Chapter summary
मेघनिकेतनमाहात्म्यम् Meghaniketana Māhātmyam
The Glory of Meghaniketana
Śrī Sadguru speaks: In the sacred abode of Meghaniketana resides the Lord of all, Viṣṇu, the steadfast friend in times of peril, the boundless ocean of compassion, and the supreme protector of all who seek His refuge (v.1).
Long ago, in Ayodhyā, there lived a magnanimous monarch renowned as Ambarīṣa, who was ever-vigilant in upholding righteousness. This fortunate king, firm in his vows, resolved to perform a grand sacrifice in the city of Kāñcī. Having gathered all the necessary materials, he commenced the auspicious sacrificial festival (v.2-3).
However, his sacrificial animal was lost, and the king was consequently overwhelmed with grief. Approaching the sage Ṛcīka, he sought to purchase his middle son (v.4). The father declared, "I will not give my eldest son, for he is dear to me," while the mother likewise asserted, "And I will certainly not give the youngest." But Śunaḥśepa, their dutiful son, understanding himself to have been sold, willingly departed with the king (v.5-6).
Along the way, he encountered the great sage Viśvāmitra, his revered maternal uncle, a haven of fearlessness. Śunaḥśepa implored him, "May King Ambarīṣa obtain the fruit of his sacrifice, and may I also be saved. Please reveal the means for this" (v.7-8). Bowing to the sage Kauśika [Viśvāmitra], Śunaḥśepa thus prayed. Though Kauśika had even offered his own hundred sons for the sacrifice, he resolved to protect Śunaḥśepa, who had sought his shelter (v.9). Yet, Viśvāmitra's sons did not agree to his words. Enraged, the extremely wrathful sage then cursed them (v.10). For the sake of protecting the one who had sought refuge, the foremost among sages reflected deeply and lovingly imparted to Śunaḥśepa a hymn to Indra and a hymn to Viṣṇu (v.11).
Viśvāmitra speaks: "O child," he instructed, "while bound to the sacrificial post, chant these two hymns. Then Viṣṇu, the ocean of mercy, accompanied by Indra, will appear. Releasing you, He will grant the fruit of the sacrifice to the king. Do not grieve, O highly intelligent one. May constant well-being be yours" (v.12-13).
Śrī Sadguru speaks: Having spoken thus, the best of sages sent forth the boy who had come seeking refuge with King Ambarīṣa (v.14). Śunaḥśepa, the righteous one, then proceeded to the sacrificial hall. Tied to the *yūpa* post, he chanted the two hymns (v.15).
Thereupon, the two magnanimous Lords, the sole guardians of all worlds, manifested themselves. They were resplendent in divine yellow raiment and fragrant with celestial unguents. Adorned with divine ornaments, these two deities, radiant with divine grace, bearing celestial armaments, and attended by throngs of gods—Indra and Upendra [Viṣṇu]—the benevolent grantors of all sacrificial boons, were present before them (v.16-17). Witnessing them, all the sages, the devout Śunaḥśepa, and King Ambarīṣa extolled them with fervent devotion (v.18).
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 beings" (v.19).
Ambarīṣa speaks: "It is You alone who acts, dwelling within the heart. You alone are the very impeller of all virtuous deeds. You are the action itself, and also the fruit of that action. O Lord, verily, this action is performed solely for Your delight" (v.20).
Śunaḥśepa speaks: "Victory, victory, O ocean of mercy, bearing the conch, discus, and lotus! I take refuge in You, the dispeller of all fears. O Lord, You are pre-eminent among all divine hosts. O Śauri, may my devotion ever be fixed upon Your lotus feet" (v.21).
The Lord speaks: "O fortunate Śunaḥśepa, My son, by the power of your sacred hymn, I, Upendra, accompanied by the lord of the gods [Indra], am pleased. The fruit of the sacrifice has been obtained by the king through your devotion alone, O child. I grant you a long life and unwavering devotion unto Me (v.22-23). 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 steadfast adherence to righteousness" (v.24).
Śunaḥśepa speaks: "O Lord, O ocean of mercy, may Your benevolent presence grace this golden city. Bestow long life upon all who seek Your refuge" (v.25).
Śrī Sadguru speaks: Thus prayed to by the wise Śunaḥśepa and worshipped by Ambarīṣa, the compassionate Viṣṇu reveals Himself there (v.26). A mere glimpse of Him bestows a long life, vanquishes all adversities, and causes prosperity to flourish (v.27). This is that supreme sacred place, known by the name Meghaniketana. One should worship Govinda there, the benevolent grantor of boons, the compassionate Lord (v.28).
Thus ends the twelfth chapter, titled "The Glory of Meghaniketana," in the Second Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
