वरदविष्णुक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Varadaviṣṇu Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Residing in the hermitage of that great sage Dhaumya, the self-controlled Upamanyu performed service to his guru.

śrīsadgururuvāca

āśrame nivasaṃstasya dhaumyasyaiva mahāmuneḥ |

gurusevāṃ cakārāyamupamanyurjitendriyaḥ

आश्रमे · āśrame — in the hermitage

निवसन् · nivasan — residing

तस्य · tasya — of that

धौम्यस्य · dhaumyasya — of Dhaumya

महामुनेः · mahāmuneḥ — of the great sage

गुरुसेवां · gurusevāṃ — service to the guru

चकार · cakāra — performed

अयम् · ayam — this one

उपमन्युः · upamanyuḥ — Upamanyu

जितेन्द्रियः · jitendriyaḥ — one who has conquered his senses

अयम् जितेन्द्रियः उपमन्युः तस्य महामुनेः धौम्यस्य आश्रमे निवसन् गुरुसेवां चकार।

in the hermitage · residing · of that · of Dhaumya · of the great sage · service to the guru · performed · this one · Upamanyu · one who has conquered his senses

This verse introduces the protagonist Upamanyu and his setting, establishing the foundational theme of guru-bhakti (devotion to the teacher) which is central to the entire narrative.

By Dhaumya's command, he grazed the cows daily, afflicted by hunger and thirst, pitiable, yet the great one was devoted to his guru's service.

nityaṃ gāścārayāmāsa dhaumyasyaivānuśāsanāt |

kṣutpipāsākulo dīno gurubhaktirato mahān

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

गाः · gāḥ — cows

चारयामास · cārayāmāsa — grazed

धौम्यस्य · dhaumyasya — of Dhaumya

अनुशासनात् · anuśāsanāt — by the command

क्षुत्पिपासा · kṣutpipāsā — hunger and thirst

आकुलः · ākulaḥ — afflicted by

दीनः · dīnaḥ — pitiable

गुरुभक्तिरतः · gurubhaktirataḥ — devoted to the guru

महान् · mahān — the great one

सः महान् गुरुभक्तिरतः दीनः क्षुत्पिपासाकुलः सन् धौम्यस्य अनुशासनात् नित्यम् गाः चारयामास।

daily · cows · grazed · of Dhaumya · by the command · hunger and thirst · afflicted by · pitiable · devoted to the guru · the great one

This verse highlights the extreme austerity and hardship Upamanyu endures, emphasizing that his devotion is tested through physical suffering.

He would go begging from house to house of the Brahmins and offer everything to his guru with devotion.

sa tu bhikṣāṭanaṃ kṛtvā brāhmaṇānāṃ gṛhe gṛhe

nivedayāmāsa sarvaṃ gurave bhaktipūrvakam

सः · saḥ — he

भिक्षाटनम् · bhikṣāṭanam — begging for alms

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

ब्राह्मणानाम् · brāhmaṇānām — of the Brahmins

गृहे गृहे · gṛhe gṛhe — in every house

निवेदयामास · nivedayāmāsa — offered

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

गुरवे · gurave — to the guru

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

सः ब्राह्मणानाम् गृहे गृहे भिक्षाटनम् कृत्वा सर्वम् भक्तिपूर्वकम् गुरवे निवेदयामास।

he · begging for alms · having done · of the Brahmins · in every house · offered · everything · to the guru · with devotion

This verse illustrates the humility of the disciple, who performs the act of begging not for himself, but as a ritual of service to his master.

Guru Dhaumya did not give the begged food to Upamanyu. He himself ate it, wishing to test him.

na dadāti gururdhaumyo bhikṣānnamupamanyave |

svayameva bubhojāsya parīkṣāṃ kartumicchayā

न · na — not

ददाति · dadāti — gives

गुरुः · guruḥ — the teacher

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

भिक्षान्नम् · bhikṣānnam — begged food

उपमन्यवे · upamanyave — to Upamanyu

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

एव · eva — only

बुभोज · bubhoja — ate

परीक्षां · parīkṣāṃ — test

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

गुरुः धौम्यः परीक्षां कर्तुम् इच्छया उपमन्यवे भिक्षान्नम् न ददाति, स्वयम् एव बुभोज।

not · gives · the teacher · Dhaumya · begged food · to Upamanyu · himself · only · ate · test · to do · with the desire

This verse introduces the conflict of the narrative: the guru's intentional withholding of food to test the disciple's resolve and sincerity.

Drinking the milk of the Arka plant daily, he grazed the cows in the forest, having given up the guru's cows' milk, thinking it was meant for the Agnihotra sacrifice.

arkakṣīraṃ pibannityaṃ cārayāmāsa gā vane |

tyaktvā gurorgavāṃ kṣīramagnihotrārhamityaho

अर्कक्षीरम् · arkakṣīram — milk of the Arka plant

पिबन् · piban — drinking

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

चारयामास · cārayāmāsa — grazed

गाः · gāḥ — cows

वने · vane — in the forest

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

गुरोः · guroḥ — of the guru

गवाम् · gavām — of the cows

क्षीरम् · kṣīram — milk

अग्निहोत्रार्हम् · agnihotrārham — fit for Agnihotra

इति · iti — thus

गुरोः गवाम् क्षीरम् अग्निहोत्रार्हम् इति मत्वा तत् त्यक्त्वा, अर्कक्षीरम् पिबन् नित्यम् वने गाः चारयामास।

milk of the Arka plant · drinking · daily · grazed · cows · in the forest · having abandoned · of the guru · of the cows · milk · fit for Agnihotra · thus

This verse explains the tragic error of the disciple, who, out of extreme reverence for the guru's property, inadvertently harms himself.

By drinking the Arka milk day after day, the boy became blind and then fell into a well that was on the path.

dine dine nipītena tvarkakṣīreṇa bālakaḥ

andho babhūva mārgasthe tadā kūpe papāta ha

दिने दिने · dine dine — day after day

निपीतेन · nipītena — by drinking

अर्कक्षीरेण · arkakṣīreṇa — by Arka milk

बालकः · bālakaḥ — the boy

अन्धः · andhaḥ — blind

बभूव · babhūva — became

मार्गस्थे · mārgasthe — situated on the path

तदा · tadā — then

कूपे · kūpe — in the well

पपात · papāta — fell

दिने दिने अर्कक्षीरेण निपीतेन बालकः अन्धः बभूव, तदा मार्गस्थे कूपे पपात।

day after day · by drinking · by Arka milk · the boy · blind · became · situated on the path · then · in the well · fell

The consequence of the disciple's misguided asceticism is revealed here, showing how physical blindness serves as a metaphor for the lack of true guidance.

Searching for Upamanyu, that great sage came, and having lifted his disciple from the well, he mercifully embraced him.

vicinvannupamanyuṃ tamāgatya sa mahāmuniḥ

kūpāduddhṛtya kṛpayā svaśiṣyaṃ pariṣasvaje

विचिन्वन् · vicinvan — searching

उपमन्युम् · upamanyum — Upamanyu

तम् · tam — him

आगत्य · āgatya — having come

सः · saḥ — he

महामुनिः · mahāmuniḥ — the great sage

कूपात् · kūpāt — from the well

उद्धृत्य · uddhṛtya — having lifted

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

स्वशिष्यम् · svaśiṣyam — his disciple

परिषस्वजे · pariṣasvaje — embraced

सः महामुनिः उपमन्युम् विचिन्वन् आगत्य, कृपया तम् कूपात् उद्धृत्य स्वशिष्यम् परिषस्वजे।

searching · Upamanyu · him · having come · he · the great sage · from the well · having lifted · with compassion · his disciple · embraced

This verse marks the turning point where the guru's compassion manifests, rescuing the disciple from the darkness of his own ignorance.

Knowing that his blindness was caused by drinking the Arka milk, the sage Dhaumya, out of compassion, had his eyes filled with tears.

arkakṣīrasya pānena jātamandhatvamasya tat

jñātvā karuṇayā dhaumyaḥ klinnanetro'bhavanmuniḥ

अर्कक्षीरस्य · arkakṣīrasya — of the Arka milk

पानेन · pānena — by drinking

जातम् · jātam — happened

अन्धत्वम् · andhatvam — blindness

अस्य · asya — his

तत् · tat — that

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

करुणया · karuṇayā — with compassion

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

क्लिन्ननेत्रः · klinnanetraḥ — with tearful eyes

अभवत् · abhavat — became

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

अस्य अन्धत्वम् अर्कक्षीरस्य पानेन जातम् इति ज्ञात्वा, धौम्यः मुनिः करुणया क्लिन्ननेत्रः अभवत्।

of the Arka milk · by drinking · happened · blindness · his · that · having known · with compassion · Dhaumya · with tearful eyes · became · the sage

The guru's realization of the cause of the disciple's suffering underscores the deep, empathetic bond between a true teacher and his student.

Bringing him to his own hermitage, he cared for him with respect. The other boys used to laugh at him, saying, "This one has blind eyes."

sādaraṃ pālayāmāsa tamānīya nijāśrame

andhanetro'yamityenaṃ hasanti smānyabālakāḥ

सादरम् · sādaram — with respect

पालयामास · pālayāmāsa — cared for

तम् · tam — him

आनीय · ānīya — having brought

निजाश्रमे · nijāśrame — to his own hermitage

अन्धनेत्रः · andhanetraḥ — blind-eyed

अयम् · ayam — this one

इति · iti — thus

हसन्ति · hasanti — laugh

स्म · sma — used to

अन्यबालकाः · anyabālakāḥ — other boys

तम् आनीय निजाश्रमे सादरम् पालयामास, अन्यबालकाः अयम् अन्धनेत्रः इति हसन्ति स्म।

with respect · cared for · him · having brought · to his own hermitage · blind-eyed · this one · thus · laugh · used to · other boys

This verse introduces the social dimension of the disciple's struggle, as the mockery of others serves to further isolate him, making the guru's protection even more vital.

He reported the mocking words of the boys to his guru. Dhaumya, with remorse, also became worried for a moment.

bālānāṃ parihāsoktiṃ gurave sa nyavedayat |

paścāttāpena dhaumyo'pi kṣaṇaṃ cintākulo'bhavat

बालानाम् · bālānām — of the boys

परिहासोक्तिम् · parihāsoktim — mocking words

गुरवे · gurave — to the guru

सः · saḥ — he

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — reported

पश्चात्तापेन · paścāttāpena — with remorse

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

अपि · api — also

क्षणम् · kṣaṇam — for a moment

चिन्ताकुलः · cintākulaḥ — worried

अभवत् · abhavat — became

सः बालानाम् परिहासोक्तिम् गुरवे न्यवेदयत्, धौम्यः अपि पश्चात्तापेन क्षणम् चिन्ताकुलः अभवत्।

of the boys · mocking words · to the guru · he · reported · with remorse · Dhaumya · also · for a moment · worried · became

The disciple's report of the mockery forces the guru to confront the emotional impact of his test, leading to a moment of introspection and spiritual resolution.

Then, meditating on Nārāyaṇa and abandoning his worry and grief, the sage Dhaumya spoke to this Upamanyu with compassion.

atha nārāyaṇaṃ dhyātvā cintāṃ śokaṃ vihāya ca |

upamanyumuvācainaṃ dhaumyaḥ karuṇayā muniḥ

अथ · atha — then

नारायणम् · nārāyaṇam — Nārāyaṇa

ध्यात्वा · dhyātvā — having meditated

चिन्ताम् · cintām — worry

शोकम् · śokam — grief

विहाय · vihāya — having abandoned

च · ca — and

उपमन्युम् · upamanyum — to Upamanyu

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

एनम् · enam — to him

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

करुणया · karuṇayā — with compassion

मुनिः · muniḥ — the sage

अथ मुनिः धौम्यः नारायणं ध्यात्वा चिन्तां शोकं च विहाय करुणया एनं उपमन्युं उवाच।

then · Nārāyaṇa · having meditated · worry · grief · having abandoned · and · to Upamanyu · spoke · to him · Dhaumya · with compassion · the sage

This verse marks the transition from Dhaumya's initial distress to his spiritual resolution. By turning his mind toward Nārāyaṇa, the sage shifts from worldly anxiety to divine compassion, setting the stage for the instruction that follows.

Dhaumya speaks:

The adorable Varada Vishnu is Hari, the remover of the afflictions of the surrendered. Take refuge in Him alone, O child, who is an ocean of compassion.

dhaumya uvāca

vareṇyo varado viṣṇuḥ prapannārtiharo hariḥ

tamevāśraya bāla tvaṃ karuṇāvaruṇālayam

वरेण्यः · vareṇyaḥ — adorable

वरदः · varadaḥ — bestower of boons

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

प्रपन्नार्तिहरः · prapannārtiharaḥ — remover of the surrendered's pain

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

तम् · tam — Him

एव · eva — only

आश्रय · āśraya — take refuge

बाल · bāla — O child

त्वम् · tvam — you

करुणावरुणालयम् · karuṇāvaruṇālayam — ocean of compassion

बाल त्वं वरेण्यः वरदः विष्णुः प्रपन्नार्तिहरः हरिः करुणावरुणालयम् तम् एव आश्रय।

adorable · bestower of boons · Vishnu · remover of the surrendered's pain · Hari · Him · only · take refuge · O child · you · ocean of compassion

Dhaumya provides the theological solution to the disciple's suffering. By identifying Varada Vishnu as the 'ocean of compassion' and the 'remover of afflictions,' he directs Upamanyu toward the only source of true refuge.

You are blind-eyed, O child. The all-powerful Lord Jagannātha, Hari, Nārāyaṇa, will make you strong-eyed.

andhanetro'si bāla tvāṃ dṛḍhanetraṃ kariṣyati

sarvaśaktaḥ jagannātho harirnārāyaṇaḥ prabhuḥ

अन्धनेत्रः · andhanetraḥ — blind-eyed

असि · asi — you are

बाल · bāla — O child

त्वाम् · tvām — you

दृढनेत्रम् · dṛḍhanetram — strong-eyed

करिष्यति · kariṣyati — will make

सर्वशक्तः · sarvaśaktaḥ — all-powerful

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the world

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

नारायणः · nārāyaṇaḥ — Nārāyaṇa

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the Lord

बाल त्वं अन्धनेत्रः असि। सर्वशक्तः जगन्नाथः हरिः नारायणः प्रभुः त्वां दृढनेत्रं करिष्यति।

blind-eyed · you are · O child · you · strong-eyed · will make · all-powerful · Lord of the world · Hari · Nārāyaṇa · the Lord

This verse establishes the promise of divine intervention. Dhaumya assures the boy that his physical blindness is temporary, as the omnipotent Lord is capable of restoring his vision.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Thus spoken to by his guru, the boy engaged in contemplation of Hari. The Lord Varada, who is affectionate to the righteous, appeared.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto guruṇā bālaścakāra haricintanam

āvirbabhūva bhagavān varado dharmavatsalaḥ

इति · iti — thus

उक्तः · uktaḥ — spoken to

गुरुणा · guruṇā — by the guru

बालः · bālaḥ — the boy

चकार · cakāra — did

हरिचिन्तनम् · haricintanam — contemplation of Hari

आविर्बभूव · āvirbabhūva — appeared

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

वरदः · varadaḥ — Varada

धर्मवत्सलः · dharmavatsalaḥ — affectionate to the righteous

गुरुणा इति उक्तः बालः हरिचिन्तनं चकार। भगवान् वरदः धर्मवत्सलः आविर्बभूव।

thus · spoken to · by the guru · the boy · did · contemplation of Hari · appeared · the Lord · Varada · affectionate to the righteous

This verse depicts the immediate efficacy of the guru's instruction. The boy's obedience leads directly to the manifestation of the Lord, highlighting the power of guru-bhakti.

He held a conch and discus, was glorious, had a form dark as a cloud, wore yellow garments, was adorned with a garland, and had eyes like lotuses.

śaṅkhacakradharaḥ śrīmān meghaśyāmalavigrahaḥ

pītāmbaradharaḥ sragvī puṇḍarīkavilocanaḥ

शङ्खचक्रधरः · śaṅkhacakradharaḥ — bearer of conch and discus

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — glorious

मेघश्यामलविग्रहः · meghaśyāmalavigrahaḥ — form dark as a cloud

पीताम्बरधरः · pītāmbaradharaḥ — wearer of yellow garments

स्रग्वी · sragvī — adorned with a garland

पुण्डरीकविलोचनः · puṇḍarīkavilocanaḥ — lotus-eyed

सः शङ्खचक्रधरः श्रीमान् मेघश्यामलविग्रहः पीताम्बरधरः स्रग्वी पुण्डरीकविलोचनः च अस्ति।

bearer of conch and discus · glorious · form dark as a cloud · wearer of yellow garments · adorned with a garland · lotus-eyed

The detailed description of the Lord's form serves to inspire devotion and awe in the reader, confirming that the object of Upamanyu's meditation is the supreme, beautiful form of Vishnu.

To the ascetic Upamanyu, who was emaciated from fasting, Vishnu Hari came near and gave him a sweet cake (apūpa).

upavāsakṛśasyaivamupamanyostapasvinaḥ

viṣṇuḥ samīpamāgatya hyapūpaṃ pradadau hariḥ

उपवासकृशस्य · upavāsakṛśasya — of the one emaciated by fasting

एवम् · evam — thus

उपमन्योः · upamanyoḥ — of Upamanyu

तपस्विनः · tapasvinaḥ — of the ascetic

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

समीपम् · samīpam — near

आगत्य · āgatya — having approached

अपूपम् · apūpam — cake

प्रददौ · pradadau — gave

हरिः · hariḥ — Hari

विष्णुः हरिः उपवासकृशस्य तपस्विनः उपमन्योः समीपम् आगत्य अपूपं प्रददौ।

of the one emaciated by fasting · thus · of Upamanyu · of the ascetic · Vishnu · near · having approached · cake · gave · Hari

This verse illustrates the Lord's personal concern for the devotee. By approaching the emaciated boy, Vishnu demonstrates that He is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of those who fast and pray.

He commanded the boy, "Eat this cake." But the steadfast boy, not eating it, spoke to Vishnu.

ājñāpayāmāsa bālamapūpaṃ bhakṣayeti ca |

anaśnanneva bālastaṃ dhīro viṣṇumuvāca ha

आज्ञापयामास · ājñāpayāmāsa — commanded

बालम् · bālam — the boy

अपूपम् · apūpam — the cake

भक्षय · bhakṣaya — eat

इति · iti — thus

च · ca — and

अनश्नन् · anaśnan — not eating

एव · eva — only

बालः · bālaḥ — the boy

तम् · tam — to Him

धीरो · dhīro — steadfast

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — to Vishnu

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

सः बालम् अपूपं भक्षय इति आज्ञापयामास। धीरः बालः तु अनश्नन् एव तं विष्णुं उवाच।

commanded · the boy · the cake · eat · thus · and · not eating · only · the boy · to Him · steadfast · to Vishnu · spoke

This verse emphasizes Upamanyu's unwavering commitment to his vow. Even when the Lord Himself offers food, the boy prioritizes his duty to his guru, showcasing the highest form of discipline.

"Whatever I have obtained by begging, I must offer to my guru. This is my vow, O Lord. I shall give this to my guru."

bhikṣayā mama yatprāptaṃ gurave tannivedayet

etadvrataṃ mama svāmin dāsyāmi gurave nanu

भिक्षया · bhikṣayā — by begging

मम · mama — my

यत् · yat — whatever

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — obtained

गुरवे · gurave — to the guru

तत् · tat — that

निवेदयेत् · nivedayet — should offer

एतत् · etad — this

व्रतम् · vratam — vow

मम · mama — my

स्वामिन् · svāmin — O Lord

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — I shall give

गुरवे · gurave — to the guru

स्वामिन् भिक्षया मम यत् प्राप्तं तत् गुरवे निवेदयेत्। एतत् मम व्रतम्, अहं गुरवे दास्यामि।

by begging · my · whatever · obtained · to the guru · that · should offer · this · vow · my · O Lord · I shall give · to the guru

Upamanyu articulates his moral framework here. By declaring his vow to offer everything to his guru, he defines the boundary of his dharma, which even the Lord respects.

"Whatever my guru Dhaumya will mercifully give me, saying 'Eat,' that I shall eat. This is my dharma, O Achyuta."

bhuṅkṣveti māṃ gururdhaumyaḥ kṛpayā yatpradāsyati

tadahaṃ bhakṣayiṣyāmi dharma eṣa mamācyuta

भुङ्क्ष्व · bhuṅkṣva — eat

इति · iti — thus

माम् · mām — to me

गुरुः · guruḥ — the guru

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

कृपया · kṛpayā — with mercy

यत् · yat — whatever

प्रदास्यति · pradāsyati — will give

तत् · tat — that

अहम् · aham — I

भक्षयिष्यामि · bhakṣayiṣyāmi — will eat

धर्मः · dharmaḥ — dharma

एषः · eṣa — this

मम · mama — my

अच्युत · acyuta — O Achyuta

अच्युत, गुरुः धौम्यः कृपया भुङ्क्ष्व इति मां यत् प्रदास्यति, तत् अहं भक्षयिष्यामि। एषः मम धर्मः।

eat · thus · to me · the guru · Dhaumya · with mercy · whatever · will give · that · I · will eat · dharma · this · my · O Achyuta

This verse clarifies the specific nature of Upamanyu's obedience. He is not merely following a rule but is waiting for the explicit permission of his guru, which he considers the highest dharma.

The Blessed Lord speaks:

"O Upamanyu, I am pleased with this devotion of yours to your guru. By your guru-bhakti itself, today you shall become strong-eyed."

śrībhagavānuvāca

upamanyo prasanno'smi gurubhaktyā tavānayā

gurubhaktyā tavaivādya dṛḍhanetro bhaviṣyasi

उपमन्यो · upamanyo — O Upamanyu

प्रसन्नः · prasannaḥ — pleased

अस्मि · asmi — I am

गुरुभक्त्या · gurubhaktyā — by devotion to the guru

तव · tava — your

अनया · anayā — by this

गुरुभक्त्या · gurubhaktyā — by devotion to the guru

तव · tava — your

एव · eva — only

अद्य · adya — today

दृढनेत्रः · dṛḍhanetraḥ — strong-eyed

भविष्यसि · bhaviṣyasi — you will become

उपमन्यो, तव अनया गुरुभक्त्या अहं प्रसन्नः अस्मि। तव गुरुभक्त्या एव अद्य त्वं दृढनेत्रः भविष्यसि।

O Upamanyu · pleased · I am · by devotion to the guru · your · by this · by devotion to the guru · your · only · today · strong-eyed · you will become

The Lord confirms the validity of Upamanyu's path. By validating the boy's guru-bhakti, the Lord establishes that devotion to the guru is a direct and sufficient path to divine grace.

"Offer this cake, my prasāda, to your guru. O Upamanyu, eat it by your guru's command."

matprasādamapūpaṃ ca gurave tvaṃ nivedaya |

upamanyo bhakṣaya tvaṃ tadguroranuśāsanāt

मत्प्रसादम् · matprasādam — My grace/offering

अपूपम् · apūpam — cake

च · ca — and

गुरवे · gurave — to the guru

त्वम् · tvam — you

निवेदय · nivedaya — offer

उपमन्यो · upamanyo — O Upamanyu

भक्षय · bhakṣaya — eat

त्वम् · tvam — you

तद्गुरोः · tadguroḥ — of that guru

अनुशासनात् · anuśāsanāt — by the command

त्वं मत्प्रसादम् अपूपं गुरवे निवेदय। हे उपमन्यो, त्वं तद्गुरोः अनुशासनात् भक्षय।

My grace/offering · cake · and · to the guru · you · offer · O Upamanyu · eat · you · of that guru · by the command

The Lord instructs Upamanyu to prioritize his guru's authority over the divine offering itself, reinforcing the principle that the guru is the gateway to divine grace. This act validates Upamanyu's previous devotion and elevates his service to a higher spiritual plane.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Having said this, Varada Vishnu, the ocean of mercy for Upamanyu, bestowed sight and gave him His own vision.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā varado viṣṇurūpamanyoḥ kṛpānidhiḥ

dṛṣṭiṃ prakāśayāmāsa dadau ca nijadarśanam

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having said thus

वरदः · varadaḥ — the bestower of boons

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

उपमन्योः · upamanyoḥ — for Upamanyu

कृपानिधिः · kṛpānidhiḥ — ocean of mercy

दृष्टिम् · dṛṣṭim — sight

प्रकाशयामास · prakāśayāmāsa — manifested/restored

ददौ · dadau — gave

च · ca — and

निजदर्शनम् · nijadarśanam — His own divine vision

इति उक्त्वा उपमन्योः कृपानिधिः वरदः विष्णुः दृष्टिं प्रकाशयामास, निजदर्शनं च ददौ।

having said thus · the bestower of boons · Lord Vishnu · for Upamanyu · ocean of mercy · sight · manifested/restored · gave · and · His own divine vision

This verse marks the transition from the Lord's instruction to the manifestation of His grace, highlighting that the Lord is the ultimate source of both physical and spiritual sight. It emphasizes the Lord's nature as a 'kṛpānidhi' (ocean of mercy) who responds to the disciple's sincerity.

Suddenly obtaining supreme joy, the young sage ran to Dhaumya's side and gave him the cake.

sahasā paramaṃ harṣamavāpya munibālakaḥ |

dadhāva dhaumyasavidhamapūpaṃ ca dadau tathā

सहसा · sahasā — suddenly

परमम् · paramam — supreme

हर्षम् · harṣam — joy

अवाप्य · avāpya — having obtained

मुनिबालकः · munibālakaḥ — the young sage

दधाव · dadhāva — ran

धौम्यसविधम् · dhaumyasavidham — to Dhaumya's presence

अपूपम् · apūpam — the cake

च · ca — and

ददौ · dadau — gave

तथा · tathā — in that manner

मुनिबालकः सहसा परमं हर्षम् अवाप्य धौम्यसविधं दधाव, अपूपं च तथा ददौ।

suddenly · supreme · joy · having obtained · the young sage · ran · to Dhaumya's presence · the cake · and · gave · in that manner

The verse captures the immediate, spontaneous reaction of the devotee upon receiving divine grace, showing that the fruit of true devotion is intense, uncontainable joy that seeks to share itself with the guru.

The boy told him of the grace he had received from Vishnu. Hearing that, the best of sages attained supreme bliss.

viṣṇoranugrahaṃ prāptamuvāca sa tu bālakaḥ

tacchrutvā paramānandamavāpa munipuṅgavaḥ

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

अनुग्रहम् · anugraham — grace

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — received

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

सः · saḥ — he

तु · tu — indeed

बालकः · bālakaḥ — the boy

तच्छ्रुत्वा · tacchrutvā — hearing that

परमानन्दम् · paramānandam — supreme bliss

अवाप · avāpa — attained

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best of sages

सः बालकः तु विष्णोः अनुग्रहं प्राप्तम् उवाच। तत् श्रुत्वा मुनिपुङ्गवः परमानन्दम् अवाप।

of Vishnu · grace · received · spoke · he · indeed · the boy · hearing that · supreme bliss · attained · the best of sages

This verse establishes the shared spiritual experience between the disciple and the guru, where the guru's joy in the disciple's success confirms the legitimacy of the divine encounter.

Dhaumya speaks:

"By Vishnu's grace alone, you are strong-eyed, O child. But I do not attain satisfaction with just this, out of concern for you."

dhaumya uvāca

viṣṇoranugraheṇaiva dṛḍhanetro'si bālaka

etāvatā na santoṣaṃ prāpnomi tava cintayā

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

अनुग्रहेण · anugraheṇa — by the grace

एव · eva — only

दृढनेत्रः · dṛḍhanetraḥ — strong-eyed

असि · asi — you are

बालक · bālaka — O child

एतावता · etāvatā — by this much

न · na — not

सन्तोषम् · santoṣam — satisfaction

प्राप्नोमि · prāpnomi — I attain

तव · tava — your

चिन्तया · cintayā — due to concern

बालक, विष्णोः अनुग्रहेण एव त्वं दृढनेत्रः असि। एतावता तव चिन्तया अहं सन्तोषं न प्राप्नोमि।

of Vishnu · by the grace · only · strong-eyed · you are · O child · by this much · not · satisfaction · I attain · your · due to concern

Dhaumya shifts the focus from the physical miracle to the deeper pedagogical goal, indicating that while the Lord's grace is the foundation, the guru's concern for the disciple's ultimate perfection remains paramount.

"For all this time, you have been performing service to me, but you are not complete with knowledge; it has been only toil."

etāvatkālaparyantaṃ śuśrūṣāmācaran mama

vidyayā na tu pūrṇo'si kevalaṃ śrama eva hi

एतावत्कालपर्यन्तम् · etāvatkālaparyantam — until this time

शुश्रूषाम् · śuśrūṣām — service

आचरन् · ācaran — performing

मम · mama — my

विद्यया · vidyayā — with knowledge

न · na — not

तु · tu — but

पूर्णः · pūrṇaḥ — complete

असि · asi — you are

केवलम् · kevalam — only

श्रमः · śramaḥ — toil

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

एतावत्कालपर्यन्तं मम शुश्रूषां आचरन् अपि त्वं विद्यया न पूर्णः असि, केवलं श्रमः एव हि।

until this time · service · performing · my · with knowledge · not · but · complete · you are · only · toil · only · indeed

The guru clarifies that physical service, while necessary, is incomplete without the acquisition of 'vidyā' (knowledge). This verse serves as a crucial turning point in the chapter, defining the true purpose of the disciple's struggle.

"Knowledge is indeed the supreme eye; one devoid of it is truly blind. Even after gaining strong eyes, you are still blind, O child."

vidyā hi paramaṃ cakṣustadvihīno'ndha eva hi

prāpyāpi dṛḍhanetratvamandha evāsi bālaka

विद्या · vidyā — knowledge

हि · hi — indeed

परमम् · paramam — supreme

चक्षुः · cakṣuḥ — eye

तद्विहीनः · tadvihīnaḥ — devoid of that

अन्धः · andhaḥ — blind

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

प्राप्यापि · prāpyāpi — even after obtaining

दृढनेत्रत्वम् · dṛḍhanetratvam — the state of strong eyes

अन्धः · andhaḥ — blind

एवासि · evāsi — you are still

बालक · bālaka — O child

विद्या हि परमं चक्षुः, तद्विहीनः अन्धः एव हि। बालक, दृढनेत्रत्वं प्राप्यापि त्वं अन्धः एव असि।

knowledge · indeed · supreme · eye · devoid of that · blind · only · indeed · even after obtaining · the state of strong eyes · blind · you are still · O child

Dhaumya introduces the metaphysical concept of the 'supreme eye' (vidyā), distinguishing between the physical ability to see and the spiritual realization that removes the blindness of ignorance.

"Eat this cake, the purifying prasāda of Hari. You will attain the supreme knowledge that destroys sorrow and delusion."

aśānedamapūpaṃ tvaṃ prasādaṃ pāvanaṃ hareḥ

vidyāṃ parāmāpsyasi tvaṃ śokamohavināśinīm

अशान · aśāna — eat

इदम् · idam — this

अपूपम् · apūpam — cake

त्वम् · tvam — you

प्रसादम् · prasādam — grace/offering

पावनम् · pāvanam — purifying

हरेः · hareḥ — of Hari

विद्याम् · vidyām — knowledge

पराम · parām — supreme

आप्स्यसि · āpsyasi — you will attain

त्वम् · tvam — you

शोकमोहविनाशिनीम् · śokamohavināśinīm — destroyer of sorrow and delusion

त्वं हरेः पावनं प्रसादं इदम् अपूपम् अशान। त्वं शोकमोहविनाशिनीं परां विद्यां आप्स्यसि।

eat · this · cake · you · grace/offering · purifying · of Hari · knowledge · supreme · you will attain · you · destroyer of sorrow and delusion

The guru now directs the disciple to consume the 'prasāda' not just as food, but as a medium for the transmission of supreme knowledge, linking the physical act of eating to the spiritual result of liberation from sorrow.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Thus instructed by the sage, the boy of firm vows, having eaten the cake, performed ācamana, came back, and bowed to the best of gurus.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto muninā bālo bhuktvā'pūpaṃ dṛḍhavrataḥ

ācamya punarāgatya nanāma gurupuṅgavam

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus instructed

मुनिना · muninā — by the sage

बालः · bālaḥ — the boy

भुक्त्वा · bhuktvā — having eaten

अपूपम् · apūpam — the cake

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in his vows

आचम्य · ācamya — having performed ācamana

पुनः · punaḥ — again

आगत्य · āgatya — having returned

ननाम · nanāma — bowed

गुरुपुङ्गवम् · gurupuṅgavam — to the best of gurus

मुनिना इत्युक्तः दृढव्रतः बालः अपूपं भुक्त्वा, आचम्य, पुनः आगत्य गुरुपुङ्गवं ननाम।

thus instructed · by the sage · the boy · having eaten · the cake · firm in his vows · having performed ācamana · again · having returned · bowed · to the best of gurus

This verse illustrates the disciple's perfect obedience and the ritualistic completion of the instruction, showing that the transformation is not merely internal but also manifests in the disciple's conduct and humility.

Seeing the boy with a pleased heart, radiant with divine effulgence, and filled with supreme bliss, Dhaumya asked him with compassion.

prasannahṛdayaṃ dṛṣṭvā bālakaṃ brahmatejasam

papraccha kṛpayā dhaumyaḥ paramānandapūritam

प्रसन्नहृदयम् · prasannahṛdayam — pleased-hearted

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

बालकम् · bālakam — the boy

ब्रह्मतेजसम् · brahmatejasam — radiant with divine effulgence

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

कृपया · kṛpayā — with compassion

धौम्यः · dhaumyaḥ — Dhaumya

परमानन्दपूरितम् · paramānandapūritam — filled with supreme bliss

प्रसन्नहृदयं ब्रह्मतेजसं परमानन्दपूरितं बालकं दृष्ट्वा धौम्यः कृपया पप्रच्छ।

pleased-hearted · having seen · the boy · radiant with divine effulgence · asked · with compassion · Dhaumya · filled with supreme bliss

The guru's observation of the disciple's radiant state serves as a confirmation that the 'prasāda' has indeed worked its transformative effect, setting the stage for the final dialogue on the nature of reality.

"O Upamanyu, with your lotus-eyes pleased, what do you see? I know you today to be one whose desires are fulfilled, radiant with divine effulgence."

upamanyo paśyasi kiṃ prasannanayanāmbujaḥ |

avāptakāmaṃ jānāmi tvāmadya brahmatejasam

उपमन्यो · upamanyo — O Upamanyu

पश्यसि · paśyasi — do you see

किम् · kiṃ — what

प्रसन्ननयनाम्बुजः · prasannanayanāmbujaḥ — with pleased lotus-like eyes

अवाप्तकामम् · avāptakāmaṃ — one whose desires are fulfilled

जानामि · jānāmi — I know

त्वाम् · tvām — you

अद्य · adya — today

ब्रह्मतेजसम् · brahmatejasam — radiant with divine effulgence

हे उपमन्यो! प्रसन्ननयनाम्बुजः सन् किं पश्यसि? त्वाम् अद्य अवाप्तकामं ब्रह्मतेजसं च जानामि।

O Upamanyu · do you see · what · with pleased lotus-like eyes · one whose desires are fulfilled · I know · you · today · radiant with divine effulgence

Dhaumya observes the transformation in his disciple and tests the depth of his spiritual realization. This verse confirms that Upamanyu has moved beyond physical sight to the state of a realized soul.

Upamanyu speaks:

"In me, in you, and everywhere, I see only the eternal Vishnu. O revered Dhaumya, there is no multiplicity here at all."

upamanyuruvāca

mayyapi tvayi sarvatra viṣṇumeva sanātanam |

paśyāmi bhagavan dhaumya neha nānāsti kiñcana

मयि · mayi — in me

अपि · api — also

त्वयि · tvayi — in you

सर्वत्र · sarvatra — everywhere

विष्णुमेव · viṣṇumeva — only Vishnu

सनातनम् · sanātanam — the eternal one

पश्यामि · paśyāmi — I see

भगवन् · bhagavan — O revered one

धौम्य · dhaumya — O Dhaumya

न · na — not

इह · iha — here

नाना · nānā — multiplicity

अस्ति · asti — is

किञ्चन · kiñcana — anything at all

हे भगवन् धौम्य! मयि त्वयि सर्वत्र च सनातनं विष्णुमेव पश्यामि। इह नाना किञ्चन नास्ति।

in me · also · in you · everywhere · only Vishnu · the eternal one · I see · O revered one · O Dhaumya · not · here · multiplicity · is · anything at all

Upamanyu articulates the non-dual vision of a devotee, where the Lord is perceived in all beings. This is the culmination of his spiritual journey and the answer to his guru's inquiry.

Dhaumya speaks:

"With this, all knowledge is complete for you, O great-minded one. Now, go back home and practice the dharma of a householder."

dhaumya uvāca

etāvatī sarvavidyā samāptā te mahāmate

punareva gṛhaṃ gatvā gārhasthyaṃ dharmamācara

एतावती · etāvatī — to this extent

सर्वविद्या · sarvavidyā — all knowledge

समाप्ता · samāptā — is complete

ते · te — for you

महामते · mahāmate — O great-minded one

पुनरेव · punareva — again/now

गृहम् · gṛhaṃ — home

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

गार्हस्थ्यम् · gārhasthyaṃ — householder life

धर्मम् · dharmam — duty

आचर · ācara — practice

हे महामते! ते एतावती सर्वविद्या समाप्ता। पुनरेव गृहं गत्वा गार्हस्थ्यं धर्मम् आचर।

to this extent · all knowledge · is complete · for you · O great-minded one · again/now · home · having gone · householder life · duty · practice

Dhaumya validates Upamanyu's realization and directs him toward the householder life, emphasizing that spiritual wisdom is not limited to renunciation but is applicable in all stages of life.

"Of all the āśramas, all the sages declare the householder stage to be the best āśrama. Therefore, practice the householder's life."

āśramāṇāṃ tu sarveṣāṃ gārhasthyaṃ śreṣṭhamāśramam

vadanti munayaḥ sarve tasmādgārhasthyamācara

आश्रमाणाम् · āśramāṇāṃ — of the stages of life

तु · tu — indeed

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣāṃ — of all

गार्हस्थ्यम् · gārhasthyaṃ — householder stage

श्रेष्ठम् · śreṣṭham — the best

आश्रमम् · āśramam — stage of life

वदन्ति · vadanti — they declare

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

सर्वे · sarve — all

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

गार्हस्थ्यम् · gārhasthyaṃ — householder life

आचर · ācara — practice

सर्वे मुनयः सर्वेषां आश्रमाणां मध्ये गार्हस्थ्यं श्रेष्ठम् आश्रमं वदन्ति। तस्मात् गार्हस्थ्यम् आचर।

of the stages of life · indeed · of all · householder stage · the best · stage of life · they declare · sages · all · therefore · householder life · practice

This verse establishes the superiority of the householder stage (Gārhasthya) in the Vedic tradition, providing a social and spiritual framework for the enlightened devotee.

"A wise householder is superior; he is indeed an uplifter of the fallen. A thousand ignorant ascetics are not equal to him."

śreṣṭho jñānī gṛhastho'pi patitoddhārako hi saḥ |

sannyāsināmaviduṣāṃ sahasraṃ ca na tatsamam

श्रेष्ठः · śreṣṭho — superior

ज्ञानी · jñānī — the wise one

गृहस्थः · gṛhastho — householder

अपि · api — even

पतितोद्धारकः · patitoddhārako — uplifter of the fallen

हि · hi — indeed

सः · saḥ — he

सन्न्यासिनाम् · sannyāsinām — of ascetics

अविदुषाम् · aviduṣāṃ — ignorant

सहस्रम् · sahasraṃ — a thousand

च · ca — and

न · na — not

तत्समम् · tatsamam — equal to him

ज्ञानी गृहस्थः श्रेष्ठः, सः पतितोद्धारकः हि। अविदुषां सन्न्यासिनां सहस्रं च तत्समं न।

superior · the wise one · householder · even · uplifter of the fallen · indeed · he · of ascetics · ignorant · a thousand · and · not · equal to him

Dhaumya highlights the unique power of a wise householder to uplift others, contrasting this with the potential emptiness of ignorant asceticism.

Śrī Sadguru speaks:

Then, taking leave of Dhaumya, the great ascetic went home and lived, worshipping Vishnu and practicing the dharma of a householder.

śrīsadgururuvāca

atha dhaumyamanujñāpya gṛhaṃ gatvā mahātapāḥ

uvāsa viṣṇumabhyarcan gārhasthyaṃ dharmamācaran

अथ · atha — then

धौम्यम् · dhaumyam — Dhaumya

अनुज्ञाप्य · anujñāpya — having taken leave

गृहम् · gṛhaṃ — home

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

महातपाः · mahātapāḥ — the great ascetic

उवास · uvāsa — lived

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

अभ्यर्चन् · abhyarcan — worshipping

गार्हस्थ्यम् · gārhasthyaṃ — householder life

धर्मम् · dharmam — duty

आचरन् · ācaran — practicing

अथ महातपाः धौम्यम् अनुज्ञाप्य गृहं गत्वा विष्णुम् अभ्यर्चन् गार्हस्थ्यं धर्मम् आचरन् उवास।

then · Dhaumya · having taken leave · home · having gone · the great ascetic · lived · Vishnu · worshipping · householder life · duty · practicing

This verse concludes the narrative arc of Upamanyu's training, showing him successfully integrating his spiritual realization into his worldly duties as a householder.

This is that supreme Kṣetra, by whose grace even today, with faith, firm eyesight is obtained by the blind.

tadidaṃ paramaṃ kṣetraṃ yatprasādena labhyate

andhasya dṛḍhanetratvamadyāpi śraddhayaiva hi

तत् · tat — that

इदम् · idaṃ — this

परमम् · paramaṃ — supreme

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetraṃ — sacred place

यत् · yat — whose

प्रसादेन · prasādena — by grace

लभ्यते · labhyate — is obtained

अन्धस्य · andhasya — of the blind

दृढनेत्रत्वम् · dṛḍhanetratvam — firm eyesight

अद्यापि · adyāpi — even today

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

तत् इदं परमं क्षेत्रं, यत् प्रसादेन अद्यापि श्रद्धया एव अन्धस्य दृढनेत्रत्वं लभ्यते।

that · this · supreme · sacred place · whose · by grace · is obtained · of the blind · firm eyesight · even today · with faith · only · indeed

The author shifts from the narrative to the present, establishing the Kṣetra as a living source of grace for all who approach with faith.

He is that same Varada Vishnu, the bestower of eyes to those who take refuge in Him. Worship Hari, the remover of the afflictions of the surrendered, with firm faith.

**Thus, in the work named Divya Desa Vaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu, in the Third Part, the forty-third chapter, titled "The Glory of the Varada Vishnu Kṣetra."**

sa eva varado viṣṇuḥ śritānāṃ netradāyakaḥ |

bhajadhvaṃ dṛḍhaviśvāsāt praṇatārtiharaṃ harim

सः · sa — he

एव · eva — that same

वरदः · varado — Varada

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

श्रितानाम् · śritānāṃ — of the surrendered

नेत्रदायकः · netradāyakaḥ — bestower of eyes

भजध्वम् · bhajadhvaṃ — worship

दृढविश्वासात् · dṛḍhaviśvāsāt — with firm faith

प्रणतार्तिहरम् · praṇatārtiharam — remover of the surrendered's afflictions

हरिम् · harim — Hari

सः एव वरदः विष्णुः श्रितानां नेत्रदायकः। दृढविश्वासात् प्रणतार्तिहरं हरिं भजध्वम्।

he · that same · Varada · Vishnu · of the surrendered · bestower of eyes · worship · with firm faith · remover of the surrendered's afflictions · Hari

The final verse serves as an exhortation to the reader, summarizing the glory of Varada Vishnu and the necessity of faith in receiving His mercy.