्थिता

Again Kāma came to the lake where Rati sat in sorrow. “This,” he said, “is the lake called Kāmasaras, O king; here Rati dwells, well established.”

Verse 65

दग्धे सति महाभागे मन्मथे दुःखधर्षिता । रत्याः कोपात्समुत्पन्नः पावको दारुणाकृतिः

When the illustrious Manmatha was burned, Rati—overwhelmed by grief—brought forth, through her wrath, a fire of dreadful form.

Verse 66

अतीवदग्धा तेनापि सा रतिर्मोहमूर्छिता । अश्रुपातं मुमोचाथ भर्तृहीना नरोत्तम

Even by that, Rati was burned exceedingly; fainting in delusion, she then poured forth tears—bereft of her husband, O best of men.

Verse 67

नेत्राभ्यां हि जले तस्याः पतिता अश्रुबिंदवः । तेभ्यो जातो महाशोकः सर्वसौख्यप्रणाशकः

Indeed, tear-drops fell from her eyes into the water; from them arose a great sorrow that destroys all happiness.

Verse 68

जरा पश्चात्समुत्पन्ना अश्रुभ्यो नृपसत्तम । वियोगो नाम दुर्मेधास्तेभ्यो जज्ञे प्रणाशकः

O best of kings, afterwards old age arose from tears; and from those was born a destroyer named ‘Separation’—a wretched, dull-witted force.

Verse 69

दुःखसंतापकौ चोभौ जज्ञाते दारुणौ तदा । मूर्छा नाम ततो जज्ञे दारुणा सुखनाशिनी

Then there arose two dreadful forces—Sorrow and Burning Anguish. After them was born one named Fainting (Mūrcchā), fierce and the destroyer of happiness.

Verse 70

शोकाज्जज्ञे महाराज कामज्वरोथ विभ्रमः । प्रलापो विह्वलश्चैव उन्मादो मृत्युरेव च

From grief, O great king, there arose lovesickness, then confusion; delirious rambling and helpless agitation, and also madness—and even death itself.

Verse 71

तस्याश्च अश्रुबिंदुभ्यो जज्ञिरे विश्वनाशकाः । रत्याः पार्श्वे समुत्पन्नाः सर्वे तापांगधारिणः

From her tear-drops were born world-destroying beings; arising at Rati’s side, all of them bore the marks of torment upon their bodies.

Verse 72

मूर्तिमंतो महाराज सद्भावगुणसंयुताः । काम एष समायातः केनाप्युक्तं तदा नृप

O great king, endowed with noble disposition and virtues, this Kāma has appeared in embodied form—having been summoned by someone, O ruler, at that time.

Verse 73

महानंदेन संयुक्ता दृष्ट्वा कामं समागतम् । नेत्राभ्यामश्रुपूर्णाभ्यां पतिता अश्रुबिन्दवः

Overcome with great joy, on seeing Kāma arrive, tears—filling both her eyes—fell down in drops.

Verse 74

अप्सु मध्ये महाराज चापल्याज्जज्ञिरे प्रजाः । प्रीतिर्नाम तदा जज्ञे ख्यातिर्लज्जा नरोत्तम

O great king, within the waters beings were born from fickleness. Then there arose one named Prīti (Affection), and also Khayāti (Fame) and Lajjā (Modesty), O best of men.

Verse 75

तेभ्यो जज्ञे महानंद शांतिश्चान्या नृपोत्तम । जज्ञाते द्वे शुभे कन्ये सुखसंभोगदायिके

From them were born Mahānanda and another named Śānti, O best of kings. Two auspicious daughters were also born, bestowers of happiness and joyful delight.

Verse 76

लीलाक्रीडा मनोभाव संयोगस्तु महान्नृप । रत्यास्तु वामनेत्राद्वै आनंदादश्रुबिंदवः

O great king, their playful sport and the union of their hearts was profound. From Rati’s left eye, indeed, tear-drops arose out of bliss.

Verse 77

जलांते पतिता राजंस्तस्माज्जज्ञे सुपंकजम् । तस्मात्सुपंकजाज्जाता इयं नारी वरानना

O King, when she fell at the edge of the waters, from that there arose a beautiful lotus; and from that beautiful lotus was born this woman of lovely face.

Verse 78

अश्रुबिंदुमती नाम रतिपुत्री नरोत्तम । तस्याः प्रीत्या सुखं कृत्वा नित्यं वर्त्ते समीपगा

O best of men, there was a woman named Aśrubindumatī, the daughter of Rati. Out of affection for her, she continually remained close by, giving her comfort and happiness.

Verse 79

सखीभावस्वभावेन संहृष्टा सर्वदा शुभा । विशाला नाम मे ख्यातं वरुणस्य सुता नृप

Affectionate by nature in friendship, ever delighted and auspicious—she is known to me as Viśālā, O king, the daughter of Varuṇa.

Verse 80

अस्याश्चांते प्रवर्तामि स्नेहात्स्निग्धास्मि सर्वदा । एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातमस्याश्चात्मन एव ते

Out of affection, I remain devoted to her until the very end; I am always tenderly attached. I have now told you everything—indeed, all that belongs to her very self.

Verse 81

तपश्चचार राजेंद्र पतिकामा वरानना । राजोवाच । सर्वमेव त्वयाख्यातं मया ज्ञातं शुभे शृणु

O king, the beautiful-faced woman, desiring a husband, performed austerities. The king said: “All that you have explained is understood by me; O auspicious one, now listen.”

Verse 82

मामेवं हि भजत्वेषा रतिपुत्री वरानना । यमेषा वांछते बाला तत्सर्वं तु ददाम्यहम्

“Let this fair-faced daughter of Rati worship me in this very way; whatever this young girl desires, all of that I shall indeed grant.”

Verse 83

तथा कुरुष्व कल्याणि यथा मे वश्यतां व्रजेत् । विशालोवाच । अस्या व्रतं प्रवक्ष्यामि तदाकर्णय भूपते

“Do so, O auspicious lady, in such a way that he may come under my control.” Viśāla said: “I shall declare her vow; listen to that, O king.”

Verse 84

पुरुषं यौवनोपेतं सर्वज्ञं वीरलक्षणम् । देवराजसमं राजन्धर्माचारसमन्वितम्

“(He is) a man endowed with youth, all-knowing, marked with the signs of a hero—equal to the king of the gods, O King—and possessed of righteous conduct and proper observances.”

Verse 85

तेजस्विनं महाप्राज्ञं दातारं यज्विनां वरम् । गुणानां धर्मभावस्य ज्ञातारं पुण्यभाजनम्

Radiant, greatly wise, a generous giver, the best among those who perform yajña—one who knows the virtues and the very spirit of dharma, a worthy vessel of merit.

Verse 86

लोक इंद्रसमं राजन्सुयज्ञैर्धर्मतत्परम् । सर्वैश्वर्यसमोपेतं नारायणमिवापरम्

O King, in the eyes of the world he was equal to Indra—devoted to dharma through noble yajñas—endowed with every prosperity, like another Nārāyaṇa.

Verse 87

देवानां सुप्रियं नित्यं ब्राह्मणानामतिप्रियम् । ब्रह्मण्यं वेदतत्त्वज्ञं त्रैलोक्ये ख्यातविक्रमम्

Ever dear to the devas, exceedingly beloved of the brāhmaṇas—devoted to Brahman and the brāhmaṇas, a knower of the true purport of the Vedas, and renowned throughout the three worlds for his valor.

Verse 88

एवंगुणैः समुपेतं त्रैलोक्येन प्रपूजितम् । सुमतिं सुप्रियं कांतं मनसा वरमीप्सति

Thus endowed with such virtues and honored throughout the three worlds, she desires in her heart a boon—one who is wise, dearly beloved, and charming.

Verse 89

ययातिरुवाच । एवं गुणैः समुपेतं विद्धि मामिह चागतम् । अस्यानुरूपो भर्त्ताहं सृष्टो धात्रा न संशयः

Yayāti said: Know that I have come here endowed with these very qualities. Without doubt, the Creator has fashioned me as a husband suited to her.

Verse 90

विशालोवाच । भवंतं पुण्यसंवृद्धं जाने राजञ्जगत्त्रये । पूर्वोक्ता ये गुणाः सर्वे मयोक्ताः संति ते त्वयि

Viśāla said: O King, I know you to be greatly enriched by merit throughout the three worlds. All the virtues I spoke of before are indeed present in you.

Verse 91

एकेनापि च दोषेण त्वामेषा हि न मन्यते । एष मे संशयो जातो भवान्विष्णुमयो नृप

Even because of a single fault, she does not accept you. This doubt has arisen in me, O king—are you permeated by Viṣṇu’s nature (viṣṇu-maya)?

Verse 92

ययातिरुवाच । समाचक्ष्व महादोषं यमेषा नानुमन्यते । तत्त्वेन चारुसर्वांगी प्रसादसुमुखी भव

Yayāti said: “Explain to me clearly the grave fault which this lovely, well-formed woman does not approve of. Speak truthfully, and become serene—your face softened by grace.”

Verse 93

विशालोवाच । आत्मदोषं न जानासि कस्मात्त्वं जगतीपते । जरया व्याप्तकायस्त्वमनेनेयं न मन्यते

Viśāla said: “Why, O lord of the world, do you not recognize your own fault? Your body is pervaded by old age; therefore she does not accept you.”

Verse 94

एवं श्रुत्वा महद्वाक्यमप्रियं जगतीपतिः । दुःखेन महताविष्टस्तामुवाच पुनर्नृपः

Having thus heard those weighty words—unpleasant to hear—the lord of the earth, overwhelmed by great sorrow, the king spoke to her again.

Verse 95

जरादोषो न मे भद्रे संसर्गात्कस्यचित्कदा । समुद्भूतं ममांगे वै तं न जाने जरागमम्

O gentle lady, never has the blemish of old age arisen in me at any time through association with anyone. Yet though it has manifested in my body, I do not know how this onset of aging has come about.

Verse 96

यं यं हि वांछते चैषा त्रैलोक्ये दुर्लभं शुभे । तमस्यै दातुकामोहं व्रियतां वर उत्तमः

O auspicious lady, whatever she desires—even if it is something rare in the three worlds—I am willing to grant it to her. Therefore, let the finest boon be chosen.

Verse 97

विशालोवाच । जराहीनो यदा स्यास्त्वं तदा ते सुप्रिया भवेत् । एतद्विनिश्चितं राजन्सत्यं सत्यं वदाम्यहम्

Viśāla said: “When you become free from old age, then she will become most dear to you. This is firmly determined, O king—I speak the truth, truly.”

Verse 98

श्रुतिरेवं वदेद्राजन्पुत्रे भ्रातरि भृत्यके । जरा संक्राम्यते यस्य तस्यांगे परिसंचरेत्

O King, the Śruti says thus: whether it be in a son, a brother, or even a servant—old age passes over to whomever it is destined; it moves about within that person’s body.

Verse 99

तारुण्यं तस्य वै गृह्य तस्मै दत्वा जरां पुनः । उभयोः प्रीतिसंवादः सुरुच्या जायते शुभः

Taking away his youth and giving him old age again, Surucī brings about an auspicious, affectionate exchange between the two of them.

Verse 100

यथात्मदानपुण्यस्य कृपया यो ददाति च । फलं राजन्हि तत्तस्य जायते नात्र संशयः

O King, whoever gives with compassion gains the very same fruit as the merit of self-giving; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 101

दुःखेनोपार्जितं पुण्यमन्यस्मै हि प्रदीयते । सुपुण्यं तद्भवेत्तस्य पुण्यस्य फलमश्नुते

Merit earned through hardship, when bestowed upon another, becomes great merit for that person, and he enjoys the fruit of that merit.

Verse 102

पुत्राय दीयतां राजंस्तस्मात्तारुण्यमेव च । प्रगृह्यैव समागच्छ सुंदरत्वेन भूपते

Therefore, O King, hand over the kingdom to your son—and youth as well. Having taken it up, return at once, O lord of the earth, endowed with beauty.

Verse 103

यदा त्वमिच्छसे भोक्तुं तदा त्वं कुरुभूपते । एवमाभाष्य सा भूपं विशाला विरराम ह

“Whenever you wish to eat, O king of the Kurus, then you may do so.” Having spoken thus to the king, Viśālā fell silent.

Verse 104

सुकर्मोवाच । एवमाकर्ण्य राजेंद्रो विशालामवदत्तदा । राजोवाच । एवमस्तु महाभागे करिष्ये वचनं तव

Sukarma said: Hearing this, the king of kings then spoke to Viśālā. The king said: “So be it, O noble lady; I shall do as you say.”

Verse 105

कामासक्तः समूढस्तु ययातिः पृथिवीपतिः । गृहं गत्वा समाहूय सुतान्वाक्यमुवाच ह

King Yayāti, lord of the earth—bewildered and bound to sensual desire—went home, summoned his sons, and spoke these words to them.

Verse 106

तुरुं पूरुं कुरुं राजा यदुं च पितृवत्सलम् । कुरुध्वं पुत्रकाः सौख्यं यूयं हि मम शासनात्

The king said: “Make Turu, Pūru, Kuru, and Yadu—devoted to their father—prosperous. My sons, secure your welfare, for you act under my command.”

Verse 107

पुत्रा ऊचुः । पितृवाक्यं प्रकर्तव्यं पुत्रैश्चापि शुभाशुभम् । उच्यतां तात तच्छीघ्रं कृतं विद्धि न संशयः

The sons said: “A father’s command must indeed be carried out by his sons, whether it leads to good or ill. Tell us, dear father, quickly what it is—know it done, without doubt.”

Verse 108

एवमाकर्ण्यतद्वाक्यं पुत्राणां पृथिवीपतिः । आचचक्षे पुनस्तेषु हर्षेणाकुलमानसः

Hearing those words of his sons, the lord of the earth spoke again to them, his mind stirred and unsettled with joy.