Chapter summary
सप्ताचलवैभवम् Saptācala Vaibhavam
The Glory of the Seven Hills
**The revered Sadguru said:**
Out of His boundless affection for Narayana, Mukunda dispatched Shesha, His own magnificent couch, who then transformed into the seven hills. These seven are known as Narayanadri, Garudachala, Simhadri, Venkatadri, Sheshadri, Vrishabhachala, and Anjanadri. (v.1-2)
At the head of this serpentine form, the sacred site of Kalahasti radiantly appears. Here, a Shiva lingam is enshrined, marking the place where Kala, the serpent, and Hasti, the elephant, worshipped Rudra and, by His grace, attained His divine abode. Conversely, at the tail region lies Srisailam, a place graced by the presence of Arjuna and the moon-crested Shiva. There, the daughter of the mountain king, Parvati, embraces Rudra with the tender devotion of a forest jasmine creeper. Upon its chest, Ahobilam is beheld, where, driven by His fervent desire to protect Prahlada, Nrisimha—the divine remover of fear and suffering for all devotees—manifested from within a cave and continues to shine forth. (v.3-5)
Sri Venkatadri, often hailed as the crest-jewel adorning the head of this serpent-king form, is revered as the very abode of Vishnu. This sacred site is none other than Vaikuntha itself, descended upon earth, and is ceaselessly served by all humanity. Here, the Akasha Ganga flows eternally, gleaming like Vishnu's own banner. Indeed, all the holy waters found throughout this sacred land are potent purifiers, removing the suffering and sins of humankind. (v.6-7)
Thousands of majestic trees, swayed by the wind, stir and undulate, appearing as the myriad hoods of Shesha, the king of serpents, raised aloft as if from the touch of Vishnu's divine limbs. Just as the waves of the milk ocean might rise to quell the suffering of worldly beings, so too do cool, refreshing clouds drift gracefully over the peaks of Sri Venkatadri. (v.8-9)
Within the deep recesses of its caves, where the profound darkness is dispelled by the inherent lustre of precious gems, devout Śrī Vaiṣṇavas engage in the recitation of the Bhāgavatam, thereby removing the inner darkness born of the mind. Peacocks, cuckoos, and parrots dance, coo, and speak with unbridled joy. By their very nature, they effortlessly display their mastery in the Gandharva arts of music and dance. Even tigers and lions, deer, cows, buffaloes, and monkeys play together there. Through their mutually loving interactions, they beautifully demonstrate that they are all subjects under the benevolent rule of Vishnu. (v.10-12)
Great sages such as Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha, Nārada, Mṛkaṇḍu's son (Mārkaṇḍeya), and the divine Śuka, along with countless others, perpetually yearn to make their dwelling within these sacred caves. Indeed, this place is truly *aprākṛta* [non-material, transcendental]. Astonishingly, upon mere entry, all beings—people, animals, and birds alike—attain a non-material form and engage in the worship of Vishnu. The gentle breeze, fragrant with sandalwood, serves all who arrive seeking a vision of Vishnu. Upon merely stepping onto the peak of Vṛṣādri, it instantly dispels the torment of worldly existence. (v.13-15)
Recognizing the sublime nature of this mountain abode, the lotus-petal-eyed Lord, desiring to sport upon the earth with Ramā [Lakshmi], set forth accompanied by His divine attendants. He ascended the divine Ānanda Vimāna, a celestial chariot that traverses the sky and is equal to His own glory. As He journeyed, He was reverently served by Gandharvas, Vidyādharas, Kinnaras, Suras [gods], and Asuras [demons] alike. Sunanda, Nanda, and other devoted attendants, serving the Lord of the world, followed Mukunda, holding aloft an umbrella and a chowrie fan in their hands. Ananta Himself held the royal umbrella, while Garuḍa, the King of Birds, served as His charioteer. Vāyu [the wind god] attended Him with a magnificent chowrie, and the Sun God became His lamp-bearer. Brahmā, the lotus-seated one, recited the sacred Vedas, while Shiva sounded His own divine instrument. Indra, the thousand-eyed one, gazed upon Vishnu, whose lotus feet were worshipped by both Suras and Asuras. (v.16-20)
Having descended upon the peak of Narayanadri, Narayana, accompanied by the hosts of gods, has indeed taken up residence here, remaining through every age to remove the sorrow of all who seek refuge in Him. Thus situated in the Ānanda Vimāna, He is worshipped by hosts of gods and Siddhas. And on earth, the great sages, perceiving Him through their divine vision as Narayana, the bearer of Śrī, the immeasurable one, likewise offer Him their profound adoration. (v.21-22)
Thus the thirty-fifth chapter, named "The Glory of the Seven Hills," in the First Part of the "Divya Desa Vaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
