Adhyaya 3

Verse 1

। व्यास उवाच । श्रूयतां नृपशार्दूल कथां पौराणिकीं शुभाम् । यां श्रुत्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मुच्यते नात्र संशयः

Vyāsa said: O tiger among kings, hear this auspicious Purāṇic tale; by hearing it one is freed from all sins—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 2

एकदा धर्मराजो वै तपस्तेपे सुदुष्करम् । ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेशाद्यैर्जलवर्षांतपादिषाट्

Once, Dharmarāja undertook an exceedingly arduous tapas; by the power of his discipline he endured trials of rain, downpour, and scorching heat, while Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Maheśa and others looked on.

Verse 3

आदौ त्रेतायुगे राजन्वर्षाणामयुतत्रयम् । मध्येवनं तपस्यंतमशोकतरुमूलगम्

In the beginning of the Tretā Yuga, O king, for thirty thousand years he practiced austerity in the heart of the forest, seated at the root of an Aśoka tree.

Verse 4

शुष्कस्नायुपिनद्धास्थिसंचयं निश्चलाकृतिम् । वल्मीककीटिकाकोटिशोषिताशेषशोणितम्

His body had become a motionless form—only a heap of bones bound by dried sinews—while countless termites from anthills had sucked away all his blood.

Verse 5

निर्मांसकीकसचयं स्फटिकोपलनिश्चलम् । शंखकुदेंदुतहिनमहाशंखलसच्छ्रियम्

It stood motionless like a crystal boulder—only a mass of fleshless bones—yet radiant with a beauty like conch, jasmine, moonlight, and snow, splendid as a great conch-shell garland.

Verse 6

सत्त्वावलंबितप्राणमायुःशेषेण रक्षितम् । निश्वासोच्छ्वास पवनवृत्तिसूचितजीवितम्

Its life-breath was sustained only by sheer inner resolve; its remaining lifespan was barely preserved—its living state known only by the faint movement of wind in inhalation and exhalation.

Verse 7

निमेषोन्मेषसंचारपशुनीकृतजन्तुकम् । पिशंगितस्फुरद्रश्मिनेत्रदीपितदिङ्मुखम्

Creatures were held as if subdued by the very rhythm of its blinking; and the quarters were lit up by its tawny eyes, flashing with vibrant rays.

Verse 8

तत्तपोग्निशिखादाव चुंबितम्लानकाननम् । तच्छांत्युदसुधावर्षसंसिक्ताखिलभूरुहम

That forest was scorched and withered as if kissed by the flames of his austerity-fire; yet all its trees were bathed again, as though by a nectar-rain poured forth from his peace.

Verse 9

साक्षात्तपस्यंतमिव तपो धृत्वा नराकृतिम् । निराकृतिं निराकाशं कृत्वा भक्तिं च कांचनम्

It was as though austerity itself had taken a human form—practising tapas in person—having made the formless and the all-pervading ‘space-like’ Reality approachable, and turning devotion into something golden and tangible.

Verse 10

कुरंगशावैर्गणशो भ्रमद्भिः परिवारितम् । निनादभीषणास्यैश्च वनजैः परिरक्षितम्

It was encircled by herds of roaming young deer, and guarded on every side by forest beings whose cries were dreadful and whose faces were fearsome.

Verse 11

एतादृशं महाभीमं दृष्ट्वा देवाः सवासवाः । ध्यायंतं च महादेवं सर्वेषां चाभयप्रदम्

Beholding such a tremendously awe-inspiring sight, the gods—together with Indra—beheld Mahādeva absorbed in meditation, the bestower of fearlessness to all.

Verse 12

ब्रह्माद्या दैवता सर्वे कैलासं प्रति जग्मिरे । पारिजाततरुच्छायामासीनं च सहोमया

All the deities beginning with Brahmā went toward Kailāsa, where he sat beneath the shade of the Pārijāta tree, together with Umā.

Verse 13

नदिर्भृंगिर्महाकालस्तथान्ये च महागणाः । स्कन्दस्वामी च भगवान्गणपश्च तथैव च । तत्र देवाः सब्रह्माद्याः स्वस्वस्थानेषु तस्थिरे

There were Nandin, Bhṛṅgin, Mahākāla, and other great gaṇas; and Lord Skanda, and Gaṇapa as well. Thereupon the gods, headed by Brahmā, stood each in their respective places.

Verse 14

ब्रह्मोवाच । नमोस्त्वनंतरूपाय नीलश्च नमोऽस्तु ते । अविज्ञातस्वरूपाय कैवल्यायामृताय च

Brahmā said: Salutations to You of endless forms; salutations to You, O Blue-Throated One. Salutations to You whose true nature is unknowable—to Liberation itself, and to the Deathless.

Verse 15

नांतं देवा विजानंति यस्य तस्मै नमोनमः । यं न वाचः प्रशंसंति नमस्तस्मै चिदात्मने

Repeated salutations to Him whose limit even the gods do not know; salutations to that Conscious Self whom words cannot adequately praise.

Verse 16

योगिनो यं हृदः कोशे प्रणिधानेन निश्चलाः । ज्योतीरूपं प्रपश्यति तस्मै श्रीब्रह्मणे नमः

Salutations to the auspicious Brahman—whom steadfast yogins, made motionless by deep meditation, behold as the form of Light within the sheath of the heart.

Verse 17

कालात्पराय कालाय स्वेच्छया पुरुषाय च । गुणत्रयस्वरूपाय नमः प्रकृतिरूपिणे

Salutations to Him who is Time yet beyond Time; to that Person who acts by His own free will; to Him whose nature is the three guṇas, and who also appears as Prakṛti itself.

Verse 18

विष्णवे सत्त्वरूपाय रजोरूपाय वेधसे । तमोरूपाय रुद्राय स्थितिसर्गांतकारिणे

Salutations to Viṣṇu as the form of sattva; to the Creator (Vedhas/Brahmā) as the form of rajas; and to Rudra as the form of tamas—who performs preservation, creation, and dissolution.

Verse 19

नमो बुद्धिस्वरूपाय त्रिधाहंकाररूपिणे । पंचतन्मात्ररूपाय नमः प्रकृतिरूपिणे

Salutations to Him who appears as Buddhi (intellect), as the threefold Ahaṅkāra (ego-principle), and as the five subtle elements (tanmātras); salutations to Him who takes the form of Prakṛti.

Verse 20

नमो नमः स्वरूपाय पंचबुद्धींद्रियात्मने । क्षित्यादिपंचरूपाय नमस्ते विषयात्मने

Again and again salutations to You, whose very being is the five organs of knowledge; salutations to You who are the five forms beginning with earth, and who are also the very objects of sense.

Verse 21

नमो ब्रह्मांडरूपाय तदंतर्वर्तिने नमः । अर्वाचीनपराचीनविश्वरूपाय ते नमः

Salutations to You who are the very form of the cosmic egg and who dwell within it; salutations to You whose universal form encompasses what is near and what is far, what is before and what is beyond.

Verse 22

अनित्यनित्यरूपाय सदसत्पतये नमः । नमस्ते भक्तकृपया स्वेच्छावि ष्कृतविग्रह

Salutations to You who appear as both the perishable and the imperishable, the Lord of being and non-being. Salutations to You who, out of compassion for devotees, manifest a form by Your own free will.

Verse 23

तव निश्वसितं वेदास्तव वेदोऽखिलं जगत् । विश्वाभूतानि ते पादः शिरो द्यौः समवर्तत

The Vedas are Your very exhalation, and the entire world is Your Veda. All beings are Your feet, and heaven itself has become Your head.

Verse 24

नाभ्या आसीदंतरिक्षं लोमानि च वनस्पतिः । चंद्रमा मनसो जातश्चक्षोः सूर्यस्तव प्रभो

From Your navel arose the mid-space; from Your hairs, the vegetation. The moon was born of Your mind, and from Your eye came the sun—O Lord.

Verse 25

त्वमेव सर्वं त्वयि देव सर्वं सर्वस्तुति स्तव्य इह त्वमेव । ईश त्वया वास्यमिदं हि सर्वं नमोऽस्तु भूयोऽपि नमो नमस्ते

You alone are all; in You, O God, all abides. You alone are worthy here of every hymn and praise. O Lord, by You indeed this whole universe is pervaded—salutations to You; again and again, salutations—salutations to You.

Verse 26

इति स्तुत्वा महादेवं निपेतुर्दंडवत्क्षितौ । प्रत्युवाच तदा शंभुर्वरदोऽस्मि किमिच्छति

Having thus praised Mahādeva, they fell upon the earth like a staff, in full prostration. Then Śambhu replied, “I am the giver of boons—what do you desire?”

Verse 27

महादेव उवाच । कथं व्यग्राः सुराः सर्वे बृहस्पतिपुरोगमाः । तत्समाचक्ष्व मां ब्रह्मन्भवतां दुःखकारणम्

Mahādeva said: “Why are all the gods distressed, with Bṛhaspati at their head? O Brahman (Brahmā), tell Me the cause of your sorrow.”

Verse 28

ब्रह्मोवाच । नीलकंठ महादेव दुःखनाशाभयप्रद । शृणु त्वं दुःखमस्माकं भवतो यद्वदाम्यहम्

Brahmā said: “O Nīlakaṇṭha, O Mahādeva—destroyer of sorrow and giver of fearlessness—hear now the trouble of us all, as I tell it to You.”

Verse 29

धर्मराजोऽपि धर्मात्मा तपस्तेपे सुदुःसहम् । न जानेऽसौ किमिच्छति देवानां पदमुत्तमम्

Even Dharma-rāja, that righteous-souled one, has undertaken an exceedingly severe austerity. I do not know what he seeks—perhaps the highest station among the gods.

Verse 30

तेन त्रस्तास्तत्तपसा सर्व इंद्रपुरोगमाः । भवतोंघ्रौ चिरेणैव मनस्तेन समर्पितम् । तमुत्थापय देवेश किमिच्छति स धर्मराट्

Terrified by that very austerity, all the gods—led by Indra—have at last offered their minds at Your sacred feet. O Lord of the gods, raise him up from his penance and learn what Dharma-rāja desires.

Verse 31

ईश्वर उवाच । भवतां नास्ति नु भयं धर्मात्सत्यं ब्रवीम्यहम्

Īśvara said: “Truly I tell you—there is no cause for fear for you from Dharma.”

Verse 32

तत उत्थाय ते सर्वे देवाः सह दिवौकसः । रुद्रं प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य नमस्कृत्वा पुनःपुनः

Then all those gods, together with the celestial dwellers, rose up; and having circumambulated Rudra in pradakṣiṇā, they bowed again and again.

Verse 33

इन्द्रेण सहिताः सर्वे कैलात्पुनरागताः । स्वस्वस्थाने तदा शीघ्रं गताः सर्वे दिवौकसः

All of them, accompanied by Indra, returned again from Kailāsa. Then all the heavenly beings quickly went to their respective abodes.

Verse 34

इन्द्रोऽपि वै सुधर्मायां गतवान्प्रभुरीश्वरः । न निद्रां लब्धवांस्तत्र न सुखं न च निर्वृतिम्

Indra too—the mighty lord—went to Sudharmā. Yet there he found neither sleep, nor happiness, nor the peace of relief.

Verse 35

मनसा चिंतयामास विघ्नं मे समुपस्थितम् । अवाप महतीं चितां तदा देवः शचीपतिः

Then Śacī’s lord, Indra, pondered in his mind: “An obstacle has arisen before me.” At that moment the god was seized by great anxiety and concern.

Verse 36

मम स्थानं पराहर्तुं स्तपस्तेपे सुदुश्चरम् । सर्वान्देवान्समाहूय इदं वचनमब्रवीत्

“To seize my station,” he performed an extremely difficult tapas. Summoning all the gods together, he spoke these words.

Verse 37

इन्द्र उवाच । शृण्वंतु देवताः सर्वा मम दुःखस्य कारणम् । दुःखेन मम यल्लब्धं तत्किं वा प्रार्थयेद्यमः । बृहस्पतिः समालोक्य सर्वान्दे वानथाब्रवीत्

Indra said: “Let all the deities hear the cause of my distress. What Yama seeks to obtain—what I gained only through hardship—why should he desire that?” Then Bṛhaspati, looking upon all the gods, spoke in reply.

Verse 38

बृहस्पतिरुवाच । तपसे नास्ति सामर्थ्यं विघ्नं कर्तुं दिवौकसः । उर्वश्याद्या समाहूय संप्रेष्यंतां च तत्र वै

Bṛhaspati said: “The dwellers of heaven have no power to create an obstacle by force to such tapas. Therefore, let Urvaśī and the other apsarases be summoned and dispatched there.”

Verse 39

तासामाकारणार्थाय प्रतिद्वारं प्रतस्थिवान् । स गत्वा ताः समादाय सभायां शीघ्रमाययौ

To summon them, he set out to each doorway in turn. Going and gathering them, he quickly brought them into the assembly hall.

Verse 40

आगतास्ता हरिः प्राह महत्कार्यमुपस्थितम् । गच्छन्तु त्वरिताः सर्वा धर्मारण्यं प्रति द्रुतम्

When they had arrived, Hari spoke: “A great task is at hand. Let all of you go swiftly—run—toward Dharmāraṇya.”

Verse 41

यत्र वै धर्मराजोसौ तपश्चक्रे सुदुष्करम् । हास्यभावकटाक्षैश्च गीतनृत्यादिभिस्तथा

There indeed, where Dharmarāja performed a most arduous austerity, they approached with playful smiles and sidelong glances, and likewise with song, dance, and such arts.

Verse 42

तं लोभयध्वं यमिनं तपःस्थानाच्च्युतिर्भवेत् । देवस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा तथा अप्सरसां गणाः

“Entice that ascetic, so that he may fall away from his seat of austerity.” Hearing the god’s words, the companies of apsarases prepared accordingly.

Verse 43

मिथः संरेभिरे कर्तुं विचार्य च परस्परम् । धर्मारण्यं प्रतस्थेसावुर्वशी स्वर्वरांगना

After consulting one another and deciding what to do, Urvaśī—the heavenly courtesan—set out toward Dharmāraṇya.

Verse 44

तुष्टुवुः पुष्पवर्षाश्च ससृजुस्तच्छिरस्यमी । ततस्तु देवैर्विप्रैश्च स्तूयमानः समंततः

They praised him and showered flowers upon his head. Then, being extolled on all sides by gods and sages, he was honoured everywhere.

Verse 45

निर्ययौ परमप्रीत्या वनं परमपावनम् । बिल्वार्कखदिराकीर्णं कपित्थधवसंकुलम्

With supreme delight he set out for that most purifying forest, thick with bilva, arka, and khadira trees, and crowded as well with kapittha and dhava.

Verse 46

न सूर्यो भाति तत्रैव महांधकार संयुतम् । निर्जनं निर्मनुष्यं च बहुयोजनमायतम्

There the sun did not shine at all; it was bound up with great darkness—lonely, devoid of people, and stretching for many yojanas.

Verse 47

मृगैः सिंहैर्वृतं घोरेरन्यैश्चापि वनेचरैः । पुष्पितैः पादपैः कीर्णं सुमनोहरशाद्वलम्

It was ringed by deer and lions and other fearsome forest-dwellers; yet it was strewn with flowering trees and carpeted with grass exceedingly charming to the mind.

Verse 48

विपुलं मधुरानादैर्नादितं विहगैस्तथा । पुंस्कोकिलनिनादाढ्यं झिल्लीकगणनादितम्

Vast indeed, it resounded with the sweet calls of birds—rich with the song of male cuckoos and filled with the chorus of crickets.

Verse 49

प्रवृद्धविकटैर्वृक्षैः सुखच्छायैः समावृतम् । वृक्षैराच्छादिततलं लक्ष्म्या परमया युतम्

It was enveloped by towering, massive trees casting pleasant shade; the very ground was covered by trees, and the place was endowed with supreme beauty and prosperity.

Verse 50

नापुष्पः पादपः कश्चिन्नाफलो नापि कंटकी । षट्पदैरप्यनाकीर्णं नास्मिन्वै काननेभवेत्

In that sacred woodland there was no tree without flowers, none without fruit, and none thorny; nor was there any place that was not filled with bees.

Verse 51

विहंगैर्नादितं पुष्पैरलंकृतमतीव हि । सर्वर्तुकुसमैर्वृक्षैः सुखच्छायैः समावृतम्

It echoed with birdsong and was richly adorned with blossoms; it was covered by trees that flowered in every season and offered pleasant shade.

Verse 52

मारुताकलितास्तत्र द्रुमाः कुसुमशाखिनः । पुष्पवृष्टिं विचित्रां तु विसृजंति च पादपाः

There, stirred by the breeze, the trees with flower-laden branches released a wondrous shower of blossoms.

Verse 53

दिवस्पृशोऽथ संपुष्टाः पक्षिभिर्मधुरस्वनैः । विरेजुः पादपास्तत्र सुगन्धकुसुमैर्वृताः

Then the trees, as though touching the sky, thrived amid sweet-voiced birds; in that place they shone, wreathed in fragrant blossoms.

Verse 54

तिष्ठंति च प्रवालेषु पुष्पभारावनादिषु । रुवंति मधुरालापाः षट्पदा मधुलिप्सवः

They lingered on tender shoots and in groves heavy with blossoms; the bees, longing for honey, hummed sweetly in their gentle chatter.

Verse 55

तत्र प्रदेशांश्च बहूनामोदांकुरमंडितान् । लतागृह परिक्षिप्तान्मनसः प्रीतिवर्द्धनान्

There she beheld many charming tracts of land, adorned with delightful fresh sprouts, encircled by vine-bowers—places that increased the joy of the mind.

Verse 56

संपश्यंती महातेजा बभूव मुदिता तदा । परस्पराश्लिष्टशाखैः पादपैः कुसमाचितैः

Beholding it, that radiant lady became joyful then, as the trees—laden with blossoms—stood with branches interlaced with one another.

Verse 57

अशोभत वनं तत्तु महेंद्रध्वजसन्निभैः । सुखशीतसुगन्धी च पुष्परेणुवहोऽनिलः

That forest shone, resembling Indra’s lofty banners; and a gentle, cool, fragrant breeze blew, carrying the pollen-dust of flowers.

Verse 58

एवंगुणसमायुक्तं ददर्श सा वनं तदा । तदा सूर्योद्भवां तत्र पवित्रां परिशोभिताम्

Thus endowed with many excellences, she beheld that forest then; and there she also saw Sūryodbhavā, the sanctifying stream, beautifully adorned.

Verse 59

आश्रमप्रवरं तत्र ददर्श च मनोरमम् । पतिभिर्वालखिल्यैश्च वृतं मुनिगणा वृतम्

There she saw an excellent, enchanting hermitage (āśrama), surrounded by the venerable Vālakhilya sages and encircled by hosts of munis.

Verse 60

अग्न्यगारैश्च बहुभिर्वृक्षशाखावलंबितैः । धूगम्रपानकणैस्तत्र दिग्वासोयतिभिस्तथा

It was furnished with many fire-sanctuaries, hung upon the branches of trees; and there were also sky-clad ascetics, amidst the curling particles of smoke from their ritual fires.

Verse 61

पाल्या वन्या मृगास्तत्र सौम्या भूयो बभूविरे । मार्जारा मूषकैस्तत्र सर्पैश्च नकुलास्तथा

There, the wild animals were gentle and as if protected; and likewise cats with mice, and mongooses with snakes, lived there together.

Verse 62

मृगशावैस्तथा सिंहाः सत्त्वरूपा बभूविरे । परस्परं चिक्रीडुस्ते यथा चैव सहोदराः । दूराद्ददर्श च वनं तत्र देवोऽब्रवीत्तदा

Even lions became gentle among the fawns, taking on a peaceful nature; they played with one another as though they were siblings. From afar, when the god saw that forest, he spoke then.

Verse 63

इन्द्र उवाच । अयं च खलु धर्मराड् तपस्तुग्रेवतिष्ठते । मम राज्याभिकांक्षोऽसावतोर्थे यत्यतामिह

Indra said: “Indeed, this Dharmarāṭ stands engaged in fierce austerity. He desires my sovereignty; therefore, for this purpose, let effort be made here.”

Verse 64

तपोविघ्नं प्रकुर्वंतु ममाज्ञा तत्र गम्यताम् । इन्द्रस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा उर्वशी च तिलोत्तमा

“Let them create an obstacle to his austerity—this is my command; let them go there.” Hearing Indra’s words, Urvaśī and Tilottamā responded.

Verse 65

सुकेशी मंजुघोषा च घृताची मेनका तथा । विश्वाची चैव रंभा च प्रम्लोचा चारुभाषिणी

There were Sukeshī and Mañjughoṣā; Ghṛtācī and Menakā as well; Viśvācī and Rambhā; and Pramlocā, the sweet-spoken one—these famed Apsarases were present.

Verse 66

पूर्वचित्तिः सुरूपा च अनुम्लोचा यशस्विनी । एताश्चान्याश्च बहुशस्तत्र संस्था व्यचिंतयन्

Pūrvacitti, Surūpā, and Anumlocā—renowned and illustrious—these and many others, gathered there, were repeatedly considered for the task.

Verse 67

परस्परं विलोक्यैव शंकमाना भयेन हि । यमश्चैव तथा शक्र उभौ वायतनं हि वः

Looking at one another, they hesitated in fear; for Yama and Śakra (Indra), those two, were indeed present as the authority and refuge in that matter.

Verse 68

एवं विचार्य बहुधा वर्द्धनी नाम भारत । सर्वासामप्सरसां श्रेष्ठा सर्वाभरणभूषिता

After deliberating in many ways, O Bhārata, they chose one named Varddhanī—foremost among all Apsarases, adorned with every ornament.

Verse 69

उवाचैवोर्वशी तत्र किं खिद्यसि शुभानने । देवानां कार्यसिद्ध्यर्थं मायारूपबलेन च । वर्णधर्मो यथा भूयात्करिष्ये पाकशासन

Then Urvaśī spoke there: “Why do you grieve, O fair-faced one? For the success of the devas’ purpose, by the power of māyā and assumed forms, I shall act—O Pākaśāsana (Indra)—so that varṇadharma may be duly established.”

Verse 70

इन्द्र उवाच । साधुसाधु महाभागे वर्द्धनी नाम सुव्रता । शीघ्रं गच्छ स्वयं भद्रे कुरु कार्यं कृशोदरि

Indra said: “Well done, well done, O greatly fortunate one—Varddhanī by name, of noble vows. Go quickly yourself, O auspicious lady; accomplish the task, O slender-waisted one.”

Verse 71

धीराणामवने शक्ता नान्या सुभ्रु त्वया विना । वर्द्धनी च तथेत्युक्त्वा गता यत्र स धर्मराट्

“None other is capable of subduing the steadfast, O fair-browed one, apart from you.” Thus addressed, Varddhanī replied, “So be it,” and went to where that sovereign of Dharma, Dharmarāja (Yama), was.

Verse 72

महता भूषणेनैव रूपं कृत्वा मनोरमम् । कुंकुमैः कज्जलैर्वस्त्रैर्भूषणैश्चैव भूषिता

Assuming a charming form through splendid ornamentation, she adorned herself with vermilion, collyrium, fine garments, and ornaments.

Verse 73

कुसुमं च तथा वस्त्रं किंकिणीकटिराजिता । झणत्कारैस्तथा कष्टैर्भूषिता च पदद्वये

With flowers and garments, her waist resplendent with tinkling bells; and with jingling anklets, she was adorned upon both feet.

Verse 74

नानाभूषणभूषाढ्या नानाचंदनचर्चिता । नानाकुसुम मालाढ्या दुकूलेनावृता शुभा

Richly adorned with many ornaments, anointed with diverse sandal-pastes, abundant in garlands of many flowers—she, auspicious and radiant, was draped in fine silk.

Verse 75

प्रगृह्य वीणां संशुद्धां करे सर्वांगसुन्दरी । नर्तनं त्रिविधं तत्र चक्रे लोकमनोरमम्

Taking in her hand a purified, well-tuned vīṇā, that lady of exquisite beauty performed there a threefold dance, captivating and delightful to all the worlds.

Verse 76

तारस्वरेण मधुरैर्वंशनादेन मिश्रितम्

It was blended with sweet, high-pitched tones, mingled with the melodious sound of the flute.

Verse 77

मूर्च्छनातालसंयुक्तं तंत्रीलयसमन्वितम् । क्षणेन सहसा देवो धर्मराजो जितात्मवान् । विमनाः स तदा जातो धर्मराजो नृपात्मजः

Joined with musical modes (mūrchchanā) and rhythm (tāla), and filled with the measured cadence of the strings—within a moment, even the self-controlled god Dharmarāja suddenly became downcast then, O royal son.

Verse 78

युधिष्ठिर उवाच । आश्चर्यं परमं ब्रह्मञ्जातं मे ब्रह्मसत्तम । कथं ब्रह्मोपपन्नस्य तपश्छेदो बभूव ह

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O Brahman, a supreme wonder has arisen in me, O best among knowers of Brahman. How did a break in austerity (tapas) come to one who was established in Brahman?”

Verse 79

धर्मे धरा च नाकश्च धर्मे पातालमेव च । धर्मे चंद्रार्कमापश्च धर्मे च पवनोऽनलः

In Dharma abide the earth and heaven; in Dharma, the netherworld as well. In Dharma are the moon and sun, the waters too; in Dharma are wind and fire.

Verse 80

धर्मे चैवाखिलं विश्वं स धर्मो व्यग्रतां कथम् । गतः स्वामिंस्तद्वैयग्र्यं तथ्यं कथय सुव्रत

In Dharma indeed this entire universe abides—how then did that very Dharma fall into agitation? O venerable one, tell me truly the cause of that disturbance, O you of excellent vows.

Verse 81

व्यास उवाच । पतनं साहसानां च नरकस्यैव कारणम् । योनिकुण्डमिदं सृष्टं कुंभीपाकसमं भुवि

Vyāsa said: “The downfall of the reckless is indeed the cause of hell. This ‘yoni-pit’ has been created upon the earth, comparable to the hell called Kumbhīpāka.”

Verse 82

नेत्ररज्ज्वा दृढं बद्ध्वा धर्षयंति मनस्विनः । कुचरूपैर्महादंडैस्ताड्यमानमचेतसम्

Binding him tightly with a rope at the eyes, the fierce ones torment him—while he, senseless, is beaten with grotesque, heavy staffs.

Verse 83

कृत्वा वै पातयंत्याशु नरकं नृपसत्तम । मोहनं सर्वभूतानां नारी चैवं विनिर्मिता

Thus, they quickly cast (a man) into hell, O best of kings. In this manner, woman was fashioned as an enchantment for all beings.

Verse 85

तावत्तपोभिवृद्धिस्तु तावद्दानं दया दमः । तावत्स्वाध्यायवृत्तं च तावच्छौचं धृतं व्रतम्

Only so long do austerities truly increase; only so long endure charity, compassion, and self-control; only so long remain sacred study and right conduct; only so long persist purity and faithfully held vows.

Verse 86

यावत्त्रस्तमृगीदृष्टिं चपलां न विलोकयेत् । तावन्माता पिता तावद्धाता तावत्ससुहृज्जनः

So long as one does not fix one’s gaze upon the restless, deer-like glance that unsettles the mind, so long do mother and father remain true protectors; so long does the Creator (Providence) stand in support; and so long do sincere friends and well-wishers remain steadfast.

Verse 87

तावल्लज्जा भयं तावत्स्वाचारस्तावदेव हि । ज्ञानमौदार्यमैश्वर्यं तावदेव हि भासते । यावन्मत्तांगनापाशैः पातितो नैव बन्धनैः

Modesty and fear of wrongdoing endure only so long; right conduct too lasts only so long. Knowledge, generosity, and prosperity likewise shine only so long as one has not been cast down into bondage by the snares and fetters of a woman intoxicated with reckless desire.