नैमिशारण्यमाहात्म्यम् Naimiśāraṇya Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

In ancient times, the sages who were rich in penance, led by Shaunaka, went to Brahmaloka. There, they saw Lord Brahma.

śrīsadgururuvāca

śaunakapramukhāḥ pūrvamṛṣayastu tapodhanāḥ

brahmalokaṃ yayustatra brahmāṇaṃ dadṛśuḥ prabhum

शौनकप्रमुखाः · śaunakapramukhāḥ — led by Shaunaka

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — in ancient times

ऋषयः · ṛṣayaḥ — the sages

तपोधनाः · tapodhanāḥ — rich in penance

ब्रह्मलोकम् · brahmalokaṃ — to the world of Brahma

ययुः · yayuḥ — they went

तत्र · tatra — there

ब्रह्माणम् · brahmāṇaṃ — Brahma

ददृशुः · dadṛśuḥ — they saw

प्रभुम् · prabhum — the Lord

पूर्वम् तपोधनाः शौनकप्रमुखाः ऋषयः ब्रह्मलोकम् ययुः । तत्र प्रभुम् ब्रह्माणम् ददृशुः ।

led by Shaunaka · in ancient times · the sages · rich in penance · to the world of Brahma · they went · there · Brahma · they saw · the Lord

This verse introduces the setting of the narrative, establishing the journey of the sages to Brahmaloka to seek guidance from the Creator. It sets the stage for the divine dialogue that follows.

He had four faces, contained the Vedas within him, and was the very embodiment of the Vedas, seated on a lotus throne with his wife, Kala.

caturmukhaṃ vedagarbhaṃ sākṣādvedasvarūpiṇam

samāsīnaṃ padmapīṭhe kalayā saha bhāryayā

चतुर्मुखम् · caturmukham — four-faced

वेदगर्भम् · vedagarbham — containing the Vedas

साक्षात् · sākṣāt — directly

वेदस्वरूपिणम् · vedasvarūpiṇam — embodiment of the Vedas

समासीनम् · samāsīnam — seated

पद्मपीठे · padmapīṭhe — on a lotus throne

कलया · kalayā — with Kala

सह · saha — together

भार्यया · bhāryayā — with his wife

चतुर्मुखम् वेदगर्भम् साक्षात् वेदस्वरूपिणम् (तम्) कलया भार्यया सह पद्मपीठे समासीनम् ददृशुः ।

four-faced · containing the Vedas · directly · embodiment of the Vedas · seated · on a lotus throne · with Kala · together · with his wife

This verse describes the majestic form of Brahma, emphasizing his identity as the source of the Vedas and his divine companionship with Kala, establishing his authority.

He was the creator of all worlds, the controller of all gods, eternal, supreme, tranquil, the highest Lord, the one seated on the highest seat (Parameshthin).

**4. & 5.** He was an ascetic wearing bark garments, holding Kusha grass, a repository of compassion, his forehead luminous with an Urdhva Pundra mark, holding a lotus, prayer beads, and Tulasi; with matted hair, a white beard, a white sacred thread, and carrying a water pot (kamandalu), a book, and a rosary for japa.

sraṣṭāraṃ sarvajagatāṃ sarvadevaniyāmakam

śāśvataṃ paramaṃ śāntaṃ pareśaṃ parameṣṭhinam

स्रष्टारम् · sraṣṭāram — the creator

सर्वजगताम् · sarvajagatām — of all worlds

सर्वदेवनियामकम् · sarvadevaniyāmakam — controller of all gods

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

परमम् · paramam — supreme

शान्तम् · śāntam — tranquil

परेशम् · pareśam — highest Lord

परमेष्ठिनम् · parameṣṭhinam — the one on the highest seat

सर्वजगताम् स्रष्टारम् सर्वदेवनियामकम् शाश्वतम् परमम् शान्तम् परेशम् परमेष्ठिनम् (तम्) ददृशुः ।

the creator · of all worlds · controller of all gods · eternal · supreme · tranquil · highest Lord · the one on the highest seat

This verse establishes Brahma's cosmic role as the creator and controller, reinforcing the reverence the sages hold for him as the supreme authority in the hierarchy of gods.

tāpasaṃ valkaladharaṃ kuśapāṇiṃ dayānidhim

ūrdhvapuṇḍralasatphālaṃ padmākṣatulasīdharam

तापसम् · tāpasam — ascetic

वल्कलधरम् · valkaladharam — wearing bark garments

कुशपाणिम् · kuśapāṇim — holding Kusha grass

दयानिधिम् · dayānidhim — repository of compassion

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रलसत्फालम् · ūrdhvapuṇḍralasatphālam — forehead shining with Urdhva Pundra

पद्माक्षतुलसीधरम् · padmākṣatulasīdharam — holding lotus and Tulasi

तापसम् वल्कलधरम् कुशपाणिम् दयानिधिम् ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रलसत्फालम् पद्माक्षतुलसीधरम् (तम्) ददृशुः ।

ascetic · wearing bark garments · holding Kusha grass · repository of compassion · forehead shining with Urdhva Pundra · holding lotus and Tulasi

The verse provides a detailed visual description of Brahma's ascetic appearance, which serves to inspire the sages and demonstrate his own commitment to the path of dharma.

jaṭilaṃ pāṇḍuraśmaśruṃ śvetayajñopavītinam

kamaṇḍaluṃ pustakañca japamālāñca bibhratam

जटिलम् · jaṭilam — with matted hair

पाण्डुरश्मश्रुम् · pāṇḍuraśmaśrum — with a white beard

श्वेतयज्ञोपवीतिनम् · śvetayajñopavītinam — wearing a white sacred thread

कमण्डलुम् · kamaṇḍalum — water pot

पुस्तकञ्च · pustakañca — and a book

जपमालाञ्च · japamālāñca — and a rosary

बिभ्रतम् · bibhratam — carrying

जटिलम् पाण्डुरश्मश्रुम् श्वेतयज्ञोपवीतिनम् कमण्डलुम् पुस्तकञ्च जपमालाञ्च बिभ्रतम् (तम्) ददृशुः ।

with matted hair · with a white beard · wearing a white sacred thread · water pot · and a book · and a rosary · carrying

This verse completes the description of Brahma's attributes, highlighting the tools of his spiritual practice, which validates his status as the ultimate guide for the sages.

He was attended by Marichi, Bhrigu, Daksha, Vasishtha, Kratu, Narada, Atri, Angiras, and the great-souled Kardama;

marīcibhṛgudakṣaiśca vasiṣṭhakratunāradaiḥ

atriṇāṅgirasā caiva kardamena mahātmanā

मरीचिभृगुदक्षैश्च · marīcibhṛgudakṣaiśca — with Marichi, Bhrigu, and Daksha

वसिष्ठक्रतुनारदैः · vasiṣṭhakratunāradaiḥ — with Vasishtha, Kratu, and Narada

अत्रिणाङ्गिरसा · atriṇāṅgirasā — with Atri and Angiras

चैव · caiva — and also

कर्दमेन · kardamena — with Kardama

महात्मना · mahātmanā — the great-souled

मरीचिभृगुदक्षैः वसिष्ठक्रतुनारदैः अत्रिणा अङ्गिरसा महात्मना कर्दमेन च (सः) सेवितः आसीत् ।

with Marichi, Bhrigu, and Daksha · with Vasishtha, Kratu, and Narada · with Atri and Angiras · and also · with Kardama · the great-souled

This verse lists the celestial beings surrounding Brahma, establishing the assembly's grandeur and the importance of the sages' request.

by Pulastya and Pulaha, by the four Sanakas and others, and by Manu and other rulers of the earth who are the constant protectors of Dharma;

pulastyapulahābhyāñca caturbhiḥ sanakādibhiḥ

manumukhyairmahīśaiśca santataṃ dharmarakṣakaiḥ

पुलस्त्यपुलहाभ्याञ्च · pulastyapulahābhyāñca — with Pulastya and Pulaha

चतुर्भिः · caturbhiḥ — with the four

सनकादिभिः · sanakādibhiḥ — Sanaka and others

मनुमुख्यैः · manumukhyair — with Manu and others

महीशैश्च · mahīśaiśca — with kings of the earth

सन्ततम् · santatam — constantly

धर्मरक्षकैः · dharmarakṣakaiḥ — protectors of Dharma

पुलस्त्यपुलहाभ्याम् चतुर्भिः सनकादिभिः सन्ततम् धर्मरक्षकैः मनुमुख्यैः महीशैश्च (सः) सेवितः आसीत् ।

with Pulastya and Pulaha · with the four · Sanaka and others · with Manu and others · with kings of the earth · constantly · protectors of Dharma

By mentioning the presence of Manu and the protectors of Dharma, this verse emphasizes that the request of the sages is supported by the pillars of earthly order.

by Indra, Agni, Yama, Rakshas (Nirriti), Varuna, Vayu, King Soma, and Rudra—the guardians of the directions and the best among the gods;

indrāgniyamarakṣobhirvaruṇena ca vāyunā

rājñā somena rudreṇa dikpālaiḥ surasattamaiḥ

इन्द्राग्नियमरक्षोभिः · indrāgniyamarakṣobhir — with Indra, Agni, Yama, and Rakshas

वरुणेन · varuṇena — with Varuna

वायुना · vāyunā — with Vayu

राज्ञा · rājñā — with King

सोमेन · somena — Soma

रुद्रेण · rudreṇa — with Rudra

दिक्पालैः · dikpālaiḥ — with guardians of directions

सुरसत्तमैः · surasattamaiḥ — with the best of gods

इन्द्राग्नियमरक्षोभिः वरुणेन वायुना राज्ञा सोमेन रुद्रेण दिक्पालैः सुरसत्तमैः च (सः) सेवितः आसीत् ।

with Indra, Agni, Yama, and Rakshas · with Varuna · with Vayu · with King · Soma · with Rudra · with guardians of directions · with the best of gods

The inclusion of the Dikpalas (guardians of directions) and major gods underscores the universal significance of the assembly and the gravity of the upcoming discussion.

and thus by other gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Vidyadharas, Yogis, Rakshasas, and Asuras as well.

evamanyaiśca devaiśca siddhagandharvakinnaraiḥ

vidyādharairyogibhiśca rākṣasairasuraistathā

एवम् · evam — thus

अन्यैश्च · anyaiśca — and by others

देवैश्च · devaiśca — and by gods

सिद्धगन्धर्वकिन्नरैः · siddhagandharvakinnaraiḥ — by Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras

विद्याधरैः · vidyādharair — by Vidyadharas

योगिभिश्च · yogibhiśca — and by Yogis

राक्षसैः · rākṣasaiḥ — by Rakshasas

असुरैस्तथा · asuraistathā — and by Asuras

एवम् अन्यैः देवैः सिद्धगन्धर्वकिन्नरैः विद्याधरैः योगिभिः राक्षसैः असुरैः तथा (सः) सेवितः आसीत् ।

thus · and by others · and by gods · by Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras · by Vidyadharas · and by Yogis · by Rakshasas · and by Asuras

This verse illustrates the all-encompassing nature of the assembly, showing that all beings, from gods to demons, acknowledge the authority of the Creator.

They questioned Lord Brahma, who was devoted to Narayana and served by all in front of him, the Lord of the lords of all worlds.

purataḥ sevitaṃ devaṃ sarvalokeśvareśvaram

brahmāṇaṃ paripapracchurnārāyaṇaparāyaṇam

पुरतः · purataḥ — in front

सेवितम् · sevitaṃ — served

देवम् · devaṃ — the Lord

सर्वलोकेश्वरेश्वरम् · sarvalokeśvareśvaram — Lord of the lords of all worlds

ब्रह्माणम् · brahmāṇaṃ — Brahma

परिपप्रच्छुः · paripapracchuḥ — they asked

नारायणपरायणम् · nārāyaṇaparāyaṇam — devoted to Narayana

पुरतः सेवितम् सर्वलोकेश्वरेश्वरम् नारायणपरायणम् ब्रह्माणम् (ऋषयः) परिपप्रच्छुः ।

in front · served · the Lord · Lord of the lords of all worlds · Brahma · they asked · devoted to Narayana

This verse transitions to the action of the sages, highlighting their humility and focus on Narayana, which frames their request as a devotional act.

The Sages said:

O Lord of the worlds, we all wish to perform a single sacrificial session (satra) that takes a thousand years to complete and which bestows all auspiciousness.

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ

sahasrasamasādhyaṃ tu satramekaṃ jagatpate

kariṣyāmo vayaṃ sarve sarvamaṅgaladāyakam

सहस्रसमसाध्यम् · sahasrasamasādhyaṃ — achievable in a thousand years

तु · tu — indeed

सत्रमेकम् · satramekaṃ — one sacrifice

जगत्पते · jagatpate — O Lord of the worlds

करिष्यामः · kariṣyāmaḥ — we will perform

वयम् · vayaṃ — we

सर्वे · sarve — all

सर्वमङ्गलदायकम् · sarvamaṅgaladāyakam — bestower of all auspiciousness

जगत्पते, वयम् सर्वे सहस्रसमसाध्यम् सर्वमङ्गलदायकम् एकम् सत्रम् करिष्यामः ।

achievable in a thousand years · indeed · one sacrifice · O Lord of the worlds · we will perform · we · all · bestower of all auspiciousness

The sages articulate their desire for a long-term sacrifice, demonstrating their commitment to the welfare of the world and their need for divine direction.

To perform that, show us a supreme, holy, and purifying place in the sacred land of Bharata, a place frequented by holy Tirthas.

tatkartuṃ paramaṃ puṇyaṃ sthānaṃ darśaya pāvanam

pavitre bhārate deśe puṇyatīrthaniṣevitam

तत्कर्तुम् · tatkartuṃ — to do that

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

स्थानम् · sthānaṃ — place

दर्शय · darśaya — show

पावनम् · pāvanam — purifying

पवित्रे · pavitre — in the sacred

भारते · bhārate — in Bharata

देशे · deśe — in the land

पुण्यतीर्थनिषेवितम् · puṇyatīrthaniṣevitam — frequented by holy Tirthas

तत् कर्तुम् पवित्रे भारते देशे पुण्यतीर्थनिषेवितम् परमम् पुण्यम् पावनम् स्थानम् दर्शय ।

to do that · supreme · holy · place · show · purifying · in the sacred · in Bharata · in the land · frequented by holy Tirthas

This verse establishes the criteria for the sacred site, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in the land of Bharata for the success of their ritual.

Brahma said:

Listen, all you sages rich in penance, with attention. In this world, there are many regions inhabited by sages.

brahmovāca

śṛṇudhvaṃ munayaḥ sarve sāvadhānaṃ tapodhanāḥ

bhuvane bahavaḥ santi pradeśā munibhiḥ śritāḥ

शृणुध्वम् · śṛṇudhvaṃ — listen

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

सावधानम् · sāvadhānaṃ — with attention

तपोधनाः · tapodhanāḥ — rich in penance

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

बहवः · bahavaḥ — many

सन्ति · santi — are

प्रदेशाः · pradeśāḥ — regions

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — by sages

श्रिताः · śritāḥ — inhabited

तपोधनाः मुनयः सर्वे सावधानम् शृणुध्वम् । भुवने मुनिभिः श्रिताः बहवः प्रदेशाः सन्ति ।

listen · sages · all · with attention · rich in penance · in the world · many · are · regions · by sages · inhabited

Brahma begins his response by acknowledging the sages' request and setting the philosophical foundation for what constitutes a holy place.

Wherever on earth these Veda-knowing Brahmanas dwell, there all the gods reside, without a doubt.

yatra yatra vasantyete vedajñā brāhmaṇā bhuvi

tatra tatra surāḥ sarve nivasanti na saṃśayaḥ

यत्र · yatra — where

यत्र · yatra — where

वसन्ति · vasanti — dwell

एते · ete — these

वेदज्ञाः · vedajñāḥ — Veda-knowing

ब्राह्मणाः · brāhmaṇāḥ — Brahmanas

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

तत्र · tatra — there

तत्र · tatra — there

सुराः · surāḥ — gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

निवसन्ति · nivasanti — reside

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

भुवि यत्र यत्र एते वेदज्ञाः ब्राह्मणाः वसन्ति, तत्र तत्र सर्वे सुराः निवसन्ति, न संशयः ।

where · where · dwell · these · Veda-knowing · Brahmanas · on earth · there · there · gods · all · reside · not · doubt

Brahma asserts that the presence of learned Brahmanas is what truly sanctifies a place, shifting the focus from geography to the spiritual quality of the inhabitants.

The very body of Brahmanas who know the Vedas, who are tranquil and ascetic, is a temple for the gods, which increases their delight.

brāhmaṇānāṃ vedavidāṃ praśāntānāṃ tapasvinām

śarīrameva devānāmālayaṃ prītivardhanam

ब्राह्मणानाम् · brāhmaṇānāṃ — of Brahmanas

वेदविदां · vedavidāṃ — who know the Vedas

प्रशान्तानां · praśāntānāṃ — who are tranquil

तपस्विनाम् · tapasvinām — who are ascetic

शरीरमेव · śarīrameva — the body itself

देवानाम् · devānām — of the gods

आलयम् · ālayaṃ — temple

प्रीतिवर्धनम् · prītivardhanam — delight-increasing

वेदविदां प्रशान्तानां तपस्विनाम् ब्राह्मणानाम् शरीरमेव देवानाम् आलयम् प्रीतिवर्धनम् (अस्ति) ।

of Brahmanas · who know the Vedas · who are tranquil · who are ascetic · the body itself · of the gods · temple · delight-increasing

This verse elevates the status of the Brahmana, defining their body as a living temple, which reinforces the sanctity of the Vedic tradition.

Therefore, the twice-born who know the Vedas are to be worshipped everywhere and always. When the Brahmanas are worshipped, all the deities are worshipped.

tasmādvedavido viprāḥ pūjyāḥ sarvatra sarvadā

pūjiteṣu brāhmaṇeṣu pūjitāḥ sarvadevatāḥ

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

वेदविदः · vedavidaḥ — Veda-knowers

विप्राः · viprāḥ — twice-born

पूज्याः · pūjyāḥ — to be worshipped

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सर्वदा · sarvadā — always

पूजितेषु · pūjiteṣu — when worshipped

ब्राह्मणेषु · brāhmaṇeṣu — in Brahmanas

पूजिताः · pūjitāḥ — worshipped

सर्वदेवताः · sarvadevatāḥ — all deities

तस्मात् वेदविदः विप्राः सर्वत्र सर्वदा पूज्याः । ब्राह्मणेषु पूजितेषु सर्वदेवताः पूजिताः (भवन्ति) ।

therefore · Veda-knowers · twice-born · to be worshipped · everywhere · always · when worshipped · in Brahmanas · worshipped · all deities

Brahma concludes his teaching on the importance of Brahmanas, establishing the principle that honoring them is equivalent to honoring all deities.

Having fashioned a wheel-rim (nemi), I shall release it onto the surface of the earth. Where it comes to rest, there you should perform your excellent sacrificial session.

nemimekāṃ vinirmāya visṛjāmi dharātale

yatra śete tatra yūyaṃ kurudhvaṃ satramuttamam

नेमिमेकाम् · nemimekāṃ — a wheel-rim

विनिर्माय · vinirmāya — having fashioned

विसृजामि · visṛjāmi — I release

धरातले · dharātale — on the earth

यत्र · yatra — where

शेते · śete — it rests

तत्र · tatra — there

यूयम् · yūyaṃ — you

कुरुध्वम् · kurudhvaṃ — perform

सत्रमुत्तमम् · satramuttamam — excellent sacrifice

एकाम् नेमिम् विनिर्माय धरातले विसृजामि । यत्र (सा) शेते, तत्र यूयम् उत्तमम् सत्रम् कुरुध्वम् ।

a wheel-rim · having fashioned · I release · on the earth · where · it rests · there · you · perform · excellent sacrifice

Brahma provides the specific instruction for the sages, using the metaphor of the 'nemi' (wheel-rim) to guide them to their destined place of sacrifice.

That itself is the supreme holy region and Tirtha, without a doubt. Everything done there immediately bears fruit and bestows prosperity.

tadeva paramaṃ puṇyaṃ kṣetraṃ tīrthaṃ na saṃśayaḥ

tatra sarvaṃ kṛtaṃ sadyo phalati śrīvidhāyakam

तदेव · tadeva — that itself

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetraṃ — region

तीर्थम् · tīrthaṃ — Tirtha

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

तत्र · tatra — there

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — everything

कृतम् · kṛtaṃ — done

सद्यः · sadyo — immediately

फलति · phalati — bears fruit

श्रीविधायकम् · śrīvidhāyakam — bestowing prosperity

तत् एव परमम् पुण्यम् क्षेत्रम् तीर्थम् (अस्ति), न संशयः । तत्र कृतम् सर्वम् सद्यः फलति श्रीविधायकम् (च भवति) ।

that itself · supreme · holy · region · Tirtha · no · doubt · there · everything · done · immediately · bears fruit · bestowing prosperity

This verse confirms the sanctity of the chosen site, promising that any ritual performed there will be immediately fruitful, thus encouraging the sages.

The Revered Guru said:

Having said this, Parameshthin (Brahma) released the thousand-spoked, excellent wheel-rim from his hand, which was like the discus of Vishnu.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā parameṣṭhī sa visasarja karasthitam |

nemiṃ sahasradhāraṃ taṃ viṣṇucakropamaṃ varam

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having said this

परमेष्ठी · parameṣṭhī — Brahma

सः · sa — he

विससर्ज · visasarja — released

करस्थितम् · karasthitam — held in hand

नेमिम् · nemiṃ — wheel-rim

सहस्रधारम् · sahasradhāram — thousand-spoked

तम् · taṃ — that

विष्णुचक्रोपमम् · viṣṇucakropamam — like Vishnu's discus

वरम् · varam — excellent

इति उक्त्वा सः परमेष्ठी करस्थितम् तम् सहस्रधारम् विष्णुचक्रोपमम् वरम् नेमिम् विससर्ज ।

having said this · Brahma · he · released · held in hand · wheel-rim · thousand-spoked · that · like Vishnu's discus · excellent

The Guru describes the divine act of Brahma, linking the origin of Naimisharanya to the divine discus of Vishnu, which adds a layer of Vaishnava sanctity to the site.

Transcending all the worlds, that wheel-rim fell on the bank of the Gomati river. This was a great wonder to those ascetics.

sarvāṃllokānatikramya sa nemirgomatītaṭe

papāta paramāścaryamabhūtteṣāṃ tapasvinām

सर्वाल्लोकान् · sarvāṃllokān — all worlds

अतिक्रम्य · atikramya — having transcended

सः · sa — that

नेमिः · nemir — wheel-rim

गोमतीतटे · gomatītaṭe — on the bank of Gomati

पपात · papāta — fell

परमाश्चर्यम् · paramāścaryam — great wonder

अभूत् · abhūt — became

तेषाम् · teṣāṃ — of them

तपस्विनाम् · tapasvinām — of the ascetics

सर्वाल् लोकान् अतिक्रम्य सः नेमिः गोमतीतटे पपात । तेषाम् तपस्विनाम् (कृते) परमाश्चर्यम् अभूत् ।

all worlds · having transcended · that · wheel-rim · on the bank of Gomati · fell · great wonder · became · of them · of the ascetics

This verse marks the arrival of the divine wheel-rim at the Gomati river, physically manifesting the holiness of the site and creating a sense of wonder among the sages.

From the resting (śayana) of that wheel-rim (nemi), this forest became known as Naimisha, supremely holy and frequented by multitudes of sages.

tasya nemestu śayanānnaimiṣākhyamidaṃ vanam

babhūva paramaṃ puṇyaṃ munimaṇḍalasevitam

तस्य · tasya — of that

नेमेः · nemeḥ — of the wheel-rim

तु · tu — indeed

शयनात् · śayanāt — from the resting

नैमिषाख्यम् · naimiṣākhyam — named Naimisha

इदम् · idam — this

वनम् · vanam — forest

बभूव · babhūva — became

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

मुनिमण्डलसेवितम् · munimaṇḍalasevitam — frequented by a circle of sages

तस्य नेमेः शयनात् इदं वनं नैमिषाख्यं बभूव। तत् परमं पुण्यं मुनिमण्डलसेवितं च अभवत्।

of that · of the wheel-rim · indeed · from the resting · named Naimisha · this · forest · became · supreme · holy · frequented by a circle of sages

This verse explains the etymological origin of the name 'Naimisha', linking the forest's sanctity directly to the divine intervention of Brahma's wheel-rim. It establishes the site as a naturally consecrated space by the Lord's own instrument.

This holy place is Chakra Tirtha, where the discus fell, and where, by the offering of Pindas (rice balls), the ancestors are always satisfied.

cakratīrthamidaṃ puṇyaṃ yatra cakraṃ papāta ha

yatraiva piṇḍadānena tṛpyanti pitaraḥ sadā

चक्रतीर्थम् · cakratīrtham — Chakra Tirtha

इदम् · idam — this

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

यत्र · yatra — where

चक्रम् · cakram — the discus

पपात · papāta — fell

ह · ha — indeed

यत्रैव · yatraiva — where indeed

पिण्डदानेन · piṇḍadānena — by offering rice balls

तृप्यन्ति · tṛpyanti — are satisfied

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

सदा · sadā — always

इदं पुण्यं चक्रतीर्थं यत्र चक्रं पपात। यत्रैव पिण्डदानेन पितरः सदा तृप्यन्ति।

Chakra Tirtha · this · holy · where · the discus · fell · indeed · where indeed · by offering rice balls · are satisfied · ancestors · always

This verse identifies the specific location as 'Chakra Tirtha', emphasizing its dual role as a site of divine manifestation and a place for ancestral liberation through ritual offerings.

There, in the shade of a banyan tree, the best of sages, rich in penance, performed the sacrificial session that takes a thousand years to complete.

vaṭavṛkṣasya tatraiva chāyāyāṃ munisattamāḥ

sahasrasamasādhyaṃ tu satraṃ cakrustapodhanāḥ

वटवृक्षस्य · vaṭavṛkṣasya — of the banyan tree

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

छायायाम् · chāyāyām — in the shade

मुनिसत्तमाः · munisattamāḥ — the best of sages

सहस्रसमसाध्यम् · sahasrasamasādhyam — attainable in a thousand years

तु · tu — and

सत्रम् · satram — sacrificial session

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

तपोधनाः · tapodhanāḥ — those rich in penance

तत्रैव वटवृक्षस्य छायायां तपोधनाः मुनिसत्तमाः सहस्रसमसाध्यं सत्रं चक्रुः।

of the banyan tree · right there · in the shade · the best of sages · attainable in a thousand years · and · sacrificial session · performed · those rich in penance

This verse sets the stage for the great sacrificial session, grounding the narrative in the physical setting of the banyan tree, which serves as the anchor for the sages' long-term spiritual labor.

The great sage Vyasa, who had conquered his senses, resided here with his disciples at the end of the Dvapara Yuga and performed severe penance.

atraiva nivasan vyāsaḥ saha śiṣyairmahāmuniḥ|

tapaścakre mahāghoraṃ dvāparānte jitendriyaḥ

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here

निवसन् · nivasan — residing

व्यासः · vyāsaḥ — Vyasa

सह · saha — with

शिष्यैः · śiṣyaiḥ — disciples

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — very severe

द्वापरान्ते · dvāparānte — at the end of Dvapara

जितेन्द्रियः · jitendriyaḥ — one who conquered senses

जितेन्द्रियः महामुनिः व्यासः अत्रैव शिष्यैः सह निवसन् द्वापरान्ते महाघोरं तपः चक्रे।

right here · residing · Vyasa · with · disciples · the great sage · penance · performed · very severe · at the end of Dvapara · one who conquered senses

This verse connects the sanctity of Naimisharanya to the presence of Vyasa, establishing the forest as the intellectual and spiritual heart of the Puranic tradition.

Here, the highly renowned Suta, the narrator of the eighteen Puranas, respectfully recited them to Shaunaka and the other sages.

aṣṭādaśapurāṇānāṃ vaktā sūto mahāyaśāḥ

śaunakādīn munīnatra śrāvayāmāsa sādaram

अष्टादशपुराणानाम् · aṣṭādaśapurāṇānām — of the eighteen Puranas

वक्ता · vaktā — narrator

सूतः · sūtaḥ — Suta

महायशाः · mahāyaśāḥ — highly renowned

शौनकादीन् · śaunakādīn — Shaunaka and others

मुनीन् · munīn — sages

अत्र · atra — here

श्रावयामास · śrāvayāmāsa — caused to hear

सादरम् · sādaram — respectfully

महायशाः अष्टादशपुराणानां वक्ता सूतः अत्र शौनकादीन् मुनीन् सादरं श्रावयामास।

of the eighteen Puranas · narrator · Suta · highly renowned · Shaunaka and others · sages · here · caused to hear · respectfully

This verse highlights the transmission of the Puranas, cementing Naimisharanya's reputation as the primary venue for the preservation and dissemination of sacred knowledge.

Svayambhuva Manu also, with his wife Shatarupa, performed severe penance here, his mind fixed in meditation on Vishnu.

svāyambhuvo manuścāpi bhāryayā śatarūpayā

tapaścakre mahāghoraṃ viṣṇudhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

स्वायम्भुवः · svāyambhuvaḥ — Svayambhuva

मनुः · manuḥ — Manu

च · ca — and

अपि · api — also

भार्यया · bhāryayā — with wife

शतरूपया · śatarūpayā — Shatarupa

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — very severe

विष्णुध्यानपरायणः · viṣṇudhyānaparāyaṇaḥ — devoted to meditation on Vishnu

विष्णुध्यानपरायणः स्वायम्भुवः मनुः अपि भार्यया शतरूपया सह अत्र महाघोरं तपः चक्रे।

Svayambhuva · Manu · and · also · with wife · Shatarupa · penance · performed · very severe · devoted to meditation on Vishnu

This verse introduces the historical figure of Manu to the location, showing that even the progenitors of humanity sought the spiritual power of this specific forest for their devotion.

The Manu said:

Salutations to that perfect Brahman, who is perfect within, perfect without, perfect everywhere and always, and by whom everything is made perfect.

manuruvāca

antaḥ pūrṇaṃ bahiḥ pūrṇaṃ pūrṇaṃ sarvatra sarvadā

sarvaṃ pūrṇaṃ yena tasmai pūrṇāya brahmaṇe namaḥ

अन्तः · antaḥ — inside

पूर्णम् · pūrṇam — full/perfect

बहिः · bahiḥ — outside

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सर्वदा · sarvadā — always

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

येन · yena — by whom

तस्मै · tasmai — to Him

पूर्णाय · pūrṇāya — to the perfect one

ब्रह्मणे · brahmaṇe — to Brahman

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

अन्तः पूर्णं, बहिः पूर्णं, सर्वत्र सर्वदा पूर्णं, येन सर्वं पूर्णं, तस्मै पूर्णाय ब्रह्मणे नमः।

inside · full/perfect · outside · everywhere · always · everything · by whom · to Him · to the perfect one · to Brahman · salutations

Manu's prayer begins with a profound philosophical statement on the nature of Brahman as the all-pervading fullness, establishing the theological foundation for his subsequent devotion.

Whatever exists in this world, comprising the moving and the non-moving, all that is pervaded by Him. Salutations to you, that God.

yacca kiñcijjagatyāṃ tu jaṅgamājaṅgamātmakam

tenācchāditaṃ sarvaṃ tasmai devāya te namaḥ

यत् · yat — which

किञ्चित् · kiñcit — whatever

जगत्याम् · jagatyām — in the world

तु · tu — indeed

जङ्गमाजङ्गमात्मकम् · jaṅgamājaṅgamātmakam — consisting of moving and non-moving

तेन · tena — by Him

आच्छादितम् · ācchāditam — covered/pervaded

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

तस्मै · tasmai — to Him

देवाय · devāya — to the God

ते · te — to You

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

जगत्यां यत् किञ्चित् जङ्गमाजङ्गमात्मकं सर्वं तेन आच्छादितं, तस्मै देवाय ते नमः।

which · whatever · in the world · indeed · consisting of moving and non-moving · by Him · covered/pervaded · everything · to Him · to the God · to You · salutations

This verse expands the vision of Brahman to the manifest world, acknowledging that the moving and non-moving creation is entirely covered by the Divine, justifying the act of worship.

I bow to Him whom the Yogis, having conquered their desires and abandoned all perishable enjoyments like the position of Brahma, worship.

pārameṣṭhyādikaṃ sarvaṃ tyaktvā bhogaṃ tu naśvaram

jitakāmā yaṃ bhajante yoginastaṃ namāmyaham

पारमेष्ठ्यादिकम् · pārameṣṭhyādikam — such as the position of Brahma

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

भोगम् · bhogam — enjoyment

नश्वरम् · naśvaram — perishable

जितकामाः · jitakāmāḥ — those who conquered desires

यम् · yam — whom

भजन्ते · bhajante — worship

योगिनः · yoginaḥ — yogis

तम् · tam — Him

नमाम्यहम् · namāmyaham — I bow

पारमेष्ठ्यादिकं नश्वरं भोगं सर्वं त्यक्त्वा जितकामाः योगिनः यं भजन्ते, तं अहम् नमामि।

such as the position of Brahma · all · having abandoned · enjoyment · perishable · those who conquered desires · whom · worship · yogis · Him · I bow

Manu contrasts the perishable nature of worldly positions like Brahma's with the eternal nature of the Divine, highlighting the renunciation required for true devotion.

"Let desireless action be done in the world, if one wishes to live." I bow to Him who is the goal for the desireless seekers of liberation.

kriyatāṃ karma niṣkāmaṃ loke yadi jijīviṣā |

mumukṣūṇāṃ niṣkriyāṇāṃ prāpyaṃ taṃ praṇamāmyaham

क्रियताम् · kriyatām — should be done

कर्म · karma — action

निष्कामम् · niṣkāmam — desireless

लोके · loke — in the world

यदि · yadi — if

जिजीविषा · jijīviṣā — desire to live

मुमुक्षूणाम् · mumukṣūṇām — of seekers of liberation

निष्क्रियाणाम् · niṣkriyāṇām — of those without desire for fruits

प्राप्यम् · prāpyam — attainable

तम् · tam — Him

प्रणमाम्यहम् · praṇamāmyaham — I bow down

लोके यदि जिजीविषा (अस्ति) तर्हि निष्कामं कर्म क्रियताम्। मुमुक्षूणां निष्क्रियाणां प्राप्यं तं अहं प्रणमामि।

should be done · action · desireless · in the world · if · desire to live · of seekers of liberation · of those without desire for fruits · attainable · Him · I bow down

This verse introduces the principle of Nishkama Karma (desireless action) as the path for seekers, identifying the Divine as the ultimate destination for those who have transcended worldly attachment.

I praise that Supreme Being, whom the mind cannot comprehend with the mind, but by whom the mind itself thinks; He is beyond the reach of mind and speech.

mano yenaiva manute manasā yanna manyate

tadeva paramaṃ vande manovācāmagocaram

मनः · manaḥ — mind

येनैव · yenaiva — by whom alone

मनुते · manute — thinks

मनसा · manasā — by the mind

यत् · yat — which

न · na — not

मन्यते · manyate — comprehends

तदेव · tadeva — that alone

परमम् · paramam — supreme

वन्दे · vande — I praise

मनोवाचामगोचरम् · manovācāmagocaram — beyond mind and speech

येन मनः मनुते, यत् मनसा न मन्यते, तदेव मनोवाचामगोचरं परमं (तत्) वन्दे।

mind · by whom alone · thinks · by the mind · which · not · comprehends · that alone · supreme · I praise · beyond mind and speech

Manu addresses the paradox of the Divine being beyond the mind's reach while simultaneously being the source of the mind's cognitive power, a classic Upanishadic theme.

I worship Him who is far from the senses, yet is the impeller of the senses; the Lord (Indra) of all the worlds, the delight of Indira (Lakshmi).

indriyāṇāṃ vidūraṃ tamindriyāṇāṃ pravartakam

indrañca sarvalokānāmindirāramaṇaṃ bhaje

इन्द्रियाणाम् · indriyāṇām — of the senses

विदूरम् · vidūram — far away

तम् · tam — Him

इन्द्रियाणां · indriyāṇāṃ — of the senses

प्रवर्तकम् · pravartakam — impeller

इन्द्रञ्च · indrañca — and the Lord

सर्वलोकानाम् · sarvalokānām — of all worlds

इन्दिरारमणम् · indirāramaṇam — delight of Lakshmi

भजे · bhaje — I worship

इन्द्रियाणां विदूरं, इन्द्रियाणां प्रवर्तकं, सर्वलोकानां इन्द्रं, इन्दिरारमणं तं भजे।

of the senses · far away · Him · of the senses · impeller · and the Lord · of all worlds · delight of Lakshmi · I worship

This verse emphasizes the Divine's transcendence (beyond senses) and immanence (as the impeller of senses), identifying Him as the ultimate Lord and the source of Lakshmi's joy.

I contemplate that Brahman which is near to the wise but distant for the undiscerning; which is attainable through knowledge, and is itself the supreme knowledge.

jñānināmantike yattaddūrasthaṃ cāvivekinām

jñānagamyaṃ paraṃ jñānaṃ brahma tadbhāvayāmyaham

ज्ञानिनाम् · jñāninām — of the wise

अन्तिके · antike — near

यत् · yat — which

तद् · tad — that

दूरस्थम् · dūrastham — distant

च · ca — and

अविवेकनाम् · avivekinām — of the undiscerning

ज्ञानगम्यम् · jñānagamyam — attainable by knowledge

परम् · param — supreme

ज्ञानम् · jñānam — knowledge

ब्रह्म · brahma — Brahman

तत् · tat — that

भावयाम्यहम् · bhāvayāmyaham — I contemplate

यत् ज्ञानिनाम् अन्तिके, अविवेकिनां दूरस्थं, ज्ञानगम्यं परं ज्ञानं, तत् ब्रह्म अहं भावयामि।

of the wise · near · which · that · distant · and · of the undiscerning · attainable by knowledge · supreme · knowledge · Brahman · that · I contemplate

Manu reflects on the epistemological accessibility of Brahman, noting that it is near to the wise but remains distant to those lacking discernment, defining it as supreme knowledge.

O Lord, by your grace, lead me by the auspicious path to the supreme state. Remember what I have done, O Master! I take refuge in you alone.

naya māṃ supathā deva kṛpayā paramāṃ gatim

kṛtaṃ smara mayā nātha tvāmeva śaraṇaṃ bhaje

नय · naya — lead

माम् · mām — me

सुपथा · supathā — by the auspicious path

देव · deva — O Lord

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

परमाम् · paramām — supreme

गतिम् · gatim — state

कृतम् · kṛtam — what has been done

स्मर · smara — remember

मया · mayā — by me

नाथ · nātha — O Master

त्वामेव · tvāmeva — You alone

शरणं · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

भजे · bhaje — I take

देव, कृपया मां सुपथा परमां गतिं नय। नाथ, मया कृतं स्मर, अहं त्वामेव शरणं भजे।

lead · me · by the auspicious path · O Lord · by grace · supreme · state · what has been done · remember · by me · O Master · You alone · refuge · I take

This verse serves as the culmination of Manu's prayer, shifting from philosophical contemplation to a personal plea for grace, guidance, and refuge in the Lord.

The Revered Guru said:

Thus reciting the Mantropanishad, Svayambhuva Manu performed supreme penance, meditating on the Lord, God Narayana.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ mantropaniṣadaṃ paṭhan svāyambhuvo manuḥ

tapaścakre paraṃ dhyāyan devaṃ nārāyaṇaṃ prabhum

एवम् · evam — thus

मन्त्रोपनिषदम् · mantropaniṣadam — the Mantropanishad

पठन् · paṭhan — reciting

स्वायम्भुवः · svāyambhuvaḥ — Svayambhuva

मनुः · manuḥ — Manu

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

परम् · param — supreme

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

देवम् · devam — God

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇam — Narayana

प्रभुम् · prabhum — the Lord

एवं मन्त्रोपनिषदं पठन् स्वायम्भुवः मनुः प्रभुं देवं नारायणं ध्यायन् परं तपः चक्रे।

thus · the Mantropanishad · reciting · Svayambhuva · Manu · penance · performed · supreme · meditating · God · Narayana · the Lord

This verse bridges the prayer of Manu with the narrative of his penance, showing how his deep meditation on Narayana set the stage for the subsequent divine intervention.

Then, alas, with the desire to devour that Manu, demons who were intent on harassing others arrived there.

tadā tasya manorhanta grasanaṃ kartumicchayā

ājagmustatra daityāśca parapīḍanatatparāḥ

तदा · tadā — then

तस्य · tasya — of him

मनोः · manoḥ — of Manu

हन्त · hanta — alas

ग्रसनम् · grasanam — devouring

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

आजग्मुः · ājagmuḥ — arrived

तत्र · tatra — there

दैत्याः · daityāḥ — demons

च · ca — and

परपीडनतत्पराः · parapīḍanatatparāḥ — intent on harassing others

तदा हन्त, तस्य मनोः ग्रसनं कर्तुम् इच्छया परपीडनतत्पराः दैत्याः तत्र आजग्मुः।

then · of him · of Manu · alas · devouring · to do · with the desire · arrived · there · demons · and · intent on harassing others

The narrative tension increases here as the demons, driven by their inherent nature of harassment, target the meditating Manu, necessitating the Lord's intervention.

Then Vishnu, who is Yajna (sacrifice) itself, the Lord of sacrifices, came there. With a mere playful act, He severed their heads with His discus.

tadā tatrāgato viṣṇuryajño yajñeśvaraḥ prabhuḥ

vilulāva śirasteṣāṃ cakreṇa laghulīlayā

तदा · tadā — then

तत्र · tatra — there

आगतः · āgataḥ — arrived

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

यज्ञः · yajñaḥ — sacrifice

यज्ञेश्वरः · yajñeśvaraḥ — Lord of sacrifice

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

विलुलाव · vilulāva — severed

शिरः · śiraḥ — heads

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

चक्रेण · cakreṇa — with the discus

लघुलीलया · laghulīlayā — with playful ease

तदा यज्ञः यज्ञेश्वरः प्रभुः विष्णुः तत्र आगतः, चक्रेण लघुलीलया तेषां शिरः विलुलाव।

then · there · arrived · Vishnu · sacrifice · Lord of sacrifice · the Lord · severed · heads · of them · with the discus · with playful ease

This verse depicts the swift and effortless justice of the Lord, who, as the embodiment of Yajna, protects his devotee by destroying the forces of chaos.

Thus protected by the Lord of Sacrifices, this king of the earth, along with his wife Shatarupa, performed the worship of Yajna.

evaṃ yajñeśvareṇaiva rakṣito'yaṃ mahīpatiḥ

cakāra pūjāṃ yajñasya patnyā ca śatarūpayā

एवम् · evam — thus

यज्ञेश्वरेणैव · yajñeśvareṇaiva — by the Lord of sacrifice alone

रक्षितः · rakṣitaḥ — protected

अयम् · ayam — this

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — king of the earth

चकार · cakāra — performed

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

यज्ञस्य · yajñasya — of Yajna

पत्न्या · patnyā — with wife

च · ca — and

शतरूपया · śatarūpayā — Shatarupa

एवं यज्ञेश्वरेण रक्षितः अयं महीपतिः पत्न्या शतरूपया सह यज्ञस्य पूजां चकार।

thus · by the Lord of sacrifice alone · protected · this · king of the earth · performed · worship · of Yajna · with wife · and · Shatarupa

Following the protection, Manu and Shatarupa express their gratitude and devotion through the worship of Yajna, reinforcing the theme of divine protection leading to righteous action.

In ancient times, having consecrated Lord Yajneshvara according to the Vaikhanasa tradition, he joyfully worshipped Him in a beautiful temple.

yajñeśvaraṃ pratiṣṭhāpya vaikhānasavidhānataḥ

pūjayāmāsa sānandaṃ sundare mandire purā

यज्ञेश्वरम् · yajñeśvaram — Lord of sacrifice

प्रतिष्ठाप्य · pratiṣṭhāpya — having consecrated

वैखानसविधानतः · vaikhānasavidhānataḥ — according to Vaikhanasa tradition

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

सानन्दम् · sānandam — joyfully

सुन्दरे · sundare — in a beautiful

मन्दिरे · mandire — temple

पुरा · purā — in ancient times

पुरा (सः) वैखानसविधानतः यज्ञेश्वरं प्रतिष्ठाप्य सुन्दरे मन्दिरे सानन्दं पूजयामास।

Lord of sacrifice · having consecrated · according to Vaikhanasa tradition · worshipped · joyfully · in a beautiful · temple · in ancient times

This verse provides historical context for the temple worship in Naimisharanya, noting that the Vaikhanasa tradition was the established method for consecrating and worshipping the Lord.

Residing here with his brothers and the sages, Rama, the son of Raghu and Lord of the worlds, performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice.

atraiva nivasan rāmo bhrātṛbhirmunibhiḥ saha |

aśvamedhaṃ makhaṃ cakre rāghavo jagatāṃ patiḥ

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here

निवसन् · nivasan — residing

रामो · rāmo — Rama

भ्रातृभिः · bhrātṛbhiḥ — with brothers

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with sages

सह · saha — with

अश्वमेधम् · aśvamedham — Ashvamedha

मखम् · makham — sacrifice

चक्रे · cakre — performed

राघवः · rāghavaḥ — descendant of Raghu

जगतां · jagatāṃ — of the worlds

पतिः · patiḥ — Lord

जगतां पतिः राघवः रामः अत्रैव भ्रातृभिः मुनिभिः सह निवसन् अश्वमेधं मखं चक्रे।

right here · residing · Rama · with brothers · with sages · with · Ashvamedha · sacrifice · performed · descendant of Raghu · of the worlds · Lord

This verse connects the legendary Rama to Naimisharanya, establishing the forest as a site hallowed by the presence of the Lord himself during his performance of the Ashvamedha sacrifice.

The Lord, ever-compassionate to those who take refuge in Him, listened with faith daily to the divine Ramayana sung by Lava and Kusha.

gītaṃ lavakuśābhyāñca śrīmadrāmāyaṇaṃ prabhuḥ

śuśrāva śraddhayā nityaṃ śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ

गीतम् · gītam — sung

लवकुशाभ्याम् · lavakuśābhyām — by Lava and Kusha

च · ca — and

श्रीमद्रामायणम् · śrīmadrāmāyaṇam — the divine Ramayana

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

शुश्राव · śuśrāva — listened

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

शरणागतवत्सलः · śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ — affectionate to those who take refuge

शरणागतवत्सलः प्रभुः लवकुशाभ्यां गीतं श्रीमद्रामायणं नित्यं श्रद्धया शुश्राव।

sung · by Lava and Kusha · and · the divine Ramayana · the Lord · listened · with faith · daily · affectionate to those who take refuge

This verse highlights the divine atmosphere of Naimisharanya, where the Lord Himself engaged in the listening of His own pastimes, establishing the sanctity of the place as a venue for divine revelation.

Janaki Sita, the illustrious wife of Rama, entered the earth here, after displaying her own pure life story.

viveśa jānakī sītā rāmapatnī yaśasvinī

dharātalaṃ darśayitvā pavitraṃ caritaṃ nijam

विवेश · viveśa — entered

जानकी · jānakī — daughter of Janaka

सीता · sītā — Sita

रामपत्नी · rāmapatnī — wife of Rama

यशस्विनी · yaśasvinī — illustrious

धरातलम् · dharātalam — the earth

दर्शयित्वा · darśayitvā — having displayed

पवित्रम् · pavitram — pure

चरितम् · caritam — life story

निजम् · nijam — her own

यशस्विनी रामपत्नी जानकी सीता निजं पवित्रं चरितं दर्शयित्वा धरातलं विवेश।

entered · daughter of Janaka · Sita · wife of Rama · illustrious · the earth · having displayed · pure · life story · her own

This verse records the final earthly act of Sita, grounding the holiness of Naimisharanya in the historical and spiritual legacy of the Ramayana.

That Tirtha, renowned as Sita Kunda, is supremely auspicious. By its mere touch, all sin is destroyed.

sītākuṇḍamiti khyātaṃ tattīrthaṃ paramaṃ śubham |

yasya sparśanamātreṇa sarvaṃ pāpaṃ vinaśyati

सीताकुण्डम् · sītākuṇḍam — Sita Kunda

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातम् · khyātam — renowned

तत् · tat — that

तीर्थम् · tīrtham — holy place

परमम् · paramam — supreme

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

यस्य · yasya — of which

स्पर्शनमात्रेण · sparśanamātreṇa — by mere touch

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

पापम् · pāpam — sin

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

सीताकुण्डमिति ख्यातं तत् तीर्थं परमं शुभम् अस्ति। यस्य स्पर्शनमात्रेण सर्वं पापं विनश्यति।

Sita Kunda · thus · renowned · that · holy place · supreme · auspicious · of which · by mere touch · all · sin · is destroyed

By identifying Sita Kunda, the text provides a tangible pilgrimage site for the reader, reinforcing the transformative power of the sacred geography described.

The high-minded Dadhichi, the best of sages, also performed penance here—he who gave his bones for the benefit of the gods.

tapaścakre dadhīciśca manasvī munipuṅgavaḥ

devānāmupakārārthamasthīni pradadau ca yaḥ

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

दधीचिः · dadhīciḥ — Sage Dadhichi

च · ca — and

मनस्वी · manasvī — high-minded

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — foremost of sages

देवानाम् · devānām — of the gods

उपकारार्थम् · upakārārtham — for the benefit

अस्थीनि · asthīni — bones

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave

यः · yaḥ — who

मनस्वी मुनिपुङ्गवः दधीचिः अपि अत्र तपः चक्रे, यः देवानाम् उपकारार्थम् अस्थीनि प्रददौ।

penance · performed · Sage Dadhichi · and · high-minded · foremost of sages · of the gods · for the benefit · bones · gave · who

This verse connects the ascetic history of Naimisharanya to the supreme sacrifice of Dadhichi, emphasizing the theme of selflessness that permeates this holy land.

The Dadhichi Tirtha is here, the destroyer of all sins, which proclaims in this world the supreme glory of Dadhichi.

dadhīcitīrthamatraiva sarvapāpavināśanam

prakāśayati lokesmin dadhīceḥ paramaṃ yaśaḥ

दधीचितीर्थम् · dadhīcitīrtham — Dadhichi Tirtha

अत्र · atra — here

एव · eva — indeed

सर्वपापविनाशनम् · sarvapāpavināśanam — destroyer of all sins

प्रकाशयति · prakāśayati — proclaims

लोके · loke — in the world

अस्मिन् · asmin — this

दधीचेः · dadhīceḥ — of Dadhichi

परमम् · paramam — supreme

यशः · yaśaḥ — glory

अत्रैव स्थितं सर्वपापविनाशनं दधीचितीर्थं अस्मिन् लोके दधीचेः परमं यशः प्रकाशयति।

Dadhichi Tirtha · here · indeed · destroyer of all sins · proclaims · in the world · this · of Dadhichi · supreme · glory

The mention of Dadhichi Tirtha serves to immortalize the sage's sacrifice, inviting the devotee to seek purification and inspiration at this specific site.

The Gomati river has holy waters and destroys sins upon remembrance. On its banks, all the sages performed various kinds of penance.

gomatī puṇyasalilā smaraṇātpāpanāśinī

yattīre munayaḥ sarve cakrurnānāvidhaṃ tapaḥ

गोमती · gomatī — Gomati River

पुण्यसलिला · puṇyasalilā — having holy waters

स्मरणात् · smaraṇāt — by remembrance

पापनाशिनी · pāpanāśinī — destroyer of sins

यत्तीरे · yattīre — on whose banks

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

नानाविधम् · nānāvidham — various kinds

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

पुण्यसलिला गोमती स्मरणात् पापनाशिनी अस्ति। यत्तीरे सर्वे मुनयः नानाविधं तपः चक्रुः।

Gomati River · having holy waters · by remembrance · destroyer of sins · on whose banks · sages · all · performed · various kinds · penance

The Gomati River is presented as a perennial source of grace, whose very name and memory serve as a catalyst for spiritual cleansing for all who visit Naimisharanya.

The merit of those who listen to or read this "Glory of Naimisharanya" cannot be counted even by Brahma.

**Thus ends the fourteenth chapter, titled "The Glory of Naimisharanya," in the First Part of the "Divyadesavaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.**

naimiśāraṇyamāhātmyaṃ ye śṛṇvanti paṭhanti ca

teṣāṃ puṇyasya gaṇanaṃ brahmaṇāpi na śakyate

नैमिशारण्यमाहात्म्यम् · naimiśāraṇyamāhātmyam — the glory of Naimisharanya

ये · ye — those who

शृण्वन्ति · śṛṇvanti — listen

पठन्ति · paṭhanti — read

च · ca — and

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

पुण्यस्य · puṇyasya — of the merit

गणनम् · gaṇanam — counting

ब्रह्मणा · brahmaṇā — by Brahma

अपि · api — even

न · na — not

शक्यते · śakyate — is possible

ये नैमिशारण्यमाहात्म्यं शृण्वन्ति पठन्ति च, तेषां पुण्यस्य गणनं ब्रह्मणा अपि कर्तुं न शक्यते।

the glory of Naimisharanya · those who · listen · read · and · of them · of the merit · counting · by Brahma · even · not · is possible

This concluding verse serves as a phala-shruti, encouraging the reader to internalize the glory of Naimisharanya, promising spiritual merit that transcends even the comprehension of the Creator.