Adhyaya 1

Verse 1

अयोध्यामाहात्म्यं प्रारभ्यते । जयति पराशरसूनुः सत्यवतीहृदयनंदनो व्यासः । यस्यास्यकमलगलितं वाङ्मयममृतं जगत्पिबति

Now the Ayodhyā-māhātmya is begun. Victory to Vyāsa—the son of Parāśara, the delight of Satyavatī’s heart—whose nectar-like stream of words, flowing from the lotus of his mouth, is drunk by the world.

Verse 2

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम् । देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयमुदीरयेत्

Having bowed to Nārāyaṇa, and to Nara—the best of men—and also to the goddess Sarasvatī, one should then proclaim victory.

Verse 3

व्यास उवाच । हिमवद्वासिनः सर्वे मुनयो वेदपारगाः । त्रिकालज्ञा महात्मानो नैमिषारण्यवासिनः

Vyāsa said: All those sages dwelling in the Himavat—masters of the Vedas, knowers of the three times, great-souled—were residents of Naimiṣāraṇya.

Verse 4

येऽर्बुदारण्यनिरता दण्डकारण्यवासिनः । महेन्द्राद्रिरता ये वै ये च विन्ध्यनिवासिनः

Those sages devoted to the Arbuda forest, those dwelling in the Daṇḍaka wilderness, those who delight in Mount Mahendra, and those residing in the Vindhya ranges—(all of them were present).

Verse 5

जंबूवनरता ये च ये गोदावरिवासिनः । वाराणसीश्रिता ये च मथुरावासिनस्तथा

And those who delight in Jambūvana, those who dwell by the Godāvarī, those who have taken refuge in Vārāṇasī, and likewise those residing in Mathurā—all these were present.

Verse 6

उज्जयिन्यां रता ये च प्रथमाश्रमवासिनः । द्वारावतीश्रिता ये च बदर्य्याश्रयिणस्तथा

Those devoted to Ujjayinī, those dwelling in the First Āśrama, those who have taken refuge in Dvārāvatī, and likewise those sheltered at Badarī—all were gathered.

Verse 7

मायापुरीश्रिता ये च ये च कान्तीनिवासिनः । एते चान्ये च मुनयः सशिष्या बहवोऽमलाः

Those who had taken refuge in Māyāpurī, and those dwelling at Kāntī—these, and many other stainless sages together with their disciples, were present.

Verse 8

कुरुक्षेत्रे महाक्षेत्रे सत्रे द्वादशवार्षिके । वर्तमाने च रामस्य क्षितीशस्य महात्मनः । समागताः समाहूताः सर्वे ते मुनयोऽमलाः

At Kurukṣetra, that great and holy field, during a twelve-year sacrificial session, and in the reign of the great-souled king Rāma, lord of the earth—all those stainless sages, duly invited, assembled there.

Verse 9

सर्वे ते शुद्धमनसो वेदवेदांगपारगाः । तत्र स्नात्वा यथान्यायं कृत्वा कर्म जपादिकम्

All of them were pure-minded and fully accomplished in the Vedas and their Vedāṅgas. There, having bathed according to due rule, they performed the rites—such as japa (sacred recitation) and the rest.

Verse 10

भारद्वाजं पुरस्कृत्य वेदवेदांगपारगम् । आसनेषु विचित्रेषु बृष्यादिषु ह्यनुक्रमात्

Placing Bhāradvāja in the foremost seat—he who had mastered the Vedas and the Vedāṅgas—they sat in due order upon various splendid seats, on cushions and the like.

Verse 11

उपविष्टाः कथाश्चक्रुर्नानातीर्थाश्रितास्तदा । कर्मांतरेषु सत्रस्य सुखासीनाः परस्परम्

Seated then—those connected with various sacred tīrthas—they conversed with one another, sitting at ease during the intervals between the rites of the satra.

Verse 12

कथांतेषु ततस्तेषां मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम् । आजगाम महातेजास्तत्र सूतो महामतिः

When those spiritually cultivated sages had concluded their discussions, there came to that place a Sūta of great splendor and great intelligence.

Verse 13

व्यासशिष्यः पुराणज्ञो समः हर्षणसंज्ञकः । तान्प्रणम्य यथान्यायं मुनीनुपविवेश सः । उपविष्टो यथान्यायं मुनीनां वचनेन सः

He was a disciple of Vyāsa, a knower of the Purāṇas, even-tempered, and known by the name Harṣaṇa. Having bowed to those sages in the proper manner, he sat near them; and, having been seated according to due etiquette, he did so at the sages’ request.

Verse 14

व्यासशिष्यं मुनिवरं सूतं वै रोमहर्षणम् । तं पप्रच्छुर्मुनिवरा भारद्वाजादयोऽमलाः

The spotless sages—Bhāradvāja and others—questioned Romaharṣaṇa, the illustrious Sūta, disciple of Vyāsa and foremost among seers.

Verse 15

ऋषय ऊचुः । त्वत्तः श्रुता महाभाग नानातीर्थाश्रिताः कथाः । सरहस्यानि सर्वाणि पुराणानि महामते

The sages said: “O blessed one, from you we have heard accounts connected with many sacred tīrthas, and all the Purāṇas together with their inner, secret meanings, O great-minded one.”

Verse 16

सांप्रतं श्रोतुमिच्छामः सरहस्यं सनातनम् । अयोध्याया महापुर्या महिमानं गुणोज्ज्वलम्

Now we wish to hear the eternal teaching with its inner meaning—the radiant glory, rich in virtues, of the great city of Ayodhyā.

Verse 17

कीदृशी सा सदा मेध्याऽयोध्या विष्णुप्रियापुरी । आद्या सा गीयते वेदे पुरीणां मुक्तिदायिका

What is that Ayodhyā like—ever pure, the beloved city of Viṣṇu? She is praised in the Veda as the primal city, a bestower of liberation among cities.

Verse 18

संस्थानं कीदृशं तस्यास्तस्यां के च महीभुजः । कानि तीर्थानि पुण्यानि माहात्म्यं तेषु कीदृशम्

What is her layout and form? Who are the kings in that city? Which sacred and meritorious tīrthas are there, and what is the greatness associated with them?

Verse 19

अयोध्यासेवनान्नृणां फलं स्यात्सूत कीदृशम् । किं चरित्रं सूत तस्याः का नद्यः के च संगमाः

O Sūta, what fruit accrues to people from serving and frequenting Ayodhyā? What is her sacred history, and which rivers and confluences are found there?

Verse 20

तत्र स्नानेन किं पुण्यं दानेन च महामते । तत्सर्वं श्रोतुमिच्छामस्त्वत्तः सूत गुणाधिक

O wise one, what merit arises from bathing there, and what merit from giving in charity? O Sūta, rich in virtues, we wish to hear all of that from you.

Verse 21

एतत्सर्वं क्रमेणैव तथ्यं त्वं वेत्थ सांप्रतम् । अयोध्याया महापुर्य्या माहात्म्यं वक्तुमर्हसि

You know all these matters, in proper sequence and in truth. Therefore you ought to relate the māhātmya of the great city of Ayodhyā.

Verse 22

सूत उवाच । व्यासप्रसादाज्जानामि पुराणानि तपोधनाः । सेतिहासानि सर्वाणि सरहस्यानि तत्त्वतः

Sūta said: “By Vyāsa’s grace, O treasures of austerity, I know the Purāṇas and all the Itihāsas, together with their inner meanings, in accordance with the truth.”

Verse 23

तं प्रणम्य प्रवक्ष्यामि माहात्म्यं भवदग्रतः । अयोध्याया महापुर्या यथावत्सरहस्यकम्

Having bowed to him (Vyāsa), I shall declare before you the māhātmya of the great city of Ayodhyā—properly and together with its inner significance.

Verse 24

विद्यावन्तं विपुलमतिदं वेदवेदांगवेद्यं श्रेष्ठं शान्तं शमितविषयं शुद्धतेजोविशालम् । वेदव्यासं सततविनतं विश्ववेद्यैकयोनिं पाराशर्य्यं परमपुरुषं सर्वदाऽहं नमामि

I ever bow to Parāśarya—Veda-Vyāsa—abounding in knowledge and vast in intellect; knowable through the Veda and the Vedāṅgas; supreme and tranquil, with the senses subdued; of pure and expansive radiance; ever-humble, the single source by whom the whole world becomes knowable—indeed the Supreme Person.

Verse 25

ॐ नमो भगवते तस्मै व्यासायामिततेजसे । यस्य प्रसादाज्जानामि ह्ययोध्यामहिमामहम्

Oṃ—salutations to the Blessed Vyāsa, of immeasurable splendor; by his grace I come to know the greatness of Ayodhyā.

Verse 26

शृण्वन्तु मुनयः सर्वे सावधानाः सशिष्यकाः । माहात्म्यं कथयिष्यामि अयोध्याया महोदयम्

Let all the sages, together with their disciples, listen with care. Now I shall recount the auspicious, uplifting Mahātmya—the greatness—of Ayodhyā.

Verse 27

उदीरितमगस्त्याय स्कन्देनाश्रावि नारदात् । अगस्त्येन पुरा प्रोक्तं कृष्णद्वैपायनाय तत्

This was proclaimed by Skanda to Agastya, after Skanda had heard it from Nārada. Long ago, Agastya in turn spoke it to Kṛṣṇa-Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa).

Verse 28

कृष्णद्वैपायनाच्चैतन्मया प्राप्तं तपोधनाः । तदहं वच्मि युष्मभ्यं श्रोतुकामेभ्य आदरात्

O treasures of austerity, I received this from Kṛṣṇa-Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa). Therefore, with due reverence, I shall speak it to you who long to hear.

Verse 29

नमामि परमात्मानं रामं राजीवलोचनम् । अतसीकुसुमश्यामं रावणांतकमव्ययम्

I bow to Rāma, the Supreme Self—lotus-eyed, dark-hued like the flax flower, the slayer of Rāvaṇa, the imperishable one.

Verse 30

अयोध्या सा परा मेध्या पुरी दुष्कृतिदुर्ल्लभा । कस्य सेव्या च नाऽयोध्या यस्यां साक्षाद्धरिः स्वयम्

Ayodhyā is supremely pure—a city hard to attain for those burdened with evil deeds. For whom would Ayodhyā not be worthy of service, where Hari Himself is present in person?

Verse 31

सरयूतीरमासाद्य दिव्या परमशोभना । अमरावतीनिभा प्रायः श्रिता बहुतपोधनैः

Reaching the bank of the Sarayū, one finds (Ayodhyā) divine and exceedingly beautiful—much like Amarāvatī—frequented and inhabited by many great ascetics rich in austerity.

Verse 32

हस्त्यश्वरथपत्त्याढ्या संपदुच्चा च संस्थिता । प्राकाराढ्यप्रतोलीभिस्तोरणैः कांचनप्रभैः

Abounding in elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry, and established in lofty prosperity—she is adorned with strong ramparts, grand gateways, and golden-radiant arches.

Verse 33

सानूपवेषैः सर्वत्र सुविभक्तचतुष्टया । अनेकभूमिप्रासादा बहुभित्तिसुविक्रिया

Everywhere adorned with fitting quarters and layouts, well-arranged in four divisions; with multi-storied palaces and finely crafted structures of many walls and intricate workmanship.

Verse 34

पद्मोत्फुल्लशुभोदाभिर्वापीभिरुपशोभिता । देवतायतनैर्दिव्यैर्वेदघोषैश्च मण्डिता

Ayodhyā is beautified by splendid lotus-blooming ponds of auspicious waters, adorned with divine shrines of the gods, and made resplendent by the reverberation of Vedic recitations.

Verse 35

वीणावेणुमृदंगादिशब्दैरुत्कृष्टतां गता । शालैस्तालैर्नालिकेरैः पनसामलकैस्तथा

It attains sublime excellence through the sounds of the vīṇā, the flute, the mṛdaṅga, and other instruments; and it is graced with śāla and tāla trees, with coconut palms, jackfruit, and āmalaka as well.

Verse 36

तथैवाम्रकपित्थाद्यैरशोकैरुपशोभिता । आरामैर्विविधैर्युक्ता सर्वर्तुफलपादपैः

Likewise it is beautified by mango, kapittha (wood-apple) and other trees, and by aśoka trees; it is furnished with diverse gardens, filled with fruit-bearing trees for every season.

Verse 37

मालतीजातिबकुलपाटलीनागचंपकैः । करवीरैः कर्णिकारैः केतकीभिरलंकृता

It is adorned with mālatī and jāti jasmine, bakula, pāṭalī, and nāga-campaka blossoms, and also with karavīra, karṇikāra, and ketakī flowers.

Verse 38

निम्बजंवीरकदलीमातुलिंगमहाफलैः । लसच्चंदनगंधाढ्यैर्नागरैरुपशोभिता

It is beautified with neem, rose-apple (jambīra), banana, citron (mātuliṅga), and great fruit trees; and it shines with nāgara trees, rich with the fragrance of gleaming sandalwood.

Verse 39

देवतुल्यप्रभायुक्तैर्नृपपुत्रैश्च संयुता । सुरूपाभिर्वरस्त्रीभिर्देवस्त्रीभिरिवावृता

It is filled with princes radiant like the gods, and it is surrounded by beautiful noble women, as though by celestial maidens.

Verse 40

श्रेष्ठैः सत्कविभिर्युक्ता बृहस्पतिसमैर्द्विजैः । वणिग्जनैस्तथा पौरैः कल्पवृक्षैरिवावृता

That city is adorned with eminent virtuous poets, with brāhmaṇas equal to Bṛhaspati, and with merchants and citizens—surrounded, as it were, by wish-fulfilling Kalpavṛkṣa trees.

Verse 41

अश्वैरुच्चैःश्रवस्तुल्यैर्दंतिभिर्दिग्गजैरिव । इति नानाविधैर्भावैरुपेतेन्द्रपुरी समा

With horses like Uccaiḥśravas and elephants like the Diggajas, guardians of the directions, and endowed with many such excellences, it is comparable to Indra’s city.

Verse 42

यस्यां जाता महीपालाः सूर्यवंशसमुद्भवाः । इक्ष्वाकुप्रमुखाः सर्वे प्रजापालनतत्पराः

In that city were born earth-protecting kings of the Solar Dynasty—beginning with Ikṣvāku—each devoted to the protection and welfare of their subjects.

Verse 43

यस्यास्तीरे पुण्यतोया कूजद्भृंगविहंगमा । सरयूर्नाम तटिनी मानसप्रभवोल्लसा

On whose banks flows the Sarayū River—holy in its waters, resonant with the humming of bees and the calls of birds—shining forth as a river said to spring from Mānasarovar.

Verse 44

धर्मद्रवपरीता सा घर्घरोत्तमसंगमा । मुनीश्वराश्रिततटा जागर्ति जगदुच्छ्रिता

That sacred river, filled with the flowing essence of Dharma, meets the noble Gharghara; with banks resorted to by great sages, it stands ever-awake, upholding the worlds.

Verse 45

दक्षिणाच्चरणांगुष्ठान्निःसृता जाह्नवी हरेः । वामांगुष्ठान्मुनिवराः सरयूर्निर्गता शुभा

From Hari’s right great toe flowed forth the Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā); and from His left toe, O best of sages, the auspicious Sarayū issued forth.

Verse 46

तस्मादिमे पुण्यतमे नद्यौ देवनमस्कृते । एतयोः स्नानमात्रेण ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहति

Therefore these two rivers are most holy, O revered one worshipped by the gods; by bathing in them alone, one drives away even the sin of brahma-slaughter.

Verse 47

तामयोध्यामथ प्राप्तोऽगस्त्यः कुम्भोद्भवो मुनिः । यात्रार्थं तीर्थमाहात्म्यं ज्ञात्वा स्कन्दप्रसादतः

Then the sage Agastya, born of the jar, reached that Ayodhyā; and—by Skanda’s grace—he came to know the greatness of its tīrthas for the sake of pilgrimage.

Verse 48

आगत्य तु इतः सोऽपि कृऽत्वा यात्रां क्रमेण च । यथोक्तेन विधानेन स्नात्वा संतर्प्य तान्पितॄन्

Having come there, he too performed the pilgrimage step by step; and, bathing according to the prescribed rule, he satisfied those Pitṛs (ancestral spirits) with offerings.

Verse 49

पूजयित्वा यथान्यायं देवताः सकला अपि । सर्वाण्यपि च तीर्थानि नमस्कृत्य यथाविधि

Having worshipped all the deities in the proper manner, and having duly bowed to all the tīrthas according to rule,

Verse 50

कृतकृत्योर्ज्जितानन्दस्तीर्थमाहात्म्यदर्शनात् । अभूदगस्त्यो रूपेण पुलकां चितविग्रहः

By beholding the greatness of the tīrthas, Agastya became fulfilled and overwhelmed with ānanda; his very body thrilled in rapture, bristling with horripilation.

Verse 51

स त्रिरात्रं स्थितस्तत्र यात्रां कृत्वा यथाविधि । स्तुवन्नयोध्यामाहात्म्यं प्रतस्थे मुनिसत्तमः

That best of sages stayed there for three nights; having performed the pilgrimage according to rule, he departed, praising the glory of Ayodhyā.

Verse 52

तमायांतं विलोक्याशु बहुलानन्दसुन्दरम् । कृष्णद्वैपायनो व्यासः पप्रच्छानंदकारणम्

Seeing him approaching, radiant with abundant joy, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa quickly asked the cause of his bliss.

Verse 53

व्यास उवाच । कुतः समागतो ब्रह्मन्सांप्रतं मुनिसत्तमः । परमानंदसंदोहः समभूत्सांप्रतं तव

Vyāsa said: “From where have you come just now, O Brāhmaṇa, best of sages? Why has such a flood of supreme bliss arisen in you at this time?”

Verse 54

कस्मादानंदपोषोऽभूत्तव ब्रह्मन्वदस्व मे । ममापि भवदानंदात्प्रमोदो हृदि जायते

“O Brāhmaṇa, tell me—why has such a swelling of bliss arisen in you? From your very joy, gladness is also being born within my heart.”

Verse 55

अगस्त्य उवाच । अहो महदथाश्चर्य्यं विस्मयो मुनिसत्तम । दृष्ट्वा प्रभावं मेऽद्याभूदयोध्यायास्तपोधन

Agastya said: O best of sages, wondrous indeed is this great marvel! Seeing today the majesty of Ayodhyā, amazement has arisen within me, O ascetic rich in austerity.

Verse 56

तस्मादानंदसंदोहः समभून्मम सांप्रतम् । तच्छ्रुत्वागस्त्यवचनं व्यासः प्रोवाच तं मुनिम्

Therefore, at this very moment a flood of joy has arisen in me. Hearing Agastya’s words, Vyāsa then addressed that sage.

Verse 57

व्यास उवाच । भगवन्ब्रूहि तत्त्वेन विस्तरात्सरहस्यकम् । अयोध्याया महापुर्या महिमानं गुणाधिकम्

Vyāsa said: O Blessed one, tell me truthfully and in detail—together with its inner mysteries—the greatness of the great city Ayodhyā, rich in exalted qualities.

Verse 58

कः क्रमस्तीर्थयात्रायाः कानि तीर्थानि को विधिः । कि फलं स्नानतस्तत्र दानस्य च महामुने । एतत्सर्वं समाचक्ष्व विस्तराद्वदतां वर

What is the proper sequence of the pilgrimage? Which sacred fords are there, and what is the correct procedure? What fruit comes from bathing there, and from giving charity, O great sage? Explain all of this fully, O best of speakers, in detail.

Verse 59

अगस्त्य उवाच । अहो धन्यतमा बुद्धिस्तव जाता तपोधन । दृश्यते येन पृच्छा ते ह्ययोध्यामहिमाश्रिता

Agastya said: Ah, most blessed is the understanding that has arisen in you, O treasure of austerity—since your very question is seen to be founded upon the greatness of Ayodhyā.

Verse 60

अकारो ब्रह्म च प्रोक्तं यकारो विष्णुरुच्यते । धकारो रुद्ररूपश्च अयोध्यानाम राजते

“A” is declared to be Brahmā; “ya” is said to be Viṣṇu; and “dha” is of the nature of Rudra—thus the very name “Ayodhyā” shines forth, embodying the Divine.

Verse 61

सर्वोपपातकैर्युक्तैर्ब्रह्महत्यादिपातकैः । नायोध्या शक्यते यस्मात्तामयोध्यां ततो विदुः

Even those burdened with every lesser sin, and with great crimes such as brahmin-slaying, cannot contend with or overcome Ayodhyā; therefore it is known as Ayodhyā—the Unconquerable.

Verse 62

विष्णोराद्या पुरी येयं क्षितिं न स्पृशति द्विज । विष्णोः सुदर्शने चक्रे स्थिता पुण्यकरी क्षितौ

This is Viṣṇu’s primordial city, O twice-born; it does not touch the earth. It abides upon Viṣṇu’s Sudarśana discus, and bestows holiness and merit upon the world.

Verse 63

केन वर्णयितुं शक्यो महिमाऽस्यास्तपोधन । यत्र साक्षात्स्वयं देवो विष्णुर्वसति सादरः

Who can adequately describe the greatness of this city, O treasure of austerity—where the god Viṣṇu Himself, manifest in person, dwells with loving regard?

Verse 64

सहस्रधारामारभ्य योजनं पूर्वतो दिशि । प्रतीचि दिशि तथैव योजनं समतोवधिः

Beginning from Sahasradhārā, the sacred boundary extends for one yojana toward the eastern direction; likewise, toward the western direction too, the limit is evenly measured as one yojana.

Verse 65

दक्षिणोत्तरभागे तु सरयूतमसावधिः । एतत्क्षेत्रस्य संस्थानं हरेरन्तर्गृहं स्थितम् । मत्स्याकृतिरियं विप्र पुरी विष्णोरुदीरिता

On its southern and northern sides, the boundary is marked by the rivers Sarayū and Tamasā. This very arrangement of the sacred field stands as Hari’s inner dwelling. O brāhmaṇa, this city of Viṣṇu is declared to be shaped like a fish.

Verse 66

पश्चिमे तस्य मूर्द्धा तु गोप्रतारासिता द्विज

On its western side lies its “head”, O twice-born; it is marked by the place called Gopratārā.

Verse 67

पूर्वतः पृष्ठभागो हि दक्षिणोत्तरमध्यमः । तस्यां पुर्य्यां महाभाग नाम्ना विष्णुर्हरिः स्वयम् । पूर्वंदृष्टप्रभावोऽसौ प्राधान्येन वसत्यपि

To the east is its back-region, with the middle lying between south and north. In that city, O greatly fortunate one, Hari—Viṣṇu Himself—abides under the very name “Viṣṇu”. Possessed of a power witnessed from ancient times, He dwells there in special eminence.

Verse 68

व्यास उवाच । भगवन्किं प्रभावोऽसौ योऽयं विष्णुहरिस्त्वया । कीर्तितो मुनिशार्दूल प्रसिद्धिं गतवान्कथम् । एतत्सर्वं समाचक्ष्व विस्तरेण ममाग्रतः

Vyāsa said: O venerable one, what is the potency of this “Viṣṇu-Hari” spoken of by you, O tiger among sages? How did he attain renown? Tell me all of this in detail, here before me.

Verse 69

अगस्त्य उवाच । विष्णुशर्मेति विख्यातः पुराभूद्ब्राह्मणोत्तमः । वेदवेदांगतत्त्वज्ञो धर्मकर्मसमाश्रितः

Agastya said: Formerly there was an excellent brāhmaṇa renowned as Viṣṇuśarman—one who knew the true principles of the Vedas and the Vedāṅgas, and who was established in righteous duties and sacred conduct.

Verse 70

योगध्यानरतो नित्यं विष्णुभक्तिपरायणः । स कदाचित्तीर्थयात्रां कुर्वन्वैष्णवसत्तमः । अयोध्यामागतो विष्णुर्विष्णुःसाक्षाद्वसेदिति

Ever delighting in yoga and meditation, wholly devoted to bhakti toward Viṣṇu, that foremost of Vaiṣṇavas once set out on pilgrimage to the sacred tīrthas. He came to Ayodhyā, pondering: “Here indeed Viṣṇu Himself dwells in person.”

Verse 71

चिंतयन्मनसा वीरस्तपः कर्तुं समुद्यतः । स वै तत्र तपस्तेपे शाकमूलफलाशनः

Thinking deeply within his mind, that steadfast man set himself to perform austerity. There he practiced tapas, sustaining himself on vegetables, roots, and fruits.

Verse 72

ग्रीष्मे पंचाग्निमध्यस्थो ह्यतपत्स महातपाः । वार्षिके च निरालम्बो हेमन्ते च सरोवरे

In summer, that great ascetic performed austerity while standing amid the five fires; in the rainy season he remained without support; and in winter he stayed within a lake.

Verse 73

स्नात्वा यथोक्तविधिना कृत्वा विष्णोस्तथार्चनम् । वशीकृत्येन्द्रियग्रामं विशुद्धेनांतरात्मना

Having bathed according to the prescribed rite and likewise performed worship of Viṣṇu, he brought the host of senses under control, his inward self made pure.

Verse 74

मनो विष्णौ समावेश्य विधाय प्राणसंयमम् । ओंकारोच्चारणाद्धीमान्हृदि पद्मं विकासयन्

Fixing his mind upon Viṣṇu and restraining the breath, the wise man—by the utterance of Oṃ—caused the lotus of the heart to blossom.

Verse 75

तन्मध्ये रविसोमाग्निमण्डलानि यथाविधि । कल्पयित्वा हरिं मूर्तं यस्मिन्देशे सनातनम्

Within that heart-lotus, he duly envisioned the spheres of the Sun, the Moon, and Fire; and in that sacred inner space he formed the eternal Hari in a manifest form.

Verse 76

पीतांबरधरं विष्णुं शंखचक्रगदाधरम् । तं च पुष्पैः समभ्यर्च्य मनस्तस्मिन्निवेश्य च

He contemplated Viṣṇu clad in yellow garments, bearing conch, discus, and mace; worshipping Him with flowers, he fixed his mind wholly upon Him.

Verse 77

ब्रह्मरूपं हरिं ध्यायञ्जपन्वै द्वादशाक्षरम् । वायुभक्षः स्थितस्तत्र विप्रस्त्रीन्वत्सरान्वसन्

Meditating on Hari in His Brahman-form and indeed repeating the twelve-syllabled mantra, the Brahmin remained there, living on air alone, for three years.

Verse 78

ततो द्विजवरो ध्यात्वा स्तुतिं चक्रे हरेरिमाम् । प्रणिपत्य जगन्नाथं चराचरगुरुं हरिम् । विष्णुशर्माथ तुष्टाव नारायणमतंद्रितः

Then the excellent Brahmin, having meditated, composed this hymn to Hari. Bowing to the Lord of the universe—Hari, the teacher of all moving and unmoving beings—Viṣṇuśarmā praised Nārāyaṇa without weariness.

Verse 79

विष्णुशर्म्मोवाच । प्रसीद भगवन्विष्णो प्रसीद पुरुषोत्तम । प्रसीद देवदेवेश प्रसीद कमलेक्षण

Viṣṇuśarmā said: Be gracious, O blessed Viṣṇu; be gracious, O Supreme Person. Be gracious, O Lord of the lords of gods; be gracious, O lotus-eyed One.

Verse 80

जय कृष्ण जयाचिंत्य जय विष्णो जयाव्यय । जय यज्ञपते नाथ जय विष्णो पते विभो

Victory to Kṛṣṇa, victory to the Inconceivable; victory to Viṣṇu, victory to the Imperishable. Victory to the Lord of sacrifice, O Master; victory to You, O Lord Viṣṇu—O all-pervading Sovereign.

Verse 81

जय पापहरानंत जय जन्मज्वरापह । नमः कमलनाभाय नमः कमलमालिने

Victory to the endless One who removes sin; victory to Him who dispels the fever of repeated birth. Salutation to the lotus-naveled Lord; salutation to Him who is garlanded with lotuses.

Verse 82

नमः सर्वेश भूतेश नमः कैटभसूदन । नमस्त्रैलोक्यनाथाय जगन्मूल जगत्पते

Salutation to the Lord of all, the Lord of beings; salutation to the slayer of Kaiṭabha. Salutation to the Lord of the three worlds—to the root of the universe, the Lord of the cosmos.

Verse 83

नमो देवाधिदेवाय नमो नारायणाय वै । नमः कृष्णाय रामाय नमश्चक्रायुधाय च

Salutation to the God beyond the gods; salutation indeed to Nārāyaṇa. Salutation to Kṛṣṇa, to Rāma, and also to Him whose weapon is the discus.

Verse 84

त्वं माता सर्वलोकानां त्वमेव जगतः पिता । भयार्त्तानां सुहृन्मित्रं त्वं पिता त्वं पितामहः

You are the mother of all worlds, and you alone are the father of the universe. For those afflicted by fear, you are the benevolent friend and ally; you are father—indeed, you are the grandsire of all.

Verse 85

त्वं हविस्त्वं वषट्कारस्त्वं प्रभुस्त्वं हुताशनः । करणं कारणं कर्त्ता त्वमेव परमेश्वरः

You are the sacrificial oblation; You are the vaṣaṭ-cry; You are the Lord, and You are the sacred fire that consumes the offering. You are the instrument, the cause, and the doer—indeed, You alone are the Supreme Lord.

Verse 86

शंखचक्रगदापाणे मां समुद्धर माधव

O Mādhava, whose hands bear the conch, discus, and mace—lift me up and deliver me!

Verse 87

प्रसीद मंदरधर प्रसीद मधुसूदन । प्रसीद कमलाकान्त प्रसीद भुवनाधिप

Be gracious, O Bearer of Mandara; be gracious, O Slayer of Madhu. Be gracious, O Beloved of Kamalā (Lakṣmī); be gracious, O Lord of the worlds.

Verse 88

अगस्त्य उवाच । इत्येवं स्तुवतस्तस्य मनोभक्त्या महात्मनः । आविर्बभूव विश्वात्मा विष्णुर्गरुडवाहनः

Agastya said: As that great-souled one thus praised Him with heartfelt devotion, Viṣṇu—the Soul of the universe, the Rider of Garuḍa—manifested before him.

Verse 89

शंखचक्रगदापाणिः पीतांबरधरोऽच्युतः । उवाच स प्रसन्नात्मा विष्णुशर्माणमव्ययः

Bearing conch, discus, and mace, clad in yellow garments—Acyuta, the imperishable one—serene in spirit, spoke to Viṣṇuśarmā.

Verse 90

श्रीभगवानुवाच । तुष्टोऽस्मि भवतो वत्स महता तपसाऽधुना । स्तोत्रेणानेन सुमते नष्टपापोऽसि सांप्रतम्

The Blessed Lord said: I am pleased with you, dear child, now by your great austerity. By this hymn, O wise-minded one, your sins have been destroyed at this very moment.

Verse 91

वरं वरय विप्रेन्द्र वरदोऽहं तवाग्रतः । नाऽतप्ततपसा द्रष्टुं शक्यः केनाप्यहं द्विज

The Blessed Lord said: Choose a boon, O best of brahmins; I stand before you as the giver of boons. Without austerity, O twice-born, I cannot be seen by anyone at all.

Verse 92

विष्णुशर्म्मोवाच । कृतकृत्योऽस्मि देवेश सांप्रतं तव दर्शनात् । त्वद्भक्तिमचलामेकां मम देहि जगत्पते

Viṣṇuśarmā said: O Lord of the gods, by beholding you now I have fulfilled life’s purpose. O Lord of the world, grant me one thing alone—unshakable devotion to you.

Verse 93

श्रीभगवानुवाच । भक्तिरस्त्वचला मे वै वैष्णवी मुक्तिदायिनी । अत्रैवास्त्वचला मे वै जाह्नवी मुक्तिदायिनी

The Blessed Lord said: Let unwavering devotion to me indeed be yours—Vaiṣṇavī devotion that bestows liberation. And here itself, let the Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā) also be unwavering—bestowing liberation.

Verse 94

इदं स्थानं महाभाग त्वन्नाम्ना ख्यातिमेष्यति

O fortunate one, this sacred place shall attain renown by your very name.

Verse 95

अगस्त्य उवाच । इत्युक्त्वा देवदेवेशश्चक्रेणोत्खाय तत्स्थलम् । जलं प्रकटयामास गांगं पातालमंडलात्

Agastya said: Having spoken thus, the Lord of the gods, with his discus (Cakra), dug up that spot and revealed the waters of the Gaṅgā from the realm of Pātāla.

Verse 96

जलेन तेन भगवान्पवित्रेण दयांबुधिः । नीरजस्तु भूमितलं क्षणाच्चक्रे कृपावशात्

With that purifying water, the Blessed Lord—an ocean of compassion—out of sheer mercy made the earth’s surface instantly free from impurity.

Verse 97

चक्रतीर्थमिति ख्यातं ततः प्रभृति तद्द्विज । जातं त्रैलोक्यविख्यातमघौघध्वंसकृच्छुभम्

From that time onward, O brāhmaṇa, it became known as Cakratīrtha—auspicious, famed throughout the three worlds, and a destroyer of torrents of sin.

Verse 98

तत्र स्नानेन दानेन विष्णुलोकं व्रजेन्नरः

By bathing there and by giving charity, a person goes to the world of Viṣṇu (Viṣṇuloka).

Verse 99

ततः स भगवान्भूयो विष्णुशर्माणमच्युतः । कृपया परया युक्त उवाच द्विजवत्सलः

Then the Blessed Acyuta again spoke to Viṣṇuśarmā, the lover of brāhmaṇas, filled with supreme compassion.

Verse 100

श्रीभगवानुवाच । त्वन्नामपूर्विका विप्र मन्मूर्तिरिह तिष्ठतु । विष्णुहरीति विख्याता भक्तानां मुक्तिदायिनी

The Blessed Lord said: O brāhmaṇa, let my sacred image abide here, bearing your name as its prefix. Known as “Viṣṇu-Hari,” it shall bestow liberation upon devotees.

Verse 101

अगस्त्य उवाच । इति श्रुत्वा वचो विप्रो वासुदेवस्य बुद्धिमान् । स्वनामपूर्विकां मूर्तिं स्थापयामास चक्रिणः

Agastya said: Hearing these words of Vāsudeva, the wise brāhmaṇa installed the image of the Discus-bearer, placing his own name as its prefix.

Verse 102

ततः प्रभति विप्रेश शंखचक्रगदाधरः । पीतवासाश्चतुर्बाहुर्नाम्ना विष्णुहरिः स्थितः

From then on, O best of brāhmaṇas, the four-armed Lord—bearing conch, discus, and mace, clad in yellow garments—remained established there by the name “Viṣṇu-Hari”.

Verse 103

कार्तिके शुक्लपक्षस्य प्रारभ्य दशमी तिथिम् । पूर्णिमामवधिं कृत्वा यात्रा सांवत्सरी भवेत्

Beginning on the tenth lunar day of the bright fortnight in Kārttika and continuing until the full moon, this pilgrimage observance becomes an annual rite.

Verse 104

चक्रतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते । बहुवर्षसहस्राणि स्वर्गलोके महीयते

Having bathed at Cakratīrtha, a man is released from all sins; for thousands upon thousands of years he is honored in the heavenly world.

Verse 105

पितॄनुद्दिश्य यस्तत्र पिंडान्निर्वापयिष्यति । तृप्तास्तु पितरो यान्ति विष्णुलोकं न संशयः

Whoever there, intending the Pitṛs (ancestors), offers piṇḍa-oblations—those ancestors, satisfied, go to Viṣṇu’s world; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 106

चक्रतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा विष्णुहरिं विभुम् । सर्वपापक्षयं प्राप्य नाकपृष्ठे महीयते

Having bathed at Cakratīrtha and having beheld Viṣṇu-Hari, the all-pervading Lord, one attains the destruction of all sins and is honored on the heights of heaven.

Verse 107

स्वशक्त्या तत्र दानानि दत्त्वा निष्कल्मषो नरः । विष्णुलोके वसेद्धीमान्यावदिन्द्राश्चतुर्दश

Giving gifts there according to one’s capacity, a man becomes free of taint; the wise one dwells in Viṣṇu’s world for as long as the fourteen Indras endure.

Verse 108

अन्यदापि नरस्तत्र चक्रतीथे जितेंद्रियः । दृष्ट्वा सकृद्धरिं देवं सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

Even at another time, a self-controlled man there at Cakratīrtha—by seeing Lord Hari just once—is freed from all sins.

Verse 109

इति सकलगुणाब्धिर्ध्येयमूर्तिश्चिदात्मा हरिरिह परमूर्त्या तस्थिवान्मुक्तिहेतोः । तमिह बहुलभक्त्या चक्रतीर्थाभिषेकी वसति सुकृतिमूर्त्तिर्योऽर्चयेद्विष्णुलोके

Thus Hari—an ocean of all virtues, the form fit for meditation, the very Self of consciousness—abides here in supreme manifestation as the cause of liberation. Whoever, having bathed at Cakratīrtha, worships Him here with abundant devotion, that embodied merit dwells in Viṣṇu’s world.