नागपुरमाहात्म्यम् Nāga Pura Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Formerly, Mātali, the mighty charioteer of Devendra, while searching for a suitable groom for his daughter Guṇakeśī,

śrīsadgururuvāca

devendrasārathiḥ pūrvaṃ mātalistu mahābalaḥ|

guṇakeśyāḥ svakanyāyā vicinvan sadṛśaṃ varam

देवेन्द्रसारथिः · devendrasārathiḥ — charioteer of Indra

पूर्वम् · pūrvaṃ — formerly

मातलिः · mātaliḥ — Mātali

तु · tu — indeed

महाबलः · mahābalaḥ — mighty

गुणकेश्याः · guṇakeśyāḥ — of Guṇakeśī

स्वकन्यायाः · svakanyāyāḥ — of his own daughter

विचिन्वन् · vicinvan — searching

सदृशम् · sadṛśaṃ — suitable

वरम् · varam — groom

पूर्वम् महाबलः देवेन्द्रसारथिः मातलिः स्वकन्यायाः गुणकेश्याः सदृशं वरं विचिन्वन् आसीत्।

charioteer of Indra · formerly · Mātali · indeed · mighty · of Guṇakeśī · of his own daughter · searching · suitable · groom

This verse introduces the protagonist Mātali and establishes the central conflict of the narrative: the search for a suitable groom for his daughter, which sets the stage for the divine intervention at Nāgapura.

wandered here and there, and after considering the Devas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras, became extremely tired and went to the city of Bhogavatī.

itastataḥ sañcaraṃśca devagandharvakinnarān|

vicārya nitarāṃ śrāntaḥ purīṃ bhogavatīṃ yayau

इतस्ततः · itastataḥ — here and there

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

च · ca — and

देवगन्धर्वकिन्नरान् · devagandharvakinnarān — Devas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras

विचार्य · vicārya — having considered

नितराम् · nitarāṃ — extremely

श्रान्तः · śrāntaḥ — tired

पुरीम् · purīṃ — city

भोगवतीम् · bhogavatīṃ — Bhogavatī

ययौ · yayau — went

सः इतस्ततः सञ्चरन् देवगन्धर्वकिन्नरान् विचार्य नितरां श्रान्तः सन् भोगवतीं पुरीं ययौ।

here and there · wandering · and · Devas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras · having considered · extremely · tired · city · Bhogavatī · went

This verse depicts Mātali's exhaustive search, highlighting his dedication and the eventual exhaustion that leads him to the city of the Nāgas, Bhogavatī.

Seeing the Nāga king Vāsuki and his son Sumukha, he was extremely pleased and considered him (Sumukha) a suitable groom.

nāgarājaṃ vāsukiñca tatputraṃ sumukhaṃ tathā|

vilokya paramaprītastaṃ mene sadṛśaṃ varam

नागराजम् · nāgarājam — king of the Nāgas

वासुकिम् · vāsukim — Vāsuki

च · ca — and

तत्पुत्रम् · tatputram — his son

सुमुखम् · sumukham — Sumukha

तथा · tathā — also

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

परमप्रीतः · paramaprītaḥ — extremely pleased

तम् · tam — him

मेने · mene — considered

सदृशम् · sadṛśaṃ — suitable

वरम् · varam — groom

नागराजं वासुकिं तथा तत्पुत्रं सुमुखं विलोक्य परमप्रीतः सः तं सदृशं वरं मेने।

king of the Nāgas · Vāsuki · and · his son · Sumukha · also · having seen · extremely pleased · him · considered · suitable · groom

This verse marks the turning point where Mātali identifies Sumukha, creating the immediate context for the subsequent dialogue regarding the threat posed by Garuḍa.

Then the king of serpents (Vāsuki), seeing the arrived Mātali, also became sorrowful and spoke with a choked voice.

tadā bhujaṅgarājo'pi duḥkhito vākyamabravīt|

abhyāgataṃ mātaliṃ taṃ vilokya ca sagadgadam

तदा · tadā — then

भुजङ्गराजः · bhujaṅgarājaḥ — king of serpents

अपि · api — also

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — sorrowful

वाक्यम् · vākyam — words

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

अभ्यागतम् · abhyāgatam — arrived

मातलितम् · mātalitam — Mātali

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

च · ca — and

सगद्गदम् · sagadgadam — with choked voice

तदा भुजङ्गराजः अपि अभ्यागतं मातलिं विलोक्य दुःखितः सन् सगद्गदं वाक्यम् अब्रवीत्।

then · king of serpents · also · sorrowful · words · spoke · arrived · Mātali · having seen · and · with choked voice

This verse captures the emotional shift, as Vāsuki's reaction introduces the tragic element of the story, setting up the need for divine intervention.

Vāsuki said:

I speak the truth, listen to my words, O charioteer of the Devas. I consider my son to be short-lived due to the fear of the king of birds (Garuḍa).

vāsukiruvāca

satyaṃ bravīmi me vākyaṃ śṛṇu tvaṃ devasārathe|

alpāyuṣaṃ sutaṃ manye pakṣirājabhayena

सत्यम् · satyam — truth

ब्रवीमि · bravīmi — I speak

मे · me — my

वाक्यम् · vākyaṃ — words

शृणु · śṛṇu — listen

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

देवसारथे · devasārathe — O charioteer of the gods

अल्पायुषम् · alpāyuṣaṃ — short-lived

सुतम् · sutaṃ — son

मन्ये · manye — I consider

पक्षिराजभयेन · pakṣirājabhayena — due to fear of the king of birds

हे देवसारथे, अहं सत्यं ब्रवीमि, मे वाक्यं शृणु। पक्षिराजभयेन अहं सुतं अल्पायुषं मन्ये।

truth · I speak · my · words · listen · you · O charioteer of the gods · short-lived · son · I consider · due to fear of the king of birds

Vāsuki's direct address to Mātali highlights the gravity of the threat, establishing the existential fear that drives the narrative toward the necessity of seeking refuge in the Lord.

He always (wishes) to kill my son at will. The king of birds is powerful, (but) my son is weak. O best among the wise, consider what is appropriate and act.

mama putraṃ kāmaṃ nihantuṃ nityameva saḥ|

balavān pakṣirājastu durbalastanayo mama|

yathocitaṃ tvamālocya kuru buddhimatāṃ vara

मम · mama — my

पुत्रम् · putraṃ — son

कामम् · kāmaṃ — at will

निहन्तुम् · nihantuṃ — to kill

नित्यम् · nityam — always

एव · eva — indeed

सः · saḥ — he

बलवान् · balavān — powerful

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

तु · tu — but

दुर्बलः · durbalaḥ — weak

तनयः · tanayaḥ — son

यथोचितम् · yathocitam — what is appropriate

बुद्धिमतां वर · buddhimatāṃ vara — O best of the wise

सः पक्षिराजः नित्यम् एव मम पुत्रं निहन्तुं कामं यतते। पक्षिराजः बलवान्, मम तनयः तु दुर्बलः। हे बुद्धिमतां वर, त्वम् यथोचितम् आलोच्य कुरु।

my · son · at will · to kill · always · indeed · he · powerful · king of birds · but · weak · son · what is appropriate · O best of the wise

This verse emphasizes the disparity between the powerful Garuḍa and the weak Sumukha, creating a desperate situation that compels Mātali to seek help from higher powers.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Being told thus, Mātali went again to heaven and, greatly distressed, narrated the entire account to Śakra (Indra).

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamukto mātaliśca punargatvā divaṃ tathā|

śakrāya sarvaṃ vṛttāntamuvāca bahuduḥkhitaḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — addressed

मातलिः · mātaliḥ — Mātali

च · ca — and

पुनः · punaḥ — again

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

दिवम् · divaṃ — to heaven

तथा · tathā — then

शक्राय · śakrāya — to Indra

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — everything

वृत्तान्तम् · vṛttāntam — account

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

बहुदुःखितः · bahuduḥkhitaḥ — very distressed

एवम् उक्तः मातलिः पुनः दिवं गत्वा बहुदुःखितः सन् शक्राय सर्वं वृत्तान्तम् उवाच।

thus · addressed · Mātali · and · again · having gone · to heaven · then · to Indra · everything · account · spoke · very distressed

This verse documents the failure of the worldly and heavenly authorities to solve the problem, which is a necessary step in the narrative to lead the characters toward the ultimate refuge, Viṣṇu.

Mātali prayed for ambrosia (amṛta) to be given to Sumukha, but the lord of the Suras (Indra) did not agree to give the nectar in any way.

sumukhāyāmṛtaṃ dātuṃ prārthayāmāsa mātaliḥ|

nānumene surendraśca sudhādānaṃ kathañcana

सुमुखाय · sumukhāya — for Sumukha

अमृतम् · amṛtam — nectar

दातुम् · dātum — to give

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — prayed

मातलिः · mātaliḥ — Mātali

न · na — not

अनुमेने · anumene — agreed

सुरेन्द्रः · surendraḥ — lord of Suras

च · ca — and

सुधादानम् · sudhādānam — giving of nectar

कथञ्चन · kathañcana — in any way

मातलिः सुमुखाय अमृतं दातुम् प्रार्थयामास, किन्तु सुरेन्द्रः सुधादानं कथञ्चन न अनुमेने।

for Sumukha · nectar · to give · prayed · Mātali · not · agreed · lord of Suras · and · giving of nectar · in any way

The refusal of Indra highlights the limitations of the Devas, emphasizing that only the Supreme Lord can grant the boon of immortality or protection, thus steering the narrative toward devotion.

"The gods of old obtained the nectar by tying me myself to Mount Mandara, yet they will not give that nectar to my son."

māmeva mandare baddhvā sudhāṃ prāpuḥ surāḥ purā|

tathāpi na prayacchanti mama putrāya vai sudhām

माम् · mām — me

एव · eva — indeed

मन्दरे · mandare — on Mount Mandara

बद्ध्वा · baddhvā — having tied

सुधाम् · sudhām — nectar

प्रापुः · prāpuḥ — obtained

सुराः · surāḥ — gods

पुरा · purā — formerly

तथापि · tathāpi — even so

न · na — not

प्रयच्छन्ति · prayacchanti — they give

मम · mama — my

पुत्राय · putrāya — to son

वै · vai — indeed

पुरा सुराः माम् एव मन्दरे बद्ध्वा सुधाम् प्रापुः, तथापि ते मम पुत्राय सुधाम् न प्रयच्छन्ति।

me · indeed · on Mount Mandara · having tied · nectar · obtained · gods · formerly · even so · not · they give · my · to son · indeed

Vāsuki's lamentation serves to underscore the irony of his situation, highlighting the ingratitude of the gods and the futility of relying on them, which prepares the reader for the transition to spiritual refuge.

Thus afflicted with sorrow, Vāsuki, the lord of serpents, abandoning all efforts, went to Nārada for refuge.

iti duḥkhamavāpaiṣa vāsukirbhujagādhipaḥ|

tyaktvā sarvaprayatnaṃ ca nāradaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayau

इति · iti — thus

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

अवाप · avāpa — obtained

एषः · eṣaḥ — this

वासुकिः · vāsukiḥ — Vāsuki

भुजगाधिपः · bhujagādhipaḥ — lord of serpents

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

सर्वप्रयत्नम् · sarvaprayatnaṃ — all efforts

च · ca — and

नारदम् · nāradam — Nārada

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

ययौ · yayau — went

इति दुःखम् अवाप्य सः भुजगाधिपः वासुकिः सर्वप्रयत्नं त्यक्त्वा नारदं शरणं ययौ।

thus · sorrow · obtained · this · Vāsuki · lord of serpents · having abandoned · all efforts · and · Nārada · refuge · went

This verse marks the final transition from worldly effort to spiritual surrender, as Vāsuki turns to the sage Nārada, who will guide him to the ultimate solution.

Nārada, out of compassion, went to Sumukha, the son of the Nāga, and the sage, wishing to increase his lifespan, spoke sweet words.

nāradaḥ sumukhaṃ gatvā kṛpayā nāganandanam|

uvāca madhuraṃ vākyaṃ tasyāyurvardhayanmuniḥ

नारदः · nāradaḥ — Sage Narada

सुमुखं · sumukhaṃ — to Sumukha

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of compassion

नागनन्दनम् · nāganandanam — the son of the Naga

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

मधुरं · madhuraṃ — sweet

वाक्यं · vākyaṃ — words

तस्य · tasya — his

आयुः · āyuḥ — lifespan

वर्धयन् · vardhayan — wishing to increase

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

मुनिः नारदः कृपया सुमुखं नागनन्दनं गत्वा, तस्य आयुः वर्धयन् मधुरं वाक्यम् उवाच।

Sage Narada · to Sumukha · having gone · out of compassion · the son of the Naga · spoke · sweet · words · his · lifespan · wishing to increase · the sage

This verse marks the turning point where the sage Narada intervenes to save Sumukha, shifting the narrative from despair to the path of divine surrender. By highlighting Narada's compassion, the text establishes that the solution to worldly fear lies in spiritual guidance.

Nārada said:

Go for refuge to that Viṣṇu, who is Nārāyaṇa, the ocean of mercy, the bestower of ambrosia to the gods, and who is affectionate to those who seek refuge in Him.

nārada uvāca

nārāyaṇaṃ kṛpāsindhuṃ devānāmamṛtapradam|

taṃ yāhi śaraṇaṃ viṣṇuṃ śaraṇāgatavatsalam

नारायणं · nārāyaṇaṃ — Narayana

कृपासिन्युं · kṛpāsindhuṃ — ocean of mercy

देवानाममृतप्रदम् · devānāmamṛtapradam — bestower of nectar to the gods

तं · taṃ — Him

याहि · yāhi — go

शरणं · śaraṇaṃ — to refuge

विष्णुं · viṣṇuṃ — Lord Vishnu

शरणागतवत्सलम् · śaraṇāgatavatsalam — affectionate to those who surrender

कृपासिन्युं देवानाममृतप्रदं शरणागतवत्सलं नारायणं विष्णुं तं शरणं याहि।

Narayana · ocean of mercy · bestower of nectar to the gods · Him · go · to refuge · Lord Vishnu · affectionate to those who surrender

Narada initiates the instruction by identifying Narayana as the ultimate refuge, setting the theological foundation for the entire chapter. This verse emphasizes that the Lord is not just a distant deity but a personal savior for those who are afraid.

He is the shelter of the distressed, the supreme goal for the afflicted, the highest friend of the lowly—the God of gods, Janārdana.

ārtānāmāśrayaścaivamāpannānāṃ parā gatiḥ|

dīnānāṃ paramo bandhurdevadevo janārdanaḥ

आर्तानाम् · ārtānām — of the distressed

आश्रयः · āśrayaḥ — refuge

आपन्नानाम् · āpannānām — of the afflicted

परा · parā — supreme

गतिः · gatiḥ — goal

दीनानां · dīnānāṃ — of the lowly

परमः · paramaḥ — highest

बन्धुः · bandhuḥ — friend

देवदेवः · devadevaḥ — God of gods

जनार्दनः · janārdanaḥ — Janardana

जनार्दनः देवदेवः आर्तानाम् आश्रयः, आपन्नानां परा गतिः, दीनानां परमः बन्धुः च एव।

of the distressed · refuge · of the afflicted · supreme · goal · of the lowly · highest · friend · God of gods · Janardana

This verse defines the Lord's nature as the protector of the helpless, providing Sumukha with the confidence that his low status as a Naga is no barrier to divine grace. It serves to elevate the status of surrender (prapatti) as the ultimate remedy for all distress.

Know that the mighty king of birds is His vehicle. Viṣṇu, the best among the powerful, is indeed the supporter of all the worlds.

tasyaiva vāhanaṃ viddhi pakṣirājaṃ mahābalam|

dhartā hi sarvajagatāṃ viṣṇurbalavatāṃ varaḥ

तस्य · tasya — His

वाहनं · vāhanaṃ — vehicle

विद्धि · viddhi — know

पक्षिराजं · pakṣirājaṃ — king of birds

महाबलम् · mahābalam — mighty

धर्ता · dhartā — supporter

सर्वजगतां · sarvajagatāṃ — of all worlds

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

बलवतां · balavatāṃ — of the powerful

वरः · varaḥ — best

तस्य वाहनं महाबलं पक्षिराजं विद्धि। सर्वजगतां धर्ता बलवतां वरः विष्णुः हि।

His · vehicle · know · king of birds · mighty · supporter · of all worlds · Lord Vishnu · of the powerful · best

By introducing Garuda as the Lord's vehicle, Narada subtly prepares Sumukha to overcome his fear of his natural predator. This verse recontextualizes the source of his terror as a subordinate servant of the Lord he is about to worship.

He is the auspiciousness of the auspicious, the greatness of the great. He is the principle of principles, and He is the truth of truths.

maṅgalānāṃ maṅgalaṃ tanmahatāmapi tanmahat|

tattvānāmapi tattvaṃ tat satyānāṃ satyameva tat

मङ्गलानां · maṅgalānāṃ — of auspicious things

मङ्गलं · maṅgalaṃ — the auspiciousness

महताम् · mahatām — of the great

महत् · mahat — the greatness

तत्त्वानामपि · tattvānāmapi — of principles too

तत्त्वं · tattvaṃ — the principle

सत्यानां · satyānāṃ — of truths

सत्यमेव · satyameva — the truth itself

तत् मङ्गलानां मङ्गलं, महताम् अपि तत् महत्, तत्त्वानाम् अपि तत्त्वं, सत्यानां सत्यम् एव।

of auspicious things · the auspiciousness · of the great · the greatness · of principles too · the principle · of truths · the truth itself

This verse establishes the ontological supremacy of Narayana, encouraging Sumukha to seek the Absolute. It serves as a philosophical bridge, moving from personal protection to the realization of the Lord as the source of all existence.

That Nārāyaṇa, known as Brahman, is eternal and knowable through the Vedas. There is indeed no other path; take refuge in Him alone.

nārāyaṇākhyaṃ brahmaiva vedavedyaṃ sanātanam|

nānyaḥ panthā vidyate hi tadeva śaraṇaṃ bhaja

नारायणाख्यं · nārāyaṇākhyaṃ — named Narayana

ब्रह्म · brahma — the Brahman

वेदवेद्यं · vedavedyaṃ — knowable through Vedas

सनातनम् · sanātanam — eternal

न · na — not

अन्यः · anyaḥ — other

पन्था · panthā — path

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

तदेव · tadeva — that alone

शरणं · śaraṇaṃ — refuge

भज · bhaja — worship

नारायणाख्यं ब्रह्म एव सनातनं वेदवेद्यम्। अन्यः पन्था न विद्यते हि, तत् एव शरणं भज।

named Narayana · the Brahman · knowable through Vedas · eternal · not · other · path · exists · that alone · refuge · worship

Narada concludes his instruction by emphasizing the exclusivity of the path of surrender. This verse provides the final impetus for Sumukha to abandon all other efforts and focus entirely on the worship of Narayana.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Thus instructed by Nārada, Sumukha, the son of Vāsuki, performed great penance on the shore of the eastern sea.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamukto nāradena sumukho vāsukeḥ sutaḥ|

pūrvasāgaratīre tu cakāra sumahattapaḥ

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — instructed

नारदेन · nāradena — by Narada

सुमुखः · sumukhaḥ — Sumukha

वासुकेः · vāsukeḥ — of Vasuki

सुतः · sutaḥ — son

पूर्वसागरतीरे · pūrvasāgaratīre — on the eastern sea shore

चकार · cakāra — performed

सुमहत् · sumahat — great

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

नारदेन एवम् उक्तः वासुकेः सुतः सुमुखः पूर्वसागरतीरे सुमहत् तपः चकार।

thus · instructed · by Narada · Sumukha · of Vasuki · son · on the eastern sea shore · performed · great · penance

This verse transitions the narrative from instruction to action, showing Sumukha's immediate obedience to the sage's advice. It sets the scene for the divine manifestation at the eastern sea.

Then the glorious Lord Hari, Sundararāja, holding the conch, discus, and mace, mounted on Garuḍa, came there.

śrīmān sundararājo'pi śaṅkhacakragadādharaḥ|

āruhya garuḍaṃ tatra bhagavānāyayau hariḥ

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — glorious

सुन्दरराजः · sundararājaḥ — Lord Sundararaja

शङ्खचक्रगदाधरः · śaṅkhacakragadādharaḥ — bearer of conch, discus, mace

आरुह्य · āruhya — having mounted

गरुडं · garuḍaṃ — Garuda

तत्र · tatra — there

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

हरिः · hariḥ — Lord Hari

श्रीमान् सुन्दरराजः अपि शङ्खचक्रगदाधरः भगवान् हरिः गरुडम् आरुह्य तत्र आययौ।

glorious · Lord Sundararaja · bearer of conch, discus, mace · having mounted · Garuda · there · the Lord · arrived · Lord Hari

The arrival of the Lord signifies the success of Sumukha's penance and the efficacy of the path of surrender. The description of the Lord's form confirms His identity as the protector of the devotee.

Garuḍa, seeing Sumukha performing great penance, was at that very moment filled with compassion, that lord of birds.

garuḍaḥ sumukhaṃ dṛṣṭvā kurvantaṃ sumahattapaḥ|

tadaiva kṛpayā''viṣṭo babhūva khaganāyakaḥ

गरुडः · garuḍaḥ — Garuda

सुमुखं · sumukhaṃ — Sumukha

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

कुर्वन्तं · kurvantaṃ — performing

सुमहत् · sumahat — great

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

तदैव · tadaiva — at that very moment

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

आविष्टः · āviṣṭaḥ — filled

बभूव · babhūva — became

खगनायकः · khaganāyakaḥ — king of birds

सुमहत् तपः कुर्वन्तं सुमुखं दृष्ट्वा, खगनायकः गरुडः तदैव कृपया आविष्टः बभूव।

Garuda · Sumukha · having seen · performing · great · penance · at that very moment · with compassion · filled · became · king of birds

This verse highlights the transformation of Garuda's heart, showing that the Lord's presence and the devotee's penance can dissolve even the most deep-seated enmities. It emphasizes the power of compassion in the divine realm.

Then Viṣṇu, with a gentle smile, spoke to Garuḍa, while consoling the humble Nāga Sumukha, who stood with folded hands.

tadaiva garuḍaṃ viṣṇuruvāca madhurasmitaḥ|

sāntvayan sumukhaṃ nāgaṃ vinītaṃ vihitāñjalim

तदैव · tadaiva — then

गरुडं · garuḍaṃ — to Garuda

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

मधुरस्मितः · madhurasmitaḥ — with a gentle smile

सान्त्वयन् · sāntvayan — consoling

सुमुखं · sumukhaṃ — Sumukha

नागं · nāgaṃ — the serpent

विनीतं · vinītaṃ — humble

विहिताञ्जलिम् · vihitāñjalim — with folded hands

तदैव मधुरस्मितः विष्णुः विनीतं विहिताञ्जलिं सुमुखं नागं सान्त्वयन् गरुडम् उवाच।

then · to Garuda · Lord Vishnu · spoke · with a gentle smile · consoling · Sumukha · the serpent · humble · with folded hands

This verse depicts the Lord's role as a mediator and consoler, illustrating His intimate concern for the devotee's emotional state. It sets the stage for the Lord's direct instruction to both the protector and the protected.

The Lord said:

O serpent, take refuge in the mighty Vainateya (Garuḍa), who is the soul of the Vedas, the king of birds, and who is himself the means of valid knowledge (pramāṇa).

śrībhagavānuvāca

mahābalaṃ vainateyaṃ vedātmānaṃ khagādhipam|

svayaṃ pramāṇabhūtaṃ taṃ śaraṇaṃ yāhi pannaga

महाबलम् · mahābalam — mighty

वैनतेयम् · vainateyam — son of Vinata (Garuḍa)

वेदात्मानम् · vedātmānam — the soul of the Vedas

खगाधिपम् · khagādhipam — king of birds

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

प्रमाणभूतम् · pramāṇabhūtam — the embodiment of valid knowledge

तम् · tam — him

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

याहि · yāhi — go

पन्नग · pannaga — O serpent

हे पन्नग, महाबलं वैनतेयं वेदात्मानं खगाधिपं स्वयं प्रमाणभूतं तं शरणं याहि।

mighty · son of Vinata (Garuḍa) · the soul of the Vedas · king of birds · himself · the embodiment of valid knowledge · him · refuge · go · O serpent

The Lord initiates the resolution of the conflict by directing Sumukha to seek refuge in Garuḍa, establishing the theological principle that the devotee of the Lord is the gateway to the Lord Himself.

You are the knower (pramātā), I am the object of knowledge (prameya), and Garuḍa himself is the means of knowledge (pramāṇa). Without him, My vision is difficult to obtain for all living beings.

pramātā tvaṃ prameyo'haṃ pramāṇaṃ garuḍaḥ svayam|

taṃ vinā sarvajīvānāṃ durlabhaṃ mama darśanam

प्रमाता · pramātā — the knower

त्वम् · tvam — you

प्रमेयः · prameyaḥ — the object of knowledge

अहम् · aham — I

प्रमाणम् · pramāṇam — the means of knowledge

गरुडः · garuḍaḥ — Garuḍa

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

तम् · tam — him

विना · vinā — without

सर्वजीवानाम् · sarvajīvānām — of all living beings

दुर्लभम् · durlabham — difficult to obtain

मम · mama — My

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

त्वं प्रमाता, अहं प्रमेयः, गरुडः स्वयं प्रमाणम्। तं विना सर्वजीवानां मम दर्शनं दुर्लभम्।

the knower · you · the object of knowledge · I · the means of knowledge · Garuḍa · himself · him · without · of all living beings · difficult to obtain · My · vision

This verse provides the philosophical framework for the interaction, defining the roles of the seeker, the Lord, and the mediator (Garuḍa) in the process of divine realization.

After bowing to Garuḍa, My vision should be sought. Only then am I pleased; I shall be a bestower of boons, there is no doubt.

praṇamya garuḍaṃ paścātkartavyaṃ mama darśanam|

tadaivā'haṃ prasanno'smi varado'smi na saṃśayaḥ

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

गरुडम् · garuḍam — to Garuḍa

पश्चात् · paścāt — afterwards

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyam — should be done

मम · mama — My

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

तदैव · tadaiva — only then

अहम् · aham — I

प्रसन्नः · prasannaḥ — pleased

अस्मि · asmi — am

वरदः · varadaḥ — bestower of boons

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

गरुडं प्रणम्य पश्चात् मम दर्शनं कर्तव्यम्। तदैव अहं प्रसन्नोऽस्मि, वरदोऽस्मि, न संशयः।

having bowed · to Garuḍa · afterwards · should be done · My · vision · only then · I · pleased · am · bestower of boons · not · doubt

The Lord establishes the protocol of 'Acharya-bhakti' or 'Bhagavata-bhakti' as a prerequisite for His own grace, emphasizing that the devotee's favor is essential for the Lord's pleasure.

The king of Nāgas (Ādiśeṣa) is my couch, and Garuḍa is my vehicle. It is by my vehicle alone that I travel everywhere in the three worlds.

nāgarājastu śayanaṃ garuḍo vāhanaṃ mama|

vāhanenaiva sarvatra sañcarāmi jagattraye

नागराजः · nāgarājaḥ — king of serpents

तु · tu — indeed

शयनम् · śayanam — couch

गरुडः · garuḍaḥ — Garuḍa

वाहनम् · vāhanam — vehicle

मम · mama — My

वाहनेन · vāhanena — by the vehicle

एव · eva — only

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सञ्चरामि · sañcarāmi — I travel

जगत्त्रये · jagattraye — in the three worlds

नागराजस्तु मम शयनं, गरुडो वाहनम्। वाहनेनैव अहं सर्वत्र जगत्त्रये सञ्चरामि।

king of serpents · indeed · couch · Garuḍa · vehicle · My · by the vehicle · only · everywhere · I travel · in the three worlds

By identifying His couch and vehicle, the Lord demonstrates that His entire existence is supported by His devotees, thereby validating the importance of the serpent's surrender.

Therefore, O serpent, go for refuge to Garuḍa, my vehicle. Attaining a long life, live happily.

tasmāttvaṃ garuḍaṃ yāhi śaraṇaṃ mama vāhanam|

dīrghamāyuravāpya tvaṃ sukhaṃ jīva bhujaṅgama

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

त्वम् · tvam — you

गरुडम् · garuḍam — to Garuḍa

याहि · yāhi — go

शरणम् · śaraṇam — refuge

मम · mama — My

वाहनम् · vāhanam — vehicle

दीर्घम् · dīrgham — long

आयुः · āyuḥ — life

अवाप्य · avāpya — having attained

सुखम् · sukham — happily

जीव · jīva — live

भुजङ्गम · bhujaṅgama — O serpent

तस्मात् त्वं मम वाहनं गरुडं शरणं याहि। दीर्घमायुरवाप्य त्वं सुखं जीव, भुजङ्गम।

therefore · you · to Garuḍa · go · refuge · My · vehicle · long · life · having attained · happily · live · O serpent

The Lord provides a direct command to Sumukha, ensuring his safety and longevity through the act of surrender, which is the central theme of the chapter.

O Garuḍa, you must always protect this serpent who has surrendered to you. Enmity should never be shown towards those who have taken refuge.

garuḍa tvaṃ prapannaṃ taṃ bhujaṅgaṃ pāhi sarvadā|

pradveṣo naiva kartavyaḥ prapanneṣu janeṣu hi

गरुड · garuḍa — O Garuḍa

त्वम् · tvam — you

प्रपन्नम् · prapannam — surrendered

तम् · tam — him

भुजङ्गम् · bhujaṅgam — serpent

पाहि · pāhi — protect

सर्वदा · sarvadā — always

प्रद्वेषः · pradveṣaḥ — enmity

न · na — not

एव · eva — indeed

कर्तव्यः · kartavyaḥ — should be done

प्रपन्नेषु · prapanneṣu — towards the surrendered

जनेषु · janeṣu — people

हि · hi — certainly

गरुड, त्वं प्रपन्नं तं भुजङ्गं सर्वदा पाहि। प्रपन्नेषु जनेषु प्रद्वेषो नैव कर्तव्यो हि।

O Garuḍa · you · surrendered · him · serpent · protect · always · enmity · not · indeed · should be done · towards the surrendered · people · certainly

The Lord instructs Garuḍa on the duty of a protector, emphasizing that once a soul has surrendered to a devotee, that devotee is bound by the law of compassion to protect them.

One who has surrendered, even if distressed, must be protected even by giving up one's own life. The fault in abandoning a surrendered soul is established in the scriptures.

prapanno rakṣitavyo hi prāṇāṃstyaktvāpi duḥkhitaḥ|

doṣaḥ prapannasaṃtyāge śāstreṣu pratipāditaḥ

प्रपन्नः · prapannaḥ — the surrendered one

रक्षितव्यः · rakṣitavyaḥ — should be protected

हि · hi — indeed

प्राणान् · prāṇān — life

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having sacrificed

अपि · api — even

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — distressed

दोषः · doṣaḥ — fault

प्रपन्नसंत्यागे · prapannasaṃtyāge — in abandoning the surrendered

शास्त्रेषु · śāstreṣu — in the scriptures

प्रतिपादितः · pratipāditaḥ — established

दुःखितोऽपि प्रपन्नः प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वापि रक्षितव्यो हि। प्रपन्नसंत्यागे दोषः शास्त्रेषु प्रतिपादितः।

the surrendered one · should be protected · indeed · life · having sacrificed · even · distressed · fault · in abandoning the surrendered · in the scriptures · established

This verse reinforces the sanctity of 'Prapatti' (surrender), stating that the protection of a surrendered soul is a scriptural imperative that supersedes even the instinct for self-preservation.

He alone surrenders to Me, who surrenders to My devotee. I Myself always and in every way protect the devotee of My devotee.

sa eva māṃ prapadyate madbhaktaṃ yaḥ prapadyate|

madbhaktabhaktaṃ rakṣāmi svayaṃ sarvatra sarvathā

सः · saḥ — he

एव · eva — only

माम् · mām — Me

प्रपद्यते · prapadyate — surrenders to

मद्भक्तम् · madbhaktam — My devotee

यः · yaḥ — who

प्रपद्यते · prapadyate — surrenders to

मद्भक्तभक्तम् · madbhaktabhaktam — the devotee of My devotee

रक्षामि · rakṣāmi — I protect

स्वयम् · svayam — myself

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

सर्वथा · sarvathā — in all ways

यः मद्भक्तं प्रपद्यते, स एव मां प्रपद्यते। मद्भक्तभक्तं अहं स्वयं सर्वत्र सर्वथा रक्षामि।

he · only · Me · surrenders to · My devotee · who · surrenders to · the devotee of My devotee · I protect · myself · everywhere · in all ways

The Lord reveals the ultimate secret of His grace: that He considers the service to His devotee as the highest form of worship, and He personally protects those who serve His devotees.

Śrī Sadguru said:

Having spoken thus, Lord Viṣṇu lifted up the surrendered Sumukha with his toe and placed him on Garuḍa's shoulder.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā bhagavān viṣṇuḥ sumukhaṃ śaraṇāgatam|

pādāṅguṣṭhena coddhṛtya garuḍāṃse nyaveśayat

इति · iti — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

सुमुखम् · sumukham — Sumukha

शरणागतम् · śaraṇāgatam — who had taken refuge

पादाङ्गुष्ठेन · pādāṅguṣṭhena — with the toe

च · ca — and

उद्धृत्य · uddhṛtya — having lifted

गरुडांसे · garuḍāṃse — on Garuḍa's shoulder

न्यवेशयत् · nyaveśayat — placed

इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् विष्णुः शरणागतं सुमुखं पादाङ्गुष्ठेन उद्धृत्य गरुडांसे न्यवेशयत्।

thus · having spoken · the Lord · Viṣṇu · Sumukha · who had taken refuge · with the toe · and · having lifted · on Garuḍa's shoulder · placed

The physical act of the Lord lifting Sumukha with His toe signifies the immediate transformation of the devotee through the Lord's touch, marking the transition from fear to divine protection.

Seeing Sumukha, the best of Vaiṣṇavas, purified by the touch of His foot, this king of birds himself granted him fearlessness.

pādasparśena pūtaṃ taṃ sumukhaṃ vaiṣṇavottamam|

vilokya pakṣirājo'yamabhayaṃ pradadau svayam

पादस्पर्शेन · pādasparśena — by the touch of the foot

पूतम् · pūtam — purified

तम् · tam — him

सुमुखम् · sumukham — Sumukha

वैष्णवोत्तमम् · vaiṣṇavottamam — best of Vaiṣṇavas

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

पक्षिराजः · pakṣirājaḥ — king of birds

अयम् · ayam — this

अभयम् · abhayam — fearlessness

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

पादस्पर्शेन पूतं तं सुमुखं वैष्णवोत्तमं विलोक्य, अयं पक्षिराजः स्वयं अभयं प्रददौ।

by the touch of the foot · purified · him · Sumukha · best of Vaiṣṇavas · having seen · king of birds · this · fearlessness · gave · himself

This verse confirms that the touch of the Lord's foot is the ultimate purifier, elevating the serpent to the status of a 'Vaiṣṇavottama' (best of devotees) and enabling him to receive fearlessness from Garuḍa.

And Mātali, knowing their friendship to be ordained by Viṣṇu, lovingly gave his daughter Guṇakeśī to him.

tayośca sauhṛdaṃ jñātvā mātalirviṣṇubhāvitam|

svakanyāṃ guṇakeśīṃ tāṃ pradadau premapūrvakam

तयोः · tayoḥ — of those two

च · ca — and

सौहृदम् · sauhṛdam — friendship

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known/realized

मातलिः · mātaliḥ — Mātali

विष्णुभावितम् · viṣṇubhāvitam — ordained by Viṣṇu

स्वकन्याम् · svakanyām — his own daughter

गुणकेशीम् · guṇakeśīm — Guṇakeśī

ताम् · tām — her

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

मातलिः तयोः सौहृदं विष्णुभावितं ज्ञात्वा, स्वकन्यां तां गुणकेशीं प्रेमपूर्वकं प्रददौ।

of those two · and · friendship · having known/realized · Mātali · ordained by Viṣṇu · his own daughter · Guṇakeśī · her · gave · with love

This verse marks the resolution of the narrative conflict, showing how the divine intervention of Viṣṇu transforms the enmity between the serpent and the bird into a harmonious alliance. Mātali recognizes this as a divine arrangement, leading to the auspicious union of his daughter with Sumukha.

This is that supreme sacred place, renowned as Nāgapaṭṭaṇam, in which this Sundararāja, the Lord of Lakṣmī, resides.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ prathitaṃ nāgapaṭṭaṇam|

yasmin sundararājo'yaṃ lakṣmīnātho virājate

तदिदम् · tadidam — that this

परमम् · paramam — supreme

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred place

प्रथितम् · prathitam — renowned

नागपट्टणम् · nāgapaṭṭaṇam — Nagapattinam

यस्मिन् · yasmin — in which

सुन्दरराजः · sundararājaḥ — Lord Sundararāja

अयम् · ayam — this

लक्ष्मीनाथः · lakṣmīnāthaḥ — Lord of Lakṣmī

विराजते · virājate — resides/shines

तत् इदं परमं क्षेत्रं नागपट्टणम् इति प्रथितम्। यस्मिन् अयम् लक्ष्मीनाथः सुन्दरराजः विराजते।

that this · supreme · sacred place · renowned · Nagapattinam · in which · Lord Sundararāja · this · Lord of Lakṣmī · resides/shines

The author transitions from the historical narrative to the present-day significance of the location. By identifying Nāgapura as a Divya Deśam, he establishes the theological importance of the site where the Lord eternally resides.

Taking refuge in this Sundararājendra, the serpent Sumukha formerly attained supreme happiness and a long life.

imaṃ sundararājendramāśritya sumukhaḥ purā|

avāpa paramaṃ saukhyaṃ dīrghamāyuśca pannagaḥ

इमम् · imam — this

सुन्दरराजेन्द्रम् · sundararājendram — King of Sundararājas

आश्रित्य · āśritya — having taken refuge

सुमुखः · sumukhaḥ — Sumukha

पुरा · purā — formerly

अवाप · avāpa — attained

परमम् · paramam — supreme

सौख्यम् · saukhyam — happiness

दीर्घम् · dīrgham — long

आयुः · āyuḥ — life

च · ca — and

पन्नगः · pannagaḥ — the serpent

पुरा पन्नगः सुमुखः इमं सुन्दरराजेन्द्रम् आश्रित्य परमं सौख्यं दीर्घम् आयुः च अवाप।

this · King of Sundararājas · having taken refuge · Sumukha · formerly · attained · supreme · happiness · long · life · and · the serpent

This verse serves as a bridge between the mythological past and the devotee's present, using Sumukha's success as a precedent for the efficacy of seeking refuge in Sundararāja.

They have no fear of enemies, nor do they have fear of death, in whose hearts resides Lord Viṣṇu of beautiful form.

teṣāṃ śatrubhayaṃ nāsti teṣāṃ mṛtyubhayaṃ na ca|

yeṣāṃ hṛdistho bhagavān viṣṇuḥ sundaravigrahaḥ

तेषाम् · teṣām — for them

शत्रुभयम् · śatrubhayam — fear of enemies

नास्ति · nāsti — does not exist

मृत्युभयम् · mṛtyubhayam — fear of death

न · na — not

च · ca — and

येषाम् · yeṣām — in whose

हृदिस्थः · hṛdisthaḥ — residing in the heart

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

सुन्दरविग्रहः · sundaravigrahaḥ — of beautiful form

येषां हृदिस्थः सुन्दरविग्रहः भगवान् विष्णुः अस्ति, तेषां शत्रुभयं नास्ति, तेषां मृत्युभयं च न अस्ति।

for them · fear of enemies · does not exist · fear of death · not · and · in whose · residing in the heart · the Lord · Viṣṇu · of beautiful form

The author shifts to a universal promise, assuring the reader that the protection experienced by Sumukha is available to any devotee who keeps the Lord in their heart.

By seeing Sundararājendra Viṣṇu situated in Nāgapura, one is freed from all diseases and from the affliction of poison.

dṛṣṭvā sundararājendraṃ viṣṇuṃ nāgapurasthitam|

mucyate sarvarogebhyo mucyate viṣabādhataḥ

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

सुन्दरराजेन्द्रम् · sundararājendram — Lord Sundararāja

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

नागपुरस्थितम् · nāgapurasthitam — situated in Nāgapura

मुच्यते · mucyate — is freed

सर्वरोगेभ्यः · sarvarogebhyaḥ — from all diseases

विषबाधतः · viṣabādhataḥ — from the affliction of poison

नागपुरस्थितं सुन्दरराजेन्द्रं विष्णुं दृष्ट्वा, जनः सर्वरोगेभ्यः मुच्यते, विषबाधतः च मुच्यते।

having seen · Lord Sundararāja · Viṣṇu · situated in Nāgapura · is freed · from all diseases · from the affliction of poison

This verse acts as a phala-śruti (fruit of hearing), detailing the specific physical and spiritual benefits of visiting the Nāgapura shrine, reinforcing the connection between the Lord's presence and the removal of suffering.

One obtains a virtuous wife, suitable and befitting one's family, by seeing Viṣṇu in Nāgapura, just as the serpent Sumukha did.

Thus ends the twenty-third chapter, titled "The Glory of Nāgapura," in the Third Volume of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

vadhūṃ ca labhate sādhvīṃ sadṛśīṃ svakulocitām|

dṛṣṭvā nāgapure viṣṇuṃ bhujagaḥ sumukho yathā

वधूम · vadhūm — a wife

च · ca — and

लभते · labhate — obtains

साध्वीम् · sādhvīm — virtuous

सदृशीम् · sadṛśīm — suitable

स्वकुलोचिताम् · svakulocitām — befitting one's family

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

नागपुरे · nāgapure — in Nāgapura

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

भुजगः · bhujagaḥ — the serpent

सुमुखः · sumukhaḥ — Sumukha

यथा · yathā — just as

यथा भुजगः सुमुखः नागपुरे विष्णुं दृष्ट्वा (वधूं लब्धवान्), तथा (जनः) नागपुरे विष्णुं दृष्ट्वा साध्वीं सदृशीं स्वकुलोचितां वधूं च लभते।

a wife · and · obtains · virtuous · suitable · befitting one's family · having seen · in Nāgapura · Viṣṇu · the serpent · Sumukha · just as

Concluding the chapter, the author links the devotee's worldly aspirations—such as finding a suitable life partner—directly to the grace of the Lord at Nāgapura, using Sumukha's life as the ultimate example.