चम्पकारण्यमाहात्म्यम् Campakāraṇya Māhātmyam

Gobhila said:

Salutations, salutations to the Lord of infinite crores of universes! Salutations, salutations to Him whose abode is His own kingdom of Goloka!

gobhila uvāca

anantakoṭibrahmāṇḍanāyakāya namo namaḥ

golokanijasāmrājyanilayāya namo namaḥ

अनन्तकोटि · anantakoṭi — infinite crores of

ब्रह्माण्ड · brahmāṇḍa — universes

नायकाय · nāyakāya — to the Lord/leader

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

गोलोक · goloka — the celestial realm of Goloka

निज · nija — His own

साम्राज्य · sāmrājya — kingdom

निलयाय · nilayāya — to the one whose abode is

अनन्तकोटिब्रह्माण्डनायकाय नमः नमः । गोलोकनिजसाम्राज्यनिलयाय नमः नमः ।

infinite crores of · universes · to the Lord/leader · salutations · salutations · the celestial realm of Goloka · His own · kingdom · to the one whose abode is

The chapter opens with a series of invocations (stuti) by the sage Gophila, establishing the Lord's supremacy as the source of all universes and the eternal resident of Goloka. This sets the devotional tone for the subsequent glorification of the Lord's earthly pastimes.

Salutations, salutations to You, the Supreme Being (Brahman), who resides in the great Vaikuṇṭha! Salutations, salutations to Him who was entreated by Goddess Earth, who was oppressed by her burden!

mahāvaikuṇṭhavāsāya brahmaṇe te namo namaḥ

bhārapīḍitabhūdevīprārthitāya namo namaḥ

महावैकुण्ठ · mahāvaikuṇṭha — the great Vaikuntha

वासाय · vāsāya — to the resident of

ब्रह्मणे · brahmaṇe — to the Supreme Brahman

ते · te — to You

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

भार · bhāra — burden

पीडित · pīḍita — oppressed/pained

भूदेवी · bhūdevī — Goddess Earth

प्रार्थिताय · prārthitāya — to the one entreated by

महावैकुण्ठवासाय ब्रह्मणे ते नमः नमः । भारपीडितभूदेवीप्रार्थिताय नमः नमः ।

the great Vaikuntha · to the resident of · to the Supreme Brahman · to You · salutations · salutations · burden · oppressed/pained · Goddess Earth · to the one entreated by

This verse bridges the Lord's transcendental nature as Brahman with His compassionate response to the prayers of Mother Earth, establishing the motive for His divine descent.

Salutations, salutations to the child who was the supreme bliss of Devakī! Salutations, salutations to Him whose form was embraced by Vasudeva!

devakīparamānandabālakāya namo namaḥ

vasudevapariṣvaktavigrahāya namo namaḥ

देवकी · devakī — of Devaki

परमानन्द · paramānanda — supreme bliss

बालकाय · bālakāya — to the child

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

वसुदेव · vasudeva — by Vasudeva

परिष्वक्त · pariṣvakta — embraced

विग्रहाय · vigrahāya — to the form of

देवकीपरमानन्दबालकाय नमः नमः । वसुदेवपरिष्वक्तविग्रहाय नमः नमः ।

of Devaki · supreme bliss · to the child · salutations · salutations · by Vasudeva · embraced · to the form of

The focus shifts to the intimate human-like pastimes of the Lord, highlighting His role as the son of Devaki and the object of Vasudeva's affection.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose feet quelled the torrent of the Yamunā! Salutations, salutations to Him who was encircled by the king of serpents who protected from the rains!

yamunāvegasaṃhāricaraṇāya namo namaḥ

varṣatrāyitanāgendravalitāya namo namaḥ

यमुना · yamunā — of the Yamuna

वेग · vega — torrent/speed

संहारि · saṃhāri — destroyer/queller

चरणाय · caraṇāya — to the feet of

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

वर्ष · varṣa — from rain

त्रायित · trāyita — protected

नागेन्द्र · nāgendra — by the king of serpents

वलिताय · valitāya — to the one encircled by

यमुनावेगसंहारिचरणाय नमः नमः । वर्षत्रायितनागेन्द्रवलिताय नमः नमः ।

of the Yamuna · torrent/speed · destroyer/queller · to the feet of · salutations · salutations · from rain · protected · by the king of serpents · to the one encircled by

This verse celebrates the Lord's protective power, referencing the Yamuna incident and the protection provided by Ananta Shesha, emphasizing His role as a savior.

Salutations, salutations to Him who was like a jewel placed beside Yaśodā! Salutations, salutations to Him whose beautiful face was covered with curly locks of hair!

yaśodāpārśvavinyastamāṇikyāya namo namaḥ

kuṭilālakasaṃvyāptasumukhāya namo namaḥ

यशोदा · yaśodā — beside Yasoda

पार्श्व · pārśva — side

विन्यस्त · vinyasta — placed

माणिक्याय · māṇikyāya — to the jewel

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

कुटिल · kuṭila — curly

अलक · alaka — locks of hair

संव्याप्त · saṃvyāpta — covered/filled

सुमुखाय · sumukhāya — to the beautiful-faced one

यशोदापार्श्वविन्यस्तमाणिक्याय नमः नमः । कुटिलालकसंव्याप्तसुमुखाय नमः नमः ।

beside Yasoda · side · placed · to the jewel · salutations · salutations · curly · locks of hair · covered/filled · to the beautiful-faced one

The narrative moves to the childhood beauty of Krishna in Yasoda's home, emphasizing the tender, aesthetic aspect of His divinity.

Salutations, salutations to Him who attracted the womenfolk with the glance of His side-long eyes! Salutations, salutations to Him who is beautiful with a lotus-face adorned with a gentle smile!

kaṭākṣavīkṣaṇākṛṣṭastrījanāya namo namaḥ

mandasmitamukhāmbhojasundarāya namo namaḥ

कटाक्ष · kaṭākṣa — side-long glance

वीक्षण · vīkṣaṇa — looking

आकृष्ट · ākṛṣṭa — attracted

स्त्रीजनाय · strījanāya — to the womenfolk

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

मन्द · manda — gentle

स्मित · smita — smile

मुखाम्भोज · mukhāmbhoja — lotus-face

सुन्दराय · sundarāya — to the beautiful one

कटाक्षवीक्षणाकृष्टस्त्रीजनाय नमः नमः । मन्दस्मितमुखाम्भोजसुन्दराय नमः नमः ।

side-long glance · looking · attracted · to the womenfolk · salutations · salutations · gentle · smile · lotus-face · to the beautiful one

This verse describes the captivating power of Krishna's smile and glances, which are essential elements of His 'Madhurya' (sweetness) that attracts the Gopis.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose play was the destruction of Pūtanā's life-breath! Salutations, salutations to Him who overturned the cart with the tip of His toe!

pūtanāprāṇasaṃhārakrīḍanāya namo namaḥ

caraṇāgreṇa nirdhūtaśakaṭāya namo namaḥ

पूतना · pūtanā — of Putana

प्राण · prāṇa — life-breath

संहारक · saṃhāraka — destroyer

क्रीडनाय · krīḍanāya — to the one whose play is

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

चरण · caraṇa — foot

अग्रेण · agreṇa — by the tip of

निर्धूत · nirdhūta — overturned/shaken

शकटाय · śakaṭāya — to the cart

पूतनाप्राणसंहारक्रीडनाय नमः नमः । चरणाग्रेण निर्धूतशकटाय नमः नमः ।

of Putana · life-breath · destroyer · to the one whose play is · salutations · salutations · foot · by the tip of · overturned/shaken · to the cart

The verse highlights the miraculous childhood feats of Krishna, demonstrating that His play (Lila) is simultaneously a destruction of evil.

Salutations, salutations to Him who treated the demon Tṛṇāvarta like a blade of grass! Salutations, salutations to Him who crawled with great joy in the courtyards of the cowherd settlement!

tṛṇīkṛtatṛṇāvartadanujāya namo namaḥ

goṣṭhāṅgaṇeṣu sānandaṃ riṅgaṇāya namo namaḥ

तृणीकृत · tṛṇīkṛta — treated like grass

तृणावर्त · tṛṇāvarta — the demon Trinavarta

दनुजाय · danujāya — to the demon

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

गोष्ठ · goṣṭha — cowherd settlement

अङ्गणेषु · aṅgaṇeṣu — in the courtyards

सानन्दं · sānandaṃ — with joy

रिङ्गणाय · riṅgaṇāya — to the one crawling

तृणीकृततृणावर्तदनुजाय नमः नमः । गोष्ठाङ्गणेषु सानन्दं रिङ्गणाय नमः नमः ।

treated like grass · the demon Trinavarta · to the demon · salutations · salutations · cowherd settlement · in the courtyards · with joy · to the one crawling

This verse contrasts the Lord's immense power in dealing with demons like Trinavarta with His simple, joyful human behavior of crawling in the courtyard.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose forehead was adorned with a jewelled pendant! Salutations, salutations to Him whose lotus-hand was placed in the mouth of a pot of curd!

lalantikāratnaśobhilalāṭāya namo namaḥ

dadhibhāṇḍamukhanyastakarābjāya namo namaḥ

ललन्तिका · lalantikā — pendant

रत्न · ratna — jewel

शोभि · śobhi — shining/adorned

ललाटाय · lalāṭāya — to the forehead

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

दधि · dadhi — curd

भाण्ड · bhāṇḍa — pot

मुख · mukha — mouth

न्यस्त · nyasta — placed

कराब्जाय · karābjāya — to the lotus-hand

ललन्तिकारत्नशोभिललाटाय नमः नमः । दधिभाण्डमुखन्यस्तकराब्जाय नमः नमः ।

pendant · jewel · shining/adorned · to the forehead · salutations · salutations · curd · pot · mouth · placed · to the lotus-hand

The focus is on the iconic imagery of Krishna as a mischievous child, specifically the 'Makhan Chor' (butter thief) aspect, which is central to Vraja-bhakti.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose body was smeared with the delicious essence of fresh butter! Salutations, salutations to Him whose belly was bound with a rope to a mortar!

navanītarasāliptavigrahāya namo namaḥ

ulūkhale dāmabaddhajaṭharāya namo namaḥ

नवनीत · navanīta — fresh butter

रस · rasa — essence/taste

आलिप्त · ālipta — smeared

विग्रहाय · vigrahāya — to the form

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

उलूखले · ulūkhale — to the mortar

दाम · dāma — rope

बद्ध · baddha — bound

जठराय · jaṭharāya — to the belly

नवनीतरसालिप्तविग्रहाय नमः नमः । उलूखले दामबद्धजठराय नमः नमः ।

fresh butter · essence/taste · smeared · to the form · salutations · salutations · to the mortar · rope · bound · to the belly

This verse captures the 'Damodara' Lila, where the Lord's divine form is bound by love, represented by the rope and the mortar, showing His accessibility to devotees.

Salutations, salutations to Him who broke the twin Arjuna trees! Salutations, salutations to the thief of fresh butter, curd, and milk!

yamalārjunabhūjātabhañjanāya namo namaḥ

navanītadadhikṣīrataskarāya namo namaḥ

यमलार्जुन · yamalārjuna — the twin Arjuna trees

भूजात · bhūjāta — born of the earth/trees

भञ्जनाय · bhañjanāya — to the breaker of

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

नवनीत · navanīta — fresh butter

दधि · dadhi — curd

क्षीर · kṣīra — milk

तस्कराय · taskarāya — to the thief of

यमलार्जुनभूजातभञ्जनाय ते नमः नमः। नवनीतदधिक्षीरतस्कराय ते नमः नमः।

the twin Arjuna trees · born of the earth/trees · to the breaker of · salutations · salutations · fresh butter · curd · milk · to the thief of

This verse highlights the playful and mischievous childhood pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, establishing His accessibility as a child who interacts intimately with His devotees' lives.

Salutations, salutations to Him who showed the universal form to Yaśodā! Salutations, salutations to the loving one who brought joy to Nanda Gopa!

yaśodāyai viśvarūpadarśakāya namo namaḥ

nandagopānandakarapremikāya namo namaḥ

यशोदायै · yaśodāyai — to Yaśodā

विश्वरूप · viśvarūpa — universal form

दर्शकाय · darśakāya — to the shower of

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

नन्दगोप · nandagopa — to Nanda Gopa

आनन्दकर · ānandakara — giver of joy

प्रेमिकाय · premikāya — to the loving one

यशोदायै विश्वरूपदर्शकाय नमः नमः। नन्दगोपानन्दकरप्रेमिकाय नमः नमः।

to Yaśodā · universal form · to the shower of · salutations · salutations · to Nanda Gopa · giver of joy · to the loving one

This verse transitions from the playful child to the Supreme Lord who reveals His cosmic nature, yet remains the beloved child of Nanda Gopa, emphasizing His dual nature.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose singular, noble vow is to grant bliss to the world! Salutations, salutations to Him who is consecrated in the great sacrifice of protecting the cows!

jagadānandadānaikasuvratāya namo namaḥ

gorakṣaṇamahāyajñadīkṣitāya namo namaḥ

जगदानन्द · jagadānanda — bliss of the world

दान · dāna — bestowing

एक · eka — singular

सुव्रताय · suvratāya — to the one with a noble vow

गोरक्षण · gorakṣaṇa — protection of cows

महायज्ञ · mahāyajña — great sacrifice

दीक्षिताय · dīkṣitāya — to the one consecrated

जगदानन्ददानैकसुव्रताय नमः नमः। गोरक्षणमहायज्ञदीक्षिताय नमः नमः।

bliss of the world · bestowing · singular · to the one with a noble vow · protection of cows · great sacrifice · to the one consecrated

Here, the focus shifts to Kṛṣṇa's role as the protector of the dharma of the cowherd community, establishing His commitment to the welfare of the world.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is adorned with a silken tunic and turban! Salutations, salutations to Him who is anointed with the fragrance of Malaya sandalwood and aloe!

kauśeyakañcukoṣṇīṣabhūṣitāya namo namaḥ

malayāgarugandhena rūṣitāya namo namaḥ

कौशेय · kauśeya — silken

कञ्चुक · kañcuka — tunic

उष्णीष · uṣṇīṣa — turban

भूषिताय · bhūṣitāya — to the one adorned

मलयागरु · malayāgaru — Malaya sandalwood and aloe

गन्धेन · gandhena — with the fragrance

रूषिताय · rūṣitāya — to the one anointed

कौशेयकञ्चुकोष्णीषभूषिताय नमः नमः। मलयागरुगन्धेन रूषिताय नमः नमः।

silken · tunic · turban · to the one adorned · Malaya sandalwood and aloe · with the fragrance · to the one anointed

This verse describes the aesthetic beauty of the Lord, preparing the reader for the visual meditation on His divine form in the subsequent verses.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose forehead shines with a dot of vermilion! Salutations, salutations to Him whose restless eyes are lined with kohl!

sindūrabindusaṃrājilalāṭāya namo namaḥ

kajjalāliptasaṃlolalocanāya namo namaḥ

सिन्दूर · sindūra — vermilion

बिन्दु · bindu — dot

संराजि · saṃrāji — shining

ललाटाय · lalāṭāya — to the forehead

कज्जल · kajjala — kohl

आलिप्त · ālipta — smeared

संलोल · saṃlola — restless

लोचनाय · locanāya — to the eyes

सिन्दूरबिन्दुसंराजिललाटाय नमः नमः। कज्जलालिप्तसंलोललोचनाय नमः नमः।

vermilion · dot · shining · to the forehead · kohl · smeared · restless · to the eyes

The verse focuses on the specific details of the Lord's face, drawing the devotee into a closer, more intimate observation of His divine features.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose earrings are beautified by curly locks of hair! Salutations, salutations to Him whose divine form is graced with a garland of Guñjā seeds!

kuṭilālakasaṃśobhikuṇḍalāya namo namaḥ

guñjāmālārañjitaśrīvigrahāya namo namaḥ

कुटिल · kuṭila — curly

अलक · alaka — locks of hair

संशोभि · saṃśobhi — beautified

कुण्डलाय · kuṇḍalāya — to the earrings

गुञ्जामाला · guñjāmālā — garland of Guñjā seeds

रञ्जित · rañjita — graced

श्रीविग्रहाय · śrīvigrahāya — to the divine form

कुटिलालकसंशोभिकुण्डलाय नमः नमः। गुञ्जामालारञ्जितश्रीविग्रहाय नमः नमः।

curly · locks of hair · beautified · to the earrings · garland of Guñjā seeds · graced · to the divine form

This verse continues the description of the Lord's adornments, emphasizing how His natural beauty is enhanced by the simple, rustic ornaments of the forest.

Salutations, salutations to You, the wearer of a crown of peacock feathers! Salutations, salutations to Him who is beautiful with a charming form, gracefully bent in three places!

mayūrapiñchamakuṭadhāriṇe te namo namaḥ

tribhaṅgilalitākārasundarāya namo namaḥ

मयूरपिञ्छ · mayūrapiñcha — peacock feather

मकुट · makuṭa — crown

धारिणे · dhāriṇe — to the wearer

त्रिभङ्गिललित · tribhaṅgilalita — gracefully bent in three places

आकार · ākāra — form

सुन्दराय · sundarāya — to the beautiful one

मयूरपिञ्छमकुटधारिणे ते नमः नमः। त्रिभङ्गिललिताकारसुन्दराय नमः नमः।

peacock feather · crown · to the wearer · gracefully bent in three places · form · to the beautiful one

This verse presents the iconic image of Kṛṣṇa in His tribhaṅga posture, which is central to the devotional meditation of the Rājagopāla form.

Salutations, salutations to Him who enchants with His lotus-face and gentle smile! Salutations, salutations to Him whose waist is adorned with a silken garment!

mandasmitamukhāmbhojamohanāya namo namaḥ

kaṭiśobhitakauśeyavasanāya namo namaḥ

मन्दस्मित · mandasmita — gentle smile

मुखाम्भोज · mukhāmbhoja — lotus-face

मोहनाय · mohanāya — to the enchanter

कटि · kaṭi — waist

शोभित · śobhita — adorned

कौशेय · kauśeya — silken

वसनाय · vasanāya — to the one with a garment

मन्दस्मितमुखाम्भोजमोहनाय नमः नमः। कटिशोभितकौशेयवसनाय नमः नमः।

gentle smile · lotus-face · to the enchanter · waist · adorned · silken · to the one with a garment

The focus on the smile and the waist garment serves to humanize the divine, making the Lord appear approachable and charming to the devotee's heart.

Salutations, salutations to You, whose chest is embraced by the Gopis! Salutations, salutations to You, who also holds a play-staff in His hand!

gopījanapariṣvaktavakṣase te namo namaḥ

līlāyaṣṭiṃ kareṇāpi bibhrate te namo namaḥ

गोपीजन · gopījana — Gopis

परिष्वक्त · pariṣvakta — embraced

वक्षसे · vakṣase — to the chest

लीलायष्टिं · līlāyaṣṭiṃ — playful staff

करेण · kareṇa — with the hand

अपि · api — also

बिभ्रते · bibhrate — to the holder

गोपीजनपरिष्वक्तवक्षसे ते नमः नमः। करेण लीलायष्टिं अपि बिभ्रते ते नमः नमः।

Gopis · embraced · to the chest · playful staff · with the hand · also · to the holder

This verse introduces the social and relational aspect of Kṛṣṇa, showing Him in the company of the Gopis and carrying the symbols of His pastoral life.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose lotus-hand is placed upon Rādhikā's shoulder! Salutations, salutations to Him whose feet are placed in the Pratyālīḍha posture (a warrior's stance)!

rādhikāṃsoparinyastakarābjāya namo namaḥ

pratyālīḍhasthitinyastacaraṇāya namo namaḥ

राधिका · rādhikā — Rādhikā

अंस · aṃsa — shoulder

उपरि · upari — upon

न्यस्त · nyasta — placed

कराब्जाय · karāb-jāya — to the lotus-hand

प्रत्यालीढ · pratyālīḍha — warrior stance

स्थिति · sthiti — posture

न्यस्त · nyasta — placed

चरणाय · caraṇāya — to the feet

राधिकांसोपरिन्यस्तकराब्जाय नमः नमः। प्रत्यालीढस्थितिन्यस्तचरणाय नमः नमः।

Rādhikā · shoulder · upon · placed · to the lotus-hand · warrior stance · posture · placed · to the feet

The verse concludes this section by depicting the specific, heroic, and intimate stance of the deity, which is characteristic of the Rājagopāla icon found in the temple.

Salutations, salutations to Him who dwells in the shade of the Campaka trees! Salutations, salutations to Him who is soothingly cool like the joy from the autumn moon's face!

campakānokahachāyānilayāya namo namaḥ

śaraccandramukhānandaśītalāya namo namaḥ

चम्पक · campaka — Campaka tree

अनोकह · anokaha — tree

छाया · chāyā — shade

अनिलयाय · anilayāya — to Him who dwells

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

शरच्चन्द्र · śaraccandra — autumn moon

मुख · mukha — face

आनन्द · ānanda — joy

शीतलाय · śītalāya — to the cooling one

चम्पकानोकहछायाअनिलयाय नमः नमः। शरच्चन्द्रमुखआनन्दशीतलाय नमः नमः।

Campaka tree · tree · shade · to Him who dwells · salutations · salutations · autumn moon · face · joy · to the cooling one

This verse establishes the specific setting of the Divya Desa, Campakāraṇya, by highlighting the Lord's presence amidst the cooling shade of the trees. It prepares the devotee to meditate on the serene, moon-like beauty of the Lord as He resides in this sacred grove.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose body is dark like a dense monsoon cloud! Salutations, salutations to Him who stands amidst the cows, cowherds, Gopis, and calves!

snigdhaprāvṛḍṅghanaśyāmaśarīrāya namo namaḥ

gogopagopīgovatsamadhyagāya namo namaḥ

स्निग्ध · snigdha — lustrous

प्रावृट् · prāvṛḍ — monsoon

घन · ghana — cloud

श्याम · śyāma — dark-blue

शरीराय · śarīrāya — to the body

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

गोगोपगोपीगोवत्स · gogopagopīgovatsa — cows, cowherds, Gopis, and calves

मध्यगाय · madhyagāya — to Him who stands amidst

स्निग्धप्रावृड्घनश्यामशरीराय नमः नमः। गोगोपगोपीगोवत्समध्यगाय नमः नमः।

lustrous · monsoon · cloud · dark-blue · to the body · salutations · salutations · cows, cowherds, Gopis, and calves · to Him who stands amidst

The verse shifts focus to the Lord's physical form, comparing His complexion to a rain cloud, and places Him in the pastoral context of Vraja. This emphasizes His accessibility and His role as the protector of the cowherd community.

Salutations, salutations to Him who enchanted all of Gokula with the music of His flute! Salutations, salutations to Him who enchants even the sages and the perfected beings!

muralīgānasaṃmugdhagokulāya namo namaḥ

munīnāmapi siddhānāṃ mohanāya namo namaḥ

मुरली · muralī — flute

गान · gāna — music

संमुग्ध · saṃmugdha — enchanted

गोकुलाय · gokulāya — to the Gokula

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

मुनीनाम् · munīnām — of the sages

अपि · api — even

सिद्धानाम् · siddhānāṃ — of the perfected beings

मोहनाय · mohanāya — to the enchanter

मुरलीगानसंमुग्धगोकुलाय नमः नमः। मुनीनाम् अपि सिद्धानां मोहनाय नमः नमः।

flute · music · enchanted · to the Gokula · salutations · salutations · of the sages · even · of the perfected beings · to the enchanter

This verse highlights the power of the Lord's flute music, which acts as a bridge between the simple inhabitants of Gokula and the highest sages. It underscores the universal, irresistible charm of the Lord's divine sound.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose movements are marked by the tinkling of jewelled anklets! Salutations, salutations to Him who danced upon the stage of Kālīya's hoods!

śiñjānamaṇimañjīragamanāya namo namaḥ

kālīyaphaṇaraṅgāntanaṭanāya namo namaḥ

शिञ्जान · śiñjāna — tinkling

मणि · maṇi — jewelled

मञ्जीर · mañjīra — anklets

गमनाय · gamanāya — to Him whose gait is

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

कालीय · kālīya — of Kālīya

फण · phaṇa — hoods

रङ्ग · raṅga — stage

अन्त · anta — end/upon

नटनाय · naṭanāya — to the dancer

शिञ्जानमणिमञ्जीरगमनाय नमः नमः। कालीयफणरङ्गान्तनटनाय नमः नमः।

tinkling · jewelled · anklets · to Him whose gait is · salutations · salutations · of Kālīya · hoods · stage · end/upon · to the dancer

By describing the tinkling anklets and the dance on Kālīya, the verse captures the dynamic, heroic, and musical aspects of the Lord's pastimes. It evokes the sensory experience of witnessing His divine movements.

Salutations, salutations to Him who delights in wandering on the banks of the Kālindī (Yamunā)! Salutations, salutations to You, who stole the garments of the young maidens!

kālindītaṭasañcārarasikāya namo namaḥ

kanyakājanavastrāpahāriṇe te namo namaḥ

कालिन्दी · kālindī — Yamunā river

तट · taṭa — bank

सञ्चार · sañcāra — wandering

रसिकाय · rasikāya — to the enjoyer

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

कन्यकाजन · kanyakājana — young maidens

वस्त्र · vastra — garments

अपहारिणे · apahāriṇe — to the thief of

ते · te — to You

कालिन्दीतटसञ्चाररसिकाय नमः नमः। कन्यकाजनवस्त्रापहारिणे ते नमः नमः।

Yamunā river · bank · wandering · to the enjoyer · salutations · salutations · young maidens · garments · to the thief of · to You

This verse brings the devotee to the banks of the Yamunā, focusing on the Lord's intimate and playful pastimes. It highlights the 'Rasa' (relish) the Lord finds in these interactions, inviting the devotee to share in that joy.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is eternally worshipped by the wives of the Brāhmaṇas performing sacrifices! Salutations, salutations to You, the slayer of the demons Pralamba, Dhenuka, and Ariṣṭa!

yajñapatnīgaṇairnityaṃ pūjitāya namo namaḥ

pralambadhenukāriṣṭamāriṇe te namo namaḥ

यज्ञपत्नी · yajñapatnī — wives of sacrificers

गणैः · gaṇaiḥ — by the groups of

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — eternally

पूजिताय · pūjitāya — to the worshipped one

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

प्रलम्बधेनुकारिष्ट · pralambadhenukāriṣṭa — Pralamba, Dhenuka, and Ariṣṭa

मारिणे · māriṇe — to the slayer of

ते · te — to You

यज्ञपत्नीगणैः नित्यं पूजिताय नमः नमः। प्रलम्बधेनुकारिष्टमारिणे ते नमः नमः।

wives of sacrificers · by the groups of · eternally · to the worshipped one · salutations · salutations · Pralamba, Dhenuka, and Ariṣṭa · to the slayer of · to You

The verse contrasts the Lord's grace toward the devoted wives of the Brāhmaṇas with His fierce destruction of demons. This illustrates the dual nature of His protection—nurturing the pious and removing obstacles.

Salutations, salutations to You, the lifter of the great Govardhana mountain! Salutations, salutations to Him whose form captivates the minds of women!

govardhana mahāśailadhāriṇe te namo namaḥ

nārījanamanohārivigrahāya namo namaḥ

गोवर्धन · govardhana — Govardhana hill

महाशैल · mahāśaila — great mountain

धारिणे · dhāriṇe — to the lifter of

ते · te — to You

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

नारीजन · nārījana — of women

मनोहारी · manohāri — captivating the mind

विग्रहाय · vigrahāya — to the form

गोवर्धनमहाशैलधारिणे ते नमः नमः। नारीजनमनोहारिविग्रहाय नमः नमः।

Govardhana hill · great mountain · to the lifter of · to You · salutations · salutations · of women · captivating the mind · to the form

This verse celebrates the Lord's strength in lifting Govardhana and His irresistible beauty. It emphasizes that the same Lord who performs mighty feats is also the one who captures the hearts of all.

Salutations, salutations to the God of Love who pervaded the circle of women! Salutations, salutations to Him who delighted all with the wonder of the Rāsa dance!

mahilāmaṇḍalavyāptamanmathāya namo namaḥ

rāsanāṭyacamatkārarañjakāya namo namaḥ

महिलामण्डल · mahilāmaṇḍala — circle of women

व्याप्त · vyāpta — pervaded

मन्मथाय · manmathāya — to the God of Love

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

रासनाट्य · rāsanāṭya — Rāsa dance

चमत्कार · camatkāra — wonder

रञ्जकाय · rañjakāya — to the one who delights

महिलामण्डलव्याप्तमन्मथाय नमः नमः। रासनाट्यचमत्काररञ्जकाय नमः नमः।

circle of women · pervaded · to the God of Love · salutations · salutations · Rāsa dance · wonder · to the one who delights

By identifying the Lord as the source of the God of Love (Manmatha) and the soul of the Rāsa dance, this verse elevates the narrative to the highest spiritual ecstasy. It highlights the Lord's role as the ultimate object of desire.

Salutations, salutations to Him who listened with great joy to the songs of the Gopikās! Salutations, salutations to Him who swooned in delight at the nectar of Rādhā's lips!

gopikāgītasānandaśravaṇāya namo namaḥ

rādhādhararasāmodamūrcchitāya namo namaḥ

गोपिकागीत · gopikāgīta — songs of Gopis

सानन्द · sānanda — with joy

श्रवणाय · śravaṇāya — to the listener

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

राधाधर · rādhādhara — Rādhā's lips

रस · rasa — nectar

आमोद · āmoda — delight

मूर्च्छिताय · mūrcchitāya — to the one who swooned

गोपिकागीतसानन्दश्रवणाय नमः नमः। राधाधररसामोदमूर्च्छिताय नमः नमः।

songs of Gopis · with joy · to the listener · salutations · salutations · Rādhā's lips · nectar · delight · to the one who swooned

This verse introduces the central theme of the Lord's relationship with Rādhā. It shows that the Lord, who is the source of all joy, finds His own ultimate delight in the music and the nectar of Rādhā.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is captivated by a mere glance from Rādhā's eyes! Salutations, salutations to Him whose words are soaked in the nectar of Rādhā's name!

rādhākaṭākṣamātreṇa mohitāya namo namaḥ

rādhānāmarasāsiktavacanāya namo namaḥ

राधाकटाक्ष · rādhākaṭākṣa — Rādhā's side-long glance

मात्रेण · mātreṇa — by mere

मोहिताय · mohitāya — to the enchanted one

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

राधानाम · rādhānāma — Rādhā's name

रस · rasa — nectar

आसिक्त · āsikta — soaked

वचनाय · vacanāya — to the one whose words are

राधाकटाक्षमात्रेण मोहिताय नमः नमः। राधानामरसासिक्तवचनाय नमः नमः।

Rādhā's side-long glance · by mere · to the enchanted one · salutations · salutations · Rādhā's name · nectar · soaked · to the one whose words are

This verse deepens the focus on the Lord's total surrender to Rādhā's influence. It illustrates that the Lord's very words and consciousness are entirely colored by His devotion to her, marking the pinnacle of the devotional bhava.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose eyes are connoisseurs of Rādhā's beauty! Salutations, salutations to Him whose heart is intoxicated with the emotion of Rādhā's love!

rādhāsaundaryarasikanayanāya namo namaḥ

rādhābhāvarasonmattahṛdayāya namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

सौन्दर्य · saundarya — beauty

रसिक · rasika — connoisseur

नयनाय · nayanāya — to the one whose eyes are

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

भाव · bhāva — emotion/love

रस · rasa — nectar/sentiment

उन्मत्त · unmatta — intoxicated

हृदयाय · hṛdayāya — to the one whose heart is

राधासौन्दर्यरसिकनयनाय नमः नमः। राधाभावरसोन्मत्तहृदयाय नमः नमः।

of Rādhā · beauty · connoisseur · to the one whose eyes are · salutations · salutations · of Rādhā · emotion/love · nectar/sentiment · intoxicated · to the one whose heart is

These verses emphasize the Lord's complete absorption in Rādhā, establishing the devotional mood of the chapter where the Lord is seen as the eternal lover of Rādhā. It highlights that His very perception and heart are defined by His relationship with Her.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose life is sustained by the nectar of Rādhā's love! Salutations, salutations to Him whose hair stands on end from the embrace of Rādhā!

rādhāpremāmṛtaprāptajīvanāya namo namaḥ

rādhāliṅganasañjātapulakāya namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

प्रेम · prema — love

अमृत · amṛta — nectar

प्राप्त · prāpta — obtained

जीवनाय · jīvanāya — to the one whose life is sustained

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

आलिङ्गन · āliṅgana — embrace

सञ्जात · sañjāta — arisen

पुलकाय · pulakāya — to the one whose hair stands on end

राधाप्रेमामृतप्राप्तजीवनाय नमः नमः। राधालिङ्गनसञ्जातपुलकाय नमः नमः।

of Rādhā · love · nectar · obtained · to the one whose life is sustained · of Rādhā · embrace · arisen · to the one whose hair stands on end

This verse illustrates the physical and existential dependence of the Lord on Rādhā's love, showing that His life-force and bodily reactions are entirely governed by Her presence.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is pleased by hearing the stories of Rādhā! Salutations, salutations to Him who is chided by Rādhā's loving anger!

rādhācaritraśravaṇatoṣitāya namo namaḥ

rādhāpraṇayakopena tarjitāya namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

चरित्र · caritra — stories/pastimes

श्रवण · śravaṇa — hearing

तोषिताय · toṣitāya — to the one who is pleased

राधा · rādhā — by Rādhā

प्रणय · praṇaya — loving

कोपेन · kopena — by anger

तर्जिताय · tarjitāya — to the one who is chided

राधाचरित्रश्रवणतोषिताय नमः नमः। राधाप्रणयकोपेन तर्जिताय नमः नमः।

of Rādhā · stories/pastimes · hearing · to the one who is pleased · by Rādhā · loving · by anger · to the one who is chided

The verse depicts the sweetness of the divine couple's pastimes, where the Lord finds joy in hearing of Rādhā and experiences the intimacy of Her loving reprimands.

Salutations, salutations to the expert who possesses the skill to pacify Rādhā! Salutations, salutations to Him who is colored by the red lac-dye from Rādhikā's feet!

rādhāsāntvanasāmarthyapaṇḍitāya namo namaḥ

rādhikācaraṇālaktarañjitāya namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

सान्त्वन · sāntvana — pacification

सामर्थ्य · sāmarthya — skill/ability

पण्डिताय · paṇḍitāya — to the expert

राधिका · rādhikā — of Rādhikā

चरण · caraṇa — feet

अलक्त · alakta — red lac-dye

रञ्जिताय · rañjitāya — to the one colored by

राधासान्त्वनसामर्थ्यपण्डिताय नमः नमः। राधिकाचरणालक्तरञ्जिताय नमः नमः।

of Rādhā · pacification · skill/ability · to the expert · of Rādhikā · feet · red lac-dye · to the one colored by

This verse highlights the Lord's vulnerability and devotion to Rādhā, showing Him as a master of pacification who is marked by the signs of Her physical touch.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is dark from the smearing of Rādhā's kohl! Salutations, salutations to Him whose speech is filled with the joy of conversation with Rādhā!

rādhākajjalalepena śyāmalāya namo namaḥ

rādhāsallāpasānanda bhāṣaṇāya namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — of Rādhā

कज्जल · kajjala — kohl

लेपेन · lepena — by smearing

श्यामलाय · śyāmalāya — to the one who is darkened

राधा · rādhā — with Rādhā

सल्लाप · sallāpa — conversation

सआनन्द · sānanda — joyful

भाषणाय · bhāṣaṇāya — to the one whose speech is

राधाकज्जललेपेन श्यामलाय नमः नमः। राधासल्लापसानन्दभाषणाय नमः नमः।

of Rādhā · kohl · by smearing · to the one who is darkened · with Rādhā · conversation · joyful · to the one whose speech is

The verse describes the intimate physical marks left by Rādhā on the Lord, further cementing the theme of their inseparable and playful divine union.

Salutations, salutations to Him whose face has lips like the Bimba fruit, kissed by Rādhā! Salutations, salutations to You, whose broad chest is embraced by Rādhā!

rādhācumbitabimboṣṭhavadanāya namo namaḥ

rādhāliṅgitavistīrṇavakṣase te namo namaḥ

राधा · rādhā — by Rādhā

चुम्बित · cumbita — kissed

बिम्ब · bimba — Bimba fruit

ओष्ठ · oṣṭha — lips

वदनाय · vadanāya — to the one whose face has

राधा · rādhā — by Rādhā

आलिङ्गित · āliṅgita — embraced

विस्तीर्ण · vistīrṇa — broad

वक्षसे · vakṣase — to the chest

राधाचुम्बितबिम्बोष्ठवदनाय नमः नमः। राधालिङ्गितविस्तीर्णवक्षसे ते नमः नमः।

by Rādhā · kissed · Bimba fruit · lips · to the one whose face has · by Rādhā · embraced · broad · to the chest

This verse focuses on the sensory intimacy between the Lord and Rādhā, specifically the physical contact of kissing and embracing, which defines the Lord's form in this context.

Salutations, salutations to Him who is ever-eager for the blissful nectar of the Rāsa dance! Salutations, salutations to Him who is like a great elephant in the waves of the Kālindī's waters!

rāsanāṭyarasānandalolupāya namo namaḥ

kālindījalakallolakuñjarāya namo namaḥ

रास · rāsa — Rāsa

नाट्य · nāṭya — dance

रस · rasa — nectar

आनन्द · ānanda — bliss

लोलुपाय · lolupāya — to the one eager for

कालिन्दी · kālindī — of the Kālindī

जल · jala — water

कल्लोल · kallola — waves

कुञ्जराय · kuñjarāya — to the elephant-like one

रासनाट्यरसानन्दलोलुपाय नमः नमः। कालिन्दीजलकल्लोलकुञ्जराय नमः नमः।

Rāsa · dance · nectar · bliss · to the one eager for · of the Kālindī · water · waves · to the elephant-like one

Transitioning from the intimate to the cosmic, this verse links the Lord's personal love for Rādhā with His grand, ecstatic pastimes like the Rāsa dance and His majestic presence in the Yamunā.

Salutations, salutations to Him who was pleased by the decorum of Akrūra's devotion! Salutations, salutations to Him whose beautiful limbs were anointed with the sandalwood paste of Kubjā!

akrūrabhaktimaryādāprasannāya namo namaḥ

kubjācandanaliptāṅgasundarāya namo namaḥ

अक्रूर · akrūra — Akrūra's

भक्ति · bhakti — devotion

मर्यादा · maryādā — decorum

प्रसन्नाय · prasannāya — to the one pleased by

कुब्जा · kubjā — Kubjā's

चन्दन · candana — sandalwood

लिप्त · lipta — anointed

अङ्ग · aṅga — limbs

सुन्दराय · sundarāya — to the beautiful one

अक्रूरभक्तिमर्यादाप्रसन्नाय नमः नमः। कुब्जाचन्दनलिप्ताङ्गसुन्दराय नमः नमः।

Akrūra's · devotion · decorum · to the one pleased by · Kubjā's · sandalwood · anointed · limbs · to the beautiful one

This verse acknowledges the Lord's accessibility to His devotees, showing how He responds to the specific devotional offerings of Akrūra and Kubjā, thereby validating all forms of sincere worship.

Salutations, salutations to Him who granted the heart's desired boon to the garland-maker! Salutations, salutations to the destroyer of the wrestlers Malla, Muṣṭika, and Cāṇūra!

mālākāramano'bhīṣṭavaradāya namo namaḥ

mallamuṣṭikacāṇūrasaṃhārāya namo namaḥ

मालाकार · mālākāra — garland-maker

मनः · manaḥ — heart's

अभीष्ट · abhīṣṭa — desired

वरदाय · varadāya — to the boon-giver

मल्ल · malla — Malla

मुष्टिक · muṣṭika — Muṣṭika

चाणूर · cāṇūra — Cāṇūra

संहाराय · saṃhārāya — to the destroyer of

मालाकारमनोऽभीष्टवरदाय नमः नमः। मल्लमुष्टिकचाणूरसंहाराय नमः नमः।

garland-maker · heart's · desired · to the boon-giver · Malla · Muṣṭika · Cāṇūra · to the destroyer of

The verse highlights the Lord's role as the fulfiller of desires and the protector against evil, transitioning from the pastoral sweetness to the heroic deeds in Mathurā.

Salutations, salutations to the lion who destroyed the elephant-like Kaṃsa! Salutations, salutations to Him who knew the scriptures after they were told only once by Sāndīpani!

kaṃsakuñjarasaṃhārimṛgendrāya namo namaḥ

sāndīpanisakṛtproktaśāstrajñāya namo namaḥ

कंस · kaṃsa — Kaṃsa

कुञ्जर · kuñjara — elephant

संहारी · saṃhārī — destroyer

मृगेन्द्राय · mṛgendrāya — to the lion

सान्दी पनि · sāndīpani — Sāndīpani's

सकृत् · sakṛt — once

प्रोक्त · prokta — told

शास्त्रज्ञाय · śāstrajñāya — to the knower of scriptures

कंसकुञ्जरसंहारिमृगेन्द्राय नमः नमः। सान्दीपनिसकृत्प्रोक्तशास्त्रज्ञाय नमः नमः।

Kaṃsa · elephant · destroyer · to the lion · Sāndīpani's · once · told · to the knower of scriptures

This verse concludes the section on the Lord's heroic and intellectual prowess, portraying Him as both the invincible warrior and the supreme knower of all sacred knowledge.

Salutations, salutations to Him who sent His own message to the Gopis! Salutations, salutations to Him who was contented by the message brought by Uddhava!

gopīnāṃ nijasandeśapreṣakāya namo namaḥ

uddhavānītasandeśasantuṣṭāya namo namaḥ

गोपीनाम् · gopīnām — of the Gopis

निजसन्देश · nijasandeśa — His own message

प्रेषकाय · preṣakāya — to the sender

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

उद्धव · uddhava — by Uddhava

अनीत · anīta — brought

सन्देश · sandeśa — message

सन्तुष्टाय · santuṣṭāya — to the one contented

गोपीनां निजसन्देशप्रेषकाय ते नमः नमः। उद्धवानीतसन्देशसन्तुष्टाय ते नमः नमः।

of the Gopis · His own message · to the sender · salutations · salutations · by Uddhava · brought · message · to the one contented

These verses transition from the Lord's childhood pastimes to His role as the compassionate messenger and listener, highlighting His intimate connection with the Gopis and Uddhava.

Salutations, salutations to Him who was honored by the women of the city of Mathurā! Salutations, salutations to Him who was delighted by the hymn composed by Mucukunda!

madhurānagarīnārīmānitāya namo namaḥ

mucukundakṛtastotramuditāya namo namaḥ

मधुरा · madhurā — Mathura

नगरी · nagarī — city

नारी · nārī — women

मानिताय · mānitāya — to the one honored by

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

मुचुकुन्द · mucukunda — by Mucukunda

कृत · kṛta — composed

स्तोत्र · stotra — hymn

मुदिताय · muditāya — to the one delighted

मधुरानगरीनारीमानिताय ते नमः नमः। मुचुकुन्दकृतस्तोत्रमुदिताय ते नमः नमः।

Mathura · city · women · to the one honored by · salutations · salutations · by Mucukunda · composed · hymn · to the one delighted

This verse emphasizes the Lord's accessibility, showing how He honors the devotion of the women of Mathura and the prayers of the great sage Mucukunda.

Salutations, salutations to the founder of the kingdom of the city of Dvārakā! Salutations, salutations to the refuge of all the Yādava heroes!

dvārakāpurasāmrājyasthāpakāya namo namaḥ

sarvayādavavīrāṇāmāśrayāya namo namaḥ

द्वारकापुर · dvārakāpura — city of Dvaraka

साम्राज्य · sāmrājya — kingdom

स्थापकाय · sthāpakāya — to the founder

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

सर्व · sarva — all

यादव · yādava — Yadava

वीराणाम् · vīrāṇām — of the heroes

आश्रयाय · āśrayāya — to the refuge

द्वारकापुरसाम्राज्यस्थापकाय ते नमः नमः। सर्वयादववीराणामाश्रयाय ते नमः नमः।

city of Dvaraka · kingdom · to the founder · salutations · salutations · all · Yadava · of the heroes · to the refuge

The narrative shifts to the Lord's royal majesty as the founder of Dvaraka and the protector of the Yadu dynasty.

Salutations, salutations to Him who was united with the daughter of Bhīṣmaka, whom He brought from her Svayaṃvara! Salutations, salutations to the Lord of Rukmiṇī, Satyabhāmā, and others!

svayaṃvarānītabhaiṣmīsaṃyuktāya namo namaḥ

rukmiṇīsatyabhāmādināyakāya namo namaḥ

स्वयंवर · svayaṃvara — from the marriage ceremony

अनीत · anīta — brought

भैष्मी · bhaiṣmī — daughter of Bhishmaka

संयुक्ताय · saṃyuktāya — to the one united

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

रुक्मिणी · rukmiṇī — Rukmini

सत्यभामा · satyabhāmā — Satyabhama

आदि · ādi — and others

नायकाय · nāyakāya — to the Lord

स्वयंवरानीतभैष्मीसंयुक्ताय ते नमः नमः। रुक्मिणीसत्यभामादिनायकाय ते नमः नमः।

from the marriage ceremony · brought · daughter of Bhishmaka · to the one united · salutations · salutations · Rukmini · Satyabhama · and others · to the Lord

This verse highlights the Lord's personal life as the husband of Rukmini and Satyabhama, bridging His divine status with His human-like pastimes.

Salutations, salutations to the father of the best of the Yadus, Pradyumna and others! Salutations, salutations to Him whose valor was shown in cutting off the arms of Bāṇāsura!

pradyumnādiyaduśreṣṭhajanakāya namo namaḥ

bāṇāsurabhujacchedavikramāya namo namaḥ

प्रद्युम्न · pradyumna — Pradyumna

आदि · ādi — and others

यदु · yadu — Yadu

श्रेष्ठ · śreṣṭha — best

जनकाय · janakāya — to the father

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

बाणासुर · bāṇāsura — Banasura

भुज · bhuja — arms

च्छेद · ccheda — cutting

विक्रमाय · vikramāya — to the one of valor

प्रद्युम्नादियदुश्रेष्ठजनकाय ते नमः नमः। बाणासुरभुजच्छेदविक्रमाय ते नमः नमः।

Pradyumna · and others · Yadu · best · to the father · salutations · salutations · Banasura · arms · cutting · to the one of valor

The text celebrates the Lord's prowess as a father and warrior, specifically mentioning His victory over the demon Banasura.

Salutations, salutations to the protector of Pāñcālī (Draupadī) who had sought refuge! Salutations, salutations to Him who, of His own free will, became the charioteer of the son of Kuntī (Arjuna)!

śaraṇāgatapāñcālīrakṣakāya namo namaḥ

svacchandaṃ kṛtakaunteyasārathyāya namo namaḥ

शरणागत · śaraṇāgata — who sought refuge

पाञ्चाली · pāñcālī — Draupadi

रक्षकाय · rakṣakāya — to the protector

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

स्वच्छन्दम् · svacchandam — by His own free will

कृत · kṛta — made

कौन्तेय · kaunteya — son of Kunti

सारथ्याय · sārathyāya — to the charioteer

शरणागतपाञ्चालीरक्षकाय ते नमः नमः। स्वच्छन्दं कृतकौन्तेयसारथ्याय ते नमः नमः।

who sought refuge · Draupadi · to the protector · salutations · salutations · by His own free will · made · son of Kunti · to the charioteer

This verse focuses on the Lord's mercy toward the vulnerable, specifically Draupadi, and His humility in serving as Arjuna's charioteer.

Salutations, salutations to You, the witness of the great war of Kurukṣetra! Salutations, salutations to the establisher of Dharmaputra as the great king!

kurukṣetramahāyuddhasākṣiṇe te namo namaḥ

dharmaputramahārājasthāpakāya namo namaḥ

कुरुक्षेत्र · kurukṣetra — Kurukshetra

महायुद्ध · mahāyuddha — great war

साक्षिणे · sākṣiṇe — to the witness

ते · te — to You

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

धर्मपुत्र · dharmaputra — Yudhisthira

महाराज · mahārāja — great king

स्थापकाय · sthāpakāya — to the establisher

कुरुक्षेत्रमहायुद्धसाक्षिणे ते नमः नमः। धर्मपुत्रमहाराजस्थापकाय ते नमः नमः।

Kurukshetra · great war · to the witness · to You · salutations · salutations · Yudhisthira · great king · to the establisher

The verse acknowledges the Lord's role in the cosmic order of the Mahabharata and His establishment of righteousness through Dharmaputra.

Salutations, salutations to the destroyer of the poverty of the Brahmin Kucela! Salutations, salutations to You, who resides in the sacred place of Southern Dvārakā!

kucelavipradāridryanāśakāya namo namaḥ

dakṣiṇadvārakākṣetravāsine te namo namaḥ

कुचेल · kucela — Kucela

विप्र · vipra — Brahmin

दारिद्र्य · dāridrya — poverty

नाशकाय · nāśakāya — to the destroyer

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

दक्षिण · dakṣiṇa — southern

द्वारका · dvārakā — Dvaraka

क्षेत्र · kṣetra — sacred place

वासिने · vāsine — to the resident

कुचेलविप्रदारिद्र्यनाशकाय ते नमः नमः। दक्षिणद्वारकाक्षेत्रवासिने ते नमः नमः।

Kucela · Brahmin · poverty · to the destroyer · salutations · salutations · southern · Dvaraka · sacred place · to the resident

This verse highlights the Lord's personal compassion for His devotee Kucela and introduces the specific sacred geography of Southern Dvaraka.

Salutations, salutations to the Lord of the goddess Hemābjanāyikā! Salutations, salutations to Him who delights in wandering in the Campaka forest!

hemābjanāyikādevīnāyakāya namo namaḥ

campakāraṇyasañcārarasikāya namo namaḥ

हेमाब्ज · hemābja — golden lotus

नायिका · nāyikā — goddess

देवी · devī — goddess

नायकाय · nāyakāya — to the Lord

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

चम्पकारण्य · campakāraṇya — Campaka forest

सञ्चार · sañcāra — wandering

रसिकाय · rasikāya — to the one who delights

हेमाब्जनायिकादेवीनायकाय ते नमः नमः। चम्पकारण्यसञ्चाररसिकाय ते नमः नमः।

golden lotus · goddess · goddess · to the Lord · salutations · salutations · Campaka forest · wandering · to the one who delights

The focus narrows to the specific deity of the Campakaranya forest, Hemabjanayika, and the Lord's eternal presence in this forest.

Salutations, salutations to the abode of affection for those who seek refuge! Salutations, salutations to You, the glorious Lord Rājagopāla!

śaraṇāgatavātsalyanilayāya namo namaḥ

śrīmate rājagopālasvāmine te namo namaḥ

शरणागत · śaraṇāgata — those who seek refuge

वात्सल्य · vātsalya — affection

निलयाय · nilayāya — to the abode

नमो · namo — salutations

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

श्रीमते · śrīmate — to the glorious one

राजगोपाल · rājagopāla — Rajagopala

स्वामिने · svāmine — to the Lord

ते · te — to You

शरणागतवात्सल्यनिलयाय ते नमः नमः। श्रीमते राजगोपालस्वामिने ते नमः नमः।

those who seek refuge · affection · to the abode · salutations · salutations · to the glorious one · Rajagopala · to the Lord · to You

The final verse of the praise summarizes the Lord's nature as the ultimate refuge and identifies Him as Rajagopala, the presiding deity of the chapter.

The revered Sadguru said:

Thus, the great sage Gophila, with a pleased heart, praised Lord Rājagopāla and, overwhelmed with emotion, became still.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ prasannahṛdayo gobhilastu mahāmuniḥ

saṃstūya rājagopālaṃ gadgadastimito'bhavat

एवम् · evam — thus

प्रसन्नहृदयः · prasannahṛdayaḥ — with a pleased heart

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — the sage Gophila

तु · tu — indeed

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

संस्तूय · saṃstūya — having praised

राजगोपालम् · rājagopālam — Lord Rājagopāla

गद्गद · gadgada — choked with emotion

स्तमितः · stimitaḥ — became still

अभवत् · abhavat — he became

एवं प्रसन्नहृदयः महामुनिः गोभिलः राजगोपालं संस्तूय गद्गदस्तमितः अभवत्।

thus · with a pleased heart · the sage Gophila · indeed · the great sage · having praised · Lord Rājagopāla · choked with emotion · became still · he became

This verse marks the transition from the long list of descriptive salutations to the narrative conclusion of the chapter, showing the emotional impact of the praise on the sage Gophila.

Gopāla, the beloved of His devotees, brought him near and spoke sweet words, "Choose a boon, may you be blessed."

gopālastaṃ samānīya vaco madhuramabravīt |

varaṃ vṛṇīṣva bhadraṃ te iti bhaktajanapriyaḥ

गोपालः · gopālaḥ — Lord Gopāla

तम् · tam — him

समानीय · samānīya — having brought near

वचः · vacaḥ — words

मधुरम् · madhuram — sweet

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

वरम् · varam — a boon

वृणीष्व · vṛṇīṣva — choose

भद्रम् · bhadram — auspiciousness

ते · te — to you

भक्तजनप्रियः · bhaktajanapriyaḥ — the beloved of his devotees

भक्तजनप्रियः गोपालः तं समानीय मधुरं वचः अब्रवीत्। वरं वृणीष्व, ते भद्रं भवतु इति।

Lord Gopāla · him · having brought near · words · sweet · spoke · a boon · choose · auspiciousness · to you · the beloved of his devotees

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of devotion, where the Lord, moved by the sage's praise, manifests His grace by offering a boon.

"O Rājagopāla, in this sacred place, for as long as the moon and sun endure, be pleased and be the bestower of desired boons to Your devotees."

kṣetre'smin rājagopāla yāvaccandradivākaram |

prasanno bhava bhaktānāmabhīṣṭavarado bhava

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — in this sacred place

अस्मिन् · asmin — this

राजगोपाल · rājagopāla — O Rājagopāla

यावत् · yāvat — as long as

चन्द्रदिवाकरम् · candradivākaram — moon and sun endure

प्रसन्नः · prasannaḥ — pleased

भव · bhava — be

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — of the devotees

अभीष्ट · abhīṣṭa — desired

वरदः · varadaḥ — bestower of boons

राजगोपाल! अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरं त्वं प्रसन्नः भव। भक्तानाम् अभीष्टवरदः भव।

in this sacred place · this · O Rājagopāla · as long as · moon and sun endure · pleased · be · of the devotees · desired · bestower of boons

Gophila's request establishes the eternal sanctity of the place, ensuring that the Lord's presence remains accessible to all future devotees.

Thus did the great sage Gophila pray to Him. Having duly installed Kṛṣṇa in the temple right there,

iti taṃ prārthayāmāsa gobhilaśca mahāmuniḥ

tatraiva mandire kṛṣṇaṃ pratiṣṭhāpya yathāvidhi

इति · iti — thus

तम् · tam — him

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — prayed

गोभिलः · gobhilaḥ — Gophila

च · ca — and

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

तत्रैव · tatraiva — right there

मन्दिरे · mandire — in the temple

कृष्णम् · kṛṣṇam — Lord Kṛṣṇa

प्रतिष्ठाप्य · pratiṣṭhāpya — having installed

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to scriptural rules

महामुनिः गोभिलः इति तं प्रार्थयामास। तत्रैव मन्दिरे यथाविधि कृष्णं प्रतिष्ठाप्य।

thus · him · prayed · Gophila · and · the great sage · right there · in the temple · Lord Kṛṣṇa · having installed · according to scriptural rules

This verse describes the formal establishment of the deity, grounding the spiritual experience of the sage into a physical site of pilgrimage.

He worshipped Gopāla with a desire for the welfare of the world. Even today, Kṛṣṇa is seen there, worshipped by Gophila.

pūjayāmāsa gopālaṃ lokānugrahakāṅkṣayā |

adyāpi dṛśyate kṛṣṇastatra gobhilapūjitaḥ

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — he worshipped

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopāla

लोक · loka — of the world

अनुग्रह · anugraha — welfare/grace

काङ्क्षया · kāṅkṣayā — with a desire for

अद्यापि · adyāpi — even today

दृश्यते · dṛśyate — is seen

कृष्णः · kṛṣṇaḥ — Kṛṣṇa

तत्र · tatra — there

गोभिलपूजितः · gobhilapūjitaḥ — worshipped by Gophila

लोकानुग्रहकाङ्क्षया गोपालं पूजयामास। अद्यापि तत्र गोभिलपूजितः कृष्णः दृश्यते।

he worshipped · Gopāla · of the world · welfare/grace · with a desire for · even today · is seen · Kṛṣṇa · there · worshipped by Gophila

This verse connects the historical act of worship by the sage to the present-day availability of the Lord's grace in Campakāraṇya.

One who sees Gopāla in Campakāraṇya, the Lord Hari who was worshipped by Gophila, attains supreme bliss by the mere sight of Him.

gopālaṃ campakāraṇye gobhilenārcitaṃ harim

dṛṣṭvā darśanamātreṇa paramānandamāpnuyāt

गोपालम् · gopālam — Gopāla

चम्पकारण्ये · campakāraṇye — in Campakāraṇya

गोभिलेन · gobhilena — by Gophila

अर्चितम् · arcitam — worshipped

हरिम् · harim — Lord Hari

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — by mere sight

परमानन्दम् · paramānandam — supreme bliss

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — one attains

चम्पकारण्ये गोभिलेन अर्चितं हरिं गोपालं दृष्ट्वा दर्शनमात्रेण परमानन्दम् आप्नुयात्।

Gopāla · in Campakāraṇya · by Gophila · worshipped · Lord Hari · having seen · by mere sight · supreme bliss · one attains

This concluding verse serves as the 'Phala-śruti' (fruit of hearing), promising spiritual liberation to those who visit the site.