तुलसीवनमाहात्म्यम् Tulasī Vana Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Lord Venkateshvara, having left his abode in Vaikuṇṭha, resides joyfully with Ramā (Lakṣmī) on the bank of Svāmi Puṣkariṇī.

śrīsadgururuvāca

tyaktavaikuṇṭhavāso'yaṃ bhagavān veṅkaṭeśvaraḥ

svāmipuṣkariṇītīre ramayā ramate prabhuḥ

त्यक्तवैकुण्ठवासः · tyaktavaikuṇṭhavāsaḥ — having abandoned the residence of Vaikuṇṭha

अयम् · ayam — this

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

वेङ्कटेश्वरः · veṅkaṭeśvaraḥ — Lord Venkateshvara

स्वामिपुष्करिणीतीरे · svāmipuṣkariṇītīre — on the banks of the Svāmi Puṣkariṇī

रमया · ramayā — with Ramā (Lakṣmī)

रमते · ramate — delights

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

अयम् भगवान् वेङ्कटेश्वरः त्यक्तवैकुण्ठवासः सन् स्वामिपुष्करिणीतीरे रमया सह रमते।

having abandoned the residence of Vaikuṇṭha · this · the Lord · Lord Venkateshvara · on the banks of the Svāmi Puṣkariṇī · with Ramā (Lakṣmī) · delights · the Lord

This verse establishes the divine setting of the chapter, introducing the Lord's presence on earth to provide the backdrop for the subsequent divine play (līlā) in the Tulasī forest.

Ramā, having become the daughter of King Ākāśarāja as Padmāvatī, obtained Venkatesha as her husband and delights on the mountain slopes.

ākāśarājakanyātvaṃ prāpya padmāvatī ramā

veṅkaṭeśaṃ patiṃ prāpya ramate girisānuṣu

आकाशराजकन्यात्वम् · ākāśarājakanyātvaṃ — the state of being the daughter of King Ākāśarāja

प्राप्य · prāpya — having attained

पद्मावती · padmāvatī — Padmāvatī

रमा · ramā — Goddess Ramā

वेङ्कटेशम् · veṅkaṭeśam — Lord Venkatesha

पतिम् · patim — as husband

प्राप्य · prāpya — having obtained

रमते · ramate — delights

गिरिसानुषु · girisānuṣu — on the mountain slopes

आकाशराजकन्यात्वम् प्राप्य पद्मावती रमा वेङ्कटेशम् पतिम् प्राप्य गिरिसानुषु रमते।

the state of being the daughter of King Ākāśarāja · having attained · Padmāvatī · Goddess Ramā · Lord Venkatesha · as husband · having obtained · delights · on the mountain slopes

This verse connects the divine consort's earthly manifestation as Padmāvatī to the ongoing narrative of the Lord's presence on the mountain, setting the stage for the secondary manifestation of Bhūmi Devī.

But Vasundharā (Bhūmi Devī), pained by separation from Kṛṣṇa, chose the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya as her father.

vasundharā tu kṛṣṇasya viraheṇaiva pīḍitā

pitaraṃ rocayāmāsa mārkaṇḍeyaṃ mahāmunim

वसुन्धरा · vasundharā — Goddess Earth (Bhūmi)

तु · tu — however

कृष्णस्य · kṛṣṇasya — of Kṛṣṇa

विरहेण · viraheṇa — by separation

एव · eva — indeed

पीडिता · pīḍitā — pained

पितरम् · pitaraṃ — as father

रोचयामास · rocayāmāsa — chose

मार्कण्डेयम् · mārkaṇḍeyaṃ — the sage Mārkaṇḍeya

महामुनिम् · mahāmunim — the great sage

कृष्णस्य विरहेण पीडिता वसुन्धरा मार्कण्डेयम् महामुनिम् पितरम् रोचयामास।

Goddess Earth (Bhūmi) · however · of Kṛṣṇa · by separation · indeed · pained · as father · chose · the sage Mārkaṇḍeya · the great sage

This verse introduces the emotional catalyst of the chapter: Bhūmi Devī's separation from Kṛṣṇa, which leads her to seek a father-figure in the sage Mārkaṇḍeya.

In the sacred Tulasī forest on the southern bank of the Kāverī, the great sage performed penance at the Ahorātra Puṣkariṇī.

kāveryā dakṣiṇe tīre pavitre tulasīvane

ahorātrapuṣkariṇyāṃ tapaścakre mahāmuniḥ

कावेर्याः · kāveryāḥ — of the river Kāverī

दक्षिणे · dakṣiṇe — on the southern

तीरे · tīre — bank

पवित्रे · pavitre — in the sacred

तुलसीवने · tulasīvane — Tulasī forest

अहोरात्रपुष्करिण्याम् · ahorātrapuṣkariṇyāṃ — at the Ahorātra Puṣkariṇī

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

महामुनिः कावेर्याः दक्षिणे तीरे पवित्रे तुलसीवने अहोरात्रपुष्करिण्याम् तपः चक्रे।

of the river Kāverī · on the southern · bank · in the sacred · Tulasī forest · at the Ahorātra Puṣkariṇī · penance · performed · the great sage

This verse provides the geographical and spiritual location of the story, establishing the sanctity of the Tulasī forest and the Ahorātra Puṣkariṇī.

Bhūmi herself became the daughter of this great sage, as the goddess Vasumatī, desiring to attain Śrīnivāsa.

asya kanyā'bhavadbhūmiḥ svayameva mahāmuneḥ

śrīnivāsaṃ prāptukāmā devī vasumatī tathā

अस्य · asya — of him (the sage)

कन्या · kanyā — daughter

अभवत् · abhavat — became

भूमिः · bhūmiḥ — Goddess Bhūmi

स्वयम् · svayam — herself

एव · eva — indeed

महामुनेः · mahāmuneḥ — of the great sage

श्रीनिवासम् · śrīnivāsaṃ — Lord Śrīnivāsa

प्राप्तुकामा · prāptukāmā — desiring to attain

देवी · devī — the Goddess

वसुमती · vasumatī — Vasumatī

तथा · tathā — thus

श्रीनिवासम् प्राप्तुकामा देवी वसुमती भूमिः स्वयम् एव महामुनेः कन्या अभवत्।

of him (the sage) · daughter · became · Goddess Bhūmi · herself · indeed · of the great sage · Lord Śrīnivāsa · desiring to attain · the Goddess · Vasumatī · thus

This verse marks the miraculous birth/manifestation of Bhūmi as the daughter of Mārkaṇḍeya, driven by her divine desire to unite with Śrīnivāsa.

Vasumatī grew like the moonlight in the bright fortnight, endowed with divine beauty, a charming and delightful young girl.

śuklapakṣe vasumatī vavṛdhe candrikeva sā

divyasaundaryasaṃyuktā mugdhā bālā vinodinī

शुक्लपक्षे · śuklapakṣe — in the bright fortnight

वसुमती · vasumatī — Vasumatī

ववृधे · vavṛdhe — grew

चन्द्रिका · candrikā — moonlight

इव · iva — like

सा · sā — she

दिव्यसौन्दर्यसंयुक्ता · divyasaundaryasaṃyuktā — endowed with divine beauty

मुग्धा · mugdhā — charming

बाला · bālā — young girl

विनोदिनी · vinodinī — delightful

सा वसुमती शुक्लपक्षे चन्द्रिका इव ववृधे, सा दिव्यसौन्दर्यसंयुक्ता मुग्धा बाला विनोदिनी आसीत्।

in the bright fortnight · Vasumatī · grew · moonlight · like · she · endowed with divine beauty · charming · young girl · delightful

This verse describes the growth of Vasumatī, using the metaphor of the waxing moon to highlight her increasing beauty and divine charm.

The sage showed special, pure, and loving affection for her, Vasundharā, this mother of the worlds.

muniścakre viśeṣeṇa vātsalyaṃ prema nirmalam

tasyāṃ vasundharāyāṃ tu jananyāṃ jagatāmiyam

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

चक्रे · cakre — showed

विशेषेण · viśeṣeṇa — specially

वात्सल्यम् · vātsalyaṃ — affection

प्रेम · prema — love

निर्मलम् · nirmalam — pure

तस्याम् · tasyāṃ — for her

वसुन्धरायाम् · vasundharāyāṃ — for Vasundharā

तु · tu — indeed

जनन्याम् · jananyāṃ — the mother

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

इयम् · iyam — this

मुनिः जगताम् जनन्याम् तस्याम् वसुन्धरायाम् विशेषेण निर्मलम् वात्सल्यम् प्रेम चक्रे।

the sage · showed · specially · affection · love · pure · for her · for Vasundharā · indeed · the mother · of the worlds · this

This verse emphasizes the sage's recognition of her true identity, which elevates his affection from mere fatherly love to a form of divine devotion.

Hearing daily the glory of Mukunda's auspicious qualities, as sung by the sage, Kṣamā (Bhūmi) fell in love with Him alone.

sā tu nityaṃ mukundasya kalyāṇaguṇavaibhavam |

kīrtitaṃ muninā śrutvā tameva cakame kṣamā

सा · sā — she

तु · tu — indeed

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — daily

मुकुन्दस्य · mukundasya — of Mukunda

कल्याणगुणवैभवम् · kalyāṇaguṇavaibhavam — glory of auspicious qualities

कीर्तितम् · kīrtitaṃ — sung

मुनिना · muninā — by the sage

श्रुत्वा · śrutvā — having heard

तम् · tam — Him

एव · eva — only

चकमे · cakame — desired/loved

क्षमा · kṣamā — Kṣamā (Bhūmi)

सा क्षमा मुनिना कीर्तितम् मुकुन्दस्य कल्याणगुणवैभवम् नित्यम् श्रुत्वा तम् एव चकमे।

she · indeed · daily · of Mukunda · glory of auspicious qualities · sung · by the sage · having heard · Him · only · desired/loved · Kṣamā (Bhūmi)

This verse illustrates how the constant hearing of the Lord's glories deepens Bhūmi's longing, preparing the reader for the inevitable separation and subsequent divine union.

Day by day, due to separation from Mukunda, Vasundharā became emaciated and deeply sorrowful, like the moonlight in the dark fortnight.

dine dine mukundasya viraheṇa vasundharā

kṛṣṇapakṣe candrikeva kārśyaṃ prāpa suduḥkhitā

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

मुकुन्दस्य · mukundasya — of Mukunda

विरहेण · viraheṇa — by separation

वसुन्धरा · vasundharā — Vasundharā

कृष्णपक्षे · kṛṣṇapakṣe — in the dark fortnight

चन्द्रिका · candrikā — moonlight

इव · iva — like

कार्श्यम् · kārśyaṃ — emaciation

प्राप · prāpa — attained

सुदुःखिता · suduḥkhitā — very sorrowful

दिने दिने मुकुन्दस्य विरहेण सुदुःखिता वसुन्धरा कृष्णपक्षे चन्द्रिका इव कार्श्यम् प्राप।

day · day · of Mukunda · by separation · Vasundharā · in the dark fortnight · moonlight · like · emaciation · attained · very sorrowful

This verse depicts the physical manifestation of her internal sorrow, mirroring the waning moon to emphasize the intensity of her separation from the Lord.

Observing her state and praying for the Lord's grace, he dwelt in his hermitage, ever longing for Kṛṣṇa's arrival.

tasyā bhāvaṃ samālocya prārthayan bhagavatkṛpām

uvāsa svāśrame nityaṃ kṛṣṇāgamanakāṅkṣayā

तस्याः · tasyāḥ — her

भावम् · bhāvaṃ — state/condition

समालोच्य · samālocya — having observed

प्रार्थयन् · prārthayan — praying

भगवत्कृपाम् · bhagavatkṛpām — the Lord's grace

उवास · uvāsa — dwelt

स्वाश्रमे · svāśrame — in his hermitage

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — always

कृष्णागमनकाङ्क्षया · kṛṣṇāgamanakāṅkṣayā — with the longing for Kṛṣṇa's arrival

तस्याः भावम् समालोच्य भगवत्कृपाम् प्रार्थयन् सः कृष्णागमनकाङ्क्षया नित्यम् स्वाश्रमे उवास।

her · state/condition · having observed · praying · the Lord's grace · dwelt · in his hermitage · always · with the longing for Kṛṣṇa's arrival

This verse shifts the focus to Mārkaṇḍeya's role as a devotee-father, showing his active engagement in seeking divine intervention through prayer and patient waiting.

Then came an old Brāhmaṇa, a master of the Vedas. The great sage Mārkaṇḍeya worshipped him as a guest.

tadā''jagāma vṛddhastu brāhmaṇo vedapāragaḥ |

atithiṃ pūjayāmāsa mārkaṇḍeyo mahāmuniḥ

तदा · tadā — then

आजगाम · ājagāma — arrived

वृद्धः · vṛddhaḥ — old man

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — a Brahmana

वेदपारगः · vedapāragaḥ — master of the Vedas

अतिथिम् · atithim — the guest

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Sage Markandeya

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

तदा वेदपारगः वृद्धः ब्राह्मणः आजगाम। महामुनिः मार्कण्डेयः अतिथिं पूजयामास।

then · arrived · old man · a Brahmana · master of the Vedas · the guest · worshipped · Sage Markandeya · the great sage

This verse introduces the catalyst for the divine drama, where the Lord arrives in the guise of an aged Brahmana to test the sage's devotion and fulfill the divine plan. It sets the stage for the interaction between the human devotee and the disguised Supreme Lord.

Mārkaṇḍeya spoke:

Welcome, O best of Brāhmaṇas, master of the Vedas and Vedānta! Here is arghya, here is pādya; please accept this seat, O Lord.

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

svāgataṃ brāhmaṇaśreṣṭha vedavedāntapāraga

idamarghyamidaṃ pādyamāsanaṃ svīkuru prabho

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ · brāhmaṇaśreṣṭha — best of Brahmanas

वेदवेदान्तपारग · vedavedāntapāraga — master of Vedas and Vedanta

इदम् · idam — this

अर्घ्यम् · arghyam — water for offering

इदम् · idam — this

पाद्यम् · pādyam — water for feet

आसनम् · āsanam — seat

स्वीकुरु · svīkuru — accept

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

हे ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ वेदवेदान्तपारग, स्वागतम्। इदम् अर्घ्यम्, इदं पाद्यम्, आसनं च स्वीकुरु प्रभो।

welcome · best of Brahmanas · master of Vedas and Vedanta · this · water for offering · this · water for feet · seat · accept · O Lord

Mārkaṇḍeya's formal welcome highlights his adherence to the Vedic code of hospitality, establishing his character as a righteous householder who treats every guest as divine.

Today our ancestors are satisfied, as are the gods and the deities of our home. By your arrival alone, all the gods are pleased.

adya naḥ pitarastṛptā devāśca gṛhavāsinaḥ

tavāgamanamātreṇa prasannāḥ sarvadevatāḥ

अद्य · adya — today

नः · naḥ — our

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

तृप्ताः · tṛptāḥ — satisfied

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

च · ca — and

गृहवासिनः · gṛhavāsinaḥ — deities of the home

तवागमनमात्रेण · tavāgamanamātreṇa — by your mere arrival

प्रसन्नाः · prasannāḥ — pleased

सर्वदेवताः · sarvadevatāḥ — all the gods

अद्य नः पितरः देवाः गृहवासिनः च तृप्ताः। तवागमनमात्रेण सर्वदेवताः प्रसन्नाः।

today · our · ancestors · satisfied · gods · and · deities of the home · by your mere arrival · pleased · all the gods

This verse emphasizes the spiritual significance of a guest's arrival in a Vedic household, framing the Lord's presence as the ultimate source of ancestral and divine satisfaction.

I will do whatever you command, O Lord. I will give you everything. Tell me quickly what you desire.

ahaṃ sarvaṃ kariṣyāmi yadājñāpayasi prabho

ahaṃ sarvaṃ pradāsyāmi vada śīghraṃ tavepsitam

अहम् · aham — I

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

करिष्यामि · kariṣyāmi — will do

यत् · yat — what

आज्ञापयसि · ājñāpayasi — you command

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

अहम् · aham — I

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — will give

वद · vada — tell

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

तव · tava — your

ईप्सितम् · īpsitam — desired object

प्रभो, यत् आज्ञापयसि तत् अहं सर्वं करिष्यामि। अहं सर्वं प्रदास्यामि, तव ईप्सितं शीघ्रं वद।

I · everything · will do · what · you command · O Lord · I · everything · will give · tell · quickly · your · desired object

Mārkaṇḍeya's unconditional offer of service demonstrates the depth of his surrender, which ironically binds him to the very request the Lord is about to make.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

"Give me your daughter, O best of sages," said that twice-born one. Shamelessly, fearlessly, and piteously, he begged again and again.

śrīsadgururuvāca

tava kanyāṃ muniśreṣṭha mahyaṃ dehīti sa dvijaḥ

nirlajjaṃ nirbhayaṃ dīnaṃ yayāce ca punaḥ punaḥ

तव · tava — your

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

मुनिश्रेष्ठ · muniśreṣṭha — best of sages

मह्यम् · mahyam — to me

देहि · dehi — give

इति · iti — thus

सः · saḥ — that

द्विजः · dvijaḥ — Brahmana

निर्लज्जम् · nirlajjam — shamelessly

निर्भयम् · nirbhayam — fearlessly

दीनम् · dīnam — piteously

ययाचे · yayāce — begged

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

सः द्विजः मुनिश्रेष्ठ, तव कन्यां मह्यं देहि इति निर्लज्जं निर्भयं दीनम् पुनः पुनः ययाचे।

your · daughter · best of sages · to me · give · thus · that · Brahmana · shamelessly · fearlessly · piteously · begged · again and again

The Lord's persistence in demanding the daughter creates a dramatic tension, forcing the sage into a conflict between his duty as a father and his vow as a host.

Then Mārkaṇḍeya, his mind greatly agitated, spoke, seeing the fault in transgressing a Brāhmaṇa's request on one hand, and his daughter's youth on the other.

mārkaṇḍeyastadovāca bhṛśamudvignamānasaḥ

brāhmaṇātikrame doṣaṃ paśyan kanyāṃ ca bālikām

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Markandeya

तदा · tadā — then

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

भृशम् · bhṛśam — greatly

उद्विग्नमानसः · udvignamānasaḥ — agitated mind

ब्राह्मणातिक्रमे · brāhmaṇātikrame — in transgressing a Brahmana

दोषम् · doṣam — fault

पश्यन् · paśyan — seeing

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

च · ca — and

बालिकाम् · bālikām — young girl

तदा भृशम् उद्विग्नमानसः मार्कण्डेयः ब्राह्मणातिक्रमे दोषं कन्यां च बालिकाम् पश्यन् उवाच।

Markandeya · then · spoke · greatly · agitated mind · in transgressing a Brahmana · fault · seeing · daughter · and · young girl

This verse captures the internal psychological struggle of Mārkaṇḍeya, highlighting the gravity of the moral dilemma he faces in the presence of the divine guest.

Mārkaṇḍeya spoke:

Welcome to you, O Brāhmaṇa. You appear extremely old. Yet, such a desire for my daughter has arisen in you.

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

svāgataṃ bhavato brahman dṛśyase jaraṭho bhṛśam |

tathāpi mama kanyāyāṃ jātaḥ kāmastavedṛśaḥ

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

भवतः · bhavataḥ — to you

ब्रह्मन् · brahman — O Brahmana

दृश्यसे · dṛśyase — you appear

जरठः · jaraṭhaḥ — old

भृशम् · bhṛśam — extremely

तथापि · tathāpi — even so

मम · mama — my

कन्यायाम् · kanyāyām — in daughter

जातः · jātaḥ — arisen

कामः · kāmaḥ — desire

तव · tava — your

ईदृशः · īdṛśaḥ — such

ब्रह्मन्, भवतः स्वागतम्। भवान् भृशं जरठः दृश्यसे, तथापि मम कन्यायां तव ईदृशः कामः जातः।

welcome · to you · O Brahmana · you appear · old · extremely · even so · my · in daughter · arisen · desire · your · such

Mārkaṇḍeya attempts to reason with the guest, pointing out the absurdity of the request to highlight the unnatural nature of the situation.

This marriage is not suitable; consider this yourself, O twice-born. Therefore, I will not give her; my daughter is but a young girl.

nānurūpo vivāho'yaṃ tvamevālocaya dvija |

tasmādahaṃ na dāsyāmi mama putrī tu bālikā

न · na — not

अनुरूपः · anurūpaḥ — suitable

विवाहः · vivāhaḥ — marriage

अयम् · ayam — this

त्वम् · tvam — you

एव · eva — yourself

आलोचय · ālocaya — consider

द्विज · dvija — O Brahmana

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

अहम् · aham — I

न · na — not

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — will give

मम · mama — my

पुत्री · putrī — daughter

तु · tu — indeed

बालिका · bālikā — young girl

अयम् विवाहः न अनुरूपः, त्वम् एव आलोचय द्विज। तस्मात् अहं न दास्यामि, मम पुत्री तु बालिका।

not · suitable · marriage · this · you · yourself · consider · O Brahmana · therefore · I · not · will give · my · daughter · indeed · young girl

The sage firmly refuses, grounding his decision in the protection of his child, which serves to further test the Lord's resolve.

The Brāhmaṇa spoke:

I desire your daughter for the protection of my Agnihotra fire. I am not a lustful man, O knower of dharma, O wise Mārkaṇḍeya.

brāhmaṇa uvāca

agnihotrasya rakṣārthamicchāmi tava kanyakām

na kāmuko'haṃ dharmajño mārkaṇḍeya mahāmate

अग्निहोत्रस्य · agnihotrasya — of the fire ritual

रक्षार्थम् · rakṣārtham — for the purpose of protection

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I desire

तव · tava — your

कन्यकाम् · kanyakām — daughter

न · na — not

कामुकः · kāmukaḥ — lustful

अहम् · aham — I

धर्मज्ञः · dharmajñaḥ — knower of dharma

मार्कण्डेय · mārkaṇḍeya — O Markandeya

महामते · mahāmate — O wise one

मार्कण्डेय महामते, अग्निहोत्रस्य रक्षार्थम् अहं तव कन्यकाम् इच्छामि। अहं कामुकः न, हे धर्मज्ञ।

of the fire ritual · for the purpose of protection · I desire · your · daughter · not · lustful · I · knower of dharma · O Markandeya · O wise one

The Lord, in the guise of the Brahmana, reframes the request as a religious duty rather than a carnal desire, challenging the sage's understanding of dharma.

I too know dharma. I am old and without relatives. Therefore, I desire help and I ask for your daughter.

dharmaṃ jānāmyahamapi vṛddho'haṃ bandhuvarjitaḥ

tasmāt sāhāyyamicchāmi yācāmi tava kanyakām

धर्मम् · dharmam — dharma

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

अहम् · aham — I

अपि · api — also

वृद्धः · vṛddhaḥ — old

अहम् · aham — I

बन्धुवर्जितः · bandhuvarjitaḥ — without relatives

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

साहाय्यम् · sāhāyyam — help

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I desire

याचामि · yācāmi — I ask

तव · tava — your

कन्यकाम् · kanyakām — daughter

अहम् अपि धर्मं जानामि, अहं वृद्धः बन्धुवर्जितः च। तस्मात् साहाय्यम् इच्छामि, तव कन्यकां याचामि।

dharma · I know · I · also · old · I · without relatives · therefore · help · I desire · I ask · your · daughter

By emphasizing his loneliness and helplessness, the Lord appeals to the sage's compassion, a key virtue in the path of devotion.

Therefore, having mercy on me, give me your daughter, O sage. I will make your daughter happy, just as Nārāyaṇa does Lakṣmī.

tato mayi kṛpāṃ kṛtvā dehi me kanyakāṃ mune

sukhayiṣyāmi te kanyāṃ lakṣmīṃ nārāyaṇo yathā

ततः · tataḥ — therefore

मयि · mayi — towards me

कृपां · kṛpāṃ — mercy

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having shown

देहि · dehi — give

मे · me — to me

कन्यकां · kanyakāṃ — daughter

मुने · mune — O sage

सुखयिष्यामि · sukhayiṣyāmi — I will make happy

ते · te — your

कन्यां · kanyāṃ — daughter

लक्ष्मीं · lakṣmīṃ — Lakṣmī

नारायणो · nārāyaṇo — Nārāyaṇa

यथा · yathā — just as

ततः मयि कृपां कृत्वा मुने मे कन्यकां देहि। यथा नारायणः लक्ष्मीं सुखयति, तथा अहं ते कन्यां सुखयिष्यामि।

therefore · towards me · mercy · having shown · give · to me · daughter · O sage · I will make happy · your · daughter · Lakṣmī · Nārāyaṇa · just as

The Brāhmaṇa intensifies his plea by appealing to the sage's compassion, establishing a parallel between his request and the divine union of Nārāyaṇa and Lakṣmī to make his demand seem auspicious.

Mārkaṇḍeya spoke:

Alas, this innocent girl Dharaṇi is only five years old. She does not even know how to properly add salt while cooking vegetables.

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

hanta mugdhā bālikeyaṃ dharaṇiḥ pāñcavārṣikī

na vetti lavaṇaṃ dātuṃ śākapāke yathātathā

हन्त · hanta — alas

मुग्धा · mugdhā — innocent/naive

बालिका · bālikā — girl

इयं · iyaṃ — this

धरणिः · dharaṇiḥ — Dharaṇi

पाञ्चवार्षिकी · pāñcavārṣikī — five years old

न · na — not

वेत्ति · vetti — knows

लवणं · lavaṇaṃ — salt

दातुं · dātuṃ — to add

शाकपाके · śākapāke — in cooking vegetables

यथातथा · yathātathā — properly

हन्त इयं धरणिः मुग्धा बालिका पाञ्चवार्षिकी अस्ति। सा शाकपाके यथातथा लवणं दातुं न वेत्ति।

alas · innocent/naive · girl · this · Dharaṇi · five years old · not · knows · salt · to add · in cooking vegetables · properly

Mārkaṇḍeya highlights the absurdity of the request by pointing out the extreme youth of his daughter, emphasizing her inability to perform even basic household duties.

The Brāhmaṇa spoke:

From this day forward, may my food be without salt! I will not abandon your daughter. Give her to me out of compassion, O sage.

brāhmaṇa uvāca

adyaprabhṛti me bhūyādannaṃ lavaṇavarjitam

tava kanyāṃ na tyajāmi dehi me dayayā mune

अद्यप्रभृति · adyaprabhṛti — from today onwards

मे · me — my

भूयात् · bhūyāt — let it be

अन्नं · annaṃ — food

लवणवर्जितम् · lavaṇavarjitam — without salt

तव · tava — your

कन्यां · kanyāṃ — daughter

न · na — not

त्यजामि · tyajāmi — I will abandon

देहि · dehi — give

मे · me — to me

दयया · dayayā — with compassion

मुने · mune — O sage

अद्यप्रभृति मे अन्नं लवणवर्जितं भूयात्। अहं तव कन्यां न त्यजामि, मुने दयया मे देहि।

from today onwards · my · let it be · food · without salt · your · daughter · not · I will abandon · give · to me · with compassion · O sage

The Brāhmaṇa demonstrates his absolute commitment by accepting the child's limitations, using this as a pretext to further pressure the sage into compliance.

If not, O king of yogis, I will undertake a vow of fasting to death right here. I will surely give up my life before you. I speak the truth.

na cedatraiva yogīndra kurvannanaśanavratam

prāṇāṃstyakṣyāmi te nūnamagre satyaṃ vadāmyaham

न · na — not

चेत् · cet — if

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here

योगीन्द्र · yogīndra — O king of yogis

कुर्वन् · kurvan — doing

अनशनव्रतम् · anaśanavratam — vow of fasting

प्राणान् · prāṇān — life

त्यक्ष्यामि · tyakṣyāmi — I will give up

ते · te — before you

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

अग्रे · agre — in front

सत्यं · satyaṃ — truth

वदामि · vadāmi — I speak

अहम् · aham — I

योगीन्द्र न चेत्, अहं अत्रैव अनशनव्रतं कुर्वन् ते अग्रे प्राणांस्त्यक्ष्यामि। नूनम् अहं सत्यं वदामि।

not · if · right here · O king of yogis · doing · vow of fasting · life · I will give up · before you · certainly · in front · truth · I speak · I

The Brāhmaṇa resorts to emotional blackmail, threatening suicide to force the sage's hand, which creates a critical moral conflict for Mārkaṇḍeya.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

Thus addressed by the old Brāhmaṇa, the great sage, due to his affection for Bhū (his daughter) and the fear of the Brāhmaṇa's suicide...

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto munivaryastu vṛddhena brāhmaṇena saḥ

vātsalyena bhuvastasya prāṇatyāgabhayena ca

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

मुनिवर्यः · munivaryaḥ — the best of sages

तु · tu — indeed

वृद्धेन · vṛddhena — by the old

ब्राह्मणेन · brāhmaṇena — Brāhmaṇa

सः · saḥ — he

वात्सल्येन · vātsalyena — due to affection

भुवः · bhuvaḥ — for Bhū

तस्य · tasya — his

प्राणत्यागभयेन · prāṇatyāgabhayena — fear of suicide

च · ca — and

वृद्धेन ब्राह्मणेन इत्युक्तः सः मुनिवर्यः भुवः वात्सल्येन तस्य प्राणत्यागभयेन च पीडितः अभवत्।

thus addressed · the best of sages · indeed · by the old · Brāhmaṇa · he · due to affection · for Bhū · his · fear of suicide · and

This verse captures the internal struggle of Mārkaṇḍeya, caught between his natural parental love and the fear of incurring the sin of a Brāhmaṇa's death.

...was extremely afflicted and distressed, and unable to reply. Embracing Sarvaṃsahā (his daughter), the sage wept profusely.

pīḍito nitarāṃ dūnaḥ prativaktuṃ tathā'kṣamaḥ

sarvaṃsahāṃ samāliṅgya ruroda nitarāṃ muniḥ

पीडितः · pīḍitaḥ — afflicted

नितरां · nitarāṃ — extremely

दूनः · dūnaḥ — distressed

प्रतिवक्तुं · prativaktuṃ — to reply

तथा · tathā — so

अक्षमः · akṣamaḥ — unable

सर्वंसहां · sarvaṃsahāṃ — Sarvaṃsahā

समालिङ्ग्य · samāliṅgya — having embraced

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

सः मुनिः नितरां पीडितः दूनः प्रतिवक्तुं अक्षमः च अभवत्। सः सर्वंसहां समालिङ्ग्य नितरां रुरोद।

afflicted · extremely · distressed · to reply · so · unable · Sarvaṃsahā · having embraced · wept · the sage

The sage's helplessness is vividly portrayed here; his inability to speak and his weeping signify the depth of his emotional turmoil.

Yet, the glorious Brāhmaṇa spoke to the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya in a gentle voice, but with bold insistence.

tathāpi brāhmaṇaḥ śrīmān mārkaṇḍeyaṃ mahāmunim

provāca ślakṣṇayā vācā pragalbhaṃ haṭhapūrvakam

तथापि · tathāpi — even then

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — the Brāhmaṇa

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — glorious

मार्कण्डेयं · mārkaṇḍeyaṃ — Mārkaṇḍeya

महामुनिम् · mahāmunim — great sage

प्रोवाच · provāca — spoke

श्लक्ष्णया · ślakṣṇayā — gentle

वाचा · vācā — with voice

प्रगल्भं · pragalbhaṃ — bold

हठपूर्वकम् · haṭhapūrvakam — with insistence

तथापि श्रीमान् ब्राह्मणः श्लक्ष्णया वाचा हठपूर्वकं महामुनिं मार्कण्डेयं प्रगल्भं प्रोवाच।

even then · the Brāhmaṇa · glorious · Mārkaṇḍeya · great sage · spoke · gentle · with voice · bold · with insistence

The Brāhmaṇa's persistence is highlighted as a contrast to the sage's grief, underscoring the relentless nature of the divine test.

The Brāhmaṇa spoke:

Having called me, O great yogi, and invited me with hospitality, you promised, "I will give what you desire, make your choice."

brāhmaṇa uvāca

māmāhūya mahāyoginnātithyena nimantrya ca

tavepsitaṃ pradāsyāmi vṛṇīhīti pratiśrutam

माम् · mām — me

आहूय · āhūya — having called

महायोगिन् · mahāyogin — O great yogi

आतिथ्येन · ātithyena — with hospitality

निमन्त्र्य · nimantrya — having invited

च · ca — and

तव · tava — your

ईप्सितं · īpsitaṃ — desired thing

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — I will give

वृणीहि · vṛṇīhi — choose

इति · iti — thus

प्रतिश्रुतम् · pratiśrutam — promised

महायोगिन्! मां आहूय आतिथ्येन निमन्त्र्य च 'तव ईप्सितं प्रदास्यामि, वृणीहि' इति त्वया प्रतिश्रुतम्।

me · having called · O great yogi · with hospitality · having invited · and · your · desired thing · I will give · choose · thus · promised

The Brāhmaṇa uses the sage's own hospitality and previous promise against him, framing the request as a matter of integrity and truthfulness.

Uphold your word, O king of yogis, for truth is the highest vow. Relying on your promise, I ask for your daughter.

paripālaya yogīndra satyaṃ hi paramavratam

tava pratijñāṃ dhairyeṇa yāce'haṃ tava kanyakām

परिपालय · paripālaya — uphold

योगीन्द्र · yogīndra — O king of yogis

सत्यं · satyaṃ — truth

हि · hi — indeed

परमव्रतम् · paramavratam — highest vow

तव · tava — your

प्रतिज्ञां · pratijñāṃ — promise

धैर्येण · dhairyeṇa — with courage

याचे · yāce — I ask

अहं · aham — I

तव · tava — your

कन्यकाम् · kanyakām — daughter

योगीन्द्र सत्यं हि परमव्रतम्, तत् परिपालय। तव प्रतिज्ञां धैर्येण अहं तव कन्यकां याचे।

uphold · O king of yogis · truth · indeed · highest vow · your · promise · with courage · I ask · I · your · daughter

The Brāhmaṇa explicitly invokes the vow of truth, placing the sage in a position where he must either sacrifice his daughter or lose his moral standing.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

Thus addressed, the best of sages looked at his daughter's face. Bound by the noose of truth, he stood silent and sorrowful.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamukto muniśreṣṭho dṛṣṭvā kanyāmukhaṃ tadā

satyapāśena nirbaddhastasthau maunena duḥkhitaḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — addressed

मुनिश्रेष्ठः · muniśreṣṭhaḥ — best of sages

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

कन्यामुखं · kanyāmukhaṃ — daughter's face

तदा · tadā — then

सत्यपाशेन · satyapāśena — by the noose of truth

निर्बद्धः · nirbaddhaḥ — bound

तस्थौ · tasthau — stood

मौनेन · maunena — in silence

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — sorrowful

एवम् उक्तः मुनिश्रेष्ठः तदा कन्यामुखं दृष्ट्वा सत्यपाशेन निर्बद्धः मौनेन दुःखितः तस्थौ।

thus · addressed · best of sages · having seen · daughter's face · then · by the noose of truth · bound · stood · in silence · sorrowful

The imagery of the 'noose of truth' illustrates the sage's entrapment, setting the stage for the daughter's intervention and the resolution of the conflict.

Then, seeing her father, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya, so dejected, Kṣamā (Bhūmi) spoke sweetly to him.

tadā svapitaraṃ dṛṣṭvā mārkaṇḍeyaṃ mahāmunim

pitaraṃ suviṣaṇṇaṃ tamuvāca madhuraṃ kṣamā

तदा · tadā — then

स्वपितरम् · svapitaram — her own father

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

मार्कण्डेयम् · mārkaṇḍeyam — Mārkaṇḍeya

महामुनिम् · mahāmunim — the great sage

पितरम् · pitaram — the father

सुविषण्णम् · suviṣaṇṇam — deeply dejected

तम् · tam — to him

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

मधुरम् · madhuram — sweetly

क्षमा · kṣamā — Kṣamā (Bhūmi)

तदा स्वपितरं महामुनिं मार्कण्डेयं सुविषण्णं दृष्ट्वा क्षमा तं पितरं मधुरम् उवाच।

then · her own father · having seen · Mārkaṇḍeya · the great sage · the father · deeply dejected · to him · spoke · sweetly · Kṣamā (Bhūmi)

This verse marks the turning point where the divine Bhūmi Devī intervenes to resolve the moral dilemma of her father, Mārkaṇḍeya. Her intervention highlights her compassionate nature and sets the stage for the divine marriage.

Bhūmi spoke:

Do not grieve, O wise one, my father of firm vows. Give me, your daughter, to this Brāhmaṇa, even though he is old.

bhūmiruvāca

mā viṣīda mahābuddhe mama tāta dṛḍhavrata

dehi māṃ brāhmaṇāyāsmai jaraṭhāyāpi kanyakām

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महाबुद्धे · mahābuddhe — O wise one

मम · mama — my

तात · tāta — father

दृढव्रत · dṛḍhavrata — firm in vows

देहि · dehi — give

माम् · mām — me

ब्राह्मणाय · brāhmaṇāya — to the Brāhmaṇa

अस्मै · asmai — to this

जरठाय · jaraṭhāya — old man

अपि · api — even

कन्यकाम् · kanyakām — daughter

हे महाबुद्धे दृढव्रत तात, मा विषीद। अस्मै जरठाय ब्राह्मणाय अपि मां कन्यकां देहि।

do not · grieve · O wise one · my · father · firm in vows · give · me · to the Brāhmaṇa · to this · old man · even · daughter

Bhūmi Devī consoles her father, demonstrating her role as the embodiment of patience (Kṣamā) and her willingness to accept the Lord's divine play.

I will make you true to your word; I am your devoted daughter. I have no independence, O Brāhmaṇa; I will worship my husband.

satyasthaṃ tvāṃ kariṣyāmi pitṛbhaktāsmi te sutā

svātantryaṃ naiva me brahman pūjayiṣyāmi me patim

सत्यस्थम् · satyastham — truthful/firm in word

त्वाम् · tvām — you

करिष्यामि · kariṣyāmi — I will make

पितृभक्ता · pitṛbhaktā — devoted to father

अस्मि · asmi — I am

ते · te — your

सुता · sutā — daughter

स्वातन्त्र्यम् · svātantryam — independence

न · na — not

एव · eva — indeed

मे · me — my

ब्रह्मन् · brahman — O Brāhmaṇa

पूजयिष्यामि · pūjayiṣyāmi — I will worship

मे · me — my

पतिम् · patim — husband

अहं ते सुता पितृभक्ता अस्मि, त्वां सत्यस्थं करिष्यामि। हे ब्रह्मन्, मे स्वातन्त्र्यं नैव, अहं मे पतिं पूजयिष्यामि।

truthful/firm in word · you · I will make · devoted to father · I am · your · daughter · independence · not · indeed · my · O Brāhmaṇa · I will worship · my · husband

Bhūmi asserts her duty as a daughter and her commitment to the Vedic ideal of a wife's devotion, which is essential for the sanctity of the upcoming union.

The father protects in childhood, the husband protects in youth, and the son protects in old age; a woman does not deserve independence.

pitā rakṣati bālye tu bhartā rakṣati yauvane

putro rakṣati vārdhakye na strī svātantryamarhati

पिता · pitā — father

रक्षति · rakṣati — protects

बाल्ये · bālye — in childhood

तु · tu — and

भर्ता · bhartā — husband

रक्षति · rakṣati — protects

यौवने · yauvane — in youth

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

रक्षति · rakṣati — protects

वार्धक्ये · vārdhakye — in old age

न · na — not

स्त्री · strī — woman

स्वातन्त्र्यम् · svātantryam — independence

अर्हति · arhati — deserves

बाल्ये पिता रक्षति, यौवने भर्ता रक्षति, वार्धक्ये पुत्रः रक्षति। स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यं न अर्हति।

father · protects · in childhood · and · husband · protects · in youth · son · protects · in old age · not · woman · independence · deserves

This verse provides the scriptural justification for the woman's role in the Vedic social order, reinforcing the necessity of her marriage to the Brāhmaṇa.

Whether he is old, or sick, or poor, or even dull-witted, a husband must be worshipped, for to women, the husband is a deity.

vṛddho vāpi ca rugṇo vā daridro vā jaḍo'pi vā

bhartā tu pūjitavyo hi strīṇāṃ bhartā hi daivatam

वृद्धः · vṛddhaḥ — old

वा · vā — or

अपि · api — even

रुग्णः · rugṇaḥ — sick

दरिद्रः · daridraḥ — poor

जडः · jaḍaḥ — dull-witted

भर्ता · bhartā — husband

तु · tu — indeed

पूजितव्यः · pūjitavyaḥ — must be worshipped

हि · hi — because

स्त्रीणाम् · strīṇām — for women

दैवतम् · daivatam — deity

भर्ता वृद्धः वा अपि, रुग्णः वा, दरिद्रः वा, जडः अपि वा, सः पूजितव्यः। हि स्त्रीणां भर्ता दैवतम्।

old · or · even · sick · poor · dull-witted · husband · indeed · must be worshipped · because · for women · deity

Bhūmi explains the spiritual principle that a husband is to be worshipped regardless of his physical or mental state, as he represents the divine to his wife.

Since I have been given by you, my father, to this old Brāhmaṇa, I will worship him in every way, remembering him to be Hari (Viṣṇu) himself.

tvayaiva pitrāhaṃ dattā viprāya jaraṭhāya ca

amumeva hariṃ smṛtvā pūjayiṣyāmi sarvathā

त्वया · tvayā — by you

एव · eva — only

पित्रा · pitrā — father

अहम् · aham — I

दत्ता · dattā — given

विप्राय · viprāya — to the Brāhmaṇa

जरठाय · jaraṭhāya — old

अमुम् · amum — him

एव · eva — indeed

हरिम् · harim — Hari

स्मृत्वा · smṛtvā — having remembered

पूजयिष्यामि · pūjayiṣyāmi — I will worship

सर्वथा · sarvathā — in every way

त्वया पित्रा अहं जरठाय विप्राय दत्ता। अहं अमुम् एव हरिं स्मृत्वा सर्वथा पूजयिष्यामि।

by you · only · father · I · given · to the Brāhmaṇa · old · him · indeed · Hari · having remembered · I will worship · in every way

Bhūmi reveals her inner realization that the Brāhmaṇa is none other than Hari, thereby sanctifying the act of marriage as an act of divine service.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

Consoled by Sarvaṃsahā, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya, with a pleased soul and with faith, gave his daughter according to the prescribed rites.

śrīsadgururuvāca

sarvaṃsahayā sāntvito'sau mārkaṇḍeyo mahāmuniḥ

prasannātmā śraddhayaiva dadau kanyāṃ yathāvidhi

सर्वंसहया · sarvaṃsahayā — by Sarvaṃsahā

सान्त्वितः · sāntvitaḥ — consoled

असौ · asau — that

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Mārkaṇḍeya

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

प्रसन्नात्मा · prasannātmā — with pleased soul

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एव · eva — indeed

ददौ · dadau — gave

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rites

सर्वंसहया सान्त्वितः असौ महामुनिः मार्कण्डेयः प्रसन्नात्मा श्रद्धया एव यथाविधि कन्यां ददौ।

by Sarvaṃsahā · consoled · that · Mārkaṇḍeya · the great sage · with pleased soul · with faith · indeed · gave · daughter · according to rites

Mārkaṇḍeya, finding peace through his daughter's words, proceeds with the marriage, signifying the transition from worldly anxiety to divine duty.

Having washed the groom's feet, offered the sacred arghya, and given a cow as per the scriptures, the great one bestowed his daughter.

pādaprakṣālanaṃ kṛtvā puṇyamarghyaṃ pradāya ca

gāmutsṛjya yathāśāstraṃ kanyāṃ ca pradadau mahān

पादप्रक्षालनम् · pādaprakṣālanam — washing of feet

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — sacred

अर्घ्यम् · arghyam — arghya offering

प्रदाय · pradāya — having given

गाम् · gām — cow

उत्सृज्य · utsṛjya — having gifted

यथाशास्त्रम् · yathāśāstram — according to scriptures

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

प्रददौ · pradadau — bestowed

महान् · mahān — the great one

महान् पादप्रक्षालनं कृत्वा, पुण्यम् अर्घ्यं प्रदाय, यथाशास्त्रं गां उत्सृज्य कन्यां प्रददौ।

washing of feet · having done · sacred · arghya offering · having given · cow · having gifted · according to scriptures · daughter · bestowed · the great one

The formal ritualistic actions performed by Mārkaṇḍeya emphasize the sanctity and traditional correctness of the marriage, preparing for the revelation of the Lord.

Mārkaṇḍeya spoke:

This most fortunate daughter, named Kṣamā (forbearance) by her virtue, is also Vasundharā (holder of wealth), Ratnagarbhā (womb of jewels), Dharā (supporter), Sarvaṃsahā (all-enduring), and Bhū (the earth).

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

iyaṃ kanyā mahābhāgā kṣamā nāmnā guṇena ca

vasundharā ratnagarbhā dharā sarvaṃsahā ca bhūḥ

इयम् · iyam — this

कन्या · kanyā — daughter

महाभागा · mahābhāgā — most fortunate

क्षमा · kṣamā — Kṣamā

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by name

गुणेन · guṇena — by virtue

वसुन्धरा · vasundharā — Vasundharā

रत्नगर्भा · ratnagarbhā — Ratnagarbhā

धरा · dharā — Dharā

सर्वंसहा · sarvaṃsahā — Sarvaṃsahā

भूः · bhūḥ — Bhū

इयं कन्या महाभागा, नाम्ना गुणेन च क्षमा, वसुन्धरा, रत्नगर्भा, धरा, सर्वंसहा, भूः च अस्ति।

this · daughter · most fortunate · Kṣamā · by name · by virtue · Vasundharā · Ratnagarbhā · Dharā · Sarvaṃsahā · Bhū

Mārkaṇḍeya enumerates the divine names of his daughter, establishing her identity as the Earth Goddess, which elevates the status of the marriage to a cosmic event.

I give her to you, who are Viṣṇu. Let all the gods be witnesses. You are a Brāhmaṇa learned in the Vedas; take her hand in yours.

dāsyāmi viṣṇave tubhyaṃ devāḥ sarve'pi sākṣiṇaḥ

vedavidbrāhmaṇo'si tvaṃ pāṇiṃ gṛhṇīṣva pāṇinā

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — I will give

विष्णवे · viṣṇave — to Viṣṇu

तुभ्यम् · tubhyam — to you

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

साक्षिणः · sākṣiṇaḥ — witnesses

वेदवित् · vedavit — knower of Vedas

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — Brāhmaṇa

असि · asi — you are

पाणिम् · pāṇim — hand

गृह्णीष्व · gṛhṇīṣva — take

पाणिना · pāṇinā — with hand

अहं विष्णवे तुभ्यं दास्यामि, सर्वे देवाः साक्षिणः। त्वं वेदवित् ब्राह्मणः असि, पाणिना पाणिं गृह्णीष्व।

I will give · to Viṣṇu · to you · gods · all · witnesses · knower of Vedas · Brāhmaṇa · you are · hand · take · with hand

Mārkaṇḍeya invokes the gods as witnesses and formally hands over his daughter to the Brāhmaṇa, finalizing the sacred union.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

Thus addressed, the Brāhmaṇa accepted the girl and immediately revealed his own most auspicious form.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamukto brāhmaṇastu parigṛhya ca kanyakām

sadyaḥ prakaṭayāmāsa nijarūpaṃ sumaṅgalam

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — addressed

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — the Brāhmaṇa

तु · tu — then

परिगृह्य · parigṛhya — having accepted

च · ca — and

कन्यकाम् · kanyakām — the maiden

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

प्रकटयामास · prakaṭayāmāsa — revealed

निजरूपम् · nijarūpam — His own form

सुमङ्गलम् · sumaṅgalam — most auspicious

एवम् उक्तः ब्राह्मणः तु कन्यकां परिगृह्य सद्यः निजरूपं सुमङ्गलं प्रकटयामास।

thus · addressed · the Brāhmaṇa · then · having accepted · and · the maiden · immediately · revealed · His own form · most auspicious

This verse marks the dramatic climax of the narrative where the disguised Lord reveals His true identity to Mārkaṇḍeya. It validates the sage's devotion and sets the stage for the divine manifestation.

Dark like a blue cloud, with eyes like lotuses, wearing divine yellow garments, and as handsome as a new god of love.

nīlameghaśyāmalaṃ ca nalināyatalocanam

divyapītāmbaradharaṃ navamanmathasundaram

नीलमेघश्यामळम् · nīlameghaśyāmalam — dark like a blue cloud

च · ca — and

नलिनायतलोचनम् · nalināyatalocanam — lotus-eyed

दिव्यपीताम्बरधरम् · divyapītāmbaradharam — wearing divine yellow garments

नवमन्मथसुन्दरम् · navamanmathasundaram — handsome as a new god of love

नीलमेघश्यामलं नलिनायतलोचनं दिव्यपीताम्बरधरं नवमन्मथसुन्दरं च (रूपं प्रकटयामास)।

dark like a blue cloud · and · lotus-eyed · wearing divine yellow garments · handsome as a new god of love

The verse provides a vivid dhyāna-śloka style description of the Lord, emphasizing His beauty and divine attributes, which confirms His identity as the Supreme Being.

Bearing the Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha, holding the conch, discus, and mace, with a broad chest, tall stature, high shoulders, and four arms.

śrīvatsakaustubhadharaṃ śaṅkhacakragadādharam

viśālavakṣasaṃ prāṃśumunnatāṃsaṃ caturbhujam

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरम् · śrīvatsakaustubhadharam — bearing the Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha

शङ्खचक्रगदाधरम् · śaṅkhacakragadādharam — holding the conch, discus, and mace

विशालवक्षसम् · viśālavakṣasam — broad-chested

प्रांशुम् · prāṃśum — tall

उन्नतांसम् · unnatāṃsam — high-shouldered

चतुर्भुजम् · caturbhujam — four-armed

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरं शङ्खचक्रगदाधरं विशालवक्षसं प्रांशुम् उन्नतांसं चतुर्भुजं (रूपं प्रकटयामास)।

bearing the Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha · holding the conch, discus, and mace · broad-chested · tall · high-shouldered · four-armed

This verse completes the iconographic description of the Lord, highlighting His specific divine weapons and physical majesty, which are essential for the devotee's meditation.

Beholding him, Venkatesha, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya, with a delighted heart, folded his hands and offered praise.

vilokya veṅkaṭeśaṃ taṃ mārkaṇḍeyo mahāmuniḥ

prahṛṣṭahṛdayaścakre stutiṃ baddhāñjalistadā

विलोक्य · vilokya — having beheld

वेङ्कटेशम् · veṅkaṭeśam — Venkatesha

तम् · tam — him

मार्कण्डेयः · mārkaṇḍeyaḥ — Mārkaṇḍeya

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

प्रहृष्टहृदयः · prahṛṣṭahṛdayaḥ — with a delighted heart

चक्रे · cakre — performed

स्तुतिम् · stutim — praise

बद्धाञ्जलिः · baddhāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

तदा · tadā — then

तदा तं वेङ्कटेशं विलोक्य प्रहृष्टहृदयः महामुनिः मार्कण्डेयः बद्धाञ्जलिः सन् स्तुतिं चक्रे।

having beheld · Venkatesha · him · Mārkaṇḍeya · the great sage · with a delighted heart · performed · praise · with folded hands · then

This verse captures the emotional response of Mārkaṇḍeya, showing the transition from the confusion of the marriage ritual to the overwhelming joy of divine vision.

Mārkaṇḍeya spoke:

I am blessed, I am graced, by Dharaṇī and by You as well. You have given me the state of being a father and a father-in-law, which is so difficult to attain.

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca

dhanyo'smyanugṛhīto'smi dharayā ca tvayā tathā

pitṛtvaṃ śvaśuratvaṃ ca dattaṃ duṣprāpyamīdṛśam

धन्यः · dhanyaḥ — blessed

अस्मि · asmi — I am

अनुगृहीतः · anugṛhītaḥ — graced

अस्मि · asmi — I am

धरया · dharayā — by the Earth goddess

च · ca — and

त्वया · tvayā — by You

तथा · tathā — also

पितृत्वम् · pitṛtvam — fatherhood

श्वशुरत्वम् · śvaśuratvam — father-in-law status

दत्तम् · dattam — given

दुष्प्राप्यम् · duṣprāpyam — hard to attain

ईदृशम् · īdṛśam — such

अहं धन्यः अस्मि, धरया त्वया च अनुगृहीतः अस्मि। ईदृशं दुष्प्राप्यं पितृत्वं श्वशुरत्वं च (भवता) दत्तम्।

blessed · I am · graced · I am · by the Earth goddess · and · by You · also · fatherhood · father-in-law status · given · hard to attain · such

Mārkaṇḍeya expresses his profound gratitude for the unique relationship established with the Lord, acknowledging the divine grace that allowed him to become the Lord's father-in-law.

Salutations, salutations to Venkatesha! O Śrīnivāsa, salutations, salutations! Salutations, salutations to the Lord of the world! O Janārdana, salutations, salutations!

namo namo veṅkaṭeśa śrīnivāsa namo namaḥ

namo namo jagannātha janārdana namo namaḥ

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

वेङ्कटेश · veṅkaṭeśa — O Venkatesha

श्रीनिवास · śrīnivāsa — O Śrīnivāsa

जगन्नाथ · jagannātha — O Lord of the world

जनार्दन · janārdana — O Janārdana

वेङ्कटेश! श्रीनिवास! जगन्नाथ! जनार्दन! (तुभ्यं) नमो नमः।

salutations · O Venkatesha · O Śrīnivāsa · O Lord of the world · O Janārdana

The sage begins his stuti by invoking the various names of the Lord, establishing the devotional atmosphere and acknowledging the Lord's universal sovereignty.

Salutations, salutations to Hṛṣīkeśa! O Vāsudeva, salutations, salutations! Salutations, salutations to Padmanābha! O Dāmodara, salutations, salutations!

namo namo hṛṣīkeśa vāsudeva namo namaḥ

namo namo padmanābha dāmodara namo namaḥ

हृषीकेश · hṛṣīkeśa — O Hṛṣīkeśa

वासुदेव · vāsudeva — O Vāsudeva

पद्मनाभ · padmanābha — O Padmanābha

दामोदर · dāmodara — O Dāmodara

हृषीकेश! वासुदेव! पद्मनाभ! दामोदर! (तुभ्यं) नमो नमः।

O Hṛṣīkeśa · O Vāsudeva · O Padmanābha · O Dāmodara

Continuing the stuti, the sage invokes the Lord's names associated with His inner presence and cosmic form, reinforcing the intimacy of the current moment.

In this very great kṣetra, may you reside forever with Kṣamā in your auspicious wedding form, bestowing grace upon all.

asminneva mahākṣetre santataṃ kṣamayā saha

kalyāṇaveṣo nivasan sarveṣāṃ kurvannanugraham

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

एव · eva — very

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — great sacred place

सन्ततम् · santatam — forever

क्षमया · kṣamayā — with Kṣamā

सह · saha — along with

कल्याणवेषः · kalyāṇaveṣaḥ — in auspicious wedding form

निवसन् · nivasan — residing

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣām — for all

कुर्वन् · kurvan — doing

अनुग्रहम् · anugraham — grace

भवान् अस्मिन् एव महाक्षेत्रे क्षमया सह सन्ततं कल्याणवेषः निवसन् सर्वेषां अनुग्रहं कुर्वन् (भवतु)।

in this · very · great sacred place · forever · with Kṣamā · along with · in auspicious wedding form · residing · for all · doing · grace

The sage makes a specific request for the Lord to remain in the Tulasī forest, thereby sanctifying the place and ensuring perpetual grace for all beings.

This is my prayer, O Viṣṇu, O Venkatesha, Lord of the universe. I ask for no other boon, O Lord. Always ensure the welfare of the world.

eṣā hi prārthanā viṣṇo veṅkaṭeśa jagatpate

nānyaṃ varaṃ vṛṇe deva lokakṣemaṃ sadā kuru

एषा · eṣā — this

हि · hi — indeed

प्रार्थना · prārthanā — prayer

विष्णो · viṣṇo — O Viṣṇu

वेङ्कटेश · veṅkaṭeśa — O Venkatesha

जगत्पते · jagatpate — O Lord of the universe

न · na — not

अन्यम् · anyam — other

वरम् · varam — boon

वृणे · vṛṇe — I ask

देव · deva — O Lord

लोकक्षेमम् · lokakṣemam — welfare of the world

सदा · sadā — always

कुरु · kuru — do

विष्णो! वेङ्कटेश! जगत्पते! एषा हि प्रार्थना। देव! अहं अन्यं वरं न वृणे, सदा लोकक्षेमं कुरु।

this · indeed · prayer · O Viṣṇu · O Venkatesha · O Lord of the universe · not · other · boon · I ask · O Lord · welfare of the world · always · do

The sage concludes his prayer by stating that he seeks no personal boon other than the welfare of the world, highlighting his selfless nature as a true devotee.

Śrī Sadguru spoke:

Thus prayed to, Viṣṇu, Venkatesha, the husband of Śrī, is ever-present here along with Bhūmi Devī.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ hi prārthito viṣṇurveṅkaṭeśaḥ śriyaḥpatiḥ

sahaiva bhūmidevyā'tra nityaṃ sannihito hariḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

हि · hi — indeed

प्रार्थितः · prārthitaḥ — prayed to

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

वेङ्कटेशः · veṅkaṭeśaḥ — Venkatesha

श्रियःपतिः · śriyaḥpatiḥ — husband of Śrī

सह · saha — along with

एव · eva — only

भूमिदेव्या · bhūmidevyā — with Bhūmi Devī

अत्र · atra — here

नित्यम् · nityam — always

सन्निहितः · sannihitaḥ — present

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

एवं प्रार्थितः विष्णुः वेङ्कटेशः श्रियःपतिः हरिः भूमिदेव्या सह एव अत्र नित्यं सन्निहितः (अस्ति)।

thus · indeed · prayed to · Viṣṇu · Venkatesha · husband of Śrī · along with · only · with Bhūmi Devī · here · always · present · Hari

This verse serves as the concluding confirmation of the Lord's eternal presence in the Tulasī forest, validating the sanctity of the place for all future devotees.

Merely by His sight, for devotees in the Kali Yuga, auspiciousness, which grants the fulfillment of desires, will surely arise.

asya darśanamātreṇa bhaktānāṃ tu kalau yuge

kalyāṇaṃ jāyate nūnamiṣṭasiddhividhāyakam

अस्य · asya — of Him

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — by mere sight

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānāṃ — of the devotees

तु · tu — indeed

कलौ · kalau — in the Kali age

युगे · yuge — in the era

कल्याणम् · kalyāṇaṃ — auspiciousness

जायते · jāyate — arises

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

इष्टसिद्धि · iṣṭasiddhi — fulfillment of desires

विधायकम् · vidhāyakam — granting

कलौ युगे भक्तानाम् अस्य दर्शनमात्रेण नूनम् इष्टसिद्धि-विधायकं कल्याणं जायते।

of Him · by mere sight · of the devotees · indeed · in the Kali age · in the era · auspiciousness · arises · certainly · fulfillment of desires · granting

This verse concludes the narrative by highlighting the accessibility of the Lord's grace in the current age. It emphasizes that the mere vision of the Lord in this sacred place is sufficient to bestow auspiciousness and fulfill all desires for devotees in Kali Yuga.

By bathing in the Ahorātra Puṣkariṇī and serving the Lord, the husband of Śrī, one is freed from all diseases; there is no doubt in this.

ahorātrapuṣkariṇyāṃ snātvā devaṃ śriyaḥpatim

saṃsevya sarvarogebhyo mucyate nātra saṃśayaḥ

अहोरात्रपुष्करिण्याम् · ahorātrapuṣkariṇyāṃ — in the Ahoratra tank

स्नात्वा · snātvā — having bathed

देवम् · devam — the Lord

श्रियःपतिम् · śriyaḥpatim — the husband of Lakshmi

संसेव्य · saṃsevya — having served

सर्वरोगेभ्यः · sarvarogebhyaḥ — from all diseases

मुच्यते · mucyate — is freed

न · na — not

अत्र · atra — here

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अहोरात्रपुष्करिण्यां स्नात्वा श्रियःपतिं देवं संसेव्य सर्वरोगेभ्यः मुच्यते, अत्र संशयः न।

in the Ahoratra tank · having bathed · the Lord · the husband of Lakshmi · having served · from all diseases · is freed · not · here · doubt

This verse prescribes the specific ritual practice for the devotee at this site. It promises physical and spiritual healing through the combination of bathing in the sacred tank and serving the Lord.

In the great kṣetra of Mārkaṇḍeya, in the Tulasī forest, any maiden who serves Śrīpati (Viṣṇu) with devotion will quickly obtain a husband.

mārkaṇḍeyamahākṣetre śrīpatiṃ tulasīvane

yā kanyā sevate bhaktyā śīghraṃ sā patimāpnuyāt

मार्कण्डेयमहाक्षेत्रे · mārkaṇḍeyamahākṣetre — in the great field of Markandeya

श्रीपतिम् · śrīpatiṃ — Lord Vishnu

तुलसीवने · tulasīvane — in the Tulasi forest

या · yā — whichever

कन्या · kanyā — maiden

सेवते · sevate — serves

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

सा · sā — she

पतिम् · patim — husband

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — obtains

मार्कण्डेयमहाक्षेत्रे तुलसीवने या कन्या भक्त्या श्रीपतिं सेवते, सा शीघ्रं पतिम् आप्नुयात्।

in the great field of Markandeya · Lord Vishnu · in the Tulasi forest · whichever · maiden · serves · with devotion · quickly · she · husband · obtains

Focusing on the specific phala (fruit) for maidens, this verse reinforces the sanctity of the Tulasivana. It serves as a call to action for those seeking divine intervention in their personal lives.

There is no other great kṣetra like this in the world. The Lord grants all desires, like a celestial wish-fulfilling tree.

Thus ends the sixteenth chapter, named 'The Glory of Tulasīvana', in the Third Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

īdṛśaṃ tu mahākṣetraṃ bhuvane nāsti kiñcana

dadāti kāmitaṃ sarvaṃ devaḥ kalpakavṛkṣavat

ईदृशम् · īdṛśaṃ — such

तु · tu — indeed

महाक्षेत्रम् · mahākṣetram — great sacred place

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

किञ्चन · kiñcana — any

ददाति · dadāti — gives

कामितम् · kāmitaṃ — desired

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

देवः · devaḥ — the Lord

कल्पकवृक्षवत् · kalpakavṛkṣavat — like a wish-fulfilling tree

भुवने ईदृशं महाक्षेत्रं किञ्चन नास्ति, देवः कल्पकवृक्षवत् सर्वं कामितं ददाति।

such · indeed · great sacred place · in the world · not · is · any · gives · desired · all · the Lord · like a wish-fulfilling tree

This concluding verse elevates the status of the Tulasivana to that of a wish-fulfilling tree. It asserts the unique, unparalleled nature of this sacred site in the entire world.