Adhyaya 47

Verse 1

नारद उवाच । तव प्रसादतो ज्ञातो विप्रः पुण्यतमश्च यः । यथा जानामि देवेश क्रियया ब्राह्मणाधमम्

Nārada said: By your grace I have known which brāhmaṇa is most virtuous; now, O Lord of the gods, let me also understand how, by one’s conduct, a brāhmaṇa becomes the lowest among brāhmaṇas.

Verse 2

ब्रूहि शीघ्रं सुरश्रेष्ठ यदि प्रीतिं मयीच्छसि । ब्रह्मोवाच । स्नानैर्दशविधैर्मुक्तस्तथैव तर्पणादिभिः

“Speak quickly, O best of the gods, if you desire my favor.” Brahmā said: “One is freed through the ten kinds of ritual bathing, and likewise through offerings such as tarpaṇa and related rites.”

Verse 3

संध्यासंयमहीनश्च स एव ब्राह्मणाधमः । देवपूजाव्रतैर्मुक्तो वेदविद्यादिभिस्तथा

He who is devoid of the discipline of the Sandhyā rites is indeed the lowest among brāhmaṇas—bereft as well of worship of the gods, of sacred vows, and likewise of Vedic learning and the other branches of knowledge.

Verse 4

सत्यशौचादिभिश्चैव योगज्ञानाग्नितर्पणैः । पंचस्नानानानि विप्राणां कीर्तितानि महर्षिभिः

Truthfulness, purity, and the like—together with yoga, spiritual knowledge, the fire-rite, and libations (tarpaṇa)—these are proclaimed by the great sages as the fivefold ‘baths’ for brāhmaṇas.

Verse 5

आग्नेयं वारुणं ब्राह्मं वायव्यं दिव्यमेव च । आग्नेयं भस्मना स्नानमद्भिर्वारुणमुच्यते

There are five purification-baths: the Agneya, the Varuṇa, the Brāhma, the Vāyavya, and the Divine. Bathing with sacred ash is called the Agneya bath; bathing with water is said to be the Varuṇa bath.

Verse 6

आपोहिष्ठेति वै ब्राह्मं वायव्यं गोरजः स्मृतम् । अद्भिरातपवर्षाभिर्दिव्यं स्नानमुदाहृतम्

The rite called “Āpohiṣṭhā” is taught as purification of the Brahmā type; the Vāyavya type is remembered as purification by cow-dust. And bathing with water, together with sunlight and rain, is declared to be a divine bath.

Verse 7

एतैस्तु मंत्रतः स्नानात्तीर्थानां फलमाप्नुयात् । तुलसीपत्रसंलग्नं सालग्रामशिलांबु च

By bathing with these waters while reciting mantra, one attains the fruit of bathing in the sacred tīrthas; especially, water connected with a Śālagrāma stone and joined with tulasī leaves bestows such merit.

Verse 8

गवां शृंगोदकं चैव विप्रपादोदकं च यत् । गुरूणामेव मुख्यानां पूतात्पूतमिति स्मृतिः

Water that has touched a cow’s horn, and water that has washed a brāhmaṇa’s feet—especially those of the foremost gurus—are remembered in tradition as “purer than the pure.”

Verse 9

त्याग तीर्थादिभिर्यज्ञैर्व्रतहोमादिभिस्तथा । यत्फलं लभते धीरः स्नानैरेतैस्तु तत्फलम्

Whatever spiritual fruit a steadfast person gains through renunciation, pilgrimages to sacred tīrthas and the like, sacrifices (yajña), vows, and fire-offerings—one gains that very same fruit through these baths.

Verse 10

तर्पणैश्च विनिर्मुक्तः पितॄणामेव नित्यशः । पितृहा नरकं याति संध्याहीनस्तु विप्रहा

One who habitually neglects to offer tarpaṇa to the Pitṛs is, in effect, a slayer of ancestors; such a person goes to hell. Likewise, a brāhmaṇa who neglects the Sandhyā—the daily twilight prayers—becomes fallen.

Verse 11

मंत्रव्रतविहीनश्च वेदविद्यागुणैरपि । यज्ञदानादिभिर्मुक्तो ब्राह्मणश्चाधमाधमः

Even if he possesses the learning and virtues of Vedic knowledge, a brāhmaṇa who is without mantras and sacred vows, and who is bereft of yajña, charity, and the like, is the lowest of the low.

Verse 12

यज्ञार्थका देवलका नाक्षत्रा ग्रामयाजकाः । परदाररता नित्यं पंचैते ब्राह्मणाधमाः

Those who perform yajñas only for money, those who serve as temple-priests for hire, those who live by astrology, those who officiate village rites as a profession, and those ever devoted to another’s wife—these five are the lowest among brāhmaṇas.

Verse 13

मंत्रसंस्कारहीनाश्च शुचिसंयमवर्जिताः । मोघाशिनो दुरात्मानो ब्राह्मणाश्चाधमाधमाः

Devoid of mantra-initiations and purificatory rites, lacking purity and self-restraint, living on vain and unrighteous food, and wicked at heart—such are the most fallen among those called ‘brāhmaṇas’.

Verse 14

अपि स्तेयरता मूढाः सर्वधर्मविवर्जिताः । उन्मार्गगामिनो नित्यं ब्राह्मणाश्चाधमाधमाः

Even brāhmaṇas can become deluded—attached to theft, devoid of all dharma, and constantly treading the wrong path—indeed, the lowest among the low.

Verse 15

श्राद्धादिकर्मरहिता गुरुसेवाविवर्जिताः । अमंत्रा भिन्नमर्यादा एते सर्वाधमाधमाः

Those who neglect rites such as the śrāddha, who are devoid of service to the guru, who are without mantras, and who transgress established codes of conduct—such people are the lowest of the low.

Verse 16

असंभाष्या इमे दुष्टास्सर्वे निरयगामिनः । अमेध्यास्ते दुराचारा अपूज्याश्च समंततः

These wicked ones are not fit to be spoken with; all of them are bound for hell. They are impure, of evil conduct, and in every way unworthy of honor.

Verse 17

खड्गोपजीविकाः प्रेष्या गोवाहनरता द्विजाः । कारुवृत्युपजीवाश्च गणवार्द्धषिकाश्च ये

Those who live by the sword; those who serve as hired attendants; brāhmaṇas devoted to riding cattle; those who earn their living by artisans’ trades; and those who belong to guilds and live by taking interest—whoever such people may be.

Verse 18

बालापण्याभिचाराश्च अंत्यजाश्रयमाश्रिताः । कृतघ्नाश्च गुरुघ्नाश्च एते सर्वाधमाः स्मृताः

Those who traffic in children, who practice harmful sorcery, who take refuge among outcast company, who are ungrateful, and who slay their teachers—these are remembered as the most depraved of all.

Verse 19

ये चैवान्ये हताचाराः पाषंडा धर्मनिंदकाः । दूषकादेव भेदानामेते ब्रह्मद्विषो द्विजाः

And those others too—whose conduct is ruined—who are heretics and slanderers of dharma: they are merely corrupters who create divisions among the gods; such twice-born are haters of Brahmā.

Verse 20

तथापि ब्राह्मणश्चैव न हंतव्यः कदाचन । एनं हत्वा द्विजश्रेष्ठ ब्रह्महा पुरुषो भवेत्

Even so, a brāhmaṇa should never be killed under any circumstance. O best of the twice-born, by killing him a man would become a brahmahā, a slayer of a brāhmaṇa.

Verse 21

अंत्यजातिषु म्लेच्छेषु तथा चांडालजातिषु । पतितो वान्नयोनिभ्यां न हंतव्यः कथंचन

Even among the lowest castes, among the mlecchas (foreigners), and among those born as caṇḍālas, one who has fallen from right conduct should never be slain under any circumstance.

Verse 22

सर्वजातिस्त्रियं गत्वा सर्वाभक्ष्यस्य भक्षणात् । द्विजत्वं न विनश्येत पुण्याद्विप्रो भवेत्पुनः

Even if a twice-born (dvija) man goes to women of every caste, and even if he eats what is forbidden, his status as twice-born does not perish; through merit he becomes a brāhmaṇa again.

Verse 23

नारद उवाच । ईदृशं दुष्कृतं कृत्वा पश्चात्पुण्यं समाचरेत् । कां गतिं यात्यसौ विप्रः सर्वलोकपितामह

Nārada said: “O Pitāmaha, Grandsire of all the worlds, if a brāhmaṇa commits such a sin and afterward practices merit, what destination does he attain?”

Verse 24

ब्रह्मोवाच । कृत्वा सर्वाणि पापानि पश्चाद्यस्तु जितेंद्रियः । मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यः पुनर्ब्रह्मत्वमर्हति

Brahmā said: Even if one has committed every sin, if afterward one becomes self-controlled, one is freed from all sins and again becomes worthy of brahmatva, the state of Brahman.

Verse 25

शृणु पुत्र कथां रम्यां विचित्रां च पुरातनीम् । कस्यचिद्ब्राह्मणस्यापि यौवनाढ्यः सुतोऽभवत्

Listen, my son, to a delightful, wondrous tale from ancient times: once there was a certain brāhmaṇa who had a son abounding in the vigor of youth.

Verse 26

ततो यौवनसंपत्तेर्मोहाच्च पूर्वकर्मणः । चांडालीमगमत्सद्यस्तस्याः प्रियतरोऽभवत्

Then, deluded by the vigor of youth and driven by the force of his former deeds, he immediately went to a Caṇḍāla woman; and he became exceedingly dear to her.

Verse 27

तस्यामुत्पादितास्तेन पुत्रा दुहितरस्तथा । स्वकुटुंबं परित्यज्य गृहे तस्याश्चिरं स्थितः

Through her, he begot sons and daughters as well; abandoning his own family, he lived for a long time in her house.

Verse 28

अन्या भक्ष्यं न चाश्नाति घृणया च सुरां त्यजेत् । तमुवाच सदा सा च भक्षयान्यतरां सुराम्

Another woman does not eat such food, and out of scruple she gives up liquor. Yet she would repeatedly say to him, “Eat this food,” and then take some other kind of liquor herself.

Verse 29

तामुवाच तदा शौचं गदितुं नार्हसि प्रिये । उत्कारो जायते तस्याः श्रवणात्सततं मम

Then he said to her: “Beloved, you should not speak of that matter of purity. Just by hearing of it, I am continually filled with revulsion toward her.”

Verse 30

एकदा स मृगान्वेषात्श्रांतः सुप्तो गृहे दिवा । गृहीत्वा सा सुरां तस्य हसित्वा च मुखे ददौ

Once, exhausted from searching for game, he fell asleep at home in the daytime. Taking some liquor, she laughed and put it into his mouth.

Verse 31

ततो विप्रमुखादग्निः प्रजज्वाल समंततः । ज्वाला तु सकुटुबांतामदहच्च गृहं वसु

Then, from the brāhmaṇa’s mouth, fire blazed forth on every side; and the flames burned down Vasu’s house together with all his household.

Verse 32

हाहा कृत्वा समुत्थाय विललाप तदा द्विजः । विलापांते च जिज्ञासा समारब्धा च तेन हि

Crying “Alas, alas!”, the brāhmaṇa rose up and then lamented. And when his lamentation ended, he indeed began to make inquiries.

Verse 33

कुतश्चाग्निः समुद्भूतो गृहे दाहः कथं मम । ततः खे तमुवाचेदं तेजस्ते ब्राह्मणस्य च

“From where has this fire arisen? How has my house caught fire?” Then, from the sky, a voice addressed him: “This is the fiery power—yours, and also that of the brāhmaṇa.”

Verse 34

कथिते तद्यथावृत्ते ब्राह्मणो विस्मयं गतः । विमृश्यार्थमुवाचेदं पुनः खेऽस्य हितं वचः

When the account had been narrated exactly as it happened, the brāhmaṇa was struck with wonder. Reflecting on its meaning, he again spoke these beneficial words to Kha.

Verse 35

विप्रणष्टं सुतेजस्ते तस्माद्धर्मचरो भव । ततो मुनिवरान्गत्वा पप्रच्छात्महितं द्विजः

“Your radiance has been diminished; therefore, live as a follower of dharma.” Then the twice-born man went to the excellent sages and asked them what would be for his own welfare.

Verse 36

तमूचुर्मुनयः सर्वे दानधर्मं समाचर । ऋषय ऊचुः । पूयंते सर्वपापेभ्यो ब्राह्मणानि यमैर्व्रतैः

All the sages said to him: “Practice the dharma of giving.” The ṛṣis said: “By vows of restraint (yamas) and sacred observances, one is purified from all sins.”

Verse 37

नियमान्शास्त्रदृष्टांश्च पूतत्वार्थमुपाचर । चांद्रायणांश्च कृच्छ्रांश्च तप्तकृच्छ्रान्पुनः पुनः

Observe the niyamas and the disciplines taught in the śāstras for the sake of purification; and again and again perform the Cāndrāyaṇa vow, the Kṛcchra penances, and the Tapta-Kṛcchra austerity.

Verse 38

प्राजापत्यांश्च दिव्यांश्च दोषशोषाय सत्वरम् । गच्छ तीर्थानि पूतानि गोविंदाराधनं कुरु

Quickly go to the holy, purifying tīrthas—both those of Prajāpati and the divine ones—so that your faults may be dried up; and worship Govinda.

Verse 39

क्षयमेष्यंति पापानि न चिरेण समंततः । पुण्यतीर्थप्रभावाच्च गोविंदस्य प्रभावतः

All sins will soon be destroyed completely, through the power of the sacred pilgrimage-place and through the power of Govinda.

Verse 40

क्षयमेष्यंति पापानि ब्रह्मत्वं प्राप्स्यते भवान् । शृणु तात यथावृत्तं कथयामः पुरातनम्

Your sins will come to an end, and you will attain the state of Brahman. Listen, dear one, as I relate exactly what happened—an ancient account.

Verse 41

आहारार्थी पुरा वत्स गरुडो विनतासुतः । पतंगोपि बहिः साक्षादंडान्निस्सृत्य शावकः

Formerly, dear child, Garuḍa—the son of Vinatā—went forth in search of food; even a fledgling, just emerged from the egg, at once comes out into the open.

Verse 42

क्षुधार्थी मातरं प्राह भक्ष्यं मे दीयतामिति । ततः पर्वतसंकाशं गरुडं च महाबलम्

Tormented by hunger, he said to his mother, “Give me something to eat.” Then Garuḍa appeared (or was pointed out)—mighty, vast as a mountain.

Verse 43

दृष्ट्वा माता महाभागा तनयं हृष्टमानसा । क्षुधां ते बाधितुं पुत्र न शक्नोमि समंततः

Seeing her son, the blessed mother, her heart filled with joy, said: “My child, I am not able, by any means, to ward off your hunger.”

Verse 44

सुपर्ण उवाच । नारायणाद्वरो लब्धो मया च मुनिसत्तम । भयं नास्तीह मे तात सुरासुरगणादपि

Suparṇa said: “O best of sages, I have obtained a boon from Nārāyaṇa. Therefore, revered sir, I have no fear here—even of the hosts of devas and asuras.”

Verse 45

तत्र गच्छस्व पितरं पृच्छ कामं यथा तव । अस्योपदेशतस्तात क्षुधा ते शममेष्यति

“Go there and ask your father whatever you wish. By his instruction, dear child, your hunger will surely be pacified.”

Verse 46

ततो मातुर्वचः श्रुत्वा वैनतेयो महाबलः । अगमत्पितुरभ्याशं समुहूर्तान्मनोजवः

Then, having heard his mother’s words, Vainateya (Garuḍa), the mighty one, swiftly went to his father’s presence within a few moments, moving with the speed of the mind.

Verse 47

दृष्ट्वा तातं मुनिश्रेष्ठं ज्वलंतमिव पावकम् । प्रणम्य शिरसा वाक्यमुवाच पितरं खगः

Seeing his father—the foremost of sages—blazing like fire, the bird bowed with his head and then spoke words to his father.

Verse 48

भक्षार्थी समनुप्राप्तः सुतोहं ते महात्मनः । क्षुधया पीडितो नाथ भक्ष्यं मे दीयतां प्रभो

I have come seeking food; O great soul, I am your son. Tormented by hunger, O protector—please give me something to eat, O lord.

Verse 49

ततो ध्यानं समालभ्य ज्ञात्वा तं विनतासुतं । पुत्रस्नेहाद्वचश्चेदं प्रोवाच मुनिसत्तमः

Then, entering meditation and recognizing him as Vinatā’s son (Garuḍa), the best of sages—out of affection like that of a father—spoke these words.

Verse 50

अनेकशतसाहस्रा निषादाः सरितांपतेः । तीरे तिष्ठंति पापिष्ठास्तान्संभक्ष्य सुखी भव

“O lord of rivers, on your bank there stand Niṣādas in hundreds of thousands—most sinful. Devour them, and be happy.”

Verse 51

तीर्थमुत्सादयंति स्म तीर्थकाका दुरासदाः । विना विप्रं निषादेषु भक्षय त्वमलक्षितं

The hard-to-ward-off “crows of the sacred ford” once laid waste the tīrtha. Therefore, when no brāhmaṇa is present, eat among the Niṣādas, remaining unrecognized.

Verse 52

इत्युक्तः प्रययौ पक्षी भक्षयामास तांस्ततः । अलक्ष्यभावो विप्रोपि गिलितस्तेन पक्षिणा

Thus addressed, the bird went away and then devoured them. And the brāhmaṇa too—having become unseen—was swallowed by that bird.

Verse 53

स तस्य गलके गाढं लालगीति द्विजस्तदा । वमितुं गिलितुं चापि न शशाक द्विजोत्तमः

Then the brāhmaṇa clung tightly to his throat, and at that moment the best of the twice-born could neither vomit it out nor swallow it down.

Verse 54

गत्वाथ पितरं प्राह किमेतदिति मे पितः । लग्नं मे गलके सत्वं प्रतिकर्तुं न शक्नुयां

Then, having gone to his father, he said, “What is this, my father? Something has stuck in my throat, and I am not able to remove it.”

Verse 55

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा कश्यपस्तमुवाच ह । मयोक्तं ते पुरा वत्स ब्राह्मणोयं न बुध्यसे

Hearing his words, Kaśyapa said to him: “Dear child, I told you earlier—this one is a brāhmaṇa; do you not understand?”

Verse 56

इत्युक्त्वा च मुनिर्धीमान्द्विजं प्राह स धार्मिकः । आगच्छ त्वं ममासन्नं हितं ते प्रवदाम्यहं

Having spoken thus, the wise and righteous sage addressed the twice-born: “Come near to me; I shall declare to you what is for your welfare.”

Verse 57

तमुवाच तदा विप्रः कश्यपं मुनिपुंगवम् । ममैते सुहृदो नित्यं सर्वे संबंधिनः प्रियाः

Then the brāhmaṇa said to Kaśyapa, foremost among sages: “All of these are ever my well-wishers; each and every one is a dear kinsman of mine.”

Verse 58

श्वशुराः स्यालकाश्चाप्तास्सबालाश्च तथापरे । एतैः सह प्रयास्यामि निरयं चापि वा शिवम्

My fathers-in-law, my brothers-in-law, my close companions, and others as well—together with their children: with all of them I shall depart, whether it be to hell or else to Śiva.

Verse 59

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विस्मितः कश्यपोऽब्रवीत् । द्विजानां च कुले जातश्चांडालैः पतितो भवान्

Hearing his words, Kaśyapa—astonished—said: “Though you were born in the lineage of the twice-born, you have fallen among the Caṇḍālas.”

Verse 60

पुरुषास्ते प्रतिष्ठंते घोरे च निरये ध्रुवम् । चिराय निष्कृतिस्तेषां नैवास्तीह कथंचन

Those men certainly end up in a dreadful hell; and for them no atonement whatsoever is found here—release comes only after a very long time.

Verse 61

सर्वांश्चैव दुराचारांश्चांडालान्पापकारिणः । दोषांस्त्यक्त्वा नरः पश्चात्सुखी भवति नान्यथा

Only after casting away every fault—corrupt conduct, association with impure, caṇḍāla-like sinful ways, and wrongdoing—does a person become happy; it is not otherwise.

Verse 62

अज्ञानाद्यदि वा मोहात्कृत्वा पापं सुदारुणं । ततो धर्मं चरेद्यस्तु स गच्छेत्परमां गतिं

Even if, through ignorance or delusion, one commits a most dreadful sin—if thereafter one practices dharma, that person attains the highest state.

Verse 63

पापकृन्न चरेद्धर्मं पापे कुर्यान्मतिं पुनः । शिलानावं यथारूढः सागरे संनिमज्जति

Even if a sinner practices dharma, if he again turns his mind back to sin, he sinks—like one who boards a boat made of stone in the ocean.

Verse 64

कृत्वा सर्वाणि पापानि तथा दुर्गतिसंचयं । उपशांतो भवेत्पश्चात्तं दोषं शमयिष्यति

Having committed every kind of sin and amassed a store of misfortune, if one later becomes calm and restrained, one will then pacify that fault and its consequences.

Verse 65

तमुवाच महाप्राज्ञं द्विजं मुनिवरोत्तमम् । यदिमां न जहातीह खगः सर्वांश्च बांधवान्

Then he spoke to that greatly wise twice-born sage, the best among ascetics: “If, here, the bird does not abandon her—and all his kinsmen as well—…”

Verse 66

ततः प्राणं च त्यक्ष्यामि खगे मर्मावघातिनि । नोचेत्त्यजतु मे बंधून्प्रतिज्ञा मे दृढात्मनः

Then, O bird who strikes my vital spot, I shall relinquish my very life; otherwise, let my kinsmen be set free. My vow is firm, for my resolve is steadfast.

Verse 67

ततस्तार्क्ष्यमुवाचेदं मुनि र्ब्रह्मवधे भयात् । उद्वमैतान्सविप्रांश्च म्लेछानेतान्समंततः

Then the sage spoke to Tārkṣya (Garuḍa), fearing the sin of Brahmin-slaying: “Drive these people out—together with the Brahmins—these mlecchas, on every side.”

Verse 68

वनेषु पर्वतान्तेषु दिक्षु तान्पतगेश्वर । उद्ववाम ततः शीघ्रं दोषज्ञः पितुराज्ञया

O lord of birds, then—knowing what was proper and improper—I swiftly drove them away into the forests, to the mountain-sides, and to the various quarters, obeying my father’s command.

Verse 69

ततः सर्वेऽभवन्व्यक्ता अकेशाः श्मश्रुवर्जिताः । यवना भोजनप्रीताः किंचिच्छ्मश्रुयुताश्च ये

Thereupon they all became manifest—hairless and without beards. And those who were Yavanas, fond of food, were the ones who had a little moustache or beard.

Verse 70

अग्नौ च नग्नकाः पापा दक्षिणस्यामवाचकाः । घोराः प्राणिवधे प्रीता दुरात्मानो गवाशिनः

And there are sinners who go about naked; they revile the southern direction; they are dreadful—delighting in the killing of creatures—evil-minded, and eaters of cows.

Verse 71

नैरृते कुवदाः पापा गोब्राह्मणवधोद्यताः । खर्पराः पश्चिमे पूर्वे निवसंति च दारुणाः

In the south-west dwell the wicked Kuvadās, sinners intent on slaying cows and Brahmins. In the west and in the east dwell the fierce Kharparas as well.

Verse 72

वायव्यां च तुरुष्काश्च श्मश्रुपूर्णा गवाशिनः । अश्वपृष्ठसमारूढाः प्रयुद्धेष्वनिवर्तिनः

And in the north-western region are the Turuṣkas—men with full beards, eaters of cattle, mounted on horseback, and unyielding in battle.

Verse 73

उत्तरस्यां च गिरयो म्लेच्छाः पर्वतवासिनः । सर्वभक्षा दुराचाराः वधबंधरताः किल

And in the northern region there are mountains inhabited by mlecchas—mountain-dwellers—said to be indiscriminate eaters, of corrupt conduct, and indeed devoted to killing and capturing.

Verse 74

ऐशान्यां निरयास्संति कर्तॄणां वृक्षवासिनः । एते म्लेच्छा स्थिता दिक्षु घोरास्ते शस्त्रपाणयः

In the north-eastern direction are hells, where the doers of such deeds dwell upon trees. These fierce mlecchas stand in the quarters, bearing weapons in their hands.

Verse 75

येषां च स्पर्शमात्रेण सचेलो जलमाविशेत् । एतेषां च कलौ देशेप्यकाले धर्मवर्जिते

Those whose mere touch would make one enter water still clothed—such people are found in the Kali age, in lands and times bereft of dharma.

Verse 76

संस्पर्शं च प्रकुर्वंति वित्तलोभात्समंततः । म्लेच्छांस्तान्मोचयित्वा तु क्षुधया परिपीडितः

Driven by greed for wealth, they made contact on every side; yet after freeing those mlecchas, he was tormented by hunger.

Verse 77

पुनराह द्विजस्तात क्षुधा मे बाधतेतराम् । अवदद्गरुडं तत्र कश्यपः कृपया द्रुतम्

Again the twice-born one said, “Dear son, hunger troubles me greatly.” Thereupon, Kaśyapa quickly spoke to Garuḍa with compassion.

Verse 78

तिष्ठंतौ विपुलौ तत्र जिघांसू गजकच्छपौ । अप्रमेयौ महासत्वौ सागरस्यैकदेशतः

There, in one region of the ocean, stood two enormous beings—a bull-elephant and a tortoise—immeasurably mighty, intent on killing one another.

Verse 79

तावप्सु च द्रुतं वत्स क्षुधां ते वारयिष्यतः । स पितुर्वचनं श्रुत्वा तत्र गत्वाभिपद्य तौ

“My child, quickly go into the water; those two will ward off your hunger.” Hearing his father’s words, he went there and approached the two.

Verse 80

नखैर्भित्वा कूर्मगजौ महासत्वौ महाजवः । खमुत्पपात तौ धृत्वा विद्युद्वेगो महाबलः

Tearing open the mighty tortoise and elephant with his claws, the great and swift Vidyudvega, possessed of immense strength, seized them both and leapt up into the sky.

Verse 81

आधारतां न गच्छंति नगाश्च मंदरादयः । ततो योजनलक्षे द्वे गत्वा मारुतरंहसा

Mountains such as Mandara do not reach down to the supporting base. From there, after traversing two hundred thousand yojanas with the swiftness of the wind, one reaches the next region.

Verse 82

महत्यां जंबुशाखायां निपपात महाबलः । भग्ना सा सहसा शाखा तां पतंतीं खगेश्वरः

The mighty one fell upon a great branch of the jambu tree. That branch suddenly snapped; and as it was falling, the lord of birds (Khageśvara) checked it.

Verse 83

गोब्राह्मणवधाद्भीतो दधार तरसा बली । धृत्वा तां रुचिरं वेगाद्द्रवंतं खे महाबलम्

Fearing the sin of killing a cow or a brāhmaṇa, the mighty one swiftly restrained it; and with great force he held that splendid one as it sped through the sky.

Verse 84

गत्वा विष्णुरुवाचेदं नररूपधरो हरिः । कस्त्वं भ्रमसि चाकाशे किमर्थं पतगेश्वर

Having gone there, Hari (Viṣṇu), assuming a human form, spoke: “Who are you, O lord of birds, wandering in the sky—and for what purpose?”

Verse 85

विधृत्य महतीं शाखां महांतौ गजकच्छपौ । तमुवाच द्विजस्तस्मिन्नररूपधरं हरिम्

Holding up a great branch, the mighty elephant and the turtle supported him. Then the brāhmaṇa there addressed Hari, who had assumed a human form.

Verse 86

गरुडोहं महाबाहो खगरूपः स्वकर्मणा । कश्यपस्य मुनेस्सूनुर्विनतागर्भसंभवः

I am Garuḍa, O mighty-armed one—bird-formed by my own ordained function; the son of the sage Kaśyapa, born from the womb of Vinatā.

Verse 87

पश्यैतौ च महासत्वौ भक्षणार्थं मया धृतौ । न धरा च ममाधारो न वृक्षा न च पर्वताः

Behold—these two mighty beings I have seized for the purpose of devouring. The earth is not my support, nor trees, nor mountains.

Verse 88

अनेकयोजनान्यूर्ध्वं दृष्ट्वा जंबूमहीरुहम् । अपतंतस्य शाखायां सहेमौ परिभक्षितुं

Seeing the jambu tree rising many yojanas high, the two of them together set out to eat from its branch as it was falling.

Verse 89

भग्ना सा सहसा शाखा तां च धृत्वा भ्रमाम्यहम् । कोटिकोटिसहस्राणां ब्राह्मणानां गवां वधात्

That branch suddenly broke; and holding it, I wander about, as though burdened by the killing of crores upon crores of thousands of brāhmaṇas and cows.

Verse 90

भयं तत्र विषादो मे सहसा प्राविशद्बुध । किं करोमि कथं यामि को मे वेगं सहिष्यति

Then fear and dejection suddenly seized me, O wise one. What shall I do? How can I go? Who will be able to endure my force?

Verse 91

इत्युक्ते पतगश्रेष्ठं प्रोवाचेदं हरिस्तदा । अस्मद्बाहुं समारुह्य भक्षेमौ गजकच्छपौ

When this was spoken, Hari then said to the foremost of birds: “Climb upon my arm; we shall eat the elephant and the tortoise.”

Verse 92

गरुड उवाच । ममाधारं न गच्छंति सागराश्च नगोत्तमाः । अथ चैवं महासत्वं कथं त्वं धारयिष्यसि

Garuḍa said: “Even the oceans and the greatest mountains do not reach the extent of what would support me. If this is so, O mighty being, how will you be able to bear it?”

Verse 93

ऋते नारायणादन्यः को मां धारयितुं क्षमः । त्रैलोक्ये कः पुमांस्तिष्ठेद्यो वेगं मे सहिष्यति

Except for Nārāyaṇa, who else has the power to sustain me? In the three worlds, what man could stand firm and endure my force?

Verse 94

हरिरुवाच । स्वकार्यमुद्धरेत्प्राज्ञः स्वकार्यं कुरु सांप्रतम् । कृत्वा कार्यं खगश्रेष्ठ विजानीषे च मां ध्रुवम्

Hari said: “A wise one should fulfill his own duty; do your task at once. Having done your task, O best of birds, you shall surely come to know Me as the Unchanging One.”

Verse 95

महासत्वं च तं दृष्ट्वा विमृश्य मनसा खगः । एवमस्त्विति चोक्त्वा स पपात ह महाभुजे

Seeing his great strength, the bird reflected within his mind; saying, “So be it,” he then fell upon the mighty-armed one.

Verse 96

न चचाल भुजस्तस्य सन्निपाते खगेशितुः । तत्र स्थित्वा स तां शाखां मुमोच पर्वतालये

Even when confronted by the lord of birds, his arm did not waver. Remaining there, he released that branch upon the mountain-abode.

Verse 97

शाखापतनमात्रेण सचराचरकानना । चचाल वसुधा चैव सागराः प्रचकंपिरे

With the mere falling of a branch, the forests—along with all that moves and does not move—shook; the earth itself trembled, and the oceans quivered violently.

Verse 98

ततश्च खादितौ सत्त्वौ सहसा गजकच्छपौ । तृप्तिं न प्राप्तवान्सोपि क्षुधा तस्य न शाम्यति

Then, all at once, he devoured the two creatures—the elephant and the tortoise. Yet even so he did not attain satisfaction; his hunger did not subside.

Verse 99

एतज्ज्ञात्वा तु गोविंदस्तमुवाच खगेश्वरम् । भुजस्य मम मांसं तु भक्षयित्वा सुखी भव

Knowing this, Govinda said to the lord of birds: “Eat the flesh of my arm, and be happy.”

Verse 100

इत्युक्ते प्रचुरं मांसं भुजस्य तस्य तेन हि । खादितं क्षुधया पुत्र व्रणं तस्य न विद्यते

When this was said, he indeed, driven by hunger, ate a large amount of flesh from that man’s arm. Yet, my son, no wound appeared on him.

Verse 101

तमुवाच महाप्राज्ञश्चराचरगुरुं हरिम् । कस्त्वं किं वा प्रियं तेद्य करिष्यामि च सांप्रतम्

Then the great sage addressed Hari, the guru of all moving and unmoving beings: “Who are you? And what is dear to you? Tell me—what shall I do for you right now?”

Verse 102

नारायण उवाच । विद्धि नारायणं मां हि त्वत्प्रियार्थं समागतम् । रूपं स्वं दर्शयामास प्रत्ययार्थं च तस्य वै

Nārāyaṇa said: “Know that I am indeed Nārāyaṇa, come here for the sake of what is dear to you.” And he revealed his own form, truly, to grant him sure conviction.

Verse 103

पीतवस्त्रं घनश्यामं चतुर्भुजमनोहरम् । शंखचक्रगदापद्मधरं सर्वसुरेश्वरम्

Clad in yellow garments, dark as a rain-cloud, beautiful with four arms—bearing conch, discus, mace, and lotus—he is the Lord of all the gods.

Verse 104

तं च दृष्ट्वा गरुत्मांश्च प्रणम्य शिरसा हरिम् । प्रियं किं ते करिष्यामि वद नः पुरुषोत्तम

Seeing him, Garutmān (Garuda) bowed his head in reverence to Hari and said: “O Puruṣottama, tell me—what pleasing service shall I do for you?”

Verse 105

तमब्रवीन्महातेजा देवदेवेश्वरो हरिः । भव मे वाहनं शूर सखे त्वं सार्वकालिकम्

Then the greatly radiant Hari, the Lord of the lords of the gods, said: “Be my mount, O hero; and be my companion at all times.”

Verse 106

तमुवाच खगश्रेष्ठो धन्योहं विबुधेश्वर । सफलं जन्म मे नाथ त्वां च दृष्ट्वाद्य मे प्रभो

The foremost of birds said: “Blessed am I, O Lord of the gods. My birth has borne fruit, O Master, for today I have seen you, O Sovereign.”

Verse 107

प्रार्थयित्वा च पितरावागमिष्यामि तेऽन्तिकम् । प्रीतो विष्णुरुवाचेदं भव त्वमजरामरः

“After offering my entreaty to my parents, I shall return to your presence.” Pleased, Viṣṇu said this: “Be you free from old age and death.”

Verse 108

अवध्यः सर्वभूतेभ्यः कर्म तेजश्च मत्समम् । सर्वत्र ते गतिश्चास्तु निखिलं तु सुखं ध्रुवम्

May you be inviolable to all beings; may your action and splendor be equal to mine. May your course be unhindered everywhere, and may unbroken happiness indeed be yours—firm and enduring.

Verse 109

संमिलतु द्रुतं सर्वं यत्ते मनसि वर्तते । यथेष्टं प्रीतिमाहारमकष्टेन प्रलप्स्यसे

May everything that dwells in your mind swiftly be fulfilled. Effortlessly, you shall obtain, as you wish, the nourishment of joy and affection.

Verse 110

व्यसनान्मातरं सद्यो मोचयिष्यसि नान्यथा । एवमुक्त्वा हरिः सद्यस्तत्रैवांतरधीयत

“You will immediately deliver your mother from calamity—there is no other way.” Having spoken thus, Hari at once disappeared right there.

Verse 111

तार्क्ष्योपि पितरं गत्वा कथयच्चाखिलं ततः । स तच्छ्रुत्वा प्रहृष्टात्मा तनयं पुनरब्रवीत्

Then Tārkṣya too went to his father and recounted everything in full. Hearing it, the father—his heart delighted—spoke again to his son.

Verse 112

धन्योहं च खगश्रेष्ठ धन्या ते जननी शिवा । धन्यं क्षेत्रं कुलं चैव यस्य पुत्रस्त्वमीदृशः

Blessed am I, O best of birds; blessed is your auspicious mother. Blessed too are the land and the lineage in which a son like you has been born.

Verse 113

यस्य पुत्रः कुले जातो वैष्णवः पुरुषोत्तमः । कुलकोटिं समुद्धृत्य विष्णुसायुज्यतां व्रजेत्

In whose family a Vaiṣṇava son is born—devoted to Puruṣottama—he uplifts ten million members of his lineage and attains union with Viṣṇu.

Verse 114

विष्णुं यः पूजयेन्नित्यं विष्णुं ध्यायेत गायति । जपेन्मंत्रं सदा विष्णोः स्तोत्रं तस्य पठिष्यति

Whoever worships Viṣṇu daily—meditates on Viṣṇu, sings His praise, continually repeats Viṣṇu’s mantra, and recites His hymn—such a devotee is devoted to Him in every way.

Verse 115

प्रसादं च भजेन्नित्यमुपवासं हरेर्दिने । क्षयाच्च सर्वपापानां मुच्यते नात्र संशयः

One should always partake of the Lord’s sanctified offering and observe fasting on Hari’s day; by the destruction of all sins, one is liberated—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 116

यस्य तिष्ठति गोविंदो मानसे च सदैव हि । स एव च लभेद्दास्यं सपुण्यैः पुरुषोत्तमः

He in whose mind Govinda ever abides—he alone, O Puruṣottama, attains the blessed state of devoted service (dāsya), endowed with merit.

Verse 117

जन्मकोटिसहस्रेभ्यः कृत्वा सत्कर्मसंचयम् । क्षयाच्च सर्वपापानां विष्णोः किंकरतां व्रजेत्

After amassing a store of good deeds across thousands of crores of births, and when all sins are destroyed, one attains the state of being a servant of Viṣṇu.

Verse 118

धन्योसौ मानवो लोके विष्णोस्सादृश्यमाव्रजेत् । नित्यः सुरवरैः पूज्यो लोकनाथोऽच्युतोऽव्ययः

Blessed indeed is that human being in this world who attains likeness to Viṣṇu—ever worthy of worship by the best of the gods, the Lord of the worlds, the Unfailing (Acyuta), the Imperishable (Avyaya).

Verse 119

सुप्रसन्नो भवेद्यस्य स एव पुरुषोत्तमः । तपोभिर्बहुभिर्धर्मैर्मखैर्नानाविधैरपि

He for whom the Lord becomes exceedingly pleased—he alone is the true Puruṣottama, even if others pursue many austerities, righteous duties, and sacrifices of various kinds.

Verse 120

विष्णुर्न लभ्यते देवैस्त्वयासौ विप्र लभ्यते । सपत्नीव्यसनाद्धोरान्मातरं ते प्रमोचय

Viṣṇu is not attained even by the gods; yet He is attained by you, O brāhmaṇa. Therefore, release your mother from the dreadful misery caused by a rival co-wife.

Verse 121

ततो यास्यसि देवेशं कृत्वा मातुः प्रतिक्रियाम् । गृहीत्वा जनकस्याज्ञां लब्ध्वा विष्णोर्वरं महत्

Then you shall go to the Lord of the gods, after performing the due rites for your mother; having accepted your father’s command, and having obtained a great boon from Viṣṇu.

Verse 122

अंबापार्श्वं गतो हृष्टस्तां प्रणम्याग्रतः स्थितः । विनतोवाच । अभवद्भोजनं तेऽद्य पुत्र दृष्टः पितापि च

Joyfully he went to his mother’s side; having bowed to her, he stood before her and, with humility, said: “Today you have had your meal—your son has been seen, and your husband too.”

Verse 123

किमर्थं वा विलंबस्ते चिंतया व्यथिता ह्यहम् । स मातुर्वचनं श्रुत्वा गरुडः प्रहसन्निव

“Why, then, do you delay? I am indeed pained with worry.” Hearing his mother’s words, Garuḍa seemed to smile.

Verse 124

कथयामास वृत्तांतं सा श्रुत्वा विस्मिताऽभवत् । कथं च दुःष्करं कर्म शिशुभावात्त्वया कृतम्

He recounted the whole incident; hearing it, she was astonished: “How was such a difficult deed accomplished by you while still in childhood?”

Verse 125

धन्याहं मे कुलं धन्यं यस्त्वं विष्णुसखोऽभवः । लब्ध्वा वरं महात्मानं दृष्ट्वा मे हृष्यते मनः

Blessed am I, and blessed is my family, since you have become a friend of Viṣṇu. Having obtained that excellent, great-souled one, and seeing him, my heart rejoices.

Verse 126

पौरुषेण त्वया वत्स उद्धृतं मे कुलद्वयम् । सुपर्ण उवाच । मातः किं ते करिष्यामि प्रियमेव तदुच्यताम्

“By your manly valor, dear child, you have rescued my two lineages.” Suparṇa said: “Mother, what shall I do for you? Tell me only what would please you.”

Verse 127

कार्यं कृत्वाथ यास्यामि पार्श्वं नारायणस्य च । एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु सा प्राह गरुडं विनता सती

“Having completed the task, I shall then go to the presence of Nārāyaṇa.” Hearing this, the virtuous Vinatā spoke to Garuḍa.

Verse 128

महद्दुःखं च मे चास्ति कुरु तात प्रतिक्रियाम् । भगिनी मे सपत्नी सा पणितहं तया पुरा

“I am in great distress. Dear one, do something in response. That sister of mine has become my co-wife; formerly, I was deceived by her.”

Verse 129

तस्या दास्यमहं प्राप्ता कस्तारयति मामितः । कृष्णं कृत्वा विषैरश्वं तस्याः पुत्रैर्महोरगैः

“I have fallen into her servitude—who will deliver me from here? By poisons, her sons—the mighty serpents—have turned the horse black.”

Verse 130

उषःकालेऽवदत्सा च अश्वोयं कृष्णतां व्रजेत् । ततोहमवदं तत्र सदा चायं रुचासितः

At dawn she said, “This horse will become black.” Then I replied there, “But this one is always dark by its own hue.”

Verse 131

मिथ्या ते वचनं मातः प्रतिज्ञां साऽकरोत्तदा । ततोहमब्रुवं कद्रूं शपथं नागमातरम्

“Mother, your words are false.” Then she made a vow. After that I spoke to Kadrū, mother of the Nāgas, and bound her by an oath.

Verse 132

यदीमं कृष्णताभ्येति हरेरश्वमहं तदा । कृता भवामि ते दासीत्यहमेतत्तदाऽवदम्

“If I can make Hari’s horse dark (black), then I shall become your maidservant”—so I spoke at that time.

Verse 133

ततस्तस्मिन्हरेरश्वे कृते कृष्णे च कृत्रिमैः । तस्याः पुत्रैश्च धूर्तैश्च दासीत्वमगमं तदा

Then, when Hari’s horse was thus contrived and a black one too was artificially made, she—through her sons and those deceitful ones—was at that time brought down into servitude.

Verse 134

यस्मिन्काले ह्यभीष्टञ्च तस्या द्रव्यं ददाम्यहम् । तस्मिन्काले ह्यदासीत्वं यास्यामि कुलनंदन

At the very time when her desired request arises, I shall give her the needed wealth. At that time, O joy of the family, I shall enter the state of servitude.

Verse 135

गरुड उवाच । पृच्छ शीघ्रं च मातस्तां करिष्यामि प्रतिक्रियाम् । भक्षयिष्यामि तान्नागान्प्रतिज्ञामे यथार्थतः

Garuḍa said: “Ask quickly, Mother; I shall perform the fitting counter-action. I will devour those Nāgas—my vow is truly steadfast.”

Verse 136

ततः कद्रूमुवाचेदं विनता दुःखिता सती । अभीष्टं वद कल्याणि येन मुच्येय कृच्छ्रतः

Then Kadrū spoke to Vinatā, who was stricken with sorrow: “O auspicious one, tell me what you desire, by which I may be released from this hardship.”

Verse 137

अब्रवीत्सा दुराचारा पीयूषं दीयतामिति । एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचनमभवत्सा च निष्प्रभा

That wicked woman said, “Let the amṛta, the nectar, be given to me.” But upon hearing those words, she became utterly lusterless.

Verse 138

ततः शनैरुपागम्य तनयं प्राह दुःखिता । अमृतं प्रार्थयत्पापा तात किं वा करिष्यसि

Then, slowly approaching, the sorrowful woman spoke to her son: “O child—though you are sinful—if you seek the amṛta, what will you truly accomplish?”

Verse 139

श्रुत्वा वाक्यं गरुत्मांश्च महाक्रोधसमन्वितः । अमृतं चानयिष्यामि मातर्मा विमुखी भव

Hearing these words, Garuḍa—filled with great anger—said: “I will bring the amṛta; Mother, do not turn away from me.”

Verse 140

एवमुक्त्वा तु तरसा स गतः पितुरंतिकम् । अमृतं चानयिष्यामि मातुरर्थेऽधुनाऽनघ

Having spoken thus, he swiftly went to his father’s presence: “Even now, O sinless one, I shall bring the amṛta for my mother’s sake.”

Verse 141

स तस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा मुनिः प्राह खगेश्वरम् । सत्यलोकस्य वै चोर्ध्वे विश्वकर्मविनिर्मिता

Hearing his words, the sage spoke to the lord of birds: “Above Satyaloka indeed there is a realm/structure, fashioned by Viśvakarman.”

Verse 142

पुरी चास्ति सभा रम्या देवानां हित हेतवे । वह्निप्राकारदुर्लभ्या दुर्धर्षा चासुरैः सुरैः

There is also a city with a delightful assembly-hall, established for the welfare and benefit of the devas. Fortified by a rampart of fire, it is hard to approach and cannot be assailed—by either the asuras or the suras.

Verse 143

रक्षार्थं निर्मितो देवः सुरैस्तत्र महाबलः । यं यं पश्यति वीरः स स एव भस्मतां व्रजेत्

For protection, the gods, together with the suras, created there a mighty divine being. Whomever that hero looks upon—he alone is reduced to ashes.

Verse 145

एममुक्त्वा गरुत्मान्स उद्धृत्य सागराज्जलम् । जगामाकाशमाविश्य खगश्चोर्ध्वं मनोजवः

Having said this, Garuḍa lifted up the water from the ocean; then the swift-moving bird entered the sky and flew upward.

Verse 146

पक्षवातेन तस्यैव रजः समुद्गतं बहु । तस्यांतिकं न च त्यक्तमगमत्तस्य तच्च यः

By the flapping of its wings, a great cloud of dust rose up; yet the one who had come did not abandon its vicinity—he went right up close to it.

Verse 147

गत्वा चंचूजलेनापि वह्निं निर्वापयद्बली । रजोभिः परिपूर्णाक्षो न सुरस्तं च पश्यति

Having gone there, the mighty one quenched the fire even with water borne in his beak; yet, his eyes filled with dust, the god could not behold him.

Verse 148

जघान रक्षिवर्गांस्तानमृतं चाहरद्बली । आनयंतं च पीयूषं खगं गत्वा शतक्रतुः

The mighty one slew that band of guardians and carried off the amṛta. Then Śatakratu (Indra), assuming the form of a bird, pursued the bird that bore the ambrosia.

Verse 149

ऐरावतं समारूढो वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह । खगरूपधरः कस्त्वं पीयूषं हरसे बलात्

Mounted upon Airāvata, he spoke these words: “Who are you, assuming the form of a bird, that you carry away the nectar by force?”

Verse 150

अप्रियं सर्वदेवानां कृत्वा जीवे रतिः कथम् । विशिखैरग्निसंकाशैर्नयामि यममंदिरम्

Having made yourself hateful to all the devas, how can you still delight in living? With arrows bright as fire, I shall take you to Yama’s abode.

Verse 151

श्रुत्वा वाक्यं हरेः कोपादुवाच स महाबलः । नयामि तव पीयूषं दर्शयस्व पराक्रमम्

Hearing Hari’s words, that mighty one spoke in anger: “I shall carry off your nectar—now show your prowess!”

Verse 152

एतच्छ्रुत्वा महाबाहुर्जघान विशिखैः शितैः । यथामेरुगिरेः शृंगं तोयवर्षेण तोयदः

Hearing this, the mighty-armed one struck with sharp, feathered arrows—just as a rain-cloud, pouring down water, strikes the peak of Mount Meru.

Verse 153

नखैरशनिसंकाशैर्बिभेद गरुडो गजम् । मातलि च रथं चक्रं तथा देवान्पुरस्सरान्

With claws like thunderbolts, Garuḍa tore apart the elephant; and he struck down Mātali, the chariot and its wheel, and likewise the gods who stood in the forefront.

Verse 154

व्यथितोसौ महाबाहुर्मातलिर्गजपुंगवः । विमुखाः पक्षवातेन सर्वे देवगणास्तदा

Then Mātali, mighty-armed and foremost among elephants, was shaken; and at that time all the hosts of gods were driven back by the gusts of wind from the wings.

Verse 155

ततस्तु कोपितो जिष्णुर्जघानकुलिशेन तम् । कुलिशस्यावपातेन न च क्षुब्धो महाखगः

Then Jiṣṇu, angered, struck him with the vajra, the thunderbolt; yet even when the thunderbolt fell, the mighty bird was not shaken.

Verse 156

स्वं मोघं भिदुरं दृष्ट्वा हरिर्भीतोऽभवत्तदा । संनिवृत्य ततो युद्धात्तत्रैवांतरधीयत

Seeing his own weapon rendered futile and shattered, Hari became afraid at that moment; withdrawing from the battle, he vanished from that very place.

Verse 157

सुतरामपिगच्छंतं वेगाद्भूतलमागतः । अब्रवीत्स सुरश्रेष्ठः सर्वदेवगणाग्रतः

As he sped swiftly onward, the foremost of the gods, hastening down to the earth, spoke before the assembled hosts of all the deities.

Verse 158

शक्र उवाच । यदि दास्यसि पीयूषमिदानीं नागमातरि । भुजगाश्चामराः सर्वे क्रियंते हि ध्रुवं तया

Śakra (Indra) said: “O Mother of the Nāgas, if you bestow the nectar (amṛta) now, then by that very act all serpents will surely become immortal.”

Verse 159

प्रतिज्ञा ते भवेन्नष्टा न फलं जीवितस्य ते । तस्मादिदं हरिष्यामि संमतेन तवानघ

Your vow would be shattered, and your life would bear no fruit. Therefore, O sinless one, I shall take this away—with your consent.

Verse 160

गरुत्मानुवाच । यस्मिन्काले ह्यदासी सा माता मे दुःखिता सती । विदिता सर्वलोकेषु हरेऽमृतं हरिष्यसि

Garuḍa said: “When my mother, sorrowful indeed, was held in bondage, it became known in all the worlds, O Hari, that you would carry away the nectar (amṛta).”

Verse 161

एवमुक्त्वा महावीर्यो गत्वोवाच प्रसूं तदा । आनीतममृतं मातस्तस्या एव प्रदीयताम्

Having spoken thus, the great hero went and then said to his mother: “Mother, the nectar (amṛta) has been brought—let it be given to her alone.”

Verse 162

प्रोत्फुल्लहृदया सा च दृष्ट्वा पुत्रं सहामृतम् । तामाहूयामृतं दत्वा चादासीतां तदा गता

Her heart blossomed with joy on seeing her son together with the amṛta. Calling her near, he bestowed the sacred nectar, and then, at that time, he departed.

Verse 163

तृणकाष्ठानि भूतानि पशवश्च सरीसृपाः । दृष्ट्वा सविस्मयास्सर्वे देवा महर्षयस्तदा

Seeing grasses and pieces of wood, along with various beings, animals, and creeping creatures, all the devas and great ṛṣis at that time were filled with astonishment.

Verse 164

मोचयित्वा तु तामंबां गरुडः सुष्ठुतां गतः । एतस्मिन्नंतरे शक्रो जहार सहसा सुधाम्

After releasing that revered mother, Garuḍa went on his way in success. Meanwhile, Śakra (Indra) suddenly seized the amṛta.

Verse 165

निधाय गरलं तत्र तया चानुपलक्षितः । प्रहृष्टहृदया कद्रूः पुत्रानाहूय संभ्रमात्

After placing the poison there—without her noticing—Kadru, her heart delighted, hurriedly called her sons together.

Verse 166

तेषां मुखे ददौ हृष्टा क्ष्वेडं चामृतलक्षणम् । तानुवाच प्रसूः पुत्रान्युष्माकं च कुले सदा

Delighted, the Mother (Prasū) placed into their mouths the kṣveḍa, bearing the marks and qualities of amṛta, and said to those sons: “May this remain forever in your lineage as well.”

Verse 167

मुखे तिष्ठन्त्वमी दैवा बिंदवश्चस्तनिर्वृताः । महर्षयस्ततो देवाः सिद्धगंधर्वमानुषाः

“May these deities abide in the mouth; and may the drops, satisfied at the breast, remain there. Thereafter come the great seers, then the gods, and then the Siddhas, Gandharvas, and human beings.”

Verse 168

ऊचुःस्सन्तु कुले मातरस्माकं च प्रसादतः । नागैर्विसर्जिता देवाः ससिद्धा मुनयस्तथा

They said: “By your grace, may there be mothers in our lineage; and may the gods, released by the Nāgas, along with the Siddhas and the sages as well, be set free.”

Verse 169

जग्मुः स्वमालयं हृष्टा नागाः प्रमुदिताः स्थिताः । एतस्मिन्नंतरे नागांश्चखाद गरुडो बलात्

Rejoicing, the Nāgas went to their own abode and remained there, delighted. In the meantime, Garuḍa, by force, devoured the Nāgas.

Verse 170

दिक्षु पलायिताः शेषाः पर्वतेषु वनेषु च । सागरेषु च पाताले बिलेषु तरुकोटरे

The remaining ones fled in all directions—into mountains and forests, into the oceans and the netherworld, into caves and into the hollows of trees.

Verse 171

निभृतेषु निकुञ्जेषु स्थिताः सर्पाश्च निर्वृताः । भुजगास्तस्य भक्ष्याश्च सदैव विधिनिर्मिताः

In the quiet, secluded groves, serpents dwell contentedly; and the snakes’ appointed prey too is always fashioned by the ordinance of the Creator.

Verse 172

स खादयित्वा नागांश्च संभाष्य पितरावथ । विबुधान्पूजयित्वा तु जगाम हरिमव्ययम्

After feeding the nāgas, speaking with his two parents, and worshipping the devas, he went to Hari, the imperishable Lord.

Verse 173

यः पठेच्छृणुयाद्वापि सुपर्णचरितं शुभम् । सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः सुरलोके महीयते

Whoever recites, or even hears, this auspicious account of Suparṇa is freed from all sins and is honored in the world of the gods.