बदरिकाश्रममाहात्म्यम् Badarikāśrama Māhātmyam

O best of Sadgurus, tell us the glory of the Badari forest, where Nara and Narayana perform great penance.

bhāgavatā ūcuḥ

badarīvanamāhātmyaṃ vada sadgurupuṅgava

naranārāyaṇau yatra kuruvāte sumahattapaḥ

भागवताः · bhāgavatāḥ — the devotees

ऊचुः · ūcuḥ — said

बदरीवनमाहात्म्यम् · badarīvanamāhātmyaṃ — the glory of the Badari forest

वद · vada — tell

सद्गुरुपुङ्गव · sadgurupuṅgava — O best of Sadgurus

नरनारायणौ · naranārāyaṇau — Nara and Narayana

यत्र · yatra — where

कुरुवाते · kuruvāte — perform

सुमहत्तपः · sumahattapaḥ — great penance

हे सद्गुरुपुङ्गव! यत्र नरनारायणौ सुमहत्तपः कुरुवाते, तत् बदरीवनमाहात्म्यं वद।

the devotees · said · the glory of the Badari forest · tell · O best of Sadgurus · Nara and Narayana · where · perform · great penance

This verse introduces the chapter by establishing the devotional inquiry of the devotees, setting the stage for the revelation of the glory of Badarikashrama. It highlights the specific divine presence of Nara and Narayana as the focal point of the narrative.

We wish to hear their most wonderful story, which is sacred, removes all sins, and bestows knowledge and devotion.

tayośca śrotumicchāmaścaritaṃ paramādbhutam

sarvapāpaharaṃ puṇyaṃ jñānabhaktipradāyakam

तयोः · tayoḥ — of them (Nara and Narayana)

च · ca — and

श्रोतुम् · śrotum — to hear

इच्छामः · icchāmaḥ — we wish

चरितम् · caritam — the story/life

परमाद्भुतम् · paramādbhutam — most wonderful

सर्वपापहरम् · sarvapāpaharaṃ — remover of all sins

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — sacred/meritorious

ज्ञानभक्तिप्रदायकम् · jñānabhaktipradāyakam — bestower of knowledge and devotion

वयं तयोः परमाद्भुतं चरितं श्रोतुम् इच्छामः। तत् चरितं सर्वपापहरं पुण्यं ज्ञानभक्तिप्रदायकं च अस्ति।

of them (Nara and Narayana) · and · to hear · we wish · the story/life · most wonderful · remover of all sins · sacred/meritorious · bestower of knowledge and devotion

The devotees express their deep longing to hear the divine story, emphasizing its transformative power to purify sins and bestow spiritual knowledge and devotion. This establishes the 'phala' or benefit of listening to the upcoming discourse.

The Sadguru said:

In ancient times, Daksha, the son of Brahma, had a daughter named Mūrti. Daksha, the best of those who know Dharma, indeed gave her to Dharma.

śrīsadgururuvāca

brahmaputrasya dakṣasya mūrtirāsītsutā purā

tāṃ dadau hi dharmāya dakṣo dharmavidāṃ varaḥ

ब्रह्मपुत्रस्य · brahmaputrasya — of the son of Brahma

दक्षस्य · dakṣasya — of Daksha

मूर्तिः · mūrtiḥ — Murti

आसीत् · āsīt — was

सुता · sutā — daughter

पुरा · purā — in ancient times

ताम् · tām — her

ददौ · dadau — gave

हि · hi — indeed

धर्माय · dharmāya — to Dharma

दक्षः · dakṣaḥ — Daksha

धर्मविदां · dharmavidāṃ — of those who know Dharma

वरः · varaḥ — the best

पुरा ब्रह्मपुत्रस्य दक्षस्य मूर्तिः नाम सुता आसीत्। धर्मविदां वरः दक्षः तां धर्माय ददौ।

of the son of Brahma · of Daksha · Murti · was · daughter · in ancient times · her · gave · indeed · to Dharma · Daksha · of those who know Dharma · the best

This verse provides the genealogical context for the incarnation of Nara and Narayana, tracing their origin to the union of Dharma and Murti, thereby establishing their divine lineage within the cosmic order.

Whenever and of whichever kind there is a decline of Dharma, Hari takes on a corresponding form for its re-establishment.

dharmasya bhavati glāniryasya yasya yadā yadā |

tasya tasya sthāpanāya tattadrūpo bhaveddhariḥ

धर्मस्य · dharmasya — of Dharma

भवति · bhavati — occurs

ग्लानिः · glāniḥ — decline

यस्य यस्य · yasya yasya — of whatever kind

यदा यदा · yadā yadā — whenever

तस्य तस्य · tasya tasya — of that

स्थापनाय · sthāpanāya — for establishment

तत्तद्रूपः · tattadrūpaḥ — taking that corresponding form

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

हरिः · hariḥ — Lord Hari

यदा यदा यस्य धर्मस्य ग्लानिः भवति, तदा तदा तस्य स्थापनाय हरिः तत्तद्रूपः भवेत्।

of Dharma · occurs · decline · of whatever kind · whenever · of that · for establishment · taking that corresponding form · becomes · Lord Hari

This verse articulates the theological principle of Avatara, explaining that the Lord manifests in specific forms whenever Dharma declines, providing the rationale for the appearance of Nara and Narayana.

For the protection of Sāṅkhya Dharma, the Lord became Kapila. For the protection of Yoga Dharma, He formerly became Dattātreya.

sāṃkhyadharmasya rakṣārthaṃ bhagavān kapilo'bhavat |

yogadharmasya rakṣārthaṃ dattātreyo'bhavatpurā

सांख्यधर्मस्य · sāṃkhyadharmasya — of Sankhya Dharma

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārtham — for the sake of protection

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

कपिलः · kapilaḥ — Kapila

अभवत् · abhavat — became

योगधर्मस्य · yogadharmasya — of Yoga Dharma

दत्तात्रेयः · dattātreyaḥ — Dattatreya

पुरा · purā — formerly

भगवान् सांख्यधर्मस्य रक्षार्थं कपिलः अभवत्। पुरा योगधर्मस्य रक्षार्थं दत्तात्रेयः अभवत्।

of Sankhya Dharma · for the sake of protection · the Lord · Kapila · became · of Yoga Dharma · Dattatreya · formerly

This verse provides historical examples of the Lord's incarnations (Kapila and Dattatreya) to protect specific aspects of Dharma, reinforcing the pattern of divine intervention mentioned in the previous verse.

For the protection of the scriptures, Adhokṣaja became Vyāsa. For the protection of Rāja Dharma (the duty of kings), the Lord became Rāma and Kṛṣṇa.

**7. & 8.** Similarly, for the protection of Vaiṣṇava Dharma, Lord Hari took this incarnation in the form of Nara and Nārāyaṇa. Hari Himself, the imperishable Acyuta, was born to Dharma in his wife Mūrti, bearing the two forms of Nara and Nārāyaṇa.

śāstrasaṃrakṣaṇārthaṃ hi vyāso'bhavadadhokṣajaḥ

rājadharmasya rakṣārthaṃ rāmaḥ kṛṣṇo'bhavatprabhuḥ

शास्त्रसंरक्षणार्थम् · śāstrasaṃrakṣaṇārthaṃ — for the protection of scriptures

हि · hi — indeed

व्यासः · vyāsaḥ — Vyasa

अभवत् · abhavat — became

अधोक्षजः · adhokṣajaḥ — the Lord (Adhokshaja)

राजधर्मस्य · rājadharmasya — of Raja Dharma

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārtham — for protection

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

कृष्णः · kṛṣṇaḥ — Krishna

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

अधोक्षजः शास्त्रसंरक्षणार्थं व्यासः अभवत्। प्रभुः राजधर्मस्य रक्षार्थं रामः कृष्णः च अभवत्।

for the protection of scriptures · indeed · Vyasa · became · the Lord (Adhokshaja) · of Raja Dharma · for protection · Rama · Krishna · the Lord

Continuing the list of incarnations, this verse mentions Vyasa, Rama, and Krishna, establishing the Lord as the protector of both scriptural knowledge and royal duty (Raja Dharma).

evaṃ vaiṣṇavadharmasya rakṣārthaṃ bhagavān hariḥ |

avatāramimaṃ cakre naranārāyaṇātmakam

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

वैष्णवधर्मस्य · vaiṣṇavadharmasya — of Vaishnava Dharma

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārthaṃ — for protection

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

अवतारम् · avatāram — incarnation

इमम् · imam — this

चक्रे · cakre — made/took

नरनारायणात्मकम् · naranārāyaṇātmakam — in the form of Nara and Narayana

एवं भगवान् हरिः वैष्णवधर्मस्य रक्षार्थं नरनारायणात्मकम् इमम् अवतारं चक्रे।

thus · of Vaishnava Dharma · for protection · the Lord · Hari · incarnation · this · made/took · in the form of Nara and Narayana

This verse specifically identifies the incarnation of Nara and Narayana as the divine response to the need to uphold Vaishnava Dharma, directly linking the subject of the chapter to the Lord's mission.

dharmasya mūrtyāṃ jāyāyāmavatīrṇo hariḥ svayam |

naranārāyaṇaśceti rūpadvayadharo'cyutaḥ

धर्मस्य · dharmasya — of Dharma

मूर्त्याम् · mūrtyāṃ — in Murti

जायायाम् · jāyāyām — in the wife

अवतीर्णः · avatīrṇaḥ — descended

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

स्वयम् · svayam — Himself

नरनारायणः · naranārāyaṇaḥ — Nara and Narayana

इति · iti — thus

रूपद्वयधरः · rūpadvayadharaḥ — bearing two forms

अच्युतः · acyutaḥ — the imperishable Lord

अच्युतः हरिः स्वयम् धर्मस्य जायायां मूर्त्याम् अवतीर्णः, नरनारायणः इति रूपद्वयधरः अभवत्।

of Dharma · in Murti · in the wife · descended · Hari · Himself · Nara and Narayana · thus · bearing two forms · the imperishable Lord

This verse confirms the birth of the Lord as the two-fold form of Nara and Narayana through the parents Dharma and Murti, emphasizing the Lord's imperishable nature (Acyuta) despite taking birth.

Those two brothers, the great souls, the sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa, were initiated according to the scriptures and became masters of the Nigamas and Āgamas.

bhrātarau tau mahātmānau naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī |

upanītau yathāśāstraṃ nigamāgamapāragau

भ्रातरौ · bhrātarau — two brothers

तौ · tau — they

महात्मानौ · mahātmānau — great-souled ones

नरनारायणावृषी · naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī — the sages Nara and Narayana

उपनीतौ · upanītau — initiated

यथाशास्त्रम् · yathāśāstraṃ — according to scriptures

निगमागमपारगौ · nigamāgamapāragau — masters of Nigamas and Agamas

तौ महात्मानौ भ्रातरौ नरनारायणावृषी यथाशास्त्रम् उपनीतौ, निगमागमपारगौ च अभवताम्।

two brothers · they · great-souled ones · the sages Nara and Narayana · initiated · according to scriptures · masters of Nigamas and Agamas

This verse describes the initiation and mastery of the two sages, establishing their credentials as profound scholars of the Vedic and Agamic traditions, which qualifies them to teach the path of liberation.

They had matted hair and water pots, wore garments of bark, bore the ūrdhvapuṇḍra mark, and were pure, handsome, and lotus-eyed.

jaṭākamaṇḍaludharau valkalāmbaradhāriṇau |

ūrdhvapuṇḍradharau śuddhau sundarau kamalekṣaṇau

जटाकमण्डलुधरौ · jaṭākamaṇḍaludharau — bearing matted hair and water pots

वल्कलाम्बरधारिणौ · valkalāmbaradhāriṇau — wearing bark garments

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरौ · ūrdhvapuṇḍradharau — bearing the Urdhvapundra mark

शुद्धौ · śuddhau — pure

सुन्दरौ · sundarau — handsome

कमलेक्षणौ · kamalekṣaṇau — lotus-eyed

तौ जटाकमण्डलुधरौ, वल्कलाम्बरधारिणौ, ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरौ, शुद्धौ, सुन्दरौ, कमलेक्षणौ च आस्ताम्।

bearing matted hair and water pots · wearing bark garments · bearing the Urdhvapundra mark · pure · handsome · lotus-eyed

This verse provides a vivid description of the sages' appearance, emphasizing their ascetic lifestyle and spiritual purity, which serves as an ideal for the devotees to contemplate.

Those two best of sages wandered in the regions of the Himalayas, and also on the banks of the Alakanandā, along with other sages.

himācalapradeśeṣu carantau munipuṅgavau |

tīre'pyalakanandāyāścarantau munibhiḥ saha

हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु · himācalapradeśeṣu — in the Himalayan regions

चरन्तौ · carantau — wandering

मुनिपुङ्गवौ · munipuṅgavau — the two best of sages

तीरे · tīre — on the bank

अपि · api — also

अलकनन्दायाः · alakanandāyāḥ — of the Alakananda

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with sages

सह · saha — together

तौ मुनिपुङ्गवौ हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु, अलकनन्दायाः तीरे च मुनिभिः सह चरन्तौ आस्ताम्।

in the Himalayan regions · wandering · the two best of sages · on the bank · also · of the Alakananda · with sages · together

This verse tracks the movement of the sages to the Himalayas and the Alakananda river, establishing the geographical setting of their divine presence and penance.

Reaching the Badari forest and establishing an hermitage there, they joyfully perform great penance for the welfare of the world.

badarīvanamāsādya tatra nirmāya cāśramam

lokakṣemāya sānandaṃ kuruvāte sumahattapaḥ

बदरीवनम् · badarīvanam — Badari forest

आसाद्य · āsādya — having reached

तत्र · tatra — there

निर्माय · nirmāya — having built

च · ca — and

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

लोकक्षेमाय · lokakṣemāya — for the welfare of the world

सानन्दम् · sānandaṃ — joyfully

कुरुवाते · kuruvāte — they perform

सुमहत्तपः · sumahattapaḥ — great penance

तौ बदरीवनम् आसाद्य तत्र आश्रमं निर्माय लोकक्षेमाय सानन्दं सुमहत्तपः कुरुवाते।

Badari forest · having reached · there · having built · and · hermitage · for the welfare of the world · joyfully · they perform · great penance

This verse describes the final destination of the sages—the Badari forest—where they established their hermitage to perform penance for the welfare of the world, centralizing the theme of the chapter.

Then, the sage Nara, having bowed down to the sage Nārāyaṇa, humbly asked with faith and devotion, his hands joined in reverence.

tadā nārāyaṇamṛṣiṃ praṇipatya naro muniḥ

papraccha śraddhayā bhaktyā vinīto vihitāñjaliḥ

तदा · tadā — then

नारायणमृषिम् · nārāyaṇamṛṣiṃ — sage Narayana

प्रणिपत्य · praṇipatya — having bowed down

नरः · naraḥ — Nara

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

विनीतः · vinītaḥ — humbly

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with joined hands

तदा विनीतः नरः मुनिः नारायणमृषिं प्रणिपत्य, श्रद्धया भक्त्या विहिताञ्जलिः सन् पप्रच्छ।

then · sage Narayana · having bowed down · Nara · the sage · asked · with faith · with devotion · humbly · with joined hands

This verse marks the transition to the dialogue between the two sages, showing Nara's humility and devotion as he prepares to ask the vital question about liberation.

Nara said:

O Lord, O Prabhu, out of your mercy, please tell me the path to liberation, for I am sunk in the ocean of worldly existence and afflicted by various sorrows.

nara uvāca

mokṣamārgaṃ mama brūhi bhagavan kṛpayā prabho

saṃsārārṇavamagnasya nānāduḥkhākulasya ca

मोक्षमार्गम् · mokṣamārgaṃ — path to liberation

मम · mama — to me

ब्रूहि · brūhi — tell

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of mercy

प्रभो · prabho — O Prabhu

संसारार्णवमग्नस्य · saṃsārārṇavamagnasya — of one sunk in the ocean of samsara

नानादुःखाकुलस्य · nānāduḥkhākulasya — of one afflicted by various sorrows

हे भगवन् प्रभो! संसारार्णवमग्नस्य नानादुःखाकुलस्य मम कृपया मोक्षमार्गं ब्रूहि।

path to liberation · to me · tell · O Lord · out of mercy · O Prabhu · of one sunk in the ocean of samsara · of one afflicted by various sorrows

Nara's question serves as the catalyst for the entire philosophical discourse of the chapter, articulating the universal human condition of suffering and the longing for liberation.

How can there be deliverance for the soul, which is subject to karma? You alone know the meaning of the scriptures; of this, there is no doubt.

karmādhīnasya jīvasya kathamuttāraṇaṃ bhavet

sarvaṃ tvameva jānāsi śāstrārthaṃ na hi saṃśayaḥ

कर्माधीनस्य · karmādhīnasya — subject to karma

जीवस्य · jīvasya — of the soul

कथम् · katham — how

उत्तारणम् · uttāraṇaṃ — deliverance

भवेत् · bhavet — can be

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — everything

त्वमेव · tvameva — you alone

जानासि · jānāsi — know

शास्त्रार्थम् · śāstrārthaṃ — meaning of scriptures

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

कर्माधीनस्य जीवस्य कथम् उत्तारणं भवेत्? त्वमेव शास्त्रार्थं सर्वं जानासि, अत्र संशयः न हि।

subject to karma · of the soul · how · deliverance · can be · everything · you alone · know · meaning of scriptures · not · indeed · doubt

Nara acknowledges the bondage of karma and expresses his absolute faith in Narayana's wisdom, setting the stage for the authoritative answer that follows.

Nārāyaṇa said:

Having performed various kinds of actions in the world again and again, the soul, following the power of time and karma, is born and dies.

nārāyaṇa uvāca

nānāvidhāni karmāṇi kṛtvā loke punaḥ punaḥ |

jāyate mriyate jīvaḥ kālakarmavaśānugaḥ

नानाविधानि · nānāvidhāni — various kinds

कर्माणि · karmāṇi — actions

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

लोके · loke — in the world

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

जायते · jāyate — is born

म्रियते · mriyate — dies

जीवः · jīvaḥ — the soul

कालकर्मवशानुगः · kālakarmavaśānugaḥ — following the power of time and karma

जीवः लोके नानाविधानि कर्माणि पुनः पुनः कृत्वा कालकर्मवशानुगः सन् जायते म्रियते च।

various kinds · actions · having done · in the world · again and again · is born · dies · the soul · following the power of time and karma

Narayana begins his response by explaining the cycle of birth and death driven by karma, providing the foundational understanding of the soul's predicament in the material world.

O best of sages, according to the hierarchy of karmas, a hierarchy is seen in births, and a hierarchy in happiness and sorrow.

karmaṇāṃ tāratamyena tāratamyaṃ hi janmasu

tāratamyaṃ sukhe duḥkhe dṛśyate munipuṅgava

कर्मणाम् · karmaṇāṃ — of actions

तारतम्येन · tāratamyena — by the hierarchy

तारतम्यम् · tāratamyaṃ — hierarchy

हि · hi — indeed

जन्मसु · janmasu — in births

सुखे · sukhe — in happiness

दुःखे · duḥkhe — in sorrow

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

मुनिपुङ्गव · munipuṅgava — O best of sages

हे मुनिपुङ्गव! कर्मणां तारतम्येन जन्मसु तारतम्यं हि दृश्यते, तथा सुखे दुःखे च तारतम्यं दृश्यते।

of actions · by the hierarchy · hierarchy · indeed · in births · in happiness · in sorrow · is seen · O best of sages

Narayana explains that the diversity of experiences—happiness and sorrow—is a direct result of the hierarchy of one's past karmas, establishing the law of cause and effect.

Sometimes a god, sometimes a mortal, sometimes a tree, sometimes a blade of grass. Sometimes an animal, sometimes a bird, sometimes a wretch, sometimes a lord.

kvaciddevaḥ kvacinmartyaḥ kvacidvṛkṣaḥ kvacittṛṇam |

kvacitpaśuḥ kvacitpakṣī kvaciddīnaḥ kvacitprabhuḥ

क्वचित् · kvacit — sometimes

देवः · devaḥ — god

मर्त्यः · martyaḥ — mortal

वृक्षः · vṛkṣaḥ — tree

तृणम् · tṛṇam — blade of grass

पशुः · paśuḥ — animal

पक्षी · pakṣī — bird

दीनः · dīnaḥ — wretch

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — lord

क्वचित् देवः, क्वचित् मर्त्यः, क्वचित् वृक्षः, क्वचित् तृणम्, क्वचित् पशुः, क्वचित् पक्षी, क्वचित् दीनः, क्वचित् प्रभुः च भवति।

sometimes · god · mortal · tree · blade of grass · animal · bird · wretch · lord

This verse illustrates the vast range of possible births, from gods to blades of grass, emphasizing the instability and unpredictability of life within the cycle of samsara.

Sometimes happiness, sometimes sorrow, sometimes anxiety, sometimes fear. Sometimes death, sometimes birth, sometimes disease, sometimes old age.

kvacitsukhaṃ kvacidduḥkhaṃ kvaciccintā kvacidbhayam |

kvacinmṛtiḥ kvacijjanma kvacidrogaḥ kvacijjarā

सुखम् · sukhaṃ — happiness

दुःखम् · duḥkhaṃ — sorrow

चिन्ता · cintā — anxiety

भयम् · bhayam — fear

मृतिः · mṛtiḥ — death

जन्म · janma — birth

रोगः · rogaḥ — disease

जरा · jarā — old age

क्वचित् सुखं, क्वचित् दुःखं, क्वचित् चिन्ता, क्वचित् भयं, क्वचित् मृतिः, क्वचित् जन्म, क्वचित् रोगः, क्वचित् जरा च भवति।

happiness · sorrow · anxiety · fear · death · birth · disease · old age

Narayana lists the dualities of life—happiness/sorrow, birth/death—to show that no state in the material world is free from suffering, thereby encouraging the seeker to look beyond these temporary conditions.

Thus, seeing the high and low states even in the fruits of karma, one should become detached and disinclined towards the world and take refuge in a Sadguru.

evamuccāvacatvaṃ hi dṛṣṭvā karmaphaleṣvapi|

virakto vimukho loke sadguruṃ śaraṇaṃ bhajet

एवम् · evam — thus

उच्चावचत्वम् · uccāvacatvaṃ — high and low states

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

कर्मफलेषु · karmaphaleṣu — in the fruits of karma

विरक्तः · viraktaḥ — detached

विमुखः · vimukhaḥ — disinclined

लोके · loke — in the world

सद्गुरुम् · sadguruṃ — Sadguru

शरणम् · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

भजेत् · bhajet — should seek

एवं कर्मफलेषु उच्चावचत्वं दृष्ट्वा लोके विरक्तः विमुखः च सन् सद्गुरुं शरणं भजेत्।

thus · high and low states · having seen · in the fruits of karma · detached · disinclined · in the world · Sadguru · refuge · should seek

Based on the observation of the fleeting nature of karma's fruits, Narayana prescribes the path of detachment and the necessity of seeking a Sadguru, which is the essential first step toward liberation.

One should take refuge in a Sadguru who is learned in the Vedas, established in Brahman, devoted to Vāsudeva, a refuge for all living beings, and compassionate.

śrotriyaṃ brahmaniṣṭhaṃ ca vāsudevaparāyaṇam |

śaraṇyaṃ sarvajīvānāṃ dayāluṃ sadguruṃ bhajet

श्रोत्रियम् · śrotriyam — learned in the Vedas

ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् · brahmaniṣṭham — established in Brahman

च · ca — and

वासुदेवपरायणम् · vāsudevaparāyaṇam — devoted to Vāsudeva

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — a refuge

सर्वजीवानाम् · sarvajīvānām — for all living beings

दयालुम् · dayālum — compassionate

सद्गुरुम् · sadgurum — the true teacher

भजेत् · bhajet — one should worship/take refuge

श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठं वासुदेवपरायणं सर्वजीवानां शरण्यं दयालुं सद्गुरुं भजेत्।

learned in the Vedas · established in Brahman · and · devoted to Vāsudeva · a refuge · for all living beings · compassionate · the true teacher · one should worship/take refuge

This verse establishes the essential qualifications of a Sadguru, who acts as the bridge between the seeker and the Divine. It emphasizes that the Guru must be a repository of Vedic knowledge and compassion to effectively guide a disciple.

There, considering the Guru as one's own self and deity, one should learn the Bhāgavata Dharmas. Leaving aside the Bhāgavata Dharma, there is no other refuge in the Kali age.

tatra bhāgavatān dharmāñchikṣedgurvātmadaivataḥ

tyaktvā bhāgavataṃ dharmaṃ kalau nānyatparāyaṇam

तत्र · tatra — there/in that state

भागवतान् · bhāgavatān — related to the Lord

धर्मान् · dharmān — duties/righteous paths

शिक्षेत् · śikṣet — one should learn

गुर्वात्मदैवतः · gurvātmadaivataḥ — regarding the Guru as one's self and deity

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

भागवतं · bhāgavataṃ — the path of the Lord

धर्मम् · dharmam — duty

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

न · na — not

अन्यत् · anyat — other

परायणम् · parāyaṇam — refuge

तत्र गुर्वात्मदैवतः सन् भागवतान् धर्मान् शिक्षेत्। कलौ भागवतं धर्मं त्यक्त्वा अन्यत् परायणं न अस्ति।

there/in that state · related to the Lord · duties/righteous paths · one should learn · regarding the Guru as one's self and deity · having abandoned · the path of the Lord · duty · in the Kali age · not · other · refuge

This verse prescribes the method of learning the Bhagavata Dharma, highlighting the necessity of viewing the Guru as the manifestation of the Divine. It asserts the exclusivity of Bhagavata Dharma as the only viable path in the Kali age.

Having received the five sacraments (Pañcasaṃskāras) and become a supreme Śrī Vaiṣṇava, one should chant the eternal mantra, "Namo Nārāyaṇāya."

saṃprāpya pañcasaṃskārān bhūtvā śrīvaiṣṇavottamaḥ |

namo nārāyaṇāyeti japenmantraṃ sanātanam

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having received

पञ्चसंस्कारान् · pañcasaṃskārān — the five sacraments

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

श्रीवैष्णवोत्तमः · śrīvaiṣṇavottamaḥ — a supreme Vaishnava

नमो · namo — salutations

नारायणाय · nārāyaṇāya — to Narayana

इति · iti — thus

जपेत् · japet — one should chant

मन्त्रम् · mantram — the mantra

सनातनम् · sanātanam — eternal

पञ्चसंस्कारान् संप्राप्य श्रीवैष्णवोत्तमः भूत्वा, नमो नारायणाय इति सनातनं मन्त्रं जपेत्।

having received · the five sacraments · having become · a supreme Vaishnava · salutations · to Narayana · thus · one should chant · the mantra · eternal

This verse introduces the practical initiation (Pancasamskara) required for a practitioner to become a true Sri Vaishnava. It establishes the chanting of the Ashtakshara mantra as the foundational practice.

"Nara" refers to the living beings, and their collection is called "Nāra." Know that "Ayana" means refuge; therefore, He is remembered as Nārāyaṇa.

narā jīvāstathā teṣāṃ nikaro nāramucyate

ayanaṃ śaraṇaṃ viddhi tena nārāyaṇaḥ smṛtaḥ

नराः · narāḥ — living beings

जीवाः · jīvāḥ — souls

तथा · tathā — thus

तेषां · teṣāṃ — their

निकरः · nikaraḥ — collection/group

नारम् · nāram — the collective of souls

उच्यते · ucyate — is called

अयनम् · ayanam — refuge

शरणम् · śaraṇam — shelter

विद्धि · viddhi — know

तेन · tena — by that

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Narayana

स्मृतः · smṛtaḥ — is remembered/named

नराः जीवाः, तेषां निकरः नारम् उच्यते। अयनं शरणं विद्धि, तेन नारायणः इति स्मृतः।

living beings · souls · thus · their · collection/group · the collective of souls · is called · refuge · shelter · know · by that · Narayana · is remembered/named

This verse provides the etymological derivation of the name 'Narayana', grounding the theological concept in the relationship between the Lord and the collective of living beings.

Nārāyaṇa is the Supreme Brahman, Nārāyaṇa is the Supreme Truth. Nārāyaṇa is the Supreme Light, Nārāyaṇa is the Supreme Self.

nārāyaṇaḥ paraṃ brahma tattvaṃ nārāyaṇaḥ param |

nārāyaṇaḥ paraṃ jyotirātmā nārāyaṇaḥ paraḥ

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Narayana

परं · paraṃ — supreme

ब्रह्म · brahma — Brahman

तत्त्वम् · tattvam — truth/reality

ज्योतिः · jyotiḥ — light

आत्मा · ātmā — the self

परः · paraḥ — the highest

नारायणः परं ब्रह्म, नारायणः परं तत्त्वम्। नारायणः परं ज्योतिः, नारायणः परः आत्मा।

Narayana · supreme · Brahman · truth/reality · light · the self · the highest

This verse asserts the supremacy of Narayana, identifying Him with the highest metaphysical realities of Brahman, Truth, Light, and the Self, setting the stage for total surrender.

The Vedas have Nārāyaṇa as their ultimate goal; the gods are born from Nārāyaṇa's limbs. Nārāyaṇa is indeed the indweller of all; there is no doubt.

nārāyaṇaparā vedā devā nārāyaṇāṅgajāḥ

nārāyaṇo hi sarveṣāmantaryāmī na saṃśayaḥ

नारायणपराः · nārāyaṇaparāḥ — having Narayana as the goal

वेदाः · vedāḥ — the Vedas

देवाः · devāḥ — the gods

नारायणाङ्गजाः · nārāyaṇāṅgajāḥ — born from the limbs of Narayana

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Narayana

हि · hi — indeed

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — of all

अन्तर्यामी · antaryāmī — the indweller

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

वेदाः नारायणपराः, देवाः नारायणाङ्गजाः। नारायणः सर्वेषां हि अन्तर्यामी, अत्र संशयः न अस्ति।

having Narayana as the goal · the Vedas · the gods · born from the limbs of Narayana · Narayana · indeed · of all · the indweller · not · doubt

This verse establishes Narayana as the source of all Vedic knowledge and the creator of the gods, emphasizing His role as the indwelling witness (Antaryami) of all beings.

He is Brahmā, He is Śiva, He is Indra, He is the Imperishable One, the Supreme Self-Ruler. This universe, consisting of the moving and the unmoving, is pervaded by Nārāyaṇa.

sa brahmā sa śivaḥ sendraḥ so'kṣaraḥ paramaḥ svarāṭ |

jaṅgamasthāvaraṃ cedaṃ nārāyaṇamayaṃ jagat

सः · saḥ — He

ब्रह्मा · brahmā — Brahma

शिवः · śivaḥ — Shiva

सेन्द्रः · sendraḥ — with Indra

सोऽक्षरः · so'kṣaraḥ — He is the imperishable

परमः · paramaḥ — the supreme

स्वराट् · svarāṭ — self-ruler

जङ्गमस्थावरम् · jaṅgamasthāvaram — moving and stationary

चेदम् · cedam — this

नारायणमयम् · nārāyaṇamayam — pervaded by Narayana

जगत् · jagat — the universe

सः ब्रह्मा, सः शिवः, सः इन्द्रः, सः अक्षरः परमः स्वराट्। इदं जङ्गमस्थावरं जगत् नारायणमयम्।

He · Brahma · Shiva · with Indra · He is the imperishable · the supreme · self-ruler · moving and stationary · this · pervaded by Narayana · the universe

This verse expands the glory of Narayana to the entire cosmos, declaring that everything, whether moving or stationary, is pervaded by Him, thus reinforcing the doctrine of panentheism.

Having analyzed all the scriptures and reflected upon them again and again, this one conclusion is well-established: Nārāyaṇa should always be meditated upon.

ālocya sarvaśāstrāṇi vicārya ca punaḥ punaḥ

idamekaṃ suniṣpannaṃ dhyeyo nārāyaṇaḥ sadā

आलोच्य · ālocya — having analyzed

सर्वशास्त्राणि · sarvaśāstrāṇi — all scriptures

विचार्य · vicārya — having reflected

पुनः · punaḥ — again

इदम् · idam — this

एकम् · ekam — one

सुनिष्पन्नम् · suniṣpannam — well-established

ध्येयः · dhyeyaḥ — should be meditated upon

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Narayana

सदा · sadā — always

सर्वशास्त्राणि आलोच्य पुनः पुनः विचार्य, इदम् एकं सुनिष्पन्नं यत् नारायणः सदा ध्येयः।

having analyzed · all scriptures · having reflected · again · this · one · well-established · should be meditated upon · Narayana · always

This verse serves as the concluding synthesis of the philosophical inquiry, declaring that meditation on Narayana is the singular, well-established conclusion of all scriptural study.

The supreme, eternal Brahman, which is without name and form and is pure consciousness, is expounded everywhere in the Vedas under the name Nārāyaṇa.

anāmarūpaṃ cinmātraṃ paramaṃ brahma śāśvatam |

nārāyaṇākhyaṃ vedeṣu sarvatra pratipādyate

अनामरूपम् · anāmarūpam — without name and form

चिन्मात्रम् · cinmātram — pure consciousness

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

ब्रह्म · brahma — Brahman

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

नारायणाख्यम् · nārāyaṇākhyam — named Narayana

वेदेषु · vedeṣu — in the Vedas

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

प्रतिपाद्यते · pratipādyate — is expounded

अनामरूपं चिन्मात्रं परमं शाश्वतं ब्रह्म वेदेषु सर्वत्र नारायणाख्यं प्रतिपाद्यते।

without name and form · pure consciousness · supreme · Brahman · eternal · named Narayana · in the Vedas · everywhere · is expounded

This verse clarifies that the formless Brahman of the Vedas is identical to the personal deity Narayana, bridging the gap between abstract philosophy and devotional practice.

That very same eternal Brahman shines with form and attributes, easily accessible to worshippers, a refuge and the supreme deity.

sākāraṃ saguṇaṃ bhāti tadeva brahma śāśvatam|

upāsakānāṃ sugamaṃ śaraṇyaṃ daivataṃ param

साकारम् · sākāram — with form

सगुणम् · saguṇam — with attributes

भाति · bhāti — shines

तदेव · tadeva — that same

ब्रह्म · brahma — Brahman

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

उपासकानाम् · upāsakānām — for worshippers

सुगमम् · sugamam — easily accessible

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — refuge

दैवतम् · daivatam — deity

परम् · param — supreme

तदेव शाश्वतं ब्रह्म साकारं सगुणं भाति। तत् उपासकानां सुगमं शरण्यं परं दैवतम्।

with form · with attributes · shines · that same · Brahman · eternal · for worshippers · easily accessible · refuge · deity · supreme

This verse emphasizes the accessibility of the Divine, explaining that the eternal Brahman also manifests with attributes to become the refuge of the devotee.

The God who holds the conch and discus, whose chest is marked with the Śrīvatsa.

śaṅkhacakradharaṃ devaṃ śrīvatsāṅkitavakṣasam

शङ्खचक्रधरम् · śaṅkhacakradharam — holding conch and discus

देवम् · devam — the God

श्रीवत्साङ्कितवक्षसम् · śrīvatsāṅkitavakṣasam — chest marked with Srivatsa

शङ्खचक्रधरं देवं श्रीवत्साङ्कितवक्षसं ध्यायेत्।

holding conch and discus · the God · chest marked with Srivatsa

This verse provides the iconic description of the Lord, focusing on the symbols of His power and grace, which serve as the object of the devotee's meditation.

The one wearing yellow garments, Viṣṇu, the ancient, the supreme Puruṣa. The four-armed one, supremely tranquil, with a form dark as a rain cloud.

pītāmbaradharaṃ viṣṇuṃ purāṇaṃ puruṣottamam |

caturbhujaṃ paraṃ śāntaṃ meghaśyāmalavigraham

पीताम्बरधरम् · pītāmbaradharam — wearing yellow garments

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

पुराणम् · purāṇam — ancient

पुरुषोत्तमम् · puruṣottamam — supreme Purusha

चतुर्भुजम् · caturbhujam — four-armed

परम् · param — supreme

शान्तम् · śāntam — tranquil

मेघश्यामलविग्रहम् · meghaśyāmalavigraham — form dark as a rain cloud

पीताम्बरधरं विष्णुं पुराणं पुरुषोत्तमं चतुर्भुजं परं शान्तं मेघश्यामलविग्रहं ध्यायेत्।

wearing yellow garments · Vishnu · ancient · supreme Purusha · four-armed · supreme · tranquil · form dark as a rain cloud

This verse completes the visual meditation on the Lord, describing His attire and tranquil form, which invites the devotee to experience His supreme peace.

Residing in the center of the heart-lotus, gracious, an ocean of compassion—meditating thus, the best of devotees should chant the eight-syllabled mantra.

hṛtpuṇḍarīkamadhyasthaṃ prasannaṃ karuṇārṇavam |

dhyāyannaṣṭākṣaraṃ mantraṃ japedbhāgavatottamaḥ

हृत्पुण्डरीकमध्यस्थम् · hṛtpuṇḍarīkamadhyastham — residing in the heart-lotus

प्रसन्नम् · prasannam — gracious

करुणार्णवम् · karuṇārṇavam — ocean of compassion

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

अष्टाक्षरम् · aṣṭākṣaram — eight-syllabled

मन्त्रम् · mantram — mantra

जपेत् · japet — should chant

भागवतोत्तमः · bhāgavatottamaḥ — the best of devotees

हृत्पुण्डरीकमध्यस्थं प्रसन्नं करुणार्णवं ध्यायन् भागवतोत्तमः अष्टाक्षरं मन्त्रं जपेत्।

residing in the heart-lotus · gracious · ocean of compassion · meditating · eight-syllabled · mantra · should chant · the best of devotees

This verse instructs the devotee on the internal location of meditation and the specific mantra to be chanted, linking the visual form to the auditory vibration of the name.

From chanting comes success, from chanting comes success, from chanting comes success, there is no doubt. But faithless, foolish, and lazy men perish.

japātsiddhirjapātsiddhirjapātsiddhirna saṃśayaḥ |

aśraddadhānāḥ mūḍhāstu vinaśyantyalasā narāḥ

जपात् · japāt — from chanting

सिद्धिः · siddhiḥ — success

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अश्रद्दधानाः · aśraddadhānāḥ — faithless

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — foolish

तु · tu — but

विनश्यन्ति · vinaśyanti — perish

अलसाः · alasāḥ — lazy

नराः · narāḥ — men

जपात् सिद्धिः, जपात् सिद्धिः, जपात् सिद्धिः, अत्र संशयः न। अश्रद्दधानाः मूढाः अलसाः नराः तु विनश्यन्ति।

from chanting · success · not · doubt · faithless · foolish · but · perish · lazy · men

This verse emphasizes the power of Japa (chanting) as a direct means to success, while warning that lack of faith and laziness are the primary obstacles to spiritual progress.

Whatever one's faith may be, such is the success one achieves. In the Kali age, what else can be accomplished by faith without devotion to Viṣṇu?

yādṛśī yādṛśī śraddhā siddhirbhavati tādṛśī |

kimanyacchraddhayā sādhyaṃ viṣṇubhaktiṃ vinā kalau

यादृशी · yādṛśī — whatever/such

श्रद्धा · śraddhā — faith

सिद्धिः · siddhiḥ — success

भवति · bhavati — becomes

तादृशी · tādṛśī — such

किम् · kim — what

अन्यत् · anyat — other

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — by faith

साध्यम् · sādhyam — accomplished

विष्णुभक्तिम् · viṣṇubhaktim — devotion to Vishnu

विना · vinā — without

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

यादृशी श्रद्धा भवति, तादृशी सिद्धिः भवति। कलौ विष्णुभक्तिं विना श्रद्धया किम् अन्यत् साध्यम्?

whatever/such · faith · success · becomes · such · what · other · by faith · accomplished · devotion to Vishnu · without · in the Kali age

This verse explains the principle of faith-based success and questions the efficacy of any spiritual practice in the Kali age that lacks devotion to Vishnu.

Those who are engaged in other spiritual practices and are averse to the path of devotion, after being perfected through many births, then attain the supreme state.

sādhanāntarasaṃyuktā bhaktimārgaparāṅmukhāḥ

anekajanmasaṃsiddhāstato yānti paraṃ padam

साधनान्तरसंयुक्ताः · sādhanāntarasaṃyuktāḥ — engaged in other practices

भक्तिमार्गपराङ्मुखाः · bhaktimārgaparāṅmukhāḥ — averse to the path of devotion

अनेकजन्मसंसिद्धाः · anekajanmasaṃsiddhāḥ — perfected through many births

ततः · tataḥ — then

यान्ति · yānti — attain

परं · paraṃ — supreme

पदम् · padam — state

साधनान्तरसंयुक्ताः भक्तिमार्गपराङ्मुखाः जनाः अनेकजन्मसंसिद्धाः सन्तः ततः परं पदं यान्ति।

engaged in other practices · averse to the path of devotion · perfected through many births · then · attain · supreme · state

This verse contrasts the long, arduous path of those who avoid devotion with the immediate efficacy of the path of surrender, highlighting the superiority of Prapatti.

But those who contemplate the supreme Hari, who is easily attainable through the path of surrender (prapatti), attain liberation immediately through the eight-syllabled mantra.

prapattimārgasulabhaṃ bhāvayanto hariṃ param|

aṣṭākṣareṇa mantreṇa sadyo muktimavāpnuyuḥ

प्रपत्तिमार्गसुलभम् · prapattimārgasulabham — easily attainable through surrender

भावयन्तः · bhāvayantaḥ — contemplating

हरिम् · harim — Hari

परम् · param — supreme

अष्टाक्षरेण · aṣṭākṣareṇa — by the eight-syllabled

मन्त्रेण · mantreṇa — mantra

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

अवाप्नुयुः · avāpnuyuḥ — attain

प्रपत्तिमार्गसुलभं परं हरिं भावयन्तः, अष्टाक्षरेण मन्त्रेण सद्यः मुक्तिम् अवाप्नुयुः।

easily attainable through surrender · contemplating · Hari · supreme · by the eight-syllabled · mantra · immediately · liberation · attain

This verse explicitly states that those who contemplate the supreme Hari through the path of surrender attain liberation immediately, underscoring the grace-filled nature of the path.

For those great-souled Vaiṣṇavas who are devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra and have surrendered to Nārāyaṇa, there is no rebirth.

aṣṭākṣaraparāṇāṃ tu vaiṣṇavānāṃ mahātmanām |

nārāyaṇaṃ prapannānāṃ punarjanma na vidyate

अष्टाक्षरपराणाम् · aṣṭākṣaraparāṇām — devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra

तु · tu — indeed

वैष्णवानाम् · vaiṣṇavānām — of Vaishnavas

महात्मनाम् · mahātmanām — great-souled

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇam — to Narayana

प्रपन्नानाम् · prapannānām — who have surrendered

पुनर्जन्म · punarjanma — rebirth

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

अष्टाक्षरपराणां नारायणं प्रपन्नानां महात्मनां वैष्णवानां पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते।

devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra · indeed · of Vaishnavas · great-souled · to Narayana · who have surrendered · rebirth · not · exists

This verse confirms the finality of the path of surrender, stating that for those who have taken refuge in Narayana, the cycle of rebirth is permanently broken.

There is indeed no other path to cross the ocean of worldly existence for human beings, without Nārāyaṇa, the God who ferries them across samsara.

nānyaḥ panthā vidyate hi tartuṃ saṃsārasāgaram |

nārāyaṇaṃ vinā nṛṇāṃ devaṃ saṃsāratārakam

न · na — not

अन्यः · anyaḥ — other

पन्था · panthā — path

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

हि · hi — indeed

तर्तुम् · tartum — to cross

संसारसागरम् · saṃsārasāgaram — the ocean of worldly existence

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇam — Narayana

विना · vinā — without

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for humans

देवम् · devam — the God

संसारतारकम् · saṃsāratārakam — the savior from samsara

नारायणं विना नृणां संसारसागरं तर्तुम् अन्यः पन्था न विद्यते, स एव संसारतारकः देवः।

not · other · path · exists · indeed · to cross · the ocean of worldly existence · Narayana · without · for humans · the God · the savior from samsara

This verse serves as a strong exhortation, declaring that Narayana is the only savior capable of ferrying the soul across the ocean of samsara, leaving no alternative path.

One should worship those respective gods by adhering to their respective rules. Success is not easily attained otherwise; this is the eternal Dharma.

taṃ taṃ niyamamāsthāya tāṃstān devān prapūjayet |

nānyathā sulabhā siddhireṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ

तम् · tam — that

तम् · tam — that

नियमम् · niyamam — rule

आस्थाय · āsthāya — having adhered to

तान् · tān — those

देवान् · devān — gods

प्रपूजयेत् · prapūjayet — one should worship

न · na — not

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

सुलभा · sulabhā — easily attained

सिद्धिः · siddhiḥ — success

एषः · eṣaḥ — this

धर्मः · dharmaḥ — duty

सनातनः · sanātanaḥ — eternal

तं तं नियमम् आस्थाय तान् तान् देवान् प्रपूजयेत्। अन्यथा सिद्धिः न सुलभा, एषः सनातनः धर्मः।

that · that · rule · having adhered to · those · gods · one should worship · not · otherwise · easily attained · success · this · duty · eternal

This verse explains the necessity of adhering to specific rules for worship, while emphasizing that the worship of Narayana is the ultimate eternal duty for those seeking His abode.

Therefore, with the desire to attain His abode, one should especially worship the God Nārāyaṇa after receiving Vaiṣṇava initiation.

tasmānnārāyaṇaṃ devamupāsīta viśeṣataḥ

saṃprāpya vaiṣṇavīṃ dīkṣāṃ tatpadaṃ prāptumicchayā

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

नारायणं · nārāyaṇaṃ — Lord Nārāyaṇa

देवम् · devam — the God

उपासीत · upāsīta — one should worship

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having received

वैष्णवीं · vaiṣṇavīṃ — Vaiṣṇava

दीक्षां · dīkṣāṃ — initiation

तत्पदं · tatpadaṃ — His abode

प्राप्तुम् · prāptum — to attain

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

तस्मात् वैष्णवीं दीक्षां संप्राप्य तत्पदं प्राप्तुम् इच्छया नारायणं देवं विशेषतः उपासीत।

therefore · Lord Nārāyaṇa · the God · one should worship · especially · having received · Vaiṣṇava · initiation · His abode · to attain · with the desire

This verse serves as the practical conclusion to the philosophical discourse, prescribing the specific action of seeking Vaiṣṇava initiation to ensure the efficacy of one's worship.

One who is devoted to Nārāyaṇa attains Nārāyaṇa. People attain whichever gods they worship.

nārāyaṇamavāpnoti nārāyaṇaparāyaṇaḥ |

tāṃstān devān prāpnuvanti yān yān devānupāsate

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇam — Nārāyaṇa

अवाप्नोति · avāpnoti — attains

नारायणपरायणः · nārāyaṇaparāyaṇaḥ — one devoted to Nārāyaṇa

तान् · tān — those

तान् · tān — those

देवान् · devān — gods

प्राप्नुवन्ति · prāpnuvanti — they attain

यान् · yān — which

यान् · yān — which

देवान् · devān — gods

उपासते · upāsate — they worship

नारायणपरायणः नारायणम् अवाप्नोति। जनाः यान् यान् देवान् उपासते तान् तान् देवान् प्राप्नुवन्ति।

Nārāyaṇa · attains · one devoted to Nārāyaṇa · those · those · gods · they attain · which · which · gods · they worship

This verse establishes the principle of 'yathā-devatā-bhakti', explaining that the object of one's devotion dictates the ultimate destination of the soul.

But the mind of those who consider all gods to be equal is not absorbed anywhere. Therefore, for those deluded ones, attaining even the same world (sālokya) is certainly difficult.

sarvadevasamānāṃ tu na kvacillīyate manaḥ|

tasmātteṣāṃ vimūḍhānāṃ sālokyaṃ durlabhaṃ nanu

सर्वदेवसमानां · sarvadevasamānāṃ — of those who consider all gods equal

तु · tu — but

न · na — not

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

लीयते · līyate — is absorbed

मनः · manaḥ — the mind

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

तेषां · teṣāṃ — of them

विमूढानां · vimūḍhānāṃ — of the deluded

सालोक्यं · sālokyaṃ — residence in the same world

दुर्लभं · durlabhaṃ — difficult

ननु · nanu — indeed

सर्वदेवसमानां मनः तु क्वचित् न लीयते। तस्मात् तेषां विमूढानां सालोक्यं ननु दुर्लभम्।

of those who consider all gods equal · but · not · anywhere · is absorbed · the mind · therefore · of them · of the deluded · residence in the same world · difficult · indeed

The author critiques the 'all gods are equal' philosophy, arguing that such lack of focus prevents the mind from achieving the necessary concentration for liberation.

Thus, for the great souls who are single-minded and have surrendered, Vaikuṇṭha is surely easy to attain, not for others who are of doubting minds.

evamekāgracittānāṃ prapannānāṃ mahātmanām

vaikuṇṭhaṃ sulabhaṃ nūnaṃ nānyeṣāṃ saṃśayātmanām

एवम् · evam — thus

एकाग्रचित्तानां · ekāgracittānāṃ — of those with focused minds

प्रपन्नानां · prapannānāṃ — of those who have surrendered

महात्मनाम् · mahātmanām — of the great souls

वैकुण्ठं · vaikuṇṭhaṃ — Vaikuṇṭha

सुलभं · sulabhaṃ — easy to attain

नूनं · nūnaṃ — surely

न · na — not

अन्येषां · anyeṣāṃ — for others

संशयात्मनाम् · saṃśayātmanām — of those with doubting minds

एवम् एकाग्रचित्तानां प्रपन्नानां महात्मनां वैकुण्ठं नूनं सुलभम्, संशयात्मनाम् अन्येषां तु न।

thus · of those with focused minds · of those who have surrendered · of the great souls · Vaikuṇṭha · easy to attain · surely · not · for others · of those with doubting minds

This verse contrasts the fate of the single-minded devotee with the doubter, highlighting the accessibility of Vaikuṇṭha through exclusive surrender.

Therefore, with the eight-syllabled mantra and the twelve-syllabled knowledge (vidyā),

tasmānnārāyaṇaṃ devaṃ paramātmānamavyayam

aṣṭākṣareṇa mantreṇa dvādaśākṣaravidyayā

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

नारायणं · nārāyaṇaṃ — Nārāyaṇa

देवं · devaṃ — the God

परमात्मानम् · paramātmānam — the Supreme Self

अव्ययम् · avyayam — the imperishable

अष्टाक्षरेण · aṣṭākṣareṇa — with the eight-syllabled

मन्त्रेण · mantreṇa — mantra

द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया · dvādaśākṣaravidyayā — with the twelve-syllabled knowledge

तस्मात् अष्टाक्षरेण मन्त्रेण द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया च नारायणं देवं परमात्मानम् अव्ययं (ध्यायन् भज)।

therefore · Nārāyaṇa · the God · the Supreme Self · the imperishable · with the eight-syllabled · mantra · with the twelve-syllabled knowledge

The text introduces the specific tools of the Vaiṣṇava path—the eight-syllabled mantra and the twelve-syllabled vidyā—as the means to meditate on the Supreme.

You should worship constantly, meditating on the Supreme Puruṣa in your heart. This alone is the supreme Dharma, which bestows immediate liberation.

bhaja tvaṃ santataṃ dhyāyan hṛdaye puruṣottamam |

eṣa eva paro dharmaḥ sadyo mokṣapradāyakaḥ

भज · bhaja — worship

त्वं · tvaṃ — you

सन्ततं · santataṃ — constantly

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

पुरुषोत्तमम् · puruṣottamam — the Supreme Person

एष · eṣa — this

एव · eva — indeed

परो · paro — supreme

धर्मः · dharmaḥ — duty/path

सद्यः · sadyo — immediate

मोक्षप्रदायकः · mokṣapradāyakaḥ — bestower of liberation

त्वं हृदये पुरुषोत्तमं ध्यायन् सन्ततं भज। एष एव परः धर्मः सद्यः मोक्षप्रदायकः।

worship · you · constantly · meditating · in the heart · the Supreme Person · this · indeed · supreme · duty/path · immediate · bestower of liberation

This verse defines the 'Supreme Dharma' as the constant internal meditation on the Puruṣottama, which is the direct cause of liberation.

When the final time comes, the husband of Śrī, having bestowed knowledge, surely leads the one devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra to Vaikuṇṭha.

saṃprāpte carame kāle jñānaṃ dattvā śriyaḥ patiḥ |

prāpayatyeva vaikuṇṭhamaṣṭākṣaraparāyaṇam

संप्राप्ते · saṃprāpte — having arrived

चरमे · carame — final

काले · kāle — time

ज्ञानं · jñānaṃ — knowledge

दत्त्वा · dattvā — having given

श्रियः · śriyaḥ — of Śrī

पतिः · patiḥ — the husband

प्रापयति · prāpayati — leads

एव · eva — surely

वैकुण्ठम् · vaikuṇṭham — to Vaikuṇṭha

अष्टाक्षरपरायणम् · aṣṭākṣaraparāyaṇam — the one devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra

चरमे काले संप्राप्ते श्रियः पतिः ज्ञानं दत्त्वा अष्टाक्षरपरायणं वैकुण्ठं प्रापयति एव।

having arrived · final · time · knowledge · having given · of Śrī · the husband · leads · surely · to Vaikuṇṭha · the one devoted to the eight-syllabled mantra

The verse provides the assurance of the Lord's grace at the moment of death, confirming that the devotee of the mantra is personally led to Vaikuṇṭha.

The Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus to Nara, the sage Nārāyaṇa, the Lord of the universe, Himself chanted the supreme and auspicious eight-syllabled mantra.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamuktvā jagannātho naraṃ nārāyaṇo muniḥ |

svayaṃ jajāpa paramaṃ mantramaṣṭākṣaraṃ śubham

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच · śrīsadgururuvāca — The Sadguru said

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

जगन्नाथो · jagannātho — Lord of the universe

नरं · naraṃ — to Nara

नारायणो · nārāyaṇo — Nārāyaṇa

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

स्वयं · svayaṃ — himself

जजाप · jajāpa — chanted

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

मन्त्रम् · mantram — mantra

अष्टाक्षरं · aṣṭākṣaraṃ — eight-syllabled

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

जगन्नाथः नारायणमुनिः नरं एवम् उक्त्वा स्वयं परमं शुभम् अष्टाक्षरं मन्त्रं जजाप।

The Sadguru said · thus · having spoken · Lord of the universe · to Nara · Nārāyaṇa · the sage · himself · chanted · supreme · mantra · eight-syllabled · auspicious

This verse demonstrates the Lord's own practice, showing that even the Supreme Lord sets the example of chanting the mantra for the benefit of the world.

Instructed by his guru Nārāyaṇa, Nara also, with discipline and faith, chanted the supreme mantra day after day.

nārāyaṇena guruṇā naro'pi niyamena hi |

jajāpa paramaṃ mantraṃ śraddhayaiva dine dine

नारायणेन · nārāyaṇena — by Nārāyaṇa

गुरुणा · guruṇā — the Guru

नरः · naro — Nara

अपि · api — also

नियमेन · niyamena — with discipline

हि · hi — indeed

जजाप · jajāpa — chanted

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

मन्त्रं · mantraṃ — mantra

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एव · eva — only

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

गुरुणा नारायणेन (उपदिष्टः) नरः अपि नियमेन श्रद्धया एव दिने दिने परमं मन्त्रं जजाप।

by Nārāyaṇa · the Guru · Nara · also · with discipline · indeed · chanted · supreme · mantra · with faith · only · day · day

This verse depicts the transmission of the mantra from Guru to disciple, emphasizing the importance of discipline and faith in the practice.

Thus residing joyfully in that Badarikashrama, the two sages, Nara and Nārāyaṇa, perform intense penance.

evaṃ vasantau sānandaṃ tasmin badarikāśrame|

vidadhāte tapastīvraṃ naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī

एवं · evaṃ — thus

वसन्तौ · vasantau — residing

सानन्दं · sānandaṃ — joyfully

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in that

बदरिकाश्रमे · badarikāśrame — Badarikashrama

विदधाते · vidadhāte — perform

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

तीव्रं · tīvraṃ — intense

नरनारायणावृषी · naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī — the sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa

एवं तस्मिन् बदरिकाश्रमे सानन्दं वसन्तौ नरनारायणावृषी तीव्रं तपः विदधाते।

thus · residing · joyfully · in that · Badarikashrama · perform · penance · intense · the sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa

This verse establishes the setting of the narrative, showing the two sages in their eternal state of penance in Badarikashrama.

Right there, Lord Vyāsa, Nārada, and Uddhava, as well as the long-lived Mārkaṇḍeya and Kubera, the best of Yakṣas,

tatraiva bhagavān vyāso nāradaścoddhavastathā

mārkaṇḍeyaśca dīrghāyuḥ kubero yakṣasattamaḥ

तत्र · tatra — there

एव · eva — only

भगवान् · bhagavān — Lord

व्यासो · vyāso — Vyāsa

नारदः · nāradaḥ — Nārada

च · ca — and

उद्धवः · uddhavaḥ — Uddhava

तथा · tathā — also

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Mārkaṇḍeya

च · ca — and

दीर्घायुः · dīrghāyuḥ — long-lived

कुबेरः · kubero — Kubera

यक्षसत्तमः · yakṣasattamaḥ — best of Yakṣas

तत्र एव भगवान् व्यासः, नारदः, उद्धवः, तथा दीर्घायुः मार्कण्डेयः, कुबेरः यक्षसत्तमः च (सन्ति)।

there · only · Lord · Vyāsa · Nārada · and · Uddhava · also · Mārkaṇḍeya · and · long-lived · Kubera · best of Yakṣas

This verse lists the divine beings who reside in Badarikashrama, establishing it as a gathering place for the greatest sages and devotees.

And the dweller of Kailāsa, Lord Nīlakaṇṭha (Śiva) whose banner is the bull, and other gods and sages are perpetually in Badarikashrama.

kailāsavāsī bhagavānnīlakaṇṭho vṛṣadhvajaḥ

anye devāśca munayo nityaṃ badarikāśrame

कैलासवासी · kailāsavāsī — dweller of Kailāsa

भगवान् · bhagavān — Lord

नीलकण्ठः · nīlakaṇṭho — Nīlakaṇṭha

वृषध्वजः · vṛṣadhvajaḥ — the one with the bull banner

अन्ये · anye — other

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

च · ca — and

मुनयः · munayo — sages

नित्यं · nityaṃ — perpetually

बदरिकाश्रमे · badarikāśrame — in Badarikashrama

कैलासवासी भगवान् नीलकण्ठः वृषध्वजः, अन्ये देवाः मुनयः च नित्यं बदरिकाश्रमे (सन्ति)।

dweller of Kailāsa · Lord · Nīlakaṇṭha · the one with the bull banner · other · gods · and · sages · perpetually · in Badarikashrama

The presence of Śiva (Nīlakaṇṭha) in Badarikashrama underscores the universal sanctity of the place, where all deities congregate to serve the Nara-Nārāyaṇa pair.

Devoted to penance and meditation, they serve the two sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa with faith and devotion to achieve their desired fruits.

sevante śraddhayā bhaktyā tapodhyānaparāyaṇāḥ

abhīṣṭaphalasiddhyarthaṃ naranārāyaṇau ṛṣī

सेवन्ते · sevante — they serve

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

तपोध्यानपरायणाः · tapodhyānaparāyaṇāḥ — devoted to penance and meditation

अभीष्टफलसिद्ध्यर्थं · abhīṣṭaphalasiddhyarthaṃ — for the sake of achieving desired fruits

नरनारायणौ · naranārāyaṇau — Nara and Nārāyaṇa

ऋषी · ṛṣī — the sages

तपोध्यानपरायणाः (ते) अभीष्टफलसिद्ध्यर्थं श्रद्धया भक्त्या नरनारायणौ ऋषी सेवन्ते।

they serve · with faith · with devotion · devoted to penance and meditation · for the sake of achieving desired fruits · Nara and Nārāyaṇa · the sages

This verse describes the devotional service rendered by the gods and sages to Nara and Nārāyaṇa, emphasizing the goal of achieving spiritual fruits.

There, near the great Badari, are auspicious rivers flowing with hot water and those with cold water, having sands of gold.

uṣṇatoyavahāḥ nadyaḥ śītatoyavahāḥ śubhāḥ |

suvarṇasikatā yatra viśālāṃ badarīmanu

उष्णतोयवहाः · uṣṇatoyavahāḥ — flowing with hot water

नद्यः · nadyaḥ — rivers

शीततोयवहाः · śītatoyavahāḥ — flowing with cold water

शुभाः · śubhāḥ — auspicious

सुवर्णसिकता · suvarṇasikatā — having golden sands

यत्र · yatra — where

विशालां · viśālāṃ — great

बदरीम् · badarīm — Badari

अनु · anu — near

यत्र विशालां बदरीम् अनु उष्णतोयवहाः शीततोयवहाः शुभाः नद्यः सुवर्णसिकताः (सन्ति)।

flowing with hot water · rivers · flowing with cold water · auspicious · having golden sands · where · great · Badari · near

The physical beauty of Badarikashrama is described here to evoke a sense of wonder and to prepare the reader for the pilgrimage sites mentioned next.

One should see the sacred Nārada Kuṇḍa and also the Vyāsa cave, and the hermitage of Mārkaṇḍeya, which destroys all sins.

puṇyaṃ nāradakuṇḍaṃ ca paśyedvyāsaguhāṃ tathā |

mārkaṇḍeyāśramaṃ caiva sarvapāpavināśanam

पुण्यं · puṇyaṃ — sacred

नारदकुण्डं · nāradakuṇḍaṃ — Nārada Kuṇḍa

च · ca — and

पश्येत् · paśyed — one should see

व्यासगुहां · vyāsaguhāṃ — Vyāsa cave

तथा · tathā — also

मार्कण्डेयाश्रमं · mārkaṇḍeyāśramaṃ — Mārkaṇḍeya hermitage

च · ca — and

एव · eva — indeed

सर्वपापविनाशनम् · sarvapāpavināśanam — destroyer of all sins

पुण्यं नारदकुण्डं, व्यासगुहां तथा सर्वपापविनाशनं मार्कण्डेयाश्रमं च पश्येत्।

sacred · Nārada Kuṇḍa · and · one should see · Vyāsa cave · also · Mārkaṇḍeya hermitage · and · indeed · destroyer of all sins

This verse acts as a guide for the pilgrim, listing the specific sacred spots in Badarikashrama that possess the power to destroy sins.

One should see Brahmakapāla and there offer libations to the ancestors. One should give charity according to one's ability for the satisfaction of the ancestors.

paśyedbrahmakapālaṃ ca tarpayettatra vai pitṝn

dānaṃ kuryādyathāśakti pitṝṇāṃ parituṣṭaye

पश्येत् · paśyed — one should see

ब्रह्मकपालं · brahmakapālaṃ — Brahmakapāla

च · ca — and

तर्पयेत् · tarpayettatra — one should offer libations there

वै · vai — indeed

पितॄन् · pitṝn — ancestors

दानं · dānaṃ — charity

कुर्यात् · kuryād — one should do

यथाशक्ति · yathāśakti — according to ability

पितॄणां · pitṝṇāṃ — of ancestors

परितुष्टये · parituṣṭaye — for satisfaction

ब्रह्मकपालं पश्येत्, तत्र वै पितॄन् तर्पयेत्, पितॄणां परितुष्टये यथाशक्ति दानं कुर्यात्।

one should see · Brahmakapāla · and · one should offer libations there · indeed · ancestors · charity · one should do · according to ability · of ancestors · for satisfaction

This verse instructs the pilgrim on the performance of ancestral rites (tarpaṇa) and charity, which are essential duties at the sacred site of Brahmakapāla.

By seeing the treasury of Kubera, poverty is surely destroyed. By seeing the Nīlakaṇṭha mountain, one attains pure knowledge.

paśyet kuberabhaṇḍāraṃ dāridryaṃ naśyati dhruvam |

nīlakaṇṭhācalaṃ dṛṣṭvā nirmalaṃ jñānamāpnuyāt

पश्येत् · paśyet — one should see

कुबेरभण्डारं · kuberabhaṇḍāraṃ — Kubera's treasury

दारिद्र्यं · dāridryaṃ — poverty

नश्यति · naśyati — is destroyed

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — surely

नीलकण्ठाचलं · nīlakaṇṭhācalaṃ — Nīlakaṇṭha mountain

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

निर्मलं · nirmalaṃ — pure

ज्ञानम् · jñānam — knowledge

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — one should attain

कुबेरभण्डारं पश्येत् (ततः) दारिद्र्यं ध्रुवं नश्यति। नीलकण्ठाचलं दृष्ट्वा निर्मलं ज्ञानम् आप्नुयात्।

one should see · Kubera's treasury · poverty · is destroyed · surely · Nīlakaṇṭha mountain · having seen · pure · knowledge · one should attain

The verse highlights the material and spiritual benefits of visiting specific sites, linking the treasury of Kubera to prosperity and the Nīlakaṇṭha mountain to knowledge.

Seeing the Alakanandā river, one is freed from all sins. Who on earth would not undertake the pilgrimage to the Badari forest?

paśyannalakanandāṃ ca sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

badarīvanayātrāṃ tu ko na kuryānmahītale

पश्यन् · paśyann — seeing

अलकनन्दां · alakanandāṃ — Alakanandā river

च · ca — and

सर्वपापैः · sarvapāpaiḥ — from all sins

प्रमुच्यते · pramucyate — is freed

बदरीवनयात्रां · badarīvanayātrāṃ — pilgrimage to Badari forest

तु · tu — indeed

कः · ko — who

न · na — not

कुर्यात् · kuryān — would do

महीतले · mahītale — on earth

अलकनन्दां पश्यन् (जनः) सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते। महीतले बदरीवनयात्रां कः न कुर्यात्?

seeing · Alakanandā river · and · from all sins · is freed · pilgrimage to Badari forest · indeed · who · not · would do · on earth

This verse concludes the description of the pilgrimage by emphasizing the cleansing power of the Alakanandā river and posing a rhetorical question to inspire devotion.

Such a supreme place does not exist anywhere else in the universe, where even today the sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa are seen.

īdṛśaṃ paramaṃ sthānaṃ brahmāṇḍe nāsti kiñcana

adyāpi dṛśyate yatra naro nārāyaṇo muniḥ

ईदृशं · īdṛśaṃ — such

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

स्थानं · sthānaṃ — place

ब्रह्माण्डे · brahmāṇḍe — in the universe

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

किञ्चन · kiñcana — any

अद्यापि · adyāpi — even today

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

यत्र · yatra — where

नरः · naro — Nara

नारायणो · nārāyaṇo — Nārāyaṇa

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

ब्रह्माण्डे ईदृशं परमं स्थानं किञ्चन न अस्ति, यत्र अद्यापि नरः नारायणो मुनिः दृश्यते।

such · supreme · place · in the universe · not · is · any · even today · is seen · where · Nara · Nārāyaṇa · the sage

The verse asserts the unique status of Badarikashrama as the only place in the universe where the divine sages are still manifest, reinforcing its supreme importance.

Having bowed to Nārāyaṇa and to Nara, the best of men, to the Goddess Sarasvatī and to Vyāsa, one should then proclaim "Jaya" (victory).

**Thus ends the sixth chapter, entitled "The Glory of Badarikashrama," in the First Part of the Divyadesavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.**

nārāyaṇaṃ namaskṛtya naraṃ caiva narottamam

devīṃ sarasvatīṃ vyāsaṃ tato jayamudīrayet

नारायणं · nārāyaṇaṃ — Nārāyaṇa

नमस्कृत्य · namaskṛtya — having bowed

नरं · naraṃ — Nara

च · ca — and

एव · eva — indeed

नरोत्तमम् · narottamam — the best of men

देवीं · devīṃ — Goddess

सरस्वतीं · sarasvatīṃ — Sarasvatī

व्यासं · vyāsaṃ — Vyāsa

ततः · tato — then

जयम् · jayam — victory

उदीरयेत् · udīrayet — should proclaim

नारायणं, नरं नरोत्तमं, देवीं सरस्वतीं, व्यासं च नमस्कृत्य ततः जयम् उदीरयेत्।

Nārāyaṇa · having bowed · Nara · and · indeed · the best of men · Goddess · Sarasvatī · Vyāsa · then · victory · should proclaim

The final verse provides a liturgical instruction for the devotee to offer salutations to the divine figures of the chapter, concluding the narrative with a call for victory.