Prakarana 14

Verse 278 (दोहा/सोरठा)

एहि अवसर चाहिअ परम सोभा रूप बिसाल। जो बिलोकि रीझै कुअँरि तब मेलै जयमाल।।131।।

ehi avasara cāhi'a parama sobhā rūpa bisāla | jo biloki rījhai kuaṁri taba melai jayāmāla ||131||

ਇਸ ਵੇਲੇ ਤਾਂ ਐਸੀ ਉਤਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟ ਛਬਿ ਅਤੇ ਐਸਾ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਤੇਜ-ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਵਾਲਾ ਰੂਪ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ—ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਵੇਖ ਕੇ ਰਾਜਕੁਮਾਰੀ ਮੋਹਿਤ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੇ ਅਤੇ ਫਿਰ ਵਰਮਾਲਾ ਪਾ ਦੇਵੇ।

Verse 279 (चौपाई)

हरि सन मागौं सुंदरताई। होइहि जात गहरु अति भाई।। मोरें हित हरि सम नहिं कोऊ। एहि अवसर सहाय सोइ होऊ।। बहुबिधि बिनय कीन्हि तेहि काला। प्रगटेउ प्रभु कौतुकी कृपाला।। प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि नयन जुड़ाने। होइहि काजु हिएँ हरषाने।। अति आरति कहि कथा सुनाई। करहु कृपा करि होहु सहाई।। आपन रूप देहु प्रभु मोही। आन भाँति नहिं पावौं ओही।। जेहि बिधि नाथ होइ हित मोरा। करहु सो बेगि दास मैं तोरा।। निज माया बल देखि बिसाला। हियँ हँसि बोले दीनदयाला।।

hari sana māgaũ̃ sundaratāī. hoihi jāta gaharu ati bhāī.. moreṁ hita hari sama nahiṁ koū. ehi avasara sahāya soi hoū.. bahubidhi binaya kīnhi tehi kālā. pragaṭeu prabhu kautūkī kṛpālā.. prabhu biloki muni nayana juṛāne. hoihi kāju hiē̃ haraṣāne.. ati ārati kahi kathā sunāī. karahu kṛpā kari hohu sahāī.. āpana rūpa dehu prabhu mohī. āna bhā̃ti nahiṁ pāvaũ̃ ohī.. jehi bidhi nātha hoi hita morā. karahu so begi dāsa maiṁ torā.. nija māyā bala dekhi bisālā. hiē̃ hãsi बोले dīnadayālā..

“From Hari I beg for beauty; for, dear brother, the undertaking is most difficult. For my true good none is like Hari; at this very hour let Him alone be my help. In many ways he made humble entreaty; then the gracious Lord, sportive in His play, manifested Himself. Beholding the Lord, the sage’s eyes were cooled, and in his heart he rejoiced, sure that the purpose would be fulfilled. He told his tale in great distress: ‘Be gracious, and be my aid. Grant me, O Lord, Thine own form; in no other manner can I attain that. In whatever way, O Master, my welfare be secured, do that quickly—for I am Thy servant.’ Seeing the vast power of His own māyā, the compassionate One smiled within and spoke.”

Verse 280 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जेहि बिधि होइहि परम हित नारद सुनहु तुम्हार। सोइ हम करब न आन कछु बचन न मृषा हमार।।132।।

jehi bidhi hoihi param hita nārada sunahu tumhāra | soi hama karaba na āna kachu bacana na mṛṣā hamāra ||132||

“ਜਿਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਰਮ ਹਿਤ ਸਿਧ ਹੋ ਸਕੇ—ਹੇ ਨਾਰਦ, ਸੁਣੋ। ਮੈਂ ਓਹੀ ਉਪਾਅ ਕਰਾਂਗਾ, ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ; ਮੇਰਾ ਬਚਨ ਝੂਠਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।”

Verse 281 (चौपाई)

कुपथ माग रुज ब्याकुल रोगी। बैद न देइ सुनहु मुनि जोगी।। एहि बिधि हित तुम्हार मैं ठयऊ। कहि अस अंतरहित प्रभु भयऊ।। माया बिबस भए मुनि मूढ़ा। समुझी नहिं हरि गिरा निगूढ़ा।। गवने तुरत तहाँ रिषिराई। जहाँ स्वयंबर भूमि बनाई।। निज निज आसन बैठे राजा। बहु बनाव करि सहित समाजा।। मुनि मन हरष रूप अति मोरें। मोहि तजि आनहि बारिहि न भोरें।। मुनि हित कारन कृपानिधाना। दीन्ह कुरूप न जाइ बखाना।। सो चरित्र लखि काहुँ न पावा। नारद जानि सबहिं सिर नावा।।

kupatha māga ruja byākula rogī | baida na dei sunahu muni jogī || ehi bidhi hita tumhār maiṁ ṭhayaū̃ | kahi asa antara-hita prabhu bhayaū || māyā bibasa bhae muni mūṛhā | samujhī nahiṁ hari girā nigūṛhā || gavane turata tahāँ ṛṣi-rāī | jahāँ svayaṁbara bhūmi banāī || nija nija āsana baiṭhe rājā | bahu banāva kari sahita samājā || muni mana haraṣa rūpa ati moreṁ | mohi taji ānahi bārihi na bhoreṁ || muni hita kārana kṛpā-nidhānā | dīnh kurūpa na jāi bakhānā || so caritra lakhi kāhuँ na pāvā | nārada jāni sabahiṁ sira nāvā ||

“A patient, tormented by disease, walks the wrong road; if the physician does not restrain him—listen, O yogic sage— In this very manner I have ordained what is truly for your good.” So saying, the Lord, intent on his inward welfare, withdrew. But the sage, mastered by Māyā, became dull of understanding; he did not grasp the deep meaning of Hari’s words. At once the lordly rishi set out for the place where the ground had been prepared for the svayamvara. Kings sat each on his own seat, with their retinues, in manifold adornment. The sage’s mind was overrun with delight: “Leaving me, he would never bring another bride,” he thought. For the sage’s benefit, the Treasure of compassion bestowed a form of such ugliness as cannot be described. None could fathom that deed; but Nārada understood, and all bowed their heads.”

Verse 282 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रहे तहाँ दुइ रुद्र गन ते जानहिं सब भेउ। बिप्रबेष देखत फिरहिं परम कौतुकी तेउ।।133।।

rahe tahā̃ dui rudra gana te jānahĩ saba bheu | biprabēṣa dēkhata firahĩ parama kautukī teu ||133||

ਉੱਥੇ ਰੁਦ੍ਰ ਦੇ ਦੋ ਗਣ ਰਹਿ ਗਏ; ਉਹ ਸਾਰਾ ਭੇਦ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਸਨ। ਪਰ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਦੇ ਵੇਸ ਨੂੰ ਵੇਖ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਵੀ ਅਤਿ ਕੌਤੁਕ ਤੇ ਆਨੰਦ ਨਾਲ ਭਟਕਦੇ ਫਿਰੇ।

Verse 283 (चौपाई)

जेंहि समाज बैंठे मुनि जाई। हृदयँ रूप अहमिति अधिकाई।। तहँ बैठ महेस गन दोऊ। बिप्रबेष गति लखइ न कोऊ।। करहिं कूटि नारदहि सुनाई। नीकि दीन्हि हरि सुंदरताई।। रीझहि राजकुअँरि छबि देखी। इन्हहि बरिहि हरि जानि बिसेषी।। मुनिहि मोह मन हाथ पराएँ। हँसहिं संभु गन अति सचु पाएँ।। जदपि सुनहिं मुनि अटपटि बानी। समुझि न परइ बुद्धि भ्रम सानी।। काहुँ न लखा सो चरित बिसेषा। सो सरूप नृपकन्याँ देखा।। मर्कट बदन भयंकर देही। देखत हृदयँ क्रोध भा तेही।।

jeṁhi samāja baiṁṭhe muni jāī | hṛdayaṁ rūpa ahamiti adhikāī || tahaṁ baiṭha mahesa gana doū | bipra-beṣa gati lakhai na koū || karahiṁ kūṭi nāradahi sunāī | nīkī dīnhi hari suṁdaratāī || rījhahi rājakuãri chabi dekhī | inhahi barihi hari jāni biseṣī || munihi moha mana hātha parāẽ | haṁsahiṁ saṁbhu gana ati sacu pāẽ || jadapi sunahiṁ muni aṭapaṭi bānī | samujhi na parai buddhi bhrama sānī || kāhuṁ na lakhā so carita biseṣā | so sarūpa nṛpakanyā̃ dekhā || markaṭa badana bhayaṁkara dehī | dekhata hṛdayaṁ krodha bhā tehī ||

In that assembly where the sages sat, the pride of selfhood swelled within their hearts. There sat Mahesha with his two attendants; none could discern their movement beneath the Brahmin’s guise. They spoke with crafty intent and made Narada hear it, and the Lord’s fair beauty was bestowed in excellent measure. The princess, seeing that splendor, was enamored—taking him for Hari in a special sense, she resolved to wed him. Delusion seized the sage and his mind passed beyond his own control; Shiva and his attendants laughed, having found the matter all too true. Though the sage heard those strange words, his intellect—stained by bewilderment—could not grasp them. No one perceived that singular divine play; only the king’s daughter beheld that very form. Monkey-faced, of dreadful body—at the sight of him anger rose in her heart.

Verse 284 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सखीं संग लै कुअँरि तब चलि जनु राजमराल। देखत फिरइ महीप सब कर सरोज जयमाल।।134।।

sakhīṁ saṅga lai kuãri taba cali janu rāja-marāla | dekhata phirai mahīpa saba kara saroja jayamāla ||134||

ਤਦ ਰਾਜਕੁਮਾਰੀ ਸਖੀਆਂ ਸਮੇਤ ਰਾਜਹੰਸਨੀ ਵਾਂਗ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਗਤਿ ਨਾਲ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧੀ। ਸਾਰੇ ਰਾਜੇ ਮੁੜ ਮੁੜ ਤੱਕਦੇ ਰਹੇ, ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਮਲ-ਹੱਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਰਮਾਲਾ ਤੱਕਦਿਆਂ ਤੱਕਦਿਆਂ ਕੰਬਣ ਲੱਗੀ।

Verse 285 (चौपाई)

जेहि दिसि बैठे नारद फूली। सो दिसि देहि न बिलोकी भूली।। पुनि पुनि मुनि उकसहिं अकुलाहीं। देखि दसा हर गन मुसकाहीं।। धरि नृपतनु तहँ गयउ कृपाला। कुअँरि हरषि मेलेउ जयमाला।। दुलहिनि लै गे लच्छिनिवासा। नृपसमाज सब भयउ निरासा।। मुनि अति बिकल मोंहँ मति नाठी। मनि गिरि गई छूटि जनु गाँठी।। तब हर गन बोले मुसुकाई। निज मुख मुकुर बिलोकहु जाई।। अस कहि दोउ भागे भयँ भारी। बदन दीख मुनि बारि निहारी।। बेषु बिलोकि क्रोध अति बाढ़ा। तिन्हहि सराप दीन्ह अति गाढ़ा।।

jehi disi baiṭhe nārada phūlī. so disi dehi na bilokī bhūlī.. puni puni muni ukasahiṁ akulāhīṁ. dekhi dasā hara-gaṇa musakāhīṁ.. dhari nṛpa-tanu tahaṁ gayau kṛpālā. kuaṁri haraṣi meleu jaya-mālā.. dulahini lai ge lacchini-vāsa. nṛpa-samāja saba bhayau nirāsā.. muni ati bikala moṁhaṁ mati nāṭhī. mani giri gaī chūṭi janu gāṁṭhī.. taba hara-gaṇa बोले musukāī. nija mukha mukura bilokahu jāī.. asa kahi dou bhāge bhayaṁ bhārī. badana dīkha muni bāri nihārī.. beṣu biloki krodha ati bāṛhā. tinhahi sarāpa dīnha ati gāṛhā..

In the direction where Nārada sat, swollen with delight, toward that very side he forgot even to look. Again and again the sages teased and stirred him, growing ever more restless; seeing his plight, Śiva’s attendants smiled. Then the Compassionate One assumed a kingly guise and went there; the princess, rejoicing, placed upon him the victory-garland. The bride was led away to Lakṣmī’s Lord, and the whole assembly of kings fell into disappointment. The sage became exceedingly distraught; my composure fled—like a jewel slipping from its knot and falling away. Then Śiva’s attendants said, smiling, “Go—look at your own face in a mirror.” So saying, the two ran off in great fear; the sage looked again and again upon his visage. Beholding the disguise, his anger rose exceedingly, and he pronounced upon them a very grievous curse.

Verse 286 (दोहा/सोरठा)

होहु निसाचर जाइ तुम्ह कपटी पापी दोउ। हँसेहु हमहि सो लेहु फल बहुरि हँसेहु मुनि कोउ।।135।।

hohu nisācara jāi tumha kapaṭī pāpī dou | hamahi haँsehu so lehu phala bahuri haँsehu muni kou ||135||

“ਦੂਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਓ—ਤੁਸੀਂ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਛਲੀਆ ਪਾਪੀ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਫਿਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਰਾਖਸ਼ ਬਣੋ। ਜਿਹੜਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਉਪਹਾਸ ਕੀਤਾ, ਉਸ ਕਰਮ ਦਾ ਫਲ ਭੋਗੋ; ਅਤੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਤੋਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਮੁਨੀ ਦਾ ਉਪਹਾਸ ਨਾਹ ਹੋਵੇ।”

Verse 287 (चौपाई)

पुनि जल दीख रूप निज पावा। तदपि हृदयँ संतोष न आवा।। फरकत अधर कोप मन माहीं। सपदी चले कमलापति पाहीं।। देहउँ श्राप कि मरिहउँ जाई। जगत मोर उपहास कराई।। बीचहिं पंथ मिले दनुजारी। संग रमा सोइ राजकुमारी।। बोले मधुर बचन सुरसाईं। मुनि कहँ चले बिकल की नाईं।। सुनत बचन उपजा अति क्रोधा। माया बस न रहा मन बोधा।। पर संपदा सकहु नहिं देखी। तुम्हरें इरिषा कपट बिसेषी।। मथत सिंधु रुद्रहि बौरायहु। सुरन्ह प्रेरी बिष पान करायहु।।

puni jalu dīkha rūpa nija pāvā | tadapi hṛdayã santoṣa na āvā || pharakat adhara kopa mana māhī̃ | sapadī cale kamalāpati pāhī̃ || dehaũ śrāpa ki marihaũ jāī | jagata mora upahāsa karāī || bīcahĩ pantha mile danujārī | saṅga ramā soi rāja-kumārī || bole madhura bacana surasāī̃ | muni kahã cale bikala kī nāī̃ || sunata bacana upajā ati krodhā | māyā basa na rahā mana bodhā || para saṃpadā sakahu nahĩ dekhī | tumharẽ iriṣā kapaṭa biseṣī || mathata siṃdhu rudrahi baurāyahu | suranha prerī biṣa pāna karāyahu ||

Again he looked into the water and recovered his own form; yet even then no contentment entered his heart. His lips quivered; wrath rose within his mind; at once he set out toward the Lord of Lakshmi. “Shall I pronounce a curse, or go and die? The whole world will make me a laughing-stock.” Midway upon the road he met the Foe of demons; with Him was Rama herself, that Princess-royal. The Lord of the gods spoke gentle words; but the sage went on, distraught as one beside himself. Hearing those words, a fierce anger sprang up; under Maya’s sway, the mind’s clear judgment did not remain. “You cannot bear to see another’s prosperity; envy and deceit are your special vice. When the ocean was churned, you drove Rudra to frenzy, and, urging the gods, made him drink the poison.”

Verse 288 (दोहा/सोरठा)

असुर सुरा बिष संकरहि आपु रमा मनि चारु। स्वारथ साधक कुटिल तुम्ह सदा कपट ब्यवहारु।।136।।

asura surā biṣa saṅkarahi āpu ramā mani cāru | swāratha sādhaka kuṭila tumha sadā kapaṭa byavahāru ||136||

ਰਾਖਸ਼ੀ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਵਾਲੀ, ਮਦਮਾਤੀ—ਐਸੀ ਵਿਸ਼, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਸ਼ੰਕਰ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਜੂਝਣਾ ਪੈਂਦਾ; ਪਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੀ ਨੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੂੰ ਲਕਸ਼ਮੀ ਦਾ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਰਤਨ ਬਣੀ ਬੈਠੀ ਹੈਂ। ਤੂੰ ਟੇਢੀ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਵਾਰਥ ਸਾਧਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਹੈਂ; ਛਲ-ਕਪਟ ਹੀ ਤੇਰੇ ਵਰਤਾਵ ਦੀ ਸਦਾ ਰੀਤ ਹੈ।

Verse 289 (चौपाई)

परम स्वतंत्र न सिर पर कोई। भावइ मनहि करहु तुम्ह सोई।। भलेहि मंद मंदेहि भल करहू। बिसमय हरष न हियँ कछु धरहू।। डहकि डहकि परिचेहु सब काहू। अति असंक मन सदा उछाहू।। करम सुभासुभ तुम्हहि न बाधा। अब लगि तुम्हहि न काहूँ साधा।। भले भवन अब बायन दीन्हा। पावहुगे फल आपन कीन्हा।। बंचेहु मोहि जवनि धरि देहा। सोइ तनु धरहु श्राप मम एहा।। कपि आकृति तुम्ह कीन्हि हमारी। करिहहिं कीस सहाय तुम्हारी।। मम अपकार कीन्ही तुम्ह भारी। नारी बिरहँ तुम्ह होब दुखारी।।

parama svatantra na sira para koī | bhāvai manahi karahu tumha soī || bhalehi manda mandehi bhala karahū | bisamaya haraṣa na hiyã kacha chu dharahū || dahaki-dahaki paricehu saba kāhū | ati asaṅka mana sadā uchāhū || karama subhāsubha tumhahi na bādhā | aba lagi tumhahi na kāhū̃ sādhā || bhale bhavana aba bāyana dīnhā | pāvahuge phala āpana kīnhā || bãcehu mohi javani dhari dehā | soī tanu dharahu śrāpa mama ehā || kapi ākṛti tumha kīnhi hamārī | karihahĩ kīsa sahāya tumhārī || mama apakāra kīnhī tumha bhārī | nārī birahã tumha hoba dukhārī ||

“Supremely independent—none stands above your head. Do exactly as it pleases your mind. Whether you do good to the good or good even to the vile, let no amazement or joy lodge within your heart. Move among all boldly and freely; keep your mind ever fearless and high-spirited. The consequences of auspicious or inauspicious deeds do not bind you; to this day none has ever subdued you. Good indeed: now I have given you alms—yet you shall reap the fruit of what you yourself have done. You escaped me by assuming a certain body; therefore assume that very form—this is my curse. You took on my monkey-shape; monkeys shall become your helpers. You have done me great injury; in separation from a woman you shall be plunged in sorrow.”

Verse 290 (दोहा/सोरठा)

श्राप सीस धरी हरषि हियँ प्रभु बहु बिनती कीन्हि। निज माया कै प्रबलता करषि कृपानिधि लीन्हि।।137।।

śrāpa sīsa dharī haraṣi hiyã prabhu bahu binatī kīnhi. nija māyā kai prabalatā karaṣi kṛpānidhi līnhi..137..

ਸ਼ਾਪ ਅੱਗੇ ਸਿਰ ਨਿਵਾ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ ਅੰਤਰੋਂ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਹੋਏ ਅਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਨਿਮਰ ਬੇਨਤੀਆਂ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ। ਫਿਰ ਕਰੁਣਾ-ਨਿਧਾਨ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਹੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਅਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਬਲ ਬਲ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਸਵੀਕਾਰ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ।

Verse 291 (चौपाई)

जब हरि माया दूरि निवारी। नहिं तहँ रमा न राजकुमारी।। तब मुनि अति सभीत हरि चरना। गहे पाहि प्रनतारति हरना।। मृषा होउ मम श्राप कृपाला। मम इच्छा कह दीनदयाला।। मैं दुर्बचन कहे बहुतेरे। कह मुनि पाप मिटिहिं किमि मेरे।। जपहु जाइ संकर सत नामा। होइहि हृदयँ तुरंत बिश्रामा।। कोउ नहिं सिव समान प्रिय मोरें। असि परतीति तजहु जनि भोरें।। जेहि पर कृपा न करहिं पुरारी। सो न पाव मुनि भगति हमारी।। अस उर धरि महि बिचरहु जाई। अब न तुम्हहि माया निअराई।।

jaba hari māyā dūri nivārī | nahiṁ tahaṁ ramā na rājakumārī || taba muni ati sabhīta hari caranā | gahe pāhi pranatārati haranā || mṛṣā hou mama śrāpa kṛpālā | mama icchā kaha dīnadayālā || maiṁ durbacana kahe bahutere | kaha muni pāpa miṭihiṁ kimi mere || japahu jāi śaṅkara sata nāmā | hoihi hṛdayaṁ turaṁta biśrāmā || kou nahiṁ siva samāna priya moreṁ | asi paratīti tajahu jani bhoreṁ || jehi para kṛpā na karahiṁ purārī | so na pāva muni bhagati hamārī || asa ura dhari mahi bicarahu jāī | aba na tumhahi māyā niarāī ||

When the Lord dispelled the veil of Māyā, there remained there neither Lakṣmī nor any princess at all. Then the sage, exceedingly afraid, clasped the Lord’s feet—“Protect me, O remover of the anguish of those who bow.” “Let my curse be made void, O Compassionate One; grant me my desire, O merciful to the poor.” “I have spoken many harsh words,” said the sage; “how shall my sins be washed away?” “Go,” said the Lord, “and repeat Shankara’s true Name; at once there shall be rest within your heart. None is dear to Me like Śiva—do not abandon this conviction, even by mistake. He on whom the foe of Pura shows no grace, O sage, can never obtain devotion to Me. Holding this within your heart, go and wander the earth; now Māyā shall not come near you again.”

Verse 292 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बहुबिधि मुनिहि प्रबोधि प्रभु तब भए अंतरधान।। सत्यलोक नारद चले करत राम गुन गान।।138।।

bahubidhi munihi prabodhi prabhu taba bhae antardhāna. satyaloka nārada cale karata rāma guna gāna. ||138||

ਅਨੇਕ ਰੀਤੀਂ ਮੁਨੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਾ ਕੇ ਤੇ ਜਗਾ ਕੇ, ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਫਿਰ ਅਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋ ਗਏ। ਤਦੋਂ ਨਾਰਦ ਜੀ ਸਤ੍ਯਲੋਕ ਵੱਲ ਚਲ ਪਏ, ਅਤੇ ਰਸਤੇ ਭਰ ਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਦੀ ਕੀਰਤੀ ਗਾਂਦੇ ਰਹੇ। (138)

Verse 293 (चौपाई)

हर गन मुनिहि जात पथ देखी। बिगतमोह मन हरष बिसेषी।। अति सभीत नारद पहिं आए। गहि पद आरत बचन सुनाए।। हर गन हम न बिप्र मुनिराया। बड़ अपराध कीन्ह फल पाया।। श्राप अनुग्रह करहु कृपाला। बोले नारद दीनदयाला।। निसिचर जाइ होहु तुम्ह दोऊ। बैभव बिपुल तेज बल होऊ। भुजबल बिस्व जितब तुम्ह जहिआ। धरिहहिं बिष्नु मनुज तनु तहिआ। समर मरन हरि हाथ तुम्हारा। होइहहु मुकुत न पुनि संसारा।। चले जुगल मुनि पद सिर नाई। भए निसाचर कालहि पाई।।

hara gana munihi jāta patha dekhī | bigata-moha mana haraṣa biseṣī || ati sabhīta nārada pahiṃ āe | gahi pada ārata bacana sunāe || hara gana hama na bipra munirāyā | baṛa aparādha kīnha phala pāyā || śrāpa anugraha karahu kṛpālā | बोले nārada dīna-dayālā || nisicara jāi hohu tumha doū | baibhava bipula teja bala hoū || bhuja-bala bisva jitaba tumha jahiā | dharihahiṃ biṣṇu manuja tanu tahiā || samara marana hari hātha tumhārā | hoiha hu mukuta na puni saṃsārā || cale jugala muni pada sira nāī | bhae nisācara kālahi pāī ||

Seeing the sages depart upon their way, Shiva’s attendants—delusion dispelled—rejoiced exceedingly. In great fear they came to Nārada; clasping his feet, they poured forth their anguished plea: “Sir, we are but Shiva’s gaṇas, not brahmin sages. We have committed a grievous offense and have received its fruit. O compassionate one, temper the curse with grace.” Thus spoke Nārada, merciful to the distressed: “Go—become night-roaming demons, you both; you shall possess vast splendor, brilliance, and strength. By the might of your arms you will conquer the world—until the place where Viṣṇu takes a human body. Your death in battle shall come by Hari’s own hand; you shall attain release and not return again to the round of birth.” The pair bowed their heads at the sage’s feet and departed; in due time they became rākṣasas.

Verse 294 (दोहा/सोरठा)

एक कलप एहि हेतु प्रभु लीन्ह मनुज अवतार। सुर रंजन सज्जन सुखद हरि भंजन भुबि भार।।139।।

eku kalapa ehi hetu prabhu līnha manuja avatāra | sura rañjana sajjana sukhada hari bhañjana bhuvi bhāra ||139||

ਇਸੇ ਹੀ ਉਦੇਸ਼ ਲਈ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਕਲਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਕ ਵਾਰ ਮਨੁੱਖ-ਅਵਤਾਰ ਧਾਰਨ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ—ਦੇਵਤਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ, ਧਰਮੀ ਜਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਨੰਦ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ, ਅਤੇ ਧਰਤੀ ਉੱਤੇ ਪਏ ਭਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਹਰਿ ਵਾਂਗ ਚੂਰ-ਚੂਰ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ।

Verse 295 (चौपाई)

एहि बिधि जनम करम हरि केरे। सुंदर सुखद बिचित्र घनेरे।। कलप कलप प्रति प्रभु अवतरहीं। चारु चरित नानाबिधि करहीं।। तब तब कथा मुनीसन्ह गाई। परम पुनीत प्रबंध बनाई।। बिबिध प्रसंग अनूप बखाने। करहिं न सुनि आचरजु सयाने।। हरि अनंत हरिकथा अनंता। कहहिं सुनहिं बहुबिधि सब संता।। रामचंद्र के चरित सुहाए। कलप कोटि लगि जाहिं न गाए।। यह प्रसंग मैं कहा भवानी। हरिमायाँ मोहहिं मुनि ग्यानी।। प्रभु कौतुकी प्रनत हितकारी।।सेवत सुलभ सकल दुख हारी।।

ehi bidhi janama karama hari kere | sundara sukhada bicitra ghanere || kalapa kalapa prati prabhu avatarahīṁ | cāru carita nānā-bidhi karahīṁ || taba taba kathā munīsanha gāī | parama punīta prabandha banāī || bibidha prasaṅga anūpa bakhāne | karahiṁ na suni ācaraju sayāne || hari anaṁta hari-kathā anaṁtā | kahahiṁ sunahiṁ bahu-bidhi saba saṁtā || rāmacandra ke carita suhāe | kalapa koṭi lagi jāhiṁ na gāe || yaha prasaṅga maiṁ kahā bhavānī | hari-māyāṁ mohahiṁ muni gyānī || prabhu kautukī pranata hitakārī | sevata sulabha sakala dukha hārī ||

Thus are Hari’s births and deeds—fair, joy-bestowing, manifold, and abundant. In every age upon age the Lord descends, and in diverse ways performs His charming acts. Then and again the lordly sages sing that tale, shaping it into supremely purifying compositions. They recount matchless episodes of many kinds—so that even the wise do not tire of wonder on hearing. Hari is infinite, and infinite is Hari’s story; the saints tell and hear it in countless modes. The lovely deeds of Ramachandra are such that even through crores of ages they are not fully sung. This episode I have related, O Bhavani: Hari’s maya can bewilder even sages who are knowers. The Lord is sportive and the benefactor of the bowed; when worshipped He is easy of access, the remover of all sorrow.

Verse 296 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुर नर मुनि कोउ नाहिं जेहि न मोह माया प्रबल।। अस बिचारि मन माहिं भजिअ महामाया पतिहि।।140।।

sura nara muni kou nāhiṁ jehi na moha māyā prabala || aśa bicāri mana māhiṁ bhaji-a mahāmāyā pati-hi ||140||

ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ—ਦੇਵਤਾ, ਮਨੁੱਖ ਜਾਂ ਮੁਨੀ—ਜਿਸ ਉੱਤੇ ਮੋਹ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਦਾ ਬਲ ਨਾ ਚੱਲੇ। ਇਹ ਗੱਲ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ, ਮਹਾ-ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਸਵਾਮੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਹੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ। (140)

Verse 297 (चौपाई)

अपर हेतु सुनु सैलकुमारी। कहउँ बिचित्र कथा बिस्तारी।। जेहि कारन अज अगुन अरूपा। ब्रह्म भयउ कोसलपुर भूपा।। जो प्रभु बिपिन फिरत तुम्ह देखा। बंधु समेत धरें मुनिबेषा।। जासु चरित अवलोकि भवानी। सती सरीर रहिहु बौरानी।। अजहुँ न छाया मिटति तुम्हारी। तासु चरित सुनु भ्रम रुज हारी।। लीला कीन्हि जो तेहिं अवतारा। सो सब कहिहउँ मति अनुसारा।। भरद्वाज सुनि संकर बानी। सकुचि सप्रेम उमा मुसकानी।। लगे बहुरि बरने बृषकेतू। सो अवतार भयउ जेहि हेतू।।

apara hetu sunu saila-kumārī | kahuṁ bicitra kathā bistārī || jehi kārana aja aguna arūpā | brahma bhayu kosalapura bhūpā || jo prabhu bipina firata tumha dekhā | bandhu sameta dhareṁ muni-beṣā || jāsu carita avaloki bhavānī | satī sarīra rahihu baurānī || ajahum̐ na chāyā miṭati tumhārī | tāsu carita sunu bhrama ruja hārī || līlā kīnhi jo tehiṁ avatārā | so saba kahihauṁ mati anusārā || bharadvāja suni saṅkara bānī | sakuci sa-prema umā musakānī || lage bahuri barane bṛṣaketū | so avatāra bhayu jehi hetū ||

Hear yet another reason, O Mountain’s Daughter; I shall unfold at length a wondrous tale. For the sake of which the Unborn, attributeless and formless Brahman became the sovereign of Kosala. That very Lord whom you beheld roaming in the forest, wearing the dress of ascetics with His kinsmen. On seeing whose deeds, O Bhavānī, you would remain as one beside herself in the body of Satī. Even now your impression of Him is not effaced; hear His story, the destroyer of the pain of delusion. All the divine play He wrought in that incarnation, I shall relate according to my understanding. Bharadvāja, hearing Śaṅkara’s words, Umā smiled with loving modesty; Then the Bull-bannered Lord began again to describe for what cause that descent took place.