मेघनिकेतनमाहात्म्यम् Meghaniketana Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

The Lord of all, Viṣṇu, the friend in distress, the ocean of compassion, the protector of those who seek refuge, resides in the sacred place of Meghaniketana.

śrīsadgururuvāca

asti sarveśvaro viṣṇuḥ kṣetre meghaniketane

āpadbandhuḥ kṛpāsindhuḥ śaraṇāgatarakṣakaḥ

अस्ति · asti — exists/resides

सर्वेश्वरः · sarveśvaraḥ — the Lord of all

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — in the sacred place

मेघनिकेतने · meghaniketane — in Meghaniketana

आपद्बन्धुः · āpadbandhuḥ — friend in distress

कृपासन्धुः · kṛpāsindhuḥ — ocean of compassion

शरणागतरक्षकः · śaraṇāgatarakṣakaḥ — protector of those who seek refuge

सर्वेश्वरः विष्णुः मेघनिकेतने क्षेत्रे अस्ति। सः आपद्बन्धुः कृपासन्धुः शरणागतरक्षकः च।

exists/resides · the Lord of all · Lord Vishnu · in the sacred place · in Meghaniketana · friend in distress · ocean of compassion · protector of those who seek refuge

This verse introduces the setting of the chapter, establishing Meghaniketana as the divine residence of Lord Vishnu. It sets the devotional tone by highlighting the Lord's nature as a compassionate protector.

Formerly in Ayodhyā, there was a great-minded king renowned as Ambarīṣa, who was dedicated to protecting dharma.

ambarīṣa iti khyāto mahīpālo mahāmanāḥ

pūrvamāsīdayodhyāyāṃ dharmarakṣaṇatatparaḥ

अम्बरीषः · ambarīṣaḥ — King Ambarisha

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातः · khyātaḥ — renowned

महीपालः · mahīpālaḥ — king

महामनाः · mahāmanāḥ — great-minded

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — formerly

अयोध्यायाम् · ayodhyāyām — in Ayodhya

धर्मरक्षणतत्परः · dharmarakṣaṇatatparaḥ — dedicated to protecting dharma

पूर्वम् अयोध्यायाम् अम्बरीषः इति ख्यातः महामनाः महीपालः आसीत्। सः धर्मरक्षणतत्परः आसीत्।

King Ambarisha · thus · renowned · king · great-minded · formerly · in Ayodhya · dedicated to protecting dharma

This verse provides the historical background of King Ambarisha, establishing his character as a righteous monarch. This context is essential to explain why he would later perform a grand sacrifice.

That fortunate one, firm in his vows, resolved to perform a sacrifice in the city of Kāñcī. Therefore, having gathered the materials, he commenced the sacrificial festival.

yaṣṭuṃ mene mahābhāgaḥ kāñcīpuryāṃ dṛḍhavrataḥ

tasmātsaṃbhṛtasaṃbhāraḥ samārebhe makhotsavam

यष्टुम् · yaṣṭum — to perform sacrifice

मेने · mene — resolved

महाभागः · mahābhāgaḥ — fortunate one

काञ्चीपुर्याम् · kāñcīpuryāṃ — in the city of Kanchi

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in his vows

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

संभृतसंभारः · saṃbhṛtasaṃbhāraḥ — having gathered materials

समारेभे · samārebhe — commenced

मखोत्सवम् · makhotsavam — sacrificial festival

दृढव्रतः महाभागः काञ्चीपुर्याम् यष्टुम् मेने। तस्मात् संभृतसंभारः सः मखोत्सवम् समारेभे।

to perform sacrifice · resolved · fortunate one · in the city of Kanchi · firm in his vows · therefore · having gathered materials · commenced · sacrificial festival

This verse transitions the narrative to the specific action of the king, highlighting his piety and determination to perform a Vedic sacrifice in Kanchi.

His sacrificial animal was lost, and because of that, he was afflicted with sorrow. Approaching the sage Ṛcīka, he bought his middle son.

tasya yajñapaśurnaṣṭastasmādduḥkhamavāpa ha

ṛcīkaṃ munimāśritya krīṇānmadhyamaṃ sutam

तस्य · tasya — his

यज्ञपशुः · yajñapaśuḥ — sacrificial animal

नष्टः · naṣṭaḥ — lost

तस्मात् · tasmāt — due to that

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

अवाप · avāpa — obtained/suffered

ऋचीकम् · ṛcīkam — Sage Richika

मुनिम् · munim — the sage

आश्रित्य · āśritya — approaching

क्रीणान् · krīṇān — bought

मध्यमम् · madhyamam — middle

सुतम् · sutam — son

तस्य यज्ञपशुः नष्टः, तस्मात् सः दुःखम् अवाप। सः ऋचीकम् मुनिम् आश्रित्य मध्यमम् सुतम् क्रीणान्।

his · sacrificial animal · lost · due to that · sorrow · obtained/suffered · Sage Richika · the sage · approaching · bought · middle · son

This verse introduces the central conflict of the story: the loss of the sacrificial animal and the king's subsequent desperation, which leads him to seek out the sage Richika.

"I will not give my eldest son, for he is dear to me," said the father. "And I will certainly not give the youngest," said the mother.

jyeṣṭhaputraṃ na dāsyāmi priyamityabravīt pitā

kaniṣṭhaṃ naiva dāsyāmi hyabravījjananī ca sā

ज्येष्ठपुत्रम् · jyeṣṭhaputram — eldest son

न · na — not

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — I will give

प्रियम् · priyam — dear

इति · iti — thus

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — said

पिता · pitā — father

कनिष्ठम् · kaniṣṭham — youngest

नैव · naiva — certainly not

जननी · jananī — mother

पिता अब्रवीत् - ज्येष्ठपुत्रम् प्रियम् इति कृत्वा न दास्यामि। जननी च अब्रवीत् - कनिष्ठम् नैव दास्यामि।

eldest son · not · I will give · dear · thus · said · father · youngest · certainly not · mother

This verse depicts the domestic tension and the parents' refusal to part with their children, underscoring the gravity of the king's request and the parents' attachment.

But Śunaḥśepa, that good son, understanding himself to have been sold, went with the king.

paraṃ tu krītamātmānaṃ svayamevāvagamya ca

śunaḥśepastu satputro yayau bhūpatinā saha

परम् · param — but

तु · tu — however

क्रीतम् · krītam — sold

आत्मानम् · ātmānam — himself

स्वयमेव · svayameva — himself

अवगम्य · avagamya — understanding

शुनःशेपः · śunaḥśepaḥ — Shunahshepa

सत्पुत्रः · satputraḥ — virtuous son

ययौ · yayau — went

भूपतिना · bhūpatinā — with the king

सह · saha — along with

परम् तु शुनःशेपः सत्पुत्रः आत्मानम् क्रीतम् अवगम्य, स्वयमेव भूपतिना सह ययौ।

but · however · sold · himself · himself · understanding · Shunahshepa · virtuous son · went · with the king · along with

This verse highlights the noble character of Shunahshepa, who, upon realizing his situation, chooses to sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of the king's duty.

On the way, he saw the great sage Viśvāmitra, his venerable maternal uncle, a refuge who grants fearlessness.

madhyemārgaṃ dadarśa sa viśvāmitraṃ mahāmunim

mātulaṃ cātmanaḥ pūjyaṃ śaraṇyamabhayapradam

मध्येमार्गम् · madhyemārgam — on the way

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

सः · saḥ — he

विश्वामित्रम् · viśvāmitram — Vishvamitra

महामुनिम् · mahāmunim — great sage

मातुलम् · mātulam — maternal uncle

आत्मनः · ātmanaḥ — his own

पूज्यम् · pūjyam — venerable

शरण्यम् · śaraṇyam — refuge

अभयप्रदम् · abhayapradam — giver of fearlessness

सः मध्येमार्गम् आत्मनः मातुलम् पूज्यम्, शरण्यम् अभयप्रदम् महामुनिम् विश्वामित्रम् ददर्श।

on the way · saw · he · Vishvamitra · great sage · maternal uncle · his own · venerable · refuge · giver of fearlessness

This verse introduces Vishvamitra as a pivotal figure, establishing him as a source of protection and fearlessness for the young Shunahshepa.

"May King Ambarīṣa obtain the fruit of the sacrifice, and may I also be saved. Tell me the means for this," he said.

avāpnuyādyajñaphalamambarīṣo mahīpatiḥ

ātmānaṃ ca tathā rakṣed upāyaṃ me vadeti saḥ

अवाप्नुयात् · avāpnuyāt — may obtain

यज्ञफलम् · yajñaphalam — fruit of sacrifice

अम्बरीषः · ambarīṣaḥ — Ambarisha

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — king

आत्मानम् · ātmānam — myself

च · ca — and

तथा · tathā — also

रक्षेत् · rakṣet — may protect

उपायम् · upāyam — means

मे · me — to me

वद · vada — tell

महीपतिः अम्बरीषः यज्ञफलम् अवाप्नुयात्, आत्मानम् च तथा रक्षेत्। उपायम् मे वद इति सः अवदत्।

may obtain · fruit of sacrifice · Ambarisha · king · myself · and · also · may protect · means · to me · tell

This verse captures Shunahshepa's plea to Vishvamitra, showing his concern for both the king's success and his own survival, setting the stage for divine intervention.

Bowing to the sage Kauśika (Viśvāmitra), Śunaḥśepa prayed thus. Kauśika, though he offered his own hundred sons for the sacrifice, resolved to protect the refugee Śunaḥśepa.

śunaḥśepo muniṃ natvā prārthayāmāsa kauśikam

svaputrāṇāṃ śatamapi datvā yajñāya kauśikaḥ

śunaḥśepaṃ tathā mene rakṣituṃ śaraṇāgatam

शुनःशेपः · śunaḥśepaḥ — Shunahshepa

मुनिम् · munim — sage

नत्वा · natvā — bowing

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — prayed

कौशिकम् · kauśikam — Vishvamitra

स्वपुत्राणाम् · svaputrāṇām — his own sons

शतम् · śatam — hundred

दत्वा · datvā — giving

रक्षितुम् · rakṣitum — to protect

शरणागतम् · śaraṇāgatam — the refugee

शुनःशेपः मुनिम् कौशिकम् नत्वा प्रार्थयामास। कौशिकः स्वपुत्राणाम् शतम् अपि दत्वा, शरणागतम् शुनःशेपम् रक्षितुम् मेने।

Shunahshepa · sage · bowing · prayed · Vishvamitra · his own sons · hundred · giving · to protect · the refugee

This verse highlights Vishvamitra's compassion and his resolve to protect the one who has sought his shelter, even at great personal cost.

But the sons of Viśvāmitra did not agree to his words. Enraged, the extremely wrathful sage then cursed them.

viśvāmitrasya putrāstu tadvākyaṃ nānumenire

śaśāpa tāṃstathā kruddho muniḥ paramakopanaḥ

विश्वामित्रस्य · viśvāmitrasya — Vishvamitra's

पुत्राः · putrāḥ — sons

तु · tu — however

तद्वाक्यम् · tadvākyam — his words

नानुमेनिरे · nānumenire — did not agree

शशाप · śaśāpa — cursed

तान् · tān — them

तथा · tathā — thus

क्रुद्धः · kruddho — enraged

मुनिः · muniḥ — sage

परमकोपनः · paramakopanaḥ — extremely wrathful

विश्वामित्रस्य पुत्राः तु तद्वाक्यम् न अनुमेनिरे। परमकोपनः मुनिः क्रुद्धः सन् तान् शशाप।

Vishvamitra's · sons · however · his words · did not agree · cursed · them · thus · enraged · sage · extremely wrathful

This verse illustrates the conflict between the sage's resolve and his sons' disobedience, leading to a dramatic turn of events that emphasizes the sage's power and wrath.

For the sake of protecting the one who had sought refuge, the best of sages reflected and lovingly taught him a hymn to Indra and a hymn to Viṣṇu.

prapannarakṣaṇārthaṃ tu vicintya munipuṅgavaḥ

aindraṃ ca vaiṣṇavaṃ sūktaṃ provāca prītipūrvakam

प्रपन्नरक्षणार्थम् · prapannarakṣaṇārtham — for the sake of protecting the surrendered soul

तु · tu — indeed

विचिन्त्य · vicintya — having reflected deeply

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best among sages

ऐन्द्रम् · aindram — pertaining to Indra

च · ca — and

वैष्णवम् · vaiṣṇavam — pertaining to Viṣṇu

सूक्तम् · sūktam — hymn

प्रोवाच · provāca — spoke/taught

प्रीतिपूर्वकम् · prītipūrvakam — with love and affection

मुनिपुङ्गवः प्रपन्नरक्षणार्थं विचिन्त्य तु प्रीतिपूर्वकम् ऐन्द्रं वैष्णवं च सूक्तं प्रोवाच।

for the sake of protecting the surrendered soul · indeed · having reflected deeply · the best among sages · pertaining to Indra · and · pertaining to Viṣṇu · hymn · spoke/taught · with love and affection

This verse marks the turning point where Viśvāmitra, acting as a compassionate guru, provides the spiritual solution to save the devotee Śunaḥśepa. It establishes the efficacy of the hymns to Indra and Viṣṇu as the means of liberation from the impending sacrifice.

Viśvāmitra speaks:

O child, while bound to the sacrificial post, chant these two hymns. Then Viṣṇu, the ocean of mercy, along with Indra, will appear.

viśvāmitra uvāca

stambhe nibaddhastvaṃ dve sūkte japa bālaka

tadā viṣṇuḥ kṛpāsindhurindreṇa ca samanvitaḥ

स्तम्भे · stambhe — at the sacrificial post

निबद्धः · nibaddhaḥ — bound

त्वम् · tvam — you

द्वे · dve — two

सूक्ते · sūkte — hymns

जप · japa — chant

बालक · bālaka — O child

तदा · tadā — then

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Viṣṇu

कृपासिन्युः · kṛpāsindhuḥ — ocean of mercy

इन्द्रेण · indreṇa — with Indra

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied

बालक त्वं स्तम्भे निबद्धः द्वे सूक्ते जप। तदा इन्द्रेण समन्वितः कृपासिन्धुः विष्णुः आगमिष्यति।

at the sacrificial post · bound · you · two · hymns · chant · O child · then · Lord Viṣṇu · ocean of mercy · with Indra · accompanied

Viśvāmitra instructs Śunaḥśepa on the specific method of invocation. By identifying Viṣṇu as the 'ocean of mercy,' he shifts the focus from the fear of the sacrifice to the certainty of divine intervention.

Releasing you, He will grant the fruit of the sacrifice to the king. Do not grieve, O highly intelligent one. May there be constant well-being for you.

vimucya tvāṃ tathā dadyādrājñe yajñaphalaṃ ca tat

mā viṣīda mahābuddhe santataṃ bhadramastu te

विमुच्य · vimucya — having released

त्वाम् · tvām — you

तथा · tathā — also

दद्यात् · dadyāt — will grant

राज्ञे · rājñe — to the king

यज्ञफलम् · yajñaphalam — fruit of the sacrifice

तत् · tat — that

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महाबुद्धे · mahābuddhe — O highly intelligent one

सन्ततम् · santatam — always

भद्रम् · bhadram — well-being

अस्तु · astu — may be

ते · te — to you

सः त्वां विमुच्य राज्ञे तत् यज्ञफलं च दद्यात्। हे महाबुद्धे मा विषीद, ते सन्ततं भद्रम् अस्तु।

having released · you · also · will grant · to the king · fruit of the sacrifice · that · do not · grieve · O highly intelligent one · always · well-being · may be · to you

This verse provides the promise of the outcome: the release of the devotee and the fulfillment of the king's ritual. It serves to pacify Śunaḥśepa's mind, ensuring he remains calm and focused on the divine.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Having spoken thus, the best of sages sent the boy who had come with King Ambarīṣa seeking refuge.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā taṃ muniśreṣṭhaḥ preṣayāmāsa bālakam

ambarīṣeṇa rājñaiva sārdhaṃ śaraṇamāgatam

इति · iti — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

तम् · tam — him

मुनिश्रेष्ठः · muniśreṣṭhaḥ — the best of sages

प्रेषयामास · preṣayāmāsa — sent

बालकम् · bālakam — the boy

अम्बरीषेण · ambarīṣeṇa — with Ambarīṣa

राज्ञा · rājñā — the king

एव · eva — indeed

सार्धम् · sārdham — along with

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

आगतम् · āgatam — who had come

मुनिश्रेष्ठः इति उक्त्वा, शरणम् आगतं तं बालकं अम्बरीषेण राज्ञा सार्धं प्रेषयामास।

thus · having spoken · him · the best of sages · sent · the boy · with Ambarīṣa · the king · indeed · along with · refuge · who had come

The narrative transitions from the instruction to the action. By sending the boy back with the king, the sage ensures that the divine plan is set into motion within the context of the sacrificial ritual.

Śunaḥśepa, the righteous one, also went to the sacrificial hall. Tied to the yūpa post, he chanted the two hymns.

śunaḥśepo'pi dharmātmā yāgaśālāmupāgataḥ

yūpastambhe nibaddhaśca jagau sūktadvayaṃ tathā

शुनःशेपः · śunaḥśepaḥ — Śunaḥśepa

अपि · api — also

धर्मात्मा · dharmātmā — righteous soul

यागशालाम् · yāgaśālām — sacrificial hall

उपागतः · upāgataḥ — approached

यूपस्तम्भे · yūpastambhe — at the sacrificial post

निबद्धः · nibaddhaḥ — bound

च · ca — and

जगौ · jagau — chanted

सूक्तद्वयम् · sūktadvayam — the two hymns

तथा · tathā — in that way

धर्मात्मा शुनःशेपः अपि यागशालाम् उपागतः। यूपस्तम्भे निबद्धः च तथा सूक्तद्वयं जगौ।

Śunaḥśepa · also · righteous soul · sacrificial hall · approached · at the sacrificial post · bound · and · chanted · the two hymns · in that way

This verse depicts the execution of the sage's command. Śunaḥśepa's adherence to the instructions demonstrates his faith and the power of the 'dharmātmā' (righteous soul) in performing the necessary rites.

The two great-souled ones, the sole protectors of all worlds, appeared, wearing divine yellow garments and anointed with divine fragrances.

āvirbhūtau mahātmānau sarvalokaikapālakau

divyapītāmbaradharau divyagandhānulepinau

आविर्भूतौ · āvirbhūtau — manifested

महात्मानौ · mahātmānau — the two great-souled ones

सर्वलोकैकपालकौ · sarvalokaikapālakau — the sole protectors of all worlds

दिव्यपीताम्बरधरौ · divyapītāmbaradharau — wearing divine yellow garments

दिव्यगन्धानुलेपिनौ · divyagandhānulepinau — anointed with divine fragrances

सर्वलोकैकपालकौ महात्मानौ आविर्भूतौ। तौ दिव्यपीताम्बरधरौ दिव्यगन्धानुलेपिनौ आस्ताम्।

manifested · the two great-souled ones · the sole protectors of all worlds · wearing divine yellow garments · anointed with divine fragrances

The manifestation of the Lord is described here, highlighting His role as the protector of the worlds. The divine appearance serves as the climax of the ritual, validating the devotion of the participants.

Adorned with divine ornaments, the two gods, with beautiful divine limbs, wielding divine weapons, the two heroes, served by hosts of gods—Indra and Upendra (Viṣṇu), the bestowers of the fruits of all sacrifices, were then present there.

divyabhūṣaṇabhūṣāḍhyau devau divyāṅgasundarau

divyāyudhadharau vīrau devabṛndaniṣevitau

indropendrau tadā tatra sarvayajñaphalapradau

दिव्यभूषणभूषाढ्यौ · divyabhūṣaṇabhūṣāḍhyau — richly adorned with divine ornaments

देवौ · devau — the two gods

दिव्याङ्गसुन्दरौ · divyāṅgasundarau — beautiful with divine limbs

दिव्यायुधधरौ · divyāyudhadharau — wielding divine weapons

वीरौ · vīrau — the two heroes

देवबृन्दनिषेवितौ · devabṛndaniṣevitau — served by hosts of gods

इन्द्रोपेन्द्रौ · indropendrau — Indra and Upendra

तदा · tadā — then

तत्र · tatra — there

सर्वयज्ञफलप्रदौ · sarvayajñaphalapradau — grantors of all sacrificial fruits

दिव्यभूषणभूषाढ्यौ दिव्याङ्गसुन्दरौ दिव्यायुधधरौ वीरौ देवबृन्दनिषेवितौ इन्द्रोपेन्द्रौ तदा तत्र सर्वयज्ञफलप्रदौ आस्ताम्।

richly adorned with divine ornaments · the two gods · beautiful with divine limbs · wielding divine weapons · the two heroes · served by hosts of gods · Indra and Upendra · then · there · grantors of all sacrificial fruits

This verse provides a detailed description of the divine presence, emphasizing their beauty and power. By naming Indra and Upendra (Viṣṇu), it confirms the successful invocation of the deities mentioned in the hymns.

Seeing them, all the sages, the devout Śunaḥśepa, and King Ambarīṣa praised them with devotion.

**The Sages speak:**

tau dṛṣṭvā munayaḥ sarve śunaḥśepaśca bhaktimān

ambarīṣastathā rājā tuṣṭuvurbhaktipūrvakam

तौ · tau — them

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

मुनयः · munayaḥ — the sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

शुनःशेपः · śunaḥśepaḥ — Śunaḥśepa

च · ca — and

भक्तिमान् · bhaktimān — full of devotion

अम्बरीषः · ambarīṣaḥ — Ambarīṣa

तथा · tathā — also

राजा · rājā — the king

तुष्टुवुः · tuṣṭuvuḥ — praised

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

तौ दृष्ट्वा सर्वे मुनयः भक्तिमान् शुनःशेपः तथा राजा अम्बरीषः भक्तिपूर्वकं तुष्टुवुः।

them · having seen · the sages · all · Śunaḥśepa · and · full of devotion · Ambarīṣa · also · the king · praised · with devotion

The reaction of the assembly—sages, the boy, and the king—underscores the universal impact of the divine appearance. Their collective praise marks the transition from the ritual act to the devotional response.

The Sages speak: O Lord of sacrifice, Giver of the fruits of sacrifice, O embodiment of sacrifice! O destroyer of obstacles to the sacrifice, O protector of the sacrifice! O initiator of the sacrifice, O Hari, You alone are our refuge. You are to be worshipped by the rites of the sacrifice, for You are the soul of all.

munaya ūcuḥ

yajñeśa yajñaphaladāyaka yajñarūpa

yajñāntarāyasuvināśaka yajñapāla

yajñapravartaka hare śaraṇaṃ tvameva

pūjyo'si yajñavidhibhiḥ sakalātmakatvāt

यज्ञेश · yajñeśa — Lord of sacrifice

यज्ञफलदायक · yajñaphaladāyaka — giver of sacrificial fruits

यज्ञरूप · yajñarūpa — embodiment of sacrifice

यज्ञान्तरायसुविनाशक · yajñāntarāyasuvināśaka — destroyer of obstacles to sacrifice

यज्ञपाल · yajñapāla — protector of sacrifice

यज्ञप्रवर्तक · yajñapravartaka — initiator of sacrifice

हरे · hare — O Hari

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

त्वमेव · tvameva — You alone

पूज्योऽसि · pūjyo'si — You are to be worshipped

यज्ञविधिभिः · yajñavidhibhiḥ — by sacrificial rites

सकलात्मकत्वात् · sakalātmakatvāt — because You are the soul of all

हे यज्ञेश, यज्ञफलदायक, यज्ञरूप, यज्ञान्तरायसुविनाशक, यज्ञपाल, यज्ञप्रवर्तक, हरे! त्वमेव शरणम्। सकलात्मकत्वात् त्वं यज्ञविधिभिः पूज्योऽसि।

Lord of sacrifice · giver of sacrificial fruits · embodiment of sacrifice · destroyer of obstacles to sacrifice · protector of sacrifice · initiator of sacrifice · O Hari · refuge · You alone · You are to be worshipped · by sacrificial rites · because You are the soul of all

The sages' prayer defines the theological essence of the sacrifice. By addressing the Lord as the 'soul of all' and the 'embodiment of sacrifice,' they elevate the ritual from a mechanical act to a supreme act of surrender.

Ambarīṣa speaks:

You alone are the doer, residing within the heart. You alone are the one who causes good deeds to be done. You are the action and also the fruit of that action. O Lord, this deed is indeed done for Your pleasure.

ambarīṣa uvāca

kartā tvamevāsi hṛdantarasthaḥ

satkarmaṇāṃ kārayitā tvameva

karmāpi tatkarmaphalaṃ tvameva

tvatprītaye karma kṛtaṃ hi deva

कर्ता · kartā — the doer

त्वमेवासि · tvamevāsi — You alone are

हृदन्तरस्थः · hṛdantarasthaḥ — residing in the heart

सत्कर्मणाम् · satkarmaṇām — of good deeds

कारयिता · kārayitā — the impeller

त्वमेव · tvameva — You alone

कर्मापि · karmāpi — the action also

तत्कर्मफलम् · tatkarmaphalam — the fruit of that action

त्वत्प्रीतये · tvatprītaye — for Your pleasure

कर्म · karma — the deed

कृतम् · kṛtam — is done

हि · hi — indeed

देव · deva — O Lord

त्वं हृदन्तरस्थः कर्ता असि। त्वमेव सत्कर्मणां कारयिता। कर्मापि तत्कर्मफलं त्वमेव। हे देव, इदं कर्म त्वत्प्रीतये एव कृतम्।

the doer · You alone are · residing in the heart · of good deeds · the impeller · You alone · the action also · the fruit of that action · for Your pleasure · the deed · is done · indeed · O Lord

King Ambarīṣa's prayer reflects the highest level of surrender: acknowledging the Lord as the source of all action and its result. This removes the ego from the ritual, making it a pure offering.

Śunaḥśepa speaks:

Victory, victory, O ocean of mercy, wielder of the conch, discus, and lotus! I take refuge in You, the destroyer of all fears. O Lord, You are foremost among all the hosts of gods. O Śauri, may I have devotion only for Your pair of feet.

śunaḥśepa uvāca

jaya jaya karuṇābdhe śaṅkhacakrābjadhārin

sakalabhayavināśaṃ tvāmahaṃ cāśrayāmi

nikhilasuragaṇānāmagragaṇyo'si deva

tava hi caraṇayugme bhaktirevāstu śaure

जय · jaya — victory

करुणाब्धे · karuṇābdhe — O ocean of mercy

शङ्खचक्राब्जधारिन् · śaṅkhacakrābjadhārin — wielder of conch, discus, and lotus

सकलभयविनाशं · sakalabhayavināśaṃ — destroyer of all fears

त्वामहं · tvāmahaṃ — I you

चाश्रयामि · cāśrayāmi — and take refuge

निखिलसुरगणानाम · nikhilasuragaṇānām — among all hosts of gods

अग्रगण्योऽसि · agragaṇyo'si — you are the foremost

देव · deva — O Lord

तव · tava — your

चरणयुग्मे · caraṇayugme — at the pair of feet

भक्तिरेवास्तु · bhaktirevāstu — let there be only devotion

शौरे · śaure — O Śauri

हे करुणाब्धे शङ्खचक्राब्जधारिन् जय जय। अहं सकलभयविनाशं त्वां आश्रयामि। हे देव, त्वं निखिलसुरगणानां अग्रगण्यः असि। हे शौरे, तव चरणयुग्मे भक्तिः एव अस्तु।

victory · O ocean of mercy · wielder of conch, discus, and lotus · destroyer of all fears · I you · and take refuge · among all hosts of gods · you are the foremost · O Lord · your · at the pair of feet · let there be only devotion · O Śauri

Śunaḥśepa, now standing before the divine manifestation, expresses his total surrender and devotion. This verse highlights the shift from fear to absolute faith in the Lord's protective grace.

The Lord speaks:

O fortunate Śunaḥśepa, my son, by the words of your hymn, I, Upendra, accompanied by the lord of the gods (Indra), am pleased.

śrībhagavānuvāca

śunaḥśepa mahābhāga sūktavākyena te suta

upendro'haṃ prasanno'smi surendreṇa samanvitaḥ

शुनःशेप · śunaḥśepa — O Śunaḥśepa

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O fortunate one

सूक्तवाक्येन · sūktavākyena — by the words of the hymn

ते · te — your

सुत · suta — O son

उपेन्द्रोऽहं · upendro'haṃ — I, Upendra

प्रसन्नोऽस्मि · prasanno'smi — am pleased

सुरेन्द्रेण · surendreṇa — with Indra

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied

हे महाभाग शुनःशेप, हे सुत, ते सूक्तवाक्येन अहं उपेन्द्रः सुरेन्द्रेण समन्वितः प्रसन्नः अस्मि।

O Śunaḥśepa · O fortunate one · by the words of the hymn · your · O son · I, Upendra · am pleased · with Indra · accompanied

The Lord responds to Śunaḥśepa, validating the efficacy of the hymns and the boy's devotion. This establishes the Lord's accessibility through sincere prayer.

The fruit of the sacrifice has been obtained by the king through your devotion alone, O child. I grant you a long life and supreme devotion to me.

rājño yajñaphalaṃ prāptaṃ tava bhaktyaiva bālaka

dadāmi te dīrghamāyurmayi bhaktiṃ tathā parām

राज्ञो · rājño — of the king

यज्ञफलं · yajñaphalaṃ — the fruit of the sacrifice

प्राप्तं · prāptaṃ — is obtained

तव · tava — your

भक्त्यैव · bhaktyaiva — by devotion alone

बालक · bālaka — O child

ददामि · dadāmi — I grant

ते · te — to you

दीर्घमायुः · dīrghamāyuḥ — long life

मयि · mayi — in me

भक्तिं · bhaktiṃ — devotion

तथा · tathā — and

पराम · parām — supreme

हे बालक, तव भक्त्या एव राज्ञः यज्ञफलं प्राप्तम्। अहं ते दीर्घम् आयुः मयि तथा परां भक्तिं च ददामि।

of the king · the fruit of the sacrifice · is obtained · your · by devotion alone · O child · I grant · to you · long life · in me · devotion · and · supreme

The Lord grants the fruit of the sacrifice to the king and bestows spiritual boons upon Śunaḥśepa, emphasizing that devotion is the ultimate catalyst for divine grace.

What more do you ask for, O devotee? I shall grant it, there is no doubt. I am pleased by your devotion to your parents and by your adherence to dharma.

kiṃ punar yācase bhakta taddadāmi na saṃśayaḥ

prīto'smi pitṛbhaktyā ca tathā te dharmaniṣṭhayā

किं · kiṃ — what

पुनर · punar — more

याचसे · yācase — do you ask

भक्त · bhakta — O devotee

तद्ददामि · taddadāmi — that I grant

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

प्रीतोऽस्मि · prīto'smi — I am pleased

पितृभक्त्या · pitṛbhaktyā — by devotion to parents

च · ca — and

तथा · tathā — also

ते · te — your

धर्मनिष्ठया · dharmaniṣṭhayā — by adherence to dharma

हे भक्त, किं पुनः याचसे? तत् ददामि, संशयः न। ते पितृभक्त्या तथा धर्मनिष्ठया च अहं प्रीतः अस्मि।

what · more · do you ask · O devotee · that I grant · no · doubt · I am pleased · by devotion to parents · and · also · your · by adherence to dharma

The Lord invites further requests, acknowledging Śunaḥśepa's virtues. This highlights the Lord's intimate and loving relationship with His devotees.

Śunaḥśepa speaks:

O Lord, O ocean of mercy, be well-pleased right here in this golden city. Grant a long life to those who take refuge in you.

śunaḥśepa uvāca

atraiva kāñcanagare suprasanno bhava prabho

dīrghamāyuḥ pradehi tvamāśritānāṃ kṛpānidhe

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here

काञ्चनगरे · kāñcanagare — in the golden city

सुप्रसन्नो · suprasanno — well-pleased

भव · bhava — be

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

दीर्घमायुः · dīrghamāyuḥ — long life

प्रदेहि · pradehi — grant

त्वम् · tvam — you

आश्रितानां · āśritānāṃ — of those who take refuge

कृपानिधे · kṛpānidhe — O ocean of mercy

हे प्रभो, हे कृपानिधे, अत्रैव काञ्चनगरे सुप्रसन्नः भव। त्वं आश्रितानां दीर्घम् आयुः प्रदेहि।

right here · in the golden city · well-pleased · be · O Lord · long life · grant · you · of those who take refuge · O ocean of mercy

Śunaḥśepa, selfless even in the presence of the Lord, prays for the welfare of all who seek refuge, demonstrating the hallmark of a true devotee.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Thus prayed to by the wise Śunaḥśepa and worshipped by Ambarīṣa, the compassionate Viṣṇu is seen there.

śrīsadgururuvāca

iti saṃprārthito viṣṇuḥ śunaḥśepena dhīmatā

ambarīṣābhyarcitaśca dṛśyate karuṇākaraḥ

इति · iti — thus

संप्रार्थितो · saṃprārthito — prayed to

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

शुनःशेपेन · śunaḥśepena — by Śunaḥśepa

धीमता · dhīmatā — by the wise one

अम्बरीषाभ्यर्चितश्च · ambarīṣābhyarcitaśca — and worshipped by Ambarīṣa

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

करुणाकरः · karuṇākaraḥ — the compassionate one

इति धीमता शुनःशेपेन संप्रार्थितः अम्बरीषाभ्यर्चितः च विष्णुः करुणाकरः दृश्यते।

thus · prayed to · Viṣṇu · by Śunaḥśepa · by the wise one · and worshipped by Ambarīṣa · is seen · the compassionate one

This verse concludes the narrative of the manifestation, confirming that the Lord remains present in Meghaniketana due to the prayers of the wise and the devout.

By the mere sight of Him, a long life is obtained. Misfortunes are destroyed, and prosperity increases.

tasya darśanamātreṇa dīrghamāyuravāpyate

vipadaśca vinaśyanti vardhante saṃpadastathā

तस्य · tasya — of Him

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — by mere sight

दीर्घमायुः · dīrghamāyuḥ — long life

अवाप्यते · avāpyate — is obtained

विपदश्च · vipadaśca — and misfortunes

विनश्यन्ति · vinaśyanti — are destroyed

वर्धन्ते · vardhante — increase

संपदस्तथा · saṃpadastathā — and prosperity

तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण दीर्घम् आयुः अवाप्यते। विपदः च विनश्यन्ति, तथा संपदः वर्धन्ते।

of Him · by mere sight · long life · is obtained · and misfortunes · are destroyed · increase · and prosperity

The efficacy of the Lord's presence in Meghaniketana is described, emphasizing the transformative power of divine vision (darśana).

This is that supreme sacred place, known by the name Meghaniketana. One should worship Govinda there, the bestower of boons, the compassionate one.

Thus ends the twelfth chapter, titled "The Glory of Meghaniketana," in the Second Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ nāmnā meghaniketanam

pūjayettatra govindaṃ varadaṃ karuṇākaram

तदिदं · tadidaṃ — this is that

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

क्षेत्रं · kṣetraṃ — sacred place

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

मेघनिकेतनम् · meghaniketanam — Meghaniketana

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

तत्र · tatra — there

गोविन्दं · govindaṃ — Govinda

वरदं · varadaṃ — grantor of boons

करुणाकरम् · karuṇākaram — the compassionate one

तत् इदं नाम्ना मेघनिकेतनं परमं क्षेत्रम्। तत्र वरदं करुणाकरं गोविन्दं पूजयेत्।

this is that · supreme · sacred place · by the name · Meghaniketana · one should worship · there · Govinda · grantor of boons · the compassionate one

The chapter concludes by identifying Meghaniketana as a supreme sacred site, inviting the reader to worship Govinda there for spiritual and material well-being.