कुंभकोणमाहात्म्यम् Kuṃbhakoṇa Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Once, an unbearable anger arose in the Sun God (Sūryadeva). "I alone am the supreme Lord of gods and men!

śrīsadgururuvāca

kadācit sūryadevasya krodho'jāyata duḥsahaḥ

ahameveśvaraḥ śreṣṭho devānāṃ ca nṛṇāmapi

श्रीसद्गुरुः · śrīsadguruḥ — The revered teacher

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

सूर्यदेवस्य · sūryadevasya — of the Sun God

क्रोधः · krodhaḥ — anger

अजायत · ajāyata — arose

दुःसहः · duḥsahaḥ — unbearable

अहमेव · ahameva — I alone

ईश्वरः · īśvaraḥ — the Lord

श्रेष्ठः · śreṣṭhaḥ — the supreme

कदाचित् सूर्यदेवस्य दुःसहः क्रोधः अजायत। अहं एव देवानां नृणां च श्रेष्ठः ईश्वरः।

The revered teacher · spoke · once · of the Sun God · anger · arose · unbearable · I alone · the Lord · the supreme

This verse introduces the central conflict of the chapter: the Sun God's ego-driven anger. It sets the stage for the narrative by establishing his perceived supremacy over time and existence.

By me, indeed, is the measure of time always established by the sages. The entire universe is dependent on time, and I am the cause of time.

matto hi kālanirdeśaḥ kriyate munibhiḥ sadā

kālādhīnaṃ jagatsarvaṃ kālakāraṇamasmyaham

मत्तः · mattaḥ — from me

हि · hi — indeed

कालनिर्देशः · kālanirdeśaḥ — measurement of time

क्रियते · kriyate — is done

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — by the sages

सदा · sadā — always

कालाधीनं · kālādhīnaṃ — dependent on time

जगत्सर्वं · jagatsarvaṃ — the whole world

कालकारणम् · kālakāraṇam — the cause of time

अस्मि · asmi — I am

अहम् · aham — I

मुनिभिः सदा मत्तः एव कालनिर्देशः क्रियते। सर्वं जगत् कालाधीनं, अहं कालकारणम् अस्मि।

from me · indeed · measurement of time · is done · by the sages · always · dependent on time · the whole world · the cause of time · I am · I

The Sun God justifies his arrogance by claiming to be the source of time, which governs all beings. This highlights his role as the cosmic regulator, which he believes makes him indispensable.

The Moon, Mars, Mercury, the preceptor of the gods (Jupiter), as well as Venus and Saturn, serve me day after day.

candraścāṅgārakaścāpi budho devagurustathā

śukraḥ śanaiścaraścāpi sevante māṃ dine dine

चन्द्रः · candraḥ — the Moon

अङ्गारकः · aṅgārakaḥ — Mars

बुधः · budhaḥ — Mercury

देवगुरुः · devaguruḥ — Jupiter

तथा · tathā — and also

शुक्रः · śukraḥ — Venus

शनैश्चरः · śanaiścaraḥ — Saturn

सेवन्ते · sevante — serve

माम् · mām — me

दिने दिने · dine dine — day after day

चन्द्रः अङ्गारकः बुधः देवगुरुः तथा शुक्रः शनैश्चरः अपि दिने दिने मां सेवन्ते।

the Moon · Mars · Mercury · Jupiter · and also · Venus · Saturn · serve · me · day after day

By listing the planetary deities who serve him, the Sun God reinforces his status as the king of the celestial bodies. This serves to build his pride before the eventual divine intervention.

Indeed, with me as their object of worship, the sages who are seers of truth, after offering libations (arghya), devotedly chant the Sāvitrī mantra every day.

māmuddiśya pratidinaṃ munayastattvadarśinaḥ

arghyaṃ datvā'tha sāvitrīṃ japanti śraddhayā nanu

माम् · mām — me

उद्दिश्य · uddiśya — aiming at

प्रतिदिनं · pratidinaṃ — every day

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

तत्त्वदर्शिनः · tattvadarśinaḥ — seers of truth

अर्घ्यं · arghyaṃ — libation

दत्वा · datvā — having given

सावित्रीं · sāvitrīṃ — the Savitri mantra

जपन्ति · japanti — chant

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with devotion

तत्त्वदर्शिनः मुनयः प्रतिदिनं माम् उद्दिश्य अर्घ्यं दत्वा श्रद्धया सावित्रीं जपन्ति।

me · aiming at · every day · sages · seers of truth · libation · having given · the Savitri mantra · chant · with devotion

The Sun God cites the daily worship of sages as proof of his importance. This establishes that even the wise acknowledge his power, fueling his delusion of absolute supremacy.

Without me, this world would be enveloped in darkness, there is no doubt. I impel human beings to their duties upon rising in the morning.

mayā vinā jagadidaṃ tamobhūtaṃ na saṃśayaḥ

pravartayāmi manujān prātarutthāya karmasu

मया · mayā — by me

विना · vinā — without

जगदिदं · jagadidaṃ — this world

तमोभूतं · tamobhūtaṃ — become darkness

न संशयः · na saṃśayaḥ — no doubt

प्रवर्तयामि · pravartayāmi — I impel

मनुजान् · manujān — humans

प्रातरुत्थाय · prātarutthāya — having risen in the morning

कर्मसु · karmasu — in duties

मया विना इदं जगत् तमोभूतं, न संशयः। अहं प्रातरुत्थाय मनुजान् कर्मसु प्रवर्तयामि।

by me · without · this world · become darkness · no doubt · I impel · humans · having risen in the morning · in duties

The Sun God emphasizes his role in human activity and the removal of darkness. This highlights the existential dependency of the world upon him, which he uses to justify his impending wrath.

I am also the daily witness of their actions. Indeed, good health for all beings in this world comes from me alone.

**7. I am the presiding deity of the eyes of all living beings. Without me, all creatures would surely be blind.

teṣāmapi pratidinaṃ karmasākṣī bhavāmyaham

ārogyaṃ matta eva syātprāṇināṃ bhuvane nanu

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

प्रतिदिनं · pratidinaṃ — every day

कर्मसाक्षी · karmasākṣī — witness of actions

भवामि · bhavāmi — I become

अहम् · aham — I

आरोग्यं · ārogyaṃ — health

मत्त · matta — from me

एव · eva — only

स्यात् · syāt — is

प्राणिनां · prāṇināṃ — of beings

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

अहं तेषां प्रतिदिनं कर्मसाक्षी भवामि। भुवने प्राणिनां आरोग्यं मत्तः एव स्यात्।

of them · every day · witness of actions · I become · I · health · from me · only · is · of beings · in the world

By positioning himself as the witness of all deeds and the source of health, the Sun God claims moral and physical authority over humanity. This sets the stage for his judgment of their 'sins'.

abhimānidevatā'haṃ cakṣuṣāṃ prāṇināmapi

māṃ vinā prāṇinaḥ sarve nūnamandhā bhavanti hi

अभिमानिदेवता · abhimānidevatā — presiding deity

अहं · ahaṃ — I

चक्षुषां · cakṣuṣāṃ — of eyes

प्राणिनाम् · prāṇinām — of living beings

मां · māṃ — me

विना · vinā — without

प्राणिनः · prāṇinaḥ — beings

सर्वे · sarve — all

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

अन्धाः · andhāḥ — blind

भवन्ति · bhavanti — become

अहं प्राणिनां चक्षुषां अभिमानिदेवता। मां विना सर्वे प्राणिनः नूनम् अन्धाः भवन्ति।

presiding deity · I · of eyes · of living beings · me · without · beings · all · surely · blind · become

This verse asserts the Sun God's role as the presiding deity of vision, emphasizing that he is the literal light of the world. His anger is thus portrayed as a threat to the very perception of reality.

I am Brahmā, I am Viṣṇu, I am Rudra and also Maheśvara. I alone am the Supreme Brahman, and I am all the gods as well."

ahaṃ brahmā ca viṣṇuśca rudraścāpi maheśvaraḥ

ahameva paraṃ brahma sarve devāstvahaṃ tathā

अहं · ahaṃ — I

ब्रह्मा · brahmā — Brahma

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

रुद्रः · rudraḥ — Rudra

महेश्वरः · maheśvaraḥ — Maheshvara

अहमेव · ahameva — I alone

परं · paraṃ — supreme

ब्रह्म · brahma — Brahman

सर्वे · sarve — all

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

त्वहं · tvahaṃ — I am

अहं ब्रह्मा, विष्णुः, रुद्रः, महेश्वरः च। अहं एव परं ब्रह्म, सर्वे देवाः तु अहम्।

I · Brahma · Vishnu · Rudra · Maheshvara · I alone · supreme · Brahman · all · gods · I am

The Sun God reaches the peak of his hubris by identifying himself with the Trimurti and the Supreme Brahman. This totalizing claim of divinity provides the motivation for his desire to destroy the world.

"Out of ignorance, fools disregard me, the great Lord of all worlds, committing many evil deeds before my very eyes.

ajñānato hi māṃ mūḍhāḥ sarvalokamaheśvaram

avajānanti kurvanto madagre duṣkṛtaṃ bahu

अज्ञानतः · ajñānataḥ — due to ignorance

माम् · mām — me

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — fools

सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् · sarvalokamaheśvaram — great Lord of all worlds

अवजानन्ति · avajānanti — disregard

कुर्वन्तः · kurvantaḥ — doing

मदग्रे · madagre — before me

दुष्कृतं · duṣkṛtaṃ — evil deeds

बहु · bahu — much

अज्ञानतः मूढाः मां सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् अवजानन्ति, मदग्रे बहु दुष्कृतं कुर्वन्तः।

due to ignorance · me · fools · great Lord of all worlds · disregard · doing · before me · evil deeds · much

The Sun God transitions from self-glorification to condemnation of humanity. By labeling them 'fools' who commit evil in his presence, he justifies his upcoming act of destruction.

In this terrible Kali Yuga, Brahmins have become exceedingly lazy. Deluded by sleep, their minds do not worship me during the twilight prayers (sandhyā).

asmin kalau mahāghore brāhmaṇāstvalasā bhṛśam

nopāsate māṃ sandhyāyāṃ nidrayā mohitāśayāḥ

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

कलौ · kalau — Kali age

महाघोरे · mahāghore — terrible

ब्राह्मणाः · brāhmaṇāḥ — Brahmins

अलसाः · alasāḥ — lazy

भृशम् · bhṛśam — exceedingly

नोपासते · nopāsate — do not worship

माम् · mām — me

सन्ध्यायां · sandhyāyāṃ — at twilight

निद्रया · nidrayā — by sleep

मोहिताशयाः · mohitāśayāḥ — deluded minds

अस्मिन् महाघोरे कलौ ब्राह्मणाः भृशम् अलसाः। निद्रया मोहिताशयाः ते सन्ध्यायां मां नोपासते।

in this · Kali age · terrible · Brahmins · lazy · exceedingly · do not worship · me · at twilight · by sleep · deluded minds

This verse details the specific moral decay of the Kali Yuga, focusing on the failure of Brahmins to perform their duties. This serves as the final catalyst for the Sun God's decision to burn the world.

Alas, Kshatriyas are nowhere to be seen; men have strayed from righteousness. Fools, having attained the throne, only increase unrighteousness.

kṣatriyā naiva dṛśyante dharmabhraṣṭā narā bata

adharmaṃ vardhayantyeva mūḍhāḥ siṃhāsanaṃ gatāḥ

क्षत्रियाः · kṣatriyāḥ — the warrior class

नैव · naiva — not at all

दृश्यन्ते · dṛśyante — are seen

धर्मभ्रष्टाः · dharmabhraṣṭāḥ — fallen from righteousness

नराः · narāḥ — men

बत · bata — alas

अधर्मम् · adharmaṃ — unrighteousness

वर्धयन्ति · vardhayanti — increase

एव · eva — indeed

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — fools

सिंहासनम् · siṃhāsanam — the throne

गताः · gatāḥ — having attained

क्षत्रियाः नैव दृश्यन्ते, नराः धर्मभ्रष्टाः बत। सिंहासनं गताः मूढाः अधर्मम् एव वर्धयन्ति।

the warrior class · not at all · are seen · fallen from righteousness · men · alas · unrighteousness · increase · indeed · fools · the throne · having attained

This verse highlights the collapse of the Kshatriya class, the protectors of dharma, which serves as the primary justification for the Sun God's anger towards the Kali Yuga. It establishes the theme of institutional decay where the throne is occupied by the unworthy.

All merchants are greedy, having abandoned fair trade. Intent on accumulating wealth, they constantly torment the people.

lobhino vaṇijaḥ sarve nyāyyavikrayavarjitāḥ

pīḍayanti janānnityaṃ dravyasaṃpādane ratāḥ

लोभिनः · lobhino — greedy

वणिजः · vaṇijaḥ — merchants

सर्वे · sarve — all

न्याय्यविक्रयवर्जिताः · nyāyyavikrayavarjitāḥ — devoid of fair trade

पीडयन्ति · pīḍayanti — torment

जनान् · janān — people

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — constantly

द्रव्यसंपादने · dravyasaṃpādane — in the accumulation of wealth

रताः · ratāḥ — engaged/absorbed

सर्वे वणिजः लोभिनः न्याय्यविक्रयवर्जिताः। द्रव्यसंपादने रताः ते नित्यं जनान् पीडयन्ति।

greedy · merchants · all · devoid of fair trade · torment · people · constantly · in the accumulation of wealth · engaged/absorbed

The corruption of the merchant class is presented here as a symptom of the pervasive greed that characterizes the Kali Yuga, further justifying the Sun's wrath against a society that has abandoned ethical trade.

And the Shudras, having become atheists and revilers of gods and Brahmins, exist in this terrible Kali Yuga. The four-varna system is in disarray.

śūdrāśca nāstikā bhūtvā devabrāhmaṇanindakāḥ

bhavanti sma kalau ghore cāturvarṇyaṃ samākulam

शूद्राः · śūdrāḥ — the laboring class

च · ca — and

नास्तिकाः · nāstikāḥ — atheists

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

देवब्राह्मणनिन्दकाः · devabrāhmaṇanindakāḥ — revilers of gods and Brahmins

भवन्ति · bhavanti — exist/become

स्म · sma — indeed

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

घोरे · ghore — terrible

चातुर्वर्ण्यम् · cāturvarṇyaṃ — the four-varna system

समाकुलम् · samākulam — in disarray

शूद्राः च नास्तिकाः भूत्वा देवब्राह्मणनिन्दकाः भवन्ति। घोरे कलौ चातुर्वर्ण्यं समाकुलं स्म।

the laboring class · and · atheists · having become · revilers of gods and Brahmins · exist/become · indeed · in the Kali age · terrible · the four-varna system · in disarray

This verse describes the breakdown of the social order (varna system) as the Shudras turn against the sacred traditions, signaling the total collapse of Vedic society which the Sun God finds intolerable.

Humans constantly engage in gold theft, liquor consumption, falsehood, violence towards living beings, and union with the wives of others.

svarṇasteyaṃ surāpānamanṛtaṃ prāṇihiṃsanam

kurvanti manujā nityaṃ paradāraiśca saṅgamam

स्वर्णस्तेयम् · svarṇasteyaṃ — gold theft

सुरापानम् · surāpānam — liquor consumption

अनृतम् · anṛtam — falsehood

प्राणिहिंसनम् · prāṇihiṃsanam — violence towards living beings

कुर्वन्ति · kurvanti — they perform

मनुजाः · manujāḥ — humans

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — constantly

परदारैः · paradāraiḥ — with others' wives

च · ca — and

सङ्गमम् · saṅgamam — illicit union

मनुजाः नित्यं स्वर्णस्तेयं सुरापानम् अनृतं प्राणिहिंसनं परदारैः च सङ्गमं कुर्वन्ति।

gold theft · liquor consumption · falsehood · violence towards living beings · they perform · humans · constantly · with others' wives · and · illicit union

The moral decay of the individual is detailed here, listing specific sins that violate the fundamental laws of human conduct, reinforcing the Sun God's perception of a world beyond redemption.

All women have become wanton, fond of acquiring wealth. They have abandoned service to their husbands for the service of other men.

svairiṇyaśca striyaḥ sarvā dhanasaṃpādanapriyāḥ

tatyajuḥ patisevāṃ ca parapuruṣasevayā

स्वैरिण्यः · svairiṇyaḥ — wanton/unrestrained

च · ca — and

स्त्रियः · striyaḥ — women

सर्वाः · sarvāḥ — all

धनसंपादनप्रियाः · dhanasaṃpādanapriyāḥ — fond of acquiring wealth

तत्यजुः · tatyajuḥ — they abandoned

पतिसेवां · patisevāṃ — service to husbands

च · ca — and

परपुरुषसेवया · parapuruṣasevayā — by serving other men

सर्वाः स्त्रियः स्वैरिण्यः धनसंपादनप्रियाः च अभवन्। ताः पतिसेवां तत्यजुः परपुरुषसेवया च रताः।

wanton/unrestrained · and · women · all · fond of acquiring wealth · they abandoned · service to husbands · and · by serving other men

The corruption of domestic life and the abandonment of traditional duties by women are presented as the final proof of the total disintegration of family values in the Kali Yuga.

Driven by great sin, they wander about like ghouls, always absorbed in the thought, 'Money, money, money!'

paiśācavaccarantyete mahāpāpavaśena hi

dhanaṃ dhanaṃ dhanamiti sadā cintāparāyaṇāḥ

पैशाचवत् · paiśācavat — like ghouls/demons

चरन्ति · caranti — they wander

एते · ete — these people

महापापवशेन · mahāpāpavaśena — by the power of great sin

हि · hi — indeed

धनं · dhanaṃ — money

धनं · dhanaṃ — money

धनमिति · dhanamiti — money, thus

सदा · sadā — always

चिन्तापरायणाः · cintāparāyaṇāḥ — absorbed in the thought

एते महापापवशेन पैशाचवत् चरन्ति। सदा धनं धनं धनमिति चिन्तापरायणाः।

like ghouls/demons · they wander · these people · by the power of great sin · indeed · money · money · money, thus · always · absorbed in the thought

This verse captures the psychological state of the people in the Kali Yuga, obsessed with material gain to the point of behaving like ghouls, which justifies the Sun's extreme reaction.

Nowhere to be seen nowadays are truth, non-violence, charity, purity, or integrity. Sacrifices and meritorious deeds are not seen.

kvacitsatyamahiṃsā vā dānaṃ vā śaucamārjavam

yajñaḥ puṇyāni karmāṇi dṛśyante naiva sāṃpratam

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

सत्यमहिंसा · satyamahiṃsā — truth and non-violence

वा · vā — or

दानं · dānaṃ — charity

शौचमार्जवम् · śaucamārjavam — purity and integrity

यज्ञः · yajñaḥ — sacrifices

पुण्यानि · puṇyāni — meritorious

कर्माणि · karmāṇi — deeds

दृश्यन्ते · dṛśyante — are seen

नैव · naiva — not at all

सांप्रतम् · sāṃpratam — nowadays

सांप्रतं क्वचित् सत्यमहिंसा वा दानं वा शौचमार्जवं यज्ञः पुण्यानि कर्माणि नैव दृश्यन्ते।

anywhere · truth and non-violence · or · charity · purity and integrity · sacrifices · meritorious · deeds · are seen · not at all · nowadays

The absence of virtues like truth and non-violence is cited as the reason for the spiritual vacuum that makes the world ripe for destruction, as the foundation of dharma has completely vanished.

All people have become heretics, wearing the dress of barbarians (mlecchas). Devoid of Vedic conduct, they are seen here and there.

pāṣaṇḍino janāḥ sarve mlecchaveṣadharāstathā

itastataśca dṛśyante vaidikācāravarjitāḥ

पाषण्डिनः · pāṣaṇḍino — heretics

जनाः · janāḥ — people

सर्वे · sarve — all

म्लेच्छवेषधराः · mlecchaveṣadharāstathā — wearing barbarian dress

इतस्ततः · itastataśca — here and there

दृश्यन्ते · dṛśyante — are seen

वैदिकाचारवर्जिताः · vaidikācāravarjitāḥ — devoid of Vedic conduct

सर्वे जनाः पाषण्डिनः म्लेच्छवेषधराः तथा वैदिकाचारवर्जिताः इतस्ततः दृश्यन्ते।

heretics · people · all · wearing barbarian dress · here and there · are seen · devoid of Vedic conduct

The adoption of foreign (mleccha) customs and the rejection of Vedic conduct are presented as the final cultural betrayal, marking the people as heretics in the eyes of the divine.

They revile even the followers of the Vedas, and especially the Vaishnavas. Therefore, I shall now destroy this entire world."

vaidikānapi nindanti vaiṣṇavāṃśca viśeṣataḥ

tasmādahaṃ jagatsarvaṃ nāśayiṣyāmi sāṃpratam

वैदिकान् · vaidikān — followers of the Vedas

अपि · api — even

निन्दन्ति · nindanti — they revile

वैष्णवान् · vaiṣṇavāṃśca — and Vaishnavas

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

तस्मात् · tasmād — therefore

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

जगत्सर्वं · jagatsarvaṃ — the entire world

नाशयिष्यामि · nāśayiṣyāmi — I shall destroy

सांप्रतम् · sāṃpratam — now

ते वैदिकान् अपि वैष्णवांश्च विशेषतः निन्दन्ति। तस्मात् अहं सांप्रतं जगत्सर्वं नाशयिष्यामि।

followers of the Vedas · even · they revile · and Vaishnavas · especially · therefore · I · the entire world · I shall destroy · now

This verse serves as the climax of the Sun God's grievance, where he explicitly declares his intent to destroy the world due to the persecution of the Vedas and the Vaishnavas.

Having thus resolved, this Lord Bhāskara (the Sun), of great effulgence, with the desire to burn the worlds, transgressed his orbital path and swiftly came near the globe of the Earth, scorching the people.

iti niścitya bhagavān bhāskaro'yaṃ mahādyutiḥ

akṣarekhāṃ samullaṅghya lokān sandagdhumicchayā

samīpamāyayau tūrṇaṃ bhūgolasya dahan janān

इति · iti — thus

निश्चित्य · niścitya — having resolved

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

भास्करः · bhāskaro'yaṃ — this Sun God

महाद्युतिः · mahādyutiḥ — of great effulgence

अक्षरेखां · akṣarekhāṃ — orbital path

समुल्लङ्घ्य · samullaṅghya — having transgressed

लोकान् · lokān — the worlds

सन्दग्धुम् · sandagdhum — to burn

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

समीपम् · samīpam — near

आययौ · āyayau — came

तूर्णं · tūrṇaṃ — swiftly

भूगोलस्य · bhūgolasya — of the globe of the Earth

दहन् · dahan — scorching

जनान् · janān — people

इति निश्चित्य महाद्युतिः भगवान् भास्करः लोकान् सन्दग्धुमिच्छया अक्षरेखां समुल्लङ्घ्य तूर्णं भूगोलस्य समीपम् आययौ, जनान् दहन्।

thus · having resolved · the Lord · this Sun God · of great effulgence · orbital path · having transgressed · the worlds · to burn · with the desire · near · came · swiftly · of the globe of the Earth · scorching · people

This verse describes the transition from the Sun God's internal resolve to his external action of moving out of his orbit, marking the beginning of the cosmic crisis that necessitates divine intervention.

By the great heat, all people became distressed. The world, being burned by the intense scorching rays, was filled with cries of 'Alas! Alas!' and was without protection.

ūṣmaṇā mahatā sarve babhūvurduḥkhitā narāḥ

ātapenaiva mahatā dahyamānaṃ jagattadā

hāhākāreṇa saṃyuktamarakṣakamabhūttathā

ऊष्मणा · ūṣmaṇā — by the heat

महता · mahatā — intense

सर्वे · sarve — all

नराः · narāḥ — people

दुःखिताः · duḥkhitāḥ — distressed

आतपेन · ātapena — by the scorching sun

दह्यमानं · dahyamānaṃ — being burned

जगत् · jagat — the world

हाहाकारेण · hāhākāreṇa — with cries of alas

अरक्षकम् · arakṣakam — without protector

महता ऊष्मणा सर्वे नराः दुःखिताः बभूवुः। महता आतपेन दह्यमानं जगत् तदा हाहाकारेण संयुक्तम् अरक्षकम् अभूत्।

by the heat · intense · all · people · distressed · by the scorching sun · being burned · the world · with cries of alas · without protector

This verse depicts the immediate, catastrophic consequence of the Sun's wrath, establishing the desperate atmosphere that necessitates divine intervention. It highlights the vulnerability of the world when the cosmic order is disrupted.

Water was not to be seen in the ponds or even in the rivers. All the grass became dry, and the animals likewise perished.

udakaṃ naiva dadṛśe taṭākeṣu nadīṣvapi

tṛṇaṃ śuṣkamabhūtsarvaṃ paśavaśca mṛtāstathā

उदकम् · udakam — water

नैव · naiva — not at all

ददृशे · dadṛśe — was seen

तटाकेषु · taṭākeṣu — in ponds

नदीषु · nadīṣu — in rivers

तृणम् · tṛṇam — grass

शुष्कम् · śuṣkam — dry

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

पशवः · paśavaḥ — animals

मृताः · mṛtāḥ — dead

तटाकेषु नदीष्वपि उदकं नैव ददृशे। सर्वं तृणं शुष्कमभूत् तथा पशवः मृताः।

water · not at all · was seen · in ponds · in rivers · grass · dry · all · animals · dead

This verse details the environmental collapse caused by the Sun's heat, showing that the suffering extends beyond humans to the entire ecosystem, emphasizing the severity of the crisis.

Birds, afflicted by the Sun (Pataṅga), fell down. All the trees were burnt, becoming mere dry wood.

pakṣiṇaśca patanti sma pataṅgenaiva pīḍitāḥ

vṛkṣāḥ sarve'pi dagdhāḥ syuḥ śuṣkakāṣṭhaiśca saṃyutāḥ

पक्षिणः · pakṣiṇaḥ — birds

पतन्ति · patanti — fall

पतङ्गेन · pataṅgena — by the Sun

पीडिताः · pīḍitāḥ — afflicted

वृक्षाः · vṛkṣāḥ — trees

सर्वेऽपि · sarve'pi — all of them

दग्धाः · dagdhāḥ — burnt

शुष्ककाष्ठैः · śuṣkakāṣṭhaiḥ — dry wood

पतङ्गेन पीडिताः पक्षिणः पतन्ति स्म। सर्वेऽपि वृक्षाः दग्धाः शुष्ककाष्ठैः संयुताः स्युः।

birds · fall · by the Sun · afflicted · trees · all of them · burnt · dry wood

The verse illustrates the total destruction of nature, using the imagery of falling birds and burning trees to underscore the Sun's overwhelming power and the helplessness of all creatures.

Grain and food were nowhere to be found. Afflicted with hunger and thirst, all the people died, filled with cries of 'Alas! Alas!'

dhānyamannaṃ kvacinnāsti kṣutpipāsāsamākulāḥ

mriyante manujāḥ sarve hāhākārasamanvitāḥ

धान्यम् · dhānyam — grain

अन्नम् · annam — food

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

नास्ति · nāsti — is not

क्षुत्पिपासा · kṣutpipāsā — hunger and thirst

समाकुलाः · samākulāḥ — afflicted

म्रियन्ते · mriyante — die

मनुजाः · manujāḥ — humans

हाहाकार · hāhākāra — cries of alas

धान्यमन्नं क्वचिन्नास्ति। क्षुत्पिपासासमाकुलाः सर्वे मनुजाः हाहाकारसमन्विताः म्रियन्ते।

grain · food · anywhere · is not · hunger and thirst · afflicted · die · humans · cries of alas

This verse brings the narrative to the brink of total annihilation, showing that the basic necessities of life have vanished, forcing the sages to seek divine intervention.

Observing the anger of the Sun God and this condition of the world, all the sages took refuge in Hari (Vishnu).

kopaṃ ca sūryadevasya lokasyāpīdṛśīṃ sthitim

ālocya munayaḥ sarve hariṃ śaraṇamāyayuḥ

कोपम् · kopam — anger

सूर्यदेवस्य · sūryadevasya — of the Sun God

लोकस्य · lokasya — of the world

ईदृशीम् · īdṛśīm — such

स्थितिम् · sthitim — condition

आलोच्य · ālocya — having observed

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

हरिम् · harim — Hari

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

आययुः · āyayuḥ — approached

सूर्यदेवस्य कोपं लोकस्य ईदृशीं स्थितिं च आलोच्य सर्वे मुनयः हरिं शरणम् आययुः।

anger · of the Sun God · of the world · such · condition · having observed · sages · Hari · refuge · approached

This verse marks the turning point of the chapter, where the sages, witnessing the world's suffering, recognize that only Hari can resolve the cosmic crisis caused by the Sun.

The Sages spoke:

O God of gods, Ocean of mercy, wielder of the Śārṅga bow, Lord of the universe! The world is being burned by the Sun; protect it, O Lord!

munaya ūcuḥ

devadeva kṛpāsindho śārṅgapāṇe jagatpate

bhāskareṇa tu sandagdhaṃ bhuvanaṃ pālaya prabho

देवदेव · devadeva — God of gods

कृपासिन्यो · kṛpāsindho — ocean of mercy

शार्ङ्गपाणे · śārṅgapāṇe — wielder of the bow

जगत्पते · jagatpate — Lord of the universe

भास्करेण · bhāskareṇa — by the Sun

सन्दग्धं · sandagdhaṃ — being burned

भुवनं · bhuvanaṃ — the world

पालय · pālaya — protect

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

हे देवदेव, हे कृपासिन्धो, हे शार्ङ्गपाणे, हे जगत्पते! भास्करेण सन्दग्धं भुवनं पालय, प्रभो।

God of gods · ocean of mercy · wielder of the bow · Lord of the universe · by the Sun · being burned · the world · protect · O Lord

The sages' prayer establishes the theological hierarchy, appealing to Vishnu as the ultimate protector who possesses the power to restrain even the celestial luminaries.

O husband of Śrī, you must pacify the father of Yama (the Sun)! Transgressing the established order, he desires to burn the entire world.

śamanasyaiva pitaraṃ śamaya tvaṃ śriyaḥ pate

ullaṅghya samayaṃ lokaṃ sarvaṃ sandagdhumicchati

शमनस्य · śamanasya — of Yama

पितरम् · pitaram — the father

शमय · śamaya — pacify

त्वम् · tvam — you

श्रियः पते · śriyaḥ pate — O Lord of Lakshmi

उल्लङ्घ्य · ullaṅghya — transgressing

समयम् · samayam — the order

लोकं · lokaṃ — the world

सन्दग्धुम् · sandagdhum — to burn

इच्छति · icchati — desires

हे श्रियः पते! त्वं शमनस्य पितरं शमय। सः समयम् उल्लङ्घ्य सर्वं लोकं सन्दग्धुम् इच्छति।

of Yama · the father · pacify · you · O Lord of Lakshmi · transgressing · the order · the world · to burn · desires

This verse identifies the specific nature of the Sun's transgression—violating the cosmic order—and calls upon Vishnu to exercise his authority to restore balance.

The Revered Guru spoke:

Thus implored, Lord Vishnu, the wielder of Śārṅga and Lord of the universe, dispatched the King of Discs (Sudarshana Chakra) before the Sun.

śrīsadgururuvāca

prārthito viṣṇuḥ śārṅgapāṇirjagatpatiḥ

cakrarājaṃ prāhiṇodvai sūryasya purataḥ prabhuḥ

प्रार्थितः · prārthitaḥ — implored

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

शार्ङ्गपाणिः · śārṅgapāṇiḥ — wielder of the bow

जगत्पतिः · jagatpatiḥ — Lord of the universe

चक्रराजम् · cakrarājam — the King of Discs

प्राहिणोत् · prāhiṇot — dispatched

सूर्यस्य · sūryasya — of the Sun

पुरतः · purataḥ — before

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

प्रार्थितः प्रभुः विष्णुः शार्ङ्गपाणिः जगत्पतिः सूर्यस्य पुरतः चक्रराजं प्राहिणोत्।

implored · Vishnu · wielder of the bow · Lord of the universe · the King of Discs · dispatched · of the Sun · before · the Lord

This verse describes the swift and decisive action taken by Vishnu, demonstrating that the divine response to the sages' plea is immediate and authoritative.

The unbearable radiance of the Sun was exhausted by the brilliance of the Chakra. His anger pacified, Bhāskara spoke to the wielder of the Chakra (Vishnu).

cakrasya tejasā śrāntaṃ tattejo duḥsahaṃ raveḥ

śāntakrodho bhāskaro'pi cakrapāṇimuvāca ha

चक्रस्य · cakrasya — of the Chakra

तेजसा · tejasā — by the brilliance

श्रान्तम् · śrāntam — exhausted

तत् · tat — that

तेजः · tejaḥ — radiance

दुःसहम् · duḥsaham — unbearable

रवेः · raveḥ — of the Sun

शान्तक्रोधः · śāntakrodhaḥ — with pacified anger

भास्करः · bhāskaraḥ — the Sun

चक्रपाणिम् · cakrapāṇim — to the wielder of the disc

चक्रस्य तेजसा रवेः तत् दुःसहं तेजः श्रान्तम्। शान्तक्रोधः भास्करः अपि चक्रपाणिम् उवाच ह।

of the Chakra · by the brilliance · exhausted · that · radiance · unbearable · of the Sun · with pacified anger · the Sun · to the wielder of the disc

This verse illustrates the efficacy of divine power, where the Sudarshana Chakra effortlessly neutralizes the Sun's destructive energy, leading to the restoration of peace.

The Sun spoke:

Forgive this offense, O wielder of the Chakra, Lord of the universe! My radiance, which is so unbearable in the world, has been calmed by Your disc.

sūrya uvāca

aparādhaṃ kṣamasvemaṃ cakrapāṇe jagatpate

tava cakreṇa śāntaṃ me tejo loke suduḥsaham

अपराधम् · aparādham — offense

क्षमस्व · kṣamasva — forgive

इमम् · imam — this

चक्रपाणे · cakrapāṇe — O wielder of the disc

जगत्पते · jagatpate — Lord of the universe

तव · tava — your

चक्रेण · cakreṇa — by the disc

शान्तम् · śāntam — calmed

मे · me — my

तेजः · tejaḥ — radiance

हे चक्रपाणे, हे जगत्पते! इमम् अपराधं क्षमस्व। तव चक्रेण लोके मे सुदुःसहं तेजः शान्तम्।

offense · forgive · this · O wielder of the disc · Lord of the universe · your · by the disc · calmed · my · radiance

The Sun's admission of his error and his plea for forgiveness demonstrate the humility that arises when one is confronted by the Supreme Lord, setting the stage for the subsequent teaching on dharma.

Seeing the people in this terrible Kali Yuga devoid of truth and righteousness, I became angry and resolved here to destroy everything.

janān vīkṣya kalau ghore satyadharmavivarjitān

kruddho'haṃ sarvanāśāya saṅkalpaṃ kṛtavāniha

जनान् · janān — the people

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having seen

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

घोरे · ghore — terrible

सत्यधर्मविवर्जितान् · satyadharmavivarjitān — devoid of truth and righteousness

क्रुद्धः · kruddhaḥ — angry

अहम् · aham — I

सर्वनाशाय · sarvanāśāya — for the destruction of all

सङ्कल्पम् · saṅkalpam — resolution

कृतवान् · kṛtavān — have made

इह · iha — here

अहं घोरे कलौ सत्यधर्मविवर्जितान् जनान् वीक्ष्य क्रुद्धः सन् इह सर्वनाशाय सङ्कल्पं कृतवान्।

the people · having seen · in the Kali age · terrible · devoid of truth and righteousness · angry · I · for the destruction of all · resolution · have made · here

This verse serves as the Sun God's justification for his destructive actions, highlighting his frustration with the moral decay of the Kali Yuga. It sets the stage for the Supreme Lord's subsequent teaching on the necessity of forgiveness.

The Supreme Lord spoke:

Forgiveness is the supreme dharma; forgiveness is the supreme austerity. Forgiveness is the supreme brilliance; forgiveness is the supreme wealth.

śrībhagavānuvāca

kṣamaiva paramo dharmaḥ kṣameva paramaṃ tapaḥ

kṣamaiva paramaṃ tejaḥ kṣameva paramaṃ dhanam

क्षमैव · kṣamaiva — forgiveness alone

परमः · paramaḥ — supreme

धर्मः · dharmaḥ — righteousness

क्षमेव · kṣameva — forgiveness alone

परमम् · paramaṃ — supreme

तपः · tapaḥ — austerity

तेजः · tejaḥ — brilliance

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

क्षमा एव परमः धर्मः। क्षमा एव परमं तपः। क्षमा एव परमं तेजः। क्षमा एव परमं धनम्।

forgiveness alone · supreme · righteousness · forgiveness alone · supreme · austerity · brilliance · wealth

The Lord establishes the philosophical foundation of the chapter by elevating forgiveness above all other virtues. This serves as the direct counter-argument to the Sun God's desire for punitive destruction.

For us gods, and for the gods on earth (Brahmins) too, O Bhāskara, forgiveness is truly the ornament. One should indeed hold fast to forgiveness.

asmākamapi devānāṃ bhūdevānāṃ ca bhāskara

kṣamaiva bhūṣaṇaṃ nūnaṃ kṣamāmeva hi dhārayet

अस्माकम् · asmākam — of us

अपि · api — also

देवानाम् · devānām — of the gods

भूदेवानाम् · bhūdevānām — of the Brahmins

च · ca — and

भास्कर · bhāskara — O Sun

भूषणम् · bhūṣaṇam — ornament

नूनम् · nūnam — truly

क्षमामेव · kṣamāmeva — forgiveness alone

हि · hi — indeed

धारयेत् · dhārayet — should hold

हे भास्कर, अस्माकं देवानां भूदेवानां च क्षमा एव नूनं भूषणम्। अतः क्षमां एव हि धारयेत्।

of us · also · of the gods · of the Brahmins · and · O Sun · ornament · truly · forgiveness alone · indeed · should hold

The Lord includes the Brahmins (gods on earth) in this moral imperative, reminding the Sun God that those who hold authority must embody the ornament of forgiveness.

All human beings are foolish, especially in this Kali Yuga. Therefore, forgiveness and compassion should be shown towards them.

mūḍhā hi sarve manujāḥ kalāvasmin viśeṣataḥ

tasmādeṣu kṣamā caivaṃ kartavyā karuṇā tathā

मूढाः · mūḍhāḥ — foolish

हि · hi — indeed

सर्वे · sarve — all

मनुजाः · manujāḥ — humans

कलौ · kalau — in Kali

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

एषु · eṣu — towards them

क्षमा · kṣamā — forgiveness

च · ca — and

एवम् · evam — thus

कर्तव्या · kartavyā — should be done

करुणा · karuṇā — compassion

तथा · tathā — also

सर्वे मनुजाः अस्मिन् कलौ विशेषतः मूढाः हि। तस्मात् एषु क्षमा तथा करुणा च एवं कर्तव्या।

foolish · indeed · all · humans · in Kali · in this · especially · therefore · towards them · forgiveness · and · thus · should be done · compassion · also

This verse provides the practical application of the Lord's teaching: since humans are inherently prone to delusion in this age, compassion is the only appropriate response.

The Sun spoke:

If that is so, O Lord, tell me the atonement for these sinners. Otherwise, they will undoubtedly receive punishment.

sūrya uvāca

evaṃ cetpāpināmeṣāṃ prāyaścittaṃ vada prabho |

anyathā yātanāmeva prāpnuvanti na saṃśayaḥ

एवम् · evam — if so

चेत् · cet — if

पापिनाम् · pāpinām — of the sinners

एषाम् · eṣām — of these

प्रायश्चित्तम् · prāyaścittam — atonement

वद · vada — tell

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

यातनाम् · yātanām — punishment

एव · eva — only

प्राप्नुवन्ति · prāpnuvanti — they will receive

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

प्रभो, यदि एवं चेत् एषां पापिनां प्रायश्चित्तं वद। अन्यथा ते यातनाम् एव प्राप्नुवन्ति, न संशयः।

if so · if · of the sinners · of these · atonement · tell · O Lord · otherwise · punishment · only · they will receive · not · doubt

The Sun God accepts the instruction but seeks a constructive path for the sinners, shifting the dialogue from destruction to redemption.

The Supreme Lord spoke:

During the sacred period of Sankranti, when you are in your northern course (Uttarayana) in the month of Māgha, those who bathe in the waters of the Kaveri and see me residing in Kumbhakonam—

śrībhagavānuvāca

saṃkrāntipuṇyakāle tvayyuttarāyaṇe māghe

kāverīsalile snātvā kumbhakoṇasthitaṃ ca mām

संक्रान्तिपुण्यकाले · saṃkrāntipuṇyakāle — at the sacred time of Sankranti

त्वयि · tvayi — in you

उत्तरायणे · uttarāyaṇe — in the northern course

माघे · māghe — in the month of Magha

कावेरीसलिले · kāverīsalile — in the waters of Kaveri

स्नात्वा · snātvā — having bathed

कुम्भकोणस्थितम् · kumbhakoṇasthitam — residing in Kumbhakonam

च · ca — and

माम् · mām — me

त्वयि उत्तरायणे माघे संक्रान्तिपुण्यकाले, ये कावेरीसलिले स्नात्वा कुम्भकोणस्थितं मां पश्यन्ति...

at the sacred time of Sankranti · in you · in the northern course · in the month of Magha · in the waters of Kaveri · having bathed · residing in Kumbhakonam · and · me

The Lord introduces Kumbhakonam as the sacred site for redemption, linking the cosmic event of Uttarāyaṇa with the earthly grace of the Kaveri river.

—to those people who see me with devotion, I am the bestower of boons. All their sins are destroyed, and all auspicious things are obtained.

ye paśyanti janā bhaktyā teṣāmasmi varapradaḥ

naśyanti sarvapāpāni labhyante maṅgalāni ca

ये · ye — those who

पश्यन्ति · paśyanti — see

जनाः · janāḥ — people

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

तेषाम् · teṣām — for them

अस्मि · asmi — I am

वरप्रदः · varapradaḥ — bestower of boons

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

सर्वपापानि · sarvapāpāni — all sins

लभ्यन्ते · labhyante — are obtained

मङ्गलानि · maṅgalāni — auspicious things

ये जनाः भक्त्या मां पश्यन्ति, तेषां अहं वरप्रदः अस्मि। तेषां सर्वपापानि नश्यन्ति मङ्गलानि च लभ्यन्ते।

those who · see · people · with devotion · for them · I am · bestower of boons · are destroyed · all sins · are obtained · auspicious things

This verse confirms the efficacy of devotion at Kumbhakonam, promising both the removal of sins and the attainment of auspiciousness.

In this Kali Yuga, where all other dharmas are abandoned, the chanting of my name destroys all sins and instantly grants liberation.

mannāmakīrtanaṃ nṛṇāṃ sarvadharmojjhite kalau

sarvapāpakṣayakaraṃ sahasā muktidāyakam

मन्नामकीर्तनम् · mannāmakīrtanam — chanting of my name

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for humans

सर्वधर्मोज्झिते · sarvadharmojjhite — devoid of all dharma

कलौ · kalau — in Kali

सर्वपापक्षयकरम् · sarvapāpakṣayakaram — destroyer of all sins

सहसा · sahasā — instantly

मुक्तिदायकम् · muktidāyakam — giver of liberation

सर्वधर्मोज्झिते कलौ नृणां मन्नामकीर्तनं सर्वपापक्षयकरं सहसा मुक्तिदायकं भवति।

chanting of my name · for humans · devoid of all dharma · in Kali · destroyer of all sins · instantly · giver of liberation

The Lord provides a universal remedy for the Kali Yuga, establishing the chanting of His name as the most accessible path to liberation.

Those who constantly utter, "O wielder of the Śārṅga, Lord of the universe, holder of the conch, disc, and mace!"—Yama does not trouble them.

śārṅgapāṇe jagannātha śaṅkhacakragadādhara

itīrayanti ye nityaṃ na hi tān bādhate yamaḥ

शार्ङ्गपाणे · śārṅgapāṇe — O wielder of Sarnga

जगन्नाथ · jagannātha — O Lord of the universe

शङ्खचक्रगदाधर · śaṅkhacakragadādhara — O holder of conch, disc, and mace

इति · iti — thus

ईरयन्ति · īrayanti — utter

ये · ye — those who

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

तान् · tān — them

बाधते · bādhate — troubles

यमः · yamaḥ — Yama

ये नित्यं 'शार्ङ्गपाणे जगन्नाथ शङ्खचक्रगदाधर' इति ईरयन्ति, तान् यमः न हि बाधते।

O wielder of Sarnga · O Lord of the universe · O holder of conch, disc, and mace · thus · utter · those who · constantly · not · indeed · them · troubles · Yama

By invoking the specific divine attributes of the Lord, the devotee gains protection from the fear of death, reinforcing the power of the holy name.

There is no restriction of place or time, nor any rule of purity. The chanting of my name should be done by all, always and everywhere.

na deśakālaniyamo na śaucaniyamastathā

sadā sarvatra sarvaiśca kartavyaṃ nāmakīrtanam

न · na — no

देशकालनियमः · deśakālaniyamo — restriction of place or time

न · na — no

शौचनियमः · śaucaniyamastathā — rule of purity

सदा · sadā — always

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सर्वैः · sarvaiśca — by all

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyaṃ — should be done

नामकीर्तनम् · nāmakīrtanam — chanting of the name

देशकालनियमः न, शौचनियमः तथा न। सदा सर्वत्र सर्वैः नामकीर्तनं कर्तव्यम्।

no · restriction of place or time · no · rule of purity · always · everywhere · by all · should be done · chanting of the name

This verse democratizes the practice of devotion, removing all external barriers and making the path to the Lord available to everyone, everywhere.

In temples, in homes, in monasteries, and in assemblies, in rivers—everywhere one should perform the chanting of my name.

ālayeṣu gṛheṣvevaṃ maṭheṣu ca sabhāsu ca

nadīṣu sarvatra kuryānmannāmakīrtanam

आलयेषु · ālayeṣu — in temples

गृहेषु · gṛheṣu — in homes

एवम् · evam — thus

मठेषु · maṭheṣu — in monasteries

च · ca — and

सभासु · sabhāsu — in assemblies

च · ca — and

नदीषु · nadīṣu — in rivers

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — one should perform

मन्नामकीर्तनम् · mannāmakīrtanam — the chanting of my name

आलयेषु गृहेषु मठेषु सभासु नदीषु च सर्वत्र मन्नामकीर्तनं कुर्यात्।

in temples · in homes · thus · in monasteries · and · in assemblies · and · in rivers · everywhere · one should perform · the chanting of my name

The Lord emphasizes the universality of His name, removing all spatial restrictions to ensure that the path to salvation is accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Casting aside distinctions of caste, the chanting of my name should always be done by all people, whether with faith or without faith.

santyajya jātibhedaṃ ca sarvairapi janaiḥ sadā

śraddhā'śraddhayā vāpi kartavyaṃ nāmakīrtanam

सन्त्यज्य · santyajya — having cast aside

जातिभेदम् · jātibhedam — caste distinctions

च · ca — and

सर्वैरपि · sarvairapi — by all people

जनैः · janaiḥ — by people

सदा · sadā — always

श्रद्धाऽश्रद्धया · śraddhā'śraddhayā — with or without faith

वा · vā — or

अपि · api — even

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyam — should be done

नामकीर्तनम् · nāmakīrtanam — chanting of the name

जातिभेदं सन्त्यज्य सर्वैरपि जनैः सदा श्रद्धाऽश्रद्धया वा नामकीर्तनं कर्तव्यम्।

having cast aside · caste distinctions · and · by all people · by people · always · with or without faith · or · even · should be done · chanting of the name

This verse democratizes spiritual practice by explicitly stating that caste and the quality of faith are not barriers to the efficacy of chanting the Lord's name.

By chanting my names "Nārāyaṇa, Hari, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa," the evil of the Kali age will be destroyed, and righteousness will increase.

nārāyaṇa hare rāma kṛṣṇeti mama kīrtanāt

vinaṅkṣyati kalerdoṣo dharmavṛddhiśca jāyate

नारायण · nārāyaṇa — O Nārāyaṇa

हरे · hare — O Hari

राम · rāma — O Rāma

कृष्णेति · kṛṣṇeti — thus Kṛṣṇa

मम · mama — my

कीर्तनात् · kīrtanāt — from the chanting

विनङ्क्ष्यति · vinaṅkṣyati — will be destroyed

कलेः · kaleḥ — of Kali age

दोषः · doṣaḥ — the evil

धर्मवृद्धिः · dharmavṛddhiḥ — increase of righteousness

च · ca — and

जायते · jāyate — is born/happens

नारायण हरे राम कृष्णेति मम कीर्तनात् कलेः दोषः विनङ्क्ष्यति धर्मवृद्धिः च जायते।

O Nārāyaṇa · O Hari · O Rāma · thus Kṛṣṇa · my · from the chanting · will be destroyed · of Kali age · the evil · increase of righteousness · and · is born/happens

The Lord provides the specific remedy for the Kali Yuga, identifying the chanting of His holy names as the direct cause for the destruction of sin and the restoration of dharma.

For the protection of dharma, there is truly no other way. I will cause the chanting of my name to be done everywhere in this world.

dharmasaṃrakṣaṇāyaivamupāyo nānyathā vai

kārayiṣyāmi lokesmin sarvatra mama kīrtanam

धर्मसंरक्षणाय · dharmasaṃrakṣaṇāya — for the protection of dharma

एवम् · evam — thus

उपायः · upāyaḥ — method

न · na — not

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

वै · vai — indeed

कारयिष्यामि · kārayiṣyāmi — I will cause to be done

लोकेऽस्मिन् · lokesmin — in this world

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

मम · mama — my

कीर्तनम् · kīrtanam — chanting

धर्मसंरक्षणाय अयम् उपायः अन्यथा न वै; अस्मिन् लोके सर्वत्र मम कीर्तनं कारयिष्यामि।

for the protection of dharma · thus · method · not · otherwise · indeed · I will cause to be done · in this world · everywhere · my · chanting

The Lord asserts His personal commitment to the propagation of His name, declaring it the sole effective method for the preservation of dharma in the current age.

Therefore, be gracious and let your rays be calm. People will become sinless through the chanting of my name.

tasmātkuru prasādaṃ tvaṃ praśāntakiraṇo bhava

bhaviṣyanti ca niṣpāpā janā mannāmakīrtanāt

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

कुरु · kuru — do

प्रसादम् · prasādam — grace

त्वम् · tvam — you

प्रशान्तकिरणः · praśāntakiraṇaḥ — one with calm rays

भव · bhava — be

भविष्यन्ति · bhaviṣyanti — will become

च · ca — and

निष्पापाः · niṣpāpāḥ — sinless

जनाः · janāḥ — people

मन्नामकीर्तनात् · mannāmakīrtanāt — from the chanting of my name

तस्मात् त्वं प्रसादं कुरु, प्रशान्तकिरणः भव। मन्नामकीर्तनात् जनाः निष्पापाः भविष्यन्ति।

therefore · do · grace · you · one with calm rays · be · will become · and · sinless · people · from the chanting of my name

This verse serves as the concluding instruction to the Sun God, linking his pacification directly to the future salvation of humanity through the chanting of the Lord's names.

The Revered Guru spoke:

Thus addressed by the wielder of Śārṅga, the friend of the lotus and friend of the world, Divākara (the Sun), being pacified, immediately became calm.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktaḥ padmabandhuśca jagadbandhurdivākaraḥ

abhūt praśāntaḥ sahasā sāntvitaḥ śārṅgapāṇinā

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

पद्मबन्धुः · padmabandhuḥ — friend of the lotus (Sun)

च · ca — and

जगद्बन्धुः · jagadbandhuḥ — friend of the world

दिवाकरः · divākaraḥ — the Sun

अभूत् · abhūt — became

प्रशान्तः · praśāntaḥ — calm

सहसा · sahasā — immediately

सान्त्वितः · sāntvitaḥ — pacified

शार्ङ्गपाणिना · śārṅgapāṇinā — by the wielder of the Śārṅga bow

इति शार्ङ्गपाणिना उक्तः पद्मबन्धुः जगद्बन्धुः दिवाकरः सान्त्वितः सन् सहसा प्रशान्तः अभूत्।

thus addressed · friend of the lotus (Sun) · and · friend of the world · the Sun · became · calm · immediately · pacified · by the wielder of the Śārṅga bow

The narrative reaches a resolution as the Sun God, having received the Lord's counsel, immediately abandons his destructive intent, demonstrating the power of the Lord's presence.

The man who stays in this Kumbhakonam even for half a moment, liberation is in his hand. What then to speak of other glories?

Here ends the thirteenth chapter, titled "The Glory of Kumbhakonam," in the Third Part of the "Divyadeśavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

yo naraḥ kumbhakoṇe'smin kṣaṇārdhamapi tiṣṭhati

karasthaṃ tasya kaivalyaṃ kimutānyā vibhūtayaḥ

यः · yaḥ — who

नरः · naraḥ — man

कुम्भकोणेऽस्मिन् · kumbhakoṇe'smin — in this Kumbhakonam

क्षणार्धम् · kṣaṇārdham — half a moment

अपि · api — even

तिष्ठति · tiṣṭhati — stays

करस्थम् · karastham — in the hand

तस्य · tasya — his

कैवल्यम् · kaivalyam — liberation

किमुत · kimuta — what to speak of

अन्या · anyā — other

विभूतयः · vibhūtayaḥ — glories

यः नरः अस्मिन् कुम्भकोणे क्षणार्धम् अपि तिष्ठति, तस्य कैवल्यं करस्थं भवति; अन्याः विभूतयः किमुत?

who · man · in this Kumbhakonam · half a moment · even · stays · in the hand · his · liberation · what to speak of · other · glories

This verse serves as the concluding glorification of Kumbhakonam, asserting that the mere presence in this sacred space grants immediate spiritual liberation.