कुरुक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Kuru Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

"I shall go to Kurukshetra; I shall dwell in Kurukshetra." He who constantly says this is freed from all sins.

śrīsadgururuvāca

kurukṣetraṃ gamiṣyāmi kurukṣetre vasāmyaham |

ya evaṃ satataṃ brūyāt sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

श्रीसद्गुरुः · śrīsadguruḥ — the revered teacher

उवाच · uvāca — said

कुरुक्षेत्रं · kurukṣetraṃ — to Kurukshetra

गमिष्यामि · gamiṣyāmi — I shall go

वसामि · vasāmi — I shall dwell

अहम् · aham — I

यः · yaḥ — he who

एवम् · evam — thus

सततम् · satatam — constantly

ब्रूयात् · brūyāt — speaks

सर्वपापैः · sarvapāpaiḥ — from all sins

प्रमुच्यते · pramucyate — is liberated

श्रीसद्गुरुः उवाच। अहम् कुरुक्षेत्रं गमिष्यामि, कुरुक्षेत्रे वसामि। यः एवम् सततम् ब्रूयात्, सः सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते।

the revered teacher · said · to Kurukshetra · I shall go · I shall dwell · I · he who · thus · constantly · speaks · from all sins · is liberated

This verse introduces the spiritual efficacy of Kurukshetra by emphasizing that even the mere intention to dwell there, expressed through constant remembrance, grants liberation from all sins.

Even the particles of dust in Kurukshetra, when stirred up by the wind, lead even those who have committed wicked deeds to the supreme state.

**3. To the south of the Sarasvati and to the north of the Drishadvati, they who dwell in Kurukshetra, they dwell in heaven.

pāṃsavo'pi kurukṣetre vāyunā samudīritāḥ |

api duṣkṛtakarmāṇaṃ nayanti paramāṃ gatim

पांसवः · pāṃsavaḥ — dust particles

अपि · api — even

कुरुक्षेत्रे · kurukṣetre — in Kurukshetra

वायुना · vāyunā — by the wind

समुदीरिताः · samudīritāḥ — stirred up

दुष्कृतकर्माणम् · duṣkṛtakarmāṇam — one who has done wicked deeds

नयन्ति · nayanti — they lead

परमाम् · paramām — supreme

गतिम् · gatim — state/destination

कुरुक्षेत्रे वायुना समुदीरिताः पांसवः अपि दुष्कृतकर्माणम् अपि परमाम् गतिम् नयन्ति।

dust particles · even · in Kurukshetra · by the wind · stirred up · one who has done wicked deeds · they lead · supreme · state/destination

This verse highlights the extraordinary sanctity of the land, suggesting that even the dust particles of Kurukshetra possess the power to elevate the most sinful beings to the supreme spiritual abode.

dakṣiṇena sarasvatyā dṛṣadvatyuttareṇa ca |

ye vasanti kurukṣetre te vasanti triviṣṭape

दक्षिणेन · dakṣiṇena — to the south

सरस्वत्याः · sarasvatyāḥ — of the Sarasvati river

दृषद्वत्याः · dṛṣadvatyāḥ — of the Drishadvati river

उत्तरेण · uttareṇa — to the north

ये · ye — those who

वसन्ति · vasanti — dwell

कुरुक्षेत्रे · kurukṣetre — in Kurukshetra

ते · te — they

त्रिविष्टपे · triviṣṭape — in heaven

सरस्वत्याः दक्षिणेन दृषद्वत्याः उत्तरेण च ये कुरुक्षेत्रे वसन्ति, ते त्रिविष्टपे वसन्ति।

to the south · of the Sarasvati river · of the Drishadvati river · to the north · those who · dwell · in Kurukshetra · they · in heaven

This verse defines the geographical sanctity of Kurukshetra, establishing it as a terrestrial heaven for those who reside within its sacred boundaries.

In this field, Rāma (Paraśurāma), having brought about the destruction of the Kshatriyas and creating a sacred tīrtha, formerly washed away the sins of men. This indeed is the pool with water of blood, the lake.

asmin kṣetre kṣatriyāṇāṃ vināśaṃ

kṛtvā rāmastīrthamutpādayaṃśca

nṛṇāṃ pāpaṃ kṣālayāmāsa pūrvaṃ

kuṇḍaṃ hyetacchoṇitodaṃ hradam

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — field

क्षत्रियाणां · kṣatriyāṇāṃ — of the Kshatriyas

विनाशं · vināśaṃ — destruction

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

रामः · rāmaḥ — Parasurama

तीर्थम् · tīrtham — pilgrimage site

उत्पादयन् · utpādayan — creating

नृणां · nṛṇāṃ — of men

पापं · pāpaṃ — sin

क्षालयामास · kṣālayāmāsa — washed away

शोणितोदं · śoṇitodaṃ — blood-watered

ह्रदम् · hradam — lake

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे रामः क्षत्रियाणां विनाशं कृत्वा तीर्थम् उत्पादयन् पूर्वं नृणां पापं क्षालयामास। एतत् हि शोणितोदं ह्रदं कुण्डम्।

in this · field · of the Kshatriyas · destruction · having done · Parasurama · pilgrimage site · creating · of men · sin · washed away · blood-watered · lake

This verse connects the historical purification of the land by Paraśurāma to the inherent holiness of the site, explaining the origin of the blood-stained lake.

In this field, the king Kuru performed a sacrifice renowned in all the worlds. Therefore, this field became famous in the world by his name, frequented by the righteous.

asmin kṣetre bhūmipālaḥ kuruśca

cakre yajñaṃ sarvalokaprasiddham

tasmāttasya kṣetrametattu nāmnā

khyātaṃ loke dhārmikaiḥ sevyamānam

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — field

भूमिपालः · bhūmipālaḥ — the king

कुरुः · kuruḥ — Kuru

चक्रे · cakre — performed

यज्ञं · yajñaṃ — sacrifice

सर्वलोकप्रसिद्धम् · sarvalokaprasiddham — famous in all worlds

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

तस्य · tasya — his

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

ख्यातं · khyātaṃ — famous

धार्मिकैः · dhārmikaiḥ — by the righteous

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे भूमिपालः कुरुः सर्वलोकप्रसिद्धं यज्ञं चक्रे। तस्मात् एतत् क्षेत्रं तस्य नाम्ना लोके ख्यातं धार्मिकैः सेव्यमानम् अस्ति।

in this · field · the king · Kuru · performed · sacrifice · famous in all worlds · therefore · his · by the name · famous · by the righteous

This verse explains the etymology of the name 'Kurukshetra', grounding the holiness of the land in the pious sacrifices performed by King Kuru.

In this field, the son of Śūrasena (Vasudeva), the father of the Discus-Bearer (Krishna), performed a sacrifice. In that sacrifice, all the devotees of Krishna assembled here along with Krishna.

**7. In this field, that gopī Rādhā, having come from Gokula, was united with Mādhava. Worshipped by Krishna's wives, led by Bhīṣmī (Rukmiṇī), she was delighted with her friends, full of love.

asmin kṣetre śūrasenasya putraḥ

cakre yajñaṃ cakrapāṇeḥ pitā saḥ

yasmin yajñe kṛṣṇabhaktāśca sarve

saṅgamyāsannatra kṛṣṇena sārdham

शूरसेनस्य · śūrasenasya — of Shurasena

पुत्रः · putraḥ — the son

चक्रपाणेः · cakrapāṇeḥ — of the Discus-bearer

पिता · pitā — father

यस्मिन् · yasmin — in which

यज्ञे · yajñe — sacrifice

कृष्णभक्ताः · kṛṣṇabhaktāḥ — devotees of Krishna

सङ्गम्य · saṅgamya — having assembled

आसन् · āsan — were

कृष्णेन · kṛṣṇena — with Krishna

सार्धम् · sārdham — together

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे शूरसेनस्य पुत्रः चक्रपाणेः पिता (वासुदेवः) यज्ञं चक्रे। यस्मिन् यज्ञे सर्वे कृष्णभक्ताः कृष्णेन सार्धम् अत्र सङ्गम्य आसन्।

of Shurasena · the son · of the Discus-bearer · father · in which · sacrifice · devotees of Krishna · having assembled · were · with Krishna · together

This verse highlights the divine association of the site by mentioning Vasudeva's sacrifice, which served as a gathering point for all of Krishna's devotees.

asmin kṣetre gokulādāgatā sā

gopī rādhā saṃyutā mādhavena

bhaiṣmīmukhyaiḥ pūjitā kṛṣṇadāraiḥ

prītā cāsītpremapūrvaṃ sakhībhiḥ

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — field

गोकुलात् · gokulāt — from Gokula

आगता · āgatā — having come

गोपी · gopī — the cowherd maiden

राधा · rādhā — Radha

संयुता · saṃyutā — united

माधवेन · mādhavena — with Madhava

भैष्मीमुख्यैः · bhaiṣmīmukhyaiḥ — led by Rukmini

पूजिता · pūjitā — honored

कृष्णदारैः · kṛṣṇadāraiḥ — by Krishna's wives

प्रीता · prītā — delighted

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे गोकुलात् आगता सा गोपी राधा माधवेन संयुता। भैष्मीमुख्यैः कृष्णदारैः पूजिता सा सखीभिः सह प्रेमपूर्वं प्रीता च आसीत्।

in this · field · from Gokula · having come · the cowherd maiden · Radha · united · with Madhava · led by Rukmini · honored · by Krishna's wives · delighted

This verse adds a layer of intimate devotion to the narrative, describing the reunion of Rādhā and Mādhava in this sacred field, surrounded by the divine consorts.

In this field, stationed in his golden chariot, Vāsudeva, Mukunda, the teacher of the Gītā, the lord of the Yadus, taught the scripture of the Gītā to Pārtha in the midst of the kings and the two armies.

asmin kṣetre kāñcanasyandanastho

gītāśāstraṃ bodhayāmāsa pārtham

gītācāryo vāsudevo mukundo

madhye rājñāṃ senayoryādavendraḥ

काञ्चनस्यन्दनस्थः · kāñcanasyandanasthaḥ — seated in a golden chariot

गीताशास्त्रं · gītāśāstraṃ — the scripture of Gita

बोधयामास · bodhayāmāsa — taught

पार्थम् · pārtham — to Arjuna

गीताचार्यः · gītācāryaḥ — the teacher of Gita

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vasudeva

मुकुन्दः · mukundaḥ — Mukunda

मध्ये · madhye — in the middle

राज्ञाम् · rājñām — of kings

सेनयोः · senayoḥ — of the two armies

यादवेन्द्रः · yādavendraḥ — the lord of Yadus

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे काञ्चनस्यन्दनस्थः गीताचार्यः वासुदेवः मुकुन्दः यादवेन्द्रः राज्ञाम् सेनयोः मध्ये पार्थम् गीताशास्त्रं बोधयामास।

seated in a golden chariot · the scripture of Gita · taught · to Arjuna · the teacher of Gita · Vasudeva · Mukunda · in the middle · of kings · of the two armies · the lord of Yadus

This verse establishes Kurukshetra as the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gītā, underscoring the significance of Krishna's role as the teacher of Arjuna.

In this field, this son of Devakī, Keśava, the one with a conch in his hand, lovingly performed the role of a charioteer for the son of Kuntī, holding the reins of the beautiful horses.

asmin kṣetre devakīnandano'yaṃ

sārathyañca premapūrvaṃ cakāra

kuntīsūnoḥ keśavaḥ śaṅkhapāṇiḥ

raśmīn gṛhṇan sundarāṇāṃ hayānām

देवकीनन्दनः · devakīnandanaḥ — son of Devaki

अयम् · ayam — this

सारथ्यम् · sārathyam — charioteering

प्रेमपूर्वं · premapūrvaṃ — with love

चकार · cakāra — did

कुन्तीसूनोः · kuntīsūnoḥ — for Kunti's son

केशवः · keśavaḥ — Keshava

शङ्खपाणिः · śaṅkhapāṇiḥ — conch-bearer

रश्मीन् · raśmīn — reins

गृह्णन् · gṛhṇan — holding

सुन्दराणाम् · sundarāṇām — of beautiful

हयानाम् · hayānām — horses

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे अयम् देवकीनन्दनः केशवः शङ्खपाणिः कुन्तीसूनोः सारथ्यञ्च प्रेमपूर्वं चकार, सुन्दराणाम् हयानाम् रश्मीन् गृह्णन्।

son of Devaki · this · charioteering · with love · did · for Kunti's son · Keshava · conch-bearer · reins · holding · of beautiful · horses

This verse emphasizes the humility and love of Krishna, who, despite being the Supreme Lord, took on the menial task of a charioteer for Arjuna.

In this field, during the battle with Bhīṣma, the great-souled one (Krishna), wishing to kill him, rushed forward holding the discus, his upper garment falling to the ground in his haste, even as he was being prayed to by Bhīṣma, the friend of his devotees.

asmin kṣetre bhīṣmayuddhe mahātmā

dhṛtvā cakraṃ hantukāmo dadhāva

bhīṣmeṇāpi prārthito bhaktabandhustyaktvā

bhūmau saṃbhramāduttarīyam

भीष्मयुद्धे · bhīṣmayuddhe — in the battle with Bhishma

महात्मा · mahātmā — the great-souled one

धृत्वा · dhṛtvā — holding

चक्रं · cakraṃ — the discus

हन्तुकामः · hantukāmaḥ — wishing to kill

दधाव · dadhāva — rushed

भीष्मेण · bhīṣmeṇa — by Bhishma

प्रार्थितः · prārthitaḥ — prayed to

भक्तबन्धुः · bhaktabandhuḥ — friend of devotees

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having dropped

भूमौ · bhūmau — on the ground

संभ्रमात् · saṃbhramāt — in haste

उत्तरीयम् · uttarīyam — upper garment

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे भीष्मयुद्धे महात्मा भक्तबन्धुः चक्रं धृत्वा हन्तुकामः दधाव। भीष्मेण प्रार्थितः सः संभ्रमात् उत्तरीयम् भूमौ त्यक्त्वा (दधाव)।

in the battle with Bhishma · the great-souled one · holding · the discus · wishing to kill · rushed · by Bhishma · prayed to · friend of devotees · having dropped · on the ground · in haste · upper garment

This verse depicts the dramatic moment of Krishna's intervention in the battle, highlighting His devotion to His devotee Bhīṣma.

In this field, the great-souled celibate (Bhīṣma) was felled to the ground by Pārtha. Meditating on Krishna, he lay upon a bed of arrows, and to him, Pārtha gave the sacred water from his arrow.

asmin kṣetre brahmacārī mahātmā

pārthenāyaṃ pātito bhūmibhāge

dhyāyan kṛṣṇaṃ bāṇatalpe'nuśiśye

tasmai pārtho bāṇatīrthaṃ dadau ca

ब्रह्मचारी · brahmacārī — celibate

महात्मा · mahātmā — great-souled

पार्थेन · pārthena — by Partha

पातितः · pātitaḥ — felled

भूमिभागे · bhūmibhāge — on the ground

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

कृष्णं · kṛṣṇaṃ — on Krishna

बाणतल्पे · bāṇatalpe — on a bed of arrows

अनुशिश्ये · anuśiśye — lay down

तस्मै · tasmai — to him

पार्थः · pārthaḥ — Partha

बाणतीर्थं · bāṇatīrthaṃ — sacred water from arrow

ददौ · dadau — gave

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे ब्रह्मचारी महात्मा पार्थेन भूमिभागे पातितः। सः कृष्णं ध्यायन् बाणतल्पे अनुशिश्ये, तस्मै पार्थः बाणतीर्थं ददौ च।

celibate · great-souled · by Partha · felled · on the ground · meditating · on Krishna · on a bed of arrows · lay down · to him · Partha · sacred water from arrow · gave

This verse illustrates the final moments of Bhīṣma, emphasizing the grace of Krishna and the compassionate service provided by Arjuna.

In this field, the Supreme Soul, the charioteer of Pārtha, the God of gods, having created a tīrtha and bathed the horses, performed the duty of a charioteer as a divine play, greatly astonishing all the heroes.

asmin kṣetre pārthasūtaḥ parātmā

kṛtvā tīrthaṃ snāpayitvā turaṅgān |

cakre sautyaṃ līlayā devadevaḥ

sarvān vīrān sādhu vismāpayitvā

पार्थसूतः · pārthasūtaḥ — charioteer of Partha

परात्मा · parātmā — Supreme Soul

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having created

तीर्थं · tīrthaṃ — a holy site

स्नापयित्वा · snāpayitvā — having bathed

तुरङ्गान् · turaṅgān — horses

चक्रे · cakre — performed

सौत्यं · sautyaṃ — charioteer's duty

लीलया · līlayā — as a divine play

देवदेवः · devadevaḥ — God of gods

सर्वान् · sarvān — all

वीरान् · vīrān — heroes

विस्मापयित्वा · vismāpayitvā — having astonished

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे पार्थसूतः परात्मा देवदेवः तीर्थं कृत्वा तुरङ्गान् स्नापयित्वा, सर्वान् वीरान् विस्मापयित्वा लीलया सौत्यं चक्रे।

charioteer of Partha · Supreme Soul · having created · a holy site · having bathed · horses · performed · charioteer's duty · as a divine play · God of gods · all · heroes · having astonished

This verse portrays Krishna's divine play as a charioteer, showing how even mundane tasks performed by the Supreme Soul become a source of wonder for all.

In this field, seeing the vow undertaken by Phālguna (Arjuna) to slay the king of Sindhu, Mukunda made the sun hidden by his discus and thus made Pārtha true to his word.

asmin kṣetre sindhurājaṃ nihantuṃ

dṛṣṭvā klṛptāṃ phālgunena pratijñām |

cakracchannaṃ bhāskaraṃ saṃvidhāya

cakre pārthaṃ satyasandhaṃ mukundaḥ

सिन्धुराजं · sindhurājaṃ — king of Sindhu

निहन्तुं · nihantuṃ — to kill

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

क्लृप्तां · klṛptāṃ — undertaken

फाल्गुनेन · phālgunena — by Arjuna

प्रतिज्ञाम् · pratijñām — vow

चक्रच्छन्नं · cakracchannaṃ — veiled by discus

भास्करं · bhāskaraṃ — the sun

संविधाय · saṃvidhāya — having made

चक्रे · cakre — made

पार्थं · pārthaṃ — Partha

सत्यसन्धं · satyasandhaṃ — true to his word

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे सिन्धुराजं निहन्तुं फाल्गुनेन क्लृप्तां प्रतिज्ञाम् दृष्ट्वा, मुकुन्दः भास्करं चक्रच्छन्नं संविधाय पार्थं सत्यसन्धं चक्रे।

king of Sindhu · to kill · having seen · undertaken · by Arjuna · vow · veiled by discus · the sun · having made · made · Partha · true to his word

This verse highlights Krishna's commitment to His devotee's vow, demonstrating His power to manipulate the cosmic order to ensure Arjuna's success.

In this field, the Brahmin named Droṇa, who met his death from Dhṛṣṭadyumna, became peaceful. Meditating on Vishnu through the path of yoga, he finally abandoned his body, though afflicted by grief for his son.

asmin kṣetre brāhmaṇo droṇanāmā

dhṛṣṭadyumnaprāptamṛtyuḥ praśāntaḥ

dhyāyan viṣṇuṃ yogamārgeṇa dehaṃ

tatyājānte putraśokena yuktaḥ

ब्राह्मणो · brāhmaṇo — the Brahmin

द्रोणनामा · droṇanāmā — named Drona

धृष्टद्युम्नप्राप्तमृत्युः · dhṛṣṭadyumnaprāptamṛtyuḥ — who met death from Dhrishtadyumna

प्रशान्तः · praśāntaḥ — peaceful

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

विष्णुं · viṣṇuṃ — on Vishnu

योगमार्गेण · yogamārgeṇa — through the path of yoga

देहं · dehaṃ — body

तत्याज · tatyāja — abandoned

पुत्रशोकेन · putraśokena — with grief for son

युक्तः · yuktaḥ — burdened

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे द्रोणनामा ब्राह्मणः धृष्टद्युम्नप्राप्तमृत्युः प्रशान्तः अभवत्। सः पुत्रशोकेन युक्तः अपि योगमार्गेण विष्णुं ध्यायन् देहं तत्याज।

the Brahmin · named Drona · who met death from Dhrishtadyumna · peaceful · meditating · on Vishnu · through the path of yoga · body · abandoned · with grief for son · burdened

This verse describes the transition of Droṇa from the battlefield to spiritual peace, emphasizing the efficacy of meditating on Vishnu even in one's final moments.

In this field, Padmanābha, Murāri, the beloved of Pārtha, received the blazing Vaiṣṇava missile, launched by the son of Bhūmi (Bhagadatta), upon his own chest and turned it into a Vaijayantī garland.

asmin kṣetre bhaumaputraprayuktamastraṃ

dīptaṃ vaiṣṇavaṃ vakṣasaiva

dhṛtvā mālāṃ vaijayantīṃ cakāra

pārthapreṣṭhaḥ padmanābho murāriḥ

भौमपुत्रप्रयुक्तम् · bhaumaputraprayuktam — launched by Bhagadatta

अस्त्रं · astraṃ — missile

दीप्तं · dīptaṃ — blazing

वैष्णवं · vaiṣṇavaṃ — Vaishnava

वक्षसा · vakṣasā — on chest

धृत्वा · dhṛtvā — having received

मालां · mālāṃ — garland

वैजयन्तीं · vaijayantīṃ — Vaijayanti

चकार · cakāra — made

पार्थप्रेष्ठः · pārthapreṣṭhaḥ — beloved of Partha

पद्मनाभः · padmanābhaḥ — Padmanabha

मुरारिः · murāriḥ — Murari

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे पार्थप्रेष्ठः पद्मनाभः मुरारिः भौमपुत्रप्रयुक्तं दीप्तं वैष्णवं अस्त्रं वक्षसा धृत्वा वैजयन्तीं मालां चकार।

launched by Bhagadatta · missile · blazing · Vaishnava · on chest · having received · garland · Vaijayanti · made · beloved of Partha · Padmanabha · Murari

This verse showcases Krishna's divine nature, as He effortlessly transforms a lethal weapon into a beautiful ornament, demonstrating His absolute control over all forces.

In this field, seeing from afar the Nārāyaṇa missile launched by the son of Droṇa, Vāsudeva immediately protected all the heroes by making Pārtha and Bhīma bow down.

asmin kṣetre droṇaputraprayuktaṃ

dṛṣṭvā dūre hanta nārāyaṇāstram

pārthaṃ bhīmaṃ vandayitvaiva sadyo

vīrān sarvān vāsudevo rarakṣa

द्रोणपुत्रप्रयुक्तं · droṇaputraprayuktaṃ — launched by Drona's son

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

दूरे · dūre — from afar

नारायणास्त्रम् · nārāyaṇāstram — Narayana missile

पार्थं · pārthaṃ — Partha

भीमं · bhīmaṃ — Bhima

वन्दयित्वैव · vandayitvaiva — having made them bow down

सद्यः · sadyah — immediately

वीरान् · vīrān — heroes

सर्वान् · sarvān — all

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vasudeva

ररक्ष · rarakṣa — protected

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे द्रोणपुत्रप्रयुक्तं नारायणास्त्रं दूरे दृष्ट्वा, वासुदेवः पार्थं भीमं वन्दयित्वैव सद्यः सर्वान् वीरान् ररक्ष।

launched by Drona's son · having seen · from afar · Narayana missile · Partha · Bhima · having made them bow down · immediately · heroes · all · Vasudeva · protected

This verse emphasizes Krishna's role as the protector of His devotees, showing how He guides them to safety even in the face of insurmountable threats.

In this field, by the command of Krishna, the hero Pārtha struck down the great giver Karṇa while he was lifting his chariot, which was stuck in the earth, and immediately attained victory.

asmin kṣetre dānavīraṃ ca karṇaṃ

magnaṃ bhūmau syandanaṃ saṃvahantam

kṛṣṇasyājñākāraṇāt sañjaghāna

vīraḥ pārthaḥ prāpa sadyo jayañca

दानवीरं · dānavīraṃ — the great giver

कर्णं · karṇaṃ — Karna

मग्नं · magnaṃ — stuck

भूमौ · bhūmau — in the earth

स्यन्दनं · syandanaṃ — chariot

संवहन्तम् · saṃvahantam — lifting

कृष्णस्याज्ञाकारणात् · kṛṣṇasyājñākāraṇāt — by Krishna's command

सञ्जघान · sañjaghāna — struck down

वीरः · vīraḥ — hero

पार्थः · pārthaḥ — Partha

प्राप · prāpa — attained

सद्यः · sadyah — immediately

जयम् · jayam — victory

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे भूमौ मग्नं स्यन्दनं संवहन्तं दानवीरं कर्णं, कृष्णस्याज्ञाकारणात् वीरः पार्थः सञ्जघान, सद्यः जयञ्च प्राप।

the great giver · Karna · stuck · in the earth · chariot · lifting · by Krishna's command · struck down · hero · Partha · attained · immediately · victory

This verse highlights the strategic and divine intervention of Krishna in the defeat of Karṇa, underscoring that victory is ultimately determined by the Lord's will.

In this field, the great-souled Bhīmasena, having slain the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra in a fierce battle, made his own vow true in the presence of Govinda, the Lord of Dvārakā, Śauri.

asmin kṣetre bhīmaseno mahātmā

yuddhe ghore dhārtarāṣṭraṃ nihatya

cakre satyaṃ svapratijñāṃ purastād

govindasya dvārakeśasya śaureḥ

भीमसेनो · bhīmaseno — Bhimasena

महात्मा · mahātmā — great-souled

युद्धे · yuddhe — in battle

घोरे · ghore — fierce

धार्तराष्ट्रं · dhārtarāṣṭraṃ — Duryodhana

निहत्य · nihatya — having slain

चक्रे · cakre — made

सत्यं · satyaṃ — true

स्वप्रतिज्ञां · svapratijñāṃ — his own vow

पुरस्तात् · purastāt — in the presence of

गोविन्दस्य · govindasya — of Govinda

द्वारकेशस्य · dvārakeśasya — of the Lord of Dwarka

शौरेः · śaureḥ — of Shauri

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे महात्मा भीमसेनः घोरे युद्धे धार्तराष्ट्रं निहत्य, गोविन्दस्य द्वारकेशस्य शौरेः पुरस्तात् स्वप्रतिज्ञां सत्यं चक्रे।

Bhimasena · great-souled · in battle · fierce · Duryodhana · having slain · made · true · his own vow · in the presence of · of Govinda · of the Lord of Dwarka · of Shauri

This verse celebrates the fulfillment of Bhīmasena's vow, showing that the Lord's presence validates the righteous actions of His devotees.

In this field, great souls desirous of dharma, having fought the war, indeed attained heaven in the past. Bhīṣma, having bowed to Krishna and spoken the principles of dharma to the King of Dharma (Yudhiṣṭhira), joyfully attained liberation.

asmin kṣetre dharmakāmā mahāntaḥ

kṛtvā yuddhaṃ svargamāpurhi pūrvam

bhīṣmo mokṣaṃ prāpa kṛṣṇaṃ praṇamya

dharmān uktvā dharmarājāya hṛṣṭaḥ

धर्मकामा · dharmakāmā — desirous of dharma

महान्तः · mahāntaḥ — great souls

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having fought

युद्धं · yuddhaṃ — war

स्वर्गम् · svargam — heaven

आपुः · āpuḥ — attained

भीष्मो · bhīṣmo — Bhishma

मोक्षं · mokṣaṃ — liberation

प्राप · prāpa — attained

कृष्णं · kṛṣṇaṃ — Krishna

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

धर्मान् · dharmān — principles of dharma

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

धर्मराजाय · dharmarājāya — to Yudhisthira

हृष्टः · hṛṣṭaḥ — joyful

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे धर्मकामा महान्तः युद्धं कृत्वा पूर्वं स्वर्गम् आपुः। भीष्मः कृष्णं प्रणम्य धर्मराजाय धर्मान् उक्त्वा हृष्टः मोक्षं प्राप।

desirous of dharma · great souls · having fought · war · heaven · attained · Bhishma · liberation · attained · Krishna · having bowed · principles of dharma · having spoken · to Yudhisthira · joyful

This verse reflects on the spiritual legacy of the Kurukshetra war, where even the participants attained liberation through their devotion to Krishna.

In this field, the great-souled son of the Wind-God (Hanuman), stationed on the Pāṇḍava's chariot, made a great roar. Because of his presence alone, the chariot, which had been previously burnt by the Nārāyaṇa missile and other weapons, was protected.

asmin kṣetre pāṇḍavasyandanasthaḥ

cakre ghoṣaṃ vāyusūnurmahātmā

yasyāvāsādeva nārāyaṇāstrādidagdhaḥ

pūrvaṃ syandano rakṣito'bhūt

पाण्डवस्यन्दनस्थः · pāṇḍavasyandanasthaḥ — stationed on the Pandava's chariot

चक्रे · cakre — made

घोषं · ghoṣaṃ — a roar

वायुसूनुः · vāyusūnuḥ — son of the Wind-god

महात्मा · mahātmā — great-souled

यस्य · yasya — whose

आवासात् · āvāsāt — from the presence

नारायणास्त्रादिदग्धः · nārāyaṇāstrādidagdhaḥ — burnt by Narayana missile etc.

पूर्वं · pūrvaṃ — previously

स्यन्दनः · syandanaḥ — chariot

रक्षितः · rakṣitaḥ — protected

अभूत् · abhūt — became

अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे पाण्डवस्यन्दनस्थः महात्मा वायुसूनुः घोषं चक्रे। यस्य आवासादेव नारायणास्त्रादिदग्धः स्यन्दनः पूर्वं रक्षितः अभूत्।

stationed on the Pandava's chariot · made · a roar · son of the Wind-god · great-souled · whose · from the presence · burnt by Narayana missile etc. · previously · chariot · protected · became

This verse highlights the protective power of Hanumān, whose presence on the chariot ensured the survival of the Pāṇḍavas against divine weapons.

In this field, having killed that king of the Kauravas, who was Kali himself, Murāri established dharma. Being a witness and the charioteer of the Pāṇḍavas, he made the earth free of its burden.

asmin kṣetre dharmasaṃsthāpanaṃ ca

cakre hatvā kauravendraṃ kaliṃ tam

sākṣī bhūtvā sārathiḥ pāṇḍavānāṃ

cakre bhūmiṃ bhārahīnāṃ murāriḥ

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — field

धर्मसंस्थापनम् · dharmasaṃsthāpanam — establishment of dharma

चक्रे · cakre — he performed

हत्वा · hatvā — having killed

कौरवेन्द्रम् · kauravendram — the king of Kauravas

कलिं · kaliṃ — the embodiment of Kali

साक्षी · sākṣī — witness

सारथिः · sārathiḥ — charioteer

पाण्डवानाम् · pāṇḍavānām — of the Pandavas

भूमिम् · bhūmim — the earth

भारहीनाम् · bhārahīnām — free of burden

मुरारिः · murāriḥ — the enemy of Mura (Krishna)

मुरारिः अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे तम् कलिं कौरवेन्द्रं हत्वा धर्मसंस्थापनं चक्रे। सः पाण्डवानां साक्षी सारथिः भूत्वा भूमिं भारहीनां चक्रे।

in this · field · establishment of dharma · he performed · having killed · the king of Kauravas · the embodiment of Kali · witness · charioteer · of the Pandavas · the earth · free of burden · the enemy of Mura (Krishna)

This verse concludes the historical narrative of the Kurukshetra war by identifying the destruction of the Kaurava king as the removal of Kali-yuga's influence. It emphasizes Krishna's dual role as the divine witness and the humble charioteer who restores cosmic order.

The man who reads or hears the glory of Kurukshetra, or who remembers it upon waking in the morning, for him, Kali is destroyed.

Here ends the twenty-fifth chapter, titled "The Glory of Kurukshetra," in the First Part of the "Divyadeśavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

kurukṣetrasya māhātmyaṃ yaḥ paṭhecchṛṇuyānnaraḥ

yaḥ smaret prātarutthāya kalistasya vinaśyati

कुरुक्षेत्रस्य · kurukṣetrasya — of Kurukshetra

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — glory

यः · yaḥ — whoever

पठेत् · paṭhet — reads

शृणुयात् · śṛṇuyāt — hears

नरः · naraḥ — man

स्मरेत् · smaret — remembers

प्रातरुत्थाय · prātarutthāya — having risen in the morning

कलिः · kaliḥ — the ill effects of Kali

तस्य · tasya — for him

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

यः नरः कुरुक्षेत्रस्य माहात्म्यं पठेत् शृणुयात् वा, यः प्रातरुत्थाय स्मरेत्, तस्य कलिः विनश्यति।

of Kurukshetra · glory · whoever · reads · hears · man · remembers · having risen in the morning · the ill effects of Kali · for him · is destroyed

This concluding verse serves as the phala-shruti, promising the reader that the spiritual benefits of Kurukshetra are accessible through remembrance and study, effectively neutralizing the negative impacts of the current age.