चम्पकारण्यमाहात्म्यम् Campakāraṇya Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

I shall tell the supreme, wonderful glory of Campakāraṇya, by merely hearing which, Gopāla becomes greatly pleased.

śrīsadgururuvāca

campakāraṇyamāhātmyaṃ vakṣyāmi paramādbhutam

yasya śravaṇamātreṇa gopālaḥ suprasīdati

श्रीसद्गुरुः · śrīsadguruḥ — the revered spiritual teacher

उवाच · uvāca — said

चम्पकारण्यमाहात्म्यम् · campakāraṇyamāhātmyaṃ — the glory of Campakāraṇya

वक्ष्यामि · vakṣyāmi — I shall narrate

परमाद्भुतम् · paramādbhutam — supremely wonderful

यस्य · yasya — of which

श्रवणमात्रेण · śravaṇamātreṇa — by mere hearing

गोपालः · gopālaḥ — Lord Gopāla

सुप्रसीदति · suprasīdati — becomes highly pleased

श्रीसद्गुरुः उवाच। अहं परमाद्भुतं चम्पकारण्यमाहात्म्यं वक्ष्यामि, यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण गोपालः सुप्रसीदति।

the revered spiritual teacher · said · the glory of Campakāraṇya · I shall narrate · supremely wonderful · of which · by mere hearing · Lord Gopāla · becomes highly pleased

This verse serves as the mangala-carana and introductory invocation, establishing the sanctity of Campakāraṇya and the immediate spiritual benefit of hearing its glory.

There was a famous sage named Gobhila, who had conquered his senses. He performed great penance, being distressed for a vision of Krishna.

gobhilo nāma vikhyāto munirāsījjitendriyaḥ

tapaścakāra sumahat kṛṣṇadarśanakātaraḥ

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — the sage Gobhila

नाम · nāma — by name

विख्यातः · vikhyātaḥ — renowned

मुनिः · muniḥ — sage

आसीत् · āsīt — was

जितेन्द्रियः · jitendriyaḥ — one who has conquered the senses

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चकार · cakāra — performed

सुमहत् · sumahat — great

कृष्णदर्शनकातरः · kṛṣṇadarśanakātaraḥ — distressed for a vision of Krishna

गोभिलः नाम विख्यातः जितेन्द्रियः मुनिः आसीत्। सः कृष्णदर्शनकातरः सन् सुमहत् तपः चकार।

the sage Gobhila · by name · renowned · sage · was · one who has conquered the senses · penance · performed · great · distressed for a vision of Krishna

This verse introduces the protagonist, Gobhila, establishing his credentials as a disciplined sage whose intense longing for Krishna sets the stage for the divine encounter.

During the time of Krishna's incarnation, with his eyes closed in meditation, he resided in Naimiṣāraṇya, engaged in very long austerity.

kṛṣṇāvatārakāle tu dhyānamīlitalocanaḥ

nyavasannaimiśāraṇye sudīrghe tapasi sthitaḥ

कृष्णावतारकाले · kṛṣṇāvatārakāle — during the time of Krishna's incarnation

तु · tu — indeed

ध्यानमीलितलोचनः · dhyānamīlitalocanaḥ — eyes closed in meditation

न्यवसत् · nyavasat — he resided

नैमिषारण्ये · naimiṣāraṇye — in Naimiṣāraṇya

सुदीर्घे · sudīrghe — very long

तपसि · tapasi — in austerity

स्थितः · sthitaḥ — situated

कृष्णावतारकाले तु सः ध्यानमीलितलोचनः सन् नैमिषारण्ये न्यवसत्, सुदीर्घे तपसि स्थितः च।

during the time of Krishna's incarnation · indeed · eyes closed in meditation · he resided · in Naimiṣāraṇya · very long · in austerity · situated

This verse contextualizes Gobhila's meditation within the historical timeline of Krishna's avatar, highlighting the irony that he missed the Lord while being physically present in the same era.

Having removed the entire burden of the earth, the Lord went to His own abode. Then Gobhila, the best of sages, regained external consciousness.

bhūbhāraṃ nikhilaṃ hṛtvā svadhāma bhagavān yayau

bahiḥ prajñāmatha prāpa gobhilo munipuṅgavaḥ

भूभारम् · bhūbhāraṃ — the burden of the earth

निखिलम् · nikhilam — entire

हृत्वा · hṛtvā — having removed

स्वधाम · svadhāma — to His own abode

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

ययौ · yayau — went

बहिः · bahiḥ — external

प्रज्ञाम् · prajñām — consciousness

अथ · atha — then

प्राप · prāpa — attained

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — Gobhila

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — best of sages

भगवान् निखिलं भूभारं हृत्वा स्वधाम ययौ। अथ मुनिपुङ्गवः गोभिलः बहिः प्रज्ञाम् प्राप।

the burden of the earth · entire · having removed · to His own abode · the Lord · went · external · consciousness · then · attained · Gobhila · best of sages

This verse marks the transition from the era of the Lord's presence to the era of separation, triggering the sage's awakening and subsequent realization of his loss.

Hearing again and again the pastimes of Krishna sung by the sages, he, desiring to see Mukunda, lamented and wept.

ākarṇya munibhirgītāṃ kṛṣṇalīlāṃ punaḥ punaḥ

draṣṭukāmaḥ mukundaṃ taṃ pralalāpa ruroda ca

आकर्ण्य · ākarṇya — having heard

मुनिभिः · munibhiḥ — by the sages

गीताम् · gītām — sung

कृष्णलीलाम् · kṛṣṇalīlām — Krishna's pastimes

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

द्रष्टुकामः · draṣṭukāmaḥ — desiring to see

मुकुन्दम् · mukundam — Mukunda

तम् · tam — Him

प्रललाप · pralalāpa — lamented

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

च · ca — and

मुनिभिः गीतां कृष्णलीलां पुनः पुनः आकर्ण्य, सः मुकुन्दं द्रष्टुकामः सन् प्रललाप रुरोद च।

having heard · by the sages · sung · Krishna's pastimes · again and again · desiring to see · Mukunda · Him · lamented · wept · and

This verse depicts the emotional turning point where the sage's intellectual knowledge of Krishna's pastimes transforms into an intense, painful longing, driving the narrative forward.

Gobhila said:

Alas, this is my misfortune that I did not obtain the vision of Krishna, which was attained by Pūtanā, Śakaṭa and others, by the hunchbacked woman, and by the washerman.

gobhila uvāca

hanta daurbhāgyametanme na prāptaṃ kṛṣṇadarśanam

pūtanāśakaṭādīnāṃ kubjāyā rajakasya ca

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — Gobhila

उवाच · uvāca — said

हन्त · hanta — alas

दौर्भाग्यम् · daurbhāgyam — misfortune

एतत् · etat — this

मे · me — my

न · na — not

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — attained

कृष्णदर्शनम् · kṛṣṇadarśanam — vision of Krishna

पूतनाशकटादीनाम् · pūtanāśakaṭādīnām — of Putana, Sakata and others

कुब्जायाः · kubjāyāḥ — of the hunchbacked woman

रजकस्य · rajakasya — of the washerman

च · ca — and

गोभिलः उवाच। हन्त, एतत् मे दौर्भाग्यं यत् मया कृष्णदर्शनं न प्राप्तम्, यत् तु पूतना-शकट-आदीनां कुब्जायाः रजकस्य च प्राप्तम्।

Gobhila · said · alas · misfortune · this · my · not · attained · vision of Krishna · of Putana, Sakata and others · of the hunchbacked woman · of the washerman · and

Gobhila expresses his deep existential anguish, comparing his failure to see Krishna with the success of those who were seemingly less deserving, emphasizing the intensity of his spiritual frustration.

That which was attained even by Pauṇḍraka without the slightest spiritual practice—by me, with severe penance, time has been wasted in vain.

pauṇḍrakasyāpi yatprāptaṃ vinā sādhanaleśataḥ |

mayā ghoreṇa tapasā kālakṣepo vṛthā kṛtaḥ

पौण्ड्रकस्य · pauṇḍrakasya — of Paundraka

अपि · api — even

यत् · yat — which

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — attained

विना · vinā — without

साधनलेशतः · sādhanaleśataḥ — the slightest spiritual practice

मया · mayā — by me

घोरेण · ghoreṇa — severe

तपसा · tapasā — by penance

कालक्षेपः · kālakṣepaḥ — waste of time

वृथा · vṛthā — in vain

कृतः · kṛtaḥ — done

यत् पौण्ड्रकस्य अपि विना साधनलेशतः प्राप्तम्, मया तु घोरेण तपसा कालक्षेपः वृथा कृतः।

of Paundraka · even · which · attained · without · the slightest spiritual practice · by me · severe · by penance · waste of time · in vain · done

The sage reflects on the futility of his asceticism compared to the spontaneous grace received by others, highlighting the theme that divine vision is a matter of grace, not just effort.

How shall I see Govinda, the enchanter of the minds of the Gopis? Where shall I go from here? What is the purpose of my life?

kathaṃ drakṣyāmi govindaṃ gopījanamanoharam |

itaḥparaṃ kva yāsyāmi kimarthaṃ jīvanaṃ mama

कथम् · kathaṃ — how

द्रक्ष्यामि · drakṣyāmi — shall I see

गोविन्दम् · govindam — Govinda

गोपीजनमनोहरम् · gopījanamanoharam — enchanter of the Gopis' minds

इतःपरम् · itaḥparam — from here

क्व · kva — where

यास्यामि · yāsyāmi — shall I go

किमर्थम् · kimartham — for what purpose

जीवनम् · jīvanam — life

मम · mama — my

अहं गोपीजनमनोहरं गोविन्दं कथं द्रक्ष्यामि? इतःपरं क्व यास्यामि? मम जीवनं किमर्थम्?

how · shall I see · Govinda · enchanter of the Gopis' minds · from here · where · shall I go · for what purpose · life · my

Gobhila questions the very purpose of his existence, demonstrating the total surrender and despair that often precedes a divine revelation in the Vaishnava tradition.

I have been deceived by Mukunda, who is dear to Mucukunda. Why did I, a fool, sit absorbed in yogic slumber?

vañcito'haṃ mukundena mucukundapriyeṇa ca |

kimarthamupaviṣṭo'haṃ vimūḍho yoganidrayā

वञ्चितः · vañcitaḥ — deceived

अहम् · aham — I

मुकुन्देन · mukundena — by Mukunda

मुचुकुन्दप्रियेण · mucukundapriyeṇa — who is dear to Mucukunda

च · ca — and

किमर्थम् · kimartham — why

उपविष्टः · upaviṣṭaḥ — sat

अहम् · aham — I

विमूढः · vimūḍhaḥ — foolish

योगनिद्रया · yoganidrayā — by yogic slumber

अहं मुचुकुन्दप्रियेण मुकुन्देन वञ्चितः। विमूढः अहम् किमर्थं योगनिद्रया उपविष्टः?

deceived · I · by Mukunda · who is dear to Mucukunda · and · why · sat · I · foolish · by yogic slumber

The sage blames himself for his 'yogic slumber,' contrasting his mechanical practice with the living, breathing presence of the Lord he missed.

Why did the ocean of mercy not awaken me and grant me His vision? Surely, it is my own misfortune. What is the use of needlessly blaming Krishna?

utthāpya kiṃ karuṇāsindhurna dadau mama darśanam

mamaiva nanu durbhāgyaṃ kiṃ vṛthā kṛṣṇanindayā

उत्थाप्य · utthāpya — having awakened

किम् · kim — why

करुणासिन्धुः · karuṇāsindhuḥ — ocean of mercy

न · na — not

ददौ · dadau — gave

मम · mama — my

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

मम · mama — my

एव · eva — indeed

ननु · nanu — surely

दुर्भाग्यम् · daurbhāgyam — misfortune

किम् · kim — what is the use

वृथा · vṛthā — needlessly

कृष्णनिन्दया · kṛṣṇanindayā — by blaming Krishna

करुणासिन्धुः मां उत्थाप्य किं मम दर्शनं न ददौ? ननु एतत् मम एव दुर्भाग्यम्। कृष्णनिन्दया किं वृथा?

having awakened · why · ocean of mercy · not · gave · my · vision · my · indeed · surely · misfortune · what is the use · needlessly · by blaming Krishna

Gobhila reaches the peak of self-reflection, moving from blaming the Lord to accepting his own karmic misfortune, which is a necessary step for the descent of grace.

How shall I see Gopāla, who is beautiful and enchants the universe? My life in this world is indeed futile; I certainly desire death.

kathaṃ drakṣyāmi gopālaṃ jaganmohanasundaram |

vyarthaṃ hi jīvitaṃ loke kāmaye maraṇaṃ nanu

कथम् · katham — how

द्रक्ष्यामि · drakṣyāmi — shall I see

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopala

जगन्मोहनसुन्दरम् · jaganmohanasundaram — beautiful one who enchants the universe

व्यर्थम् · vyartham — futile

हि · hi — indeed

जीवितम् · jīvitam — life

लोके · loke — in the world

कामये · kāmaye — I desire

मरणम् · maraṇam — death

ननु · nanu — certainly

अहं जगन्मोहनसुन्दरं गोपालं कथं द्रक्ष्यामि? लोके जीवितं हि व्यर्थम्, ननु मरणं कामये।

how · shall I see · Gopala · beautiful one who enchants the universe · futile · indeed · life · in the world · I desire · death · certainly

Gobhila expresses the depth of his existential despair, highlighting that his life is meaningless without the vision of the Lord. This verse establishes the intensity of his longing, which is the prerequisite for the divine revelation that follows.

What use are many spiritual practices to me? What is there to be achieved hereafter? What greater fruit is there in the world than the vision of the Gopis' beloved?

sādhanairbahubhiḥ kiṃ me sādhyaṃ vā kimataḥ param

kimuttamaṃ phalaṃ loke gopīramaṇadarśanāt

साधनैः · sādhanaiḥ — by spiritual practices

बहुभिः · bahubhiḥ — many

किम् · kim — what use

मे · me — to me

साध्यम् · sādhyam — to be achieved

वा · vā — or

किम् · kim — what

अतः · ataḥ — than this

परम् · param — hereafter

किम् · kim — what

उत्तमम् · uttamam — supreme

फलम् · phalam — fruit

लोके · loke — in the world

गोपीरमणदर्शनात् · gopīramaṇadarśanāt — than the vision of the Gopis' beloved

बहुभिः साधनैः मे किं साध्यम्? अतः परं वा किं? लोके गोपीरमणदर्शनात् उत्तमं फलं किम्?

by spiritual practices · many · what use · to me · to be achieved · or · what · than this · hereafter · what · supreme · fruit · in the world · than the vision of the Gopis' beloved

The sage questions the utility of all spiritual practices compared to the singular goal of beholding the Lord. This reflects the Vaishnava philosophy that devotion (bhakti) is the supreme fruit, surpassing all other paths.

O wish-fulfilling tree of Gokula! O beloved of the Gopis! O Gopāla, Govinda, Mādhava, grant me your vision!

hā hā gokulamandāra hā hā gopījanapriya

hā hā gopāla govinda darśanaṃ dehi mādhava

हा हा · hā hā — alas/oh

गोकुलमन्दार · gokulamandāra — wish-fulfilling tree of Gokula

गोपीजनप्रिय · gopījanapriya — beloved of the Gopis

गोपाल · gopāla — O Gopala

गोविन्द · govinda — O Govinda

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

देहि · dehi — grant

माधव · mādhava — O Madhava

हे गोकुलमन्दार! हे गोपीजनप्रिय! हा हा गोपाल! हा हा गोविन्द! माधव! दर्शनं देहि।

alas/oh · wish-fulfilling tree of Gokula · beloved of the Gopis · O Gopala · O Govinda · vision · grant · O Madhava

This verse serves as the climax of Gobhila's lament, turning into a direct, desperate prayer. The repetition of 'hā hā' emphasizes his emotional state and total surrender to the divine names.

The revered Sadguru said:

As the king of yogis was thus weeping, a voice from the sky spoke to him: "Come to Campakāraṇya, and I shall grant you a vision."

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ rudati yogīndre prāha taṃ hyaśarīravāk

campakāraṇyamāyāhi dāsyāmīti ca darśanam

एवम् · evam — thus

रुदति · rudati — weeping

योगीन्द्रे · yogīndre — the king of yogis

प्राह · prāha — spoke

तम् · tam — to him

हि · hi — indeed

अशरीरवाक् · aśarīravāk — disembodied voice

चम्पकारण्यम् · campakāraṇyam — to Campakaranya

आयाहि · āyāhi — come

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — I shall grant

इति · iti — thus

च · ca — and

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

एवं रुदति योगीन्द्रे हि अशरीरवाक् तं प्राह, 'चम्पकारण्यम् आयाहि, दर्शनं दास्यामि' इति।

thus · weeping · the king of yogis · spoke · to him · indeed · disembodied voice · to Campakaranya · come · I shall grant · thus · and · vision

The divine response to the devotee's cry marks the transition from despair to hope. It introduces Campakāraṇya as the specific theater for the Lord's manifestation.

Rising up suddenly, the yogi Gobhila came to the forest. Asking for the way to Campakāraṇya, he arrived there very quickly.

utthāya sahasā yogī gobhilo vanamāgataḥ |

campakāraṇyamāpṛcchannāyayau śīghrameva saḥ

उत्थाय · utthāya — having risen

सहसा · sahasā — suddenly

योगी · yogī — the yogi

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — Gobhila

वनम् · vanam — to the forest

आगतः · āgataḥ — came

चम्पकारण्यम् · campakāraṇyam — Campakaranya

आपृच्छन् · āpṛcchan — inquiring

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

एव · eva — indeed

सः · saḥ — he

सः योगी गोभिलः सहसा उत्थाय वनम् आगतः। चम्पकारण्यम् आपृच्छन् शीघ्रम् एव आययौ।

having risen · suddenly · the yogi · Gobhila · to the forest · came · Campakaranya · inquiring · arrived · quickly · indeed · he

Gobhila's immediate action demonstrates the efficacy of faith and the urgency of the spiritual seeker. This movement physically connects the devotee to the sacred geography of the Lord.

He saw the Campaka forest, which increased the joy of seeing it. It was filled with blossoming Campaka trees and was extremely fragrant everywhere.

dadarśa campakāraṇyaṃ darśanānandavardhanam

puṣpitaiścampakairvyāptaṃ sarvatrātisugandhitam

ददर्श · dadarśa — he saw

चम्पकारण्यम् · campakāraṇyam — Campakaranya

दर्शनानन्दवर्धनम् · darśanānandavardhanam — increasing the joy of seeing

पुष्पितैः · puṣpitaiḥ — blossoming

चम्पकैः · campakaiḥ — with Campaka trees

व्याप्तम् · vyāptam — filled

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

अतिसुगन्धितम् · atisugandhitam — extremely fragrant

सः दर्शनानन्दवर्धनं चम्पकारण्यं ददर्श। तत् पुष्पितैः चम्पकैः व्याप्तं सर्वत्र अतिसुगन्धितम् आसीत्।

he saw · Campakaranya · increasing the joy of seeing · blossoming · with Campaka trees · filled · everywhere · extremely fragrant

The description of the forest sets the aesthetic and spiritual atmosphere of the place. It is not merely a physical location but a space that enhances the joy of the seeker, preparing him for the divine vision.

It resounded with the sweet humming of bees intoxicated by the nectar of the flowers. In the hollows of the trees, the cuckoos chanted "Krishna, Krishna."

makarandamadonmattabhṛṅgajhaṅkārasusvaram

kokilaiḥ kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇeti kīrtitaṃ vṛkṣakoṭare

मकरन्द · makaranda — nectar

मद · mada — intoxication

उन्मत्त · unmatta — mad/intoxicated

भृङ्ग · bhṛṅga — bees

झङ्कार · jhaṅkāra — humming

सुस्वरम् · susvaram — sweet-sounding

कोकिलैः · kokilaiḥ — by cuckoos

कृष्ण कृष्णेति · kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇeti — Krishna, Krishna thus

कीर्तितम् · kīrtitam — chanted

वृक्षकोटरे · vṛkṣakoṭare — in the tree hollows

तत् मकरन्दमदोन्मत्तभृङ्गझङ्कारसुस्वरम्। वृक्षकोटरे कोकिलैः कृष्ण कृष्णेति कीर्तितम्।

nectar · intoxication · mad/intoxicated · bees · humming · sweet-sounding · by cuckoos · Krishna, Krishna thus · chanted · in the tree hollows

The auditory imagery of bees and cuckoos chanting 'Krishna' transforms the forest into a living temple of devotion. This reinforces the theme that the entire environment participates in the glorification of the Lord.

It was served by various groups of sages, sanctified by many sacred waters, filled with diverse animals, and frequented by flocks of different birds.

nānāmunigaṇaiḥ sevyaṃ nānātīrthapavitritam

nānāmṛgaiḥ parivyāptaṃ nānāpakṣigaṇairvṛtam

नाना · nānā — various

मुनिगणैः · munigaṇaiḥ — by groups of sages

सेव्यम् · sevyam — served

नाना · nānā — various

तीर्थ · tīrtha — holy waters

पवित्रितम् · pavitritam — sanctified

नाना · nānā — various

मृगैः · mṛgaiḥ — by animals

परिव्याप्तम् · parivyāptam — filled

नाना · nānā — various

पक्षिगणैः · pakṣigaṇaiḥ — by flocks of birds

वृतम् · vṛtam — frequented

तत् नानामुनिगणैः सेव्यं नानातीर्थपवित्रितम्। नाना-मृगैः परिव्याप्तं नानापक्षिगणैः वृतम्।

various · by groups of sages · served · various · holy waters · sanctified · various · by animals · filled · various · by flocks of birds · frequented

This verse establishes the sacred status of the forest by noting its association with sages and holy waters. It validates the forest as a place worthy of the Lord's presence.

It was filled with trees like Campaka, Aśoka, Punnāga, Sāla, Vakula, and Asana, and was resplendent with rows of forest trees.

campakāśokapunnāgarasālavakulāsanaiḥ

bhūruhaiśca parivyāptaṃ rājitaṃ vanarājibhiḥ

चम्पक · campaka — Campaka

अशोक · aśoka — Ashoka

पुन्नाग · punnāga — Punnaga

रस · rasa — Sāla

वकुल · vakula — Vakula

आसनैः · āsanaiḥ — and Asana trees

भूरुहैः · bhūruhaiḥ — with trees

च · ca — and

परिव्याप्तम् · parivyāptam — filled

राजितम् · rājitam — resplendent

वनराजिभिः · vanarājibhiḥ — with rows of forest trees

तत् चम्पकाशोकपुन्नागरसालवकुलासनैः भूरुहैः परिव्याप्तं वनराजिभिः राजितम्।

Campaka · Ashoka · Punnaga · Sāla · Vakula · and Asana trees · with trees · and · filled · resplendent · with rows of forest trees

The enumeration of specific sacred trees adds to the visual richness of the setting. It paints a picture of a lush, divine landscape that mirrors the beauty of Vrindavana.

There flows the great river named Haridrā, famous on earth, whose waters are mixed with the turmeric of the Gopis and with mañjiṣṭhā dye.

gopīnāṃ ca haridrābhirmāñjiṣṭhajalasaṃyutā

tatrāste bhuvi vikhyātā haridrākhyā mahānadī

गोपीनाम् · gopīnām — of the Gopis

च · ca — and

हरिद्राभिः · haridrābhiḥ — with turmeric

माञ्जिष्ठ · māñjiṣṭha — manjistha dye

जल · jala — water

संयुता · saṃyutā — mixed with

तत्र · tatra — there

आस्ते · āste — exists

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

विख्याता · vikhyātā — renowned

हरिद्राख्या · haridrākhyā — named Haridra

महानदी · mahānadī — great river

तत्र गोपीनां हरिद्राभिः माञ्जिष्ठजलसंयुता भुवि विख्याता हरिद्राख्या महानदी आस्ते।

of the Gopis · and · with turmeric · manjistha dye · water · mixed with · there · exists · on earth · renowned · named Haridra · great river

The introduction of the Haridrā river, associated with the Gopis' cosmetics, links the geography of the forest directly to the intimate pastimes of the Lord. It provides the final element of the setting for the upcoming divine vision.

Seeing that Haridrā river, the sage took up residence right there, chanting the twelve-syllable mantra, afflicted by the pain of longing for Krishna's vision.

tāṃ haridrānadīṃ dṛṣṭvā tatraiva nyavasanmuniḥ |

kṛṣṇadarśanatāpena sañjapan dvādaśākṣarīm

ताम् · tām — that

हरिद्रानदीम् · haridrānadīm — Haridra river

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

न्यवसत् · nyavasat — resided

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

कृष्णदर्शनतापेन · kṛṣṇadarśanatāpena — by the pain of longing for Krishna's vision

सञ्जपन् · sañjapan — chanting

द्वादशाक्षरीम् · dvādaśākṣarīm — the twelve-syllable mantra

मुनिः तां हरिद्रानदीं दृष्ट्वा तत्रैव न्यवसत् । कृष्णदर्शनतापेन सञ्जपन् द्वादशाक्षरीम् ।

that · Haridra river · having seen · right there · resided · the sage · by the pain of longing for Krishna's vision · chanting · the twelve-syllable mantra

This verse marks the transition of the sage Gobhila to the sacred site. By settling at the river and chanting the mantra, he establishes the necessary spiritual atmosphere for the Lord's manifestation.

The river was fragrant with the scent of turmeric, bestowed the nectar of Hari's pastimes, was filled with enchanting waters, and destroyed the sins of mankind.

haridrāgandhasaṃyuktā harilīlārasapradā

hārivāribhirāpūrṇā hatamānavakalmaṣā

हरिद्रागन्धसंयुक्ता · haridrāgandhasaṃyuktā — fragrant with turmeric scent

हरिलीलारसप्रदा · harilīlārasapradā — bestowing the nectar of Hari's pastimes

हारिवारिभिः · hārivāribhiḥ — with enchanting waters

आपूर्णा · āpūrṇā — filled

हतमानवकल्मषा · hatamānavakalmaṣā — destroying the sins of mankind

सा नदी हरिद्रागन्धसंयुक्ता, हरिलीलारसप्रदा, हारिवारिभिः आपूर्णा, हतमानवकल्मषा च वर्तते ।

fragrant with turmeric scent · bestowing the nectar of Hari's pastimes · with enchanting waters · filled · destroying the sins of mankind

This verse describes the divine qualities of the Haridra river, highlighting its role as a sanctifying agent that prepares the environment for the Lord's pastimes.

It had steps made of jewels, was graced by the playful movements of fish, was dense with groves of lotuses, and was honored by swans and cranes.

maṇisopānasaṃyuktā matsyakrīḍāvilāsinī|

sarojavanasaṅkīrṇā haṃsasārasapūjitā

मणिसोपानसंयुक्ता · maṇisopānasaṃyuktā — adorned with jeweled steps

मत्स्यक्रीडाविलासिनी · matsyakrīḍāvilāsinī — graced by playful fish

सरोजवनसङ्कीर्णा · sarojavanasaṅkīrṇā — dense with lotus groves

हंससारसपूजिता · haṃsasārasapūjitā — honored by swans and cranes

सा नदी मणिसोपानसंयुक्ता, मत्स्यक्रीडाविलासिनी, सरोजवनसङ्कीर्णा, हंससारसपूजिता च अस्ति ।

adorned with jeweled steps · graced by playful fish · dense with lotus groves · honored by swans and cranes

The physical beauty of the riverbank is detailed here to emphasize the idyllic setting of the divine sports that are about to occur.

In the southern region, it is equal to the Yamunā, situated in the land of Dāmodara (Krishna), and is constantly served by gods, gandharvas, and sages.

dakṣiṇe yamunātulyā deśe dāmodarāśritā

devagandharvamunibhiḥ santataṃ parisevitā

दक्षिणे · dakṣiṇe — in the south

यमुनातुल्या · yamunātulyā — equal to Yamuna

देशे · deśe — in the land

दामोदराश्रिता · dāmodarāśritā — resided in by Damodara

देवगन्धर्वमुनिभिः · devagandharvamunibhiḥ — by gods, gandharvas, and sages

सन्ततम् · santatam — constantly

परिसेविता · parisevitā — served/worshipped

सा नदी दक्षिणे यमुनातुल्या, दामोदराश्रिता, देवगन्धर्वमुनिभिः सन्ततं परिसेविता च वर्तते ।

in the south · equal to Yamuna · in the land · resided in by Damodara · by gods, gandharvas, and sages · constantly · served/worshipped

By comparing the river to the Yamuna and noting the presence of celestial beings, the author elevates the status of Campakaranya to a supreme spiritual geography.

Right there, the Lord Krishna, the lotus-eyed Gopāla, mercifully gave his vision to his devotee Gobhila.

tatraiva bhagavān kṛṣṇaḥ kṛpayā darśanaṃ dadau

gobhilāya svabhaktāya gopālaḥ padmalocanaḥ

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

कृष्णः · kṛṣṇaḥ — Krishna

कृपया · kṛpayā — by mercy

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

ददौ · dadau — gave

गोभिलाय · gobhilāya — to Gobhila

स्वभक्ताय · svabhaktāya — to his own devotee

गोपालः · gopālaḥ — Gopala

पद्मलोचनः · padmalocanaḥ — lotus-eyed

तत्रैव भगवान् पद्मलोचनः गोपालः कृष्णः स्वभक्ताय गोभिलाय कृपया दर्शनं ददौ ।

right there · the Lord · Krishna · by mercy · vision · gave · to Gobhila · to his own devotee · Gopala · lotus-eyed

This is the climax of the narrative arc where the Lord responds to the devotee's long-standing penance, fulfilling the purpose of the pilgrimage.

He came playing the flute, adorned with the Vaijayantī garland. The glorious one wore a yellow garment and was graced with a musk tilaka.

vādayannāyayau veṇuṃ vaijayantīpariṣkṛtaḥ |

pītāmbaradharaḥ śrīmān kastūritilakāñcitaḥ

वादयन् · vādayan — playing

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

वेणुम् · veṇum — flute

वैजयन्तीपरिष्कृतः · vaijayantīpariṣkṛtaḥ — adorned with Vaijayanti garland

पीताम्बरधरः · pītāmbaradharaḥ — wearing yellow garment

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — the glorious one

कस्तूरितिलकाञ्चितः · kastūritilakāñcitaḥ — graced with musk tilaka

सः वैजयन्तीपरिष्कृतः, पीताम्बरधरः, श्रीमान्, कस्तूरितिलकाञ्चितः भगवान् वेणुं वादयन् आययौ ।

playing · arrived · flute · adorned with Vaijayanti garland · wearing yellow garment · the glorious one · graced with musk tilaka

The description of Krishna's arrival provides the visual focus for the reader, establishing the iconic form of the Lord as the flute-playing cowherd.

His entire body was anointed with sandalwood paste, his crocodile-shaped earrings were swinging, his lotus-face had a gentle smile, and he was enchanting the multitudes of women.

candanāliptasarvāṅgaścalanmakarakuṇḍalaḥ

mandasmitamukhāmbhojo mahilābṛndamohanaḥ

चन्दनालिप्तसर्वाङ्गः · candanāliptasarvāṅgaḥ — body anointed with sandalwood

चलन्मकरकुण्डलः · calanmakarakuṇḍalaḥ — swinging crocodile earrings

मन्दस्मितमुखाम्भोजः · mandasmitamukhāmbhojaḥ — lotus-face with gentle smile

महिलाबृन्दमोहनः · mahilābṛndamohanaḥ — enchanting the multitude of women

सः चन्दनालिप्तसर्वाङ्गः, चलन्मकरकुण्डलः, मन्दस्मितमुखाम्भोजः, महिलाबृन्दमोहनः च आसीत् ।

body anointed with sandalwood · swinging crocodile earrings · lotus-face with gentle smile · enchanting the multitude of women

This verse details the aesthetic beauty of the Lord, focusing on the sensory details that captivate the hearts of the Gopis and the devotee.

His anklets and waist-bells were tinkling, he was beautiful with his curly locks of hair, and accompanied by sixteen thousand women, he was eager for amorous sport.

kvaṇatkiṅkiṇimañjīraḥ kuñcitālakasundaraḥ

ṣoḍaśastrīsahasreṇa sārdhaṃ śṛṅgāralolupaḥ

क्वणत्किङ्किणिमञ्जीरः · kvaṇatkiṅkiṇimañjīraḥ — tinkling waist-bells and anklets

कुञ्चितालकसुन्दरः · kuñcitālakasundaraḥ — beautiful with curly locks

षोडशस्त्रीसहस्रेण · ṣoḍaśastrīsahasreṇa — with sixteen thousand women

सार्धम् · sārdham — together

शृङ्गारलोलुपः · śṛṅgāralolupaḥ — eager for amorous sport

सः क्वणत्किङ्किणिमञ्जीरः, कुञ्चितालकसुन्दरः, षोडशस्त्रीसहस्रेण सार्धं शृङ्गारलोलुपः च बभूव ।

tinkling waist-bells and anklets · beautiful with curly locks · with sixteen thousand women · together · eager for amorous sport

The mention of the sixteen thousand women contextualizes the Lord's presence within the framework of His eternal pastimes in the spiritual realm.

Desiring to perform water-sports, the one with eyes like wide lotuses—Janārdana, the Lord of the universe, the one of universe-enchanting beauty—

jalakrīḍāṃ kartukāmo jalajāyatalocanaḥ

janārdano jagannātho jaganmohanasundaraḥ

जलक्रीडाम् · jalakrīḍām — water-sports

कर्तुकामः · kartukāmaḥ — desiring to do

जलजायतलोचनः · jalajāyatalocanaḥ — lotus-eyed

जनार्दनः · janārdanaḥ — Janardana

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

जगन्मोहनसुन्दरः · jaganmohanasundaraḥ — enchanting the universe with beauty

जलक्रीडां कर्तुकामो जलजायतलोचनो जनार्दनो जगन्नाथो जगन्मोहनसुन्दरः सः भगवान् आसीत् ।

water-sports · desiring to do · lotus-eyed · Janardana · Lord of the universe · enchanting the universe with beauty

The titles given to the Lord here reinforce His identity as the supreme controller of the universe who nonetheless engages in intimate play.

—descended into the Haridrā river. The Lord Hari sported, sprinkling water with a water-squirt with affection.

avatīrya haridrāyāṃ cikrīḍa bhagavān hariḥ

bhastrāyantreṇa salilaṃ siñcan praṇayapūrvakam

अवतीर्य · avatīrya — having descended

हरिद्रायाम् · haridrāyām — into the Haridra river

चिक्रीड · cikrīḍa — sported

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

भस्त्रायन्त्रेण · bhastrāyantreṇa — with a water-squirt

सलिलम् · salilam — water

सिञ्चन् · siñcan — sprinkling

प्रणयपूर्वकम् · praṇayapūrvakam — with affection

भगवान् हरिः हरिद्रायाम् अवतीर्य भस्त्रायन्त्रेण सलिलं प्रणयपूर्वकं सिञ्चन् चिक्रीड ।

having descended · into the Haridra river · sported · the Lord · Hari · with a water-squirt · water · sprinkling · with affection

This verse depicts the actual commencement of the water-sports, showing the Lord's playful and affectionate nature towards His devotees.

Thousands of Gopikās danced and sang along with him. The sweet sound of their bangles and anklets was heard.

gopikānāṃ sahasrāṇi tenaiva nanṛturjaguḥ

valayānāṃ nūpurāṇāṃ śuśruve madhuradhvaniḥ

गोपिकानाम् · gopikānām — of the Gopis

सहस्राणि · sahasrāṇi — thousands

तेन · tena — with Him

एव · eva — indeed

ननृतुः · nanṛtuḥ — danced

जगुः · jaguḥ — sang

वलयानाम् · valayānām — of the bangles

नूपुराणाम् · nūpurāṇām — of the anklets

शुश्रुवे · śuśruve — was heard

मधुरध्वनिः · madhuradhvaniḥ — sweet sound

गोपिकानां सहस्राणि तेन सह ननृतुः जगुश्च। वलयानां नूपुराणां मधुरध्वनिः शुश्रुवे।

of the Gopis · thousands · with Him · indeed · danced · sang · of the bangles · of the anklets · was heard · sweet sound

This verse depicts the beginning of the divine water-sports (jala-krida) in the Haridra river, establishing the atmosphere of joy and musical harmony that defines the presence of the Lord in Campakaranya.

The forest was filled with the songs of those beloveds of Krishna, as they spoke, laughed, and sang again and again.

vadantīnāṃ hasantīnāṃ gāyantīnāṃ punaḥ punaḥ

tāsāṃ tu kṛṣṇakāntānāṃ gītairmukharitaṃ vanam

वदन्तीनाम् · vadantīnām — of those speaking

हसन्तीनाम् · hasantīnām — of those laughing

गायन्तीनाम् · gāyantīnām — of those singing

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

तासाम् · tāsām — of them

तु · tu — indeed

कृष्णकान्तानाम् · kṛṣṇakāntānām — of Krishna's beloveds

गीतैः · gītaiḥ — by the songs

मुखरितम् · mukharitam — made resonant

वनम् · vanam — the forest

पुनः पुनः वदन्तीनां हसन्तीनां गायन्तीनां तासां कृष्णकान्तानां गीतैः वनं मुखरितम् अभूत्।

of those speaking · of those laughing · of those singing · again and again · of them · indeed · of Krishna's beloveds · by the songs · made resonant · the forest

The verse highlights the immersive nature of the divine pastimes, where the forest itself becomes a participant, echoing the songs of the Gopis who are eternally devoted to Krishna.

Then there arose a sweet sound from the mṛdaṅgas, vīṇās, flutes, and anklets, which was a delight to the ears.

mṛdaṅgavīṇāveṇūnāṃ nūpurāṇāṃ ca susvaraḥ

ninado'bhūttadā tatra karṇānandarasapradaḥ

मृदङ्गवीणावेणूनाम् · mṛdaṅgavīṇāveṇūnām — of mridangas, veenas, and flutes

नूपुराणाम् · nūpurāṇām — of anklets

च · ca — and

सुस्वरः · susvaraḥ — sweet-sounding

निनदः · ninadaḥ — sound

अभूत् · abhūt — arose

तदा · tadā — then

तत्र · tatra — there

कर्णानन्दरसप्रदः · karṇānandarasapradaḥ — giver of the nectar of joy to the ears

तदा तत्र मृदङ्गवीणावेणूनां नूपुराणां च सुस्वरः निनदः अभूत्, स च कर्णानन्दरसप्रदः आसीत्।

of mridangas, veenas, and flutes · of anklets · and · sweet-sounding · sound · arose · then · there · giver of the nectar of joy to the ears

This verse describes the symphony of the divine play, emphasizing that the sounds of the instruments and ornaments are not merely noise, but a source of spiritual bliss (ananda-rasa) for the ears.

A state of ecstatic frenzy arose among the women who were embraced and repeatedly kissed by Krishna, and sprinkled with water out of love.

āliṅgitānāṃ kṛṣṇena cumbitānāṃ punaḥ punaḥ

premṇā jalena siktānāmunmādo'bhūcca yoṣitām

आलिङ्गितानाम् · āliṅgitānām — of those embraced

कृष्णेन · kṛṣṇena — by Krishna

चुम्बितानाम् · cumbitānām — of those kissed

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

प्रेम्णा · premṇā — with love

जलेन · jalena — with water

सिक्तानाम् · siktānām — of those sprinkled

उन्मादः · unmādaḥ — ecstatic frenzy

अभूत् · abhūt — arose

च · ca — and

योषिताम् · yoṣitām — of the women

कृष्णेन पुनः पुनः आलिङ्गितानां चुम्बितानां प्रेम्णा जलेन सिक्तानां च योषिताम् उन्मादः अभूत्।

of those embraced · by Krishna · of those kissed · again and again · with love · with water · of those sprinkled · ecstatic frenzy · arose · and · of the women

The verse captures the peak of the divine intimacy between Krishna and the Gopis, where the physical contact and the play of water lead to a state of spiritual intoxication (unmada).

The entire forest became fragrant with the paste of saffron and sandalwood, with turmeric and kumkuma, and with the waters of the Haridrā.

kāśmīracandanālepairharidrākuṅkumaistathā

haridrāsalilaiḥ sarvaṃ vanaṃ ghumaghumāyitam

काश्मीरचन्दनालेपैः · kāśmīracandanālepaiḥ — with pastes of saffron and sandalwood

हरिद्राकुङ्कुमैः · haridrākuṅkumaiḥ — with turmeric and kumkuma

तथा · tathā — and also

हरिद्रासलिलैः · haridrāsalilaiḥ — with the waters of the Haridra river

सर्वम् · sarvam — the whole

वनम् · vanam — forest

घुमघुमायितम् · ghumaghumāyitam — became fragrant/resounding

काश्मीरचन्दनालेपैः हरिद्राकुङ्कुमैः तथा हरिद्रासलिलैः सर्वं वनं घुमघुमायितम् अभूत्।

with pastes of saffron and sandalwood · with turmeric and kumkuma · and also · with the waters of the Haridra river · the whole · forest · became fragrant/resounding

This verse describes how the entire forest of Campakaranya is transformed by the divine presence, becoming saturated with the fragrance of the Lord's pastimes.

All the hosts of Siddhas in the sky saw Gopāla, whose chest was marked with the kumkuma from the breasts of the Gopis.

gopījanakucadvandvakuṅkumāṅkitavakṣasam |

gopālaṃ dadṛśuḥ sarve vyomni siddhagaṇāstathā

गोपीजनकुचद्वन्द्व · gopījanakucadvandva — of the pair of breasts of the Gopis

कुङ्कुमाङ्कित · kuṅkumāṅkita — marked with kumkuma

वक्षसम् · vakṣasam — whose chest

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopala

ददृशुः · dadṛśuḥ — saw

सर्वे · sarve — all

व्योम्नि · vyomni — in the sky

सिद्धगणाः · siddhagaṇāḥ — hosts of Siddhas

तथा · tathā — also

व्योम्नि स्थिताः सर्वे सिद्धगणाः गोपीजनकुचद्वन्द्वकुङ्कुमाङ्कितवक्षसं गोपालं ददृशुः।

of the pair of breasts of the Gopis · marked with kumkuma · whose chest · Gopala · saw · all · in the sky · hosts of Siddhas · also

The celestial beings (Siddhas) witnessing the scene from the sky underscores the universal significance of the Lord's pastimes, marking the divine nature of the Gopis' love.

They showered a rain of flowers, and they danced and sang. In the sky, the celestial beauties, out of eagerness to see Krishna, did the same.

vavṛṣuḥ puṣpavarṣeṇa nanṛtuśca jagustathā

ākāśe surasundaryaḥ kṛṣṇadarśanakautukāt

ववृषुः · vavṛṣuḥ — showered

पुष्पवर्षेण · puṣpavarṣeṇa — with a rain of flowers

ननृतुः · nanṛtuḥ — danced

च · ca — and

जगुः · jaguḥ — sang

तथा · tathā — also

आकाशे · ākāśe — in the sky

सुरसुन्दर्यः · surasundaryaḥ — celestial beauties

कृष्णदर्शनकौतुकात् · kṛṣṇadarśanakautukāt — out of eagerness to see Krishna

ते पुष्पवर्षेण ववृषुः, ननृतुः जगुश्च। आकाशे सुरसुन्दर्यः अपि कृष्णदर्शनकौतुकात् तथा चक्रुः।

showered · with a rain of flowers · danced · and · sang · also · in the sky · celestial beauties · out of eagerness to see Krishna

The participation of the celestial beauties in the celebration confirms that the divine play in Campakaranya is a cosmic event, inviting all beings to share in the joy of Krishna-darshana.

Seeing the tired faces of the Gopikās, He, filled with compassion, concluded the pastime and joyfully ascended the bank again.

śrāntānāṃ gopikānāṃ tu mukhaṃ vīkṣya kṛpākulaḥ

līlāṃ samāpya sānandamāruroha taṭaṃ punaḥ

श्रान्तानाम् · śrāntānām — of the tired

गोपिकानाम् · gopikānām — of the Gopis

तु · tu — indeed

मुखम् · mukham — face

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having seen

कृपाकुलः · kṛpākulaḥ — filled with compassion

लीलाम् · līlām — pastime

समाप्य · samāpya — having concluded

सानन्दम् · sānandam — joyfully

आरुरोह · āruroha — ascended

तटम् · taṭam — the bank

पुनः · punaḥ — again

श्रान्तानां गोपिकानां मुखं वीक्ष्य कृपाकुलः सः लीलां समाप्य सानन्दं पुनः तटम् आरुरोह।

of the tired · of the Gopis · indeed · face · having seen · filled with compassion · pastime · having concluded · joyfully · ascended · the bank · again

This verse reveals the compassionate nature of the Lord, who, despite His own enjoyment, is sensitive to the fatigue of His devotees, thus transitioning the pastime to its next phase.

The women took their beautiful clothes and ornaments that had been placed there, with great love for one another.

tatra nyastāni vastrāṇi bhūṣaṇāni ca yoṣitaḥ

jagṛhuḥ premapūrvaṃ hi lalitāni parasparam

तत्र · tatra — there

न्यस्तानि · nyastāni — placed

वस्त्राणि · vastrāṇi — garments

भूषणानि · bhūṣaṇāni — ornaments

च · ca — and

योषितः · yoṣitaḥ — the women

जगृहुः · jagṛhuḥ — took

प्रेमपूर्वं · premapūrvam — with love

हि · hi — indeed

ललितानि · lalitāni — beautiful

परस्परम् · parasparam — among themselves

तत्र न्यस्तानि ललितानि वस्त्राणि भूषणानि च योषितः परस्परं प्रेमपूर्वं जगृहुः।

there · placed · garments · ornaments · and · the women · took · with love · indeed · beautiful · among themselves

The interaction of the Gopis retrieving their belongings reflects the intimate, human-like, yet divine nature of their relationship with Krishna, where every act is imbued with love.

The beloved of the Gopikās took the one remaining garment and an earring, and with great love, he wore them, looking very beautiful.

avaśiṣṭaṃ vastramekaṃ kuṇḍalaṃ gopikāpriyaḥ

ādade tatpremapūrvaṃ dadhāra bahusundaraḥ

अवशिष्टम् · avaśiṣṭam — remaining

वस्त्रम् · vastram — garment

एकम् · ekam — one

कुण्डलम् · kuṇḍalam — earring

गोपिकाप्रियः · gopikāpriyaḥ — beloved of the Gopis

आददे · ādade — took

तत् · tat — that

प्रेमपूर्वं · premapūrvam — with love

दधार · dadhāra — wore

बहुसुन्दरः · bahusundaraḥ — very beautiful

गोपिकाप्रियः अवशिष्टम् एकं वस्त्रं कुण्डलं च आददे। तत् प्रेमपूर्वं दधार, स च बहुसुन्दरः बभौ।

remaining · garment · one · earring · beloved of the Gopis · took · that · with love · wore · very beautiful

This verse highlights the playful and endearing nature of Krishna, who keeps a token of the Gopis' love, thereby becoming the 'Gopika-priya' (beloved of the Gopis) in a very personal way.

Then Gopāla, the beloved of the Gopikās, was seen there wearing a single garment on his waist and adorned with a single earring.

tadā tatraiva dadṛśe gopālo gopikāpriyaḥ

ekavastradharaḥ kaṭyāmekakuṇḍalabhūṣitaḥ

तदा · tadā — then

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

ददृशे · dadṛśe — was seen

गोपालः · gopālaḥ — Gopala

गोपिकाप्रियः · gopikāpriyaḥ — beloved of the Gopis

एकवस्त्रधरः · ekavastradharaḥ — wearing one garment

कट्याम् · kaṭyām — on the waist

एककुण्डलभूषितः · ekakuṇḍalabhūṣitaḥ — adorned with one earring

तदा तत्रैव गोपिकाप्रियः गोपालः एकवस्त्रधरः कट्याम् एककुण्डलभूषितः ददृशे।

then · right there · was seen · Gopala · beloved of the Gopis · wearing one garment · on the waist · adorned with one earring

This verse marks the transition from the Lord's water-sports to His appearance before the devotee Gobhila, highlighting His simple yet divine attire. It establishes the specific form in which the Lord chooses to reveal Himself to the sage.

(Gobhila saw him) whose lotus-feet were adorned with tinkling golden anklets, who was exceedingly beautiful with a pair of knees like pillars of sapphire.

kvaṇatkanakamañjīrabhūṣitāṅghrisaroruham

indranīlamaṇistambhajānuyugmātisundaram

क्वणत् · kvaṇat — tinkling

कनक · kanaka — golden

मञ्जीर · mañjīra — anklets

भूषिताङ्घ्रि · bhūṣitāṅghri — adorned feet

सरोरुहम् · saroruham — lotus-like

इन्द्रनीलमणि · indranīlamaṇi — sapphire gem

स्तम्भ · stambha — pillar

जानुयुग्म · jānuyugma — pair of knees

अतिसुन्दरम् · atisundaram — exceedingly beautiful

क्वणत्कनकमञ्जीरभूषिताङ्घ्रिसरोरुहम् इन्द्रनीलमणिस्तम्भजानुयुग्मम् अतिसुन्दरं (तं ददृशे)।

tinkling · golden · anklets · adorned feet · lotus-like · sapphire gem · pillar · pair of knees · exceedingly beautiful

This verse begins the detailed description of the Lord's physical beauty (saundarya), focusing on His lotus-feet and knees, which are the first points of focus for a devotee's meditation.

Whose hips were bound with a girdle of small bells, who walked with the gait of a tinkling young elephant, whose form was gracefully bent in three places, and whose belly was marked with three folds.

kiṅkiṇyābaddhajaghanakvaṇatkalabhagāminam

tribhaṅgilalitākāraṃ trivalīvalitodaram

किङ्किणी · kiṅkiṇī — small bells

आबद्ध · ābaddha — bound

जघन · jaghana — hips

क्वणत् · kvaṇat — tinkling

कलभ · kalabha — young elephant

गामिनम् · gāminam — having the gait of

त्रिभङ्ग · tribhaṅga — three-fold bend

ललिताकारम् · lalitākāram — graceful form

त्रिवलीवलित · trivalīvalita — marked with three folds

उदरम् · udaram — belly

किङ्किण्याबद्धजघनं क्वणत्कलभगामिनं त्रिभङ्गिललिताकारं त्रिवलीवलितोदरं (तं ददृशे)।

small bells · bound · hips · tinkling · young elephant · having the gait of · three-fold bend · graceful form · marked with three folds · belly

The description moves to the Lord's graceful posture and gait, emphasizing the 'tribhanga' (three-fold) bend which is characteristic of Kṛṣṇa's most enchanting form.

Who wore a golden garment and was endowed with a golden waist-thread, whose chest was marked with the kumkuma from the breasts of the Gopis.

suvarṇakaṭisūtrāḍhyakanakāmbaradhāriṇam

gopījanakucadvandvakuṅkumāṅkitavakṣasam

सुवर्ण · suvarṇa — golden

कटिसूत्र · kaṭisūtra — waist-thread

आढ्य · āḍhya — endowed with

कनकाम्बर · kanakāmbara — golden garment

धारिणम् · dhāriṇam — wearing

गोपीजन · gopījana — of the Gopis

कुचद्वन्द्व · kucadvandva — pair of breasts

कुङ्कुमाङ्कित · kuṅkumāṅkita — marked with kumkuma

वक्षसम् · vakṣasam — chest

सुवर्णकटिसूत्राढ्यं कनकाम्बरधारिणं गोपीजनकुचद्वन्द्वकुङ्कुमाङ्कितवक्षसं (तं ददृशे)।

golden · waist-thread · endowed with · golden garment · wearing · of the Gopis · pair of breasts · marked with kumkuma · chest

This verse highlights the Lord's ornaments and the marks of His intimate pastimes with the Gopis, specifically the kumkuma on His chest, which signifies His belonging to them.

Who was adorned with a tiger's claw set in a golden thread, and was graced by the beautiful Vaijayantī garland swaying on his chest.

hiraṇyasūtrasaṃyuktaśārdūlanakhabhūṣitam

vakṣaḥsthalaluṭhaccāruvaijayantīvirājitam

हिरण्यसूत्र · hiraṇyasūtra — golden thread

संयुक्त · saṃyukta — joined with

शार्दूलनख · śārdūlanakha — tiger's claw

भूषितम् · bhūṣitam — adorned

वक्षःस्थल · vakṣaḥsthala — on the chest

लुठत् · luṭhat — swaying

चारु · cāru — beautiful

वैजयन्ती · vaijayantī — Vaijayanti garland

विराजितम् · virājitam — graced by

हिरण्यसूत्रसंयुक्तशार्दूलनखभूषितं वक्षःस्थललुठच्चारुवैजयन्तीविराजितं (तं ददृशे)।

golden thread · joined with · tiger's claw · adorned · on the chest · swaying · beautiful · Vaijayanti garland · graced by

The mention of the tiger's claw and the Vaijayantī garland adds layers of traditional divine beauty, contrasting the fierce (tiger claw) with the tender (garland) aspects of His adornment.

Whose bracelets shone on his arm, which was placed upon Rādhikā's shoulder, and who playfully twirled a lotus in his other lotus-like hand.

rādhikāṃsoparinyastabhujaśobhitakaṅkaṇam

līlayā'nyakarāmbhojavilolitasaroruham

राधिका · rādhikā — of Radhika

अंस · aṃsa — shoulder

उपरि · upari — upon

न्यस्त · nyasta — placed

भुज · bhuja — arm

शोभित · śobhita — shining

कङ्कणम् · kaṅkaṇam — bracelets

लीलया · līlayā — playfully

अन्य · anya — other

कराम्भोज · karāmbhoja — lotus-hand

विलोलित · vilolita — twirling

सरोरुहम् · saroruham — lotus

राधिकांसोपरिन्यस्तभुजशोभितकङ्कणं लीलया अन्यकराम्भोजविलोलितसरोरुहं (तं ददृशे)।

of Radhika · shoulder · upon · placed · arm · shining · bracelets · playfully · other · lotus-hand · twirling · lotus

This verse depicts the Lord's intimate connection with Rādhikā, showing His accessibility and the playful nature of His divine interactions.

Who was utterly enchanting with the charming expression on his lotus-face graced with a gentle smile, and who was pleased by the glances of the Gopis, drawn by his own side-long glances.

mandasmitamukhāmbhojamugdhabhāvātimohanam

kaṭākṣavīkṣaṇānītagopīvīkṣaṇatoṣitam

मन्दस्मित · mandasmita — gentle smile

मुखाम्भोज · mukhāmbhoja — lotus-face

मुग्धभाव · mugdhabhāva — charming expression

अतिमोहनम् · atimohanam — utterly enchanting

कटाक्ष · kaṭākṣa — side-long glance

वीक्षण · vīkṣaṇa — glance

अनीत · anīta — drawn

गोपीवीक्षण · gopīvīkṣaṇa — Gopis' glances

तोषितम् · toṣitam — pleased

मन्दस्मितमुखाम्भोजमुग्धभावातिमोहनं कटाक्षवीक्षणानीतगोपीवीक्षणतोषितं (तं ददृशे)।

gentle smile · lotus-face · charming expression · utterly enchanting · side-long glance · glance · drawn · Gopis' glances · pleased

The focus shifts to the Lord's facial expression, specifically the smile and the glances that capture the hearts of the Gopis, illustrating the power of His divine attraction.

Mukunda, from whose nose, which was like a Campaka flower, a pearl was hanging, and who was graced with a musk tilaka shining on his broad forehead.

mukundaṃ campakaprakhyanāsālambitamauktikam

viśālaphālasaṃrājatkastūrītilakāñcitam

मुकुन्दम् · mukundam — Mukunda

चम्पक · campaka — Campaka flower

प्रख्य · prakhya — like

नासा · nāsā — nose

अलम्बित · alambita — hanging

मौक्तिकम् · mauktikam — pearl

विशाल · viśāla — broad

फाल · phāla — forehead

संराजत् · saṃrājat — shining

कस्तूरी · kastūrī — musk

तिलकाञ्चितम् · tilakāñcitam — graced with tilaka

मुकुन्दं चम्पकप्रख्यनासालम्बितमौक्तिकं विशालफालसंराजत्कस्तूरीतिलकाञ्चितं (तं ददृशे)।

Mukunda · Campaka flower · like · nose · hanging · pearl · broad · forehead · shining · musk · graced with tilaka

This verse completes the physical description, focusing on the details of the face—the nose ornament and the musk tilaka—which are iconic features of the Lord's beauty.

Gopāla, wearing a crown of peacock feathers, with a thicket of curly locks, the delight of the Gopikās, the enhancer of Gokula's joy—seeing him, Gobhila respectfully fell to the ground, unconscious.

mayūrapiñchamakuṭaṃ kuṭilālakagahvaram

gopālaṃ gopikānandaṃ gokulānandavardhanam

gobhilaḥ sādaraṃ vīkṣya papāta bhuvi mūrcchitaḥ

मयूरपिञ्छ · mayūrapiñcha — peacock feather

मकुटम् · makuṭam — crown

कुटिलालक · kuṭilālaka — curly locks

गह्वरम् · gahvaram — thicket

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopala

गोपिकानन्दम् · gopikānandam — delight of Gopis

गोकुलानन्दवर्धनम् · gokulānandavardhanam — enhancer of Gokula's joy

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — Gobhila

सादरम् · sādaram — respectfully

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — seeing

पपात · papāta — fell

भुवि · bhuvi — on the ground

मूर्च्छितः · mūrcchitaḥ — unconscious

मयूरपिञ्छमकुटं कुटिलालकगह्वरं गोपालं गोपिकानन्दं गोकुलानन्दवर्धनं (तं) वीक्ष्य गोभिलः सादरं भुवि मूर्च्छितः पपात।

peacock feather · crown · curly locks · thicket · Gopala · delight of Gopis · enhancer of Gokula's joy · Gobhila · respectfully · seeing · fell · on the ground · unconscious

The climax of the vision: Gobhila, overwhelmed by the sight of the Lord, loses external consciousness, demonstrating the transformative power of the Lord's presence.

Slowly rising, with joy and with eyes filled with tears, he praised Rājagopāla, the beloved life-breath of Rādhikā.

Thus ends the twenty-seventh chapter, entitled "The Glory of Campakāraṇya," in the Third Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

śanairutthāya sānandaṃ bāṣpapūritalocanaḥ

tuṣṭāva rājagopālaṃ rādhikāprāṇavallabham

शनैः · śanaiḥ — slowly

उत्थाय · utthāya — rising

सानन्दम् · sānandam — with joy

बाष्पपूरित · bāṣpapūrita — filled with tears

लोचनः · locanaḥ — eyes

तुष्टाव · tuṣṭāva — praised

राजगोपालम् · rājagopālam — Rajagopala

राधिकाप्राणवल्लभम् · rādhikāprāṇavallabham — beloved life-breath of Radhika

शनैः उत्थाय सानन्दं बाष्पपूरितलोचनः (गोभिलः) राधिकाप्राणवल्लभं राजगोपालं तुष्टाव।

slowly · rising · with joy · filled with tears · eyes · praised · Rajagopala · beloved life-breath of Radhika

After the initial shock of the vision, the devotee begins to express his devotion through praise, marking the transition from passive experience to active worship.