श्रीखण्डनगरमाहात्म्यम् Śrī Khaṇḍa Nagara Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

In the Himālaya, the daughter of the snowy mountain (the Gaṅgā), roams from place to place, ascending the peaks and then descending again.

śrīsadgururuvāca

himācale haimavatī viharantī sthale sthale|

ārohantī ca śikharāṇyavarohantyadhaḥ punaḥ

हिमाचले · himācale — in the Himālaya

हैमवती · haimavatī — the daughter of the snowy mountain (Gaṅgā)

विहरन्ती · viharantī — wandering/roaming

स्थले स्थले · sthale sthale — from place to place

आरोहन्ती · ārohantī — ascending

च · ca — and

शिखराणि · śikharāṇi — peaks

अवरोहन्ती · avarohantī — descending

अधः · adhaḥ — downwards

पुनः · punaḥ — again

हैमवती स्थले स्थले विहरन्ती, शिखराणि आरोहन्ती पुनः अधः अवरोहन्ती।

in the Himālaya · the daughter of the snowy mountain (Gaṅgā) · wandering/roaming · from place to place · ascending · and · peaks · descending · downwards · again

This verse introduces the setting of the narrative by describing the sacred Gaṅgā, establishing the divine atmosphere of the Himālaya where the subsequent events will unfold.

In some places, she has a sweet sound that is a delight to the ears, like that of anklets and foot ornaments; in others, she has a deep roar from her surging waves.

kvacinnūpuramañjīrakarṇānandakalasvanā|

kvacidālolakallolagambhīraninadā tathā

क्वचित् · kvacit — in some places

नूपुरमञ्जीर · nūpuramañjīra — anklets and foot ornaments

कर्णानन्द · karṇānanda — delight to the ears

कलस्वना · kalasvanā — sweet-sounding

क्वचित् · kvacit — in other places

आलोल · ālolakallola — surging waves

गम्भीरनिनदा · gambhīraninadā — deep-roaring

तथा · tathā — thus

क्वचित् नूपुरमञ्जीरकर्णानन्दकलस्वना, तथा क्वचित् आलोलकल्लोलगम्भीरनिनदा।

in some places · anklets and foot ornaments · delight to the ears · sweet-sounding · in other places · surging waves · deep-roaring · thus

The verse uses poetic imagery to describe the dual nature of the river, mirroring the multifaceted beauty of the divine landscape.

In some places her course is deep, in others her pace is slow. In some places she is playful with sportive arts, in others she is eager to leap.

kvacidagambhīragamanā kvacinmandagatistathā |

kvacitkelikalālolā kvacitkūdanakautukā

क्वचित् · kvacit — in some places

अगम्भीरगमना · agambhīragamanā — deep-coursing

क्वचित् · kvacit — in some places

मन्दगतिः · mandagatiḥ — slow-paced

तथा · tathā — also

क्वचित् · kvacit — in some places

केलिकलालोला · kelikalālolā — playful with arts

क्वचित् · kvacit — in some places

कूदनकौतुका · kūdanakautukā — eager to leap

क्वचित् अगम्भीरगमना, क्वचित् मन्दगतिः, क्वचित् केलिकलालोला, क्वचित् कूदनकौतुका।

in some places · deep-coursing · in some places · slow-paced · also · in some places · playful with arts · in some places · eager to leap

This verse continues the description of the river's personified movements, emphasizing her playful and dynamic nature in the holy mountains.

She is strewn with gems and corals, adorned with forest flowers, filled with herds of various animals, and teeming with different kinds of birds.

maṇipravālasaṅkīrṇā vanapuṣpavirājitā|

nānāmṛgagaṇopetā nānāpakṣisamākulā

मणिप्रवाल · maṇipravāla — gems and corals

सङ्कीर्णा · saṅkīrṇā — strewn with

वनपुष्प · vanapuṣpa — forest flowers

विराजिता · virājitā — adorned with

नानामृगगण · nānāmṛgagaṇa — herds of various animals

उपेता · upetā — filled with

नानापक्षिसमाकुला · nānāpakṣisamākulā — teeming with various birds

मणिप्रवालसङ्कीर्णा, वनपुष्पविराजिता, नानामृगगणोपेता, नानापक्षिसमाकुला।

gems and corals · strewn with · forest flowers · adorned with · herds of various animals · filled with · teeming with various birds

The verse paints a vivid picture of the river's richness, highlighting the abundance of nature that surrounds her, setting a scene of prosperity.

She is served at her bathing ghats by gods, gandharvas, munis, siddhas, vidyādharas, and others, who reside in the holy hermitages.

devagandharvamunibhiḥ siddhavidyādharādibhiḥ|

sevitā snānaghaṭṭeṣu puṇyāśramanivāsibhiḥ

देवगन्धर्वमुनिभिः · devagandharvamunibhiḥ — by gods, gandharvas, and sages

सिद्धविद्याधरादिभिः · siddhavidyādharādibhiḥ — by siddhas, vidyādharas, etc.

सेविता · sevitā — served

स्नानघट्टेषु · snānaghaṭṭeṣu — at the bathing ghats

पुण्याश्रमनिवासिभिः · puṇyāśramanivāsibhiḥ — by those living in holy hermitages

स्नानघट्टेषु पुण्याश्रमनिवासिभिः देवगन्धर्वमुनिभिः सिद्धविद्याधरादिभिः सेविता।

by gods, gandharvas, and sages · by siddhas, vidyādharas, etc. · served · at the bathing ghats · by those living in holy hermitages

This verse emphasizes the sanctity of the river by describing the celestial and wise beings who congregate at her banks, establishing the spiritual gravity of the location.

Here and there at the confluences (Prayāgas), she is eager for the meeting of rivers, and, accompanied by her companions (tributaries), she shines like a princess.

tatra tatra prayāgeṣu nadīsaṅgakutūhalā|

sakhījanena saṃyuktā rājaputrīva rājitā

तत्र तत्र · tatra tatra — here and there

प्रयागेषु · prayāgeṣu — at the confluences

नदीसङ्ग · nadīsaṅga — meeting of rivers

कुतूहला · kutūhalā — eager for

सखीजनेन · sakhījanena — with companions

संयुक्ता · saṃyuktā — accompanied

राजपुत्रीव · rājaputrīva — like a princess

राजिता · rājitā — shining

तत्र तत्र प्रयागेषु नदीसङ्गकुतूहला, सखीजनेन संयुक्ता राजपुत्रीव राजिता।

here and there · at the confluences · meeting of rivers · eager for · with companions · accompanied · like a princess · shining

By comparing the river to a princess at a confluence, the verse elevates the status of the river, preparing the reader for the arrival of the divine Lord Rāma.

That Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā) shines, bestowing delight to the eyes, adorned like a young maiden in the regions of the Himālaya.

virājate jāhnavī sā netrānandapradāyinī|

himācalapradeśeṣu kumārīva vibhūṣitā

विराजते · virājate — shines

जाह्नवी · jāhnavī — the Gaṅgā

सा · sā — she

नेत्रानन्दप्रदायिनी · netrānandapradāyinī — bestowing delight to the eyes

हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु · himācalapradeśeṣu — in the Himālaya regions

कुमारीव · kumārīva — like a young maiden

विभूषिता · vibhūṣitā — adorned

सा जाह्नवी नेत्रानन्दप्रदायिनी, हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु कुमारीव विभूषिता विराजते।

shines · the Gaṅgā · she · bestowing delight to the eyes · in the Himālaya regions · like a young maiden · adorned

This verse concludes the description of the Gaṅgā, summarizing her beauty and spiritual power, which makes the Himālaya a fitting abode for the divine.

There lies the sacred ford called Devaprayāga, the destroyer of sins, on whose bank the great sage Bharadvāja performed penance.

tīrthaṃ devaprayāgākhyaṃ tatra pāpavināśanam|

yasya tīre tapaścakre bharadvājo mahāmuniḥ

तीर्थं · tīrthaṃ — holy ford

देवप्रयागाख्यं · devaprayāgākhyaṃ — named Devaprayāga

तत्र · tatra — there

पापविनाशनम् · pāpavināśanam — destroyer of sins

यस्य तीरे · yasya tīre — on whose bank

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

भरद्वाजो · bharadvājo — Bharadvāja

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

तत्र पापविनाशनं देवप्रयागाख्यं तीर्थं, यस्य तीरे महामुनिः भरद्वाजः तपः चक्रे।

holy ford · named Devaprayāga · there · destroyer of sins · on whose bank · penance · performed · Bharadvāja · the great sage

This verse introduces Devaprayāga as the specific site of the sage Bharadvāja's penance, linking the geography of the Himālaya to the narrative's central characters.

Performing penance at various confluences, the great sage Bharadvāja, firm in his vows, came to Devaprayāga.

tatra tatra prayāgeṣu tapaḥ kurvan mahāmuniḥ |

devaprayāgamagamadbharadvājo dṛḍhavrataḥ

तत्र तत्र · tatra tatra — here and there

प्रयागेषु · prayāgeṣu — at the confluences

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

कुर्वन् · kurvan — performing

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

देवप्रयागम् · devaprayāgam — to Devaprayāga

अगमत् · agamat — went

भरद्वाजो · bharadvājo — Bharadvāja

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in his vows

तत्र तत्र प्रयागेषु तपः कुर्वन् दृढव्रतः महामुनिः भरद्वाजः देवप्रयागम् अगमत्।

here and there · at the confluences · penance · performing · the great sage · to Devaprayāga · went · Bharadvāja · firm in his vows

This verse details the sage's journey and commitment, establishing his authority and devotion as the catalyst for the upcoming meeting with Rāma.

Once, all the sages residing in the Himālaya, prompted by Bharadvāja, came to the city of Ayodhyā.

kadācinmunayaḥ sarve himācalanivāsinaḥ|

ayodhyāpuramājagmurbharadvājapracoditāḥ

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

हिमाचलनिवासिनः · himācalanivāsinaḥ — residents of the Himālaya

अयोध्यापुरम् · ayodhyāpuram — to the city of Ayodhyā

आजग्मुः · ājagmuḥ — came

भरद्वाजप्रचोदिताः · bharadvājapracoditāḥ — prompted by Bharadvāja

कदाचित् हिमाचलनिवासिनः सर्वे मुनयः भरद्वाजप्रचोदिताः अयोध्यापुरम् आजग्मुः।

once · sages · all · residents of the Himālaya · to the city of Ayodhyā · came · prompted by Bharadvāja

This verse marks the transition from the Himālaya to Ayodhyā, as the sages set out to seek the Lord, initiating the main action of the chapter.

Seeing them, Śrī Rāma, the delight of the Raghu dynasty, the God of gods and Lord of the universe, was extremely pleased and worshipped the earthly gods (the brāhmaṇas).

tān dṛṣṭvā paramaprītaḥ śrīrāmo raghunandanaḥ|

pūjayāmāsa bhūdevān devadevo jagatpatiḥ

तान् · tān — them

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

परमप्रीतः · paramaprītaḥ — extremely pleased

श्रीरामो · śrīrāmo — Śrī Rāma

रघुनन्दनः · raghunandanaḥ — delight of the Raghu dynasty

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

भूदेवान् · bhūdevān — earthly gods (brāhmaṇas)

देवदेवो · devadevo — God of gods

जगत्पतिः · jagatpatiḥ — Lord of the universe

तान् दृष्ट्वा परमप्रीतः रघुनन्दनः श्रीरामः, देवदेवः जगत्पतिः भूदेवान् पूजयामास।

them · having seen · extremely pleased · Śrī Rāma · delight of the Raghu dynasty · worshipped · earthly gods (brāhmaṇas) · God of gods · Lord of the universe

This verse depicts the meeting between the Lord and the sages, highlighting Rāma's humility and divine nature as he honors the brāhmaṇas.

With hands folded in reverence, the king, his face serene, the glorious one with eyes like lotus petals, spoke sweet words.

abravīnmadhuraṃ vākyaṃ baddhāñjalipuṭo nṛpaḥ|

prasannavadanaḥ śrīmān paṅkajāyatalocanaḥ

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

मधुरं · madhuraṃ — sweet

वाक्यं · vākyaṃ — words

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो · baddhāñjalipuṭo — with folded hands

नृपः · nṛpaḥ — the king

प्रसन्नवदनः · prasannavadanaḥ — serene-faced

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — glorious one

पङ्कजायतलोचनः · paṅkajāyatalocanaḥ — lotus-eyed

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो नृपः, प्रसन्नवदनः श्रीमान् पङ्कजायतलोचनः मधुरं वाक्यं अब्रवीत्।

spoke · sweet · words · with folded hands · the king · serene-faced · glorious one · lotus-eyed

This verse describes the grace and demeanor of Rāma as he prepares to welcome the sages, emphasizing his royal and divine character.

The revered Rāma said:

Welcome to you, O best of sages, who are devoted to the welfare of the world! By the very sight of you, I am purified; there is no doubt.

śrīrāma uvāca

svāgataṃ vo muniśreṣṭhā lokakṣemaparāyaṇāḥ|

bhavatāṃ darśanādeva pāvito'smi na saṃśayaḥ

स्वागतं · svāgataṃ — welcome

वः · vo — to you

मुनिश्रेष्ठा · muniśreṣṭhā — O best of sages

लोकक्षेमपरायणाः · lokakṣemaparāyaṇāḥ — devoted to the world's welfare

भवतां · bhavatāṃ — of you

दर्शनादेव · darśanādeva — by the very sight

पावितोऽस्मि · pāvito'smi — I am purified

न संशयः · na saṃśayaḥ — no doubt

मुनिश्रेष्ठाः लोकक्षेमपरायणाः वः स्वागतम्। भवतां दर्शनादेव अहं पावितः अस्मि, न संशयः।

welcome · to you · O best of sages · devoted to the world's welfare · of you · by the very sight · I am purified · no doubt

Rāma's words here establish the theme of the chapter: the transformative power of the sight of holy men, which is central to the Vaishnava tradition.

Today our ancestors are satisfied, our family deities are worshipped. Today my life has become fruitful, indeed, by the sight of you.

adya naḥ pitarastṛptāḥ pūjitāḥ kuladevatāḥ |

adya me saphalaṃ janma bhavatāṃ darśanānnanu

अद्य · adya — today

नः · naḥ — our

पितरस्तृप्ताः · pitarastṛptāḥ — ancestors are satisfied

पूजिताः · pūjitāḥ — worshipped

कुलदेवताः · kuladevatāḥ — family deities

अद्य · adya — today

मे · me — my

सफलं · saphalaṃ — fruitful

जन्म · janma — life

भवतां · bhavatāṃ — of you

दर्शनात् · darśanāt — by the sight

ननु · nanu — indeed

अद्य नः पितरः तृप्ताः, कुलदेवताः पूजिताः। अद्य भवतां दर्शनात् मे जन्म सफलं ननु।

today · our · ancestors are satisfied · worshipped · family deities · today · my · fruitful · life · of you · by the sight · indeed

Rāma expresses the ultimate fulfillment of a life through the association with sages, reinforcing the importance of satsaṅga.

What service may I, your servant, perform? Tell me the reason for your coming. I am indeed the humble servant of you who are worshipped by the world.

kartavyaṃ kiṃ mayā dāsyaṃ brūtāgamanakāraṇam|

yuṣmākaṃ lokapūjyānāṃ dāso'haṃ kila sevakaḥ

कर्तव्यं · kartavyaṃ — duty/service

किं · kiṃ — what

मया · mayā — by me

दास्यं · dāsyaṃ — service

ब्रूत · brūta — tell

आगमनकारणम् · āgamanakāraṇam — reason for coming

युष्माकं · yuṣmākaṃ — of you

लोकपूज्यानां · lokapūjyānāṃ — worshipped by the world

दासोऽहं · dāso'haṃ — I am the servant

किल · kila — indeed

सेवकः · sevakaḥ — servant

मया किं दास्यं कर्तव्यं? आगमनकारणं ब्रूत। अहं युष्माकं लोकपूज्यानां दासः सेवकः किल।

duty/service · what · by me · service · tell · reason for coming · of you · worshipped by the world · I am the servant · indeed · servant

Rāma's humble inquiry shows his role as a servant of the devotees, setting the stage for the sages' request.

The sages said:

O great hero, O great king, may there be blessings upon you! We are all delighted, having drunk the nectar of your words.

munaya ūcuḥ

mahāvīra mahārāja maṅgalāni bhavantu te|

prahṛṣṭāḥ smo vayaṃ sarve pītvā te vacanāmṛtam

महावीर · mahāvīra — O great hero

महाराज · mahārāja — O great king

मङ्गलानि · maṅgalāni — blessings

भवन्तु · bhavantu — may be

ते · te — to you

प्रहृष्टाः · prahṛṣṭāḥ — delighted

स्मः · smaḥ — we are

वयं · vayaṃ — we

सर्वे · sarve — all

पीत्वा · pītvā — having drunk

ते · te — your

वचनामृतम् · vacanāmṛtam — nectar of words

महावीर महाराज, ते मङ्गलानि भवन्तु। वयं सर्वे ते वचनामृतं पीत्वा प्रहृष्टाः स्मः।

O great hero · O great king · blessings · may be · to you · delighted · we are · we · all · having drunk · your · nectar of words

The sages respond with joy, acknowledging the divine nature of Rāma's words, which acts as a nectar to their hearts.

We are all Vaikhānasa sages, residents of the Himālaya. We have come here, O best of the Raghus, solely for the sake of seeing you.

vaikhānasā vayaṃ sarve himācalanivāsinaḥ|

darśanārthaṃ tavaivātra hyāgatāḥ smo raghūttama

वैखानसा · vaikhānasā — Vaikhānasa sages

वयं · vayaṃ — we

सर्वे · sarve — all

हिमाचलनिवासिनः · himācalanivāsinaḥ — residents of the Himālaya

दर्शनार्थं · darśanārthaṃ — for the sake of seeing

तवैव · tavaiva — of you only

अत्र · atra — here

ह्यागताः · hyāgatāḥ — have come

स्मः · smaḥ — we are

रघूत्तम · raghūttama — O best of the Raghus

वयं सर्वे हिमाचलनिवासिनः वैखानसाः। रघूत्तम, तव दर्शनार्थं एव अत्र आगताः स्मः।

Vaikhānasa sages · we · all · residents of the Himālaya · for the sake of seeing · of you only · here · have come · we are · O best of the Raghus

The sages identify themselves and their purpose, emphasizing their singular focus on seeing the Lord, which validates their journey.

We know your greatness and your deeds as a human by illusion. Sītā is Lakṣmī, you are Viṣṇu, and Lakṣmaṇa is said to be Śeṣa.

jānīmastava māhātmyaṃ māyāmānuṣaceṣṭitam |

sītā lakṣmīrbhavānviṣṇuḥ śeṣo lakṣmaṇa ucyate

जानीमः · jānīmaḥ — we know

तव · tava — your

माहात्म्यं · māhātmyaṃ — greatness

मायामानुषचेष्टितम् · māyāmānuṣaceṣṭitam — human deeds by illusion

सीता · sītā — Sītā

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakṣmī

भवान् · bhavān — you

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

शेषो · śeṣo — Śeṣa

लक्ष्मण · lakṣmaṇa — Lakṣmaṇa

उच्यते · ucyate — is called

तव मायामानुषचेष्टितं माहात्म्यं जानीमः। सीता लक्ष्मीः, भवान् विष्णुः, लक्ष्मणः शेषः उच्यते।

we know · your · greatness · human deeds by illusion · Sītā · Lakṣmī · you · Viṣṇu · Śeṣa · Lakṣmaṇa · is called

The sages acknowledge Rāma's true identity, showing that they are not deceived by his human appearance, which establishes their spiritual wisdom.

Safety has been granted to the people, Rāvaṇa has been slain in battle, and you have been consecrated in Ayodhyā as the leader of the world.

lokānāmabhayaṃ dattaṃ rāvaṇo nihato yudhi|

abhiṣikto'pyayodhyāyāmasi tvaṃ lokanāyakaḥ

लोकानाम् · lokānām — to the people

अभयं · abhayaṃ — safety

दत्तं · dattaṃ — granted

रावणो · rāvaṇo — Rāvaṇa

निहतो · nihato — slain

युधि · yudhi — in battle

अभिषिक्तोऽपि · abhiṣikto'pi — also consecrated

अयोध्यायामसि · ayodhyāyāmasi — you are in Ayodhyā

त्वं · tvaṃ — you

लोकनायकः · lokanāyakaḥ — leader of the world

लोकानाम् अभयं दत्तं, रावणः युधि निहतः। त्वं अयोध्यायां अभिषिक्तः लोकनायकः असि।

to the people · safety · granted · Rāvaṇa · slain · in battle · also consecrated · you are in Ayodhyā · you · leader of the world

The sages recount Rāma's past achievements, affirming his role as the protector of the world and the legitimate leader.

To make your father's word true, you set out for the forest with your brother and wife, and you wandered there before.

satyaṃ kartuṃ piturvākyaṃ bhrātrā ca saha bhāryayā|

vanāya prasthitaḥ pūrvaṃ sañcāraṃ kṛtavānasi

सत्यं · satyaṃ — true

कर्तुं · kartuṃ — to make

पितुर्वाक्यं · piturvākyaṃ — father's word

भ्रात्रा · bhrātrā — with brother

च · ca — and

सह · saha — with

भार्यया · bhāryayā — wife

वनाय · vanāya — to the forest

प्रस्थितः · prasthitaḥ — set out

पूर्वं · pūrvaṃ — previously

सञ्चारं · sañcāraṃ — wandering

कृतवानसि · kṛtavānasi — you have done

पितुः वाक्यं सत्यं कर्तुं भ्रात्रा भार्यया च सह वनाय प्रस्थितः, पूर्वं सञ्चारं कृतवान् असि।

true · to make · father's word · with brother · and · with · wife · to the forest · set out · previously · wandering · you have done

This verse reminds Rāma of his past journey, framing his previous exile as a preparation for the current requested journey to the Himālaya.

At that time, in the southern regions, for the purpose of searching for Sītā, you had already journeyed as far as Laṅkā.

tadā dakṣiṇadeśeṣu sītānveṣaṇakāraṇāt|

laṅkāparyantagamanaṃ pūrvameva kṛtaṃ tvayā

तदा · tadā — at that time

दक्षिणदेशेषु · dakṣiṇadeśeṣu — in the southern regions

सीतान्वेषणकारणात् · sītānveṣaṇakāraṇāt — for the sake of searching for Sītā

लङ्कापर्यन्तगमनम् · laṅkāparyantagamanaṃ — journey up to Laṅkā

पूर्वमेव · pūrvameva — already before

कृतम् · kṛtam — done

त्वया · tvayā — by you

त्वया तदा सीता अन्वेषण कारणात् दक्षिण देशेषु लङ्का पर्यन्तं गमनं पूर्वम् एव कृतम्।

at that time · in the southern regions · for the sake of searching for Sītā · journey up to Laṅkā · already before · done · by you

The sages remind Rāma of his past travels to establish a precedent for his current mission. This highlights that his movements are always purposeful and divine.

Now, under the pretext of a victory tour (digvijaya), may a journey be undertaken again, this time to the northern regions, towards the peaks of the Himavat.

adya digvijayavyājādgamanaṃ kriyatāṃ punaḥ |

evamuttaradeśeṣu himavacchikharaṃ prati

अद्य · adya — now

दिग्विजयव्याजात् · digvijayavyājāt — under the pretext of a victory tour

गमनम् · gamanaṃ — a journey

क्रियताम् · kriyatām — should be done

पुनः · punaḥ — again

उत्तरदेशेषु · uttaradeśeṣu — in the northern regions

हिमवच्छिखरं · himavacchikharaṃ — towards the peaks of Himavat

प्रति · prati — towards

अद्य दिग्विजय व्याजात् पुनः उत्तर देशेषु हिमवत् शिखरं प्रति गमनं क्रियताम्।

now · under the pretext of a victory tour · a journey · should be done · again · in the northern regions · towards the peaks of Himavat · towards

The sages propose a new journey to the North, using the 'digvijaya' as a pretext to bring Rāma's sanctifying presence to the Himālayas.

May the touch of the sole of your foot be everywhere in the land of Bhārata, O great king, for you are indeed Nārāyaṇa.

sarvatra bhārate deśe tava pādatalasya tu |

sparśo bhavenmahārāja bhavānnārāyaṇaḥ kila

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

भारते · bhārate — in Bhārata

देशे · deśe — in the land

तव · tava — your

पादतलस्य · pādatalasya — of the sole of the foot

स्पर्शः · sparśaḥ — touch

भवेत् · bhavet — may it be

महाराज · mahārāja — O great king

भवान् · bhavān — you

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Nārāyaṇa

किल · kila — indeed

महाराज सर्वत्र भारते देशे तव पादतलस्य स्पर्शः भवेत्, यतः भवान् नारायणः किल।

everywhere · in Bhārata · in the land · your · of the sole of the foot · touch · may it be · O great king · you · Nārāyaṇa · indeed

This verse emphasizes the theological necessity of Rāma's visit: the land of Bhārata is sanctified by the touch of the Lord's feet.

This petition, O Lord, has been composed by Bharadvāja. That great sage is performing penance in the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa.

bharadvājena racitaṃ vijñāpanamidaṃ prabho|

tapaḥ karoti śrīkhaṇḍanagare sa mahāmuniḥ

भरद्वाजेन · bharadvājena — by Bharadvāja

रचितम् · racitaṃ — composed

विज्ञापनम् · vijñāpanam — petition

इदम् · idam — this

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

करोति · karoti — is doing

श्रीखण्डनगरे · śrīkhaṇḍanagare — in the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa

सः · saḥ — he

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

प्रभो इदं विज्ञापनं भरद्वाजेन रचितम्। सः महामुनिः श्रीखण्डनगरे तपः करोति।

by Bharadvāja · composed · petition · this · O Lord · penance · is doing · in the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa · he · the great sage

The sages reveal the source of the petition, Bharadvāja, and his current location, setting the stage for the destination of Rāma's journey.

The revered Rāma said:

I have accepted this blessed petition of the sage. I shall set out today itself to perform the victory tour; there is no doubt.

śrīrāma uvāca

aṅgīkṛtaṃ mayā bhadramidaṃ vijñāpanaṃ muneḥ|

adyaiva vijayaṃ kartuṃ prasthito'smi na saṃśayaḥ

अङ्गीकृतम् · aṅgīkṛtaṃ — accepted

मया · mayā — by me

भद्रम् · bhadram — blessed

इदम् · idam — this

विज्ञापनम् · vijñāpanaṃ — petition

मुनेः · muneḥ — of the sage

अद्यैव · adyaiva — this very day

विजयम् · vijayaṃ — victory tour

कर्तुम् · kartuṃ — to do

प्रस्थितः · prasthito — set out

अस्मि · asmi — I am

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

मया मुनेः इदं भद्रं विज्ञापनम् अङ्गीकृतम्। अद्य एव विजयं कर्तुं प्रस्थितः अस्मि, न संशयः।

accepted · by me · blessed · this · petition · of the sage · this very day · victory tour · to do · set out · I am · not · doubt

Rāma's immediate acceptance of the petition displays his submissiveness to the wishes of his devotees and sages.

By the blessings of you who are rich in penance, victory will surely be mine everywhere, bringing good fortune to the world.

tapodhanānāṃ yuṣmākaṃ maṅgalāśāsanena hi|

sarvatra vijayo nūnaṃ bhavellokaśubhāvahaḥ

तपोधनानाम् · tapodhanānāṃ — of those rich in penance

युष्माकम् · yuṣmākaṃ — of you

मङ्गलाशासनेन · maṅgalāśāsanena — by the blessing

हि · hi — indeed

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

विजयः · vijayo — victory

नूनम् · nūnaṃ — certainly

भवेत् · bhavet — will be

लोकशुभावहः · lokaśubhāvahaḥ — bringing good to the world

तपोधनानां युष्माकं मङ्गलाशासनेन हि सर्वत्र विजयः नूनं लोकशुभावहः भवेत्।

of those rich in penance · of you · by the blessing · indeed · everywhere · victory · certainly · will be · bringing good to the world

Rāma attributes his success to the blessings of the sages, showing his humility and reverence for those rich in penance.

You may go ahead of me, back to your holy hermitage. I will follow you there, accompanied by my retinue.

yūyaṃ gacchata matpūrvaṃ bhūyo vaḥ puṇyamāśramam |

ahaṃ tatrānuyāsyāmi parivārasamanvitaḥ

यूयम् · yūyaṃ — you all

गच्छत · gacchata — go

मत्पूर्वम् · matpūrvaṃ — ahead of me

भूयः · bhūyo — again

वः · vaḥ — your

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

अहम् · aham — I

तत्र · tatra — there

अनुयास्यामि · anuyāsyāmi — will follow

परिवारसमन्वितः · parivārasamanvitaḥ — accompanied by retinue

यूयं मत्पूर्वं वः पुण्यम् आश्रमं भूयः गच्छत। अहं परिवारसमन्वितः तत्र अनुयास्यामि।

you all · go · ahead of me · again · your · holy · hermitage · I · there · will follow · accompanied by retinue

Rāma instructs the sages to return, demonstrating his respect for their hermitages and his intention to follow them as a guest.

The revered Sadguru said:

Thus sent off and honored, all those great sages joyfully went to the Himālaya and back to their own hermitage.

śrīsadgururuvāca

iti saṃpreṣitāḥ sarve pūjitāste maharṣayaḥ|

himācalaṃ pramuditā jagmuḥ svaṃ cāśramaṃ punaḥ

इति · iti — thus

संप्रेषिताः · saṃpreṣitāḥ — sent off

सर्वे · sarve — all

पूजिताः · pūjitāḥ — honored

ते · te — they

महर्षयः · maharṣayaḥ — great sages

हिमाचलम् · himācalaṃ — to the Himālaya

प्रमुदिताः · pramuditāḥ — joyfully

जग्मुः · jagmuḥ — went

स्वम् · svaṃ — their own

च · ca — and

आश्रमम् · āśramaṃ — hermitage

पुनः · punaḥ — back

इति संप्रेषिताः पूजिताः ते सर्वे महर्षयः प्रमुदिताः हिमाचलम् स्वम् आश्रमं च पुनः जग्मुः।

thus · sent off · all · honored · they · great sages · to the Himālaya · joyfully · went · their own · and · hermitage · back

The sages depart, marking the successful conclusion of their mission and the beginning of Rāma's journey.

At a good muhūrta, an auspicious lagna, and on a fine day, the bull of the Raghu clan set out with his ministers and army to perform the victory tour.

sumuhūrte śubhe lagne sudine raghupuṅgavaḥ|

pratasthe vijayaṃ kartuṃ sāmātyaḥ saha senayā

सुमुहूर्ते · sumuhūrte — at a good moment

शुभे · śubhe — auspicious

लग्ने · lagne — at an ascendant

सुदिने · sudine — on a fine day

रघुपुङ्गवः · raghupuṅgavaḥ — the bull of the Raghu clan

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — set out

विजयम् · vijayaṃ — victory tour

कर्तुम् · kartuṃ — to do

सामात्यः · sāmātyaḥ — with ministers

सह · saha — with

सेनया · senayā — army

सुमुहूर्ते शुभे लग्ने सुदिने रघुपुङ्गवः सामात्यः सेनया सह विजयं कर्तुं प्रतस्थे।

at a good moment · auspicious · at an ascendant · on a fine day · the bull of the Raghu clan · set out · victory tour · to do · with ministers · with · army

The formal commencement of the journey is described with auspicious details, underscoring the gravity and sanctity of the event.

Passing through the lands of the Mādhuras, Śūrasenas, Kurus, Pāñcālas, and Kekayas, Rāma, the upholder of the Raghu dynasty, reached Haridvāra.

mādhurāñchūrasenāṃśca kurupāñcālakekayān|

atikramya haridvāraṃ prāpa rāmo raghūdvahaḥ

माधुराञ्छूरसेनांश्च · mādhurāñchūrasenāṃśca — the lands of Mādhuras and Śūrasenas

कुरुपाञ्चालकेकयान् · kurupāñcālakekayān — Kurus, Pāñcālas, and Kekayas

अतिक्रम्य · atikramya — passing through

हरिद्वारम् · haridvāraṃ — Haridvāra

प्राप · prāpa — reached

रामो · rāmo — Rāma

रघूद्वहः · raghūdvahaḥ — upholder of the Raghu dynasty

रघूद्वहः रामः माधुरान् शूरसेनान् कुरुपाञ्चालकेकयान् अतिक्रम्य हरिद्वारं प्राप।

the lands of Mādhuras and Śūrasenas · Kurus, Pāñcālas, and Kekayas · passing through · Haridvāra · reached · Rāma · upholder of the Raghu dynasty

This verse traces the geographical path of Rāma, showing his movement through various historical and sacred regions.

Worshipped here and there by kings and city-dwellers, he whose name is holy to hear and chant listened to his own stories everywhere.

tatra tatra mahīpālaiḥ pūjitaḥ puravāsibhiḥ |

sarvatra svakathāṃ śṛṇvan puṇyaśravaṇakīrtanaḥ

तत्र · tatra — there

तत्र · tatra — there

महीपालैः · mahīpālaiḥ — by kings

पूजितः · pūjitaḥ — worshipped

पुरवासिभिः · puravāsibhiḥ — by city-dwellers

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

स्वकथाम् · svakathāṃ — his own story

शृण्वन् · śṛṇvan — listening

पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः · puṇyaśravaṇakīrtanaḥ — whose hearing and chanting is holy

तत्र तत्र महीपालैः पुरवासिभिः पूजितः, पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः सः सर्वत्र स्वकथां शृण्वन् बभौ।

there · there · by kings · worshipped · by city-dwellers · everywhere · his own story · listening · whose hearing and chanting is holy

Rāma's journey is marked by the constant hearing of his own glories, reinforcing his status as the central figure of devotion.

Wandering in the regions of the Himālaya with the sages, he reached the beautiful city of Śrīkhaṇḍa, built by the gods.

himācalapradeśeṣu sañcaran munibhiḥ saha |

śrīkhaṇḍanagaraṃ prāpa suramyaṃ devanirmitam

हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु · himācalapradeśeṣu — in the regions of the Himālaya

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with sages

सह · saha — with

श्रीखण्डनगरम् · śrīkhaṇḍanagaraṃ — the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa

प्राप · prāpa — reached

सुरम्यम् · suramyaṃ — beautiful

देवनिर्मितम् · devanirmitam — built by gods

हिमाचलप्रदेशेषु मुनिभिः सह सञ्चरन् सः देवनिर्मितं सुरम्यं श्रीखण्डनगरं प्राप।

in the regions of the Himālaya · wandering · with sages · with · the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa · reached · beautiful · built by gods

The arrival at Śrīkhaṇḍa marks the culmination of the journey, highlighting the city's divine origin and beauty.

All the sages and people there, showing great respect and filled with the excitement of a great festival, worshipped Rāghava.

tatratyā munayaḥ sarve manujāśca kṛtādarāḥ |

rāghavaṃ pūjayāmāsuḥ paramotsavakautukāḥ

तत्रत्याः · tatratyāḥ — those residing there

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

मनुजाश्च · manujāśca — and people

कृतादराः · kṛtādarāḥ — showing respect

राघवम् · rāghavaṃ — Rāghava

पूजयामासुः · pūjayāmāsuḥ — worshipped

परमोत्सवकौतुकाः · paramotsavakautukāḥ — filled with excitement of a great festival

तत्रत्याः सर्वे मुनयः मनुजाः च कृतादराः परमोत्सवकौतुकाः राघवं पूजयामासुः।

those residing there · sages · all · and people · showing respect · Rāghava · worshipped · filled with excitement of a great festival

The collective devotion of the inhabitants of Śrīkhaṇḍa highlights the city's status as a place of intense spiritual fervor.

Bharadvāja, having built a great mansion for Rāghava and having led him inside, joyfully worshipped him with devotion.

bharadvājo rāghavasya nirmāya bhavanaṃ mahat|

praveśya tatra sānandaṃ pūjayāmāsa māyayā

भरद्वाजो · bharadvājo — Bharadvāja

राघवस्य · rāghavasya — for Rāghava

निर्माय · nirmāya — having built

भवनम् · bhavanaṃ — mansion

महत् · mahat — great

प्रवेश्य · praveśya — having led inside

तत्र · tatra — there

सानन्दम् · sānandaṃ — joyfully

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

मया · māyayā — with devotion

भरद्वाजो राघवस्य महत् भवनं निर्माय तत्र प्रवेश्य सानन्दं मायया पूजयामास।

Bharadvāja · for Rāghava · having built · mansion · great · having led inside · there · joyfully · worshipped · with devotion

Bharadvāja's personal service to Rāma in Śrīkhaṇḍa reflects the intimacy of the devotee-Lord relationship.

Rāma dwelt there itself, delighting with Sītā on the mountain, served by Lakṣmaṇa, just as he had done before on Citrakūṭa.

tatraiva nyavasadrāmaḥ sītayā viharan girau|

yathāpūrvaṃ citrakūṭe tathā lakṣmaṇasevitaḥ

तत्रैव · tatraiva — there itself

न्यवसत् · nyavasat — dwelt

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rāma

सीतया · sītayā — with Sītā

विहरन् · viharan — delighting

गिरौ · girau — on the mountain

यथापूर्वम् · yathāpūrvaṃ — as before

चित्रकूटे · citrakūṭe — at Citrakūṭa

तथा · tathā — so

लक्ष्मणसेवितः · lakṣmaṇasevitaḥ — served by Lakṣmaṇa

रामः यथापूर्वं चित्रकूटे, तथा तत्र एव गिरौ सीतया विहरन् लक्ष्मणसेवितः न्यवसत्।

there itself · dwelt · Rāma · with Sītā · delighting · on the mountain · as before · at Citrakūṭa · so · served by Lakṣmaṇa

Rāma's stay in Śrīkhaṇḍa is compared to his time at Citrakūṭa, establishing the city as a place of divine peace and companionship.

Even today, the sacred temple of Rāma can be seen there, where Rāma shines forth, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.

adyāpi dṛśyate tatra pavitraṃ rāmamandiram|

yatra prakāśate rāmaḥ sītālakṣmaṇasaṃyutaḥ

अद्यापि · adyāpi — even today

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

तत्र · tatra — there

पवित्रम् · pavitraṃ — sacred

राममन्दिरम् · rāmamandiram — temple of Rāma

यत्र · yatra — where

प्रकाशते · prakāśate — shines

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rāma

सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः · sītālakṣmaṇasaṃyutaḥ — accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa

तत्र अद्यापि पवित्रं राममन्दिरं दृश्यते, यत्र रामः सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः प्रकाशते।

even today · is seen · there · sacred · temple of Rāma · where · shines · Rāma · accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa

The mention of the temple confirms the enduring presence of Rāma in Śrīkhaṇḍa, inviting the reader to seek his darśana.

In the divine and charming city of Śrīkhaṇḍa, on the bank of the river Gaṅgā, the sight of Rāma is obtained by people of great merit.

Here ends the seventh chapter, titled "The Glory of Śrīkhaṇḍanagara," in the first part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

śrīkhaṇḍanagare divye ramye gaṅgānadītaṭe|

bahupuṇyavatāṃ nṛṇāṃ labhyate rāmadarśanam

श्रीखण्डनगरे · śrīkhaṇḍanagare — in the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa

दिव्ये · divye — divine

रम्ये · ramye — charming

गङ्गानदीतटे · gaṅgānadītaṭe — on the bank of the Gaṅgā

बहुपुण्यवताम् · bahupuṇyavatāṃ — of those with great merit

नृणाम् · nṛṇāṃ — of people

लभ्यते · labhyate — is obtained

रामदर्शनम् · rāmadarśanam — the sight of Rāma

दिव्ये रम्ये श्रीखण्डनगरे गङ्गानदीतटे बहुपुण्यवतां नृणां रामदर्शनं लभ्यते।

in the city of Śrīkhaṇḍa · divine · charming · on the bank of the Gaṅgā · of those with great merit · of people · is obtained · the sight of Rāma

The chapter concludes by emphasizing that the grace of Rāma in Śrīkhaṇḍa is accessible to those with great merit, serving as a final benediction.