Chapter summary
भगवदाविर्भावः Bhagavad Āvirbhāvaḥ
The Manifestation of the Lord
**The revered Sadguru said:**
As the lotus-born Brahmā offered his praises, a mighty wind suddenly stirred the Ocean of Milk, causing a tremendous roar of waves to surge forth. Simultaneously, a supreme light, rivalling the brilliance of many crores of suns, manifested in the sky. Its dazzling effulgence struck the eyes of the gods, leaving them astonished in the celestial realms. From the heavens, the gods showered down flowers, while the Siddhas, Vidyādharas, and Kinnaras joined the joyful hosts of Gandharvas in song. The resounding beat of *dundubhi* drums filled the air. (v.1-3)
Then, from the depths of the Milk Ocean, a *Vimāna* [celestial chariot] manifested of its own accord. It was the very embodiment of *Praṇava* [the sacred syllable Om], adorned with finials, blazing with brilliant light, and exquisitely beautiful. Before this *Vimāna* shone Garuḍa, while Vijaya and Jaya stood at its sides. The commander-in-chief, in the form of Yajñavarāha, was himself sustained and protected by Mukunda. Its mighty pillars, formed from the syllables of the Gāyatrī mantra, stood all around, and within it shone the sacred pair of *Prapatti mantras* [the Dvaya Mantra]. Māyā, the enchantress of the universe, was seen with folded hands at Hari's lotus feet. And there too was Vishvaksena, who, having become the destroyer of all obstacles for devotees, stood ready for Hari's *darśana* [divine sight]. (v.4-7)
The *Vimāna* was worshipped on all sides by the hosts of Siddhas and Sādhyas dwelling in heaven, and protected by the ancient gods and by Hari's attendants, who bore the discus and mace. Within that *Vimāna*, Ādiśeṣa shone, illuminating the inner sanctum, the abode of Mādhava, with the radiant web of light emanating from the rows of brilliant gems on his thousand hoods. (v.8-9)
All the gods then beheld the one great, primeval Puruṣa, reclining upon the king of serpents, who served as His couch, with his thousand hoods forming a magnificent canopy. His lotus feet were served by Brahmā and other deities. He was clad in yellow silk, His eyes long as lotus petals, adorned with a golden girdle and jeweled anklets. From His navel bloomed a lotus, and He stood as a wish-fulfilling tree for His devotees. His broad chest was graced by a shining gem and bore the mark of Śrīvatsa, signifying Him as the refuge of all worlds. He was Viṣṇu, the most excellent, the bestower of boons upon the gods, knowable through the Vedānta, and adorned with a forest garland. His arms reached His knees, one serving as a pillow, while with the other He maintained His yogic slumber. He was the primeval one, the Lord of the three worlds, Nārāyaṇa, the first God. He wore beautiful earrings and a golden crown, His face serene. The gods beheld this Lord, dear to His devotees, an abode of all auspicious qualities, who had taken a solemn vow to protect those who sought refuge in Him. (v.10-14)
Upon seeing Him, the gods, their hair standing on end in ecstasy, worshipped that unborn Mukunda with Mandāra, Mallikā, and Tulasī leaves, chanting His beautiful names. Then the Lord appeared before them, abandoning His slumber, holding the conch and discus. It was Mukunda, accompanied by Śrī and Bhū, manifesting with four arms and a beautiful divine form. Granting fearlessness with His lotus hand, the Lord of Padmā [Lakṣmī], served by His foremost attendants, ever-festive, His body the color of a dark cloud, graciously inquired about their well-being. Then all the joyful gods, their bodies thrilled with hair standing on end, bowed their heads in reverence. Bathed by their tears of joy, Brahmā and the others praised Him with profound devotion. (v.15-18)
Thus ends the fourth chapter, titled "The Manifestation of the Lord," in the Fourth Part of the "Divyadesavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
