शालग्राममाहात्म्यम् Śālagrāma Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

I shall now speak of the supreme and auspicious glory of the Śālagrāma, by the mere hearing of which great sin is destroyed.

śrīsadgururuvāca

śālagrāmasya māhātmyaṃ vakṣyāmi paramaṃ śubham|

yasya śravaṇamātreṇa mahatpāpaṃ vinaśyati

शालग्रामस्य · śālagrāmasya — of the Śālagrāma

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — the glory

वक्ष्यामि · vakṣyāmi — I shall speak

परमम् · paramam — supreme

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

यस्य · yasya — of which

श्रवणमात्रेण · śravaṇamātreṇa — by mere hearing

महत्पापम् · mahatpāpam — great sin

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

अहं शालग्रामस्य परमं शुभं माहात्म्यं वक्ष्यामि। यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण महत् पापं विनश्यति।

of the Śālagrāma · the glory · I shall speak · supreme · auspicious · of which · by mere hearing · great sin · is destroyed

This verse serves as the mangala-charana and introductory promise of the chapter, establishing the efficacy of the subject matter. It motivates the listener by highlighting the immediate spiritual benefit of hearing the glory of the Śālagrāma.

There is a goddess named Gaṇḍakī, the best among rivers, served by hosts of gods and sages, the destroyer of great sins.

gaṇḍakī nāma devī sā nadīnāmuttamā nadī

devarṣigaṇasaṃsevyā mahāpātakanāśinī

गण्डकी · gaṇḍakī — the river Gaṇḍakī

नाम · nāma — named

देवी · devī — goddess

सा · sā — she

नदीनाम् · nadīnām — among rivers

उत्तमा · uttamā — the best

नदी · nadī — river

देवर्षिगणसंसेव्या · devarṣigaṇasaṃsevyā — served by hosts of gods and sages

महापातकनाशिनी · mahāpātakanāśinī — destroyer of great sins

सा गण्डकी नाम देवी नदीनाम् उत्तमा नदी अस्ति। सा देवर्षिगणसंसेव्या महापातकनाशिनी च वर्तते।

the river Gaṇḍakī · named · goddess · she · among rivers · the best · river · served by hosts of gods and sages · destroyer of great sins

This verse introduces the river Gaṇḍakī, the divine setting for the manifestation of the Śālagrāma. It establishes her status as a sacred entity capable of facilitating the Lord's descent into stone form.

Knowing that Nṛsiṃha emerged from a pillar, Matsya was born in the great ocean, Rāma was the son of Kausalyā, and Govinda was the son of Devakī;

stambhodbhavaṃ nṛsiṃhañca matsyaṃ jātaṃ mahodadhau

kausalyātanayaṃ rāmaṃ govindaṃ devakīsutam

स्तम्भोद्भवम् · stambhodbhavam — emerged from a pillar

नृसिंहम् · nṛsiṃham — Nṛsiṃha

मत्स्यम् · matsyam — Matsya

जातम् · jātam — born

महोदधौ · mahodadhau — in the great ocean

कौसल्यातनयम् · kausalyātanayam — son of Kausalyā

रामम् · rāmam — Rāma

गोविन्दम् · govindam — Govinda

देवकीसुतम् · devakīsutam — son of Devakī

स्तम्भोद्भवं नृसिंहं, महोदधौ जातं मत्स्यं, कौसल्यातनयं रामं, देवकीसुतं गोविन्दं च (सा विज्ञाय)।

emerged from a pillar · Nṛsiṃha · Matsya · born · in the great ocean · son of Kausalyā · Rāma · Govinda · son of Devakī

This verse begins the list of divine incarnations that Gaṇḍakī contemplated. It establishes the maternal context of the Lord's pastimes, which serves as the psychological catalyst for Gaṇḍakī's own desire to become a mother to the Lord.

And that Rāma (Paraśurāma) was the son of Reṇukā, Vyāsa the son of Satyavatī, Rāma (Balarāma) the son of Rohiṇī, and Kapila the son of Devahūti;

rāmañca reṇukāsūnuṃ vyāsaṃ satyavatīsutam

rāmañca rauhiṇeyaṃ taṃ kapilaṃ devahūtijam

रामम् · rāmam — Rāma

रेणुकासूनुम् · reṇukāsūnum — son of Reṇukā

व्यासम् · vyāsam — Vyāsa

सत्यवतीसुतम् · satyavatīsutam — son of Satyavatī

रौहिणेयम् · rauhiṇeyam — son of Rohiṇī

कपिलम् · kapilam — Kapila

देवहूतिजम् · devahūtijam — son of Devahūti

रेणुकासूनुं रामं, सत्यवतीसुतं व्यासं, रौहिणेयं रामं, देवहूतिजं कपिलं च (सा विज्ञाय)।

Rāma · son of Reṇukā · Vyāsa · son of Satyavatī · son of Rohiṇī · Kapila · son of Devahūti

Continuing the list of avatars, this verse emphasizes the intimate human relationships the Lord assumes. This reinforces Gaṇḍakī's yearning to experience the same maternal joy as these historical mothers.

And Datta was the son of Anasūyā, and the two sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa were born from Dharma's wife Mūrti, and other avatars as well;

anasūyāsutaṃ dattaṃ naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī

dharmasya mūrtyāṃ sañjātāvavatārāṃstathā parān

अनसूयासुतम् · anasūyāsutam — son of Anasūyā

दत्तम् · dattam — Datta

नरनारायणावृषी · naranārāyaṇāvṛṣī — the two sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa

धर्मस्य · dharmasya — of Dharma

मूर्त्याम् · mūrtyām — in Mūrti

सञ्जातौ · sañjātau — born

अवतारान् · avatārān — avatars

तथा · tathā — also

परान् · parān — others

अनसूयासुतं दत्तं, धर्मस्य मूर्त्यां सञ्जातौ नरनारायणावृषी, तथा परान् अवतारान् च (सा विज्ञाय)।

son of Anasūyā · Datta · the two sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa · of Dharma · in Mūrti · born · avatars · also · others

This verse concludes the enumeration of the Lord's various manifestations. By citing these specific examples, the text highlights the Lord's accessibility to those who approach Him with pure, familial love.

Those divine forms of Viṣṇu, Nārāyaṇa, who appeared here and there on the earth of their own accord, granting joy to their mothers;

āvirbhūtāṃstatra tatra svayameva dharātale

mātṛsaukhyapradān divyān viṣṇornārāyaṇasya tān

आविर्भूतान् · āvirbhūtān — appeared

तत्र तत्र · tatra tatra — here and there

स्वयमेव · svayameva — by His own will

धरातले · dharātale — on the earth

मातृसौख्यप्रदान् · mātṛsaukhyapradān — granting joy to mothers

दिव्यान् · divyān — divine

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

नारायणस्य · nārāyaṇasya — of Nārāyaṇa

तान् · tān — those

विष्णोः नारायणस्य तान् दिव्यान्, धरातले तत्र तत्र स्वयमेव आविर्भूतान्, मातृसौख्यप्रदान् (अवतारान् सा विज्ञाय)।

appeared · here and there · by His own will · on the earth · granting joy to mothers · divine · of Viṣṇu · of Nārāyaṇa · those

This verse reflects on the nature of the Lord's descents. It establishes that these appearances are not forced but are acts of grace, specifically designed to bring joy to the devotees who act as His parents.

Knowing all this, the goddess Gaṇḍakī performed a very great penance, filled with a feeling of maternal affection for Vāsudeva, the guru of the world.

vijñāya gaṇḍakī devī cakāra sumahattapaḥ

vātsalyabhāvasaṃyuktā vāsudeve jagadgurau

विज्ञाय · vijñāya — having known

गण्डकी · gaṇḍakī — Gaṇḍakī

देवी · devī — goddess

चकार · cakāra — performed

सुमहत्तपः · sumahattapaḥ — very great penance

वात्सल्यभावसंयुक्ता · vātsalyabhāvasaṃyuktā — filled with maternal affection

वासुदेवे · vāsudeve — in Vāsudeva

जगद्गुरौ · jagadgurau — in the guru of the world

गण्डकी देवी तान् विज्ञाय, जगद्गुरौ वासुदेवे वात्सल्यभावसंयुक्ता सती सुमहत् तपः चकार।

having known · Gaṇḍakī · goddess · performed · very great penance · filled with maternal affection · in Vāsudeva · in the guru of the world

This verse marks the transition from contemplation to action. Gaṇḍakī's realization of the Lord's accessibility through maternal love leads her to undertake intense penance, setting the stage for the boon she will receive.

Chanting the eight-syllabled mantra, desiring to see the husband of Śrī, she meditated with closed eyes on Hari in the space of her heart.

tṛṇaparṇāśanā caivaṃ nīramātrāśanā tathā

vātāśanā'bhavadbhūyastasthau niraśanā tathā

तृणपर्णाशना · tṛṇaparṇāśanā — subsisting on grass and leaves

च · ca — and

एवम् · evam — thus

नीरमात्राशना · nīramātrāśanā — subsisting only on water

तथा · tathā — also

वाताशना · vātāśanā — subsisting on air

अभवत् · abhavat — became

भूयः · bhūyaḥ — again/further

तस्थौ · tasthau — remained

निरशना · niraśanā — without food

सा तृणपर्णाशना, एवं नीरमात्राशना, तथा वाताशना अभवत्। भूयः सा निरशना तस्थौ।

subsisting on grass and leaves · and · thus · subsisting only on water · also · subsisting on air · became · again/further · remained · without food

This verse describes the physical intensity of Gaṇḍakī's penance. It underscores the sincerity of her devotion, showing that she is willing to endure extreme hardship to achieve her goal of mothering the Lord.

aṣṭākṣaraṃ japantī sā draṣṭukāmā śriyaḥpatim |

dadhyau ca hṛdayākāśe hariṃ mīlitalocanā

अष्टाक्षरम् · aṣṭākṣaram — eight-syllabled mantra

जपन्ती · japantī — chanting

सा · sā — she

द्रष्टुकामा · draṣṭukāmā — desiring to see

श्रियःपतिम् · śriyaḥpatim — the husband of Śrī

दध्यौ · dadhyau — meditated

हृदयाकाशे · hṛdayākāśe — in the space of the heart

हरिम् · harim — Hari

मीलितलोचना · mīlitalocanā — with closed eyes

सा अष्टाक्षरं जपन्ती, श्रियःपतिं द्रष्टुकामा, मीलितलोचना सती हृदयाकाशे हरिं दध्यौ।

eight-syllabled mantra · chanting · she · desiring to see · the husband of Śrī · meditated · in the space of the heart · Hari · with closed eyes

This verse details the internal aspect of her penance. By chanting the mantra and meditating on Hari within her heart, she aligns her internal state with the external austerity, preparing her consciousness for the Lord's manifestation.

Seeing her devotion, the Lord Vāsudeva, though independent, came under her sway—He who is difficult to attain even for Brahmā, Rudra, and others.

tasyā bhaktiṃ vilokyaiva svatantro'pi vaśaṃ gataḥ |

bhagavān vāsudevastu brahmarudrādidurlabhaḥ

तस्याः · tasyāḥ — her

भक्तिम् · bhaktim — devotion

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

एव · eva — indeed

स्वतन्त्रः · svatantraḥ — independent

अपि · api — even

वशम् · vaśam — under control

गतः · gataḥ — attained

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

ब्रह्मरुद्रादिदुर्लभः · brahmarudrādidurlabhaḥ — difficult for Brahmā, Rudra, etc.

तस्याः भक्तिं विलोक्यैव, स्वतन्त्रोऽपि भगवान् वासुदेवः वशं गतः। सः ब्रह्मरुद्रादिदुर्लभः अस्ति।

her · devotion · having seen · indeed · independent · even · under control · attained · the Lord · Vāsudeva · difficult for Brahmā, Rudra, etc.

This verse highlights the power of devotion over the Lord's independence. It serves as the climax of the narrative setup, proving that even the most difficult-to-attain Lord becomes accessible through the pure love of a devotee.

The Supreme Lord said:

Choose a boon, may you be blessed. I, the giver of boons, have arrived. I am well-pleased with your penance, I who am difficult to attain even for ascetics.

śrībhagavānuvāca

varaṃ vṛṇīṣva bhadraṃ te varado'hamupasthitaḥ

tapasā suprasannātmā tāpasānāñca durlabhaḥ

वरम् · varam — a boon

वृणीष्व · vṛṇīṣva — choose

भद्रम् · bhadram — auspiciousness

ते · te — to you

वरदः · varadaḥ — giver of boons

अहम् · aham — I

उपस्थितः · upasthitaḥ — have arrived

तपसा · tapasā — by penance

सुप्रसन्नात्मा · suprasannātmā — one whose mind is well-pleased

तापसानाम् · tāpasānām — of ascetics

च · ca — and

दुर्लभः · durlabhaḥ — difficult to attain

वरं वृणीष्व, ते भद्रं भवतु। वरदः अहं उपस्थितः। तपसा सुप्रसन्नात्मा अहम् तापसानां च दुर्लभः अस्मि।

a boon · choose · auspiciousness · to you · giver of boons · I · have arrived · by penance · one whose mind is well-pleased · of ascetics · and · difficult to attain

The Lord responds to Gaṇḍakī's intense penance by appearing before her, establishing the intimacy of the divine-devotee relationship. He acknowledges her devotion by offering a boon, highlighting His accessibility to those who seek Him with love.

I have been brought under your control by your maternal affection and love. You have developed this maternal feeling for me, the Lord of lords of all the worlds.

tava vātsalyabhāvena premṇā ca vaśamāgataḥ

jātaṃ te mayi vātsalyaṃ sarvalokeśvareśvare

तव · tava — your

वात्सल्यभावेन · vātsalyabhāvena — by the mood of maternal affection

प्रेम्णा · premṇā — by love

च · ca — and

वशम् · vaśam — control

आगतः · āgataḥ — have come

जातम् · jātam — has arisen

ते · te — to you

मयि · mayi — in Me

वात्सल्यम् · vātsalyam — maternal affection

सर्वलोकेश्वरेश्वरे · sarvalokeśvareśvare — in the Lord of the lords of all worlds

तव वात्सल्यभावेन प्रेम्णा च अहं वशम् आगतः। सर्वलोकेश्वरेश्वरे मयि ते वात्सल्यं जातम्।

your · by the mood of maternal affection · by love · and · control · have come · has arisen · to you · in Me · maternal affection · in the Lord of the lords of all worlds

The Lord explains the secret of His accessibility: maternal affection (vātsalya). This verse serves as the theological foundation for why the Lord chooses to manifest as the Śālagrāma stone in response to Gaṇḍakī's love.

Gaṇḍakī said:

This is my highest desire, O God of gods, Lord of the universe! To obtain You as my son, I have performed this penance, O Lord.

gaṇḍakyuvāca

eṣa me paramaḥ kāmo devadeva jagatpate

tvāmeva putraṃ saṃprāptuṃ tapaḥ kṛtamidaṃ prabho

एषः · eṣaḥ — this

मे · me — my

परमः · paramaḥ — supreme

कामः · kāmaḥ — desire

देवदेव · devadeva — O God of gods

जगत्पते · jagatpate — O Lord of the universe

त्वाम् · tvām — You

एव · eva — only

पुत्रम् · putram — as son

संप्राप्तुम् · saṃprāptum — to obtain

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

कृतम् · kṛtam — performed

इदम् · idam — this

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

देवदेव जगत्पते, एषः मे परमः कामः। प्रभो, त्वाम् एव पुत्रं संप्राप्तुम् इदं तपः कृतम्।

this · my · supreme · desire · O God of gods · O Lord of the universe · You · only · as son · to obtain · penance · performed · this · O Lord

Gaṇḍakī articulates the specific nature of her desire, grounding the entire narrative in the bhava of motherhood. This establishes the context for the Lord's subsequent manifestation as the Śālagrāma.

Thus, though you are unborn, you are born in many ways, O Lord, in this world for the protection of dharma, by your own free will through your Māyā.

evaṃ jāyamāno'pi bahudhā jāyase prabho

loke dharmasya rakṣārthaṃ svacchandaṃ tava māyayā

एवम् · evam — thus

जायमानः · jāyamānaḥ — being born

अपि · api — even though

बहुधा · bahudhā — in many ways

जायसे · jāyase — You are born

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

लोके · loke — in the world

धर्मस्य · dharmasya — of dharma

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārtham — for the sake of protection

स्वच्छन्दम् · svacchandam — by Your own free will

तव · tava — Your

मायया · māyayā — by Your Māyā

प्रभो, एवं जायमानः अपि त्वं धर्मस्य रक्षार्थं लोके तव मायया स्वच्छन्दं बहुधा जायसे।

thus · being born · even though · in many ways · You are born · O Lord · in the world · of dharma · for the sake of protection · by Your own free will · Your · by Your Māyā

Gaṇḍakī acknowledges the Lord's transcendental nature while simultaneously justifying her request for His birth. This bridges the gap between the Lord's eternal state and His temporal incarnations.

You have indeed assumed forms like Matsya, Kūrma, Varāha, and others in the past for the protection of the world, by your own free will through Māyā.

matsyakūrmavarāhādirūpāṇi ca dhṛtāni hi |

purā lokasya rakṣārthaṃ svacchandaṃ māyayā tvayā

मत्स्यकूर्मवराहादि · matsyakūrmavarāhādi — Matsya, Kūrma, Varāha, etc.

रूपाणि · rūpāṇi — forms

च · ca — and

धृतानि · dhṛtāni — assumed

हि · hi — indeed

पुरा · purā — in the past

लोकस्य · lokasya — of the world

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārtham — for protection

स्वच्छन्दम् · svacchandam — by free will

मायया · māyayā — by Māyā

त्वया · tvayā — by You

पुरा लोकस्य रक्षार्थं त्वया मायया स्वच्छन्दं मत्स्यकूर्मवराहादिरूपाणि च धृतानि हि।

Matsya, Kūrma, Varāha, etc. · forms · and · assumed · indeed · in the past · of the world · for protection · by free will · by Māyā · by You

Gaṇḍakī cites historical precedents of the Lord's incarnations to validate her desire, reinforcing the theological point that the Lord's forms are real and accessible through devotion.

All those forms, O Janārdana, I wish to bear in my womb. O Govinda, be my son, O Mādhava!

tāni sarvāṇi rūpāṇi mama garbhe janārdana |

dhartumicchāmi govinda putro me bhava mādhava

तानि · tāni — those

सर्वाणि · sarvāṇi — all

रूपाणि · rūpāṇi — forms

मम · mama — my

गर्भे · garbhe — in the womb

जनार्दन · janārdana — O Janārdana

धर्तुम् · dhartum — to bear

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I wish

गोविन्द · govinda — O Govinda

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

मे · me — my

भव · bhava — be

माधव · mādhava — O Mādhava

जनार्दन, तानि सर्वाणि रूपाणि मम गर्भे धर्तुम् इच्छामि। गोविन्द, मे पुत्रो भव माधव।

those · all · forms · my · in the womb · O Janārdana · to bear · I wish · O Govinda · son · my · be · O Mādhava

This verse is the climax of Gaṇḍakī's petition, where she explicitly asks the Lord to manifest all His forms within her, setting the stage for the appearance of the Śālagrāma stones.

Whatever good fortune belonged to Kausalyā and Devakī, O Hari, and the good fortune of other mothers through your births;

kausalyāyāśca yadbhāgyaṃ devakyāśca tathā hare |

tathānyāsāñca mātṛṇāṃ yadbhāgyaṃ tava janmabhiḥ

कौसल्यायाः · kausalyāyāḥ — of Kausalyā

च · ca — and

यत् · yat — which

भाग्यम् · bhāgyam — fortune

देवक्याः · devakyāḥ — of Devakī

च · ca — and

तथा · tathā — likewise

हरे · hare — O Hari

तथा · tathā — likewise

अन्यासाम् · anyāsām — of others

च · ca — and

मातृणाम् · mātṛṇām — of mothers

यत् · yat — which

भाग्यम् · bhāgyam — fortune

तव · tava — Your

जन्मभिः · janmabhiḥ — by births

हरे, कौसल्यायाः देवक्याः तथा अन्यासां मातृणां च तव जन्मभिः यत् भाग्यं, तत् सर्वं मे देहि।

of Kausalyā · and · which · fortune · of Devakī · and · likewise · O Hari · likewise · of others · and · of mothers · which · fortune · Your · by births

Gaṇḍakī compares her desire to the legendary fortune of Kausalyā and Devakī, emphasizing that her maternal longing is equal in intensity and merit to those divine mothers.

Grant all that same fortune to me, O controller of the gods. The penance I performed is small, but your compassion is great.

tadeva sarvaṃ bhāgyaṃ me dehi devaniyāmaka

mayā kṛtaṃ tapaḥ svalpaṃ mahatī karuṇā tava

तत् · tat — that

एव · eva — only

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

भाग्यम् · bhāgyam — fortune

मे · me — to me

देहि · dehi — grant

देवनियामक · devaniyāmaka — O controller of gods

मया · mayā — by me

कृतम् · kṛtam — done

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

स्वल्पम् · svalpam — small

महती · mahatī — great

करुणा · karuṇā — compassion

तव · tava — Your

देवनियामक, तत् सर्वं भाग्यं मे देहि। मया कृतं तपः स्वल्पं, तव करुणा महती।

that · only · all · fortune · to me · grant · O controller of gods · by me · done · penance · small · great · compassion · Your

Gaṇḍakī expresses humility regarding her own efforts while praising the Lord's infinite compassion, a common theme in Vaishnava theology where the devotee's effort is seen as insignificant compared to the Lord's grace.

Whichever forms have disappeared, O Janārdana, please manifest those very same forms again within me, O Lord.

antarhitāni rūpāṇi yāni yāni janārdana

tāni tānyeva bhūyastvamāviṣkuru mayi prabho

अन्तर्हितानि · antarhitāni — disappeared

रूपाणि · rūpāṇi — forms

यानि · yāni — which

यानि · yāni — which

जनार्दन · janārdana — O Janārdana

तानि · tāni — those

तानि · tāni — those

एव · eva — only

भूयः · bhūyaḥ — again

त्वम् · tvam — You

आविष्कुरु · āviṣkuru — manifest

मयि · mayi — in me

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

जनार्दन, यानि यानि रूपाणि अन्तर्हितानि, तानि तान्येव भूयः त्वं मयि आविष्कुरु प्रभो।

disappeared · forms · which · which · O Janārdana · those · those · only · again · You · manifest · in me · O Lord

Gaṇḍakī requests the manifestation of all past forms, ensuring that the Śālagrāma stones will contain the essence of every avatar, thus making them universal objects of worship.

The best of Brahmins, by making and worshipping your many sacred images (arcā), will attain the supreme state with devotion, O Master.

arcā vidhāya bahudhā prāpsyanti paramāṃ gatim |

śrīmūrtiṣu tava svāmin bhaktipūrvaṃ dvijottamāḥ

अर्चा · arcā — worship/image

विधाय · vidhāya — having performed

बहुधा · bahudhā — in many ways

प्राप्स्यन्ति · prāpsyanti — will attain

परमाम् · paramām — supreme

गतिम् · gatim — state

श्रीमूर्तिषु · śrīmūrtiṣu — in the sacred images

तव · tava — Your

स्वामिन् · svāmin — O Master

भक्तिपूर्वम् · bhaktipūrvam — with devotion

द्विजोत्तमाः · dvijottamāḥ — the best of Brahmins

स्वामिन्, द्विजोत्तमाः तव श्रीमूर्तिषु भक्तिपूर्वं बहुधा अर्चा विधाय परमाम् गतिम् प्राप्स्यन्ति।

worship/image · having performed · in many ways · will attain · supreme · state · in the sacred images · Your · O Master · with devotion · the best of Brahmins

Gaṇḍakī highlights the purpose of her request: to provide a medium (arcā) for devotees to attain the supreme state. This justifies the existence of the Śālagrāma as a tool for liberation.

The Supreme Lord said:

So be it, O highly fortunate one! You are my mother, salutations to you. I am born in the form of stones in many ways, there is no doubt.

śrībhagavānuvāca

evamastu mahābhāge jananī tvaṃ namostu te

grāvarūpeṇa jāto'smi bahudhā na hi saṃśayaḥ

एवमस्तु · evamastu — so be it

महाभागे · mahābhāge — O highly fortunate one

जननी · jananī — mother

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

नमोस्तु · namostu — salutations be

ते · te — to you

ग्रावरूपेण · grāvarūpeṇa — in the form of stone

जातोऽस्मि · jāto'smi — I am born

बहुधा · bahudhā — in many ways

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

महाभागे! एवम् अस्तु। त्वं जननी, ते नमः अस्तु। अहं ग्रावरूपेण बहुधा जातः अस्मि, अत्र संशयः न हि।

so be it · O highly fortunate one · mother · you · salutations be · to you · in the form of stone · I am born · in many ways · not · indeed · doubt

The Lord grants the boon requested by Gaṇḍakī, establishing the ontological reality that the Śālagrāma stones are not mere symbols but the actual, multi-faceted manifestations of His divine form. This verse serves as the foundational theological premise for the entire chapter.

The thousands of forms I have previously assumed, see all those divine forms in you, O best of rivers.

dhṛtāni yāni rūpāṇi mayā pūrvaṃ sahasraśaḥ |

tāni sarvāṇi divyāni tvayi paśya nadīvare

धृतानि · dhṛtāni — assumed/held

यानि · yāni — which

रूपाणि · rūpāṇi — forms

मया · mayā — by me

पूर्वम् · pūrvaṃ — previously

सहस्रशः · sahasraśaḥ — in thousands

तानि · tāni — those

सर्वाणि · sarvāṇi — all

दिव्यानि · divyāni — divine

त्वयि · tvayi — in you

पश्य · paśya — behold

नदीवरे · nadīvare — O best of rivers

नदीवरे! मया पूर्वं यानि रूपाणि सहस्रशः धृतानि, तानि सर्वाणि दिव्यानि रूपाणि त्वयि पश्य।

assumed/held · which · forms · by me · previously · in thousands · those · all · divine · in you · behold · O best of rivers

The Lord invites the river goddess to perceive the totality of His avatars within her own waters, emphasizing that the Śālagrāma is a repository of all divine incarnations.

See Matsya, Kūrma, Varāha, Narasiṃha, Hayānana, Datta, Vyāsa, Kapila, Ṛṣabha, and Pṛthu as well.

matsyaṃ kūrmaṃ varāhañca narasiṃhaṃ hayānanam |

dattaṃ vyāsañca kapilamṛṣabhaṃ pṛthumeva ca

मत्स्यम् · matsyaṃ — the fish avatar

कूर्मम् · kūrmaṃ — the tortoise avatar

वराहञ्च · varāhañca — and the boar avatar

नरसिंहम् · narasiṃhaṃ — the man-lion avatar

हयाननम् · hayānanam — the horse-faced one (Hayagrīva)

दत्तम् · dattaṃ — Dattātreya

व्यासञ्च · vyāsañca — and Vyāsa

कपिलम् · kapilam — Kapila

ऋषभम् · ṛṣabhaṃ — Ṛṣabhadeva

पृथुमेव · pṛthumeva — and Pṛthu

च · ca — also

मत्स्यं, कूर्मं, वराहं, नरसिंहं, हयाननं, दत्तं, व्यासं, कपिलं, ऋषभं, पृथुं एव च पश्य।

the fish avatar · the tortoise avatar · and the boar avatar · the man-lion avatar · the horse-faced one (Hayagrīva) · Dattātreya · and Vyāsa · Kapila · Ṛṣabhadeva · and Pṛthu · also

This verse begins the extensive list of specific divine manifestations that the devotee should meditate upon within the Śālagrāma, grounding the abstract divinity in recognizable historical and mythological avatars.

See Saṅkarṣaṇa, Vāsudeva, Pradyumna, Sudarśana, Aniruddha, Bhārgava (Paraśurāma), Nara, and Nārāyaṇa.

saṅkarṣaṇaṃ vāsudevaṃ pradyumnañca sudarśanam |

aniruddhaṃ bhārgavañca naraṃ nārāyaṇaṃ tathā

सङ्कर्षणम् · saṅkarṣaṇaṃ — Saṅkarṣaṇa

वासुदेवम् · vāsudevaṃ — Vāsudeva

प्रद्युम्नञ्च · pradyumnañca — and Pradyumna

सुदर्शनम् · sudarśanam — the Sudarśana weapon/form

अनिरुद्धम् · aniruddhaṃ — Aniruddha

भार्गवञ्च · bhārgavañca — and Paraśurāma

नरम् · naraṃ — Nara

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇaṃ — Nārāyaṇa

तथा · tathā — also

सङ्कर्षणं, वासुदेवं, प्रद्युम्नं, सुदर्शनं, अनिरुद्धं, भार्गवं, नरं, नारायणं तथा पश्य।

Saṅkarṣaṇa · Vāsudeva · and Pradyumna · the Sudarśana weapon/form · Aniruddha · and Paraśurāma · Nara · Nārāyaṇa · also

Continuing the enumeration, this verse includes the Vyūha forms and the Nara-Nārāyaṇa pair, highlighting the theological depth of the Śālagrāma's identity.

And also Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa, Śivanārāyaṇa, Haṃsa, Paramahaṃsa, Śrīdhara, and Keśava.

lakṣmīnārāyaṇañcāpi śivanārāyaṇaṃ tathā |

haṃsaṃ paramahaṃsañca śrīdharaṃ keśavaṃ tathā

लक्ष्मीनारायणञ्चापि · lakṣmīnārāyaṇañcāpi — and also Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa

शिवनारायणम् · śivanārāyaṇaṃ — Śivanārāyaṇa

तथा · tathā — also

हंसम् · haṃsaṃ — Haṃsa

परमहंसञ्च · paramahaṃsañca — and Paramahaṃsa

श्रीधरम् · śrīdharaṃ — Śrīdhara

केशवम् · keśavaṃ — Keśava

तथा · tathā — also

लक्ष्मीनारायणं च अपि, शिवनारायणं तथा, हंसं, परमहंसं च, श्रीधरं, केशवं तथा पश्य।

and also Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa · Śivanārāyaṇa · also · Haṃsa · and Paramahaṃsa · Śrīdhara · Keśava · also

This verse expands the list to include composite forms like Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa, emphasizing the Lord's inseparable union with His consort and His various modes of existence.

See Trivikrama, Vāmana, Padmanābha, Adhokṣaja, Yajña, Yajñeśvara, Hṛṣīkeśa, and Janārdana.

trivikramaṃ vāmanañca padmanābhamadhokṣajam

yajñaṃ yajñeśvarañcāpi hṛṣīkeśaṃ janārdanam

त्रिविक्रमम् · trivikramaṃ — Trivikrama

वामनञ्च · vāmanañca — and Vāmana

पद्मनाभम् · padmanābham — Padmanābha

अधोक्षजम् · adhokṣajam — Adhokṣaja

यज्ञम् · yajñaṃ — Yajña

यज्ञेश्वरञ्चापि · yajñeśvarañcāpi — and also Yajñeśvara

हृषीकेशम् · hṛṣīkeśaṃ — Hṛṣīkeśa

जनार्दनम् · janārdanam — Janārdana

त्रिविक्रमं, वामनं, पद्मनाभं, अधोक्षजं, यज्ञं, यज्ञेश्वरं च अपि, हृषीकेशं, जनार्दनं पश्य।

Trivikrama · and Vāmana · Padmanābha · Adhokṣaja · Yajña · and also Yajñeśvara · Hṛṣīkeśa · Janārdana

The list continues with the twenty-four forms of Viṣṇu, ensuring the devotee understands that every aspect of the Lord's personality is present within the sacred stone.

See Dāmodara, Jagannātha, Viṣṇu, Madhusūdana, Rāma the son of Kausalyā, and the beloved of Jānakī.

dāmodaraṃ jagannāthaṃ viṣṇuñca madhusūdanam

rāmañca kausaleyañca jānakīvallabhaṃ tathā

दामोदरम् · dāmodaraṃ — Dāmodara

जगन्नाथम् · jagannāthaṃ — Jagannātha

विष्णुञ्च · viṣṇuñca — and Viṣṇu

मधुसूदनम् · madhusūdanam — Madhusūdana

रामञ्च · rāmañca — and Rāma

कौसलेयञ्च · kausaleyañca — and the son of Kausalyā

जानकीवल्लभम् · jānakīvallabham — the beloved of Jānakī

तथा · tathā — also

दामोदरं, जगन्नाथं, विष्णुं च, मधुसूदनं, रामं च, कौसलेयं च, जानकीवल्लभं तथा पश्य।

Dāmodara · Jagannātha · and Viṣṇu · Madhusūdana · and Rāma · and the son of Kausalyā · the beloved of Jānakī · also

This verse connects the Śālagrāma to the personal, intimate forms of the Lord, such as Rāma and Jagannātha, making the worship feel deeply personal and accessible.

See Rāghava with one wheel, three wheels, and six wheels, Paṭṭābhirāma, Kodaṇḍapāṇi (wielder of the Kodaṇḍa bow), and Vanamālī (wearer of the forest garland).

ekacakraṃ tricakrañca ṣaṭcakraṃ cāpi rāghavam

paṭṭābhirāmaṃ kodaṇḍapāṇiñca vanamālinam

एकचक्रम् · ekacakraṃ — with one wheel

त्रिचक्रञ्च · tricakrañca — and three wheels

षट्चक्रम् · ṣaṭcakraṃ — six wheels

चापि · cāpi — and also

राघवम् · rāghavam — Rāghava

पट्टाभिरामम् · paṭṭābhirāmam — Paṭṭābhirāma

कोदण्डपाणिञ्च · kodaṇḍapāṇiñca — and the wielder of the Kodaṇḍa bow

वनमालिनम् · vanamālinam — the wearer of the forest garland

एकचक्रं, त्रिचक्रं, षट्चक्रं च अपि राघवम्, पट्टाभिरामं, कोदण्डपाणिं च, वनमालिनं पश्य।

with one wheel · and three wheels · six wheels · and also · Rāghava · Paṭṭābhirāma · and the wielder of the Kodaṇḍa bow · the wearer of the forest garland

The description moves to the specific iconographic features of Rāma, showing that the Śālagrāma can manifest even the specific weapons and attributes of the Lord's incarnations.

See Kṛṣṇa, Santānagopāla, Gopāla, the husband of Rukmiṇī, the lord of Rādhā, the master of the Gopikās, and the lifter of Govardhana hill.

kṛṣṇaṃ santānagopālaṃ gopālaṃ rukmiṇīpatim |

rādhāpati gopikeśaṃ govardhanadharaṃ tathā

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇaṃ — Kṛṣṇa

सन्तानगोपालम् · santānagopālam — Santānagopāla

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopāla

रुक्मिणीपतिम् · rukmiṇīpatim — husband of Rukmiṇī

राधापति · rādhāpati — lord of Rādhā

गोपिकेशम् · gopikeśaṃ — master of the Gopikās

गोवर्धनधरम् · govardhanadharam — lifter of Govardhana

तथा · tathā — also

कृष्णं, सन्तानगोपालं, गोपालं, रुक्मिणीपतिं, राधापतिं, गोपिकेशं, गोवर्धनधरं तथा पश्य।

Kṛṣṇa · Santānagopāla · Gopāla · husband of Rukmiṇī · lord of Rādhā · master of the Gopikās · lifter of Govardhana · also

The focus shifts to the Kṛṣṇa-līlā, illustrating that the Śālagrāma is not just a formal deity but the very same Kṛṣṇa who played in Vṛndāvana and lifted Govardhana.

See Govinda who delights by the Yamunā, who wanders in Vṛndāvana, Balabhadra the son of Rohiṇī, and the son of Yaśodā.

govindaṃ yamunālolaṃ vṛndāvanavihāriṇam

balabhadraṃ rauhiṇeyaṃ yaśodānandanaṃ tathā

गोविन्दम् · govindaṃ — Govinda

यमुनालोलम् · yamunālolaṃ — delighting by the Yamunā

वृन्दावनविहारिणम् · vṛndāvanavihāriṇam — wandering in Vṛndāvana

बलभद्रम् · balabhadraṃ — Balabhadra

रौहिणेयम् · rauhiṇeyam — son of Rohiṇī

यशोदानन्दनम् · yaśodānandanam — son of Yaśodā

तथा · tathā — also

गोविन्दं, यमुनालोलं, वृन्दावनविहारिणं, बलभद्रं, रौहिणेयं, यशोदानन्दनं तथा पश्य।

Govinda · delighting by the Yamunā · wandering in Vṛndāvana · Balabhadra · son of Rohiṇī · son of Yaśodā · also

This verse completes the Kṛṣṇa-līlā sequence, invoking the pastoral and familial aspects of the Lord, thereby inviting the devotee to relate to the Śālagrāma with deep affection.

See Dvārakeśa (Lord of Dvārakā), the Dvāraśilā, the protector of Draupadī's honor, Pārtha (Arjuna), the messenger to Pārtha, Pārthasārathi (Arjuna's charioteer), and Acyuta.

dvārakeśaṃ dvāraśilāṃ draupadīmānarakṣakam

pārthañca pārthadūtañca pārthasārathimacyutam

द्वारकेशम् · dvārakeśam — Lord of Dvārakā

द्वारशिलाम् · dvāraśilām — the stone of the gate

द्रौपदीमानरक्षकम् · draupadīmānarakṣakam — protector of Draupadī's honor

पार्थम् · pārtham — Arjuna

च · ca — and

पार्थदूतम् · pārthadūtam — messenger to Arjuna

च · ca — and

पार्थसारथिम् · pārthasārathim — charioteer of Arjuna

अच्युतम् · acyutam — the infallible Lord

द्वारकेशं द्वारशिलां द्रौपदीमानरक्षकं पार्थं पार्थदूतं पार्थसारथिं अच्युतं च पश्य।

Lord of Dvārakā · the stone of the gate · protector of Draupadī's honor · Arjuna · and · messenger to Arjuna · and · charioteer of Arjuna · the infallible Lord

This verse continues the enumeration of the Lord's manifestations, specifically highlighting His roles as the protector of devotees and the charioteer of Arjuna, emphasizing His accessibility.

See Hiraṇyagarbha, Śrīgarbha, Ratnagarbha, Hari, Ananta, Mukunda, Buddha, and Puruṣottama.

hiraṇyagarbhaṃ śrīgarbhaṃ ratnagarbhaṃ tathā harim

anantañca mukundañca buddhañca puruṣottamam

हिरण्यगर्भम् · hiraṇyagarbham — the golden-wombed creator

श्रीगर्भम् · śrīgarbham — the source of fortune

रत्नगर्भम् · ratnagarbham — the source of gems

तथा · tathā — and also

हरिम् · harim — the remover of sins

अनन्तम् · anantam — the infinite

च · ca — and

मुकुन्दम् · mukundam — the giver of liberation

च · ca — and

बुद्धम् · buddham — the enlightened one

च · ca — and

पुरुषोत्तमम् · puruṣottamam — the supreme person

हिरण्यगर्भं श्रीगर्भं रत्नगर्भं तथा हरिम् अनन्तं मुकुन्दं बुद्धं पुरुषोत्तमं च पश्य।

the golden-wombed creator · the source of fortune · the source of gems · and also · the remover of sins · the infinite · and · the giver of liberation · and · the enlightened one · and · the supreme person

The Lord lists His cosmic and salvific forms, reinforcing that the Śālagrāma contains the totality of His divine manifestations.

See the one with a thousand wheels, the one with no wheel, Śipiviṣṭa, Sanātana, the wielder of the conch, the wielder of the Śārṅga bow, the wielder of the lotus, and the wielder of the mace.

sahasracakraṃ niścakraṃ śipiviṣṭaṃ sanātanam

śaṅkhapāṇiṃ śārṅgapāṇiṃ padmapāṇiṃ gadādharam

सहस्रचक्रम् · sahasracakram — having a thousand wheels

निश्चक्रम् · niścakram — having no wheel

शिपिविष्टम् · śipiviṣṭam — the radiant one

सनातनम् · sanātanam — the eternal

शङ्खपाणिम् · śaṅkhapāṇim — wielder of the conch

शार्ङ्गपाणिम् · śārṅgapāṇim — wielder of the Śārṅga bow

पद्मपाणिम् · padmapāṇim — wielder of the lotus

गदाधरम् · gadādharam — wielder of the mace

सहस्रचक्रं निश्चक्रं शिपिविष्टं सनातनं शङ्खपाणिं शार्ङ्गपाणिं पद्मपाणिं गदाधरं च पश्य।

having a thousand wheels · having no wheel · the radiant one · the eternal · wielder of the conch · wielder of the Śārṅga bow · wielder of the lotus · wielder of the mace

This verse describes the Lord's iconic attributes, specifically the weapons and symbols that define His presence within the Śālagrāma stone.

See Kalki, the destroyer of the evils of the Kali age, the benefactor of the world's welfare. Thus, O goddess, see the various forms assumed by me.

kalkiñca kalidoṣaghnaṃ jagatkalyāṇakāriṇam |

evaṃ nānāvidhaṃ rūpaṃ paśya devi mayā dhṛtam

कल्किम् · kalkim — the Kalki avatar

च · ca — and

कलिदोषघ्नम् · kalidoṣaghnam — destroyer of Kali-age evils

जगत्कल्याणकारिणम् · jagatkalyāṇakāriṇam — benefactor of the world

एवम् · evam — thus

नानाविधम् · nānāvidham — various kinds of

रूपम् · rūpam — forms

पश्य · paśya — behold

देवि · devi — O Goddess

मया · mayā — by me

धृतम् · dhṛtam — assumed

देवि! कल्किं कलिदोषघ्नं जगत्कल्याणकारिणं च पश्य। एवं मया धृतं नानाविधं रूपं पश्य।

the Kalki avatar · and · destroyer of Kali-age evils · benefactor of the world · thus · various kinds of · forms · behold · O Goddess · by me · assumed

Concluding the list, the Lord invites the goddess to witness these forms, establishing the Śālagrāma as a living repository of His divine incarnations.

The revered Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus, Lord Viṣṇu, assuming thousands of forms, manifested as Govinda in the form of Śālagrāma stones.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā bhagavān viṣṇurdhṛtvā rūpaṃ sahasraśaḥ |

āvirbabhūva govindaḥ śālagrāmaśilāmayaḥ

इति · iti — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

धृत्वा · dhṛtvā — having assumed

रूपम् · rūpam — form

सहस्रशः · sahasraśaḥ — in thousands

आविर्बभूव · āvirbabhūva — manifested

गोविन्दः · govindaḥ — Govinda

शालग्रामशिलामयः · śālagrāmaśilāmayaḥ — consisting of Śālagrāma stone

इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् विष्णुः सहस्रशो रूपं धृत्वा शालग्रामशिलामयो गोविन्दः आविर्बभूव।

thus · having spoken · the Lord · Viṣṇu · having assumed · form · in thousands · manifested · Govinda · consisting of Śālagrāma stone

This verse marks the transition from the Lord's promise to the actual manifestation of the Śālagrāma, confirming the physical presence of Govinda in the stone.

This great sacred place is itself called Muktinātha, the supreme. By merely hearing of it, the supreme state is easily attained.

tadidaṃ tu mahākṣetraṃ muktināthāhvayaṃ param

yasya śravaṇamātreṇa sulabhaṃ paramaṃ padam

तत् · tat — that

इदम् · idam — this

तु · tu — indeed

महाक्षेत्रम् · mahākṣetram — great sacred place

मुक्तिनाथाह्वयम् · muktināthāhvayam — named Muktinātha

परम् · param — supreme

यस्य · yasya — of which

श्रवणमात्रेण · śravaṇamātreṇa — by mere hearing

सुलभम् · sulabham — easily attained

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पदम् · padam — state

तत् इदं महाक्षेत्रं मुक्तिनाथाह्वयं परं वर्तते। यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण परमं पदं सुलभं भवति।

that · this · indeed · great sacred place · named Muktinātha · supreme · of which · by mere hearing · easily attained · supreme · state

The text identifies the location of the Śālagrāma as Muktinātha, elevating the status of the site and promising liberation to those who hear of its glory.

Keśava does not reside eternally in the Ocean of Milk, nor in Vaikuṇṭha, nor in the solar orb, as He does in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel.

na kṣīrābdhau na vaikuṇṭhe na hyevaṃ sūryamaṇḍale

śālagrāmaśilācakre nityaṃ vasati keśavaḥ

न · na — not

क्षीराब्धौ · kṣīrābdhau — in the Ocean of Milk

न · na — not

वैकुण्ठे · vaikuṇṭhe — in Vaikuṇṭha

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

एवम् · evam — thus

सूर्यमण्डले · sūryamaṇḍale — in the solar orb

शालग्रामशिलाचक्रे · śālagrāmaśilācakre — in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसति · vasati — resides

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keśava

केशवः क्षीराब्धौ न, वैकुण्ठे न, सूर्यमण्डले न एवम्, यथा शालग्रामशिलाचक्रे नित्यं वसति।

not · in the Ocean of Milk · not · in Vaikuṇṭha · not · indeed · thus · in the solar orb · in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel · eternally · resides · Keśava

This verse asserts the unique, eternal presence of Keśava in the Śālagrāma, surpassing even His presence in Vaikuṇṭha or the solar orb.

Jagannātha is not as pleased by the worship of a mere image as Govinda is pleased by the worship of a Śālagrāma stone.

na prīṇāti jagannāthaḥ kevalaṃ bimbapūjayā

yathā prīṇāti govindaḥ śālagrāmaśilārcanāt

न · na — not

प्रीणाति · prīṇāti — pleased

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

केवलम् · kevalam — merely

बिम्बपूजया · bimbapūjayā — by image worship

यथा · yathā — as

प्रीणाति · prīṇāti — pleased

गोविन्दः · govindaḥ — Govinda

शालग्रामशिलार्चनात् · śālagrāmaśilārcanāt — by Śālagrāma worship

जगन्नाथः केवलं बिम्बपूजया न प्रीणाति, यथा गोविन्दः शालग्रामशिलार्चनात् प्रीणाति।

not · pleased · Lord of the universe · merely · by image worship · as · pleased · Govinda · by Śālagrāma worship

The verse establishes the superiority of Śālagrāma worship over ordinary image worship, highlighting the Lord's special affection for this form.

The fruit of a crore of sacrifices or the fruit of a crore of pilgrimages does not amount to even a sixteenth part of the fruit of worshipping a Śālagrāma.

koṭiyajñaphalaṃ vāpi koṭitīrthaphalaṃ tathā

śālagrāmārcanasyāsya kalāṃ nārhati ṣoḍaśīm

कोटियज्ञफलम् · koṭiyajñaphalam — fruit of a crore sacrifices

वा · vā — or

अपि · api — even

कोटितीर्थफलम् · koṭitīrthaphalam — fruit of a crore pilgrimages

तथा · tathā — also

शालग्रामार्चनस्य · śālagrāmārcanasya — of Śālagrāma worship

अस्य · asya — of this

कलाम् · kalām — a sixteenth part

न · na — not

अर्हति · arhati — deserves

षोडशीम् · ṣoḍaśīm — sixteenth

कोटियज्ञफलं वापि कोटितीर्थफलं तथा अस्य शालग्रामार्चनस्य षोडशीं कलां न अर्हति।

fruit of a crore sacrifices · or · even · fruit of a crore pilgrimages · also · of Śālagrāma worship · of this · a sixteenth part · not · deserves · sixteenth

This verse quantifies the immense spiritual merit of Śālagrāma worship, asserting that it far exceeds the results of countless sacrifices and pilgrimages.

Vāsudeva requires no invocation or formal welcome. The Śālagrāma is self-manifest; it is Viṣṇu Himself, there is no doubt.

nāvāhanamupasthānaṃ vāsudevo hyapekṣate

śālagrāmaḥ svayaṃ vyakto viṣṇureva na saṃśayaḥ

न · na — not

आवाहनम् · āvāhanam — invocation

उपस्थानम् · upasthānam — formal welcome

वा · vā — or

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

हि · hi — indeed

अपेक्षते · apekṣate — requires

शालग्रामः · śālagrāmaḥ — the Śālagrāma

स्वयम् · svayam — self

व्यक्तः · vyaktaḥ — manifest

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

एव · eva — only

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

वासुदेवः आवाहनम् उपस्थानं वा न अपेक्षते। शालग्रामः स्वयं व्यक्तः विष्णुः एव, अत्र न संशयः।

not · invocation · formal welcome · or · Vāsudeva · indeed · requires · the Śālagrāma · self · manifest · Viṣṇu · only · no · doubt

The verse emphasizes the self-manifest nature of the Śālagrāma, removing the need for formal ritualistic invocation and confirming its identity as Viṣṇu Himself.

An excellent Brahmin should bathe daily in the morning in the water of a holy river according to the rules and worship the Śālagrāma with faith.

nityaṃ puṇyanadītoye prātaḥ snātvā yathāvidhi |

śālagrāmārcanaṃ kuryācchraddhayā brāhmaṇottamaḥ

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

पुण्यनदीतोये · puṇyanadītoye — in the water of a holy river

प्रातः · prātaḥ — in the morning

स्नात्वा · snātvā — having bathed

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to the rules

शालग्रामार्चनम् · śālagrāmārcanam — worship of the Śālagrāma

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

ब्राह्मणोत्तमः · brāhmaṇottamaḥ — the excellent Brahmin

ब्राह्मणोत्तमः प्रातः पुण्यनदीतोये यथाविधि स्नात्वा नित्यं श्रद्धया शालग्रामार्चनं कुर्यात्।

daily · in the water of a holy river · in the morning · having bathed · according to the rules · worship of the Śālagrāma · should perform · with faith · the excellent Brahmin

This verse establishes the foundational daily duty (nityakarma) for a Brahmin, emphasizing that the worship of the Śālagrāma is an essential part of a regulated, pious life.

One who bathes Hari in the form of a Śālagrāma with cow's milk, becoming a devotee of Govinda, goes to the supreme world of Goloka.

gokṣīreṇābhiṣiñcan śālagrāmamayaṃ harim|

govindabhakto bhūtvā'yaṃ yāti golokamuttamam

गोक्षीरेण · gokṣīreṇa — with cow's milk

अभिषिञ्चन् · abhiṣiñcan — bathing

शालग्राममयम् · śālagrāmamayam — in the form of Śālagrāma

हरिम् · harim — Lord Hari

गोविन्दभक्तः · govindabhaktaḥ — a devotee of Govinda

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

अयम् · ayam — this person

याति · yāti — goes to

गोलोकमुत्तमम् · golokamuttamam — the supreme Goloka

गोक्षीरेण शालग्राममयं हरिम् अभिषिञ्चन् गोविन्दभक्तः भूत्वा अयम् उत्तमं गोलोकं याति।

with cow's milk · bathing · in the form of Śālagrāma · Lord Hari · a devotee of Govinda · having become · this person · goes to · the supreme Goloka

This verse highlights the specific benefit of bathing the Śālagrāma with cow's milk, connecting this act of devotion to the attainment of the supreme spiritual destination, Goloka.

The excellent Brahmin who daily bathes the Śālagrāma with Pañcāmṛta with faith is freed from the five great sins.

pañcāmṛtena yo nityamabhiṣiñceddvijottamaḥ|

śālagrāmaṃ śraddhayaivaṃ mucyate pañcapātakāt

पञ्चामृतेन · pañcāmṛtena — with the five nectars

यः · yaḥ — who

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

अभिषिञ्चेत् · abhiṣiñcet — should bathe

द्विजोत्तमः · dvijottamaḥ — the excellent Brahmin

शालग्रामम् · śālagrāmam — the Śālagrāma

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एवम् · evam — thus

मुच्यते · mucyate — is freed

पञ्चपातकात् · pañcapātakāt — from the five great sins

यः द्विजोत्तमः नित्यं श्रद्धया पञ्चामृतेन शालग्रामम् अभिषिञ्चेत् सः एवम् पञ्चपातकात् मुच्यते।

with the five nectars · who · daily · should bathe · the excellent Brahmin · the Śālagrāma · with faith · thus · is freed · from the five great sins

This verse prescribes the use of Pañcāmṛta for the daily worship of the Śālagrāma, promising the removal of the five great sins as a result of this practice.

Viṣṇu, when worshipped in a Śālagrāma with just a Tulasī leaf or a handful of Gaṅgā water, comes under the control of his devotee.

tulasīdalamātreṇa gaṅgāyāśculakena vā|

śālagrāme'rcito viṣṇurbhaktasya vaśago bhavet

तुलसीदलमात्रेण · tulasīdalamātreṇa — with just a Tulasī leaf

गङ्गायाः · gaṅgāyāḥ — of the Ganges

चुलकेन · culakena — with a handful

वा · vā — or

शालग्रामे · śālagrāme — in the Śālagrāma

अर्चितः · arcitaḥ — worshipped

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Viṣṇu

भक्तस्य · bhaktasya — of the devotee

वशगः · vaśagaḥ — under the control

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

शालग्रामे तुलसीदलमात्रेण गङ्गायाः चुलकेन वा अर्चितः विष्णुः भक्तस्य वशगः भवेत्।

with just a Tulasī leaf · of the Ganges · with a handful · or · in the Śālagrāma · worshipped · Lord Viṣṇu · of the devotee · under the control · becomes

This verse emphasizes the accessibility of the Lord through simple, sincere offerings, illustrating that devotion is more important than elaborate ritual materials.

He who faithfully drinks the holy water from the bathing of a Śālagrāma, even if afflicted by great sins, becomes pure instantly, indeed.

śālagrāmābhiṣiktaṃ tu tīrthaṃ yaḥ śraddhayā pibet

mahāpātakayukto'pi sadyaḥ pūto bhavennanu

शालग्रामाभिषिक्तम् · śālagrāmābhiṣiktam — bathed from the Śālagrāma

तु · tu — indeed

तीर्थम् · tīrtham — holy water

यः · yaḥ — who

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

पिबेत् · pibet — drinks

महापातकयुक्तः · mahāpātakayuktaḥ — afflicted by great sins

अपि · api — even

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — instantly

पूतः · pūtaḥ — pure

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

ननु · nanu — indeed

यः महापातकयुक्तः अपि शालग्रामाभिषिक्तं तीर्थं श्रद्धया पिबेत् सः सद्यः पूतः भवेत् ननु।

bathed from the Śālagrāma · indeed · holy water · who · with faith · drinks · afflicted by great sins · even · instantly · pure · becomes · indeed

This verse highlights the purifying power of the water used to bathe the Śālagrāma, asserting that it can cleanse even the most sinful individual.

All diseases are destroyed, I speak the truth, the truth, by merely drinking the water from a Śālagrāma; there is no doubt.

naśyanti sakalā rogāḥ satyaṃ satyaṃ vadāmyaham

śālagrāmapayomātraprāśanena na saṃśayaḥ

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

सकलाः · sakalāḥ — all

रोगाः · rogāḥ — diseases

सत्यम् · satyam — truth

वदामि · vadāmi — I speak

अहम् · aham — I

शालग्रामपयोमात्रप्राशनेन · śālagrāmapayomātraprāśanena — by merely drinking the Śālagrāma water

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

शालग्रामपयोमात्रप्राशनेन सकलाः रोगाः नश्यन्ति, अहम् सत्यं सत्यं वदामि, अत्र न संशयः।

are destroyed · all · diseases · truth · I speak · I · by merely drinking the Śālagrāma water · not · doubt

This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of the healing properties of the Śālagrāma's holy water, reinforcing the faith of the devotee through the Lord's own promise.

Heretics, śūdras, women, and those without the sacred thread have no right to touch a Śālagrāma stone.

pāṣaṇḍināñca śūdrāṇāṃ strīṇāṃ cānupavītinām

śālagrāmaśilāsparśe nādhikāro hi vidyate

पाषण्डिनाम् · pāṣaṇḍinām — of heretics

शूद्राणाम् · śūdrāṇām — of śūdras

स्त्रीणाम् · strīṇām — of women

च · ca — and

अनपवीतिनाम् · anupavītinām — of those without the sacred thread

शालग्रामशिलास्पर्शे · śālagrāmaśilāsparśe — in touching the Śālagrāma stone

न · na — no

अधिकारः · adhikāraḥ — right

हि · hi — indeed

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

पाषण्डिनां शूद्राणां स्त्रीणां च अनपवीतिनां शालग्रामशिलास्पर्शे अधिकारः न विद्यते हि।

of heretics · of śūdras · of women · and · of those without the sacred thread · in touching the Śālagrāma stone · no · right · indeed · exists

This verse defines the boundaries of eligibility for touching the Śālagrāma, emphasizing the sanctity of the stone and the necessity of proper initiation and status.

A foolish Brahmin who, leaving the Śālagrāma stone at home, undertakes a pilgrimage, will not obtain the fruit of that pilgrimage.

śālagrāmaśilāṃ tyaktvā gṛhe mūḍhamatirdvijaḥ

tīrthayātrāṃ prakurvāṇo na tīrthaphalamāpnuyāt

शालग्रामशिलाम् · śālagrāmaśilām — the Śālagrāma stone

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

गृहे · gṛhe — at home

मूढमतिः · mūḍhamatiḥ — foolish-minded

द्विजः · dvijaḥ — Brahmin

तीर्थयात्रां · tīrthayātrāṃ — pilgrimage

प्रकुर्वाणः · prakurvāṇaḥ — undertaking

न · na — not

तीर्थफलम् · tīrthaphalam — fruit of pilgrimage

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — will obtain

गृहे शालग्रामशिलां त्यक्त्वा तीर्थयात्रां प्रकुर्वाणः मूढमतिः द्विजः तीर्थफलं न आप्नुयात्।

the Śālagrāma stone · having abandoned · at home · foolish-minded · Brahmin · pilgrimage · undertaking · not · fruit of pilgrimage · will obtain

This verse warns against the folly of neglecting the Lord present at home in favor of external pilgrimages, stressing that devotion begins with the worship of the Śālagrāma.

He who eats his daily food without performing Śālagrāma worship, eats nothing but cow's flesh and will surely attain hell.

śālagrāmārcanaṃ tyaktvā yo bhuṅkte nityamodanam|

gomāṃsameva bhuṅkte sa prāpnuyānnarakaṃ dhruvam

शालग्रामार्चनम् · śālagrāmārcanam — worship of the Śālagrāma

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

यः · yaḥ — who

भुङ्क्ते · bhuṅkte — eats

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

ओदनम् · odanam — food

गोमांसम् · gomāṃsam — cow's flesh

एव · eva — only

सः · saḥ — he

प्राप्नुयात् · prāpnuyāt — will attain

नरकम् · narakam — hell

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — surely

यः शालग्रामार्चनं त्यक्त्वा नित्यम् ओदनं भुङ्क्ते, सः गोमांसम् एव भुङ्क्ते, ध्रुवं नरकं प्राप्नुयात्।

worship of the Śālagrāma · having abandoned · who · eats · daily · food · cow's flesh · only · he · will attain · hell · surely

This verse underscores the absolute necessity of daily Śālagrāma worship for a Brahmin, equating its neglect with a grave moral and spiritual transgression.

If one is afflicted and unable to perform Śālagrāma worship, he should give it with reverence to a Vaiṣṇava Brahmin.

śālagrāmārcanaṃ kartumaśakto yadi duḥkhitaḥ

vaiṣṇavāyaiva viprāya dadyādvinayapūrvakam

शालग्रामार्चनम् · śālagrāmārcanam — worship of the Śālagrāma

कर्तुम् · kartum — to perform

अशक्तः · aśaktaḥ — unable

यदि · yadi — if

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — afflicted

वैष्णवाय · vaiṣṇavāya — to a Vaiṣṇava

एव · eva — only

विप्राय · viprāya — to a Brahmin

दद्यात् · dadyāt — should give

विनयपूर्वकम् · vinayapūrvakam — with reverence

यदि शालग्रामार्चनं कर्तुम् अशक्तः दुःखितः स्यात्, तर्हि विनयपूर्वकं वैष्णवाय एव विप्राय दद्यात्।

worship of the Śālagrāma · to perform · unable · if · afflicted · to a Vaiṣṇava · only · to a Brahmin · should give · with reverence

This verse provides a compassionate alternative for those unable to perform the worship, ensuring that the sacred Śālagrāma is always maintained in a state of reverence by a qualified devotee.

The gift of a crore of daughters in marriage and the gift of a crore of cows can never attain equality with the gift of a Śālagrāma.

koṭikanyāpradānañca koṭigodānameva ca

śālagrāmapradānena na sāmyaṃ kvacidāpnuyāt

कोटि · koṭi — ten million

कन्याप्रदानम् · kanyāpradānam — gift of a daughter

च · ca — and

कोटिगोदानम् · koṭigodānam — gift of ten million cows

एव · eva — indeed

च · ca — also

शालग्रामप्रदानेन · śālagrāmapradānena — by the gift of a Śālagrāma

न · na — not

साम्यम् · sāmyaṃ — equality

क्वचित् · kvacid — anywhere

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — attain

कोटि कन्याप्रदानं कोटिगोदानं च शालग्रामप्रदानेन सह क्वचित् साम्यं न आप्नुयात्।

ten million · gift of a daughter · and · gift of ten million cows · indeed · also · by the gift of a Śālagrāma · not · equality · anywhere · attain

This verse emphasizes the unparalleled spiritual merit of gifting a Śālagrāma, asserting that it surpasses even the most celebrated acts of charity like donating cows or arranging marriages.

One should never abandon a broken Śālagrāma, just as a mother full of affection never abandons a child with a broken hand.

śālagrāmaṃ tathā bhinnaṃ na kadācana varjayet

vātsalyapūrṇā mātā tu yathā bhinnakaraṃ śiśum

शालग्रामम् · śālagrāmaṃ — the Śālagrāma

तथा · tathā — also

भिन्नम् · bhinnaṃ — broken

न · na — not

कदाचन · kadācana — ever

वर्जयेत् · varjayet — abandon

वात्सल्यपूर्णा · vātsalyapūrṇā — full of affection

माता · mātā — mother

तु · tu — indeed

यथा · yathā — just as

भिन्नकरम् · bhinnakaraṃ — with a broken hand

शिशुम् · śiśum — child

वात्सल्यपूर्णा माता यथा भिन्नकरं शिशुं न वर्जयेत्, तथा भिन्नं शालग्रामं कदाचन न वर्जयेत्।

the Śālagrāma · also · broken · not · ever · abandon · full of affection · mother · indeed · just as · with a broken hand · child

The author uses the analogy of a mother's love to instruct that a broken Śālagrāma should never be discarded, as it remains the divine form of the Lord.

Great sins are destroyed by the worship of a Śālagrāma stone, and also by seeing it, touching it, hearing of it, and praising it.

mahāpāpāni naśyanti śālagrāmaśilārcanāt |

darśanātsparśanāccāpi śravaṇātkīrtanāttathā

महापापानि · mahāpāpāni — great sins

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

शालग्रामशिलार्चनात् · śālagrāmaśilārcanāt — by worship of the Śālagrāma stone

दर्शनात् · darśanāt — by seeing

स्पर्शनात् · sparśanāt — by touching

अपि · api — also

श्रवणात् · śravaṇāt — by hearing

कीर्तनात् · kīrtanāt — by praising

तथा · tathā — and

शालग्रामशिलार्चनात्, दर्शनात्, स्पर्शनात्, श्रवणात् तथा कीर्तनात् अपि महापापानि नश्यन्ति।

great sins · are destroyed · by worship of the Śālagrāma stone · by seeing · by touching · also · by hearing · by praising · and

This verse lists the various modes of engagement with the Śālagrāma, highlighting that even simple acts like seeing or hearing about it lead to the destruction of sins.

If one abandons the Śālagrāma stone and worships an image of Hari, Jagannātha Keśava, who is affectionate to his devotees, is not pleased.

śālagrāmaśilāṃ tyaktvā yo bimbaṃ pūjayeddhareḥ |

na prīṇāti jagannāthaḥ keśavo bhaktavatsalaḥ

शालग्रामशिलाम् · śālagrāmaśilāṃ — the Śālagrāma stone

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

यः · yaḥ — who

बिम्बम् · bimbaṃ — an image

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — worships

हरेः · hareḥ — of Hari

न · na — not

प्रीणाति · prīṇāti — is pleased

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keśava

भक्तवत्सलः · bhaktavatsalaḥ — affectionate to devotees

यः शालग्रामशिलां त्यक्त्वा हरेः बिम्बं पूजयेत्, स भक्तवत्सलः जगन्नाथः केशवः न प्रीणाति।

the Śālagrāma stone · having abandoned · who · an image · worships · of Hari · not · is pleased · Lord of the universe · Keśava · affectionate to devotees

This verse establishes the primacy of the Śālagrāma over other images, warning that neglecting it in favor of other forms displeases the Lord.

One should worship the Śālagrāma daily with the Puruṣa Sūkta, the twelve-syllabled mantra, the eight-syllabled mantra, and the Gāyatrī.

nityaṃ puruṣasūktena dvādaśākṣaravidyayā |

aṣṭākṣareṇa gāyatryā śālagrāmaṃ tu pūjayet

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — daily

पुरुषसूक्तेन · puruṣasūktena — with the Puruṣa Sūkta

द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया · dvādaśākṣaravidyayā — with the 12-syllable mantra

अष्टाक्षरेण · aṣṭākṣareṇa — with the 8-syllable mantra

गायत्र्या · gāyatryā — with the Gāyatrī

शालग्रामम् · śālagrāmaṃ — the Śālagrāma

तु · tu — indeed

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

पुरुषसूक्तेन, द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया, अष्टाक्षरेण, गायत्र्या च नित्यं शालग्रामं पूजयेत्।

daily · with the Puruṣa Sūkta · with the 12-syllable mantra · with the 8-syllable mantra · with the Gāyatrī · the Śālagrāma · indeed · should worship

This verse prescribes the specific mantras to be used during the daily worship of the Śālagrāma, ensuring the ritual is performed with scriptural authority.

Only the twice-born have the right to worship the Śālagrāma stone. For others, the fruit is obtained by drinking the holy water from its ablution.

adhikāro dvijānāṃ hi śālagrāmaśilārcane |

anyeṣāṃ tīrthapānena tatphalaṃ siddhyati svayam

अधिकारः · adhikāro — right/eligibility

द्विजानाम् · dvijānāṃ — of the twice-born

हि · hi — indeed

शालग्रामशिलार्चने · śālagrāmaśilārcane — in worship of the Śālagrāma

अन्येषां · anyeṣāṃ — for others

तीर्थपानेन · tīrthapānena — by drinking the holy water

तत्फलम् · tatphalaṃ — that fruit

सिद्ध्यति · siddhyati — is attained

स्वयम् · svayam — by itself

शालग्रामशिलार्चने द्विजानां हि अधिकारः। अन्येषां तीर्थपानेन तत्फलं स्वयम् सिद्ध्यति।

right/eligibility · of the twice-born · indeed · in worship of the Śālagrāma · for others · by drinking the holy water · that fruit · is attained · by itself

This verse clarifies the eligibility for direct worship of the Śālagrāma, while providing an alternative for those who are not twice-born.

Brahmins who are not Vaiṣṇavas have no right whatsoever, at any time, to perform the worship of a Śālagrāma stone.

avaiṣṇavānāṃ viprāṇāmadhikāro na vidyate

śālagrāmaśilāpūjāṃ kartuṃ kvāpi kadācana

अवैष्णवानाम् · avaiṣṇavānāṃ — of non-Vaiṣṇavas

विप्राणाम् · viprāṇām — of Brahmins

अधिकारः · adhikāro — right

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

शालग्रामशिलापूजां · śālagrāmaśilāpūjāṃ — worship of the Śālagrāma

कर्तुम् · kartuṃ — to perform

क्व अपि · kvāpi — anywhere

कदाचन · kadācana — ever

अवैष्णवानां विप्राणां क्वापि कदाचन शालग्रामशिलापूजां कर्तुम् अधिकारः न विद्यते।

of non-Vaiṣṇavas · of Brahmins · right · not · exists · worship of the Śālagrāma · to perform · anywhere · ever

The author restricts the worship of the Śālagrāma to Vaiṣṇava Brahmins, underscoring the necessity of devotion and proper lineage.

Śālagrāma worship must be performed daily by Vaiṣṇavas. This is an ordained daily duty (nityakarma); by abandoning it, one becomes fallen.

kartavyaṃ vaiṣṇavairnityaṃ śālagrāmaśilārcanam

vihitaṃ nityakarmetattattyaktvā patito bhavet

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyaṃ — must be done

वैष्णवैः · vaiṣṇavair — by Vaiṣṇavas

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — daily

शालग्रामशिलार्चनम् · śālagrāmaśilārcanam — worship of the Śālagrāma

विहितम् · vihitaṃ — ordained

नित्यकर्म · nityakarma — daily duty

एतत् · etat — this

तत् · tat — that

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

पतितः · patito — fallen

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

वैष्णवैः नित्यं शालग्रामशिलार्चनं कर्तव्यम्। एतत् विहितं नित्यकर्म, तत् त्यक्त्वा पतितः भवेत्।

must be done · by Vaiṣṇavas · daily · worship of the Śālagrāma · ordained · daily duty · this · that · having abandoned · fallen · becomes

This verse defines Śālagrāma worship as a mandatory daily duty for Vaiṣṇavas, warning of spiritual degradation if neglected.

One should perform the daily Sandhyā prayers, Upāsana, Śālagrāma worship, Brahmayajña, Vaiśvadeva, and hospitality to guests.

sandhyāmupāsanaṃ nityaṃ śālagrāmaśilārcanam

brahmayajñaṃ vaiśvadevamātithyañca samācaret

सन्ध्याम् · sandhyām — Sandhyā prayers

उपासनम् · upāsanaṃ — meditation

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — daily

शालग्रामशिलार्चनम् · śālagrāmaśilārcanam — worship of the Śālagrāma

ब्रह्मयज्ञम् · brahmayajñaṃ — Brahmayajña

वैश्वदेवम् · vaiśvadevam — Vaiśvadeva

आतिथ्यम् · ātithyaṃ — hospitality

च · ca — and

समाचरेत् · samācaret — should perform

सन्ध्याम्, उपासनम्, नित्यं शालग्रामशिलार्चनम्, ब्रह्मयज्ञं, वैश्वदेवम् आतिथ्यं च समाचरेत्।

Sandhyā prayers · meditation · daily · worship of the Śālagrāma · Brahmayajña · Vaiśvadeva · hospitality · and · should perform

The author contextualizes Śālagrāma worship within the broader framework of daily religious duties, emphasizing a holistic life of devotion.

Otherwise, even one born a Brahmin becomes a heretic and fallen. Know that such a Brahmin, devoid of proper conduct, is indeed a caṇḍāla.

anyathā brahmajanmāpi pāṣaṇḍī patito bhavet |

ācārahīnaṃ vipraṃ taṃ vidyāccaṇḍālameva hi

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

ब्रह्मजन्मा · brahmajanmā — one born as a Brahmin

अपि · api — even

पाषण्डी · pāṣaṇḍī — heretic

पतितः · patito — fallen

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

आचारहीनम् · ācārahīnaṃ — devoid of conduct

विप्रम् · vipraṃ — Brahmin

तम् · taṃ — him

विद्यात् · vidyāt — should know

चण्डालम् · caṇḍālam — caṇḍāla

एव · eva — indeed

हि · hi — certainly

अन्यथा ब्रह्मजन्मा अपि पाषण्डी पतितः भवेत्। आचारहीनं तं विप्रं चण्डालम् एव हि विद्यात्।

otherwise · one born as a Brahmin · even · heretic · fallen · becomes · devoid of conduct · Brahmin · him · should know · caṇḍāla · indeed · certainly

This verse serves as a stern warning that birth alone does not make one a Brahmin; adherence to conduct and worship is essential to avoid falling into a degraded state.

By daily worshipping Keśava in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel, a Vaiṣṇava surely attains that supreme abode of Viṣṇu.

**Thus ends the thirteenth chapter, entitled "The Glory of the Śālagrāma," in the First Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.**

śālagrāmaśilācakre nityaṃ keśavapūjanāt

prāpnoti vaiṣṇavo nūnaṃ tadviṣṇoḥ paramaṃ padam

शालग्रामशिलाचक्रे · śālagrāmaśilācakre — in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — daily

केशवपूजनात् · keśavapūjanāt — from the worship of Keśava

प्राप्नोति · prāpnoti — attains

वैष्णवः · vaiṣṇavaḥ — a devotee of Viṣṇu

नूनम् · nūnaṃ — surely

तत् · tat — that

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

परमम् · paramaṃ — supreme

पदम् · padam — abode

वैष्णवः शालग्रामशिलाचक्रे नित्यं केशवपूजनात् तत् विष्णोः परमं पदं नूनं प्राप्नोति।

in the Śālagrāma stone-wheel · daily · from the worship of Keśava · attains · a devotee of Viṣṇu · surely · that · of Viṣṇu · supreme · abode

This concluding verse summarizes the entire chapter's teaching, asserting that the daily worship of the Śālagrāma is the direct path to the supreme abode of Viṣṇu. It serves as a final exhortation to the devotee to remain steadfast in this practice to attain the ultimate spiritual goal.