गयाक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Gayā Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

I shall now narrate the glory of Gaya, where Lord Gadadhara (the mace-bearer), the master of the worlds, bestows unending satisfaction upon the ancestors.

śrīsadgururuvāca

gayāmāhātmyamākhyāsye yatra devo gadādharaḥ

pitṝṇāmakṣayāṃ prītiṃ dadāti jagatāṃ patiḥ

गयामाहात्म्यम् · gayāmāhātmyam — the glory of Gaya

आख्यास्ये · ākhyāsye — I shall narrate

यत्र · yatra — where

देवः · devaḥ — the Lord

गदाधरः · gadādharaḥ — the mace-bearer

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of the ancestors

अक्षयाम् · akṣayām — imperishable

प्रीतिम् · prītim — satisfaction

ददाति · dadāti — gives

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

पतिः · patiḥ — the Lord

अहं गयामाहात्म्यम् आख्यास्ये । यत्र जगतां पतिः देवः गदाधरः पितॄणाम् अक्षयां प्रीतिं ददाति ।

the glory of Gaya · I shall narrate · where · the Lord · the mace-bearer · of the ancestors · imperishable · satisfaction · gives · of the worlds · the Lord

This verse serves as the auspicious invocation and introduction to the chapter, establishing the divine authority of Gaya as a place where the Lord Himself, as Gadadhara, directly facilitates the liberation of ancestors.

In Gaya, Gadadhara Himself is present in the form of the ancestors. Seeing Him, the lotus-eyed Lord, one is freed from the three debts.

**3. & 4.** One should desire many sons who are virtuous and well-learned. For, among them all, at least one might go to Gaya. Seeing a son who has reached Gaya, the ancestors celebrate, thinking, "Having touched Gaya even with his feet, what will he not give to us?"

gayāyāṃ pitṛrūpeṇa svayameva gadādharaḥ

taṃ dṛṣṭvā puṇḍarīkākṣaṃ mucyate vai ṛṇatrayāt

गयायाम् · gayāyām — in Gaya

पितृरूपेण · pitṛrūpeṇa — in the form of ancestors

स्वयमेव · svayameva — Himself indeed

गदाधरः · gadādharaḥ — the mace-bearer

तम् · tam — Him

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

पुण्डरीकाक्षम् · puṇḍarīkākṣam — the lotus-eyed Lord

मुच्यते · mucyate — is liberated

वै · vai — certainly

ऋणत्रयात् · ṛṇatrayāt — from the three debts

गयायां गदाधरः स्वयमेव पितृरूपेण अस्ति । तं पुण्डरीकाक्षं दृष्ट्वा वै ऋणत्रयात् मुच्यते ।

in Gaya · in the form of ancestors · Himself indeed · the mace-bearer · Him · having seen · the lotus-eyed Lord · is liberated · certainly · from the three debts

This verse deepens the theological significance of Gaya by identifying the deity Gadadhara with the ancestors themselves, explaining that darshan of the Lord here is the ultimate remedy for the three debts.

eṣṭavyā bahavaḥ putrā guṇavanto bahuśrutāḥ |

teṣāṃ vai samavetānāmapi kaścidgayāṃ vrajet

एष्टव्याः · eṣṭavyāḥ — should be desired

बहवः · bahavaḥ — many

पुत्राः · putrāḥ — sons

गुणवन्तः · guṇavantaḥ — virtuous

बहुश्रुताः · bahuśrutāḥ — well-versed in scriptures

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

समवेतानाम् · samavetānām — among those gathered

अपि · api — even

कश्चित् · kaścit — someone

गयाम् · gayām — to Gaya

व्रजेत् · vrajet — might go

गुणवन्तः बहुश्रुताः बहवः पुत्राः एष्टव्याः । तेषां समवेतानामपि कश्चित् गयां व्रजेत् ।

should be desired · many · sons · virtuous · well-versed in scriptures · of them · among those gathered · even · someone · to Gaya · might go

This verse provides the practical motivation for having children, emphasizing that the primary duty of a son is to ensure the spiritual welfare of the ancestors through a pilgrimage to Gaya.

gayāprāptaṃ sutaṃ dṛṣṭvā pitṝṇāmutsavo bhavet |

padbhyāmapi gayāṃ spṛṣṭvā hyasmabhyaṃ kiṃ na dāsyati

गयाप्राप्तम् · gayāprāptam — having reached Gaya

सुतम् · sutam — son

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of the ancestors

उत्सवः · utsavaḥ — celebration

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

पद्भ्याम् · padbhyām — with feet

अपि · api — even

गयाम् · gayām — Gaya

स्पृष्ट्वा · spṛṣṭvā — having touched

अस्मभ्यम् · asmabhyam — to us

किम् · kim — what

न · na — not

दास्यति · dāsyati — will he give

गयाप्राप्तं सुतं दृष्ट्वा पितॄणाम् उत्सवः भवेत् । सः पद्भ्याम् अपि गयां स्पृष्ट्वा अस्मभ्यं किं न दास्यति ?

having reached Gaya · son · having seen · of the ancestors · celebration · becomes · with feet · even · Gaya · having touched · to us · what · not · will he give

This verse illustrates the immense joy of the ancestors upon seeing a son arrive at Gaya, highlighting the high expectations they hold for the spiritual offerings he will perform.

Knowledge of Brahman, śrāddha at Gaya, death in a cowshed, and residence in Kurukshetra—these are the four kinds of liberation for men.

brahmajñānaṃ gayāśrāddhaṃ gogṛhe maraṇaṃ tathā

vāsaḥ puṃsāṃ kurukṣetre muktireṣā caturvidhā

ब्रह्मज्ञानम् · brahmajñānam — knowledge of Brahman

गयाश्राद्धम् · gayāśrāddham — śrāddha at Gaya

गोगृहे · gogṛhe — in a cowshed

मरणम् · maraṇam — death

तथा · tathā — and

वासः · vāsaḥ — residence

पुंसाम् · puṃsām — for men

कुरुक्षेत्रे · kurukṣetre — in Kurukshetra

मुक्तिः · muktiḥ — liberation

एषा · eṣā — this

चतुर्विधा · caturvidhā — four-fold

ब्रह्मज्ञानं गयाश्राद्धं गोगृहे मरणं तथा कुरुक्षेत्रे वासः, एषा पुंसां चतुर्विधा मुक्तिः ।

knowledge of Brahman · śrāddha at Gaya · in a cowshed · death · and · residence · for men · in Kurukshetra · liberation · this · four-fold

This verse categorizes the four distinct paths to liberation, positioning the performance of śrāddha at Gaya as a primary and accessible method for achieving spiritual freedom.

The ancestors, fearful of hell, long for a son, thinking, "The son who will go to Gaya, he will be our saviour."

**7. & 8.** There was a great asura named Gaya, who was a tormentor of the gods and was intent on obstructing the dharma of the sages in the Dharmaranya forest. Having performed a terrible penance and obtained boons from the four-faced Brahma, he roamed the world, intoxicated with pride, harming the gods.

kāṅkṣanti pitaraḥ putraṃ narakādbhayabhīravaḥ

gayāṃ yāsyati yaḥ putraḥ sa nastrātā bhaviṣyati

काङ्क्षन्ति · kāṅkṣanti — they long for

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

पुत्रम् · putram — son

नरकात् · narakāt — from hell

भयभीरवः · bhayabhīravaḥ — fearful

गयाम् · gayām — to Gaya

यास्यति · yāsyati — will go

यः · yaḥ — who

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

सः · saḥ — he

नः · naḥ — our

त्राता · trātā — saviour

भविष्यति · bhaviṣyati — will be

नरकात् भयभीरवः पितरः पुत्रं काङ्क्षन्ति । यः पुत्रः गयां यास्यति, सः नः त्राता भविष्यति ।

they long for · ancestors · son · from hell · fearful · to Gaya · will go · who · son · he · our · saviour · will be

This verse captures the desperate longing of the ancestors, who view a son's pilgrimage to Gaya as their only hope for salvation from the torments of hell.

gayo nāma mahānāsīdasuro devabādhakaḥ

dharmāraṇye munīnāṃ ca dharmarodhanatatparaḥ

गयः · gayaḥ — Gaya

नाम · nāma — named

महान् · mahān — mighty

आसीत् · āsīt — was

असुरः · asuraḥ — demon

देवबाधकः · devabādhakaḥ — tormentor of gods

धर्मारण्ये · dharmāraṇye — in Dharmaranya

मुनीनाम् · munīnām — of sages

च · ca — and

धर्मरोधनतत्परः · dharmarodhanatatparaḥ — intent on obstructing dharma

गयः नाम महान् असुरः देवबाधकः आसीत् । सः धर्मारण्ये मुनीनां धर्मरोधनतत्परः च आसीत् ।

Gaya · named · mighty · was · demon · tormentor of gods · in Dharmaranya · of sages · and · intent on obstructing dharma

This verse introduces the antagonist, Gayāsura, establishing his character as a disruptive force against the dharma of sages, which sets the stage for the divine intervention.

tapaḥ kṛtvā mahāghoraṃ varān prāpya caturmukhāt |

madonmattaḥ sañcacāra bhuvane devahiṃsakaḥ

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — terrible

वरान् · varān — boons

प्राप्य · prāpya — having obtained

चतुर्मुखात् · caturmukhāt — from the four-faced Brahma

मदोन्मत्तः · madonmattaḥ — intoxicated with pride

सञ्चचार · sañcacāra — roamed

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

देवहिंसकः · devahiṃsakaḥ — harmer of gods

सः महाघोरं तपः कृत्वा चतुर्मुखात् वरान् प्राप्य, मदोन्मत्तः देवहिंसकः सन् भुवने सञ्चचार ।

penance · having performed · terrible · boons · having obtained · from the four-faced Brahma · intoxicated with pride · roamed · in the world · harmer of gods

This verse describes the source of the demon's power—his penance and boons from Brahma—which explains his subsequent arrogance and the threat he posed to the cosmic order.

The gods, sages, siddhas, kinnaras, and humans all went for refuge to Govinda, the shelter of all the worlds.

devāśca munayaḥ siddhāḥ kinnarāśca narāstathā |

govindaṃ sarvalokānāṃ śaraṇyaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सिद्धाः · siddhāḥ — siddhas

किन्नराः · kinnarāḥ — kinnaras

नराः · narāḥ — humans

तथा · tathā — and

गोविन्दम् · govindam — to Govinda

सर्वलोकानाम् · sarvalokānām — of all worlds

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — the shelter

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

ययुः · yayuḥ — went

देवाः मुनयः सिद्धाः किन्नराः तथा नराः, सर्वलोकानां शरण्यं गोविन्दं शरणं ययुः ।

gods · sages · siddhas · kinnaras · humans · and · to Govinda · of all worlds · the shelter · refuge · went

This verse depicts the collective helplessness of all beings, leading them to seek refuge in Govinda, thereby establishing the necessity for the Lord's intervention.

Then Hari, dark as a raincloud, clad in divine yellow silks, the wielder of the conch and discus, spoke to all the gods.

tadā jaladharaśyāmo divyapītāmbarāvṛtaḥ |

uvāca devānakhilān śaṅkhacakradharo hariḥ

तदा · tadā — then

जलधरश्यामो · jaladharaśyāmo — dark as a raincloud

दिव्यपीताम्बरावृतः · divyapītāmbarāvṛtaḥ — clad in divine yellow silks

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

देवान् · devān — to the gods

अखिलान् · akhilān — all

शङ्खचक्रधरः · śaṅkhacakradharaḥ — wielder of conch and discus

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

तदा जलधरश्यामो दिव्यपीताम्बरावृतः शङ्खचक्रधरो हरिः अखिलान् देवान् उवाच ।

then · dark as a raincloud · clad in divine yellow silks · spoke · to the gods · all · wielder of conch and discus · Hari

This verse introduces the Lord in His majestic form, ready to address the gods, signaling the transition from the problem of the demon to the divine solution.

The Supreme Lord said:

Welcome, O best of the celestials! May all be well with you. I shall now tell you a way to subdue Gaya.

śrībhagavānuvāca

svāgataṃ vibudhaśreṣṭhāḥ sarveṣāṃ bhadramastu vaḥ

upāyamiha vakṣyāmi gayapraśamanāya hi

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

विबुधश्रेष्ठाः · vibudhaśreṣṭhāḥ — best of the celestials

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — of all

भद्रम् · bhadram — auspiciousness

अस्तु · astu — may it be

वः · vaḥ — to you

उपायम् · upāyam — a method

इह · iha — here

वक्ष्यामि · vakṣyāmi — I shall tell

गयप्रशमनाय · gayapraśamanāya — for the subduing of Gaya

हि · hi — indeed

विबुधश्रेष्ठाः! वः स्वागतम्। सर्वेषां भद्रम् अस्तु। अहं गयप्रशमनाय उपायम् इह वक्ष्यामि।

welcome · best of the celestials · of all · auspiciousness · may it be · to you · a method · here · I shall tell · for the subduing of Gaya · indeed

The Lord addresses the distressed celestials, establishing the strategy to subdue Gayasura. This verse sets the stage for the divine intervention that leads to the sanctification of Gaya.

He is devoted to Brahmins, true to his word, and generous, that best of demons. We are all incapable of overcoming him in battle.

brahmaṇyaḥ satyasandhaśca vadānyo dānavottamaḥ

na samarthā vayaṃ sarve tamatikrāntumāhave

ब्रह्मण्यः · brahmaṇyaḥ — devoted to Brahmins

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to his word

च · ca — and

वदान्यः · vadānyaḥ — generous

दानवोत्तमः · dānavottamaḥ — best of demons

न · na — not

समर्थाः · samarthāḥ — capable

वयम् · vayam — we

सर्वे · sarve — all

तम् · tam — him

अतिक्रान्तुम् · atikrāntum — to overcome

आहवे · āhave — in battle

सः दानवोत्तमः ब्रह्मण्यः, सत्यसन्धः, वदान्यः च अस्ति। सर्वे वयं तम् आहवे अतिक्रान्तुं न समर्थाः।

devoted to Brahmins · true to his word · and · generous · best of demons · not · capable · we · all · him · to overcome · in battle

The Lord characterizes the demon's virtues, which ironically become the cause of his downfall. This highlights the theme that even great power is vulnerable to its own moral contradictions.

One great flaw is seen in that best of demons: self-conceit born of pride. By that, he will surely be destroyed.

tasminneko mahān doṣo dṛśyate dānavottame |

ātmasaṃbhāvanā garvāttayā nūnaṃ vinaṅkṣyati

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in him

एकः · ekaḥ — one

महान् · mahān — great

दोषः · doṣaḥ — flaw

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

दानवोत्तमे · dānavottame — in the best of demons

आत्मसंभावना · ātmasaṃbhāvanā — self-conceit

गर्वात् · garvāt — from pride

तया · tayā — by that

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

विनङ्क्ष्यति · vinaṅkṣyati — will be destroyed

तस्मिन् दानवोत्तमे एकः महान् दोषः दृश्यते। गर्वात् जाता आत्मसंभावना तया सः नूनं विनङ्क्ष्यति।

in him · one · great · flaw · is seen · in the best of demons · self-conceit · from pride · by that · certainly · will be destroyed

The Lord identifies the specific psychological weakness—pride—that will allow the gods to defeat the otherwise invincible demon. This serves as the pivot for the narrative's resolution.

You, in the guise of Brahmins, should go to that best of demons and ask for the most elevated place in the world to perform a sacrifice.

yūyaṃ brāhmaṇaveṣeṇa taṃ gatvā dānavottamam |

mahonnataṃ sthalaṃ loke yajñaṃ kartuṃ prayācata

यूयम् · yūyam — you

ब्राह्मणवेषेण · brāhmaṇaveṣeṇa — in the guise of Brahmins

तम् · tam — him

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

दानवोत्तमम् · dānavottamam — the best of demons

महोन्नतम् · mahonnatam — most elevated

स्थलम् · sthalam — place

लोके · loke — in the world

यज्ञम् · yajñam — sacrifice

कर्तुम् · kartum — to perform

प्रयाचत · prayācata — ask for

यूयं ब्राह्मणवेषेण तं दानवोत्तमं गत्वा, लोके महोन्नतस्थलं यज्ञं कर्तुं प्रयाचत।

you · in the guise of Brahmins · him · having gone · the best of demons · most elevated · place · in the world · sacrifice · to perform · ask for

The Lord instructs the gods to use the demon's pride against him by requesting his chest as the site for a sacrifice. This initiates the trap that leads to the establishment of the holy site.

The revered Sadguru said:

Thus instructed, all the celestials, taking the form of Brahmins, approached Gayasura and spoke auspicious words of blessing.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktā vibudhāḥ sarve brahmaveṣadharāstadā

gayāsuramupāgatya cakrurāśīrvacaḥ śubham

इत्युक्ताः · ityuktāḥ — thus addressed

विबुधाः · vibudhāḥ — the celestials

सर्वे · sarve — all

ब्रह्मवेषधराः · brahmaveṣadharāḥ — wearing the guise of Brahmins

तदा · tadā — then

गयासुरम् · gayāsuram — Gayasura

उपागत्य · upāgatya — having approached

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — did/offered

आशीर्वचः · āśīrvacaḥ — words of blessing

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

इत्युक्ताः सर्वे विबुधाः ब्रह्मवेषधराः तदा गयासुरम् उपागत्य शुभम् आशीर्वचः चक्रुः।

thus addressed · the celestials · all · wearing the guise of Brahmins · then · Gayasura · having approached · did/offered · words of blessing · auspicious

The celestials follow the Lord's instructions, marking the transition from divine counsel to earthly action. This sets the scene for the interaction between the gods and Gayasura.

Pleased by this, the great demon, having joyfully worshipped the Brahmins, asked with faith and devotion the reason for their arrival.

tena prīto mahādaityaḥ pūjayitvā dvijānmudā

papraccha śraddhayā bhaktyā tadāgamanakāraṇam

तेन · tena — by that

प्रीतः · prītaḥ — pleased

महादैत्यः · mahādaityaḥ — the great demon

पूजयित्वा · pūjayitvā — having worshipped

द्विजान् · dvijān — the Brahmins

मुदा · mudā — with joy

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

तदागमनकारणम् · tadāgamanakāraṇam — the reason for their arrival

तेन प्रीतः महादैत्यः द्विजान् मुदा पूजयित्वा, श्रद्धया भक्त्या च तदागमनकारणम् पप्रच्छ।

by that · pleased · the great demon · having worshipped · the Brahmins · with joy · asked · with faith · with devotion · the reason for their arrival

Gayasura's pious reaction to the 'Brahmins' underscores his inherent nature, which makes his eventual sacrifice and the subsequent sanctification of the site so significant.

Gaya said:

I bow to you Brahmins; you are visible deities. I would give even my head for you, of this there is no doubt. Tell me quickly the reason for your coming here.

gaya uvāca

namāmi brāhmaṇān yuṣmān yūyaṃ pratyakṣadaivatam

śiro'pi me pradāsyāmi yuṣmākaṃ na hi saṃśayaḥ

yūyaṃ me vadata kṣipramihāgamanakāraṇam

नमामि · namāmi — I bow

ब्राह्मणान् · brāhmaṇān — to the Brahmins

युष्मान् · yuṣmān — you

यूयम् · yūyam — you

प्रत्यक्षदैवतम् · pratyakṣadaivatam — visible deities

शिरः · śiraḥ — head

अपि · api — even

मे · me — my

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — I will give

युष्माकम् · yuṣmākam — for you

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

युष्मान् ब्राह्मणान् नमामि, यूयं प्रत्यक्षदैवतम्। युष्माकं शिरः अपि प्रदास्यामि, अत्र संशयः न हि। इह आगमनकारणम् मे क्षिप्रं वदत।

I bow · to the Brahmins · you · you · visible deities · head · even · my · I will give · for you · not · doubt

Gayasura's declaration of readiness to sacrifice his head for the Brahmins highlights his extreme generosity and adherence to dharma, which the gods exploit to fulfill the divine plan.

The Devas said:

We wish to perform a sacrifice on the most elevated ground, O Asura. Show us such a place, the most elevated in the world.

devā ūcuḥ

adhvaraṃ kartumicchāmo mahonnatatale'sura

tādṛśaṃ darśaya tvaṃ naḥ sthalaṃ loke mahonnatam

देवाः · devāḥ — the gods

ऊचुः · ūcuḥ — said

अध्वरम् · adhvaram — sacrifice

कर्तुम् · kartum — to perform

इच्छामः · icchāmaḥ — we wish

महोन्नततले · mahonnatatale — on the most elevated ground

असुर · asura — O demon

तादृशम् · tādṛśam — such

दर्शय · darśaya — show

त्वम् · tvam — you

नः · naḥ — to us

स्थलम् · sthalam — place

लोके · loke — in the world

महोन्नतम् · mahonnatam — most elevated

देवाः ऊचुः - हे असुर! वयं महोन्नततले अध्वरं कर्तुम् इच्छामः। लोके तादृशं महोन्नतस्थलं त्वं नः दर्शय।

the gods · said · sacrifice · to perform · we wish · on the most elevated ground · O demon · such · show · you · to us · place · in the world · most elevated

The gods pose their request, setting the trap. This verse is the crucial turning point where the demon is invited to offer his own body for the sacrifice.

Gaya said:

This chest of mine is indeed the most elevated place in the world. There exists no place in the universe more elevated than this.

gaya uvāca

mama vakṣaḥsthalaṃ hyetat sthānaṃ loke mahonnatam |

etasmādunnataṃ sthānaṃ brahmāṇḍe na vidyate

मम · mama — my

वक्षःस्थलम् · vakṣaḥsthalam — chest

हि · hi — indeed

एतत् · etat — this

स्थानम् · sthānam — place

लोके · loke — in the world

महोन्नतम् · mahonnatam — most elevated

एतस्मात् · etasmāt — than this

उन्नतम् · unnatam — elevated

स्थानम् · sthānam — place

ब्रह्माण्डे · brahmāṇḍe — in the universe

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

एतत् मम वक्षःस्थलं लोके महोन्नतस्थानं हि। एतस्मात् उन्नतस्थानं ब्रह्माण्डे न विद्यते।

my · chest · indeed · this · place · in the world · most elevated · than this · elevated · place · in the universe · not · exists

Gayasura's pride leads him to claim his own chest as the most elevated place, fulfilling the gods' expectation and sealing his fate.

The Devas said:

If so, O demon true to your word, give us your chest. We shall now make a sacrificial ground upon your chest.

devā ūcuḥ

evañceddehi te vakṣaḥ satyasandhosi dānava

yajñabhūmiṃ vidhāsyāmastava vakṣasi sāṃpratam

एवम् · evam — thus

चेत् · cet — if

देहि · dehi — give

ते · te — your

वक्षः · vakṣaḥ — chest

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to your word

असि · asi — you are

दानव · dānava — O demon

यज्ञभूमिम् · yajñabhūmim — sacrificial ground

विधास्यामः · vidhāsyāmaḥ — we shall make

तव · tava — your

वक्षसि · vakṣasi — on the chest

सांप्रतम् · sāṃpratam — now

एवं चेत्, हे दानव! त्वं सत्यसन्धः असि, तर्हि ते वक्षः देहि। वयं तव वक्षसि यज्ञभूमिं सांप्रतं विधास्यामः।

thus · if · give · your · chest · true to your word · you are · O demon · sacrificial ground · we shall make · your · on the chest · now

The gods immediately accept the offer, holding the demon to his word. This demonstrates the power of truth and the inevitability of the divine plan.

Gaya said:

My chest is given, indeed, to perform the sacrifice. There is no doubt. I am true to my word; perform your auspicious rites.

gaya uvāca

dattaṃ vakṣaḥsthalaṃ nūnaṃ yajñaṃ kartuṃ na saṃśayaḥ

ahaṃ tu satyasandhosmi kurudhvaṃ karma maṅgalam

दत्तम् · dattam — given

वक्षःस्थलम् · vakṣaḥsthalam — chest

नूनम् · nūnam — indeed

यज्ञम् · yajñam — sacrifice

कर्तुम् · kartum — to perform

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अहम् · aham — I

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to my word

अस्मि · asmi — am

कुरुध्वम् · kurudhvam — perform

कर्म · karma — rite

मङ्गलम् · maṅgalam — auspicious

वक्षःस्थलम् नूनम् यज्ञम् कर्तुम् दत्तम्, संशयः न। अहम् सत्यसन्धः अस्मि, मङ्गलम् कर्म कुरुध्वम्।

given · chest · indeed · sacrifice · to perform · not · doubt · I · true to my word · am · perform · rite · auspicious

This verse marks the climax of the deception, where Gayāsura's pride in his own physical greatness leads him to offer his chest as the sacrificial altar, unwittingly facilitating his own subjugation.

The revered Sadguru said:

Having said this, Gaya, the foremost of demons, being extremely pleased, lay down on the ground, showing his most elevated chest.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā paramaprīto gayo dānavapuṅgavaḥ

bhūmau śiśye nijaṃ vakṣo darśayan sumahonnatam

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having said thus

परमप्रीतः · paramaprītaḥ — extremely pleased

गयः · gayaḥ — Gaya

दानवपुङ्गवः · dānavapuṅgavaḥ — foremost of demons

भूमौ · bhūmau — on the ground

शिश्ये · śiśye — lay down

निजम् · nijam — his own

वक्षः · vakṣaḥ — chest

दर्शयन् · darśayan — showing

सुमहोन्नतम् · sumahonnatam — most elevated

इति उक्त्वा परमप्रीतः दानवपुङ्गवः गयः सुमहोन्नतम् निजम् वक्षः दर्शयन् भूमौ शिश्ये।

having said thus · extremely pleased · Gaya · foremost of demons · on the ground · lay down · his own · chest · showing · most elevated

The demon's compliance, driven by his desire for prestige, sets the stage for the divine intervention that will transform his body into a sacred site.

On his chest, the gods, along with the sages, according to scriptural rites, constructed a sacrificial hall and then commenced the sacrifice.

tasya vakṣasi devāśca munibhirvidhipūrvakam

yajñaśālāṃ vinirmāya yajñamārebhire tadā

तस्य · tasya — his

वक्षसि · vakṣasi — on the chest

देवाः · devāḥ — the gods

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with the sages

विधिपूर्वकम् · vidhipūrvakam — according to scriptural rites

यज्ञशालाम् · yajñaśālām — sacrificial hall

विनिर्माय · vinirmāya — having constructed

यज्ञम् · yajñam — sacrifice

आरेभिरे · ārebhire — commenced

तदा · tadā — then

तदा देवाः मुनिभिः सह तस्य वक्षसि विधिपूर्वकम् यज्ञशालाम् विनिर्माय यज्ञम् आरेभिरे।

his · on the chest · the gods · with the sages · according to scriptural rites · sacrificial hall · having constructed · sacrifice · commenced · then

The gods utilize the demon's own body as the foundation for their sacrifice, highlighting the irony that the source of the demon's pride becomes the seat of divine ritual.

Realizing they were the foremost of celestials who had shed their Brahmin guise, he rose up at once in anger to kill the gods who had deceived him.

tyaktabrāhmaṇaveṣāṃstān vijñāya vibudhottamān |

uttasthau kupitaḥ sadyo devān hantuṃ svavañcakān

त्यक्तब्राह्मणवेषान् · tyaktabrāhmaṇaveṣān — those who shed the Brahmin guise

तान् · tān — them

विज्ञाय · vijñāya — realizing

विबुधोत्तमान् · vibudhottamān — foremost celestials

उत्तस्थौ · uttasthau — rose up

कुपितः · kupitaḥ — angry

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — at once

देवान् · devān — the gods

हन्तुम् · hantum — to kill

स्ववञ्चकान् · svavañcakān — who deceived him

त्यक्तब्राह्मणवेषान् तान् विबुधोत्तमान् विज्ञाय, कुपितः गयः स्ववञ्चकान् देवान् हन्तुम् सद्यः उत्तस्थौ।

those who shed the Brahmin guise · them · realizing · foremost celestials · rose up · angry · at once · the gods · to kill · who deceived him

This verse depicts the turning point where the demon realizes the deception, shifting the narrative from a peaceful sacrifice to a confrontation that necessitates Vishnu's direct intervention.

Then Vishnu, the mace-bearer, placed His foot—worshipped by all—on Gaya's chest. Gaya was unable to get up.

tadā gadādharo viṣṇuścaraṇaṃ gayavakṣasi

nidadhe nikhilaiḥ sevyamutthātuṃ nāśakadgayaḥ

तदा · tadā — then

गदाधरः · gadādharaḥ — the mace-bearer

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

चरणम् · caraṇam — foot

गयवक्षसि · gayavakṣasi — on Gaya's chest

निदधे · nidadhe — placed

निखिलैः · nikhilaiḥ — by all

सेव्यम् · sevyam — worshipped

उत्थातुम् · utthātum — to rise

न · na — not

अशकत् · aśakat — was able

गयः · gayaḥ — Gaya

तदा गदाधरः विष्णुः निखिलैः सेव्यम् चरणम् गयवक्षसि निदधे। गयः उत्थातुम् न अशकत्।

then · the mace-bearer · Vishnu · foot · on Gaya's chest · placed · by all · worshipped · to rise · not · was able · Gaya

Vishnu's act of placing His foot on the demon's chest is not merely a physical restraint but a divine blessing that marks the demon's heart as a sacred space for all time.

Seeing the foot placed upon his own heart, the demon, with faith and devotion, praised Gadadhara, the God of gods.

ātmano hṛdi vinyastaṃ caraṇaṃ vīkṣya dānavaḥ

tuṣṭāva śraddhābhaktyā devadevaṃ gadādharam

आत्मनः · ātmanaḥ — his own

हृदि · hṛdi — on the heart

विन्यस्तम् · vinyastam — placed

चरणम् · caraṇam — foot

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — seeing

दानवः · dānavaḥ — the demon

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

श्रद्धाभक्त्या · śraddhābhaktyā — with faith and devotion

देवदेवम् · devadevam — God of gods

गदाधरम् · gadādharam — Gadadhara

आत्मनः हृदि विन्यस्तम् चरणम् वीक्ष्य दानवः श्रद्धाभक्त्या देवदेवम् गदाधरम् तुष्टाव।

his own · on the heart · placed · foot · seeing · the demon · praised · with faith and devotion · God of gods · Gadadhara

The demon's reaction shifts from anger to devotion, illustrating the transformative power of the Lord's touch, which turns a conflict into a spiritual surrender.

Gaya said:

The dust of whose lotus feet is sought after by the Vedas, the water from whose lotus feet purifies the three worlds, whose pair of lotus feet is served by Lakshmi—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

gaya uvāca

yatpādapaṅkajarajaḥ śrutibhirvimṛgyaṃ

yatpādapadmasalilaṃ trijagatpunāti

yatpādapadmayugalaṃ bhajate ca lakṣmī-

statpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादपङ्कजरजः · yatpādapaṅkajarajaḥ — the dust of whose lotus feet

श्रुतिभिः · śrutibhiḥ — by the Vedas

विमृग्यम् · vimṛgyam — sought after

यत्पादपद्मसलिलम् · yatpādapadmasalilam — the water from whose lotus feet

त्रिजगत् · trijagat — three worlds

पुनाति · punāti — purifies

यत्पादपद्मयुगलम् · yatpādapadmayugalam — whose pair of lotus feet

भजते · bhajate — serves

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakshmi

तत्पादपद्मम् · tatpādapadmam — those lotus feet

अनिशम् · aniśam — eternally

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

मम · mama — my

अस्तु · astu — may be

यत्पादपङ्कजरजः श्रुतिभिः विमृग्यम्, यत्पादपद्मसलिलम् त्रिजगत् पुनाति, यत्पादपद्मयुगलम् लक्ष्मीः भजते, तत्पादपद्मम् अनिशम् मम शरणम् अस्तु।

the dust of whose lotus feet · by the Vedas · sought after · the water from whose lotus feet · three worlds · purifies · whose pair of lotus feet · serves · Lakshmi · those lotus feet · eternally · refuge · my · may be

This verse begins the stotra of Gaya, establishing the theological significance of the Lord's lotus feet as the ultimate refuge, sought even by the Vedas and Lakshmi.

Whose feet the lotus-seated Brahma himself worships, whose lotus feet's honeybee is indeed the moon-crested Shiva, whose footstool is the refuge for all the celestials—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādameva bhajate kamalāsanaśca

yatpādapadmamadhupo nanu candramauliḥ

yatpādapīṭhaśaraṇā vibudhāśca sarve

tatpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादम् · yatpādam — whose feet

एव · eva — only

भजते · bhajate — worships

कमलासनः · kamalāsanaḥ — Brahma

यत्पादपद्ममधुपः · yatpādapadmamadhupaḥ — honeybee to whose lotus feet

चन्द्रमौलिः · candramauliḥ — Shiva

यत्पादपीठशरणाः · yatpādapīṭhaśaraṇāḥ — those who take refuge in whose footstool

विबुधाः · vibudhāḥ — celestials

सर्वे · sarve — all

तत्पादपद्मम् · tatpādapadmam — those lotus feet

अनिशम् · aniśam — eternally

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

मम · mama — my

अस्तु · astu — may be

कमलासनः यत्पादम् एव भजते, चन्द्रमौलिः यत्पादपद्ममधुपः, सर्वे विबुधाः यत्पादपीठशरणाः, तत्पादपद्मम् अनिशम् मम शरणम् अस्तु।

whose feet · only · worships · Brahma · honeybee to whose lotus feet · Shiva · those who take refuge in whose footstool · celestials · all · those lotus feet · eternally · refuge · my · may be

By invoking Shiva and Brahma as worshippers of the Lord's feet, the demon emphasizes the universal supremacy of Vishnu, reinforcing the sanctity of the Gaya pilgrimage site.

Whose pair of lotus feet the sages worship, whose feet the yogis constantly hold in their hearts, whose lotus feet are borne by the king of birds, Garuda—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādapadmayugalaṃ munayo bhajante

yatpādameva satataṃ hṛdi yoginaśca

yatpādapadmavahanaṃ kurute khagendra-

statpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादपद्मयुगलम् · yatpādapadmayugalam — whose pair of lotus feet

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

भजन्ते · bhajante — worship

यत्पादम् · yatpādam — whose feet

सततम् · satatam — constantly

हृदि · hṛdi — in the heart

योगिनः · yoginaḥ — yogis

यत्पादपद्मवहनम् · yatpādapadmavahanam — bearing whose lotus feet

कुरुते · kurute — does

खगेन्द्रः · khagendraḥ — Garuda

तत्पादपद्मम् · tatpādapadmam — those lotus feet

अनिशम् · aniśam — eternally

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

मम · mama — my

अस्तु · astu — may be

मुनयः यत्पादपद्मयुगलम् भजन्ते, योगिनः यत्पादम् सततम् हृदि (धारयन्ति), खगेन्द्रः यत्पादपद्मवहनम् कुरुते, तत्पादपद्मम् अनिशम् मम शरणम् अस्तु।

whose pair of lotus feet · sages · worship · whose feet · constantly · in the heart · yogis · bearing whose lotus feet · does · Garuda · those lotus feet · eternally · refuge · my · may be

The inclusion of sages, yogis, and Garuda in the list of those who serve the Lord's feet demonstrates that the refuge of Gaya is accessible to all levels of spiritual attainment.

By whose feet this entire universe is marked, whose lotus feet were the crown for the mighty Bali, whose lotus feet the son of the demon king (Prahlada) worshipped—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādalāñchitamidaṃ bhuvanaṃ samastaṃ

yatpādapadmamakuṭo balavān baliśca

yatpādapadmamabhajaddanujendraputra-

statpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादलाञ्छितम् · yatpādalāñchitam — marked by whose feet

इदम् · idam — this

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — universe

समस्तम् · samastam — entire

यत्पादपद्ममकुटः · yatpādapadmamakuṭaḥ — whose lotus feet were the crown

बलवान् · balavān — mighty

बलिः · baliḥ — Bali

यत्पादपद्मम् · yatpādapadmam — whose lotus feet

अभजत् · abhajat — worshipped

दनुजेन्द्रपुत्रः · danujendraputraḥ — Prahlada

तत्पादपद्मम् · tatpādapadmam — those lotus feet

अनिशम् · aniśam — eternally

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

मम · mama — my

अस्तु · astu — may be

इदम् समस्तम् भुवनम् यत्पादलाञ्छितम्, बलवान् बलिः यत्पादपद्ममकुटः, दनुजेन्द्रपुत्रः यत्पादपद्मम् अभजत्, तत्पादपद्मम् अनिशम् मम शरणम् अस्तु।

marked by whose feet · this · universe · entire · whose lotus feet were the crown · mighty · Bali · whose lotus feet · worshipped · Prahlada · those lotus feet · eternally · refuge · my · may be

By referencing Bali and Prahlada, the demon acknowledges that even those born in demon lineages find their ultimate redemption through the grace of Vishnu's feet.

The best of Hari's devotees are connoisseurs of His lotus feet; they constantly take refuge in His feet alone. The dust of whose feet purifies the entire universe—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādapadmarasikā haridāsavaryā

yatpādameva satataṃ śaraṇaṃ bhajante |

yatpādareṇurakhilaṃ bhuvanaṃ punāti

tatpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादपद्मरसिका · yatpādapadmarasikā — those who relish the lotus feet

हरिदासवर्या · haridāsavaryā — the best of Hari's servants

यत्पादमेव · yatpādameva — only His feet

सततं · satataṃ — constantly

शरणं · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

भजन्ते · bhajante — worship

यत्पादरेणुः · yatpādareṇuḥ — the dust of whose feet

अखिलं · akhilaṃ — the entire

भुवनं · bhuvanaṃ — universe

पुनाति · punāti — purifies

हरिदासवर्याः यत्पादपद्मरसिकाः सन्तः सततं यत्पादमेव शरणं भजन्ते। यत्पादरेणुः अखिलं भुवनं पुनाति। तत् पादपद्मं मम अनिशं शरणं अस्तु।

those who relish the lotus feet · the best of Hari's servants · only His feet · constantly · refuge · worship · the dust of whose feet · the entire · universe · purifies

This verse establishes the high status of Hari's devotees, who find their sole refuge in His lotus feet. It serves as a transition to the demon's realization that the Lord's feet are the ultimate shelter.

Whose lotus-petal-like foot is the boat across the ocean of existence, whose lotus foot is the wish-fulfilling tree that grants all desires, whose lotus foot is the destroyer of all afflictions—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādapaṅkajadalaṃ bhavasindhunaukā

yatpādapadmamakhilārthadakalpavṛkṣaḥ

yatpādapadmamakhilārtivināśakāri

tatpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादपङ्कजदलं · yatpādapaṅkajadalaṃ — whose lotus-petal-like foot

भवसिन्धुनौका · bhavasindhunaukā — is a boat across the ocean of existence

यत्पादपद्मं · yatpādapadmam — whose lotus foot

अखिलार्थद · akhilārthada — granting all desires

कल्पवृक्षः · kalpavṛkṣaḥ — is the wish-fulfilling tree

अखिलार्तिविनाशकारि · akhilārtivināśakāri — is the destroyer of all afflictions

यत्पादपङ्कजदलं भवसिन्धुनौका अस्ति। यत्पादपद्मं अखिलार्थदकल्पवृक्षः अस्ति। यत्पादपद्मं अखिलार्तिविनाशकारि अस्ति। तत् पादपद्मं मम अनिशं शरणं अस्तु।

whose lotus-petal-like foot · is a boat across the ocean of existence · whose lotus foot · granting all desires · is the wish-fulfilling tree · is the destroyer of all afflictions

The verse highlights the salvific power of the Lord's feet, comparing them to a boat, a wish-fulfilling tree, and a destroyer of suffering, reinforcing why Gaya surrenders.

By whose feet the sage's wife (Ahalya) was purified in her story, whose sandals ruled the world as its protector, whose lotus feet the son of the Wind God (Hanuman) worshipped—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādapūtacaritā munidharmapatnī

yatpādarakṣaṇakarī bhuvanaṃ śaśāsa

yatpādapadmamabhajatpavamānasūnu-

statpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादपूतचरिता · yatpādapūtacaritā — whose feet purified the story/life

मुनिधर्मपत्नी · munidharmapatnī — the sage's wife (Ahalya)

यत्पादरक्षणकरी · yatpādarakṣaṇakarī — whose sandals protected

भुवनं · bhuvanaṃ — the world

शशास · śaśāsa — ruled

यत्पादपद्मं · yatpādapadmam — whose lotus feet

अभजत् · abhajat — worshipped

पवमानसूनुः · pavamānasūnuḥ — the son of the Wind God (Hanuman)

यत्पादपूतचरिता मुनिधर्मपत्नी अस्ति। यत्पादरक्षणकरी भुवनं शशास। यत्पादपद्मं पवमानसूनुः अभजत्। तत् पादपद्मं मम अनिशं शरणं अस्तु।

whose feet purified the story/life · the sage's wife (Ahalya) · whose sandals protected · the world · ruled · whose lotus feet · worshipped · the son of the Wind God (Hanuman)

By citing historical examples like Ahalya and Hanuman, the verse emphasizes that the Lord's feet are the ultimate source of purification and protection for all beings.

Whose minds were captivated by the sound of His ankle-bells, on the banks of the Yamuna marked by His footprints, the women of Vraja worshipped His lotus feet—may those lotus feet be my eternal refuge.

yatpādanūpuraninādavimugdhacittā

yatpādalāñchitakalindasutātaṭeṣu

yatpādapadmamabhajan vrajayoṣitaśca

tatpādapadmamaniśaṃ śaraṇaṃ mamāstu

यत्पादनूपुरनिनाद · yatpādanūpuranināda — the sound of whose ankle-bells

विमुग्धचित्ता · vimugdhacittā — with captivated minds

यत्पादलाञ्छित · yatpādalāñchitakalindasutātaṭeṣu — on the banks of the Yamuna marked by His feet

व्रजयोषितः · vrajayoṣitaḥ — the women of Vraja

अभजन् · abhajan — worshipped

यत्पादनूपुरनिनादविमुग्धचित्ताः व्रजयोषितः यत्पादलाञ्छितकलिन्दसुतातटेषु यत्पादपद्मं अभजन्। तत् पादपद्मं मम अनिशं शरणं अस्तु।

the sound of whose ankle-bells · with captivated minds · on the banks of the Yamuna marked by His feet · the women of Vraja · worshipped

This verse brings the focus to the intimate devotion of the Vraja Gopis, illustrating that the Lord's feet are the object of supreme love and meditation.

The revered Sadguru said:

Thus Gayasura, with love, took hold of that lotus foot, and placing it upon his heart, he prayed with devotion.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ gayāsuraḥ premṇā pādapadmaṃ pragṛhya tat

hṛdaye sanniveśyaiva bhaktipūrvamayācata

एवं · evaṃ — thus

गयासुरः · gayāsuraḥ — the demon Gaya

प्रेम्णा · premṇā — with love

पादपद्मं · pādapadmaṃ — the lotus foot

प्रगृह्य · pragṛhya — having taken hold

हृदये · hṛdaye — on the heart

सन्निवेश्य · sanniveśya — having placed

भक्तिपूर्वम् · bhaktipūrvam — with devotion

अयाचत · ayācata — prayed/requested

एवं गयासुरः प्रेम्णा तत् पादपद्मं प्रगृह्य हृदये सन्निवेश्यैव भक्तिपूर्वम् अयाचत।

thus · the demon Gaya · with love · the lotus foot · having taken hold · on the heart · having placed · with devotion · prayed/requested

This verse marks the transformation of Gayasura from an adversary into a devotee, as he physically embraces the Lord's feet, signifying total surrender.

Gaya said:

O Lord, O embodiment of compassion, who sees good qualities everywhere! Forgetting my faults, be pleased with me, O Gadadhara!

gaya uvāca

bhagavan karuṇāmūrte sarvatra guṇadarśaka

mama doṣāṃśca vismṛtya prasīda me gadādhara

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

करुणामूर्ते · karuṇāmūrte — O embodiment of compassion

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

गुणदर्शक · guṇadarśaka — who sees good qualities

मम · mama — my

दोषांश्च · doṣāṃśca — and faults

विस्मृत्य · vismṛtya — having forgotten

प्रसीद · prasīda — be pleased

गदाधर · gadādhara — O Gadadhara

हे भगवन्! हे करुणामूर्ते! हे सर्वत्र गुणदर्शक! मम दोषांश्च विस्मृत्य हे गदाधर! मे प्रसीद।

O Lord · O embodiment of compassion · everywhere · who sees good qualities · my · and faults · having forgotten · be pleased · O Gadadhara

Gayasura's prayer begins with an acknowledgment of the Lord's mercy, setting the tone for his request for eternal connection with the Divine.

May Your lotus foot always be on my heart on this earth. And may I, Your devotee, exist for the welfare of the worlds.

pādapadmaṃ mamaivāstu hṛdaye bhuvi sarvadā

ahaṃ ca tava bhaktasya lokānāṃ maṅgalāya ca

पादपद्मं · pādapadmaṃ — lotus foot

ममैवास्तु · mamaivāstu — may it be mine

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

सर्वदा · sarvadā — always

अहं · ahaṃ — I

तव · tava — Your

भक्तस्य · bhaktasya — of the devotee

लोकानां · lokānāṃ — of the worlds

मङ्गलाय · maṅgalāya — for the welfare

तव पादपद्मं भुवि मम हृदये सर्वदा अस्तु। अहं च तव भक्तस्य लोकानां मङ्गलाय च भूयासं।

lotus foot · may it be mine · in the heart · on earth · always · I · Your · of the devotee · of the worlds · for the welfare

Gayasura expresses his desire to be an instrument of welfare, showing that true devotion leads to a selfless concern for the world.

I know no other happiness greater than this, O Gadadhara. The touch of Your feet is indeed the supreme fruit to be attained.

itaḥ paraṃ na jānāmi sukhamanyadgadādhara |

tava pādasparśanaṃ hi prāptavyaṃ paramaṃ phalam

इतः परं · itaḥ paraṃ — beyond this

न जानामि · na jānāmi — I do not know

सुखमन्यत् · sukhamanyat — any other happiness

तव · tava — Your

पादस्पर्शनं · pādasparśanaṃ — touch of the feet

हि · hi — indeed

प्राप्तव्यं · prāptavyaṃ — to be attained

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

फलम् · phalam — fruit

हे गदाधर! इतः परं अन्यत् सुखं न जानामि। तव पादस्पर्शनं हि प्राप्तव्यं परमं फलम् अस्ति।

beyond this · I do not know · any other happiness · Your · touch of the feet · indeed · to be attained · supreme · fruit

This verse defines the ultimate goal of life as the touch of the Lord's feet, establishing the theological foundation for the sanctity of Gaya.

May people in this world constantly worship this foot of Vishnu, which destroys all sorrows and bestows all auspiciousness.

viṣṇupādamimaṃ loke bhajantu satataṃ narāḥ

sarvaduḥkhavināśaṃ ca sarvamaṅgaladāyakam

विष्णुपादमिमं · viṣṇupādamimaṃ — this foot of Vishnu

लोके · loke — in the world

भजन्तु · bhajantu — may they worship

सततं · satataṃ — constantly

नराः · narāḥ — people

सर्वदुःखविनाशं · sarvaduḥkhavināśaṃ — destroyer of all sorrows

सर्वमङ्गलदायकम् · sarvamaṅgaladāyakam — bestower of all auspiciousness

नराः लोके सर्वदुःखविनाशं सर्वमङ्गलदायकं इमं विष्णुपादं सततं भजन्तु।

this foot of Vishnu · in the world · may they worship · constantly · people · destroyer of all sorrows · bestower of all auspiciousness

Gayasura advocates for the worship of the Vishnu-pada, universalizing the benefit of the pilgrimage site he has now become.

By the offering of pinda (rice balls) and libations of sesame water at this Vishnu-pada, may the ancestors receive unending satisfaction, O glorious Gadadhara!

viṣṇupāde piṇḍadānāddattādapi tilodakāt |

pitṝṇāmakṣayā prītirbhavatu śrīgadādhara

विष्णुपादे · viṣṇupāde — at the Vishnu-pada

पिण्डदानात् · piṇḍadānāt — by offering pinda

दत्तादपि · dattādapi — and also by giving

तिलोदकात् · tilodakāt — sesame water

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of the ancestors

अक्षया · akṣayā — unending

प्रीतिः · prītiḥ — satisfaction

भवतु · bhavatu — may it be

श्रीगदाधर · śrīgadādhara — O glorious Gadadhara

हे श्रीगदाधर! विष्णुपादे पिण्डदानात् दत्तात् तिलोदकात् अपि पितॄणां अक्षया प्रीतिः भवतु।

at the Vishnu-pada · by offering pinda · and also by giving · sesame water · of the ancestors · unending · satisfaction · may it be · O glorious Gadadhara

This verse explicitly connects the ritual of pinda-dana at the Vishnu-pada to the liberation of ancestors, fulfilling the chapter's promise of ancestral salvation.

May this great river Phalgu flow with nectar. May all the trees here become wish-fulfilling trees, O Gadadhara!

amṛtasrāviṇī bhūyātphalgunīyaṃ mahānadī |

sarve kalpakavṛkṣāḥ syurbhūruhāśca gadādhara

अमृतस्राविणी · amṛtasrāviṇī — flowing with nectar

भूयात् · bhūyāt — may it become

फल्गुः · phalguḥ — the Phalgu river

इयं · iyaṃ — this

महानदी · mahānadī — great river

सर्वे · sarve — all

कल्पकवृक्षाः · kalpakavṛkṣāḥ — wish-fulfilling trees

स्युः · syuḥ — may they be

भूरुहाः · bhūruhāḥ — trees

च · ca — and

गदाधर · gadādhara — O wielder of the mace

इयं महानदी फल्गुः अमृतस्राविणी भूयात् । हे गदाधर, सर्वे भूरुहाः कल्पकवृक्षाः स्युः ।

flowing with nectar · may it become · the Phalgu river · this · great river · all · wish-fulfilling trees · may they be · trees · and · O wielder of the mace

Gaya, having surrendered to the Lord, now prays for the transformation of the landscape into a spiritual paradise. This verse establishes the sanctity of the environment, turning the mundane into the divine through the Lord's presence.

May all the cows here become wish-fulfilling cows (Kamadhenus). May this mountain, O wielder of the mace, become made of Chintamani (wish-granting) jewels.

atraiva dhenavaḥ sarvā bhaveyuḥ kāmadhenavaḥ

parvato'yaṃ gadāpāṇe cintāmaṇimayo bhavet

अत्र · atra — here

एव · eva — only

धेनवः · dhenavaḥ — cows

सर्वाः · sarvāḥ — all

भवेयुः · bhaveyuḥ — may they become

कामधेनवः · kāmadhenavaḥ — wish-fulfilling cows

पर्वतः · parvataḥ — mountain

अयम् · ayam — this

गदापाणे · gadāpāṇe — O holder of the mace

चिन्तामणिमयः · cintāmaṇimayaḥ — made of wish-granting jewels

भवेत् · bhavet — may it become

अत्र सर्वाः धेनवः कामधेनवः भवेयुः । हे गदापाणे, अयम् पर्वतः चिन्तामणिमयः भवेत् ।

here · only · cows · all · may they become · wish-fulfilling cows · mountain · this · O holder of the mace · made of wish-granting jewels · may it become

The demon's transformation is complete as he requests that the physical features of the land reflect the abundance of Vaikuntha. This ensures that the site remains a source of eternal spiritual and material fulfillment for all pilgrims.

At the time of cosmic dissolution, O Lord, may this banyan tree be indestructible. By offering pinda at its root, may the ancestors be satisfied.

pralaye vaṭavṛkṣo'yamakṣayo bhavatu prabho

tanmūle piṇḍadānena tṛpyantu pitarastathā

प्रलये · pralaye — at the time of dissolution

वटवृक्षः · vaṭavṛkṣaḥ — banyan tree

अयम् · ayam — this

अक्षयः · akṣayaḥ — indestructible

भवतु · bhavatu — may it be

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

तन्मूले · tanmūle — at its root

पिण्डदानेन · piṇḍadānena — by offering pinda

तृप्यन्तु · tṛpyantu — may they be satisfied

पितरः · pitarah — ancestors

तथा · tathā — also

प्रभो, अयम् वटवृक्षः प्रलये अक्षयः भवतु । तन्मूले पिण्डदानेन पितरः तृप्यन्तु ।

at the time of dissolution · banyan tree · this · indestructible · may it be · O Lord · at its root · by offering pinda · may they be satisfied · ancestors · also

This verse highlights the Akshaya Vata, the eternal banyan tree, which is central to the Gaya pilgrimage. It emphasizes that the efficacy of the rituals performed here is timeless and indestructible.

Thus, may my life be for the benefit of the world. Be pleased, O Lord Vishnu, by my devotion alone.

evaṃ lokopakārāya bhavettu mama jīvanam |

prīṇīhi bhagavan viṣṇo mama bhaktyaiva kevalam

एवम् · evam — thus

लोकोपकाराय · lokopakārāya — for the benefit of the world

भवेत् · bhavet — may it be

तु · tu — indeed

मम · mama — my

जीवनम् · jīvanam — life

प्रीणीहि · prīṇīhi — be pleased

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

विष्णो · viṣṇo — O Vishnu

मम · mama — my

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — by devotion

एव · eva — only

केवलम् · kevalam — solely

एवम् मम जीवनम् लोकोपकाराय भवेत् । हे भगवन् विष्णो, मम भक्त्या एव केवलम् प्रीणीहि ।

thus · for the benefit of the world · may it be · indeed · my · life · be pleased · O Lord · O Vishnu · my · by devotion · only · solely

Gaya concludes his prayer by dedicating his existence to the service of the world. This marks the transition of the demon from a source of obstruction to a source of universal welfare through the grace of Vishnu.

The revered Sadguru said:

Thus prayed to, Vishnu replied with the words, "So be it." This supreme and auspicious place became renowned as Gaya Kshetra.

**46-54.** For the ancestors of both the paternal and maternal lines of those blessed with sons, who are duly cremated at the proper time by a good son; for those who have gone to distant lands or died anywhere and everywhere; for those who did not receive funeral rites and for those whose parentage is unknown; for those who died by hanging, in water, in fire, in a forest, or on a mountain; for those killed by lions and tigers or slain by the strike of a weapon; for people who met an unfortunate death by any means whatsoever; for initiated boys and bachelors; for unmarried girls and deceased women; for those who died through miscarriage and for sweet-voiced infants; for heretics, sinners, and those who have fallen from their family dharma; for the lame, mute, foolish, blind, insane, and the wicked; for those without sons and with sons, who are unfit for rituals; for teachers, maternal uncles and others, for sisters and sons-in-law; for sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, friends, and relatives; for widows, servants, and adulterous women; for all ancestors, both sinful and meritorious—for all of them, the Vishnu-pada at the Akshaya Vata in the holy tirtha of Gaya is the certain salvation.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ saṃprārthito viṣṇustathāstviti vaco'bravīt |

gayākṣetramiti khyātaṃ tadidaṃ paramaṃ śubham

एवम् · evam — thus

संप्रार्थितः · saṃprārthitaḥ — having been prayed to

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

तथा · tathā — so

अस्तु · astu — be it

इति · iti — thus

वचः · vacaḥ — words

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

गयाक्षेत्रम् · gayākṣetram — Gaya Kshetra

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातम् · khyātam — renowned

तत् · tat — that

इदम् · idam — this

परमम् · paramam — supreme

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

एवम् संप्रार्थितः विष्णुः तथा अस्तु इति वचः अब्रवीत् । तत् इदम् गयाक्षेत्रम् इति ख्यातम् परमम् शुभम् अभवत् ।

thus · having been prayed to · Vishnu · so · be it · thus · words · spoke · Gaya Kshetra · thus · renowned · that · this · supreme · auspicious

The Lord's acceptance of the prayer formalizes the status of Gaya as a supreme pilgrimage site. This verse serves as the narrative bridge between the demon's transformation and the subsequent description of the site's redemptive power.

vargadvayasthitānāñca pitṝṇāṃ putraśālinām |

satputreṇa yathākālaṃ saṃskṛtānāṃ yathāvidhi

वर्गद्वयस्थितानाम् · vargadvayasthitānām — of those in both ancestral lines

च · ca — and

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of ancestors

पुत्रशालिनाम् · putraśālinām — who have sons

सत्पुत्रेण · satputreṇa — by a virtuous son

यथाकालम् · yathākālam — at the proper time

संस्कृतानाम् · saṃskṛtānām — those who are cremated/purified

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to scriptural rules

पुत्रशालिनाम् वर्गद्वयस्थितानाम् पितॄणाम्, सत्पुत्रेण यथाविधि यथाकालम् संस्कृतानाम् (कृते गयाक्षेत्रम् फलप्रदम्)।

of those in both ancestral lines · and · of ancestors · who have sons · by a virtuous son · at the proper time · those who are cremated/purified · according to scriptural rules

This verse begins the extensive list of those who benefit from the rituals at Gaya, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Lord's grace. It establishes that even those who lacked proper rites in life can find salvation here.

dūradeśaṃ gatānāñca mṛtānāṃ yatrakutracit |

aprāptānāñca saṃskāram ajñātapitṝṇāṃ tathā

दूरदेशम् · dūradeśam — to a distant land

गतानाम् · gatānām — those who have gone

च · ca — and

मृतानाम् · mṛtānām — those who died

यत्रकुत्रचित् · yatrakutracit — anywhere and everywhere

अप्राप्तानाम् · aprāptānām — those who did not receive

च · ca — and

संस्कारम् · saṃskāram — funeral rites

अज्ञातपितॄणाम् · ajñātapitṝṇām — those whose parentage is unknown

तथा · tathā — also

दूरदेशम् गतानाम्, यत्रकुत्रचित् मृतानाम्, संस्कारम् अप्राप्तानाम् तथा अज्ञातपितॄणाम् (कृते अपि गयाक्षेत्रम् फलप्रदम्)।

to a distant land · those who have gone · and · those who died · anywhere and everywhere · those who did not receive · and · funeral rites · those whose parentage is unknown · also

The scope of the Lord's mercy is further expanded to include those who died under obscure or unfortunate circumstances. This verse provides hope to families who worry about the spiritual state of lost or forgotten ancestors.

udbandhena mṛtānāñca jale vahnau vane girau |

siṃhavyāghrahatānāñca hatānāṃ śastraghātibhiḥ

उद्बन्धेन · udbandhena — by hanging

मृतानाम् · mṛtānām — those who died

च · ca — and

जले · jale — in water

वह्नौ · vahnau — in fire

वने · vane — in a forest

गिरौ · girau — on a mountain

सिंहव्याघ्रहतानाम् · siṃhavyāghrahatānām — killed by lions and tigers

च · ca — and

हतानाम् · hatānām — killed

शस्त्रघातिभिः · śastraghātibhiḥ — by weapons

उद्बन्धेन, जले, वह्नौ, वने, गिरौ मृतानाम्, तथा सिंहव्याघ्रहतानाम् शस्त्रघातिभिः हतानाम् (कृते अपि गयाक्षेत्रम् फलप्रदम्)।

by hanging · those who died · and · in water · in fire · in a forest · on a mountain · killed by lions and tigers · and · killed · by weapons

By listing specific, often violent or tragic causes of death, the text underscores that no worldly misfortune can bar one from the salvation offered at Gaya. It serves as a comprehensive assurance of divine compassion.

yenakenaprakāreṇa gatānāṃ durmṛtiṃ nṛṇām

tathaivānupanītānāṃ kumārāṇāñca varṇinām

येनकेनप्रकारेण · yenakenaprakāreṇa — by any means whatsoever

गतानाम् · gatānām — those who met

दुर्मृतिम् · durmṛtim — unfortunate death

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of men

तथैव · tathaiva — and also

अनुपनीतानाम् · anupanītānām — uninitiated

कुमाराणाम् · kumārāṇām — boys

च · ca — and

वर्णिनाम् · varṇinām — bachelors/students

येनकेनप्रकारेण दुर्मृतिम् गतानाम् नृणाम्, तथैव अनुपनीतानाम् कुमाराणाम् वर्णिनाम् (कृते अपि गयाक्षेत्रम् फलप्रदम्)।

by any means whatsoever · those who met · unfortunate death · of men · and also · uninitiated · boys · and · bachelors/students

This verse covers the remaining categories of 'unfortunate deaths' and those who died before initiation. It reinforces the idea that the grace of Vishnu at Gaya transcends the limitations of ritual status during one's lifetime.

adattānāṃ kanyakānāṃ mṛtānāmapi yoṣitām |

garbhasrāvaṃ gatānāñca śiśūnāṃ kalabhāṣiṇām

अदत्तानाम् · adattānām — unmarried

कन्यकानाम् · kanyakānām — of girls

मृतानाम् · mṛtānām — died

अपि · api — also

योषिताम् · yoṣitām — of women

गर्भस्रावम् · garbhasrāvam — miscarriage

गतानाम् · gatānām — those who underwent

च · ca — and

शिशूनाम् · śiśūnām — of infants

कलभाषिणाम् · kalabhāṣiṇām — sweet-voiced

अदत्तानाम् कन्यकानाम्, मृतानाम् योषिताम्, गर्भस्रावम् गतानाम्, तथा कलभाषिणाम् शिशूनाम् (कृते अपि गयाक्षेत्रम् फलप्रदम्)।

unmarried · of girls · died · also · of women · miscarriage · those who underwent · and · of infants · sweet-voiced

The inclusion of women, infants, and those who died in the womb demonstrates the universal reach of the Gaya pilgrimage. It provides spiritual closure for families grieving the loss of the most vulnerable members of society.

pāṣaṇḍināṃ pātakināṃ bhraṣṭānāṃ kuladharmataḥ

paṅgumūkajaḍāndhānāmunmattānāṃ tathā'satām

पाषण्डिनाम् · pāṣaṇḍinām — of heretics

पातकिनाम् · pātakinām — of sinners

भ्रष्टानाम् · bhraṣṭānām — of those fallen

कुलधर्मतः · kuladharmataḥ — from family duty

पङ्गु · paṅgu — lame

मूक · mūka — mute

जड · jaḍa — foolish

अन्धानाम् · andhānām — of the blind

उन्मत्तानाम् · unmattānām — of the insane

तथा · tathā — and

असताम् · asatām — of the wicked

पाषण्डिनां पातकिनां कुलधर्मतो भ्रष्टानां पङ्गुमूकजडान्धानामुन्मत्तानां तथा असतां च (गतिः भवति)।

of heretics · of sinners · of those fallen · from family duty · lame · mute · foolish · of the blind · of the insane · and · of the wicked

This verse lists the categories of individuals who, despite their social or moral failings, find redemption through the grace of Gaya. It emphasizes the universal and inclusive nature of Vishnu's mercy at this sacred site.

aputrāṇāṃ saputrāṇāmanarhāṇāñca karmasu

ācāryamātulādīnāṃ jāmijāmātṛṇāmapi

अपुत्राणाम् · aputrāṇām — of those without sons

सपुत्राणाम् · saputrāṇām — of those with sons

अनर्हाणाम् · anarhāṇām — of those unfit

च · ca — and

कर्मसु · karmasu — in rituals

आचार्य · ācārya — teachers

मातुलादीनाम् · mātulādīnām — maternal uncles etc.

जामि · jāmi — sisters

जामातॄणाम् · jāmātṛṇām — sons-in-law

अपि · api — also

अपुत्राणां सपुत्राणां कर्मसु अनर्हाणां च आचार्यमातुलादीनां जामिजामातॄणामपि (गतिः भवति)।

of those without sons · of those with sons · of those unfit · and · in rituals · teachers · maternal uncles etc. · sisters · sons-in-law · also

Continuing the list of beneficiaries, this verse includes those who are socially or ritually marginalized, such as those without progeny or those unfit for standard rites, ensuring no soul is left behind.

nanāndṛśyālakānāñca suhṛtsaṃbandhināmapi

vidhavānāṃ sevakānāṃ jāriṇīnāñca yoṣitām

ननान्दृ · nanāndṛ — sisters-in-law

श्यालकानाम् · śyālakānām — brothers-in-law

च · ca — and

सुहृत् · suhṛt — friends

संबन्धिनाम् · saṃbandhinām — relatives

अपि · api — also

विधवानाम् · vidhavānām — of widows

सेवकानाम् · sevakānām — of servants

जारिणीनाम् · jāriṇīnām — of adulterous women

च · ca — and

योषिताम् · yoṣitām — of women

ननान्दृश्यालकानां च सुहृत्संबन्धिनामपि विधवानां सेवकानां जारिणीनां च योषितां (गतिः भवति)।

sisters-in-law · brothers-in-law · and · friends · relatives · also · of widows · of servants · of adulterous women · and · of women

This verse expands the scope of salvation to include extended family and social connections, reinforcing the idea that Gaya acts as a cosmic sanctuary for all human relationships.

pitṝṇāmapi sarveṣāṃ pāpināṃ puṇyaśālinām |

gayātīrthe'kṣayavaṭe viṣṇupādo gatirdhruvam

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of ancestors

अपि · api — also

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — of all

पापिनाम् · pāpinām — of sinners

पुण्यशालिनाम् · puṇyaśālinām — of the virtuous

गयातीर्थे · gayātīrthe — in the Gaya pilgrimage

अक्षयवटे · akṣayavaṭe — at the Akshaya Vata

विष्णुपादः · viṣṇupādaḥ — Vishnu's foot

गतिः · gatiḥ — refuge/destination

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — certainly

पितॄणामपि सर्वेषां पापिनां पुण्यशालिनां च गयातीर्थे अक्षयवटे विष्णुपादः ध्रुवं गतिः (भवति)।

of ancestors · also · of all · of sinners · of the virtuous · in the Gaya pilgrimage · at the Akshaya Vata · Vishnu's foot · refuge/destination · certainly

This verse serves as the concluding summary of the previous lists, identifying the Vishnu-pada at Gaya as the definitive destination for all souls, regardless of their past deeds.

By the offering of pinda at the Vishnu-pada, the ancestors, rising immediately from the hells, attain the supreme state.

viṣṇupāde piṇḍadānātpitaraḥ sadya eva hi

utthāya narakebhyaste gacchanti paramaṃ padam

विष्णुपादे · viṣṇupāde — at Vishnu's foot

पिण्डदानात् · piṇḍadānāt — from offering pinda

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

उत्थाय · utthāya — having risen

नरकेभ्यः · narakebhyaḥ — from hells

ते · te — they

गच्छन्ति · gacchanti — attain

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पदम् · padam — state

विष्णुपादे पिण्डदानात् पितरः नरकेभ्यः उत्थाय सद्य एव परमं पदं गच्छन्ति।

at Vishnu's foot · from offering pinda · ancestors · immediately · only · indeed · having risen · from hells · they · attain · supreme · state

This verse explains the immediate efficacy of the ritual, highlighting the transition from the suffering of hell to the supreme abode through the grace of the Vishnu-pada.

Who, being a promoter of his lineage and wishing to discharge his debt to the ancestors, would not perform the pinda-dāna in Gaya, in the presence of Vishnu?

ko na kuryātpiṇḍadānaṃ gayāyāṃ viṣṇusannidhau |

niṣkṛtiṃ kartukāmastu pitṝṇāṃ kulavardhanaḥ

कः · kaḥ — who

न · na — not

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — would perform

पिण्डदानम् · piṇḍadānam — offering of pinda

गयायाम् · gayāyām — in Gaya

विष्णुसन्निधौ · viṣṇusannidhau — in the presence of Vishnu

निष्कृतिम् · niṣkṛtim — discharge of debt

कर्तुकामः · kartukāmaḥ — desiring to do

तु · tu — indeed

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of ancestors

कुलवर्धनः · kulavardhanaḥ — promoter of lineage

पितॄणां निष्कृतिं कर्तुकामः कुलवर्धनः कः गयायां विष्णुसन्निधौ पिण्डदानं न कुर्यात्?

who · not · would perform · offering of pinda · in Gaya · in the presence of Vishnu · discharge of debt · desiring to do · indeed · of ancestors · promoter of lineage

This verse serves as a rhetorical appeal to the reader, urging them to fulfill their filial duty and debt to ancestors by performing the sacred rites at Gaya.

By the grace of the ancestors and the worship of Vishnu's foot, the family lineage will flourish as long as the moon and sun endure; of this there is no doubt.

Here ends the eleventh chapter, titled "The Glory of Gaya Kshetra," in the First Part of the Divya Desa Vaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

pitṝṇāṃ hi prasādena viṣṇupādasya pūjanāt

ācandrārkaṃ vaṃśavṛddhirjāyate na hi saṃśayaḥ

पितॄणाम् · pitṝṇām — of ancestors

हि · hi — indeed

प्रसादेन · prasādena — by the grace

विष्णुपादस्य · viṣṇupādasya — of Vishnu's foot

पूजनात् · pūjanāt — from worship

आचन्द्रार्कम् · ācandrārkam — as long as moon and sun

वंशवृद्धिः · vaṃśavṛddhiḥ — growth of lineage

जायते · jāyate — occurs

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

पितॄणां प्रसादेन विष्णुपादस्य पूजनात् च आचन्द्रार्कं वंशवृद्धिः जायते, अत्र संशयो न हि।

of ancestors · indeed · by the grace · of Vishnu's foot · from worship · as long as moon and sun · growth of lineage · occurs · not · indeed · doubt

The chapter concludes with a promise of prosperity for the family lineage, linking the performance of these rites to the enduring grace of the ancestors and the Lord.