गोपपुरीमाहात्म्यम् Gopa Purī Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

On the banks of the Krishnabhadra river lies the great holy Kṛṣṇakṣetra. There, a city named Gopapurī was built by Brahmā.

śrīsadgururuvāca

kṛṣṇakṣetraṃ mahāpuṇyaṃ kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭe

tatra gopapurī nāma brahmaṇā nirmitā purī

कृष्णक्षेत्रम् · kṛṣṇakṣetram — the holy land of Krishna

महापुण्यम् · mahāpuṇyam — extremely sacred

कृष्णभद्रानदीतटे · kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭe — on the bank of the Krishnabhadra river

तत्र · tatra — there

गोपपुरी · gopapurī — the city named Gopapurī

नाम · nāma — by name

ब्रह्मणा · brahmaṇā — by Lord Brahma

निर्मिता · nirmitā — built/created

पुरी · purī — city

कृष्णभद्रानदीतटे महापुण्यं कृष्णक्षेत्रं वर्तते। तत्र ब्रह्मणा निर्मिता गोपपुरी नाम पुरी अस्ति।

the holy land of Krishna · extremely sacred · on the bank of the Krishnabhadra river · there · the city named Gopapurī · by name · by Lord Brahma · built/created · city

This verse introduces the sacred geographical setting of the chapter, establishing the holiness of Kṛṣṇakṣetra and the divine origin of Gopapurī. It sets the stage for the revelation of the Lord's presence.

There stands the auspicious temple of Gopālakṛṣṇa. I shall narrate its glory, which destroys the sins of those who listen.

tatra gopālakṛṣṇasya vartate mandiraṃ śubham

vadāmi tasya māhātmyaṃ śṛṇvatāṃ pāpanāśanam

तत्र · tatra — there

गोपालकृष्णस्य · gopālakṛṣṇasya — of Gopālakṛṣṇa

वर्तते · vartate — exists/stands

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

शुभम् · śubham — auspicious

वदामि · vadāmi — I shall narrate

तस्य · tasya — its

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — glory

शृण्वताम् · śṛṇvatām — of those who listen

पापनाशनम् · pāpanāśanam — destroyer of sins

तत्र गोपालकृष्णस्य शुभं मन्दिरं वर्तते। शृण्वतां पापनाशनं तस्य माहात्म्यं वदामि।

there · of Gopālakṛṣṇa · exists/stands · temple · auspicious · I shall narrate · its · glory · of those who listen · destroyer of sins

This verse highlights the primary purpose of the narrative: to glorify the deity of the temple, which serves as a spiritual catalyst for the removal of sins for the listener.

The great sage Mṛkaṇḍu, along with his wife Marutvatī, performed penance on the bank of the Krishnabhadra river, desiring to see Lord Trivikrama.

tapaścakre marutvatyā mṛkaṇḍurmunipuṅgavaḥ

trivikramaṃ draṣṭukāmaḥ kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭe

तपश्चक्रे · tapaścakre — performed penance

मरुत्वत्या · marutvatyā — with Marutvatī

मृकण्डुः · mṛkaṇḍuḥ — the sage Mṛkaṇḍu

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best of sages

त्रिविक्रमम् · trivikramam — Lord Trivikrama

द्रष्टुकामः · draṣṭukāmaḥ — desiring to see

कृष्णभद्रानदीतटे · kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭe — on the bank of the Krishnabhadra

मुनिपुङ्गवः मृकण्डुः मरुत्वत्या सहितः त्रिविक्रमं द्रष्टुकामः सन् कृष्णभद्रानदीतटे तपः चक्रे।

performed penance · with Marutvatī · the sage Mṛkaṇḍu · the best of sages · Lord Trivikrama · desiring to see · on the bank of the Krishnabhadra

This verse introduces the protagonist, Mṛkaṇḍu, and establishes his motivation for the penance, which is the foundational event of the chapter.

The imperishable Viṣṇu, who, in order to deceive Mahābali, playfully measured the entire universe with that form of Mādhava.

mahābaliṃ vañcayituṃ yena rūpeṇa mādhavaḥ

vimame bhuvanaṃ sarvaṃ līlayā viṣṇuravyayaḥ

महाबलिम् · mahābalim — Mahabali

वञ्चयितुम् · vañcayitum — to deceive

येन · yena — by which

रूपेण · rūpeṇa — form

माधवः · mādhavaḥ — Lord Madhava

विममे · vimame — measured

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — the world/universe

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

लीलया · līlayā — playfully

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

अव्ययः · avyayaḥ — imperishable

अव्ययः विष्णुः माधवः महाबलिं वञ्चयितुं येन रूपेण लीलया सर्वं भुवनं विममे।

Mahabali · to deceive · by which · form · Lord Madhava · measured · the world/universe · all · playfully · Lord Vishnu · imperishable

This verse provides the theological context for the form of the Lord that the sage wishes to see, linking the current narrative to the cosmic event of the Vāmana-Trivikrama avatāra.

The sage prayed thus: "May He come before me in that very form of His and grant me a divine vision."

tenaiva nijarūpeṇa purato mama cāgataḥ

dadātu darśanaṃ divyamiti saṃprārthayan muniḥ

तेनैव · tenaiva — by that very

निजरूपेण · nijarūpeṇa — own form

पुरतः · purataḥ — before

मम · mama — my

आगतः · āgataḥ — come

ददातु · dadātu — may He grant

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

दिव्यम् · divyam — divine

इति · iti — thus

संप्रार्थयन् · saṃprārthayan — praying

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

मुनिः संप्रार्थयन् - सः मम पुरतः तेनैव निजरूपेण आगतः दिव्यं दर्शनं ददातु इति।

by that very · own form · before · my · come · may He grant · vision · divine · thus · praying · the sage

This verse captures the specific prayer of the sage, defining the nature of the desired divine vision as a direct encounter with the Lord in His Trivikrama form.

Accompanied by his wife Marutvatī, he, subsisting only on air, performed a most severe penance, endowed with firm devotion.

tapaścakre mahāghoraṃ dṛḍhabhaktisamanvitaḥ |

nijapatnyā marutvatyā sahito vāyubhojanaḥ

तपश्चक्रे · tapaścakre — performed penance

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — very severe

दृढभक्तिसमन्वितः · dṛḍhabhaktisamanvitaḥ — endowed with firm devotion

निजपत्न्या · nijapatnyā — with his own wife

मरुत्वत्या · marutvatyā — Marutvati

सहितः · sahito — accompanied by

वायुभोजनः · vāyubhojanaḥ — subsisting on air

दृढभक्तिसमन्वितः सः मुनिः निजपत्न्या मरुत्वत्या सहितः वायुभोजनः सन् महाघोरं तपः चक्रे।

performed penance · very severe · endowed with firm devotion · with his own wife · Marutvati · accompanied by · subsisting on air

This verse emphasizes the intensity of the sage's devotion and the austerity of his practice, which serves as the catalyst for the Lord's appearance.

Once, a certain Brahmin came to his hermitage, his limbs trembling with old age, afflicted by hunger and thirst.

kadācidbrāhmaṇaḥ kaścidāyayau tasya cāśramam

jarasā vepamānāṅgaḥ kṣutpipāsāsamākulaḥ

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — a Brahmin

कश्चित् · kaścit — some

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

तस्य · tasya — his

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

जरसा · jarasā — by old age

वेपमानाङ्गः · vepamānāṅgaḥ — with trembling limbs

क्षुत्पिपासासमाकुलः · kṣutpipāsāsamākulaḥ — afflicted by hunger and thirst

कदाचित् जरसा वेपमानाङ्गः क्षुत्पिपासासमाकुलः कश्चित् ब्राह्मणः तस्य आश्रमम् आययौ।

once · a Brahmin · some · arrived · his · hermitage · by old age · with trembling limbs · afflicted by hunger and thirst

This verse introduces the turning point of the story: the arrival of the Lord in the guise of a frail, hungry Brahmin, testing the sage's hospitality.

The great sage Mṛkaṇḍu worshipped the guest. Offering him water for his hands and feet and other respects, he stood humbly with folded hands.

atithiṃ pūjayāmāsa mṛkaṇḍurmunipuṅgavaḥ

arghyapādyādikaṃ datvā vinīto vihitāñjaliḥ

अतिथिम् · atithim — the guest

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

मृकण्डुः · mṛkaṇḍuḥ — Mṛkaṇḍu

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best of sages

अर्घ्यपाद्यादिकम् · arghyapādyādikam — water for feet and hands

दत्वा · datvā — having given

विनीतः · vinītaḥ — humbly

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

मुनिपुङ्गवः मृकण्डुः अतिथिं पूजयामास। सः अर्घ्यपाद्यादिकं दत्वा विनीतः विहिताञ्जलिः तस्थौ।

the guest · worshipped · Mṛkaṇḍu · the best of sages · water for feet and hands · having given · humbly · with folded hands

This verse demonstrates the sage's adherence to dharma, showing that even in the midst of intense penance, he prioritizes the duty of hospitality.

Mṛkaṇḍu said:

Welcome, O best of Brahmins! Please accept my worship, O Lord. Lord Nārāyaṇa Himself comes in the guise of a guest.

mṛkaṇḍuruvāca

svāgataṃ brāhmaṇaśreṣṭha pūjāṃ me svīkuru prabho

svayaṃ nārāyaṇo devastvāyātyatithirūpadhṛk

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ · brāhmaṇaśreṣṭha — O best of Brahmins

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

मे · me — my

स्वीकुरु · svīkuru — please accept

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

स्वयम् · svayam — Himself

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Lord Narayana

देवः · devaḥ — the Lord

अतिथिरूपधृक् · atithirūpadhṛk — assuming the form of a guest

ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ स्वागतम्। प्रभो मे पूजां स्वीकुरु। स्वयं नारायणः देवः अतिथिरूपधृक् आगतः।

welcome · O best of Brahmins · worship · my · please accept · O Lord · Himself · Lord Narayana · the Lord · assuming the form of a guest

Mṛkaṇḍu's speech reveals his spiritual insight, as he recognizes the divine presence within the guest, elevating the act of hospitality to an act of worship.

By worshipping you, O Brahmin learned in the Vedas, all the gods are worshipped, and the ancestors are gratified. There is no doubt in this.

tava vedavido vipra pūjanāt sarvadevatāḥ

pūjyante pitaraścaiva tṛpyanti na hi saṃśayaḥ

तव · tava — your

वेदविदः · vedavidaḥ — learned in Vedas

विप्र · vipra — O Brahmin

पूजनात् · pūjanāt — by worshipping

सर्वदेवताः · sarvadevatāḥ — all gods

पूज्यन्ते · pūjyante — are worshipped

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

च · ca — and

तृप्यन्ति · tṛpyanti — are gratified

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

वेदविदः तव विप्र पूजनात् सर्वदेवताः पूज्यन्ते, पितरः च तृप्यन्ति, अत्र संशयः न हि।

your · learned in Vedas · O Brahmin · by worshipping · all gods · are worshipped · ancestors · and · are gratified · not · indeed · doubt

This verse provides the scriptural justification for the sage's devotion, reinforcing the idea that serving a guest is equivalent to serving the divine and the ancestors.

The Smṛti says: "He who does not worship a guest who arrives at the end of the Vaiśvadeva ritual immediately attains the state of an outcaste; there is no doubt."

vaiśvadevāntike prāptamatithiṃ yo na pūjayet

sadyaścaṇḍālatāṃ yāti na saṃśaya iti smṛtiḥ

वैश्वदेवान्तिके · vaiśvadevāntike — at the end of the Vaisvadeva ritual

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — arrived

अतिथिम् · atithim — a guest

यः · yaḥ — who

न · na — not

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — worships

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

चण्डालताम् · caṇḍālatām — the state of an outcaste

याति · yāti — attains

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

इति · iti — thus

स्मृतिः · smṛtiḥ — the sacred law text

यः वैश्वदेवान्तिके प्राप्तम् अतिथिं न पूजयेत्, सः सद्यः चण्डालतां याति। इति स्मृतिः, न संशयः।

at the end of the Vaisvadeva ritual · arrived · a guest · who · not · worships · immediately · the state of an outcaste · attains · no · doubt · thus · the sacred law text

This verse establishes the moral and scriptural urgency for Mṛkaṇḍu to serve the guest, grounding the narrative in the authority of the Smṛti texts to justify his intense commitment to hospitality.

The Brahmin said:

I have come, O fortunate one, a Brahmin advanced in age. Afflicted by thirst and hunger, I desire to eat in your hermitage.

brāhmaṇa uvāca

āgato'haṃ mahābhāga brāhmaṇastu vayodhikaḥ

pipāsayā kṣudhā caiva bhoktukāmastavāśramam

आगतः · āgataḥ — arrived

अहम् · aham — I

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O fortunate one

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — a Brahmin

तु · tu — indeed

वयोधिकः · vayodhikaḥ — advanced in age

पिपासया · pipāsayā — by thirst

क्षुधा · kṣudhā — by hunger

च · ca — and

एव · eva — certainly

भोक्तुकाम् · bhoktukām — desiring to eat

तव · tava — your

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

महाभाग, अहं वयोधिकः ब्राह्मणः आगतः। पिपासया क्षुधा च एव अहं तव आश्रमं भोक्तुकाम् अस्मि।

arrived · I · O fortunate one · a Brahmin · indeed · advanced in age · by thirst · by hunger · and · certainly · desiring to eat · your · hermitage

The Brahmin introduces himself to Mṛkaṇḍu, setting the stage for the test of the sage's hospitality by highlighting his own advanced age and hunger.

O Mṛkaṇḍu, O great sage, if you are able to give as much food as my hunger demands, then I shall accept your worship.

mṛkaṇḍo yāvatī kṣunme tāvadannaṃ mahāmune |

yadi dātuṃ samartho'si pūjāmaṅgīkaromyaham

मृकण्डो · mṛkaṇḍo — O Mṛkaṇḍu

यावती · yāvatī — as much as

क्षुत् · kṣut — hunger

मे · me — my

तावत् · tāvat — that much

अन्नम् · annam — food

महामुने · mahāmune — O great sage

यदि · yadi — if

दातुम् · dātum — to give

समर्थः · samarthaḥ — capable

असि · asi — you are

पूजाम् · pūjām — worship

अङ्गीकरोमि · aṅgīkaromi — I accept

अहम् · aham — I

महामुने मृकण्डो, मे यावती क्षुत्, तावत् अन्नं यदि दातुं समर्थः असि, तर्हि अहं पूजाम् अङ्गीकरोमि।

O Mṛkaṇḍu · as much as · hunger · my · that much · food · O great sage · if · to give · capable · you are · worship · I accept · I

The Brahmin imposes a specific condition for accepting hospitality, challenging the sage's capacity to provide food, which serves as the catalyst for the miracle.

I am a great eater, but are you not one who subsists on air? It is by mere chance that the duty of hospitality has fallen to you in your hermitage.

ahaṃ tu bahubhoktāsmi nanu tvaṃ vāyubhojanaḥ |

yadṛcchayā mama prāptamātithyaṃ hi tavāśrame

अहम् · aham — I

तु · tu — but

बहुभोक्ता · bahubhoktā — a great eater

अस्मि · asmi — I am

ननु · nanu — is it not that

त्वम् · tvam — you

वायुभोजनः · vāyubhojanaḥ — subsisting on air

यदृच्छया · yadṛcchayā — by chance

मम · mama — my

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — arrived

आतिथ्यम् · ātithyam — hospitality

हि · hi — indeed

तव · tava — your

आश्रमे · āśrame — in the hermitage

अहं तु बहुभोक्ता अस्मि, ननु त्वं वायुभोजनः। तव आश्रमे मम आतिथ्यं यदृच्छया प्राप्तं हि।

I · but · a great eater · I am · is it not that · you · subsisting on air · by chance · my · arrived · hospitality · indeed · your · in the hermitage

The Brahmin contrasts his own nature as a voracious eater with the sage's ascetic lifestyle, emphasizing the irony of the situation to test Mṛkaṇḍu's resolve.

Mṛkaṇḍu said:

Here, everything is well-provided, O Lord, by your grace. Therefore, casting aside hesitation, please accept my hospitality, O Master.

mṛkaṇḍuruvāca

atra sarvaṃ susaṃpannaṃ bhagavan kṛpayā tava

tasmādvihāya saṅkocamātithyaṃ svīkuru prabho

अत्र · atra — here

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

सुसंपन्नम् · susaṃpannam — well-provided

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

तव · tava — your

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

विहाय · vihāya — casting aside

सङ्कोचम् · saṅkocam — hesitation

आतिथ्यम् · ātithyam — hospitality

स्वीकुरु · svīkuru — please accept

प्रभो · prabho — O Master

भगवन्, तव कृपया अत्र सर्वं सुसंपन्नम्। तस्मात् सङ्कोचं विहाय आतिथ्यं स्वीकुरु प्रभो।

here · everything · well-provided · O Lord · by grace · your · therefore · casting aside · hesitation · hospitality · please accept · O Master

Mṛkaṇḍu responds with unwavering faith, attributing his ability to fulfill the guest's request to the grace of the Lord, demonstrating his total surrender.

By the power of my own penance, I shall surely provide as much of my sacrificial food as is needed until your stomach is full, O Brahmin.

yāvatte jaṭharaṃ brahman pūrṇaṃ syāddhaviṣā mama

tāvannūnaṃ pradāsyāmi mamaiva tapaso balāt

यावत् · yāvat — as much as

ते · te — your

जठरम् · jaṭharam — stomach

ब्रह्मन् · brahman — O Brahmin

पूर्णम् · pūrṇam — full

स्यात् · syāt — may become

हविषा · haviṣā — with sacrificial food

मम · mama — my

तावत् · tāvat — that much

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — I shall give

मम · mama — my

एव · eva — only

तपसः · tapasaḥ — of penance

बलात् · balāt — by the power

ब्रह्मन्, मम तपसः बलात् एव, यावत् ते जठरं हविषा पूर्णं स्यात्, तावत् नूनं प्रदास्यामि।

as much as · your · stomach · O Brahmin · full · may become · with sacrificial food · my · that much · surely · I shall give · my · only · of penance · by the power

Mṛkaṇḍu invokes the power of his own penance to guarantee the guest's satisfaction, showing that his spiritual merit is entirely dedicated to the service of the guest.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus to the Brahmin and having bowed with devotion, the great sage quickly instructed his dear wife to cook.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā brāhmaṇaṃ bhaktyā praṇamya ca mahāmuniḥ |

pākaṃ kartuṃ priyāṃ bhāryāmādideśa ca satvaram

इति · iti — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

ब्राह्मणम् · brāhmaṇam — to the Brahmin

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

च · ca — and

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

पाकम् · pākam — meal

कर्तुम् · kartum — to prepare

प्रियाम् · priyām — dear

भार्याम् · bhāryām — wife

आदिदेश · ādideśa — instructed

सत्वरम् · satvaram — quickly

इति ब्राह्मणं उक्त्वा भक्त्या प्रणम्य च महामुनिः, सत्वरं पाकं कर्तुं प्रियां भार्यां आदिदेश।

thus · having spoken · to the Brahmin · with devotion · having bowed · and · the great sage · meal · to prepare · dear · wife · instructed · quickly

This verse marks the transition from dialogue to action, as the sage immediately acts upon his promise, demonstrating the swiftness of his devotion.

The most fortunate Marutvatī, having cooked food along with many side dishes, reported back to her husband about the many hundreds of *āḍhakas* (measures of grain).

marutvatī mahābhāgā paktvānnaṃ vyañjanānvitam |

praticakṣe svabhartāramāḍhakānāṃ śataṃ bahu

मरुत्वती · marutvatī — Marutvatī

महाभागा · mahābhāgā — the most fortunate one

पक्त्वा · paktvā — having cooked

अन्नम् · annam — food

व्यञ्जनान्वितम् · vyañjanānvitam — with side dishes

प्रतिचक्षे · praticakṣe — reported back

स्वभर्तारम् · svabhartāram — to her husband

आढकानाम् · āḍhakānām — of measures of grain

शतम् · śatam — hundred

बहु · bahu — many

महाभागा मरुत्वती व्यञ्जनान्वितम् अन्नं पक्त्वा, बहु आढकानां शतं स्वभर्तारं प्रतिचक्षे।

Marutvatī · the most fortunate one · having cooked · food · with side dishes · reported back · to her husband · of measures of grain · hundred · many

Marutvatī's successful preparation of a vast quantity of food highlights the miraculous nature of the event, preparing the reader for the revelation of the guest's identity.

He went to the bank of the Krishnabhadra river to bring the Brahmin guest. There he saw that the Brahmin was Trivikrama.

ānetumatithiṃ vipraṃ kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭam

āyayau tatra dadṛśe brāhmaṇastu trivikramaḥ

आनेतुम् · ānetum — to bring

अतिथिम् · atithim — the guest

विप्रम् · vipram — the Brahmin

कृष्णभद्रानदीतटम् · kṛṣṇabhadrānadītaṭam — to the bank of the Krishnabhadra river

आययौ · āyayau — he went

तत्र · tatra — there

ददृशे · dadṛśe — he saw

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — the Brahmin

तु · tu — indeed

त्रिविक्रमः · trivikramaḥ — Trivikrama

विप्रम् अतिथिम् आनेतुम् कृष्णभद्रानदीतटम् आययौ। तत्र ददृशे यत् सः ब्राह्मणः तु त्रिविक्रमः एव।

to bring · the guest · the Brahmin · to the bank of the Krishnabhadra river · he went · there · he saw · the Brahmin · indeed · Trivikrama

The climax of the narrative begins as Mṛkaṇḍu goes to fetch the guest, only to discover the divine identity of the Brahmin, shifting the focus from hospitality to revelation.

The Earth is His lotus foot, the ocean is His belly, the mountains are His bones, the grasses are the hairs on His body, and the trees are His body hair. The rivers are His veins, fire is His mouth, the sun and the moon are His eyes and mind respectively, the clouds are His crest, and all the directions are His ears.

pṛthvī yasya padāmbujaṃ jalanidhiryasyodaraṃ parvatāḥ

yasyāsthīni tṛṇāni yasya vapuṣo romāṇi vṛkṣāstathā |

yannāḍyaḥ sarito mukhaṃ ca hutabhuk netraṃ tathā bhānumān

candro yasya manaḥ śikhā jaladharāḥ śrotraṃ ca sarvā diśaḥ

पृथ्वी · pṛthvī — the Earth

यस्य · yasya — whose

पदाम्बुजम् · padāmbujam — lotus foot

जलनिधिः · jalanidhiḥ — the ocean

उदरम् · udaram — belly

पर्वताः · parvatāḥ — mountains

अस्थीनि · asthīni — bones

तृणानि · tṛṇāni — grasses

वपुषः · vapuṣaḥ — of the body

रोमाणि · romāṇi — hairs

वृक्षाः · vṛkṣāḥ — trees

यस्य पदाम्बुजं पृथ्वी, यस्य उदरं जलनिधिः, यस्य अस्थीनि पर्वताः, यस्य वपुषः रोमाणि तृणानि वृक्षाः च।

the Earth · whose · lotus foot · the ocean · belly · mountains · bones · grasses · of the body · hairs · trees

This verse provides a cosmic vision of Trivikrama, illustrating that the guest is not merely a Brahmin but the Supreme Being who encompasses the entire universe.

The constellations are His ornaments, the very sky is the heart of the Lord, whose Māyā, composed of the three guṇas, is a garland of beautiful flowers, and whose Kaustubha gem is the soul, the imperishable and divine Ramā on the Śrīvatsa mark. Time is His Sudarśana in his hand, and the conch is the embodiment of cosmic sound.

nakṣatrāṇi ca bhūṣaṇāni hṛdayaṃ vyomaiva yasya prabhoḥ

māyā tu triguṇātmikā sumanomayī mālā ca yatkaustubham |

jīvātmāpyanapāyinī bhagavatī śrīvatsacihne ramā

kālo yasya sudarśanaṃ karatale śaṅkhañca nādātmakam

नक्षत्राणि · nakṣatrāṇi — constellations

भूषणानि · bhūṣaṇāni — ornaments

हृदयम् · hṛdayam — heart

व्योम · vyoma — sky/space

माया · māyā — divine illusion

त्रिगुणात्मिका · triguṇātmikā — composed of three gunas

कौस्तुभम् · kaustubham — the Kaustubha gem

जीवात्मा · jīvātmā — the individual soul

सुदर्शनम् · sudarśanam — the discus weapon

नादात्मकम् · nādātmakam — embodiment of sound

प्रभोः यस्य नक्षत्राणि भूषणानि, व्योम एव हृदयं भवति। यस्य माया त्रिगुणात्मिका सुमनोमयी माला, कौस्तुभं जीवात्मा, कालो सुदर्शनं, शङ्खं नादात्मकं च भवति।

constellations · ornaments · heart · sky/space · divine illusion · composed of three gunas · the Kaustubha gem · the individual soul · the discus weapon · embodiment of sound

This verse serves as a cosmic vision, describing the Lord's universal form (Viśvarūpa) as Trivikrama. It establishes the theological grandeur of the deity, identifying every aspect of the cosmos as an ornament or limb of the Lord.

Indra came from His arm, Varuṇa from His essence (rasa), Rudra from His ego, and from His vital breaths, the lotus-born Brahmā and all the gods as well. And in His various limbs are the sages and all the worlds. May that Lord in the form of Trivikrama protect me everywhere.

indro yasya bhujādrasācca varuṇo rudrastvahaṅkārataḥ

prāṇebhyo'pi ca yasya vārijabhavo devāśca sarve tathā |

yasyāṅgeṣu ca tatra tatra munayaḥ sarve ca lokāstathā

bhagavān trivikramavapuḥ sarvatra māṃ rakṣatu

इन्द्रः · indro — Lord Indra

भुजात् · bhujāt — from the arm

वरुणः · varuṇo — Lord Varuna

रसात् · rasāt — from the essence

रुद्रः · rudrast — Lord Shiva

अहङ्कारतः · ahaṅkārataḥ — from ego

प्राणेभ्यः · prāṇebhyo — from vital breaths

वारिजभवः · vārijabhavo — Brahma born from lotus

अङ्गेषु · aṅgeṣu — in the limbs

त्रिविक्रमवपुः · trivikramavapuḥ — having the form of Trivikrama

यस्य भुजात् इन्द्रः, रसात् वरुणः, अहङ्कारतः रुद्रः, प्राणेभ्यः वारिजभवः देवाः च जज्ञिरे। यस्य अङ्गेषु मुनयः सर्वे लोकाः च सन्ति। सः भगवान् त्रिविक्रमवपुः मां सर्वत्र रक्षतु।

Lord Indra · from the arm · Lord Varuna · from the essence · Lord Shiva · from ego · from vital breaths · Brahma born from lotus · in the limbs · having the form of Trivikrama

Continuing the cosmic description, this verse explains the origin of the gods and the worlds from the Lord's body. It concludes with a prayer for protection, grounding the theological vision in a personal devotional appeal.

Seeing Him, the Lord of all worlds, bearing the form of Trivikrama, Mṛkaṇḍu, with faith and devotion, praised him with folded hands.

taṃ dṛṣṭvā sarvalokeśaṃ trivikramavapurdharam |

tuṣṭāva śraddhayā bhaktyā mṛkaṇḍurvihitāñjaliḥ

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

सर्वलोकेशम् · sarvalokeśam — Lord of all worlds

त्रिविक्रमवपुर्धरम् · trivikramavapurdharam — bearing the form of Trivikrama

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

मृकण्डुः · mṛkaṇḍur — Sage Mṛkaṇḍu

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

मृकण्डुः सर्वलोकेशं त्रिविक्रमवपुर्धरं तं दृष्ट्वा, श्रद्धया भक्त्या विहिताञ्जलिः सन् तुष्टाव।

having seen · Lord of all worlds · bearing the form of Trivikrama · praised · with faith · with devotion · Sage Mṛkaṇḍu · with folded hands

This verse transitions from the cosmic description back to the narrative action, showing Mṛkaṇḍu's immediate reaction of devotion upon realizing the identity of his guest.

Mṛkaṇḍu said:

I take refuge in You, the Cosmic Being, the ancient Puruṣa with a thousand heads, a thousand feet, and a thousand eyes, the one cause of the entire universe.

mṛkaṇḍuruvāca

sahasraśīrṣaṃ ca sahasrapādaṃ

sahasranetraṃ puruṣaṃ purāṇam

sarvasya lokasya nidānamekaṃ

tvāṃ viśvarūpaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapadye

सहस्रशीर्षम् · sahasraśīrṣaṃ — thousand-headed

सहस्रपादम् · sahasrapādaṃ — thousand-footed

सहस्रनेत्रम् · sahasranetraṃ — thousand-eyed

पुरुषम् · puruṣaṃ — the Supreme Person

पुराणम् · purāṇam — ancient

सर्वस्य · sarvasya — of all

निदानम् · nidānam — the cause

विश्वरूपम् · viśvarūpaṃ — universal form

शरणम् · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

प्रपद्ये · prapadye — I take refuge

अहं सहस्रशीर्षं सहस्रपादं सहस्रनेत्रं पुराणम् पुरुषं, सर्वस्य लोकस्य एकं निदानं, त्वां विश्वरूपं शरणं प्रपद्ये।

thousand-headed · thousand-footed · thousand-eyed · the Supreme Person · ancient · of all · the cause · universal form · refuge · I take refuge

Mṛkaṇḍu begins his prayer by invoking the Puruṣa-sūkta imagery, establishing the Lord's infinite nature as the foundation for his own humble act of worship.

Having made the sacrificial animal a representation of Your very form, the Creator (Brahmā) worshipped only You in the beginning. Seeing You, the Cosmic Being, before me, who is capable of performing Your worship?

tavaiva rūpeṇa paśuṃ vidhāya

tvāmeva pūrvaṃ hi yayāja dhātā

tvāṃ viśvarūpaṃ purato'pi dṛṣṭvā

pūjā vidhātuṃ tava kaḥ samarthaḥ

तवैव · tavaiva — of You alone

रूपेण · rūpeṇa — in the form of

पशुम् · paśuṃ — sacrificial animal

विधाय · vidhāya — having made

पूर्वम् · pūrvaṃ — in the beginning

धाता · dhātā — the Creator Brahma

ययाज · yayāja — worshipped

पुरतः · purato — before me

पूजा · pūjā — worship

समर्थः · samarthaḥ — capable

पूर्वम् धाता तवैव रूपेण पशुं विधाय त्वामेव हि ययाज। त्वां विश्वरूपं पुरतः दृष्ट्वा तव पूजां विधातुं कः समर्थः?

of You alone · in the form of · sacrificial animal · having made · in the beginning · the Creator Brahma · worshipped · before me · worship · capable

The sage reflects on the impossibility of worshipping the Infinite, highlighting the paradox of the finite devotee attempting to offer service to the Creator of all.

I see all the worlds within Your belly, O Soul of the Universe, O Vāsudeva! And yet, fool that I am, I worship You with this oblation for Your pleasure, O Viṣṇu.

sarvāṃśca lokāṃstava kukṣideśe

paśyāmi viśvātmaka vāsudeva

tathāpi mūḍho haviṣāpyanena

yajāmi viṣṇo tava toṣaṇāya

सर्वांश · sarvāṃśca — all

लोकान् · lokān — worlds

कुक्षिदेशे · kukṣideśe — in the belly

पश्यामि · paśyāmi — I see

विश्वात्मक · viśvātmaka — O Soul of the universe

मूढः · mūḍho — foolish

हविषा · haviṣā — with oblation

यजामि · yajāmi — I worship

तोषणाय · toṣaṇāya — for pleasure

हे विश्वात्मक वासुदेव, तव कुक्षिदेशे सर्वान् लोकान् पश्यामि। तथापि मूढः अहं तव तोषणाय अनेन हविषा यजामि।

all · worlds · in the belly · I see · O Soul of the universe · foolish · with oblation · I worship · for pleasure

Mṛkaṇḍu expresses his humility, acknowledging that while he sees the entire universe within the Lord, he still offers a small oblation, recognizing his own 'foolish' but loving devotion.

For You, the Enjoyer, Death is merely the side-dish, and the worlds are the food—so says the Śruti. You are the creator of the universe and the form of the universe; You are the enjoyer of the universe and the witness of the universe.

bhoktustava vyañjanameva mṛtyuḥ

annaṃ ca lokān vadati śrutirhi |

tvaṃ viśvakartāsi ca viśvarūpastvaṃ

viśvabhoktāsi ca viśvasākṣī

भोक्तुः · bhoktuḥ — of the enjoyer

व्यञ्जनम् · vyañjanam — side-dish

मृत्युः · mṛtyuḥ — death

अन्नम् · annam — food

श्रुतिः · śrutir — Vedic revelation

विश्वकर्ता · viśvakartā — creator of universe

विश्वभोक्ता · viśvabhoktā — enjoyer of universe

विश्वसाक्षी · viśvasākṣī — witness of universe

भोक्तुः तव मृत्युः व्यञ्जनम्, लोकान् अन्नं च इति श्रुतिः वदति। त्वं विश्वकर्ता, विश्वरूपः, विश्वभोक्ता, विश्वसाक्षी च असि।

of the enjoyer · side-dish · death · food · Vedic revelation · creator of universe · enjoyer of universe · witness of universe

This verse cites the Śruti to emphasize the Lord's absolute supremacy, where even death and the worlds are merely food for Him, reinforcing the sage's sense of inadequacy.

Before You of such glory, what am I, a bearer of a tiny body? "How shall I, so small, worship You, the greatest of the great, O Lord?"—thinking thus, I fall silent.

evaṃ prabhāvasya ca te purastādahaṃ

kiyānalpaśarīradhārī |

kathaṃ mahāntaṃ mahatāmahaṃ tvāṃ

yakṣyāmi deveti bhavāmi tūṣṇīm

एवं · evaṃ — thus

प्रभावस्य · prabhāvasya — of such glory

पुरस्तात् · purastāt — before

अल्पशरीरधारी · alpasharīradhārī — bearer of tiny body

महान्तम् · mahāntaṃ — the greatest

यक्ष्यामि · yakṣyāmi — shall I worship

तूष्णीम् · tūṣṇīm — silent

एवं प्रभावस्य ते पुरस्तात् अल्पशरीरधारी अहं कियान्? महान्तं त्वां कथं यक्ष्यामि इति चिन्तयन् अहं तूष्णीं भवामि।

thus · of such glory · before · bearer of tiny body · the greatest · shall I worship · silent

The sage reaches a point of silent awe, realizing the vast disparity between his tiny physical form and the Lord's immeasurable glory, leading to a state of humble silence.

Whatever little food has been cooked with devotion by my wife for Your worship, please accept it out of Your mercy, O Mukunda, and forgive the sins committed by me.

yatkiñcidannaṃ mama bhāryayāpi

pakvaṃ ca bhaktyā tava pūjanāya

tatsvīkuru tvaṃ kṛpayā mukunda

kṣamasva pāpāni mayā kṛtāni

यत्किञ्चित् · yatkiñcid — whatever little

अन्नम् · annaṃ — food

भार्यया · bhāryayā — by wife

पक्वम् · pakvaṃ — cooked

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

स्वीकुरु · svīkuru — accept

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of mercy

मुकुन्द · mukunda — O Mukunda

क्षमस्व · kṣamasva — forgive

पापानि · pāpāni — sins

मम भार्यया भक्त्या पक्वम् यत्किञ्चित् अन्नं तव पूजनाय, तत् त्वं कृपया स्वीकुरु, मया कृतानि पापानि च क्षमस्व।

whatever little · food · by wife · cooked · with devotion · accept · out of mercy · O Mukunda · forgive · sins

Mṛkaṇḍu concludes his prayer by offering the simple food prepared by his wife, asking for mercy and forgiveness, shifting from theological awe to personal surrender.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Thus prayed to, Viṣṇu, the God of gods, Trivikrama, having eaten the food offered to him, spoke sweet words.

śrīsadgururuvāca

iti saṃprārthito viṣṇurdevadevastrivikramaḥ

bhuktvā tadarpitañcānnamuvāca madhuraṃ vacaḥ

संप्रार्थितः · saṃprārthito — thus prayed to

विष्णुः · viṣṇur — Lord Vishnu

देवदेवः · devadevaḥ — God of gods

त्रिविक्रमः · trivikramaḥ — Trivikrama

भुक्त्वा · bhuktvā — having eaten

तदर्पितम् · tadarpitaṃ — offered by him

मधुरम् · madhuraṃ — sweet

वचः · vacaḥ — words

इति संप्रार्थितः देवदेवः विष्णुः त्रिविक्रमः तदर्पितं अन्नं भुक्त्वा मधुरं वचः उवाच।

thus prayed to · Lord Vishnu · God of gods · Trivikrama · having eaten · offered by him · sweet · words

This verse serves as the narrative bridge, confirming the Lord's acceptance of the devotee's offering and setting the stage for the Lord's divine response.

The Lord said:

O Brahmin, it is because of your penance that I have come to your hermitage. I have been worshipped by your hospitality according to the rules.

śrībhagavānuvāca

tavaiva tapasā brahmannāgato'smi tavāśramam

ātithyena vidhānena pūjito'smi yathāvidhi

तव · tava — your

एव · eva — indeed

तपसा · tapasā — by penance

ब्रह्मन् · brahman — O Brahmin

आगतः · āgataḥ — come

अस्मि · asmi — I am

तव · tava — your

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

आतिथ्येन · ātithyena — by hospitality

विधानेन · vidhānena — by the rules

पूजितः · pūjitaḥ — worshipped

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to injunctions

ब्रह्मन्, तव तपसा एव अहम् तव आश्रमम् आगतः अस्मि। आतिथ्येन विधानेन यथाविधि पूजितः अस्मि।

your · indeed · by penance · O Brahmin · come · I am · your · hermitage · by hospitality · by the rules · worshipped · according to injunctions

The Lord confirms that the sage's intense penance is the sole cause of His manifestation. By acknowledging the hospitality, He validates the sage's devotion and establishes the sanctity of the hermitage.

Even in the Kali age, I shall remain here in this very form, bestowing upon human beings their desired ends. There is no doubt in this.

kalāvapi manuṣyāṇāṃ kāmitārthaprado'smyaham

atraivānena rūpeṇa vatsyāmi ca na saṃśayaḥ

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

अपि · api — even

मनुष्याणाम् · manuṣyāṇām — of humans

कामितार्थप्रदः · kāmitārthapradaḥ — grantor of desired ends

अस्मि · asmi — I am

अहम् · aham — I

अत्र · atra — here

एव · eva — only

अनेन · anena — by this

रूपेण · rūpeṇa — form

वत्स्यामि · vatsyāmi — I will reside

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अहम् कलौ अपि मनुष्याणाम् कामितार्थप्रदः अस्मि। अत्र एव अनेन रूपेण वत्स्यामि, न संशयः।

in the Kali age · even · of humans · grantor of desired ends · I am · I · here · only · by this · form · I will reside · not · doubt

The Lord grants a boon of eternal presence at the site, ensuring that the fruits of devotion remain accessible even in the difficult Kali age. This establishes Gopapurī as a permanent center of grace.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus, Lord Kṛṣṇa, the soul of the universe, bearing the form of Trivikrama, mercifully established His presence there.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā bhagavān kṛṣṇastrivikramavapurdharaḥ

cakāra tatra sānnidhyaṃ kṛpayā viśvabhāvanaḥ

इति · iti — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

कृष्णः · kṛṣṇaḥ — Krishna

त्रिविक्रमवपुर्धरः · trivikramavapurdharaḥ — bearing the Trivikrama form

चकार · cakāra — made

तत्र · tatra — there

सान्निध्यम् · sānnidhyam — presence

कृपया · kṛpayā — by mercy

विश्वभावनः · viśvabhāvanaḥ — the creator of the universe

इति उक्त्वा भगवान् कृष्णः त्रिविक्रमवपुर्धरः विश्वभावनः कृपया तत्र सान्निध्यम् चकार।

thus · having spoken · the Lord · Krishna · bearing the Trivikrama form · made · there · presence · by mercy · the creator of the universe

This verse marks the transition from the dialogue to the divine act of the Lord establishing His permanent residence, confirming the transformation of the hermitage into a sacred Divya Desa.

Those devoted people who see Hari, the Lord of the universe, as Trivikrama on the bank of the Krishnabhadra, are truly fulfilled. There is no doubt.

Here ends the twenty-fourth chapter, entitled "The Glory of Gopapurī," in the Second Part of the "Divyadeśavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

ye paśyanti narā bhaktāḥ kṛṣṇabhadrātaṭe harim

trivikramaṃ jagannāthaṃ te kṛtārthā na saṃśayaḥ

ये · ye — those

पश्यन्ति · paśyanti — see

नराः · narāḥ — men

भक्ताः · bhaktāḥ — devoted

कृष्णभद्रातटे · kṛṣṇabhadrātaṭe — on the bank of Krishnabhadra

हरिम् · harim — Hari

त्रिविक्रमम् · trivikramam — Trivikrama

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — Lord of the universe

ते · te — they

कृतार्थाः · kṛtārthāḥ — fulfilled

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

ये भक्ताः नराः कृष्णभद्रातटे त्रिविक्रमम् जगन्नाथम् हरिम् पश्यन्ति, ते कृतार्थाः, न संशयः।

those · see · men · devoted · on the bank of Krishnabhadra · Hari · Trivikrama · Lord of the universe · they · fulfilled · not · doubt

The chapter concludes by defining the path to spiritual fulfillment for all devotees, emphasizing that the vision of the Lord at this specific site is the ultimate achievement.