Adhyaya 18

Verse 1

। लोमश उवाच । कर्मणा परिभूतो हि महेंद्रो गुरुमब्रवीत् । विना यत्नेन संक्लेसात्तर्तुं कर्म्म किमुच्यताम्

Lomaśa said: Truly, Mahendra (Indra), overwhelmed by the force of his own karma, spoke to his teacher: “What is said to be the way to cross beyond this karmic affliction without exhausting struggle?”

Verse 2

बृहस्पतिरुवाचेदं त्यक्त्वा चैवामरावतीम् । यास्यामोऽन्यत्र सर्वे वै सकुटुंबा जिगीपवः

Bṛhaspati said: “Leaving Amarāvatī, let us all go elsewhere—together with our households—seeking to regain victory.”

Verse 3

तथा चक्रुः सुराः सर्वे हित्वा चैवामरावतीम् । बर्हिणो रुपमास्थाय गतः सद्यः पुरंदरः

So all the gods did, abandoning Amarāvatī. And Purandara (Indra), assuming the form of a peacock, departed at once.

Verse 4

काको भूत्वा यमः साक्षात्कृकलासो धनाधिपः । अग्निः कपोतको भूत्वा भेको भूत्वा महेश्वरः

Yama himself became a crow; the Lord of Wealth became a lizard. Agni became a pigeon, and Maheśvara became a frog.

Verse 5

नैरृतस्तत्क्षणादेव कपोतोऽभूत्ततो गतः । पाशी कपिंजलो भूत्वा वायुः पारावतोऽभवत्

Nairṛta instantly became a pigeon and departed. Varuṇa, wielder of the noose, became a francolin, and Vāyu became a dove.

Verse 6

एवं नानातनुभृतो हित्वा ते त्रिदिवं गताः । कश्यपस्याश्रमं पुण्यं संप्राप्तास्ते भयातुराः

Thus, assuming many different forms, they left Tridiva, the heavenly realm; and, distressed by fear, they reached the holy hermitage of Kaśyapa.

Verse 7

अदितिं मातरं सर्वे शशंसुर्दैत्यचेष्टितम्

All of them reported to their mother Aditi the deeds and machinations of the Daityas.

Verse 8

अप्रियं तदुपाकर्ण्य ह्यदितिः पुत्रलालसा । उवाच कश्यपं सा तु सुराणां व्यसनं महत् । महर्षे श्रयतां वाक्यं श्रुत्वा तत्कर्तुमर्हसि

Hearing that painful news, Aditi—longing for her sons—spoke to Kaśyapa of the great calamity that had befallen the gods: “O great sage, heed my words; having heard them, do what is fitting.”

Verse 9

दैत्यैः पराजिता देवा हित्वा चैवामरावतीम् । त्वदीयमाश्रमं प्राप्तास्तान्रक्षस्व प्रजापते

Defeated by the Dānavas, the gods abandoned Amarāvatī and have come to your hermitage. Protect them, O Prajāpati.

Verse 10

तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा कश्यपो वाक्यमब्रवीत् । तपसा महता तन्वि जानीहि त्वं च भामिनि । अजेया ह्यसुराः साध्वि भृगुणा ह्यनुमोदिताः

Hearing her words, Kaśyapa spoke: “Know, O slender one, O impassioned lady—only through great austerity (tapas) can this be accomplished. For the Asuras are truly unconquerable, O virtuous one, since they have the approval of Bhṛgu.”

Verse 11

तेषां जयो हि तपसा उग्रेणाऽद्येन भामिनि । कुरु शीघ्रतरेणैव सुराणां कार्यसिद्धये

“Their victory, O impassioned one, is indeed to be gained by fierce austerity beginning today. Do it at once, swiftly, for the accomplishment of the gods’ purpose.”

Verse 12

व्रतमेतन्महाभागे कथयाम्यर्थसिद्धये । तत्कुरुष्व प्रयत्नेन यथोक्तविधिना शुभे

“O most fortunate one, I shall describe this vrata for the attainment of the desired end. Perform it with effort, O auspicious lady, exactly according to the prescribed procedure.”

Verse 13

मासि भाद्रपदे देवि दशम्यां नियता शुचिः । एकभक्तं प्रकुर्वीत विष्णोः प्रीत्यर्थमेव च

“In the month of Bhādrapada, O goddess, on the tenth lunar day—disciplined and pure—one should observe ekabhakta (a single meal), solely for the pleasure of Viṣṇu.”

Verse 14

प्रर्थनीयो हरिः साक्षात्सर्वकामवरेश्वरः । मंत्रेणानेन सुभगे तद्भक्तैर्वरवर्णिनि

“Hari himself—lord and granter of all desired boons—is to be supplicated with this mantra, O fortunate, fair-complexioned lady, by his devotees.”

Verse 15

तव भक्तोस्म्यहं नाथ दशम्यादिदिनत्रयम् । व्रतं चराम्यहं विष्णो अनुज्ञां दातुमर्हसि

O Lord, I am Your devotee. Beginning with Daśamī, for three days I shall observe the sacred vow. O Viṣṇu, be pleased to grant Your permission.

Verse 16

अनेनैव च मंत्रेण प्रार्थनीयो जगत्पतिः । एकभक्तं प्रकुर्वीत तच्च भक्तं च केवलम्

With this very mantra one should reverently entreat the Lord of the world. One should observe ekabhakta: taking only a single meal, and nothing else.

Verse 17

रंभापत्रे च भोक्तव्यं वर्जितं लवणेन हि । एकादश्यां चोपवासं प्रकुर्वीत प्रयत्नतः

One should eat upon a plantain leaf, avoiding salt. And on Ekādaśī one should carefully observe a fast.

Verse 18

रात्रौ जागरणं कुर्यात्प्रयत्नेन सुमध्यमे । द्वादश्यां निपुणत्वेन पारणा तु विधानतः । कर्तव्या ज्ञातिभिः सार्द्धं भोजयित्वा द्विजीत्तमान्

At night one should keep vigil with care, O slender-waisted lady. On Dvādaśī, one should skillfully perform the pāraṇā—the proper breaking of the vow—according to rule, together with one’s relatives, after feeding excellent brāhmaṇas.

Verse 19

एवं द्वादशमासांस्तु कुर्याद्व्रतमतंद्रितः । मासि भाद्रपदे प्राप्ते एकादश्यां प्रयत्नतः । विष्णुमभ्यर्च्य यत्नेन कलशोपरि संस्थितम्

Thus, without negligence, one should observe this vow for twelve months. When the month of Bhādrapada arrives, on Ekādaśī, with special care one should worship Lord Viṣṇu, duly established above the consecrated water-pot (kalaśa).

Verse 20

सौवर्णं राजतं वापि यताशक्त्या प्रकल्पयेत् । श्रवणेन तु संयुक्तां द्वादशीं पापनाशिनीम् । व्रती उपवसेद्यत्नात्सर्वदोषप्रशांतये

According to one’s means, one should prepare a vessel or offering of gold, or else of silver. And on the sin-destroying Dvādaśī, when joined with the Śravaṇa nakṣatra, the votary should carefully fast, for the pacification of all faults.

Verse 21

एवं हि कश्यपेनोक्तं श्रुत्वाऽदितिरथाचरत् । व्रतं सांवत्सरं यावन्नियमेन समन्वितता

Having heard what Kaśyapa had thus spoken, Aditi then practiced that vow. For a full year she observed it, endowed with disciplined restraints.

Verse 22

वर्षांतेन व्रतेनैव परितुष्टो जनार्दनः । प्रादुर्बभूव द्वादश्यां श्रवणेन तदा द्विजाः

Pleased by that vow completed at the year’s end, Janārdana manifested. On Dvādaśī, when the Śravaṇa nakṣatra prevailed—O twice-born ones—He appeared then.

Verse 23

बटुरूपधरः श्रीशो द्विभुजः कमलेक्षमः । अतसीपुष्पसंकाशो वनमालाविभूषितः

The Lord of Śrī, Śrīśa, appeared taking the form of a young brahmacārin boy: two-armed, lotus-eyed, radiant like the atasī flower, and adorned with a forest-garland.

Verse 24

तं दृष्ट्वा विस्मयाविष्टा पूजामध्येऽदितिस्तदा । कश्यपेन समायुक्ता साऽस्तौषीत्कमलेक्षणा

Seeing Him, Aditi—overwhelmed with wonder in the midst of worship—together with Kaśyapa, praised the lotus-eyed Lord.

Verse 25

अदितिरुवाच । नमोनमः कारणकारणाय ते विश्वात्मने विश्वसृजे चिदात्मने । वरेण्यरूपाय परावरात्मने ह्यकुंठबोधाय नमोनमस्ते

Aditi said: Salutations, salutations to You—the cause of all causes; the Soul of the universe and the creator of the universe; the Conscious Self. To You, of the most worshipful form; the Self both transcendent and immanent; whose knowledge is unobstructed—salutations to You again and again.

Verse 26

इति स्मृतस्तदाऽदित्या देवानां परिरच्युतः । प्रहस्य भगवानाह अदितिं देवमातरम्

Thus, when Aditi then remembered and invoked Him, Acyuta—the unfailing Lord, refuge of the gods—smiled and spoke to Aditi, the Mother of the Devas.

Verse 27

श्रीभगवानुवाच । तपसा परमेणैव प्रसन्नोहं तवानघे । अमुना वपुषा चैव देवानां कार्यसिद्धये

The Blessed Lord said: By your supreme austerity I am greatly pleased with you, O sinless one. And in this very form I have come to accomplish the purpose of the gods.

Verse 28

श्रुत्वा भगवतो वाक्यमदितिस्तमुवाचह । भगवन्पराजिता देवा असुरैर्बलवत्तरैः । तान्रक्ष शरणापन्नासुरान्सर्वाञ्जनार्दन

Hearing the Lord’s words, Aditi said to Him: “O Lord, the Devas have been defeated by the Asuras who are stronger. Protect all those gods who have sought refuge—O Janārdana.”

Verse 29

निशम्य वाक्यं किल तच्च तस्या विष्णुर्विकुंठाधिपतिः स एकः । ज्ञात्वा च सर्वं सुरचेष्टितं तदा बलेश्च सर्वं च चिकीर्षितं च

Hearing her words, Viṣṇu—the sole Lord of Vaikuṇṭha—understood everything: the intent of the gods and, at that time, all the strength and plans that Bali also was preparing to carry out.

Verse 30

किं कार्यमद्यैव मया हि कार्यं येनैव देवा जयमाप्नुवंति । पराजयं दैत्यवराश्च सर्वे विष्णुः परात्मैव विचिंत्य सर्वम्

“What must I do today—what very deed—by which the gods may attain victory and all the foremost Daityas meet defeat?” Thus did Viṣṇu, the Supreme Self, contemplate everything.

Verse 31

गदमुवाच भगवान्गच्छस्वाद्य वधं प्रति । वैरोचनिं महाभागे घात यस्व त्वरान्विता

The Blessed Lord said to Gadā: “Go at once toward the slaying. O fortunate one, swiftly strike down Vairocani (Bali).”

Verse 32

गदोवाच हृषीकेशं प्रहसन्तीव भामिनी । मया ह्यशक्यो वधितुं ब्रह्मण्यो हि बलिर्महान्

Gadā said to Hṛṣīkeśa, as though smiling: “By me he cannot be slain, for great Bali is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas (a protector of sacred order).”

Verse 33

चक्रं प्रति तदा विष्मुरुवाच परिसांत्वयन् । त्वं गच्छ बलिनं हंतुं शीघ्रमेव सुदर्शन

Then Viṣṇu, consoling (them), spoke to the Discus: “Go—slay Bali quickly, O Sudarśana.”

Verse 34

तदोवाच त्वरेणैव चक्रपाणिं सुदर्शनम् । न शक्यते मया हंतुं बलिनं तं महाप्रभो

Then Sudarśana quickly replied to the Lord who bears the discus: “O great Lord, I am not able to slay that Bali.”

Verse 35

ब्रह्मण्योऽसि यथा विष्णो तथासौ दैत्यपुंगवः । धनुषा च तथैवोक्तः शार्ङ्गपाणिश्च विस्मितः । चिंतयामास बहुधा विमृश्य सुचिरं बहु

“O Viṣṇu, as you are devoted to the Brāhmaṇas, so too is that foremost of the Daityas.” Thus addressed, Śārṅgapāṇi, wielder of the Śārṅga bow, was astonished and pondered in many ways, reflecting long and deeply.

Verse 36

अत्रिरुवाच । तदा ते ह्यसुराः सर्वे किमकुर्वस्तदुच्यताम्

Atri said: “Then what did all those Asuras do? Please tell that.”

Verse 37

लोमश उवाच । तदा ते ह्यसुराः सर्वे बलिप्रभृतयो दिवि । रुरुधुर्नगरीं रम्यां योद्धुकामाः पुरंदरम्

Lomaśa said: “Then all those Asuras—beginning with Bali—besieged in heaven that delightful city, desiring to fight Purandara (Indra).”

Verse 38

न विदुर्ह्यसुराः सर्वे गतान्देवांस्त्रिविष्टपात् । नानारूपधरां स्तस्मात्कश्यपस्याश्रयं प्रति

All the Asuras did not know that the gods had departed from Triviṣṭapa (heaven). Therefore, the gods—assuming many forms—went to the refuge of Kaśyapa.

Verse 39

प्राकारमारुह्य तदा हि संभ्रमाद्दैत्याः सुरेशं प्रति हंतुकामाः । यावत्प्रविष्टा ह्यमरावतीं तां शून्यामपश्यन्परितुष्टमानसाः

Then, in their excitement, the Daityas climbed the ramparts, intent on slaying the lord of the gods. But when they entered that Amarāvatī, they found it empty—and their hearts were filled with satisfaction.

Verse 40

इंद्रासने च शुक्रेण ह्यभिषिक्तो बलिस्तदा । सहाभिषेकविधिना ह्यसुरैः परिवारितः

Then Bali was consecrated by Śukra upon Indra’s throne, surrounded by the Asuras, with the full rite of royal anointing duly performed.

Verse 41

तथैवाधिष्ठितो राज्ये बलिर्वैरोचनो महान् । शुशुभे परया भूत्या महेंद्राधिकृतस्तदा

Thus established in kingship, the great Bali Vairocana shone with supreme splendor, having then taken over the authority once held by Mahendra (Indra).

Verse 42

नागैश्चासुरसंघैश्च सेव्यमानो महेंद्रवत् । सुरद्रुमो जितस्तेन कामधे नुर्मणिस्तथा

Attended by Nāgas and hosts of Asuras like another Mahendra, by his victory he gained the celestial wish-fulfilling tree, and likewise the wish-granting jewel and Kāmadhenu.

Verse 43

दानैर्द्दाता च सर्वेषां येऽन्ये दानित्वमागताः । सर्वेषामेव भूतानां दानैर्दाता बलिर्महान्

By his gifts he surpassed all others famed for generosity; through charity, Bali the Great became a benefactor to all beings.

Verse 44

यान्यान्कामयते कामां स्तान्सर्वान्वितरत्यसौ । सर्वेभ्योऽपि स चार्थिभ्यो दानवानामधीश्वरः

Whatever desires people sought, he granted them all. That lord of the Dānavas gave to every supplicant without exception.

Verse 45

शौनक उवाच । देवेंद्रो हि महाभाग न ददाति कदाचन । कथं बलिरसौ दाता कथयस्व यथातथम्

Śaunaka said: “O greatly fortunate one, Devendra (Indra) never gives at all. How then is Bali spoken of as a great donor? Tell us exactly as it is.”

Verse 46

लोमश उवाच । यत्नतो येन यत्किंचित्क्रियते सुकृतं नरैः । शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि ज्ञातव्यं हि विपश्चिता

Lomaśa said: “Whatever act a person undertakes with deliberate effort—whether auspicious or inauspicious—should be rightly understood by the discerning.”

Verse 47

शक्रो हि याज्ञिको विप्रा अश्वमेधशतेन वै । प्राप्तराज्योऽमरावत्यां केवलं भोगलोलुपः

O brāhmaṇas, Śakra (Indra) was indeed a sacrificer; by a hundred Aśvamedhas he attained kingship in Amarāvatī—yet he was merely greedy for enjoyment.

Verse 48

अर्थितं तत्फलं विद्धि पुनः कार्पण्यमाविशत् । पुनर्मरणमाविश्य श्रीणपुण्यो भविष्यति

Know that such was the fruit he sought; again miserliness entered him. And entering once more into the cycle of death, he will become one whose merit is diminished.

Verse 49

य इंद्र कृमिरेव स्यात्कृमिरंद्रो हि जायते । तस्माद्दानात्परतरं नान्यदस्तीह मोचनम्

Even an Indra can become a mere worm, and from a worm may be born a “lord among worms.” Therefore, in this world there is no liberation higher than dāna—charitable giving.

Verse 50

दानाद्धि प्राप्यते ज्ञानं ज्ञानान्मोक्षो न संशयः । मोक्षात्परतरा भक्तिः शूलपाणौ हि वै द्वजाः

From charity, indeed, knowledge is attained; from knowledge comes liberation—of this there is no doubt. Yet devotion (bhakti) to the Trident-bearing Lord (Śūlapāṇi) is higher even than liberation, O twice-born ones.

Verse 51

ददाति सर्वं सर्वेशः प्रसन्नात्मा सदाशिवः । किंचिदल्पेन तोयेन परितुष्यति शंकरः

Sadāśiva, the Lord of all, gives everything when His heart is pleased. Śaṅkara is satisfied even with a little water offered with sincerity.

Verse 52

अत्रैवोदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । विरोचनसुतेनेदं कृतमस्ति न संशयः

Here itself I shall cite this ancient sacred legend. This was done by the son of Virocana—there is no doubt of it.

Verse 53

कितवो हि महापापो देवब्राह्मणनिंदकः । निकृत्या परयोपेतः परदाररतो महान्

That gambler was indeed a great sinner—one who reviled the gods and the brāhmaṇas, steeped in deceit, and deeply addicted to another man’s wife.

Verse 54

एकदा तु महापापात्कैतावाच्च जितं धनम् । गणिकार्थे च पुष्पाणि तांबूलं चंदनं तथा

Once, through great sin and cheating, he won some money; and for the sake of a courtesan he procured flowers, tāmbūla (betel), and sandalwood as well.

Verse 55

कौपीनमात्रं तस्यैव कितवस्य प्रदृश्यते । कराभ्यां स्वस्तिकं कृत्वा गंधमाल्यादिकं च यत्

That gambler was seen wearing only a loincloth. Forming the svastika-sign with both hands, he held what he had—perfumes, garlands, and the like.

Verse 56

गणिकार्थमुपादाय धावमानो गृहं प्रति । तदा प्रस्खलितो भूमौ निपपात च तत्क्षणात्

Carrying those things for the courtesan, he ran toward her house; then he slipped on the ground and fell that very instant.

Verse 57

पतनान्मूर्छया युक्तः क्षणमात्रं तदाऽभवत् । ततो मूर्छागतस्यास्य पापिनोऽनिष्टकारिणः

Because of the fall he became faint and remained so for a moment. Then, as he lay in that swoon—he, the sinner and doer of harmful deeds—

Verse 58

बुद्धिः सद्यः समुत्पन्ना कर्मणा प्राक्तनेन हि । निर्वेदं परमापन्नः कितवो दुःखसंयुतः

At once, through the force of his former karma, right understanding arose in him. The gambler, filled with sorrow, fell into deep dispassion and remorse.

Verse 59

भूम्यां निपतितं यच्च गंधपुष्पादिकं महत् । समर्पितं शिवायेति कितवेनाप्यबुद्धिना

Even that abundant offering of perfume, flowers, and the like which had fallen upon the ground—though presented with the words “(I offer this) to Śiva” by a gambler and a man of little understanding—was accepted as an offering to Śiva.

Verse 60

चित्रगुप्तेन चाख्यातं दत्तमस्ति त्वया पुनः । पतितं चैव देहांते शिवाय परमात्मने

As Citragupta has reported, you indeed made an offering once again—at the end of your life—dedicating even what had fallen to Śiva, the Supreme Self.

Verse 61

पचनीयोसि मे मंद नरकेषु महत्सु च । इत्युक्तो धर्मराजेन कितवो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

Dharmarāja said, “O dull one, you must be ‘cooked’—made to suffer—in the great hells.” Thus addressed, the gambler replied with these words.

Verse 62

पापाचारो हि भगवन्कश्चिन्नैव मया कृतः । विमृश्यतां मे सुकृतं याथातथ्येन भो यम

He said, “O Lord, I have not committed any deliberate sinful conduct. O Yama, please examine my meritorious deeds exactly as they truly are.”

Verse 63

चित्रगुप्तेन चाख्यातं द्त्तमस्ति त्वया पुनः । पतितं चैव देहांते शिवाय परमात्मने

And Citragupta has declared that you did make an offering again—at the end of your life—dedicating even what had fallen to Śiva, the Supreme Self.

Verse 64

तेन कर्मविपाकेन घटिकात्रयमेव च । शचीपतेः पदं विद्धि प्राप्स्यसि त्वं न संशयः

By the ripening of that karma, for only three ghaṭikās (a brief while), know that you will attain the station of Śacī’s lord (Indra)—without doubt.

Verse 65

आगतस्तत्क्षणाद्देवः सुर्वैः समन्वितः । ऐरावतं समारूढो नीतोऽसौ शक्रमंदिरम् । शक्रः प्रबोधितस्तेन गुरुणा भावितात्मना

At that very moment a god arrived, accompanied by the Devas. Mounted upon Airāvata, that man was taken to Indra’s palace; and Indra was awakened by that guru, whose self was disciplined and illumined.

Verse 66

घटिकात्रितयं यावत्तावत्कालं पुरंदर । निजासनेऽपि संस्थाप्यः कितवोऽपि ममाज्ञया

“O Purandara (Indra), for as long as three ghaṭikās—just that duration—by my command, even this gambler is to be seated upon your own throne.”

Verse 67

गुरोर्वचनमार्कर्ण्य कृत्वा शिरसि तत्क्षणात् । गतोऽन्वत्रैव शक्रोऽसौ कितवो हि प्रवेशितः । भवनं देवराजस्य नानाश्चर्यसमन्वितम्

Hearing the guru’s command and placing it upon his head at once (in obedience), Śakra went right there; and indeed the gambler was ushered into the wondrous palace of the king of the gods, filled with many marvels.

Verse 68

शक्रासनेऽभिषिक्तोऽसौ राज्यं प्राप्तः शतक्रतोः । शंभोर्गंधप्रदानाच्च पुष्पतांबूलसंयुतम्

Consecrated upon Indra’s throne, he obtained the sovereignty of Śatakratu (Indra). This came from offering fragrance to Śambhu—together with flowers and tāmbūla (betel).

Verse 69

किं पुनः श्रद्धया युक्ताः शिवाय परमात्मने । अर्पयंति सदा भक्त्या गंधपूष्पादिकं महत्

How much more blessed are those who, endowed with faith, always offer—devoutly—to Śiva, the Supreme Self, great worshipful gifts such as fragrance, flowers, and the like.

Verse 70

शिवसायुज्यमायाताः शिवसेनासमन्विताः । प्राप्नुवंति महामोदं शक्रो ह्येषां च किंकरः

Having attained union (sāyujya) with Śiva and accompanied by Śiva’s divine hosts, they obtain supreme bliss; indeed, even Śakra (Indra) becomes their attendant.

Verse 71

शिवपूजारतानां च यत्सुखं शांतचेतसाम् । ब्रह्मशक्रादिकानां च तत्सुखं दुर्लभं महत्

The happiness enjoyed by those devoted to the worship of Śiva—whose minds are tranquil—is a great joy that is difficult to obtain even for Brahmā, Śakra (Indra), and the other gods.

Verse 72

वराकास्ते न जानंति मूढा विषयलोलुपाः । वंदनीयो महादेवो ह्यर्चनीयः सदाशिवः

Wretched are those fools, greedy for sense-objects—they do not understand: Mahādeva is to be bowed to, and Sadāśiva is indeed to be worshipped.

Verse 73

पूजनीयो महादेवः प्राणिभिस्तत्त्ववेदिभिः । तस्मादिंद्रत्वमगमत्कितवो घटिकात्रयम्

Mahādeva is to be worshipped by living beings who know the truth. Therefore Kitava attained the state of Indra—but only for three ghaṭikās (a short span of time).

Verse 74

पुरोधसाभिषिक्तोऽसौ पुरंदरपदे स्थितः । तदानीं नारदेनोक्तः कितवोऽसौ महायशाः

Consecrated by the priest and seated in the rank of Purandara (Indra), at that time that illustrious Kitava was addressed by Nārada.

Verse 75

इन्द्राणीमानयस्त्वेति यथा राज्यं सुशोभितम् । ततः प्रहस्य चोवाच कितवः शिववल्लभः

Nārada said, “Bring Indrāṇī, that the kingdom may be splendidly adorned.” Then Kitava, beloved of Śiva, smiled and replied.

Verse 76

इन्द्राण्या नास्ति मे कार्यं न वाच्यं ते महामते । एवमुक्त्वाथ कितवः प्रदातुमुपचक्रमे

Kitava said, “I have no need of Indrāṇī; speak no further of this, O great-minded one.” Having spoken thus, Kitava began to bestow gifts.

Verse 77

ऐरावतमगस्त्याय प्रददौ शिववल्लभः । विश्वामित्राय कितवो ददौ हयमुदारधीः

Beloved of Śiva, he gave Airāvata to Agastya. Noble-minded Kitava gave a horse to Viśvāmitra.

Verse 78

उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं च कामधेनुं महायशाः । ददौ वशिष्ठाय तदा चिंतामणिं महाप्रभम्

That illustrious one also gave to Vasiṣṭha the wondrous gifts named Uccaiḥśravas and Kāmadhenu; and then he bestowed the radiant wish-fulfilling jewel, Cintāmaṇi.

Verse 79

गालवाय महातेजास्तदा कल्पतरुं च सः । कौंडिन्याय महाभागः कितवोपि गृहं तदा

Then that mighty, illustrious one bestowed upon Gālava the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpataru; and at that time as well, Kitava—the “gambler” in disguise—gave a house to the greatly fortunate Kauṇḍinya.

Verse 80

एवमादीन्यनेकानि रत्नानि विविधानि च । ददावृषिभ्यो मुदितः शिवप्रीत्यर्थमेव च

Thus, delighted, he bestowed many diverse jewels upon the sages—solely to please Śiva.

Verse 81

घटितकात्रितयं यावत्तावत्कालं ददौ प्रभुः । घटिकात्रितयादूध्व पूर्वस्वामी समागतः

The Lord granted that interval—three ghaṭikās (a short measure of time). When those three ghaṭikās had passed, the former master arrived.

Verse 82

पुरंदरोऽमरावत्यामुपविश्य निजासने । ऋषिभिः संस्तुतश्चैव शच्या सह तदाऽभवत्

Purandara (Indra), seated upon his own throne in Amarāvatī, was then praised by the sages and remained there together with Śacī.

Verse 83

शचीमुवाच दुर्मेधाः कितवेनासि भामिनि । भुक्ता ह्यस्यैव कथय याथातथ्येन शोभने

The dull-witted one said to Śacī: “O passionate lady, have you been enjoyed by that ‘gambler’? Tell me the truth exactly as it happened, O fair one.”

Verse 84

तदा प्रहस्य चोवाच पुरंदरमकल्मषा । आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र पश्यति त्वं पुरंदर

Then the spotless Śacī, laughing, said to Purandara: “O Purandara, you look upon everything everywhere by measuring it against yourself.”

Verse 85

असौ महात्मा कितवस्वरूपी शिवप्रसादात्परमार्थविज्ञः । वै राग्ययुक्तो हि महानुभावो येनापि सर्वं परमं प्रपन्नम्

That great soul, though appearing in the guise of a “gambler,” knows the highest truth through Śiva’s grace. Endowed with true dispassion, he is a mighty being—through whom all is led to the Supreme.

Verse 86

राज्यादिकं मोहमयं च पाशं त्यक्ता परेभ्यो विजयी स जातः

Casting off the delusive snare of kingship and the like, he became victorious, surpassing all others.

Verse 87

वचो निशम्य देवेश इंद्राण्याः स पुरंदरः । व्रीडायुक्तोऽभवत्तूष्णीमिंद्रासनगतस्तदा

Hearing Indrāṇī’s words, Purandara, lord of the gods, was overcome with shame and fell silent, seated then upon Indra’s throne.

Verse 88

बृहस्पतिमुवाचेदं वाक्यं वाक्यविदां वरः । ऐरावतो न दृश्येत तथैवोच्चैःश्रवा हयः

The foremost among the eloquent spoke to Bṛhaspati: “Let Airāvata not be seen; and likewise let the horse Uccaiḥśravā not be seen.”

Verse 89

पारिजातादयः सर्वे पदार्थाः केन वा हृताः । गुरुरुवाचेदं कितवेन कृतं महत्

“By whom have all these treasures—beginning with the Pārijāta tree—been taken away?” The Guru replied, “This great deed was done by that gambler, that deceiver.”

Verse 90

ऋषिभ्यो दत्त मद्यैव यावत्सत्ता हि तस्य वै । स्वसत्तायां महत्यां च स्वसत्ता ये भवंति च

“Indeed it was given by me to the Ṛṣis, so long as his power and station truly endured. And within his own great standing, those who subsist by their own rightful standing likewise remain secure.”

Verse 91

अप्रमात्ताश्च ये नित्यं शिवध्यानपरायणाः । ते प्रियाः शंकरस्यैव हित्वा कर्मफलानि वै । केवलं ज्ञानमाश्रित्य ते यांति परमं पदम्

“Those who are ever vigilant and constantly devoted to meditation on Śiva are truly dear to Śaṅkara. Renouncing attachment to the fruits of action and taking refuge solely in liberating knowledge, they attain the supreme state.”

Verse 92

एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य चेंद्रो बृहस्पतेर्वाक्यमिदं वभाषे । प्रायो यमो वक्ष्यति सर्वमेतत्समृद्धये ह्यात्मनश्चैव शक्रः

Having heard his words, Indra spoke to Bṛhaspati: “Surely Yama will explain all this, so that I may regain my own prosperity and well-being.”

Verse 93

तथेति मत्वा गुरुणा सहैव राजा सुराणां सहसा जगाम । स्वकार्यकामो हि तथा पुरंदरो ययौ पुरीं संयमिनीं तदानीम्

Thinking, “So be it,” the king of the gods quickly departed together with his Guru. Eager to accomplish his purpose, Purandara (Indra) then went at once to Saṃyaminī, the city of restraint, Yama’s abode.

Verse 94

यमेन पूज्यमानो हि शक्रो वाक्यमुवाच ह । त्वया दत्तं मम पदं कितवाय दुरात्मने

While being honored by Yama, Śakra (Indra) spoke: “You gave my rank and position to that gambler—an evil-minded one.”

Verse 95

अनेनैतत्कृतं कर्म्म जुगुप्सितं महत्तरम् । मदीयानि च रत्नानि यानि सर्वाण्यनेन वै । एभ्य एभ्यः प्रदत्तानि धर्म्म जानीहि तत्त्वतः

By him this deed has been done—shameful and exceedingly grave. And all my treasures, whatever they were, he has indeed scattered and given away here and there. Know, in truth, this matter of Dharma as it really is.

Verse 96

त्वं धर्मनामासि कथं कितवाय प्रदत्तवान् । मम राज्यविनाशाय कृतमस्ति त्वयाऽधुना

You are named “Dharma”—how then did you hand over (my rank and power) to a gambler? By this, you have now brought about the ruin of my kingdom.

Verse 97

आनयस्व महाभाग गजादीनि च सत्वरम् । अन्यानि चैव रत्नानि दत्तानि च यतस्ततः

O noble one, swiftly bring back the elephants and the rest, and also the other treasures that have been given away here and there.

Verse 98

निशम्य वाक्यं शक्रस्य यमो वचनमब्रवीत् । कितवं च रुषाविष्टः किं त्वया पापिना कृतम्

Hearing Śakra’s words, Yama replied: “And that gambler—seized by anger—what have you done, O sinner?”

Verse 99

भोगार्थं चैव यद्दत्तं शक्रराज्यं त्वयाऽधुन् । प्रदत्तं च द्विजातिभ्यो ह्यन्यथा वै कृतं महत्

The sovereignty of Indra granted to you just now was meant for your enjoyment alone. Yet you have given it away to the twice-born (dvija); indeed, you have committed a grave act, contrary to proper order.

Verse 100

अकार्यं वै त्वया मूढ परद्रव्यापहारणम् । तेन पापेन महता निरयं प्रतिगच्छसि

Fool! You have done what should not be done—stealing another’s property. Because of that great sin, you shall go to hell.

Verse 101

यमस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा कितवो वाक्यमब्रवीत् । अहं निरयगामी च नात्र कार्या विचारणा

Hearing Yama’s words, the gambler replied: “I am indeed bound for hell—there is no need for deliberation here.”

Verse 102

यावत्स्वता मम विभो जाता शक्रासने तथा । तावद्दत्तं हि यत्किंचिद्द्विजेभ्यो हि यथातथम्

“O Lord, for as long as I myself occupied Indra’s throne, during that time whatever I had—somehow or other—I gave to the twice-born.”

Verse 103

यम उवाच । दानं प्रशस्तं भूम्यां च दृश्यते कर्म्मणः फलम् । स्वर्गे दानं न दातव्यं केनचित्कस्यचित्क्वचित् । तस्माद्दंड्योऽसि रे मूढ अशास्त्रीयं कृतं त्वया

Yama said: “Charity is indeed praiseworthy on earth, and its fruit is seen as the result of action. But in heaven no one should give gifts to anyone at any time. Therefore you are punishable, fool—for you have acted contrary to śāstra.”

Verse 104

गुरुरात्मवतां शास्ता राजा शास्ताः दुरात्मनाम् । सर्वेषां पापशीलानां शास्तऽहं नात्र संशयः

“For the self-controlled, the guru is the disciplinarian; for the wicked, the king is the disciplinarian. But for all who are addicted to sin, I am the chastiser—of this there is no doubt.”

Verse 105

एवं निर्भर्त्सयित्वा तं कितवं धर्मराट्स्वयम् । उवाच चित्रगुप्तं च नरके पच्यतामयम् । तदा प्रहस्य चोवाच चित्रगुप्तो यमं प्रति

Thus, after rebuking that gambler, Dharmarāja himself said to Citragupta, “Let this man be cooked in hell.” Then, smiling, Citragupta replied to Yama.

Verse 106

कथं निरयगामित्वं कितवस्य भविष्यति । येन दत्तो ह्यगस्त्याय गज ऐरावतो महान्

“How can this gambler be bound for hell, when it was he who gifted the great elephant Airāvata to Agastya?”

Verse 107

तथाश्वो ह्यब्धिसंभूतो गालवाय महात्मने । विश्वामित्राय भद्रं ते चिंतामणिर्महाप्रभः

“Likewise, the ocean-born horse was given to the great-souled Gālava; and to Viśvāmitra—may it be well with you—the splendid, mighty Cintāmaṇi jewel was given.”

Verse 108

एवमादीनि रत्नानि दत्तानि कितेवन हि । तेन कर्मविपाकेन पूजनीयो जगत्त्रये

“Such and other jewels were indeed given by the gambler. By the ripening of that karma, he becomes worthy of honor in the three worlds.”

Verse 109

शिवमुद्दिश्य यदत्तं स्वर्गे मर्त्ये च यैर्नरैः । तत्सर्वं त्वक्षयं विद्यान्निश्छिद्रं कर्म चोच्यते । तस्मान्नरकगामित्वं कितवस्य न विद्यते

“Whatever gift men offer with Lord Śiva in view—whether in heaven or on earth—know all of that to be imperishable; it is called an unbroken, faultless act. Therefore, for Kitava there is no falling into hell.”

Verse 110

यानियानि च पापानि कितवस्य महात्मनः । भस्मीभूतानि सर्वाणि जातानि स्मरणाच्च वै

Whatever sins there were of the noble Kitava—all of them indeed were reduced to ashes, merely through remembrance.

Verse 111

शंभोः प्रसादात्सर्वाणि सुकृतानि च तत्क्षणात् । तद्वचश्चित्रगुप्तस्य निशम्य प्रेतराट् स्वयम्

By Śambhu’s grace, all his merits became manifest at that very moment. Hearing those words of Citragupta, Yama himself, lord of the departed…

Verse 112

प्रहस्यावाङ्मुखो भूत्वा इद माह शतक्रतुम् । त्वं हि राजा सुरेंद्राणां स्थविरो राज्यलंपटः

Smiling, with his face turned downward, he spoke thus to Śatakratu (Indra): “You are the king of the gods—yet aged, and still greedy for sovereignty.”

Verse 113

अश्वमेधशतेनैव एकं जन्मार्जितं कृतम् । त्वया नास्त्यत्र संदेहो ह्यर्ज्जितं तेन वै महत्

By a hundred Aśvamedha sacrifices, the merit of a single lifetime is obtained. In your case there is no doubt—thereby a great attainment has indeed been gained.

Verse 114

प्रार्थयित्वा ह्यगस्त्यादीन्मुनीन्सर्वान्विशेषतः । अर्थेन प्रणिपातेन त्वया लभ्यानि तानि च । गजादिकानि रत्नानि येन त्वं च सुखी त्वरन्

Having duly entreated all the sages—especially Agastya—by offerings and by prostration, you can obtain those treasures: elephants and other precious riches, by which you may quickly become happy.

Verse 115

तथेति मत्वा वचनं पुरंदरो गतः पुरीं स्वामविवेकदृष्टिः । अभ्यर्थयामास विनम्रकंधरश्चर्षीस्ततो लब्धवान्पारिजातम्

Thinking, “So be it,” and heeding the instruction, Purandara (Indra) went to his city, his discernment restored. With bowed neck he entreated the sages, and from them obtained the Pārijāta tree.

Verse 116

अनेनैव प्रकारेण लब्धराज्यः पुरंदरः । जातस्तदामरावत्यां राजा सह महात्मभिः

In this very manner Purandara (Indra) regained his kingdom, and then in Amarāvatī he became king again, together with the great-souled divine beings.

Verse 117

कितवस्य पुनर्जन्म दत्तं वैवस्वतेन हि । किंचितकर्मविपाकेन विरोचनसुतोऽभवत्

For Kitava, a rebirth was indeed granted by Vaivasvata (Yama). By the ripening of some remaining karma, he became the son of Virocana.

Verse 118

सुरुचिर्जननी तस्य कितवस्याभवत्तदा । विरोचनस्य महिषी दुहिता वृषपर्वणः । तस्थौ जठरमास्थाय तस्याः सोऽपि महात्मनः

Then Suruci became the mother of that Kitava—she, the queen of Virocana, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan. And that great-souled one too took his place, entering her womb.

Verse 119

तदाप्रभृति तस्यैव प्रह्लादस्यात्मजात्स वै । सुरुचेश्च तथाप्यासीद्धर्मेदाने महामतिः

From that time onward, that very son of Prahlāda—named Suruce—became great-minded, steadfast in dharma, and especially devoted to dāna, the giving of gifts.

Verse 120

तेनैव जठरस्थेन कृता मतिरनुत्तमा । कितवेन कृता विप्रा दुर्लभा या मनीषिणाम्

By him—while still within the womb—there arose an unsurpassed resolve; O brāhmaṇas, such a resolve, though formed by one called a “gambler/deceiver,” is rare even among the wise.

Verse 121

एकदा वै तदा शक्रो ययौ वैरोचनं प्रति । हंतुकामो हि दैत्येंद्रं विप्रो भूत्वाऽथ याचकः

Once, at that time, Śakra (Indra) went to Virocana, desiring to slay that lord of the Dānavas; and so he took on the guise of a brāhmaṇa and approached as a beggar.

Verse 122

विरोचनगृहं प्राप्त इंद्रो वाक्यमुवाच ह । स्थविरो ब्राह्मणो भूत्वा देहीति मम सुव्रत । मनस्वी त्वं च दैत्येंद्र दाता च भुवनत्रये

Reaching Virocana’s house, Indra spoke: “I have taken the form of an aged brāhmaṇa and beg of you—grant to me, O man of good vows. You are high-minded, O lord of the Daityas, and famed as a giver in the three worlds.”

Verse 123

तव विप्रा महाभाग चरितं परमाद्भुतम् । वर्णयन्ति समा जेषु स्थित्वा कीर्ति च निर्मलाम् । याचकोऽहं च दैत्येंद्र दातुरर्महसि सुव्रत

“O fortunate one, O great-souled lord—brāhmaṇas recount your supremely wondrous deeds, and by that telling they establish your stainless fame in the assemblies. I too am a supplicant, O Daitya-king; O man of good vows, you are the refuge and support of givers.”

Verse 124

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा दैत्येंद्रो वाक्यमब्रवीत् । किं दातव्यं तव विभो वद शीघ्रं ममाधुना

Hearing those words, the Daitya-lord replied: “What shall I give you, O venerable one? Tell me quickly, right now.”

Verse 125

इंद्रो हि विप्ररूपेण विरोचनमुवाच ह । याचयामि च दैत्येंद्र यदहं परिभावितः

Indra, assuming the guise of a brāhmaṇa, said to Virocana: “O lord of the Daityas, I beg for that very thing upon which my heart is set.”

Verse 126

आत्मप्रीत्या च दातव्यं मम नास्त्यत्र संशयः । उवाच प्रहसन्वाक्यं प्रह्लादस्यात्मजोऽसुरः

“It must be given with one’s own gladness of heart—of this I have no doubt.” Saying so with a smile, the Asura, son of Prahlāda, spoke.

Verse 127

ददाम्यात्मशिरो विप्र यदि कामयसेऽधुना । इदं राज्यमनायासमियं श्रीर्नान्यगामिनी । अहं समर्पयिष्यामि तव नास्त्यत्र सशयः

“O brāhmaṇa, if you desire it now, I will give my own head. This kingdom, gained without hardship, and this fortune that does not pass to another—I shall hand over to you. Of this there is no doubt.”

Verse 128

इत्युक्तस्तेन दैत्येन विमृश्य च तदा हरिः । उवाच देहि मे स्वीयं शिरो मुकुटसेवितम्

Thus addressed by that Daitya, Hari (Indra) reflected for a moment and then said: “Give me your own head, honored by the wearing of a crown.”

Verse 129

एवमुक्ते तु वचने शक्रेण द्विजरूपिणा । त्वरन्महेंद्राय तदा शिवर उत्कृत्त्य वै मुदा । स्वकरेण ददौ तस्मै प्रह्लादस्यात्मजोऽसुरः

When Śakra (Indra), disguised as a brāhmaṇa, had spoken thus, Prahlāda’s son—the Asura—hastened to Mahendra and, joyfully cutting off his own head, placed it into Indra’s hands as a gift.

Verse 130

प्रह्लादेन पुरा यस्तु कृतो धर्म्मः सुदुष्करः । केवलां भक्तिमाश्रित्य विष्णोस्तत्परचेतसा

That exceedingly difficult dharma which Prahlāda once practiced was accomplished by relying solely on devotion to Viṣṇu, with a mind wholly intent upon Him.

Verse 131

दानात्परतरं चान्यत्क्वचिद्वस्तु न विद्यते । तद्दानं च महापुण्यमार्तेभ्यो यत्प्रदीयते

Nothing anywhere is superior to charity. And that gift is supremely meritorious which is given to the distressed.

Verse 132

स्वशक्त्या यच्च किंचिच्च तदानंत्याय कल्पते । दानात्परतरं नान्यत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते

Whatever little one gives according to one’s capacity becomes a cause of endless merit. Nothing in the three worlds is higher than charity.

Verse 133

सात्त्विकं राजसं चैव तामसं च प्रकीर्तिततम् । तथा कृतमनेनैव दानं सात्त्विकलक्षणम्

Gifts are proclaimed to be of three kinds—sāttvika, rājasa, and tāmasa. In this manner and with such an intention, this act of giving bears the marks of sāttvika charity.

Verse 134

शिर उत्कृत्त्य चेंद्राय प्रदत्तं विप्ररूपिणे । किरीटः पतितस्तत्र मणयो हि महाप्रभाः

When the head was cut off and given to Indra in brāhmaṇa disguise, the crown fell there, and its jewels shone with great splendor.

Verse 135

ऐकपद्येन पतितास्ते जाता मंडलाय वै । दैत्यानां च नरेंद्राणां पन्नगानां तथैव च

Falling all together in a single descent, those jewels became circular ornaments—fit for the Daityas, for kings among men, and likewise for the lords of serpents.

Verse 136

विरोचनस्य तद्दानं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् । गायंत्यद्यापि कवयो दैत्येंद्रस्य महात्मनः

That gift of Virocana is renowned throughout the three worlds; even today poets sing of the great-souled lord of the Daityas.

Verse 137

विरोचनस्य पुत्रोऽभूत्कितवोऽसौ महाप्रभः । मृते पितरि जातोऽसौ माता तस्य पतिव्रता

Virocana had a son—Kitava—of great splendor. He was born after his father had died, and his mother was a pativratā, steadfast in her vow of devotion to her husband.

Verse 138

कलेवरं च तत्याज पतिलोकं गता ततः । भार्गवेणाभिषिक्तोऽसौ जनकस्य निजासने

She then abandoned her body and went to her husband’s world. And that son was consecrated by Bhārgava, seated upon his father’s own throne.

Verse 139

नाम्ना बलिरिति ख्यातो बभूव च महायशाः । तेन सर्वे सुरगणास्त्रासिताः सुमहाबलाः

He became renowned by the name Bali, possessed of great fame; and by his might all the hosts of the gods—though exceedingly powerful—were struck with fear.

Verse 140

गतस्ते कथिताः पूर्वं कश्यपस्याश्रमं शुभम् । तदा बलिरभूदिन्द्रो देवपुर्यां महायशाः

As was told before, they went to the auspicious hermitage of Kaśyapa; and then the illustrious Bali became Indra in the city of the gods.

Verse 141

स्वयं तताप तपसा सूर्यो भूत्वा तदाऽसुरः । ईशो भूत्वा स्वयं चास्ते ऐशान्यां दिशि पालयन्

That asura himself performed austerities, becoming radiant like the Sun; and, becoming a lord, he remained governing the northeastern quarter.

Verse 142

तथा च नैरृतो भूत्वा तथा त्वंबुपतिः स्वयम् । धनाध्यक्ष उदीच्यां वै स्वयमास्ते बलिस्तदा । एवमास्ते बलिः साक्षात्स्वयमेव त्रिलोकभुक्

Likewise, he became the ruler of the Nirṛti quarter, and likewise himself became the lord of the waters; and as the overseer of wealth in the northern direction, Bali then himself held these posts. Thus Bali indeed stood forth as the sovereign and enjoyer of the three worlds.

Verse 143

शिवार्चनरतेनैव कितवेन बलिर्द्विजाः । पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव महादानरतोऽभवत्

O twice-born ones, Bali—though crafty—by his devotion to Śiva’s worship, and by that same habit formed from earlier practice, became intent upon great gifts and generosity.

Verse 144

एकदा तु सभामध्ये आस्थितो भृगुणा सह । दैत्येंद्रैः संवृतः श्रीमाञ्छंडामर्कौ वचोऽब्रवीत्

Once, seated in the midst of the royal assembly together with Bhṛgu, the splendid one—surrounded by the lords of the daityas—spoke to Chaṇḍa and Amarka.

Verse 145

आवासः क्रियतामत्र क्रियतामत्र असुरैर्म्मम सन्निधौ । हित्वा पातालमद्यैव मा विलंबितुमर्हथ

Let dwellings be established here—yes, here—by the asuras in my very presence. Abandon Pātāla this very day; you must not delay.

Verse 146

भार्गवस्तदुपश्रुत्य प्रहस्येदमुवाच ह । यज्ञैश्च विविधैश्चैव स्वर्गलोके महीयते

Hearing this, Bhārgava (Bhṛgu) laughed and said: “By various sacrifices alone is one honored and exalted in the heavenly world.”

Verse 147

याज्ञिकैश्च महाराज नान्यथा स्वर्गमेव हि । भोक्तुं हि पार्यते राजन्नान्यता मम भाषितम्

“O great king, only through sacrificial rites—and in no other way—can heaven truly be enjoyed. O king, this is my stated conclusion.”

Verse 148

गुरोर्वचनमाज्ञाय दैत्येंद्रो वाक्यमब्रवीत् । मया कॉतं च यत्कर्म तेन सर्वे महासुराः । स्वर्गे वसंतु सुचिरं नात्र कार्या विचारणा

Understanding the guru’s instruction, the lord of the daityas declared: “By the deed that I shall perform, let all the great asuras dwell in heaven for a long time—there is no need for deliberation in this matter.”

Verse 149

प्रहस्यो वाच भगवान्भार्गवाणां महातपाः । बलिनं बालिशं मत्वा शुक्रो बुद्धिमतां वरः

Smiling, the venerable Śukra—great ascetic and foremost among the Bhārgavas—spoke, deeming Bali, though mighty, to be still ingenuous.

Verse 150

यत्त्वयोक्तं च वचनं बले मम न रोचते । इहैव त्वं समा गत्य वस्तुं चेच्छसि सुव्रत

O Bali, the words you have spoken do not please me. If you wish to dwell in safety, then come here and remain here, O man of good vows.

Verse 151

अश्वमेधशतेनैव यज त्वं जातवेदसम् । कर्म्मभूमिं गतो भूत्वा मा विलंबितुमर्हसि

Worship Jātavedas (Agni) by performing a full hundred Aśvamedha sacrifices. Having gone to the proper field of sacred action, you must not delay.

Verse 152

तथेति मत्वा स बलिर्महात्मा हित्वा तदानीं त्रिदिवं मनस्वी । दैत्यैः समेतो गुरुणा च संगतो ययौ भुवं सोनुचरैः समेतः

Accepting it with “So be it,” the high-souled, resolute Bali then left the heaven of the three worlds and went down to earth, accompanied by the Daityas, attended by his guru, and surrounded by his followers.

Verse 153

तन्नर्मदाया गुरुकुल्यसंज्ञकं तीरे महातीर्थमुदारशोभम् । गत्वा तदा दैत्यपतिर्महात्मा जित्वा समग्रं वसुधावलं च

Then the great-souled lord of the Daityas went to the splendid great sacred ford called Gurukulya on the bank of the Narmadā, and overcame the entire circle of the earth’s kings.

Verse 154

ततोऽश्वमेधैर्बहुभिर्विचक्षणो गुरुप्रयुक्तः स महायशाबलिः । ईजे च दीक्षां परमामुपेतो वैरोचनिं सत्यवतां वरिष्ठः

Thereafter, the discerning, greatly renowned Bali—impelled by his guru—performed many Aśvamedha sacrifices; and having undertaken the supreme consecration, that son of Virocana, best among the truthful, worshipped according to rite.

Verse 155

कृत्वा ब्राह्मणमाचार्यमृत्विजः षोडशाऽभवन् । सुपरीक्षितेन तेनैव भार्गवेण महात्मना

Having appointed that Bhārgava Brahmin as the ācārya, there were sixteen ṛtvij—officiating priests—chosen and examined by that very great-souled Śukra.

Verse 156

यज्ञानामूनमेकेन शतं दीक्षापरेण हि । बलिना चाश्वमेधानां पूर्णं कर्तुं समादधे

For the king devoted to consecration (dīkṣā), the number of sacrifices was short by one to make a hundred; therefore Bali resolved to complete the full count of Aśvamedhas.

Verse 157

यावद्यज्ञशतं पूर्णं तस्य राज्ञो भविष्यति । पुरा प्रोक्तं मया चात्र ह्यदित्या व्रतमुत्तमम्

Until that king’s hundred sacrifices are complete—here indeed, as I have said before—the excellent vow (vrata) of Aditi becomes relevant.

Verse 158

व्रतेन तेन संतुष्टो भगवान्हरिरीश्वरः । बटुरूपेम महता पुत्रभूतो बभूव ह

Pleased by that vow, the Lord Hari—the supreme ruler—indeed became Aditi’s son, manifesting in the exalted form of a baṭu, a young brahmacārin.

Verse 159

अदित्याः कश्यपेनैव उपनीतस्तदा प्रभुः । उपनीतेऽथ संप्राप्तो ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः

Then, on Aditi’s behalf, Kaśyapa himself invested the Lord with the upanayana, the rite of the sacred thread. And when the investiture was completed, Brahmā—the grandsire of the worlds—arrived there.

Verse 160

दत्तं यज्ञोपवीतं च ब्रह्मणा परमेष्ठिना । दंडकाष्ठं प्रदत्तं हि सोमेन च महात्मना

Brahmā, the Paramēṣṭhin, the Supreme Ordainer, bestowed the sacred yajñopavīta; and Soma, the great-souled one, indeed granted a staff of wood.

Verse 161

मेखला च समानीता अजिनं च महाद्भुतम् । तथा च पादुके चैव मह्या दत्ते महात्मनः

A mekhalā, the girdle, was brought, and a wondrous antelope-skin as well; and the Earth herself bestowed the pādukā, the sandals, upon that great-souled One.

Verse 162

तत्र भिक्षा समानीता भवान्या चार्थसिद्धये । एवं भगवते दत्तं विष्णवे बटुरूपिणे

There, Bhavānī brought bhikṣā—alms—for the fulfilment of the purpose. Thus were these offerings given to Bhagavān Viṣṇu, who had assumed the form of a young brahmacārin.

Verse 163

अभिवंद्य श्रीशो वामनो ह्दितिं तथा । कश्यपंच महातेजा यज्ञवाटं जगाम च । याज्ञिकस्य बलेराह च्छलनार्थं स्वयं प्रभुः

Having paid homage, Śrīśa—Vāmana—saluted Aditi and also the radiant Kaśyapa, and then went to the sacrificial enclosure. The Lord Himself set out, intent on outwitting Bali, the performer of the sacrifice.

Verse 164

तदा महेशः स जगाम स्वर्गं प्रकंपयन्गां प्रपदा भरेण । स वामनो बटुरूपी च साक्षाद्विष्णुः परात्मा सुरकार्यहेतोः

Then the Great Lord went toward heaven, making the earth tremble beneath the weight of His steps. That Vāmana, in the guise of a young ascetic, was none other than Viṣṇu Himself—the Paramātman, the Supreme Self—acting for the sake of the gods’ purpose.

Verse 165

गीर्भिर्यथार्थाभिरभिष्टुतो जनैर्मुनीश्वरैर्देवगणैर्महात्मा । त्वरेण गच्छन्स च यज्ञवाटं प्राप्तस्तदानीं जगदेकबंधुः

Praised with fitting and truthful words by the people, by the great sages, and by the hosts of gods, that great-souled One hastened on and then reached the sacrificial arena—the one Friend of the whole world.

Verse 166

उद्गापयन्साम यतो हि साक्षाच्चकार देवो बटुरूपवेषः । उद्गीयमानो भगवान्स ईश्वरो वेदांत वेद्यो हरिरीश्वरः प्रभुः

For He—though wearing the guise of a young brahmacārin—caused the Sāman chants to be sung, directly and manifestly. As He was being sung, that Bhagavān—Hari, the Lord—was the very Īśvara, the Sovereign, knowable through Vedānta.

Verse 167

ददर्श तं महायज्ञमश्वमेधं बलेस्तदा । द्वारि स्थितो महातेजा वामनो बटुरूपधृक्

Then he beheld Bali’s great sacrifice—the Aśvamedha. Standing at the entrance was the radiant Vāmana, bearing the form of a young ascetic.

Verse 168

ब्रह्मरूपेण महता व्याप्तमासीद्दिगंतरम् । पवमानस्य च बटोर्वामनस्य महात्मनः

The expanse of the directions was pervaded by his vast, Brahmā-like form—of that purified (pavamāna) young ascetic, Vāmana, the great-souled One.

Verse 169

तच्छ्रुत्वा च बलिः प्राह शंडामर्क्कौ च बुद्धिमान् । ब्राह्मणाः कतिसंख्याश्च आगताः संति ईक्ष्यताम्

Hearing this, the wise Bali spoke to Śaṇḍa and Marka: “Go and see—how many Brāhmaṇas have arrived.”

Verse 170

तथेति मत्वा त्वरितावुत्थितौ तौ तदा द्विजाः । शंडामर्कौ समागम्य मंडपद्वारि संस्थितौ

Thinking, “So be it,” those two Brāhmaṇas—Śaṇḍa and Marka—quickly rose, went forth, and stood at the doorway of the pavilion (maṇḍapa).

Verse 171

ददृशाते महात्मानं श्रीहरिं बटुरूपिणम् । त्वरितौ पुनरायातौ बलेः शंसयितुं तदा

They beheld the great-souled Śrī Hari in the form of a young brahmacārin; then they hurried back to report it to Bali.

Verse 172

ब्रह्मचारी समायात एक एव न चापरः । पठनादौ महाराज चागतस्तव सन्निधौ । किमर्थं तन्न जानीमो जानीहि त्वं महामते

“A brahmacārin has come—only one, and no other. O great king, he has arrived in your presence while reciting the Vedas. For what purpose, we do not know; you, O wise one, discern it.”

Verse 173

एवमुक्ते तु वचने ताभ्यां स च महामनाः । उत्थितस्तत्क्षणादेव दर्शनार्थे बटुं प्रति

When those words were spoken by the two, that great-minded one (Bali) rose at once, intending to see the young brahmacārin.

Verse 174

स ददर्श महातेजा विरोचनसुतो महान् । दंडवत्पतितो भूमौ ननाम शिरसा बटुम्

That mighty, radiant son of Virocana (Bali) beheld him; falling to the ground like a staff, he bowed with his head to the young brahmacārin.

Verse 175

आनयित्वा बटुं सद्यः संनिवेश्यः निजासने । अर्घ्यपाद्येन महताभ्यर्चयामास तं बटुम्

Bringing the young brahmacārin at once and seating him upon his own seat, he worshiped that boy with abundant arghya and water for washing the feet.

Verse 176

विनम्रकंधरो भूत्वा उवाच श्लक्ष्णया गिरा । कुतः कस्माच्च कस्यासि तच्छिघ्रं कथ्यतां प्रभो

With shoulders bent in humility, he spoke in gentle words: “From where have you come, who are you, and to whom do you belong? Please tell me quickly, O revered one.”

Verse 177

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य विरोचनसुतस्य वै । मनसा हृषितश्चासौ वामनो वक्तुमारभत्

Hearing the words of that son of Virocana, Vāmana too became inwardly pleased and began to speak.

Verse 178

भगवानुवाच । त्वं हि राजा त्रिलोकेशो नान्यो भवितुमर्हसि । स्वकुलं न्यूनतां गच्छेद्यो वै कापुरुषः स्मृतः

The Blessed Lord said: “You indeed are the king, the lord of the three worlds—none other is fit to be so. But one who is remembered as a coward brings his own lineage to decline.”

Verse 179

समं वा चाधिको वापि यो गच्छेत्पुरुषः स्मृतः । त्वया कृतं च यत्कर्म्म न कृतं पूर्वजैस्तव

Any man who approaches—whether equal to you or even superior—is to be duly honored. And the deed you have accomplished is one that your ancestors never achieved.

Verse 180

दैत्यानां च वरिष्ठा ये हिरण्यकसिपादयः । कृतं महत्तपो येन दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्

Among the Daityas, the foremost—Hiraṇyakaśipu and others—performed immense austerity, continuing for a thousand divine years.

Verse 181

शरीरं भक्षितं यस्य जुषाणस्य तपो महत् । पिपीलिकाभिर्बहुभिर्दंशैश्चैव समावृतम्

While he remained devoted to his great austerity, his body was eaten away—covered all over by many ants and their bites.

Verse 182

अभवत्तस्य तज्ज्ञात्वा सुरेंद्रो ह्यगमत्पुरा । नगरं तस्य च तदा सैन्येन महता वृतः

When that came to pass, Indra—lord of the gods—having learned of it, went to his city, and at that time it was surrounded by a great army.

Verse 183

तत्सन्निधौ हताः सर्वे असुरा दैत्यशत्रुणा । विंध्या तु महिषी तस्य नीयमाना निवारिता

In his very presence, all the Asuras were slain by the enemy of the Daityas. But Vindhyā—his buffalo (mount/companion)—when being led away, was stopped.

Verse 184

नारदेन पुरा राजन्किंचित्कार्यं चिकीर्षुणा । शंभोः प्रसादादखिलं मनसा यत्समीक्षितम् । दैत्येंद्रेण च तत्सर्वं तपसैव वशीकृतम्

O King, long ago Nārada, wishing to accomplish a certain task, beheld everything in his mind by Śambhu’s grace; yet the Daitya-king brought all of that under control solely through austerity.

Verse 185

तस्याः पुत्रो महातेजा येन नीतोऽभवत्सभाम् । तस्य पुत्रो महाभाग पिता ते पितृवत्सलः । नाम्ना विरोचनो विद्वानिंद्रो येन महात्मना

Her son was a man of great splendor, by whom one was led into the assembly. His son, O fortunate one, was your father—devoted to the forefathers—named Virocana, a wise and great-souled one, by whom even Indra was checked and overcome.

Verse 186

दानेन तोषितो राजन्स्वेनैव शिरसा तदा । तस्यात्मजोसि भो राजन्कृतं ते परमं यशः

O King, he was then satisfied by a gift—indeed, by the offering of his own head. You are his son, O King; thus you have attained the highest renown.

Verse 187

यशोदीपेन महता दग्धाः शलभवत्सुराः । इंद्रोपि निर्जितो येन त्वया नास्त्यत्र संशयः

By the great lamp of your fame, the gods were scorched like moths; even Indra was conquered by you—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 188

श्रुतमस्ति मया सर्वं चरितं तव सुव्रत । अल्पकोऽहमिहायातो ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थितः

I have heard all of your deeds, O you of noble vows. I have come here as a humble one, established in the vow of brahmacarya.

Verse 189

उटजार्थे च मे देहि भूमीं भूमिभृतांवर । बटोस्तस्यैव तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा बलिरभाषत

“Grant me land for a hermitage, O best of kings.” Hearing those very words of that brahmacārin boy, Bali spoke in reply.

Verse 190

हे बटो पंडितो भूत्वा यदुक्तं वचनं पुरा । शिशुत्वात्तन्न जानासि श्रुत्वा मन्ये यथार्थतः

“O boy! Though you have become learned, you repeat words spoken long ago; yet because you are still a child, you do not truly grasp them—so, having heard you, I understand the real meaning thus.”

Verse 191

वद शीघ्रं महाभाग कियन्मात्रां महीं तव । दास्यामि त्वरितेनैव मनसा तद्विमृश्यताम्

“Speak quickly, O fortunate one: how much land do you require? I shall give it at once—consider it well in your mind.”

Verse 192

तदाह वामनो वाक्यं स्मयन्मधुरया गिरा । असंतोषपरा ये च विप्रा नष्टा न संशयः

Then Vāmana, smiling, spoke in a sweet voice: “Brahmins who are devoted to discontent are ruined—of this there is no doubt.”

Verse 193

संतुष्टा ये हि विप्रास्ते नान्ये वेषधरा ह्यमी । स्वधर्मनिरता राजन्निर्दंभा निरवग्रहाः

“Those brahmins who are content are the true brahmins; the others are merely wearers of a guise. O King, the contented are devoted to their own dharma—free from pretence and without possessiveness.”

Verse 194

निर्मत्सरा जितकोधावदान्या हि महामते । विप्रास्ते हि महाभाग तैरियं धार्यते मही

“O wise one, those brahmins are without envy, conquerors of anger, and truly generous. O noble king, by such brahmins this earth is upheld.”

Verse 195

मनस्वी त्वं बहुत्वाच्च दातासि भुवनत्रये । तथापि मे प्रदातव्या मही त्रिपदसंमिता

You are steadfast, and renowned for abundant giving throughout the three worlds. Even so, you must grant me land measured by three steps.

Verse 196

बहुत्वे नास्ति मे कार्यं मह्या वै सुरसूदन । प्रवेशमात्रमुटजं तथा मम भविष्यति

I have no need for much land, O slayer of demons. A hermitage-hut of mere entrance-space will be enough for me.

Verse 197

त्रिपदं पूर्यतेऽस्माकं वस्तुं नास्त्यत्र संशयः । देहि मे क्रमतो राजन्यावद्भूमिभविष्यति । तावत्संख्या प्रदातव्या यदि दातासि भो बले

Our ‘three steps’ will indeed be fulfilled—there is no doubt of it. Give it to me step by step, O King, for as long as the earth remains. That full count must be granted, if you are truly a giver, O Bali.

Verse 198

प्रहस्य तमुवाचेदं बलिर्वैरोचनात्मजः । दास्यामि ते महीं कृत्सां सशैलवनकाननाम्

Smiling, Bali—son of Virocana—said to him: “I shall give you the entire earth, with its mountains, forests, and wilderness-groves.”

Verse 199

मदीयां वै महाभाग मया दत्तां गृहाम वै । याचकोऽसि बटो पश्य दानं दैत्याप्रयाचसे

O fortunate one! Accept what is mine, which I have offered. See, you are a petitioner, O young ascetic—yet you do not even properly ask this gift from a Daitya.

Verse 200

याचको ह्यल्पको वास्तु दाता सर्वं विमृश्य वै । तथा विलोक्य चात्मानं ह्यर्थिभ्यश्च ददाति वै

A petitioner’s request is small indeed, yet the giver reflects on all things; and, considering his own capacity, he grants to those who seek.