कृष्णमङ्गाक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Kṛṣṇamaṅgā Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

In that great forest, dense with various trees, teeming with flocks of beasts and birds, and dotted with the hermitages of ascetics,

śrīsadgururuvāca

tasminnaraṇye mahati nānāvṛkṣasamākule|

paśupakṣigaṇākīrṇe tāpasāśramamaṇḍale

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in that

अरण्ये · araṇye — forest

महति · mahati — great

नानावृक्षसमाकुले · nānāvṛkṣasamākule — filled with various trees

पशुपक्षिगणाकीर्णे · paśupakṣigaṇākīrṇe — teeming with flocks of beasts and birds

तापसाश्रममण्डले · tāpasāśramamaṇḍale — in the circle of hermitages of ascetics

तस्मिन् महति अरण्ये नानावृक्षसमाकुले पशुपक्षिगणाकीर्णे तापसाश्रममण्डले (भृगुः निवसति स्म)।

in that · forest · great · filled with various trees · teeming with flocks of beasts and birds · in the circle of hermitages of ascetics

This verse sets the serene and sacred backdrop of the forest where the sage Bhrigu performs his penance, establishing the atmosphere of spiritual seclusion necessary for the divine manifestation.

Dwelling always in his hut, the sage Bhrigu joyfully worshipped the imperishable Vishnu with the twelve-syllable mantra.

nivasannuṭaje nityaṃ bhṛgurviṣṇumanāmayam|

pūjayāmāsa sānandaṃ dvādaśākṣaravidyayā

निवसन् · nivasan — dwelling

उटजे · uṭaje — in a hut

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — always

भृगुः · bhṛguḥ — the sage Bhrigu

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Lord Vishnu

अनामयम् · anāmayam — the imperishable one

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

सानन्दम् · sānandam — with joy

द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया · dvādaśākṣaravidyayā — by the twelve-syllable mantra

भृगुः उटजे नित्यं निवसन् सानन्दं द्वादशाक्षरविद्यया अनामयं विष्णुं पूजयामास।

dwelling · in a hut · always · the sage Bhrigu · Lord Vishnu · the imperishable one · worshipped · with joy · by the twelve-syllable mantra

This verse highlights Bhrigu's daily spiritual practice, establishing his devotion to Vishnu as the foundation for his subsequent realization and the eventual appearance of Lakshmi.

Once, the best of sages reflected in his heart, and, remembering the kick he had delivered to Krishna, he was filled with remorse.

kadāciccintayāmāsa hṛdaye munipuṅgavaḥ|

pādaprahāraṃ kṛṣṇasya kṛtaṃ smṛtvā ghṛṇākulaḥ

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

चिन्तयामास · cintayāmāsa — reflected

हृदये · hṛdaye — in his heart

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best of sages

पादप्रहारम् · pādaprahāram — the kick of the foot

कृष्णस्य · kṛṣṇasya — of Krishna

कृतम् · kṛtam — done

स्मृत्वा · smṛtvā — remembering

घृणाकुलः · ghṛṇākulaḥ — filled with remorse

कदाचित् मुनिपुङ्गवः हृदये चिन्तयामास। कृष्णस्य कृतं पादप्रहारं स्मृत्वा स घृणाकुलः अभवत्।

once · reflected · in his heart · the best of sages · the kick of the foot · of Krishna · done · remembering · filled with remorse

This verse introduces the internal conflict of the sage, shifting the narrative from peaceful worship to the remorse that triggers the need for divine grace.

"Alas! What a great sin I have committed out of ignorance. That Goddess Lakshmi resides eternally and inseparably on Vishnu's chest.

aho bata mahatpāpaṃ kṛtamajñānato mayā|

viṣṇorvakṣasi sā lakṣmīrnityamastyanapāyinī

अहो · aho — alas

बत · bata — oh

महत्पापम् · mahatpāpam — great sin

कृतम् · kṛtam — committed

अज्ञानतः · ajñānataḥ — out of ignorance

मया · mayā — by me

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

वक्षसि · vakṣasi — on the chest

सा · sā — she

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakshmi

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

अस्त्यनपायिनी · astyanapāyinī — is inseparable

अहो बत! मया अज्ञानतः महत्पापं कृतम्। सा लक्ष्मीः विष्णोः वक्षसि नित्यम् अनपायिनी अस्ति।

alas · oh · great sin · committed · out of ignorance · by me · of Vishnu · on the chest · she · Lakshmi · eternally · is inseparable

Bhrigu's realization of his offense against Lakshmi is articulated here, emphasizing her inseparable nature with Vishnu and the gravity of his ignorance.

Surely, by my kick, pain must have been caused to her. She is the mother of all the worlds; a great sin has been committed by me."

mama pādaprahāreṇa tasyāḥ pīḍā bhavennanu|

sā mātā sarvalokānāṃ mayā pāpaṃ mahatkṛtam

मम · mama — my

पादप्रहारेण · pādaprahāreṇa — by the kick

तस्याः · tasyāḥ — her

पीडा · pīḍā — pain

भवेत् · bhavet — must have been caused

ननु · nanu — surely

सा · sā — she

माता · mātā — mother

सर्वलोकानाम् · sarvalokānām — of all worlds

मया · mayā — by me

पापम् · pāpam — sin

महत्कृतम् · mahatkṛtam — greatly committed

मम पादप्रहारेण तस्याः पीडा भवेत् ननु। सा सर्वलोकानां माता, मया महत् पापं कृतम्।

my · by the kick · her · pain · must have been caused · surely · she · mother · of all worlds · by me · sin · greatly committed

This verse deepens the emotional stakes, as Bhrigu recognizes Lakshmi as the universal mother, making his past action seem even more heinous to his own conscience.

Thus distressed by anxiety, abstaining from sleep and food, the king of yogis once again performed penance directed towards Shri (Lakshmi).

iti cintāturo nityaṃ nidrāhāravivarjitaḥ|

punaścakāra yogīndraḥ śriyamuddiśya vai tapaḥ

इति · iti — thus

चिन्तातुरः · cintāturaḥ — distressed by anxiety

नित्यम् · nityam — always

निद्राहारविवर्जितः · nidrāhāravivarjitaḥ — abstaining from sleep and food

पुनः · punaḥ — again

चकार · cakāra — performed

योगीन्द्रः · yogīndraḥ — king of yogis

श्रियम् · śriyam — Shri/Lakshmi

उद्दिश्य · uddiśya — directed towards

वै · vai — indeed

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

इति चिन्तातुरः निद्राहारविवर्जितः योगीन्द्रः पुनः श्रियम् उद्दिश्य तपः चकार।

thus · distressed by anxiety · always · abstaining from sleep and food · again · performed · king of yogis · Shri/Lakshmi · directed towards · indeed · penance

The transition from remorse to action is shown here, as Bhrigu adopts a life of extreme austerity to seek forgiveness directly from the Goddess.

Then, after a short time, that Goddess, the ruler of the universe, the wife of Vishnu, with large eyes and adorned with all ornaments,

athācireṇa kālena sā devī jagadīśvarī|

viṣṇupatnī viśālākṣī sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā

अथ · atha — then

अचिरेण · acireṇa — after a short time

कालेन · kālena — time

सा · sā — she

देवी · devī — the Goddess

जगदीश्वरी · jagadīśvarī — ruler of the universe

विष्णुपत्नी · viṣṇupatnī — wife of Vishnu

विशालाक्षी · viśālākṣī — large-eyed

सर्वाभरणभूषिता · sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā — adorned with all ornaments

अथ अचिरेण कालेन सा जगदीश्वरी विष्णुपत्नी विशालाक्षी सर्वाभरणभूषिता देवी (प्रादुर्बभूव)।

then · after a short time · time · she · the Goddess · ruler of the universe · wife of Vishnu · large-eyed · adorned with all ornaments

The manifestation of the Goddess is described, marking the successful culmination of Bhrigu's penance and the arrival of the divine presence in the narrative.

With a beautiful face, emerged from a thousand-petaled lotus. She was four-armed, held a lotus in her hand, and offered the boons of grace and fearlessness.

sahasradalapadme tu samudbhūtā varānanā|

caturbhujā padmahastā varadā cābhayapradā

सहस्रदलपद्मे · sahasradalapadme — in a thousand-petaled lotus

तु · tu — indeed

समुद्भूता · samudbhūtā — emerged

वरानना · varānanā — beautiful-faced

चतुर्भुजा · caturbhujā — four-armed

पद्महस्ता · padmahastā — lotus-handed

वरदा · varadā — granting boons

चाभयप्रदा · cābhayapradā — and granting fearlessness

सा सहस्रदलपद्मे समुद्भूता वरानना चतुर्भुजा पद्महस्ता वरदा अभयप्रदा च (अभवत्)।

in a thousand-petaled lotus · indeed · emerged · beautiful-faced · four-armed · lotus-handed · granting boons · and granting fearlessness

This verse details the iconic form of the Goddess, emphasizing her role as a bestower of boons and fearlessness, which directly addresses Bhrigu's state of distress.

Her heart was full of compassion, her beautiful face graced with a gentle smile, she was filled with the quality of maternal affection, and her gaze was one of innocent love.

karuṇāpūrṇahṛdayā mandasmitavarānanā|

vātsalyaguṇasaṃpūrṇā mugdhabhāvanirīkṣaṇā

करुणापूर्णहृदया · karuṇāpūrṇahṛdayā — compassionate-hearted

मन्दस्मितवरानना · mandasmitavarānanā — gentle-smiling beautiful-faced

वात्सल्यगुणसंपूर्णा · vātsalyaguṇasaṃpūrṇā — filled with maternal affection

मुग्धभावनिरीक्षणा · mugdhabhāvanirīkṣaṇā — with a gaze of innocent love

सा करुणापूर्णहृदया मन्दस्मितवरानना वात्सल्यगुणसंपूर्णा मुग्धभावनिरीक्षणा च आसीत्।

compassionate-hearted · gentle-smiling beautiful-faced · filled with maternal affection · with a gaze of innocent love

The internal qualities of the Goddess—compassion, maternal love, and innocence—are highlighted here, establishing the emotional bond that will lead to her becoming Bhrigu's daughter.

The Goddess gave her divine vision (darshan) to the sage Bhrigu in the sacred pond. From that time onwards, that sacred water body became known by the name 'Darshana'.

darśanaṃ pradadau devī puṣkariṇyāṃ bhṛgormuneḥ|

tadāprabhṛti tattīrthaṃ nāmnā darśanamityabhūt

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave

देवी · devī — the Goddess

पुष्करिण्याम् · puṣkariṇyām — in the pond

भृगोर्मुनेः · bhṛgormuneḥ — to sage Bhrigu

तदाप्रभृति · tadāprabhṛti — from that time onwards

तत्तीर्थम् · tattīrtham — that holy water body

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

दर्शनम् · darśanam — Darshana

इत्यभूत् · ityabhūt — became

देवी पुष्करिण्यां भृगोर्मुनेः दर्शनं प्रददौ। तदाप्रभृति तत्तीर्थं नाम्ना दर्शनम् इति अभूत्।

vision · gave · the Goddess · in the pond · to sage Bhrigu · from that time onwards · that holy water body · by the name · Darshana · became

This verse explains the etymology of the 'Darshana' pond, grounding the spiritual event in the physical geography of the Kṛṣṇamaṅgā Kṣetra.

Seeing the Goddess, all the gods, kinnaras, great sages, vidyadharas, and gandharvas praised her, each in their own way.

devīṃ dṛṣṭvā surāḥ sarve kinnarāśca maharṣayaḥ|

vidyādharāśca gandharvāstuṣṭuvuśca pṛthak pṛthak

देवीं · devīṃ — the Goddess

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

सुराः · surāḥ — the gods

सर्वे · sarve — all

किन्नराश्च · kinnarāśca — and the Kinnaras

महर्षयः · maharṣayaḥ — the great sages

विद्याधराश्च · vidyādharāśca — and the Vidyadharas

गन्धर्वाः · gandharvāḥ — the Gandharvas

तुष्टुवुः · tuṣṭuvuḥ — praised

पृथक् पृथक् · pṛthak pṛthak — each in their own way

देवीं दृष्ट्वा सर्वे सुराः किन्नराः महर्षयः विद्याधराः गन्धर्वाः च पृथक् पृथक् तुष्टुवुः।

the Goddess · having seen · the gods · all · and the Kinnaras · the great sages · and the Vidyadharas · the Gandharvas · praised · each in their own way

This verse marks the collective recognition of the Goddess by the celestial hierarchy, establishing her supreme status in the Kṣetra. It sets the stage for the formal ritual honors that follow.

Then, all the Brahmarishis joyfully performed her sacred bath (abhisheka) with the nectar of the celestial Ganga brought in the trunks of Airavata's elephants.

airāvatakarānītadevagaṅgāmṛtena ca|

abhiṣekaṃ tadā cakruḥ sarve brahmarṣayo mudā

ऐरावत · airāvata — Airavata (the elephant)

कर · kara — trunk

आनीत · anīta — brought

देवगङ्गा · devagaṅgā — celestial Ganga

अमृतेन · amṛtena — with the nectar

अभिषेकं · abhiṣekaṃ — sacred bath

तदा · tadā — then

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

सर्वे · sarve — all

ब्रह्मर्षयः · brahmarṣayaḥ — Brahmarishis

मुदा · mudā — with joy

तदा सर्वे ब्रह्मर्षयः मुदा ऐरावतकरआनीतदेवगङ्गाअमृतेन अभिषेकं चक्रुः।

Airavata (the elephant) · trunk · brought · celestial Ganga · with the nectar · sacred bath · then · performed · all · Brahmarishis · with joy

The performance of the Abhiṣeka by Brahmarishis signifies the sanctification of the site, elevating the pond to a place of divine pilgrimage.

Then, Hari's beloved obtained the name 'Abhiṣekavallī'. They worshipped her with reverence using blossoms of the Pārijāta tree.

tadā'bhiṣekavallīti nāma prāpa haripriyā|

pārijātaprasūnaiśca pūjayāmāsurādarāt

तदा · tadā — then

अभिषेकवल्लीति · abhiṣekavallīti — as Abhiṣekavallī

नाम · nāma — name

प्राप · prāpa — obtained

हरिप्रिया · haripriyā — the beloved of Hari

पारिजात · pārijāta — Parijata tree

प्रसूनैः · prasūnaiḥ — with blossoms

पूजयामासुः · pūjayāmāsuḥ — worshipped

आदरात् · ādarāt — with reverence

तदा हरिप्रिया अभिषेकवल्ली इति नाम प्राप। ते पारिजातप्रसूनैः आदरात् पूजयामासुः।

then · as Abhiṣekavallī · name · obtained · the beloved of Hari · Parijata tree · with blossoms · worshipped · with reverence

The naming of the Goddess as 'Abhiṣekavallī' formalizes the identity of the deity at this specific Kṣetra, linking her manifestation to the ritual bath.

With Bharati (Saraswati) and Parvati fanning her with chowries on either side, she was attended by the goddess Shachi, who was carrying her footstool.

bhāratī pārvatībhyāṃ ca pārśve vījitacāmarā|

pādapīṭhaṃ vahantyā ca śacīdevyā samanvitā

भारती · bhāratī — Saraswati

पार्वतीभ्यां · pārvatībhyāṃ — and Parvati

पार्श्वे · pārśve — on the sides

वीजितचामरा · vījitacāmarā — fanning with chowries

पादपीठं · pādapīṭhaṃ — footstool

वहन्त्या · vahantyā — carrying

शचीदेव्या · śacīdevyā — by goddess Shachi

समन्विता · samanvitā — attended by

भारती पार्वतीभ्यां च पार्श्वे वीजितचामरा, पादपीठं वहन्त्या शचीदेव्या च समन्विता।

Saraswati · and Parvati · on the sides · fanning with chowries · footstool · carrying · by goddess Shachi · attended by

This verse depicts the divine retinue, emphasizing the Goddess's supreme position by showing other major goddesses serving her, thus establishing her majesty.

Having various services performed for her by other celestial ladies, the Goddess Kamala, who delights the lotus-eyed Lord, shone brightly.

anyābhirdevanārībhiḥ kṛtanānopacārikā|

vireje kamalā devī kamalākṣamanoramā

अन्याभिः · anyābhir — by others

देवनारीभिः · devanārībhiḥ — by celestial ladies

कृत · kṛta — done

नाना · nānā — various

उपचारिका · upacārikā — services

विरेजे · vireje — shone

कमला · kamalā — Goddess Kamala

देवी · devī — the Goddess

कमलाक्ष · kamalākṣa — lotus-eyed Lord

मनोरमा · manoramā — delighter of

अन्याभिः देवनारीभिः कृतनानोपचारिका कमला देवी कमलाक्षमनोरमा विरेजे।

by others · by celestial ladies · done · various · services · shone · Goddess Kamala · the Goddess · lotus-eyed Lord · delighter of

The verse concludes the description of the Goddess's glory by highlighting her role as the delight of the Lord, solidifying her status as the central object of devotion in the Kṣetra.

Seeing her, the mother of the worlds, Bhrigu, the best among the fortunate, whose lotus-eyes were moist with tears of love, began to praise her.

tāṃ dṛṣṭvā lokajananīṃ bhṛgurbhāgyavatāṃ varaḥ|

tuṣṭāva premabāṣpeṇa susnigdhanayanāmbujaḥ

तां · tāṃ — her

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

लोकजननीं · lokajananīṃ — mother of the worlds

भृगुः · bhṛguḥ — Bhrigu

भाग्यवतां · bhāgyavatāṃ — of the fortunate

वरः · varaḥ — the best

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

प्रेमबाष्पेण · premabāṣpeṇa — with tears of love

सुस्निग्ध · susnigdha — moist/affectionate

नयन · nayana — eyes

अम्बुजः · ambujaḥ — lotus-like

तां लोकजननीं दृष्ट्वा भाग्यवतां वरः भृगुः सुस्निग्ध-नयन-अम्बुजः सन् प्रेमबाष्पेण तुष्टाव।

her · having seen · mother of the worlds · Bhrigu · of the fortunate · the best · praised · with tears of love · moist/affectionate · eyes · lotus-like

Bhrigu's emotional reaction serves as a bridge between the divine manifestation and his subsequent hymn, showing that true praise arises from a heart softened by divine grace.

The sage Bhrigu said:

I worship Lakshmi, the mother of the worlds, who is golden-hued, like a doe, adorned with garlands of gold and silver, radiant as the moon, and formed of gold.

bhṛguruvāca

suvarṇavarṇāṃ hariṇīṃ suvarṇarajatasrajām|

candrāṃ hiraṇmayīṃ lakṣmīṃ jagatāṃ jananīṃ bhaje

सुवर्णवर्णां · suvarṇavarṇāṃ — golden-hued

हरिणीं · hariṇīṃ — graceful as a doe

सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् · suvarṇarajatasrajām — adorned with gold and silver garlands

चन्द्रां · candrāṃ — radiant as the moon

हिरण्मयीं · hiraṇmayīṃ — formed of gold

लक्ष्मीं · lakṣmīṃ — Lakshmi

जगतां · jagatāṃ — of the worlds

जननीं · jananīṃ — mother

भजे · bhaje — I worship

अहं सुवर्णवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजां चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं जगतां जननीं लक्ष्मीं भजे।

golden-hued · graceful as a doe · adorned with gold and silver garlands · radiant as the moon · formed of gold · Lakshmi · of the worlds · mother · I worship

This opening verse of the hymn establishes the Goddess's transcendental beauty and her identity as the source of all existence, setting the tone for the devotional prayer.

I bow to her who eternally resides on Vishnu's chest, never to depart, the bestower of gold, cows, and horses.

viṣṇuvakṣaḥsthale nityaṃ sthitāmanapagāminīm|

hiraṇyadātrīṃ godātrīmaśvadātrīṃ namāmyaham

विष्णुवक्षःस्थले · viṣṇuvakṣaḥsthale — on Vishnu's chest

नित्यं · nityaṃ — eternally

स्थितां · sthitāṃ — residing

अनपगामिनीं · anapagāminīm — never departing

हिरण्यदात्रीं · hiraṇyadātrīṃ — bestower of gold

गोदात्रीं · godātrīm — bestower of cows

अश्वदात्रीं · aśvadātrīṃ — bestower of horses

नमामि · namāmi — I bow

अहम् · aham — I

अहं विष्णुवक्षःस्थले नित्यं स्थितां अनपगामिनीं हिरण्यदात्रीं गोदात्रीं अश्वदात्रीं तां नमामि।

on Vishnu's chest · eternally · residing · never departing · bestower of gold · bestower of cows · bestower of horses · I bow · I

Bhrigu acknowledges the eternal union of Lakshmi and Vishnu, affirming her role as the source of all material and spiritual prosperity.

I worship the Goddess Shri, who is preceded by horses and is in the middle of a chariot, who is awakened by the trumpeting of elephants, and who is a repository of affection for those who take refuge in her.

aśvapūrvāṃ rathamadhyāṃ hastinādaprabodhinīm|

śritavātsalyanilayāṃ śriyaṃ devīṃ bhajāmyaham

अश्वपूर्वां · aśvapūrvāṃ — preceded by horses

रथमध्यां · rathamadhyāṃ — in the middle of a chariot

हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीं · hastinādaprabodhinīm — awakened by elephant trumpets

श्रितवात्सल्यनिलयां · śritavātsalyanilayāṃ — repository of affection for refugees

श्रियं · śriyaṃ — Shri

देवीं · devīṃ — the Goddess

भजामि · bhajāmi — I worship

अहम् · aham — I

अहं अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीं श्रितवात्सल्यनिलयां श्रियं देवीं भजामि।

preceded by horses · in the middle of a chariot · awakened by elephant trumpets · repository of affection for refugees · Shri · the Goddess · I worship · I

This verse invokes the Vedic imagery of Śrī, emphasizing her accessibility to those who seek refuge, which is central to Bhrigu's own experience of seeking forgiveness.

I bow to her who dwells in a home with golden ramparts, who is radiant with jeweled ornaments, who is ever-content and makes others content, and whose heart is full of compassion.

hemaprākāragehasthāṃ jvalantīṃ ratnabhūṣaṇaiḥ|

nityatṛptāṃ tarpayantīmārdracittāṃ namāmyaham

हेमप्राकारगेहस्थां · hemaprākāragehasthāṃ — dwelling in a home with golden ramparts

ज्वलन्तीं · jvalantīṃ — shining

रत्नभूषणैः · ratnabhūṣaṇaiḥ — with jeweled ornaments

नित्यतृप्तां · nityatṛptāṃ — ever-content

तर्पयन्तीं · tarpayantīm — making others content

आर्द्रचित्तां · ārdracittāṃ — compassionate-hearted

नमामि · namāmi — I bow

अहम् · aham — I

अहं हेमप्राकारगेहस्थां रत्नभूषणैः ज्वलन्तीं नित्यतृप्तां तर्पयन्तीं आर्द्रचित्तां तां नमामि।

dwelling in a home with golden ramparts · shining · with jeweled ornaments · ever-content · making others content · compassionate-hearted · I bow · I

Bhrigu praises the Goddess's compassionate nature, which is the specific quality he needs to overcome his remorse and receive her grace.

I worship Padma (Lakshmi), who is seated on a lotus, is lotus-colored, has lotus-like eyes, is born from a lotus, is the beloved of Padmanabha (Vishnu), and holds a lotus in her hand.

padme sthitāṃ padmavarṇāṃ padmākṣī padmasaṃbhavām|

padmanābhapriyāṃ padmāṃ padmahastāṃ bhajāmyaham

पद्मे · padme — in the lotus

स्थिताम् · sthitām — situated

पद्मवर्णाम् · padmavarṇām — lotus-colored

पद्माक्षीम् · padmākṣīm — lotus-eyed

पद्मसंभवाम् · padmasaṃbhavām — born from a lotus

पद्मनाभप्रियाम् · padmanābhapriyām — beloved of Padmanabha

पद्माम् · padmām — the lotus-like one

पद्महस्ताम् · padmahastām — lotus-handed

भजामि · bhajāmi — I worship

अहम् · aham — I

अहं पद्मे स्थितां पद्मवर्णां पद्माक्षीं पद्मसंभवां पद्मनाभप्रियां पद्मां पद्महस्तां भजामि।

in the lotus · situated · lotus-colored · lotus-eyed · born from a lotus · beloved of Padmanabha · the lotus-like one · lotus-handed · I worship · I

This verse establishes the identity of the Goddess through her connection to the lotus, symbolizing her purity and her inseparable bond with Padmanabha (Vishnu). It serves as the opening of Bhrigu's stotra, focusing on her divine form.

I take refuge in Lakshmi, also known as Padmini and Rama, who is endowed with noble qualities, is served by the gods, and is the destroyer of poverty.

udāraguṇasaṃpannāṃ devajuṣṭāṃ śriyaṃ ramām|

dāridryanāśinīṃ lakṣmī padminīṃ śaraṇaṃ bhaje

उदारगुणसंपन्नाम् · udāraguṇasaṃpannām — endowed with noble qualities

देवजुष्टाम् · devajuṣṭām — served by the gods

श्रियम् · śriyam — Shri

रमाम् · ramām — Rama

दारिद्र्यनाशिनीम् · dāridryanāśinīm — destroyer of poverty

लक्ष्मीम् · lakṣmīm — Lakshmi

पद्मिनीम् · padminīm — Padmini

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

भजे · bhaje — I worship/take refuge

उदारगुणसंपन्नां देवजुष्टां श्रियं रमाम् दारिद्र्यनाशिनीं लक्ष्मीं पद्मिनीं शरणं भजे।

endowed with noble qualities · served by the gods · Shri · Rama · destroyer of poverty · Lakshmi · Padmini · refuge · I worship/take refuge

Bhrigu seeks refuge in the Goddess, acknowledging her as the source of all prosperity and the remover of poverty, which is essential for his spiritual reconciliation.

I praise the Goddess who has the radiance of the sun, who is pure, who destroys all that is inauspicious, who is fond of the Bilva tree, and whose breasts are like Bilva fruits.

ādityavarṇāmamalāmalakṣmītvavināśinīm|

bilvavṛkṣapriyāṃ vande devīṃ bilvaphalastanīm

आदित्यवर्णाम् · ādityavarṇām — sun-colored

अमलाम् · amalām — pure

अलक्ष्मीत्वविनाशिनीम् · alakṣmītvavināśinīm — destroyer of inauspiciousness

बिल्ववृक्षप्रियाम् · bilvavṛkṣapriyām — fond of the Bilva tree

वन्दे · vande — I praise

देवीं · devīm — the Goddess

बिल्वफलस्तनीम् · bilvaphalastanīm — having breasts like Bilva fruits

आदित्यवर्णां अमलाम् अलक्ष्मीत्वविनाशिनीं बिल्ववृक्षप्रियां देवीं बिल्वफलस्तनीं वन्दे।

sun-colored · pure · destroyer of inauspiciousness · fond of the Bilva tree · I praise · the Goddess · having breasts like Bilva fruits

This verse highlights the Goddess's radiant, sun-like nature and her association with the sacred Bilva tree, emphasizing her power to destroy inauspiciousness.

I praise the beloved of Krishna, the bestower of prosperity and success to mankind, the remover of hunger and thirst, the giver of fame, and the provider of gems and jewels.

ṛddhisiddhipradāṃ nṛṇāṃ kṣutpipāsānivāriṇīm|

kīrtidāṃ kṛṣṇakāntāṃ ca vande ratnamaṇipradām

ऋद्धिसिद्धिप्रदाम् · ṛddhisiddhipradām — bestower of prosperity and success

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — to mankind

क्षुत्पिपासानिवारिणीम् · kṣutpipāsānivāriṇīm — remover of hunger and thirst

कीर्तिदाम् · kīrtidām — giver of fame

कृष्णकान्ताम् · kṛṣṇakāntām — beloved of Krishna

च · ca — and

वन्दे · vande — I praise

रत्नमणिप्रदाम् · ratnamaṇipradām — provider of gems and jewels

नृणां ऋद्धिसिद्धिप्रदां क्षुत्पिपासानिवारिणीं कीर्तिदां कृष्णकान्तां रत्नमणिप्रदां च वन्दे।

bestower of prosperity and success · to mankind · remover of hunger and thirst · giver of fame · beloved of Krishna · and · I praise · provider of gems and jewels

Bhrigu praises the Goddess as the source of worldly and spiritual success, specifically linking her to Krishna, reinforcing her role as the bestower of all boons.

I invoke here that Shri who is perceptible through fragrance, who is unconquerable, ever-nourished, and abounding in wealth, the sovereign of all beings.

gandhadvārāṃ durādharṣāṃ nityapuṣṭāṃ karīṣiṇīm|

īśvarīṃ sarvabhūtānāmāhvaye tāmiha śriyam

गन्धद्वाराम् · gandhadvārām — perceptible through fragrance

दुराधर्षाम् · durādharṣām — unconquerable

नित्यपुष्टाम् · nityapuṣṭām — ever-nourished

करीषिणीम् · karīṣiṇīm — abounding in wealth

ईश्वरीम् · īśvarīm — sovereign

सर्वभूतानाम् · sarvabhūtānām — of all beings

आह्वये · āhvaye — I invoke

ताम् · tām — her

इह · iha — here

श्रियम् · śriyam — Shri

गन्धद्वारां दुराधर्षां नित्यपुष्टां करीषिणीं सर्वभूतानाम् ईश्वरीं तां श्रियम् इह आह्वये।

perceptible through fragrance · unconquerable · ever-nourished · abounding in wealth · sovereign · of all beings · I invoke · her · here · Shri

This verse invokes the subtle presence of the Goddess in nature and her absolute sovereignty, grounding the prayer in the Vedic tradition of the Shri Suktam.

I praise her who is moist with compassion, who resides in a lotus pond, who is nourishment itself, who is golden-hued and wears a lotus garland, who is radiant as the moon and the sun, who is of golden form and wears a golden garland.

ārdrāṃ puṣkariṇīṃ puṣṭiṃ piṅgalāṃ padmamālinīm|

candrāṃ sūryāṃ ca tāṃ vande suvarṇāṃ hemamālinīm

आर्द्राम् · ārdrām — moist with compassion

पुष्करिणीम् · puṣkariṇīm — residing in a lotus pond

पुष्टिम् · puṣṭim — nourishment

पिङ्गलाम् · piṅgalām — golden-hued

पद्ममालिनीम् · padmamālinīm — wearing a lotus garland

चन्द्राम् · candrām — radiant as the moon

सूर्याम् · sūryām — radiant as the sun

च · ca — and

ताम् · tām — her

वन्दे · vande — I praise

सुवर्णाम् · suvarṇām — of golden form

हेममालिनीम् · hemamālinīm — wearing a golden garland

आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं पिङ्गलां पद्ममालिनीं चन्द्रां सूर्याम् च तां सुवर्णां हेममालिनीं वन्दे।

moist with compassion · residing in a lotus pond · nourishment · golden-hued · wearing a lotus garland · radiant as the moon · radiant as the sun · and · her · I praise · of golden form · wearing a golden garland

Bhrigu continues his elaborate praise, focusing on the Goddess's multifaceted nature—nourishing, radiant, and golden—to fully capture her divine majesty.

O dweller in the lotus, O lotus-handed one, resplendent with brilliantly white garments, fragrances, and garlands! O Goddess, beloved of Hari, O enchanting one, who brings prosperity to the three worlds, be pleased with me!

sarasijanilaye sarojahaste

dhavalatarāṃśukagandhamālyaśobhe|

bhagavati harivallabhe manojñe

tribhuvanabhūtikari prasīda mahyam

सरसिजनिलये · sarasijanilaye — O dweller in the lotus

सरोजहस्ते · sarojahaste — O lotus-handed one

धवलतरांशुकगन्धमाल्यशोभे · dhavalatarāṃśukagandhamālyaśobhe — resplendent with white garments, fragrances, and garlands

भगवति · bhagavati — O Goddess

हरिवल्लभे · harivallabhe — O beloved of Hari

मनोज्ञे · manojñe — O enchanting one

त्रिभुवनभूतिकरि · tribhuvanabhūtikari — O bringer of prosperity to the three worlds

प्रसीद · prasīda — be pleased

मह्यम् · mahyam — with me

सरसिजनिलये सरोजहस्ते धवलतरांशुकगन्धमाल्यशोभे भगवति हरिवल्लभे मनोज्ञे त्रिभुवनभूतिकरि मह्यं प्रसीद।

O dweller in the lotus · O lotus-handed one · resplendent with white garments, fragrances, and garlands · O Goddess · O beloved of Hari · O enchanting one · O bringer of prosperity to the three worlds · be pleased · with me

This verse serves as the climax of the prayer, where Bhrigu directly addresses the Goddess, pleading for her grace and favor to resolve his internal turmoil.

The revered Guru said:

Thus praised by Bhrigu, the Mother of the World, seated on a lotus, granted him freedom from fear with her hands and spoke in a sweet voice.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ stutā jaganmātā bhṛguṇā kamalāsanā|

hastābhyāmabhayaṃ datvā babhāṣe madhurasvanā

एवम् · evam — thus

स्तुता · stutā — praised

जगन्माता · jaganmātā — Mother of the world

भृगुणा · bhṛguṇā — by Bhrigu

कमलासना · kamalāsanā — seated on a lotus

हस्ताभ्याम् · hastābhyām — with her hands

अभयम् · abhayam — freedom from fear

दत्वा · datvā — having given

बभाषे · babhāṣe — spoke

मधुरस्वना · madhurasvanā — in a sweet voice

एवं भृगुणा स्तुता कमलासना जगन्माता हस्ताभ्याम् अभयं दत्वा मधुरस्वना बभाषे।

thus · praised · Mother of the world · by Bhrigu · seated on a lotus · with her hands · freedom from fear · having given · spoke · in a sweet voice

This verse marks the transition from the prayer to the divine response, showing the Goddess's immediate compassion toward the repentant sage.

The Goddess Shri said:

"O great sage, you are most fortunate. I consider myself your daughter, and you, indeed, as my father.

śrīdevyuvāca

maharṣe tvaṃ mahābhāga mātaraṃ jagatāṃ hi mām|

manye'haṃ māṃ ca te kanyāṃ tvāmeva pitaraṃ mama

महर्षे · maharṣe — O great sage

त्वम् · tvam — you

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O fortunate one

मातरम् · mātaram — mother

जगताम् · jagatām — of the worlds

हि · hi — indeed

माम् · mām — me

मन्ये · manye — I consider

अहम् · aham — I

माम् · mām — myself

च · ca — and

ते · te — your

कन्याम् · kanyām — daughter

त्वाम् · tvām — you

एव · eva — indeed

पितरम् · pitaram — father

मम · mama — my

महर्षे त्वं महाभाग, अहं त्वां मम पितरं मन्ये, मां च ते कन्यां मन्ये।

O great sage · you · O fortunate one · mother · of the worlds · indeed · me · I consider · I · myself · and · your · daughter · you · indeed · father · my

The Goddess's response redefines the relationship between her and Bhrigu, transforming his guilt into a familial bond, which is the core of the Kṛṣṇamaṅgā narrative.

A daughter is surely blessed by the touch of her father's feet. Therefore, O Brahmin, O sage, abandon your fear of sin and your remorse."

pituścaraṇasaṃsparśātkanyāyā maṅgalaṃ khalu|

tyaja pāpabhayaṃ brahman paścāttāpaṃ tathā mune

पितुः · pituḥ — of the father

चरणसंस्पर्शात् · caraṇasaṃsparśāt — from the touch of the feet

कन्यायाः · kanyāyāḥ — of the daughter

मङ्गलम् · maṅgalam — welfare

खलु · khalu — indeed

त्यज · tyaja — abandon

पापभयम् · pāpabhayam — fear of sin

ब्रह्मन् · brahman — O Brahmin

पश्चात्तापम् · paścāttāpam — remorse

तथा · tathā — also

मुने · mune — O sage

पितुः चरणसंस्पर्शात् कन्यायाः मङ्गलं खलु। हे ब्रह्मन् मुने, पापभयं तथा पश्चात्तापं त्यज।

of the father · from the touch of the feet · of the daughter · welfare · indeed · abandon · fear of sin · O Brahmin · remorse · also · O sage

The Goddess absolves Bhrigu of his sin by framing his past actions through the lens of divine grace, effectively ending his penance.

The revered Guru said:

Having said this, the Mother of the World became Bhrigu's daughter. Bhrigu cherished her with the name Kṛṣṇamaṅgā.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā sā jaganmātā bhṛgoḥ putryabhavattathā|

kṛṣṇamaṅgeti nāmnā tāṃ lālayāmāsa vai bhṛguḥ

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having said this

सा · sā — she

जगन्माता · jaganmātā — mother of the world

भृगोः · bhṛgoḥ — of Bhrigu

पुत्री · putrī — daughter

अभवत् · abhavat — became

तथा · tathā — thus

कृष्णमङ्गेति · kṛṣṇamaṅgeti — as Kṛṣṇamaṅgā

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by the name

तां · tāṃ — her

लालयामास · lālayāmāsa — cherished

वै · vai — indeed

भृगुः · bhṛguḥ — Bhrigu

सा जगन्माता इत्युक्त्वा तथा भृगोः पुत्री अभवत्। भृगुः तां कृष्णमङ्गा इति नाम्ना वै लालयामास।

having said this · she · mother of the world · of Bhrigu · daughter · became · thus · as Kṛṣṇamaṅgā · by the name · her · cherished · indeed · Bhrigu

This verse marks the culmination of the Goddess's grace, where she accepts the role of Bhrigu's daughter to soothe his remorse. It establishes the origin of the name 'Kṛṣṇamaṅgā' as a bond of divine affection.

Then, seeing that she had reached an age suitable for union with a husband, Bhrigu thought of Govinda, Mukunda, as a worthy groom.

patisaṃyogasulabhaṃ vayo dṛṣṭvā tato bhṛguḥ|

cintayāmāsa govindaṃ mukundaṃ sadṛśaṃ varam

पतिसंयोगसुलभं · patisaṃyogasulabhaṃ — suitable for marriage

वयः · vayaḥ — age

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

ततः · tataḥ — then

भृगुः · bhṛguḥ — Bhrigu

चिन्तयामास · cintayāmāsa — thought of

गोविन्दं · govindaṃ — Govinda

मुकुन्दं · mukundaṃ — Mukunda

सदृशं · sadṛśaṃ — worthy

वरम् · varam — groom

ततः भृगुः पतिसंयोगसुलभं वयः दृष्ट्वा, गोविन्दं मुकुन्दं सदृशं वरं चिन्तयामास।

suitable for marriage · age · having seen · then · Bhrigu · thought of · Govinda · Mukunda · worthy · groom

Bhrigu acts as a responsible father, seeking a suitable match for his divine daughter. By identifying Govinda and Mukunda, he acknowledges the inherent connection between the Goddess and the Lord.

At that time, Lord Krishna, who is ever-affectionate to his devotees, arrived, accompanied by his attendants, relatives, and the gods led by Brahma and Rudra.

tadā''jagāma kṛṣṇo'pi bhagavān bhaktavatsalaḥ|

pārṣadairbandhubhiḥ sākaṃ brahmarudrādibhiḥ suraiḥ

तदा · tadā — then

आजगाम · ājagāma — arrived

कृष्णोऽपि · kṛṣṇo'pi — Krishna also

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

भक्तवत्सलः · bhaktavatsalaḥ — affectionate to devotees

पार्षदैः · pārṣadair — with attendants

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — with relatives

साकं · sākaṃ — together with

ब्रह्मरुद्रादिभिः · brahmarudrādibhiḥ — led by Brahma and Rudra

सुरैः · suraiḥ — with gods

तदा भक्तवत्सलः भगवान् कृष्णः अपि पार्षदैः बन्धुभिः ब्रह्मरुद्रादिभिः सुरैः साकं आजगाम।

then · arrived · Krishna also · the Lord · affectionate to devotees · with attendants · with relatives · together with · led by Brahma and Rudra · with gods

The arrival of the Lord in response to the sage's contemplation confirms the divine orchestration of the marriage. It highlights the Lord's accessibility to his devotees.

The protector of those who seek refuge took the hand of Bhārgavī (daughter of Bhrigu). And Bhrigu, who is worshipped by the gods, performed their wedding ceremonies.

jagrāha pāṇiṃ bhārgavyāḥ śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ|

tayoścakre maṅgalāni bhṛguramarapūjitaḥ

जग्राह · jagrāha — took

पाणिं · pāṇiṃ — hand

भार्गव्याः · bhārgavyāḥ — of Bhargavi

शरणागतवत्सलः · śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ — protector of refugees

तयोः · tayoḥ — of them

चक्रे · cakre — performed

मङ्गलानि · maṅgalāni — auspicious rites

भृगुः · bhṛguḥ — Bhrigu

अमरपूजितः · amarapūjitaḥ — worshipped by gods

शरणागतवत्सलः भार्गव्याः पाणिं जग्राह। अमरपूजितः भृगुः तयोः मङ्गलानि चक्रे।

took · hand · of Bhargavi · protector of refugees · of them · performed · auspicious rites · Bhrigu · worshipped by gods

This verse formalizes the union, with Bhrigu performing the sacred rites. It underscores the sanctity of the Kṛṣṇamaṅgā Kṣetra as a site of divine marriage.

By seeing even once Lord Krishna accompanied by Kṛṣṇamaṅgā in the Kṛṣṇa-kṣetra, a person immediately attains all welfare.

kṛṣṇakṣetre kṛṣṇadevaṃ kṛṣṇamaṅgāsamanvitam|

sakṛddṛṣṭvāpi kalyāṇaṃ sadyaḥ prāpnoti mānavaḥ

कृष्णक्षेत्रे · kṛṣṇakṣetre — in the Krishna-kṣetra

कृष्णदेवं · kṛṣṇadevaṃ — Lord Krishna

कृष्णमङ्गासमन्वितम् · kṛṣṇamaṅgāsamanvitam — accompanied by Kṛṣṇamaṅgā

सकृत् · sakṛt — once

दृष्ट्वापि · dṛṣṭvāpi — even by seeing

कल्याणं · kalyāṇaṃ — welfare

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

प्राप्नोति · prāpnoti — attains

मानवः · mānavaḥ — a human

मानवः कृष्णक्षेत्रे कृष्णमङ्गासमन्वितं कृष्णदेवं सकृत् दृष्ट्वा अपि सद्यः कल्याणं प्राप्नोति।

in the Krishna-kṣetra · Lord Krishna · accompanied by Kṛṣṇamaṅgā · once · even by seeing · welfare · immediately · attains · a human

This verse transitions from the narrative to the phala-śruti (the fruit of hearing/visiting), emphasizing the immediate spiritual benefit of visiting the Kṛṣṇa-kṣetra.

Such an auspicious sacred place does not exist in the three worlds, wherein the Goddess of welfare shines in her auspicious form.

īdṛśaṃ maṅgalaṃ kṣetraṃ nāstyeva bhuvanatraye|

yasmin kalyāṇaveṣeṇa bhāti kalyāṇadevatā

ईदृशं · īdṛśaṃ — such

मङ्गलं · maṅgalaṃ — auspicious

क्षेत्रं · kṣetraṃ — sacred place

नास्त्येव · nāstyeva — does not exist at all

भुवनत्रये · bhuvanatraye — in the three worlds

यस्मिन् · yasmin — in which

कल्याणवेषेण · kalyāṇaveṣeṇa — in auspicious form

भाति · bhāti — shines

कल्याणदेवता · kalyāṇadevatā — Goddess of welfare

भुवनत्रये ईदृशं मङ्गलं क्षेत्रं न अस्ति एव, यस्मिन् कल्याणदेवता कल्याणवेषेण भाति।

such · auspicious · sacred place · does not exist at all · in the three worlds · in which · in auspicious form · shines · Goddess of welfare

The author asserts the uniqueness of this Kṣetra, framing it as the supreme location where the Goddess of welfare manifests in her most auspicious form.

By a mere fraction of her side-glance a poor man can become Kubera (the god of wealth). Her sacred place is indeed a bestower of all that is auspicious.

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

yasyāḥ kaṭākṣaleśena daridro dhanado bhavet|

tasyā eva hi kalyāṇyāḥ kṣetraṃ kalyāṇadāyakam

यस्याः · yasyāḥ — of her

कटाक्षलेशेन · kaṭākṣaleśena — by a fraction of a side-glance

दरिद्रः · daridro — a poor person

धनदः · dhanado — Kubera

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

तस्याः · tasyāḥ — of her

एव · eva — indeed

हि · hi — certainly

कल्याण्याः · kalyāṇyāḥ — of the auspicious one

क्षेत्रं · kṣetraṃ — sacred place

कल्याणदायकम् · kalyāṇadāyakam — bestower of welfare

यस्याः कटाक्षलेशेन दरिद्रः धनदः भवेत्, तस्याः कल्याण्याः एव क्षेत्रं कल्याणदायकं हि।

of her · by a fraction of a side-glance · a poor person · Kubera · becomes · of her · indeed · certainly · of the auspicious one · sacred place · bestower of welfare

This concluding verse emphasizes the transformative power of the Goddess's grace, promising that even the poorest can attain divine wealth through her presence in this Kṣetra.