सह्यजातीरे सतां सद्गुरुसङ्गमः Sahyajātīre Satāṃ Sadgurusaṅgamaḥ

In Śrīyaḥ Pati, the consort of Śrī — the Lord of the universe, the controller of all gods, Nārāyaṇa, Vāsudeva — the ultimate refuge of all, I seek refuge.

śriyaḥ patiṃ jagannāthaṃ sarvadevaniyāmakam|

nārāyaṇaṃ vāsudevaṃ śaraṇyaṃ śaraṇaṃ bhaje

श्रियः · śriyaḥ — of Śrī

पतिम् · patiṃ — the Lord/consort

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — Lord of the universe

सर्वदेवनियामकम् · sarvadevaniyāmakam — controller of all gods

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇaṃ — Nārāyaṇa

वासुदेवम् · vāsudevaṃ — Vāsudeva

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — the ultimate refuge

शरणम् · śaraṇam — shelter

भजे · bhaje — I worship/seek

अहं श्रियः पतिं जगन्नाथं सर्वदेवनियामकं नारायणं वासुदेवं शरण्यं शरणं भजे।

of Śrī · the Lord/consort · Lord of the universe · controller of all gods · Nārāyaṇa · Vāsudeva · the ultimate refuge · shelter · I worship/seek

The author begins by invoking the Supreme Lord, establishing the theological foundation of the entire work. By identifying Nārāyaṇa as the ultimate refuge, he sets the devotional tone of surrender (prapatti) that permeates the text.

I seek shelter in Śrī, the consort of Vāsudeva, who is eternal and ever-inseparable, the auspicious mother of the worlds, Kamalā.

vāsudevasya mahiṣīṃ nityāṃ nityānapāyinīm |

kalyāṇīṃ lokajananīṃ kamalāmāśraye śriyam

वासुदेवस्य · vāsudevasya — of Vāsudeva

महिषीम् · mahiṣīṃ — the queen/consort

नित्याम् · nityāṃ — eternal

नित्यानपायिनीम् · nityānapāyinīm — ever-inseparable

कल्याणीम् · kalyāṇīṃ — auspicious

लोकजननीम् · lokajananīṃ — mother of the worlds

कमलाम् · kamalām — Kamalā

आश्रये · āśraye — I seek shelter

श्रियम् · śriyam — in Śrī

अहं वासुदेवस्य महिषीं नित्यां नित्यानपायिनीं कल्याणीं लोकजननीं कमलां श्रियम् आश्रये।

of Vāsudeva · the queen/consort · eternal · ever-inseparable · auspicious · mother of the worlds · Kamalā · I seek shelter · in Śrī

Following the invocation of the Lord, the author invokes the Divine Mother, Śrī, who is inseparable from Him. This highlights the Vaishnava principle that the Lord is always approached through His consort.

I bow to Ananta, Garuḍa, and the other attendants of Viṣṇu, who are dedicated to eternal service and are affectionate to those who bow to them.

anantaṃ garuḍaṃ caiva tathānyān viṣṇupārṣadān |

nityakaiṅkaryaniratānnamāmi natavatsalān

अनन्तम् · anantaṃ — Ananta

गरुडम् · garuḍaṃ — Garuḍa

चैव · caiva — and also

तथान्यान् · tathānyān — and others

विष्णुपार्षदान् · viṣṇupārṣadān — attendants of Viṣṇu

नित्यकैङ्कर्यनिरतान् · nityakaiṅkaryaniratān — dedicated to eternal service

नमामि · namāmi — I bow

नतवत्सलान् · natavatsalān — affectionate to those who bow

अहं अनन्तं गरुडं चैव तथा अन्यान् विष्णुपार्षदान् नित्यकैङ्कर्यनिरतान् नतवत्सलान् नमामि।

Ananta · Garuḍa · and also · and others · attendants of Viṣṇu · dedicated to eternal service · I bow · affectionate to those who bow

The author pays homage to the eternal associates of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of the community of devotees and celestial attendants in the life of a seeker.

I worship my Gurus, who are the devotees of the husband of Śrī, who are oceans of causeless mercy, intent on protecting the surrendered, and of unswerving devotion.

avyājakaruṇāsindhūnāśritatrāṇatatparān|

ananyaniṣṭhān śrījānerbhaktānasmadgurūn bhaje

अव्याजकरुणासिन्धून् · avyājakaruṇāsindhūn — oceans of causeless mercy

आश्रितत्राणतत्परान् · āśritatrāṇatatparān — intent on protecting the surrendered

अनन्यनिष्ठान् · ananyaniṣṭhān — of unswerving devotion

श्रीजानेः · śrījāneḥ — of the husband of Śrī

भक्तान · bhaktān — devotees

अस्मद्गुरून् · asmadgurūn — my Gurus

भजे · bhaje — I worship

अहं अव्याजकरुणासिन्धून् आश्रितत्राणतत्परान् अनन्यनिष्ठान् श्रीजानेः भक्तान् अस्मद्गुरून् भजे।

oceans of causeless mercy · intent on protecting the surrendered · of unswerving devotion · of the husband of Śrī · devotees · my Gurus · I worship

This verse establishes the lineage of the author's own Gurus, grounding the text in the paramparā (disciplic succession) and acknowledging the mercy of those who guide the soul.

I bow to the assembly of Vaiṣṇavas, which is filled with causeless love, turns away from the faults of others, is dear to Vāsudeva, and is pure.

avyājapremasaṃpūrṇamanyadoṣaparāṅmukham|

vāsudevapriyaṃ śuddhaṃ vande vaiṣṇavamaṇḍalam

अव्याजप्रेमसंपूर्णम् · avyājapremasaṃpūrṇam — filled with causeless love

अन्यदोषपराङ्मुखम् · anyadoṣaparāṅmukham — turning away from others' faults

वासुदेवप्रियम् · vāsudevapriyam — dear to Vāsudeva

शुद्धम् · śuddham — pure

वन्दे · vande — I bow

वैष्णवमण्डलम् · vaiṣṇavamaṇḍalam — assembly of Vaiṣṇavas

अहं अव्याजप्रेमसंपूर्णं अन्यदोषपराङ्मुखं वासुदेवप्रियं शुद्धं वैष्णवमण्डलं वन्दे।

filled with causeless love · turning away from others' faults · dear to Vāsudeva · pure · I bow · assembly of Vaiṣṇavas

The author concludes his introductory salutations by bowing to the entire assembly of Vaiṣṇavas, highlighting the sanctity of the community of devotees.

In the divine city of Śrīraṅgam, which purifies by the banks of the Sahyajātī (Kāverī), which is equal to the glorious Vaikuṇṭha, beautiful, and resorted to by Śrī Vaiṣṇavas;

śrīraṅganagare divye sahyajātīrapāvane|

śrīvaikuṇṭhasame ramye śrīvaiṣṇavasamāśrite

श्रीरङ्गनगरे · śrīraṅganagare — in the city of Śrīraṅgam

दिव्ये · divye — divine

सह्यजातीरपावने · sahyajātīrapāvane — purified by the Sahyajātī river

श्रीवैकुण्ठसमे · śrīvaikuṇṭhasame — equal to Vaikuṇṭha

रम्ये · ramye — beautiful

श्रीवैष्णवसमाश्रिते · śrīvaiṣṇavasamāśrite — resorted to by Śrī Vaiṣṇavas

श्रीरङ्गनगरे दिव्ये सह्यजातीरपावने श्रीवैकुण्ठसमे रम्ये श्रीवैष्णवसमाश्रिते (स्थाने)...

in the city of Śrīraṅgam · divine · purified by the Sahyajātī river · equal to Vaikuṇṭha · beautiful · resorted to by Śrī Vaiṣṇavas

The narrative shifts to the setting of the story, Śrīraṅgam, which is described as a terrestrial Vaikuṇṭha, establishing the holiness of the location where the dialogue occurs.

At the foot of a Punnāga tree, on the bank of the Candra Puṣkariṇī, was seated one who was supremely tranquil, a refuge, a bestower of fearlessness;

punnāgavṛkṣamūle tu candrapuṣkariṇītaṭe|

samāsīnaṃ mahāśāntaṃ śaraṇyamabhayapradam

पुन्नागवृक्षमूले · punnāgavṛkṣamūle — at the root of a Punnāga tree

चन्द्रपुष्करिणीतटे · candrapuṣkariṇītaṭe — on the bank of Candra Puṣkariṇī

समासीनम् · samāsīnam — seated

महाशान्तम् · mahāśāntam — supremely tranquil

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — a refuge

अभयप्रदम् · abhayapradam — bestower of fearlessness

पुन्नागवृक्षमूले चन्द्रपुष्करिणीतटे समासीनं महाशान्तं शरण्यं अभयप्रदं (आचार्यं)...

at the root of a Punnāga tree · on the bank of Candra Puṣkariṇī · seated · supremely tranquil · a refuge · bestower of fearlessness

This verse introduces the central figure of the chapter, the Sadguru, describing his physical location and his tranquil, fear-dispelling presence.

One who was full of knowledge and dispassion, endowed with righteous conduct, wearing a garland of lotus seeds and Tulasī, with a lotus-like face beaming with grace;

jñānavairāgyasaṃpūrṇaṃ sadācārasamanvitam|

padmākṣatulasīmālaṃ prasannavadanāmbujam

ज्ञानवैराग्यसंपूर्णम् · jñānavairāgyasaṃpūrṇam — full of knowledge and dispassion

सदाचारसमन्वितम् · sadācārasamanvitam — endowed with righteous conduct

पद्माक्षतुलसीमालम् · padmākṣatulasīmālam — wearing lotus and Tulasī beads

प्रसन्नवदनाम्बुजम् · prasannavadanāmbujam — with a lotus-like face beaming with grace

ज्ञानवैराग्यसंपूर्णं सदाचारसमन्वितं पद्माक्षतुलसीमालं प्रसन्नवदनाम्बुजं (आचार्यं)...

full of knowledge and dispassion · endowed with righteous conduct · wearing lotus and Tulasī beads · with a lotus-like face beaming with grace

The description of the Sadguru continues, focusing on his internal qualities of wisdom and dispassion, and his external appearance as a devotee of the Lord.

A divine being wearing the ūrdhva-puṇḍra mark, with a white sacred thread, a Brāhmaṇa clad in white garments, absorbed in meditation on the husband of Śrī;

ūrdhvapuṇḍradharaṃ devaṃ śvetayajñopavītinam|

śuklāmbaradharaṃ vipraṃ śrīpatidhyānatatparam

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरम् · ūrdhvapuṇḍradharam — wearing the ūrdhva-puṇḍra

देवम् · devam — divine being

श्वेतयज्ञोपवीतिनम् · śvetayajñopavītinam — with a white sacred thread

शुक्लाम्बरधरम् · śuklāmbaradharam — clad in white garments

विप्रम् · vipram — Brāhmaṇa

श्रीपतिध्यानतत्परम् · śrīpatidhyānatatparam — absorbed in meditation on the Lord

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरं देवं श्वेतयज्ञोपवीतिनं शुक्लाम्बरधरं विप्रं श्रीपतिध्यानतत्परं (आचार्यं)...

wearing the ūrdhva-puṇḍra · divine being · with a white sacred thread · clad in white garments · Brāhmaṇa · absorbed in meditation on the Lord

The author provides specific details about the Sadguru's attire and marks, identifying him as a traditional Vaiṣṇava Brāhmaṇa dedicated to meditation on the Lord.

One who knew the essence of the meaning of all scriptures, endowed with the quality of gracious condescension (sauśīlya), ever served by loving and devoted disciples. Approaching this Ācāryadeva, the Vaiṣṇavas then asked:

sarvaśāstrārthatattvajñaṃ sauśīlyaguṇasaṃyutam|

premikaṃ bhāvukaiḥ śiṣyaiḥ santataṃ parisevitam |

ācāryadevamāśritya papracchurvaiṣṇavāstadā

सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञम् · sarvaśāstrārthatattvajñam — knower of the essence of scriptures

सौशील्यगुणसंयुतम् · sauśīlyaguṇasaṃyutam — endowed with gracious condescension

प्रेमिकम् · premikam — full of love

भावुकैः · bhāvukaiḥ — by devoted

शिष्यैः · śiṣyaiḥ — disciples

सन्ततम् · santatam — constantly

परिसेवितम् · parisevitam — served

आचार्यदेवम् · ācāryadevam — the Ācāryadeva

आश्रित्य · āśritya — having approached

पप्रच्छुः · papracchuḥ — asked

वैष्णवाः · vaiṣṇavāḥ — the Vaiṣṇavas

तदा · tadā — then

तदा वैष्णवाः सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञं सौशील्यगुणसंयुतं प्रेमिकं भावुकैः शिष्यैः सन्ततं परिसेवितम् आचार्यदेवम् आश्रित्य पप्रच्छुः।

knower of the essence of scriptures · endowed with gracious condescension · full of love · by devoted · disciples · constantly · served · the Ācāryadeva · having approached · asked · the Vaiṣṇavas · then

The chapter reaches its pivotal moment as the disciples approach the Sadguru to inquire about the Divya Deśas, setting the stage for the core teachings of the text.

The Bhāgavatas said:

O Lord, O ocean of mercy, affectionate to the surrendered souls! O you whose lotus-face beams with joy in discourses on the qualities of the Lord!

bhāgavatā ūcuḥ

bhagavan karuṇāsindho prapannajanavatsala|

bhagavadguṇasallāpaprasannavadanāmbuja

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

करुणासिन्धो · karuṇāsindho — O ocean of mercy

प्रपन्नजनवत्सल · prapannajanavatsala — O affectionate to the surrendered

भगवद्गुण · bhagavadguṇa — qualities of the Lord

सल्लाप · sallāpa — in discourses

प्रसन्न · prasanna — joyful

वदनाम्बुज · vadanāmbuja — lotus-face

हे भगवन्! हे करुणासिन्धो! हे प्रपन्नजनवत्सल! भगवद्गुणसल्लापे प्रसन्नवदनाम्बुज!

O Lord · O ocean of mercy · O affectionate to the surrendered · qualities of the Lord · in discourses · joyful · lotus-face

The devotees initiate the dialogue by establishing the Guru's qualifications, highlighting his compassionate nature and his deep absorption in the Lord's qualities. This sets the stage for a respectful inquiry into divine mysteries.

O you who are free from the fault of envy, ever intent on meditating on Mādhava! O abode of auspiciousness, who shows the way across the ocean of saṃsāra to those who are submerged!

mātsaryadoṣarahita mādhavadhyānatatpara|

maṅgalālaya magnānāṃ saṃsāre pāradarśaka

मात्सर्य · mātsarya — envy

दोष · doṣa — fault

रहित · rahita — free from

माधवध्यान · mādhavadhyāna — meditation on Mādhava

तत्पर · tatpara — ever intent

मङ्गलालय · maṅgalālaya — abode of auspiciousness

मग्नानाम् · magnānāṃ — of those submerged

संसारे · saṃsāre — in the world

पारदर्शक · pāradarśaka — one who shows the way across

हे मात्सर्यदोषरहित! हे माधवध्यानतत्पर! हे मङ्गलालय! त्वं संसारे मग्नानां पारदर्शकः असि।

envy · fault · free from · meditation on Mādhava · ever intent · abode of auspiciousness · of those submerged · in the world · one who shows the way across

The devotees continue their praise, emphasizing the Guru's role as a spiritual guide who rescues souls from the cycle of birth and death, thereby justifying their request for his wisdom.

O Ācāryadeva, knower of the truth, you are indeed our visible deity. Therefore, we ask you here about the supreme greatness of the husband of Śrī.

ācāryadeva tattvajña tvaṃ hi pratyakṣadaivatam|

atastvāmiha pṛcchāmo māhātmyaṃ śrīpateḥ param

आचार्यदेव · ācāryadeva — O divine preceptor

तत्त्वज्ञ · tattvajña — knower of the truth

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

हि · hi — indeed

प्रत्यक्षदैवतम् · pratyakṣadaivatam — visible deity

अतः · ataḥ — therefore

त्वाम् · tvām — you

इह · iha — here

पृच्छामः · pṛcchāmaḥ — we ask

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyaṃ — greatness

श्रीपतेः · śrīpateḥ — of the husband of Śrī

परम् · param — supreme

हे आचार्यदेव! हे तत्त्वज्ञ! त्वं हि प्रत्यक्षदैवतम्। अतः वयं त्वाम् इह श्रीपतेः परं माहात्म्यं पृच्छामः।

O divine preceptor · knower of the truth · you · indeed · visible deity · therefore · you · here · we ask · greatness · of the husband of Śrī · supreme

This verse establishes the Guru as the 'visible deity' (pratyakṣadaivatam), which is a core tenet of the Guru-shishya tradition, providing the authority for the upcoming questions.

The God of gods is Lord Viṣṇu alone, there is no doubt. He is the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha, the master of the worlds, the eternal Vāsudeva.

devādidevo bhagavān viṣṇureva na saṃśayaḥ|

vaikuṇṭhanātho lokeśo vāsudevaḥ sanātanaḥ

देवादिदेवः · devādidevaḥ — God of gods

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

एव · eva — alone

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

वैकुण्ठनाथः · vaikuṇṭhanāthaḥ — Lord of Vaikuṇṭha

लोकेशः · lokeśaḥ — master of worlds

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

सनातनः · sanātanaḥ — eternal

देवादिदेवः भगवान् विष्णुः एव, अत्र न संशयः। सः वैकुण्ठनाथः, लोकेशः, सनातनः वासुदेवः अस्ति।

God of gods · the Lord · Viṣṇu · alone · not · doubt · Lord of Vaikuṇṭha · master of worlds · Vāsudeva · eternal

The devotees confirm their theological foundation, acknowledging Viṣṇu as the supreme Lord, which frames the subsequent questions about His earthly manifestations as a matter of divine grace rather than necessity.

Intent on protecting the surrendered, He resides in the Divya Deśas. In which ones, O magnanimous one? Tell us, O best of Gurus.

divyadeśeṣu vasati śritarakṣaṇatatparaḥ|

keṣu keṣu mahābhāga vada no gurupuṅgava

दिव्यदेशेषु · divyadeśeṣu — in the divine places

वसति · vasati — He dwells

श्रित · śrita — surrendered

रक्षण · rakṣaṇa — protection

तत्परः · tatparaḥ — intent on

केषु केषु · keṣu keṣu — in which ones

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O magnanimous one

वद · vada — tell

नः · naḥ — us

गुरुपुङ्गव · gurupuṅgava — O best of Gurus

श्रितरक्षणतत्परः भगवान् दिव्यदेशेषु वसति। हे महाभाग! हे गुरुपुङ्गव! सः केषु केषु दिव्यदेशेषु वसति इति नः वद।

in the divine places · He dwells · surrendered · protection · intent on · in which ones · O magnanimous one · tell · us · O best of Gurus

The devotees transition from general theology to specific inquiry regarding the Divya Deśas, seeking to understand the geography of the Lord's presence on earth.

For what reason, having left Vaikuṇṭha, does Keśava come to this earthly realm and manifest His presence in consecrated images (arcā-mūrtis)? Tell us, O preceptor.

kimarthaṃ tyaktavaikuṇṭho bhūlokaṃ prāpya keśavaḥ |

arcāmūrtiṣu sānnidhyaṃ kurute vada deśika

किमर्थम् · kimarthaṃ — for what reason

त्यक्त · tyakta — having left

वैकुण्ठः · vaikuṇṭhaḥ — Vaikuṇṭha

भूलोकम् · bhūlokam — earthly realm

प्राप्य · prāpya — having reached

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keśava

अर्चामूर्तिषु · arcāmūrtiṣu — in consecrated images

सान्निध्यम् · sānnidhyaṃ — presence

कुरुते · kurute — makes

वद · vada — tell

देशिक · deśika — O preceptor

केशवः किमर्थं त्यक्तवैकुण्ठः भूलोकं प्राप्य अर्चामूर्तिषु सान्निध्यं कुरुते? हे देशिक! एतत् वद।

for what reason · having left · Vaikuṇṭha · earthly realm · having reached · Keśava · in consecrated images · presence · makes · tell · O preceptor

This verse poses the central theological question of the text: why the transcendent Lord descends into the immanent form of the arcā-mūrti, inviting the Guru to explain the mystery of divine condescension.

Great is our eagerness to hear the glory of the Divya Deśas, residing in which Mādhava bestows well-being upon mankind.

māhātmyaṃ divyadeśānāṃ śrotuṃ kautūhalaṃ hi naḥ |

mādhavo yeṣu nivasan maṅgalaṃ kurute nṛṇām

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyaṃ — greatness

दिव्यदेशानाम् · divyadeśānāṃ — of the divine places

श्रोतुम् · śrotuṃ — to hear

कौतूहलम् · kautūhalaṃ — eagerness

हि · hi — indeed

नः · naḥ — our

माधवः · mādhavaḥ — Mādhava

येषु · yeṣu — in which

निवसन् · nivasan — residing

मङ्गलम् · maṅgalaṃ — well-being

कुरुते · kurute — bestows

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for mankind

दिव्यदेशानां माहात्म्यं श्रोतुम् नः कौतूहलं हि। येषु दिव्यदेशेषु निवसन् माधवः नृणां मङ्गलं कुरुते।

greatness · of the divine places · to hear · eagerness · indeed · our · Mādhava · in which · residing · well-being · bestows · for mankind

The devotees express their eagerness to hear the glories of the Divya Deśas, framing the discourse as a means for the well-being of all mankind, thus showing their altruistic intent.

The Sadguru said:

Oh, what fortune! What fortune! What fortune! There is no doubt. Today, we have obtained residence in the city of Śrīraṅgam.

śrīsadgururuvāca

aho bhāgyamaho bhāgyamaho bhāgyaṃ na saṃśayaḥ |

śrīraṅganagare vāsaḥ saṃprāpto'smākamadya

अहो · aho — oh

भाग्यम् · bhāgyam — fortune

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

श्रीरङ्गनगरे · śrīraṅganagare — in the city of Śrīraṅgam

वासः · vāsaḥ — residence

संप्राप्तः · saṃprāptaḥ — obtained

अस्माकम् · asmākam — our

अद्य · adya — today

अहो भाग्यम्! अहो भाग्यम्! अहो भाग्यम्! अत्र न संशयः। अद्य अस्माकं श्रीरङ्गनगरे वासः संप्राप्तः।

oh · fortune · no · doubt · in the city of Śrīraṅgam · residence · obtained · our · today

The Guru begins his response by expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity to reside in Śrīraṅgam, emphasizing that such an environment is the primary catalyst for spiritual growth.

Rare is a human birth, and rarer still is residence in a holy place. Rare is the company of saints, and rare is the chanting of Hari's name.

durlabhaṃ mānuṣaṃ janma kṣetravāsaśca durlabhaḥ |

durlabhaḥ sādhusaṅgaśca durlabhaṃ harikīrtanam

दुर्लभम् · durlabham — rare

मानुषम् · mānuṣam — human

जन्म · janma — birth

क्षेत्रवासः · kṣetravāsaḥ — residence in a holy place

च · ca — and

दुर्लभः · durlabhaḥ — rare

साधुसङ्गः · sādhusaṅgaḥ — company of saints

हरिकीर्तनम् · harikīrtanam — chanting of Hari's name

मानुषं जन्म दुर्लभम्, क्षेत्रवासः च दुर्लभः। साधुसङ्गः दुर्लभः, हरिकीर्तनं च दुर्लभम्।

rare · human · birth · residence in a holy place · and · rare · company of saints · chanting of Hari's name

The Guru enumerates the rare blessings of human life, holy residence, saintly company, and chanting, establishing a hierarchy of spiritual values that the devotees must cherish.

Truly, by the grace of the Lord, the company of saints is obtained, where the life story of Viṣṇu is always heard and sung.

bhagavatkṛpayā nūnaṃ prāpyate sādhusaṅgamaḥ|

yatra viṣṇoścaritraṃ tacchrūyate gīyate sadā

भगवत्कृपया · bhagavatkṛpayā — by the grace of the Lord

नूनम् · nūnaṃ — truly

प्राप्यते · prāpyate — is obtained

साधुसङ्गमः · sādhusaṅgamaḥ — company of saints

यत्र · yatra — where

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

चरित्रम् · caritram — life story

तत् · tat — that

श्रूयते · śrūyate — is heard

गीयते · gīyate — is sung

सदा · sadā — always

भगवत्कृपया नूनं साधुसङ्गमः प्राप्यते। यत्र साधुसङ्गे विष्णोः चरित्रं सदा श्रूयते गीयते च।

by the grace of the Lord · truly · is obtained · company of saints · where · of Viṣṇu · life story · that · is heard · is sung · always

The Guru concludes his opening remarks by attributing the attainment of saintly company entirely to the Lord's grace, reinforcing the idea that spiritual progress is a gift from the Divine.

One should never waste time speaking useless, worldly tales. Inexorable Time stands behind, watching constantly.

kālakṣepaṃ naiva kuryādvyarthaṃ grāmyakathāṃ vadan|

kālo duratyayaḥ paścāttiṣṭhan paśyati santatam

कालक्षेपम् · kālakṣepam — waste of time

नैव · naiva — never

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should do

व्यर्थम् · vyartham — useless

ग्राम्यकथाम् · grāmyakathām — worldly tales

वदन् · vadan — speaking

कालः · kālaḥ — time

दुरत्ययः · duratyayaḥ — inexorable/hard to cross

पश्चात् · paścāt — behind

तिष्ठन् · tiṣṭhan — standing

पश्यति · paśyati — watches

सन्ततम् · santatam — constantly

ग्राम्यकथां वदन् व्यर्थं कालक्षेपं नैव कुर्यात्। दुरत्ययः कालः पश्चात् तिष्ठन् सन्ततं पश्यति।

waste of time · never · should do · useless · worldly tales · speaking · time · inexorable/hard to cross · behind · standing · watches · constantly

The Sadguru cautions the disciples against the misuse of time, emphasizing that worldly gossip is a distraction from the ultimate goal of life. This verse serves as a stern warning that death is ever-present, urging the seeker to prioritize spiritual discourse.

Do not the trees there also breathe? Dogs, boars, donkeys, and others constantly drink and urinate.

vṛkṣāstatra kiṃ na śvasanti hi |

nityaṃ pibanti mehanti śvavarāhakharādayaḥ

वृक्षाः · vṛkṣāḥ — trees

तत्र · tatra — there

किं · kiṃ — do they not?

न · na — not

श्वसन्ति · śvasanti — breathe

हि · hi — indeed

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

पिबन्ति · pibanti — drink

मेहन्ति · mehanti — urinate

श्ववराहखरादयः · śvavarāhakharādayaḥ — dogs, boars, donkeys, etc.

तत्र वृक्षाः किं न श्वसन्ति हि। श्ववराहखरादयः नित्यं पिबन्ति मेहन्ति च।

trees · there · do they not? · not · breathe · indeed · constantly · drink · urinate · dogs, boars, donkeys, etc.

To illustrate the futility of a life devoid of devotion, the Guru compares such existence to the biological functions of animals and plants. This highlights that mere survival is not the purpose of human life.

Having obtained this excellent human birth, endowed with the quality of discernment, whoever turns away from Viṣṇu is the lowest of men.

uttamaṃ narajanmedaṃ vivekaguṇasaṃyutam|

labdhvāpi vimukho viṣṇau yo bhavet sa narādhamaḥ

उत्तमम् · uttamam — excellent

नरजन्म · narajanma — human birth

इदम् · idam — this

विवेकगुणसंयुतम् · vivekaguṇasaṃyutam — endowed with the quality of discernment

लब्ध्वापि · labdhvāpi — having obtained even

विमुखः · vimukhaḥ — turned away

विष्णौ · viṣṇau — in Viṣṇu

यः · yaḥ — who

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

सः · saḥ — he

नराधमः · narādhamaḥ — lowest of men

विवेकगुणसंयुतम् इदम् उत्तमं नरजन्म लब्ध्वापि यः विष्णौ विमुखः भवेत्, सः नराधमः।

excellent · human birth · this · endowed with the quality of discernment · having obtained even · turned away · in Viṣṇu · who · becomes · he · lowest of men

This verse defines the tragedy of squandering the rare human birth. It establishes that discernment (viveka) is the hallmark of humanity, and rejecting Viṣṇu is the ultimate failure of that faculty.

That ear-cavity is indeed a mere hole, through which one does not hear the pastimes of Govinda. Likewise, that tongue is like a dreadful serpent, which does not sing the praise of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

bilaṃ hi tatkarṇapuṭaṃ ca nūnaṃ

govindalīlāṃ na śṛṇoti yena|

jihvā tathā ghorabhujaṅgatulyā

śrīkṛṣṇagānaṃ na karoti yā sā

बिलम् · bilam — a hole/pit

हि · hi — indeed

तत् · tat — that

कर्णपुटम् · karṇapuṭam — ear-cavity

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

गोविन्दलीलाम् · govindalīlām — pastimes of Govinda

न · na — not

शृणोति · śṛṇoti — hears

येन · yena — by which

जिह्वा · jihvā — tongue

घोरभुजङ्गतुल्या · ghorabhujaṅgatulyā — like a dreadful serpent

श्रीकृष्णगानम् · śrīkṛṣṇagānam — singing of Śrī Kṛṣṇa

येन गोविन्दलीलां न शृणोति, तत् कर्णपुटं बिलं हि नूनम्। या श्रीकृष्णगानं न करोति, सा जिह्वा घोरभुजङ्गतुल्या।

a hole/pit · indeed · that · ear-cavity · certainly · pastimes of Govinda · not · hears · by which · tongue · like a dreadful serpent · singing of Śrī Kṛṣṇa

The Guru uses strong metaphors to describe the sensory organs. If they are not engaged in the service of Govinda, they are rendered useless or even dangerous, emphasizing the necessity of bhakti for the senses to be truly alive.

The hand is also a branch of a poison tree, which does not perform the worship of Kṛṣṇa daily. His foot is also like a palm tree stump, by which one does not make the pilgrimage to Śrīraṅgam.

karo'pi śākhā viṣavṛkṣakasya

kṛṣṇārcanaṃ yo na karoti nityam |

caraṇo'pi tālena tulyastasya

śrīraṅgayātrāṃ na karoti yena

करः · karaḥ — hand

अपि · api — also

शाखा · śākhā — branch

विषवृक्षकस्य · viṣavṛkṣakasya — of a poison tree

कृष्णार्चनम् · kṛṣṇārcanam — worship of Kṛṣṇa

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

चरणः · caraṇaḥ — foot

तालेन · tālena — with a palm tree

तुल्यः · tulyaḥ — equal/like

श्रीरङ्गयात्राम् · śrīraṅgayātrām — pilgrimage to Śrīraṅgam

यः नित्यं कृष्णार्चनं न करोति, सः करः अपि विषवृक्षकस्य शाखा। येन श्रीरङ्गयात्रां न करोति, सः चरणः अपि तालेन तुल्यः।

hand · also · branch · of a poison tree · worship of Kṛṣṇa · daily · foot · with a palm tree · equal/like · pilgrimage to Śrīraṅgam

Continuing the previous theme, the Guru extends the metaphor to the hands and feet. This reinforces that the body's value is derived solely from its engagement in pilgrimage and worship.

The head is also a burden, by which one does not bow to the virtuous who are affectionate to the surrendered. That heart is certainly as firm as a stone, in which love for Hari does not arise.

śiro'pi bhāraḥ śritavatsalānāṃ

satāṃ praṇāmaṃ na karoti yena|

sthiraṃ hi nūnaṃ hṛdayaṃ tadaśma

sajjāyate prema harau na yasmin

शिरः · śiraḥ — head

भारः · bhāraḥ — burden

श्रितवत्सलानाम् · śritavatsalānām — those affectionate to the surrendered

सताम् · satām — of the virtuous

प्रणामम् · praṇāmam — bowing/obeisance

येन · yena — by which

स्थिरम् · sthiram — firm/hard

हृदयम् · hṛdayam — heart

अश्म · aśma — stone

प्रेम · prema — love

हरौ · harau — in Hari

येन श्रितवत्सलानां सतां प्रणामं न करोति, तत् शिरः अपि भारः। यस्मिन् हरौ प्रेम न सज्जायते, तत् हृदयम् अश्म स्थिरं नूनम्।

head · burden · those affectionate to the surrendered · of the virtuous · bowing/obeisance · by which · firm/hard · heart · stone · love · in Hari

The Guru emphasizes the importance of humility before the virtuous and the necessity of love for Hari. This verse serves as a moral anchor, defining the internal and external signs of a true devotee.

Indeed, the eyes of men are but a peacock's feather, which are bereft of the fortune of seeing Śrī Kṛṣṇa. A mortal devoid of devotion to the lotus feet of Govinda is truly a burden to the world.

nṛṇāṃ hi nūnaṃ nayanaṃ śikhaṇḍaṃ

śrīkṛṣṇasandarśanabhāgyahīnam|

govindapādāmbujabhaktihīno

bhāro hi nūnaṃ bhuvanasya martyaḥ

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of men

नयनम् · nayanam — eye

शिखण्डम् · śikhaṇḍam — peacock feather

श्रीकृष्णसन्दर्शनभाग्यहीनम् · śrīkṛṣṇasandarśanabhāgyahīnam — bereft of the fortune of seeing Kṛṣṇa

गोविन्दपादाम्बुजभक्तिहीनः · govindapādāmbujabhaktihīnaḥ — devoid of devotion to Govinda's lotus feet

भारः · bhāraḥ — burden

भुवनस्य · bhuvanasya — of the world

मर्त्यः · martyaḥ — mortal

श्रीकृष्णसन्दर्शनभाग्यहीनं नृणां नयनं शिखण्डं नूनम्। गोविन्दपादाम्बुजभक्तिहीनः मर्त्यः भुवनस्य भारः हि नूनम्।

of men · eye · peacock feather · bereft of the fortune of seeing Kṛṣṇa · devoid of devotion to Govinda's lotus feet · burden · of the world · mortal

The Guru concludes his critique of the unengaged senses by stating that without the vision of Kṛṣṇa and devotion to His feet, a human is merely a burden to the earth. This elevates the importance of darśana and bhakti to the highest level.

Even a moment of the company of saints, who are connoisseurs of the nectar of Kṛṣṇa's stories, which is obtained in this world by men, is attained only through the power of Kṛṣṇa's grace. From this, a man's birth becomes fruitful.

kṣaṇo'pi yo bhuvane narāṇāṃ

satsaṅgamaḥ kṛṣṇakathārasajñaḥ|

sa labhyate kṛṣṇakṛpāvaśena

yasmānnarāṇāṃ saphalaṃ hi janma

क्षणः · kṣaṇaḥ — moment

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

सत्सङ्गमः · satsaṅgamaḥ — company of saints

कृष्णकथारसज्ञः · kṛṣṇakathārasajñaḥ — connoisseur of Kṛṣṇa's stories

लभ्यते · labhyate — is obtained

कृष्णकृपावशेन · kṛṣṇakṛpāvaśena — by the power of Kṛṣṇa's grace

सफलम् · saphalam — fruitful

जन्म · janma — birth

भुवने नराणां यः कृष्णकथारसज्ञः सत्सङ्गमः, सः कृष्णकृपावशेन लभ्यते। यस्मात् नराणां जन्म सफलं हि।

moment · in the world · company of saints · connoisseur of Kṛṣṇa's stories · is obtained · by the power of Kṛṣṇa's grace · fruitful · birth

This verse provides the solution to the previous critiques: the company of saints (satsaṅga). It frames the opportunity for such association as a rare gift of Kṛṣṇa's grace, which alone makes life fruitful.

Having spoken thus, the sovereign among Gurus, with folded hands and eyes filled with tears, meditated on Mukunda and remained silent for a moment. Then he spoke again, words that were sweet and profound.

etāvaduktvā gurusārvabhaumaḥ

kṛtāñjalirbāṣpasamākulākṣaḥ|

dhyāyan mukundaṃ kṣaṇamāsa tūṣṇīṃ

punarbabhāṣe madhuraṃ mahārtham

एतावत् · etāvat — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

गुरुसार्वभौमः · gurusārvabhaumaḥ — sovereign among Gurus

कृताञ्जलिः · kṛtāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

बाष्पसमाकुलाक्षः · bāṣpasamākulākṣaḥ — eyes filled with tears

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

मुकुन्दम् · mukundam — Mukunda

क्षणम् · kṣaṇam — for a moment

तूष्णीम् · tūṣṇīm — silent

बभाषे · babhāṣe — spoke

मधुरम् · madhuram — sweet

महार्थम् · mahārtham — profound

एतावत् उक्त्वा गुरुसार्वभौमः कृताञ्जलिः बाष्पसमाकुलाक्षः मुकुन्दं ध्यायन् क्षणम् तूष्णीम् आस। पुनः मधुरं महार्थं बभाषे।

thus · having spoken · sovereign among Gurus · with folded hands · eyes filled with tears · meditating · Mukunda · for a moment · silent · spoke · sweet · profound

This verse depicts the Sadguru's internal state—humility and deep meditation—before he imparts further wisdom. It serves as a transition, showing that true knowledge arises from a heart filled with devotion and silence.