पुष्पावटमाहात्म्यम् Puṣpāvaṭa Māhātmyam

Obeisance to you, O ocean of compassion! From your lotus-mouth, we have heard the supremely purifying glory of Kāñcīpuram.

bhāgavatā ūcuḥ

namaste karuṇāsindho tavaiva vadanāmbujāt

kāñcīpurasya māhātmyaṃ śrutaṃ paramapāvanam

नमस्ते · namaste — salutations to you

करुणासिन्धो · karuṇāsindho — O ocean of compassion

तवैव · tavaiva — from your very own

वदनाम्बुजात् · vadanāmbujāt — from the lotus-mouth

काञ्चीपुरस्य · kāñcīpurasya — of Kanchipuram

माहात्म्यं · māhātmyaṃ — glory

श्रुतं · śrutaṃ — heard

परमपावनम् · paramapāvanam — supremely purifying

हे करुणासिन्धो! ते नमः। तव वदनाम्बुजात् काञ्चीपुरस्य परमपावनं माहात्म्यं श्रुतम्।

salutations to you · O ocean of compassion · from your very own · from the lotus-mouth · of Kanchipuram · glory · heard · supremely purifying

This verse serves as the introductory request from the devotees, establishing the transition from the previously discussed glory of Kanchipuram to the specific inquiry about the Pallava region. It sets a tone of reverence and eagerness to hear more about the sacred geography of Lord Vishnu.

Therefore, O best of Sadgurus, please also tell us the glory of the sacred places of the enemy of Mura (Vishnu) that are situated in this Pallava country.

tataḥ pallavadeśe'smin sthitānāṃ muravairiṇaḥ

kṣetrāṇāmapi māhātmyaṃ vada sadgurupuṅgava

ततः · tataḥ — therefore

पल्लवदेशेऽस्मिन् · pallavadeśe'smin — in this Pallava country

स्थितानां · sthitānāṃ — situated

मुरवैरिणः · muravairiṇaḥ — of the enemy of Mura (Vishnu)

क्षेत्राणाम् · kṣetrāṇām — of the sacred places

अपि · api — also

माहात्म्यं · māhātmyaṃ — glory

वद · vada — tell

सद्गुरुपुङ्गव · sadgurupuṅgava — O best of Sadgurus

हे सद्गुरुपुङ्गव! ततः अस्मिन् पल्लवदेशे स्थितानां मुरवैरिणः क्षेत्राणाम् अपि माहात्म्यं वद।

therefore · in this Pallava country · situated · of the enemy of Mura (Vishnu) · of the sacred places · also · glory · tell · O best of Sadgurus

This verse narrows the focus of the narrative to the Pallava country, grounding the upcoming stories of Lord Vishnu's sacred sites within a specific geographical and historical context.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Ariṣṭa's wife Vinatā, who loved her sons, gave birth to Anūru (the thighless one), the charioteer of the Sun, and to Garuḍa, the vehicle of Vishnu.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ariṣṭapatnī vinatā suṣuve putravatsalā

sūryasūtamanūruṃ ca garuḍaṃ viṣṇuvāhanam

अरिष्टपत्नी · ariṣṭapatnī — the wife of Arishta

विनता · vinatā — Vinata

सुषुवे · suṣuve — gave birth

पुत्रवत्सला · putravatsalā — loving her sons

सूर्यसूतम् · sūryasūtam — the charioteer of the sun

अनूरुं · anūruṃ — Anuru

च · ca — and

गरुडं · garuḍaṃ — Garuda

विष्णुवाहनम् · viṣṇuvāhanam — the vehicle of Vishnu

पुत्रवत्सला अरिष्टपत्नी विनता सूर्यसूतम् अनूरुं च विष्णुवाहनं गरुडं सुषुवे।

the wife of Arishta · Vinata · gave birth · loving her sons · the charioteer of the sun · Anuru · and · Garuda · the vehicle of Vishnu

This verse introduces the lineage of the bird-heroes, connecting the divine bird Garuda to his brother Anuru, thereby establishing the mythological background for the main character, Jatayu.

Sampāti and Jaṭāyu were the two bird-sons of Aruṇa. They were of great strength, had divine forms, and were well-versed in all scriptures.

saṃpātiśca jaṭāyuśca pakṣiṇāvaruṇātmajau

mahābalau divyarūpau sarvaśāstravicakṣaṇau

संपातिश्च · saṃpātiśca — Sampati and

जटायुश्च · jaṭāyuśca — Jatayu and

पक्षिणौ · pakṣiṇau — the two birds

अरुणात्मजौ · aruṇātmajau — sons of Aruna

महाबलौ · mahābalau — of great strength

दिव्यरूपौ · divyarūpau — of divine form

सर्वशास्त्रविचक्षणौ · sarvaśāstravicakṣaṇau — well-versed in all scriptures

संपातिः जटायुः च इति द्वौ पक्षिणौ अरुणात्मजौ, महाबलौ दिव्यरूपौ सर्वशास्त्रविचक्षणौ च आस्ताम्।

Sampati and · Jatayu and · the two birds · sons of Aruna · of great strength · of divine form · well-versed in all scriptures

This verse identifies Sampati and Jatayu as the sons of Aruna, establishing their divine nature and scholarly prowess, which explains their later capacity for deep devotion and wisdom.

Devoted to their father, the two princes, with the desire to see him, once flew swiftly in the sky towards the sun's chariot. At that time, exhausted by the sun's heat, they were unable to proceed.

pitṛbhaktau kumārau tau pitaraṃ draṣṭumicchayā

kadācittvarayoḍḍīnau divi sūryarathaṃ prati

tadā sūryapratāpena klāntau gantuṃ na śekatuḥ

पितृभक्तौ · pitṛbhaktau — devoted to father

कुमारौ · kumārau — the two princes

तौ · tau — they

पितरं · pitaraṃ — father

द्रष्टुमिच्छया · draṣṭumicchayā — with desire to see

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

त्वरया · tvarayā — swiftly

ऊड्डीनौ · ūḍḍīnau — flew up

दिवि · divi — in the sky

सूर्यरथं · sūryarathaṃ — sun's chariot

प्रति · prati — towards

तदा · tadā — then

सूर्यप्रतापेन · sūryapratāpena — by sun's heat

क्लान्तौ · klāntau — exhausted

गन्तुं · gantuṃ — to go

न शेकतुः · na śekatuḥ — could not

पितृभक्तौ तौ कुमारौ कदाचित् पितरं द्रष्टुमिच्छया त्वरया दिवि सूर्यरथं प्रति ऊड्डीनौ। तदा सूर्यप्रतापेन क्लान्तौ तौ गन्तुं न शेकतुः।

devoted to father · the two princes · they · father · with desire to see · once · swiftly · flew up · in the sky · sun's chariot · towards · then · by sun's heat · exhausted · to go · could not

This verse depicts the pivotal moment of the brothers' flight, highlighting their filial devotion and the subsequent physical trial that leads to their separation, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter.

Seeing his distressed brother, Sampāti, who was affectionate to his brother, protected his sibling with his own vast wings.

duḥkhitaṃ bhrātaraṃ dṛṣṭvā saṃpātirbhrātṛvatsalaḥ

svapakṣābhyāṃ viśālābhyāṃ pālayāmāsa sodaram

दुःखितं · duḥkhitaṃ — distressed

भ्रातरं · bhrātaraṃ — brother

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

संपातिः · saṃpātiḥ — Sampati

भ्रातृवत्सलः · bhrātṛvatsalaḥ — affectionate to brother

स्वपक्षाभ्यां · svapakṣābhyāṃ — with his own wings

विशालाभ्यां · viśālābhyāṃ — vast

पालयामास · pālayāmāsa — protected

सोदरम् · sodaram — sibling

दुःखितं भ्रातरं दृष्ट्वा भ्रातृवत्सलः संपातिः स्वपक्षाभ्यां विशालाभ्यां सोदरं पालयामास।

distressed · brother · having seen · Sampati · affectionate to brother · with his own wings · vast · protected · sibling

This verse emphasizes the fraternal bond between the brothers, illustrating Sampati's selfless sacrifice, which is a key moral element in the narrative of their separation.

With his wings burnt, Sampāti then fell on the peak of Mahendra mountain. Jaṭāyu, bewildered, fell in Pañcavaṭī.

dagdhapakṣo'tha saṃpātirmahendraśikhare'patat

jaṭāyuratha saṃmūḍhaḥ pañcavaṭyāṃ papāta ha

दग्धपक्षः · dagdhapakṣaḥ — with burnt wings

अथ · atha — then

संपातिः · saṃpātiḥ — Sampati

महेन्द्रशिखरे · mahendraśikhare — on Mahendra peak

अपतत् · apatat — fell

जटायुः · jaṭāyuḥ — Jatayu

अथ · atha — then

संमूढः · saṃmūḍhaḥ — bewildered

पञ्चवट्यां · pañcavaṭyāṃ — in Panchavati

पपात · papāta — fell

ह · ha — indeed

अथ दग्धपक्षः संपातिः महेन्द्रशिखरे अपतत्, जटायुः अथ संमूढः पञ्चवट्यां पपात ह।

with burnt wings · then · Sampati · on Mahendra peak · fell · Jatayu · then · bewildered · in Panchavati · fell · indeed

This verse concludes the episode of the brothers' fall, physically separating them and placing Jatayu in the location where he will later meet Lord Rama, which is essential for the story's progression.

When many days had thus passed, Jaṭāyu, the best of vultures, wandering there in the forest, dwelt there, full of affection for his brother.

evaṃ bahudine prāpte jaṭāyurgṛdhrasattamaḥ

sañcaran tatra kāntāre nyavasadbhrātṛvatsalaḥ

एवं · evaṃ — thus

बहुदिने · bahudine — many days

प्राप्ते · prāpte — having passed

जटायुः · jaṭāyuḥ — Jatayu

गृध्रसत्तमः · gṛdhrasattamaḥ — best of vultures

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

तत्र · tatra — there

कान्तारे · kāntāre — in the forest

न्यवसत् · nyavasat — dwelt

भ्रातृवत्सलः · bhrātṛvatsalaḥ — affectionate to brother

एवं बहुदिने प्राप्ते, गृध्रसत्तमः भ्रातृवत्सलः जटायुः तत्र कान्तारे सञ्चरन् न्यवसत्।

thus · many days · having passed · Jatayu · best of vultures · wandering · there · in the forest · dwelt · affectionate to brother

This verse establishes the passage of time and Jatayu's state of mind, showing his continued devotion to his brother while he dwells in the forest, setting the emotional tone for his eventual meeting with Rama.

The bird, searching for his brother Sampāti here and there, did not see him anywhere. Therefore, he experienced the sorrow born of separation.

itastato vicinvaṃśca saṃpātiṃ bhrātaraṃ khagaḥ

na dadarśa kvacittasmāt khedaṃ prāpa viyogajam

इतस्ततः · itastataḥ — here and there

विचिन्वन् · vicinvan — searching

च · ca — and

संपातिं · saṃpātiṃ — Sampati

भ्रातरं · bhrātaraṃ — brother

खगः · khagaḥ — the bird

न · na — not

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

खेदं · khedaṃ — sorrow

प्राप · prāpa — attained

वियोगजम् · viyogajam — born of separation

खगः इतस्ततः संपातिं भ्रातरं विचिन्वन् क्वचित् न ददर्श, तस्मात् वियोगजं खेदं प्राप।

here and there · searching · and · Sampati · brother · the bird · not · saw · anywhere · therefore · sorrow · attained · born of separation

This verse deepens the portrayal of Jatayu's character, emphasizing his sorrow and longing, which makes his eventual encounter with the divine presence of Rama more poignant.

In the meantime, Rāma, along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, while wandering in the Daṇḍaka forest, arrived at Pañcavaṭī.

etasminnantare rāmaḥ sītayā lakṣmaṇena ca |

sañcaran daṇḍakāraṇye prāpa pañcavaṭīṃ tathā

एतस्मिन् · etasmin — in this

अन्तरे · antare — meantime

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

सीतया · sītayā — with Sita

लक्ष्मणेन · lakṣmaṇena — with Lakshmana

च · ca — and

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

दण्डकारण्ये · daṇḍakāraṇye — in Dandaka forest

प्राप · prāpa — arrived

पञ्चवटीं · pañcavaṭīṃ — at Panchavati

तथा · tathā — thus

एतस्मिन् अन्तरे रामः सीतया लक्ष्मणेन च सह दण्डकारण्ये सञ्चरन् पञ्चवटीं प्राप।

in this · meantime · Rama · with Sita · with Lakshmana · and · wandering · in Dandaka forest · arrived · at Panchavati · thus

This verse marks the arrival of the divine protagonists, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, at the location where Jatayu resides, initiating the crucial interaction that defines the chapter's devotional core.

Then Jaṭāyu, the king of birds, seeing the hale Rāma, made a friendship with him, for he was also a friend of Daśaratha.

tadā jaṭāyuḥ pakṣīndro dṛṣṭvā rāmamanāmayam

tena sakhyaṃ cakāraiṣa sakhā daśarathasya ca

तदा · tadā — then

जटायुः · jaṭāyuḥ — Jaṭāyu

पक्षीन्द्रः · pakṣīndraḥ — king of birds

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

रामम् · rāmam — Rāma

अनामयम् · anāmayam — hale/free from illness

तेन · tena — with him

सख्यम् · sakhyam — friendship

चकार · cakāra — made

एषः · eṣaḥ — he

सखा · sakhā — friend

दशरथस्य · daśarathasya — of Daśaratha

तदा पक्षीन्द्रः जटायुः अनामयं रामं दृष्ट्वा तेन सख्यं चकार । एषः दशरथस्य सखा च आसीत् ।

then · Jaṭāyu · king of birds · having seen · Rāma · hale/free from illness · with him · friendship · made · he · friend · of Daśaratha

This verse establishes the foundational relationship between Jaṭāyu and Rāma, grounding their bond in the historical friendship between the bird and King Daśaratha. It sets the stage for the subsequent protection and ultimate liberation of Jaṭāyu by the Lord.

Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, honouring the great-souled king of vultures with a fatherly sentiment, lived with him in the forest.

pitṛbhāvena saṃpūjya rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ

gṛdhrarājaṃ mahāsattvaṃ tenaiva nyavasadvane

पितृभावेन · pitṛbhāvena — with fatherly sentiment

संपूज्य · saṃpūjya — having honored

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rāma

दशरथात्मजः · daśarathātmajaḥ — son of Daśaratha

गृध्रराजम् · gṛdhrarājam — king of vultures

महासत्त्वम् · mahāsattvam — great-souled one

तेन · tena — with him

एव · eva — indeed

न्यवसत् · nyavasat — lived

वने · vane — in the forest

दशरथात्मजः रामः महासत्त्वं गृध्रराजं पितृभावेन संपूज्य तेन सह एव वने न्यवसत् ।

with fatherly sentiment · having honored · Rāma · son of Daśaratha · king of vultures · great-souled one · with him · indeed · lived · in the forest

This verse highlights the mutual affection between Rāma and Jaṭāyu, where Rāma treats the bird with the reverence due to an elder, establishing the 'pitṛ-bhāva' (fatherly sentiment) that defines their interaction.

When the lord of the Raghus had gone away somewhere, deceived by the magical Mārīca, and Lakṣmaṇa had followed him, Rāvaṇa, the lord of the Rākṣasas...

kvacidgate rāghavendre māyāmārīcavañcite

anuyāte lakṣmaṇe ca rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ

क्वचित् · kvacit — somewhere

गते · gate — having gone

राघवेन्द्रे · rāghavendre — the lord of the Raghus

मायामारीचवञ्चिते · māyāmārīcavañcite — deceived by the illusory Mārīca

अनुयाते · anuyāte — having followed

लक्ष्मणे · lakṣmaṇe — Lakṣmaṇa

च · ca — and

रावणः · rāvaṇaḥ — Rāvaṇa

राक्षसाधिपः · rākṣasādhipaḥ — lord of the Rākṣasas

राघवेन्द्रे मायामारीचवञ्चिते सति क्वचित् गते, लक्ष्मणे च अनुयाते सति, राक्षसाधिपः रावणः (तत्र आगच्छत्) ।

somewhere · having gone · the lord of the Raghus · deceived by the illusory Mārīca · having followed · Lakṣmaṇa · and · Rāvaṇa · lord of the Rākṣasas

This verse marks the turning point of the narrative, where the absence of the protectors (Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa) creates the vulnerability necessary for the abduction of Sītā.

...assuming the guise of a mendicant, abducted the daughter of Janaka, who was crying out "O Rāma! O Rāma! O Lakṣmaṇa!" in a sweet voice.

bhikṣuveṣadharo bhūtvā jahāra janakātmajām

krośantīṃ rāma rāmeti lakṣmaṇeti ca susvaram

भिक्षुवेषधरः · bhikṣuveṣadharaḥ — wearing the guise of a mendicant

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

जहार · jahāra — abducted

जनकात्मजाम् · janakātmajām — daughter of Janaka

क्रोशन्तीम् · krośantīm — crying out

राम · rāma — O Rāma

रामेति · rāmeti — saying Rāma

लक्ष्मणेति · lakṣmaṇeti — saying Lakṣmaṇa

च · ca — and

सुस्वरम् · susvaram — in a sweet voice

भिक्षुवेषधरः भूत्वा सः 'राम राम' इति 'लक्ष्मण' इति च सुस्वरं क्रोशन्तीं जनकात्मजां जहार ।

wearing the guise of a mendicant · having become · abducted · daughter of Janaka · crying out · O Rāma · saying Rāma · saying Lakṣmaṇa · and · in a sweet voice

This verse describes the deceptive act of Rāvaṇa, emphasizing the pathos of Sītā's cry, which serves as the call to action for Jaṭāyu.

Taking Sītā in his sky-faring chariot, the merciless king Rāvaṇa departed, for he was indeed addicted to the wives of others.

rathena sītāmādāya jagāmākāśagāminā

nirghṛṇo rāvaṇo rājā paradārarato hi saḥ

रथेन · rathena — by chariot

सीताम् · sītām — Sītā

आदाय · ādāya — having taken

जगाम · jagāma — went

आकाशगामिना · ākāśagāminā — sky-faring

निर्घृणः · nirghṛṇaḥ — merciless

रावणः · rāvaṇaḥ — Rāvaṇa

राजा · rājā — king

परदाररतः · paradārarataḥ — addicted to others' wives

हि · hi — indeed

सः · saḥ — he

निर्घृणः राजा रावणः सीताम् आदाय आकाशगामिना रथेन जगाम, सः हि परदाररतः आसीत् ।

by chariot · Sītā · having taken · went · sky-faring · merciless · Rāvaṇa · king · addicted to others' wives · indeed · he

This verse characterizes Rāvaṇa's moral depravity, contrasting his cruelty with the divine nature of the situation, thereby justifying the impending conflict with Jaṭāyu.

Hearing Sītā's cry, Jaṭāyu, who was devoted to dharma, the great hero and king of birds, came through the sky.

sītāyāḥ krandanaṃ śrutvā jaṭāyurdharmatatparaḥ

ājagāma mahāvīraḥ pakṣirājo vihāyasā

सीतायाः · sītāyāḥ — of Sītā

क्रन्दनम् · krandanam — cry/lamentation

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

जटायुः · jaṭāyuḥ — Jaṭāyu

धर्मतत्परः · dharmatatparaḥ — devoted to dharma

आजगाम · ājagāma — came

महावीरः · mahāvīraḥ — great hero

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

विहायसा · vihāyasā — through the sky

सीतायाः क्रन्दनं श्रुत्वा धर्मतत्परः महावीरः पक्षिराजः जटायुः विहायसा आजगाम ।

of Sītā · cry/lamentation · having heard · Jaṭāyu · devoted to dharma · came · great hero · king of birds · through the sky

This verse introduces Jaṭāyu as the defender of dharma, whose immediate response to Sītā's distress demonstrates his noble character and readiness to sacrifice his life.

He struck with his wings, pecked with his beak, and, tearing with his claws, that king of vultures suddenly waged battle.

tāḍayāmāsa pakṣābhyāṃ cañcubhyāṃ ca cakhāda ca

nakhairnikṛntan sahasā yuddhaṃ cakre sa gṛdhrarāṭ

ताडयामास · tāḍayāmāsa — struck

पक्षाभ्याम् · pakṣābhyām — with both wings

चञ्चुभ्याम् · cañcubhyām — with beaks

च · ca — and

चखाद · cakhāda — pecked/tore

नखैः · nakhaiḥ — with claws

निकृन्तन् · nikṛntan — tearing

सहसा · sahasā — suddenly

युद्धम् · yuddham — battle

चक्रे · cakre — waged

सः · saḥ — he

गृध्रराट् · gṛdhrarāṭ — king of vultures

सः गृध्रराट् पक्षाभ्यां ताडयामास, चञ्चुभ्यां चखाद, नखैः निकृन्तन् सहसा युद्धं चक्रे ।

struck · with both wings · with beaks · and · pecked/tore · with claws · tearing · suddenly · battle · waged · he · king of vultures

This verse depicts the ferocity of the battle, illustrating the physical struggle between the righteous bird and the demonic king, emphasizing Jaṭāyu's valor.

Leaping up again and again in fury and striking the night-stalker (Rāvaṇa), he killed the charioteer and the horses and made the chariot fall.

utpatyotpatya saṃrambhāttāḍayitvā niśācaram

jaghāna sārathiṃ cāśvān pātayāmāsa vai ratham

उत्पत्य · utpatya — leaping up

उत्पत्य · utpatya — leaping up

संरम्भात् · saṃrambhāt — in fury

ताडयित्वा · tāḍayitvā — having struck

निशाचरम् · niśācaram — night-stalker

जघान · jaghāna — killed

सारथिम् · sārathim — charioteer

च · ca — and

अश्वान् · aśvān — horses

पातयामास · pātayāmāsa — caused to fall

वै · vai — indeed

रथम् · ratham — chariot

संरम्भात् उत्पत्य उत्पत्य निशाचरं ताडयित्वा, सः सारथिं च अश्वान् जघान, रथं च पातयामास ।

leaping up · leaping up · in fury · having struck · night-stalker · killed · charioteer · and · horses · caused to fall · indeed · chariot

This verse details the tactical success of Jaṭāyu in the battle, showing how his fury and skill temporarily incapacitated Rāvaṇa's chariot, highlighting his prowess as a warrior.

Rāvaṇa, bewildered and enraged at the king of birds, quickly struck him down in the battle with his fearsome sword.

mohito rāvaṇaścātha pakṣirājaṃ prakopitaḥ

karavālena raudreṇa jaghāna tvarayā yudhi

मोहितः · mohito — bewildered

रावणः · rāvaṇaḥ — Rāvaṇa

च · ca — and

अथ · atha — then

पक्षिराजम् · pakṣirājam — king of birds

प्रकोपितः · prakopitaḥ — enraged

करवालेन · karavālena — with a sword

रौद्रेण · raudreṇa — fearsome

जघान · jaghāna — struck

त्वरया · tvarayā — quickly

युधि · yudhi — in battle

अथ मोहितः प्रकोपितः रावणः युधि त्वरया रौद्रेण करवालेन पक्षिराजं जघान ।

bewildered · Rāvaṇa · and · then · king of birds · enraged · with a sword · fearsome · struck · quickly · in battle

This verse marks the tragic turn where Rāvaṇa, driven by rage and desperation, uses his lethal weapon, leading to the mortal wounding of the noble bird.

Embracing the fallen king of birds, who was old and like a father-in-law, the distressed Vaidehī wept, overwhelmed with compassion.

patitaṃ pakṣirājaṃ taṃ vṛddhaṃ śvaśurasammitam

āliṅgya dīnaṃ vaidehī ruroda karuṇākulā

पतितम् · patitam — fallen

पक्षिराजम् · pakṣirājam — king of birds

तम् · tam — him

वृद्धम् · vṛddham — old

श्वशुरसम्मितम् · śvaśurasammitam — like a father-in-law

आलिङ्ग्य · āliṅgya — having embraced

दीनम् · dīnam — distressed

वैदेही · vaidehī — Vaidehī (Sītā)

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

करुणाकुला · karuṇākulā — overwhelmed with compassion

वैदेही पतितं वृद्धं श्वशुरसम्मितं तं पक्षिराजम् आलिङ्ग्य करुणाकुला सती रुरोद ।

fallen · king of birds · him · old · like a father-in-law · having embraced · distressed · Vaidehī (Sītā) · wept · overwhelmed with compassion

This verse captures the emotional depth of the scene, as Sītā expresses her grief for the fallen Jaṭāyu, underscoring the intimate and familial bond between them.

Then, having abducted Sītā, Rāvaṇa went swiftly to Laṅkā by the sky-path, as if he himself were the noose of death.

apahṛtya tataḥ sītāṃ rāvaṇo vyomamārgataḥ |

jagāma laṅkāṃ tvarayā mṛtyupāśamiva svayam

अपहृत्य · apahṛtya — having abducted

ततः · tataḥ — then

सीताम् · sītāṃ — Sita

रावणः · rāvaṇaḥ — Ravana

व्योममार्गतः · vyomamārgataḥ — by the sky-path

जगाम · jagāma — went

लङ्काम् · laṅkāṃ — to Lanka

त्वरया · tvarayā — with speed

मृत्युपाशम् · mṛtyupāśam — the noose of death

इव · iva — like

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

ततः रावणः सीताम् अपहृत्य व्योममार्गतः त्वरया लङ्काम् जगाम । सः स्वयम् मृत्युपाशम् इव आसीत् ।

having abducted · then · Sita · Ravana · by the sky-path · went · to Lanka · with speed · the noose of death · like · himself

This verse depicts the tragic abduction of Sita, establishing the immediate crisis that leads to the encounter between Jatayu and Ravana. It highlights Ravana's arrogance and his inevitable path toward destruction.

Having killed the magical Mārīca, the descendant of Raghu returned to the hermitage. He did not see the large-eyed one (Sītā) and thus experienced sorrow.

nihatya māyāmārīcaṃ rāghavaścāśramaṃ gataḥ

na dadarśa viśālākṣīṃ tato duḥkhamavāpa ha

निहत्य · nihatya — having killed

मायामारीचम् · māyāmārīcaṃ — the illusory Maricha

राघवः · rāghavaḥ — the descendant of Raghu

च · ca — and

आश्रमम् · āśramaṃ — to the hermitage

गतः · gataḥ — went

न · na — not

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

विशालाक्षीम् · viśālākṣīṃ — the large-eyed one

ततः · tataḥ — then

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

अवाप · avāpa — obtained

ह · ha — indeed

राघवः मायामारीचम् निहत्य आश्रमम् गतः । सः विशालाक्षीम् न ददर्श, ततः दुःखम् अवाप ह ।

having killed · the illusory Maricha · the descendant of Raghu · and · to the hermitage · went · not · saw · the large-eyed one · then · sorrow · obtained · indeed

This verse marks the return of Rama to the hermitage, setting the stage for his discovery of Sita's absence and the subsequent emotional turmoil that defines his human-like lila.

Rāma, along with Lakṣmaṇa, became extremely agitated. He ran from tree to tree, to mountains, and to rivers and streams.

lakṣmaṇena samaṃ rāmo nitarāṃ saṃbhramaṃ gataḥ

vṛkṣādvṛkṣaṃ pradhāvan sa girīṃścāpi nadān nadīḥ

लक्ष्मणेन · lakṣmaṇena — with Lakshmana

समम् · samaṃ — together

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

नितराम् · nitarāṃ — extremely

संभ्रमम् · saṃbhramaṃ — agitation

गतः · gataḥ — attained

वृक्षात् · vṛkṣāt — from tree

वृक्षम् · vṛkṣam — to tree

प्रधावन् · pradhāvan — running

सः · saḥ — he

गिरीन् · girīn — mountains

च · ca — and

अपि · api — also

नदान् · nadān — rivers

नदीः · nadīḥ — streams

रामः लक्ष्मणेन समम् नितराम् संभ्रमम् गतः । सः वृक्षात् वृक्षम् गिरीन् अपि नदान् नदीः च प्रधावन् ।

with Lakshmana · together · Rama · extremely · agitation · attained · from tree · to tree · running · he · mountains · and · also · rivers · streams

Rama's intense search for Sita demonstrates his total identification with the human condition, emphasizing the depth of his love and the urgency of his distress.

He searched for Vaidehī, lamenting again and again. The Lord, seeing the king of vultures on the way, out of compassion...

mṛgayāmāsa vaidehīṃ pralapaṃśca punaḥ punaḥ

madhyemārgaṃ gṛdhrarājaṃ vilokya kṛpayā prabhuḥ

मृगयामास · mṛgayāmāsa — searched

वैदेहीम् · vaidehīṃ — Vaidehi (Sita)

प्रलपन् · pralapan — lamenting

च · ca — and

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पुनः · punaḥ — again

मध्येमार्गम् · madhyemārgam — on the way

गृध्रराजम् · gṛdhrarājam — king of vultures

विलोक्य · vilokya — seeing

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

सः पुनः पुनः प्रलपन् वैदेहीम् मृगयामास । मध्येमार्गम् गृध्रराजम् विलोक्य प्रभुः कृपया (तम् उपससर्प) ।

searched · Vaidehi (Sita) · lamenting · and · again · again · on the way · king of vultures · seeing · with compassion · the Lord

This verse introduces the pivotal meeting between the grieving Rama and the dying Jatayu, bridging the human sorrow of Rama with the divine sacrifice of the bird.

...embracing him, the great hero asked again and again. The great-minded king of birds told the entire account.

āliṅgya taṃ mahāvīraḥ papraccha ca punaḥ punaḥ|

prāha vṛttāntamakhilaṃ pakṣirājo mahāmanāḥ

आलिङ्ग्य · āliṅgya — having embraced

तम् · taṃ — him

महावीरः · mahāvīraḥ — the great hero

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

च · ca — and

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पुनः · punaḥ — again

प्राह · prāha — told

वृत्तान्तम् · vṛttāntam — the account

अखिलम् · akhilam — entire

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

महामनाः · mahāmanāḥ — great-minded

महावीरः तम् आलिङ्ग्य पुनः पुनः पप्रच्छ । महामनाः पक्षिराजः अखिलम् वृत्तान्तम् प्राह ।

having embraced · him · the great hero · asked · and · again · again · told · the account · entire · king of birds · great-minded

The interaction between Rama and Jatayu serves to reveal the truth of Sita's abduction, while showcasing Jatayu's nobility and Rama's respect for his devotee.

He offered a benediction (Maṅgalāśāsana) to the great-souled Rāghava. Having reported that Sītā was taken by Rāvaṇa, the lord of birds...

maṅgalāśāsanaṃ cakre rāghavāya mahātmane |

rāvaṇena hatāṃ sītāṃ nivedya patageśvaraḥ

मङ्गलाशासनम् · maṅgalāśāsanam — benediction

चक्रे · cakre — performed

राघवाय · rāghavāya — to Raghava

महात्मने · mahātmane — to the great-souled one

रावणेन · rāvaṇena — by Ravana

हताम् · hatām — taken/stolen

सीताम् · sītāṃ — Sita

निवेद्य · nivedya — having reported

पतगेश्वरः · patageśvaraḥ — lord of birds

पतगेश्वरः रावणेन हताम् सीताम् निवेद्य महात्मने राघवाय मङ्गलाशासनम् चक्रे ।

benediction · performed · to Raghava · to the great-souled one · by Ravana · taken/stolen · Sita · having reported · lord of birds

Jatayu's act of offering a benediction to Rama, despite his own mortal wounds, underscores his status as a supreme devotee who prioritizes the Lord's welfare.

...placing his head on Rāma's lap, gave up his life-breaths. Seeing the bird dead, the bull among the Raghus wept.

aṅke nidhāya rāmasya śiraḥ prāṇān jahau ca saḥ |

mṛtaṃ taṃ vihagaṃ dṛṣṭvā ruroda raghupuṅgavaḥ

अङ्के · aṅke — on the lap

निधाय · nidhāya — having placed

रामस्य · rāmasya — Rama's

शिरः · śiraḥ — head

प्राणान् · prāṇān — life-breaths

जहौ · jahau — gave up

च · ca — and

सः · saḥ — he

मृतम् · mṛtam — dead

तम् · taṃ — him

विहगम् · vihagam — bird

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — seeing

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

रघुपुङ्गवः · raghupuṅgavaḥ — bull among Raghus

सः रामस्य अङ्के शिरः निधाय प्राणान् जहौ । मृतम् तम् विहगम् दृष्ट्वा रघुपुङ्गवः रुरोद ।

on the lap · having placed · Rama's · head · life-breaths · gave up · and · he · dead · him · bird · seeing · wept · bull among Raghus

This verse captures the poignant moment of Jatayu's departure, emphasizing the intimate bond between the Lord and his servant, and Rama's genuine grief.

Then, making a pyre there and cremating him according to rites, Rāma, the best of all who know the Vedas, chanted all the mantras.

atha tatra citāṃ kṛtvā dagdhvā rāmo yathāvidhi

jajāpa mantraṃ nikhilaṃ sarvavedavidāṃ varaḥ

अथ · atha — then

तत्र · tatra — there

चिताम् · citāṃ — pyre

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having made

दग्ध्वा · dagdhvā — having cremated

रामः · rāmo — Rama

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rites

जजाप · jajāpa — chanted

मन्त्रम् · mantraṃ — mantra

निखिलम् · nikhilam — all

सर्ववेदविदां · sarvavedavidāṃ — of all who know Vedas

वरः · varaḥ — the best

अथ रामः तत्र चितां कृत्वा यथाविधि दग्ध्वा, सर्ववेदविदां वरः निखिलं मन्त्रं जजाप ।

then · there · pyre · having made · having cremated · Rama · according to rites · chanted · mantra · all · of all who know Vedas · the best

Rama performing the funeral rites for Jatayu demonstrates his role as the ideal upholder of dharma, treating the bird as a father-figure worthy of royal honors.

Śrī Rāma said:

"That destiny which is for those who perform sacrifices, that destiny which is for the maintainer of the sacred fire, that which is for those who do not turn back from battle, and that which is for the givers of land...

śrīrāma uvāca

yā gatiryajñaśīlānāmāhitāgneśca yā gatiḥ

aparāvartināṃ yā ca yā ca bhūmipradāyinām

या · yā — which

गतिः · gatir — destiny

यज्ञशीलानाम् · yajñaśīlānām — of those performing sacrifices

आहिताग्नेः · āhitāgneḥ — of the maintainer of sacred fire

च · ca — and

अपरावर्तिनाम् · aparāvartinām — of those who do not turn back from battle

भूमिप्रदायिनाम् · bhūmipradāyinām — of the givers of land

या गतिः यज्ञशीलानाम्, या गतिः आहिताग्नेः, या च अपरावर्तिनाम्, या च भूमिप्रदायिनाम् (अस्ति, सा गतिः तव अस्तु) ।

which · destiny · of those performing sacrifices · of the maintainer of sacred fire · and · of those who do not turn back from battle · of the givers of land

Rama's declaration of the fruits of Jatayu's sacrifice elevates the bird's status, confirming that his devotion has earned him the highest spiritual destination.

...permitted by me, go to those unsurpassed worlds! O king of vultures, O great-souled one, consecrated by me, depart!"

mayā tvamabhyanujñāto gaccha lokānanuttamān

gṛdhrarāja mahāsattva saṃskṛtaśca mayā vraja

मया · mayā — by me

त्वम् · tvam — you

अभ्यनुज्ञातः · abhyanujñātaḥ — permitted

गच्छ · gaccha — go

लोकान् · lokān — to worlds

अनुत्तमान् · anuttamān — unsurpassed

गृध्रराज · gṛdhrarāja — king of vultures

महासत्त्व · mahāsattva — great-souled one

संस्कृतः · saṃskṛtaḥ — consecrated

च · ca — and

मया · mayā — by me

व्रज · vraja — depart

गृध्रराज महासत्त्व! मया अभ्यनुज्ञातः त्वम् अनुत्तमान् लोकान् गच्छ । मया संस्कृतः त्वम् व्रज ।

by me · you · permitted · go · to worlds · unsurpassed · king of vultures · great-souled one · consecrated · and · by me · depart

This verse serves as the final blessing from the Lord, granting Jatayu liberation and confirming that his service to Rama has been accepted as the highest form of worship.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus, Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, with eyes full of tears, stood with folded hands, full of devotion, that ocean of mercy.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā bāṣpapūrṇākṣo rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ

baddhāñjaliruvācātha bhaktipūrvaṃ kṛpānidhiḥ

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having spoken thus

बाष्पपूर्णाक्षः · bāṣpapūrṇākṣaḥ — with eyes filled with tears

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

दशरथात्मजः · daśarathātmajaḥ — son of Dasharatha

बद्धाञ्जलिः · baddhāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

अथ · atha — then

भक्तिपूर्वम् · bhaktipūrvaṃ — full of devotion

कृपानिधिः · kṛpānidhiḥ — ocean of mercy

इत्युक्त्वा बाष्पपूर्णाक्षः दशरथात्मजः रामः बद्धाञ्जलिः अथ भक्तिपूर्वम् उवाच। सः कृपानिधिः आसीत्।

having spoken thus · with eyes filled with tears · Rama · son of Dasharatha · with folded hands · spoke · then · full of devotion · ocean of mercy

This verse establishes the emotional state of Lord Rama as he performs the final rites for Jatayu, highlighting his role as a compassionate protector who honors his devotees.

Having had that vulture's body cremated and attained a divine form, the king of birds arose, worshipped by the attendants of Vishnu.

dagdhvā gṛdhraśarīraṃ taddivyarūpamavāpya ca

utthāya pakṣirājo'pi viṣṇupārṣadaiḥ pūjitaḥ

दग्ध्वा · dagdhvā — having cremated

गृध्रशरीरम् · gṛdhraśarīraṃ — vulture body

तत् · tat — that

दिव्यरूपम् · divyarūpam — divine form

अवाप्य · avāpya — having attained

च · ca — and

उत्थाय · utthāya — having arisen

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

अपि · api — also

विष्णुपार्षदैः · viṣṇupārṣadaiḥ — by Vishnu's attendants

पूजितः · pūjitaḥ — worshipped

गृध्रशरीरं दग्ध्वा तत् दिव्यरूपम् अवाप्य च पक्षिराजः उत्थाय अपि विष्णुपार्षदैः पूजितः अभवत्।

having cremated · vulture body · that · divine form · having attained · and · having arisen · king of birds · also · by Vishnu's attendants · worshipped

This verse marks the transformation of Jatayu from a mortal bird to a divine being, signifying the efficacy of Rama's grace in granting liberation.

Ascending a divine chariot, he set off through the sky and joyfully praised Rāma, who was standing with folded hands.

divyaṃ rathaṃ samāruhya prasthitaśca vihāyasā

tuṣṭāva rāmaṃ sānandaṃ tiṣṭhantaṃ vihitāñjalim

दिव्यम् · divyaṃ — divine

रथम् · rathaṃ — chariot

समारुह्य · samāruhya — having ascended

प्रस्थितः · prasthitaḥ — departed

च · ca — and

विहायसा · vihāyasā — through the sky

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

रामम् · rāmaṃ — Rama

सानन्दम् · sānandaṃ — joyfully

तिष्ठन्तम् · tiṣṭhantaṃ — standing

विहिताञ्जलिम् · vihitāñjalim — with folded hands

दिव्यं रथं समारुह्य विहायसा प्रस्थितः च सः, विहिताञ्जलिं तिष्ठन्तं रामं सानन्दं तुष्टाव।

divine · chariot · having ascended · departed · and · through the sky · praised · Rama · joyfully · standing · with folded hands

Jatayu's ascent to the heavens serves as a testament to the glory of the Lord's presence, showing that even a bird can achieve the highest state through devotion.

Jaṭāyu said:

Obeisance, obeisance to You, the cause of all, knowable through the Vedānta, the ancient one, the one whose form is immutable and who is pure consciousness, the Supreme Self, the sole witness to the universe!

jaṭāyuruvāca

namo namaste'khilakāraṇāya

vedāntavedyāya purātanāya

kūṭastharūpāya ca cinmayāya

parātmane te bhuvanaikasākṣiṇe

नमः · namaḥ — obeisance

नमस्ते · namaste — obeisance to you

अखिलकारणाय · akhilakāraṇāya — to the cause of all

वेदान्तवेद्याय · vedāntavedyāya — knowable through Vedanta

पुरातनाय · purātanāya — to the ancient one

कूटस्थरूपाय · kūṭastharūpāya — to the immutable form

च · ca — and

चिन्मयाय · cinmayāya — to the pure consciousness

परात्मने · parātmane — to the Supreme Self

ते · te — to you

भुवनैकसाक्षिणे · bhuvanaikasākṣiṇe — to the sole witness of the universe

अखिलकारणाय वेदान्तवेद्याय पुरातनाय कूटस्थरूपाय चिन्मयाय परात्मने भुवनैकसाक्षिणे ते नमः नमः।

obeisance · obeisance to you · to the cause of all · knowable through Vedanta · to the ancient one · to the immutable form · and · to the pure consciousness · to the Supreme Self · to you · to the sole witness of the universe

Jatayu offers a profound prayer, acknowledging Rama's true nature as the Supreme Brahman, which elevates the narrative from a simple story to a philosophical discourse.

In every age, for the enhancement of dharma, You take various incarnations, O Lord. In those respective ways, You manifest various kinds of deeds like this.

yuge yuge dharmavivardhanāya

nānāvatārāṃśca karoṣi deva

tattatprakāreṇa caritramevaṃ

nānāvidhaṃ tvaṃ prakaṭīkaroṣi

युगे युगे · yuge yuge — in every age

धर्मविवर्धनाय · dharmavivardhanāya — for the enhancement of dharma

नानावतारांश्च · nānāvatārāṃśca — and various incarnations

करोषि · karoṣi — you take

देव · deva — O Lord

तत्तत्प्रकारेण · tattatprakāreṇa — in those respective ways

चरित्रमेवम् · caritramevaṃ — such deeds

नानाविधम् · nānāvidhaṃ — various kinds

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

प्रकटीकरोषि · prakaṭīkaroṣi — manifest

हे देव, त्वं युगे युगे धर्मविवर्धनाय नानावतारांश्च करोषि। त्वं तत्तत्प्रकारेण एवं नानाविधं चरित्रं प्रकटीकरोषि।

in every age · for the enhancement of dharma · and various incarnations · you take · O Lord · in those respective ways · such deeds · various kinds · you · manifest

Jatayu explains the purpose of divine incarnation, providing a theological justification for the Lord's presence in the world.

This incarnation as a mortal is for the instruction of mortals, not for the purpose of slaying Rākṣasas. It is as if to teach that a man should remain in his own dharma, even after obtaining loss and various kinds of suffering.

martyāvatārastviha martyaśikṣaṇaṃ

kartuṃ na rakṣovadhahetave te

naṣṭaṃ ca kaṣṭaṃ vividhaṃ ca labdhvā

tiṣṭhetsvadharme sa pumānitīva

मर्त्यावतारः · martyāvatāraḥ — mortal incarnation

तु · tu — indeed

इह · iha — here

मर्त्यशिक्षणम् · martyaśikṣaṇaṃ — instruction of mortals

कर्तुम् · kartuṃ — to do

न · na — not

रक्षोवधहेतवे · rakṣovadhahetave — for the purpose of slaying demons

ते · te — your

नष्टं च कष्टं · naṣṭaṃ ca kaṣṭaṃ — loss and suffering

विविधं च लब्ध्वा · vividhaṃ ca labdhvā — having obtained various

तिष्ठेत् · tiṣṭhet — should remain

स्वधर्मे · svadharme — in one's own duty

सः · saḥ — he

पुमान् · pumān — man

इतीव · itīva — thus

ते मर्त्यावतारः इह रक्षोवधहेतवे न, अपि तु मर्त्यशिक्षणं कर्तुम् अस्ति। विविधं नष्टं कष्टं च लब्ध्वा अपि सः पुमान् स्वधर्मे तिष्ठेत् इतीव।

mortal incarnation · indeed · here · instruction of mortals · to do · not · for the purpose of slaying demons · your · loss and suffering · having obtained various · should remain · in one's own duty · he · man · thus

This verse emphasizes that Rama's human-like suffering is a pedagogical tool to teach humans how to maintain dharma amidst adversity.

Like one bewildered, You are distressed by separation, lamenting for the daughter of the king of Videha in the forest. And yet, You grant me liberation. O Lord, who can understand this play of Yours?

vimūḍhavat tvaṃ viraheṇa khinno

videhajāyā vilapan vanānte

punaśca mahyaṃ pradadāsi muktiṃ

ko vettumīśastava nāṭyamevam

विमूढवत् · vimūḍhavat — like one bewildered

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

विरहेण · viraheṇa — by separation

खिन्नः · khinnaḥ — distressed

विदेहजाया · videhajāyā — for the daughter of Videha

विलपन् · vilapan — lamenting

वनान्ते · vanānte — in the forest

पुनः च · punaśca — and yet

मह्यम् · mahyam — to me

प्रददासि · pradadāsi — you grant

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

कः · kaḥ — who

वेत्तुम् · vettum — to understand

ईश · īśa — O Lord

तव · tava — your

नाट्यम् · nāṭyam — play

त्वं विमूढवत् विरहेण खिन्नः वनान्ते विदेहजाया विलपन्, पुनः च मह्यं मुक्तिं प्रददासि। हे ईश, तव एतत् नाट्यं कः वेत्तुम्?

like one bewildered · you · by separation · distressed · for the daughter of Videha · lamenting · in the forest · and yet · to me · you grant · liberation · who · to understand · O Lord · your · play

Jatayu expresses wonder at the Lord's 'Lila' (divine play), where the omnipotent Lord acts as if he were a helpless human, highlighting the mystery of divine incarnation.

By the glory of chanting Your name, the crescent-moon-crested one (Śiva) indeed grants liberation to those who die in Kāśī. Since I have been consecrated by You Yourself directly, what more is there to say, O kinsman of the soul!

tvannāmasaṅkīrtanavaibhavena

kāśyāṃ mṛtānāṃ khalu candramauliḥ

dadāti muktiṃ yadi saṃskṛto'haṃ

tvayaiva sākṣāt kimutātmabandho

त्वन्नामसङ्कीर्तनवैभवेन · tvannāmasaṅkīrtanavaibhavena — by the glory of chanting your name

काश्याम् · kāśyāṃ — in Kashi

मृतानाम् · mṛtānāṃ — of those who die

खलु · khalu — indeed

चन्द्रमौलिः · candramauliḥ — Shiva

ददाति · dadāti — grants

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

यदि · yadi — if

संस्कृतः · saṃskṛtaḥ — consecrated

अहम् · aham — I

त्वया · tvayā — by you

एव · eva — alone

साक्षात् · sākṣāt — directly

किमुत · kimuta — what more

आत्मबन्धो · ātmabandho — O kinsman of the soul

त्वन्नामसङ्कीर्तनवैभवेन चन्द्रमौलिः काश्यां मृतानां मुक्तिं ददाति। अहं त्वया एव साक्षात् संस्कृतः, हे आत्मबन्धो, तर्हि किमुत?

by the glory of chanting your name · in Kashi · of those who die · indeed · Shiva · grants · liberation · if · consecrated · I · by you · alone · directly · what more · O kinsman of the soul

Jatayu contrasts the liberation granted by Shiva in Kashi with the direct, personal liberation granted by Rama, emphasizing the superiority of Rama's grace.

Praising with their words, remembering with their minds, and bowing with their bodies, Your devotees are never satiated. With tears flowing from their eyes, they dedicate their entire lives to You.

vāgbhiḥ stuvanto manasā smaranta-

stanvā namanto'pyaniśaṃ na tṛptāḥ

bhaktāḥ sravannetrajalāḥ samagra-

māyuśca tubhyaṃ hi samarpayanti

वाग्भिः · vāgbhiḥ — with words

स्तुवन्तः · stuvantaḥ — praising

मनसा · manasā — with mind

स्मरन्तः · smarantaḥ — remembering

तन्वा · tanvā — with body

नमन्तः · namantaḥ — bowing

अपि · api — also

अनिशम् · aniśam — constantly

न तृप्ताः · na tṛptāḥ — not satisfied

भक्ताः · bhaktāḥ — devotees

स्रवन्नेत्रजलाः · sravannetrajalāḥ — with flowing tears

समग्रम् · samagram — entire

आयुः · āyuḥ — life

तुभ्यम् · tubhyam — to you

समर्पयन्ति · samarpayanti — dedicate

वाग्भिः स्तुवन्तः मनसा स्मरन्तः तन्वा नमन्तः अपि भक्ताः अनिशं न तृप्ताः। स्रवन्नेत्रजलाः ते समग्रम् आयुः तुभ्यं समर्पयन्ति।

with words · praising · with mind · remembering · with body · bowing · also · constantly · not satisfied · devotees · with flowing tears · entire · life · to you · dedicate

This verse describes the intense devotion of the Lord's followers, who are never satisfied with their service, illustrating the nature of true Bhakti.

Thus, many of Your devotees live in the world, O Lord of the Raghu dynasty. I, though a bird, am truly fulfilled. My life-breaths, O Lord, are offered to You.

evaṃ tvadīyā bahavo'pi bhaktā

vasanti loke raghuvaṃśanātha

ahaṃ kṛtārtho'smi khago'pi nūnaṃ

mamāsavaste bhagavan samarpitāḥ

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

त्वदीयाः · tvadīyāḥ — your

बहवः · bahavaḥ — many

अपि · api — also

भक्ताः · bhaktāḥ — devotees

वसन्ति · vasanti — live

लोके · loke — in the world

रघुवंशनाथ · raghuvaṃśanātha — O Lord of the Raghu lineage

अहम् · aham — I

कृतार्थः · kṛtārthaḥ — fulfilled

अस्मि · asmi — am

खगः · khagaḥ — bird

अपि · api — even

नूनम् · nūnam — truly

मम · mama — my

असवः · asavaḥ — life-breaths

ते · te — to you

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

समर्पिताः · samarpitāḥ — offered

हे रघुवंशनाथ, एवं बहवः त्वदीयाः भक्ताः लोके वसन्ति। अहं खगः अपि नूनं कृतार्थः अस्मि, हे भगवन्, मम असवः ते समर्पिताः।

thus · your · many · also · devotees · live · in the world · O Lord of the Raghu lineage · I · fulfilled · am · bird · even · truly · my · life-breaths · to you · O Lord · offered

Jatayu concludes his prayer by expressing his fulfillment as a devotee, despite his humble form as a bird, emphasizing the inclusivity of Rama's grace.

The good carry this body for the sake of helping others, and they also give it up. If it is offered for Your service, then that indeed has a great fruit, O God of gods!

paropakārārthamidaṃ śarīraṃ

vahanti santo visṛjantyathāpi

tavaiva dāsyāya samarpitaṃ cet

mahāphalaṃ tatkila devadeva

परोपकारार्थम् · paropakārārtham — for the sake of helping others

इदम् · idam — this

शरीरम् · śarīram — body

वहन्ति · vahanti — they carry

सन्तः · santaḥ — the virtuous

विसृजन्ति · visṛjanti — they give up

अथापि · athāpi — and also

तवैव · tavaiva — to You alone

दास्याय · dāsyāya — for service

समर्पितम् · samarpitam — offered

चेत् · cet — if

महाफलम् · mahāphalam — great fruit

तत् · tat — that

देवदेव · devadeva — O God of gods

सन्तः इदं शरीरं परोपकारार्थं वहन्ति, अथ अपि विसृजन्ति। तत् चेत् तव एव दास्याय समर्पितं, तर्हि तत् महाफलं भवति, हे देवदेव।

for the sake of helping others · this · body · they carry · the virtuous · they give up · and also · to You alone · for service · offered · if · great fruit · that · O God of gods

Jaṭāyu reflects on the ultimate purpose of the physical body, asserting that its highest utility is found in service to the Lord. This verse elevates his sacrifice from a mere act of duty to a supreme offering of devotion.

Having abandoned this impermanent body today, consecrated by Your hand in Your presence, I have attained the eternal abode, O Rāma. This is surely the greatness of devotion to You.

tyaktvā'pyanityaṃ vapuretadadya

tvatsannidhau tvatkarasaṃskṛtaśca

prāpto'smi nityaṃ padameva rāma

tvadbhaktimāhātmyamidaṃ hi nūnam

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अनित्यम् · anityam — impermanent

वपुः · vapuḥ — body

एतत् · etat — this

अद्य · adya — today

त्वत्सन्निधौ · tvatsannidhau — in Your presence

त्वत्करसंस्कृतः · tvatkarasaṃskṛtaḥ — consecrated by Your hand

प्राप्तः अस्मि · prāpto'smi — I have attained

नित्यम् · nityam — eternal

पदम् · padam — abode

राम · rāma — O Rāma

त्वद्भक्तिमाहात्म्यम् · tvadbhaktimāhātmyam — greatness of devotion to You

हि · hi — indeed

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

हे राम, एतत् अनित्यं वपुः त्यक्त्वा, त्वत्सन्निधौ त्वत्करसंस्कृतः अहम् अद्य नित्यं पदं प्राप्तः अस्मि। इदं हि नूनं त्वद्भक्तिमाहात्म्यम्।

having abandoned · impermanent · body · this · today · in Your presence · consecrated by Your hand · I have attained · eternal · abode · O Rāma · greatness of devotion to You · indeed · surely

Jaṭāyu acknowledges that his liberation is not merely a result of his own merit, but a direct consequence of Rāma's grace. He identifies the act of being consecrated by the Lord's hand as the pinnacle of his existence.

This Puṣpāvaṭa is an exceedingly sacred place, where my bone has been laid by You. Reside here in Your archā (icon) form to grant liberation to the people of the Kali age.

puṣpāvaṭaṃ hyetadatīva puṇyaṃ

nyastaṃ tvayā yatra madīyam asthi

arcāvatāreṇa vasa tvamatra

muktiṃ ca dātuṃ kalimānuṣāṇām

पुष्पावटम् · puṣpāvaṭam — Puṣpāvaṭa

एतत् · etat — this

अतीव · atīva — exceedingly

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — sacred

न्यस्तम् · nyastam — laid

त्वया · tvayā — by You

यत्र · yatra — where

मदीयम् · madīyam — my

अस्थि · asthi — bone

अर्चावतारेण · arcāvatāreṇa — in the iconic form

वस · vasa — reside

त्वम् · tvam — You

अत्र · atra — here

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

दातुम् · dātum — to give

कलिमानुषाणाम् · kalimānuṣāṇām — to the people of Kali age

एतत् पुष्पावटं अतीव पुण्यं क्षेत्रं यत्र त्वया मदीयम् अस्थि न्यस्तम्। हे प्रभो, कलिमानुषाणां मुक्तिं दातुम् अत्र अर्चावतारेण वस।

Puṣpāvaṭa · this · exceedingly · sacred · laid · by You · where · my · bone · in the iconic form · reside · You · here · liberation · to give · to the people of Kali age

This verse establishes the theological significance of Puṣpāvaṭa as a Divya Deśa. By requesting Rāma to reside there in His archā-avatāra, Jaṭāyu ensures that the Lord's redemptive presence remains accessible to future generations.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Having praised thus, the king of birds went to the supreme abode, in the great sacred place of Puṣpāvaṭa, in the very presence of Rāghava.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ stutvā pakṣirājo jagāma paramaṃ padam

puṣpāvaṭe mahākṣetre rāghavasyaiva sannidhau

एवम् · evam — thus

स्तुत्वा · stutvā — having praised

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

जगाम · jagāma — went

परमम् · paramam — supreme

पदम् · padam — abode

पुष्पावटे · puṣpāvaṭe — in Puṣpāvaṭa

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — in the great sacred place

राघवस्य · rāghavasya — of Rāghava

एव · eva — indeed

सन्निधौ · sannidhau — in the presence

एवं स्तुत्वा पक्षिराजः पुष्पावटे महाक्षेत्रे राघवस्य एव सन्निधौ परमं पदं जगाम।

thus · having praised · king of birds · went · supreme · abode · in Puṣpāvaṭa · in the great sacred place · of Rāghava · indeed · in the presence

This verse concludes the narrative of Jaṭāyu's departure, confirming that his final moments were spent in the direct presence of the Lord, thereby validating the sanctity of the location.

The man who reads with devotion this story of the king of birds and the glory of Puṣpāvaṭa, for him no sin exists.

pakṣirājasya caritaṃ yaḥ paṭhedbhaktimānnaraḥ

puṣpāvaṭasya māhātmyaṃ tasya pāpaṃ na vidyate

पक्षिराजस्य · pakṣirājasya — of the king of birds

चरितम् · caritam — story

यः · yaḥ — who

पठेत् · paṭhet — reads

भक्तिमान् · bhaktimān — devoted

नरः · naraḥ — man

पुष्पावटस्य · puṣpāvaṭasya — of Puṣpāvaṭa

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — glory

तस्य · tasya — his

पापम् · pāpam — sin

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

यः भक्तिमान् नरः पक्षिराजस्य चरितं पुष्पावटस्य माहात्म्यं च पठेत्, तस्य पापं न विद्यते।

of the king of birds · story · who · reads · devoted · man · of Puṣpāvaṭa · glory · his · sin · not · exists

The author provides a phalaśruti (fruit of hearing), encouraging devotion to the story of Jaṭāyu and the glory of the sacred site as a means of spiritual purification.

By the power of the vulture's benediction, the descendant of Raghu, having killed Rāvaṇa in battle, regained Vaidehī.

maṅgalāśāsanabalādgṛdhrasya raghunandanaḥ

āhave rāvaṇaṃ hatvā vaidehīṃ punarāpa ca

मङ्गलाशासनबलात् · maṅgalāśāsanabalāt — by the power of the benediction

गृध्रस्य · gṛdhrasya — of the vulture

रघुनन्दनः · raghunandanaḥ — the descendant of Raghu

आहवे · āhave — in battle

रावणम् · rāvaṇam — Rāvaṇa

हत्वा · hatvā — having killed

वैदेहीम् · vaidehīm — Vaidehī

पुनः · punaḥ — again

आप · āpa — attained/recovered

च · ca — and

गृध्रस्य मङ्गलाशासनबलात् रघुनन्दनः आहवे रावणं हत्वा वैदेहीं पुनः आप च।

by the power of the benediction · of the vulture · the descendant of Raghu · in battle · Rāvaṇa · having killed · Vaidehī · again · attained/recovered · and

This verse connects the act of Jaṭāyu's devotion (the benediction) to the ultimate success of Rāma's mission, emphasizing that the Lord honors the service of His devotees.

This, therefore, is remembered as the supreme sacred place named Puṣpāvaṭa, where the great-souled vulture attained the highest Vaikuṇṭha.

Thus the sixteenth chapter, named "The Glory of Puṣpāvaṭa," in the Second Volume of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ puṣpāvaṭamiti smṛtam|

yatra gṛdhro mahāsattvaḥ prāpa vaikuṇṭhamuttamam

तत् · tat — that

इदम् · idam — this

परमम् · paramam — supreme

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred place

पुष्पावटम् · puṣpāvaṭam — Puṣpāvaṭa

इति · iti — thus

स्मृतम् · smṛtam — remembered

यत्र · yatra — where

गृध्रः · gṛdhraḥ — vulture

महासत्त्वः · mahāsattvaḥ — great-souled

प्राप · prāpa — attained

वैकुण्ठम् · vaikuṇṭham — Vaikuṇṭha

उत्तमम् · uttamam — highest

तत् इदं परमं क्षेत्रं पुष्पावटम् इति स्मृतम्, यत्र महासत्त्वः गृध्रः उत्तमं वैकुण्ठं प्राप।

that · this · supreme · sacred place · Puṣpāvaṭa · thus · remembered · where · vulture · great-souled · attained · Vaikuṇṭha · highest

The chapter concludes by canonizing Puṣpāvaṭa as a supreme sacred site, immortalizing the event where the great-souled vulture attained the highest spiritual destination.