वकुलारण्यक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Vakulāraṇya Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

I shall now narrate the glory of this supremely sacred place known as Vakulāraṇya (the forest of Vakula trees), which destroys even the greatest sins.

śrīsadgururuvāca

vakulāraṇyamityetatkṣetraṃ paramapāvanam

vakṣyāmi tasya māhātmyaṃ mahāpātakanāśanam

वकुलारण्यम् · vakulāraṇyam — the Vakula forest

इति · iti — thus

एतत् · etat — this

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred site

परमपावनम् · paramapāvanam — supremely purifying

वक्ष्यामि · vakṣyāmi — I shall narrate

तस्य · tasya — its

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — glory

महापातकनाशनम् · mahāpātakanāśanam — destroyer of great sins

अहं परमपावनं वकुलारण्यमित्येतत् क्षेत्रं वक्ष्यामि। तस्य महापातकनाशनं माहात्म्यं वक्ष्यामि।

the Vakula forest · thus · this · sacred site · supremely purifying · I shall narrate · its · glory · destroyer of great sins

This verse serves as the introductory invocation of the chapter, establishing the sanctity of the Vakulāraṇya Kṣetra. It sets the stage for the narrative by highlighting the site's power to cleanse sins.

A sage named Vibhaṇḍaka, firm in his vows, once performed penance here with his disciples, subsisting only on leaves.

vibhaṇḍako nāma munistapaścakre dṛḍhavrataḥ

atra sārdhaṃ svaśiṣyaiśca parṇamātrāśanaḥ purā

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — the sage Vibhaṇḍaka

नाम · nāma — by name

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in vows

अत्र · atra — here

सार्धम् · sārdham — together with

स्वशिष्यैः · svaśiṣyaiḥ — his own disciples

पर्णमात्राशनः · parṇamātrāśanaḥ — subsisting only on leaves

पुरा · purā — in ancient times

पुरा दृढव्रतः विभण्डको नाम मुनिः स्वशिष्यैः सार्धम् अत्र तपः चक्रे। सः पर्णमात्राशनः आसीत्।

the sage Vibhaṇḍaka · by name · the sage · penance · performed · firm in vows · here · together with · his own disciples · subsisting only on leaves · in ancient times

This verse introduces the protagonist of the chapter, Sage Vibhaṇḍaka, and establishes his ascetic nature. It provides the historical context for why the site became significant.

The Devotees said:

For what reason did Vibhaṇḍaka, of firm resolve, perform penance? O sage, his dwelling place was formerly in the country of Aṅga, and his son was Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, who was honored by King Romapāda.

bhāgavatā ūcuḥ

kimarthaṃ sa tapaścakre dṛḍhaniṣṭho vibhaṇḍakaḥ

aṅgadeśe pūrvamāsīttasya vāsasthalaṃ muneḥ

ṛśyaśṛṅgastasya putro romapādasamarcitaḥ

किमर्थम् · kimartham — for what purpose

सः · saḥ — he

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

दृढनिष्ठः · dṛḍhaniṣṭhaḥ — of firm resolve

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — Vibhaṇḍaka

अङ्गदेशे · aṅgadeśe — in the Aṅga country

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — formerly

आसीत् · āsīt — was

तस्य · tasya — his

वासस्थलं · vāsasthalaṃ — dwelling place

मुनेः · muneḥ — of the sage

ऋश्यशृङ्गः · ṛśyaśṛṅgaḥ — Ṛṣyaśṛṅga

तस्य · tasya — his

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

रोमपादसमर्चितः · romapādasamarcitaḥ — honored by King Romapāda

दृढनिष्ठः सः विभण्डकः किमर्थं तपः चक्रे? मुनेः तस्य वासस्थलं पूर्वम् अङ्गदेशे आसीत्। तस्य पुत्रः ऋश्यशृङ्गः रोमपादसमर्चितः आसीत्।

for what purpose · he · penance · performed · of firm resolve · Vibhaṇḍaka · in the Aṅga country · formerly · was · his · dwelling place · of the sage · Ṛṣyaśṛṅga · his · son · honored by King Romapāda

The devotees inquire about the sage's background, creating a bridge between his known history in Aṅga and his mysterious arrival in the south. This dialogue deepens the listener's curiosity.

It is heard that King Daśaratha, desiring a son, also brought Ṛṣyaśṛṅga and performed the Aśvamedha sacrifice.

ṛśyaśṛṅgamupānīya rājā daśaratho'pi ca

aśvamedhaṃ putrakāmaścakre pūrvamiti śrutam

ऋश्यशृङ्गम् · ṛśyaśṛṅgam — Ṛṣyaśṛṅga

उपानीय · upānīya — having brought

राजा · rājā — the king

दशरथः · daśarathaḥ — Daśaratha

अपि · api — also

च · ca — and

अश्वमेधम् · aśvamedham — Aśvamedha sacrifice

पुत्रकामः · putrakāmaḥ — desiring a son

चक्रे · cakre — performed

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — formerly

इति · iti — thus

श्रुतम् · śrutam — it is heard

पुत्रकामः राजा दशरथोऽपि ऋश्यशृङ्गम् उपानीय पूर्वम् अश्वमेधं चक्रे इति श्रुतम्।

Ṛṣyaśṛṅga · having brought · the king · Daśaratha · also · and · Aśvamedha sacrifice · desiring a son · performed · formerly · thus · it is heard

This verse contextualizes the sage's son, Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, within the Ramayana narrative, establishing the high spiritual stature of the family and the importance of their connection to the Ikṣvāku dynasty.

O Sadguru, why did such a pre-eminent sage, one who had conquered his senses, come to the Drāviḍa country and perform penance here?

tādṛśo munivaryo'yaṃ kimarthaṃ vijitendriyaḥ

drāviḍaṃ deśamāgatya tapaścakre'tra sadguro

तादृशः · tādṛśaḥ — such a

मुनिवर्यः · munivaryaḥ — foremost of sages

अयम् · ayam — this

किमर्थम् · kimartham — for what purpose

विजितेन्द्रियः · vijitendriyaḥ — one who has conquered senses

द्राविडं · drāviḍaṃ — Drāviḍa

देशम् · deśam — country

आगत्य · āgatya — having come

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

अत्र · atra — here

सद्गुरो · sadguro — O Sadguru

सद्गुरो, तादृशः मुनिवर्यः विजितेन्द्रियः अयम् किमर्थं द्राविडं देशम् आगत्य अत्र तपः चक्रे?

such a · foremost of sages · this · for what purpose · one who has conquered senses · Drāviḍa · country · having come · penance · performed · here · O Sadguru

The devotees pose the central question of the chapter: why would a great sage leave his established life to perform penance in the Drāviḍa country? This highlights the unique spiritual magnetism of Vakulāraṇya.

The Sadguru said:

Indeed, by the grace of Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, Śrī Rāma took his incarnation. Hearing of Rāma's incarnation, the great sage Vibhaṇḍaka, firm in his vows, went to Sāketa (Ayodhyā) to see him.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ṛśyaśṛṅgaprasādena śrīrāmo'vatatāra ha

śrutvā rāmāvatāraṃ tu vibhaṇḍakamunirmahān

taddarśanāya sāketaṃ jagāma sa dṛḍhavrataḥ

ऋश्यशृङ्गप्रसादेन · ṛśyaśṛṅgaprasādena — by the grace of Ṛṣyaśṛṅga

श्रीरामः · śrīrāmaḥ — Śrī Rāma

अवततार · avatatāra — incarnated

ह · ha — indeed

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

रामावतारम् · rāmāvatāram — Rāma's incarnation

तु · tu — and

विभण्डकमुनिः · vibhaṇḍakamuniḥ — Sage Vibhaṇḍaka

महान् · mahān — the great

तद्दर्शनाय · taddarśanāya — to see Him

साकेतम् · sāketaṃ — to Sāketa

जगाम · jagāma — went

सः · saḥ — he

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in vows

ऋश्यशृङ्गप्रसादेन श्रीरामः अवततार। रामावतारं श्रुत्वा महान् विभण्डकमुनिः तद्दर्शनाय साकेतं जगाम।

by the grace of Ṛṣyaśṛṅga · Śrī Rāma · incarnated · indeed · having heard · Rāma's incarnation · and · Sage Vibhaṇḍaka · the great · to see Him · to Sāketa · went · he · firm in vows

The Sadguru begins the explanation by linking the sage's journey to his devotion to Śrī Rāma, establishing that the penance was driven by divine longing rather than worldly need.

There, hearing of Rāma's exile to the forest, he became greatly sorrowful and set out for the Daṇḍaka forest, intent on seeing him.

vanavāsaṃ tatra śrutvā rāmasya bahu duḥkhitaḥ

pratasthe daṇḍakāraṇyaṃ taddarśanaparāyaṇaḥ

वनवासम् · vanavāsam — exile to the forest

तत्र · tatra — there

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

रामस्य · rāmasya — of Rāma

बहु · bahu — greatly

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — sorrowful

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — set out

दण्डकारण्यम् · daṇḍakāraṇyam — to the Daṇḍaka forest

तद्दर्शनपरायणः · taddarśanaparāyaṇaḥ — intent on seeing Him

तत्र रामस्य वनवासं श्रुत्वा बहु दुःखितः सः तद्दर्शनपरायणः दण्डकारण्यं प्रतस्थे।

exile to the forest · there · having heard · of Rāma · greatly · sorrowful · set out · to the Daṇḍaka forest · intent on seeing Him

This verse depicts the sage's emotional reaction to the news of Rāma's exile, showing that his movements are guided by his profound love for the Lord, leading him toward the forest.

Then, going to Pañcavaṭī and hearing that Sītā had been abducted by a Rākṣasa and that Rāghava was searching for the large-eyed one in forest after forest,

tataḥ pañcavaṭīṃ gatvā hṛtāṃ sītāṃ ca rakṣasā

vicinvantaṃ rāghavaṃ ca viśālākṣīṃ vane vane

ततः · tataḥ — then

पञ्चवटीम् · pañcavaṭīṃ — to Pañcavaṭī

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

हृताम् · hṛtāṃ — abducted

सीताम् · sītāṃ — Sītā

च · ca — and

रक्षसा · rakṣasā — by a Rākṣasa

विचिन्वन्तम् · vicinvantam — searching

राघवम् · rāghavam — Rāghava

च · ca — and

विशालाक्षीम् · viśālākṣīṃ — the large-eyed one

वने वने · vane vane — in every forest

ततः पञ्चवटीं गत्वा रक्षसा हृतां सीतां विचिन्वन्तं राघवं च वने वने श्रुत्वा।

then · to Pañcavaṭī · having gone · abducted · Sītā · and · by a Rākṣasa · searching · Rāghava · and · the large-eyed one · in every forest

The narrative intensifies as the sage encounters the tragedy of Sītā's abduction, which deepens his distress and his resolve to find the Lord, setting the stage for his wandering.

the yogi Vibhaṇḍaka wandered through the woods, chanting the Tāraka mantra, desperate for the sight of Rāma.

śrutvā vibhaṇḍako yogī sañcacāra vane vane

sañjapan tārakaṃ mantraṃ rāmadarśanakātaraḥ

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — Vibhaṇḍaka

योगी · yogī — the yogi

सञ्चचार · sañcacāra — wandered

वने वने · vane vane — in forest after forest

सञ्जपन् · sañjapan — chanting

तारकम् · tārakam — the Tāraka

मन्त्रम् · mantram — mantra

रामदर्शनकातरः · rāmadarśanakātaraḥ — desperate for Rāma's sight

रामदर्शनकातरः योगी विभण्डकः तारकं मन्त्रं सञ्जपन् वने वने सञ्चचार।

having heard · Vibhaṇḍaka · the yogi · wandered · in forest after forest · chanting · the Tāraka · mantra · desperate for Rāma's sight

This verse captures the sage's spiritual practice during his search, emphasizing that his grief is transformed into a continuous meditation on the Tāraka mantra, the name of Rāma.

Thereafter, that best of sages, while wandering from place to place, came to the Vakulāraṇya near the Nīrācala mountain.

tataḥ paraṃ tatra tatra sañcaranmunipuṅgavaḥ

nīrācalasamīpe tu vakulāraṇyamāyayau

ततः परम् · tataḥ paraṃ — thereafter

तत्र तत्र · tatra tatra — here and there

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — best of sages

नीराचलसमीपे · nīrācalasamīpe — near Nīrācala mountain

तु · tu — and

वकुलारण्यम् · vakulāraṇyam — Vakulāraṇya

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

ततः परं तत्र तत्र सञ्चरन् मुनिपुङ्गवः नीराचलसमीपे वकुलारण्यम् आययौ।

thereafter · here and there · wandering · best of sages · near Nīrācala mountain · and · Vakulāraṇya · arrived

The sage's journey brings him to the specific location of the chapter, Vakulāraṇya. This physical arrival marks the transition from his search to his decision to perform penance at this site.

The sages there told him that Rāma, with the army of monkeys, had gone to Laṅkā for battle, with the desire to bring back Sītā.

tatratyā munayaḥ procū rāmaṃ vānarasenayā

yuddhārthaṃ ca gataṃ laṅkāṃ sītāmāhartumicchayā

तत्रत्याः · tatratyāḥ — those residing there

मुनयः · munayaḥ — the sages

प्रोचुः · procuḥ — told

रामं · rāmaṃ — to Rāma

वानरसेनया · vānarasenayā — with the monkey army

युद्धार्थं · yuddhārthaṃ — for the sake of battle

गतं · gataṃ — gone

लङ्कां · laṅkāṃ — to Laṅkā

सीताम् · sītām — Sītā

आहर्तुम् · āhartum — to bring back

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

तत्रत्याः मुनयः रामं प्रोचुः। सः वानरसेनया सह सीताम् आहर्तुम् इच्छया युद्धार्थं लङ्कां गतः इति।

those residing there · the sages · told · to Rāma · with the monkey army · for the sake of battle · gone · to Laṅkā · Sītā · to bring back · with the desire

This verse marks the arrival of Vibhaṇḍaka at Vakulāraṇya, where he receives the news of Rāma's departure to Laṅkā. It sets the stage for his deep anxiety regarding the safety of the Lord.

Vibhaṇḍaka, filled with parental affection for Rāma, became exceedingly frightened. The Rākṣasas were of fearsome deeds, whereas Rāghava was the very soul of Dharma.

vibhaṇḍako bhṛśaṃ bhīto rāme vātsalyasaṃyutaḥ

rākṣasā bhīmakarmāṇo dharmātmā rāghavastathā

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — the sage Vibhaṇḍaka

भृशं · bhṛśaṃ — greatly

भीतः · bhītaḥ — frightened

रामे · rāme — towards Rāma

वात्सल्यसंयुतः · vātsalyasaṃyutaḥ — filled with parental affection

राक्षसाः · rākṣasāḥ — the demons

भीमकर्माणः · bhīmakarmāṇaḥ — of fearsome deeds

धर्मात्मा · dharmātmā — the soul of righteousness

राघवः · rāghavaḥ — Rāghava

तथा · tathā — and so

विभण्डकः रामे वात्सल्यसंयुतः सन् भृशं भीतः अभवत्। राक्षसाः भीमकर्माणः, राघवः तु धर्मात्मा इति सः अचिन्तयत्।

the sage Vibhaṇḍaka · greatly · frightened · towards Rāma · filled with parental affection · the demons · of fearsome deeds · the soul of righteousness · Rāghava · and so

Vibhaṇḍaka's internal state is revealed here; his parental love for Rāma clashes with his awareness of the Rākṣasas' cruelty, creating a profound emotional conflict.

"Having gone with monkeys, how will the battle ensue? How will he slay that cruel-deeded Rāvaṇa? How will he regain Sītā, who is weeping, 'O Rāma, Rāma'?"

gataśca vānaraiḥ sārdhaṃ kathaṃ yuddhaṃ bhaviṣyati

kathaṃ taṃ krūrakarmāṇaṃ rāvaṇaṃ nihaniṣyati

rudatīṃ rāma rāmeti kathaṃ sītāmavāpsyati

गतः · gataḥ — having gone

च · ca — and

वानरैः · vānaraiḥ — with monkeys

सार्धं · sārdhaṃ — together

कथं · kathaṃ — how

युद्धं · yuddhaṃ — the battle

भविष्यति · bhaviṣyati — will happen

तं · taṃ — him

क्रूरकर्माणं · krūrakarmāṇaṃ — cruel-deeded

रावणं · rāvaṇaṃ — Rāvaṇa

निहनिष्यति · nihaniṣyati — will slay

रुदतीं · rudatīṃ — weeping

राम रामेति · rāma rāmeti — saying 'O Rāma, Rāma'

सीताम् · sītām — Sītā

अवाप्स्यति · avāpsyati — will obtain

वानरैः सार्धं गतः सः कथं युद्धं भविष्यति? सः क्रूरकर्माणं रावणं कथं निहनिष्यति? राम रामेति रुदतीं सीतां कथं अवाप्स्यति?

having gone · and · with monkeys · together · how · the battle · will happen · him · cruel-deeded · Rāvaṇa · will slay · weeping · saying 'O Rāma, Rāma' · Sītā · will obtain

This verse captures the sage's existential worry for the Lord, framing the upcoming battle through the lens of a concerned parent rather than a detached observer.

"Why has such sorrow befallen the wise Rāma? How can his story possibly have a sweet ending (madhurāntakam) quickly?"

kimarthamīdṛśaṃ duḥkhaṃ prāptaṃ rāmasya dhīmataḥ

caritraṃ syāt kathaṃ tasya śīghraṃ vai madhurāntakam

किमर्थम् · kimartham — for what reason

ईदृशं · īdṛśaṃ — such

दुःखं · duḥkhaṃ — sorrow

प्राप्तं · prāptaṃ — attained

रामस्य · rāmasya — of Rāma

धीमतः · dhīmataḥ — the wise one

चरित्रं · caritraṃ — the story

स्यात् · syāt — may be

कथं · kathaṃ — how

तस्य · tasya — his

शीघ्रं · śīghraṃ — quickly

वै · vai — indeed

मधुरान्तकम् · madhurāntakam — sweet-ended

धीमतः रामस्य किमर्थम् ईदृशं दुःखं प्राप्तम्? तस्य चरित्रं शीघ्रं मधुरान्तकं कथं स्यात्?

for what reason · such · sorrow · attained · of Rāma · the wise one · the story · may be · how · his · quickly · indeed · sweet-ended

The term 'Madhurāntakam' is introduced here as a theological pun, linking the geographical location to the desire for a 'sweet ending' to the Lord's suffering.

"May Rāghava, after quickly slaying Rāvaṇa and regaining Sītā, return to his city and obtain his kingdom."

śīghraṃ hatvā rāvaṇaṃ ca sītāṃ prāpya ca rāghavaḥ

punaḥ prāpya purīṃ tatra sāmrājyaṃ tadavāpnuyāt

शीघ्रं · śīghraṃ — quickly

हत्वा · hatvā — having slain

रावणं · rāvaṇaṃ — Rāvaṇa

च · ca — and

सीतां · sītāṃ — Sītā

प्राप्य · prāpya — having obtained

राघवः · rāghavaḥ — Rāghava

पुनः · punaḥ — again

प्राप्य · prāpya — having reached

पुरीं · purīṃ — the city

तत्र · tatra — there

साम्राज्यं · sāmrājyaṃ — the kingdom

तदवाप्नुयात् · tadavāpnuyāt — may he obtain that

राघवः शीघ्रं रावणं हत्वा सीतां प्राप्य च, पुनः पुरीं प्राप्य तत्र साम्राज्यं अवाप्नुयात्।

quickly · having slain · Rāvaṇa · and · Sītā · having obtained · Rāghava · again · having reached · the city · there · the kingdom · may he obtain that

Vibhaṇḍaka formulates his prayer as a strategic resolution, connecting his penance directly to the success of Rāma's mission.

"To ensure this, I shall perform a very great penance in this forest. Then, I shall also obtain the rare sight of Rāma."

tādṛśaṃ hi kariṣyāmi vane'smin sumahattapaḥ

tataḥ paramavāpsyāmi durlabhaṃ rāmadarśanam

तादृशं · tādṛśaṃ — such

हि · hi — indeed

करिष्यामि · kariṣyāmi — I shall perform

वनेऽस्मिन् · vane'smin — in this forest

सुमहत्तपः · sumahattapaḥ — great penance

ततः · tataḥ — then

परमवाप्स्यामि · paramavāpsyāmi — I shall obtain

दुर्लभं · durlabhaṃ — rare

रामदर्शनम् · rāmadarśanam — vision of Rāma

अस्मिन् वने तादृशं सुमहत् तपः करिष्यामि। ततः दुर्लभं रामदर्शनं परमवाप्स्यामि।

such · indeed · I shall perform · in this forest · great penance · then · I shall obtain · rare · vision of Rāma

This verse establishes the motivation for the penance: the sage seeks to earn the vision of the Lord through his own spiritual exertion.

Having thus resolved, the king of yogis, the sage Vibhaṇḍaka, performed penance in the forest with full concentration, along with all the sages.

iti niścitya yogīndro vibhaṇḍakamunirvane

sarvaiśca munibhiḥ sārdhaṃ tapaścakre samāhitaḥ

इति · iti — thus

निश्चित्य · niścitya — having decided

योगीन्द्रः · yogīndraḥ — the king of yogis

विभण्डकमुनिः · vibhaṇḍakamuniḥ — sage Vibhaṇḍaka

वने · vane — in the forest

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — with all

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — sages

सार्धं · sārdhaṃ — together

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

समाहितः · samāhitaḥ — with concentration

इति निश्चित्य योगीन्द्रः विभण्डकमुनिः सर्वैः मुनिभिः सार्धं वने समाहितः सन् तपः चक्रे।

thus · having decided · the king of yogis · sage Vibhaṇḍaka · in the forest · with all · sages · together · penance · performed · with concentration

The collective effort of the sages emphasizes the sanctity of the location and the importance of communal spiritual practice in the Vaishnava tradition.

With the great sacrifice of japa of the Tāraka mantra, he worshipped Viṣṇu, Govinda, the abode of compassion.

japayajñena mahatā tārakasya manoriha

ārādhayāmāsa viṣṇuṃ govindaṃ karuṇākaram

जपयज्ञेन · japayajñena — by the sacrifice of japa

महता · mahatā — great

तारकस्य · tārakasya — of the Tāraka mantra

मनोरिह · manoriha — of the mantra here

आराधयामास · ārādhayāmāsa — worshipped

विष्णुं · viṣṇuṃ — Viṣṇu

गोविन्दं · govindaṃ — Govinda

करुणाकरम् · karuṇākaram — the abode of compassion

इह तारकस्य मनोः महता जपयज्ञेन सः करुणाकरं विष्णुं गोविन्दं आराधयामास।

by the sacrifice of japa · great · of the Tāraka mantra · of the mantra here · worshipped · Viṣṇu · Govinda · the abode of compassion

The Tāraka mantra is identified as the core of their worship, highlighting the efficacy of the Name of Rāma in achieving divine communion.

On the bank of a pond here, the sages of yore performed a most severe penance, subsisting only on leaves, desperate for the sight of Rāma.

vāpītīre'tra munayaḥ parṇamātrāśanāḥ purā

tapaścakrurmahāghoraṃ rāmadarśanakātarāḥ

वापीतीरे · vāpītīre — on the bank of the pond

अत्र · atra — here

मुनयः · munayaḥ — the sages

पर्णमात्राशनाः · parṇamātrāśanāḥ — subsisting only on leaves

पुरा · purā — of yore

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

महाघोरं · mahāghoraṃ — very severe

रामदर्शनकातराः · rāmadarśanakātarāḥ — desperate for the vision of Rāma

अत्र वापीतीरे पुरा मुनयः रामदर्शनकातराः सन्तः पर्णमात्राशनाः महाघोरं तपः चक्रुः।

on the bank of the pond · here · the sages · subsisting only on leaves · of yore · penance · performed · very severe · desperate for the vision of Rāma

The austerity of the sages, subsisting only on leaves, underscores their intense longing and the gravity of their spiritual endeavor.

Always chanting "Śrī Rāma, Rāma" with resolute minds, they performed the preparatory rites (puraścaryā), devoted to japa and homa.

sadā śrīrāma rāmeti japanto dṛḍhamānasāḥ

puraścaryāṃ tathā cakrurjapahomaparāyaṇāḥ

सदा · sadā — always

श्रीराम रामेति · śrīrāma rāmeti — chanting 'Śrī Rāma, Rāma'

जपन्तः · japantaḥ — chanting

दृढमानसाः · dṛḍhamānasāḥ — with resolute minds

पुरश्चर्यां · puraścaryāṃ — preparatory rites

तथा · tathā — also

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

जपहोमपरायणाः · japahomaparāyaṇāḥ — devoted to japa and homa

सदा श्रीराम रामेति जपन्तः दृढमानसाः ते जपहोमपरायणाः सन्तः पुरश्चर्यां चक्रुः।

always · chanting 'Śrī Rāma, Rāma' · chanting · with resolute minds · preparatory rites · also · performed · devoted to japa and homa

This verse details the specific methodology of their worship, combining japa and homa, which are essential components of a formal puraścaryā.

Meanwhile, the wielder of the Koḍaṇḍa bow, having slain the lord of Laṅkā in battle, and having consecrated his own devotee Vibhīṣaṇa in Laṅkā,

tāvatkodaṇḍapāṇiśca hatvā laṅkeśvaraṃ yudhi

laṅkāyāṃ ca nijaṃ bhaktamabhiṣicya vibhīṣaṇam

तावत् · tāvat — meanwhile

कोदण्डपाणिः · kodaṇḍapāṇiḥ — wielder of the Koḍaṇḍa bow

च · ca — and

हत्वा · hatvā — having slain

लङ्केश्वरम् · laṅkeśvaram — the lord of Laṅkā

युधि · yudhi — in battle

लङ्कायां · laṅkāyāṃ — in Laṅkā

निजं · nijaṃ — his own

भक्तम् · bhaktam — devotee

अभिषिच्य · abhiṣicya — having consecrated

विभीषणम् · vibhīṣaṇam — Vibhīṣaṇa

तावत् कोदण्डपाणिः युधि लङ्केश्वरं हत्वा लङ्कायां निजं भक्तं विभीषणम् अभिषिच्य (स्थितः)।

meanwhile · wielder of the Koḍaṇḍa bow · and · having slain · the lord of Laṅkā · in battle · in Laṅkā · his own · devotee · having consecrated · Vibhīṣaṇa

This verse marks the transition from the sage's long wait to the Lord's victorious return, establishing the timeline of Rāma's arrival at the kṣetra.

regaining the lotus-eyed Sītā and joyfully boarding the Puṣpaka vimāna, set out again for his own city, taking the aerial path.

avāpya sītāṃ padmākṣīmārūḍhaḥ puṣpakaṃ mudā |

ākāśamārgamālambya pratasthe svapuraṃ punaḥ

अवाप्य · avāpya — having regained

सीतां · sītāṃ — Sītā

पद्माक्षीम् · padmākṣīm — lotus-eyed one

आरूढः · ārūḍhaḥ — having boarded

पुष्पकम् · puṣpakam — the Puṣpaka vimāna

मुदा · mudā — with joy

आकाशमार्गम् · ākāśamārgam — the aerial path

आलम्ब्य · ālambya — taking

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — set out

स्वपुरं · svapuraṃ — to his own city

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पद्माक्षीं सीतां अवाप्य मुदा पुष्पकं आरूढः आकाशमार्गं आलम्ब्य पुनः स्वपुरं प्रतस्थे।

having regained · Sītā · lotus-eyed one · having boarded · the Puṣpaka vimāna · with joy · the aerial path · taking · set out · to his own city · again

This verse describes the Lord's journey back to Ayodhyā, setting the stage for the divine intervention that leads Him to Vakulāraṇya.

Seeing an obstruction to the Puṣpaka's movement mid-journey, he quickly descended to the earth and came to Vakulāraṇya.

madhyemārgaṃ puṣpakasya gatirodhaṃ vilokya saḥ |

avaruhya dharāṃ śīghraṃ vakulāraṇyamāyayau

मध्येमार्गं · madhyemārgaṃ — mid-journey

पुष्पकस्य · puṣpakasya — of the Puṣpaka

गतिरोधं · gatirodhaṃ — obstruction of movement

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

सः · saḥ — he (Rāma)

अवरुह्य · avaruhya — having descended

धरां · dharāṃ — to the earth

शीघ्रं · śīghraṃ — quickly

वकुलारण्यम् · vakulāraṇyam — to Vakulāraṇya

आययौ · āyayau — came

सः मध्येमार्गं पुष्पकस्य गतिरोधं विलोक्य शीघ्रं धरां अवरुह्य वकुलारण्यम् आययौ।

mid-journey · of the Puṣpaka · obstruction of movement · having seen · he (Rāma) · having descended · to the earth · quickly · to Vakulāraṇya · came

This verse explains the specific reason for Rāma's arrival at the kṣetra, fulfilling the sage's long-standing desire for darśana.

The best of the Raghu clan came to see the sage Vibhaṇḍaka, who was performing a wondrous penance there with other sages.

tatraiva munibhiḥ sākaṃ tapaḥ kurvantamadbhutam

vibhaṇḍakamuniṃ draṣṭumāyayau raghupuṅgavaḥ

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with the sages

साकं · sākaṃ — together

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

कुर्वन्तम् · kurvantam — performing

अद्भुतम् · adbhutam — wondrous

विभण्डकमुनिम् · vibhaṇḍakamunim — Sage Vibhaṇḍaka

द्रष्टुम् · draṣṭum — to see

आययौ · āyayau — came

रघुपुङ्गवः · raghupuṅgavaḥ — the best of the Raghu clan

रघुपुङ्गवः तत्रैव मुनिभिः साकं अद्भुतं तपः कुर्वन्तं विभण्डकमुनिं द्रष्टुम् आययौ।

right there · with the sages · together · penance · performing · wondrous · Sage Vibhaṇḍaka · to see · came · the best of the Raghu clan

This verse highlights the mutual grace between the Lord and the devotee, as Rāma specifically seeks out the sage who was performing penance for Him.

The Rākṣasas and monkeys came down from the Puṣpaka first, and after them Lakṣmaṇa, then Sugrīva and Hanumān.

rākṣasā vānarāścaiva puṣpakātpūrvamāyayuḥ

tataḥ paraṃ lakṣmaṇaśca sugrīvo hanumāṃstataḥ

राक्षसा · rākṣasā — the Rākṣasas

वानराश्चैव · vānarāścaiva — and the monkeys

पुष्पकात् · puṣpakāt — from the Puṣpaka

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — first

आययुः · āyayuḥ — came down

ततः · tataḥ — then

परं · paraṃ — after

लक्ष्मणश्च · lakṣmaṇaśca — and Lakṣmaṇa

सुग्रीवः · sugrīvaḥ — Sugrīva

हनुमांस्ततः · hanumāṃstataḥ — then Hanumān

राक्षसाः वानराः च एव पुष्पकात् पूर्वं आययुः, ततः परं लक्ष्मणः च सुग्रीवः ततः हनुमांः (आययुः)।

the Rākṣasas · and the monkeys · from the Puṣpaka · first · came down · then · after · and Lakṣmaṇa · Sugrīva · then Hanumān

This verse describes the orderly arrival of the Lord's entourage, emphasizing the grandeur of the divine visit to the forest.

Then Rāma, the lotus-eyed one, holding Sītā's hand, alighted with her and gave his audience to the sage.

ālambya hastaṃ sītāyā rāmo rājīvalocanaḥ

avaropya tayā sākaṃ munaye darśanaṃ dadau

आलम्ब्य · ālambya — holding

हस्तं · hastaṃ — the hand

सीताया · sītāyā — of Sītā

रामो · rāmo — Rāma

राजीवलोचनः · rājīvalocanaḥ — lotus-eyed one

अवरोप्य · avaropya — having alighted

तया · tayā — with her

साकं · sākaṃ — together

मुनये · munaye — to the sage

दर्शनं · darśanaṃ — audience

ददौ · dadau — gave

राजीवलोचनः रामः सीतायाः हस्तं आलम्ब्य तया साकं अवरोप्य मुनये दर्शनं ददौ।

holding · the hand · of Sītā · Rāma · lotus-eyed one · having alighted · with her · together · to the sage · audience · gave

This verse captures the intimate moment of the Lord granting darśana, emphasizing the personal nature of the divine interaction.

The sage Vibhaṇḍaka, seeing Rāma had arrived, rose up with the other sages, filled with joyful excitement.

vibhaṇḍakamuniścātra rāmaṃ dṛṣṭvā samāgatam

utthāya munibhiḥ sārdhamāyayau saṃbhramānvitaḥ

विभण्डकमुनिः · vibhaṇḍakamuniḥ — Sage Vibhaṇḍaka

अत्र · atra — here

रामं · rāmaṃ — Rāma

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

समागतम् · samāgatam — arrived

उत्थाय · utthāya — having risen

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with the sages

सार्धम् · sārdham — together

आययौ · āyayau — approached

संभ्रमान्वितः · saṃbhramānvitaḥ — filled with excitement

अत्र समागतं रामं दृष्ट्वा विभण्डकमुनिः संभ्रमान्वितः सन् मुनिभिः सार्धं उत्थाय आययौ।

Sage Vibhaṇḍaka · here · Rāma · having seen · arrived · having risen · with the sages · together · approached · filled with excitement

This verse depicts the immediate, joyful reaction of the sage, illustrating the culmination of his long-held spiritual longing.

He joyfully worshipped the ancient, supreme being. Bowing down, pleased and feeling his life's purpose fulfilled, Vibhaṇḍaka offered his praise.

pūjayāmāsa sānandaṃ purāṇaṃ puruṣottamam

tuṣṭāva praṇataḥ prītaḥ kṛtārtho hi vibhaṇḍakaḥ

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

सानन्दं · sānandaṃ — with joy

पुराणं · purāṇaṃ — the ancient one

पुरुषोत्तमम् · puruṣottamam — the supreme being

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

प्रणतः · praṇataḥ — bowed down

प्रीतः · prītaḥ — pleased

कृतार्थो · kṛtārtho — fulfilled

हि · hi — indeed

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — Vibhaṇḍaka

सः सानन्दं पुराणं पुरुषोत्तमं पूजयामास। प्रणतः प्रीतः कृतार्थः विभण्डकः तुष्टाव।

worshipped · with joy · the ancient one · the supreme being · praised · bowed down · pleased · fulfilled · indeed · Vibhaṇḍaka

This verse concludes the narrative of the meeting, showing the sage's fulfillment and the act of worship that defines the kṣetra's sanctity.

The Sage said:

I know you, O Rāma, to be the supreme and knowable Truth, blemishless, without attributes, the one, the first, who has assumed a human form and is engaged in divine play.

muniruvāca

jānāmi tattvaṃ paramaṃ ca vedyaṃ

nirāmayaṃ nirguṇamekamādyam

manuṣyarūpaṃ parigṛhya rāma

līlāṃ carantaṃ hi tathā bhavantam

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

तत्त्वं · tattvaṃ — the Truth

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

वेद्यं · vedyaṃ — knowable

निरामयं · nirāmayaṃ — blemishless

निर्गुणम् · nirguṇam — without attributes

एकम् · ekam — the One

आद्यम् · ādyam — the Primal

मनुष्यरूपं · manuṣyarūpaṃ — human form

परिगृह्य · parigṛhya — having assumed

लीलां · līlāṃ — divine play

चरन्तम् · carantam — engaging in

हे राम, अहं त्वां परमं वेद्यं तत्त्वं, निरामयं निर्गुणं एकं आद्यं जानामि। त्वं मनुष्यरूपं परिगृह्य लीलां चरन्तं भवन्तं (जानामि)।

I know · the Truth · supreme · knowable · blemishless · without attributes · the One · the Primal · human form · having assumed · divine play · engaging in

The sage's prayer begins by establishing the theological foundation of his devotion, recognizing the Lord's transcendence and His descent into human form.

And yet, hearing that sorrow had befallen you, this mind of mine also became afflicted. Therefore, resolving that your story should have a sweet ending, I performed this great penance.

tathāpi te duḥkhamupasthitaṃ tat

śrutvā manaḥ kliṣṭamidaṃ mamāpi

tathā kathāyā madhurāntakatvaṃ

niścitya cakre sumahattapo'ham

तथापि · tathāpi — and yet

ते · te — your

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

उपस्थितं · upasthitaṃ — befallen

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

मनः · manaḥ — mind

क्लिष्टम् · kliṣṭam — afflicted

ममापि · mamāpi — mine also

कथाया · kathāyā — of the story

मधुरान्तकत्वं · madhurāntakatvaṃ — sweet ending

निश्चित्य · niścitya — resolving

चक्रे · cakre — I performed

सुमहत्तपः · sumahattapaḥ — great penance

तथापि ते दुःखं उपस्थितं श्रुत्वा मम मनः अपि क्लिष्टं अभूत्। तथा कथायाः मधुरान्तकत्वं निश्चित्य अहं सुमहत् तपः चक्रे।

and yet · your · sorrow · befallen · having heard · mind · afflicted · mine also · of the story · sweet ending · resolving · I performed · great penance

The sage explains the motivation behind his penance, revealing that his intense desire for the 'sweet ending' of the Lord's story was the catalyst for his spiritual practice.

Now, seeing the story has indeed ended sweetly, I am delighted, I am blessed, O consort of Ramā! And here I have obtained your sight, O Rāma, O Lord of the worlds, which I always longed to see.

udantamevaṃ madhurāntamīkṣya

hṛṣṭo'smi dhanyo'smi ramāsahāya

prāptaṃ ca me darśanamatra rāma

sadā didṛkṣostava lokanātha

उदन्तम् · udantam — the story or news

एवम् · evam — thus

मधुरान्तम् · madhurāntam — having a sweet ending

ईक्ष्य · īkṣya — having seen

हृष्टोऽस्मि · hṛṣṭo'smi — I am delighted

धन्योऽस्मि · dhanyo'smi — I am blessed

रमासहाय · ramāsahāya — O consort of Ramā

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — attained

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision/sight

अत्र · atra — here

राम · rāma — O Rāma

सदा · sadā — always

दिदृक्षोः · didṛkṣoḥ — of one desiring to see

तव · tava — your

लोकनाथ · lokanātha — O Lord of the worlds

हे रमासहाय लोकनाथ राम! एवम् उदन्तं मधुरान्तम् ईक्ष्य अहं हृष्टः अस्मि, धन्यः अस्मि। अत्र सदा दिदृक्षोः तव दर्शनं मे प्राप्तम्।

the story or news · thus · having a sweet ending · having seen · I am delighted · I am blessed · O consort of Ramā · attained · vision/sight · here · O Rāma · always · of one desiring to see · your · O Lord of the worlds

Vibhaṇḍaka expresses his profound relief and spiritual fulfillment upon witnessing the successful conclusion of Rāma's mission. This verse marks the transition from his period of anxious penance to the realization of his goal.

O beloved of Sītā, please grant that for all who have your audience here, their stories too may have a sweet ending. For this, O Hari, please establish yourself and reside here in your deity form (arcā-vapuṣā).

ye ye'tra te darśanamācaranti

teṣāṃ kathāyāṃ madhurāntakatvam

vidhehi sītāpriya sanniviṣṭo

'traivārcāvapuṣā hare

ये · ye — those who

अत्र · atra — here

ते · te — your

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

आचरन्ति · ācaranti — perform/seek

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

कथायाम् · kathāyām — in their story

मधुरान्तकत्वम् · madhurāntakatvam — the quality of having a sweet ending

विधेहि · vidhehi — bestow/grant

सीताप्रिय · sītāpriya — O beloved of Sītā

सन्निविष्टः · sanniviṣṭaḥ — having established/residing

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here

अर्चावपुषा · arcāvapuṣā — in the deity form

हरे · hare — O Hari

हे सीताप्रिय हरे! ये अत्र ते दर्शनम् आचरन्ति, तेषां कथायां मधुरान्तकत्वं विधेहि। अत्रैव अर्चावपुषा सन्निविष्टः भव।

those who · here · your · vision · perform/seek · of them · in their story · the quality of having a sweet ending · bestow/grant · O beloved of Sītā · having established/residing · right here · in the deity form · O Hari

The sage now petitions Rāma to bless the location so that all future devotees may experience the same 'sweet ending' to their life's struggles. This establishes the theological significance of Madhurāntakam as a place of grace.

O consort of Ramā, grant me firm devotion at your pair of lotus feet. I have no other desire in my heart, O Rāma. You know everything, for you reside in the heart.

mamāpi te pādasarojayugme

bhaktiṃ dṛḍhāṃ dehi ramāsahāya

nānyā spṛhā me hṛdaye ca rāma

jānāsi sarvaṃ hṛdayasthito'si

मम · mama — my

अपि · api — also

ते · te — your

पादसरोजयुग्मे · pādasarojayugme — at the pair of lotus feet

भक्तिम् · bhaktim — devotion

दृढाम् · dṛḍhām — firm/unwavering

देहि · dehi — grant

रमासहाय · ramāsahāya — O consort of Ramā

न · na — not

अन्या · anyā — other

स्पृहा · spṛhā — desire

मे · me — my

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

राम · rāma — O Rāma

जानासि · jānāsi — you know

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

हृदयस्थितः · hṛdayasthitaḥ — residing in the heart

असि · asi — you are

हे रमासहाय राम! मम अपि ते पादसरोजयुग्मे दृढाम् भक्तिं देहि। मे हृदये अन्या स्पृहा न अस्ति, त्वं सर्वं जानासि यतः त्वं हृदयस्थितः असि।

my · also · your · at the pair of lotus feet · devotion · firm/unwavering · grant · O consort of Ramā · not · other · desire · my · in the heart · O Rāma · you know · everything · residing in the heart · you are

Vibhaṇḍaka concludes his prayer by asking for the only boon that matters to a devotee: unwavering devotion. This highlights the sage's humility and his total surrender to the Lord.

The Sadguru said:

Being thus praised, Rāghava, the Lord of the universe, the compassionate one, bowed to the sage Vibhaṇḍaka and departed again for his city.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ stuto jagannātha rāghavaḥ karuṇākaraḥ

vibhaṇḍakamuniṃ natvā jagāma ca puraṃ punaḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

स्तुतः · stutaḥ — praised

जगन्नाथ · jagannātha — Lord of the universe

राघवः · rāghavaḥ — Rāghava

करुणाकरः · karuṇākaraḥ — the compassionate one

विभण्डकमुनिम् · vibhaṇḍakamunim — to sage Vibhaṇḍaka

नत्वा · natvā — having bowed

जगाम · jagāma — departed

च · ca — and

पुरम् · puram — to the city

पुनः · punaḥ — again

एवं स्तुतः करुणाकरः जगन्नाथः राघवः विभण्डकमुनिं नत्वा पुनः पुरं जगाम।

thus · praised · Lord of the universe · Rāghava · the compassionate one · to sage Vibhaṇḍaka · having bowed · departed · and · to the city · again

This verse records the Lord's gracious response to the sage's devotion, showing the reciprocal relationship between the devotee's prayer and the Lord's divine action.

Then the sage Vibhaṇḍaka, along with the other sages, installed there a deity-form (arcā-mūrti) of the great-souled Rāghava and worshipped it daily with joy and devotion.

vibhaṇḍako muniścātha tatraiva munibhiḥ saha

arcāmūrti pratiṣṭhāpya rāghavasya mahātmanaḥ

pūjayāmāsa sānandaṃ bhaktipūrvaṃ dine dine

विभण्डकः · vibhaṇḍakaḥ — sage Vibhaṇḍaka

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

अथ · atha — then

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — with other sages

सह · saha — together

अर्चामूर्तिम् · arcāmūrtim — deity form

प्रतिष्ठाप्य · pratiṣṭhāpya — having installed

राघवस्य · rāghavasya — of Rāghava

महात्मनः · mahātmanaḥ — of the great-souled one

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

सानन्दम् · sānandam — with joy

भक्तिपूर्वम् · bhaktipūrvam — with devotion

दिने दिने · dine dine — day by day

अथ विभण्डकः मुनिः मुनिभिः सह तत्रैव महात्मनः राघवस्य अर्चामूर्तिं प्रतिष्ठाप्य सानन्दं भक्तिपूर्वम् दिने दिने पूजयामास।

sage Vibhaṇḍaka · the sage · then · right there · with other sages · together · deity form · having installed · of Rāghava · of the great-souled one · worshipped · with joy · with devotion · day by day

The establishment of the deity form ensures that the grace experienced by the sage remains accessible to all future generations, cementing the sanctity of the site.

That very Vakulāraṇya became the city of Madhurāntakam, and by the mere presence of Rāma, it became a bestower of happiness.

tadeva vakulāraṇyaṃ nagaraṃ madhurāntakam

rāmasānnidhyamātreṇa hyabhavat sukhadāyakam

तदेव · tadeva — that very

वकुलारण्यम् · vakulāraṇyam — Vakulāraṇya forest

नगरम् · nagaram — city

मधुरान्तकम् · madhurāntakam — Madhurāntakam

रामसान्निध्यमात्रेण · rāmasānnidhyamātreṇa — by the mere presence of Rāma

हि · hi — indeed

अभवत् · abhavat — became

सुखदायकम् · sukhadāyakam — bestower of happiness

तदेव वकुलारण्यं रामसान्निध्यमात्रेण मधुरान्तकं नगरं हि सुखदायकम् अभवत्।

that very · Vakulāraṇya forest · city · Madhurāntakam · by the mere presence of Rāma · indeed · became · bestower of happiness

This verse explains the etymology and the spiritual transformation of the location into 'Madhurāntakam', the place where the story finds its sweet conclusion.

By the mere sight of Rāma in the city of Madhurāntakam, the story of even the sorrowful will indeed have a sweet ending.

rāmadarśanamātreṇa nagare madhurāntake

duḥkhitānāmudantaśca bhaveddhi madhurāntakaḥ

रामदर्शनमात्रेण · rāmadarśanamātreṇa — by the mere sight of Rāma

नगरे · nagare — in the city

मधुरान्तके · madhurāntake — of Madhurāntakam

दुःखितानाम् · duḥkhitānām — of the sorrowful

उदन्तः · udantaḥ — the story

च · ca — and

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

हि · hi — indeed

मधुरान्तकः · madhurāntakaḥ — sweet-ending

मधुरान्तके नगरे रामदर्शनमात्रेण दुःखितानाम् उदन्तः हि मधुरान्तकः भवेत्।

by the mere sight of Rāma · in the city · of Madhurāntakam · of the sorrowful · the story · and · becomes · indeed · sweet-ending

The verse serves as a concluding promise to the reader, affirming that the spiritual efficacy of the site is eternal and available to any suffering soul.

I bow to that best of the Raghus, the Lord of the worlds, whose body has the dark blue splendor of a raincloud, who holds the Koḍaṇḍa bow; who, with his other hand, lovingly and joyfully holds Sītā who is by his side; who, descending from the excellent Puṣpaka vimāna from the sky, stands with great reverence on the earth, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa.

Here ends the twenty-sixth chapter, named 'The Glory of the Vakulāraṇya Kṣetra', in the Second Part of the 'Divyadeśavaibhavam' composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

kālāmbhodharanīlakāntivapuṣaṃ kodaṇḍahastaṃ tathā

sītāmanyakareṇa pārśvanilayāṃ premṇā gṛhītvā mudā

ākāśādavatīrya puṣpakavarāttiṣṭhantamatyādarāt

bhūmau lakṣmaṇasaṃyutaṃ raghuvaraṃ vande jagannāyakam

कालाम्भोधरनीलकान्तिवपुषम् · kālāmbhodharanīlakāntivapuṣam — having a body like the dark blue raincloud

कोदण्डहस्तम् · kodaṇḍahastam — holding the Koḍaṇḍa bow

तथा · tathā — and

सीताम् · sītām — Sītā

अन्यकरेण · anyakareṇa — with the other hand

पार्श्वनिलयाम् · pārśvanilayām — residing by his side

प्रेम्णा · premṇā — with love

गृहीत्वा · gṛhītvā — having held

मुदा · mudā — with joy

आकाशात् · ākāśāt — from the sky

अवतीर्य · avatīrya — having descended

पुष्पकवरात् · puṣpakavarātt — from the excellent Puṣpaka

तिष्ठन्तम् · tiṣṭhantam — standing

अत्यादरात् · atyādarāt — with great reverence

भूमौ · bhūmau — on the earth

लक्ष्मणसंयुतम् · lakṣmaṇasaṃyutam — accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa

रघुवरम् · raghuvaram — the best of the Raghus

वन्दे · vande — I bow

जगन्नायकम् · jagannāyakam — to the Lord of the worlds

अहं कालाम्भोधरनीलकान्तिवपुषं, कोदण्डहस्तं, पार्श्वनिलयां सीतां अन्यकरेण प्रेम्णा मुदा गृहीत्वा, पुष्पकवरात् आकाशात् अवतीर्य भूमौ अत्यादरात् तिष्ठन्तं, लक्ष्मणसंयुतं जगन्नायकं रघुवरं वन्दे।

having a body like the dark blue raincloud · holding the Koḍaṇḍa bow · and · Sītā · with the other hand · residing by his side · with love · having held · with joy · from the sky · having descended · from the excellent Puṣpaka · standing · with great reverence · on the earth · accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa · the best of the Raghus · I bow · to the Lord of the worlds

This final verse acts as a dhyāna-śloka, a meditative description of the Lord, allowing the reader to visualize the divine form that is now enshrined at the kṣetra.