Chapter summary
कुंभेश्वरमाहात्म्यम् Kuṃbheśvara Māhātmyam
The Glory of Kumbheshvara
**The Sadguru said:**
Then, from the Sahya mountain, came a great ascetic named Hemarshi, the foremost among sages, born in the illustrious lineage of Bhrigu. Born on the banks of the sacred Kaveri, he was utterly devoted to meditating on Krishna – a great yogi, a magnanimous soul, endowed with profound intellect, a truly great sage. This man of immense vows undertook severe penance on the bank of the Pushkarini here, his heart's desire being a direct vision of Mahalakshmi, the divine bestower of all cherished wishes. (v.1-3)
One day, within a thousand-petalled lotus blooming in the Pushkarini, a maiden, adorned with all auspicious marks, was seen. Taking her, the best of sages, his heart overflowing with paternal love, joyfully raised her, just as King Janaka nurtured Janaki. The sage named her Komalavalli, and by daily raising and caressing her, he attained supreme bliss. (v.4-6)
In a short time, Komalavalli blossomed into fresh youth, her being suffused with love for the Lord. Seeing his devoted daughter, who desired only Vishnu as her husband, the Vaishnava sage, foremost among munis, became deeply worried. He observed her, forsaking sleep and food due to the constant pain of separation, her face tear-streaked, lamenting day and night. Seeing her emaciated, rolling on the ground, sorrowful as one afflicted by illness, and fainting from time to time, his anxiety grew profound. (v.7-10)
Filled with paternal love and affection, the best of sages himself kindly approached the girl, who was accompanied by her friends, and spoke to her. (v.11)
**Hemarshi said:**
My child, why do you weep? Tell me quickly, O auspicious one. I shall accomplish that for you at once. Do not always weep, little girl. You are the jewel of my fortune; you are my very life. I am unable to bear your sorrow, my dear girl. (v.12-13)
**Komalavalli said:**
My father, salutations to you. I shall tell you my resolve: I desire to obtain only Vishnu as my husband, there is no doubt. He is the God of gods, the Lord of the universe, the master of Vaikuntha, Achyuta. I am but your daughter, O Brahmin; how can my desire be fulfilled? (v.14-15)
**Hemarshi said:**
O maiden, do not despair. Success will surely be yours. Near this hermitage resides Mangalambika. She is Katyayani, Gauri, the sister of Vishnu. Through her grace, your desire will certainly be easily fulfilled. Maidens obtain a suitable husband through the worship of Gauri. You too worship her with faith, just as Rukmini did. (v.16-18)
**The Sadguru said:**
Thus instructed with love by the sage, Komalavalli, accompanied by her friends, worshipped Mangala [Mangalambika] daily. By the grace of Mangalamba, Sharngapani himself sent the gods to choose the maiden. (v.19-20)
Joyfully, the best of sages declared, "I will give her!" Then the Lord, mounting a divine chariot, arrived there. He was accompanied by all the hosts of gods, including Brahma and Rudra, and his glorious and auspicious qualities were sung by the hosts of Gandharvas. Royal services were rendered by Sunanda, Nanda, and other chief attendants, and he was served by his entire retinue, including Vishvaksena. He was adorned with a white umbrella shining in his infinite hands, and he was situated on a chariot driven by Garuda, the very embodiment of the Vedas. He was worshipped with divine flowers like Mandara and Parijata, and was resplendent with a divine garland offered by the trunk of Airavata. (v.21-25)
Having been given a Purnakumbha [a full pot, symbolizing auspiciousness], he was welcomed and honored by Adi Kumbheshvara along with Mangalambika. The pavilion was made resonant by the sound of celestial drums, and his deeds were celebrated in the conversations of the celestial women. He was a mine of delight for the people through the dance of the Apsara troupes, and his lotus-face was illuminated by the arati performed by Gauri [Parvati] and Vani [Sarasvati]. (v.26-28)
The glorious Lord, holding the conch and discus, wearing yellow silk, was the refuge of all the worlds, Sharngapani, the wielder of the mace. He bore the Srivatsa mark and the Kaustubha gem, granted fearlessness with his lotus-hand, and had a divine, auspicious form, complete with his wedding attire. His limbs were anointed with Harichandana, he was radiant with a musk tilaka, and he was looking at Komalavalli again and again with a sidelong glance. The lotus-eyed one stood there in the wedding hall, before Rama [Lakshmi], who was standing with her head bowed down in modesty. (v.29-32)
Then Hemarshi, too, respectfully washed his feet and worshipped the groom, offering milk and fruit. Releasing a cow as per the scriptures, he gave the decorated maiden, reciting: "This maiden, endowed with gold, adorned with golden ornaments, I give to you, Vishnu, with the desire of attaining Brahmaloka." Thus, that fortunate one offered Komalavalli into the lotus-hand of Sharngapani with faith and devotion. (v.33-35)
Then Brahma, acting as the priest, had the rituals performed and caused the mangalasutra [sacred thread] to be tied on the maiden's neck. Mangalamba, the sister of Madhava, also tied it with joy. She reverently adorned her hair parting with a garland of flowers. After performing the Saptapadi [seven steps] ritual, he [Vishnu] performed the Laja Homa [offering of parched grain]. He received the auspicious blessings given by the gods and sages. (v.36-38)
Then, after performing the Aupasana fire ritual, Sharngapani, the most excellent of grooms, set out to go to his own abode, accompanied by Komalamba. At this, the yogi Hemarshi, saddened by the separation from his daughter, folded his hands before him and spoke to his son-in-law, Hari. (v.39-40)
**Hemarshi said:**
O Lord, God of gods, be pleased, O Purushottama. I know you to be the Lord of all worlds, served by Brahma, Rudra, and others. The scriptures indeed declare you to be the supreme reality. Nevertheless, O Lord, you playfully worship the gods who are themselves worthy of worship. This Komalavalli is indeed Lakshmi, there is no doubt. She is the eternal mother of the worlds, eternally inseparable from you. (v.41-43)
Nevertheless, O Madhava, I have become deluded by the feeling that she is my daughter. Therefore, I am greatly saddened by her separation, O Lord. Therefore, it is not proper for you to go to Vaikuntha now. O Vibhu, reside eternally right here in my hermitage. This girl will surely be saddened by separation from me. O son-in-law, listen to my words, which are filled with love. (v.44-46)
**The Sadguru said:**
Thus requested with devotion by the sage, Vishnu, Govinda, said, "So be it," and made his abode in that hermitage. Then, by the command of the merciful Vishnu, Vishvakarma, the best of illusionists, created a beautiful city with his maya [divine power of illusion]. There Keshava caused people to reside, and that city on the bank of the Sahya-born river [Kaveri] became a great holy place in the world. (v.47-49)
Thus ends the twelfth chapter, named "The Glory of Kumbheshvara," in the Third Part of the "Divya Desa Vaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
