नारदाभ्यर्थनम् Nārada Abhyarthanam

The Sadguru said:

I take refuge in Śrī Veṅkaṭeśa, who is charming with all auspicious qualities, the abode of Ramā (Lakṣmī), of beautiful form, holding the conch and discus, and the shelter of the worlds.

śrīsadgururuvāca

samastakalyāṇaguṇābhirāmaṃ

ramānivāsaṃ ramaṇīyagātram

saśaṅkhacakraṃ jagatāṃ śaraṇyaṃ

śrīveṅkaṭeśaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapadye

समस्तकल्याणगुणाभिरामम् · samastakalyāṇaguṇābhirāmam — charming with all auspicious qualities

रमानिवासम् · ramānivāsam — the abode of Ramā (Lakṣmī)

रमणीयगात्रम् · ramaṇīyagātram — possessing a beautiful form

सशङ्खचक्रम् · saśaṅkhacakram — holding the conch and discus

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — the ultimate shelter

श्रीवेङ्कटेशम् · śrīveṅkaṭeśam — Lord Veṅkaṭeśa

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

प्रपद्ये · prapadye — I take shelter

अहं समस्तकल्याणगुणाभिरामं रमानिवासं रमणीयगात्रं सशङ्खचक्रं जगतां शरण्यं श्रीवेङ्कटेशं शरणं प्रपद्ये।

charming with all auspicious qualities · the abode of Ramā (Lakṣmī) · possessing a beautiful form · holding the conch and discus · of the worlds · the ultimate shelter · Lord Veṅkaṭeśa · refuge · I take shelter

This opening verse establishes the devotional foundation of the chapter by invoking Śrī Veṅkaṭeśa, setting the bhava of surrender (prapatti) required to hear the glory of the sacred mountain.

I shall now speak of the glory of Śeṣācala (Tirumala), which bestows all good fortunes, destroys the three kinds of suffering, and grants devotion to the lotus feet of Śrīdhara (Viṣṇu).

vakṣyāmi śeṣācalavaibhavaṃ tat

samastasanmaṅgaladāyakaṃ ca

tāpatrayasyāpi vināśanaṃ ca

bhaktipradaṃ śrīdharapādapadme

वक्ष्यामि · vakṣyāmi — I shall speak

शेषाचलवैभवम् · śeṣācalavaibhavam — the glory of Śeṣācala

समस्तसन्मङ्गलदायकम् · samastasanmaṅgaladāyakam — bestower of all auspiciousness

तापत्रयस्य · tāpatrayasya — of the three types of suffering

विनाशनम् · vināśanam — the destroyer

भक्तिप्रदम् · bhaktipradam — the giver of devotion

श्रीधरपादपद्मे · śrīdharapādapadme — to the lotus feet of Śrīdhara

अहं समस्तसन्मङ्गलदायकं तापत्रयस्य विनाशनं श्रीधरपादपद्मे भक्तिप्रदं तत् शेषाचलवैभवं वक्ष्यामि।

I shall speak · the glory of Śeṣācala · bestower of all auspiciousness · of the three types of suffering · the destroyer · the giver of devotion · to the lotus feet of Śrīdhara

The author declares the purpose of the chapter: to narrate the glory of Śeṣācala, which serves as a spiritual panacea for the three types of suffering (tāpatraya).

This is the place where Ramā, nectar (sudhā), the moon, the divine cow Surabhi, the wish-fulfilling gem (cintāmaṇi), and the wish-fulfilling tree (kalpataru) appeared. That supreme abode of Viṣṇu shines forth.

āvirbhavasthānamidaṃ ramāyā-

stathā sudhāyāḥ śaśinaḥ surabhyāḥ

cintāmaṇeḥ kalpataroryadeva

viṣṇoḥ paraṃ dhāma virājate tat

आविर्भवस्थानम् · āvirbhavasthānam — the place of manifestation

रमायाः · ramāyāḥ — of Ramā

सुधायाः · sudhāyāḥ — of nectar

शशिनः · śaśinaḥ — of the moon

सुरभ्याः · surabhyāḥ — of the celestial cow

चिन्तामणेः · cintāmaṇeḥ — of the wish-fulfilling gem

कल्पतरोः · kalpataroḥ — of the wish-fulfilling tree

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

परं धाम · paraṃ dhāma — the supreme abode

विराजते · virājate — shines

इदं रमायाः सुधायाः शशिनः सुरभ्याः चिन्तामणेः कल्पतरोः आविर्भवस्थानं यत् तत् विष्णोः परं धाम विराजते।

the place of manifestation · of Ramā · of nectar · of the moon · of the celestial cow · of the wish-fulfilling gem · of the wish-fulfilling tree · of Viṣṇu · the supreme abode · shines

This verse elevates the status of the mountain by identifying it as the source of all divine manifestations, establishing its ontological supremacy.

This very abode of Viṣṇu is the refuge for the ascetics, the celestials, the Gandharvas, Vidyādharas, and Kinnaras, who are time and again tormented by the demons.

tapodhanānāṃ ca divaukasāṃ ca

gandharvavidyādharakinnarāṇām

muhurmuhurdaityavihiṃsitānāṃ

śaraṇyametat padameva viṣṇoḥ

तपोधनानाम् · tapodhanānām — of the ascetics

दिवौकसाम् · divaukasām — of the celestials

गन्धर्वविद्याधरकिन्नराणाम् · gandharvavidyādharakinnarāṇām — of Gandharvas, Vidyādharas, and Kinnaras

मुहुर्मुहुः · muhurmuhuḥ — again and again

दैत्यविहिंसितानाम् · daityavihiṃsitānām — tormented by demons

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — the refuge

एतत् · etat — this

पदम् · padam — abode

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

मुहुर्मुहुः दैत्यविहिंसितानां तपोधनानां दिवौकसां गन्धर्वविद्याधरकिन्नराणां च एतत् विष्णोः पदमेव शरण्यम्।

of the ascetics · of the celestials · of Gandharvas, Vidyādharas, and Kinnaras · again and again · tormented by demons · the refuge · this · abode · of Viṣṇu

The verse highlights the compassionate nature of the Lord's abode, serving as a sanctuary for those oppressed by demonic forces.

Here, the Supreme Person (Puruṣottama) is seen sleeping peacefully on the couch of the king of serpents (Ādiśeṣa), caressed by the multitude of playful waves of the milk ocean, his eyes closed in yogic meditation.

kṣīrāmbudherlolataraṅgajālai-

rlālyamāne phaṇirājatalpe

sukhaṃ śayānaḥ puruṣottamo'tra

saṃdṛśyate yoganimīlitākṣaḥ

क्षीराम्बुधेः · kṣīrāmbudheḥ — of the milk ocean

लोलतरङ्गजालैः · lolataraṅgajālaiḥ — by the multitude of playful waves

लाल्यमाने · lālyamāne — being caressed

फणिराजतल्पे · phaṇirājatalpe — on the couch of the serpent king

सुखं शयानः · sukhaṃ śayānaḥ — sleeping happily

पुरुषोत्तमः · puruṣottamaḥ — the Supreme Person

अत्र · atra — here

संदृश्यते · saṃdṛśyate — is seen

योगनिमीलिताक्षः · yoganimīlitākṣaḥ — eyes closed in yoga

अत्र क्षीराम्बुधेः लोलतरङ्गजालैः लाल्यमाने फणिराजतल्पे सुखं शयानः योगनिमीलिताक्षः पुरुषोत्तमः संदृश्यते।

of the milk ocean · by the multitude of playful waves · being caressed · on the couch of the serpent king · sleeping happily · the Supreme Person · here · is seen · eyes closed in yoga

This verse describes the serene, meditative state of the Lord, creating a visual contrast between His outward stillness and His inner vigilance.

Though ever engaged in Yogic Sleep (Yoganidrā) for the protection of those who have sought refuge, Murāri (Viṣṇu) indeed lies awake. For how can there be sleep for those who are masters of their duties?

sadaiva kurvannapi yoganidrāṃ

saṃrakṣaṇārthaṃ śaraṇāgatānām

śete murārirnanu jāgarūko

nidrā kutaḥ kāryadhurandharāṇām

सदैव · sadaiva — always

कुर्वन्नपि · kurvannapi — even though doing

योगनिद्राम् · yoganidrām — yogic sleep

संरक्षणार्थम् · saṃrakṣaṇārtham — for the sake of protection

शरणागतानाम् · śaraṇāgatānām — of those who have taken refuge

शेते · śete — sleeps

मुरारिः · murāriḥ — Viṣṇu

जागरूकः · jāgarūkaḥ — awake

कार्यधुरन्धराणाम् · kāryadhurandharāṇām — of those who bear the burden of duties

मुरारिः शरणागतानां संरक्षणार्थं सदैव योगनिद्रां कुर्वन्नपि शेते, ननु स जागरूकः एव; कार्यधुरन्धराणां निद्रा कुतः?

always · even though doing · yogic sleep · for the sake of protection · of those who have taken refuge · sleeps · Viṣṇu · awake · of those who bear the burden of duties

This verse addresses the paradox of the Lord's 'sleep,' clarifying that His yogic slumber is actually a state of divine protection.

Kamalā (Lakṣmī) never attained satisfaction from seeing the face of Murāri, though reflected a thousand times in the rows of excellent gems upon the thousand hoods (of Ādiśeṣa).

phaṇāsahasrasthamaṇipraveka-

paṅktyāṃ sadaiva pratibimbabhūtam

mukhaṃ murārestu sahasraśo'pi

vilokya tṛptiṃ kamalā na lebhe

फणासहस्रस्थ · phaṇāsahasrastha — situated on the thousand hoods

मणिप्रवेकपङ्क्त्याम् · maṇipravekapaṅktyām — in the rows of excellent gems

प्रतिबिम्बभूतम् · pratibimbabhūtam — reflected

मुखम् · mukham — face

मुरारेः · murāreḥ — of Murāri

सहस्रशोऽपि · sahasraśo'pi — even a thousand times

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

तृप्तिम् · tṛptim — satisfaction

कमला · kamalā — Lakṣmī

न लेभे · na lebhe — did not attain

फणासहस्रस्थमणिप्रवेकपङ्क्त्यां सदैव प्रतिबिम्बभूतं मुरारेः मुखं सहस्रशोऽपि विलोक्य कमला तृप्तिं न लेभे।

situated on the thousand hoods · in the rows of excellent gems · reflected · face · of Murāri · even a thousand times · having seen · satisfaction · Lakṣmī · did not attain

This verse emphasizes the infinite beauty of the Lord, suggesting that even the Goddess of Fortune finds the Lord's form inexhaustible.

Singing names in sweet syllables and joyfully playing his vīṇā, the divine sage Nārada, foremost among the devotees of the Lord, arrived with the desire to see the all-pervading Viṣṇu.

nāmāni gāyan madhurākṣarāṇi

vīṇāṃ saharṣaṃ raṇayan surarṣiḥ

āyāt bhāgavatapradhāno

didṛkṣayā sarvagatasya viṣṇoḥ

नामानि · nāmāni — names

गायन् · gāyan — singing

मधुराक्षराणि · madhurākṣarāṇi — sweet syllables

वीणाम् · vīṇām — the vīṇā

सहर्षम् · saharṣam — joyfully

रणयन् · raṇayan — playing

सुरर्षिः · surarṣiḥ — the divine sage

आयात् · āyāt — arrived

भागवतप्रधानः · bhāgavatapradhānaḥ — foremost among devotees

दिदृक्षया · didṛkṣayā — with a desire to see

सर्वगतस्य · sarvagatasya — of the all-pervading

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

भागवतप्रधानः सुरर्षिः मधुराक्षराणि नामानि गायन् सहर्षं वीणां रणयन् सर्वगतस्य विष्णोः दिदृक्षया आयात्।

names · singing · sweet syllables · the vīṇā · joyfully · playing · the divine sage · arrived · foremost among devotees · with a desire to see · of the all-pervading · of Viṣṇu

Nārada's arrival introduces the element of devotion (bhakti) and the desire for divine communion, setting the stage for the dialogue.

Seeing Nārada, Nārāyaṇa quickly arose and said, "Welcome!", illuminating his two lips, which were like a casket of coral, with his pearl-like teeth.

nārāyaṇo nāradamīkṣya tūrṇa-

mutthāya susvāgatamabravīcca

virājayan vidrumasaṃpuṭābha-

moṣṭhadvayaṃ mauktikadantayuktam

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Nārāyaṇa

नारदम् · nāradam — Nārada

ईक्ष्य · īkṣya — having seen

तूर्णम् · tūrṇam — quickly

उत्थाय · utthāya — having risen

सुस्वागतम् · susvāgatam — a warm welcome

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — said

विराजयन् · virājayan — illuminating

विद्रुमसंपुटाभम् · vidrumasaṃpuṭābham — like a coral casket

ओष्ठद्वयम् · oṣṭhadvayam — two lips

मौक्तिकदन्तयुक्तम् · mauktikadantayuktam — adorned with pearl-like teeth

नारायणः नारदम् ईक्ष्य तूर्णम् उत्थाय मौक्तिकदन्तयुक्तं विद्रुमसंपुटाभम् ओष्ठद्वयं विराजयन् सुस्वागतमब्रवीत्।

Nārāyaṇa · Nārada · having seen · quickly · having risen · a warm welcome · said · illuminating · like a coral casket · two lips · adorned with pearl-like teeth

This verse captures the Lord's gracious response to His devotee, highlighting the intimacy between the Lord and the sage.

He saw that God of gods, the sole Lord of the universe, clad in yellow silk, with eyes as large as lotus petals, with a cheerful face, the friend of Indra, delighted by Padmā (Lakṣmī), the primeval Lord.

taṃ devadevaṃ jagadekanāthaṃ

pītāmbaraṃ padmadalāyatākṣam

prasannavaktraṃ puruhūtamitraṃ

padmāvilolaṃ bhagavantamādyam

तम् · tam — him

देवदेवम् · devadevam — the God of gods

जगदेकनाथम् · jagadekanātham — the sole Lord of the universe

पीताम्बरम् · pītāmbaram — clad in yellow silk

पद्मदलायताक्षम् · padmadalāyatākṣam — eyes like lotus petals

प्रसन्नवक्त्रम् · prasannavaktram — cheerful face

पुरुहूतमित्रम् · puruhūtamitram — friend of Indra

पद्माविलोलम् · padmāvilolam — delighted by Lakṣmī

भगवन्तम् · bhagavantam — the Lord

आद्यम् · ādyam — the primeval one

तं देवदेवं जगदेकनाथं पीताम्बरं पद्मदलायताक्षं प्रसन्नवक्त्रं पुरुहूतमित्रं पद्माविलोलं आद्यं भगवन्तं सः ददर्श।

him · the God of gods · the sole Lord of the universe · clad in yellow silk · eyes like lotus petals · cheerful face · friend of Indra · delighted by Lakṣmī · the Lord · the primeval one

This verse provides a vivid description of the Lord's form as perceived by Nārada, emphasizing His majesty and auspiciousness.

Beholding that blue-hued form, a festival for the eyes, whose conch-like neck was adorned with the Kaustubha gem and whose chest was marked with the Śrīvatsa sign, Nārada, with folded hands, praised him with reverence.

śrīkaustubhālaṅkṛtakambukaṇṭhaṃ

śrīvatsacihnāṅkitavakṣasaṃ ca

vilokya netrotsavanīlamūrtiṃ

tuṣṭāva baddhāñjalirādareṇa

श्रीकौस्तुभालङ्कृतकम्बुकण्ठम् · śrīkaustubhālaṅkṛtakambukaṇṭham — whose conch-like neck is adorned with the Kaustubha gem

श्रीवत्सचिह्नाङ्कितवक्षसम् · śrīvatsacihnāṅkitavakṣasam — whose chest is marked with the Śrīvatsa sign

च · ca — and

विलोक्य · vilokya — having beheld

नेत्रोत्सवनीलमूर्तिम् · netrotsavanīlamūrtim — the blue-hued form that is a festival for the eyes

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

बद्धाञ्जलिः · baddhāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

आदरेण · ādareṇa — with reverence

नारदः नेत्रोत्सवनीलमूर्तिं श्रीकौस्तुभालङ्कृतकम्बुकण्ठं श्रीवत्सचिह्नाङ्कितवक्षसं च भगवन्तं विलोक्य बद्धाञ्जलिः सन् आदरेण तुष्टाव।

whose conch-like neck is adorned with the Kaustubha gem · whose chest is marked with the Śrīvatsa sign · and · having beheld · the blue-hued form that is a festival for the eyes · praised · with folded hands · with reverence

This verse concludes the description of the Lord's appearance, emphasizing His divine beauty and the overwhelming effect it has on the devotee Nārada, prompting his immediate act of surrender and praise.

Nārada said:

Though you are without name and form, for the sake of worship by men, you assume names and forms. You, who are dear to your devotees and favorable to them, perform various kinds of divine sports.

nārada uvāca

anāmarūpo'pi bhavānnarāṇā-

mupāsanārthaṃ dhṛtanāmarūpaḥ

karoti nānāvidhakelikāśca

bhaktapriyo bhaktajanānukūlaḥ

अनामरूपः · anāmarūpaḥ — without name and form

अपि · api — even though

भवान् · bhavān — You

नराणाम् · narāṇām — of humans

उपासनार्थम् · upāsanārtham — for the sake of worship

धृतनामरूपः · dhṛtanāmarūpaḥ — having assumed names and forms

करोति · karoti — performs

नानाविधकेलिकाः · nānāvidhakelikāḥ — various kinds of divine sports

भक्तप्रियः · bhaktapriyaḥ — dear to devotees

भक्तजनानुकूलः · bhaktajanānukūlaḥ — favorable to devotees

भवान् अनामरूपः अपि नराणाम् उपासनार्थं धृतनामरूपः अस्ति। हे भक्तप्रिय भक्तजनानुकूल, भवान् नानाविधकेलिकाः करोति।

without name and form · even though · You · of humans · for the sake of worship · having assumed names and forms · performs · various kinds of divine sports · dear to devotees · favorable to devotees

Nārada begins his prayer by acknowledging the Lord's condescension in taking a form, establishing the theological foundation that the Lord's incarnations are purely for the benefit of His devotees.

All the other gods desire lordship and worship, and they bestow fruits as slaves of karma; they show no compassion. But you alone are truly the friend of the distressed.

prabhutvamicchanti tathaiva pūjāṃ

phalaṃ prayacchanti ca karmadāsāḥ

dayāṃ na kurvanti surāśca sarve

kintu tvameko nanu dīnabandhuḥ

प्रभुत्वम् · prabhutvam — lordship

इच्छन्ति · icchanti — they desire

तथैव · tathaiva — just so

पूजां · pūjām — worship

फलं · phalam — fruits

प्रयच्छन्ति · prayacchanti — they bestow

कर्मदासाः · karmadāsāḥ — slaves of karma

दयां · dayām — compassion

न कुर्वन्ति · na kurvanti — they do not show

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

किन्तु · kintu — but

त्वम् · tvam — You

एकः · ekaḥ — alone

दीनबन्धुः · dīnabandhuḥ — friend of the distressed

सर्वे सुराः प्रभुत्वं पूजां च इच्छन्ति, कर्मदासाः सन्तः फलं प्रयच्छन्ति, दयां च न कुर्वन्ति। किन्तु त्वम् एकः एव ननु दीनबन्धुः असि।

lordship · they desire · just so · worship · fruits · they bestow · slaves of karma · compassion · they do not show · the gods · but · You · alone · friend of the distressed

Nārada contrasts the transactional nature of other deities with the unconditional compassion of the Supreme Lord, highlighting why He alone is the true refuge.

All proclaim the Veda to be the authority for dharma, for the world, and for auspiciousness. Having slain the two demons Madhu and Kaiṭabha, by whom but you was it recovered?

vedaṃ pramāṇaṃ pravadanti sarve

dharmasya lokasya ca maṅgalasya

nihatya daityaṃ madhukaiṭabhau tau

tvayā vinā kena samāhṛtaḥ saḥ

वेदं · vedaṃ — the Veda

प्रमाणं · pramāṇam — authority

प्रवदन्ति · pravadanti — they proclaim

सर्वे · sarve — all

धर्मस्य · dharmasya — of dharma

लोकस्य · lokasya — of the world

मङ्गलस्य · maṅgalasya — of auspiciousness

निहत्य · nihatya — having slain

दैत्यं · daityam — the demon

मधुकैटभौ · madhukaiṭabhau — Madhu and Kaiṭabha

त्वया विना · tvayā vinā — without You

केन · kena — by whom

समाहृतः · samāhṛtaḥ — recovered

सर्वे धर्मस्य लोकस्य मङ्गलस्य च वेदं प्रमाणं प्रवदन्ति। तौ दैत्यौ मधुकैटभौ निहत्य त्वया विना केन सः वेदः समाहृतः?

the Veda · authority · they proclaim · all · of dharma · of the world · of auspiciousness · having slain · the demon · Madhu and Kaiṭabha · without You · by whom · recovered

Nārada cites the recovery of the Vedas as proof of the Lord's unique role as the protector of dharma, distinguishing Him from all other beings.

Who else, having lifted with his tusk the earth which was submerged in the waters of the cosmic deluge, stands firm? Alas, they do not remember you, the primeval Boar (Varāha), who are the very foundation of the worlds.

dharāṃ nimagnāṃ pralayāmburāśau

uddhṛtya kastiṣṭhati daṃṣṭrayaiva

ādhārabhūtaṃ jagatāmapi tvāṃ

varāhamādyaṃ bata na smaranti

धरां · dharām — the earth

निमग्नां · nimagnām — submerged

प्रलयाम्बुराशौ · pralayāmburāśau — in the waters of the deluge

उद्धृत्य · uddhṛtya — having lifted

कः · kaḥ — who

तिष्ठति · tiṣṭhati — stands

दंष्ट्रया · daṃṣṭrayā — by the tusk

आधारभूतं · ādhārabhūtam — the foundation

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

त्वां · tvām — You

वराहमाद्यम् · varāhamādyam — the primeval Boar

बत · bata — alas

न स्मरन्ति · na smaranti — they do not remember

प्रलयाम्बुराशौ निमग्नां धरां दंष्ट्रया उद्धृत्य कः तिष्ठति? जगताम् आधारभूतं त्वां आद्यं वराहं बत जनाः न स्मरन्ति।

the earth · submerged · in the waters of the deluge · having lifted · who · stands · by the tusk · the foundation · of the worlds · You · the primeval Boar · alas · they do not remember

By referencing the Varāha incarnation, Nārada emphasizes the Lord's role as the literal foundation of existence, contrasting this with the forgetfulness of the world.

Placing the mountain on your back, all the gods, devoid of compassion, performed the churning and drank the nectar. This body of yours is for the benefit of others.

tavaiva pṛṣṭhe vinidhāya śailaṃ

kṛpāvihīnā mathanaṃ vidhāya

sudhāṃ pibanti sma surāśca sarve

paropakārārthamidaṃ vapuste

तव · tava — Your

पृष्ठे · pṛṣṭhe — on the back

विनिधाय · vinidhāya — having placed

शैलं · śailam — the mountain

कृपाविहीनाः · kṛpāvihīnāḥ — devoid of compassion

मथनं · mathanam — churning

विधाय · vidhāya — having performed

सुधां · sudhām — nectar

पिबन्ति स्म · pibanti sma — they drank

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

परोपकारार्थम् · paropakārārtham — for the benefit of others

इदं · idam — this

वपुः · vapuḥ — body

ते · te — Your

तव पृष्ठे शैलं विनिधाय, कृपाविहीनाः सुराः मथनं विधाय सुधां पिबन्ति स्म। ते इदं वपुः परोपकारार्थम् एव अस्ति।

Your · on the back · having placed · the mountain · devoid of compassion · churning · having performed · nectar · they drank · the gods · for the benefit of others · this · body · Your

Nārada points out the selfishness of the gods during the churning of the ocean, using it to highlight the Lord's selfless nature in contrast.

In the form of Nṛsiṁha, it was you who in the past killed the primeval demon (Hiraṇyakaśipu) and granted fearlessness. After that, the gods praise their own power even in your presence. What wonder is there in this?

nṛsiṃhyarūpeṇa purā tvayaiva

hatvā''didaityaṃ hyabhayaṃ ca dattam

tataḥ praśaṃsanti nijaṃ prabhāvaṃ

devāstvadagre'pi kimatra citram

नृसिंह्यरूपेण · nṛsiṃhyarūpeṇa — in the form of Nṛsiṁha

पुरा · purā — in the past

त्वयैव · tvayaiva — by You alone

हत्वा · hatvā — having killed

आदिदैत्यम् · ādidaityam — the primeval demon

अभयं · abhayam — fearlessness

दत्तम् · dattam — granted

ततः · tataḥ — after that

प्रशंसन्ति · praśaṃsanti — they praise

निजं · nijam — their own

प्रभावम् · prabhāvam — power

देवाः · devāḥ — the gods

त्वदग्रे · tvadagre — in Your presence

किमत्र · kimatra — what wonder here

पुरा नृसिंह्यरूपेण त्वयैव आदिदैत्यं हत्वा अभयं दत्तम्। ततः देवाः त्वदग्रे अपि निजं प्रभावं प्रशंसन्ति, अत्र किं चित्रम्?

in the form of Nṛsiṁha · in the past · by You alone · having killed · the primeval demon · fearlessness · granted · after that · they praise · their own · power · the gods · in Your presence · what wonder here

Nārada highlights the irony of the gods claiming credit for their own power even after the Lord has saved them, further emphasizing their lack of true devotion.

Having previously assumed the form of Trivikrama (Vāmana), you restored the kingdom to the wielder of the thunderbolt (Indra). Alas, having given it, you now stand like a servant at Bali's door, O Gadādhara!

traivikramaṃ rūpamupetya pūrvaṃ

saṃpāditaṃ vajradharāya rājyam

datvā balerdvāramupetya hanta

gadādharastiṣṭhasi bhṛtyavattvam

त्रैविक्रमं · traivikramam — Trivikrama

रूपम् · rūpam — form

उपेत्य · upetya — having assumed

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — previously

संपादितं · saṃpāditam — restored

वज्रधराय · vajradharāya — to Indra

राज्यम् · rājyam — kingdom

दत्वा · datvā — having given

बलेः · baleḥ — of Bali

द्वारम् · dvāram — door

उपेत्य · upetya — having approached

हन्त · hanta — alas

गदाधर · gadādhara — O Gadādhara

तिष्ठसि · tiṣṭhasi — You stand

भृत्यवत् · bhṛtyavat — like a servant

पूर्वं त्रैविक्रमं रूपम् उपेत्य वज्रधराय राज्यं संपादितम्। तत् दत्वा हे गदाधर, बलेः द्वारम् उपेत्य भृत्यवत् तिष्ठसि, हन्त!

Trivikrama · form · having assumed · previously · restored · to Indra · kingdom · having given · of Bali · door · having approached · alas · O Gadādhara · You stand · like a servant

Nārada expresses his astonishment at the Lord's humility, where He acts as a servant to those He has already blessed, showcasing His infinite grace.

When the race of kings on earth became like thieves and all the helpless people were disregarded, by whom was fearlessness given to the people, by performing the slaughter of the Kṣatriyas as your divine play?

kule ca rājñāṃ bhuvi corabhūte

nirādare dīnajane samaste

svalīlayā kṣatravadhaṃ vidhāya

dattaṃ janānāmabhayaṃ hi kena

कुले · kule — in the lineage

राज्ञां · rājñām — of kings

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

चोरभूते · corabhūte — having become like thieves

निरादरे · nirādare — disregarded

दीनजने · dīnajane — the helpless people

समस्ते · samaste — all

स्वलीलया · svalīlayā — by Your divine play

क्षत्रवधं · kṣatravadham — slaughter of Kṣatriyas

विधाय · vidhāya — having performed

दत्तं · dattam — given

जनानाम् · janānām — to the people

अभयं · abhayam — fearlessness

केन · kena — by whom

भुवि राज्ञां कुले चोरभूते, समस्ते दीनजने निरादरे सति, स्वलीलया क्षत्रवधं विधाय जनानाम् अभयं केन दत्तम्?

in the lineage · of kings · on earth · having become like thieves · disregarded · the helpless people · all · by Your divine play · slaughter of Kṣatriyas · having performed · given · to the people · fearlessness · by whom

Nārada reminds the Lord of His intervention in the Kṣatriya lineage, framing it as a divine play to restore order and fearlessness to the helpless.

When a boon was given to that Dānava (Rāvaṇa), when even Śiva was partial to him, and when the gods were reduced to a state of servitude, who was capable of killing the ten-faced one?

datvā varaṃ dānave'pi gūḍhe

śive'pi tasmin kṛtapakṣapāte

gateṣu deveṣu ca dāsabhāvaṃ

śakto'bhavatko daśavaktrahatyai

दत्वा · datvā — having given

वरं · varam — boon

दानवे · dānave — to the Dānava

अपि · api — even

गूढे · gūḍhe — hidden/secret

शिवे · śive — in Śiva

अपि · api — even

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in him

कृतपक्षपाते · kṛtapakṣapāte — having shown partiality

गतेषु · gateṣu — having gone

देवेषु · deveṣu — the gods

दासभावं · dāsabhāvam — state of servitude

शक्तः · śaktaḥ — capable

अभवत् · abhavat — became

कः · kaḥ — who

दशवक्त्रहत्यै · daśavaktrahatyai — for the killing of the ten-faced one

दानवे वरं दत्वा, तस्मिन् शिवे अपि कृतपक्षपाते, देवेषु दासभावं गतेषु, दशवक्त्रहत्यै कः शक्तः अभवत्?

having given · boon · to the Dānava · even · hidden/secret · in Śiva · even · in him · having shown partiality · having gone · the gods · state of servitude · capable · became · who · for the killing of the ten-faced one

Nārada emphasizes the Lord's unique capability to overcome even the most formidable obstacles, such as the boon granted to Rāvaṇa, where all other gods had failed.

By the dance on Kāliya, by drinking the forest fire, and by the sport of lifting the Govardhana hill, you protected the whole of Gokula in your childhood; and yet they call you a philanderer and a thief.

kālīyanāṭyena davāgnipānād

govardhanoddhāraṇalīlayā ca

saṃrakṣitaṃ gokulameva bālye

jāraṃ ca coraṃ pravadanti ca tvām

कालीयनाट्येन · kālīyanāṭyena — by the dance on the serpent Kāliya

दवाग्निपानात् · davāgnipānāt — by drinking the forest fire

गोवर्धनोद्धारणलीलया · govardhanoddhāraṇalīlayā — by the sport of lifting Govardhana hill

च · ca — and

संरक्षितं · saṃrakṣitaṃ — protected

गोकुलमेव · gokulameva — Gokula itself

बाल्ये · bālye — in childhood

जारं · jāraṃ — a philanderer

चोरं · coraṃ — a thief

प्रवदन्ति · pravadanti — they call/proclaim

त्वाम् · tvām — You

बाल्ये कालीयनाट्येन दवाग्निपानात् गोवर्धनोद्धारणलीलया च गोकुलमेव संरक्षितं, त्वाम् (जनाः) जारं चोरं च प्रवदन्ति।

by the dance on the serpent Kāliya · by drinking the forest fire · by the sport of lifting Govardhana hill · and · protected · Gokula itself · in childhood · a philanderer · a thief · they call/proclaim · You

Nārada concludes his list of the Lord's divine exploits by highlighting the irony that despite His infinite protection of Gokula, the Lord is misunderstood by the world. This serves to emphasize the Lord's supreme humility and the blindness of worldly perception.

Whenever there is a decline of dharma on earth and all the gods stand in fear, then you, O Deva, descend into the world and protect dharma once again.

yadā yadā syādbhuvi dharmahāniḥ

bhayena tiṣṭhanti surāśca sarve

tadā tadā tvaṃ hyavatīrya loke

bhūyo'pi dharmaṃ paripāsi deva

यदा यदा · yadā yadā — whenever

स्यात् · syāt — there is

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

धर्महानिः · dharmahāniḥ — decline of dharma

भयेन · bhayena — in fear

तिष्ठन्ति · tiṣṭhanti — stand/remain

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

तदा तदा · tadā tadā — then

त्वं · tvaṃ — You

अवतीर्य · avatīrya — having descended

लोके · loke — in the world

परिपासि · paripāsi — protect

देव · deva — O Lord

यदा यदा भुवि धर्महानिः स्यात् सर्वे सुराः भयेन तिष्ठन्ति, तदा तदा त्वं लोके अवतीर्य धर्मं परिपासि, हे देव।

whenever · there is · on earth · decline of dharma · in fear · stand/remain · the gods · all · then · You · having descended · in the world · protect · O Lord

This verse establishes the theological principle of the Lord's periodic descent (Avatāra) to restore dharma, providing the context for why the Lord will eventually choose to dwell on Śeṣācala.

Some worship Brahmā, some Rudra, and others worship other gods. Those who desire worldly objects worship them, the givers of quick results, but they do not know you as their own true friend.

kecidvidhiṃ kecana rudramevaṃ

kecittathānyāśca surān bhajante

kāmyārthinaḥ kṣipraphalapradāstāṃ-

stvāṃ naiva jānanti kilātmabandhum

केचित् · kecit — some

विधिं · vidhiṃ — Brahmā

केचन · kecana — others

रुद्रम् · rudram — Rudra

एवम् · evam — thus

केचित् · kecit — some

तथा · tathā — likewise

अन्याः · anyāḥ — other

सुरान् · surān — gods

भजन्ते · bhajante — worship

काम्यार्थिनः · kāmyārthinaḥ — those desiring worldly fruits

क्षिप्रफलप्रदाः · kṣipraphalapradāḥ — givers of quick results

तां · tāṃ — them

त्वाम् · tvām — You

नैव · naiva — not at all

जानन्ति · jānanti — know

आत्मबन्धुम् · ātmabandhum — as their own friend

केचित् विधिं, केचन रुद्रं, तथा अन्याः सुरान् भजन्ते। काम्यार्थिनः क्षिप्रफलप्रदान् तान् (सुरान्) भजन्ते, त्वां आत्मबन्धुं नैव जानन्ति।

some · Brahmā · others · Rudra · thus · some · likewise · other · gods · worship · those desiring worldly fruits · givers of quick results · them · You · not at all · know · as their own friend

Nārada contrasts the fleeting benefits sought from lesser deities with the eternal friendship of the Supreme Lord, setting the stage for his own request for exclusive devotion.

I desire neither the realm of heaven, nor the position of Brahmā, nor sovereignty over the world, nor lordship over the netherworlds, nor yogic powers, nor even the state of no-rebirth. Grant me firm devotion.

na nākapṛṣṭhaṃ na ca pārameṣṭhyaṃ

na sārvabhaumaṃ na rasādhipatyam

na yogasiddhīḥ apunarbhavaṃ vā

vāñchāmi bhaktiṃ sudṛḍhāṃ prayaccha

न · na — not

नाकपृष्ठं · nākapṛṣṭhaṃ — heavenly realm

न च · na ca — nor

पारमेष्ठ्यं · pārameṣṭhyaṃ — position of Brahmā

सार्वभौमं · sārvabhaumaṃ — sovereignty over the world

रसाधिपत्यम् · rasādhipatyam — lordship over netherworlds

योगसिद्धीः · yogasiddhīḥ — yogic powers

अपुनर्भवं · apunarbhavaṃ — liberation/no-rebirth

वा · vā — or

वाञ्छामि · vāñchāmi — I desire

भक्तिं · bhaktiṃ — devotion

सुदृढां · sudṛḍhāṃ — firm

प्रयच्छ · prayaccha — grant

अहं नाकपृष्ठं, पारमेष्ठ्यं, सार्वभौमं, रसाधिपत्यं, योगसिद्धीः, अपुनर्भवं वा न वाञ्छामि। (त्वं) सुदृढां भक्तिं प्रयच्छ।

not · heavenly realm · nor · position of Brahmā · sovereignty over the world · lordship over netherworlds · yogic powers · liberation/no-rebirth · or · I desire · devotion · firm · grant

Nārada explicitly rejects all material and spiritual goals, including liberation, in favor of pure, unwavering devotion, defining the ideal state of a devotee.

My mind is not inclined towards Dhyāna Yoga, nor Karma Yoga, nor even Jñāna Yoga. Renouncing all other means, I take refuge in you alone, the one worthy of surrender.

na dhyānayoge na ca karmayoge

na jñānayoge'pi matiṃ gato'smi

tyaktvā samastaṃ nanu sādhanaṃ tvāṃ

śaraṇyamekaṃ śaraṇaṃ bhajāmi

न · na — not

ध्यानयोगे · dhyānayoge — in Dhyāna Yoga

कर्मयोगे · karmayoge — in Karma Yoga

ज्ञानयोगेऽपि · jñānayoge'pi — even in Jñāna Yoga

मतिं · matiṃ — mind/inclination

गतोऽस्मि · gato'smi — I have gone/inclined

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having renounced

समस्तं · samastaṃ — all

साधनं · sādhanaṃ — means

त्वाम् · tvām — You

शरण्यमेकं · śaraṇyamekaṃ — the one worthy of surrender

शरणं · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

भजामि · bhajāmi — I worship/take

अहं ध्यानयोगे, कर्मयोगे, ज्ञानयोगे अपि मतिं न गतोऽस्मि। समस्तं साधनं त्यक्त्वा, शरण्यमेकं त्वां शरणं भजामि।

not · in Dhyāna Yoga · in Karma Yoga · even in Jñāna Yoga · mind/inclination · I have gone/inclined · having renounced · all · means · You · the one worthy of surrender · refuge · I worship/take

Nārada declares his total surrender, bypassing traditional paths of yoga in favor of direct refuge in the Lord, establishing the path of Prapatti (surrender).

Let those whose hearts are bound by desires take refuge in Brahmā and other gods, by all means. O Primeval Lord, for liberation from saṁsāra, I see no other resort besides you.

brahmādidevān hṛdi baddhakāmāḥ

ye tvāśrayanti dhruvamāśrayantu

paśyāmi nānyāṃ gatimādideva

saṃsāramokṣāya vinā bhavantam

ब्रह्मादिदेवान् · brahmādidevān — Brahmā and other gods

हृदि · hṛdi — in the heart

बद्धकामाः · baddhakāmāḥ — those bound by desires

ये · ye — who

त्वाश्रयन्ति · tvāśrayanti — take refuge in You

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — certainly

आश्रयन्तु · āśrayantu — let them take refuge

पश्यामि · paśyāmi — I see

नान्यां · nānyāṃ — no other

गतिम् · gatim — resort/path

आदिदेव · ādideva — O Primeval Lord

संसारमोक्षाय · saṃsāramokṣāya — for liberation from saṃsāra

विना · vinā — without/besides

भवन्तम् · bhavantam — You

ये हृदि बद्धकामाः ते ब्रह्मादिदेवान् आश्रयन्तु। हे आदिदेव, संसारमोक्षाय भवन्तं विना अन्यां गतिं न पश्यामि।

Brahmā and other gods · in the heart · those bound by desires · who · take refuge in You · certainly · let them take refuge · I see · no other · resort/path · O Primeval Lord · for liberation from saṃsāra · without/besides · You

Nārada reinforces his exclusive reliance on the Lord, contrasting his choice with those who seek temporary boons from lesser gods, emphasizing the necessity of the Lord for liberation.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Thus praised, the Lord who reclines on the milk ocean, the repository of compassion, with eyes like lotus petals, who was rising from his reclining posture, spoke to that best of devotees, the great sage Nārada.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ stutaḥ kṣīrapayodhiśāyī

kṛpānidhiḥ kañjadalāyatākṣaḥ

taṃ nāradaṃ bhaktavaraṃ munīndra-

mutthānaśāyī bhagavānuvāca

एवं · evaṃ — thus

स्तुतः · stutaḥ — praised

क्षीरपयोधिशायी · kṣīrapayodhiśāyī — He who reclines on the milk ocean

कृपानिधिः · kṛpānidhiḥ — repository of compassion

कञ्जदलायताक्षः · kañjadalāyatākṣaḥ — lotus-eyed one

तं · taṃ — to him

नारदं · nāradaṃ — Nārada

भक्तवरं · bhaktavaraṃ — best of devotees

मुनीन्द्रं · munīndraṃ — great sage

उत्थानशायी · utthānaśāyī — rising from reclining posture

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

एवं स्तुतः, क्षीरपयोधिशायी, कृपानिधिः, कञ्जदलायताक्षः भगवान्, उत्थानशायी सन्, तं भक्तवरं मुनीन्द्रं नारदं उवाच।

thus · praised · He who reclines on the milk ocean · repository of compassion · lotus-eyed one · to him · Nārada · best of devotees · great sage · rising from reclining posture · the Lord · spoke

The Lord's response to Nārada's prayer is initiated here, showing the Lord's immediate receptivity to the sincere devotion of His sage-devotee.

Śrī Bhagavān said:

I wish to go to the earth and sport there, along with Śrī, Dharaṇī, and my attendants. O king of yogis, tell me a suitable place where I, the refuge of the good, may dwell.

śrībhagavānuvāca

vihartumicchāmi bhuvaṃ gato'haṃ

śriyā dharaṇyā saha pārṣadaiśca

yogyaṃ sthalaṃ tvaṃ vada yogirāja

yatraiva vatsyāmi satāṃ śaraṇyaḥ

विहर्तुम् · vihartum — to sport

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I wish

भुवं · bhuvaṃ — to the earth

गतोऽहं · gato'haṃ — I having gone

श्रिया · śriyā — with Lakṣmī

धरण्या · dharaṇyā — with Mother Earth

सह · saha — along with

पार्षदैश्च · pārṣadaiśca — and attendants

योग्यं · yogyaṃ — suitable

स्थलं · sthalaṃ — place

त्वं · tvaṃ — you

वद · vada — tell

योगिराज · yogirāja — O king of yogis

यत्रैव · yatraiva — where indeed

वत्स्यामि · vatsyāmi — I will dwell

सतां · satāṃ — of the good

शरण्यः · śaraṇyaḥ — refuge

अहं श्रिया, धरण्या, पार्षदैश्च सह भुवं गतः सन् विहर्तुम् इच्छामि। हे योगिराज, त्वं योग्यं स्थलं वद, यत्रैव अहं सतां शरण्यः वत्स्यामि।

to sport · I wish · to the earth · I having gone · with Lakṣmī · with Mother Earth · along with · and attendants · suitable · place · you · tell · O king of yogis · where indeed · I will dwell · of the good · refuge

The Lord expresses His divine intent to descend to earth, inviting Nārada to recommend a location, which sets the narrative trajectory toward the selection of Śeṣācala.

Seeing the souls sleeping on the bed of beginningless ignorance, who are like inert matter, I, moved by compassion, gave them the three faculties (mind, speech, body). Yet, they do not worship me.

anādyavidyāśayane prasuptān

acitsamān vīkṣya kṛpāvaśena

mayā hi dattaṃ karaṇatrayaṃ ca

tathāpi māṃ naiva bhajanti jīvāḥ

अनाद्यविद्याशयने · anādyavidyāśayane — on the bed of beginningless ignorance

प्रसुप्तान् · prasuptān — sleeping

अचित्समान् · acitsamān — like inert matter

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having seen

कृपावशेन · kṛpāvaśena — by the force of compassion

मया · mayā — by Me

हि · hi — indeed

दत्तं · dattaṃ — given

करणत्रयं · karaṇatrayaṃ — the three faculties

च · ca — and

तथापि · tathāpi — yet

मां · māṃ — Me

नैव · naiva — not at all

भजन्ति · bhajanti — worship

जीवाः · jīvāḥ — souls

अनाद्यविद्याशयने प्रसुप्तान् अचित्समान् जीवान् वीक्ष्य, कृपावशेन मया हि करणत्रयं दत्तं, तथापि जीवाः मां नैव भजन्ति।

on the bed of beginningless ignorance · sleeping · like inert matter · having seen · by the force of compassion · by Me · indeed · given · the three faculties · and · yet · Me · not at all · worship · souls

The Lord explains the condition of humanity, justifying His compassion and the need for His presence on earth to help souls who have forgotten Him.

I, though fond of my devotees, have become weary from taking various incarnations for the protection of people. Now, taking up an icon-form (arcāvatāra), I will dwell on earth for the good of mankind.

kṛtvā'vatārān janarakṣaṇāya

śrānto'hamasmyāśritavatsalo'pi

arcāvatāraṃ parigṛhya bhūyo

bhūmau hi vatsyāmi nṛṇāṃ hitāya

कृत्वाऽवतारान् · kṛtvā'vatārān — having taken incarnations

जनरक्षणाय · janarakṣaṇāya — for the protection of people

श्रान्तोऽहम् · śrānto'ham — I am weary

अस्म्याश्रितवत्सलोऽपि · asmyāśritavatsalo'pi — though fond of devotees

अर्चावतारं · arcāvatāraṃ — icon-form

परिगृह्य · parigṛhya — having accepted/taken

भूयो · bhūyo — again

भूमौ · bhūmau — on earth

हि · hi — indeed

वत्स्यामि · vatsyāmi — I will dwell

नृणां · nṛṇāṃ — of mankind

हिताय · hitāya — for the good

जनरक्षणाय अवतारान् कृत्वा अहं श्रान्तः अस्मि, आश्रितवत्सलोऽपि। अर्चावतारं परिगृह्य भूमौ नृणां हिताय भूयो वत्स्यामि।

having taken incarnations · for the protection of people · I am weary · though fond of devotees · icon-form · having accepted/taken · again · on earth · indeed · I will dwell · of mankind · for the good

The Lord reveals His decision to manifest as the Arcāvatāra (deity form) to provide a permanent, accessible presence for humanity, marking the theological foundation of the Divya Deśam.

Nārada said:

I see no end to your compassion, O ocean of mercy, O sole friend of the universe! You wish to leave your divine abode of Vaikuṇṭha and live here with worldly beings.

nārada uvāca

antaṃ na paśyāmi ca te kṛpāyāḥ

kṛpāmburāśe jagadekabandho

vaikuṇṭhalokaṃ ca visṛjya divyaṃ

saṃsāribhirvāsamihecchasi tvam

अन्तम् · antam — end or limit

न · na — not

पश्यामि · paśyāmi — I see

ते · te — your

कृपायाः · kṛpāyāḥ — of compassion

कृपाम्बुराशे · kṛpāmburāśe — O ocean of mercy

जगदेकबन्धो · jagadekabandho — O sole friend of the universe

वैकुण्ठलोकम् · vaikuṇṭhalokam — Vaikuṇṭha world

विसृज्य · visṛjya — having abandoned

संसारिभिः · saṃsāribhiḥ — with worldly beings

वासम् · vāsam — dwelling

इच्छसि · icchasi — you desire

हे कृपाम्बुराशे जगदेकबन्धो, अहं ते कृपायाः अन्तं न पश्यामि। त्वं दिव्यं वैकुण्ठलोकं विसृज्य संसारिभिः सह इह वासं इच्छसि।

end or limit · not · I see · your · of compassion · O ocean of mercy · O sole friend of the universe · Vaikuṇṭha world · having abandoned · with worldly beings · dwelling · you desire

Nārada expresses profound astonishment at the Lord's boundless compassion, noting that He is willing to abandon the majesty of Vaikuṇṭha to dwell among suffering souls in the material world. This verse highlights the contrast between the Lord's supreme status and His humble desire to be accessible to devotees.

O Mukunda, I desire your dwelling place to be in Jambūdvīpa, in the land of Bhārata, in the Draviḍa country, in a sacred forest on the bank of the Suvarṇamukhī river.

vāsaṃ tavecchāmi mukunda jambū-

dvīpe ca varṣe bhuvi bhāratākhye

vane pavitre ca taṭe suvarṇa-

mukhītaṭinyā draviḍe ca deśe

वासम् · vāsam — dwelling

तव · tava — your

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I desire

मुकुन्द · mukunda — O Mukunda

जम्बूद्वीपे · jambūdvīpe — in Jambudvipa

भारताख्ये · bhāratākhye — named Bharata

वने · vane — in a forest

पवित्रे · pavitre — sacred

सुवर्णमुखीतटिन्याः · suvarṇamukhītaṭinyāḥ — of the Suvarnamukhi river

तटे · taṭe — on the bank

द्रविडे · draviḍe — in the Dravida country

हे मुकुन्द, अहं तव वासं जम्बूद्वीपे भारताख्ये वर्षे, पवित्रे वने, सुवर्णमुखीतटिन्याः तटे द्रविडे च देशे इच्छामि।

dwelling · your · I desire · O Mukunda · in Jambudvipa · named Bharata · in a forest · sacred · of the Suvarnamukhi river · on the bank · in the Dravida country

Nārada specifically recommends the sacred geography of Bhārata-varṣa and the Draviḍa country as the ideal location for the Lord's incarnation. By identifying the Suvarṇamukhī river, he points to the specific site that will become the holy Tirumala.

There, ascetics are already dwelling and performing austerities for the sake of your vision. O lotus-eyed one, grant them your vision today, quickly.

tatraiva pūrvaṃ tava darśanārthaṃ

vāsaṃ prakurvanti tapaścarantaḥ

tapodhanāstāmarasākṣa dehi

teṣāṃ ca te darśanamadya śīghram

तत्रैव · tatraiva — there only

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — previously/already

तव · tava — your

दर्शनार्थम् · darśanārtham — for the sake of vision

तपश्चरन्तः · tapaścarantaḥ — performing austerities

तपोधनाः · tapodhanāḥ — ascetics

तामरसाक्ष · tāmarasākṣa — O lotus-eyed one

देहि · dehi — grant

तेषाम् · teṣām — to them

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

अद्य · adya — today

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

तत्रैव तपोधनाः तव दर्शनार्थं पूर्वं तपः चरन्तः वासं प्रकुर्वन्ति। हे तामरसाक्ष, तेषां ते दर्शनम् अद्य शीघ्रं देहि।

there only · previously/already · your · for the sake of vision · performing austerities · ascetics · O lotus-eyed one · grant · to them · vision · today · quickly

Nārada justifies his choice by noting that sincere ascetics are already performing penance there, awaiting the Lord's presence. He urges the Lord to grant them His vision, emphasizing the urgency of their devotion.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Hearing the words of the divine sage, which were the same as what was in his own heart, the Lord reverently made the resolve to go to that very country with Ramā (Lakṣmī).

Here ends the thirty-fourth chapter, named "Nārada's Request," in the First Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ākarṇya vākyaṃ bhagavān surarṣe-

rhṛdi sthitaṃ svasya tathaiva coktam

cakāra saṅkalpamihādareṇa

tameva deśaṃ ramayā ca gantum

आकर्ण्य · ākarṇya — having heard

वाक्यम् · vākyam — the words

सुरर्षेः · surarṣeḥ — of the divine sage

हृदि · hṛdi — in the heart

स्थितम् · sthitam — situated

स्वस्य · svasya — of His own

तथैव · tathaiva — just like that

चकार · cakāra — He made

सङ्कल्पम् · saṅkalpam — resolve

आदरेण · ādareṇa — with reverence

तमेव · tameva — that very

देशम् · deśam — place

रमया · ramayā — with Rama/Lakshmi

भगवान् सुरर्षेः वाक्यम् आकर्ण्य, तत् स्वस्य हृदि स्थितं तथैव इति ज्ञात्वा, आदरेण रमया सह तमेव देशं गन्तुं सङ्कल्पं चकार।

having heard · the words · of the divine sage · in the heart · situated · of His own · just like that · He made · resolve · with reverence · that very · place · with Rama/Lakshmi

This verse concludes the dialogue by confirming that the Lord's inner desire perfectly aligned with Nārada's suggestion. It establishes the divine sanction for the Lord's descent to Śeṣācala, marking the transition from divine intent to earthly manifestation.