Adhyaya 138: The Episode of the Khañjarīṭa Bird (and the Saukarava Tīrtha’s Merit)

Verse 1

अथ खंजरिटोपाख्यानम् ॥ सूत उवाच ॥ एतत्पुण्यतमं श्रुत्वा रम्ये सौकरवे तदा ॥ गुणस्तवं च माहात्म्यं जात्यानां परिवर्तनम्

Now, the narrative called the Khaṃjarīṭa episode. Sūta said: Having heard there, at the delightful Saukarava, this most meritorious account, they heard also the praise of virtues, the greatness, and the transformation of conditions of birth (jāti).

Verse 2

इति खञ्जरीटोपाख्यानं समाप्तम्।

Thus ends the narrative episode called the “Khañjarīṭa Upākhyāna.”

Verse 3

ततः कमलपत्राक्षी सर्वधर्मविदां वरा ॥ विस्मयं परमं गत्वा निर्वृत्तेनान्तरात्मना।

Then the lotus-eyed lady—foremost among those who know all dharmas—having reached the highest astonishment, became inwardly serene in her innermost self.

Verse 4

पुनः पप्रच्छ तं देवं विस्मयाविष्टमानसा ॥ अहो तीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं क्षेत्रे सौकरवे तव।

Again, with her mind filled with wonder, she questioned that deity: “Ah! How great is the sanctity of the tīrtha in your Saukārava sacred field.”

Verse 5

अकामान्म्रियमाणस्य मानुषत्वमजायत ॥ किं वान्यद्वृत्तमाख्याहि क्षेत्रे सौकरवेऽमले।

“For one dying without desire, human birth arose again. What other event occurred—tell me—within the pure Saukārava sacred field?”

Verse 6

नृत्यतः कि भवेत्पुण्यं जाग्रतो वा फलं नु किम् ॥ गोदातुरन्नदातुर्वा जलदातुस्तु किं फलम्।

“What merit (puṇya) arises for one who dances? Or what fruit is there for one who keeps vigil? What is the fruit for a giver of cows, a giver of food, or a giver of water?”

Verse 7

सम्मार्जने लेपने वा गन्धपुष्पादिदानतः ॥ धूपदीपादिनैवेद्यैः किं फलं समुदीरितम्।

From sweeping and plastering (as service), or from giving perfumes, flowers, and the like; and from offerings such as incense, lamps, and food—what fruit is declared for these?

Verse 8

अन्येन कर्मणा चैव जपयज्ञादिना अथवा ॥ कां गतिं प्रतिपद्यन्ते ये शुद्धमनसो जनाः।

And by other actions as well—such as recitation (japa) and sacrifice (yajña), or otherwise—what destiny do people of purified mind attain?

Verse 9

शृण्वन्त्या मे महज्जातं चित्ते कौतूहलं परम् ॥ गायमानस्य किं पुण्यं वाद्यमानस्य किं फलम्।

As I listen, a great and supreme curiosity has arisen in my mind: what merit (puṇya) belongs to one who sings, and what fruit to one who plays instruments?

Verse 10

तव भक्तसुखार्याय तद्भवान्वक्तुमर्हति ॥ ततो मह्या वचः श्रुत्वा सर्वदेवमयो हरिः।

For the welfare of your devoted followers, you are fit to explain this. Then, having heard my words, Hari—who embodies all the deities—(responded).

Verse 11

सर्वं ते कथयिष्यामि पुण्यकर्म सुखावहम् ॥ तस्मिन्सौकरवे पक्षी खञ्जरीटस्तु कीटकान्।

I will tell you everything—the meritorious acts that bring well-being. In that region called Saukārava, there was a bird named Khañjarīṭa (… concerning) insects …

Verse 12

बहून् भुक्त्वा हि वसुधे अजीर्णभृशपीडितः ॥ मरणं समनुप्राप्तः पतितः स्वेन कर्मणा

O Vasudhā, after eating much, he was severely afflicted by indigestion; then he met with death, having fallen into that state through his own actions (karma).

Verse 13

सम्प्राप्तास्तत्र वै बालाः क्रीडन्तस्तं मृतं खगम् ॥ ग्रहीष्याम इति प्रोच्य धावन्तस्तत्र तत्र ह

There, some boys arrived while playing; seeing that dead bird, they said, “We will seize it,” and ran about here and there.

Verse 14

ममायं वै ममायं वै जिघृक्षन्तः परस्परम् ॥ सङ्घर्षात्कलहं चक्रुर्भृशं क्रीडनकोत्सुकाः

“This is mine—this is mine,” they said, each trying to snatch it from the other; from their jostling they made a quarrel, being intensely eager for the game.

Verse 15

तत एको गृहीत्वैनं गङ्गाम्भसि समाक्षिपत् ॥ युष्माकमेव भवतु नानेनास्मत्प्रयोजनम्

Then one of them, taking it, threw it into the waters of the Gaṅgā, saying, “Let it belong to you all; we have no need of this.”

Verse 16

एवं स खञ्जरीटो हि गङ्गातोयात्ततस्तदा ॥ आदित्यतीर्थसंक्लिन्नशरीरः स वसुन्‍धरे

Thus that khañjarīṭa (bird), then and there, from the waters of the Gaṅgā—its body moistened by contact with Āditya-tīrtha—, O Vasundharā, the narrative proceeds.

Verse 17

वैश्यस्य तु गृहे जातो ह्यनेकक्रतুযाजिनः ॥ धनरत्नसमृद्धे तु रूपवान् गुणवान् शुचिः

He was born in the house of a vaiśya—indeed, of one who had performed many sacrifices—within a household rich in wealth and jewels; he was handsome, virtuous, and pure.

Verse 18

विबुद्धश्च पवित्रश्च मद्भक्तश्च वसुन्धरे ॥ जातस्य तस्य वर्षाणि जग्मुर्द्वादश सुव्रते

O Vasundharā, he was intelligent, pure, and devoted to me; for him who was born thus, twelve years passed, O good-vowed one.

Verse 19

कदाचिदुपविष्टौ तौ दृष्ट्वा बालो गुणान्वितः ॥ मातरं पितरं चोभौ हर्षेण महतान्वितौ

Once, seeing the two of them seated, the boy—endowed with good qualities—looked upon both his mother and father, filled with great joy.

Verse 20

न चाहं वारणीयो वै पित्रा मात्रा कथंचन ॥ सत्यं शपामि गुरुणा यथा ननु कृतं भवेत्

And I am not to be restrained by father or mother in any way; I swear to the truth, with the teacher as witness, that indeed it shall be done.

Verse 21

पुत्रस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा दम्पती तौ मुदान्वितौ ॥ ऊचतुस् तं प्रियं वाक्यं बालं कमललोचनम्

Hearing their son’s words, the two spouses, filled with joy, spoke affectionate words to the boy, lotus-eyed.

Verse 22

यद्यत्त्वं वक्ष्यसे वत्स यद्यत्ते हृदि वर्तते ॥ सर्वं तत्तत्करिष्यावो विस्रब्धं वद साम्प्रतम् ॥

Whatever you will say, dear child—whatever abides in your heart—we shall do all of that. Speak now freely, with confidence.

Verse 23

त्रिंशत्सहस्रं गावो हि सर्वाश्च शुभदोहनाḥ ॥ यद्यत्र रोचते पुत्र देहि त्वमविचारितम् ॥

Indeed there are thirty thousand cows, all yielding auspicious milk. Whatever pleases you in this matter, dear son—grant it without hesitation.

Verse 24

पुनरन्यत्प्रवक्ष्यामि आवयोः पुत्र कारणात् ॥ वाणिज्यं नः स्मृतं कर्म तत्ते पुत्र यदीप्सितम् ॥

Again I shall state something else, dear son, for our sake. Trade is remembered as our occupation—if that is what you desire, my son.

Verse 25

तत्कुरुष्व यथान्यायं मित्रेभ्यो दीयतां धनम् ॥ धनधान्यानि रत्नानि देहि पुत्र अवारितः ॥

Do that in accordance with what is proper: let wealth be given to friends. Give riches, grain, and jewels, dear son, without restraint.

Verse 26

कन्या वै रमणीयाश्च सजातीयाः कुलोद्भवाः ॥ आनयिष्याव भद्रं ते उद्वाहेन क्रमेण ते ॥

There are indeed maidens—charming, of the same community, and born of good families—we shall bring them for you as brides. May it be well for you; we shall arrange your marriage in due order.

Verse 27

यदीच्छसि पुनश्चान्यद्यज्ञैर्यष्टुं सुपुत्रक ॥ विधिना पूर्वदृष्टेन वैश्याः येन यजन्ति च ॥

And if you wish again for something else, dear good son, you may perform sacrifices (yajñas) according to the previously established procedure by which the Vaiśyas also offer worship.

Verse 28

अष्टौ सम्पूर्णधुर्याणां हलानां तावतां शतम् ॥ वैश्यकर्म समादाय किं पुनः प्राप्तुमिच्छसि ॥

Eight sets of fully yoked plough-teams, and a hundred ploughs of that kind—having taken up the work proper to a Vaiśya, what further do you wish to obtain?

Verse 29

पितृमातृ वचः श्रुत्वा स बालो धर्मसंयुतः ॥ चरणावुपसंगृह्य पितरौ पुनरब्रवीत् ॥

Having heard the words of his father and mother, the boy—endowed with dharma—took hold of their feet in reverence and then spoke to his parents again.

Verse 30

गोप्रदाने न मे कार्यं मित्रं वापि न चिन्तितम् ॥ कन्यालाभे न चेच्छास्ति न च यज्ञफले तथा ॥

I have no need for the gift of cows, nor have I sought such friends. I have no desire to obtain a bride, nor likewise for the fruits of the yajña.

Verse 31

नाहं वाणिज्यमिच्छामि कृषिगोरक्षमेव च ॥ न च सर्वातिथित्वं वा मम चित्ते प्रसज्जति ॥

I do not wish for trade, nor even for agriculture and the protection of cattle. Nor does the role of hosting all as guests take hold in my mind.

Verse 32

एकं मे परमं चिन्त्यं यन्ममेच्छा तपोधृतौ ॥ चिन्ता नारायणक्षेत्रं गाढं सौकरवं प्रति ॥

“One thought is supreme in my mind: a wish has arisen in me, steadfast in ascetic resolve. My concern is fixed intensely upon the Nārāyaṇa sacred region, toward Saukarava.”

Verse 33

अथ द्वादश वर्षाणि तव जातस्य पुत्रक ॥ किमिदं चिन्तितं वत्स त्वया नारायणाश्रयम् ॥

“Now, child—only twelve years have passed since your birth. What is this that you have resolved upon, taking refuge in Nārāyaṇa?”

Verse 34

चिन्तयिष्यति भद्रं ते यदा तत्प्राप्नुया वयः ॥ अद्यापि भोजनं गृह्य धावमानास्मि पृष्ठतः ॥

“May it be well with you: you will reflect on this when you reach that age. Even now I run behind you, taking food (for you).”

Verse 35

किमिदं चिन्तितं वत्स गमने सौकरं प्रति ॥ अद्यापि मत्स्तनौ धन्यौ प्रसृतौ हि दिवानिशम् ॥

“What is this resolve, dear child, to go toward Saukara? Even now my breasts are blessed, flowing indeed day and night (for you).”

Verse 36

ततः पुत्रवचः श्रुत्वा मम कर्मपरायणौ ॥ करुणं परिदेवन्तौ रुदन्तौ तावुभौ तथा ॥

“Then, having heard the son’s words, the two of them—devoted to their duties—lamented piteously and wept.”

Verse 37

पुत्र त्वत्स्पर्शनाशायाः किमेतच्चिन्तितं त्वया ॥ रात्रौ सुप्तोऽसि वत्स त्वं शय्यासु परिवर्तितः ॥

“Son—(I live) in the hope of touching you—why have you conceived this? At night, dear child, you sleep, turning about on the beds.”

Verse 38

अपराधो न विद्येत पुत्र क्षेत्रगृहेष्वपि ॥ न वा स्वजनभृत्याद्यैः परुषं ते प्रभाषितम् ॥

“No offense is found, son, even in the field or in the household; nor have kinsmen, servants, and others spoken harshly to you.”

Verse 39

रुष्टेन वापि भीषायै गृह्यते चैव यष्टिका ॥ पुत्रहर्तुं न पश्येहं तव निर्वेदकारणम् ॥

“Even in anger, or to frighten (someone), a stick may be taken up; yet, son, I do not see here any cause for your dispassion (or despondency).”

Verse 40

इति मातुर्वचः श्रुत्वा स वैश्यकुलनन्दनः ॥ उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं जननीं संशितव्रतः ॥

“Thus, having heard his mother’s words, that delight of a Vaiśya family—firm in his vow—spoke sweet words to his mother.”

Verse 41

उषितोऽस्मि तदङ्गेषु गर्भस्थः कुक्षिसंभवः ॥ क्रीडतोऽस्मि यथान्यायं तवोत्सङ्गे यशस्विनि ॥

“I have dwelt in those limbs (of yours), existing in the womb, born from the belly. I have played, as is fitting, upon your lap, O illustrious one.”

Verse 42

स्तनौ ह्येतौ मया पीतौ ललितेन विजृम्भितौ ॥ अङ्गं तव समारुह्य पांसुभिर्गुण्ठिता तनुः

“These two breasts were indeed drunk by me; in playful ease I grew and flourished. Climbing upon your body, my limbs became covered with dust.”

Verse 43

अम्ब त्वं मयि कारुण्यं कुरुष्व खलु शोचितम् ॥ मुञ्च पुत्रकृतं शोकं त्यज मातरनिन्दिते

“Mother, show compassion toward me—this grief is indeed to be lamented. Release the sorrow caused by your child; abandon it, O blameless mother.”

Verse 44

आयान्ति च पुनर्यान्ति गता गच्छन्ति चापरे ॥ दृश्यते च पुनर्नष्टो न दृश्येत पुनः क्वचित्

“Some come and then depart again; others, having gone, go on elsewhere. And one who has vanished may be seen again—or may never be seen again anywhere.”

Verse 45

कुतो जातः क्व सम्बद्धः कस्य माता पिताथवा ॥ इमां योनिमनुप्राप्तो घोरे संसारसागरे

“From where is one born, to where is one connected, whose mother or father is one? Having entered this womb, one is carried along in the dreadful ocean of saṃsāra.”

Verse 46

मातापितृसहस्राणि पुत्रदारशतानि च ॥ जन्मजन्मनि वर्तन्ते कस्य ते कस्य वा वयम्

“Thousands of mothers and fathers, and hundreds of sons and spouses, occur from birth to birth. Whose are they—and whose, indeed, are we?”

Verse 47

अहो बत महद्गुह्यं किमेतत्तात कथ्यताम् ॥ एतद्वचनमाकर्ण्य स वैश्यकुलबालकः

“Ah! This is a great secret—what is it, dear child? Let it be explained.” Hearing these words, that boy born in a Vaiśya family…

Verse 48

उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं जननीं पितरं तथा ॥ यदि श्रुतेन वः कार्यं गुह्यस्य परिनिश्चयात्

He spoke sweet words to his mother and father: “If you have a need to understand, through hearing, the definite conclusion regarding this secret…”

Verse 49

तत्पृच्छ्यतां भवद्भ्यां हि गुह्यं सौकरवं प्रति ॥ तत्राहं कथयिष्यामि स्वस्य गुह्यं महौजसम्

“Then you two should ask about the secret concerning Saukarava; there I shall explain my own powerful secret.”

Verse 50

सूर्यतीर्थं समासाद्य यत्तात परिपृच्छसि ॥ बाढमित्येव पुत्रं तौ दम्पती प्रोचतुश्च तम्

“Having reached Sūryatīrtha, dear child, you may ask what you are inquiring about.” The couple then said to their son, “So be it,” and addressed him thus.

Verse 51

गमने कृतसंकल्पौ ततः सौकरवं प्रति ॥ सर्वद्रव्यसमायुक्तौ गतौ सौकरवं प्रति

Having resolved upon the journey, they then set out toward Saukarava. Equipped with all necessary provisions, they went toward Saukarava.

Verse 52

गतः स पद्मपत्राक्ष आभीराणां जनेश्वरः ॥ गावो विंशसहस्राणि प्रेषयत्यग्रतो द्रुतम्

That lotus-petaled-eyed lord of the Ābhīra people departed, swiftly sending twenty thousand cows ahead in front.

Verse 53

अग्रे सर्वास्ताः प्रययुर्द्रव्येण च समायुताः ॥ यच्च किंचिद्गृहे वास्टि कृतं नारायणं प्रति

All went ahead, accompanied by valuables; and whatever was in the house was devoted as an offering unto Nārāyaṇa.

Verse 54

ततः पूर्वार्द्धयामेन माघमासे त्रयोदशी ॥ सर्वं स्वजनमामन्त्र्य सम्बद्धं च यथाविधि

Then, in the month of Māgha, on the thirteenth lunar day, in the earlier part of the watch, he summoned all his own people and arranged everything according to rule.

Verse 55

मुहूर्त्तेन च तेनैव गमनं कुरुते ततः ॥ स्नात्वा च कृतशौचास्ते नारायणमुदावहाः

Then, within that very muhūrta, he undertook the journey; and having bathed and become purified, they invoked Nārāyaṇa.

Verse 56

स्नाताः सन्तर्प्य च पितॄन्मम वस्त्रविभूषिताः ॥ गावो विंशतिसाहस्रा याः पूर्वमुपकल्पिताः

Having bathed, and having satisfied the ancestors with offerings, and being adorned with garments, the twenty thousand cows that had been prepared earlier were brought forth.

Verse 57

तत्र भङ्गुरसो नाम मम कर्मपरायणः ॥ तेनैव ता गृहीता वै विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा

There, one named Bhaṅgurasa—devoted to my service and deeds—indeed received them, by a procedure sanctioned by proper rule.

Verse 58

ततः स प्रददौ तस्य विंशा गावो महाधनाः ॥ मङ्गल्याश्च पवित्राश्च सर्वाश्च वरदोहनाḥ

Then he gave him twenty cows, richly valuable—auspicious and pure, all of them yielding excellent milk.

Verse 59

प्रददौ धनरत्नानि नित्यमेव दिने दिने ॥ मोदते सह पुत्रेण भार्यया स्वजनेन च

He gave wealth and jewels continually, day after day, and lived joyfully together with his son, his wife, and his own people.

Verse 60

एवं तु वसतस्तस्य वर्षाकाल उपागतः ॥ प्रावृडुपस्थिता तत्र सर्वसस्यप्रवर्द्धिनी

Thus, as he dwelt there, the rainy season arrived; the season of Prāvṛṭ set in, increasing the growth of all crops.

Verse 61

पुष्पितानि कदम्बानि कुटजार्ज्जुनकानि च ॥ एवं दुःखमनुप्राप्ता स्त्रियो या रहिताः प्रियैः

Kadamba trees flowered, as did kuṭaja and arjuna; yet thus sorrow came upon those women who were separated from their beloveds.

Verse 62

गर्ज्जतां गुंजतां चैव धारापातनिपातिताः॥ मेघाः सविद्युतश्चैव बलाकाङ्गदभूषिताः

There, the clouds—roaring and resounding—poured down heavy showers; charged with lightning, they seemed adorned as if with the “armlets” of cranes (balākā).

Verse 63

नदीनां चैव निर्घोषो मयूराणां च निःस्वनः॥ कुटजार्ज्जुनगन्धाश्च कदम्बार्ज्जुनपादपाः

There was the deep roar of rivers and the calls of peacocks; the fragrances of kuṭaja and arjuna spread about, and the trees were kadamba and arjuna.

Verse 64

वाताः प्रवान्ति ते तत्र शिखीनां च सुखावहाः॥ शोकेन कामिनीनां च भर्त्रा च रहिताश्च याः

Winds blew there, bringing delight to the peacocks; yet those women in love who were bereft of their husbands were afflicted with sorrow.

Verse 65

तडागानि प्रसन्नानि कुमुदोत्पलवन्ति च॥ पद्मषण्डैः सुरम्याणि पुष्पितानि समन्ततः

The ponds were clear and serene, rich with white lotuses (kumuda) and blue lotuses (utpala); exceedingly beautiful with clusters of padma-lotuses, they were in bloom on every side.

Verse 66

प्रवान्ति सुसुखा वाताः सुगन्धाश्च सुशीतलाः॥ सप्तपर्णसुगन्धाश्च शीतलाः कामिवल्लभाः

Very pleasant winds blew—fragrant and cool; carrying the scent of the saptaparṇa, they were cooling and dear to lovers.

Verse 67

एवं शरदि निर्वृत्ते कौमुदे समुपागते॥ सा तस्मिन्मासि सुश्रोणि शुक्लपक्षान्तरे तदा

Thus, when autumn had passed and the season of moonlit nights (kaumudī) had arrived, then, in that month—O fair-hipped one—during the bright fortnight (śukla-pakṣa)…

Verse 68

एकादश्यां ततः सुभ्रु स्नातौ क्षौमविभूषितौ॥ उभौ तौ दम्पती तत्र पुत्रमूचतुरात्मनः

Then, on the eleventh lunar day (ekādaśī), O fair-browed one, the two—husband and wife—having bathed and adorned themselves in linen garments, spoke there to their son.

Verse 69

उषितास्त्वत्र षण्मासान्सुखं च द्वादशी भवेत्॥ किन्नो न वक्ष्यसे गुह्यं येन वै वारिता वयम्

“We have stayed here for six months, and now the twelfth day (dvādaśī) has arrived pleasantly; why will you not tell us the secret by which we were indeed restrained?”

Verse 70

पित्रोस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा स पुत्रो धर्मनिष्ठितः॥ उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं तयोस्तु कृतनिश्चयः

Having heard his parents’ words, that son—steadfast in dharma—spoke gentle speech, having formed his resolve with regard to them.

Verse 71

एवमेतन्महाभाग यत्त्वया परिभाषितम्॥ कल्यं ते कथयिष्यामि इदं गुह्यं महौजसम्

“So it is, O noble one, as you have stated; tomorrow I shall tell you this secret, endowed with great potency.”

Verse 72

एषा वै द्वादशी तात प्रभुनारायणप्रिया॥ मङ्गला च विचित्रा च विष्णुभक्तसुखावहा॥

This indeed is the Dvādaśī, dear child—beloved of Lord Nārāyaṇa; auspicious and wondrous, bringing happiness to devotees of Viṣṇu.

Verse 73

ददतेऽस्यां प्रहृष्याश्च द्वादश्यां कौमुदे सिते॥ दीक्षितास्ते योगिकुले विष्णुभक्तिपरायणाः॥

On this Dvādaśī, in the bright fortnight of Kārttika (Kaumudī), they give gifts joyfully; those initiates in the yogic lineage are wholly devoted to devotion toward Viṣṇu.

Verse 74

एवं कथयतां तेषां प्रभाता रजनी शुभा॥ ततः सन्ध्यामुपास्याथ उदिते सूर्यमण्डले॥

As they spoke thus, the auspicious night came to its end at dawn. Then, after worshipping the twilight rite (sandhyā), when the solar orb had risen…

Verse 75

शुचिर्भूत्वा यथान्यायं क्षौमवस्त्रविभूषितः॥ प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं शङ्खचक्रगदाधरम्॥

Having become ritually clean, and properly adorned with linen garments, he bowed his head to the deity—the bearer of conch, discus, and mace.

Verse 76

उभौ तच्छरणौ गृह्य पितरौ समभाषत॥ शृणु तात महाभाग यदर्थं समुपागतः॥

Taking hold of both their feet, he addressed his parents: “Listen, dear father, fortunate one—for what purpose I have come.”

Verse 77

यद्भवान्पृच्छते तात गुह्यं सौकरवं प्रति॥ खञ्जरीटो ह्यहं तात पक्षियोनिसमुद्भवः॥

What you ask, dear father, is the secret concerning ‘Saukarava’: I indeed am Khañjarīṭa, dear father, born of the race of birds.

Verse 78

भक्षिताश्च पतङ्गा मे अजीर्णेनातिपीडितः॥ अहं तेनैव दोषेण न शक्नोमि विचेष्टितुम्॥

I have eaten moths and insects, and I am sorely afflicted by indigestion; because of that very fault, I am unable to move about.

Verse 79

दृष्ट्वा मां विह्वलं बाला गृहीत्वा क्रीडितुं गताः॥ हस्ताद्धस्तेन क्रीडन्तश्चान्योन्यपरिहासया॥

Seeing me distressed, some children took me away to play; passing me from hand to hand, they played, mocking one another.

Verse 80

त्वया दृष्टो मया दृष्टो ह्यं चेति कलिः कृतः॥ तत एकेन बालने भ्रामयित्वाऽक्षयेऽम्भसि॥

“Seen by you, seen by me—this one is mine!”—thus a quarrel arose. Then one boy, having whirled me around, threw me into inexhaustible waters.

Verse 81

न ममेति तवेत्युक्त्वा ह्यादित्यं तीर्थमुत्तमम्॥ क्रोधेनादाय तीव्रेण क्षिप्तो गङ्गाम्भसि त्वरा॥

Saying, “Not mine—yours!”, he seized me in intense anger and swiftly hurled me into the waters of the Gaṅgā, at the excellent ford called Āditya-tīrtha.

Verse 82

तत्र मुक्ताः मया प्राणाः सूर्यतीर्थे महौजसि॥ अकामेन विशालाक्षि तत्प्रभावादहं ततः

There, at the mighty Sūryatīrtha, I released my life-breath. O wide-eyed one, without desire, by the power of that sacred place, thereafter I…

Verse 83

व्यतीतानि च गुह्यं ते कथनं मम चैव यत्॥ एतत्ते कथितं तात गुह्यमागमनं प्रति

And the matters that have passed, and the confidential account—namely what I am to speak to you—this has been told to you, dear one, as a secret concerning the coming (approach/arrival).

Verse 84

अहं कर्म करिष्यामि गच्छ तात नमोऽस्तु ते॥ ततो माता पिता चैव पुत्रं पुनरुवाच ह

“I will perform the prescribed act; go, dear one—homage to you.” Then the mother and father again addressed their son.

Verse 85

विष्णुप्रोक्तानि कर्माणि यं यं कारयिता भवान्॥ तान्वयं च करिष्यामो विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा

Whatever rites have been taught by Viṣṇu—whichever you will have us undertake—those we too shall perform, following the procedure sanctioned by rule (vidhi).

Verse 86

वटमाला यथान्यायं कर्मसंसारमोक्षणम्॥ तेऽपि दीर्घेण कालेन मम कर्मपरायणाः

According to due order, there is the Vaṭamālā—an observance that frees one from the cycle of karma and worldly continuation. They too, over a long time, were devoted to my prescribed practices.

Verse 87

कृत्वा तु विपुलं कर्म ततः पञ्चत्वमागताः॥ मम क्षेत्रप्रभावेण चात्मनः कर्मनिश्चयात्

Having performed abundant meritorious deeds, they then met with death. Yet, through the power of my sacred kṣetra and through their own firm resolve in action (karma),

Verse 88

विमुक्ताः सर्वसंसाराच्छ्वेतद्वीपमुपागताः॥ योऽसौ परिजनः कश्चिद्गृहेभ्यश्च समागतः

Freed from all continuity of saṃsāra, they reached Śvetadvīpa. And whatever attendant or household member there was, who had likewise come from the homes,

Verse 89

सर्वः श्रिया युतस्तत्र रोगव्याधिविवर्जितः॥ सर्वे च योगिनस्तत्र सर्वे चोत्पलगन्धयः॥

All there were endowed with prosperity, free from illness and disease. All there were yogins, and all were fragrant like blue lotuses.

Verse 90

मोदन्ते तु यथान्यायं प्रसादात्क्षेत्रजान्मम॥ एतत्ते कथितं देवि महाख्यानं महौजसम्

They rejoice indeed, according to due order, through the grace arising from my sacred kṣetra. This mighty great narrative has been told to you, O Goddess.

Verse 91

पुनरन्यत्प्रवक्ष्यामि यद्वृत्तं सौकरे मम॥ एषा व्युष्टिर्महाभागे क्षेत्रे यत्क्रियते महत्

Again I shall explain something else—what occurred in connection with my boar-form (saukara). O fortunate one, this is the dawn (or concluding turn) in the sacred kṣetra, where a great act is performed.

Verse 92

स कुलं तारयेत्तूर्णं दश पूर्वान्दशावरान् ॥ न पठेन्मूर्खमध्ये तु पापिष्ठे शास्त्रदूषके

He swiftly delivers his lineage—ten generations before and ten after. But one should not recite amid fools, especially before the most sinful who revile the śāstras.

Verse 93

न पठेत्पिशुनानां च एकाकी तु पठेद्गृहे ॥ पठेद्ब्राह्मणमध्ये च ये च वेदविदां वराः

One should not recite among slanderers; rather, one should recite alone at home. One should also recite in the midst of brāhmaṇas—those eminent among the knowers of the Veda.

Verse 94

वैष्णवानां च पुरतो यै व शास्त्रगुणान्विताः ॥ विशुद्धानां विनीतानां सर्वसंसारमोक्षणम्

In the presence of Vaiṣṇavas—those endowed with the virtues of śāstric learning—this recitation is said to be a means of release from the entirety of worldly bondage for the purified and disciplined.

Verse 95

उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं धर्मकामां वसुन्धराम् ॥ श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ शृणु सुन्दरि तत्त्वेन यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि

He spoke sweet words to Vasundharā, who longed for dharma. Śrī Varāha said: “Listen, fair one, in truth, to what you ask Me.”

Verse 96

तिर्यग्योनिविनिर्मुक्ताः श्वेतद्वीपमुपागताः ॥ य एतत्पठते नित्यं कल्यमुत्थाय मानवः

Freed from birth in animal wombs, they reach Śvetadvīpa. It is said that a human who recites this daily, rising in the morning, attains such a benefit.

Verse 97

प्रणम्य शिरसा भूमौ बद्धाञ्जलिरयाचत ॥ मत्प्रियं यदि कर्त्तव्यमेको मे दीयतां वरः

Bowing his head to the ground, with hands joined in reverence, he entreated: “If what is dear to me is to be fulfilled, grant me a single boon.”

Verse 98

यावद्भोजनतृप्तान्वा द्विजानिच्छसि तर्पितुम् ॥ सर्वं निजेच्छया पुत्र कर्त्तुमर्हसि साम्प्रतम्

“As many twice-born as you wish to satisfy with food, you may now fully gratify them according to your own will, my child.”

Verse 99

अम्बेति भाषसेऽद्यापि कथमेतद्विचिन्तितम् ॥ स्पृशन्ति तव नार्योऽपि क्रीडमानस्य पुत्रक

“Even now you address me as ‘Mother’—how has this been conceived? Even women touch you, child, while you are at play.”

Verse 100

एवं चिन्तां समासाद्य मा शुचो जननि क्वचित् ॥ एवं तौ पितरौ श्रुत्वा विस्मयात्पुनरूचतुः

“Having fallen into such worry, do not grieve at any time, Mother.” Hearing this, the two parents, astonished, spoke again.

Verse 101

अथ दीर्घेण कालेन नारायणमुदावहाः ॥ वैशाखस्य तु द्वादश्यां मम क्षेत्रमुपागताः

Then, after a long time, they invoked Nārāyaṇa; and on the twelfth day of the month of Vaiśākha they arrived at my sacred field, the kṣetra.

Verse 102

गच्छत्येवं स कालो हि मेघदुन्दुभिनादितः॥ ततः शरदनुप्राप्ता अगस्तिरुदितो महान्॥

Thus indeed time passes on, resounding like the beat of a cloud-drum; then autumn arrives, and the great Agastya rises into view.

Verse 103

तेन दानप्रभावेण विष्णुतोषकरेण च॥ तरन्ति दुस्तरं तात घोरं संसारसागरम्॥

By the power of that gift—an act that also brings satisfaction to Viṣṇu—people, dear one, cross the dreadful ocean of saṃsāra, so hard to traverse.

Verse 104

जातस्तव सुतो मातस्तदेतद्दिनमुत्तमम्॥ अकामान्म्रियमाणस्य वर्षाण्यद्य त्रयोदश॥

Your son has been born, O mother—this very day is most excellent; and for one who dies unwillingly, thirteen years are today allotted.