Adhyaya 122: The Greatness of Kokāmukha (Sacred Site Eulogy and Salvific Narrative)

Verse 1

अथ कोकामुखमाहात्म्यम् ॥ वराह उवाच ॥ गुह्यानां परमं गुह्यं तच्छृणुष्व वसुन्धरे ॥ तिर्यग्योनिगताश्चापि येन मुच्यन्ति किल्बिषात्

Now begins the Māhātmya of Kokāmukha. Varāha said: “O Vasundharā, listen to this most secret among secrets—by which even those born in non-human wombs are released from moral taint (kilbiṣa).”

Verse 2

अष्टम्यां च चतुर्द्दश्यां मैथुनं यो न गच्छति ॥ भुक्त्वा परस्य चान्नानि यश्चैव न विकुत्सति

He who does not engage in sexual intercourse on the eighth and the fourteenth lunar days, and who—having eaten another’s food—does not show contempt (for it or for the giver).

Verse 3

बाल्ये वयस्यपि च यो मम नित्यमनुव्रतः ॥ येन केनापि सन्तुष्टो यो मातापितृपूजकः

He who, in childhood and also in youth, remains constantly devoted to me; who is content with whatever comes; and who honors and venerates mother and father.

Verse 4

आयासे जीवति न यः प्रविभागी गुणान्वितः ॥ दाता भोक्ता च कार्येषु स्वतन्त्रो नित्यसंयतः

He who does not live in mere toil; who distributes fairly, endowed with virtues; who gives and also partakes appropriately in duties; self-directed and ever self-restrained.

Verse 5

विकर्म नाभिकुर्वीत कौमारव्रतसंस्थितः ॥ सर्वभूतदयायुक्तः सत्त्वेन च समन्वितः

He should not commit wrongful acts, established in the vow of brahmacarya; endowed with compassion toward all beings and possessed of purity and clarity (sattva).

Verse 6

मत्या च निःस्पृहःऽत्यन्तं परार्थेष्वस्पृहः सदा ॥ ईदृग्बुद्धिं समादाय मम लोकाय गच्छति ॥ इमं गुह्यं वरारोहे देवैरपि दुरासदम्

And in intention utterly free from craving—always without longing for others’ possessions—having adopted such a disposition, he goes to my world. This secret, O noble-hipped one, is difficult to attain even for the gods.

Verse 7

तच्छृणुष्वानवद्याङ्गि कथ्यमानं मयाऽनघे ॥ जरायुजाण्डजोद्भिज्जस्वेदजानि कदाचन

Listen to this, O flawless-limbed one, O blameless one, as I relate it: concerning the classes of beings—viviparous, egg-born, moisture/earth-sprung, and sweat-born—at a certain time.

Verse 8

ततः पूर्वोत्तरे पार्श्वे नित्यं यो हृदि तिष्ठति ॥ अस्थीनि दर्शयामास अवशिष्टानि यानि तु

Then, on the northeastern side—he who ever abides in the heart—he showed the bones that remained, whatever they were.

Verse 9

एतानि मम चास्थानि पूर्वदेहोद्भवानि च ॥ अहं पुराभवं मत्स्यः कोकेषु विचरन् जले

“These are my bones, born from a former body. In ancient times I became a fish, roaming in the waters of Kokā.”

Verse 10

ये न हिंसन्ति भूतानि शुद्धात्मानो दयापराः ॥ यस्तु कोकामुखे देवि ध्रुवं प्राणान्परित्यजेत्

“Those who do not harm living beings—pure in spirit and devoted to compassion—yet whoever, O Goddess, at the ‘mouth’ of Kokā, surely gives up the life-breath…”

Verse 11

मनसा न चलत्येव मम वल्लभतां व्रजेत् ॥ ततो विष्णुवचः श्रुत्वा सा मही संशितव्रता

“One whose mind does not waver indeed attains the state of being dear to me. Then, having heard Viṣṇu’s words, the Earth—steadfast in her vow—(responded/continued).”

Verse 12

धरण्युवाच ॥ अहं शिष्या च दासी च भक्ता च त्वयि माधव

“Dharāṇī said: ‘I am your student, your servant, and also your devotee, O Mādhava.’”

Verse 13

एवं मे परमं गुह्यं त्वद्भक्त्या वक्तुमर्हसि ॥ चक्रं वाराणसीं चैव अट्टहासं च नैमिषम्

“Thus, by my devotion to you, you ought to tell me the supreme secret—concerning Cakra, Vārāṇasī, Aṭṭahāsa, and Naimiṣa.”

Verse 14

भद्रकर्णह्रदं चैव हित्वा कोकां प्रशंससि ॥ नगरं च द्विरण्डं च मुकुटं मण्डलेश्वरम्

“Setting aside Bhadrakarṇa-hrada, why do you praise Kokā? And also Nagara, Dviraṇḍa, Mukuṭa, and Maṇḍaleśvara…”

Verse 15

केदारं च ततो मुक्त्वा कि कोकां च प्रशंससि ॥ देवदारुवनं मुक्त्वा तथा जालेश्वरं विभुम्

“And after leaving Kedāra, why do you praise Kokā? Leaving Devadāruvana, and likewise the mighty Jāleśvara…”

Verse 16

दुर्गं महाबलं मुक्त्वा किं वै कोकां प्रशंससि ॥ गोकर्णं च ततो मुक्त्वा शुद्धजाल्मेश्वरं तथा

“Leaving Durgā, the great and powerful, why indeed do you praise Kokā? And after leaving Gokarṇa, likewise (leaving) Śuddhajālmeśvara…”

Verse 17

एकलिङ्गं ततो मुक्त्वा किं वा कोकां प्रशंससि ॥ एवं पृष्टस्तथा भक्त्या माधवश्च महाप्रभुः

“Leaving Ekaliṅga, why, then, do you praise Kokā? Thus questioned in this way, and with devotion, Mādhava—the great Lord—(prepared to answer).”

Verse 18

वराहरूपी भगवान्प्रत्युवाच वसुन्धराम् ॥ श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ एवमेतन्महाभागे यन्मां त्वं भीरु भाषसे

“The Blessed Lord, in the form of Varāha, replied to Vasundharā: ‘Śrī Varāha said: Even so, O greatly fortunate one—what you, O timid one, speak to Me.’”

Verse 19

कथयिष्यामि ते गुह्यं कोका येन विशिष्यते ॥ एते रुद्राश्रिताः क्षेत्रा ये त्वया परिकीर्तिताः

I shall tell you the secret by which Kokā becomes distinguished. These are the sacred regions associated with Rudra that have been recounted by you.

Verse 20

एते पाशुपताश्चैषां कोका भागवतस्य ह ॥ तत्रान्यत्ते प्रवक्ष्यामि महाख्यानं वरानने

Among these, some are Pāśupatas; and indeed Kokā pertains to the Bhāgavata tradition. There I shall tell you another great narrative, O fair-faced one.

Verse 21

तत्राल्पेनाम्बुना युक्ते ह्रदे मत्स्यस्तु तिष्ठति ॥ दृष्ट्वा तं लुब्धकस्तूर्णं बडिशेनाजहार ह ॥ तस्य हस्ताच्च बलवान् मत्स्यस्तूर्णं विनिर्गतः ॥ अथ श्येनस्तु तं हर्त्तुं मन्त्रयित्वा नभश्चरः

There, in a pond containing only a little water, a fish remained. Seeing it, a hunter quickly drew it out with a hook. Yet the powerful fish at once slipped free from his hand. Then a hawk—moving through the sky—having resolved to seize it, approached.

Verse 22

निपत्य तं गृहीत्वैव प्रोद्दीनस्त्वरयान्वितः ॥ अशक्तस्य ततो नेतुं मत्स्यः कोकामुखेऽपतत्

Swooping down and seizing it, the hawk flew up swiftly; but being unable to carry it further, the fish fell at the mouth of Kokā.

Verse 23

तत्क्षेत्रस्य प्रभावेण राजपुत्रोऽभवत्प्रभुः ॥ रूपवान् गुणवान् शुद्धः कुलेन वयसान्वितः

By the influence of that sacred place, he became a prince, a lord—handsome, virtuous, pure, and endowed with noble lineage and suitable age.

Verse 24

अथ कालेन तस्यैव मृगव्याधस्य चाङ्गना ॥ गृहीत्वा चैव मांसानि गच्छन्ती याति तत्र वै

Then, in the course of time, the hunter’s wife took some meat and, proceeding on her way, came indeed to that very place.

Verse 25

एका चिल्ली मांसलुब्धा तद्धस्तान्मांसगर्द्धिनी ॥ आगत्यागत्य तरसा हर्त्तुं समुपचक्रमे

A certain kite, greedy for meat and craving the flesh from her hand, came again and again and, in haste, began to snatch it away.

Verse 26

मृगव्याधा बलान्मांसं हर्तुकामां तु चिल्लिकाम् ॥ बाणेनैकेन संहत्य पातिता भुवि तत्क्षणात्

The hunter, seeing the kite intent on forcibly taking the meat, struck her with a single arrow, and she fell to the ground at once.

Verse 27

आकाशात्पातिता भद्रे कोकायां मम सन्निधौ ॥ जाता चन्द्रपुरे रम्ये राजपुत्री यशस्विनी

Cast down from the sky, O noble lady, at Kokā—near my presence—she was born in the lovely Candrapura as a celebrated princess.

Verse 28

सा व्यवर्द्धत कन्या तु वयोरूपगुणान्विता ॥ चतुःषष्टिकलायुक्ता पुरुषं सा जुगुप्सति

That maiden grew up endowed with youth, beauty, and virtues. Skilled in the sixty-four arts, she nevertheless felt aversion toward men.

Verse 29

रूपवाङ्गुणवाञ्छूरो युद्धकार्यार्थनिश्चितः ॥ सौम्यश्च पुरुषश्चैव सा च नेति जुगुप्सति

He was handsome, virtuous, and brave, resolved upon the aims of warfare and duty; gentle and wholly a man—yet she recoiled, saying, “No.”

Verse 30

अथ केनचित्कालेन शक आनन्दपूरके ॥ सम्बन्धो जायते तयोर् मध्यमे वयसि स्थयोः

Then, after some time, in the Śaka setting, amid the filling of delight, a relationship arose between the two, as they stood in mid-life.

Verse 31

तथा तु तौ समासाद्य परस्परम् अथ क्रमात् ॥ यथान्यायं स विप्रोक्तं विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा

Thus, having approached one another, then gradually, they acted according to propriety—just as it is declared by the learned, through a rite sanctioned by rule.

Verse 32

स वै तथा समं नित्यं सा च तेन समं शुभा ॥ अन्योन्यं रममाणौ तौ मुहूर्तमपि नोज्झतः

He, indeed, remained always in harmony thus, and she—auspicious—was likewise with him; delighting in one another, the two did not part even for a moment.

Verse 33

गच्छत्येवं बहुतरे काले चैवाप्यनिन्दिता ॥ समप्रेम्णा च संयुक्ता सौहृदेन च नायकम्

As time passed in this manner for a long while, she—blameless—remained joined to the leader through equal affection and through friendship.

Verse 34

राजपुत्रस्तस्तोऽप्यत्र शकानां नन्दवर्द्धनः ॥ तस्या जायते मध्याह्ने शिरोरुगतिपीडिनी

Here too, among the Śakas, there was a prince named Nandavardhana; and for her, at midday, there arose a tormenting, oppressive headache.

Verse 35

ये केचिद्भिषजस्तत्र गदेषु कुशलाः शुभे ॥ ते तत्रौषधयोगं च चक्रुस्तेनापि वेदना

Whatever physicians were there, skilled in ailments, O fair one, they prepared medicinal compounds and applications; yet even by that, the pain did not cease.

Verse 36

ननाश नैव संयातः कालो बहुतिथस्ततः ॥ न संबुध्यति चात्मानं विष्णुमायाविमोहितः

The ailment did not subside, nor for a long time did any resolution come; deluded by Viṣṇu’s māyā, he did not regain awareness of himself.

Verse 37

भजमाना विनीता च सौहृदाच्च विशेषतः ॥ एवं बहुगतः कालः कामभोगेषु सक्तयोः

Serving and being modest, and especially through friendship, thus much time passed for the two, as they were attached to the pleasures of desire.

Verse 38

पूर्णे हि समये तत्तु उभयोश्च तदन्तरम् । तस्य कालः संवृतस्य योऽसौ पूर्वप्रतिस्तवः

But when the appointed time was complete—and in the interval belonging to both—there came the time of his concealment, that earlier prelude to what was to follow.

Verse 39

ततः सर्वानवद्याङ्गी भर्तारमिदमब्रवीत् ॥ किमिदं तव भद्रं ते वेदना जायते शिरॆ ॥

Then the flawless-limbed lady said to her husband: “What is this, dear one? A pain seems to arise in your head.”

Verse 40

एतदाचक्ष्व तत्त्वेन यद्यहं च तव प्रिया ॥ बहवो भिषजश्चैव नानाशास्त्रविशारदाः ॥

“Tell me this truthfully, if I am indeed your beloved. There are many physicians as well, skilled in various treatises.”

Verse 41

कुर्वन्ति तव कर्माणि वेदना च न गच्छति ॥ एवं स प्रियया प्रोक्तस्तां प्रियां पुनरब्रवीत् ॥

“They perform treatments for you, yet the pain does not go away.” Thus addressed by his beloved, he spoke again to her.

Verse 42

इदं किं विस्मृता भद्रे सर्वव्याधिसमन्वितम् ॥ यल्लब्धं मानुषत्वं च सुखदुःखसमन्वितम् ॥

He said: “Dear one, have you forgotten this—that the human state one attains is accompanied by all kinds of ailments, and is also accompanied by pleasure and pain?”

Verse 43

संसारसागरारूढं नातिप्रष्टुं त्वमर्हसि ॥ तेनैवं भाषिता बाला श्रोतुकामा वरानना ॥

“One who has mounted the ocean of saṃsāra should not question excessively.” Thus spoken to by him, the young woman—fair-faced and eager to hear—remained intent on listening.

Verse 44

ततः कदाचिच्छयने सुप्तौ तौ दम्पती किल ॥ गते बहुतिथे काले पुनः पप्रच्छ सा प्रियम् ॥

Then, at one time, while the two spouses slept upon the bed, and after many days had passed, she again questioned her beloved.

Verse 45

कथयस्व तमेवार्थं यन्मया पूर्वपृच्छितम् ॥ किं मां न भाषसे नाथ साभिप्रायं वचस्तव ॥

“Explain that very matter which I asked before. Why do you not speak to me, my lord? Your words seem to bear a hidden intention.”

Verse 46

गोप्यं वा किमचिदस्तीह किं गोपयसि मे पुरः ॥ अवश्यं चैव वक्तव्यं यद्यहं तव वल्लभा ॥

“Is there something here that must be kept secret? Why do you conceal it before me? You must surely speak, if I am your beloved.”

Verse 47

इति निर्बन्धतः पृष्टः स शक्राधिपतिर्नृपः ॥ तां प्रियां प्रणयात्प्राह बहुमानपुरःसरम् ॥

Thus, pressed by her insistence, that king—the lord of the Śakas—spoke to his beloved with affection, his words preceded by respectful regard.

Verse 48

मन्मातापितरौ गत्वा प्रसादय शुचिस्मिते ॥ मानार्हौ मानयित्वा तौ ययाहं जठरे धृतः ॥

“Go to my mother and father and win their favor, O you of pure smile. Having honored those two who are worthy of honor—by whom I was borne in the womb—do so.”

Verse 49

तयोराज्ञां पुरस्कृत्य मानयित्वा यथार्हतः ॥ अथ कोकामुखे गत्वा कथयिष्याम्यसंशयम् ॥

Honouring their command as foremost and paying them due reverence, I shall then go to Kokāmukha and relate it without doubt.

Verse 50

स्वपूर्वजन्मवृत्तं तु देवानामपि दुर्लभम् ॥ तत्र ते कथयिष्यामि सर्ववृत्तमनिन्दिते ॥

I shall recount to you the account of my former birth—something difficult to obtain even for the gods; there I will narrate the entire story to you, O blameless one.

Verse 51

ततः सा ह्यनवद्याङ्गी श्वश्रूश्वशुरयोः पुरः ॥ गत्वा गृहीत्वा चरणौ ततस्ताविदमब्रवीत् ॥

Then that woman of faultless limbs went before her mother-in-law and father-in-law; taking hold of their feet, she then spoke these words to them.

Verse 52

किञ्चिद्विज्ञप्तुकामास्मि तत्र वामवधी्यताम् ॥ भवदाज्ञां पुरस्कृत्य भवद्भ्यामनुमानितौ ॥

I wish to submit a small request—may it be heard by you two. Holding your command foremost, may we both be granted your consent.

Verse 53

पुण्ये कोकामुखे गन्तुमिच्छावस्तत्र वां गुरू ॥ कार्यगौरवभावेन न निषेध्यौ कथञ्चन ॥

We wish to go to the meritorious place called Kokāmukha, there, O revered elders. Given the seriousness of the purpose, we should not be prevented in any way.

Verse 54

अद्य यावत्किमपि वां याचितं न मया क्वचित् ॥ पुरस्ताद्ध्यावयोस्तन्मे याचितं दातुमर्हतः ॥

Until today I have never asked anything of you two at any time; therefore, as we stand before you, you should grant me this request that I now make.

Verse 55

शिरावेधेनया युक्तः सदा तव सुतो ह्ययम् ॥ मध्याह्ने मृतकल्पो वै जायते ह्यचिकित्सकम् ॥

This son of yours is continually afflicted with a piercing pain in the head; at midday he becomes as if dead—indeed, his condition is beyond treatment.

Verse 56

सुखानि सर्वविषयान्विसृज्य परिपीडितः ॥ कोकामुखं विना कष्टं न निवृत्तं भविष्यति ॥

Abandoning all ordinary comforts and sense-enjoyments, he is grievously afflicted; without Kokāmukha, this suffering will not come to an end.

Verse 57

दम्पतिभ्यां हि मननं रोचतां सर्वथैव हि ॥ ततो वधूवचः श्रुत्वा शकानामधिपो नृपः ॥

The deliberation pleased the couple in every way; then, hearing the bride’s words, the king—lord of the Śakas—(responded).

Verse 58

करेण स्वयमादाय वधूं पुत्रमुवाच ह ॥ किमिदं चिन्तितं वत्स कोकामुखगमं प्रति ॥

Taking the bride by the hand, the king spoke to his son: “My child, what is this plan you have formed concerning the journey to Kokāmukha?”

Verse 59

हस्त्यश्वरथयानानि स्त्रियश्चाप्सरसोपमाः ॥ सर्वमेतत्तु सप्ताङ्गं कोशकोष्ठादिसंयुतम्

“Elephants, horses, chariots and other conveyances, and women comparable to apsarases—indeed all this, together with the sevenfold constituents of the kingdom, furnished with treasury, storehouses, and the like…”

Verse 60

शरणं वित्तयो राज्यं त्वयि सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ मित्रं वरासनं चैव गृह्णीष्व सुतसत्तम

“Refuge, wealth, and the kingdom—all of it rests upon you. Accept, O best of sons, both allies and the excellent throne.”

Verse 61

त्वयि प्रतिष्ठिताः प्राणाः सन्तानं च तदुत्तरम् ॥ ततः पितुर्वचः श्रुत्वा राजपुत्रो यशस्विनि

“Upon you are established our very lives, and the lineage that follows after. Then, having heard his father’s words, the illustrious prince…”

Verse 62

पितुः पादौ गृहीत्वा च प्रोवाच विनयान्वितः ॥ अलं राज्येन कोशेन वाहनेन बलेन वा

“Having taken hold of his father’s feet, he spoke with humility: ‘Enough of kingdom, treasury, conveyances, or even military force.’”

Verse 63

गन्तुमिच्छामि तत्राहं तूर्णं कोकामुखं महत् ॥ शिरोवेदनया युक्तो यदि जीवाम्यहं पितः

“I wish to go there quickly—to the great Kokāmukha. If I remain alive, father, though afflicted with pain in the head…”

Verse 64

तदा राज्यं बलं कोशो ममैवैतन्न सशंयः ॥ तत्रैव गमनान्मह्यं वेदना नाशमेष्यति

Then the kingdom, the army, and the treasury will indeed be mine—of this there is no doubt. By going there myself, my pain will come to an end.

Verse 65

पुत्रोक्तमवधार्यैव शकानामधिपो नृपः ॥ अनुजज्ञे ततः कोकां गच्छ पुत्र नमोऽस्तु ते

Having duly considered what his son had said, the king—lord of the Śakas—then granted permission: “Go to Kokā, my son; may salutations be to you.”

Verse 66

अथ दीर्घेण कालेन प्राप्तः कोकामुखं त्विदम् ॥ तत्र गत्वा वरारोहा भर्त्तारमिदमब्रवीत् १७३॥ पूर्वपृष्टं मया यत्ते वक्ष्यामीति च मां प्रति ॥ कोकामुखे त्वयाप्युक्तं तदेतन्मम कथ्यताम्

Then, after a long time, he arrived at this entrance of Kokāmukha. Having gone there, the fair-hipped lady said to her husband: “What I previously asked you, and what you told me—‘I will explain it to you’—and what you also said at Kokāmukha: let that now be told to me.”

Verse 67

निशम्येति प्रियाप्रोक्तं राजपुत्रो यशस्विनि ॥ प्रहस्याह भिया तां तु समालिङ्ग्य वसुन्धरे

Hearing what his beloved had said, the illustrious prince, smiling, spoke; and embracing her—who was fearful—O Vasundharā, he addressed her.

Verse 68

रजनी सम्प्रवृत्तेयं सुखं स्वापो विधीयताम् ॥ श्वः सर्वं कथयिष्यामि यत्ते मनसि वर्त्तते

This night has begun; let comfortable sleep be taken. Tomorrow I will tell you everything that is in your mind.

Verse 69

व्याधेन निगृहीतोऽस्मि बडिशेन जलेचरः॥ तद्धस्तान्निर्गतस्तत्र बलेन पतितो भुवि

I, a creature of the waters, was seized by a hunter with a fish-hook; then, slipping from his hand, I fell there to the ground by force.

Verse 70

प्रभातायां तु शर्वर्यां स्नातौ क्षौमविभूषितौ॥ प्रणम्य शिरसा विष्णुं हस्ते गृह्य ततः प्रियाम्

At dawn, when the night had ended, the two had bathed and were adorned in linen garments; bowing with their heads to Viṣṇu, he then took his beloved by the hand.

Verse 71

श्येनेनामिषलुब्धेन नखैर्विद्धोऽस्मि सुन्दरि॥ नीत आकाशमार्गेण तस्माच्च पतितोऽत्र वै

O fair one, I was pierced by the talons of a hawk greedy for flesh; carried along the path of the sky, I then fell down here indeed.

Verse 72

एतत्ते कथितं भद्रे पूर्वपृष्टं च यत्त्वया॥ गच्छ सुन्दरि भद्रं ते यत्र ते वर्त्तते मनः

O auspicious lady, I have told you what you had asked earlier. Go, O fair one—may good be yours—wherever your mind is inclined.

Verse 73

ततः साप्यनवद्याङ्गी रक्तपद्मशुभानना॥ करुणं स्वरमादाय भर्त्तारं पुनरब्रवीत्

Then she—faultless-limbed, her auspicious face like a red lotus—taking up a compassionate tone, spoke again to her husband.

Verse 74

एतदर्थं मया भद्र गुह्यं नोक्तं तथा स्वकम्॥ अहं च यादृशी पूर्वमभवं तच्छृणुष्व मे

For this reason, O good sir, I did not previously speak of my own secret. And what kind of woman I once was—hear that from me.

Verse 75

स्थापयित्वा मांसभारान्प्रियायाः सविधे स्वयम्॥ काष्ठान्यानयितुं यातः क्षुधितो मांसपाचने

Having himself set down bundles of meat near his beloved, he went to bring firewood, hungry and intent on cooking the meat.

Verse 76

क्षुत्पिपासापरिश्रान्ता चिल्ली गगनगामिनी॥ वृक्षोपरी समासीना भक्ष्यं चैव विचिन्वती

Exhausted by hunger and thirst, a cillī-bird that moved through the sky sat upon a tree, searching for food.

Verse 77

अथ कश्चिन्मृगव्याधो हत्वा वनचरान्बहून्॥ संगृह्य मांसभारान्वै तेन मार्गेण संगतः

Then a certain deer-hunter, having killed many forest-dwellers, gathered bundles of meat; along that route he encountered him/her.

Verse 78

प्रवृत्तोऽग्निमुपादाय तावदुड्डीय सत्वरम्॥ मांसपिण्डो मया विद्धो दृढैर्वज्रमयैर्नखैः

As he set out to fetch fire, I at once flew up swiftly; and the lump of meat was struck by me with firm talons, as hard as thunderbolts.

Verse 79

न च सक्तास्मि संहर्तुं मांसभारप्रपीडिता ॥ अशक्ता दूरगमने सविधे हि व्यवस्थिताः ॥

And I was not able to destroy him, oppressed by the burden of flesh. Unable to go far, I remained nearby.

Verse 80

भक्षयित्वा ततो मांसं व्याधः संहृष्टमानसः ॥ अपश्यन्मांसपिण्डं तु मृगयामास पार्श्वतः ॥

Then, having eaten the meat, the hunter—his mind delighted—noticed a lump of flesh and began to hunt about nearby.

Verse 81

विद्धा बाणेन मां तत्र भक्षयन्तमिपातयत् ॥ ततोऽहं भ्रममाणा वै निश्चेष्टा गतजीविता ॥

Struck there by an arrow, he felled me while I was eating. Then I, reeling indeed, became motionless—life departed.

Verse 82

पतितास्म्यवशा भद्र कालतन्त्रे दुरासदे ॥ एतत्क्षेत्रप्रभावेण त्वकामापि नृपात्मजा ॥

I have fallen helpless, O good one, into the hard-to-overcome machinery of Time. Yet by the power of this sacred place, even I—though unwilling—became a king’s daughter.

Verse 83

जातास्मि त्वत्प्रिया चापि स्मरन्ती पूर्वजन्म तत् ॥ एतानि पश्य चास्थीनि शेषाणि बहुकालतः ॥

I have been born also as your beloved, remembering that former birth. And see these bones—remnants remaining after a long time.

Verse 84

गलितान्यल्पशेषाणि प्राणनाथ समीपतः ॥ एवं सा दर्शयित्वा तु भर्तारं पुनरब्रवीत् ॥

“Decayed—only small remnants—lying near, O lord of my life.” Thus, having shown them to her husband, she spoke again.

Verse 85

आनीतोऽसि मया भद्र स्थानं कोकामुखं प्रति ॥ एतत्क्षेत्रप्रभावेण तिर्यग्योनिगताऽपि ॥

“I have brought you, O good one, to the place called Kokāmukha. By the power of this sacred kṣetra, even one who had entered an animal womb…”

Verse 86

उत्तमे तु कुले जाता मानुषी जातिमाश्रिताः ॥ यं यं प्रवक्ष्यसे धर्मं विष्णुप्रोक्तं यशोधन ॥

“…is born in an excellent family, attaining human status. Whatever dharma you will proclaim—taught by Viṣṇu, O Yaśodhana—”

Verse 87

तं तमेव करिष्यामि विष्णुलोके सुखावहम् ॥ ततस्तस्या वचः श्रुत्वा लब्धपूर्वस्मृतिर्नृपः ॥

“—that very dharma I will do, bringing happiness in Viṣṇu’s world.” Then, hearing her words, the king regained memory of the former life.

Verse 88

विस्मयं परमं गत्वा साधु साध्वित्यपूजयत् ॥ तस्मिन् क्षेत्रे च यत्कर्म कर्तव्यं धर्मसंहितम् ॥

Having reached the highest astonishment, he honored her, saying, “Well done, well done!” And he considered what action, consistent with dharma, should be performed in that sacred place.

Verse 89

तच्छ्रुत्वा कानिचिद्देवी स्वयं चक्रे पतिव्रता॥ अन्येऽपि सर्वे तच्छ्रुत्वा यस्य यद्रोचते प्रियम्॥

Hearing that, the Goddess—becoming a devoted pativratā to her husband—herself undertook the observance. All the others too, on hearing it, offered whatever each found pleasing and dear.

Verse 90

ददतुḥ परमप्रीतौ पात्रेभ्यश्च यथार्हतः॥ येऽन्ये तत्सार्थमासाद्य यातास्तेऽपि वसुन्धरे॥

With supreme joy they gave to worthy recipients, each according to what was fitting. Those others too, O Vasundharā, who came there for that purpose likewise departed, their aim fulfilled.

Verse 91

ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददुḥ स्वानि विष्णुभक्त्या यतव्रताḥ॥ तत्र स्थित्वा वरारोहे मम कर्मव्यवस्थितः॥

Restrained in their vows, they gave their own possessions to the brāhmaṇas out of devotion to Viṣṇu. Having remained there, O fair-hipped one, they were set in order according to my karmic dispensation.

Verse 92

तत्क्षेत्रस्य प्रभावेण श्वेतद्वीपमुपागताः॥ एवं स राजपुत्रोऽपि मम कर्मव्यवस्थितः॥

By the power of that sacred place, they reached Śvetadvīpa. In the same way, that prince too was disposed according to my karmic ordering.

Verse 93

मुक्त्वा तु मानुषं भावं श्वेतद्वीपमुपागतः॥ सर्वे च पुरुषास्तत्र आत्मनात्मानुदर्शनात्॥

Casting off the human condition, he reached Śvetadvīpa. And all the persons there were such through the vision of the Self by the Self.

Verse 94

शुक्लाम्बरधरा दिव्यभूषणैश्च विभूषिताḥ॥ दीप्तिमन्तो महाकायाḥ सर्वे च शुभदर्शनाः॥

They wore white garments and were adorned with divine ornaments; radiant, of great stature, and all of auspicious appearance.

Verse 95

स्त्रियोऽपि दिव्या यत्रत्या दिव्यभूषणभूषिताḥ॥ तेजसा दीप्तिमत्यश्च शुद्धसत्त्वविभूषिताḥ॥

The women too there were divine, adorned with divine ornaments—radiant with splendor, and characterized by purified sattva (lucidity).

Verse 96

मयि शुद्धं परं भावमारूढाः सत्यवर्च्चसः॥ एतत्ते कथितं देवि कोकामुखमनुत्तमम्॥

Having risen to a pure and supreme disposition toward me, they were resplendent with truth. This has been told to you, O goddess: the unsurpassed account of Kokāmukha.

Verse 97

यत्र मत्स्यश्च चिल्ली च सकामा ये समागताः॥ केचिच्चान्द्रायणं कुर्युḥ केचिच्चैव जलाशनम्॥

Where those who had desires assembled—(with offerings such as) fish and cillī—some would perform the Cāndrāyaṇa observance, and some indeed subsist on water alone.

Verse 98

ते च विष्णुमयान्धर्मान्द्विजस्तांस्तान्त्समाचरेत्॥ बहुधान्यवरं रत्नं दम्पत्योऽथ यशस्विनि॥

And a twice-born person should practice those various dharmas that are permeated by Viṣṇu. (There are gifts such as) abundant grain and excellent jewels—given by the married couple; then, O illustrious lady, the account continues.

Verse 99

कुर्वन्तो मम कर्माणि भाव्यं पञ्चत्वमागताः ॥ ततः क्षेत्रप्रभावेन मम कर्मप्रभावतः ॥

Performing the rites enjoined by me, they in due course reached the state of “fivefoldness”—death and dissolution into the five elements. Thereafter, by the potency of the sacred place and by the efficacy of my ordinance, their course continued onward.

Verse 100

मम चैव प्रसादेन श्वेतद्वीपमुपागतः ॥ एवं स राजपुत्रोऽथ सर्वभूतगुणान्वितः ॥ ११२ ॥ भुक्त्वा तु मानुषं भावमूर्ध्वशाखोऽनुतिष्ठति ॥ योऽसौ परिजनस्तस्य मम कर्मव्यवस्थितः ॥ ११३ ॥ मानुषं भावमुत्सृज्य मम लोकमुपागतः ॥ सर्वशो द्युतिमांस्तत्र आत्मनानात्मदर्शनात् ॥

And indeed, by my favor, he reached Śvetadvīpa. Thus that prince, endowed with the qualities of all beings, after experiencing the human condition, proceeds upward, as one whose “branches are upward.” And that attendant of his, established in my ordinance, abandoning the human condition, came to my world—radiant there in every respect, through insight into the self and the non-self.

Verse 101

याश्च तत्र स्त्रियः काश्चित्सर्वाश्चोत्पलगन्धिनीः ॥ मायया मतिमन्मुक्ताः सर्वाश्चैव प्रियावृताः ॥

And whatever women were there—all fragrant like lotuses—were, through māyā, released along with their discerning faculties, and all were encompassed by what was dear, placed within a state of cherished well-being.

Verse 102

प्रसादान्मम सुश्रोणि श्वेतद्वीपमुपागताः ॥ एष धर्मश्च कीर्तिश्च शक्तिश्चैव महद्यशः ॥

By my favor, O fair-hipped one, they reached Śvetadvīpa. This teaching is dharma, and fame, and power, and great renown.

Verse 103

कर्मणां परमं कर्म तपसां च महत्तपः ॥ आख्यानानां च परमं कृतीनां परमा कृतीः ॥

Among actions, it is the highest action; among austerities, the greatest tapas; among narratives, the supreme narrative; among accomplished undertakings, the most excellent accomplishment.

Verse 104

धर्माणां च परो धर्मस्तवार्थं कीर्तितो मया ॥ क्रोधनाय न तं दद्यान्मूर्खाय पिशुनाय च ॥

And among dharmas, this is the higher dharma, proclaimed by me for your sake. One should not give it to an irascible person, nor to a fool, nor to a slanderer.

Verse 105

अभक्ताय न तं दद्यादश्रद्धाय शठाय च ॥ दीक्षितायैव दातव्यं सुप्रपन्नाय नित्यशः ॥

One should not give it to the non-devoted, nor to the faithless, nor to the deceitful. It should be given only to one who is initiated, to one who has taken proper refuge—consistently.

Verse 106

सोऽपि मुच्येत पूतात्मा गर्भाद्योनिभवाद्भयात् ॥ एतत्ते कथितं भद्रे महाख्यानं महौजसम् ॥

He too would be released—purified in spirit—from the fear arising from womb-birth and embodied existence. This great narrative, of great vigor, has thus been told to you, O auspicious one.

Verse 107

य एतेन विधानॆन गत्वा कोकामुखं महत् ॥ तेऽपि यान्ति परां सिद्धिं चिल्लीमत्स्यौ यथा पुरा ॥

Those who, by this prescribed procedure, go to the great Kokāmukha—those too attain the highest accomplishment, just as the fish Cillī and Matsya did in former times.

Verse 108

वराहरूपिणं देवं प्रत्युवाच वसुन्धरा ॥

Vasundharā (the Earth) replied to the god who had the form of a boar.

Verse 109

तत्तत्सर्वेऽपि कुर्वन्ति विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥ तत्र तौ दम्पती द्रव्यमन्नं रत्नं द्विजेषु च

All of them perform their respective acts in accordance with the rites prescribed by rule. There, that husband and wife distribute wealth, food, and jewels among the twice-born (dvija, learned ritual specialists).

Verse 110

तेऽपि कुर्वन्ति कर्माणि मम भक्ताः व्यवस्थिताः ॥ तेऽपि दीर्घेण कालेन अटमानाः इतस्ततः

They too—my devoted followers, firmly established in discipline—perform the prescribed acts. Yet over a long time, they also wander here and there.

Verse 111

पण्डिताय च दातव्यं यश्च शास्त्रविशारदः ॥ एतन्मरणकालेऽपि धारयेद्यः समाहितः

This should be given to a learned person—one proficient in the śāstras. Whoever, composed and attentive, retains this teaching even at the time of death is commended.

Verse 112

कृतं कोकामुखे चैव मम क्षेत्रे हि सुन्दरि ॥ कश्चिल्लुब्धो मिषाहारश्चरन् वै कोक-मण्डले

This took place at Kokāmukha indeed—within my sacred domain, O fair one. A certain hunter, living on meat, was roaming about in the Kokā region.

Verse 113

रूपवाङ्गुणवाञ्छूरः युदकार्यार्थनिष्ठितः ॥ सौम्यं च पुरुषं चैव सर्वानभिजुगुप्सति

He was handsome, virtuous, and brave, devoted to the aims of his undertaking. He also honored a gentle and worthy man and did not despise anyone.

Verse 114

अयने गत एतेषां वृत्तं कौतूहलं भुवि ॥ अन्योऽन्यप्रीतियुक्तौ तु नान्योऽन्यं जहतुः क्वचित्

As the course of time went on, their story became a matter of curiosity on earth. Bound by mutual affection, neither ever abandoned the other at any time.

Verse 115

मुच्यतां मानुषं भावं तां जातिं स्मर पौर्‌विकीम् ॥ अथ कौतूहलं भद्रे श्रवणे पूर्वजन्मनः

Set aside the human condition; remember that former birth. Then, O good lady, there is a desire to hear about the previous life.

Verse 116

कदाचिन्नोक्तपूर्वं ते रहस्यं परमं महत् ॥ त्वरितं गन्तुमिच्छामि विष्णोस्तत्परमं पदम्

At some time before, a supreme and profound secret was spoken to you. I wish to go swiftly to that highest abode of Viṣṇu.

Verse 117

वणिजश्चैव पौराश्च वैश्याश्चापि वराङ्गनाः ॥ अनुजग्मू राजपुत्रं कोकामुखपथे स्थितम्

Merchants and townspeople, and the Vaiśyas as well—together with noble women—followed the prince who was stationed on the road to Kokāmukha.

Verse 118

तेन तस्य प्रहारेण जाता शिरसि वेदना ॥ अहमेव विजानामि नान्यो जानाति मां विना

By his blow, pain arose in my head. I alone know this; no one else knows, apart from me.

Verse 119

तावद्ददर्श मां तत्र खादन्तीं मांसपिण्डिकाम्॥ ततः स धनुरुद्यम्य सशरं च व्यकर्षत॥

Just then he saw me there, eating a lump of flesh; then he lifted his bow and drew it, with an arrow.