गोपीचन्दनमाहात्म्यम् Gopīcandana Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Once, pained by separation from the Gopi women, Janardana went to a secluded place and lamented.

śrīsadgururuvāca

kadācidgopanārīṇāṃ viyogena janārdanaḥ |

viviktadeśamāsādya pīḍitaḥ pralalāpa ha

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

गोपनारीणाम् · gopanārīṇām — of the Gopi women

वियोगेन · viyogena — due to separation

जनार्दनः · janārdanaḥ — Lord Krishna

विविक्तदेशम् · viviktadeśam — a secluded place

आसाद्य · āsādya — having reached

पीडितः · pīḍitaḥ — pained

प्रललाप · pralalāpa — lamented

ह · ha — indeed

जनार्दनः कदाचित् गोपनारीणां वियोगेन पीडितः सन् विविविक्तदेशम् आसाद्य प्रललाप ह।

once · of the Gopi women · due to separation · Lord Krishna · a secluded place · having reached · pained · lamented · indeed

This verse sets the emotional stage for the chapter, establishing Krishna's longing for the Gopis as the catalyst for the manifestation of Gopi-chandana. It highlights the divine sorrow that precedes the revelation of sacred items.

Remembering Gokula, the Yamuna river, Govardhana hill, Vrindavan, and the groves, He wept again and again.

gokulaṃ yamunāñcaiva govardhanagiriṃ tathā |

bṛndāvanaṃ nikuñjañca smṛtvā smṛtvā ruroda saḥ

गोकुलम् · gokulam — Gokula

यमुनाम् · yamunām — the Yamuna river

च · ca — and

एव · eva — indeed

गोवर्धनगिरिम् · govardhanagirim — Govardhana hill

तथा · tathā — also

बृन्दावनम् · bṛndāvanam — Vrindavan

निकुञ्जम् · nikuñjam — the groves

स्मृत्वा स्मृत्वा · smṛtvā smṛtvā — remembering again and again

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

सः · saḥ — He

सः गोकुलं यमुनां च एव गोवर्धनगिरिं तथा बृन्दावनं निकुञ्जं च स्मृत्वा स्मृत्वा रुरोद।

Gokula · the Yamuna river · and · indeed · Govardhana hill · also · Vrindavan · the groves · remembering again and again · wept · He

This verse lists the specific sacred sites of Krishna's pastimes, emphasizing that the memory of these places is what triggers His divine lamentation.

Remembering Nanda, Yashoda, the Gopas, the Gopis who were devoted to love, and the love-filled Radhika, He wept again and again.

nandaṃ yaśodāṃ gopālān gopīśca prematatparāḥ |

premapūrṇāṃ rādhikāñca smṛtvā smṛtvā ruroda saḥ

नन्दम् · nandam — Nanda

यशोदाम् · yaśodām — Yashoda

गोपालान् · gopālān — the cowherd boys

गोपीः · gopīḥ — the Gopis

च · ca — and

प्रेमतत्पराः · prematatparāḥ — devoted to love

प्रेमपूर्णाम् · premapūrṇām — filled with love

राधिकां · rādhikāṃ — Radhika

स्मृत्वा स्मृत्वा · smṛtvā smṛtvā — remembering again and again

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

सः · saḥ — He

सः नन्दं यशोदां गोपालान् प्रेमतत्पराः गोपीः च प्रेमपूर्णां राधिकां च स्मृत्वा स्मृत्वा रुरोद।

Nanda · Yashoda · the cowherd boys · the Gopis · and · devoted to love · filled with love · Radhika · remembering again and again · wept · He

By focusing on the individuals—Nanda, Yashoda, and Radhika—this verse deepens the personal nature of Krishna's separation, grounding the divine emotion in human-like intimacy.

Seeing Him, Uddhava, the best of friends, consolingly praised the loving sentiment of the Gopis and comforted Krishna with reverence.

taṃ vilokyoddhavaḥ kṛṣṇaṃ sāntvayāmāsa sādaram |

gopīnāṃ premabhāvaṃ taṃ saṃstuvan suhṛdāṃ varaḥ

तम् · tam — Him

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

उद्धवः · uddhavaḥ — Uddhava

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇam — Krishna

सान्त्वयामास · sāntvayāmāsa — consoled

सादरम् · sādaram — with reverence

गोपीनाम् · gopīnām — of the Gopis

प्रेमभावम् · premabhāvam — loving sentiment

संस्तुवन् · saṃstuvan — praising

सुहृदाम् · suhṛdām — of friends

वरः · varaḥ — the best

सुहृदां वरः उद्धवः तं कृष्णं विलोक्य गोपीनां तं प्रेमभावं संस्तुवन् सादरं सान्त्वयामास।

Him · having seen · Uddhava · Krishna · consoled · with reverence · of the Gopis · loving sentiment · praising · of friends · the best

Uddhava's intervention serves to validate the Gopis' devotion, providing a bridge between Krishna's internal sorrow and the external manifestation of the divine Rasa-lila.

Then, Narada, the best of sages, came there to Krishna and requested Keshava to show him the Rasa-lila.

tadā tatrāgataḥ kṛṣṇaṃ nārado munisattamaḥ |

rāsalīlāṃ darśayituṃ prārthayāmāsa keśavam

तदा · tadā — then

तत्र · tatra — there

आगतः · āgataḥ — having arrived

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇam — Krishna

नारदः · nāradaḥ — Narada

मुनिसत्तमः · munisattamaḥ — best of sages

रासलीलाम् · rāsalīlām — Rasa-lila

दर्शयितुम् · darśayitum — to show

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — requested

केशवम् · keśavam — Keshava

तदा मुनिसत्तमः नारदः तत्र आगतः कृष्णं केशवम् रासलीलां दर्शयितुं प्रार्थयामास।

then · there · having arrived · Krishna · Narada · best of sages · Rasa-lila · to show · requested · Keshava

Narada's arrival introduces the divine request that leads to the performance of the Rasa-lila, which is the source of the Gopi-chandana.

The best of the Yadus (Krishna), along with His queens Rukmini, Satyabhama, and others, who were filled with the sentiments of the Gopis, performed the Rasa-lila.

rukmiṇīsatyabhāmādimahiṣībhiryadūttamaḥ |

gopībhāvena yuktābhiḥ rāsalīlāṃ cakāra saḥ

रुक्मिणीसत्यभामादि · rukmiṇīsatyabhāmādi — Rukmini, Satyabhama, etc.

महिषीभिः · mahiṣībhiḥ — with the queens

यदूत्तमः · yadūttamaḥ — the best of the Yadus

गोपीभावेन · gopībhāvena — with Gopi sentiment

युक्ताभिः · yuktābhiḥ — endowed with

रासलीलाम् · rāsalīlām — Rasa-lila

चकार · cakāra — performed

सः · saḥ — He

यदूत्तमः सः गोपीभावेन युक्ताभिः रुक्मिणीसत्यभामादिमहिषीभिः सह रासलीलां चकार।

Rukmini, Satyabhama, etc. · with the queens · the best of the Yadus · with Gopi sentiment · endowed with · Rasa-lila · performed · He

This verse explains that the Rasa-lila is performed by Krishna with His queens who adopt the Gopi-bhava, ensuring the sanctity of the event.

On the seashore there, the sweet sound of the anklets of the goddesses dancing with Murari was heard.

samudrapuline tatra nṛtyantīnāṃ murāriṇā |

devīnāṃ nūpurāṇāṃ tu śuśruve madhuradhvaniḥ

समुद्रपुलिने · samudrapuline — on the seashore

तत्र · tatra — there

नृत्यन्तीनाम् · nṛtyantīnām — of those dancing

मुरारिणा · murāriṇā — with Murari

देवीनाम् · devīnām — of the goddesses

नूपुराणाम् · nūpurāṇām — of the anklets

तु · tu — and

शुश्रुवे · śuśruve — was heard

मधुरध्वनिः · madhuradhvaniḥ — sweet sound

तत्र समुद्रपुलिने मुरारिणा सह नृत्यन्तीनां देवीनां नूपुराणां मधुरध्वनिः तु शुश्रुवे।

on the seashore · there · of those dancing · with Murari · of the goddesses · of the anklets · and · was heard · sweet sound

The sensory details of the anklets and the dance establish the atmosphere of the divine event, setting the scene for the creation of the sacred substance.

A great festival took place on the beautiful seashore for those who were singing and dancing with Krishna with reverence.

gāyantīnāṃ naṭantīnāṃ kṛṣṇena saha sādaram |

samudrapuline ramye babhūva paramotsavaḥ

गायन्तीनाम् · gāyantīnām — of those singing

नटन्तीनाम् · naṭantīnām — of those dancing

कृष्णेन · kṛṣṇena — with Krishna

सह · saha — with

सादरम् · sādaram — with reverence

समुद्रपुलिने · samudrapuline — on the seashore

रम्ये · ramye — beautiful

बभूव · babhūva — occurred

परमोत्सवः · paramotsavaḥ — great festival

कृष्णेन सह सादरं गायन्तीनां नटन्तीनां तासां कृते रम्ये समुद्रपुलिने परमोत्सवः बभूव।

of those singing · of those dancing · with Krishna · with · with reverence · on the seashore · beautiful · occurred · great festival

This verse emphasizes the festive nature of the occasion, framing the Rasa-lila as a grand celebration that sanctifies the seashore.

In their midst, Vasudeva, the best of heroes, shone like an emerald among sapphire gems.

tāsāṃmadhye vāsudevaḥ śuśubhe nāyakottamaḥ |

vaiḍūryāṇāṃ maṇīnāṃ tu madhye marakataṃ yathā

तासाम् · tāsām — of them

मध्ये · madhye — in the middle

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vasudeva

शुशुभे · śuśubhe — shone

नायकोत्तमः · nāyakottamaḥ — best of heroes

वैडूर्याणाम् · vaiḍūryāṇāṃ — of sapphires

मणीनाम् · maṇīnām — of gems

तु · tu — and

मध्ये · madhye — in the middle

मरकतम् · marakatam — emerald

यथा · yathā — like

तासां मध्ये नायकोत्तमः वासुदेवः वैडूर्याणां मणीनां मध्ये मरकतं यथा शुशुभे।

of them · in the middle · Vasudeva · shone · best of heroes · of sapphires · of gems · and · in the middle · emerald · like

The comparison of Krishna to an emerald among sapphires highlights His central, radiant role in the midst of the dancing devotees.

The sacred Harichandana from them and from Krishna, fragrant and very beautiful, was scattered everywhere on the ground.

tāsāñca tasya kṛṣṇasya pavitraṃ haricandanam |

viśīrṇaṃ bhuvi sarvatra sugandhaṃ sumanoharam

तासाम् · tāsām — of them

च · ca — and

तस्य · tasya — of Him

कृष्णस्य · kṛṣṇasya — of Krishna

पवित्रम् · pavitram — sacred

हरिचन्दनम् · haricandanam — Harichandana

विशीर्णम् · viśīrṇam — scattered

भुवि · bhuvi — on the ground

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सुगन्धम् · sugandham — fragrant

सुमनोहरम् · sumanoharam — very beautiful

तासां तस्य कृष्णस्य च पवित्रं हरिचन्दनं सुगन्धं सुमनोहरं सत् भुवि सर्वत्र विशीर्णम्।

of them · and · of Him · of Krishna · sacred · Harichandana · scattered · on the ground · everywhere · fragrant · very beautiful

This verse identifies the origin of the sacred Gopi-chandana as the divine residue from the bodies of Krishna and the Gopis during the Rasa-lila.

This indeed is the Gopi-chandana, which is dear to Govinda. Merely by applying it on the forehead, it bestows the nectar of devotion to Krishna.

gopīcandanametaddhi govindasya manoramam |

lalāṭe dhāraṇādeva kṛṣṇabhaktirasapradam

गोपीचन्दनम् · gopīcandanam — Gopi-chandana

एतत् · etat — this

हि · hi — indeed

गोविन्दस्य · govindasya — of Govinda

मनोरमम् · manoramam — dear

ललाटे · lalāṭe — on the forehead

धारणात् · dhāraṇāt — by applying

एव · eva — only

कृष्णभक्तिरसप्रदम् · kṛṣṇabhaktirasapradam — bestows nectar of devotion

एतत् हि गोविन्दस्य मनोरमं गोपीचन्दनम्, ललाटे धारणात् एव कृष्णभक्तिरसप्रदं भवति।

Gopi-chandana · this · indeed · of Govinda · dear · on the forehead · by applying · only · bestows nectar of devotion

This verse defines the spiritual efficacy of Gopi-chandana, linking its physical application to the internal nectar of devotion.

From that time onwards, that sacred place is known as Gopi-kunda. By remembering it and seeing it, all sins are immediately destroyed.

tadāprabhṛti tattīrthaṃ gopīkuṇḍamiti śrutam |

smaraṇāddarśanātsadyaḥ sarvapāpavināśanam

तदाप्रभृति · tadāprabhṛti — from that time

तत् · tat — that

तीर्थम् · tīrtham — sacred place

गोपीकुण्डम् · gopīkuṇḍam — Gopi-kunda

इति · iti — thus

श्रुतम् · śrutam — known

स्मरणात् · smaraṇāt — by remembering

दर्शनात् · darśanāt — by seeing

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

सर्वपापविनाशनम् · sarvapāpavināśanam — destroyer of all sins

तदाप्रभृति तत् तीर्थं गोपीकुण्डम् इति श्रुतम्, यत् स्मरणात् दर्शनात् च सद्यः सर्वपापविनाशनम्।

from that time · that · sacred place · Gopi-kunda · thus · known · by remembering · by seeing · immediately · destroyer of all sins

The naming of Gopi-kunda and the declaration of its power to destroy sins elevate the location to a place of pilgrimage.

On the bank of Gopi-kunda, Chakrapani (the wielder of the discus) resides. One obtains the divine Gopi-chandana marked with His chakra symbol.

gopīkuṇḍasya tīre tu cakrapāṇirvirājate |

taccakracihnitaṃ divyaṃ gopīcandanamāpnuyāt

गोपीकुण्डस्य · gopīkuṇḍasya — of Gopi-kunda

तीरे · tīre — on the bank

तु · tu — and

चक्रपाणिः · cakrapāṇiḥ — Chakrapani

विराजते · virājate — resides

तत् · tat — that

चक्रचिह्नितम् · cakracihnitam — marked with chakra

दिव्यम् · divyam — divine

गोपीचन्दनम् · gopīcandanam — Gopi-chandana

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — one obtains

गोपीकुण्डस्य तीरे तु चक्रपाणिः विराजते, ततः चक्रचिह्नितं दिव्यं गोपीचन्दनम् आप्नुयात्।

of Gopi-kunda · on the bank · and · Chakrapani · resides · that · marked with chakra · divine · Gopi-chandana · one obtains

This verse provides the theological justification for the sacredness of the clay found at Gopi-kunda, linking it to the presence of Vishnu.

"O Gopi-chandana, destroyer of sins, born from the body of Vishnu! O you who are marked with the chakra, salutations to you. By being applied, be the bestower of liberation."

gopīcandana pāpaghna viṣṇudehasamudbhava |

cakrāṅkita namastubhyaṃ dhāraṇānmuktido bhava

गोपीचन्दन · gopīcandana — O Gopi-chandana

पापघ्न · pāpaghna — destroyer of sins

विष्णुदेहसमुद्भव · viṣṇudehasamudbhava — born from Vishnu's body

चक्राङ्कित · cakrāṅkita — marked with chakra

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

तुभ्यम् · tubhyam — to you

धारणात् · dhāraṇāt — by applying

मुक्तिदः · muktidaḥ — bestower of liberation

भव · bhava — be

हे गोपीचन्दन! हे पापघ्न! हे विष्णुदेहसमुद्भव! हे चक्राङ्कित! तुभ्यं नमः, त्वं धारणात् मुक्तिदः भव।

O Gopi-chandana · destroyer of sins · born from Vishnu's body · marked with chakra · salutations · to you · by applying · bestower of liberation · be

This verse provides the specific prayer to be used when applying Gopi-chandana, transforming the act of application into a meditative ritual.

Praying thus daily with devotion, a Vaishnava should apply the excellent Gopi-chandana on the twelve parts of the body.

evaṃ saṃprārthayannityaṃ vaiṣṇavo bhaktipūrvakam |

dhārayeddvādaśāṅgeṣu gopīcandanamuttamam

एवम् · evam — thus

संप्रार्थयन् · saṃprārthayan — praying

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

वैष्णवः · vaiṣṇavaḥ — Vaishnava

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

धारयेत् · dhārayet — should apply

द्वादशाङ्गेषु · dvādaśāṅgeṣu — on twelve parts

गोपीचन्दनम् · gopīcandanam — Gopi-chandana

उत्तमम् · uttamam — excellent

वैष्णवः एवं नित्यं भक्तिपूर्वकं संप्रार्थयन् द्वादशाङ्गेषु उत्तमं गोपीचन्दनं धारयेत्।

thus · praying · daily · Vaishnava · with devotion · should apply · on twelve parts · Gopi-chandana · excellent

This verse instructs the Vaishnava on the practice of applying the sacred clay to twelve parts of the body, standardizing the devotional observance.

By applying Gopi-chandana in the evening, morning, and at midday, all sins are destroyed. I speak the very truth.

sāyaṃ prātaśca mādhyāhne gopīcandanadhāraṇāt |

naśyanti sarvapāpāni satyameva vadāmyaham

सायम् · sāyaṃ — evening

प्रातः · prātaḥ — morning

च · ca — and

माध्याह्ने · mādhyāhne — at midday

गोपीचन्दनधारणात् · gopīcandanadhāraṇāt — by applying Gopi-chandana

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

सर्वपापानि · sarvapāpāni — all sins

सत्यम् · satyam — truth

एव · eva — indeed

वदामि · vadāmi — I speak

अहम् · aham — I

सायं प्रातः च माध्याह्ने गोपीचन्दनधारणात् सर्वपापानि नश्यन्ति, अहम् सत्यं एव वदामि।

evening · morning · and · at midday · by applying Gopi-chandana · are destroyed · all sins · truth · indeed · I speak · I

The emphasis on the timing of application (morning, noon, evening) reinforces the discipline required for spiritual purification.

A devotee should wear the Urdhva-pundra by anointing with Gopi-chandana. His body is considered a sacred temple of Mukunda.

ūrdhvapuṇḍraṃ dharedbhakto gopīcandanalepanāt |

tasya gātraṃ mukundasya pavitraṃ mandiraṃ smṛtam

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रम् · ūrdhvapuṇḍram — Urdhva-pundra

धरेत् · dharet — should wear

भक्तः · bhaktaḥ — devotee

गोपीचन्दनलेपनात् · gopīcandanalepanāt — by anointing with Gopi-chandana

तस्य · tasya — his

गात्रम् · gātram — body

मुकुन्दस्य · mukundasya — of Mukunda

पवित्रम् · pavitram — sacred

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

स्मृतम् · smṛtam — considered

भक्तः गोपीचन्दनलेपनात् ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रं धरेत्, तस्य गात्रं मुकुन्दस्य पवित्रं मन्दिरं स्मृतम्।

Urdhva-pundra · should wear · devotee · by anointing with Gopi-chandana · his · body · of Mukunda · sacred · temple · considered

This verse elevates the physical body of the devotee to the status of a temple, provided it is marked with the Urdhva-pundra.

Seeing those devotees on whose foreheads Gopi-chandana is visible, the servants of Yama, considering them Vaishnavas, tremble.

yeṣāṃ lalāṭe bhaktānāṃ dṛśyate gopīcandanam |

tān dṛṣṭvā vaiṣṇavān mattvā vepante yamakiṅkarāḥ

येषाम् · yeṣām — whose

ललाटे · lalāṭe — on the forehead

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — of devotees

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

गोपीचन्दनम् · gopīcandanam — Gopi-chandana

तान् · tān — them

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

वैष्णवान् · vaiṣṇavān — Vaishnavas

मत्त्वा · mattvā — considering

वेपन्ते · vepante — tremble

यमकिङ्कराः · yamakiṅkarāḥ — servants of Yama

येषां भक्तानां ललाटे गोपीचन्दनं दृश्यते, तान् दृष्ट्वा वैष्णवान् मत्त्वा यमकिङ्कराः वेपन्ते।

whose · on the forehead · of devotees · is seen · Gopi-chandana · them · having seen · Vaishnavas · considering · tremble · servants of Yama

The reaction of Yama's servants serves as a powerful metaphor for the protection afforded to those who bear the Vaishnava mark.

Seeing those humans on earth whose foreheads are anointed with Gopika-chandana, all the gods always serve them with reverence.

gopikācandanāliptalalāṭān bhuvi mānavān |

vilokya tu surāḥ sarve sevante śraddhayā sadā

गोपिकाचन्दनालिप्त · gopikācandanālipta — anointed with Gopika-chandana

ललाटान् · lalāṭān — foreheads

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

मानवान् · mānavān — humans

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

तु · tu — and

सुराः · surāḥ — gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

सेवन्ते · sevante — serve

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with reverence

सदा · sadā — always

गोपिकाचन्दनालिप्तललाटान् भुवि मानवान् विलोक्य सर्वे सुराः सदा श्रद्धया सेवन्ते।

anointed with Gopika-chandana · foreheads · on earth · humans · having seen · and · gods · all · serve · with reverence · always

This verse highlights the universal respect commanded by a Vaishnava, suggesting that even the gods honor those who bear the sacred mark.

Govinda, the Gomati river, the Ganga, Gopika-chandana, and the Gita—these five things beginning with 'G' are difficult to obtain for the unfortunate.

govindo gomatī gaṅgā gopikācandanaṃ tathā |

gītā ca bhāgyahīnānāṃ gakārāḥ pañca durlabhāḥ

गोविन्दः · govindo — Govinda

गोमती · gomatī — Gomati river

गङ्गा · gaṅgā — Ganga

गोपिकाचन्दनम् · gopikācandanaṃ — Gopika-chandana

तथा · tathā — also

गीता · gītā — Gita

च · ca — and

भाग्यहीनानाम् · bhāgyahīnānāṃ — for the unfortunate

गकाराः · gakārāḥ — G-letter items

पञ्च · pañca — five

दुर्लभाः · durlabhāḥ — difficult to obtain

गोविन्दः, गोमती, गङ्गा, गोपिकाचन्दनं तथा गीता च - एते पञ्च गकाराः भाग्यहीनानां कृते दुर्लभाः।

Govinda · Gomati river · Ganga · Gopika-chandana · also · Gita · and · for the unfortunate · G-letter items · five · difficult to obtain

The grouping of these five 'G' items serves as a mnemonic for the essential elements of Vaishnava life, emphasizing their rarity and value.

The Urdhva-pundra for Vaishnavas, made with Gopika-chandana, is ordained to destroy all sins and bestow the abode of Vaikuntha.

ūrdhvapuṇḍraṃ vaiṣṇavānāṃ gopikācandanena hi |

vihitaṃ sarvapāpaghnaṃ vaikuṇṭhapadadāyakam

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रम् · ūrdhvapuṇḍram — the vertical Vaishnava mark

वैष्णवानाम् · vaiṣṇavānām — of the devotees of Vishnu

गोपिकाचन्दनेन · gopikācandanena — with Gopi-chandana paste

हि · hi — indeed

विहितम् · vihitam — ordained/prescribed

सर्वपापघ्नम् · sarvapāpaghnam — destroyer of all sins

वैकुण्ठपददायकम् · vaikuṇṭhapadadāyakam — bestower of the Vaikuntha abode

वैष्णवानां गोपिकाचन्दनेन विहितम् ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रं हि सर्वपापघ्नं वैकुण्ठपददायकं भवति।

the vertical Vaishnava mark · of the devotees of Vishnu · with Gopi-chandana paste · indeed · ordained/prescribed · destroyer of all sins · bestower of the Vaikuntha abode

This verse serves as the definitive scriptural conclusion regarding the efficacy of Gopi-chandana. It establishes that the Urdhva-pundra mark is not merely a ritual, but a potent spiritual technology for liberation.

Those who have Tulasi and Nalinaksha beads adorning their necks, those on whose foreheads the Urdhva-pundra shines, those whose upper arms are marked with the conch and discus—those Vaishnavas quickly purify the world.

ye kaṇṭhalagnatulasīnalinākṣamālā

ye vā lalāṭaphalake lasadūrdhvapuṇḍrāḥ |

ye bāhumūlaparicihnitaśaṅkhacakrāḥ

te vaiṣṇavā bhuvanamāśu pavitrayanti

ये · ye — those who

कण्ठलग्न · kaṇṭhalagna — worn on the neck

तुलसी · tulasī — sacred Tulasi beads

नलिनाक्षमाला · nalinākṣamālā — lotus-seed beads

ललाटफलके · lalāṭaphalake — on the forehead

लसत् · lasat — shining

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्राः · ūrdhvapuṇḍrāḥ — vertical marks

बाहुमूल · bāhumūla — on the upper arms

परिचिह्नित · paricihnita — marked with

शङ्खचक्राः · śaṅkhacakrāḥ — conch and discus

ते · te — they

वैष्णवाः · vaiṣṇavāḥ — devotees of Vishnu

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — the world

आशु · āśu — quickly

पवित्रयन्ति · pavitrayanti — purify

ये कण्ठलग्नतुलसीनलिनाक्षमालाः, ये वा ललाटफलके लसदूर्ध्वपुण्ड्राः, ये बाहुमूलपरिचिह्नितशङ्खचक्राः, ते वैष्णवाः भुवनम् आशु पवित्रयन्ति।

those who · worn on the neck · sacred Tulasi beads · lotus-seed beads · on the forehead · shining · vertical marks · on the upper arms · marked with · conch and discus · they · devotees of Vishnu · the world · quickly · purify

The author begins a series of verses defining the characteristics of a true Vaishnava. This verse focuses on the external marks of devotion, emphasizing that these symbols signify a soul dedicated to the Lord.

Those who have made their permanent residence in cities like Dvaraka, those whose divine bodies are purified by the vow of Dvadashi, and those who worship the excellent Chakra-shila (Salagrama) form of Vishnu—those Vaishnavas quickly purify the world.

dvārakādinagarīkṛtanityavāsā

ye dvādaśīvrata pavitritadivyagātrāḥ |

ye viṣṇumūrtivaracakraśilārcakāśca

te vaiṣṇavā bhuvanamāśu pavitrayanti

द्वारकादि · dvārakādi — Dvarka and other holy cities

नगरी · nagarī — cities

कृतनित्यवासाः · kṛtanityavāsāḥ — those who have made permanent residence

द्वादशीव्रत · dvādaśīvrata — by the Dvadashi vow

पवित्रित · pavitrita — purified

दिव्यगात्राः · divyagātrāḥ — divine bodies

विष्णुमूर्ति · viṣṇumūrti — form of Vishnu

वर · vara — excellent

चक्रशिलार्चकाः · cakraśilārcakāḥ — worshippers of Chakra-shila

ते · te — they

वैष्णवाः · vaiṣṇavāḥ — devotees of Vishnu

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — the world

आशु · āśu — quickly

पवित्रयन्ति · pavitrayanti — purify

ये द्वारकादिनगरीकृतनित्यवासाः, ये द्वादशीव्रतपवित्रितदिव्यगात्राः, ये विष्णुमूर्तिवरचक्रशिलार्चकाः, ते वैष्णवाः भुवनम् आशु पवित्रयन्ति।

Dvarka and other holy cities · cities · those who have made permanent residence · by the Dvadashi vow · purified · divine bodies · form of Vishnu · excellent · worshippers of Chakra-shila · they · devotees of Vishnu · the world · quickly · purify

This verse expands the definition of a Vaishnava to include those who engage in specific holy vows and reside in sacred geography, showing that devotion is expressed through both lifestyle and location.

Those who have drunk the nectar of the great Bhagavata up to their throats, those who are eager to chant the names of Vaikuntha's lord, those whose bodies are adorned with tears of joy and horripilation—those Vaishnavas quickly purify the world.

**Thus the twenty-third chapter, named "The Glory of Gopi-chandana," in the First Part of the Divyadesavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.**

ākaṇṭhapītavarabhāgavatāmṛtā ye

vaikuṇṭhanāmaparikīrtanalolupā ye |

ānandabāṣpapulakāñcitavigrahā ye

te vaiṣṇavā bhuvanamāśu pavitrayanti

आकण्ठ · ākaṇṭha — up to the throat

पीत · pīta — drunk

वरभागवतामृताः · varabhāgavatāmṛtāḥ — the nectar of the great Bhagavata

वैकुण्ठनाम · vaikuṇṭhanāma — the name of the Lord of Vaikuntha

परिकीर्तन · parikīrtana — chanting

लोलुपाः · lolupāḥ — eager/greedy for

आनन्दबाष्प · ānandabāṣpa — tears of joy

पुलक · pulaka — horripilation

अञ्चित · añcita — adorned with

विग्रहाः · vigrahāḥ — bodies

ते · te — they

वैष्णवाः · vaiṣṇavāḥ — devotees of Vishnu

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — the world

आशु · āśu — quickly

पवित्रयन्ति · pavitrayanti — purify

ये आकण्ठपीतवरभागवतामृताः, ये वैकुण्ठनामपरिकीर्तनलोलुपाः, ये आनन्दबाष्पपुलकाञ्चितविग्रहाः, ते वैष्णवाः भुवनम् आशु पवित्रयन्ति।

up to the throat · drunk · the nectar of the great Bhagavata · the name of the Lord of Vaikuntha · chanting · eager/greedy for · tears of joy · horripilation · adorned with · bodies · they · devotees of Vishnu · the world · quickly · purify

The final verse in this sequence shifts from external marks and vows to internal emotional states, highlighting that the true Vaishnava is one whose very being is saturated with the nectar of Bhagavata and divine love.