बालव्याघ्रपुरमाहात्म्यम् Bālavyāghra Pura Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

In ancient times, the great sage Vyāghrapāda, the best among the wise, performed a most severe penance, accompanied by Patañjali.

śrīsadgururuvāca

purā jñānavatāṃ śreṣṭho vyāghrapādo mahāmuniḥ

tapaścakre mahāghoraṃ patañjalisamanvitaḥ

पुरा · purā — in ancient times

ज्ञानवताम् · jñānavatām — of those who are wise

श्रेष्ठः · śreṣṭhaḥ — the best

व्याघ्रपादः · vyāghrapādaḥ — the sage Vyāghrapāda

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — very severe

पतञ्जलि · patañjali — Patañjali

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied by

ज्ञानवतां श्रेष्ठः महामुनिः व्याघ्रपादः पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः सन् पुरा महाघोरं तपः चक्रे।

in ancient times · of those who are wise · the best · the sage Vyāghrapāda · the great sage · penance · performed · very severe · Patañjali · accompanied by

This verse introduces the protagonist, Vyāghrapāda, establishing his status as a great sage and setting the stage for his intense spiritual endeavor.

Subsisting on dried leaves and air, seated amidst five fires in the summer, and submerged in ice in the winter, the great sage performed his penance.

śīrṇaparṇānilāhāro grīṣme pañcāgnimadhyataḥ |

hemante himamagnaśca tapaścakre mahāmuniḥ

शीर्णपर्ण · śīrṇaparṇa — dried leaves

अनिल · anila — air

आहारः · āhāraḥ — whose food is

ग्रीष्मे · grīṣme — in summer

पञ्चाग्नि · pañcāgni — five fires

मध्यतः · madhyataḥ — in the midst of

हेमन्ते · hemante — in winter

हिममग्नः · himamagnaḥ — submerged in ice

च · ca — and

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

शीर्णपर्णानिलाहारः महामुनिः ग्रीष्मे पञ्चाग्निमध्यतः हेमन्ते हिममग्नः च तपः चक्रे।

dried leaves · air · whose food is · in summer · five fires · in the midst of · in winter · submerged in ice · and · penance · performed

This verse details the extreme physical austerities undertaken by the sage, highlighting the depth of his commitment to his spiritual goal.

Constantly chanting the five-syllabled mantra, devoted to the meditation of Shiva, he wished to see the Tāṇḍava dance of Shiva during the Pradosha time (evening).

pañcākṣarī japannityaṃ śivadhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

kartumicchan pradoṣe tu śivatāṇḍavadarśanam

पञ्चाक्षरीम् · pañcākṣarīm — the five-syllabled mantra

जपन् · japan — chanting

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

शिव · śiva — Shiva

ध्यान · dhyāna — meditation

परायणः · parāyaṇaḥ — devoted to

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do/see

इच्छन् · icchan — desiring

प्रदोषे · pradoṣe — at twilight

शिवताण्डव · śivatāṇḍava — Shiva's dance

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision/sight

नित्यं पञ्चाक्षरीं जपन् शिवध्यानपरायणः सः प्रदोषे शिवताण्डवदर्शनं कर्तुम् इच्छन् आसीत्।

the five-syllabled mantra · chanting · constantly · Shiva · meditation · devoted to · to do/see · desiring · at twilight · Shiva's dance · vision/sight

This verse clarifies the specific focus of the sage's meditation and the underlying desire that drives his penance, namely the vision of Shiva's dance.

Pleased by their devotion, the Supreme Lord, Bhagavān Parameśvara, showed His own form and spoke with a gentle voice.

tayorbhaktyā prasannātmā bhagavān parameśvaraḥ

uvāca ślakṣṇayā vācā nijarūpamadarśayan

तयोः · tayoḥ — of them (both)

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — by devotion

प्रसन्न · prasanna — pleased

आत्मा · ātmā — whose heart

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

परमेश्वरः · parameśvaraḥ — the Supreme Lord

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

श्लक्ष्णया · ślakṣṇayā — with gentle

वाचा · vācā — voice

निज · nija — own

रूपम् · rūpam — form

अदर्शयन् · adarśayan — revealing

तयोः भक्त्या प्रसन्नात्मा भगवान् परमेश्वरः निजरूपम् अदर्शयन् श्लक्ष्णया वाचा उवाच।

of them (both) · by devotion · pleased · whose heart · the Lord · the Supreme Lord · spoke · with gentle · voice · own · form · revealing

This verse marks the climax of the penance, where the Supreme Lord responds to the sage's devotion by revealing His divine form.

Rudra said:

O noble Vyāghrapāda, I am pleased by your intense penance. I, who am easily accessible to devotees, shall grant you a boon.

rudra uvāca

vyāghrapāda mahābhāga tīvreṇa tapasā tava

prīto'smi bhaktasulabho varaṃ tubhyaṃ dadāmi ca

व्याघ्रपाद · vyāghrapāda — O Vyāghrapāda

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O noble one

तीव्रेण · tīvreṇa — by intense

तपसा · tapasā — penance

तव · tava — your

प्रीतः · prītaḥ — pleased

अस्मि · asmi — I am

भक्तसुलभः · bhaktasulabhaḥ — easily accessible to devotees

वरम् · varam — boon

तुभ्यम् · tubhyam — to you

ददामि · dadāmi — I give

हे महाभाग व्याघ्रपाद! तव तीव्रेण तपसा अहं प्रीतः अस्मि। भक्तसुलभः अहं तुभ्यं वरं ददामि।

O Vyāghrapāda · O noble one · by intense · penance · your · pleased · I am · easily accessible to devotees · boon · to you · I give

Rudra acknowledges the sage's devotion and confirms his accessibility to devotees, establishing the basis for granting the boon.

If you wish to see my divine Tāṇḍava dance, then go to Puṇḍarīkapura, accompanied by Patañjali.

mamaiva tāṇḍavaṃ divyaṃ draṣṭumicchasi cetpuraḥ

puṇḍarīkapuraṃ gaccha patañjalisamanvitaḥ

मम · mama — my

एव · eva — indeed

ताण्डवम् · tāṇḍavam — dance

दिव्यम् · divyam — divine

द्रष्टुम् · draṣṭum — to see

इच्छसि · icchasi — you wish

चेत् · cet — if

पुण्डरीकपुरम् · puṇḍarīkapuram — to Puṇḍarīkapura

गच्छ · gaccha — go

पतञ्जलि · patañjali — Patañjali

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied by

यदि त्वं मम दिव्यं ताण्डवं द्रष्टुम् इच्छसि, तर्हि पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः सन् पुण्डरीकपुरं गच्छ।

my · indeed · dance · divine · to see · you wish · if · to Puṇḍarīkapura · go · Patañjali · accompanied by

Rudra provides the specific instructions for the sage to witness the divine dance, directing him to a sacred location.

There, on a full moon day, which is also a Thursday with the Puṣya constellation, you shall see my dance in the evening, O noble one.

tatraiva pūrṇimāyāṃ tu puṣye'pi guruvāsare

drakṣyāsi tvaṃ mahābhāga sandhyāyāṃ naṭanaṃ mama

तत्र · tatra — there

एव · eva — only

पूर्णिमायां · pūrṇimāyāṃ — on the full moon day

पुष्ये · puṣye — in Puṣya constellation

गुरुवासरे · guruvāsare — on Thursday

द्रक्ष्यासि · drakṣyāsi — you will see

त्वम् · tvam — you

सन्ध्यायाम् · sandhyāyāṃ — at twilight

नटनम् · naṭanam — dance

मम · mama — my

तत्रैव पूर्णिमायां पुष्यनक्षत्रे गुरुवासरे च सन्ध्यायां त्वं मम नटनं द्रक्ष्यासि।

there · only · on the full moon day · in Puṣya constellation · on Thursday · you will see · you · at twilight · dance · my

This verse specifies the exact timing for the divine event, adding an astrological layer to the sacredness of the occasion.

The Sadguru said:

Thus instructed, Vyāghrapāda, along with Patañjali, bowed to Īśvara and proceeded to Puṇḍarīkapura.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto vyāghrapādastu patañjalisamanvitaḥ

īśvarāya namaskṛtya puṇḍarīkapuraṃ yayau

इति · iti — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — instructed

व्याघ्रपादः · vyāghrapādaḥ — Vyāghrapāda

पतञ्जलि · patañjali — Patañjali

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied by

ईश्वराय · īśvarāya — to Īśvara

नमस्कृत्य · namaskṛtya — having bowed

पुण्डरीकपुरम् · puṇḍarīkapuram — to Puṇḍarīkapura

ययौ · yayau — went

इत्युक्तः व्याघ्रपादः पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः सन् ईश्वराय नमस्कृत्य पुण्डरीकपुरं ययौ।

thus · instructed · Vyāghrapāda · Patañjali · accompanied by · to Īśvara · having bowed · to Puṇḍarīkapura · went

The sage follows the divine instruction, demonstrating his obedience and humility as he travels to the designated site.

On the bank of the Puṇḍarīka lake, he worshipped the Lord of the Worlds, the lotus-eyed Acyuta, who was reclining upon the serpent.

puṇḍarīkasarastīre śayānaṃ bhujagopari

pūjayitvā jagannāthaṃ puṇḍarīkākṣamacyutam

पुण्डरीक · puṇḍarīka — Puṇḍarīka

सरः · saraḥ — lake

तीरे · tīre — on the bank

शयानम् · śayānam — reclining

भुजगोपरि · bhujagopari — upon the serpent

पूजयित्वा · pūjayitvā — having worshipped

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the Lord of the worlds

पुण्डरीकाक्षम् · puṇḍarīkākṣam — lotus-eyed

अच्युतम् · acyutam — Acyuta

पुण्डरीकसरस्तीरे भुजगोपरि शयानं जगन्नाथं पुण्डरीकाक्षमच्युतं पूजयित्वा सः तत्र स्थितः।

Puṇḍarīka · lake · on the bank · reclining · upon the serpent · having worshipped · the Lord of the worlds · lotus-eyed · Acyuta

Upon arrival, the sage engages in worship of Vishnu, bridging the devotion between Shiva and Vishnu, which is central to the text's Vaishnava context.

The great sage, accompanied by Patañjali, stayed there, desiring to see the dance of Umāpati, the Lord of beings (Paśupati).

uvāsa tatra naṭanaṃ draṣṭukāmo mahāmuniḥ

umāpateḥ paśupateḥ patañjalisamanvitaḥ

उवास · uvāsa — dwelt/stayed

तत्र · tatra — there

नटनम् · naṭanam — dance

द्रष्टुकामः · draṣṭukāmaḥ — desiring to see

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

उमापतेः · umāpateḥ — of Umāpati

पशुपतेः · paśupateḥ — of Paśupati

पतञ्जलि · patañjali — Patañjali

समन्वितः · samanvitaḥ — accompanied by

पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः महामुनिः उमापतेः पशुपतेः नटनं द्रष्टुकामः तत्र उवास।

dwelt/stayed · there · dance · desiring to see · the great sage · of Umāpati · of Paśupati · Patañjali · accompanied by

The sage's patient waiting at the site emphasizes the importance of readiness and expectation in the pursuit of divine vision.

In the evening, Mahādeva, the three-eyed one, arrived there, with matted locks, a blue throat, and his body smeared with ash.

sandhyāyāmāgatastatra mahādevastrilocanaḥ

jaṭādharo nīlakaṇṭho bhasmoddhūlitavigrahaḥ

सन्ध्यायाम् · sandhyāyām — in the evening twilight

आगतः · āgataḥ — arrived

तत्र · tatra — there

महादेवः · mahādevaḥ — the Great God

त्रिलोचनः · trilocanaḥ — the three-eyed one

जटाधरः · jaṭādharaḥ — wearing matted locks

नीलकण्ठः · nīlakaṇṭhaḥ — having a blue throat

भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहः · bhasmoddhūlitavigrahaḥ — body smeared with sacred ash

महादेवः त्रिलोचनः सन्ध्यायाम् तत्र आगतः। सः जटाधरः नीलकण्ठः भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहः च आसीत्।

in the evening twilight · arrived · there · the Great God · the three-eyed one · wearing matted locks · having a blue throat · body smeared with sacred ash

This verse sets the stage for the divine manifestation by describing the arrival of Mahādeva at the expected time of twilight. It establishes the aesthetic and spiritual atmosphere of the Tāṇḍava performance.

The Lord, who resembles pure crystal, was adorned with serpents, wore a tiger skin, and was served by sages like Vyāsa.

śuddhasphaṭikasaṅkāśo bhagavān phaṇibhūṣaṇaḥ

vyāghracarmāmbaradharo vyāsādimunisevitaḥ

शुद्धस्फटिकसङ्काशः · śuddhasphaṭikasaṅkāśaḥ — resembling pure crystal

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

फणिभूषणः · phaṇibhūṣaṇaḥ — adorned with serpents

व्याघ्रचर्माम्बरधरः · vyāghracarmāmbaradharaḥ — wearing tiger skin as garment

व्यासादिमुनिसेवितः · vyāsādimunisevitaḥ — served by sages like Vyāsa

भगवान् शुद्धस्फटिकसङ्काशः फणिभूषणः व्याघ्रचर्माम्बरधरः व्यासादिमुनिसेवितः च आसीत्।

resembling pure crystal · the Lord · adorned with serpents · wearing tiger skin as garment · served by sages like Vyāsa

The verse details the iconic attributes of Shiva, emphasizing his purity and his connection to the sages, which prepares the reader for the grandeur of the dance.

The wielder of the trident, the bearer of the skull, the death of Death, Maheśvara, performed the divine Tāṇḍava dance, accompanied by Goddess Kālikā.

śūlapāṇiḥ kapālī ca kālakālo maheśvaraḥ |

cakāra tāṇḍavaṃ divyaṃ kālikādevisaṃyutaḥ

शूलपाणिः · śūlapāṇiḥ — wielder of the trident

कपाली · kapālī — bearer of the skull

कालकालः · kālakālaḥ — the death of Death

महेश्वरः · maheśvaraḥ — the Great Lord

चकार · cakāra — performed

ताण्डवम् · tāṇḍavam — the Tāṇḍava dance

दिव्यम् · divyam — divine

कालिकादेविसंयुतः · kālikādevisaṃyutaḥ — accompanied by Goddess Kālikā

शूलपाणिः कपाली कालकालः महेश्वरः कालिकादेविसंयुतः दिव्यम् ताण्डवम् चकार।

wielder of the trident · bearer of the skull · the death of Death · the Great Lord · performed · the Tāṇḍava dance · divine · accompanied by Goddess Kālikā

This verse identifies Shiva as the ultimate conqueror of death and the performer of the cosmic dance, highlighting the presence of Goddess Kālikā as his consort.

Nandikeśvara sweetly played the mṛdaṅga drum, Caṇḍeśa played the bronze cymbals, and Nārada played the vīṇā.

mṛdaṅgaṃ vādayāmāsa madhuraṃ nandikeśvaraḥ

caṇḍeśaḥ kāṃsyatālañca nārado vallakīṃ tathā

मृदङ्गम् · mṛdaṅgam — the mṛdaṅga drum

वादयामास · vādayāmāsa — played

मधुरम् · madhuram — sweetly

नन्दिकेश्वरः · nandikeśvaraḥ — Nandikeśvara

चण्डेशः · caṇḍeśaḥ — Caṇḍeśa

कांस्यतालम् · kāṃsyatālam — bronze cymbals

नारदः · nāradaḥ — Nārada

वल्लकीम् · vallakīm — the vīṇā

नन्दिकेश्वरः मधुरम् मृदङ्गम् वादयामास। चण्डेशः कांस्यतालम् तथा नारदः वल्लकीम् वादयामास।

the mṛdaṅga drum · played · sweetly · Nandikeśvara · Caṇḍeśa · bronze cymbals · Nārada · the vīṇā

The verse describes the musical accompaniment to the dance, highlighting the participation of Shiva's attendants and the celestial musician Nārada.

The Gandharvas, Kinnaras, sages, Devas, and Asuras all watched with joy and praised Shiva's Tāṇḍava.

gandharvāḥ kinnarāścaivaṃ munayaśca surāsurāḥ

sarve vilokya sānandaṃ śaśaṃsuḥ śivatāṇḍavam

गन्धर्वाः · gandharvāḥ — Gandharvas

किन्नराः · kinnarāḥ — Kinnaras

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सुरासुराः · surāsurāḥ — Devas and Asuras

सर्वे · sarve — all

विलोक्य · vilokya — having watched

सानन्दम् · sānandam — with joy

शशंसुः · śaśaṃsuḥ — praised

शिवताण्डवम् · śivatāṇḍavam — Shiva's Tāṇḍava

गन्धर्वाः किन्नराः मुनयः सुरासुराः सर्वे सानन्दम् विलोक्य शिवताण्डवम् शशंसुः।

Gandharvas · Kinnaras · sages · Devas and Asuras · all · having watched · with joy · praised · Shiva's Tāṇḍava

This verse captures the universal appreciation of the dance, showing how both celestial and earthly beings were moved to praise the Lord.

When Śambhu's Tāṇḍava was finished, they received his grace and quickly returned to their own abodes, remembering the dance of Shiva.

samāpte tāṇḍave śambhoḥ prasādaṃ prāpya te punaḥ

svasthānaṃ saṃyayuḥ śīghraṃ smarantaḥ śivatāṇḍavam

समाप्ते · samāpte — when concluded

ताण्डवे · tāṇḍave — the Tāṇḍava

शम्भोः · śambhoḥ — of Śambhu

प्रसादम् · prasādam — grace

प्राप्य · prāpya — having received

ते · te — they

पुनः · punaḥ — again

स्वस्थानम् · svasthānam — their own abodes

संययुः · saṃyayuḥ — returned

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

स्मरन्तः · smarantaḥ — remembering

शम्भोः ताण्डवे समाप्ते ते प्रसादम् प्राप्य शिवताण्डवम् स्मरन्तः शीघ्रम् स्वस्थानम् संययुः।

when concluded · the Tāṇḍava · of Śambhu · grace · having received · they · again · their own abodes · returned · quickly · remembering

This verse concludes the episode of the dance, emphasizing the lasting impact of the divine vision on the participants as they return to their duties.

Vyāghrapāda, having worshipped that Śambhu according to the prescribed rites, prayed to the Lord of the mountains (Giriśa), saying, "Grant me liberation."

vyāghrapādastu taṃ śambhumabhyarcya vidhipūrvakam

prārthayāmāsa me muktiṃ dehīti giriśaṃ prabhum

व्याघ्रपादः · vyāghrapādaḥ — Vyāghrapāda

शम्भुम् · śambhum — Śambhu

अभ्यर्च्य · abhyarcya — having worshipped

विधिपूर्वकम् · vidhipūrvakam — according to rites

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — prayed

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

देहि · dehi — grant

गिरिशम् · giriśam — the Lord of mountains

प्रभुम् · prabhum — the Lord

व्याघ्रपादः विधिपूर्वकम् शम्भुम् अभ्यर्च्य गिरिशम् प्रभुम् 'मुक्तिम् देहि' इति प्रार्थयामास।

Vyāghrapāda · Śambhu · having worshipped · according to rites · prayed · liberation · grant · the Lord of mountains · the Lord

Vyāghrapāda's request for liberation marks the transition from the experience of divine beauty to the pursuit of ultimate spiritual truth.

Then the god who bears the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgādhara), out of compassion for the great sage, spoke a clear statement that is in accordance with the meaning of all scriptures.

tadā gaṅgādharo devaḥ kṛpayā munipuṅgavam

uvāca viśadaṃ vākyaṃ sarvaśāstrārthasammatam

तदा · tadā — then

गङ्गाधरः · gaṅgādharaḥ — the bearer of Gaṅgā

देवः · devaḥ — the god

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of compassion

मुनिपुङ्गवम् · munipuṅgavam — the great sage

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

विशदम् · viśadam — clear

वाक्यम् · vākyam — statement

सर्वशास्त्रार्थसम्मतम् · sarvaśāstrārthasammatam — agreeing with all scriptures

तदा गङ्गाधरः देवः कृपया मुनिपुङ्गवम् सर्वशास्त्रार्थसम्मतम् विशदम् वाक्यम् उवाच।

then · the bearer of Gaṅgā · the god · out of compassion · the great sage · spoke · clear · statement · agreeing with all scriptures

This verse introduces the philosophical discourse that follows, establishing the authority of Shiva's teaching as being in harmony with all scriptures.

Rudra said:

O Yogi, without knowledge of the Self (Ātman), liberation is certainly not obtained by worldly people here, even in crores of births.

rudra uvāca

ātmajñānaṃ vinā yogin koṭijanmāntareṣvapi

muktirna labhyate nūnaṃ nṛṇāṃ saṃsāriṇāmiha

आत्मज्ञानम् · ātmajñānam — knowledge of the Self

विना · vinā — without

योगिन् · yogin — O Yogi

कोटिजन्मान्तरेषु · koṭijanmāntareṣu — in crores of births

मुक्तिः · muktir — liberation

न लभ्यते · na labhyate — is not obtained

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of men

संसारिणाम् · saṃsāriṇām — of worldly beings

योगिन्, आत्मज्ञानम् विना कोटिजन्मान्तरेषु अपि संसारिणाम् नृणाम् मुक्तिः न लभ्यते नूनम्।

knowledge of the Self · without · O Yogi · in crores of births · liberation · is not obtained · certainly · of men · of worldly beings

Rudra begins his instruction by emphasizing the necessity of Self-knowledge, asserting that liberation is impossible without it, regardless of the time spent in worldly existence.

Devas, ancestors, Siddhas, sages, and yogis, being devoid of Self-knowledge, wander in the ocean of worldly existence.

devāśca pitaraḥ siddhā munayo yoginastathā

ātmajñānavihīnatvādbhrāmyanti bhavasāgare

देवाः · devāḥ — Devas

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

सिद्धाः · siddhāḥ — Siddhas

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

योगिनः · yoginaḥ — yogis

आत्मज्ञानविहीनत्वात् · ātmajñānavihīnatvāt — due to lack of Self-knowledge

भ्राम्यन्ति · bhrāmyanti — wander

भवसागरे · bhavasāgare — in the ocean of existence

देवाः पितरः सिद्धाः मुनयः योगिनः तथा आत्मज्ञानविहीनत्वात् भवसागरे भ्राम्यन्ति।

Devas · ancestors · Siddhas · sages · yogis · due to lack of Self-knowledge · wander · in the ocean of existence

This verse reinforces the previous point by noting that even high-ranking beings remain trapped in the cycle of samsara if they lack the realization of their true nature.

Universal sovereignty, the heavens, and the position of Brahmā are obtained through action (karma), but liberation is obtained only from the knowledge of one's true nature (svarūpa).

sārvabhaumaṃ nākapṛṣṭhaṃ pārameṣṭhyaṃ ca karmaṇā

prāpyate kintu mokṣastu svarūpajñānamātrataḥ

सार्वभौमम् · sārvabhaumam — universal sovereignty

नाकपृष्ठम् · nākapṛṣṭham — the celestial realms

पारमेष्ठ्यम् · pārameṣṭhyam — the position of Brahma

च · ca — and

कर्मणा · karmaṇā — by action

प्राप्यते · prāpyate — is obtained

किन्तु · kintu — but

मोक्षः · mokṣaḥ — liberation

तु · tu — indeed

स्वरूपज्ञानमात्रतः · svarūpajñānamātrataḥ — only from knowledge of one's true nature

सार्वभौमं नाकपृष्ठं पारमेष्ठ्यं च कर्मणा प्राप्यते। किन्तु मोक्षस्तु स्वरूपज्ञानमात्रतः प्राप्यते।

universal sovereignty · the celestial realms · the position of Brahma · and · by action · is obtained · but · liberation · indeed · only from knowledge of one's true nature

This verse establishes the hierarchy of spiritual goals, distinguishing between fruits gained through karma and the ultimate goal of liberation. It serves as the philosophical foundation for Rudra's instruction to Vyāghrapāda.

That which is acquired by action is dependent on action and is perishable. By knowing the true nature of the Self, one attains eternal happiness.

saṃpāditaṃ karmaṇā tu karmādhīnaṃ hi naśvaram

svarūpamātmano jñātvā śāśvataṃ sukhamāpnuyāt

संपादितम् · saṃpāditam — acquired

कर्मणा · karmaṇā — by action

तु · tu — however

कर्माधीनम् · karmādhīnam — dependent on action

हि · hi — certainly

नश्वरम् · naśvaram — perishable

स्वरूपम् · svarūpam — true nature

आत्मनः · ātmanaḥ — of the Self

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

सुखम् · sukham — happiness

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — one should attain

कर्मणा संपादितं तु कर्माधीनं हि नश्वरम्। आत्मनः स्वरूपं ज्ञात्वा शाश्वतं सुखम् आप्नुयात्।

acquired · by action · however · dependent on action · certainly · perishable · true nature · of the Self · having known · eternal · happiness · one should attain

Rudra emphasizes the perishable nature of karma-based results to steer the sage toward the eternal. This highlights the necessity of self-knowledge over ritualistic action.

The Self is not the body, not the vital airs, not the mind, nor the intellect. It is of the nature of pure consciousness alone, devoid of the six modifications (birth, existence, growth, change, decay, death).

ātmā na deho na prāṇā na mano buddhireva ca

prajñānamātrarūpo hi ṣaḍvikāravivarjitaḥ

आत्मा · ātmā — the Self

न · na — is not

देहः · dehaḥ — the body

प्राणाः · prāṇāḥ — vital airs

मनः · manaḥ — the mind

बुद्धिः · buddhiḥ — the intellect

एव · eva — even

च · ca — and

प्रज्ञानमात्ररूपः · prajñānamātrarūpaḥ — of the nature of pure consciousness

हि · hi — indeed

षड्विकारविवर्जितः · ṣaḍvikāravivarjitaḥ — devoid of the six modifications

आत्मा न देहो न प्राणा न मनो बुद्धिरेव च। सः प्रज्ञानमात्ररूपो हि षड्विकारविवर्जितः।

the Self · is not · the body · vital airs · the mind · the intellect · even · and · of the nature of pure consciousness · indeed · devoid of the six modifications

This verse provides the Vedantic definition of the Self, negating the identification with the body-mind complex. It prepares the sage to understand his true, unmodified nature.

It is self-luminous and all-pervading; know that to be Me. That eternally free nature is your own true form, O great sage.

svayaṃprakāśaḥ sarvatra vyāpakastamavehi mām

nityamuktasvabhāvaṃ tat svasvarūpaṃ mahāmune

स्वयंप्रकाशः · svayaṃprakāśaḥ — self-luminous

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

व्यापकः · vyāpakaḥ — all-pervading

तम् · tam — that

अवेहि · avehi — know

माम् · mām — Me

नित्यमुक्तस्वभावम् · nityamuktasvabhāvam — eternally free nature

तत् · tat — that

स्वस्वरूपम् · svasvarūpam — your own true form

महामुने · mahāmune — O great sage

स्वयंप्रकाशः सर्वत्र व्यापकः तम् माम् अवेहि। हे महामुने, तत् नित्यमुक्तस्वभावं स्वस्वरूपं भवति।

self-luminous · everywhere · all-pervading · that · know · Me · eternally free nature · that · your own true form · O great sage

Rudra identifies the Self with Himself (the Supreme), bridging the gap between the seeker and the ultimate reality. This is a crucial instruction for the sage's realization.

The body is surely perishable, destined to become worms, filth, or ash. That true form is eternal, supreme, and of the nature of existence-consciousness-bliss (saccidānanda).

śarīraṃ naśvaraṃ nūnaṃ kṛmiviḍbhasmasaṃjñitam

saccidānandarūpaṃ tat svarūpaṃ śāśvataṃ param

शरीरम् · śarīram — the body

नश्वरम् · naśvaram — perishable

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

कृमिविड्भस्मसंज्ञितम् · kṛmiviḍbhasmasaṃjñitam — destined to be worms, filth, or ash

सच्चिदानन्दरूपम् · saccidānandarūpam — of the nature of existence-consciousness-bliss

तत् · tat — that

स्वरूपम् · svarūpam — true form

शाश्वतम् · śāśvatam — eternal

परम् · param — supreme

शरीरं नश्वरं नूनं कृमिविड्भस्मसंज्ञितम्। तत् स्वरूपं सच्चिदानन्दरूपं शाश्वतं परं च।

the body · perishable · surely · destined to be worms, filth, or ash · of the nature of existence-consciousness-bliss · that · true form · eternal · supreme

By contrasting the perishable body with the eternal Self, Rudra emphasizes the urgency of detachment. This verse reinforces the 'Saccidānanda' nature of the true Self.

Therefore, by forgetting the body and knowing one's own true form of pure consciousness, liberation is attained instantly, O best of sages.

tasmāccharīraṃ vismṛtya svarūpaṃ cinmayaṃ nijam

jñātvaiva sahasā muktiḥ prāpyate munipuṅgava

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

शरीरम् · śarīram — the body

विस्मृत्य · vismṛtya — having forgotten

स्वरूपम् · svarūpam — true form

चिन्मयम् · cinmayam — of pure consciousness

निजम् · nijam — one's own

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

एव · eva — only

सहसा · sahasā — instantly

मुक्तिः · muktiḥ — liberation

प्राप्यते · prāpyate — is attained

मुनिपुङ्गव · munipuṅgava — O best of sages

तस्मात् शरीरं विस्मृत्य निजं चिन्मयं स्वरूपं ज्ञात्वैव सहसा मुक्तिः प्राप्यते, हे मुनिपुङ्गव।

therefore · the body · having forgotten · true form · of pure consciousness · one's own · having known · only · instantly · liberation · is attained · O best of sages

This verse provides the practical application of the previous teachings: the immediate necessity of forgetting the body-identification to attain liberation.

I am indeed the lord of all knowledge, there is no doubt. One should seek knowledge from me, but one should desire liberation from Janārdana.

īśānaḥ sarvavidyānāmahameva na saṃśayaḥ

mayaiva jñānamanvicchenmokṣamicchejjanārdanāt

ईशानः · īśānaḥ — the lord

सर्वविद्यानाम् · sarvavidyānām — of all knowledge

अहम् · aham — I

एव · eva — indeed

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

मया · mayā — from Me

एव · eva — only

ज्ञानम् · jñānam — knowledge

अन्विच्छेत् · anvicchet — one should seek

मोक्षम् · mokṣam — liberation

इच्छेत् · icchet — should desire

जनार्दनात् · janārdanāt — from Janardana

अहमेव सर्वविद्यानाम् ईशानः, न संशयः। मयैव ज्ञानम् अन्विच्छेत्, जनार्दनात् मोक्षम् इच्छेत्।

the lord · of all knowledge · I · indeed · no · doubt · from Me · only · knowledge · one should seek · liberation · should desire · from Janardana

Rudra directs the sage to Janārdana (Vishnu) for liberation, establishing the Vaishnava theological hierarchy where Shiva provides knowledge but Vishnu grants the final release.

The insurmountable Māyā of Vishnu sets the world in motion. Surely, by His grace alone, it leaves the soul and withdraws.

pravartayati saṃsāraṃ viṣṇumāyā duratyayā

tasyaiva kṛpayā nūnaṃ tyaktvā jīvaṃ nivartate

प्रवर्तयति · pravartayati — sets in motion

संसारम् · saṃsāram — the world

विष्णुमाया · viṣṇumāyā — the Maya of Vishnu

दुरत्यया · duratyayā — insurmountable

तस्य · tasya — His

एव · eva — only

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having left

जीवम् · jīvam — the soul

निवर्तते · nivartate — withdraws

दुरत्यया विष्णुमाया संसारं प्रवर्तयति। तस्यैव कृपया नूनं जीवं त्यक्त्वा सा निवर्तते।

sets in motion · the world · the Maya of Vishnu · insurmountable · His · only · by grace · surely · having left · the soul · withdraws

This verse explains the role of Vishnu's Māyā in the cycle of existence and the necessity of His grace to overcome it, setting the stage for the sage's journey to the Ananta lake.

Knowledge covered by Māyā, like the sun covered by a cloud, does not shine, O ascetic, even for the wise.

āvṛtaṃ māyayā jñānaṃ meghacchanno yathā raviḥ

na śobhate tathā nūnaṃ viduṣāmapi tāpasa

आवृतम् · āvṛtam — covered

मायया · māyayā — by Maya

ज्ञानम् · jñānam — knowledge

मेघच्छन्नः · meghacchannaḥ — covered by clouds

यथा · yathā — just as

रविः · raviḥ — the sun

न · na — does not

शोभते · śobhate — shine

तथा · tathā — so

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

विदुषाम् · viduṣām — of the wise

अपि · api — even

तापस · tāpasa — O ascetic

हे तापस, यथा मेघच्छन्नो रविः, तथा मायया आवृतं ज्ञानं विदुषामपि न शोभते।

covered · by Maya · knowledge · covered by clouds · just as · the sun · does not · shine · so · surely · of the wise · even · O ascetic

Using the metaphor of the sun and clouds, this verse illustrates how even the wise are obscured by Māyā, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.

Therefore, taking refuge in Govinda, conquer the insurmountable Māyā. Only then will you know that liberation is in your hand.

tasmādāśritya govindaṃ jahi māyāṃ duratyayām |

tadaiva tava kaivalyaṃ jānīyāstvaṃ karasthitam

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

आश्रित्य · āśritya — having taken refuge

गोविन्दम् · govindam — in Govinda

जहि · jahi — conquer

मायाम् · māyām — Maya

दुरत्ययाम् · duratyayām — insurmountable

तदा · tadā — then

एव · eva — only

तव · tava — your

कैवल्यम् · kaivalyam — liberation

जानीयाः · jānīyāḥ — you will know

त्वम् · tvam — you

करस्थितम् · karasthitam — in your hand

तस्मात् गोविन्दम् आश्रित्य दुरत्ययां मायां जहि। तदैव त्वं तव कैवल्यं करस्थितं जानीयाः।

therefore · having taken refuge · in Govinda · conquer · Maya · insurmountable · then · only · your · liberation · you will know · you · in your hand

Rudra concludes his instruction by advising the sage to take refuge in Govinda, which is the direct path to conquering Māyā and attaining liberation.

The Sadguru said:

Thus instructed, Vyāghrapāda, along with Patañjali, wandered here and there and saw a hermitage.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto vyāghrapādastu patañjalisamanvitaḥ

itastataḥ sañcaraṃśca dadarśa ca tapovanam

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus instructed

व्याघ्रपादः · vyāghrapādaḥ — the sage Vyaghrapada

तु · tu — and/then

पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः · patañjali-samanvitaḥ — accompanied by Patanjali

इतस्ततः · itastataḥ — here and there

सञ्चरन् · sañcaran — wandering

च · ca — and

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

तपोवनम् · tapovanam — a hermitage

इत्युक्तः व्याघ्रपादः पतञ्जलि-समन्वितः इतस्ततः सञ्चरन् तपोवनं ददर्श।

thus instructed · the sage Vyaghrapada · and/then · accompanied by Patanjali · here and there · wandering · and · saw · a hermitage

Following the instruction to seek liberation from Janardana, Vyaghrapada begins his search. This verse marks the transition from the philosophical discourse of Rudra to the physical journey toward the site of his final liberation.

On the bank of the Ananta lake, he also saw the hermitage of Kaṇva. There he worshipped the eternal god, Vishnu.

anantasarasastīre kaṇvasyāpyāśramaṃ tathā

tatraiva pūjayāmāsa devaṃ viṣṇuṃ sanātanam

अनन्तसरसः · anantasarasas — of the Ananta lake

तीरे · tīre — on the bank

कण्वस्य · kaṇvasya — of Kanva

अपि · api — also

आश्रमम् · āśramam — hermitage

तथा · tathā — and

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

देवम् · devam — the Lord

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

सनातनम् · sanātanam — the eternal one

अनन्तसरसः तीरे कण्वस्य आश्रमं तथा ददर्श। तत्रैव सनातनं देवं विष्णुं पूजयामास।

of the Ananta lake · on the bank · of Kanva · also · hermitage · and · right there · worshipped · the Lord · Vishnu · the eternal one

The discovery of the hermitage on the bank of the Ananta lake sets the stage for the divine encounter. It establishes the sacred geography where the sage will eventually attain his goal.

Constantly meditating on Hari in his heart through the eight-limbed yoga, he who was desirous of liberation dwelt there joyfully with the sage (Patañjali).

nityamaṣṭāṅgayogena hṛdaye bhāvayan harim

uvāsa tatra sānandaṃ mumukṣurmuninā saha

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

अष्टाङ्गयोगेन · aṣṭāṅgayogena — by the eight-limbed yoga

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

भावयन् · bhāvayan — meditating

हरिम् · harim — Hari

उवास · uvāsa — dwelt

तत्र · tatra — there

सानन्दम् · sānandam — joyfully

मुमुक्षुः · mumukṣuḥ — desirous of liberation

मुनिना · muninā — with the sage

सह · saha — together

मुमुक्षुः अष्टाङ्गयोगेन नित्यं हृदये हरिं भावयन् मुनिना सह तत्र सानन्दम् उवास।

constantly · by the eight-limbed yoga · in the heart · meditating · Hari · dwelt · there · joyfully · desirous of liberation · with the sage · together

This verse describes the internal preparation of the sage. By practicing eight-limbed yoga, he aligns his consciousness to receive the grace of Hari, fulfilling the prerequisite for liberation.

At that very time, Lord Vishnu gave a vision, appearing in the form of a child on a swing, with moving, unsteady glances.

tadaiva bhagavān viṣṇuḥ pradadau nidarśanam

bālarūpeṇa hindole calan cañcalavīkṣaṇaḥ

तदैव · tadaiva — at that very moment

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave/granted

निदर्शनम् · nidarśanam — a vision

बालरूपेण · bālarūpeṇa — in the form of a child

हिन्दोले · hindole — on a swing

चलन् · calan — moving

चञ्चलवीक्षणः · cañcalavīkṣaṇaḥ — with unsteady glances

तदैव भगवान् विष्णुः बालरूपेण हिन्दोले चलन् चञ्चलवीक्षणः सन् निदर्शनं प्रददौ।

at that very moment · the Lord · Vishnu · gave/granted · a vision · in the form of a child · on a swing · moving · with unsteady glances

The manifestation of Vishnu as a child on a swing is the climax of the sage's spiritual quest. It represents the 'Bala' (Child) aspect of the city's name, Bālavyāghrapura.

He was holding His beautiful lotus-foot with His lotus-hand and placing it in His lotus-mouth, lying in the form of an infant.

karapadmena saṅgṛhya pādapadmaṃ ca sundaram

niveśya mukhapadme'pi śayānaṃ śiśurūpiṇam

करपद्मेन · karapadmena — with the lotus-hand

सङ्गृह्य · saṅgṛhya — having held

पादपद्मम् · pādapadmam — the lotus-foot

च · ca — and

सुन्दरम् · sundaram — beautiful

निवेश्य · niveśya — placing

मुखपद्मे · mukhapadme — in the lotus-mouth

अपि · api — also

शयानम् · śayānam — lying down

शिशुरूपिणम् · śiśurūpiṇam — in the form of an infant

सुन्दरं पादपद्मं करपद्मेन सङ्गृह्य मुखपद्मे निवेश्य शयानं शिशुरूपिणं (विष्णुं ददर्श)।

with the lotus-hand · having held · the lotus-foot · and · beautiful · placing · in the lotus-mouth · also · lying down · in the form of an infant

The imagery of the Lord sucking His toe is a classic iconographic representation of the Supreme Being's self-contained bliss, which the sage now witnesses directly.

Seeing this, Vyāghrapāda prostrated with love and praised Krishna, the God of gods, Janārdana, in many ways.

vilokya vyāghrapādastu praṇamya premapūrvakam

tuṣṭāva bahudhā kṛṣṇaṃ devadevaṃ janārdanam

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

व्याघ्रपादः · vyāghrapādaḥ — Vyaghrapada

तु · tu — then

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

बहुधा · bahudhā — in many ways

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇam — Krishna

देवदेवम् · devadevam — the God of gods

जनार्दनम् · janārdanam — Janardana

विलोक्य व्याघ्रपादः प्रेमपूर्वकं प्रणम्य देवदेवं जनार्दनं कृष्णं बहुधा तुष्टाव।

having seen · Vyaghrapada · then · having bowed · with love · praised · in many ways · Krishna · the God of gods · Janardana

Vyaghrapada's reaction of prostration and praise confirms his recognition of the Divine. This devotion is the catalyst for the removal of the final veils of ignorance.

By the grace of that very Vishnu, the deluding Māyā, composed of the three guṇas, quickly abandoned the sage.

tasyaiva kṛpayā viṣṇormāyā tu triguṇātmikā

acireṇaiva tatyāja muniṃ mohanakāriṇī

तस्यैव · tasyaiva — of Him alone

कृपया · kṛpayā — by the grace

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

माया · māyā — the illusion

तु · tu — indeed

त्रिगुणात्मिका · triguṇātmikā — composed of three gunas

अचिरेणैव · acireṇaiva — very quickly

तत्याज · tatyāja — abandoned

मुनिम् · munim — the sage

मोहनकारिणी · mohanakāriṇī — the deluding one

तस्य विष्णोः कृपया एव त्रिगुणात्मिका मोहनकारिणी माया मुनिं अचिरेणैव तत्याज।

of Him alone · by the grace · of Vishnu · the illusion · indeed · composed of three gunas · very quickly · abandoned · the sage · the deluding one

This verse explains the mechanism of liberation: the grace of Vishnu dissolves the three-fold Maya. It validates the earlier teaching that liberation is obtained through the Lord's mercy.

When the entire delusion of worldly existence had ceased, the great sage instantly attained liberation through the knowledge of his true nature alone.

saṃsāramohe nikhile nivṛtte munipuṅgavaḥ

kaivalyaṃ prāpa sahasā svarūpajñānamātrataḥ

संसारमोहे · saṃsāramohe — in the delusion of the world

निखिले · nikhile — entirely

निवृत्ते · nivṛtte — having ceased

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the great sage

कैवल्यम् · kaivalyam — liberation

प्राप · prāpa — attained

सहसा · sahasā — instantly

स्वरूपज्ञानमात्रतः · svarūpajñānamātrataḥ — by the knowledge of his true nature alone

संसारमोहे निखिले निवृत्ते सति मुनिपुङ्गवः स्वरूपज्ञानमात्रतः सहसा कैवल्यं प्राप।

in the delusion of the world · entirely · having ceased · the great sage · liberation · attained · instantly · by the knowledge of his true nature alone

The sage attains Kaivalya (liberation) upon the cessation of worldly delusion. This confirms that the knowledge of one's true nature is the direct fruit of the Lord's grace.

This most sacred place of Vyāghrapāda's liberation is famous in the three worlds by the name Bālavyāghrapura (The City of the Child and the Tiger).

etaddhi vyāghrapādasya muktisthānaṃ supāvanam

bālavyāghrapuraṃ nāma prasiddhaṃ bhuvanatraye

एतत् · etaddhi — this indeed

व्याघ्रपादस्य · vyāghrapādasya — of Vyaghrapada

मुक्तिस्थानम् · muktisthānam — place of liberation

सुपावनम् · supāvanam — very sacred

बालव्याघ्रपुरम् · bālavyāghrapuram — Balavyaghrapura

नाम · nāma — by the name

प्रसिद्धम् · prasiddham — famous

भुवनत्रये · bhuvanatraye — in the three worlds

एतत् हि व्याघ्रपादस्य सुपावनं मुक्तिस्थानं बालव्याघ्रपुरं नाम भुवनत्रये प्रसिद्धम्।

this indeed · of Vyaghrapada · place of liberation · very sacred · Balavyaghrapura · by the name · famous · in the three worlds

This verse etymologically and geographically defines Bālavyāghrapura, cementing its status as a sacred site of liberation in the Vaishnava tradition.

Here, by the sight and worship of Vishnu, all the sorrows of worldly existence of men are destroyed; there is no doubt.

atra viṣṇordarśanena pūjanena nṛṇāmiha

saṃsāraduḥkhaṃ nikhilaṃ vinaśyati na saṃśayaḥ

अत्र · atra — here

विष्णोः · viṣṇordarśanena — by the sight of Vishnu

पूजनेन · pūjanena — by worship

नृणाम् · nṛṇāmiha — of men here

संसारदुःखम् · saṃsāraduḥkham — sorrows of worldly existence

निखिलम् · nikhilam — entirely

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

न · na — no

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अत्र विष्णोः दर्शनेन पूजनेन च इह नृणां निखिलं संसारदुःखं विनश्यति, न संशयः।

here · by the sight of Vishnu · by worship · of men here · sorrows of worldly existence · entirely · is destroyed · no · doubt

The concluding verse promises the same liberation to all devotees who visit this site, extending the grace received by Vyaghrapada to all humanity.

Liberation is surely attained by worldly people here, within Bālavyāghrapura, by the mere sight of Hari.

kaivalyaṃ prāpyate nūnaṃ nṛṇāṃ saṃsāriṇāmiha

haridarśanamātreṇa bālavyāghrapurāntare

कैवल्यम् · kaivalyam — liberation or final emancipation

प्राप्यते · prāpyate — is attained

नूनम् · nūnam — certainly or surely

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of men

संसारिणाम् · saṃsāriṇām — those caught in worldly existence

इह · iha — here in this place

हरिदर्शनमात्रेण · haridarśanamātreṇa — by the mere sight of Hari

बालव्याघ्रपुरान्तरे · bālavyāghrapurāntare — within the city of Bālavyāghrapura

इह बालव्याघ्रपुरान्तरे संसारिणां नृणां हरिदर्शनमात्रेण कैवल्यं नूनं प्राप्यते।

liberation or final emancipation · is attained · certainly or surely · of men · those caught in worldly existence · here in this place · by the mere sight of Hari · within the city of Bālavyāghrapura

This concluding verse serves as the phala-shruti, confirming the spiritual efficacy of Bālavyāghrapura. It emphasizes that the liberation Vyāghrapāda attained is accessible to all seekers simply through the grace of seeing Hari in this sacred space.